280 Living October 2020

October 2020 | Volume 14 | Issue 2

280LIVING.COM

THE 280 CORRIDOR’S COMMUNITY NEWS SOURCE

Fall Home & Garden

Helping Shelby ‘live well’

Browse through our annual section for advice and resources on seasonal home improvement projects.

See page B1

Final Stretch

Richard Fallin, Daphne Kendrick, Rachel Newman, Jay Owens, A.J. Epding, and Regina Mims, the management team at Central Alabama Wellness in Calera, on Sept. 2. Central Alabama Wellness will be opening a fifth location in the Shelby County Services building on U.S. 280, which is set to open sometime in 2021. Photo by Erin Nelson.

Corridor teams prepare to wrap up the regular season this month, with some facing new opponents.

See page C1

INSIDE Sponsors .......... A4 280 News ..........A6 Business .......... A12 Chamber.......... A14 Schoolhouse.... A15 Events ............. A22 Community..... A26

Faith ................ A20 Fall Home & Garden............... B1 Real Estate...... B18 Calendar........... B19 Sports.................C4 Metro Roundup....C12

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With growth on the horizon, Central Alabama Wellness aims to destigmatize mental health

By LEAH INGRAM EAGLE A nonprofit founded over 48 years ago is still going strong and assisting residents in Shelby and Chilton counties.

Formerly known as Chilton-Shelby Mental Health, Central Alabama Wellness exists to provide services to children, adolescents and adults dealing with mental illness and/or substance use disorder and intellectual disability.

Created in 1972 as a result of Act 310,

which established regional mental health boards across Alabama, Central Alabama Wellness is a member of the Alabama Council for Community Mental Health Boards and is certified by the Alabama Department of Mental Health. Through the years, the staff has helped almost 38,000 clients.

Its services include individual and group therapy, residential services for qualifying patients, substance abuse treatment, case management and other community services.

It also offers school-based services for children, employment assistance for qualifying patients, prevention activities and educational classes on a variety of subjects.

Its overall goal, though, is to help its clients live life well.

Based out of Calera, it has other locations in Clanton and Pelham and will soon have a home on the U.S. 280 corridor once the new

See WELLNESS | page A28

From Canada to Chelsea Former UAB, Canadian Football League player Bryant Turner Jr. makes Chelsea home for family

By LEAH INGRAM EAGLE Bryant Turner Jr. started playing sports at a young age. Always the “bigger kid,” Turner Jr. played defensive lineman in football from around age 7 until just two years ago. He is

now working as a real estate agent and lives in Chelsea.

His family moved from Mobile to Daphne when he was in sixth grade. His dad had been commuting there for work, and there were talks in Mobile about cutting sports and extracurricular activities due to budget, so the Turners made the 30-minute move.

He began playing football for Daphne in seventh grade and found connections and

See TURNER JR. | page A30

Bryant Turner Jr. played for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and BC Lions during his CFL career from 2011-17. Photo courtesy of Bryant Turner Jr.

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October 2020 • A3

A4 • October 2020

280 Living

About Us Editor’s Note By Leah Ingram Eagle We’ve made it to October!

My husband recently remarked how the year was going by so fast.

My response was, “For who?”

His daily life hasn’t changed nearly as much as mine during COVID-19. He has gone to work every day in his job as a television photojournalist, while I’ve been working from home since March and helping my two kids with virtual school. (Thankfully they started going back five days the week this issue went to press.)

For those of us who have been strictly adhering to the pandemic protocol, it’s been isolating, lonely and frustrating, along with many other emotions that can affect one’s mental health, which is what this month’s cover story is about.

Central Alabama Wellness

(formerly known as Chilton-Shelby Mental Health) has been around for many years, helping those with mental health issues, substance abuse and more. In the article, you can find out what the program does for Shelby County and the array of services it offers the community.

Also on the cover, you can meet

former UAB/CFL football player Bryant Turner Jr., who has made Chelsea his home and has a booming real estate his business.

Several events are back on the calendar this month, including a unicycle race at Oak Mountain State Park and a pumpkin patch on the 280 corridor.

Make sure to check out our Fall Home and Garden section for those fall projects you’ve been planning, or to get some inspiration.

Here’s to hoping the last three months of the year are the best!

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280 Living is designed to inform the 280 community of area school, family and community events. Information in 280 Living is gathered from sources considered reliable but the accuracy cannot be guaranteed. All articles/photos submitted become the property of 280 Living. We reserve the right to edit articles/photos as deemed necessary and are under no obligation to publish or return photos submitted. Inaccuracies or errors should be brought to the attention of the publisher at (205) 313-1780 or by email.

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Publisher: Dan Starnes Director of Operations: Mindy Dent Community Editors: Leah Ingram Eagle Jon Anderson Jesse Chambers Neal Embry Ingrid Schnader Sports Editor: Kyle Parmley Contributing Editor: Alec Harvey Digital Editor: Cathlene Cowart Design Editor: Melanie Viering Photo Editor: Erin Nelson Page Designers: Kristin Williams Ted Perry

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The Oak Mountain Marching Band performs during halftime of a game between Oak Mountain and Pelham on Aug. 28 at Heardmont Park. The Eagles defeated the Panthers 28-21. Photo by Erin Nelson.

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October 2020 • A5

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A6 • October 2020

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280 News Chelsea council approves FY 2020-21 budget

By LEAH INGRAM EAGLE The 2020-21 annual budget for the city of Chelsea was approved during the Sept. 15 city council meeting.

The total income for the adopted budget was $14,179,057, which left a surplus of $200,423.

Total expenditures from the general fund were $5,483,251. That number included over $2.4 million for general city expenditures; $959,042 for citizen protection contracts; $688,050 for parks and recreation; $499,100 for the community center, $496,759 for the library; $355,350 for the maintenance department; $44,500 for streets and roads; and $22,500 for the C.O.P. program. The senior center, historical museum and planning and zoning made up the rest.

Operating transfers out were $3,504,655 for the fire department; $1,569,158 for debt service and $768,000 for capital projects totaling $5,841,813.

The education fund was set to bring in $1.8 million. That money goes directly back to the Chelsea schools in the form of grants requested by teachers and administrators.

The council approved two proclamations.

The first was to declare Sept. 28 as Family Day and the week of Sept. 27-Oct. 2 as Family Week in the city of Chelsea. These are to encourage families to spend time together.

Also, the week of Sept. 17-23 was declared Constitution Week to mark the 233rd anniversary of the drafting of the U.S. Constitution.

In addition to the budget, three other resolutions were approved: ► To execute a contract from HdL to perform a business license ordinance review and fee analysis. ► To provide Tier 1 retirement benefits Tier 2 plan members, as well as future employees.

These benefits for employees do not affect and do not apply to elected officials. ► Approval to pay the bills.

During the community forum, Fire Chief Joe Lee thanked the mayor and council for approving the retirement benefits.

“Not everyone understands Tier 1 and what that means, but those of us in the retirement system, especially firemen, understand that completely. It’s a big deal to our young guys

Boy Scout Troop 354 members stand for the Pledge of Allegiance during the Sept. 15 Chelsea City Council meeting. The week of Sept. 1723 was declared Constitution Week to mark the 233rd anniversary of the drafting of the U.S. Constitution. Photo courtesy of Wayne Morris.

and new guys we will have in the future. Also, approving this budget means we get to have staffing. The more people we have on duty every day, the safer the city is. On behalf of the entire fire department, thank you to this council and mayor for all you do for us. You make it a great place to work and a great place to live.”

UPCOMING DATES ► Oct. 3: Bulk trash day. A list of items accepted items is available at cityof chelsea.com ► Oct. 6: City Council meeting. There will be a public hearing regarding a rezoning

request for property at 54 Simmons Drive. ► Oct. 12: Columbus Day. City Hall will be closed. ► Oct. 20: City Council meeting. ► October is also the deadline to fill out the U.S. Census. For information, call 844-3302020 or visit my2020census.gov.

Building company receives annexation into city limits

By LEAH INGRAM EAGLE One of the city’s largest tax producers was approved for annexation into the city limits during the Sept. 1 Chelsea City Council meeting.

The request, submitted by Builder’s First Source LLC, consisted of 14.74 acres.

“They have been the largest sales tax producer in building supplies in our city for a number of years,” Mayor Tony Picklesimer said. “They are a great partner to our city. Their property has never been in the city limits of Chelsea. They reached out to us and so here we are, and we welcome them to our city.”

The council also approved a resolution to disallow permits for modular homes in zoning other than A-R (Agricultural-Residential), unless replacing an existing mobile home. A request had been made by a couple residing in the city who wanted to upgrade their 1984 mobile home to a modular home.

After a previous discussion with the county regarding the difference between mobile homes and modular homes, it was approved for a modular home bought from a modular dealer to replace an existing mobile home.

A rezoning request from RDK Estates for 11 acres from A-R to E-1 (Single Family Estate) was also approved.

A resolution was approved for the Chelsea Fire and Rescue Department to declare property as surplus and approve its donation. The department will be sending the 1984 Mack 100foot ladder truck as a donation to the Jackson County Volunteer Fire Department. The unit

A request by Builder’s First Source LLC to have 14.74 acres annexed into Chelsea city limits was approved by the Chelsea City Council on Sept. 1. Photo courtesy of Builder’s First Source.

has been out of service for the last several years, and the department at Jackson asked if Chelsea’s department would be interested in donating it.

“I’m all in favor; it will help them, and we don’t really use it,” Chief Joe Lee said. “They understand the problems with it and are still interested in it.”

Also during the meeting the council: ► Gave approval to certify a certificate of

election for Chris Grace for the office of council member Place 3 for the term commencing on the first Monday of November 2020. ► Declaring the month of September 2020 as Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month. ► Approval of the city of Chelsea’s bills to be paid.

During the community forum, Emily Sims, the children’s and programming director at the Chelsea Public Library, announced the kickoff

of the toddler storytime and the reboot of the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program.

Lee said things at the fire department are getting to a new normal, and added the department will be hydrant testing for the next few months.

Picklesimer reported that Chelsea is still in third place in Shelby County for U.S. Census participation at 80.8%. For those who still haven’t filled out the Census, it can be done online at 2020census.gov.

280Living.com

October 2020 • A7

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A8 • October 2020

280 Living

The Shelby County Commission approved the Fiscal Year 2021 budget during its Sept. 14 meeting.

The total revenues for Fiscal Year 2021 were $112,300,872, which is down by more than $7 million from FY20.

Screenshot

by Leah Ingram Eagle.

County Commission approves FY 2021 budget

By LEAH INGRAM EAGLE The budget for Shelby County was approved by the County Commission during its Sept. 14 meeting.

The total revenues for Fiscal Year 2021 were $112,300,872, which is down by more than $7 million from FY20. Total proposed expenditures are down over $9 million for FY21 at $109,395,975.

The Shelby County Water System had projected total revenues for FY21 at $12,053,875 and $10,772,351 in expenses.

The Shelby County Landfill FY21 budget totaled $3,442,622 in expenses, which included over $2 million for construction equipment, including a track hoe, compactor, skid steer, crawler dozer, fuel truck and other upgrades.

Revenues totaled $5,345,000.

Commissioner Lindsey Allison thanked the staff for their work and said this year’s budget

process was excellent.

“I appreciate the due diligence before coming to us and meeting with everybody,” Allison said. “In the middle of a pandemic, we have a lot of what ifs and appreciate the jobs you’ve all done to sponsor this resolution for the budget.”

During the county manager’s report, Chad Scroggins gave an update on construction at the Shelby County Services 280 building and said lots of progress is being made.

After over 12 years, the Inverness Greenway project is scheduled to begin Sept. 25. It will include 1.725 miles of sidewalk from the Hoover fire station to Veterans Park. The county is splitting the cost match with the city of Hoover.

Also, with the passing of the FY21 budget, there will be the restart of the parks and recreation grants.

“We are excited to be able to do that again and will probably have January as a time frame

for those who want to apply,” Scroggins said.

Scroggins said the county is doing a final push for the 2020 U.S. Census. While Shelby County is leading the state, Alabama is last in the nation at under 80% completion. For those who have not completed the census, it’s not too late. Visit 2020census.gov to complete it online.

During the county engineer’s report, Randy Cole added that the state gas tax is proportionate to census data. If Shelby County has the highest percentage in the state, it will help the numbers go up.

After making changes to the original plan for the traffic light at Hugh Daniel Drive and Shelby County 41, the project will be advertised in the next several weeks. Only one bidder responded initially, and the cost was a quarter million over budget.

“We rejected it and redesigned it with different poles,” Cole said. “The city of Hoover will maintain it, and we sent them

the revised plans.”

Property tax Commissioner Don Armstrong said there will be no extension on property taxes, but if residents need to set up a payment plan, they can contact his office to do so.

Also during the meeting: ► The commission also approved a 0.67% consumer price increase for Republic Services for the current Shelby County curbside garbage and recyclables collection contract, effective Oct. 1. Customers will see an 8-cent per month increase. ► The holiday and payroll calendar for FY21 was approved. ► A military backfill position request was approved for the sheriff to employ a replacement deputy while another deputy reports for a one-year active military service. ► It was announced that absentee voting will take place at the Shelby County Exhibition Center in Columbiana.

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October 2020 • A9

Chris Grace chosen to fill council seat

By LEAH INGRAM EAGLE In front of a packed room at Station 31 Kitchen, Mayor Tony Picklesimer announced on election night, Aug. 25, that incumbent council member Chris Grace won the Chelsea municipal election, defeating Chris Thomas by a vote of 367 to 190.

Grace took the stage to address the crowd, donning a hat that former Fire Chief Wayne Shirley had given him, after a long day spent outside Chelsea City Hall waving at voters as they came to cast their ballots.

“Thank you for your votes and for your confidence in me as a leader,” Grace said. “When I was approached about this position I look forward to [to take over the term for David moving ahead with our Ingram last fall], I had to think about it. I had worked for 23 years capital projects and in cities, counties and with differcontinuing the progress ent governing bodies, so I’d never really thought about running for we have going. office. When the opportunity CHRIS GRACE arose to be appointed, it was a great opportunity. I’ve enjoyed it.

You guys have been wonderful to work with. This is an exciting city. There is exciting stuff going on, and I’m so excited to have another four years to continue to contribute and continue the progress with the progress that these folks have made.”

Picklesimer also spoke, saying it is one of the greatest honors of his life to serve the city as mayor and that he is glad to get the opportunity to serve for another four years.

This [council], they are so supportive,” Picklesimer said. “They push me. We don’t always agree, but we always treat each other with class and respect and compromise is not a bad thing if it’s for the right reasons.”

He added that he knew what Thomas went through running his campaign and that he appreciated his willingness to serve.

“I look forward to serving with this [council] again for four more years, and we’ll swear in again on Nov. 2,” Picklesimer said. “We’ve got some great things on the horizon and a lot of good things happening.”

Grace also added that he appreciated the fact that the race was a clean one.

“Thanks to Mr. Thomas for his willingness to serve our community by running for office,” Grace said. “This has been a great exercise in civic engagement for me. COVID-19 created a challenging environment for campaigning, and I am so grateful to our citizens for choosing me for a full term. I look forward to moving ahead with our capital projects and continuing the progress we have going.”

“

” Chris Grace, with wife Gina, was reelected to serve another term on the Chelsea City Council. Grace defeated Chris Thomas by a vote of 367 to 190. Photo by Leah Ingram Eagle.

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A10 • October 2020

280 Living

Hoover expects to end fiscal 2020 with at least $4M cushion Bluff Park Hardware’s Jon Rhodes checks out Zachary Rucker at the register at the store Sept. 9.

The city of Hoover is on track to end fiscal 2020 in the black by at least $4 million, despite revenue cuts attributed to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Photo by Jon Anderson.

By JON ANDERSON The city of Hoover is on track to end fiscal 2020 in the black by at least $4 million, despite revenue cuts attributed to the COVID-19 outbreak, acting Chief Financial and Information Officer Tina Bolt told the Hoover City Council during the Sept. 8 meeting.

And the $4 million figure is “very, very conservative,” Bolt said.

City officials at one point expected the city’s general fund to take in $133 million in revenues this fiscal year, but once COVID-19 hit the economy hard, in April, the city’s Revenue Department anticipated the city could see revenues fall anywhere from $8 million to $15 million from early projections for the year as a whole.

The City Council, mayor’s office and department heads began looking for ways to cut costs and indeed did so, but revenues have rebounded stronger than anticipated the last few months, Bolt said.

The city had at one point expected to receive about $115 million in revenues through the end of July. By July 31, actual revenues were down but only about $3 million off the anticipated mark, records show.

The city more than made up for the shortfall by cutting expenses. The city had expected to spend $101.6 million by the end of July, but after significant cuts were made, actual expenditures turned out to be $93.7 million — a drop of about $8 million.

With another $1 million coming from “other sources,” the city was in the black by about $6 million at the end of July. Some of that cushion was expected to be lost by the end of the fiscal year (Sept. 30) due to accounting accruals, but the end result should be at least $4 million in the black, Bolt said.

Through the 10-month period ending July 31, the city’s regular sales and use taxes were $1.9 million below where they were in 2019, but the sales tax money that Hoover gets from the state through online sales taxes was up by

$1.37 million for 2020 because so many more people were forced to shop online when retail stores closed due to COVID-19.

Bolt said she expects online sales tax revenues to continue to be higher than in the past because so many people have become accustomed to shopping online.

Brocato praised the work the City Council and department heads did in finding ways to cut costs in a crisis situation. “We had a good plan,” he said.

This has been an opportunity for city officials to understand some of the things they can do without, he said. There are dozens of jobs that have gone unfilled once vacancies occurred, and some of those may never be filled, he said.

A lot of the savings came from having to cancel events such as the SEC Baseball

Tournament, Regions Tradition golf tournament and Celebrate Hoover Day, Brocato said. The baseball and golf tournaments in particular require overtime pay for certain city employees.

City officials had prepared a list of potential capital projects that could be put on hold if necessary, but none of those ended up having to be cut, Bolt said. Nevertheless, city officials are not rushing to spend that money because COVID-19 is still here, Brocato said.

Council President Gene Smith said the council was ready to cut capital projects but hopes they won’t have to do so. Smith also praised city department heads for finding expenses to cut.

Brocato said he’s thankful the revenue decline was not as severe as anticipated. Some

businesses, especially restaurants, may not be at the capacity level they would like, but he thinks most of them are pleased with progress toward recovery, he said.

Hoover also is fortunate to have a lot of retail outlets that were productive even during the partial retail shutdown, Brocato said, naming stores such as Home Depot, Costco, Sam’s and various grocery stores that were able to stay open due to being “essential businesses.”

“Our citizens really came out and supported the businesses,” Brocato said. “That kept so many of them afloat. It says a lot for our community.”

Smith said he looks forward to seeing revenue projections for fiscal 2021. Brocato said he plans to have a budget ready for the new City Council shortly after it is sworn into office Nov. 2.

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October 2020 • A11

City rolls out video campaign

By LEAH INGRAM EAGLE In August, the city of Chelsea launched the first of four videos as part of the new “Home is Here” campaign.

It was originally planned to be released in the spring, but COVID-19 caused some roadblocks with the project. Several months later, the project is now ready and captures Chelsea residents living their lives in the city they call home.

A marketing committee made The city of Chelsea recently released the first of four up of City Council member videos promoting life in Chelsea. The first one titled Casey Morris, Chelsea Public “Home is Here.” Screenshot by Leah Ingram Eagle.

Information Officer Wayne Morris, Chelsea Community Center Programs Director Jane Ann Mueller, families that have lived in the city since the Chelsea City Clerk Crystal Etheridge and city town was founded.

“We want to grow in a way that will be GIS coordinator Gerri Roberts came together to come up with a scope of work and a theme smart growth,” Morris said. “The City Council and Planning and Zoning Commission have for the promotional videos.

The videos were shot and produced by local done phenomenal things in the last two years company Pitts Media. Owner Philip Pitts has to make that happen with the overlay district been a Chelsea resident for over 20 years and and the Plan Chelsea comprehensive plan.”

Pitts said he enjoyed working on a projlocated his business in the city. Morris said in working with the company, they were able to ect that is close to home for him. He said the people in Chelsea are special and that the city capture what it’s like living in Chelsea.

“The videos will encompass all things is different from anywhere else.

“That unity, everyone is proud of it,” Pitts we hold as important for our city,” Morris said. “All the things that are important to us said. “Chelsea, in my opinion, is the best were adopted in the theme ‘Home is Here.’ city tucked in the mountains with the natural You’ll see that as we go forward. It’s awe- beauty. You can live in a neighborhood, on 10 some having a hometown business working acres or on 2,000 acres. There’s something to offer for everyone.” on this project.”

The videos are not only aimed at residents, “Home is Here” is the first video, focusing on highlighting values of the families in but also people outside of the city.

“Chelsea is the first breath of fresh air Chelsea and why they choose to make Chelsea home, the quality-of-life they enjoy and coming over Double Oak Mountain,” Pitts the amenities there are to experience. Other said. “This is a very exciting project coming upcoming videos include “Live Above,” “True to fulfillment for the city of Chelsea.

The three other videos will be released indiSouthern Values” and “Growing Together.”

Morris said Chelsea has a fairly diverse vidually over a four- to six-month period and population that includes younger couples and will be posted on all the city’s social media families who are new to the area, along with accounts.

The Chelsea Post Office facility currently located at 16738 U.S. 280 is overcrowded due to the area’s growth, according to Sandra Rybicki with the United States Postal Service.

Photo by Leah Ingram Eagle.

Plans for new post office location in works

By LEAH INGRAM EAGLE The U.S. Postal Service is considering the potential relocation of retail services provided at the Chelsea Post Office. The current spot at 16738 U.S. 280 no longer has enough space to adequately conduct business.

Sandra Rybicki, who handles facilities, real estate and assets for the U.S. Postal Service, flew in from Plano, Texas, for a public hearing at Chelsea City Hall on Aug. 18.

She said the post office was required to provide public notification to city officials and the community who may be affected by the project, and their input would be considered prior to a final decision being made.

“Its over-crowding is magnified by the rapid community growth,” Rybicki said. “We are looking for another facility to lease within a 1-mile radius of the current post office.”

If the current location was expanded, it would only add 1,900 square feet for a total building size of 3,800 square feet. For the new building, space and parking requirements are

4,700 square feet on 1.15 acres and 30 parking places for customers and employees.

“We will conduct a site selection and select the one that best meets the requirement,” Rybicki said.

After 30 days, any comments will be reviewed, then a formalized decision will be made and a letter sent to the mayor and a decision will be finalized and implemented.

The USPS will likely enter into a 10-year lease term with multiple five-year renewal options, which would be exercised at the discretion of the postal service. Once a deal is in place, if it is in an existing building, it could take four to six months to complete buildout, and eight to 10 months total for the project.

There would be no downtime between opening and closing and people would likely feel no impact whatsoever.

“We could close on Saturday after the routes and be open by Monday,” Rybicki said.

This lease at the current location is up in November, but the USPS is in discussions to extend it until the new facility is ready.

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280Living.com

October 2020 • A13

Relocations and Renovations Greystone Chiropractic is relocating from 5426 U.S. 280, No. 7, to a lot in the Tattersall Park development at 6600 Tattersall Lane off Alabama 119, between WalkOn’s Bistreaux and Bar and the Taco Bell. The move likely will not take place until around February, according to the office staff. The practice is owned and run by Dr. Lee Goldenberg.

205-981-8090, greystonechiropractor.com

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Anniversaries Outdoor co-op REI Birmingham, 335 Summit Blvd., is celebrating the first anniversary of its 20,000-square-foot store at The Summit. In addition to offering quality outdoor gear, the retailer offers workshops to connect people to the outdoors.

205-967-1419, rei.com/stores/birmingham

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Urgent Care for Children, 500 Cahaba Park Circle, Suite 100, is celebrating its third anniversary. Urgent Care for Children is a physician-owned pediatric urgent

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care provider.

205-848-2273, childrensurgent.com Greenvale Pediatrics, 101 Eagle Ridge Drive, recently celebrated its 46th anniversary.

205-995-1004, childrensal.org/greenvalepediatrics

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Wasabi Juan’s, 5037 U.S. 280, is celebrating the second anniversary of its 280 location. The restaurant offers sushi ingredients rolled burrito-style in soy wraps and nori, as well as crunchy tacos stuffed with spicy tuna, shrimp ceviche and more.

205-777-2714, wasabijuan.com

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Debbie Skinner’s Interior Creations, 7459 Cahaba Valley Road, which offers custom cabinetry, is celebrating the 5-year anniversary at its new location.

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Closings 7

Pier 1, 4606 U.S. 280, is closing its brickand-mortar retail operations and will continue on as an online-only retailer.

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280 Living

Chamber Annual health care award recipients announced

By LEAH INGRAM EAGLE The Shelby County Chamber of Commerce hosted the sixth annual Healthcare Professional of the Year Awards program via Zoom video conference Aug. 26. The program was designed to recognize individuals who have made outstanding contributions in the health care profession.

The chamber’s Health Services Work Group began seeking nominations in June to recognize individuals who have made an outstanding contribution in health care to the community. Any health care professional employed in the Shelby County area was eligible to be nominated.

The nominees were to be dedicated to health care, having accomplished outstanding goals in discipline and outstanding status in the health care community.

During the virtual program, the guest speaker was Dr. Tim Ansley, owner of Inverness Eye Care and president of Alabama Eye Partners. Ansley discussed eye care in 2020 and hot topics including myopia, computer visitation syndrome, blue light and trigeminal dysphoria. He also advised taking computer breaks every 20 minutes, limiting blue light exposure and using blue filter glasses to block blue light and reduce the damaging effects of blue light exposure to eyes.

“Given that Shelby County is consistently ranked as the healthiest county in our state, it’s important to recognize these professionals who play an integral part in making that happen,” chamber President and CEO Kirk Mancer said. “What’s more, recognizing our health care heroes — especially during the challenges created by the pandemic — is something we’re

April Brasher, BSN, RN, SANE-A, a SafeShelby Sexual Assault nurse, was named the 2020 Health Care Professional of the Year. Photo courtesy of the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce.

honored to do.”

Recipients were named in four categories at the end of the program: ► Heart of Health Care: Andrea Maddox, BSN, RN — Shelby County Schools (Chelsea High School). ► Committed to Communities: Dr. Robbie Hayes — Hayes Eye Center/Chelsea MedPlaza. ► Legacy of Excellence: Dr. Emily Bell Casey — Andrews Sports Medicine. ► 2020 Health Care Professional of the Year: April Brasher, BSN, RN, SANE-A — SafeShelby Sexual Assault Services.

The other 2020 nominees (in alphabetical order):

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► Dr. Timothy J. Ansley — Inverness Eye Care ► Dr. James Beretta — Anesthesia Pain Management ► Susan Bria, CNO, RN — Shelby Baptist Medical Center ► Timothy L. Christopher, MD, FACS — Advanced Surgeons, PC ► Teresa Daly, RN, MSN, NSCN — Shelby County Schools ► David Gann, specialized technician — 101 Mobility of Alabama ► Dr. Lee Goldenberg — Greystone Chiropractic ► Dr. J. Timothy Haywood — Inverness Family & Cosmetic Dentistry ► Dr. Tracy Jacobs — Grandview Medical Group ► Dr. Doug Lipperd — Brookwood Baptist Health, Cahaba Heights ► Daniel Listi — Brookwood Baptist Health/CEO of Shelby Baptist Medical Center ► Marion McCrimon, RN — Shelby County High School ► Dr. Vicki Moore — Birmingham Internal Medicine Associates ► Dr. Kelly Page — Chelsea Orthodontics ► Dr. Irma Palmer — Chiropractic Today ► Michael Shields — Shelby County Schools (Helena High School athletic trainer) ► Bobby F. Shunnarah, DMD — Montevallo Dentistry ► Dr. David Stull — Hometown Chiropractic ► Jill Tomassetti, RN — Brookwood Baptist Health/Shelby Baptist Medical Center ER nursing director

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Shelby receives ‘Accredited Alabama Chamber of Commerce’ distinction The Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama (CCAA) recently announced nine local chambers of commerce have received the Accredited Alabama Chamber of Commerce distinction (AACC), and the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce made the list.

One of the most prestigious pro- The designation was grams of the CCAA presented at the CCAA is the Accredited Summer Conference 2020, and Alabama Chamber the award was accepted by chamber President and CEO program. The AACC program sets stan- Kirk Mancer. Photo courtesy of the Shelby County Chamber. dards of excellence for chambers in the state of Alabama. It recognizes chambers that have achieved those standards while offering guidelines for those to improve their effectiveness.

The AACC program is designed to promote public awareness of the intent of the chamber of commerce brand as a not-for-profit community development-based business membership organization by providing a peer review process of generally accepted chamber of commerce organizational benchmarks.

The AACC program looks at six standard topics: organization, mission focus, professional administration, financial management, communications and advocacy.

Jeremy L. Arthur, president and CEO of the CCAA, said the nine local chambers of commerce are a true testament to the chamber profession.

– Submitted by the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce.

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280Living.com

October 2020 • A15

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

Shelby County school board approves FY 2021 budget A number of parents were in attendance at the Aug. 27 school board meeting at the Shelby County Instructional Services Center in Alabaster.

Superintendent Lewis Brooks answered questions from them at the end of the meeting.

Photo by Leah Ingram Eagle.

By LEAH INGRAM EAGLE The Shelby County Board of Education’s budget for 2021 was approved during its Sept.

10 meeting.

Superintendent of Finance for Shelby County Schools John Gwin presented a summary of the budget at the last two board meetings, which was unanimously approved by the board.

The total revenues were $257,203,811.90, and the total expenditures were $277,006,081.82, leaving an ending fund balance of $31,992,737.30.

The budget will run for Fiscal Year Oct. 1, 2020, through Sept. 30, 2021.

During the superintendent’s report, Lewis Brooks thanked Rep. Arnold Mooney and Rep. Matt Fridy for the check they presented him Sept. 9 in the amount of $24,000 for the purchase of Chromebooks for schools in the district. Brooks also thanked the National School Public Relations Association for naming him in a recent article as a “superintendent to watch.”

“It is a great honor and a testament to our team,” Brooks said. “I give everyone involved with that doing as school district credit and don’t accept for myself but for everyone.”

Board President Aubrey Miller said he was increasingly proud of the central office team, and Dr. Brooks’ recognition was well deserved.

In the instruction report, Lauren Woolley, technology coordinator for SCS, gave a presentation about the cybersecurity measures in place for the district. She discussed topics including network administrators and engineers, employee training, antivirus protection, secure backup, firewalls and content filters.

Deputy Superintendent Lynn Carroll said the board wanted to be transparent but also not give out too many details.

Facilities and Maintenance Coordinator

Randy Reeves discussed several projects with change orders and new construction contracts: ► A change order was made for partial re-roofing of the Linda Nolen Learning Center

by Johns and Kirksey, Inc., which added $19,131 to the total cost for decking and wood blocking replacement and re-roofing to the entrance area. ► The contract for the partial re-roofing at Chelsea Middle School and Vincent Middle/ High School was decreased by $44,000 from Standard Roofing of Montgomery, Inc. ► Approving a construction contract for a mechanical package for the new weight room at Vincent Middle/High School mechanical package for HVAC work was awarded to Yarbrough Mechanical at $25,000.

Other items approved during the meeting were: ► Approval for fleet insurance, which includes the over 300 buses, 100 service vehicles, band trailers and more for $345,207. ► Approving of grant funds for FY2021 distribution for community partners the SCS

traditionally supports. Those are Owens House ($14,000), The DAY Program ($14,000) and Family Connections ($40,000). The funds for the allocations are received from the state and the total amount to be distributed is $68,000. ► Approval of the FY2021 DAY Program agreement for $393,335. ► Approval of approving easement agreement for project at Calera Middle School. ► Approval of personnel actions. ► Approval of bus subs and aides.

During the board’s Aug. 27 meeting, Brooks addressed a large crowd at the end of the meeting, discussing several topics.

He said the shift to the “Cautious Together” phase made a week before school was because of the public health department’s suggestion of keeping students 6 feet apart.

“We were primed and prepped,” Brooks said.

“We were trying to prepare to start school with the 75% of students that wanted to come traditional, but in the 11th hour we had to make that change because public health said this is the standard you have to go by. I know that

causes great anxiety and frustration for working parents and families. These decisions have not been made arbitrarily. I don’t make those decisions unilaterally; there’s a lot of discussion that goes on, there’s a lot of talking with my colleagues talking with other superintendents across this area. We all feel the same way.”

Brooks said he and his team are constantly analyzing data from the Shelby County School district, and that the county has shifted to the green phase of public health (low risk), which he is happy about.

Brooks also discussed the livestreaming of classes and said although it may seem practical, there are issues with students’ privacy if others can see directly into the classroom, and that it could be recorded and shared on social media.

During the meeting, Brooks recognized Jim Miller, who served as the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, who was retiring and thanked him for his service Assistant Superintendent of Finance John Gwin gave his report the financial reports and received approval from the board for July expenditures.

The following items were approved by the board: ► Renewal for 54-passenger school bus for $97,189.00 from Transportation South Inc. ► Renewal for 72-passenger bus bid for $76,804.46 from Southland Transportation Group. ► A bid to Mayer Electric Supply for technology and wiring supplies for $27,097.74. ► Approval for ATBE General Liability/Errors and Omissions Liability Fund Agreement. ► Approval of personnel actions. ► Approval of bus subs and aides. ► Bid for renovations to CTEC to Battle Miller Construction.

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A16 • October 2020

280 Living

Students in seventh through 11th grades work on various history lessons in Jordan Brooks’ class at The DAY Program, located at the Alabaster YMCA, on Aug. 31. The private, nonprofit school provides direct services — including academic remediation, behavior modification, training of coping and life skills, and individual and group counseling — to at-risk adolescents and their families.

Photos by Erin Nelson.

A PLACE IN BETWEEN

By LEAH INGRAM EAGLE

For the last seven years, the second floor of the Alabaster YMCA building has been home to The DAY (Developing Alabama Youth) Program. The private, nonprofit school provides direct services to at-risk adolescents and their families.

Areas of service include academic remediation; GED prep; behavior modification; training of coping and stress management skills; creating a foundation in goal development and problem solving; individual and group counseling; and training of employability and life skills.

The program, which began in 1982, has a mission to become the premier alternative educational and clinical services program for at-risk youth in Shelby County by providing a pathway for success. Retired Judge Patti Smith played an integral part in the foundation of The DAY Program, as she saw a need for kids in the court system who were at risk of making bad choices. Instead of them going to detention or other placements, she wanted to create a safe place for them.

At-risk can be defined as the student being academically at risk of failing out or dropping out of school, falling behind, truancy, not graduating on time or not graduating at all. Some of the main factors are emotional issues and/or behavioral issues but mostly lack motivation or commitment to school.

The program is headed by Executive Director Christy Hayes. Before taking on her current role three years ago, Hayes taught English at The DAY Program for seven years.

“I did not know much about it working with at-risk kids in general, but I fell in love with it,” Hayes said.

“When Kathy Miller retired in 2018, I had gone back and gotten certified in school leadership and knew I wanted to step into the leadership role.”

ENTERING THE PROGRAM

Students at The DAY Program are between 13-18 years old and are in

The program’s space inside the Alabaster YMCA includes four classrooms, two counseling rooms, four counselor offices, a computer lab and a room for testing and GED prep.

seventh through 11th grades. They each have individualized success plans tailored to their needs that are designed upon enrollment. During the last school year, 102 students were served and 91% of the students successfully completed the program.

A United Way partner agency, The DAY Program serves students from Shelby County Schools, Alabaster City Schools and Pelham City Schools. The majority of its funding comes from the Shelby County Board of Education, the Alabaster City School System, Pelham City School System, United Way of Central Alabama, the Department of Youth Services, the Shelby County Commission and other grants and donations.

The DAY program has a 15-member board made up of various school officials, business owners and those involved in their communities. There are also three advisory board members who include Judge Jim Kramer, Cam Ward and Smith.

In addition to the local school systems, The DAY Program has a long-standing working partnership with the Shelby County Juvenile

Court. Most of the referrals come from the court and from school counselors, which Hayes said are the ones on the front lines helping identify these students. Private individuals may also make referrals to The DAY Program.

All referred students complete a math and reading pretest to make sure they are on their grade level, or close to it, and that they can work independently.

“The instructors work with the students one-on-one, giving each student individualized instruction,” Hayes said.

The DAY Program offers small class sizes (from one to 15 students per course) and are licensed for 70 total students, 10 of those being GED students. There are currently 30 on the roll, but Hayes said they do get additional referrals throughout the year.

Students rotate classes on a seven-period schedule and have the opportunity to make up credit.

“The goal is for them to always return to public school on track to graduate,” Hayes said.

The program’s space inside the Alabaster YMCA includes four

At-risk Shelby County youth receive training at The DAY Program

classrooms, two counseling rooms, four counselor offices, a computer lab and a room for testing and GED prep.

There are 14 total staff members at The DAY Program. They include four core teachers who are high quality certified in math, science, English and history. There is also a testing coordinator, GED instructor, a behavioral aide, an office manager and two bus drivers (Shelby County funds the program with two buses that pick up in the northern and southern part of the county).

The DAY Program has four fulltime counselors, all of which have master’s degrees or higher in their field. Each student is assigned to a counselor, who has a load of up to 15 students who spend one hour or more per week in individualized, private counseling sessions. Free family counseling is also available. Counselors email, call and meet with parents on a regular basis.

In addition to academic remediation and counseling services, if necessary, students are assisted with finding help related to food, clothing, medical and dental care, employment, and tutoring services.

Besides core classes, students also receive instruction in topics including anger management, behavior modification, coping and stress management, skills, healthy choices, career development, communication, sociology/ psychology, and a ROPES course.

The DAY Program operates on a year-round calendar, and began its school year July 20. There are six weeks off during the summer, a two-week fall break and a two-week spring break.

Due to COVID-19, the program is currently doing a staggered hybrid schedule, according to counselor caseload. Two counselors’ students attend Mondays and Wednesdays and the other counselors’ students attend Tuesdays and Thursdays. Fridays are virtual for all students.

“I made the decision to start a staggered schedule from day one,” Hayes

said. “I didn’t really know what else to do. It’s worked out very well, and we plan to continue that through fall break and then see what public schools look like.”

SEEING SUCCESS

Board member Floyd Collins, director of operations for Pelham City Schools, is proud of the direct partnership the schools have with The DAY Program.

Previously the assistant principal at Pelham High School, Collins said there were students who were a good fit for The DAY Program and with smaller class sizes, they could get a lot of the additional academic and social support they need.

“I had been working at the school level and wanted to keep that partnership,” Collins said. “When I was asked to serve on the board, it was an immediate yes. It’s been a tremendous benefit with the Department of Youth Services and the partnership with the juvenile court working together to get these kids what they need, and I’m thankful to have a program like this in our setting. We are all on board to help the kids go there and flourish and transition back to their schools and in much better shape academically and socially has been very beneficial for those students.”

What Hayes enjoys most about her job is when former students come back to visit or drop off a graduation announcement and share their success.

“They say I wouldn’t be able to do this if it wasn’t for The DAY Program,” she said. “Having them come back and share success — that’s what makes it like this is where I’m supposed to be. The day-to-day grind gets heavy, but the best part is watching these kids succeed and graduate and move on into adulthood.”

There is no cost for students to attend The DAY Program. Transportation, lunch, books, tuition and counseling services are all free.

For more information, visit thedayprogram.com.

280Living.com

October 2020 • A17

A18 • October 2020

280 Living

Bailey bids goodbye to teaching career Chelsea Park Elementary School educator Vickey Bailey enjoys her drive-by retirement celebration Aug. 26.

Bailey recently retired after her 43-year career as a teacher. She estimates she has taught more than 1,000 students during her career and has been connected to at least 500 more. Photo

by Leah Ingram Eagle.

By LEAH INGRAM EAGLE After a 43-year teaching career, Chelsea Park Elementary’s Vickey Bailey retired Aug. 31.

She’s moving from her classroom of children to focus on another important child in her life.

“The decision to retire was made when I got my first grandbaby,” Bailey said. “Also, not being able to hug and smile at all the students is really hard for me as a teacher and a person. I felt this was the time to say goodbye and move on to another chapter in my life, and I plan to keep my grandbaby when my daughter returns to work.”

She began teaching in 1977 at the YMCA in Bessemer and finished her degree in physical education and driver’s education in 1978. At that time there was a shortage of teachers for elementary school, so in 1979, she joined what was then known as Teacher Corps, a recruitment program to encourage people to go into elementary education. She taught elementary students and earned a master’s degree in elementary education through this program.

Bailey, a Gifted Resource Center teacher, was named Shelby County Division III Teacher of the Year in 2019 and was one of 16 finalists for Alabama Teacher of the Year. She has been at Chelsea Park Elementary since the school opened.

Her GRC classes supplement what the students are doing in their regular classroom, but they also have their own curriculum to encourage critical thinking skills.

Bailey estimates she has taught more than 1,000 students during her career and has been connected to at least 500 more. She said her goal was to connect with as many children at school as possible, because “you never know who will need a smile or a hug.”

CPES Principal Jennifer Galloway said Bailey has had a huge impact on the Chelsea community.

“She has served and touched the lives of so many students and families,” Galloway said.

“She is that teacher who is there for everyone.

Her passion for teaching and students shines through each and every day. She will be dearly missed.”

Cherry Moody did her student teaching in Bailey’s classroom in 1992 and has worked with her since. She described it as “the most rewarding experience.”

“Her inspiration, guidance and knowledge has shaped me into the teacher I am today,” Moody said. “I can truly say I have loved coming to work every day because of our wonderful students and Mrs. Bailey. She has touched the lives of so many — students as

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well as teachers. She will be definitely missed, and I wish her nothing but happiness during her retirement.”

Third grade teacher Angie Harris described Bailey as the Michael Jordan of teaching.

“She makes everybody around her successful,” Harris said.

A drive-by parade was held in Bailey’s honor Aug. 26, where former students could come by and say their goodbyes from their cars. Some brought balloons, cards, flowers and posters for her.

“The retirement parade was absolutely

terrific,” she said. “It was so much better than a party because I could speak to everyone individually and say my goodbyes privately. I positively loved the signs and the cards because I can go back and reread them numerous times.

I felt humbled and full of pride to have known such great and beautiful people.”

There will be a lot of things that she will miss, some being the greetings and the students’ beautiful smiles.

“The interactions with the children are the things that kept me connected and young at heart,” she said.

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280Living.com

October 2020 • A19

Briarwood grad receives scholarship The Alabama Grocers Education Foundation (AGEF) recently awarded $34,500 in scholarships to employees or children of employees from Alabama Grocers Association (AGA) member companies for the 2020-21 academic year. These included 22 AGEF-funded scholarships, 10 Piggyback Scholarships and five Endowed Scholarships for a total of 37 scholarships awarded.

Rebecca Wolfe of Birmingham, a graduate of Briarwood Christian High School, is a recipient of a 2020-21 AGA Scholarship. Wolfe is working to obtain a degree in accounting from Samford University.

“To date, the Alabama Grocers Foundation has awarded more than $1.3 million in scholarships,” said Ellie Smotherman Taylor, president of the Alabama Grocers Association. “Our association is thrilled to be supporting higher education efforts of Alabama’s youth and can think of no better investment.”

The Alabama Grocers Education Foundation recognizes and aids students who are related to Alabama’s food industry by virtue of their parent’s employment or their own part-time employment by firms that are members of the Alabama Grocers Association.

The scholarship program demonstrates the association’s interest in the growth and development of the leaders of tomorrow by providing financial assistance to deserving students.

This year, the foundation received more than 65 applications.

Scholarships are awarded by an impartial committee of educators and are based on community involvement and academic achievements. Funds are raised from three annual golf events, a silent auction and the generosity of supporters, members and friends of the Alabama Grocers Association.

– Submitted bv Alabama Grocers Association.

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Matthew David Coby, a rising junior at Oak Mountain High School, was recently awarded the rank of Eagle Scout. Photo courtesy of Merrilee Coby.

School Principal Dr. Larry Haynes for sponsoring Matthew’s Eagle Scout project to build and install five wooden benches and a lattice privacy screen around the HVAC unit next to the gym entrance.

– Submitted by Merrilee Coby.

Briarwood’s Tyler Waugh receives national honor Tyler Waugh, a student at Briarwood Christian School, has been selected as a National High School Scholar.

The society recognizes top scholars who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, scholarship and community involvement.

The NSHSS recognizes Tyler for his hard work, sacrifice, character and commitment that he has demonstrated to achieve not only in school but also his community.

Tyler is a member of National Honor Society, Mu-Alpha Theta, Spanish Honor Society, Student Ambassador and a Furman Scholar.

Tyler is a two sport All-State baseball, player captain and football player. His future plans are to play ball in college and major in biomedical sciences and attend medical school.

– Submitted by Dana Waugh.

Bigger isn’t better.

Better is Better.

Briarwood Christian High School alumna Rebecca Wolfe. Photo courtesy of Alabama Grocers Association.

Troop 533’s Matthew David Coby earns Eagle Scout rank Matthew David Coby, son of Mark and Merrilee Coby and a member of Troop 533 chartered by Oak Mountain Presbyterian Church and under the leadership of Scoutmaster Mark Clark, was recently awarded the rank of Eagle Scout by the Boy Scouts of America.

Matthew’s Scouting career began in 2010 as a first grader and Tiger Cub in Cub Pack 533.

Matthew enjoyed five years in the Cub Scout Pack, completed the God and Family Program in 2014, participated in four Cub/Webelos Day Camps, competed in five Pinewood Derbies, spent the night on the USS Alabama battleship and earned the highest award in Cub Scouting, the Arrow of Light in early 2015.

Matthew crossed over to Boy Scout Troop 533 in the spring of 2015 and has been to five summer camps at Camp Sequoyah, as well as many monthly outings with the Troop that included the USS Yorktown aircraft carrier, shooting, snorkeling, deep sea fishing, hiking, canoeing, river rafting, snow skiing, camping, cooking and much more.

Matthew has served as a Quartermaster, Patrol Leader, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader and Senior Patrol Leader, and he served as a Head Chorister with the Birmingham Boys Choir from 2017-18. Matthew completed National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) in July 2019. He is a rising junior at Oak Mountain High School and is a member of the cross-country team.

Special thanks to Oak Mountain Middle

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A20 • October 2020

280 Living

Faith Life Actually By Kari Kampakis

What do kids need most to succeed? Empathy I once took a writing class with Stephen King’s first editor.

Naturally, we were all dying to know what it was like to work with this world-famous novelist who writes super-scary books. Our instructor told us Stephen King’s talent was evident early on, but his greatest strength as a writer was his ability to create empathy.

Empathy, according to lexico.com, is “the ability to understand and share the feelings of another.” Empathy is what allows us to understand someone’s life from their perspective — to put ourselves in their shoes to feel what they are feeling. Empathy is crucial in storytelling because it makes the audience care. It creates characters who the audience will root for, worry about and give hours of their life to as they join them on a journey and get drawn into a story that’s bigger than themselves.

We were made to live this way: to care, to connect emotionally and to forget ourselves for a while as we enter into someone else’s world. And though it’s magical to experience empathy for a fictional character, it’s the empathy we feel toward real life people that makes us better humans.

For some people empathy comes naturally, and for others it can be learned. We learn it through practice, by getting in the mental habit of stepping into someone else’s shoes, contemplating what it’s like to be them and trying to understand their point of view.

Technology aggravates the problem, especially as our online culture gets increasingly hostile and harsh. One way we learn empathy is by reading facial expressions and social cues,

by seeing the hurt look on someone’s face as we say something offensive and realize it’s time to stop. With technology, however, we lose visual feedback. We miss those important clues and can hide behind screens that may entice us to type things we’d never say to someone’s face as our fingers jump ahead of our brains.

Dr. Michelle Borba is an empathy expert who wrote “UnSelfie: Why Empathetic Kids Succeed in Our All-About-Me World.” She says research shows that when children develop empathy, they thrive in school and life. They impact their communities in positive, often extraordinary ways.

Dr. Borba also says the road to a meaningful life begins with empathy, and the Empathy Advantage is what children need most to succeed both now and later.

Unfortunately, we live in selfish times. We have a “me-centered” society that conditions us to look out for No. 1 and chase personal happiness without any concern of how others are impacted. Our parenting culture encourages us to make our children the center of the universe, and oftentimes, this opens the door to narcissism as children start to believe they are not just special, but rather, more special than anyone else.

We are born with a Good Samaritan instinct (even toddlers can comfort others and act surprisingly kind at young ages), but around age 5, Dr. Borba says, our caring nature starts to slip. If children don’t exercise their helping muscles, those muscles lose power.

So how do we foster empathy in a world that celebrates me over we? How do we cultivate the Empathy Advantage in our children and ourselves? How do we counter the narcissism that

defines modern-day society?

First, we make empathy a priority conversation at home. And second, we intentionally build our empathy muscles by making a daily habit of stepping into someone else’s shoes.

It may be someone we admire — or not. Even if a person is rude or dismissive, we can use empathy to ask ourselves, “What might be going on in their life to make them act that way? What if their behavior is not about me, but rather, an overreaction to an internal struggle?”

I have a friend whose father showed empathy at the least expected time. While on his deathbed at the hospital, he was neglected one night by the nurse on duty. He was in pain and kept calling, yet his nurse never came.

The next morning, when the doctor heard what happened, he was upset and apologetic.

He assured the family that he’d assign another nurse, yet my friend’s father said, “No. I want this to be a lesson for my grandchildren.”

He then asked to speak to the nurse who neglected him. He told her, “I had a really, really bad night last night, and something tells me that you did, too. Would you like to talk about it?”

From that question, the floodgates opened.

The nurse poured out her heart and shared some struggles she was wrestling with. While her struggles certainly did not excuse her negligence, they did explain it. From that moment on, she and my friend’s father forged a friendship. She checked on him faithfully, even as she worked other units, until the day he passed away.

She became a better person and a better nurse because of him.

That is the power of empathy. That is what

happens when we forget about our life temporarily and listen to someone’s story. If a man on his deathbed can do this, surely the rest of us can, too.

Empathy is a muscle that craves exercise.

We grow it by acting on our Good Samaritan instincts, using our hard experiences to comfort others, and caring more about real life people than characters that get made up.

Though most of us aren’t horror writers like Stephen King, we can take a page from his empathy playbook. We can get out of our heads to imagine life as other people and try to comprehend what it’s like to be them.

As adults, we set the bar for empathy. We create the climate that trickles down to playgrounds, schools, and social media. So if we want toddlers who keep their caring nature, teenagers who think beyond themselves and children who thrive and have meaningful relationships, then it’s up to us to model the empathy we hope to see.

If we practice it enough, it will become our natural instinct. We’ll see our social circles expand, our relationships deepen, and our heart for humanity grow as we show compassion to a world that is hungry for people who genuinely choose to care.

Kari Kubiszyn Kampakis is a Birmingham area mom of four girls, author, speaker and blogger. Her new book for moms, “Love Her Well: 10 Ways To Find Joy And Connection With Your Teenage Daughter,” is now available on Amazon and everywhere books are sold. Join Kari on Facebook and Instagram, visit her blog at karikampakis.com, or contact her at kari@ karikampakis.com.

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280Living.com

October 2020 • A21

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A22 • October 2020

280 Living

Events ACFS golf tournament to Unicycle race back for 8th year at OMSP support childhood hunger

By LEAH INGRAM EAGLE

By LEAH INGRAM EAGLE Alabama Childhood Food Solutions, based out of Sylacauga, is hosting its third annual golf tournament to support prevention of childhood hunger.

This year’s event will take place Oct. 5 at Pine Tree Country Club off Grants Mill Road.

All proceeds from the event will be used to support hungry children in Shelby, Talladega, Coosa, Calhoun, St. Clair, Randolph, Chilton and Clay Counties in central Alabama.

Check-in begins at 10 a.m., followed by a shotgun start to the tournament at 11 a.m. Regis- Participants tee off in last year’s ACFS golf tournament. tration and golfer sign up is full, The funds raised from donations and sponsorships go to help feed families in eight counties, including Shelby and more than 60 people will County. Photo courtesy of Jim Jones, ACFS. play in this year’s tournament.

The inaugural tournament in 2018 raised over $31,000. Last year’s goal was $50,000 and was exceeded for a total of $61,000. Tournament Director Phil Duke said ACFS golf tournament this year the goal is to match last year’s total or better.

• WHERE: Pine Tree Country Club “Most of the money is from hole sponsors • WHEN: Oct. 5; check-in 10 a.m., and donations to support the tournament,” shotgun start 11 a.m.

Duke said. “We have a lot of companies and • WEB: alabamachildhoodfood.com businesses that are sponsoring holes or donating money. So far, most of the ones from last year have agreed to do it again, and a few have even increased their amounts.” food pick up every week.

Duke added from a food distribution stand“We are doing it differently, but still getting point, funds are needed now more than ever. food to hungry families and kids,” Duke said.

Before COVID-19, there were two distribution For more information on ACFS or to donate, days per month, and now the group is having visit alabamachildhoodfood.com.

The Magic City Muni Club of Birmingham will host STOMP MuniFest the weekend of Oct. 16-18 at Oak Mountain State Park. STOMP stands for Southern Trails of Oak Mountain Park, and MuniFest is mountain unicycling.

The goal of the Magic City Muni Club is to promote unicycling rides and events in the Birmingham area. It is currently the only Unicycling Society Participants at the 2019 MuniFest at Oak Mountain of America affiliated club in State Park. The Magic City Muni Club is a local unicycle club that sponsors the event, which is in its eighth year.

Alabama.

Photo courtesy of Wendell Rottenberry.

This will be the eighth year for the event that was created by co-founders Wendell Rotenberry and Geoff Wymer. They modeled the event after one they attended in North Carolina. After it STOMP MuniFest was shut down, the two decided to host one in Birmingham.

• WHERE: Oak Mountain State Park “We have grown every year,” Rotenberry • WHEN: Oct. 16-18 said. “The first year we had about a dozen • COST: Donations appreciated from maybe four states. Last year, about 35 • WEB: stompmunifest.blogspot.com came from nine different states and one foreign country [Canada].”

Participants come from all walks of life and ages, from around 10 to mid-60s. The crew it is unusual, just like us riders.”

Because people camp separately in the field spends Friday evening through Sunday camping, riding and enjoying each other’s company. at the south trailhead at Oak Mountain and The weekend includes a night trail ride Friday, because the ride is distanced outdoors, it is a the big ride Saturday morning followed by COVID-19 safe event.

No registration fee is required, but donaraces in the field with unusual unicycles during tions are appreciated to help cover costs. Also, the afternoon.

“One thing that seems to be said every year membership to the Unicycling Society of at our festival is you never meet an unhappy America (USA) is strongly encouraged before unicyclist,” Rotenberry said. “We love our coming to our event For information, visit stompmunifest. sport. We love the challenge of pushing the envelope, and quite honestly, [we] know that blogspot.com.

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280Living.com

October 2020 • A23

The Old Baker Farm will open this year and offer most of its usual activities including the hayride to the pumpkin patch, the farm animal petting zoo, train ride and corn maze. Photo by Erin Nelson.

Owl-O-Ween returns Oct. 24 to Alabama Wildlife Center

By LEAH INGRAM EAGLE

Old Baker Farm opens for 22nd year

By LEAH INGRAM EAGLE The Old Baker Farm tradition will continue this fall.

With a planned opening of Sept. 26, the pumpkin patch will be open until Oct. 31.

This will mark the 22nd year of the farm being opened to the public, which started in 1999 with a centennial celebration of the Baker family moving there in 1899.

Jerry and Pam Baker own and operate the farm. Pam Baker said they have already lost income with public schools not being able to take field trips this year, but they hope crowds will come out to the pumpkin patch.

They hosted a Summer Shindig in mid-August and were encouraged by the attendance that it drew. “We have to do this; this is our income,” Baker said.

The Bakers and their employees will take all the precautions needed to safely welcome guests to the farm, while encouraging them to practice social distancing. They ask that if people feel sick or have a fever to not come until they are healthy.

“We have signs around the farm about COVID-19 and are asking people to wear masks in the restrooms and on the hayride,” she said. “We’re just going to try to be careful, and hope people use common sense to protect themselves.”

Most of the usual activities will take place, including the hayride to the pumpkin patch,

Old Baker Farm • WHERE: 184 Furrow Lane, Harpersville • WHEN: Opens Sept. 26; pumpkin patch open until Oct. 31; 3-5 p.m. weekdays; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends • COST: $10/person cash; $12/person debit/credit; 2 and younger free • WEB: oldbakerfarm.com

the farm animal petting zoo, train ride and corn maze.

Special weekend festivities include Cowboy Weekend on Oct. 10-11; the Not So Spooky Halloween Barn Party from 5-9 p.m. Oct. 17; and the pumpkin picking celebration Oct. 24-25.

Old Baker Farm, located at 184 Furrow Lane in Harpersville, will be open to the public from 3-5 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends. Baker said to check their Facebook page, as there are plans to open more days, including Columbus Day. Admission is $10 cash per person and $12 for debit/credit cards. Children younger than 2 are free. It includes a pumpkin and all events except food, arts and crafts. Visit oldbaker farm.com for more information.

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One week before Halloween, guests can enjoy a fun afternoon with the owls and other birds at the Alabama Wildlife Center. On Oct. 24 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the center will be hosting its annual Owl-O-Ween event.

Executive Director Doug Adair said careful protocols made necessary by COVID19 will be followed, including social distancing and face mask requirements, but he still believes it will be a great family friendly event. The event time has been extended an extra hour to accommodate attendance.

“We love to celebrate this The Alabama Wildlife Center will welcome guests for its beautiful time of year in particannual Owl-O-Ween event Oct. 24 at its location at Oak ular and allow visitors to meet Mountain State Park. Photo courtesy of Alabama Wildlife the AWC’s owl education birds Center. in person,” Adair said.

Guests will be given treat bags and enjoy the “owl prowl,” which features an indoor tunnel around their aviaries lit with black lights.

Owl-O-Ween During the event, guests can not only meet Alabama’s native owls in person, but also • WHERE: Alabama Wildlife Center, hawks, falcons and the center’s bald eagle, 100 Terrace Drive, Pelham Shelby.

• WHEN: Oct. 24, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Another highlight of every Owl-O-Ween is • COST: Donations appreciated the release of a rehabilitated owl.

• WEB: alabamawildlifecenter.org “The bird has been a patient at the wildlife center and has recovered and is ready to go back into the wild,” Adair said. “OwlO-Ween in recent years has grown into a Center will be accepting donations to help confun event for the whole family. While it has tinue its operations, as it is a nonprofit organito be a little different this year because of zation. Admission to Oak Mountain State Park COVID-19, families can still come out and is $5 for adults and $2 for children ages 4-11 have fun and see the work that the AWC is and those 62 or older.

For more information, visit alabama doing.”

The event is free, but the Alabama Wildlife wildlifecenter.org.

ChildrensAL.org

(Still) Serving Children Safely It has always been our priority to ensure the safety and well-being of each child in our care — and that remains our commitment as we continue our mission during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Here’s how we have redesigned our operations to keep our patients and their families as safe as possible: q All visitors are screened immediately for signs of illness and fever. q We follow Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines for cleaning and disinfecting our facilities. q Our staff practices safe hand hygiene. q We are wearing masks for your safety.

Thank you for wearing your face covering. q All visitors to campus are required to wear masks. q Waiting rooms have been reconfigured to accommodate social distancing guidelines.

A24 • October 2020

280 Living

Golfers pose for a photo at the 2019 Patriot Shootout of Alabama at the Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort and Spa in Hoover. Photo courtesy of Brian Williams/ Chip Shots Photography.

Brittany Wilson of Birmingham, left, and Caroline West of Vestavia Hills were among many volunteers at the Kitty Kat Haven & Rescue 5K Meow-A-Thon at Veterans Park in Hoover in April 2018. Photo by Jon Anderson.

Patriot Shootout of Alabama reset for Nov. 1-2

By JON ANDERSON The Folds of Honor Foundation has rescheduled its 2020 Patriot Shootout of Alabama golf tournament and dinner for Nov. 1-2 at the Greystone Golf and Country Club.

The event originally was scheduled for March 29-30, but was postponed due to the COVID-19 outbreak. A second date in August was selected, but the event was postponed again because conditions had not improved enough, said Russell Redford Jr., chairman of the tournament.

The national foundation provides educational scholarships to spouses and children of U.S. military service members who died or were disabled while serving in the military.

Last year’s Patriot Shootout of Alabama drew about 72 donors and sponsors who collectively gave about $21,000 in scholarship money for spouses and children of service members from Alabama, Redford said. That was enough to fund the maximum amount of $5,000 for four scholarship recipients, he said.

This year, organizers hope to attract 84 golfers and sponsors and raise $50,000 for 10 scholarships.

The cost to participate is $500 per player or $2,000 for a team of four and includes a

Patriot Shootout of Alabama • WHERE: Greystone Golf and Country Club • WHEN: Reception at 5:30 p.m. and dinner at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 1; golf registration at 9:30 a.m., program at 10:30 a.m. and golf at 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 2 • COST: $500/player; $2,000/ foursome • WEB: patriotshootoutal.com

reception and dinner on Sunday, Nov. 1, at the clubhouse at the Greystone Founders course, plus golf and snacks during the round and dinner afterward, Redford said. A veteran is invited to play for free with each team.

Since 2007, the Folds of Honor Foundation has awarded more than 24,000 scholarships totaling more than $125 million to recipients in all 50 states, including more than 700 scholarships in Alabama, Redford said.

In the 2019-20 academic year, the Folds of Honor Foundation awarded 172 Alabamians scholarships totaling $849,600, he said.

Kitty Kat Haven & Rescue 5K Meow-A-Thon reset for Oct. 3

By JON ANDERSON The third annual Kitty Kat Haven & Rescue 5K Meow-A-Thon and 1-mile Whisker Walk is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 3, at Veterans Park.

The events are a fundraiser for the Hooverbased cat shelter.

On-site registration begins at 8 a.m., and the 5K starts at 9 a.m., rain or shine, said Rita Bowman, executive director for the shelter.

Medals for the top finishers will be given out at 10 a.m., and the 1-mile Whisker run and walk is at 10:30 a.m.

Bowman said she plans to have live entertainment, as well as some merchandise and food vendors present.

Early registration costs $25 for ages 11 and older and $15 for children 10 and younger, plus a $2.50 signup fee, and can be done through a link at kittykathavenrescue.org. The cost for on-site registration is $30 for ages 11 and older and $20 for children 10 and younger.

Packets can be picked up between 1 and 6 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 2 at the rescue center at 3432 Old Columbiana Road. Runners also can register in person at that time.

Kitty Kat Haven & Rescue 5K Meow-A-Thon & 1-Mile Whisker Walk • WHERE: Veterans Park on Valleydale Road • WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 3; 8 a.m. registration, 5K at 9 a.m.; 1-mile walk at 10:30 a.m..

• COST: $25 ($15 ages 10 and younger) early registration, plus $2.50 online signup fee; $30 ($20 ages 10 and younger) on race day • WEB: kittykathavenrescue.org About 150 people took part in the event each of the first two years. The event raised about $5,000 the first year and about $10,000 the second year, Bowman said. Most of the money is made through sponsorships, she said.

She’s hoping this year’s event will bring in $15,000 to $20,000, she said. It originally was scheduled for this past spring but was postponed due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

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280Living.com

October 2020 • A25

Shopping fundraiser to help those in need

By LEAH INGRAM EAGLE One of the Junior League of Birmingham’s largest fundraisers will take place later this month.

The Shop, Save & Share Sale, in its 15th year, will take place Oct. 14-25.

Lauren Globetti, chair of this year’s sale, said there will be around 250 retailers participating in this year’s event, compared to over 400 last year.

“This year will be less than normal, as we’ve lost some brick-and-mortar businesses across the city,” Globetti said. ”The restaurant industry has also had a hard time, so we’ve been different in our approach. We are trying to make sure we are thoughtful in making sure it’s a benefit to them and to the community.”

Most of the participating vendors will offer 20% discounts, but others, including restaurants will offer other options, like a free dessert with the purchase of a meal.

Kendra Scott store manager Kamrie Meyer said they make a choice to see the good in every day — in the mirror, in each other and in the communities.

“When we see the good that’s possible, together, we can create it. We always look forward to our participation with Shop, Save & Share and it is always wonderful to give back to our local Birmingham community,” she said.

The shopsaveshare.net website is scheduled to go live Oct. 1. Cards can be purchased on the website and at select vendors participating in the sale. Shoppers can purchase a digital card or paper card that will be mailed to them.

“We get 100% of the card revenue from the sales of the $40 cards,” Globetti said. “That goes straight to the Junior League that we use in turn for our community projects. We do the marking for stores, encouraging shopping locally with the card.”

She said there are many stores where customers will make their $40 back immediately. Other stores are wonderful community partners where people love to shop and will be thrilled to have a discount.

“I think that people may have heard of Shop,

The Kendra Scott store at The Summit is one of the vendors participating in this year’s Shop, Save & Share event. Photo courtesy of Style Advertising.

Shop, Save & Share Sale • WHERE: Variety of participating vendors across metro Birmingham • WHEN: Oct. 14-25 • COST: $40 • WEB: shopsaveshare.net

Save & Share, but when they really look at the list of businesses that are participating, see there are amazing businesses where you may typically not get discounts,” she said.

The purchase of one $40 card can pay for a variety of items through the Junior League’s outreach programs, including one month of diapers for a child in need from the Junior League diaper bank; necessities for four survivors of sexual violence through the Crisis Center of Birmingham; 10 meals for homeless women and children through Pathways or one tank of gas for the Junior League’s mobile teaching kitchen.

“We are trying to make it so that it’s an experience anybody can take part in, even those who are uncomfortable venturing into stores,” Globetti said. “Several online vendors have codes for card purchasers and many will offer curbside pickup.

Since this event can still happen even in the face of a pandemic, we are putting in place even more protocols for people to be as safe as possible.”

UWCA.ORG/GIVE

A26 • October 2020

280 Living

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

Sheriff’s office adds new nonemergency number The Shelby County Sheriff’s office is working to simplify the process of contacting employees with a new number and phone system.

Photo courtesy of the SCSO website.

By LEAH INGRAM EAGLE Contacting employees at the Shelby County Sheriff’s office is about to get easier. Effective Oct. 1, the department will launch a new nonemergency phone number: 205-670-6000.

Capt. Jay Fondren said switching to the new number is an effort to give the public one number they can remember. The old number, 205669-4181, will still work and will roll over to the new one.

“We will now have a really robust phone tree, which should make our office and deputies more accessible by phone,” Fondren said. “In the past, it’s been difficult to reach an individual. We will also update the directory on our website for all administrative staff and jail staff.”

Sheriff John Samaniego said the change is a result of their phone system changing.

“Everything used to begin with 669, and being 670 for some time now, this is a natural progression to that and something we can market a little easier,” he said. “We have used 911 for 16 years doing our dispatch, and we’ve progressively moved toward them taking over all our communication needs with the exception of this new number.”

The old number will still ring at 911 for callers, but this will designate to the public a nonemergency number, so the department can focus on 911 for emergencies and 670-6000 for nonemergency services. It will be

monitored 24/7.

When someone calls the new number, they will be prompted to choose from the following options: jail, records, administrative division, criminal investigative division, patrol division or speak with a deputy about a nonemergency call for service.

Both English and Spanish options are available.

The new nonemergency number

directory will also be available on the website at shelbyso.com/directory.aspx. Employees with an office desk and dedicated number will be listed and able to be reached directly.

“We are trying to continue our policy on transparency and try to connect with the public as much as possible so they can openly communicate whenever they need us,” Samaniego said. “We are trying to improve the

avenue of communication with this new system and make sure people have the ability to contact us.”

Samaniego said the department will also be launching a phone app soon that will be similar to the website and hopes to launch it around the same time as the new number.

Samaniego stressed for the public use 911 services for emergencies.

He said many times there are 911

situations and people are looking up numbers to call instead of dialing 911.

“That impedes us from doing our job because of the delay,” he said.

“People are so nice and say they didn’t want to bother us, but that’s what we are here for — to deliver services to you if you need us.”

Fondren added if there is ever a question of which number to call, always dial 911.

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280Living.com

October 2020 • A27

MT L aur e l

Jefferson State President Keith Brown and UWA President Ken Tucker sign a memorandum of understanding regarding transfer benefits. Photo courtesy of David Bobo.

Jefferson State, University of West Alabama sign transfer agreement Jefferson State and the University of West Alabama recently entered into an agreement to provide a seamless transition for students transferring between the institutions.

Jefferson State President Keith Brown and UWA President Ken Tucker met at Jefferson State’s Jefferson Campus to sign a memorandum of understanding regarding transfer benefits.

“UWA and Jefferson State recognize the benefits of having clearly defined transfer information and the ability to communicate such information across various student information channels,” the agreement states. “This MOU outlines the path for JSCC students who wish to continue their studies on campus at UWA.” According to the agreement, the University of West Alabama grants: ► Admission to all Jefferson State students based on a 2.0 GPA and 45 transferable credit

hours or completion of their associate degree from JSCC. ► Pre-transfer advising at Jefferson State and/or the UWA campus with an academic advisor. ► Scholarships ($3,000-$4,000 per year renewable for up to four consecutive semesters) to JSCC students with a 3.0 or better GPA. ► Jefferson State students who receive academic scholarships will also be eligible to apply for housing scholarships ($2,000 for their first year, non-renewable) to assist with and encourage on-campus residency.

Jefferson State grants: ► Access to students. ► Joint promotion of agreement, programs and events. ► Space for events and meetings with prospective students.

– Submitted by David Bobo.

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Find your nearest Ascension St. Vincent’s ER at GetSTVHSCare.com © Ascension 2020. All rights reserved.

A28 • October 2020

280 Living

WELLNESS

CONTINUED from page A1 280 Services Center opens next year. Director Richard Fallin said about 20 employees will move to that location.

“Adding another location makes sense,” he said. “From that part of the county, the drive from here [Calera] over there [280] is a long drive. We are glad to add another access point on that end of the county.”

LEADERSHIP

Fallin has served as director of Central Alabama Wellness since July 2018. A native of Cullman, Fallin obtained his MBA from Troy University and became an accountant. After a year, he realized that wasn’t the career path he wanted to pursue, so he got his master’s degree in divinity from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and became a licensed counselor. He moved back to Cullman right before Hurricane Katrina hit and worked at Mental Healthcare of Cullman/Wellstone for 12 years. After that company merged, he decided to weigh his options.

“Anytime there is change, it prompts you to see what’s on the market,” Fallin said. “I applied, and they contacted me. I had two meetings with them, and at the second one, [former Shelby County Manager] Alex Dudchock, who was the board president, came to Cullman and offered me the job. Most traditional health centers don’t have a finance person as the lead, and I was both an accountant and a licensed professional counselor.”

The private company is run by a 10 member board, with five members from Chilton County and five from Shelby County that include, from Shelby County: Alex Dudchock (president); Ed Carter (secretary/treasurer); Shelby County Commissioners Lindsey Allison and Elwyn Bearden; Shelby County Probate Judge Allison Boyd; and from Chilton County: Jimmie Hardee (vice president); Tom Brown; Jason Calhoun; Terri B. Connell; and Matt Mims.

Residential Division Director Brad Max speaks with clients about coping skills during a Sept. 2 group session with the Adult Residential Program at Central Alabama Wellness. Photo by Erin Nelson.

CENTRAL ALABAMA WELLNESS’ REACH

Statewide Partners

The number of clients using Shelby County services, by division.

5,000 FY 2018-19 4,214

FY 2017-18

4,000 3,365

National Partners

3,000

► National Alliance on Mental Illness ► National Council for Community Behavioral Health ► Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration ► No Stigmas

DIVISIONS

Central Alabama Wellness has three distinct divisions — mental illness, substance use and abuse disorders, and the intellectual disabilities — that serve children, adolescents and adults.

It has relationships with four public school systems, including Shelby County Schools, Alabaster City Schools, Pelham City Schools and the Chilton County Schools.

Fallin said his goal is to have a therapist at every brick-and-mortar school.

Dudchock has served on the board for over three years and was recently appointed for another four-year term. Even after stepping down as county manager, this was one of the areas he wanted to continue to serve.

Dudchock said one of the areas close to his heart are the services offered for children and adolescents. He believes it’s important that services and assessments are done as soon as possible so they can be continued throughout the growth and aging process.

“We will be better off as a health care provider meeting their needs if we identify them early in the process,” Dudchock said.

He added that the majority of the clients at Central Alabama Wellness are not coming from the court system or corrections realm.

“They are basically community members seeking mental health services or family members of those who need services in the substance abuse area,” Dudchock said.

SUBSTANCE ABUSE

Fallin said the division that people ask most about is substance abuse, as many of them are looking to get help for a loved one.

Central Alabama Wellness currently provides outpatient services but can refer to state certified programs if needed. A wellness assessment is given, and the score will determine if they can be treated there or if they need to go to another agency.

It provides a safe environment for those seeking recovery and has counselors who work with patients through a three-phase structure that requires a minimum of four months to six months of outpatient drug and alcohol treatment. The Wellness Outpatient program promotes responsibility and accountability, as well as establishing healthy habits.

Most adolescents dealing with substance abuse are referred to Central Alabama Wellness from Compact 2020 or the Juvenile Detention Center. They participate in both

2,000 1,210

1,245

1,000 128

0 Mental Illness

118

Substance Abuse Intellectual Disabilities SOURCE: CENTRAL ALABAMA WELLNESS

individualized therapy and group therapy.

Therapists are also located inside the Shelby County Jail and give assessments when an inmate is brought in. They are given individual therapy until they are released and will afterward receive a follow-up from a therapist.

RESIDENTIAL PROGRAM

Central Alabama Wellness has five group homes: two in Shelby County and three in Chilton County. They are a step-down unit and also receive patients from Bryce Hospital in Tuscaloosa.

One of the homes in Chilton County is unique in that it serves mentally ill patients who are also deaf. The staff there are deaf as well.

The Residential Program focuses on working with consumers who may not otherwise have the opportunity to reside safely in the community without a more intensive level of services and support. The goal is to provide treatment, training and education to consumers and their families or natural supports in order to develop skills and knowledge to facilitate transition to the most independent level of care possible.

STEPPING UP

► Alabama Department of Mental Health ► Alabama Council for Behavioral Health Care ► Compact 2020 ► Alabama Quit Now

One of the recent initiatives that Central Alabama Wellness has been involved in is Stepping Up, a national initiative to reduce the number of people with mental illnesses in jails.

“We actually obtained innovator county status a couple of months ago,” said Regina Mims, chief operating officer of Central Alabama Wellness. “That means we are the best at Stepping Up in the country. Shelby

County is a model to the state of Alabama and also the entire country. We are trying to teach others how to have this level of collaboration with county partners and agencies.”

Central Alabama Wellness’ Adult Mental Illness Division Director Daphne Kendrick said in a May 28 article on the Stepping Up Initiative website that, “Stepping Up has helped solidify connections across the county to better serve people with mental illness in the time of COVID-19. Law enforcement is using its crisis response team training to keep people from being arrested and connected to our services.”

Fallin added: “There is a big push to reduce the rate of recidivism for jail and emergency rooms. Our Stepping Up case manager can walk alongside clients and help them get identification, find housing and help them with services for substance abuse if necessary. We follow up with them and connect them with mental health providers in their county for a smooth hand off back to their community.”

In addition to Central Alabama Wellness, other participants in Stepping Up include: ► the Shelby County Commission ► County Manager Chad Scroggins ► several Shelby County judges ► the Shelby County DA’s Office ► the Shelby County Sheriff’s Department ► Shelby County Community Corrections ► Shelby County specialty courts (drug court, VA court, mental health court and domestic violence court) ► Shelby County public defenders ► the Shelby County Health Foundation ► pardons and parole

► Shelby Baptist Medical Center ► Middle Alabama Area Agency on Aging (M4A) ► COMPACT 2020 ► Shelby County Probate Court ► Shelby County IT Department ► ROSS Recovery Center ► National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Shelby ► Bradford Health Services ► police from various municipalities ► fire and EMT from various municipalities ► various individual citizens

FUNDING

Many might think Central Alabama Wellness is a state agency and that its services are free, but that’s not the case. While it does receive certain dollars, it is already earmarked for certain things.

Its 2020 budget was $9,240,051.

Central Alabama Wellness receives state and federal contracts through the state Department of Mental Health (DMH) in Montgomery and acts as an agent of the department. The DMH receives all of the federal funding and then allocates it to different mental health centers. Other sources of funding come from the Shelby County Commission and the Shelby County Community Health Foundation, which was formed in 1996 after the sale of Shelby Medical Center to the Baptist Health System.

“We submit to them a proposal of things we would like to do, and whatever they choose to support is what we do,” Mims said.

“We work on a slim margin utilizing resources and funds the best way we can stretch every dollar,” Fallin added.

Fallin said Central Alabama Wellness wants to erase the stigma surrounding mental health.

“Some people think asking for help is a sign of weakness, but everybody can use counseling from time to time; it shouldn’t be seen in negative connotation to want to better yourself.”

For more information, visit centralalabama wellness.org or stepuptogether.org.

280Living.com

October 2020 • A29

Why it’s time to talk to a home loan consultant Effects of the COVID-19 crisis are rippling across every community. But there is some good news for homebuyers and home owners right now: rates are so low for both new mortgages and refinancing that no matter what your situation is, it might be smart to talk to a home loan consultant.

I’ve worked for more than two decades to help folks get mortgages and refinance their homes, and I want to share four tips for people navigating these big decisions:

Start the process now.

I’ve been in this business since 1998, and I’ve never seen rates this low. But it’s a seller’s market.

There’s a lack of inventory. When appealing homes priced right go on the market, they often have multiple offers within an hour. That’s why it’s important to get pre-approved, so you know what you can and cannot buy. Start by getting pre-qualified (you can do this online, over the phone or in person by appointment). Pre-qualification allows us to pull the buyer’s credit, look at the debtto-income ratio and consider their gross monthly income, all factors in determining the sales price you qualify for.

If you’re thinking of refinancing, weigh the costs and benefits.

Refinancing is the smart choice for a lot of people right now. Even me--I bought my house in 2018, but I still saved almost $300 a month on my monthly payments by refinancing this year. But there are costs associated with refinancing to consider--it’s generally only beneficial if you can cut your rate by at least one percentage point. So you have to look at your payment, the closing costs, the fees, and your equity, and your home loan consultant can help you see the whole picture.

Shop around for the best deal and the best advice.

Rates are extremely low right now, but you don’t want to jump into a mortgage or a refinancing process without knowing the potential costs. Valley Bank, and most other banks you may want to work with, will give you an estimate of your costs, and all home loan consultants should be able to point you toward programs that can help you by allowing you to provide a smaller down payment or better rates.

Ask for help – don’t go it alone.

Your mortgage banker is someone who is there to help you. I don’t work as a home loan consultant just as a job--I do it because I like helping people. I’m working with a man right now, in his late 40s, who has full custody of his small daughter, and thought he could never get a house because he’d been turned down in the past. When I told him that he had pre-qualified, he had tears running down his face. I told him, “You can have a house, there’s no reason you can’t take care of your daughter in this way.” Seeing folks get the keys to their new home is always a thrill. That’s why I do this.

Denise Weaver is a Valley Bank home loan consultant based in Meadowbrook. She has 22 years’ experience in the home mortgage industry, and has received numerous awards for her work, including being named one of the nation’s top 100 minority mortgage bankers by the National Association of Minority Mortgage Bankers.

©2020 Valley National Bank. Member FDIC. Equal Opportunity Lender. Equal Housing Lender. All Rights Reserved.

A30 • October 2020

280 Living

TURNER JR.

CONTINUED from page A1 made friends through the sport. In addition to football, he also played soccer and basketball, was named Athlete of the Year for Daphne when he was in the eighth grade and went on to win two state football championships.

After his high school career was over, Turner Jr. had to make a college decision. He initially wanted to go to the University of Central Florida, but after a visit to UAB, he could tell that it would mean a lot to his dad if he went there, so he headed to UAB on a scholarship.

His first year, he played under head coach Watson Brown and his next four years for Neil Callaway. It was while at UAB that Turner Jr. met Morgan Haney, a soccer player who became his future wife.

During his career at UAB, Turner Jr. said his parents were able to come to most of his games, and while the team wasn’t winning many games, he made many friendships.

“We were close as teammates,” he said. “We spent a lot of time together.

It was a very diverse school, and I met a lot of different people.”

Studying exercise science, Turner Jr. planned on being a strength coach.

However, when he didn’t pass part of the test at the collegiate strength coach conference, he thought his dream was lost. He was let down, but not for long.

The very next day — May 9, 2011 — Turner Jr. signed a contract to play for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League.

“I had never been to Canada and came out of UAB during the lockout year for the NFL,” he said. “If you didn’t get drafted, there was no communication from coaches to players, so you just had to sit around

The Turner family, from left: Bryant, Zoey, Kennedy and Morgan. Photo courtesy of Bryant Turner Jr.

and wait to see if you got picked up.

The CFL was pulling people because of that reason. To me, it was the most assured thing you could do waiting on the NFL.” Turner Jr. said the first article he found while researching Winnipeg said it was the coldest city in the world. Three weeks later, he was there and on the team’s practice roster. It wasn’t long until someone got hurt, and Turner Jr. got moved up and “never looked back.”

He quickly adapted to the CFL rules, and his parents and Haney made trips to visit, while Turner came back to Alabama as often as he could. Haney was in her first year of teaching at Indian Valley Elementary in Sylacauga. The couple continued their long-distance relationship.

On December 19, 2013, the Blue Bombers added two years to Turner Jr.’s contract.

“In 2012, we had the worst season, and the next three years, we didn’t go to the playoffs,” he said. “I went through 14 starting quarterbacks, but my second year, I was the only one on my team who made the CFL AllStar team.”

Turner Jr. was released from Winnipeg on March 22, 2016, but signed a one-year contract with the BC Lions just two weeks later. He said he loved the city of Vancouver and played there for two years.

During that time, he started getting injured more frequently, and at the age of 30 when his contract ended and he became a free agent, he decided it was time for his football

career to come to an end.

The more he played football, the more Turner Jr. said he didn’t want to be a coach, as they aren’t allotted much family time. He had been working on obtaining his real estate license during the last two years of his football career and was ready to become a full-time agent.

“One thing athletes all agree on is a 9-5 job is impossible coming from the athletic world,” he said. “I ended up going to ARC Realty and had an amazing mentor named Janet Hamm, who walked me through how to start getting business.”

The Turner family made the move from Sylacauga to Chelsea two years ago. His wife now teaches second grade at Chelsea Park Elementary School, where their oldest daughter,

Kennedy, is in first grade. Their other daughter, Zoey, just turned 3.

Turner Jr. doesn’t just focus on the Chelsea area for his business, but said he tries to spread it out all around the greater Birmingham area. He said he uses sports in his advertising, as it’s something people can relate to.

He starts his days early at his office in Cahaba Heights and spends them taking care of clients, showing houses, working on advertising and finalizing contracts.

“I feel like sports helps you to be self-motivated,” Turner Jr. said.

“You control your own destiny. The smarter you work, the more you get out of it. Last year, I was a top producer, in the top 20 out of 400 agents.”

As a husband and father, Turner Jr. is very hands on. He enjoys family time and being involved in the community. The Turners enjoy spending time outdoors and trying different restaurants. They are members at the Church of Highlands’ Sylacauga campus and are building another house in Chelsea Park. His parents are still in Daphne and usually come up once a month to visit.

Although he is no longer involved in sports, Turner Jr. is happy with how things have turned out.

“It’s pretty cool being a girl dad,” he said. “Being an athlete, you think you want a boy, but I don’t feel like I am missing anything. I get to just be a fun dad.”

He plans to continue growing his realty business and hopes to get into investing in properties down the road.

“I never want to be defined as an athlete,” he said. “I want people to think of me as a business man or family man and I try to live my life that way.”

For more about Turner Jr. and his real estate business, visit facebook. com/btjrealestate.

280Living.com

October 2020 • A31

Tyler and Ali Rutledge with their all-new 2021 GMC Yukon Denali

Uncompromising Luxury There’s luxury, and then there’s Denali. Tyler and Ali Rutledge knew they needed the best of what a new SUV had to offer. The choice was clear: an all-new 2021 GMC Yukon Denali.

GMC equipped the Rutledge’s next-generation Yukon with a best-in-class powerhouse delivering 420 horsepower on demand. Inside, every sense is treated to exceptional attention to detail from the 14-speaker Bose® audio system down to Denali-exclusive fractal stitching. And a class-leading camera system with nine unique views makes all 210 inches easy to drive.

Your friends and neighbors like Ali and Tyler already know what it means to be treated like Royalty. Experience it for yourself at the corner of I-65 and Highway 31 in Vestavia.

(205) 823-3100 · www.royalbuickgmc.net 3010 Columbiana Rd · At the Corner of I-65 and Highway 31 in Vestavia

SECTION

B

Real Estate B18 Calendar B19

OCTOBER 2020

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Home & Garden Guide

Fall

Gardner Landscaping................B1 Evans Insurance Agency – GEICO Insurance.................B2 DSLD Land Management featuring Aquascapes and Desjoyaux Pools.....................B3 Urban Home Market.................B4 Insurance Place Birmingham.....B6 Carpet Warehouse....................B7 T.K. Smith – State Farm Insurance.............B8 Closets by Design.....................B9 Color World Housepainting of Birmingham.....................B10 Space Cadets..........................B11

Gardner Landscaping 205-401-3347 • GardnerLandscapingLLC.com When it comes to landscaping, Alabama has it made, with a broad variety of trees and shrubs to choose from.

Now is the perfect time to try some out, according to the experts at Gardner Landscaping.

“Fall is often considered the best time of year to plant new trees and shrubs,” owner Grant Gardner said.

But how do you choose which ones?

Several factors come into play when it comes to selecting the right plants for your landscaping, including sun exposure, soil type, the slope of the landscape and personal preferences in color and type.

“At Gardner Landscaping, we take pride in coming up with a plan that meets the needs of each customer and landscape,”

Grant said.

That attention to detail is one of the things that sets Gardner Landscaping apart from many other landscape companies. Another is that they have the personnel and resources to get your project completed quickly.

“We will normally provide you with the pricing for your project within one day from when we meet with you,” Grant said.

Gardner Landscaping specializes in trees and shrubs and can use them to create beautiful entertainment and privacy areas.

“More customers are looking for outdoor entertainment areas or areas for them to escape to and relax in a pleasing atmosphere, and we have the vision to create these enjoyable areas,” Grant said.

Guin Service............................B12 The Bluffs at Greystone..........B13 Door Restore..........................B14 Jan Collier & Jenny Headley - ARC Realty........................B14 Ace Hardware – Dunnavant Valley.................B15 Classic Iron Works...................B15 Window Decor & Design.........B16 Nature One Landscape Design................B16 Mold & Mildew Solutions........B17 Holcombe Doors and Windows..........................B17

Providing High Quality Service and Customer Satisfaction

Best Price for Privacy Evergreens & Ornamental Trees At Gardner Landscaping our goal is to exceed your expectations in creating and maintaining beautiful landscapes, hardscapes, and lawns. We also work to minimize drainage and erosion issues.

Your Large Tree, Shrub and Drainage Experts CALL: 205-401-3347 EMAIL: GardnerLandscaping@gmail.com www.GardnerLandscapingLLC.com

B2 • October 2020

FALL HOME AND GARDEN ○ SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

280 Living

Evans Insurance Agency – GEICO Insurance 205-824-4449 • geico.com/birmingham Rhonda Evans wants you to know that even though you might see the big “GEICO” sign on her building along Montgomery Highway in Hoover, she’s a local agent through and through.

“We are local — born and raised right here and love all things Southern,” she said.

Rhonda has been a part of the fabric of the Birmingham area for a long time, and she says the best part of her job as a GEICO Insurance agent is that her customers become longtime friends.

“We are a part of the community, and we celebrate accomplishments with them,” she said. “New homes, new drivers, weddings — with any major life event, we normally are aware of it because it affects their insurance.”

She loves what she does. And Birmingham gets the benefit of having Rhonda in town — she has been the city’s GEICO agent since the company decided to establish a local presence here in 2004.

At her office, she can offer service like no one else.

“You get the best of having an agent with all that GEICO has to offer with a No. 1 rated mobile app and website,” she said.

With that in mind, fall is a great time to review your coverages and their costs as you get ready for a new year and to see how GEICO can help you save money. Rhonda can help you with all personal lines of insurance — auto, home, renter, condo, motorcycle, boat and umbrella insurance.

She enjoys helping people.

That’s why she has stayed with the company as long as she has. Rhonda got her first job at GEICO’s corporate office right out of college.

“I worked on the corporate side for nine years but was moving back to Alabama and had to leave the corporate side and became

an independent agent,” she said. “In 2004, GEICO was looking to have a local presence in Birmingham, and I applied and have been the local agent since.”

It was a path Rhonda didn’t expect, but she’s loved every minute of it. She also loves getting involved with the local schools, helping with school supplies and sponsoring local sports teams.

You can find the GEICO Gecko at events throughout Birmingham, including the Magic City Classic, Bike Night and Boys and Girls Club of West Alabama events.

“I especially like to participate in local charity programs like the Humane Society of Birmingham,” she said. “And of course I’m involved with sporting events around town, like the Mal Moore Memorial

Golf Tournament.”

For Rhonda, it’s all added up to a wonderful way to spend her days helping others.

“No one grows up saying they want to be an insurance agent, but I love what I do, and I am beyond thankful that I ended up selling insurance,” Rhonda said. “I enjoy talking and being with people.”

205-824-4449 1631 Montgomery Hwy, Birmingham geico.com/birmingham

Some discounts, coverages, payment plans, and features are not available in all states, in all GEICO companies, or in all situations. ffiliated Homeowners, insurance companies renters, andand condo are coverages are written through non-a secured through the GEICO Insurance Agency, Inc. Motorcycle and ATV coverages are underwritten by GEICO Indemnity Company. GEICO Washington, is a registered DC 20076; service a mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. GEICO Gecko image © 1999-2020. © [[year]] GEICO

280Living.com

FALL HOME AND GARDEN ○ SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

October 2020 • B3

DSLD Land Management featuring Aquascapes and Desjoyaux Pools 205-437-1012 • dsldland.com DSLD Land Management is a familyowned, full-service landscape design and build company that has been bringing quality and value to central Alabama since 1983. The company’s work has been regularly featured in Southern Living and Builder+Architect magazine.

The team at DSLD Land Management is ready to help you make your swimming pool dreams come true. They were recently selected as central Alabama’s exclusive dealer of Desjoyaux Pools. As the world’s largest swimming pool manufacturer, Desjoyaux has honed its system into a fast and efficient process to ensure their pools can deliver on your expectations.

You can choose your pool’s size, shape and design. Our pools are built using recycled materials and a pipeless filtration system that use less energy than traditional pools. If you don’t like chlorine, choose a filter that doesn’t require harsh chemicals.

Desjoyaux Pools install faster and more efficiently than other pools and are backed with unprecedented warranties. DSLD Land Management provides turnkey installation of your swimming pool, all requisite construction, as well as any landscape elements.

“We offer a continuum of services ranging from consultation to planning to complete build out of any project large or small,” said David Sharp, owner and founder of DSLD

Land Management.

Equipped with a full staff of licensed and degreed designers, talented horticulturists, masons, engineers and landscape architects, DSLD has one of the most experienced field service teams in the business.

“We can dry out any foundation, whether home or office. We have worked with developers, city engineers, railroad companies, industries and even farmers to design solutions to water problems,” Sharp said.

The DSLD team works to find the least intrusive and most economical way to solve your water problem, leaving the foundation and landscape dry and free of erosion.

“We recognize that communication and timely response is important to our clients,” Sharp said, “and to that end, we employ a professional office staff to personally handle every call and inquiry.”

DSLD invites you to visit their AquaScapes retail store featuring Desjoyaux Pools conveniently located across from Lee Branch Shopping Center on Highway 280 adjacent to Hanna’s Garden Shop. The store carries a wide variety of fountains, bird baths, feeders, chimes, fish, pond building kits, outdoor kitchens, outdoor lighting, pool supplies and much more.

No matter your outdoor needs, DSLD Land Management, AquaScapes and Desjoyaux Pools stand ready to serve!

B4 • October 2020

280 Living

FALL HOME AND GARDEN ○ SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Urban Home Market

U

rban Home Market not only knows our customers, we embody them. We are known for being a vibrant home to a variety of lighting, architectural pieces, gifts, home furnishing and design services, all collected in one space.

What you’ll find inside Urban Home Market is always different. Every season offers a chance to find new and unique products to complement your home and fit your lifestyle.

Located at 1001 Doug Baker Blvd. at The Village at Lee Branch, shopping at Urban Home Market is never boring or intimidating. We want to immerse our customers in a complete experience that appeals to all of the senses while staying authentic and approachable.

While Urban Home Market is often mistaken as an upscale retail chain, we are a family-owned business that is spun out of a home and familygrown passion. Therefore, we offer personalized service and products that big corporations and big-box retailers cannot. There is no national sales plan provided by a corporate office in another state. It is simply Kathy McMahon and her vision.

Being local allows us to focus on the “family community” and serve each customer as a friend and neighbor.

These friendships tie creativity and design with authenticity because of our knowledge of our customers.

“Our customers are our friends, and what we do is never, ever about selling to them,” Kathy said.

205-980-4663 • urbanhomemarket.com

Urban Home Market’s core philosophy is guided by style, design and the passion to inspire imagination throughout our store. We have a dynamic, energetic team of designers and visual merchandisers who are responsible for every aspect of the store’s look and feel.

“Storytelling” is a key focus for our showroom. Each vignette serves as a

series of different inspirations created to be inviting and stimulating. Our merchandising does not highlight the product so much as set a mood and create a starting point to direct the customer on their path.

Every season, our team of buyers travels across the country to attend major national furniture and accessory markets to find the latest product and

design trends. This, combined with our interests and the needs of our local customers, determines our inventory.

Our team of degreed interior designers at Urban Home Market are accomplished and dedicated. Each one has more than 20 years of experience in residential and commercial design. The designers work with clients to achieve a shared vision that fosters creativity and delivers results that exceed expectations.

Urban Home Market even has a Design in a Day program in which the design team will transform any space in one day. As a local, familyowned business, we take pride in offering programs that support new homeowners, as well as other local designers and Realtors. The talented team can help you make your house a home.

Our merchandising mix is dynamic, layered and dense. We have many humble, recycled and natural materials.

Many of the store’s most striking visual effects have been crafted out of mundane materials. This adds a rich layer of artistry and visual wit to the store experience.

While shopping, customers can also check out the store’s Market Place to find specialty boutique items such as clothing, accessories and special gifts.

To learn more about the coming trends for spring 2021, please be sure to connect with us via Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Our social media activity shows how to take trends and make them unique through our product shots and style tips for customers on the go.

280Living.com

FALL HOME AND GARDEN ○ SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

October 2020 • B5

Fall Inspirations Urban Home Market

|

In The Village Of Lee Branch

205.980.4663

|

urbanhomemarket.com

1001 Doug Baker Blvd. Suite 101, Birmingham, AL

B6 • October 2020

280 Living

FALL HOME AND GARDEN ○ SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Insurance Place Birmingham 205-995-1956 • insuranceplacebirmingham.com Insurance Place of Birmingham will tell you that “your future belongs to us.” That’s a big statement. But, once you discover its selection of insurance providers and coverage that make the unexpected moments of the future less daunting, it makes sense.

Since 1987, Insurance Place has been a mainstay in the Birmingham area for preferred insurance coverage and services.

Representing more than 30 insurance carriers, the independent insurance agency can find an insurance solution for virtually any person, family, business, church or municipality, which takes care of plenty of futures.

“Our ability to place policies with different companies allows us to address issues such as teenage drivers, high-value homes, secondary residences, beach homes, business ventures and countless other extraordinary situations,” co-owner Jessica Smith said.

Located at 2225 Cahaba Valley Drive, Insurance Place has a market for homes of every type and location. It also provides excellent options for auto, watercraft and recreational vehicle insurance needs. In addition, the agency is a trusted source for commercial insurance. Clients span the spectrum from the one-man contractor to multistate operations.

As one of your neighbors and an independently owned company, Insurance Places is not affiliated with any financial institution. Our mission is to focus on two priorities: you and service. Insurance Place insurance professionals are dedicated to serving each customer to secure an insurance policy to protect you and your loved ones for years to come.

“With a vast knowledge of our many

carriers, we are equipped to shop for the best policy to suit your specific needs,” Jessica said. “Our job is to help you navigate through the sea of policy options, answering any questions you may have along the way. We’ve successfully served hundreds of customers and are determined to treat each individual with respect and compassion.”

As the insurance industry continues to change with the times, so do technology and customer interaction preferences.

“We all know systems change, insurance carriers evolve and people encounter

different problems every day,” Jessica said. “Insurance Place is staying on pace to achieve its goal of integrating these changes while still maintaining the personal relationships we cherish with our clients.”

With a mindset to merge innovative technologies with continued personal focus, Insurance Place joined Legacy Insurance based in Madison, Alabama, to maintain the company’s technological edge, while providing a larger staff for enhanced customer service. Clients still enjoy interacting with the same

staff members they’ve come to know and trust. But, they now also benefit from having additional team members available for assistance. And with offices in Birmingham, Childersburg and Madison, they cover wider territories for work and family.

Shopping for insurance can be difficult, but Insurance Place does the work for you.

Maintain your peace of mind knowing that our insurance professionals have your back. Give them a call today so they can conduct an insurance review to find the best coverage for your needs and future.

Find out how you can save money with Auto-Owners multi-policy discounts.

Insurance Place - Birmingham (205) 995-1956 2225 Cahaba Valley Drive Birmingham, AL 35242 Insurance Place - Childersburg (256) 378-7326 33385 US Highway 280 Childersburg, AL 35044

280Living.com

October 2020 • B7

FALL HOME AND GARDEN ○ SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

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Carpet Warehouse 205-989-5678 • carpetwhse.com Carpet Warehouse has served the Birmingham area for 25 years.

Locally owned and operated by Tim and Tracy Lanier, Carpet Warehouse is conveniently located on Highway 150 in Hoover across from CarMax and offers a wide selection of flooring from traditional to contemporary to fit every taste and need.

Whether you are looking for carpet for your home or other types of flooring, including hardwoods, laminate, vinyl, LVT or LVP, it has something for everyone. It also offers in-home design services, free home consultations and free estimates.

There are also trade discounts for contractors and do-it-yourself customers all at the guaranteed lowest prices.

Carpet Warehouse prides itself on offering customers the best quality flooring at the lowest prices.

“Our super-low overhead enables us to truly sell for less,” Tim Lanier said.

“Americans serving Americans — our crews are all time-proven craftsmen.”

Carpet Warehouse offers top brands like Shaw, Mohawk, Masland, Armstrong, Bruce and Mannington, just to name a few.

“There’s really too many to mention. If it’s flooring, we have it,” Lanier said.

Some of its most popular types of flooring are carpet, hardwood and luxury vinyl tile and planks. The luxury vinyl planks are perfect for families with children and pets.

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waterproof and pet-proof,” Lanier said.

The Laniers enjoy sharing their high level of expertise with customers.

“For 25 years, our family has served the Over the Mountain area. We are a company you can trust. The secret to our success is our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction at the lowest prices. You don’t survive for 25 years unless you are doing things right,” he said.

We pay the sales tax**** Free estimates HOURS: MONDAY-FRIDAY 9-5 • SATURDAY 9-3 CLOSED SUNDAY & EVERY 2ND & 4TH MONDAY OF EACH MONTH 23 years of serving Over the Mountain 2711 John Hawkins Pkwy (2 mi. west of Galleria)

Hoover • 989-5678 • www.carpetwhse.com

*Basic labor only free installation***Same exact product with written verifiable proof. Must present coupon at time of purchase. ****Sales tax paid on installed items only. Not valid with any other or prior sales. Unless otherwise specified, all prices are for materials only. We cannot be held liable for typographical errors, manufacturer’s changes or misprints.

B8 • October 2020

FALL HOME AND GARDEN ○ SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

T.K. Smith – State Farm Insurance 205-987-9099 • tksmith.com Life is unpredictable. But when something unexpected happens in one of her clients’ lives, T.K. Smith is there to help them get back on their feet.

“We offer products that help protect you from events that could be financially devastating,” Smith said. “When that happens, it’s an amazing feeling to be able to deliver on the promise we made when we sold that client a policy, providing them with comfort, solutions and peace of mind.”

Smith has been in business with State Farm Insurance since 1999, bringing experience and compassion to the table when working for her clients. Her State Farm team offers about 100 different products to meet the ever-changing needs of individuals and families.

“Because we offer so many products, it’s important to thoroughly review our clients’ needs to help them determine where their biggest exposures are and help them protect themselves from unexpected events versus just selling a product,” Smith said.

Smith understands that every person and situation is different, which is why she personalizes each insurance product for the best fit. This includes life insurance.

“Nothing can replace you, but life insurance can help replace your income.” Smith said.

Whether it keeps paying the mortgage, maintains a current standard of living, pays off debts or pays for college, the life insurance you choose can be there when it’s needed most by your loved ones.”

For over 80 years, policyholders have counted on State Farm for life insurance.

Major independent ratings agencies have consistently awarded State Farm with very high ratings for financial stability and claims-paying ability. Smith’s office provides personal service to help families get the protection they need.

Smith also offers home and renter’s insurance, vehicle insurance, mortgage products, disability insurance as well as important banking commodities, all under one roof.

With holidays just around the corner, now is the perfect time to perform an insurance check-up before the season gets busy. The following tips can help homeowners research and choose the best performing insurance for their specific needs: ○ Insure your home for the estimated cost to rebuild. This will allow you to replace your home entirely in the event of a loss. ○ Choosing a higher deductible can lower your premium, but make sure you are comfortable paying the deductible you’ve chosen if a claim should occur. ○ Ask about discounts. Smith’s team can provide home-specific discounts as well as deals for bundling multiple policies, which can make a difference in payments. ○ Review your insurance policy annually, as well as if you’re moving or remodeling. Insurance protects you, your family and your home, but it can only do its job if the coverage is up to date. This is also a good time to update your home inventory. ○ Most importantly, remember your policy is a legal contract. Read it carefully and ask questions if there are parts you don’t understand.

280 Living

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FALL HOME AND GARDEN ○ SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Closets by Design 205-777-4000 • closetsbydesign.com (click “Central Alabama”) Closets by Design is all about simplifying, and there’s no better time than a changing season to begin truly simplifying and getting your closet, house and garage organized.

Let Closets by Design help you set the right tone for the rest of the year.

“We are here to help simplify our clients’ lives by giving them a quick, hassle-free design consultation to help them maximize their space,” Aly Harris, the Closets by Design office manager, said.

Closets by Design specializes in designing, building and installing custom closets, garage cabinets, home offices, laundries, pantries and much more.

With a wide selection of finishes, accessories and hardware, Closets We build each closet

by Design makes sure that you can get the with you in mind. Our customized look you products simply offer always wanted.

Customers can choose the best value in the from three types of closet industry. systems. Although the ALY HARRIS styles differ, each aim to maximize space and create a closet or area that helps organize not only your clothes or supplies, but also your life. This way, you can dedicate more time to focusing on the things and people you love.

“We build each closet with you in mind,” Harris said. “Our products simply offer the best value in the industry.”

Closets by Design was started in California in 1982 and has since grown to be a national company with 51 locations. Even though the company is relatively new to Alabama, they have already helped hundreds of clients design and build their dream closets and storage spaces.

With a no-obligation, in-home consultation, Closets by Design continues to create custom-tailored designs with the highest quality product construction. Simplification and ease are key.

Closets by Design is also a floor-based system, unlike most of their competitors, which makes their systems stronger and more stable.

“We bring a fresh perspective on getting organized to Alabama,” Harris said.

Part of the appeal of Closets by Design is that its team members spend time understanding and prioritizing the necessity of home office space. They’ve created a line of innovative and effective office systems in a variety of styles and finishes to match your unique needs.

Attractive pantries are developed to streamline cooking and cleaning with easy-to-reach and easy-to-organize shelves. They also can help customers take their garages a step further and transform it into a workshop, garden center or arts and crafts room. Closets by Design makes sure plenty of storage space is key.

“At Closets by Design, we make sure that the client has a true consulting experience, giving the customer the control over the design and the cost,” Harris said.

“

”

October 2020 • B9

B10 • October 2020

FALL HOME AND GARDEN ○ SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

280 Living

Color World Housepainting of Birmingham 205-557-9770 • colorworldhousepainting.com/birmingham It is not unusual for people to take pride in their homes and for many to try to take on big home improvement projects themselves. Yet those projects do have a modicum of risk and worry associated with them — ­ and that is where Color World Housepainting of Birmingham comes in.

“It can be a dangerous undertaking,” said Gary Sheffer, who is the franchise owner of the Birmingham Color World store. “Our experts are there to take away the worry and help our clients have the best looking home on the block.”

To do that, Color World offers services such as residential and commercial painting, gutter installation, pressure washing, carpentry and drywall repair, holiday lighting and more. The company is a great resource for property owners who want to improve their curb appeal through painting or lighting, or for those who are experiencing water issues and damage due to aged or inadequate gutter systems.

And as the holidays approach, there’s no better time than right now to tackle the list of projects that have been mounting on your to do list for some time, Sheffer said.

“We can help in addressing those interior and exterior paint projects to prepare your home for hosting family and friends for the holidays and making plans for how and who can help them easily decorate your home for the holidays,” he said.

Sheffer is the son of a builder and contractor, so he has always been around and enjoyed building projects,

ColorWorldBHAM

colorworld_birmingham

he said. He originally pursued a career in banking but always did handyman and woodworking jobs on the side to tap into that deeply rooted passion.

“When I saw the Color World franchise, it blended my interest in home improvement with the opportunity to meet and help people, which I most enjoyed during my time in banking,” he said. “I have been able to transfer the professionalism from my 20 years in banking to provide the friendly and responsive service that folks should expect and deserve when selecting a service provider.”

And, in addition to his timeconsuming work as a franchise owner, Sheffer extends the servant leadership he employs in his full-time work to his volunteer work as well. He is currently president-elect for the Kiwanis Club of Homewood-Mountain Brook, is a member of the City Salesman Club and has served as both a member of the Homewood Environmental Commission and with Habitat for Humanity.

Sheffer and his team of dedicated professionals are ready to meet you and get your home holiday ready, he said.

He encourages interested customers to visit Color World’s website, colorworldhousepainting. com/birmingham, to schedule a free in-home estimate, where the Color World team will stop by your home, see what needs you have and walk through the cost of the project ­— making one less to-do list item for customers on what is surely a lengthy list as the holidays quickly approach.

Leave the ladder climbing to us.

LET COLOR WORLD HANG YOUR HOLIDAY LIGHTS. Call today for a free quote.

Gary Sheffer

10% OFF 205-332-1375 10% OFF HOLIDAY LIGHTING INTERIOR PAINTING colorworldhousepainting.com/birmingham

*If booked before 11.30.20

*May not be combined with any other offers.

280Living.com

FALL HOME AND GARDEN ○ SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

October 2020 • B11

Space Cadets 205-326-7025 • spacecadetsorg.com If your home or office is messier than it was before the COVID-19 pandemic, Kim McBrayer and her team at Space Cadets is looking to help you get organized again and make your space better than it was before.

Space Cadets helps to declutter and develop organizational systems that simplify the spaces in homes and offices, McBrayer said.

The business specializes in organizing, closet design and installation, and it has a retail shop at Brook Highland Shopping Center.

McBrayer said her work helps homeowners enjoy more free time and reduce all of the stress that comes with looking for misplaced items, plus it makes spaces more “beautiful and functional.”

“There are closet companies, and there are professional organizers ... We are both,” McBrayer said. “[We] handle a project from start to finish, including all of the accessories and organizing services to complete the full picture.”

The mission of the business is to “simplify the lives of our clients — one space at a time — and to leave a space and person better than we found them,” McBrayer said.

The business started after McBrayer struggled with disorganization herself and

found ways to overcome it.

“I struggled with disorganization myself and began analyzing and developing strategies that would help me overcome the challenges I faced,” McBrayer said. “Once I found these proven techniques, friends began asking me if I could help them, and a business was born. It is truly my passion to help others to find a way out of clutter and discover what organization can give them as well.”

The company is made up not only of McBrayer, but installers, organizers, designers and office management, who all do a great job, McBrayer said.

“This team is an amazing group of incredibly talented individuals who contribute to the success of this company and care passionately about our clients,” McBrayer said.

“We love what we do and can’t wait to help more people find a simpler way to enjoy all that life has to offer.”

McBrayer said it isn’t about perfection for her clients, but rather finding solutions that work for them, and helping them get more out of life. While the company seeks to use what clients have to begin with, they match their tools and products to the situation, she said.

“It’s not about perfection — it’s about efficiency, and if it

works for you, then it works,” McBrayer said. “We try to reuse what someone has first, but if that doesn’t work, we have multiple options to meet everyone’s needs, budgets and lifestyles.”

Clients have told McBrayer that the work that Space Cadets does is more than just a nice organizational tool.

“We are constantly being told by our clients that what we do is life-changing,” McBrayer said. “Having a professionally designed and organized closet develops a technique for new disciplined habits that provide shortcuts to maintaining order and eliminating chaos in the homes of our clients.”

One story even changed where one person spent the night, she said.

“One of my favorite stories was the client that had a dark, dreary closet and so we painted the walls turquoise and installed a beautiful white closet with a multicolored fun rug in the center,” McBrayer said. “The next day when I called to see how she liked her new closet, she reported that she slept in there that night and said it was the prettiest room in her house!”

During the fall season, Space Cadets is available to prepare your home for the holidays, as well as managing doing school and work from home.

CONFESSIONS OF A PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZER “Understanding the WHY” Written by: Kim McBrayer

Growing up, I was what most consider a Messy person. My mother had to stay on my case about keeping my room clean, preparing for the next day, or remembering to take everything to school and if being on time was required, well, let’s just say, there was going to be a real struggle. Today, I often refer to myself as a Recovering Messy, because just as someone can overcome addiction, I pursue recovery from living a disorganized life. It takes a great deal of effort and commitment, learning the steps of how to achieve success, but with the right tools and support, I have created a much more organized life for myself. While it may be far from perfect, I am proud of how far I have come.

So, why would I tell you this, especially given the fact I now own an organizing company? Because, above all, I want to share that there is HOPE! If I can do it, then you can too! How, you

may be asking, does someone go about doing this?

In my personal experience, there must be a good WHY for someone to change something about themselves.

For example, someone who finds out they have lung cancer may quit smoking or someone with diabetes may change their eating habits. It reminds me when my mother would instruct me to clean my room, and if it was because she said so, I was less inclined to do it than if it was for a special occasion or to invite a friend over. My WHY dictated my behavior. Just as we get up everyday to go to work to pay our bills or we don’t speed to avoid a ticket, we must find our WHY to get organized.

What turned my life around was the moment I hit rock bottom. I had volunteered to chaperone my son’s elementary field trip, and when we arrived at school, he was the ONLY child not wearing the green t-shirt. Instead,

he had a brightly colored tie-dye shirt that would certainly stand out in the class photo. Mortified, he begged me to take him home and skip the trip, to which I refused and said we would make the best of it. We went and laughed about it years later, but it was a turning point for me. I realized my chaotic life was not just affecting me, and it was time to make a change.

Turning to how-to books, I learned the tricks of the trade and developed strategies that help me to manage daily life better. Organizing has never been about perfection for me...it is about efficiency, or finding a better way to do something. I discovered the value being organized can add to my life and now, I have assembled a team of people naturally gifted with organizing skills and together, with my understanding of Messies, we are changing the lives of our clients. And we would love to help you, too.

5287 Hwy 280 S Suite 261 Birmingham, AL 35242 | (205) 326-7025 | spacecadetsorg.com

B12 • October 2020

280 Living

FALL HOME AND GARDEN ○ SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Guin Service 205-595-4846 • guinservice.com What’s in a name? It’s how people identify you and how you identify yourself; it’s who you are.

We are Guin Service.

Not Guin Plumbing or Guin Air Conditioning, but Guin Service. The Guin in our name identifies us as a family business — a business that has been in the same family for more than 60 years.

Service identifies what we do; we provide service. We are a service business, and customer service is — and always has been — our number one priority.

When a homeowner or business owner calls Guin Service, they expect us to be able to fix their problem. But what they might not expect is the quality of service we will deliver. We pride ourselves on going the extra mile to provide the best experience possible.

When people call Guin, they are typically having a bad day. Something has likely broken, and more times than not, that item has broken unexpectedly. What we try to do is turn that negative into a positive.

Running a business like ours is a little bit of a Catch 22. Things breaking keeps us in business, but we’re well aware of the fact that our being at someone’s home or business is an inconvenience at the very least. We always try to keep that fact top of mind. We get it — we don’t like to see things break in our own homes either, but it’s inevitable that it will eventually happen.

When the inevitable happens, we hope to be your first call. Our goal is to make lifelong repeat customers, and 90% of our business comes from repeat customers.

We take pride in that number. But not only is the majority of our business repeat business, the majority of our new business comes from referrals. A referral is the

greatest compliment a service business can receive, and we value every referral we get.

With so much competition and information out there today, it’s often difficult to know who to trust when it comes to fixing mechanical issues in your home or business. Whenever I meet with advertisers about a new ad or commercial, I’m always trying to come up with something to show the public that we are

62

2020

Serving the Birmingham community since 1958

a trustworthy business. But how can you portray trust in a print ad or a 30-second commercial? It’s not easy.

When I’m explaining our business offerings to prospective new clients, I always also mention our longevity, our online reviews and our large percentage of repeat business.

Birmingham is still a small town. If Guin was out there taking advantage of

people, the word would have gotten out.

We haven’t stayed in business since 1958 by accident. That isn’t to say we don’t make mistakes; we’re human, too. But when we do make a mistake, we own up to it and always make it right.

So, if that sounds good to you, I hope the next time you are in need of plumbing, air conditioning or generator service, you will give us a chance to earn your business.

At Guin, we feel great pride and responsibility in carrying on the legacy of honesty and hard work that began 62 years ago.

Joseph Braswell,Owner of Guin Service

AIR CONDITIONING • HEATING PLUMBING • GENERATORS • SEWER

205-595-4846 | www.guinservice.com

AL#12175

280Living.com

FALL HOME AND GARDEN ○ SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

October 2020 • B13

The Bluffs at Greystone 205-379-0322 • phoenixsrliving.com The Bluffs at Greystone provides premiere senior living options including independent living, assisted living and memory care in a state-of-the-art community with luxury-style accommodations.

Our mission is to help every resident live life to the fullest. Our community cultivates a sense of purposeful living tailored to each resident’s unique gifts, life experience and interests.

Located at 6328 Farley Lane, The Bluffs at Greystone carefully designs its Live, Love, Learn programs and calendar of events to be deeply rooted in the National Wellness Institute’s Six Dimensions of Wellness: physical, cognitive, social, emotional, spiritual and occupational (for a sense of purpose).

As defined by the National Wellness Institute, “Wellness is an active process through which people become aware

of, and make choices toward, a more successful existence.” By implementing all six dimensions of wellness in everyday living, The Bluffs at Greystone can better help residents build a holistic sense of wellness and fulfillment.

Offering a choice of apartments, with various size options, residents enjoy the privacy of individual homes and the convenient support of a dedicated staff that is committed to serving others. Our team of professionals fully understands and caters to each resident’s unique physical, social and emotional preferences through personalized service.

Located in the scenic Greystone community, the Phoenix Senior Living community is just minutes away from Grandview Medical Center, Brookwood freestanding ER, Lee Branch shopping center and popular restaurants.

And that’s just the beginning. Indoors you’ll find everything you could want for an active, well-balanced life. This includes an indoor heated pool, bistro, pub, fitness center, yoga studio, library, theatre, full-service salon, massage/spa outside are walking trails, pickleball court and a bocce ball court.

As for an evening in, residents can venture independently, as a couple or with a large party to savor gourmet dining. The Bluffs at Greystone makes the most of breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Choice meats, fresh seasonings and nutritious garden vegetables are served with culinary precision at The Bluffs at Greystone. The restaurant-style dining in a setting that promotes social wellness includes a chef who accommodates modified or restricted meal plans for dietary needs. Deliciously wholesome meals and on-trend table settings create a grand

culinary treat from morning until night.

Afterward, residents can take in a movie at the theatre, followed by a stop at the pub for a night cap. There’s always something to do.

With so many activities at arm’s reach, it’s no wonder.

There are plenty of opportunities for bridge games, poker games and literary events. A spacious outdoor grilling area features a beautiful flagstone design with a gorgeous fireplace, setting off the space for cozy fall evenings.

Have grandchildren? There’s even a designated playground for them, too.

One visit to The Bluffs at Greystone will reveal just how much its team of professionals understand that the most basic human desire is to be loved. Staff members go beyond what is considered ordinary, offering extraordinary personal care.

B14 • October 2020

FALL HOME AND GARDEN ○ SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

280 Living

Door Restore 205-492-5866 • door-restore.business.site An entry door is a great feature and can make a first impression when it comes to your home’s curb appeal.

However, years of exposure to sunlight, rain and frost can cause significant damage and leave signs of wear on wood doors and iron doors.

Door Restore has been restoring doors since 2004, offering maintenance and restoration to clients in the Birmingham area.

“We only work on doors; it’s our specialty,” owner Van Etheridge said. “We never take your door away to refinish it, keeping your home secure.”

Etheridge likes working with his hands. Majoring in art, Etheridge took his talents painting murals and specialized in wall finishes while restoring iron and wooden doors.

“When the economy crashed in 2008, I went to work selling pharmaceuticals,” Etheridge said. “I was still restoring iron doors part-time on the weekends for a prominent builder. When the pharmaceutical company sold and laid off the sales team, I started back working with my hands and started Door Restore.”

Door Restore offers a maintenance program that will keep your door looking its best for years while saving you money.

Jan Collier & Jenny Headley - ARC Realty 205-969-8910 • janandjennyrealtygroup.com

“Wood doors weather quickly and need top coating every one to two years, depending on exposure to sun and rain,” Etheridge said. “This is why when you use Door Restore, we choose a maintenance program for our clients that provides maintenance once a year including a top coat to save the home owner money in the future.

“Iron doors have a special oil rubbed bronze finish or other metal hues in them,” Etheridge said. “We are able to restore your door to the original finish.”

Don’t replace your door...

Restore it.

Door Restore can expertly restore your door on-site without removing it, keeping your home secure.

FREE ESTIMATES • 205-492-5865 door-restore.business.site

Jan Collier and Jenny Headley of ARC Realty bring a combined experience of more than 40 years and work to build relationships with their clients to better understand their specific needs.

“We value our clients as close friends and family and try to make them feel that connection with each transaction,” they said. “Our relationships don’t end at the closing table. We remain available and in contact with our clients as much as possible to make the entire buying or selling process a positive one.”

Jan and Jenny offer ample real estate expertise, including pairing their clients with trusted lenders and contractors and helping them prepare their homes to make the most of their sale.

“It is a great time to sell and buy,” they

said. “We are at a record-low inventory, so demand is high. We are also seeing record-low interest rates under 3%.”

The homes that are selling the quickest and for the highest prices have been wellprepped, so they advise to check with a trusted Realtor to advise you on the most profitable work to get your home ready to put on the market.

Jan and Jenny pride themselves on being honest and trustworthy, while also providing their clients with a transaction that is as smooth and stress-free as possible.

“At the end of a transaction, we love knowing our clients are truly happy where they’ve landed and that the whole experience, from pre-approval to moving in or out, has been a joy for them,” they said.

280Living.com

FALL HOME AND GARDEN ○ SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Ace Hardware – Dunnavant Valley

October 2020 • B15

Classic Iron Works 205-322-6868 • classicironworks.com

205-980-7221 • acehardware.com The key to the team at Ace Hardware’s success? Living out their mission statement every single day: to be helpful and provide amazing customer service while also being a blessing to their community and their team.

And that is why homeowners have come to depend on the quality service and products offered at the store, which prides itself on carrying the best brands in the business, like Stihl, Weber, Big Green Egg, Yeti, Milwaukee Tools and Benjamin Moore Paints, just to name a few. And, beyond just being a hardware store, said owner David Majure, Ace Hardware is a lifestyle store, constantly offering friendly and helpful assistance to customers every day in the form of expert advice on home preservation and projects.

“Not a day goes by that we don’t assist a homeowner with a solution about a project that they have,” he said. “Many times, our experts will help them save time and money by the advice we give, and we assist our customers by giving expert advice on how to best accomplish their specific projects at their home or business as related to preservation, lawn, paint, plumbing, electrical and outdoor.”

Majure, who has worked in retail his entire career, makes sure to employ only the best to help carry out Ace Hardware’s mission statement, which is the backbone of their business.

“I hire helpful people that have work and life experiences that will be useful in solving others’ problems,” he said.

The best brands right in your neighborhood.

FULL SERVICE STIHL SHOP The All New

Dunnavant Valley Ace Hardware

300 Carlow Ln Ste 108, Birmingham, AL 35242 (205) 980-7221 Open 7 Days a Week

Interested in getting some stylish and elegant entry doors — like castle-entry or ornamental security doors — for your home? Or maybe you need a new fence or some iron rails for your front porch?

Whatever you need, Classic Iron Works has got you covered.

“Our castle-entry iron doors are a high-demand item in the fall, when many people are looking to spruce up the exterior of their homes,” said Jeff Boyd, the company’s owner. “The front door makes the first impression to guests invited to a person’s home or office, and our castle-entry doors help make the best one possible.”

Classic Iron Works will come to your

home at no cost to you and with no obligation. “We then custom-build that product and install it ourselves usually within a few weeks, depending on the product,” Boyd said. “We pride ourselves in our customer service and staying with the project until completed to your satisfaction.”

Grounded in their rich history and looking forward to a bright future ahead, Jeff and the team at Classic Iron Works are here to help you with your home or business property.

Whether you are upgrading your curb appeal or creating a safer environment, Classic Iron Works stands ready to customize the perfect plan for you.

B16 • October 2020

Window Decor & Design 205-437-9575 • blindsandshuttersofbirmingham.com Pam Mitchell, owner of Window Decor & Design, understands the art of window treatment and decoration.

Not only does her work protect her clients’ belongings, but it can also add an extra element of style to a room.

As an interior design specialist, Mitchell’s clients enjoy the benefit of having both an interior design specialist and someone with the knowledge and expertise to provide the best treatment service for their home.

“With fall approaching, it’s a good time to start thinking about treating all those uncovered windows,” Mitchell said.

Although the possibility of sun damage is present year-round, most homes have gotten more sunlight in the recent spring and summer months. She warns that sunlight can not only damage floors and furniture but also painted walls and art.

“There are so many different window treatments that can protect all this and still offer lots of natural light,” she said.

Window Decor & Design provides an extensive variety of motorized blinds, custom shades, shutters, draperies and other window-covering products.

Mitchell is also a Hunter Douglas product

280 Living

FALL HOME AND GARDEN ○ SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Nature One Landscape Design 205-314-5780 • info@NatureOneInc.com

specialist. She can bring the showroom straight to your home and help you choose the best treatment to match your style.

With more than 25 years of experience and a sharp attention to detail, Mitchell can help guide clients about the right window treatment to pull together any space, whether it’s residential or commercial.

And for a limited time, she’s offering a free cordless lift feature on Graber shades (through Oct. 14) and a free hidden tilt upgrade on Graber composite wood shutters (through Oct. 30).

We Bring the

Showroom to you!

FREE measuring and installation service to ensure a perfect fit for your window coverings.

Custom Window Blinds | Shades Shutters | Draperies and More Pam Mitchell, owner 205.437.9575 windowdecorpam@gmail.com blindsandshuttersofbirmingham.com

Since 2000, Nature One Inc. has been a landscape contractor providing highly recommended, reliable and reasonable landscape services to the “Over the Mountain Area” of Mountain Brook, Homewood, Vestavia Hills, Hoover and North Shelby County.

Nature One Inc. carries an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.

We are proud of our reputation as a highquality landscape company, and we would love to work with you.

With customer service and satisfaction at the heart of our business, we continue to grow and build our company.

Our highly qualified team is a makeup skilled professional employees and expert subcontractors that carry the passion and skill set to design, install and maintain custom outdoor living for our clients. No project is too big or too small. We know that we can provide you with the highest level of satisfaction in our work and help to make your outdoor

dreams come true. Kevin Thienpont, owner and licensed landscape designer of Nature One Inc., is always in control of entire project and team.

Our pledge to you: At Nature One Inc., we assure our clients the highest level of service and professionalism. We have an intelligent, professional and respectful staff, strong management and a clean appearance. We promise and deliver reliability.

280Living.com

FALL HOME AND GARDEN ○ SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

October 2020 • B17

Holcombe Doors and Windows 205-991-3667 • holcombedoorandwindow.com

Mold & Mildew Solutions 205-252-9506 • alabamamold.com Though he may not work in the medical field, Lee Ramey, owner of Mold & Mildew Solutions LLC, is in the business of deeply caring about his customers’ health.

Ramey grew up in a sick home, he said, and saw firsthand the consequences that had on his family.

“This was the biggest reason why I chose the career path in helping and educating people in Birmingham to have and keep a healthy home,” he said. “Your body is wonderful at fighting off a lot of attacks, but the cleaner we keep our built environment — our homes — the easier it is for our bodies to keep us healthy.”

Since 1993, Mold & Mildew Solutions has been helping customers with mold inspection, mold remediation, indoor air quality testing, mold sampling, allergen testing, crawlspace cleanup, crawlspace encapsulation, waterproofing and dehumidification, among other services.

And Ramey has earned a nickname, the “Mildude,” that he carries with pride.

“I have been providing restoration and remediation for 35 years,” he said. “Every day I get to come home from work feeling like I have provided value to the customer and helped them to get on the right track to have a healthier and happier home.”

Ramey said he and his team care about the health of their clients and care enough to do the job correctly, following certified protocols and never cutting corners.

“We want to be known and remembered as your trusted adviser for water, mold, crawlspaces and indoor air quality services,” Ramey said. “You may not need us right now, but one day you might. We want to ensure you know that we care about the health of your home and your family. When we come out, we are not trying to sell you something, we are trying to help you solve issues.”

Van Holcombe started Holcombe Doors and Windows in 1993 after seeing a need for higher quality millwork products from the ones supplied by lumber yards.

Twenty-seven years later, the company is still going strong in the Birmingham area, offering new windows and doors to make homes more efficient.

The business offers millwork products, including doors, windows and trim, Accounts Officer Tammy Holcombe said.

“We will replace old windows and doors to change the appearance of your home or business and also increase the efficiency of your place,” Holcombe said.

Anyone who wants to improve the look and quality of their home or business this fall can look to Holcombe, which offers three different window lines so there are numerous designs, prices, sizes, colors and materials they can supply, Holcombe said. “We also install our product if the customer is looking for that service,” Holcombe said.

Replacing doors and windows can have a major impact in the home or in an office, Holcombe said, adding their company prides itself on replacing older windows

and doors to a more modern style that “completely changes” the look of the home or business.

The business also prides itself on service and quality, Holcombe said. “If you do not offer both to your customers, then you will never see them again,” she said.

Holcombe recently opened a new showroom in Chelsea and would like customers to come and visit to see all of the products they carry, Holcombe said.

We know you have been home looking out the same old windows and doors.

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205.991.3667 HolcombeDoorandWindow.com

HOLCOMBE

Doors • Windows • Millwork

B18 • October 2020

280 Living

280

Real Estate Listings MLS #

Zip

895344

35242

895278

Addresses

Status

Price

2006 Watermill Lane

New

$759,900

35242

5249 Sunny Meadows Drive

New

$310,000

895373

35242

4980 Heather Point

New

$599,900

895247

35242

3309 Birdsong Way

New

$349,900

895190

35242

139 Salisbury Lane

New

$424,900

895084

35242

830 Bishops Court

New

$675,000

895010

35242

4693 Jackson Loop

New

$479,000

894900

35242

8216 Castlehill Road

New

$699,900

894831

35242

5050 Eagle Crest Road

New

$444,900

894781

35242

5156 Colonial Park Road

New

$350,000

894769

35242

17 Nevinshire Place

New

$354,900

894761

35242

3129 Woodbridge Drive

New

$330,000

895186

35242

2909 Berkeley Drive

New

$449,900

894690

35242

1012 Lake Heather Road

New

$899,900

894691

35242

624 Highland Lakes Cove

New

$609,900

895143

35043

3040 Chelsea Park Ridge

New

$265,000

894966

35043

1037 Edgewater Lane

New

$319,900

894792

35043

167 Chesser Loop Road

New

$259,900

894455

35043

1077 Fairbank Lane

New

$178,900

894565

35043

412 Fawn Drive

New

$315,000

2006 Watermill Lane

2909 Berkeley Drive

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

Visit birminghamrealtors.com.

W

NE

509 Sheffield Way MLS # 875071

3616 Shandwick Place MLS # 876196

R DE ACT UN TR N CO

R DE ACT N R U T AY N D COIN 1

26 Squires Glen Lane MLS # 885289

2006 Watermill Lane MLS # 895344

W NE

1130 Springhill Lane MLS # 895439

275 Star Trek Drive MLS # 891849

1008 Locksley Circle MLS # 891253

W NE

4328 Ashington Drive MLS # 884977

624 Highland Lakes Cove MLS # 894691

LD

SO

1500 Highland Lakes Trail MLS # 885159 R DE ACT UN TR AYS N CON 3 D I

4038 Grove Park Circle MLS # 894044 R DE ACT UN TR AY N D COIN 1

294 Highland Park Drive MLS # 893976

The difference is in the details and we make the difference.

Carla Diliberto Terry Crutchfield Erin Metzger 205-983-0525 205-873-3205 205-229-1290

Courtney Turner 205-260-5929

Southern Homes

280Living.com

October 2020 • B19

Calendar 280 Area Events

Oct. 11: Southeastern Outings Second Sunday Dayhike in Oak Mountain State Park. 1:45 p.m. Moderate 4-mile walk in the woodlands. Well-behaved, properly supervised children ages 8 and older able to walk the distance

of about 4 miles without complaining and complete the hike are welcome. Meet at 1:45 p.m. in the Oak Mountain Park office parking lot. Park admission $5 per person, $2 seniors. For information, contact Randall Adkins at 205-317-6969.

Oct. 24: Meadow Brook Homeowners Association Annual Garage/Yard Sale.

7 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information about signing up or showing up, please visit mbho.org.

North Shelby Library FAMILY/ALL AGES PROGRAMMING Through Nov. 30: Armchair Adventures Reading Challenge. Readers of all ages are invited to participate in our fall reading challenge.

Register at https://shelbycounty.beanstack.org/ reader365 to earn chances to win monthly prizes.

Teens and adults will log books, and children will log minutes.

Through Nov. 30: Autumn Family Geocaching Scavenger Hunt. Search for trees commonly found locally in Alabama while learning to recognize their many different color changing leaves. Use a Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) along with pictures and written clues to find leaves at a local outdoor location. Registered teams of one to six family members with adult supervision required. All ages. Registration required.

Oct. 1-30: Pumpkin Photo Contest.

Submit a photo of your decorated pumpkin in one of two ways: email it to nschildrenslibrarian@ shelbycounty-al.org with the subject title “NSL Pumpkin Photo” or message it to North Shelby Library for a chance to win a gift card prize! A gallery of the entries will be posted on our website. Submit as a family or individual. All ages are eligible to win.

Oct. 6: Digital Family Breakout. 6 p.m.

Family Breakout is back. Follow the clues and solve the puzzles before the time runs out! Registration required.

Oct. 22: Family Trivia – “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” 6 p.m. Test your

knowledge of the popular Disney movie. Participants will have from 6 p.m. Thursday until noon Friday. to compete. First place wins a prize. Registration required.

CHILDREN’S PROGRAMMING All month: Activity Bundles. Available for checkout through our curbside service. Each Activity Bundle comes with a themed picture book to check out and a free Activity Bundle to keep with eight fun worksheets to promote literacy skills for children in preschool, kindergarten and first grade. Email nscurbside@shelbycounty-al.org to request a bundle for check out. Themes change each month.

Tuesdays: Weekly Craft Kits-to-Go. 10 a.m. A new craft kit is available each Tuesday for pick up through our curbside service. While supplies last. Registration required.

Oct. 6 and 20: Bi-monthly STEM Kit-toGo. 10 a.m. STEM kit available for pick up through curbside service. Registration required.

in the kit and/or what you have at home, make your own puppet creation. Registration required.

Oct. 21: K-5th Homeschool Hangout.

1 p.m. Virtual homeschool hangout. Registration required.

Oct. 21: K-5th Homeschool Art Club.

2:30 p.m. Join Ms. Kaitlyn for an hour of creativity.

Registration required.

Oct. 26: Virtual Class – Chalk Art with Ms. Kristy. 11 a.m. Registrants will pick up a take-home supply kit in advance through curbside service. Ages 5-8 recommended, but all ages welcome. Registration required.

STORYTIME PROGRAMMING Oct. 15: Virtual Family Storytime. 10:30 a.m. Subscribe to the library’s YouTube channel to see the next storytime or view previous ones. All ages. No registration.

TEEN PROGRAMMING

Wednesdays: Weekly Craft Kits-toGo. 4 p.m. Join other sixth through 12th graders on the library’s Minecraft Realm. Registration required.

Oct. 8: Baby Yoda Watercolor. 6 p.m.

Register to receive your supplies. Include your email so you can receive the Zoom invitation. Registration required.

Oct. 12: 3D Printing Class. 5 p.m. Sixth through 12th graders can join an online class to create a 3D project the library will print for you.

Registration required.

Oct. 19: Dungeons and Dragons. 6 p.m.

A local Dungeons and Dragons player will run a short campaign leading to the formation of a monthly D&D group. Registration required.

Oct. 21: Teen Homeschool Hangout.

1 p.m. Virtual homeschool hangout via Zoom. Registration required.

Oct. 21: Teen Homeschool Art Club.

2:30 p.m. Join Ms. Kaitlyn for an hour of creativity.

Registration required.

Oct. 8: Tween Writing Club with Ms. Emma. 4 p.m. Join YA fantasy author Emma Fox for a new virtual writing club just for tweens. This month, the focus will be on creating believable “Heroes.” Registrants will receive a link to the Zoom meeting. Registration required. Ages 8-12.

Oct. 1-30: The Candy Bracket. Help the YA department determine which candy is the best.

Vote for your favorites and try to guess what will win. Registration required.

Oct. 27: Teen Trivia. 4 p.m. Test your knowledge of scary books and movies against other teens. Top scorer wins a local business gift card. Games will be played via Kahoot. Registration required.

Oct. 13: Puppet Play – FrankenPuppets. 2 p.m. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and watch a short puppet craft video with Ms. Vanessa. Then, using the random items you’ve got

Oct. 1: Jackbox Online Gaming. 6 p.m.

Play party games with other sixth through 12th graders online. See the game choices and register at northshelbylibrary.evanced.info/signup/calendar.

Oct. 29: Teen Hangout. 6 p.m. Connect with other teens via Zoom to talk about whatever you want. This month’s suggested topic: anything Halloween/scary. Registration required.

Mt Laurel Library ALL AGES Through Nov. 30: Armchair Adventures Reading Challenge. Readers of all ages are invited to participate in our fall reading challenge.

Register at https://shelbycounty.beanstack.org/ reader365 to earn chances to win monthly prizes.

Teens and adults will log books and children will log minutes.

Oct. 1-30: Book in a Jar. Stop by the library to see if you can guess which deconstructed book is in the jar. Enter your guess on our online calendar.

Three participants will be chosen to win a Books-aMillion gift card.

Oct. 26: Halloween Kahoot. 4 p.m. There will be historical questions, book questions, candy questions — anything relating to Halloween. The

winner will receive a gift card prize. Registration required. This is not a live event.

CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS Oct. 7: Fall Tree Painting Kit. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Register to pick up a fall tree painting kit that uses a fun new painting technique. Registration required.

Oct. 10: Crafty Saturday. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Stop by to pick up a cute pumpkin craft at the library.

Oct. 13: Puppet Play – FrankenPuppets. 2 p.m. Subscribe to the library’s YouTube channel and watch a short how-to-craft video with Ms. Vanessa. Registration required.

Oct. 15: Virtual Family Storytime. 10:30 a.m. Subscribe to the library’s YouTube channel to see the next storytime or view previous ones. All ages. No registration.

Oct. 31: Trick-or-Treat at the Library.

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Drop by the library for some Halloween treats.

TWEEN PROGRAM (8-12 years old) Oct. 5: Tween Washi Tape Bookmark.

4 p.m. Tweens will pick up a bookmark kit at the library to make a washi tape bookmark. Registration required.

Oct. 15: Tween Pumpkin Painting. 4 p.m.

Tweens will pick up a pumpkin painting kit at the library. Paint and decorate, then bring your pumpkin to the library to join the parade of pumpkins for Halloween. Registration required.

ADULT PROGRAMS Oct. 1: Mt Laurel Book Club. 7 p.m.

The Book Club will meet over Zoom to discuss “The Dutch House” by Ann Patchett. Registration required.

Oct. 22: History of Sloss Furnaces. 7 p.m. Join Ty Malugani, Sloss Furnaces education coordinator, for a virtual discussion on Sloss’s history and importance to Birmingham, the South and the United States. Registration required.

Love where you live!

NOW AVAILABLE!

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TheHighlandsCommunity.com

PUBLIC NOTICE

Shelby County will be constructing a new County Services building in 2020 and demolishing the existing facility located at 19220 Highway 280, Birmingham, AL 35242. The existing facility adjacent to the 1996 Soccer Fields off US Highway 280 and County Road 41 served as a voting center for residents living in Precinct 10. Voting for the November 3, 2020 Election will be held at the same location but in a temporary facility. Voters in Precinct 10 should come to the same location to vote as they have voted in previous elections.

ONE WAY

ON

EW AY

ONE W AY

Below is a map that depicts how Precinct 10 voters should access the temporary voting structure located at the same voting location as previous elections.

AY ONE W

AY EW

ON

SECTION

C

Sports C4 Metro Roundup C12

bedzzzexpress.com

OCTOBER 2020

Teams wrap up regular season play in October Chelsea’s Donovan Bivens (6) and a member of the Chelsea coaching staff celebrate during an Aug. 21 game against Oak Mountain at Heardmont Park. Chelsea plays four region games before wrapping up the regular season this month. Photo by Todd Lester.

By KYLE PARMLEY With the way the calendar sets up this season, five of the 11 weeks of the high school football regular season fall in the month of October.

Briarwood, Chelsea, Oak Mountain and Spain Park will wrap up region play and the regular season this month, with each program hopeful to make a playoff push in November.

Briarwood plays its final four games in October, beginning with a trip to Shades Valley on Oct. 2. The two Birmingham-area schools have never faced one another on the football field but are now foes in Class 6A, Region 5.

The Lions host Mountain Brook on Oct. 9 in another region matchup made possible by Briarwood’s ascension and Mountain Brook’s moving down a classification this year. The two schools met twice in the 1990s, splitting the pair of games.

After taking an open week, Briarwood returns to action Oct. 23 at Homewood to conclude region action. Homewood has taken the last four games in the series and has defeated Briarwood in 10 of 14 previous meetings.

Briarwood hosts Corner on Oct. 30 to finish off the regular season. The teams last met in 2016 in a first-round playoff game that the Lions won easily. Briarwood has won six of the seven meetings between the two schools.

Chelsea plays four region games before wrapping up the regular season. All four of them come against teams the program has never played before. On Oct. 2, the Hornets will host Woodlawn in a Region 5 matchup. The following Thursday, Chelsea hosts Huffman for the first time. The Hornets then travel to Shades Valley on Oct. 16 to play the Mounties, before heading to Mountain Brook on Oct. 23 to finish up region play.

Chelsea hosts Calera on Oct. 30 to wrap up

the regular season. Chelsea has won eight of the last nine games between the two teams, but Calera still holds a 20-11-1 edge in the series.

In the month, Oak Mountain also plays four region foes and a non-region one to conclude the regular season. The Eagles host Spain Park on Oct. 2 in a Class 7A, Region 3 showdown.

Spain Park has held the upper hand in the rivalry in recent years, winning 12 of the last 14 meetings.

On Oct. 9, the Eagles head to Tuscaloosa County, a team they beat 53-32 last fall. Oak Mountain has won four of the six previous meetings between the schools. The Eagles

host defending state champion Thompson the following Friday. The Warriors have taken the last three games in the series, but the Eagles still hold a 9-7 edge all-time.

Oak Mountain finishes up region play Oct. 23 with a trip to Hewitt-Trussville. The Huskies have scored at least 50 points the last three times the teams have met and Hewitt-Trussville holds a 5-3 edge in the series. The Eagles wrap up the regular season the next Thursday, Oct. 29, at Clay-Chalkville.

Spain Park is in the same boat as Oak Mountain, with five games in the month, four of them within the region. After the Jags’ game at Oak

Mountain, they host city rival Hoover on Oct. 9.

Spain Park has not defeated Hoover since 2015, when the Jags notched their only two victories over the Bucs in 19 meetings.

The Jags then host Vestavia Hills on Oct. 16.

After winning four straight over the Rebels, Vestavia has taken the last two meetings between the region foes. On Oct. 23, Spain Park wraps up region play with a trip to Tuscaloosa County, where the Jags suffered a disappointing defeat last fall.

Spain Park finishes regular season play on Oct. 29 at Hueytown. The Jags have defeated the Golden Gophers all four times they have played.

C2 • October 2020

280 Living

Your Health Today Written by Dr. Palmer

Up until recently, most of the focus for safeguarding us from COVID-19 has been on the neutralizing of antibody proteins created by our immune system in response to an attack by the virus.

Infectious-disease researcher Daniel Altmann, PhD, and a professor of immunology at London’s Imperial College, explains “Antibodies are produced by B cells, one of two types of protective lymphocytes among the white blood cells.

B cells work by making antibodies, the soluble molecules that bind and mop up pathogens before they can gain entry and do damage”. Antibodies work quickly, plus they’re measurable with a simple blood test, however, a wealth of new studies are identifying the T cells within our immune system, may be the actual heroes. “T cells perform two key roles,” Professor Altmann explains, “helping activation of B cells (which produce antibodies) and killing any cells that have become infected to eliminate infection”.

He continues to explain, “there are several types of T cells working together like a microscopic emergency-response team within your body: So-called helper T cells (technically known as CD4+ T cells) seek out infecting antigens and work like 911 dispatchers who direct the killer T cells (CD8+ T cells) to do the

dirty work of ridding your body of unwanted invaders”. This occurs naturally as part of our immune system response to invaders.

Recently, a very small yet promising study was performed and released in June 2020 and published in the journal Cell. It examined how T cells respond to COVID-19. The study involved 40 people, half infected with COVID-19 and half uninfected. The scientists tested T cells in all 40 people. Those who had survived mild-to-moderate infections of the virus and in those who were uninfected. The results were startling according to the researchers. 90% of the survivors showed coronavirus antibodies, 70% displayed COVID-19-specific helper T cells and 100% had similar killer T cells. “We found that they developed a robust immune response including T cells,” explains study leader Alessandro Sette, Dr. Biol.Sci., and professor at La Jolla Institute for Immunology’s Infectious Disease and Vaccine Center.

“This finding is important because at the time there was some uncertainty whether the immune system can mount a substantial and lasting immune response and our study laid that fear to rest.” This is good however, he goes on to state, “the real surprise is half of the unex-

T cells, COVID and Immune System

posed people were also found to have COVID-19-specific T cells protecting them” The stunning component is “these control-group blood samples had been collected between 2015 and 2018, well before COVID-19 even appeared on the world stage”. Hmmm Other new research is corroborating the T-cell findings, including a similar Oxford University study still under peer review. And research published in Cell in August 2020 from Sweden’s Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital found that people with mild and even asymptomatic COVID-19 had developed the defensive T cells, even if they didn’t test positive for antibodies. The good news and side effect of these research efforts is that thanks to T cells, public immunity to COVID-19 may be higher than antibody tests suggest. Much higher, says study coauthor Hans-Gustaf Ljunggren, MD, PhD, professor at Karolinska’s Center for Infectious Medicine. “Our results indicate that public immunity to COVID-19 is probably significantly higher than antibody tests have suggested. If this is the case, it is of course very good news from a public-health perspective.”

As this new research is demon-

strating yet again, the body’s immune system relies on more than one defense.

In addition to both B-cell–produced antibodies and T cells that help protect us, our immune system needs to be strong and healthy. As Columbia University immunologist Donna Farber, PhD, explains, “the different parts of our immune system works together”. Proper nutrition and diet, sleep and rest, and managing our daily stressors, positions us and our immune system to win. Not just against the COVID virus but against any sickness invader attempting to affect our state of health because “once the acute response (when the immune system fights off the immediate threat) has finished, both the B cells and T cells sink back into memory (mode),” explains Professor Altmann. “And it is in this state where they’re more ready to act more quickly and potently next time.”

Safeguard your health and immune system as you would your child. Develop the lifestyle that positions you and your family for success! We are here to help on the journey. Resources include: Target of T cells, cell.com June 2020, Wikipedia Immune System, Experience Life, T cell immunity.

Need a Home Makeover for the Holidays?

Avoid disappointment. Start now!

Schedule a free consultation Highlanddesignbuild.com 205.968.6000

280Living.com

October 2020 • C3

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*Some promotions may be limited to select sets. Not responsible for errors in ad copy. Quantities and selections may vary by location. Mattress images are for illustration purposes only. Gifts with purchase (including gift cards and rebates) are not valid with any other promotions except special financing for 6 or 12 months. 0% for 60 months available with purchases of $1999 or over and does not include sales tax. **Monthly payment is based on purchase price alone excluding tax and delivery charges. Credit purchases subject to credit approval. Other transactions may affect the monthly payment. ***The Nationwide Marketing Group credit card is issued by Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. Special terms apply to qualifying purchases charged with approved credit. The special terms APR will continue to apply until all qualifying purchases are paid in full. The monthly payment for this purchase will be the amount that will pay for the purchase in full in equal payments during the promotional (special terms) period. The APR for Purchases will apply to certain fees such as a late payment fee or if you use the card for other transactions. For new accounts, the APR for Purchases is 28.99%. If you are charged interest in any billing cycle, the minimum interest charge will be $1.00. This information is accurate as of 9/27/2020 and is subject to change. For current information, call us at 1-800-431-5921. Offer expires 10/12/2020.

C4 • October 2020

280 Living

Sports

PREP FOOTBALL HIGHLIGHTS

High school football along the U.S. 280 corridor is in full swing, with Briarwood, Chelsea, Oak Mountain and Spain Park’s 2020 seasons underway. As of press time, four weeks into the regular season, some teams have impressed, while others have been up and down in the early portion of the schedule. Here are some highlights and other standout performances from the first few weeks of the action. Photos by Erin Nelson, Todd Lester, James Nicholas and Todd Kwarcinski.

Left: Oak Mountain wide receiver Noah Young (2) is a bigbodied target for the Eagles’ offense. The Eagles do not throw the ball much, but when they do, Young is often the target.

He caught two touchdown passes in a 28-21 win over Pelham on Aug. 28 and scored another the following week against Gadsden City. Below left: Wide receiver Adam Reaves (9) does a little bit of everything for the Chelsea offense.

He has the ability to take snaps, run the ball and catch the ball from his receiver position.

He showed off his versatility in the Hornets’ 27-23 win over Helena on Aug. 28, as he rushed for 34 yards on seven carries and caught five passes for 53 yards. Below right: In a dominant 43-0 win over Woodlawn, Briarwood’s Haddon Stubbs (21) returned an interception for a touchdown.

Judah Tait (33) has led Oak Mountain’s stable of running backs in the first few weeks of the 2020 season. Tait’s best game to date was a 38-23 win over Gadsden City on Sept. 4, when Tait toted the ball 32 times, gaining 160 yards and scoring two touchdowns.

Spain Park quarterback Bennett Meredith (3) has stepped into the starting role for the Jags and excelled. He was outstanding in his first start, a 52-21 win over Huntsville on Aug. 20, completing 15-of-20 passes for 391 yards and four touchdowns.

280Living.com

October 2020 • C5

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C6 • October 2020

280 Living

PREP FOOTBALL HIGHLIGHTS

Above: Building off an impressive freshman campaign, Briarwood quarterback Christopher Vizzina (17) has shown no signs of a sophomore slump. Vizzina has played well overall, including a performance against Spain Park in which he completed 21-of31 passes for 170 yards. Right: Spain Park running back Justin Pegues (5) has been a factor out of the backfield for the Jags so far this fall. He ran for 119 yards and two touchdowns in the opener at Huntsville and scored twice more in a 21-14 win over Briarwood on Aug. 28, while accumulating 97 rushing yards.

Chelsea running back Collier Blair (1) is in his fourth year as the Hornets’ starting running back and continues to be a steadying force for the team’s offense. In Chelsea’s win over Helena, Blair was a workhorse. He rushed for 158 yards and two touchdowns on 38 carries.

Oak Mountain quarterback Evan Smith (9) continues to come into his own, as he is now in his third year as the Eagles’ starting quarterback. He’s already had multiple impressive games to begin the season, but perhaps none more than scoring the game-tying and game-winning touchdowns in the final 2:13 to lift Oak Mountain past Vestavia Hills on Sept. 11. He finished that game with 140 rushing yards and three touchdowns.

Oak Mountain defensive back Hogan Morton (20) has provided stability not only in the Eagles’ defensive backfield, but also the kicking game. Morton kicked a pair of field goals and two extra-points in the Oak Mountain win over Chelsea on Aug. 21.

Left: Briarwood wide receiver Brooks Donnelly (2) has returned from an injury that sidelined him last season and has produced at a high level.

In the Lions’ loss at Spain Park, he caught nine passes for 93 yards. The following week against Chelsea, Donnelly caught a 13-yard touchdown pass. Below left: Briarwood’s Tyler Waugh (30) is an allstate linebacker, but he has also made a name for himself on the offensive side of the ball over the last two seasons.

Through the first three games of the season, Waugh had already scored five rushing touchdowns.

280Living.com

October 2020 • C7

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C8 • October 2020

280 Living

Chelsea High unveils new weight training facility

By KYLE PARMLEY When student-athletes were allowed to return to Chelsea High School in June, there was a new facility on campus ready for them.

School was shut down in midMarch due to COVID-19, and by the time athletes were allowed to return in a limited capacity, Chelsea’s new weight room and training facility had been completed and was open for use.

“It’s been a long time coming,” Chelsea athletic director and baseball coach Michael Stallings said. “This is a project that we’ve been trying to get through for a while now.”

For about a decade, Chelsea’s weight room was located in a cramped space above the bottom section of bleachers in the gymnasium. The space was less than ideal and began to create concerns about the gym’s infrastructure due to the wear and tear of weights in use above ground level.

Now, the school possesses a stateof-the-art facility. Inside, there is brand new weight equipment, a turf area for speed and agility training and offices for the athletic director and football coach.

“Going from what we had, we more than doubled the size of our weight room and our equipment,” Stallings said. “Now, we can work out more kids and be more efficient with our workouts.”

The opening of the facility came at a perfect time for the school, given the new guidelines brought upon by the pandemic. The new facility has allowed more room for athletes to spread out while training and allowed the top section of bleachers to be

The Chelsea Hornets’ new weight room at the high school campus, seen Aug. 27. Photo by Erin Nelson.

used in an effort to space spectators out for volleyball matches and basketball games in the winter.

Stallings thanked the city of Chelsea for making the project possible.

“Mayor [Tony] Picklesimer and the [Chelsea] City Council have been a huge part of us being able to see this process through,” Stallings said.

“They’ve supported us from the start.

The weight equipment, the floor, that was paid for by the city of Chelsea.”

Not only is the equipment and space new, but the walls feature photography highlighting every athletic program at Chelsea. Brent Walker of Cre8ive Graphics produced the graphics wrap that shows many of

the great moments in recent Chelsea sports history. The plan is to update the wall every few years to keep it relevant.

In the summer, videos made the rounds on social media as Chelsea athletes saw the facility for the first time. Stallings hopes the facility and the excitement generated by it

will allow Chelsea athletics to take another positive step.

“The weight room is going to be a game-changer for all of our athletic programs,” Stallings said. “Our kids are excited about the space.

I’m looking forward to seeing how that impacts the development of our student-athletes.”

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280Living.com

October 2020 • C9

The Chelsea Hornets meet in a huddle during a match against the Hoover Buccaneers on Aug. 27 at Chelsea High School.

Above: Chelsea’s Hope Wright (1) serves in a match against Hoover. Below left: Chelsea’s Amaya Rudolph (7) spikes the ball. Below right: Landi Rutledge (3) sends the ball over the net.

Chelsea Hornets off to another strong start

By KYLE PARMLEY Coming off a state tournament appearance in 2019, the Chelsea High School volleyball team is looking for another strong season. Featuring a mix of experienced players and new faces, the Hornets got off to a strong start once again. Through the first two weeks of September, Chelsea held an 18-3 record, including a dominant run to win the Corner Clash on Sept. 5.

Photos by Erin Nelson

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C10 • October 2020

280 Living

Varsity Sports Calendar Oct. 14-17: Area Tournament.

TBD.

FOOTBALL

Oct. 23: @ Hewitt-Trussville. 7 p.m.

BRIARWOOD

Oct. 29: @ Clay-Chalkville. 7 p.m.

Oct. 2: @ Shades Valley. 7 p.m.

SPAIN PARK

Oct. 9: vs. Mountain Brook. 7 p.m.

Oct. 2: @ Oak Mountain. 7 p.m.

Oct. 23: @ Homewood. 7 p.m.

Oct. 9: vs. Hoover. 7 p.m.

Oct. 30: vs. Corner. 7 p.m.

Oct. 16: vs. Vestavia Hills. 7 p.m.

CHELSEA

Oct. 23: @ Tuscaloosa Co. 7 p.m.

Oct. 2: vs. Woodlawn. 7 p.m.

Oct. 29: @ Hueytown. 7 p.m.

Oct. 8: vs. Huffman. 7 p.m.

VOLLEYBALL

Oct. 16: @ Shades Valley. 7 p.m.

BRIARWOOD

Oct. 8: @ Homewood. 6 p.m.

Oct. 23: @ Mountain Brook.

7 p.m.

Oct. 1: vs. Pelham, Shades Valley. 5 p.m.

Oct. 10: Athens Tournament.

TBD. Athens High School.

Oct. 30: vs. Calera. 7 p.m.

Oct. 6: vs. Helena, McAdory.

5 p.m.

Oct. 13: vs. Calera, Montevallo. 4 p.m.

Oct. 8: @ Mountain Brook. 5 p.m.

Oct. 15: @ Pell City. TBD.

Oct. 9: @ Tuscaloosa Co. 7 p.m.

Oct. 10: Athens Tournament.

TBD. Athens High School.

Oct. 16-17: Area Tournament.

TBD.

Oct. 16: vs. Thompson. 7 p.m.

Oct. 13: @ Springville. 5 p.m.

Oct. 21-23: Super Regional

OAK MOUNTAIN Oct. 2: vs. Spain Park. 7 p.m.

Oct. 21-23: Super Regional Tournament. TBD.

Tournament. TBD.

Oct. 6: vs. Vestavia Hills. 6 p.m.

Oct. 28-29: State Tournament.

Birmingham CrossPlex.

Oct. 8: @ Hoover. 6 p.m.

OAK MOUNTAIN

Oct. 13: vs. Thompson. 5 p.m.

Oct. 14-17: Area Tournament.

TBD.

Oct. 28-29: State Tournament.

Birmingham CrossPlex.

Oct. 1: @ Tuscaloosa Co. 6 p.m.

CHELSEA

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

Oct. 21-23: Super Regional Tournament. TBD.

Oct. 1: vs. Mortimer Jordan, Hewitt-Trussville. 5 p.m. Mortimer Jordan High School.

Oct. 8: vs. Gardendale, James Clemens. 5:30 p.m. Gardendale High School.

Oct. 28-29: State Tournament.

Birmingham CrossPlex.

Oct. 6: vs. Mountain Brook.

5 p.m.

Oct. 13: vs. John Carroll, Mortimer Jordan. 5 p.m. John Carroll Catholic High School.

I Shop Shelby County T-Shirt Contest

Oct. 14-17: Area Tournament.

TBD. Oct. 21-23: Super Regional Tournament. TBD. Oct. 28-29: State Tournament.

Birmingham CrossPlex.

SPAIN PARK Oct. 3: Jasper Tournament.

TBD. Jasper High School.

CROSS-COUNTRY Oct. 3: Jesse Owens Classic.

Oakville Indian Mounds Park.

Oct. 10: Dew It On the Trails.

Point Mallard.

Oct. 17: Husky Challenge.

Hewitt-Trussville High School.

Oct. 23: Spain Park Classic.

Veterans Park.

Oct. 29: Last Chance Invitational. John R. Esslinger Trail of Champions.

The Market is Changing Do you know your Home Value in this Market?

HOW TO ENTER: Visit www.roguegarments.com and click on the #ShopShelbyCounty tab to purchase a “#ShopShelbyCounty” t-shirt.

Pick up your shirt from the Chamber and snap a pic wearing it!

Peck Barham, Realtor®

Upload your picture to your favorite social media channel and Tag the Chamber on any one of the Chamber’s social media outlets (Facebook, Instagram or Twitter).

We’ll begin selecting a winner every two weeks to receive a $25 gift certificate to their favorite Shelby County business for as long as the contest runs. The more shirts that are sold, the more certificates we’ll award.

We’re all in this together, so, join the contest by buying a shirt (or two!), and once you get them share that photo! $15 from each shirt sold will go directly to support businesses in Shelby County Alabama.

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280Living.com

October 2020 • C11

ASK THE FINANCIAL PROFESSIONALS - ROTH IRA CONVERSIONS IN PANDEMIC TIMES WHAT IS A ROTH IRA? A Roth IRA is a type of savings account that lets an investor invest money for retirement without paying taxes on the money after funding the account. Investors fund their Roth IRAs with after-tax pay, meaning that they pay taxes on the money prior to putting it into the Roth IRA. There is no tax on a Roth IRA as the money in the IRA grows, and, when the investor reaches retirement assuming that they have had a funded Roth IRA account for at least five years, there is also no tax on the IRA when funds are withdrawn.

on the income that you use. You essentially have control over your taxes.

But, the whole thought pattern of “I will only spend a small percentage of what I earned when I was working” has been false in many, many circumstances. Combine this with the growing national debt and there are many professionals in this country that believe that tax rates must increase in the future. In fact, individual tax brackets are scheduled to revert back to the levels that they were at before the Trump Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in 2026.

So, essentially, by nothing legislatively changing, tax brackets are already scheduled to increase.

WHAT IS A ROTH IRA CONVERSION? A Roth IRA Conversion is a reportable movement of assets from a Traditional, SEP, or SIMPLE IRA to a Roth IRA, which is a taxable event.

This can be advantageous for individuals with large Traditional IRA accounts who expect their future tax rates to stay at the same level or grow at the time they plan to start withdrawing from their tax-advantaged account. The owners of Traditional IRAs will be forced to withdraw funds when their Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) start. For those that have not started RMDs yet, their start date will be the year that they turn 72 years old.

WHY IS THIS SO IMPORTANT IN 2020, THE YEAR OF THE PANDEMIC? Assuming our current circumstances continue through the majority of this year, many taxpayers will see two events that are conducive to a Roth IRA Conversion: 1) Lower taxable income and 2) Lower balances in tax qualified accounts like IRAs and 401(k)s. We would enjoy discussing with you why those situations are important when assessing a Roth IRA Conversion.

Please call or email and we can help determine if a conversion is advisable or not.

I THOUGHT THERE WERE LARGE RESTRICTIONS ON THE ABILITY TO FUND A ROTH IRA AND THE AMOUNT THAT YOU COULD PUT IN. IS THIS TRUE? Yes, there are limitations on your ability to contribute to a Roth IRA that depend upon your reportable income and your access to an employer sponsored retirement plan. And, yes, you can only fund a Roth IRA with $6,000 in 2020 ($7,000 if you are 50 or older). But, one of the enticing attributes about a Roth Conversion is that you would have the ability to convert your entire balance. In real practice, we would almost certainly suggest a better strategy consisting of converting a large percentage of your balance over a period of several years.

WHY WOULD I BELIEVE THAT MY TAX RATES WOULD INCREASE IN RETIREMENT WHEN I WILL NOT HAVE EARNED INCOME AT THAT TIME? This is one of the great misnomers in financial planning. One of the advantages of tax planning in retirement is that you will only be taxed

Huntsville Office Birmingham Office (256) 880-0659 (205) 968-3800 600 Boulevard South Suite 302 One Perimeter Park South Suite 318N info@allianceplanning.net

Investment advisory services offered through AE Wealth Management, LLC (AEWM). AEWM and Alliance Wealth Management Group are not affiliated companies. Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. No investment strategy can protect against loss in a period of declining values. Our firm is not affiliated with the US government or any governmental agency. A Roth Conversion is a taxable event and may have several tax related consequences. Our firm does not provide and no statement contained in the guide shall constitute tax or legal advice. All individuals are encouraged to seek the guidance of a qualified tax professional regarding their personal situation. 662753 - 7/20

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Women in Business January 2021

280 Living’s spotlight on Women in Business along the 280 corridor Women in Business is a special advertising section that highlights women from local businesses who are making a difference.

Take this opportunity to highlight the woman (or women) who plays a key role in your business.

Contact Anna Bain at (205) 313-1780 or abain@starnespublishing.com for more information.

Publishes in January 2021

280Living.com

Starnes.Media

C12 • October 2020

280 Living

Metro Roundup HOOVER

2020 Bluff Park Art Show canceled after 56 straight years Adam Peck of Mountain Brook, his sister-inlaw Sarah McCormick and dog Millie browse among the artwork at the 2019 Bluff Park Art Show in Hoover.

Photo by Jon Anderson.

By JON ANDERSON The Bluff Park Art Show, which has been held on the first Saturday in October for 56 straight years, will not take place this year.

The beloved juried art show was scheduled for Oct. 3 but has become yet another event that has had to be canceled due to COVID-19.

Brought to The Bluff Park Art you by our Association strugsister paper: gled with the decision before finally deciding to call this year’s show off, board member and hooversun.com spokeswoman Heather Skaggs said.

“From a historical perspective, this was a really tough decision,” Skaggs said. “We really hated to do it.”

Board members have known for some time that the status of the show was questionable because they were struggling to get enough artists to sign up, Skaggs said.

There normally are 120 to 140 artists in the show in the park by the Bluff Park Community Center, Skaggs said. “We have to have at least 100 to make the show work monetarily,” she said.

Artists, concerned about the spread of COVID19, the health impact for themselves and others, and the question of whether the crowd would be large enough to make it worth their while, were slower to sign up this year. The application deadline was extended twice, from June 15 to June 29 and then to July 15.

Eventually, there were enough artists to make the show work financially, but there still were concerns about conducting the show safely and

whether it could be pulled off with social distancing, Skaggs said.

One big concern was getting the 10,000 or so estimated people who usually attend back and forth between parking areas and the park where the show is held. Normally, school buses are used as shuttles, but people would have to be spaced out more than usual, and buses would have to be sanitized between trips.

MOTHERS NEEDED

Another concern was spacing at the show itself. Normally, booths are lined up right up against each other. Organizers considered moving the show to the Hoover Metropolitan Complex to spread artists out more, but in the end “we all felt the best thing to do for everybody was to call the show off and look at doing other things,” Skaggs said.

The Bluff Park Art Association is considering

having some type of event to display its permanent collection, which includes the winning artwork from each year’s show. Some of it is on display in public buildings such as the Hoover Public Library and schools, but other pieces are in storage, Skaggs said.

No decision has yet been made about an alternative event. For updates, visit the Bluff Park Art Association Facebook page.

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280Living.com

October 2020 • C13

HOMEWOOD

Homewood expands AED program to Lakeshore Trail, officers, schools

By INGRID SCHNADER Thus far in 2020, 18 lives have been saved because someone was able to get there in time with one of Cardiac Solutions’ automated external defibrillators.

As the city of Homewood expands its AED program across the city, one of those lives saved could eventually be you or one of your friends.

As we reported in March, the city replaced all 36 of its AEDs with Cardiac Solutions’ devices and had plans to begin installing them in more public places. The city added three new public AEDs to its collection Aug. 7 when local resident Sid Warren, 16, installed the devices on the Shades Creek Greenway trail for an Eagle Scout project.

Warren grew up biking on the Sid Warren, 16, directs Jake Grill, 12, on how to aim and move the orange spray paint as Grill prepares trail, running with his dad there and hiking there with his family, to make the first coat of paint over a stencil with the letters AED. Warren was working with younger Scouts he said. Now that he’s on the cross in Boy Scout Troop 79 of All Saints Episcopal Church country team with Homewood of Homewood. Photo by Erin Nelson.

High School, he’s on the greenway trail five days a week. He also The trail’s bookends each have enjoys mountain biking and trains one AED installed there, and there on the trail, so he said he uses the Brought to is also an AED in the middle of the trail all year long. you by our trail near the high school entrance.

Warren has been in Boy Scouts sister paper: This means that a pedestrian in an since he was 11. When he started emergency is never more than 0.75 looking for ideas for his Eagle miles away from the nearest AED Scout project, he began talking to thehomewood device.

Xan Glover with the Homewood star.com “It’s an added safety measure Fire Department about placing for the trail and will help in case AEDs on the trail. of emergency, which we hope will “He said that the Homewood Fire Department had been thinking about doing never happen,” Warren said. “They’ll be there that for a while, and he thought he could get a so people can get there faster.”

Seale said that in the event of a cardiac arrest, couple more (AEDs) donated,” Warren said.

“From there, the project really got on its feet, every minute counts.

“As good as the fire and EMS is — and and we worked together to get it approved by they’re good, very good — it’s just hard for the City Council.”

Each station comes with the AED, a camera anyone to be at a scene of an event within three monitoring system and a weatherproof box. The minutes drop-to-shock,” he said. “Every minute camera monitoring system has an indicator light that it takes you to get to someone unresponsive, that alerts the city if any parts of the device are it decreases the chances of survival by 10%.

“If you’re walking on the trail and somedamaged or need updating. This system ensures that a pedestrian in an emergency will never one goes down and is unresponsive, there’s an arrive at a broken or misplaced AED. The total AED that’s going to be close by and clearly cost of donated equipment was about $6,000, identified. They can go ahead and administer therapy since the unit walks them through the said Jon Seale of Cardiac Solutions.

With some younger Boy Scouts, Warren entire process. … There is a lot of what I call installed three AEDs over the 2.6-mile green- ‘first responding’ that we can do as individuals way trail. They also marked the trail with orange instead of putting all of the responsibility on spray-painted letters to help pedestrians locate the fire and EMS.” Up next for the city of Homewood, Cardiac AEDs. The installation took two days to complete, and Warren said the process was exciting.

Solutions is working with the police department “Especially on that last one, I was just like, and the schools to install 80 new AED devices.

‘Yes! We got this done,’” he said. “It was awe- There will be 60 new devices total across the some to see from all the emails, phone calls and Homewood Police Department patrol cars, and presentations to getting it actually installed and there will be 20 new AEDs total installed across accessible to all the people on the trail.” all of Homewood’s public schools.

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C14 • October 2020

280 Living

VESTAVIA HILLS

Turn, twist, fold and button Fidget mats help those with Alzheimer’s, dementia and other cognitive issues

By NEAL EMBRY

What started as an attempt to make 30 mats For the past two years, for people in Sacred volunteers with Vestavia Connections turned into Hills United Methodist a large operation that has Church’s Sacred Conseen about 1,500 mats nections group have made, Patton said. vestavia been busy making fidget “It’s a social opportuvoice.com mats, an activity mat that nity,” Patton said. “It’s a safely stimulates and worthy cause.” soothes people with cogThe mats also help nitive issues such as Alzheimer’s and reinforce memory, Patton said. If a dementia. mat includes a Ford keychain, careThe mats can include things to givers can begin talking to their turn, twist, fold, button and more, said patient about whether they ever Peggy Patton, a member of the group. drove a Ford or what kind of car they They often include a pocket in which drove. people can put photos. Many of the Patton praised the roughly 80 mats made by the group have hearts volunteers who help make the mats, that say, “We love you,” on them. including Barbara Porter, whom she “It provides tactile stimulation,” said has made more than 600 mats.

Patton said.

“When we started the project, the Sacred Connections offers worship church didn’t say, ‘We just want to services and support for people with make them for our people,’” Patton cognitive issues and their caregivers, said. “It’s always been, ‘How can we and the idea to make mats began in help?’”

2018, Patton said.

The mats have been distributed all At that time, Tyson Hall, where over the city and region, and people the group met, was undergoing ren- really love them, she said. ovations and they couldn’t access it, Even during the COVID-19 panso Patton asked people in the group demic, efforts to make the mats have what they could do. She saw a sample not stopped. They’ve made about fidget apron and then talked to Alz- 100 mats since the pandemic started, heimer’s of Central Alabama, which and volunteers shifted production of advised her to make mats instead. the mats to their homes instead of Brought to you by our sister paper:

These are examples of fidget mats, which are made by Sacred Connections at VHUMC. The mats help those with cognitive issues like dementia and Alzheimer’s. Photos courtesy of Peggy Patton.

meeting at the church. Patton said it wasn’t possible to get into area retirement homes or hospice services, but thankfully, those are beginning to open up again.

Bill Brunson, pastor of Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church, said his mom, who is at Fairhaven Retirement Home, at one time would go

through her purse, pulling things out and putting them back in. With the mat, she’s able to have something else with which to fidget and keep her hands and mind busy, he said.

“It’s been fun to see it take off,” Brunson said.

Patton said those who make the mats put a great deal of thought

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280 Living’s guide to medical practioners along the 280 corridor Spring Medical Guide is a special advertising section that highlights medical practioners working in the community.

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Publishes in February 2021

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and effort into their work. “They’re thinking of someone when they make them,” she said.

Even though COVID-19 has changed where the mats are made, Patton said making them is still meaningful to the volunteers.

“It’s just been a joy,” she said. “It’s a really neat thing.”

280Living.com

October 2020 • C15

VESTAVIA HILLS

DOWNTOWN The Vulcan statue at Vulcan Park and Museum.

Vulcan Park and Museum announced recently it has joined Museums for All, a national program that encourages people of all backgrounds to visit museums regularly and build lifelong museum-going habits. Photo by Erin Nelson.

Annie Kane, left, runs through the play “Among Friends and Clutter” by Lindsay Pate during a theater rehearsal at Vestavia Hills High on Jan. 30. Photo by Erin Nelson.

Vulcan Park announces access VHHS theater to produce ‘Steel Magnolias,’ program for low-income families ‘Night of the Living Dead’ this fall

By JESSE CHAMBERS

Vulcan, the original ironman,” said Joe Saling, the attraction’s Vulcan Park and Museum director of visitor experience. announced recently it has joined Similar free and reduced Museums for All, a national proadmission is available to eligible gram that encourages people of members of the public at more all backgrounds to visit museums than 500 museums across the regularly and build lifelong musecountry, including McWane Sciironcity.ink um-going habits. ence Center downtown.

This program allows those Museums for All is a program receiving food assistance (SNAP) of the Institute of Museum and benefits to visit Vulcan Park and Museum at Library Services and is administered by the no charge — for up to four people — with the Association of Children’s Museums. presentation of a SNAP Electronic Benefits The initiative helps expand access to museTransfer card, according to a Vulcan news ums and also raise public awareness about release. how museums in the U.S. are reaching their “Our goal with this program is to remove entire communities. any barriers that would prevent individuals For more information, go to museumsforall. from accessing the rich history of our won- org. For more information about Vulcan, call derful region and to take in the wonder of 205-933-1409 or go to visitvulcan.com.

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By NEAL EMBRY

by Herbert Ross and released in 1989. The “Night of the Living The Vestavia Hills High School Dead” production will be a bit theater department will perform different, Stephenson said, as it “Steel Magnolias” and “Night of will take place outside. the Living Dead” this fall, with “Our audience can enjoy a some restrictions because of the fright fest in their own camp vestavia COVID-19 pandemic. chairs as we create an interactive voice.com Only 100 people will be allowed show around them,” she said. in the auditorium each night of the The show will be performed performance of “Steel Magnolias,” during the week of Halloween, which will be performed after Oct. 1, theater she said. More specific dates will be available teacher Jamie Stephenson said. at a later date, she said.

The show is “about the bond a group of “Night of the Living Dead” is a 1968 women share in a small-town Southern com- American horror film, directed by George munity,” according to Wikipedia. The show Romero. The story centers on a group of seven centers on the lives of the women as they face people “who are trapped in a rural farmhouse various challenges. The play was written in in western Pennsylvania, which is under 1987 by Robert Harling and was later turned assault by an enlarging group of cannibalisinto a popular film of the same name, directed tic, undead corpses,” according to Wikipedia.

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