280 Living April 2025

Major league dream

Spain Park’s Colton

By EMILY REED

There was a play during Spain Park High School freshman Colton Ledbetter’s baseball season opener that his coach still clearly remembers several years later.

“It was the first JV game of the season, and Colton hit a home run,” Spain Park Jaguars Coach Will Smith said. “My eyes just got really big, and I just kind of looked at it all with a little bit of shock. It was that moment that I knew Colton had a chance to be something really incredible.”

Ledbetter, 23, is a professional outfielder for the Tampa Bay Rays, most recently completing a season with the organization’s minor league affiliate, the Bowling Green Hot Rods in Kentucky.

Ledbetter headed to spring training at the end of February in Port Charlotte, Florida, where he will spend about a month practicing before finding out to which team he will be assigned for the upcoming 2025 baseball season.

The Tampa Bay Rays selected Ledbetter in the second round of the Major League Baseball draft in 2023, making him the 55th overall pick.

Ledbetter was among several players who had the opportunity to attend the draft at Lumen Field in Seattle during MLB All-Star Week.

After signing with the Rays and receiving a

See LEDBETTER | page A22

By TAYLOR BRIGHT

State Rep. Susan DuBose, R-Hoover, never expected to enter politics. No one recruited her to run, and she challenged an incumbent in her first race. Despite that, she has quickly made a

name for herself in Montgomery while sponsoring both archly conservative legislation and bills with bipartisan support.

From child raising to rising Republican star, DuBose leaving mark in Montgomery See

Cheryl and Fred Ledbetter hold up the jersey of their son, Colton Ledbetter, in their home. Ledbetter is currently a professional outfielder for the Tampa Bay Rays.

Photo by Savannah Schmidt.

Rep. Susan DuBose, left, poses with Sen. April Weaver at the 2025 state-of-the-state address. Photo courtesy of Susan DuBose.

Ledbetter

10% OFF FILLERS 20% OFF ALL PRODUCTS SAVINGS ON

All prepurchases valid for 1 year from date of purchase

Prepurchases can be made online at shoprenewdermatology.net or at both of our locations.

Homewood 1651 Independence Ct. Birmingham, AL 35209 Greystone 2827 Greystone Commercial Blvd. Hoover, AL 35242 Your family’s trusted

(205) 580-1500 - renewdermatology.net

MEGAN

CHERRY, MD - KRISTY CURL, DO - LAUREN HUGHEY, MD

JENNIFER BARES, MD - SHELLEY WINZELER, PA-C

CAROLINE WILSON, CRNP - TAYLOR HOLSOMBECK, CRNP

ANN BEVELLE, AESTHETICIAN - KAYLA FISHER, AESTHETICIAN

ABOUT US

Editor’s Note By Taylor Bright

Spring is here, and so is America’s pastime. This month’s cover story features Spain Park High School alum Colton Ledbetter, who is chasing his dream of playing in Major League Baseball. Currently in the Tampa Bay Rays organization, Ledbetter hopes his next stop will be in Montgomery, where the Biscuits, the Rays’ Double-A team, play. Emily Reed caught up with Ledbetter and his parents to provide an inside look at the making of a baseball prospect and what’s ahead for him.

We also have a follow-up to our January story about the expansion of U.S. 280 and what to expect as the project moves forward.

Published by: Starnes Publishing LLC P.O. Box 530341 Birmingham, AL 35253 (205) 313-1780 280living.com

Additionally, this issue highlights the Mt Laurel Spring Festival, which has grown into one of the biggest festivals along the U.S. 280 corridor. We also feature Rep. Susan DuBose, who has transitioned from stay-at-home mom to a key political figure both in her district and in Montgomery.

Publisher:

General Manager/Editor in Chief: Community Editors:

Sports Editor:

Digital Editor:

Design Editor:

For advertising, contact: dan@starnesmedia.com

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

Graphic Designer: Multimedia Journalist:

Please Support Our Community Partners

Advanced Surgeons, PC (A11)

American Village (A4, B12)

Andrews Sports Medicine (B15)

Aqua Systems of Birmingham (A23)

ARC Realty Mt Laurel (A15)

Asher Point of Hoover | Sagora Senior (B9)

Baptist Health Brookwood Hospital

Orlando Health (A7)

Bellini’s Ristorante (B10)

Birmingham Boys Choir (A21)

Birmingham Orthodontics (B7)

Bromberg’s (A9, A20)

Budget Blinds (B2)

Cahaba Dermatology and Skin Care Center (A13)

CASA of Shelby County (A8)

Children’s of Alabama (A12)

Chiropractic Today (B5)

Compact (B14)

Cummings Jewelry Design (A1)

Door Restore (B4)

DSP Construction (A17)

Fancy Fur - Paws and Claws (A6)

Dan Starnes

Tim Stephens

Jon Anderson

Taylor Bright

Sarah Owens

Kyle Parmley

Cady Inabinett

Melanie Viering

Ted Perry

Savannah Schmidt

Legals: 280 Living is published monthly. Reproduction or use of editorial or graphic content without prior permission is

Gardner Landscaping (A2, B1)

Hearing Solutions (A4)

Hilliard Irrigation (B11)

Joseph Bruno Montessori Academy (A18)

Linscomb Wealth (B3)

Luckie’s Pine Straw (A1)

Melvin Upchurch - List

Birmingham (A11)

Oak Highland Design Decorating Den (A15)

One Man & A Toolbox (B4)

PakMail (A22)

Parrot Structural Services LLC (B13)

Piggly Wiggly (B7)

Preservan Birmingham (A13)

Proscape (A6)

Renew Dermatology (A3)

Riverview Animal Clinic (B13)

Rockett’s Bug Juice Gardens (A14)

Royal Automotive (B16)

Production Assistant: Operations Specialist:

Contributing Writers:

Client Success Manager:

Client Success Specialist: Business Development Exec: Account Exec:

Living is designed to inform the 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.

Simeon Delante Sarah Villar

Christianna Hornigold Emily Reed

Ella Portwood

Warren Caldwell Don Harris Cot Tindall

Samford University Orleans Beeson

School of Education (B9)

Shelby County Chamber of Commerce (A18)

Sikes Children’s Shoes (B12)

Southeastern Jewelers and Engraving (A12)

Southern Home Structural Repair Specialists (A8)

Southern Pain Specialists (A14)

Susan’s Hallmark (B11)

Syn Lawn (A21)

The Spot @ 280 (A23)

TherapySouth (A24)

TruBlue (A19)

TrustMark Bank (A17)

Vicki’s Amish Furniture (A19)

Vulcan Termite & Pest Control (B10)

We’ll Do It (A5)

Window Decor & Design (A20)

Window World of Central Alabama (B15)

Woerner Landscapes (B5)

Find Us

Scan the QR code (or go to qrco.de/280living) to read the latest news on our website, find where to pick up the latest print issue, follow us on social media or sign up for our newsletter.

PLEASE RECYCLE THIS PAPER

Spain Park and Chelsea students selected for Starnes Media Creator Collective

By STAFF

Two Spain Park High School students and one Chelsea High School student have been selected to join the Starnes Media Creator Collective, an elite journalism and media mentorship program designed to provide real-world storytelling experience to high school students across the metro Birmingham area.

Spain Park’s Daniela Marie Sollano and Leyton McCarn, along with Chelsea’s Luke Miller, were among the talented students chosen for the program, which offers hands-on opportunities in reporting, multimedia production and digital content creation. They will contribute to Starnes Media publications, including 280 Living, while working alongside professional journalists and industry mentors.

“This year’s selection process was incredibly competitive,” said Tim Stephens, general manager of Starnes Media and executive director of the Creator Collective. “We received applications from an outstanding group of young journalists, and narrowing it down was no easy task. Daniela, Leyton and Luke stood out for their talent, enthusiasm and commitment to storytelling. We are excited to work with them and help them develop into the next generation of media professionals.”

Sollano, a junior, serves as editor-in-chief of the Spain Park yearbook and is a writer and editor for the school newspaper. She also manages an anonymous Substack blog, where she shares personal reflections and social commentary with more than 100 subscribers. Through the Creator Collective, she hopes to refine her writing and gain hands-on experience in media production and public relations.

McCarn, a sophomore, is a member of Spain Park’s track and field team and an active

volunteer in the Hoover community. She has a strong interest in writing, research and storytelling and was drawn to the program as an opportunity to expand her journalism and communication skills. She hopes to develop leadership abilities and learn more about media production while collaborating with fellow students.

Miller, a junior at Chelsea High School, has a background in journalism and sports media. A former reporter for the school’s Chelsea Buzz website, he has covered game results, season previews and feature stories on student-athletes. He also serves as captain of the Chelsea soccer team. He hopes to use the program to strengthen his writing and storytelling abilities while gaining broader experience in digital media production.

As members of the program, Sollano, McCarn and Miller will create monthly

content for Starnes Media’s print and digital platforms. Their work will include written stories, multimedia projects and social media coverage of community events. In addition, they will participate in skill-building workshops and mentorship sessions with professionals in the journalism and media industries.

The students met for the first time in midMarch, with their initial assignments covering prom, graduation and spring sports in print, on websites and across social media channels. They will also collaborate on a group project, producing a mini-documentary chronicling the experiences of the inaugural class of the Creator Collective. Non-graduating students will return in the fall as part of the program for the 2025-26 academic year, and a second round of applications may be held later this year to expand the class.

In addition to the Spain Park and Chelsea

students, the following students were also selected for the Creator Collective:

► Kinleigh Freeman, Mountain Brook High School (Class of 2026)

► Evelyn Lee, Mountain Brook High School (Class of 2026)

► Harper Wilbanks, Mountain Brook High School (Class of 2027)

► Cameron Johnson, Hoover High School (Class of 2025)

► Willow Smith, Hoover High School (Class of 2025)

► Corra Maddox, Vestavia Hills High School (Class of 2026)

► Allie Rezek, Alabama School of Fine Arts (Class of 2027)

► Kaiden Boykin, Alabama School of Fine Arts (Class of 2026)

► Miyelani Mathebula, Homewood High School (Class of 2027)

STARNES MEDIA

Sollano

McCarn Miller

In the Classroom

GET TO KNOW ACCOLADES

Spain Park senior honored with Finley Award

By JON ANDERSON

Out of 357 seniors in the Class of 2025 at Spain Park High School, one stood out above the rest when it came time to select this year’s recipient of the Finley Award for outstanding character.

William Russell was described by faculty members and others in the community as a young man who genuinely cares about the people he encounters, showing kindness and respect to all, regardless of their beliefs.

“William is the type of student who inspires you as a teacher and lifts you up on a daily basis as opposed to you being the one to inspire them,” said Keri Ross, who taught Advanced Placement statistics to Russell last year. “He probably did more for me than I did for him.”

Russell has a 4.255 GPA and scored a 31 on the ACT. He serves as a Spain Park ambassador, secretary/treasurer of the National Honor Society, president of the school’s chapter of Distributive Education Clubs of America, vice president of the National Business Honor Society and captain of the varsity swim team.

He said receiving the Finley Award is an incredible honor and that he was humbled to be among the other nominees, who he described as outstanding representatives of Spain Park and the values it upholds. He also expressed gratitude to the teachers and community members who recommended him for the award.

Spain Park High chemistry teacher Stephen Hobbs

By STAFF

Q: What inspired you to work in education?

A: In high school, my math teacher once told me I had a good way of explaining things, but I dismissed the idea of teaching at the time. However, in my sophomore year of college, I felt a calling to education while working as a lab aide. I changed my minor to secondary education while keeping my chemistry major, and I’ve been teaching ever since.

Q: What’s something great about your school?

A: I’ve been here since the school started, and it has always had a strong academic focus. The science department is particularly close-knit — we have great teachers and great friendships. Many of us have been here for more than 24 years. That collegiality makes the workplace enjoyable. I also get to teach advanced and AP Chemistry, so I have students who are eager to learn.

Q: Tell us about an educator who was important to you.

A: My high school chemistry teacher had a major influence on me. He instilled a love of chemistry in me with his passion for the subject . . . I took both general and advanced

chemistry with him, and his enthusiasm played a significant role in shaping my career.

Q: What’s the most rewarding part of your job?

A: The most rewarding part is receiving notes from former students who have gone off to college, thanking me for preparing them well. When they say they enjoyed my class and that I had a positive influence on them, it means everything.

Russell plans to attend the University of Alabama next year, majoring in accounting with a minor in political science.

William Russell, the 2025 winner of the Finley Award for outstanding character at Spain Park High School, poses for a photo with Spain Park Principal Amanda Esslinger on Feb. 28. Photo by Jon Anderson.

Stephen Hobbs

SHELBY COUNTY

Business Buzz

BUSINESS HAPPENINGS

NEW OPEN

Dyer Orthodontics has opened at 6801 Cahaba Valley Road, Suite 210, in Hoover, offering expert orthodontic care in a welcoming environment. Whether patients are looking for a straighter smile, personalized treatment options or professional guidance, the team is dedicated to providing top-tier orthodontic services. 205-922-0075, dyerorthodontics.com

Chelsea Audiology Clinic has opened at 15582 U.S. 280, Suite 108, in Chelsea, offering comprehensive hearing healthcare services for patients of all ages. The clinic specializes in hearing assessments, treatment options and personalized solutions to improve hearing health.

205-618-9222, chelseahearing.com

NEWS

lic Preparatory School and $10,500 to HOPE Family Services. Founded by Megan Montgomery’s family after her tragic death in 2019, the nonprofit is committed to preventing relationship violence through education and empowerment.

205-568-7474, megansfoundation.org

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

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

chief financial officer and promoted Missy Wright to vice president of core operations — reinforcing its commitment to innovation and operational excellence.

Queen, who brings 25 years of financial leadership experience, aims to enhance transparency and cross-department collaboration, ensuring the company’s continued financial success.

The Megan Montgomery Foundation to Prevent Domestic Violence, Inc. headquartered along U.S. 280, has announced its February 2025 grants, awarding funding to organizations dedicated to healthy relationship education programs. Grants include $7,500 to Samford University, $6,300 to Marion Military Institute, $10,000 to Queens University in Charlotte, North Carolina, $5,000 to the Hispanic Interest Coalition of Alabama (¡HICA!), $5,000 to Wallace State Community College, $13,884 to Lighthouse Women’s Center, $7,500 to Triumph Services, $2,800 to Montgomery Catho-

GET TO KNOW

Capstone Building Corp. — headquartered on U.S. 280 — has completed Evolve Townhomes and Thrive Lofts at The 52 World, a $61.3 million luxury residential development in Pensacola, Florida. Developed by The Dawson Company, the project spans 362,700 square feet with 318 units, offering a mix of high-end apartments and townhomes with premium amenities such as walking trails, ponds, playgrounds, saltwater pools with barbecue stations, co-working spaces, two gyms (including a three-level commercial-grade fitness facility), dog parks and retail spaces, including a gourmet grocery store and fuel station. The 52 World also features The Living Art Museum — an outdoor sculpture park showcasing world-renowned artists. capstonebuilding.com

PERSONNEL MOVES

McLeod Software has appointed Stacey Queen as

Hieu Nguyen of Luxury Nails

By STAFF

Hieu Nguyen is co-owner of Luxury Nails on Valleydale Road with his wife, Kelly.

Q: Tell me briefly about your business.

A: It’s a nail salon and spa. We offer pedicures, manicures, and waxing. Our pedicure services are straightforward, and we provide a variety of manicure options, including acrylic nails and SNS dip nails.

Q: What made you decide to start this venture?

A: Honestly, my wife and I sat down one night and realized we had been in the nail industry for a while. She’s been in it longer than I have — she’s a licensed cosmetologist. But we basically told ourselves, “Hey, we’re kind of tired of working for other people. We want to work for ourselves now.”

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

A: From the reviews we’ve received, our guests appreciate the quality of our work. They say we’re very attentive and welcoming. Every guest that comes into the nail salon should feel at home, especially when they’re here to relax.

Q: Is there anything else unique about your business?

A: This business was already established when my wife and I took it over, but we fully renovated it. We got rid of all the old things — out with the old, in with the new. From front to back, everything is brand new.

SPOTLIGHT

Wright, celebrating her 20th year at McLeod, will oversee a team of 150, focusing on improving customer self-service capabilities, streamlining project implementation and enhancing customer support.

205-823-5100, mcleodsoftware.com

REBRANDING

Southern Energy Credit Union is the new name for APCO Employees Credit Union — reflecting its expanded reach following mergers with Powerco Federal Credit Union and Mutual Savings Credit Union. Founded in 1953, the credit union has grown to serve employees, retirees and families of Southern Company across Alabama, Georgia and Mississippi. The rebrand honors its history while embracing future growth, maintaining its commitment to competitive financial products and personalized service. southernenergycu.org

Refuel Bootcamp packs a powerful workout into 50 minutes

By STAFF

Retired military veterans Robert and Petra Bess are helping people “age gracefully” with their fitness facility, Refuel Bootcamp, at 5479 U.S. 280 in the Arbor Place Shopping Center.

The couple, who moved to Birmingham from the Huntsville area, officially opened the gym in May 2024.

Robert Bess, who spent his career in the military, said the inspiration behind Refuel Bootcamp comes from his passion for movement and self-care.

“In the military, you learn the value of pushing yourself and taking care of your body,” he said. “I believe that with regular, functional exercise, anyone can improve their quality of life — no matter where you’re starting from.”

Refuel Bootcamp offers 50-minute workout sessions incorporating six different components. The routines change daily and weekly to prevent the body from adapting and to encourage steady progress. The gym’s goal is to help clients build lean muscle and shed body fat without extreme or intimidating workouts.

The couple’s approach is centered on inclusivity, welcoming clients of all fitness levels.

“You don’t have to figure it out. We have it all figured out for you,” Petra Bess said. “All you have to do is just walk through the door.”

The Besses emphasize that age and ability do not limit participation. Robert Bess, who turned 60 in March, said they have trained clients of all ages — including individuals over 400 pounds who have each lost more than 40 pounds through the program.

own

The couple, who now live in Hoover, remain committed to their passion for fitness and community involvement.

“Our motto is to do a little bit better today than you did yesterday,” he said.

For more information about Refuel Bootcamp, go to birmingham.refuelbootcamp.com.

Queen Wright

The husband-and-wife team of Robert and Petra Bess

Refuel Bootcamp. Photo by Tim Stephens.

Hieu and Kelly Nguyen are the owners of Luxury Nails on Valleydale Road. Photos courtesy of Hieu Nguyen

SPONSORED CONTENT

New weight-loss procedure offers faster recovery and lasting results

Millions of Americans struggle each day with obesity. In fact, nearly 40% of adults are obese, according to the CDC. This struggle affects not only their health but also their self-image and quality of life.

In addition, diets are tough to stick to, and some of the newer weight-loss medications, such as GLP-1 injections, may be too expensive for some patients.

Bariatric surgery is one of the most effective ways for people living with obesity to lose weight successfully for the long term. These procedures typically involve removing parts of the gastrointestinal tract so patients can eat less and still feel full.

However, even the least invasive of the current bariatric surgeries — a sleeve gastrectomy — may require up to a month for the patient to fully recover.

But there’s now a new, far less invasive procedure — the endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty. The ESG configures the stomach into a smaller shape without making external incisions or removing organ tissue, and patients can recover in a few days.

The experienced physicians at Advanced Surgeons PC at Grandview Medical Center, including Dr. Andrew Frey, will soon offer the ESG procedure to patients in Birmingham. The surgeries will be done at Birmingham Surgery Center (BSC) in Homewood beginning

in mid-April.

Advanced Surgeons has partnered with BSC to “allow patients more convenient scheduling, easier accessibility and a more cost-effective alternative to inpatient care,” Dr. Frey says.

The ESG is an “innovative procedure due to the minimally invasive, non-surgical approach,” Dr. Frey says.

Using a sewing device attached to a flexible tube called an endoscope, surgeons can sew the stomach from the inside to reduce its capacity by 70% to 80%.

“The capacity of the stomach is reduced similar to a traditional sleeve

gastrectomy, but without scars, without pain,” Dr. Frey says. “This provides a lower risk and very quick recovery.”

Clinical evidence shows that ESG can result in significant, lasting weight loss when used in conjunction with a prescribed diet and exercise program.

The ESG is a perfect choice for several types of patients, Dr. Frey says.

“Primarily, we see patients who have had some success with medical weight loss, but either the side effects of a medication or high financial costs of the medication limit prolonged use,” Dr. Frey says. “Other patients have concerns with their weight but are

Advanced Surgeons P.C.

• Where: 3686 Grandview Parkway, Suite 400

• Call: 205-595-8985

• Web: advancedsurgeonspc.com

not candidates for traditional bariatric surgery either due to a BMI under 35 or lack of additional medical problems. Then there are some patients who are just not ready to undergo surgery but recognize the importance of addressing their health.”

Dr. Frey says that it’s gratifying to help people get control of their weight, but that the weight loss itself “is just scratching the surface.”

He says he also hears from patients about their “increased energy levels, decreased joint pain, no longer requiring blood pressure medications, no longer requiring daily insulin injections, the smiles of patients revealing before and after photos, chasing kids around. Those are the rewards — knowing you have helped reshape a patient’s life for the better.”

Advanced Surgeons PC holds monthly in-person and online seminars so that prospective patients can learn more about the procedures.

For details, call 205-595-8985 or go to advancedsurgeonspc.com.

Allen Corrigan, SoCal Smoothie Company Sips and Bites

By STAFF

Allen Corrigan, a Chelsea resident, runs SoCal Smoothie Company in Chelsea.

Q: Tell us about the company.

A: We opened this location June 3, 2023. As far as what we sell, we specialize in clean energy drinks and açaí bowls, and then our title is smoothies, and we also do fruit smoothies and sweet smoothies.

Q: What is your favorite item that you sell, and why?

A: Energy drinks, definitely, because I feel like I’ve put together a really good clean energy drink to provide to my customers that doesn’t give you a gigantic spike and then a crash. . . . So, I feel like that’s my favorite thing, just because it offers a good, clean product for energy.

Q: Is there anything new — any new products or events or anything like that — you have coming up that you might want to share?

A: Yeah, we’re in the process of working on our food truck. So I’m starting — I’m basically branching off from SoCal Smoothie Company, the brick-and-mortar location, to a food truck.

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

A: I think, honestly, like, my favorite part is the people. I grew up watching Cheers, so, like, the main thing for me is that I really make it — I push my staff to know people’s names, to not just be someone that’s coming in as a customer but someone that’s coming in as a friend. And then I think everybody wants to come in and feel good about themselves or have somebody care about them. So that’s my favorite part about this.

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

SPOTLIGHT

Urban Cookhouse: Fresh food rooted in community

By CHRISTIANNA HORNIGOLD

Urban Cookhouse, located on U.S. 280 at The Summit, is committed to fresh, locally sourced ingredients and a community-driven approach. Founded in 2010 by husbandand-wife duo David and Andrea Snyder, the restaurant blends David’s expertise in woodfired meats with Andrea’s focus on farm-fresh produce, creating a menu built around housemade recipes and locally sourced ingredients.

Signature dishes include smoked meats prepared on the Big Green Egg — a specialty grill — scratch-made dressings, and family recipes like their beloved brown sugar brownies. The menu, featuring favorites such as the Buffalo Chicken Wrap and Grilled Chicken Special, reflects their dedication to high-quality, thoughtfully prepared meals. With multiple locations and a Tuscaloosa-based food

Amazing

truck, Urban Cookhouse continues to grow while maintaining its mission of supporting local farmers and businesses.

The couple also owns Farm Bowl, Andrea’s brainchild, which will soon expand to Hoover. Created in response to a lack of fresh, craft smoothie and bowl options in Birmingham, Farm Bowl sources local honey, wheatgrass, and produce to craft nutrient-dense offerings. Popular items include the “Nutty Professor” açaí bowl and cold-pressed juices, catering to health-conscious customers without compromising on flavor.

Urban Cookhouse actively engages with the Birmingham community, participating in local events and collaborating with area businesses. As the company expands, it remains committed to delivering fresh, handcrafted meals while strengthening its local connections.

When people with extraordinary talent and passion are given the technology, the facilities, and the support, they achieve great things. The discoveries and innovations happening today will help shape the future of treatments and lead to cures. And it benefits not only the patients and families who come to Children’s of Alabama, but people across the country and around the world for years to come.

We are here in your neighborhood at Greenvale PediatricsBrook Highland. Call 205-995-1004 to schedule an appointment.

Corrigan

Urban Cookhouse at The Summit.

Photo by Taylor Bright.

Homeowners save money and time with Preservan wood-rot repair

Homeowners spend lots of hard-earned cash when they’re forced to replace rotten wood in their homes, including pricey doors, windows and columns.

But Preservan Birmingham offers a unique, eco-friendly wood repair method that uses epoxy resins to preserve building materials instead of replacing them. Developed by Preservan Franchising in 2016, the method saves homeowners millions of dollars annually by eliminating many wasteful, expensive renovation projects.

Hillary Edwards, who began operating the Preservan Birmingham franchise in October, wants to spread the good news.

“No one else is doing what Preservan does,” Edwards says. “It’s important to let people know that they don't necessarily have to replace their damaged wood windows or other building elements.”

The Epoxy Techs at Preservan can repair those elements for a fraction of the price.

“One of our customers in the Highland Lakes community was looking at spending about $100,000 to replace all the windows in his house, but we fixed the windows that had rot for less than $6,000,” Edwards said.

Not only that, Preservan did more than save that customer over $90,000.

“We saved him the time and hassle of having all his windows replaced,”

Edwards said. “This is so much more convenient and focused.”

Preservan techs complete most projects in less than 36 hours, saving clients the stress and delays of major renovations.

Edwards is also proud of Preservan’s positive environmental impact.

“It feels good to know that we are keeping huge amounts of construction waste out of our landfills,” she says.

For example, if that homeowner replaced all of his windows, the originals would have been discarded.

“Imagine what a pile of 30 large windows in a landfill would look like; and all the energy, time and resources used to create, transport, install,

remove and then discard them,” Edwards said. “When researching Preservan as a franchise option, I came across the statement that really resonates with me: The most sustainable approach is to repair what we already have.”

Edwards’ love of restoration began when she was a child and watched her parents restore a 1912 vintage farmhouse. She later worked with nonprofits, including a year serving with Americorps at Habitat for Humanity.

“I became enamored with homes and renovation,” Edwards said.

From 2006 to 2016, Edwards and her husband lived in Greece and where

Preservan Birmingham

• Call: 205-772-4447

• Web: preservan.com

she was inspired by European artisans and craftsmanship. She moved to Birmingham in 2019 with her husband and four children. Edwards learned about Preservan while studying small-business and franchise opportunities.

She and her family live in Vestavia Hills, and they like living and doing business in the Birmingham area.

“Birmingham has a small-town feel with a lot of community, and we enjoy that aspect of it,” Edwards said.

SPONSORED CONTENT

Bring color, texture, and beauty to your home with Oak Highland Design

As the chill of winter fades, the first daffodil bloom reminds us that spring is here. Spring provides us with a sense of joy, renewal and freshness, as the landscape around us explodes with an abundance of magnificent colors.

The mood created by these colors is critical to our well-being and provides a sense of balance in our lives. The same is true of the colors and textures in the interiors of our homes.

Whether it’s using lighter, cleaner colors in design, or the vibrant colors and textures found in nature, one goal remains. We want our interiors to be beautiful and functional and bring us joy.

Local designer Angelia Spraberry of Oak Highland Design and Decorating Den Interiors understands the use of color and textures in interior spaces.

“Beauty, color and warmth are the main elements that draw people into a space,” Spraberry says. “One way to add these elements is the creative use of fabrics – for example, a new accent chair upholstered in a fun print, or new fabric on an existing furniture piece.”

Adding drapery or colorful, textured pillows are simple ways to enhance your room’s beauty, warmth and color. The use of textural fabrics such as a boucle, velvets, tweeds or leather on chairs, ottomans or throw pillows can bring exciting elements of design to a space.

“Fabric enhances and softens an interior like no other design element can,” Spraberry says.

“Fabric can set a mood for a room; from soft, quiet, and sophisticated to bold and beautiful.”

The number of fabrics you can choose from is almost unlimited, with new collections every spring and fall, assuring the perfect color and pattern for each need or taste.

“Our ability to apply these fabric colors,

Oak Highland Design and Decorating Den Interiors

• Call: 205-913-6015

• Email: aspraberry@decoratingden.com

• Web: oakhighland.decoratingden.com

textures and prints gives each of us a unique opportunity to truly personalize our surroundings,” Spraberry says.

The owner of Oak Highland Design LLC, Spraberry has been in business since 2021 and knows that the design process can be overwhelming and intimidating for a client.

“Bringing fresh color and texture to your interiors requires thoughtful planning, but the process of making the correct selections of color and texture shouldn’t be overwhelming,” she said. “It should be fun.”

From the initial consultation to the final reveal, Spraberry guides her clients through the design process to make it an enjoyable experience for them. She coordinates every step of the process — from measuring, planning, product selection and ordering to installation — making sure things go smoothly.

“My role as a designer is to listen to my client. Working with them to create a custom plan that meets their needs and desires and provides them with a space that is both beautiful and functional as well as a reflection of their personality. I want my clients to love their home!”

At Oak Highland Design, the first in-home design consultation is complimentary. To schedule your appointment, call 205-913-6015.

Community calendar

MAJOR DUDES: A TRIBUTE TO STEELY DAN

► When: Friday, April 4 from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.

► Where: Song Theater, 105 W. College St., Columbiana

► Cost: All seats are $35 plus tax and fees. Free parking available. Venue is handicapped accessible with reserved seating. Tickets are non-refundable.

► Contact: For more information, call 205-669-0044 or email info@ shelbycountyartscouncil.com

► Details: Enjoy an evening of jazz-infused rock with Major Dudes, a talented group of Alabama musicians paying tribute to Steely Dan. The setlist includes hits from “Aja,” “Royal Scam,” “Countdown to Ecstasy,” “Gaucho,” and “Pretzel Logic.” The intimate listening venue offers complimentary beer, wine, and soft drinks.

CHARCUTERIE CLASS WITH BOARD IN BIRMINGHAM

► When: Saturday, April 12, 6–8 p.m.

► Where: Board in Birmingham, 5426 U.S. 280, Suite 6, Hoover

► Cost: $65 plus tax. Limited spots available.

► Contact: 205-261-9853 for details.

► Details: Learn the art of charcuterie with Corinne Sweet, owner of Board in Birmingham. Ticket includes an appetizer, drink, stepby-step instruction, and a board to take home.

CELEBRATE EARTH DAY: KNOW YOUR H2O

► When: Saturday, April 12 at noon

► Where: Oak Mountain Interpretive Center, Oak Mountain State Park

► Cost: Free with paid park entry; advance registration for the gate fee available. Hosted by Oak Mountain State Park.

► Contact: Lauren Muncher at lauren.muncher@dcnr.alabama. gov or call 205-620-2520 for more information.

► Details: Learn about the water cycle, pollution, and how to protect waterways in this interactive program. Guests will observe and assist in real-life scenario simulations using OMSP’s Enviroscape.

NORTH SHELBY LIBRARY BOOK CLUB

► When: Thursday, April 17 from 10:30 a.m. to noon.

► Where: North Shelby Library, Mueller Annex Classroom, 5521 Cahaba Valley Road, Birmingham

► Contact: For more information, contact Michelyn Reid at nsref@shelbycounty-al.org or call 205-439-5510

► Details: Monthly book club meets every third Thursday. This month’s selection: “Lady Tan’s Circle of Women” by Lisa See. Discussion held in-person and via Zoom (registration required for virtual attendance).

Looking for more community events?

► Visit our online calendar at 280living.com for more events.

► Subscribe to our newsletter for top picks on weekend events.

MAMMOTHMARCH ALABAMA

► When: Saturday, April 12 and Sunday, April 13 starting at 7 a.m.

► Where: Oak Mountain State Park, South Trail Head, 200 Terrace Drive, Pelham

► Web: mammothmarch.com

► Details: Challenge yourself with a 20-mile hike through Oak Mountain State Park in approximately eight hours. No official timing — just endurance testing and a finisher medal. Small group starts for a remote hiking experience. Aid stations with water, snacks, and restrooms available. Shuttle service for those unable to complete the course before sunset. Complimentary parking included. Discounted accommodations at the Sleep Inn Oak Mountain. For route details, hiking passes, and merchandise, visit mammothmarch.com.

ANNUAL GBAA SHRIMP & CRAWFISH BOIL

► When: Sunday, April 27, 12–4 p.m.

► Where: Greybar 280, 5426 U.S. 280, Birmingham

► Tickets: $30 in advance; $50 on event day. Registration closes April 26 at 5 p.m. CST. Tickets are available online at the website below.

► Web: gbaa.biz/events/ gbaa-charity-crawfish-boil-

► Details: Enjoy all-you-can-eat crawfish, shrimp, and fixings while supporting Hatching Hope Disaster Relief and King’s Home. Live music from The Whisky Dix (1–4 p.m.), bounce house, cornhole, and entertainment for all ages.

CHELSEA SPRING CRAFT FAIR

► When: Saturday, April 12 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

► Where: Chelsea Community Center, 11101 Chelsea Road, Chelsea

► Cost: No tickets required; free parking on-site.

► Details: Celebrate spring with shopping, food, and community fun. This free, family-friendly event features local vendors offering handmade crafts, unique gifts, and seasonal décor. Enjoy food trucks while browsing artisan booths.

CHELSEA CITY COUNCIL

April 1 and 15: 6 p.m. Chelsea City Hall, 11611 Chelsea Road, Chelsea

SHELBY COUNTY SCHOOLS BOARD MEETING

April 17: 5 p.m. at Shelby County Schools Board of Education, 410 E. College St., Columbiana

SHELBY COUNTY COMMISSION

April 7: 8:30 a.m. at Shelby County Administration Building, 200 West College St., Room 123, Columbiana

April 21: 6 p.m. at Shelby County Administration Building, 200 West College St., Room 123, Columbiana

Have an upcoming community event?

► Contact Community Editor Taylor Bright with your event information at tbright@starnesmedia.com

SPONSORED CONTENT

DSP Construction transforms homes with custom renovations, expert craftsmanship

Are you one of the many property owners who are dissatisfied with their houses? Are you thinking about buying something new?

Maybe you just need the right contractor — like DSP Construction in Birmingham — to help you beautifully remodel and enhance your current home.

At DSP, we say, “Don’t move — renovate.”

CEO Derek Lemke — with 30-plus years of experience in construction — has a handpicked team of trained craftsmen who will customize your project to fit your needs, lifestyle and preferences. They focus primarily on remodeling and transforming bathrooms, kitchens and basements.

If you see yourself soaking in a sleek, modern bathtub surrounded by elegant marble accents or stepping onto radiant heated floors on chilly mornings, we can make it happen!

If you want your kitchen to reflect your personal style and serve as the true, beating heart of your home — as well as a great place to cook and entertain — turn to DSP!

You can transform your basement into a functional, stylish space — a game room, a cozy mother-in-law suite, a fully equipped home theater or the ultimate man cave.

“People forget about it, but sometimes there’s another whole house down there,” Derek says.

A finished basement not only enhances your life but also adds valu-

DSP Construction

• Call: 205-401-7953

• Facebook: facebook.com/ DSPConstruction1

• Instagram: instagram.com/ dspconstruction

• Web: dsprealestate.com

able square footage and boosts your home’s resale value.

Clients receive the finest customer service from DSP Construction.

forming their homes.

‘You know what, we’re going to start doing renovations and remodels full time.’”

Due to Derek’s experience, he and his team can handle any unexpected issues that surface during a project.

“I’m a master problem solver, and we’re going to figure it out,” he says.

Clients will be “amazed” by the beautiful, all-custom room transformations that DSP provides, Derek says.

“We’re number one in customer satisfaction. Period,” Derek says. “It will be the best experience they’ve ever had — from start to finish. It will be a sweet, enjoyable process.”

DSP is also competitive — and very transparent — on pricing.

“It’s all fair and all makes sense,” Derek says.

Perhaps most of all, DSP clients benefit from Derek’s tremendous zest and enthusiasm for his work in trans-

“I’ve always loved remodeling and construction,” Derek says.

For about 30 years, he focused on flipping houses and even built homes from scratch, only occasionally doing renovation work. However, Derek got tired of hearing dozens of horror stories about contractors from clients or prospective clients.

“People will tell me, ‘It was a beautiful day, but my contractor didn’t show up,’ or ‘I haven’t seen the guy in two weeks,’ or — even worse — ‘He’s run off with my money,’” Lewmke says. “So in 2024, I told my team,

Don’t stop exploring your home loan options.

“There’s a TV show called ‘Love It or List It,’ and the clients are just going to love it, but if they want to sell a property and get a much higher value, we do that as well,” he says.

Clients will also “see lots of progress” on their projects, Derek says. “We don’t have lots of idle time. We get in and get the job done.”

DSP Construction is fully licensed and insured and will make sure that your project is properly inspected and approved. The company won a Gold Medal at the 2024 Greater Birmingham Parade of Homes.

For a free in-home consultation, call 205-401-7953.

Derek Lemke

Mt Laurel Spring Festival returns April 5

By TAYLOR BRIGHT

The Mt Laurel Spring Festival will return Saturday, April 5, featuring arts, crafts, live music, and local vendors.

Codie Thoma, office manager at ARC Realty, which hosts the event, said the festival has been a staple of the area for more than a decade.

“We hold two of them — a spring and a fall — and the idea is to showcase the beautiful Dunnavant Valley and the town of Mt Laurel,” Thoma said.

The festival, which runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., will feature 150 to 200 vendors selling handmade goods, including woodwork, paintings, home décor, baked goods, and locally grown products.

“We encourage homemade, we encourage the artists, things that are unique,” Thoma said.

Live music performances will begin at 11 a.m., with Rick Carter kicking off the lineup, followed by Lilly Hart at noon, Randy Hunter at 1 p.m., and Joe Breckenridge at 2 p.m. The festival provides an opportunity for local musicians to gain exposure while entertaining attendees.

A variety of food options will be available, including food trucks and local restaurants such as Jimbo’s and Herb’s Barbecue.

“We try to showcase the restaurants that are here in Mt Laurel as well,” Thoma said.

Vendors will also offer specialty items such as kettle corn, fresh bread, jams, and honey from local farmers.

The festival includes a designated children’s area with face painting and play zones.

“It’s fun to walk around this area and just participate and see the town center of Mt Laurel,” Thoma said.

The event is pet-friendly, allowing families

to bring their dogs.

With thousands of attendees expected, parking may be limited.

“Parking is at a premium,” Thoma said. “We don’t want to discourage people, but we also want them to be prepared for that.”

Streets will be closed to vehicle traffic, and

attendees are encouraged to plan ahead for parking.

The Easter Bunny will make an appearance, offering photo opportunities, along with a performance by the Mt Laurel Ballet.

ARC Realty, the exclusive listing agent for new construction in Mt Laurel, has hosted the

Vendors display a variety of fresh produce and other

festival alongside EBSCO and the town of Mt Laurel.

“We really do want the community to see what a great place this is, and we just want to give back,” Thoma said.

For more information, visit Mt Laurel's community website or contact ARC Realty.

Are you tired of shopping for furniture at chain and big-box stores and being forced to choose from the same cookie-cutter styles? Fortunately, Birmingham buyers have a great alternative for unique, top-quality items at Vicki’s Amish Traditions in Vestavia Hills.

Vicki Stroup, the founder of Vicki’s Amish Traditions, is a Florida native who discovered the beauty and craftsmanship of Amish furniture while living in Indiana for 18 years. Though she had no prior experience in the furniture business, she was exposed to the incredible quality of Amish-made products, sparking a passion that shaped her career.

While working at a large Amish furniture store, Vicki realized how special the furniture was — not only for its durability but also for its beauty and craftsmanship. She became passionate about offering high-quality, handcrafted furniture to others. “God knew what I needed, and I am so blessed to have this business!” she said.

When Vicki moved to Alabama in 2016, she saw an opportunity to introduce Amish furniture to the region. In fall 2018, she opened the state’s first exclusively Amish furniture store. Her vision was to offer beautiful, handcrafted furniture that could be customized to suit individual needs.

In 2024, after seeing growing demand, Vicki opened a second store in Vestavia Hills to better serve Birmingham-area customers. “We actually have

a lot of customers from this area who drive down to Millbrook to shop with us,” she said.

The response has been overwhelmingly positive. “We have been very well received, even better than I thought,” she said. “People have been super kind. A lot of people have stopped by just to welcome us to the city. People seem excited that there is an actual Amish furniture store in the area.”

CUSTOMIZABLE, HIGH-QUALITY FURNITURE

What sets Vicki’s Amish Traditions apart from other furniture stores is the ability for customers to fully customize their pieces.

Vicki’s Amish Traditions

• Where: 1401 Montgomery Highway, Suite 121, Vestavia Hills

• Call: 334-399-5563

• Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Web: vickisamishtraditions.com

“You pick the piece you want, and you can also choose the size, the wood species, the color and hardware,” Vicki explained.

This level of personalization ensures that each piece fits perfectly in the customer's home and reflects their unique style. Whether it’s a bedroom set, dining table, living room furniture or office furnishings, Vicki’s Amish Traditions offers handcrafted, made-to-order pieces that bring each customer’s vision to life.

SUSTAINABLE OUTDOOR FURNITURE

In addition to traditional indoor furniture, Vicki’s Amish Traditions offers eco-friendly outdoor furniture made from recycled milk jugs. This material is recycled by a company called Tangent, then crafted into furniture by the Amish.

The material comes with a 20-year warranty against chipping, cracking or peeling and is UV-protected to resist fading. It withstands harsh weather conditions, making it a durable and

sustainable outdoor furniture option.

“The Amish commitment to sustainability aligns with my own values,” Vicki said. “I want to offer products that stand the test of time while also supporting environmental responsibility.”

COMMITMENT TO QUALITY AND CRAFTSMANSHIP

Vicki’s dedication to offering high-quality Amish furniture reflects her belief in supporting American craftsmanship and sustainability.

“I love being able to sell Amish furniture because I know it’s great quality and is made in the U.S., and I know that the builders stand behind their products,” she said.

This integrity and pride in her products have earned Vicki’s Amish Traditions the trust and loyalty of customers.

For Vicki, selling Amish furniture isn’t just about business — it’s about providing heirloom-quality pieces that families can enjoy for generations.

At Vicki’s Amish Traditions, customers not only find durable and beautiful furniture but also experience the satisfaction of knowing their purchases support skilled Amish craftsmen.

Vicki’s passion for Amish furniture and her commitment to quality have made her store a standout in Alabama’s furniture market.

Come visit Vicki’s Amish Traditions at 1401 Montgomery Highway, Suite 121, Vestavia Hills, Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can also reach the store at 334-399-5563.

CONTINUED from page A1

DuBose, a Mississippi native, and her husband, Dennis, a certified public accountant, moved to Shelby County in 1988, just a month after getting married. She began her career with Compass Bank, but after having their second child, she decided to leave the corporate world to focus on raising their family.

“I took a big pay cut, gave up that salary and that job to be a stay-at-home mom, and it’s the best decision I ever made in my life,” DuBose said. “It’s the best job I’ve ever had.”

Her transition to full-time motherhood led to deeper involvement in her community. She was active in school volunteering, nonprofit organizations and church activities. She spent years working with the American Heart Association — including serving as president — and helped raise more than $700,000 for research.

As her children grew older, DuBose’s focus shifted toward Republican politics. She became president of the Republican Women of North Shelby County, where she encouraged women to engage in political issues — advice she would soon take herself.

“No one came to me. No one said, ‘You’d be perfect for this job,’” DuBose recalled. “I just started thinking that, you know, I think I can do this. I think I might even do it better.”

DuBose saw an opportunity to bring what she called an “engaged and active” approach to representing her district, which spans from Chelsea to Irondale and includes parts of Hoover and Leeds, where the incumbent, Dickie Drake, lived. She focused her campaign on direct interaction with voters, attending events and knocking on doors.

“I spent a tremendous amount of time door-knocking. That became the gift that I never knew it would be,” she said. “I had people pray with me. I cried with people. I heard people’s personal stories.”

Once elected, DuBose quickly distinguished herself by sponsoring high-profile legislation. Earlier this year, her “What is a Woman” bill

was signed into law by Gov. Kay Ivey. The law defines gender based on sex assigned at birth. The bill had been opposed by LGBTQ advocates, including the ACLU of Alabama.

“The ACLU of Alabama opposes the effects of this law that would prevent transgender women and men from accessing their rights,” the group said. “If passed, this legislation would have a detrimental impact on the ability for trans women and men to authentically live life.”

As much of a lightning rod as some of DuBose’s legislation has been, she has also sponsored bipartisan legislation.

She collaborated with Rep. Marilyn Lands, D-Huntsville, to introduce a bill ensuring pregnant women receive Medicaid eligibility, aimed at improving maternal health care in Alabama.

This time, she found support from the ACLU, which called the legislation “pro-life, pro-mother, and pro-family.”

DuBose also worked on a bill exempting

breastfeeding mothers from jury duty, citing the need for greater support for women balancing motherhood and work or other responsibilities.

“We have so few women in our legislature, and it’s important that we bring attention to issues that uniquely affect us,” she said. “These are things that men might not think about, but they impact women’s lives significantly.”

While some first-term representatives defer to more experienced lawmakers, DuBose said she forged ahead without hesitation.

“I just put one foot in front of the other and had goals,” she said. “I wanted to make a difference from Day One.”

From Day One, education policy was a top priority for DuBose. Serving on committees for education, health and fiscal responsibility, she is an advocate for “school choice.”

“We know not every kid learns the same way. There is not a one-size-fits-all type of education,” she said.

“ ” I make it a point to be present. I want people to know that I am here, listening and working on their behalf.

REP. SUSAN DUBOSE

Most recently, DuBose made headlines for sponsoring a bill that would require schools to award credit for religious instruction outside of the classroom. The state allows school systems to offer the credit but does not mandate it.

Despite her rapid rise in Montgomery, DuBose remains focused on her district.

“This is the honor of my lifetime, after being a stay-at-home mom,” she said. “I absolutely love it.”

DuBose, who has worked at polling stations and encourages others to work them, believes in striking a balance between being able to easily vote and ensuring secure elections.

“I want our citizens to feel confident that our voting system is secure,” she said. “It should be easy to vote and hard to cheat.”

DuBose also prides herself on her presence in the district. She frequently attends community events, Chamber of Commerce meetings and town halls across her district. She believes that staying connected with her constituents is crucial to effective representation.

“I make it a point to be present,” she said. “I want people to know that I am here, listening and working on their behalf.”

Reflecting on her journey from rearing a family to serving in Montgomery, DuBose acknowledges the unexpected path that led her to the statehouse.

“I never expected to be here, but I’m so happy I am,” she said. “I love what I do, and I feel like I’m making a difference.”

State Rep. Susan DuBose poses with U.S. Sen. Katie Britt at The White House in February. Photo courtesy of Susan DuBose.

robust signing bonus, Ledbetter was sent to Sarasota, Florida, home of the Rays’ rookie-level Florida Complex League after the draft. He then spent 2024 with Bowling Green, where he batted .273 with 65 RBIs, 16 home runs and 34 stolen bases.

That performance has many scouting publications ranking him among the top 50 prospects in the Rays’ minor league system — with a track to potentially be called up to the big leagues as early as 2026.

“I think I am always working to get that much stronger and improve that much more,” Ledbetter said. “I’m working on having a really solid upcoming season. I am excited to see how things turn out at the end of spring training. I’m hoping to be promoted to the Double-A level and get to play for the Montgomery Biscuits. That would be really cool because then it wouldn’t be far from my hometown.”

Born in Hoover, Ledbetter graduated from Spain Park High School in 2020.

His senior year was disrupted by the COVID19 pandemic, cutting his season short.

During his high school years, Ledbetter was considered one of the top baseball players in the Birmingham area. He was named All-State as a junior after hitting .388 with seven home runs, 11 doubles and 33 RBIs in 34 games.

“The thing about Colton was he had a lot of things that were easily recognizable and really impressive from the start,” Smith said. “He was incredibly athletic, he had the ability to run really fast, and he had excellent hand-eye coordination — just skills and qualities that you can’t necessarily coach but are gifts that come naturally to a kid. They are things some kids are just born with.”

Smith said he would have loved to see Ledbetter’s senior year play out, describing it as “unfortunate” that his season was cut short by the pandemic.

“Whenever Colton plays baseball, he makes it look easy,” Smith said.

Ledbetter, known for his left-handed swing, committed to play for Samford University after graduating high school. He played under Samford Bulldogs coach Casey Dunn, who was a primary reason Ledbetter chose to play for Samford.

Ledbetter transferred to Mississippi State for his junior year, where he gained attention playing in the Southeastern Conference. It was during his time at Mississippi State that Ledbetter caught the eye of the Tampa Bay Rays.

He made his official decision to join the Rays organization on July 21, 2023.

“It was all a dream come true,” Ledbetter said about playing professionally. “I think the thing is I have always just genuinely loved baseball, so I’m getting to do what I have always loved, and I feel really blessed by that.”

EARLY BEGINNINGS

Ledbetter’s parents, Cheryl and Fred Ledbetter, played baseball and softball before marrying and having Colton, their only child.

“I think his love of baseball was in Colton’s blood early on,” Cheryl said. “I would go outside with him in the back yard, and he would have a Fred Flintstone-type bat. I would throw the ball, and he would just hit the ball over and

over again.”

When Ledbetter was 4 years old, one of Cheryl’s friends approached her about a recreation league starting up at Heardmont Park and suggested she sign him up to play.

“I think I initially signed him up because I just wanted him to have an outlet for all of his energy as a little boy,” Cheryl said. “When we signed him up and he started playing, he just loved it early on because he got to be with his friends. They had him playing first base because, when you are little, that is the position they put someone in if they can catch the ball. Colton loved catching the ball, and he was really good at it. That started his love for the game.”

Cheryl said his time in youth recreation sports at Heardmont helped propel Ledbetter to local stardom.

“Colton has always been incredibly humble,”

Cheryl said. “He would hit a home run, and it was almost like he was kind of embarrassed that he hit it. I think his humble personality has really helped him over the years because he is not a loud type of kid. He stays focused and just gets the job done when he is out on the field.”

When Ledbetter was 7, he hit a home run at a park game that prompted Rick Burgess from the “Rick & Bubba Show” to feature the play on his radio show.

“It was funny because all of the kids, when Colton played Little League baseball, wanted to use Colton’s bat,” Cheryl said. “They would always say, ‘We want Colton’s bat,’ because they thought it was the bat that would help them hit

Ledbetter to remain humble, stay focused and avoid distractions.

“This game makes it very easy to get distracted and feel like you are failing,” Cheryl said. “We just want Colton to always know that we are there rooting for him and supporting him no matter what.”

Cheryl said she and Ledbetter often exchange a signal at each game to signify her support and let him know she is there in the stands cheering him on.

“I have never been a loud mom in the stands,” Cheryl said. “Colton and I have a little signal we make to one another, and that is all he needs to know that I am there and cheering him on.”

Ledbetter often selects No. 15 for his jersey, if available, because his birthday is Nov. 15.

like Colton. They would all fight over it, and then they realized it wasn’t the bat.”

Ledbetter was eventually selected for the Spain Park Jag Elite Team, where he excelled and was chosen to play for junior varsity in eighth grade.

Cheryl said it was under Smith’s coaching and direction that Ledbetter truly found his groove as an athlete.

“I think it is so important when you have a coach that believes in you,” Cheryl said. “Coach Smith really believed in Colton, and that made all the difference.”

Whenever possible, Ledbetter would spend time at the batting cages at Spain Park, focusing on his game.

“If it was Halloween and my friends were all going out to celebrate, I was at the batting cages practicing,” Ledbetter said. “I would also spend time there on Thanksgiving or even Christmas. It was just where I wanted to be and what I wanted to be doing.”

His parents have always encouraged

Fred and Cheryl have attended most of Ledbetter’s baseball games over the years.

“I think it is important to show up for him and be there,” Cheryl said. “I want him to chase his dreams and know that I am right there with him the whole way.”

LOOKING AHEAD

Ledbetter is looking ahead to the upcoming season, hoping for no injuries or setbacks.

“I think something I have enjoyed while playing professionally is getting to watch other athletes at my caliber play and learn from them while playing myself,” Ledbetter said. “You get to meet people from all over the country and travel. I think it has been really fun to play at various parks across the country.”

While Ledbetter does not know exactly what is in store for him in the next few years, he remains thankful for the opportunities he has been given.

“I am just trying to soak up all of the good moments and enjoy it while I can,” Ledbetter said. “This all just feels like a dream, really.”

Colton Ledbetter, now an American professional baseball outfielder at the Tampa Bay Rays, grew up in Hoover and attended Spain Park High School. Photos courtesy of Cheryl Ledbetter.

Home & Garden Guide 2025 Spring

Special Advertising Section

Enhancing

yards with expert design and installation

Gardner Landscaping • 205-401-3347 • gardnerlandscapingllc.com

There’s lots of landscapers in business, but few measure up to Gardner Landscaping in Birmingham.

The company’s experts, all licensed and insured, have provided top-quality residential and commercial service since 2006.

“We have the people and resources to get your project done in a timely manner,” owner Grant Gardner said.

The spring is a great time for Gardner Landscaping to install more shade trees in your yard.

Adding shade trees offers greater privacy and lovely fall colors, as well as allowing greater energy conservation in homes and requiring less irrigation to retain ground moisture.

Gardner Landscaping can also plant beautiful hedges along your lot lines to cancel road noise, provide privacy year round and hold moisture. The hedges clearly mark the lot lines and provide a better solution than wooden fences, which don’t last as long.

The creative use of trees and shrubs — as well as plants and flowers — will enhance the beauty and value of any property.

Gardner Landscaping will create a customized plan for your yard based on your preferences, as well as sun exposure, soil type and landscape slope.

In addition, the company is “very good at building outdoor play and

entertainment areas,” Grant says.

The team stays abreast of the latest designs, can satisfy any client’s taste in plant materials and offers clean-ups, drainage and landscape borders.

Gardner Landscaping works with all types of budgets and projects in Birmingham, Coosa River, Lake Martin and Auburn.

Call 205-401-3347 or go to gardnerlandscapingllc.com.

Spring is in bloom, and it’s the perfect time to plant a garden, do some cleaning or start a home renovation. Find tips and tricks from area businesses to jumpstart any project in our guide.

Discover exceptional service and custom window coverings at Budget Blinds

Many people like to shop locally as much as they can to support the businesses in their communities. This is especially true when a business is family-owned and based on rock-solid values, like Budget Blinds of Birmingham, located in Vestavia Hills.

The company is owned and operated by Steve and Michelle Thackerson, a married couple who live and work in Vestavia Hills and have been serving their customers faithfully for over 30 years.

At the heart of the Thackersons’ business philosophy is an unwavering commitment to customer service.

“We wouldn’t sell anything to you that we wouldn’t put into our own homes,” Steve says.

The couple’s family-oriented approach extends to their employees.

“The least amount of time somebody’s been with me is 12 years,” Steve says, reflecting the loyalty and family feel that permeates the business.

Budget Blinds of Birmingham offers all types of custom window coverings, and its highly trained personnel take the time to understand their customers and provide them with top-quality products designed for their lifestyles.

When you call the Budget Blinds location in Vestavia Hills to get information or schedule an appointment, you speak to someone in the local office—not a person in a call center hundreds of miles away.

In addition, all window coverings are custom-made to fit each home, and all in-

home measuring and installation is done by Budget Blinds’ local employees.

“We install them, so anything that’s purchased from us, we’ll custom measure your windows and professionally install them,” Steve says.

This is a customer experience that large chain stores simply can’t replicate.

Some of the top sellers at Budget Blinds are shutters, solar shades, and woven wood products.

Motorization and cordless options for window coverings remain popular. Motorized options allow you to control blinds, shutters, solar shades, and draperies from anywhere and can be

used with your home’s automation system.

“We can usually tie our product into any system you might have,” Steve says. The store carries Zebra Shades, originally from Australia and now available in the United States. It is a unique product with both beauty and function. By combining roller shades and horizontal blinds, Zebra Shades allow you both privacy and great light control.

Customers also benefit from the buying power of Budget Blinds, the world’s largest retailer of custom window coverings.

“Because of the nationwide volume of Budget Blinds, we get exclusive warranties others cannot offer,” Steve says. “We get the same products as our competitors, but we get better pricing and warranties because we’re the largest retailer of custom window coverings in the world.”

“Our prices are competitive, and we offer a one-time replacement on all products for five years,” Steve says. “That’s just an unheard-of warranty in any industry.”

For the Thackersons, Budget Blinds isn’t just a business. It’s a reflection of who they are — a family that works together, cares about their community, and strives to provide the best service possible.

You can request a free in-home consultation or visit the showroom Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Your 2025 estate plan check-up

Your estate plan isn’t something you set and forget. It should evolve as your life changes. Marriage, children, financial shifts, and tax law updates can impact whether your plan still aligns with your goals. If it’s been more than five years since your last update, now is the time for a closer look.

DOES ANY OF THIS SOUND FAMILIAR?

• It’s been years since I reviewed my will and estate documents, and I’m not sure who would make decisions on my behalf if something happened to me.

• I completed my estate plan, but I don’t remember the details and I’m not sure I fully understand it.

• My family dynamics have changed, and I want to ensure my wishes are honored and my heirs are protected.

• I could use help organizing my plan so my family has clear guidance — including handling digital assets like passwords, social media accounts, and airline miles.

DOES YOUR PLAN HAVE THE RIGHT PIECES?

Every estate plan should include:

• Will or Trust: A will dictates asset distribution and names an estate manager. A trust can help avoid probate, provide tax benefits, and ensure control over how and when assets are passed down.

• Powers of Attorney: Financial and medical powers of attorney designate someone to make key decisions if you’re unable to do so. Without them, your loved ones may face legal hurdles.

• Healthcare Directive: Also called a living will, this ensures your medical wishes are honored and names someone to make healthcare decisions on your behalf. HIPAA authorizations grant access to necessary medical information.

HAVE YOU CONSIDERED THESE KEY QUESTIONS?

• Are your beneficiary designations up to date? Retirement accounts and life insurance policies pass directly to named beneficiaries. Ensuring these align with your estate plan is crucial to keeping your wishes intact.

• Do you have the right people in place? Executors, trustees, and decision-makers should reflect your current wishes. If the people you appointed years ago are no longer the best fit, it’s time to adjust.

• Do you have immediate liquidity?

Settling an estate takes time. Without accessible funds, your family may face financial strain covering funeral costs, legal fees, and everyday expenses.

• Are you prepared for upcoming tax law changes? The 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act significantly increased estate and gift tax exemptions, but these provisions expire at the end of 2025. If your estate is large enough to be affected, proactive planning now can help protect your wealth. An advanced plan provides flexibility around legislative changes that impact gift, estate, and income tax planning.

WHAT’S STOPPING YOU FROM SECURING YOUR LEGACY?

Estate planning protects your loved ones and preserves your legacy. For over 50 years, Linscomb Wealth has helped families navigate these complex decisions. A strong plan today can mean less stress and fewer surprises down the road.

Scan the QR code in the ad below to read our full article and take the next step in securing your legacy. Your family’s future deserves a plan that keeps them secure — no matter what happens.

Door Restore maintains, refinishes and restores doors with artistic skill

Door Restore • 205-492-5866 • doorrestore.org

An attractive entry door can make a great first impression and boost 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 and iron doors.

Door Restore has maintained and restored doors in Birmingham since 2004.

“We only work on doors. They’re our specialty,” owner Van Etheridge said.

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

If your home needs routine maintenance or minor repairs, you may think you can do it yourself and save money.

However, even if you believe you have the right skills and tools to do a job, it will likely take you a lot longer than it should, because you don’t do home repairs every day.

Most home projects, even small handyman jobs, are better left to the experienced professionals at One Man & A Toolbox.

One Man & A Toolbox can handle any small project, including minor carpentry, plumbing and electrical fixes. They can also do painting, caulking, shelving and more.

“Any odd jobs around your home, we’ll

get them done right the first time,” said owner Jay Moss.

Moss and company can also do many other special tasks, like putting up decorations or assembling a swing set.

“No matter how crazy you think the task is, call us and we’ll try to figure it out,” Moss said.

One Man & A Toolbox can also tackle larger home improvement projects.

Moss warns homeowners against calling unlicensed, uninsured repairmen from Angi or Craigslist. Many will ask for money to buy materials before starting and won’t return or won’t be available for warranty issues that arise after the job.

One Man & A Toolbox has skilled, reliable employees who are licensed, insured and bonded.

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

The company is now a family affair. Last year, Etheridge began working with his son Griffin, who recently earned his business degree from The University of Alabama.

Etheridge hopes Griffin will help him grow Door Restore.

“I’m happy he’s learning from the ground up to understand fully how the business runs,” Etheridge said.

Door Restore offers a money-saving maintenance program that keeps doors

looking their best for years.

“Wood doors weather quickly and need a new top coat every one to two years, depending on exposure, sun and rain,” Etheridge said. “We provide customers maintenance once a year, including a topcoat to save them money in the future.

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

For details, call 205-492-5866 or go to doorrestore.org.

Don’t Let Allergies Steal Your Joy

It’s that time of the year again- allergy season! While most individuals are eager to hop into springtime for warmer weather and more time spent in the sunshine, others are dreading the start of congestion, sneezing, and watery eyes on a daily basis. Don’t let allergy season steal your joy! If seasonal allergies are impacting you and your family’s health, continue reading this article for some tips and tricks to combat your symptoms and keep the sniffles to a minimum!

One of the easiest and most effective ways to prepare your body for the change of seasons is consuming a local, raw honey. A local honey contains small particles of pollen from plants within your area. This gives your body a chance to naturally build up a tolerance to allergens over time, helping increase your exposure and potentially reducing your allergy symptoms. The soothing properties of honey are wonderful for cough suppression as well, which many individuals struggle with as part of their seasonal allergies. Honey is also known for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which are great additional reasons to incorporate consumption of honey into your daily routine. Lastly, honey is a great natural sweetener that can be utilized as a healthy swap for highly processed alternatives. By

swapping to a healthier sweetener, you are decreasing the amount of inflammation added to your body, which also helps reduce your allergy symptoms! To help combat your seasonal allergies, add a tablespoon or two of a local, raw honey to your morning smoothies, afternoon teas, or even as a topping for your yogurt parfait. Honey is a great resource for individuals over the age of one to incorporate in their daily routine.

Another way to improve your seasonal allergy symptoms is by receiving chiropractic adjustments. How does this work you might ask? Specific chiropractic adjustments help realign the segments in your spine, restoring optimal and correct nervous system function and spinal movement. The nervous system controls all other systems within your body. Removing the interference caused by misalignments strengthens the capabilities of the nervous system, inherently strengthening the impact of your immune system as well. Chiropractic adjustments also help decrease inflammation in the body; this includes areas such as your skin, your sinuses, and your lungs and overall airway passages. Decreasing inflammation helps keep your body wellmaintained and helps reduce the severity of symptoms related to illness or allergies.

Written by

When this inflammation is removed from your sinus cavities and lung pathway, this helps reduce the impact of allergies overall. Removing misalignments in the neck and middle to upper back region are most effective in decreasing inflammation related to allergy symptoms. Additionally, when inflammation is decreased, this directly decreases the amount of allergy symptoms and reactions an individual may experience. Inflammation is directly linked to stress and histamine production. Reducing these factors within your body helps to better regulate your nervous system as a whole.

Staying hydrated is beneficial for a multitude of reasons-including reducing allergy symptoms. Maintaining proper hydration helps reduce the amount of histamine in your body. Histamine is a chemical within our bodies that can cause a variety of allergy symptoms such as sneezing and itching. While histamine is important to have to alert us when something is off within our bodies, having too much can lead to an increase in symptoms that are not necessary. Another way hydration helps improve allergy symptoms is by thinning the mucus produced by our bodies. This includes the mucus that is produced and located in our nasal passages. Thinning this mucus

helps to alleviate congestion and decrease a person’s overall discomfort. Lastly, staying hydrated directly supports your overall immune system health. Having a healthy and functional immune system is critical for managing your seasonal allergies and symptoms associated with it. If you find it difficult to stay hydrated or drink an appropriate amount of water daily, remember that you can eat your water too! Increase foods that are higher in water content such as fruits, cucumbers, and even meals such as broths and soups.

Sleep is vital for our bodies as a whole, so of course it also plays a role in our body’s ability to adapt to allergens in our environment. Our bodies repair themselves as we sleep, so ensuring that you allow your body time to rest and recover provides it the ability to reduce inflammation and recharge after exposure to allergens. Make sure you are aiming for seven to nine hours of sleep each night. Using an air purifier and sleeping in an elevated position can also help improve your sleep while combating allergies.

We hope this article provides you with knowledge on how to prepare yourself for allergy season so that you can spend less time suffering and more time doing what you love!

SPORTS

All-South Metro Basketball

Trotter named co-Player of the Year

By KYLE PARMLEY

The 2024-25 high school basketball season is in the books. It was a season that included plenty of expected contenders (Hoover’s boys and girls) and some programs that made historic runs (Mountain Brook and Chelsea girls).

There were plenty of outstanding individual campaigns as well, and the Under the Lights All-South Metro Basketball Team highlights the best of the best.

As far as accolades go, Hoover seniors Salim London and DeWayne Brown share this year’s boys Player of the Year award. London and Brown have been stars for the Bucs for four years now, leading the program to three consecutive Class 7A state championships. London averaged 16 points and nearly four assists per game, while Brown averaged a double-double.

On the girls side, Vestavia Hills’ Sarah Gordon and Chelsea’s Haley Trotter share the Player of the Year honors. Both capped off tremendous individual careers that coincided with terrific team success as well. Both leave their programs as the all-time leading scorers.

BOYS

► Players of the Year: Salim London and DeWayne Brown, Hoover

► Coach of the Year: Scott Ware, Hoover

BOYS 1ST TEAM

► Drew Mears, Briarwood: The leading scorer in the area for the second straight year, averaging 19.4 points per game and becoming the Briarwood all-time leading scorer.

► Salim London, Hoover: The UAB signee capped off a stellar career by leading the Bucs to an unbeaten season.

► DeWayne Brown, Hoover: The Tennessee signee went for 14 points and 10 rebounds per game in a dominant final high school season.

► Devon McKinnon, Clay-Chalkville: Nearly led the Cougars to their first final four appearance, scoring 19 points per game.

► Aiden Owens, Chelsea: The senior forward went for 16.5 points and 6.7 rebounds, leading the Hornets back to the regional tournament.

BOYS 2ND TEAM

► Adam Barksdale, Vestavia Hills: Stepped into a starring role for the Rebels, posting nearly 18 points per game.

► Victor Odiari, Clay-Chalkville: The

UAH signee had 18 points and nine rebounds per game.

► Trey Davis, Mountain Brook: The junior scored 11 points per game and knocked down 78 3-pointers.

► Jarett Fairley, Hoover: The senior had 12.5 points per game as one of the stars for the Bucs.

► Kaleb Carson, Homewood: The junior guard came off the football field and averaged 15 points, four rebounds and nearly four assists per game.

BOYS 3RD TEAM

► Latham Binkley, Homewood: The Trevecca signee went for 12 points and seven boards per game.

► Chase Lamey, Oak Mountain: The senior led the Eagles with 14.5 points per contest.

► Jordan Garcia, Chelsea: The sophomore stepped up in his first full varsity season and had 13 points per game.

► Seneca Robinson, Hoover: One of the most versatile facilitators and defenders in the state.

Left: Oak Mountain’s Caroline Kester (23) dribbles the ball Hoover vs. Oak Mountain Basketball game at Hoover High School on Jan. 9

► Colt Wells, Hewitt-Trussville: Scored 10 points per game for the Huskies.

BOYS HONORABLE MENTION

► Mac Couvillion, Mountain Brook; Will Patterson, Oak Mountain; Gray Plaia, Oak Mountain; Jack Bakken, Mountain Brook; Eli Stubbs, Briarwood; Jones Cleary, Vestavia Hills; Johnny Towry, Vestavia Hills; Chris Kunard, Oak Mountain; Jackson Sheffield, Hoover; Austin Dudley, Hoover; Harrison Stewart, Spain Park; Daniel Vinson, Homewood; Brayden Robertson, Briarwood; Jack Maloney, John Carroll; Rashad Rolley, Hewitt-Trussville; Tommy Morrison, Spain Park.

GIRLS

► Players of the Year: Sarah Gordon, Vestavia Hills, and Haley Trotter, Chelsea ► Coach of the Year: Krystle Johnson, Hoover

GIRLS 1ST TEAM

► Sarah Gordon, Vestavia Hills: The Penn signee led the area in scoring with 19.8 points per game.

► Haley Trotter, Chelsea: The 6-foot forward posted 17.4 points and nine rebounds per game, leaving Chelsea as the program leader in points and rebounds.

► Maddie Walter, Mountain Brook: The sophomore continues to show great promise, finishing the year averaging a double-double of 14 points and 10 rebounds.

► Aaliyah Blanchard, Hoover: The junior guard led a balanced Lady Bucs attack with 13.8 points and 7.1 rebounds per contest.

► Kaitlyn Gipson, Hoover: The senior guard and Alabama-Mississippi All-Star finished her storied career with 1,906 career points.

GIRLS 2ND TEAM

► Ellis McCool, Homewood: The junior forward could dominate games, and went for 15.9 points and 8.2 rebounds each game.

► Emily Williams, John Carroll: The junior forward averaged a double-double of 16 points and 10 boards.

► Ashlyn Howard, Hewitt-Trussville: The UAB commit averaged 12.5 points and nearly nine rebounds.

► Emma Kerley, Briarwood: The junior became the Briarwood all-time leading scorer and had 14.6 points per game.

► Jill Gaylard, Vestavia Hills: The senior guard went for 10 points and over four assists per contest.

GIRLS 3RD TEAM

► Kimora Brewster, Clay-Chalkville: The Lady Cougars had a retooling season, but the junior guard posted 12 points per game.

► Libby Geisler, Mountain Brook: The lone Lady Spartans senior was a strong leader and averaged 11.5 points.

► Lauryn Holley, Hewitt-Trussville: The sophomore guard burst onto the scene with 14 points per game.

► Kristen Winston, Hoover: The eighthgrade sensation finished her second varsity season with 12 points, four rebounds and three assists per contest.

► Caroline Brown, Chelsea: The junior forward led the team in assists and posted nearly 12 points per game.

GIRLS HONORABLE MENTION

► Caroline Kester, Oak Mountain; Grayson Hudgens, Vestavia Hills; Ava Robinson, Homewood; Avery Davis, Mountain Brook; Ann Tatum Baker, Briarwood; Ava Leonard, Spain Park; Ryleigh Martin, Hewitt-Trussville; Mackenzie Hale, Clay-Chalkville; Tori Flournoy, Spain Park; Savannah McDonald, Homewood; Olivia Pryor, Chelsea; Layla Cannon, Hoover; Zyaire Walker, Oak Mountain; Jaliyah Manuel, Hoover; Sadie Schwallie, Chelsea.

Above: Chelsea’s Aiden Owens (21) dribbles the ball during the Spain Park vs. Chelsea basketball game at Chelsea High School on Jan. 24. Right: Chelsea’s Haley Trotter (23) shoots the ball during the Mountain Brook vs. Chelsea 6A AHSAA state semifinal game at Legacy Arena in Birmingham on Feb 26. Photos by Savannah Schmidt.

Above: Oak Mountain’s Will Patterson (2) dribbles the ball during the Hoover vs. Oak Mountain Basketball game at Hoover High School on Jan. 9

SPORTS

Lady Hornets cap historic season as state runners-up

By KYLE PARMLEY

The spirit of the Chelsea High School girls basketball program was on display at Legacy Arena.

The Lady Hornets did not get the end result they hoped for, falling to Park Crossing 49-39 in the Class 6A state championship game on March 1, but they showed what they were made of along the way.

While many teams would have folded the tent going down double digits in the fourth quarter, Chelsea did anything but that. Park Crossing made everything difficult for the Lady Hornets all game, but a 9-2 run over 90 seconds gave them life. A quick turnover in the backcourt led to a clutch 3-pointer from Sadie Schwallie to cut the deficit to 41-38 with 1:40 to play.

Park Crossing made the plays down the stretch to hold off the Lady Hornets, though, as the Thunderbirds capped off their program’s first state title.

But that stretch certainly gave life and was a snapshot into what Chelsea had done to get to the program's first state final. Haley Trotter even had a look at a 3-pointer that would have tied the game moments later.

"There were a couple of times where we could’ve laid down,” Chelsea head coach Jason Harlow said following the game. “We found ourselves with the basketball down one possession later in that game, just came up short. It goes to the character of the ladies I have next to me and in that locker room.”

Trotter, named to the all-tournament team, led the Lady Hornets with 18 points and 13 rebounds. Caroline Brown was the other Chelsea all-tournament member. Schwallie had eight points, and Juliann Bass and Olivia Pryor each scored four points in the game.

Chelsea made more program history, as the Lady Hornets returned to the final four this year for the second time. In 2021, Chelsea fell in the semifinals, so the appearance in the state final was a first.

“It seems like every year, we’ve gotten a little better,” said Harlow, who has been at Chelsea seven years now. “We’ve played in the regional final four of the last four years. Got back over the hump this year. We have tremendous players and high-character kids. They demonstrated that when they got down 13 and didn’t quit.”

Brown and Pryor alluded to Chelsea’s 11-8

record in late December, as the Lady Hornets were struggling to find their footing. They certainly did, not losing again until the state championship game.

“Everyone realized this can’t happen — we are good, we’re Chelsea basketball,” Brown said. “We can get far in this, and we did. I love these girls.”

Trotter, Schwallie, Sydney Carroll and Allie Scott are the seniors on this Chelsea team and have set a great example for the program now and into the future.

“This is an amazing accomplishment for Chelsea,” Trotter said. “I’m glad we were able

to boost it and bring some more community to it, and hopefully, it’ll keep going. I’m proud of this team and program.”

Great players move on, and others have to step in and take the mantle. Pryor will be a junior this year and looks to be one of the next great ones by the time her Chelsea career is done.

She wants a return trip to Birmingham in the near future.

“This won’t be the last time hearing about the name Chelsea,” she said. “We have a great program and a great coach, and we’ll continue to do amazing things.”

Left: Caroline Brown (10) shoots the ball during the Chelsea vs. Park Cross AHSAA 6A State Championship game on March 1 at the Birmingham Legacy Arena. Right: Olivia Pryor (12) dribbles the ball.

Chelsea girls varsity basketball team celebrates advancing to the state final after the Mountain Brook vs. Chelsea 6A AHSAA state semi-final game at Legacy Arena in Birmingham on Feb 26. Photos by Savannah Schmidt.

Full-tuition scholarships will be awarded to top MDiv applicants for the 2025-26 academic year.

Samford University’s Beeson Divinity School offers a robust Master of Divinity in our in-person, community-oriented model of theological education. Thanks to a generous donation, our flagship degree is more affordable than ever before. Don’t miss your chance to experience the Beeson difference.

Scan the QR code to learn more about our

Faces of the 280 corridor

Lazar and Whitaker: voices of community, commitment

By SAVANNAH SCHMIDT

For U.S. 280 corridor residents Linda Lazar and Candy Whitaker, the Junior League of Birmingham’s choral group has been a source of strength and connection. Through performances at nursing homes and underprivileged schools, the pair has seen firsthand how music reaches those who may not otherwise engage.

One moment stands out in Lazar’s memory.

“This gentleman in a wheelchair hadn’t stood up in a long time, but he stood up to take a photo with us after our songs,” she recalled.

In addition to inspiring others in the community, Lazar has found support in the choir in times of loss.

“If it hadn’t been for the choral group, I don’t know what I would’ve done. They have been such a solid ground,” Lazar said.

Whitaker values the choir’s commitment to inclusivity. She sees music as a bridge between generations, saying, “We sing music that’s the background of our lives. We’re sharing it with people who — maybe — that’s all they have.”

For Whitaker, the experience has been deeply personal.

“I have terrible stage fright,” she admitted. “But it’s been the greatest gift I didn’t know I needed.”

As the group prepares for its spring tour, Lazar and Whitaker will keep the league’s mission in their hearts

Junior League of Birmingham choir members and 280 residents Linda Lazar, left, and Candy Whitaker sing during a rehearsal on March 4. Photos by Savannah Schmidt.

Residents wary waiting for U.S. 280 expansion project

By TAYLOR BRIGHT

As the area awaits the start of a longplanned expansion of U.S. 280, some residents who live near the construction zone still have questions about how the project will affect their daily lives — both during construction and after completion.

The Alabama Department of Transportation project, which has been in development for several years, includes resurfacing and widening sections of the highway from Rosedale Drive in Homewood to just past Interstate 459. Another major component is the replacement of the Pump House Road bridge.

Lura Denson, a Mountain Brook resident who lives near the bridge, said she has had questions throughout the planning process that remain unanswered.

“Nobody’s taken into account the residents and anybody else around it, and that’s sad,” said Denson, who has two young children.

One of her biggest concerns is the potential increase in vehicle speeds through residential areas once the bridge is widened. During construction, the old bridge will remain in place but will be reduced to a single lane.

“They’re keeping it open, per se, but it’s one lane, that’s it,” Denson said. She added that new turn lanes in the expansion will force drivers into faster-moving traffic, creating additional hazards. “Now what ends up happening is you have people going over 40 miles per hour, which they already do in our neighborhood.”

Denson also fears the loss of natural noise barriers and increased traffic congestion due to the widening. The removal of trees and other vegetation along the roadside, she said, is expected to amplify noise pollution and impact nearby homes.

“They are taking out 25 to 30 feet of trees now that were helping all of us keep our privacy and our quiet,” Denson said.

Efforts to obtain updated information on the project have proven difficult, Denson said, adding that she has reached out to city officials and state legislators regarding the timeline and scope of the expansion.

“They’ve not updated anybody,” she said.

Bids for the project were expected in February, but Denson said neither she nor her neighbors have received word on any progress.

The expansion’s impact on daily routines is another pressing issue for nearby residents. Current traffic patterns already make

it difficult for homeowners to navigate their neighborhoods safely, Denson said.

“The worst part is, I can barely get out of my driveway in the mornings to take my children to school,” she said. “It’s not even the amount of cars, it’s the speed.”

Many residents, including Denson, have called for additional traffic-calming measures such as stop signs and lower speed limits. However, they say those concerns have largely gone unaddressed.

“I should be able to walk on my residential road without fear of getting nailed by a car,” Denson said.

According to ALDOT, the project will be

completed in phases, though a timeline has not been determined. The phases include:

► Resurfacing of both directions of U.S. 280 from Rosedale Drive to Lakeshore Drive.

► Widening of U.S. 280 in both directions from Lakeshore Drive to I-459.

► Resurfacing of U.S. 280 from I-459 to the Cahaba River near Grandview Medical Center.

► Replacement of the Pump House Road bridge.

► Residents remain concerned about the lack of communication and the project’s potential impact, but for now, they are left waiting for updates.

Motorists travel east and west on U.S. 280 between Perimeter Park and The Summit. Some U.S. 280 residents have continued questions about the plan to expand the highway. Staff photo.

Life along the 280 corridor

BACK WHEN GET TO KNOW

Alison Robinson, Inverness author

By STAFF

Alison Robinson is an author who lives in Inverness. Her recently published fantasy novel is called Shadowless.

Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself.

A: I have a background in theater and was classically trained at the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey as one of their apprentices. I have a bachelor’s in acting and a master’s in counseling from the University of Alabama. I worked as a counselor for a while, but over the past six years, I’ve returned to my creative roots through writing fantasy.

Q: How did you decide to become a writer?

A: I’ve always been creative, drawing and writing stories from a young age. I loved reading fantasy and thought being an author would be the coolest job, but I also thought it was too hard. When I was pregnant with my daughter, an idea popped into my head, and I wrote a chapter. I didn’t think much of it, but I couldn’t stop thinking about it for a year. Finally, I sat down to write more seriously and realized I had a really interesting story.

Q: What’s something people might be surprised to learn about you?

A: I am very introverted. People assume I’m extroverted because I can be outgoing, but that’s my theater training. I love people, but I can get quite nervous, and you wouldn’t

necessarily be able to tell. I thrive in smaller groups, one-on-one interactions or being alone. In my community and at our church, people are often surprised when I tell them I’m actually an introvert. Alison Robinson is an author living in Inverness. Photo courtesy of Alison Robinson.

From the Hoover Belles to Miss Alabama

By SAVANNAH SCHMIDT

Long before Abbie Stockard was crowned Miss Hoover 2024 and later Miss America 2025, the Hoover Belles were setting the stage for pageants in Alabama.

In 1979, Faye Anderson founded the Hoover Belles, a group of young women trained in poise and elegance who wore large hooped skirts and attended balls and events at venues such as the Summit, Shoal Creek and Riverchase country clubs.

In the early 1980s, Hoover did not meet the requirements to send a contestant to the Miss Alabama pageant. While Anderson was still sponsoring the Hoover Belles, she organized the Miss Hoover Area pageant to allow young women from nearby areas to compete.

In 1984, Tammy Littleton was crowned Miss Hoover Area and went on to win the Miss Alabama pageant that same year. Anderson mentored Littleton throughout her pageant journey, guiding her as she prepared for Miss America.

That same year, Littleton performed during

President Ronald Reagan’s visit to Alabama on July 4, 1984. Impressed by her singing, the Reagans invited her to the White House.

Tammy Littleton, the winner of Miss Hoover area 1984 and Miss Alabama 1984, competed in the Miss America pageant and sang in front of President Reagan on stage on July 4, 1984. Photo courtesy of Hoover Historical Society.

On the Mainstage

GET TO KNOW

Will Mason, owner of Mason Music

By STAFF

Q: Tell us about your business.

A: Mason Music exists to teach, equip and empower the next generation of music makers. We do this by teaching private lessons on guitar, piano, voice and drums with our incredible, award-winning teachers. We also sell beginner instruments so that we can equip our students with what they need to succeed.

Q: How did you get involved with the business?

A: Well, I’m what I like to call an accidental entrepreneur. I did not set out to start a business. No, rather I had someone approach me and asked me to teach them guitar lessons. That’s how this whole thing started.

Q: What sets you apart from your competitors?

A: One thing that sets us apart from our competition is just our size. With over 65 teachers on our staff, we’re able to match each student with someone who is a good fit

for them based on their skill set, their goals, their personality and their schedule.

Additionally, we have some really unique performance opportunities, like Rock Band League where students can join a band, learn how to play with other young musicians and play real shows at some of the best venues here in Birmingham.

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

A: One of the main things our parents really appreciate about Mason Music is the way we invest in their children’s confidence.

SPOTLIGHT

Emmerke brings music to life through Events by Sherry

By TIM STEPHENS

For Sherry Emmerke, music has always been more than just background noise — it has been a guiding force throughout her life. Raised in a musical family in Chelsea, she learned to play five instruments and was an active member of her high school band. Though her professional career led her into the hotel industry, her love for live music never faded. That passion ultimately led her to launch Events by Sherry, a business dedicated to booking and promoting local musicians.

A Hoover resident, Emmerke juggles her role as a hotel director of sales with managing Events by Sherry, where she helps solo artists, duos and full bands secure performance opportunities across the Birmingham metro area. She handles everything from booking and contracts to social media promotion, ensuring musicians not only find gigs but also grow their audiences.

“My job is to promote them, get them out there and get them playing,” Emmerke said.

“I love helping musicians find opportunities, whether it’s a small acoustic set or a big event.”

Emmerke’s work extends beyond traditional venue bookings. She is passionate about supporting nonprofit organizations, using her industry connections to help plan fundraisers

and benefit concerts. Two of her upcoming projects include Bikes for Kids and the Country Cattery, both set for May 17, where live performances will help raise funds for these causes. Through Events by Sherry, Emmerke has built a network of talented musicians, many of whom juggle day jobs with their music careers — something she relates to firsthand.

“There are so many talented musicians in this area,” she said. “They just need the right opportunities to be seen and heard.”

For more information on Events by Sherry and upcoming shows, visit eventsbysherry.com.

Emmerke

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

Will Mason is the owner of Mason Music, a local chain of music education centers and supply stores.

Will Mason, owner and CEO of Mason Music. Photo courtesy of Mason Music.

56-for-56:

By TIM STEPHENS

The competition problem (and the math I can’t ignore)

I have two problems. The first is a competition problem, and the second is a math problem — and since I really dislike math, we’ll get to that later.

Let’s start with competition. A lifetime of playing sports wired my brain to frame challenges like this as a competition against others. I’d either crush the opponent (motivated by anger) or avoid getting embarrassed (motivated by fear). It worked — until it didn’t.

That kind of fire burns hot, but it also burns out. So if I can’t compete the way I used to, how do I stay motivated?

This is where reframing the competition comes in. My therapist, Dalila Bass, says seeking an external opponent is always temporary — but competing against myself? That’s sustainable.

“I think you should be your own competitor,” she told me. “If you ran a mile in 20 minutes one week, shoot for 19 the next. That way, the competition is consistent and sustainable.”

That’s the shift I’m working on now. Instead of proving myself to someone else, I’m setting personal benchmarks and focusing on beating those. The challenge still feels familiar — there’s a deadline, discipline and a goal. But the motivation comes from a healthier place.

And that brings me back to the math problem.

THE MATH I CAN’T IGNORE

At 275 pounds, I’m down five pounds since the last episode. But reality is setting in — 138 days until my 56th birthday, 51 pounds left to lose. Losing 1.5 pounds per week won’t get me there.

My latest InBody analysis confirmed that while I lost weight, my muscle mass percentage dropped slightly, and my body fat percentage

To watch the second episode of 56-for-56: A Transformation Project, scan the QR code.

rose. Balancing calories in, calories out and macros is key.

The numbers show what it will take:

► Daily calorie intake: 1,800-2,200

► Daily calorie burn needed: 3,100-3,500

► Daily caloric deficit required: 1,294

Mickal Thomas, my trainer at the Shades Valley YMCA, is helping me find the right balance between burning calories and not wrecking my body.

“If the calories you take in aren’t enough to sustain your workouts, your body starts cannibalizing muscle,” he explained. “And if you push too hard every day without recovery, you won’t be able to come back and perform. So it’s all about balance — what you put in, what you take out, and how well you recover.”

ADJUSTING THE PLAN

To get there, I’ve made key adjustments:

► More protein and cleaner carbs for fuel and recovery

► 2 HIIT sessions and 2 strength training workouts per week

► 4 HOTWORX sessions for low-impact, high-efficiency burn

HELPING TEENS LEAD HEALTHY

► 7,000-10,000 steps daily, 12,000-15,000 on rest days

► Tracking with WHOOP and managing intake with MyFitnessPal

Recovery is a major focus. Training in an infrared-heated studio at HOTWORX supports calorie burn and recovery.

“The first thing I think of is HOTWORX is all low impact,” said Danica Kempinski, studio owner at HOTWORX Vestavia Hills. “So there’s no extra stress on the joints, which is great for people working on mobility. The second thing is the infrared benefits — you’re recovering as you work out.”

I’ve also been challenged in new ways, especially with movements that test my core strength, like Pilates and yoga. Things that look easy on video can be brutally hard in practice. But as Kempinski reminded me, consistency is key.

Tim Stephens, the general manager of Starnes Media, works out at the YMCA during his 56 for 56 Transformation Project challenge.

“You’ll see progress over time by consistently doing the same movements,” she said. “You might start with your feet on the ground, but soon you’ll notice you’re holding positions longer and getting stronger.”

IV therapy at Prime IV Homewood helps with hydration, muscle repair and reducing fatigue.

I’m also using ProjectLeanNation for meal prep, keeping me on track while balancing work, including running six media brands and launching major initiatives like Creator Collective, Under the Lights and The Transformation Project.

WHAT COMES NEXT

The math problem isn’t going away. But this time, I’m approaching it smarter — competing against who I was yesterday, not who I was 20 years ago.

And that’s a competition I intend to win.

Photo by Savannah Schmidt.

Charles

Christopher S. Carter, MD Elbow, Foot & Ankle, Hand & Wrist, Hip, Knee, Shoulder

Emily Bell Casey, MD Elbow, Foot & Ankle, Hand & Wrist, Hip, Knee, Shoulder

Rachel G. Henderson, MD Elbow, Foot & Ankle, Hand & Wrist, Hip, Knee, Shoulder

José (Jody) O. Ortega, MD Elbow, Foot & Ankle, Hand & Wrist, Hip, Knee, Shoulder

Wayne McGough, Jr., MD Arthroscopy, Elbow, Knee, Shoulder

Ryan Riding High

Ryan Jones was in the market for his perfect new truck; that’s why he turned to our team at the corner of I-65 and Highway 31 in Vestavia! We’re proud to say we found exactly what he was looking for with this ideal 2025 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT pickup. Now Mr. Jones is riding high with performance, technology, and a refined interior. For every ride there’s Royal!

The look of the 2025 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT is what strikes you first. The unmistakable chrome grille grabs attention, while chrome flourishes around the entire body hold eyes on this truck. The Sierra 1500 is much more than a looker, though. It’s powerful inside, with options like the available ProGrade® Trailering System, giving it capability that goes above and beyond your run-of-the-mill pickup. Test drive your new GMC truck or SUV where I-65 meets Highway 31 in Vestavia.

Ryan Jones with his new 2025 GMC Sierra 1500