280 Living
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Volume | Issue2011 11 | July | 4July | 2011
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A 280 traffic solution?
July Features
Fireworks Fun | pg 6 • Editor’s Note
4
• Local’s Produce
7
• Zumba Gold
8
• Junior Cotillion
8
• Cool Things to Do
9
• Princess Collette
10
• Family Fourth Tradition
11
• Apartheid Memoir
12
• School House
13
• Sports
16
• Restaurant Showcase
20
• Business Spotlight
21
• 280 Business Happenings 22 • Rick Watson
24
• Library Happenings
25
• Kari Kampakis
26
• Paul Johnson
28
• Calendar of Events
30
• Music Listings/Classifieds 31 Become a fan on
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ALDOT is considering a plan for an elevated roadway on Highway 280 like this sketch of the Brook Highland Parkway and Meadow Brook Road intersection. Illustration courtesy of ALDOT.
By MAdolINE MARKHAM Survey crews have been at work on Highway 280 over the past several months, which might have led those who travel it daily to wonder, “Maybe they’ll do something to alleviate the traffic bane of everyone’s existence?” The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) is currently completing survey work on the highway that will help determine a course of action
for future improvements on the highway, according to Brian Davis, Third Division engineer at ALDOT. “It will help any decision that will be made,” said Davis, who has worked on Highway 280 issues since 1994. “It enables us to do a better job analyzing any alternatives on the table. We want to make a decision based on sound numbers.” Once the survey work is completed,
ALDOT will discuss their findings and determine the best solution with Governor Robert Bentley. When ALDOT and the governor decide on one plan to proceed with, they will involve the public. Ultimately, the governor will make the final decision. When campaigning in August, Governor Bentley said he favored
See 280 | page 23
Vapor’s vision By MIA BASS
Driving south on Highway 280 past Greystone, it’s hard to miss a bright red awning that reads, “Life is a vapor.” Behind the awning is not just a shopping spot but a ministry that supports schooling, healthcare and athletic activities for children in Kenya and other parts of Africa—all relying on the hands and hearts of the people from the 280 area. The store is run by manager Steven Palmore, but it isn’t heavily staffed. Instead, it depends on the spirit of volunteerism in the 280 area. Six volunteers come in on a regular basis; two work in the store daily. During the school year, high school students also cycle through in order to help. “Seeing God’s hand in every step the store has taken is inspiring,” Palmore said. He came into the Vapor family about a year ago, but Kim Thrasher, an
Members of the Vapor team at Vapor Sports Thrift Store. Back row: Gordon Higbee, Dustin Rosner and Mischa Jordy. Middle row: Travis Quinn, Josh Kirkland, Taylor Wyatt, Karson Nichols, Shelby Rodda and Steven Palmore. Front row: Silas Rosner, Stephanie Mleziva, Lesley Simons and Kim Thrasher.
associate at the thrift store, has been a part of Vapor since the very start. She actually knew Micah McElveen, founder of Vapor Sports Ministries, before the accident and before the vision for Vapor. The Vapor story McElveen was injured and became a
quadriplegic at age 14. After regaining use of his legs, he was able to play collegiate soccer for four years. His love of soccer led him on a month-long trip to Kenya. It was a common bond, kicking the ball between one another.
See VAPOR | page 29
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