280 living vol 7 iss 2 oct 2013 by Starnes Media

280 Living

• A1 October October 2013 | Volume2013 7 | Issue 2

280Living.com

neighborly news & entertainment

Light The Night

‘but by a miracle’

Each Light The Night Walk helps the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society get one step closer to a cure. Find out how to participate in this year’s event inside.

‘They didn’t think I was going to live. They had asked all my family to come and say goodbye.’

Community page B13

Tips

from the pros

From picking fun projects for cold days to preparing your pool for its winter hibernation, learn it all from local professionals in our Fall Home and Garden section.

Special Section page B1

Haunted Chelsea Strange sounds lead a Chelsea resident to learn more about the area’s scary past.

Community page B16

INSIDE Sponsors .......... A4 280 News ......... A6 Business ........... A8 Intersections ... A12 Opinion ............. A17

Sports ............... A19 Fall Home ......... B1 Community ...... B7 School House ... B18 Calendar ........... B20

Pre-Sort Standard U.S. Postage PAID Birmingham, AL Permit #656

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Stephanie Pugh

One survivor’s story helping open eyes to domestic abuse By KATIE TURPEN One October evening, Stephanie Pugh attempted to flee her home. For eight years, she suffered abuse from her husband, with whom she had two young children. She saw no way out. But that night, she was feeling brave. She packed her bags, grabbed her children and headed for the door. But before she could finally feel that rush of freedom, her husband forcefully stopped her. He kicked her down the flight of stairs inside their home. She lay at the bottom, bruised and battered. Then things took a true turn for the worse. “He shot me in the arm with a 12-gauge shotgun,” Pugh said. “He shot me in front of our 4-year-old daughter.” Pugh was taken to the emergency room where

Know it now See our guide to driving the new U.S. 280 on page A12

she remained for hours with her fate uncertain. “They didn’t think I was going to live,” Pugh said. “They had asked all my family to come and say goodbye.” But by a miracle, she did. Doctors took skin and muscles from her back and legs to put in her arm where she was shot. She recalls lying in the hospital bed feeling disfigured and helpless. “I couldn’t do anything. I had to be carried like a baby to the bathroom,” Pugh said. “It took a long time for me to recover.” Two weeks after the night she was shot, Pugh heard about the Run Away From Domestic Violence Race/Walk at St. Vincent’s One Nineteen Health and Wellness. A close family friend decided to walk in her honor. Pugh recalls looking at her daughter and asking her if she

See RUN AWAY | page A23

Domestic violence in Shelby County 3 instances of homicide 2 instances of rape 18 instances of aggravated assault 400 instances of simple assault 2012 statistics according to the Alabama Criminal Justice Information Center

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About Us Photo of the month

This summer, Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Middle School social studies teacher Kayley Krueger attended the Belfer Conference hosted by the Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington D.C. Krueger was one of four teachers throughout the state of Alabama granted a scholarship to attend by the Birmingham Holocaust Education Center. Krueger is pictured with eighth-grade students. Photo courtesy of Our Lady of the Valley Catholic School.

Editor’s Note By Madoline Markham

Back in drivers’ ed across, or turn left, out of many intersections. By far my favorite comment about the 280 intersection changes thus far has been, So you best be sharpening those U-turn “God bless my new driver who doesn’t know skills and report back to us how things where she’s going anyway. I can hear the are going. Tell us just what you think of GPS now: ‘Turn left onto Valleydale, make these new re-workings, and how they are a U-turn, make a U-turn, make a U-turn.’ affecting your commute time (it had better Thanks, Brandy Bradberry Whitfield, for be faster!) — email jeff@280living.com or a comment so awesomely comedic we’ve madoline@280living.com or comment on now printed it twice. our Facebook page. “Make a U-turn, make a U-turn” kept Regardless of construction status this playing in British GPS voice in my head Madoline Markham month, one thing is for certain. The greenery as I was deciphering ALDOT’s intersection on Double Oak Mountain will be turning to maps for this month’s issue, with the assistance of Google autumn hues, and I’ll be taking them in as a stroll, err maps (I know what’s where by restaurant location, not drive, my way out to Greystone or Chelsea this month. random cross street names, for the record) and our inhouse intersection expert, Mr. Jeff Thompson. And, now, voila, starting on page A12, we bring you a very visual, user-friendly guide to driving the “new 280” — the one where you will no longer be able to go straight

280 Living neighborly news & entertainment

Publisher : Creative Director : Executive Editor : Managing Editor : Advertising Manager: Sales and Distribution : Contributing Writers :

Interns:

Dan Starnes Keith McCoy Jeff Thompson Madoline Markham Matthew Allen Rhonda Smith Warren Caldwell Michelle Salem Haynes Katie Turpen Rick Watson Kari Kampakis Intisar Seraaj-Sabree Paul Johnson Chandler Jones Sydney Cromwell Lauren Moriarty

For advertising contact: dan@280living.com

Contact Information: 280 Living PO Box 530341 Birmingham, AL 35253 (205)-313-1780 dan@280living.com Please submit all articles, information and photos to: jeff@280living.com P.O. Box 530341 Birmingham, AL 35253 Published by : Starnes Publishing LLC

Legals: 280 Living is published monthly. Reproduction or use of editorial or graphic

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

Please recycle this paper

Please support our community partners Alabama Power (B22) Allstate Insurance - Jay Barker Agency (B21) Beaumont Pharmacy (A8) Bedzzz Express (A5) Bellini’s (B16) Birmingham Botanical Gardens (B7) Birmingham Internal Medicine (B16) Birmingham Speech and Hearing Associates (A17) Birmingham Zoo (B21) Black Pearl Asian Cuisine (B11) Bongiorno Italian Restaurant (B21) Bromberg & Company, Inc. (A12) Brookwood Medical Center (B1) Bruno Montessori Academy (B11) Cahaba Dermatology and Skin Care Center (A14, A22) Cahaba Marriage and Family Counseling (B15) Chiropractic Today (A18) Classic Events (B13) Cowboy’s (A21) Danberry at Inverness (A10) Decorating Dens Interiors (B2) Eighteenth Street Orientals (A16) Eye Do (B19) FabsFirst (B9) Fancy Fur- Paws and Claws (A20) Fi-Plan Parnters (A11) Four Corners Custom Framing (A16) Gallery No. 9 (A18) GeGe’s Salon (A18) GeoStone (A6) Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce (B20) Greystone Antiques & Marketplace (B3) Hanna’s Garden Shop (B4) Hendrick Hoover Auto Mall (A12, B7) Indian Springs School (B17) Iron Tribe (A24) Isbell Jewelers (B14) Junior League of Birmingham (B2) Kidder Financial Group (B14) LAH Real Estate (B5) Levy’s Fine Jewelry (A1) Liberty Oriental Rugs (B23) MiBella Wellness Center (B19) Mind Blowing Mulch (B3) Narrows Family Eyecare (A23) Osaka Sushi Restaurant (B12) Outdoor Living Areas (A15) Pak Mail (B9) Pastry Art (A17) Pharmacy One Nineteen (A22) Plain Jane Children & Gift Shop (A20) Pure Barre 280 (A19) Renaissance Consignment and Marketplace (A3) Renasant Bank (B24) Richard Joseph Salon and Spa (A1) Royal Automotive (A2) Salter Ferguson, LLC (A21) Samford After Sundown (B9) Skin Wellness Center of Alabama (B10) Smith Chiropractic (B12) Southeastern Jewelers and Engravers (A19) St. Vincent’s One Nineteen (A23) Swimming Pool Services (B4) Tai Chi Acupressure (B12) Thairapy Salon (A20) The Cuckoo’s Nest (B8) The Ditsy Daisy (B15) Tonoma Painting (B20) Total Care 280 (A7) True Colors Salon (B10) Turning the Tables Room Renovations (B6) Tutoring Club Inverness (B19) UAB Medicine (A9) United Way (B18) Varsity Sports (A19) Village Dermatology (A19) Vision Gymnastics (B17) Vulcan Park and Museum (B3) World Cellular - Verizon Wireless (B20)

October 2013

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by Southerland

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280 News Hoover school board adapting to consistent shortfalls in revenue By SYDNEY CROMWELL The Hoover City School System is facing another year of tightening its belt to keep pace with falling revenue. Due to increased enrollment and declines in state funding and property tax income, the school system has been working under a constricted budget since 2008. Previous cost-cutting measures such as increasing classroom sizes, delaying building projects and refinancing debts have saved more than $80 million during that period. However, the school system’s expenditures are still outstripping its income by approximately $17 million, and

further reductions must be made. “I think we’re much more a culture of conservatism when it comes to our expenditures,” said Cathy Antee, Hoover City Schools’ chief financial officer. At a public hearing on Sept. 5, Antee laid out the proposed budget for the 20132014 fiscal year. That budget was approved at the Board meeting Sept. 10. This year’s budget must make room for several new expenses, including a statemandated 2 percent pay raise for teachers and increased debt service payments, along with the normal costs of running a growing school system. To offset this spending, the budget

includes cuts to funds for transportation and operations, as well as downsizing custodial services and certain aid programs. Additionally, the school system is considering dipping into a reserve fund balance to soften the blow of the budget deficit. This fund has previously been used to cover building projects and losses from the 2007 economic collapse, but using it to cover normal operational costs is not a sustainable solution. “That’s not the place we want to be,” Antee said. The most recent version of the 20132014 budget can be found on the Hoover City Schools’ Finance Department website.

Chelsea Day festivities set for Oct. 5 Chelsea High School Band Boosters are planning the annual Chelsea Day event for Saturday, Oct. 5 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at the City of Chelsea City Hall. The event will celebrate the arts and host various vendors and artisans from throughout the state. There will also be food, family fun and local entertainment from Chelsea schools and churches. Organizers are currently looking for vendors to participate in the event. For more, contact Scarlet Walker at 529-3750 or chelseahighband@yahoo.com.

Dunnavant Valley to present small area plan to commission By SYDNEY CROMWELL Big changes are being planned to improve safety and quality of life in Dunnavant Valley. For nearly a year, residents have participated in community workshops and steering committee meetings to determine the most pressing issues the valley faces. Shelby County Development Services presented an initial draft of the small area plan to the community in August at Mt Laurel Elementary School and

welcomed feedback to improve the plan. Dunnavant Valley residents identified key areas of concern, including bicyclist safety, police presence, commercial development and preservation of existing natural habitats. The small area plan includes a series of short and long-term proposals intended to address these problems. Traffic and transportation was the largest issue identified, and planned solutions include consistent speed limits, bicycle lanes and crosswalks, illuminating intersections,

completing the greenway and repaving the accident-prone Hugh Daniels Road. Crime was also uppermost in residents’ minds, as they requested that the plan include creation of a police substation, a Citizen Observer Patrol (COP) program and domestic violence prevention measures. Other plan proposals include zoning regulations to limit commercial development, creation of community parks and several measures to protect local wetlands, ridges and green space.

Even once the plan is approved, not every requested project could be undertaken based on the availability of funding. The plan is still open for comments and can be viewed at Mt Laurel Library and on the Shelby County Development Services webpage. The amended plan will be presented to the Planning Commission in October for review and potential adoption in November, then move on to the Shelby County Commission for final approval by the end of the year.

October 2013

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Greystone Elementary to be honored for fighting childhood obesity Greystone Elementary School is being recognized this month for transforming its campus into a healthy environment for development. At a Forum in Little Rock, Ark., being held Sept. 30-Oct. 2, Greystone representative and physical education teacher Rand Payton will receive the BRONZE National Recognition Award from The Alliance for a Healthier Generation. The Alliance is a national organization founded by the American Heart Association and the Clinton Foundation. To earn the award, Greystone Elementary improved its nutrition services and physical activity programs to meet or exceed stringent standards. These standards are set by the Alliance’s Healthy Schools Program, which provides professional development to schools that includes training and resources to help them reverse the childhood obesity epidemic. Schools are eligible for Bronze, Silver or Gold National Recognition Awards based on their level of achievement. “We are so excited to receive national recognition this year. The Healthy Schools Program has helped us create a healthier and happier environment for students and staff alike, and we are proud of the great results we’ve had so far at Greystone,” Payton said. At Greystone Elementary, students are not only required to participate in physical activity for 30 minutes a day, but they’re also encouraged to participate in many

Greystone Elementary Physical Education Teacher Rand Payton

extracurricular physical activities like the Jaguar Running Club, Jump Rope for Heart and even the Mercedes Marathon. “The main thing we stress is that we aren’t going to talk much, but we are going to get moving as soon as possible,” Payton said. “We start in kindergarten, and their physical education is high-intensity from then on.” - Submitted by Greystone Elementary

Another step toward Valleydale Road widening project By SYDNEY CROMWELL Hoover is one step closer to the initiation of the Valleydale Road widening project. At its regular meeting on in September, the Hoover City Council approved a supplemental agreement with Volkert, Inc. to provide right-ofway acquisition services. This agreement allocates an additional $620,336 to Volkert, Inc., which is already responsible for environmental studies, field surveys and securing corridor approval for the project. The planned road widening will cover the 3.5-mile stretch of road between Caldwell Mill

Road and Inverness Center Drive. Valleydale Road is currently heavily congested due to traffic from Spain Park High School, Jefferson State Community College, and several major neighborhoods and business parks. The Hoover City Council has been discussing widening the road since 1999, but it started moving forward on the project in 2011 with funding assistance from the Alabama Department of Transportation and Shelby County. The most recent estimates put the project’s cost at over $12 million. Right-of-way acquisition services must be completed by September 2015, but a completion date for the road widening has not yet been named.

HCS still reviewing alternatives to bus cuts By SYDNEY CROMWELL Hoover City Schools’ vote to cut its bus system was back under scrutiny at a public budget hearing in September. Local parents were present once again to voice their opposition to the plan and hear from board members about the alternatives being considered by Hoover City Schools. The decision to eliminate transportation was originally made in July in response to increasing budget deficits, and the board suggests the move could save the school system $2.5 million per year. Nonetheless, it has met continued resistance from parents, many of whom argue they cannot get their children to school without the buses. The board has previously held several public meetings to discuss these concerns and alternate solutions, but has yet to reach a result that is mutually satisfying. The budget hearing did not produce any new solutions, but parents were encouraged to hear the board was looking at all possible alternatives before entirely discarding the bus

system. Superintendent Andy Craig noted that the district’s geography made the transportation problem more challenging, but the board was still considering the feasibility of a fee-based program or an agreement with a private company to provide third-party transportation. Board members also emphasized that these cuts were necessary to avoid placing further strain on the classrooms and compromising Hoover children’s education. They also assured the audience that their decision was not made to deliberately abandon parents with no way to transport their children. “It’s not like we intended to pull the plug and let everybody fend for themselves,” Board member Earl Cooper said during the meeting. “I don’t think that it’s an accurate assumption to say that we did.” The school board will continue to consider the transportation problem as it prepares its 20132014 budget and plans to present its solution to parents in the near future. “You’re going to hear something soon,” said Cooper.

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Pelham City Council takes first step in establishing new school system

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provided 33-gallon containers, as well as recycling collection once every other week in the 96-gallon container. Option 2, for $19 per month, includes all the features of Option 1 plus an extra 96-gallon container. Option 3, for $23 per month, is like Option 1 but also includes weekly limb and yard waste removal. Additionally, homeowners in Woodford will have a specialized service for $21 per month, which provides curbside recycling and garbage service that conforms to local covenants. For more information, call Shelby County Environmental Services at 6693737. Residents can sign up for the new service by calling Waste Pro at 432-0878.

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Shelby County residents are about to see a new company handling their trash and recyclables for a slightly lower rate. On Oct. 1, a new contract between Shelby County and Waste Pro will take effect, which will provide garbage disposal in unincorporated areas and towns that use the county’s contract. Residents can choose one of three service options, all of which include curbside recycling and a 96-gallon container provided by Waste Pro. Option 1, for $11.65 per month, includes once-a-week garbage collection for the Waste Pro container and two customer-

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Shelby County makes switch to less expensive garbage collection service By SYDNEY CROMWELL

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In September, the Pelham City Council voted to establish its own municipal board of education. This move is the city’s first step toward creating its own system outside of the Shelby County School District. Students living in homes that fall within Pelham municipality lines could be required to attend Pelham schools once the system is in place. Pelham officials estimate implementing the city’s system could take two years. The change could mean a lengthy drive of over 14 miles to school for many

Overton Rd

residents that live near Chelsea schools. This summer, residents of the WindStone neighborhood delivered a petition to the council to be de-annexed from Pelham. If allowed, children in the effected areas could attend school closer to home, but Pelham would suffer a loss in annual tax revenue. Pelham is not the first city in the area to break away from its school district. Alabaster recently broke away from the Shelby County School System. Pelham City Council’s next step in the separation process will be to vote on a fivemember board of education for the new system.

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By KATIE TURPEN

Business Happenings

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October 2013

280Living.com

Openings

Merger

Narrows Family Eyecare has opened 1 downstairs in a new Vision Therapy Office at 13521 Old Highway 280, Suite 233. Dr. Jessica Palmer provides clinical eye care for eye and vision disorders in addition to lenses, frames and contact lens services. 980-4530. narrowsfec.com.

M&F Bank has merged into Renasant Bank. All M&F locations reopened under the Renasant Banks brand in September, and clients could resume business as usual. The bank’s locations now include 16623 U.S. 280 in Chelsea and 107 Inverness Corners in Inverness. 678-2080 (Chelsea), 991-2825 (Inverness). renasantbank.com.

Trinity Medical Clinic Chelsea is now open at 331Chelsea Corners Way, directly behind the Dairy Queen in Chelsea. The clinic offers services for physicals, minor emergencies, weight loss management as well as OB/GYN services. trinitymedicalclinics.com. 678-7779.

Gallery No. 9 Fine Home Furnishings, is now open in Greystone Terrace on Highway 280 across from Hugh Daniel Drive 5426 U.S. 280, Suite 9, 874-9235. gallerynumber9.com.

Coming Soon West Elm, Madewell, C. Wonder and Kate Spade are opening stores at The Summit this fall. West Elm features furniture and home decor, Madewell and C. Wonder offer women’s clothing and accessories, and Kate Spade sells women’s clothing, shoes, accessories and jewelry. westelm.com, cwonder.com, madewell.com, katespade.com

The Gingerbread Lady has moved from The Colonnade to Grants Mill Station in Irondale. Owner Ellen Morris said she appreciates the community’s support the last three and a half years and hope to see them at their new location, 5415 Beacon Drive, Suite 165, Irondale, 35210. 960-7040. thegingerbreadlady.com.

New Management Aura Salon is under new management. The salon, located at 157 Resource Center Parkway, Suite 113, offers hair and nail services as well as massages, makeup, waxing and more. 980-2504. aurasalonspa.com.

Anniversaries Roger’s Trading Company is celebrating its anniversary with a big sale from the middle to end of October. They are located at 140 Resource Center Parkway. With purchase of $100 or more, customers have the chance to spin a wheel to win prizes. The store now focuses on lifestyle clothing and accessories as well as its longtime supply of outdoor merchandise. 408-9378.

News

Relocation

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sweetFrog Premium Frozen Yogurt, 1250 Doug Baker Boulevard, Suite 400, participated in a “No Kid Hungry Day” in September and make donations to help connect kids struggling with hunger. The location also held a food drive for the community. All cans collected were donated to a local Birmingham food bank. sweetfrogyogurt.com.

Business news

to share? Now Open Coming Soon

Relocation Expansion

Mahesh Changlani, MD • Alan S. Gertler, MD • Jody Gilchrist, Nurse Practitioner

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Are you at risk for heart disease? Introducing Heart-To-Heart Check Ups. This comprehensive risk assessment can uncover heart disease even before you have symptoms. In most cases, you only pay your co-pay.

Anniversary

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

280 Living neighborly news & entertainment

Email dan@280living.com

Call 800-822-8816 to schedule an appointment. Learn more at uabmedicine.org/heartacton

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280 Living

Business Spotlight 51

Old Highway 280

Hwy 55

The Cuckoo’s Nest

Read past Business Spotlights at 280Living.com

280

4222 Old Hwy. 280 Westover, AL 35185 Tuesday-Saturday, 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. 678-7220 facebook.com/nestofthecuckoo

By INTISAR SERAAJ-SABREE Quirky, unusual and crazy are words Angela Tenbarge, owner and sole employee of The Cuckoo’s Nest, uses to describe her specialty store. Tenbarge, a retired nurse, said she never knew her taste was uncommon. But when customers continued to tell her how unique the store’s home accessories and gifts were, she realized just how eccentric she and her store are. “I just pick out things that I love and things that make me happy,” said Tenbarge, a Brook Highland resident. “If it makes me feel good, makes me laugh or makes me happy, then that’s how I pick it out.” From a pig toaster to an animated autumn gourd, there are surprises around every corner. There are also salutes to the current holidays mixed in with home décor, jewelry and Alabama and Auburn football paraphernalia. In November, customers might find a decorative Thanksgiving dinner spread or a toy nutcracker in December. And no matter the month, there is always something flashy somewhere in the store due to Tenbarge’s “sparkle weakness.” “I don’t want it just to be a store,” Tenbarge said. “I want it to be an event. I want it to be a fun occasion.” As soon as customers park in the

Angela Tenbarge, owner and sole employee of The Cuckoo’s Nest.

gravel lot, their eccentric trip begins. Lush flowers and bushes encircle the gated store, and a stone walkway leads to the small, green Cuckoo’s Nest with a purple door. Most customers find their way to the large plastic cow — Zelda Mae, as Tenbarge named her — before they enter the store. Tenbarge uses Zelda Mae as a landmark for the store and hand-makes seasonal hats for her to attract more attention.

“So many people will come, go out to that cow and take a picture,” Tenbarge said. “I try to change her up. Last year at Christmas she had on a red and green tutu with elf booties, and in the spring she had on a big floral Easter bonnet.” People might stop for Zelda Mae, but they stay for the fun in the store. When Tenbarge feels especially festive, she might make herself a hat to wear or completely dress up

for a certain holiday. For the store’s opening in November 2012, she made decorative hats for the customers as well. Tenbarge said one customer liked her hat so much that she wore it to Sunday school. With so much vibrancy in and outside the store, Tenbarge gives shoppers their space while shopping. However, once they come to the register for checkout, there are usually many spouts of laughter and chatter.

“I enjoy talking to people and getting to know them,” Tenbarge said as she smiled through her purplerimmed bifocals. “They don’t get out of here without me knowing something about them and them knowing something about me.” Even without the verbal exchange at the register, customers can get to know Tenbarge well through her vibrant store — quirky, unusual and a little “cuckoo.”

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Restaurant Showcase

Read past Restaurant Showcases at 280Living.com

Old Highway 28

Rd rC ra ne se

16054 U.S. 280, Suite 1800 679-1853 Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

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Happy Gilmer’s Restaurant

By KATIE TURPEN After watching Happy Gilmore for the first time in 1996, Mark Gilmer left the theatre with more than just an empty popcorn tub. He not only had better appreciation of his last name, but also a new vision for a restaurant. “I just thought, ‘This is it,’” Gilmer said. “I always wanted to have my own place. I decided to give it a shot.” In February, Gilmer achieved his lifelong dream and opened his moviethemed Happy Gilmer’s in Chelsea. A huge, bright green beach chair marks the entrance to this unique family hangout. Inside, the staff wear tuxedo T-shirts, and the booths are made out of colorful fence posts. A game room in the back of the restaurant showcases three classic arcade games and a funky hot dog mural splashed across the wall. It’s everything Gilmer ever wanted. “It’s exactly like my vision,” he said. “I wanted to create a place you could just come and hang out.” Gilmer said he had originally planned for a simple hot dog joint, but once inside a bigger space than he expected, he decided to expand the menu. It now features hot dogs, burgers, chicken wings, sandwiches and, of course, Happy Nachos. Gilmer boasts the restaurant’s

(right) Mark Gilmer opened Happy Gilmer’s, a unique restaurant inspired by the 1996 film Happy Gilmore, in Chelsea in February. (above) Happy Gilmer’s features a game room with classic arcade games and a funky mural painted by one of the restaurant’s employees. (left) A bright green beach chair marks the entrance to family hangout Happy Gilmer’s in Chelsea.

commitment to serving fresh meat and making everything by hand. “We want to keep it as simple as possible,” Gilmer said. Simple doesn’t mean Gilmer and his crew don’t mix things up with daily specials, which are regularly posted on the restaurant’s Facebook page and listed on a separate chalkboard inside

the restaurant. The specials showcase Gilmer’s creative side with everything from red beans and rice to barbecue nachos to macaroni and cheese with cut-up hot dogs. “It’s really whatever I’m in the mood to do,” Gilmer said. “Sometimes, I’ll see things on TV that I want to try.”

SPECIAL PROMOTION

Gilmer makes it clear his restaurant aims to not just serve the Chelsea community but also be an active part of it. Pictures of Chelsea sports teams line the wall above the fencepost booths, and this fall Gilmer is keeping his restaurant open later on Friday nights for Chelsea home football games.

While the first year of opening a restaurant is the hardest, Gilmer, who has worked in all aspects of the restaurant business, can’t imagine doing anything except proudly serving fresh food in a tuxedo T-shirt. “It comes second nature,” Gilmer said. “I was just born to do it.”

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280 Living

How to Drive the New 280 A guide to navigating ALDOT’s Intersection Improvements Summit Parkway

When you turn right onto Summit Boulevard from the 280-459 intersection, the right lanes will now be widened to ease the strain of merging into traffic flow.

If you are on Summit Boulevard and want to go across 280 to the AT&T building, you can no longer drive directly across the intersection. You must turn right at the light, make a U-turn back onto 280, and then turn right onto the AT&T access road.

Fleming’s Steakhouse Village Tavern

Traffic from the AT&T building to The Summit will also no longer be able to drive directly across the intersection but will have to turn right or left, turn around and then come back to turn into The Summit

AT&T Building

Perimeter Park South Kobe

The signal at Grandview Parkway that previously provided access to Kobe and Drury Inn will be relocated to Perimeter Park South. Those turning left onto 280 here will enter a median acceleration lane and merge into existing traffic.

Surin 280

Perimeter Park South

October 2013 • A13

280Living.com

Grandview Parkway (East Intersection) Traffic will no longer flow directly across the intersection. Drivers wishing to directly cross will have to turn right or left, make a U-turn and approach the intersection.

Marriott Birmingham

A second left/U-turn lane will be added at the intersection for traffic headed toward downtown Birmingham. There will also be dual left turn lanes coming out of the intersection onto 280.

Cahaba Grand Conference Center

Riverview Road

Arby’s

A second left turn lane will be added for traffic driving toward The Summit.

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A14 • October 2013

280 Living

Resource Center Drive To access restaurants and shops on Resource Center Drive, there will no longer be a light. Traffic headed toward The Summit can make a left turn onto the drive only. Traffic coming out of Resource Center Drive will only be able to turn right onto 280; drivers wishing to go back toward The Summit will have to make a U-turn.

Logan’s Roadhouse

Inverness Parkway

Dixie Fish. Co.

Traffic will no longer flow directly across the intersection for those travelling from Wendy’s to America’s First, or vice versa. That traffic must turn left or right and then make a U-turn and travel back to the intersection.

America’s First Federal Credit Union

Wendy’s

Turning lanes will be added for those accessing 280 from Inverness Parkway. Those sitting at the light on Inverness Parkway Southbound will have two left turn lanes now, and those on Inverness Parkway Northbound will have three.

October 2013 • A15

280Living.com

Inverness Center Drive/Greenhill Parkway You will no longer be able to travel directly across 280 from The Fresh Market to Superior Grill. Traffic must turn left or right at the intersection, make a U-turn and turn into the desired destination.

Superior Grill

Second left turn/U-turn lanes will be added for traffic headed both directions on U.S. 280 wishing to turn at this intersection, speeding up the flow of traffic onto the cross streets.

The Fresh Market

Brook Highland Parkway/Meadow Brook Road You will no longer be able to travel directly across 280 from Brook Highland Parkway to Meadow Brook Road or vice-versa. These maneuvers will require U-turns at other intersections.

Diners headed to Joe’s Crab Shack from Chelsea will no longer be able to turn left through the median to access the restaurant. Your best bet is now turning at Meadow Brook Parkway and winding your way through to Joe’s.

Brook Highland Plaza

BB&T

Joe’s Crab Shack

inc.

Traffic heading toward Chelsea that wishes to turn left onto Brook Highland Parkway will now have more space in its two turning lanes; each lane will be extended.

Drivers from Meadowbrook Parkway northbound will have a second left turn lane to access U.S. 280 westbound to speed up traffic flow.

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A16 • October 2013

280 Living

Corporate Parkway/Lowe’s

Short cut takers beware: You will no longer be able to travel directly across 280 from Brook Highland Plaza to Corporate Parkway or vice-versa. These maneuvers will require U-turns at other intersections.

IHOP

Aliant Bank

A second left turn lane will be added for traffic turning left from Corporate Parkway onto 280 headed toward The Summit.

Hugh Daniel Drive

To Greystone

Wafﬂe House

You will no longer be able to travel directly across 280 from Greystone subdivisions to Regions Bank/Chuck’s Fish or vice-versa. These maneuvers will require U-turns at other intersections.

Chuck’s Fish Regions Bank

October 2013 • A17

280Living.com

Opinion My South By Rick Watson

Power of words There’s power in words. I’ve He was homeless for a few said that time and again, but last years and pawned his college night as I struggled to think of a national championship rings to topic for this column, I picked buy drugs. up a journal from 1992 and read I don’t want to say too an entry I wrote long before much right now because the I became a freelance writer. story has not been published, I wrote, “I want to take pictures, but he did turn his life around play music and write stories and has a story that is nothing about interesting people.” less than remarkable. I’d say At the time, I was a nighthe was an interesting person shift supervisor for the phone to interview. company in a data center, and at Tonight, Jilda and I are Watson times I felt like a ship lost at sea finalizing our set list for without engine, compass or rudder. It was a our gig tomorrow night. In the past year, good job, but I longed to do more with my life. we’ve played at festivals, art galleries and I was trapped by the security of my job. We coffeehouses around the area. We don’t needed insurance and had bills to pay, so we make a great deal of money, but playing had to have a steady paycheck. music seems to be good for the soul. We’d built a new house a few years before, So maybe you can see why I smiled when I and I wanted to go back to college for my read the entry from 1992 — “I want to take master’s degree. But I felt that was a pipe pictures, play music and write stories about dream without a steady job with a regular interesting people.” paycheck. I think everybody has dreams, but I guess It seemed crazy at the time to even consider too many believe their dreams could never doing anything else, but that didn’t stop me come true. Back in 1992, I didn’t know how I from writing those words in my journal. would ever make my words come to life, but I laughed out loud as I read that passage those dreams were important enough to me tonight. Today, I shot photographs of high that I wrote them down in my journal. school kids who’d received sports scholarships Things didn’t happen overnight, but to colleges around the country. I marched steadily in the direction of This afternoon, I interviewed a man my dreams. who played football on a University of I think I can say with some authority that Alabama football team that won two national words have power. Even if you don’t see any championships. He got a great job after way possible that you can make something college, got married, had kids, and then lost it happen in your life, write down what you all when he got strung out on pain meds after want. problems with kidney stones. I’m living proof that it pays off.

That’s Life By Paul Johnson

One to another Let’s tackle a big dog. Let’s Yet we do it all the time open its jaws, stare into its maw in very subtle ways, through and smell its nasty breath. I’m expectation and moral feeling ornery today, irritated by conformity, forgetting the other something that I think needs to be parts of the equation in order to addressed. I might get letters about cut quickly to the sum and get this, which is okay, because it’s a our way. The crazy thing is that pretty touchy and misunderstood forced submission can work, but subject. And I will admit I do not too high a price is paid for only have the corner of understanding marginal results. Submission on this topic, but let’s step back works the most fully when it is from this topic is in and give it invited or offered. (and us) some breathing space. Let me define two terms. Submission. Invited submission occurs (I already feel the hairs on when something is requested. Johnson your neck bristling). Offered submission is given Let’s cut to the chase. Yes, the Bible says humbly, lovingly, authentically, willingly. for women to submit to their husbands. It Only then can submission make way the path is in Ephesians chapter five. And it uses the of partnership that is the core of absolute word submission there in reference to action and efficient relational functionality and of wives to husbands. It does not use it in communion (a.k.a. “one flesh”). reference to action of husbands to wives. Good grief, we incessantly beat these Yet the action for husbands that follows the drums of submission from Ephesians five, exhortation of women to submit is the ultimate forgetting that what precedes this passage in submission and the furthest expression of is foundational, essential and a first priority submission — love. It is not just any love but before the other two can fall into place: sacrificial love — the dying kind, which is the “Submit to one another, out of reverence to all-trumping submissive non-power-oriented- God.” So much of the submission battle is in do-what-I-say act. It is hard to coerce anyone the context of obeying God, yet it ignores the to do anything if one is metaphorically dead. priority condition. Reverence to God is found But in Kingdom-think, this is a good thing and exhibited in mutual submission, one to because dying for another is the ultimate another. love act and elicits the ultimate love response So the next time the desire to unleash the (submission of the other). Commanding and big dog possesses you in order to win the war demanding submission and respect does very of wills, remember leash law number one: little; dying (to self, to the other) does it all. submit to love and understand one to another You see, there is such a thing as forced first because once you unleash the big dog, it submission. In the history of humankind, won’t stop until it. forced submission has never (yes, never) Paul Johnson is a professionally licensed been a good thing. From Pharoah’s day to marriage and family therapist, professionally today’s sex trade, forced submission (a.k.a. licensed and nationally certiﬁed counselor, slavery) is not good. It disrespects, devalues, and a licensed minister. You can reach him degrades and dehumanizes the very delight at 807-6645 or paul@lifepractical.org. His and culmination of creation. ofﬁce is in Greystone Centre on U.S. 280.

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C R E AT I V E B A K E D G O O D S

A18 • October 2013

280 Living

Your Health Today Brave the Change! By Dr. Irma Palmer

A few weeks ago, I had lunch with a dear friend and patient. We discussed a variety of topics, and of course, health was one of them. We didn’t just skim the surface, however. We were having a deeper discussion (you might even call it a debate of sorts) about what drives us to get (and stay) healthy. What’s the psychology of what drives the behavior of succeeding or failing? Beyond willpower or a short-term goal (to be healthy enough to dance at your daughter’s wedding, for example), why are long-lasting health changes difficult to attain? I feel there are a variety of factors influencing our behavior. I think we can all agree that the world we live in is fast paced, demanding, and downright crazy at times. The United States currently produces more obese, chronically ill and depleted people than it does vital, fit, resilient ones…and the trend is worsening. Two out of three U.S. adults are overweight or obese. At any given time, half of us are contending with at least one chronic disease. A growing number of us are growing reliant on pharmaceuticals whose side effects and interactions undermine our health and long-term quality of life. (How often do you take

another pill to counteract the side effects of the one originally prescribed? When will the madness end?!??!!) Even our children are becoming ill and prescription dependent at ever-younger ages, and their life spans are being shortened as a result. We must change the habits that are undermining our health. Rest assured we didn’t get here completely by accident. There are powerful social, economic, and political forces beneﬁting from our ill health. (Do you doubt the truth of that statement? Just consider the plethora of ads on TV and in magazines for the latest drugs available to cure what ails you… they’re spending millions upon millions in advertising…so you know they’re making billions.) There are huge amounts of money made off our unhealthy habits and population. For decades, billions have been paid to lobbying groups to protect their special interests. These special interest groups not only manipulate public policy and the media to our disadvantage, they conduct huge misinformation and marketing campaigns designed to keep us buying products that negatively impact our health! As a result of the repetition, many of us begin to adopt daily behaviors and make choices that cost us billions in

Chiropractic Today Total Natural Health

medical bills. Consider this truth: begin to adopt what passes as “normal” and live the average American lifestyle, and you won’t stay healthy for long! Scary stuff! We’ve allowed ourselves to get to this state by seeking the “quick ﬁx” solution because we’ve been led to believe that healthy choices are expensive, difﬁcult, tough and so unattainable. Yet, more and more individuals are waking up to the realization that no one is going to save us but us. More and more people are growing, buying, and preparing more whole, nutritious foods and avoiding processed junk. The number of people exploring sound alternatives to health care like chiropractic, and enjoying physical movement and exercise is also growing. People are sweating and liking it! We are taking charge of our own well being and discovering just how good that feels. Being strong and healthy in an unhealthy culture makes you part of the minority. Yet being in this minority is just where you want to be! It gives you freedoms and opportunities that poor health does not. You get to enjoy energy, clarity, and vitality so you can live, play, contribute, and give bigger meaning to anything you do. I call it “living life

wide open.” Being able to get out there (whether hiking at Oak Mountain State Park, biking the neighborhood with your kids, or joining them at Airwalk), playing like a teenager (without paying for it with injury dollars!) is pretty cool when you are in your forties or beyond. Isn’t it time you got to experience living life wide open yourself? It’s never too late to brave the change. As the seasons change from summer to fall, it’s a great time to consider the changes you need to make to reclaim more vitality. The time for passivity has passed. It’s time to stop suppressing symptoms and managing diseases. For over 20 years I have encouraged, educated, and guided individuals toward living a wellnessoriented lifestyle. Going through the terrain of change and challenges you’ll face to reach the higher ground of optimal health and vitality isn’t easy, but it’s worth the journey. Call my ofﬁce today at 205-991-3511 if you’re ready to brave the change. Whether you are already on the road to wellness, or wondering where to start, a visit to my ofﬁce to learn more is an invaluable next step. Together, we can design a plan that will help you live life wide open.

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(205) 991-3511

www.ChiropracticToday.com

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October 2013 • A19

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Greystone team heads to national championship

Greystone YMCA USTA Men’s 3.0 Team members Richard Flournoy, Jeff Smith, Chad Miller, Ken Coreno, James Mizell, Jason Smith, Danny Cricks, Allan Crockett and Rick Vawter. Not pictured: Daniel Fagan.

subsequently the state championship. In the Southern Sectional Championship, the team again went undefeated, narrowly, after defeating a strong Georgia team 3-2 in the finals. This win qualified the team to represent

the southern section of the USTA in the National Championships in Tucson this year, where less than 5,000 of 900,000 USTA members nation-wide will compete this fall. “We have worked incredibly hard under

the watchful eye and guidance of Greg Howe, a teaching pro at the Pelham Racquet Club,” team member Chad Miller said. “We are so privileged to be representing our state and region this year and hope we can bring home a national championship.”

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The Greystone YMCA USTA Men’s 3.0 Team formed in the late summer of 2012 with the singular goal of winning a national championship. The team went undefeated that year and won the Birmingham league and

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A20 • October 2013

280 Living

Jaguars off to strong start under Raney

The Spain Park Jaguars kicked off the 2013 season with a hard-fought 23-14 victory over the Austin Black Bears In the first two weeks of September, the team overtook Prattville and Chelsea high schools, and the Jaguars followed up these victories by facing off the Wetumpka Indians and the Lee Generals. The Thompson Warriors, victorious through their first three games of the 2013 season, will challenge Spain Park at the beginning of October. SPHS closes the regular season by facing the Oxford Yellow Jackets in November.

Remaining Schedule All games start at 7 p.m. Oct. 4: Thompson Oct. 11: at Oak Mountain Oct. 18: Stanhope Elmore Oct. 25: at Pelham Nov. 1: at Oxford

Photo courtesy of Ted Melton / actionsportspix.smugmug.com

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October 2013 • A21

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OMHS Eagles looking to rebound in October

Chelsea facing tough slate this month

Briarwood eyeing season finale

The Oak Mountain Eagles’ 2013 season opened with a flop as the Eagles came to a screeching halt at halftime. It was a close game until the Shades Valley Mounties scored three touchdowns in less than four minutes, putting the win out of reach for Oak Mountain. Victory was still far away the following week when the Eagles suffered a devastating loss of 28-6 to the Wetumpka Indians. But the ball was finally picked back up in the team’s third game against the Stanhope Elmore Mustangs with a 3521 victory. Later in September, the Eagles clashed helmets with the Pelham Panthers and the Pell City Panthers. The team’s October opener is against the Chelsea Hornets, who rank No. 102 in the state in comparison to the Eagle’s ranking of No. 82 according to maxpreps.com. But beginning the week after, Oak Mountain faces a slate of tough teams like the Clay-Chalkville Cougars (No. 8) and the Spain Park Jaguars (No. 15).

The Chelsea Hornets opened the 2013 season with a jawdropping win of 62-14 over the John Carroll Cavaliers, but were unable to keep the pace through their second two games. A strong start, a halftime lead and all-star performances weren’t enough to prevent the Thompson Warrior’s first regional win since 2009. The game was close in a defeat of 25-23. As the Hornets struggled to recover from their loss, the Spain Park Jaguars took the opportunity to storm in and defeat Chelsea with a 14-0 blow. In September, the team challenged the Stanhope Elmore Mustangs and the Tarrant Wildcats. The team will open October by facing the Oak Mountain Eagles. Shortly after, the Hornets must sting or get stung by several strong teams including Prattville and Wetumpka. But the team carries on its hopes of making the season finale against the Shelby County Wildcats as jaw-dropping as the season opener.

The Briarwood Christian Lions have been on a football balance beam so far this season. After an upsetting loss of 27-7 during the 2013 season opener in Georgia to Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy, and after a disappointing defeat of 38-14 to the Homewood Patriots, the Lions found victory against the Sylacauga Aggies by a score of 26-15. The remainder of September brought competition from the Shelby County Wildcats and the Gardendale Rockets. This month, Briarwood takes on the John Carroll Catholic Cavaliers (maxpreps.com No. 280) and the Talladega Tigers (No. 264). But the team will continue to train and play hard until it plays the Pinson Valley Indians, who rank No. 58 in the state compared to the Lions’ ranking of No. 88 in the state.

Remaining Schedule All games start at 7 p.m.

Oct. 4: at Chelsea Oct. 11: Spain Park Oct. 18: at Prattville Oct. 25: Thompson Nov. 1: at Clay-Chalkville

Oct. 4: Oak Mountain Oct. 11: at Wetumpka Oct. 18: at Pelham Oct. 25: Prattville Nov. 1: at Shelby County

Oct. 4: at Talladega Oct. 11: Chilton County Oct. 18: at Ramsay Oct. 25: Carroll Catholic Nov. 1: Pinson Valley

A22 • October 2013

280 Living

Local player, local stage, national spotlight Inverness resident claims spot in USGA event this month By JEFF THOMPSON In August, Sam Aduia III was in Georgia on the golf course, and he surveyed the field. A slew of other golfers surrounded him, each paired with bag the size of his own, and each with someone else to carry it. He called his caddy, Arnab Goshal, a friend from high school and regular weekend golfing buddy. Goshal was at his home in Inverness, moments from where Audia lives and hours from where Audia was at the time. “I gave him a hard time for not being dedicated to the cause. All in good fun, of course,” Audia said. “Then, I walked to the first tee of the qualifier. I was handed my scorecard, and an official asked, ‘Where’s your caddy.’ “I don’t have one,” Audia said. “You know you have to walk, right?” the official replied. Audia was staring at thousands of yards in front of him and a hundred pounds at his side. His bag was loaded with extra balls and a range finder he couldn’t even use. It looked like it was going to be the first time since college that Audia, now 30 years old, would walk a full 18 carrying his bag. “I was calling to give [Goshal] a hard time,” Audia said. “I should’ve told him to get in his car.” The good news is Goshal will have an opportunity to redeem himself. Walking that day didn’t disturb Audia’s game at all. He shot a 69 at the Frog Golf Club at the Georgian, taking first place from a field of more than 100. The win qualified him for a spot in the 2013 USGA Mid-Amateur Championship – or MidAm as it’s commonly known – being played in his hometown this month. Scheduled for an Oct. 5 start, Audia will join 263 other golfers at The Country Club in

Birmingham for a shot at prime time play, as the winner receives an automatic invitation to play in the Masters. The tournament was founded in 1981 because young golfers were starting to dominate amateur tournaments. Golfers in college were able to practice more and were likely headed to the professional level, giving them a significant advantage over the older contestants. The USGA decided it needed something for golfers who were not practicing every single day but were still serious about the sport. The MidAmateur Championship was born. The minimum age to compete is 25. Qualifying tournaments took place around the nation in August, including a qualifier at Shoal Creek. Audia is originally from Huntsville but has been living on the 280 corridor for about three years. His parents, avid golfers as well, are Greystone residents and members at Greystone Golf and Country Club. For Audia, golf was a family activity growing up. Not only did he play with his parents a couple times a week, but he was also active in junior golf programs in North Alabama. After high school, Audia committed to play for Troy University on a golf scholarship. But while there, he found trouble recapturing the joy of the game. “After many years of playing competitively, I got burnt out,” he said. “It became more work than fun. I wanted to enjoy the college experience, so I transferred to Auburn [University] and never regretted the decision.” Audia didn’t play competitively at Auburn. In fact, he hasn’t played competitively in a while. The Mid-Am will be his first “real tournament” since 2006, he said. “Anytime you’re playing in USGA event, it’s a privilege just to be there,” he said. “These

Sam Audia III, right, with his father, Sam Audia Jr., at Greystone Golf and Country Club. Photo Courtesy of Sam Audia III.

are marquis events especially for amateurs who have friends family that will come, making it more meaningful to be out there.” In addition, the Mid-Am offers Audia and other golfers a special chance to compete on a national stage without facing the typical dregs of tournament play. “When I qualified for this tournament, a Georgia State Golf Association officiant said the Mid-Am is favorite event to go to,” Aduia said. “Think about it — it’s not the U.S. Open. We’re

not playing for million of dollars competing against not kids in college with professional aspirations. It’s all a bunch of guys 25 and older. For that demographic, this is it. This is our U.S. Open.” When Audia takes steps up to his first tee on Oct. 5, he said that’s exactly what he’ll be thinking about. Also, that his high school buddy will be close by all day. “I’ll be walking this time, but at least won’t have to carry my bag,” Audia said.

October 2013 • A23

280Living.com

Useful Information

2013 U.S. Mid-Amateur Championship Spectator Parking & Shuttles

Spectator Parking lots are located at the Birmingham Zoo (2630 Cahaba Road) and at the Junior League Headquarters (2212 20th Ave. S.) Shuttles will run between spectator lots and The Country Club of Birmingham from Oct. 3-10 from 6 a.m.-6 p.m.

Spectator Admission The Championship is open to the public, and there is no admission charge.

General Information The Club dining rooms will not be open to spectators. However, there will be cash service on the East Course Snack Stand and there will be cash and credit card service on the West Course Snack Stand. Food and beverage service will also be available on the Pool Deck. Championship merchandise will be available for purchase in the Golf Pro Shop through cash or credit card service. Spectator photography during Championship play is not allowed. You may follow live event coverage at usga.org.

Championship Schedule Medal Play (264 Players – East & West Courses) Sunday, Oct. 6 Medal Play – Second Day Monday, Oct. 7 Match Play Begins (64 Players – West Course) Tuesday, Oct. 8 Match Play (32 Players - West Course) Wednesday, Oct. 9 Match Play Quarterfinals & Semifinals Saturday, Oct. 5

Run Away From Domestic Violence Race/Walk Oct. 19 • Race: 8 a.m. Walk: 9 a.m. St. Vincent’s One Nineteen Health and Wellness runawayrace.com

RUN AWAY

CONTINUED from page 1 would run the race with her the following year, and she said yes. “I kept telling myself, ‘I’m going to run that race, I’m going to run that race,’” Pugh said. Pugh’s first goal was to get up and go to the bathroom. Her second goal was to brush her teeth. Then, she walked to her mailbox. After that, her neighbor’s mailbox. The baby steps grew. The very next year, Pugh ran the full race alongside a friend and family members. She finished in one hour. “I knew that if I could do that, it would show that he no longer had control over me,” Pugh said. “It gave me motivation to keep living and enjoying my life.” Pugh’s story is from just one of many women who feel trapped in abusive relationships. This year marks the seventh year for the Run Away Race, which benefits King’s Home Shelby, a home for abused women and children. “We usually try to raise about $20,000 for the home,” Race Director Angela Dunn said. “That money goes to general expenses such as electric bill, gas bill, etc.” King’s Home Shelby is one of 18 King’s Homes across Alabama that provide a safe place for women like Pugh and children looking to escape abusive situations. Since opening in 2007, the home, a ministry of the

King’s Ranch and Hannah Homes, has offered long-term care and healing to more than 450 women and their children. “They are allowed to stay in the home for up to two years,” Operations Director Elizabeth Sherrell said. “We provide transportation, food and clothing. We also provide full-time nursery care.” Sherrell says the program guides women through four phases that lead up to their transition to onsite apartment duplexes, where the women practice self-reliance. “Our goal for them is to become independent,” Sherrell said. “We provide legal resources, health resources, résumé help, how to dress for an interview. We want to continue to support them.” Pugh remarried and now lives in Pell City. She is a nurse at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and organizes her own 5K race, which helps cancer patients. As the annual guest speaker for the Run Away From Domestic Violence Race, Pugh reveals how thankful she was for a one-year stay at a shelter during her recovery period. “I didn’t know support was out there,” Pugh said. “I probably would have left sooner if I had known. Now I work hard to raise awareness for women out there looking for that support.”

A24 • October 2013

280 Living

“They Laughed and Said, ‘Dude, You’re Fat.’ “But Then I Looked in The Mirror…”

“Iron Tribe got me off the couch -- and into shape!” –Jason The mirror was right. My friends were, too. I was fat. What a humiliating difference a few years can make …

Jason Before Iron Tribe

You see, 15 years ago, I was in great shape. Even played sports in college. But after an injury, I stopped exercising. I got lazy, and my body went downhill. Then, I married a marathon runner. She was in great shape, and I had to catch up -- fast. That’s when I found Iron Tribe Fitness. I started with their 101 Intro Program, which was a huge help for me. I was so out of shape, I couldn’t even do a pull-up. But the 101 helped me get my confidence back. I saw changes in my body, too -- in only 30 days. After graduating from 101, I was nervous to start the regular classes. But my coaches were there for me. They helped me learn the moves and get better. Then, one day … BOOM. I had a great

Jason is down 60lbs and loving life!

great and feel even better, on my lunch hour. With my schedule, I never thought that would be possible. I went from a 265-pound couch potato to a 205-pound Iron Tribe Athlete.

That’s #WhyiTribe

workout and competed with the rest of the class. That’s when I thought, “I can do this!”

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Now, I’m competing with my wife, the marathon runner. In fact, after seeing my slimmer stomach, she joined Iron Tribe, too. Now she’s even more competitive. She wins her age group all the time when she runs.

getting it done at Iron Tribe Fitness. Call any of our 6 locations at the numbers below. When you call, mention Offer Code: “Make It Work” to receive a special Gift Voucher worth $100. Or, visit

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Fall Home and Garden B1 Community B7 School House B18 Calendar B20

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home Fall-Friendly Projects October 2013 | SPECIAL SECTION OF

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Home improvement projects perfect for fall

How to clear up clutter in your home

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Winterizing 101

How to prepare your yard for winter

hanging seasons can be tough on a lawn. Always exposed to the elements, lawns can fare especially poorly upon the arrival of winter, a season known for its harsh and unforgiving weather. Even the most perfectly manicured lawn can suffer at the hands of winter weather, causing homeowners to sit idly by and hope spring arrives that much sooner. But as punishing as winter weather can be on a lawn, homeowners are not without recourse. Much like homeowners can take steps to help their lawns survive sizzling summer heat waves during the warmer months of the year, they also can take steps to help their lawns make it through the often stormy weather synonymous with winter. Don’t procrastinate. Putting off the process of winterizing a lawn can put that lawn in jeopardy. Lawns will turn dormant the closer you get to winter, and they may reject the nutrients found in fertilizer as a result. Those nutrients will prove valuable once spring weather returns, so start the winterization process in early fall so the lawn has sufficient time to absorb nutrients and strengthen itself for the seasons to come. Treat trouble spots. Summer can be even harder on a lawn than winter, especially for those lawns located in regions where heat waves and drought are common. In such instances, certain spots on the lawn seem to be hit harder than others, and those spots should get special attention when winterizing the lawn.

Removing debris, including dead leaves, from a lawn before the arrival of winter weather can help prevent suffocation.

Check the soil’s pH levels before fertilizing or applying any treatments. Such a test will reveal which spots need the most attention, and treating trouble spots now will make spring lawn care that much easier. Aerate the property. Aerating can help a lawn recover after a long summer and help it survive the potentially harsh months that lie ahead. Aerating, which involves puncturing the soil or removing cores of soil from the ground, can restore a lawn to health by improving its drainage and allowing

Save the date! Christmas Open House Nov. 7th • 5-8pm

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more water and air to reach the roots of the grass. Aerating also makes it easier for nutrients to penetrate the soil, which encourages a healthier lawn over the long haul. Aerators can be purchased or rented, but homeowners uncomfortable with the process may want to enlist a professional to tackle the job. Parents of small children who spend lots of time in the yard may need to aerate their lawn more than most, as heavy lawn traffic compresses the soil, a potentially harmful process that can be reversed via aeration. Take steps to strengthen the roots. Aerating promotes stronger roots, but homeowners might also want to find a winterizing product with potassium and phosphorous, both of which can strengthen roots. Different types of lawns will respond differently to certain winterizers, so discuss your options with a lawn care professional who can help you find the right fit for your property. Remove debris from the lawn. Debris left on a lawn over the winter can prove very harmful. Piles of debris left scattered around a lawn can suffocate the blades of grass, leading to long-term damage and a potentially unsightly lawn come the spring. In addition, piles of debris might make good homes for organisms that can damage the lawn. As fall moves into winter, periodically remove all debris, including leaves and branches fallen from trees.

Tips from the pros

By Michael Miller Mind Blowing Mulch mindblowingmulch.com 777-1471 Fall days are the perfect time to prepare your landscape for winter. As most things go dormant in winter, early fall is the best time to restore any damages summer may have caused your lawn or garden. There are four essential steps to preparing your lawn for winter. First, rake leaves and remove debris, including branches and dead plants, to avoid dry and dead spots that create uneven growth in the spring. Next, open up the soil and allow for water and air to have more direct access to roots. This permits the flow of nutrients to penetrate the soil for long-lasting results. Also, find a good “winterizer” that contains the same ingredients as lawn food, particularly one with less nitrogen and more potassium and phosphorous to strengthen roots. Lastly, get in the habit of pulling weeds. Don’t forget to prepare the trees and shrubbery, too. With only four steps, your tree and shrubbery will be safe until spring. Not including the period from mid-summer to early fall, remember to properly water trees and shrubs. Beginning in mid-fall, ensure trees and shrubs receive one inch of water each week until the first frost. Also, prune all trees, and trim back hedge growth and bushes. Then, add 3 to 4 inches of hardwood mulch to reduce soil moisture loss and to insulate the root system from fluctuating temperatures. Caring for your yard is a year-round process, and winter is no exception. Properly preparing your yard for winter will prevent damage and ensure it enters the following spring healthy and ready to flourish.

A28 B4 • October 2013

Tips

from the pros

By Glen Jacobson Swimming Pool Services, LLC 400 Doug Baker Blvd., Suite 100 601-3385 Closing a pool for the winter can be just as intricate as keeping a pool open year-round. But with these tips, you can make closing your pool a quick doit-yourself project. This method will keep you from draining the pool below the skimmer, which is not good for vinyl or plaster pools. First, go to a pool store and find professional help in choosing the right products and materials to properly close your pool. Then, balance the water chemistry and add a dose of algaecide and stain control as a preventative maintenance. Make sure to turn the power off on all equipment, remove timer clips and assure that the pumps cannot be turned on. Also, remove drain plugs and gauges and loosen tops on all pumps, filters and chlorinators. Next, blow out all the water from the return and suction lines with compressed air. Skimmer lines should be plugged with skim-insures or gizmos to keep the skimmer from cracking if the water freezes. The returns should be plugged, and if possible, the main drain valve should be closed with air in it. Water left in the main drain should be below the frost line. After this, remove handrails, ladders and cover holes with duct tape to keep debris out. Finally, install a cover of choice and a cover pump, depending on the cover you choose. Be cautious of using a tarp. If a child or animal falls onto a tarp, they can be swallowed and dragged into the water, possibly drowning. Consider a properly installed safety cover. The cost is higher, but it is well worth the peace of mind.

280 Living

How to winterize your pool H

omeowners with pools who live in regions where winter can be harsh know they must eventually prepare their pools for the colder seasons ahead. People who live in climates not conducive to year-round outdoor swimming often find that the cooler weather of autumn makes this season the perfect time to winterize their pools. Gather all of the necessary equipment. To winterize your pool, you will need the pool cover, drain plugs, certain chemicals and cleaning equipment. Have all of the tools you will need nearby so you will not be scrambling for items once you start working. Check the chemical levels in the pool. Check the pool’s chemical levels so you can create a sterile environment that won’t be overtaken by microorganisms in the water during the offseason. Many pool experts recommended ensuring the pH is at the appropriate level (7.4-7.8), checking the alkalinity of the water to ensure it is between 80 and 120 ppm, as well as verifying the calcium hardness is at the right level. Creating the right water environment reduces the risk that any problems will develop over the winter. Bring up the pool chlorine to shock level. Bringing the chlorine to shock level means the pool will have a higher amount of chlorine, which is necessary to kill off any remaining algae or microorganisms in the water. Keep the water filtering and at this elevated chlorine level for a few days prior to closing the pool to ensure

that there will be no algae blooms once the cover is in place and you cannot monitor the water. Drain some of the water. Depending on the type of cover you are using, and whether or not you will be using plugs to block any ports into and out of your pool, you may need to drain several inches of water to ensure that it falls below filter skimmer baskets and return jets. All water should be forced out from any hoses and internal components of the pool so that the water will not freeze and cause damage. Adhere to manufacturers’ instructions on winterizing the filter. Some filters may need to be completely drained and cleaned. Some people prefer to remove the filter pump, gaskets and hoses and

store everything in their garages for the winter. It may be possible to move smaller filters indoors. If not, covering the filter with a large, black garbage bag may protect it further from the weather. Be sure to turn off the electricity to the filter outlet at the breaker for the season. Take steps to inhibit algae growth. If desired, put a polyquat algaecide into the water and distribute it evenly to further inhibit algae growth. Install the cover per the manufacturer’s instructions and anchor it into place. It is a good idea to place a leaf net over the cover to catch any leaves as they fall so that they can easily be removed and not contribute to swampy conditions on the top of the pool cover over time.

B5 October 2013 • A29

280Living.com

Budget-friendly outdoor renovation ideas

omeowners are increasingly extending their living spaces outside the walls of their homes. Expansive and intricate stonework patios and decked-out outdoor kitchens are the kind of additions many homeowners dream of. Those with unlimited budgets can enjoy just about any look they desire, but many homeowners may not have the money to go all the way with their outdoor living spaces.

But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to create budget-friendly spaces that are functional, fun and eye catching. Decks and patios are popular gathering spots outside a home, and homeowners have numerous inexpensive options at their disposal when choosing patio materials. And those who can do their own labor when installing a patio can save a substantial amount of money. Instead of higher-

priced composite or resin decks, homeowners can go with standard wood, which will need to be stained periodically. Scaling back the size of the deck means less materials to buy and less labor involved. The cost of patio blocks depends on the material and style. Poured concrete patios will cost less than placed blocks or stones because concrete is less labor-intensive. For those who desire the look of patio blocks without the cost, stamped concrete can mimic the look for less. Homeowners may not need to replace patio furniture, even if chairs and tables have seen better days. A can of spray paint can cover up any rusted areas or spots where paint has peeled off due to exposure to the elements. Updating cushions and purchasing a coordinating umbrella can revitalize the patio’s entire look. Also, very often stores run sales to clear out merchandise for new displays. Sometimes saving means repurposing antiques or items found at garage sales. Thanks to the Internet, people can easily advertise items they no longer need or desire. A person can search for backyard items they need at a deep discount if they are fine with previously used materials. From patio furniture to masonry blocks to above-ground pools, patient homeowners can find just about any item they may need to upgrade their backyards. Though not all homeowners can afford to create the backyard of their dreams, with a little ingenuity and some sweat hard work, homeowners can still create an outdoor oasis.

Tips from the pros

By Laura Purvis Decorating Den Interiors 447-4589 lindabutler.decoratingden.com Your outdoor spaces can serve as an additional room in your home. With a little creativity and effort, you can have an outdoor space that you can enjoy all year round. Fire pits and heaters can transform outdoor spaces into warm and comfortable lounging areas. Fire pits range from $60-$600. Some low-cost options include wrought iron and copper wood-burning pits, while more expensive and permanent options include stone and brick fire pits. Home improvement warehouses often carry them, and they usually come with a screen to keep the embers contained. Although not as aesthetically pleasing as a fire pit, outdoor heaters powered by propane are a good option as well. Throw blankets and area rugs add another design element to your home décor and can help keep you warm. They are warm on your feet and keep you cozy on a cold winter day. Draperies can be placed anywhere from a screened porch to a shower. With thousands of weather-resistant fabrics on the market, warming up the coolest part of your home with draperies can be relatively inexpensive and create a more decorated feel for the most casual areas. However, if you do not use an outdoor fabric for outdoor spaces, make sure to take them inside when it is not in use.

A30 • October 2013 B6

Tips from the pros

280 Living

How to increase storage in tight spaces

By Sarah Haynie California Closet Company 709 3rd Ave. N. 581-1677 californiaclosets.com Fall is a great time to reorganize your closet, and it is another way to avoid the chilly outside air. While everyone else waits until spring to clean, half of your work could be done by the time the last frost melts. Bring in your autumn colors from the attic, lint roll your sweaters and dust off your boots. Before you get too excited about the numerous possibilities for new outfit combinations, invest in cedar chips or lavender scented items such as sprays, soaps or sachets to avoid moths. After you have moth-proofed your wardrobe, decide what can stay and what can be thrown or given away. If there is an untreatable stain, a hole that cannot be camouflaged or a tear that cannot be mended, throw it away. If it is something you plan on wearing after you have lost a couple of pounds, is too large or is not a good length anymore, give it away. Then choose what organization system best fits you and your needs. Try placing all your suits together, all black clothing items and all dressy attire together. For watches or bracelets, use separate paper towel stands to organize thin and chunky wrist accessories. And try using shelf dividers or bookends to keep floppy purse styles upright after stuffing them with old t-shirts or purse pillows. Whether based on function, color or style, items are easier to find when they are in a designated area.

ozy, quaint homes attract many home buyers and renters. Be it a cottage-style house or a studio apartment, smaller living spaces often involve getting creative with storage. People live in a smaller homes for a variety of reasons. Some choose to live in a smaller home so they can be right in the thick of things in a city or urban center. Others scale back on living space in an effort to save money. But storage space in small quarters is often at a premium, and thinking creatively is a necessity to keep the home tidy and items out of view. Rainy or chilly days are the perfect times to tackle indoor organization projects. When the outdoors isn’t beckoning, you can devote your attention to addressing storage issues in your home. To begin, take inventory of what you have, going through your possessions and determining what can stay and what can go. Part with anything you haven’t used in quite some time. The next step is to sort items and get organized. Then you can find a place for everything. For example, if you have a dozen bath towels but only one sauce pot, you will need to find more room for linens than kitchen cookware. You may need to borrow space from one area of the home to give to another area. The following are some additional tips to increase space in an otherwise cramped home. Add shelves. Increase cabinet and closet space by adding shelves into them. This may double or even triple the amount of usable space, especially if you customize the shelving to fit storage containers you use to store everything from shoes to craft items.

Opt for dual-purpose furniture. Benches with lids that lift up and sofas that convert into guest beds are just a few of the many ways you can keep a small home neat and increase storage space. An ottoman is a great place to store extra blankets and linens, while a trunk or crate with a sturdy top can be used in lieu of a traditional coffee table to keep books or board games. Think vertically. When floor space is at a premium, you may need to look up for storage. Frequently used pots and pans can be hung from a decorative rack in your kitchen. Use magnets on jars to store a spice rack on the wall near the stove. Racks above cabinets or on doors can be used to store everything from shoes to jewelry to toiletries. Shelving in children’s rooms can store lesser used toys away from the floor. Empty

walls are valuable real estate in a small home, and tall bookshelves can house a number of different things. Take advantage of oddly shaped crevices. If you have space under a staircase or a spot by a dormer or in an attic eave, use the space to store items. You may need to get creative, such as adding a door and small closet into the staircase, but such spaces make practical storage areas and add character to a home. Make use of space beneath your bed. There likely is ample room to store more things than just dust bunnies beneath your bed. A bed frame with built-in drawers is the perfect place to keep bed linens and out-of-season clothes. Beds can be raised on blocks to create more space underneath for storing rolling plastic containers and even seldom-used suitcases.

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280Living.com

Community

Fall festival roundup By SYDNEY CROMWELL Churches in the 280 area are celebrating falling leaves and cooler weather. If your family wants to have some fall fun, mark your calendar for these events:

Thursday, Oct. 24:

 The Adventure Nook Preschool at First

Christian Church will hold a fall festival from 6-7:30 p.m. at 4954 Valleydale Road. Admission is $7 per person, which includes dinner and games.

Saturday, Oct. 26:

 Trunk or Treat at North Shelby Baptist

Church from 4-7 p.m. Entertainment from their Steppup Puppet Ministry will be provided, as well as games, prizes, popcorn, snow cones and a free hotdog supper. Visit northshelbybaptist.org to learn more.

Sunday, Oct. 27:  Meadow Brook Baptist Church’s annual festival will run from 4-7 p.m. It will have inﬂatables, games, refreshments, candy and prizes. Contact David Eanes, minister to children and families, at 991-8384 for more information.

 Visit Chelsea Park subdivision for Chelsea Creek Community Church’s Trunk or Treat. From 4-6 p.m., children can get candy from decorated cars, along with popcorn, cotton candy and face painting.

Contact Carie Wimberly at 901-2381 for more details.

 Asbury United Methodist will also have

a Trunk or Treat event from 4-7 p.m. Children can enjoy games, food and trickor-treating at decorated vehicles. To learn more, contact asburyfamilyministry@ yahoo.com.

 The Community Festival at CrossBridge

Community Church will feature fun activities for kids and adults. There will be free food, pony rides, live music, games and inﬂatables, as well as a craft fair to support the church’s missions ministry. The festival will last from 3-7 p.m. Contact 998-1078 to learn more.

 Oktoberfest at Our Savior Lutheran

Church has entertainment for all ages. From noon-4 p.m., enjoy bratwursts, hot dogs, homemade desserts, German cuisine and beer, and other beverages. There will also be music, a cornhole tournament and inﬂatables for the kids. For more information, visit oursaviorbirmingham.com.

Wednesday, Oct. 30:  Liberty Park Baptist Church’s festival

will be from 5:30-8 p.m. and will have activities for preschool to middle schoolaged children. It will have carnival games, rides, inﬂatables, clowns and putt-putt golf. Admission is free with a canned food donation to Woodlawn Food Bank. For more information, visit libertypark.org.

Charity card offers discounts from 280 retailers The Junior League of Birmingham, local retailers and restaurants are partnering to bring back the Shop Save & Share charity shopping event. Cardholders can receive a 20 percent discount at more than 500 retailers and restaurants throughout the Birmingham area. Participating 280 merchants include: Anthropologie, Bailey Brothers Music, Chelsea Lane, Chucks Fish, Fireflies and Fairytales, Gus Mayer, Iron Tribe Fitness, Monkey Toes, New Balance, Pinkberry, Saks Fifth Avenue, The Heavenly Donut Company and Vineyard Vines. The $40 purchase of a Shop Save & Share card is a donation to the Junior League of Birmingham that offers card holders savings from Oct. 23-Nov.3.

Funds raised support the JLB’s community projects that address some of Birmingham’s most critical issues, including literacy, domestic violence prevention, health education, and life skills for families in transition. “We look forward to participating in the Shop Save & Share fundraiser this year,” said Porter Mason, owner of Pinkberry. “It is a great way for our customers to know they are making a difference in their community.” Visit jlbonline.com or shopsaveshare.net to purchase your Shop Save & Share card and to review a complete listing of participating merchants and sponsors. -Submitted by Junior League of Birmingham

Join Chelsea Fire & Rescue in the fight against breast cancer City of Chelsea Fire & Rescue’s Pink Ribbon Project 2013 is culminating with a Unified Front Merchant Day on Oct. 25. Residents can purchase T-shirts from the department for $15. Proceeds from the sale of the shirts will fund research to find a cure for breast cancer. Shirts are available in sizes S-XXXL and can be purchased at the department Monday through Friday from 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Chelsea Fire & Rescue has a goal of getting all employees of all Chelsea businesses to wear the 2013 shirts on Oct. 25. Merchants who have 100 percent participation with their employees can have their photos made with the fire crew and truck for posting on social media. Contact Tammy at the department at 678-6060 for more.

A32 B8 • October 2013

280 Living

Welcome harvest in Mt Laurel

Mt Laurel’s annual Harvest Festival features a variety of vendors and children’s activities.

By MADOLINE MARKHAM Signs of fall will line the streets of Mt Laurel for the town’s 12th annual Mt Laurel Harvest Festival this month. “Everybody is so relaxed and happy to welcome the season,” said Kim McFall, the event organizer and office manager/sales associate for Mt Laurel. “The town and Double Oak Mountain’s fall colors are like something out of a picture.” The free event, which is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 12 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., will feature more than 200 different vendors, a farmer’s market, craft fair and more. It draws more than 3,000 people for

the festivities each year. “I love to walk around and see the variety of things you can shop for,” McFall said. “We welcome any and all vendors, so we will have travel agencies and people giving tips on air conditioning alongside people selling handmade wreaths and food and craft vendors.” Children can enjoy activities including inflatables, hayrides, a petting zoo and face painting. There will also be special appearances by Cinderella, Harry Potter, Star Wars characters and the GhostBusters. The town’s businesses and six restaurants will also be open during the festival. For more, visit mtlaurel.com.

As population of homeless children increases, so have efforts from Project Night Night By JEFF THOMPSON After reading a 2012 article in 280 Living about Project Night Night, Anne May decided she wanted to help. “Seeing how much my own grandchildren love stuffed animals, books and blankets, I knew it would be a needed comfort to abused and homeless children,” she said. May contacted Julie Wahnish, the Project Night Night volunteer featured in the article, and the two met and stuffed tote bags with a security blanket, an ageappropriate book and a stuffed animal for infants to 18-year-olds that were delivered to Safe House of Shelby County. It started May’s regular work with the group, which led her to a startling revelation. “Through our contacts with various agencies, we found out the need was greater than either of us would have imagined,” May said. “Unfortunately, there are thousands of homeless and abused children in our area.” May said that in 2010, Alabama ranked 47th in the nation regarding the well-being of children. In that same year, almost 4,000 children were found to be abused and neglected in Jefferson County and over 1,300 children were in foster care in Jefferson County. In 2012, May, Wahnish and other volunteers provided more than 500 Night Night bags to shelters, group homes and crisis

Julie Wahnish prepares to deliver “Night Night” bags to Safe House of Shelby County.

centers. Already in 2013, May said the organization has provided more than 700 bags. “We now have 20 clients that we serve, including Jessie’s Place, Alabama Baptist Children’s Homes, First Light Shelter and Hannah Home.” May said the all-volunteer organization is still actively trying to make a positive impact in the lives of children in unfortunate circumstances and depends on donations of these comfort items from the community. Many times, volunteers purchase items themselves to complete the requested tote bags. Donations of gift cards to local stores like Walmart and

Books-A-Million help them keep up with demand. Checks made out to Project Night Night must go to the national corporate office. The corporate website is projectnightnight.org. Send local donations or items for Project Night Night to Julie Wahnish at 78 Hawthorn Street, Birmingham, Ala. 35242. Donations to Project Night Night are tax-deductible. For more information, contact Julie Wahnish at 532-1782 or send an email to Projectnightnightbham@ hotmail.com. Visit projectnightnight. org for more information on the organization.

280Living.com

Preventing suicide

By INTISAR SERAAJ-SABREE Kelsey Allison, 25, credits the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s Out of the Darkness Walk for saving her life. Allison had seriously contemplated and attempted suicide in October 2010 while attending the University of Montevallo. “The depression had been so consuming,” she said. “I had been existing, not living. I was never happy, excited or even angry. I was just there. I believed I had nothing to live for.” But the Out of the Darkness Walk has given Allison and many others the comfort of knowing she is not alone in her struggle. The 280-area resident has participated in the local Birmingham walk for seven years and was on the walk committee and AFSP’s Alabama board of directors a few years ago. For the past eight years, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) has sought to prevent suicide, promote awareness and terminate the shame that surrounds depression and other mental illnesses with its Out of the Darkness Walk in Birmingham. Last year, the Birmingham event was the sixth largest walk out of more than 250 walks across the country. Participants helped raise $158,717 for the AFSP. Along the 3- to 5-mile walking path, participants see numerous pairs of shoes that represent each person lost to suicide in Alabama. There are also statistics, hotline numbers and pieces of advice posted throughout the walk. Marissa Grayson, chair of the Birmingham walk, said some people find it hard to see how many have been lost to suicide. Grayson, who lost her father to suicide in August 2005, finds it “eerily comforting.”

DHL

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s

Out of the Darkness Walk Nov. 3, 2:30-4:30 p.m. Heardmont Park Register for free at afsp.donordrive.com Advice for Those Contemplating Suicide From Kelsey Allison and Marissa Grayson  Know that there is help.  Recognize the illness and get help.  Take all threats of suicide seriously.  Suicide is preventable, but he or she must be willing to ask for help.

 Things will get better. If you are contemplating suicide or know someone who is, visit suicidehotlines.com/alabama.html for a list of national and regional suicide hot lines.

“It was difficult to be a part of because it reminded me of my father, but it was comforting to be around so many people that understood what I was going through,” said Grayson, a political science professor at Samford University. The event also provides a survivor area where people can bring mementos of their lost loved ones and speak with a therapist. Grayson, who has been a part of the Out of the Darkness Walk since 2008, said it allows her to honor her father and to comfort others so they avoid the same emotional roller coaster. She knows what the statistics tell. According to AFSP, more than 90 percent of those who commit suicide have a diagnosable and treatable mental illness at the time of their deaths.

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Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death in the U.S. among adults ages 18 to 65 and the second leading cause of death among teens and young adults, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. AFSP also hosts the Out of the Darkness Overnight Walk, an 18-mile event that lasts from dusk to dawn, and Out of the Darkness Campus Walks, which cover three to five miles on college and high school campuses across the nation. This year’s Birmingham walk will be held on Nov. 3 from 2:30-4:30 p.m. at Heardmont Park, 5458 Cahaba Valley Road. Register for free at afsp.donordrive.com. For more, call Grayson at 613-6630 or visit afsp.org.

During the Out of the Darkness Walk, each pair of shoes represents one person lost to suicide in Alabama.

Members of the U.S. Armed Forces gather to participate in the annual suicide prevention walk.

A34 B10 • October 2013

280 Living

Where are they now?

280 Living caught up with local nonprofit organizations featured in previous issues

Community of Hope Health Clinic

The Red Barn

Featured in July 2012

Featured in August 2011

The backstory Spirit of Hope Youth Ranch, located near Chelsea, was founded in 2006 to serve atrisk and disadvantaged youth by allowing them to work with rescue horses. Starting in 2012, a sister organization, The Red Barn saw individuals that could not be served at Spirit of Hope and students with physical disabilities from Special Equestrians, another local organization with a two year waiting list.. The update The Red Barn, located in Leeds, continued to grow, and in 2012, it merged with Spirit of Hope after DHR implemented changes that affected the participation of foster care group homes in the program. “The real heart of Spirit of Hope’s programs was to allow children to improve their communication, teamwork and problemsolving skills by working with horses so that their personal relationships could improve, as well as giving them hope for the future God has for their lives,” executive director Joy O’Neal said. “Our programs absolutely still do that, but the demographic is slightly different because we work primarily now with individual referrals rather than group homes.” This fall The Red Barn is offering a History of Horses through Literature program where students will learn about how different horse breeds have helped shape history. Participants will also practice the social skills they’ve learned while working with the horses. The organization has also expanded its Take the Reins program, which works directly with veterans and their families.

By MADOLINE MARKHAM

The backstory Since 2008 Community of Hope Health Clinic has offered free medical care to uninsured residents of Shelby County. It operates as a medical mission, providing non-emergency medical care to adult patients whose household income is at or below 200 percent of the poverty level.

The Red Barn helps children improve skills through therapeutic horseback riding. Photo courtesy of Mike Strawn/Children’s of Alabama.

The need O’Neal noted that donations are appreciated to continue their programs for all who need them. The Red Barn has an open house scheduled on Sunday, Oct. 7 from 2-4 p.m. and invites people in the community to come to learn more in person about how they “share faith, hope, and love with all those God sends to our door.” For more Visit theredbarn.org or call 699-8204. The Red Barn is located at 2700 Bailey Road, Leeds, AL 35094.

The update As a result of 280 Living’s story, two 280-area doctors started volunteering at Community of Hope: Dr. Ike Ijemere and Dr. Jody Ortega. In 2012, the clinic oversaw 1,815 patient visits, and it is now booking appointments about four weeks into the future. “There is a growing need for our service,” executive director Chris Monceret said. “When we started the clinic in 2008, 7 percent of Shelby County adults did not have health insurance. Now that’s 12 percent. That’s not going away. There are more people out there who need to be seen.” Currently the clinic sees patients during the day on Mondays and on Thursday evenings in its clinic located in the Shelby County Health Department building off County Services Drive. The need Community of Hope is looking for physicians to volunteer three hours one Thursday evening a month as well as nurse practitioners and physician assistants who are in a collaborative agreement with a

Eagle Point Resident Dr. Ike Ijemere, known best as “Dr. Ike,” started volunteering at Community of Hope Health Clinic after reading an article about it in 280 Living. Photo courtesy of Karen Stough.

medical doctor. “You don’t have to go out of the state or country to do mission work,” Monceret said. “We are doing it right here in Shelby County. The more doctors we have, the more patients we can see.” For more Contact Director Chris Monceret at 6854154 or chris.monceret@adph.state.us.al.

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280Living.com

Sozo Children Featured in October 2012

The backstory Following college graduation, 2005 Oak Mountain graduates Alan Nunnally and Jay Clark, along with their youth minister from Asbury United Methodist, Suzanne Owens, started a children’s home in Uganda.

Chelsie Hogan, Abby Clayton, Cara Mann and Mary Tate Thomas work with children in a Ugandan village where Sozo is purchasing land, and the organization plans to plant a church, build a children’s home, and open a medical clinic and school. Photo courtesy of Sozo Children.

The update Sozo now houses 70 children and supports 30 others in a boarding school. Its organizers are in the process of closing on 62 acres of property and raising funds to build a church, children’s home and other community buildings on the property, hopefully starting construction by the end of this year. This past summer, 10 teams of people worked in the area alongside 20 summer interns from all over the Southeast. By building relationships in the community where the land is located, Sozo hopes that the local

population will embrace the children who eventually move into the home. The need Sozo is looking for people to participate in what they call an “overflow partnership” to cover indirect expenses such as vehicles and electric bills; currently, child sponsorships cover the direct needs of the children. Nunnally describes the relational-style partnership as something where people can “give out of overflow of the heart.” In the spring, Sozo will be looking for people to participate in a golf tournament at Greystone Country Club on April 7 and a mud run on April 27 to help support their work in Uganda. For more Visit sozochildren.org.

Angel Pillowcases Featured in November 2012

The backstory In June 2012, Brook Highland resident Harry Arnold and classmate Grace Carroll founded Angel Pillowcases, a charitable operation that crafts handmade pillowcases to donate to patients at Children’s of Alabama. The update Over the past year, Angel Pillowcases made and delivered more than 350 pillowcases to Children’s for patients to help comfort them during their treatment at the facility. With private donations and a grant from PNC Bank’s Banking on Youth competition, the cases are now produced with Michael Miller Fabrics from New York through a partnership with local businesswoman Ann Piper and her husband, Doug Carpenter. The couple saw a way to help lower material and production costs while furthering their own initiative to help provide

work for women in Haiti. Through Theona’s Girls, they teach young women how to sew and to learn a trade to ultimately provide a better life for themselves and their families through sustainable employment. In August, Carroll, along with Spain Park High School freshman Naomi Pitts, the 2013 Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Alabama Champion, joined family and friends to deliver 81 pillowcases to patients on the hematology/ oncology floor of the new Benjamin Russell Hospital for Children. The need The organization is looking for donations to cover the cost of the pillowcases. Each pillowcase costs $25 and is fully taxdeductible. In addition, $10 from each pillowcase purchased is donated to the SEANStrong Fund at Children’s for local pediatric cancer research.

Christine Pitts, Naomi Pitts, Grace Carroll and Karen Carroll deliver Angel Pillowcases to Children’s of Alabama. Photo courtesy of Mike Strawn/Children’s of Alabama.

For more To order a pillowcase or for more information, visit angelpillowcases.org, email angelpillowcases@gmail.com or mail a check to: Angel Pillowcases c/o Children’s of Alabama, 1600 7th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35233.

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Hearts for Hasberry 5K race & 1-mile family fun run Sunday, Oct. 6 8 a.m. Veterans Park transformationfit.com/hearts-for-hasberry-5k By KATIE TURPEN It was a normal fall day for bodybuilder and trainer Greg Hasberry. He was preparing for a fitness contest, a routine he had performed many times before with ease. But as he began going through the steps of his workout, he realized something was very wrong. “For some strange reason, I just couldn’t get through,” said Hasberry, owner of Elite Fitness and Figure in Hoover. “I went to my mother’s house and ended up staying on the couch for six hours.” Later at a hospital, Hasberry suffered double acute renal failure and discovered he was in need of a kidney transplant. Hopes were high when his brother was found to be a match. But doctors ultimately determined he had hypertension and

could not be a donor. Suddenly, Hasberry found himself buried in medical bills and in desperate need of a kidney. “It’s been just as much an emotional ride as it has been physical,” Hasberry said. Hasberry has a long history of helping a diverse range of clients achieve healthy, active lifestyles. After his clients heard the news about his health, they decided to return the support their trainer had given them over the years. In his honor, they organized the 5K race, Hearts for Hasberry, which will be held Oct. 6 at 8 a.m. at Veterans Park. “A big group of us got together and decided to do something to help him pay his medical bills,” said Sarah Anna Harris, a lead organizer of the race. “He’s a single dad, and he’s had to put a lot of activities on hold.” Hasberry said he was speechless

when he found out his clients had organized a huge event specifically for him. “I was floored,” Hasberry said. “I was absolutely humbled to pieces.” All proceeds of the race will benefit Hasberry and his family. Registration for the 5K is $35 and includes a T-shirt and race pack. There will be prizes awarded to the top female and male finishers, and Harris said there will be massages available for runners after the race. “We’ve already raised $5,000,” Harris said. “He’s gone through lots of different procedures. We are just trying to help out as much as we can.” Hasberry’s clients describe him as a humble man who has helped them achieve their dreams. Emily Thomas said this past winter, Hasberry traveled with her to competitions where she won in her division thanks to his coaching.

Greg Hasberry, body builder and owner of Elite Fitness and Figure, with his daughter Brittany.

“Even though he has dialysis three nights a week, he still manages to put his competitors first,” Thomas said. “He’s a happy and giving person and it’s been an inspiration watching him through all of this.” Client Suzie Chitwood has known Hasberry for more than 20 years and constantly turns to him for advice when she needs a listening ear.

“Greg changes lives.” Chitwood said. “He has taught me to fight, work through the pain, move forward and don’t look back. I have a greater belief in myself because of him.” To keep up with Hasberry’s journey, visit the “Find a kidney for Greg Hasberry” Facebook page where Hasberry posts regular updates about his search for a donor.

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‘When we walk, cancer runs’ The Summit to host Light The Night Walk By KATIE TURPEN Approximately every four minutes a person in the United States is diagnosed with blood cancer, according to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. This month, area residents will have the chance to help the society move one step closer to finding a cure for the disease while honoring friends and family who have battled cancer. On Oct. 10 from 5:30-8 p.m., The Summit will host the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Light The Night Walk, which raises funds for cancer research, patient treatment and national cancer educational programs. The evening walks are held in more than 200 communities across the country each year. Elizabeth Ragland, director of the Alabama/ Gulf Coast chapter of Light The Night, said last year the chapter raised $750,000 for the society through events in Birmingham, Muscle Shoals, Dothan, Huntsville and Mobile. “That number is a really big deal,” Ragland said. Birmingham’s walk will begin with a remembrance ceremony where participants are invited to light a candle and have a quiet moment to honor a loved one. Ragland said it is hard to put into words how inspirational this part of the evening is for participants. “We actually have a pastor come in and do a moment of prayer,” Ragland said. “It’s a very private and moving event.” The society’s patient access and education manager will have an informational tent set up prior to the two-mile walk. Participants can walk as individuals or create teams and are encouraged to raise money in the weeks up to the walk. Those raising more than $100 are named “Champions for Cures” and will be given the opportunity to carry an illuminated balloon during the walk: white for survivors, red for supporters and gold for the memory of a lost loved one.

Light The Night Walk

Oct. 10 5:30-8 p.m. The Summit lightthenight.org St. Vincent’s Health System Walk Team at last year’s walk.

The Phi Mu Team at Light The Night Walk.

Those participants will also get a T-shirt, wristband and access to refreshments following the race. All participants are encouraged to carry dedication banners as they walk the course. Walkers raising $1,000 or more will become members of the Bright Lights Club. The fundraising goal for Birmingham’s Light The

Team Lauren participated in the 2012 Light The Night Walk.

Night Walk is $385,000. Local companies and businesses are also invited to become sponsors. The 2013 Corporate Walk chair is John O’Neil, president and CEO of St. Vincent’s Health System, which has raised $40,000 for the society. For the society, the tradition of carrying lighted balloons during the Light The Night

Walks symbolize hope and inspiration in the dark battle against cancer. For more information on Birmingham’s Light The Night Walk, contact Alabama Chapter Director Elizabeth Ragland at Elizabeth. Ragland@lls.org. To register for the walk, visit lightthenight.org.

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Start Halloween a few days early Hoover Hay Ride and Family Fun Night

Hayrides run all evening around Veterans Park as a part of the event.

By KATIE TURPEN Who says you have to wait until Oct. 31 to wear a fun costume and collect delicious treats? On Oct. 25, parents and children are invited to grab their candy bags and scary masks and head to the annual Hoover Hay Ride and Family Night at Veterans Park. The free event, organized by Hoover Parks and Recreation, will feature hayrides around the park, balloon artists, a magician and face painting. Children will also have the opportunity to collect candy and various giveaways throughout the night. “It’s definitely a family-friendly event,” said Erin Colbaugh with Hoover Parks and Recreation. ”We encourage parents and their kids to come dressed up in their best costumes.” The Hoover Chamber of Commerce will set up vendors in a large pavilion in the park to hand out a variety of treats to children. Colbaugh said last year’s event had a great

turnout from community participants, and she hopes families will recognize the event as the good environment for their children to celebrate Halloween. “Last year, we had over 60 Hoover businesses participate,” said Colbaugh. “It’s a great, safe way for families to send their kids out.” Parking will be available at Spain Park High School with complimentary trolleys running directly to the park throughout the evening. For more information on the Hoover Hay Ride and Family Night, contact Erin Colbaugh at 4447732.

Hoover Hay Ride and Family Night

October 25 5-8 p.m. Veterans Park hooveral.org

What Baby Boomers Need To Know To Maximize

Retirement Income

Baby Boomers are asking… • • • •

Will Social Security be there for me? How much can I expect to receive? When should I apply for Social Security? How can I maximize my benefits?

At this informative seminar you will learn important rules and strategies for collecting your retirement benefits.

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What Baby Boomers Need to Know to Maximize Retirement Income

• How your benefit will be affected by the age at which you apply • How cost-of-living-adjustments, or COLAs, affect benefits • How spousal benefits work • How survivor benefits work • How divorced-spouse benefits work • How working affects benefits • How benefits affect taxes • What to do if you have other income from pensions or IRAs

Presented by Ronald Kidder CFP®, MBA, Kidder Financial Group, Inc.

October 29 th 4 - 6

North Shelby Public Library

At this workshop you will learn... • 5 factors to consider when deciding to apply for benefits • When it makes sense to delay benefits and when it does not • Why you should always check your earnings record for accuracy • How to estimate your benefits • Two innovative strategies for coordinating benefits with your spouse • How to minimize taxes on Social Security benefits • How to coordinate Social Security with your other forms of retirement income The decisions you make today can have a tremendous bearing on the total amount of benefits you stand to receive over your lifetime. Don’t miss this valuable workshop designed especially for baby boomers. Seating is limited. Call today to reserve a spot for you and your friends.

To RSVP, call Tammy 205-980-9991

Securities and Investment Advisory Services offered through FSC Securities Corporation, Member FINRA, SIPC and a Registered Investment Advisor. Kidder Financial Group, Inc. is not affiliated with FSC Securities Corporation and is not a Registered Broker-Dealer or Registered Investment Adviser

October 2013 • A39 B15

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Calling all animal lovers 2013 WOOFstock offers family fun for furry friends and their owners By KATIE TURPEN This month, bring your furry friend or just a light jacket and a love of animals to Veterans Park for the pet extravaganza of the season, WOOFstock 2013. The event, which is free to the public, will feature the Bama Air Dogs, dog races, dog contests, adoptions, micro-chipping, a Kid’s Fun Zone and a variety of pet and food vendors. “There’s a little bit of something for everybody,” Dee Nance of Hoover Parks and Recreation said. An animal lover’s event would not be complete without acrobatic canines. The Bama Air Dogs will perform Frisbee routines to music throughout the day. Weenie Dog Races will allow people to register their dog for a racecourse in which all participants receive a T-shirt and the winner receives a trophy. Dog contests include categories such as “Looks Most Like Owner, ”Smallest” and “Ugliest” pet. A variety of vendors will be set up throughout the park offering everything from ice cream to pet-care products. Nance encourages anyone who is interested to join the event, which usually draws a large crowd and helps a reputable cause. “Vendors can be anything or anybody,” Nance said. “All the funds will go to pet-related rescues.” For the kids, the event features a Kid’s Zone that includes games, inflatables and face painting. Young Rembrandts, a community afterschool program that teaches art to

WOOFstock welcomes pets for day of festivities.

WOOF stock October 12 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Veterans Park Hooveral.org children, will be there as well. In addition to entertainment and food, community members will have the opportunity to adopt a new pet and even the chance to bring the pet home that same day. “There will be lots of rescue organizations at the event. Some of them will actually adopt on site,” Nance

said. “Those organizations can also set up arrangements and home visits.” Pet owners will be able to have their pets micro-chipped, a form of technology that helps track a missing pet. Nance said pet owners should take advantage of this opportunity. “There will be micro-chipping for $25, ”Nance said. “Micro-chipping

normally runs for $50 or $60, so this is a big deal.” The event, sponsored by Hoover Parks and Recreation, began in 1999 as simply a day in the park for pet lovers but has now turned into a treasured family event for the entire community. “It’s gotten better every year,”

Nance said. “I encourage people to just come out, visit the vendors and listen to the music.” Parking will be available at Spain Park High School with complimentary shuttles running directly to the park. For more information on WOOFstock, contact Dee Nance at nanced@ci.hoover.al.us.

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Haunted Chelsea Local paranormal researcher’s new book chronicles nearby haunts and legends By MADOLINE MARKHAM In 2008 Kim Johnston began noticing strange things. She would hear children’s voices that weren’t her own in her newly built house on County Road 51 in Chelsea. Her husband, Dan, didn’t believe her. But when their babysitter starting hearing and seeing similar things, Johnston felt her suspicions were confirmed. One night she thought she heard her kids playing well after their bedtime and walked upstairs only to find them asleep in their beds. Neighbors reported similar experiences as well. That’s when Johnston started digging into the history of the area around her and investigating the paranormal. Nearby Union Cemetery, next to what is now Union The Church at Chelsea Park, has graves that date back to 1856 alongside more recent ones. People tend to see things when they drive past it at night, Johnston said. Other old cemeteries off County Road 51 are now covered by woods, she learned, from an era when the area was the town of Weldon. A man whose house on the road was torn down after he died in the 1970s is suspected to haunt the area. “People are suspicious of devilish rituals he practiced, or perhaps it’s just the old history of the area,” she said. “People who have just moved here don’t know the history.” These curiosities led Johnston, a software developer, to start Spirit Communications and Research (S.C.A.R.E.), a paranormal research group that investigates haunted places, in 2011 and most recently to author Haunted Shelby County, Alabama, published by The History Press in August. The book details Chelsea urban legends

such a vampire that has scared several couples at a “lovers’ lane”-type spot and a hippie hitchhiker on Highway 47 — people think they have hit someone, and when they pull over, no one is there, she said. Farther west on U.S. 280, legend surrounds a large air and land search from several decades ago for a woman named Ann Bragg who went missing from her home across from the EBSCO headquarters. One story in the book came from a friend of Johnston’s who grew up on Highway 49 in Chelsea. “There’s a lot of death and tragedy that has occurred on 49,” she said. “It’s one of the darker stories in the book — so much so that I try not to go down there.” But there are heartwarming stories from places such as Old Baker Farm in Harpersville mixed in among the scarier ones, Johnston said. The book contains more than 30 pictures, historical or taken by Johnston, including two of ghosts — one of which she captured on camera at Buck Creek Mill. “When people watch TV and movies, they think all hauntings are demonic,” she said, “but in reality they are rare. I have never experienced a demonic case, and my teammate who has been doing this 20 years hasn’t either.” Scary or not, the hobby for Johnston is not just about ghosts. For her it’s largely about studying history. In fact, about three quarters of the book is made of historical research, so Johnston encourages people who are skeptical of paranormal activity to read it to learn about the history of the places around them. On investigations, Johnston and her S.C.A.R.E. team monitor changes in static and use voice recorders to try to capture

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Author Kim Johnston’s interest in the paranormal began at her Chelsea home near Union Cemetery. Photo by Madoline Markham.

electronic voice phenomena. When they go in a house, they ask questions of the spirits they believe are there. Often they can’t hear anything in person, but the responses, such as comments on the investigators’ conversation or answers to yes or no questions, are evident when they listen to the recording afterward. “We capture some things that scare me,” she said. “But it makes me more curious. It’s all about facing my fears. It’s been liberating to learn to not be afraid of what I heard in my house, and I want to help other people not be afraid of the things they hear. Fear itself can be worse than the actual haunting.”

Still, Johnston doesn’t tell her younger children, River and Chance, ages 5 and 3, about everything she does and sees. But her oldest son, 10-year-old Luke, heard voices initially along with his mom and has been on the journey with her all along the way. He’s now asking Johnston to come tell ghost stories to his classmates at Chelsea Park Elementary. “I am at peace with what’s going on in my own home,” Johnston said. “I tell my kids it’s okay and that nothing will harm them.” Haunted Shelby County, Alabama is available on Amazon.com and locally at Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, Little Professor and Alabama Booksmith.

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Magic in the moment

Start your Christmas shopping early at Briarwood

Magic Moments offered Hunter, his parents and Douglas Grant had a eventful evening in July.

By CHANDLER JONES To Hunter Jones, magic doesn’t look like a supernatural, mystical dust that appears. To Hunter, magic looks as tangible and real as anything else. After barely a decade of life, the ever-friendly, ever-kind Hunter was on his way to becoming anything, but, like we all know, sometimes everything changes in a moment. In December 2010, only two days before Christmas, a motorist had been traveling at high speeds and struck a car carrying Hunter, his mother, younger brother and grandmother. The accident left Hunter trapped in the back seat. “I looked in the back seat, and he wasn’t moving,” Tara Jones, Hunter’s mother, said. “He wasn’t breathing. His lips had gone blue.” Despite his mother’s efforts to make him breath using CPR, Hunter’s brain and his life were forever altered. Hunter shifted out of childhood almost instantaneously. “It was kind of like he went from this little baby to this loving, fun, happy-go-lucky 10-year-old kid to when he woke up, three weeks later, and was able to talk he like a 13-year-old,” Tara said. “It totally shifted and changed. We missed the gradual phase.”

The Jones family had already resolved their third son’s life would be forever-altered when Magic Moments, a local organization that grants wishes to children with chronic life-threatening illnesses, reached out to him. Magic Moments fulfills the dreams of children like Hunter, who is now 13 and a student at Chelsea Middle School. And his wish was for the latest in gadgets. Hunter loves computers and playing X-box, so instead of taking a weeklong family vacation like many children ask for with their wishes, Hunter decided to invest in his future. And Magic Moments was there to help with a shopping spree at Best Buy on 280 and the Apple Store at The Summit One evening this summer, Magic Moments “moment maker” Douglas Grant made his wish come true. That evening Hunter bought a computer, a monitor, earphones, movies and music at Best Buy before going to the Apple Store for an iPod Classic and iPad. And with that, Hunter experienced a different sort of life-altering moment, one sprinkled with real life magic. “Santa Claus is going to have a hard time competing with this,” Tara said.

Briarwood Christmas Shop committee members Jennifer James, Jeed Houston, Patty Crauswell and Lena Davis.

Briarwood Christmas Shop, a community holiday tradition for more than 20 years, will once again offer a shopping experience for a good cause. The free event is hosted by Briarwood Christian High School. Proceeds will benefit a variety of needs throughout of the school that are not covered by the budget. The 2013 shop will feature gifts, local artwork, jewelry and accessories, home décor, wood crafts, monogrammed clothing, and collegiate and holiday items. There will be several out-of-state vendors participating again this year and

boutiques for women’s fine clothing. Stationery and paper products can be customized while you wait. Christmas music, door prizes and fun surprises await you as you shop in a festive atmosphere. This year’s committee members for the shop are Jennifer James, Jeed Houston, Patty Crauswell and Lena Davis. The event takes place Thursday, Nov. 7 from noon-6 p.m. and Friday, Nov. 8 from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Fellowship Hall at Briarwood Presbyterian Church, located at I-459 on Acton Road.

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School House Oak Mountain Fall Fun Fest returns this month

Back in the classroom at MLES

Students at Mt Laurel Elementary School were back in classroom in August, and many moving up from kindergarten, like Samantha Craddock and Sarah Loftus, were excited to say, “First Grade Rocks” at MLES. Photo courtesy of Mt Laurel Elementary School.

Westminster School breaks ground The Oak Mountain Elementary School PTO will host its annual Fall Fun Fest Fundraiser Saturday, Oct. 19 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Held on school grounds, this festival is not only the school’s largest yearly fundraiser, but also a great way for families and the community atlarge to have fun together. Of the money raised, 100 percent goes toward educational improvements at OMES. In the past, money raised has bought Barnes and Noble Nooks, playground equipment and more. This exciting event will feature activities for the whole family including a pumpkin patch and hayride, pet adoptions with Shelby County Humane Society, a dunking booth

courtesy of the Oak Mountain High School baseball team, cake, candy and soda walks courtesy of the Oak Mountain High School cheerleading squad, numerous inflatables, crafts and games, silent auction, vendor booths, snack bar and much more. And football fans have no need to worry. College games will be shown on a big screen with plenty of seating. Advanced wristbands that include a ChickFil-A lunch will be available for purchase in the school office Oct. 9-16. Cost is $12 for ages 4 and older, and $8 for ages 3 and under. Wristbands will also be available at the door for $10 for attractions (ages 4 and older), $5 for attractions (ages 3 and under)

and $5 for lunch. For more,visit omespto.blogspot.com or contact the event organizers listed below at any time. Emily Thompson, OMES FFF Coordinator Find221@gmail.com or 770-617-8969 Ellen Gillespie, OMES and FFF Publicity Coordinator ellen@littlelambdesign.com or 492-9547 Marci Hackbarth, OMES PTO President, FFF Coordinator marcellakaye@usa.net or 613-1484

Last month, The Westminster School at Oak Mountain broke ground on its new upper school, which will serve seventh- through 12thgrade students. The new 24,000-square-foot property will cost approximately $6 million. More than $2 million has been pledged for the facility from about 200 families. The remaining sum was provided by BBVA Compass Bank with the help of Laura Clarke. Located on the corner of Alabama 119 and Shelby County 14, the property was donated to Oak Mountain Church by Mr. and Mrs. Pete Clemens six years ago. For more, call 995-9694 or visit westminsterknights.org.

Take us with you.

Award-winning community journalism on your mobile phone. 280Living.com

October 2013 • A43 B19

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Students paint wagons for Children’s of Alabama Hoover Firefighters Association recently donated 12 red wagons to Children’s of Alabama. Spain Park High School art students and Hoover High students with special needs painted the wagons with various themes before they were presented. Hoover students then attended the presentation at Children’s.

Hoover Firefighters Association presents wagons to Children’s of Alabama.

OLV hosts hundreds at Back to School BASH Our Lady of the Valley Catholic School held its Third Annual Back to School BASH in August, and more than 400 people enjoyed dinner, amusement rides and other activities. The event was sponsored by the OLV Parent Teacher Organization. Follow Our Lady of the Valley via twitter @MyOLV or contact Darrell Cartwright at 222-5900.

Amelia Beland and another OLV student enjoy a swing amusement ride during the Third Annual Back to School BASH. Photo courtesy of Our Lady of the Valley Catholic School.

Smart Kid.

Smart Parent.

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B20 • October 2013 A44

Classifieds Childcare Worker:

Sunday and Wednesday. References and background check are required. St. Catherine’s Episcopal Church, Hwy 39, Chelsea, AL. • 205-618-8367 or rector@StCatherinesAL.com

Comfort Keepers is currently hiring quality caregivers. 205-981-1800

Antique Dealers and Designers One Giant Sale

Upscale French and English Antiques & Accessories along with Vintage items. French Buffet, English Sideboard, Dining Table, Rugs, Sconce, Picture Frames, Mirrors, Chandeliers, Settee, Chests, Chairs, Tables, Lamps, Art, Transferware, Garden Items and Much Much More! Thurs., Fri. & Sat. Oct. 10, 11 & 12 9 am until 3 pm 5366 Meadow Brook Road Birmingham, Al 35242

Part-time Help Needed

Sales and Merchandising Computer knowledge needed. Some Saturdays Plain Jane’s Women & Children Shop Lee Branch Shopping Center 205-991-1995

Community Calendar

280 Living

280 Events Oct. 3: Teed Off Against Hunger Golf Tournament. Ballantre Golf Club. 1 p.m. Organized by Vineyard Family Services. Tournament benefits BackPack Buddies Program. Visit golfdigestplanner.com/23438-TeedOff/ to register. Oct. 4: Panther Cross Country Invitational. Veterans Park. 3:30 p.m. Birmingham-Southern College hosting home meet. Visit bscsports.net. Oct. 5: Orphan Run. Veterans Park. 8 a.m. Designed to support orphans both locally and globally. Organized by Christ City Church. Register via active.com by Oct. 3 for $30. Visit christcitychurch.org/orphanrun.asp. Oct. 6: Hearts for Hasberry 5K Race and 1 Mile Fun Run. Veterans Park. 8 a.m. Register online via active. com. Contact Sarah Harris at 259-3736, email sarahanna@ transformationfit.com or visit transformationfit.com/ hearts-for-hasberry-5k. Oct. 8: Mitchell’s Place Chili Championship Golf Tournament. Greystone Founder’s Course, Greystone Golf and Country Club. Noon. Benefits Mitchell’s Place, which provides services for children with autism. Visit mitchells-place.com/event/second-annual-chilichampionship-golf-tournament/ or call 957-0294. Oct. 10: Light the Night. 5:30 p.m. The Summit. Free. Join the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society by celebrating and commemorating the lives touched by blood cancers by walking for a cure for cancer. Call 989-0098 or visit lightthenight.org/al. Oct 12: WOOFStock. Veterans Park. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Hosted by Hoover Parks and Recreation Foundation, event features the Bama Air Dogs, weenie dog races, dog contests, adoptions, microchipping, a kids zone and vendors. Visit hooveral.org/index.aspx?NID=748. Oct. 12: Mt Laurel Harvest Festival. Mt Laurel Town Center. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Featuring a farmer’s market, craft fair, hay rides, petting zoo, music and vendors. Visit mtlaurel.com. Oct. 15: MOMS Club of Birmingham-Inverness Fall Funtivities Open House. 10-11:30 a.m. Veterans Park. Welcome gifts will be given to newly paid memberships.

Email momsclubinverness@gmail.com. Oct. 19: Community Flea Market. 7:30 a.m.-noon. Saint Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church, 7340 Cahaba Valley Road. Eight-five booths available; sellers give 85 percent of proceeds back to the Knights of Columbus. Email StMarkFleaMkt@aol.com or leave a message at 866-622STMK (7865), ext.1. Oct. 19: Run Away from Domestic Violence. St. Vincent’s One Nineteen. 8 a.m. Benefits Hannah Home Shelby County, which served the needs of abused women and their children. Visit runawayrace.com. Oct. 19: Race for Hope. Veterans Park. 9 a.m. 5K, 1-mile fun run and Crossfit games. Live music by Matt Cook. Benefits mission efforts in Kenya through Restoration Ministries. Visit raceforhope.weebly.com. Oct. 24: Hoover Cross Country Invitational. Veterans Park. 3 p.m. Oct. 25: Hoover Hayride and Family Night. Veterans Park. 5-8 p.m. Family-friendly event featuring hayrides around park. Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce members distribute candy. Visit hooveral.org. Oct. 24: Fall Festival. 6-7:30 p.m. Adventure Nook Preschool at First Christian Church. $7 admission includes food and games. Oct. 26: Trunk or Treat. 4-7 p.m. North Shelby Baptist Church. Entertainment from Steppup Puppet Ministry, games, prizes, popcorn, snow cones and a free hotdog supper. Visit northshelbybaptist.org. Oct. 27: Fall Festival. 4-7 p.m. Meadow Brook Baptist Church. Inflatables, games, refreshments, candy and prizes. Call 991-8384. Oct. 27: Trunk or Treat. 5-6 p.m. Chelsea Park subdivision. Hosted by Chelsea Creek Community Church. Children can get candy from decorated cars, along with popcorn, cotton candy and face painting. Call 901-2381. Oct. 27: Trunk or Treat. 4-7 p.m. Asbury United Methodist. Games, food and trick-or-treating at decorated vehicles. Email asburyfamilyministry@yahoo.com. Oct. 27: Community Festival. 3-7 p.m. CrossBridge

Community Church. Free food, pony rides, live music, games and inflatables, and a craft fair to support the church’s missions ministry. Call 998-1078. Oct. 27: Oktoberfest. Noon-4 p.m. Our Savior Lutheran Church. Bratwursts, hot dogs, homemade desserts, German cuisine and beer, music, a cornhole tournament and inflatables for the kids. Visit oursaviorbirmingham. com. Oct. 30: Fall Festival. 5:30-8 p.m. Liberty Park Baptist Church. Carnival games, rides, inflatables, clowns and putt-putt golf. Free with a canned food donation to Woodlawn Food Bank. Visit libertypark.org. Nov. 3: Out of the Darkness Walk. 2:30-4:30 p.m. Heardmont Park. American Foundation for Suicide Prevention event. Register for free at afsp.donordrive. com.

High School Football All games at 7 p.m.

Oct. 4: Spain Park v. Thompson. Spain Park High School. Oct. 4: Chelsea v. Oak Mountain. Chelsea High School. Oct. 11: Oak Mountain v. Spain Park. Oak Mountain High Stadium, Heardmont Park. Oct. 11: Briarwood v. Chilton County. Lions Pride Stadium, Briarwood Christian School. Oct. 18: SPHS v. Stanhope Elmore (Senior Night). Spain Park High School. Oct. 25: Chelsea v. Prattville. Chelsea High School. Oct. 25: Oak Mountain v. Thompson. Oak Mountain High Stadium, Heardmont Park. Oct. 25: Briarwood v. John Carroll Catholic. Lions Pride Stadium, Briarwood Christian School. Nov. 1: Briarwood v. Pinson Valley. Lions Pride Stadium, Briarwood Christian School.

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Community Calendar

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Library Events North Shelby Library Children For more information or to register for any of our programs or storytimes, call Children’s Department at 439-5504, email northshelbyyouth@gmail.com or visit northshelbylibrary.org. Oct. 5: Lego Club. 10– 11:30 a.m. The library provides the Legos, the kids provide the imagination and creativity. Families are welcome to drop in to build spectacular creations that will then go on display in the Children’s Department. All ages welcome. No registration is required. Oct. 16: Homeschool Hangout. 1 p.m.This month we’ll participate in Reality Check, a financial literacy simulation built around activities that illustrate what life is like as an adult, such as working, paying bills and being financially independent. This program is a part of the Making Cents: Smart Investing at Your Library grant. Registration is required. Ages 8-12 welcome. Oct. 18: Halloween Craft: Reflective Necklaces. Help kids trick-or-treat safely with these selfadhesive reflector crafts they’ll love to wear. Registration is required. All ages welcome. Oct. 25: Pumpkin Painting Workshop. 4 p.m. BYOP (Bring Your Own Pumpkin). We’ll provide the paint. Registration is required. Ages 3 and up with a caregiver welcome. Oct. 26: Family Movie Day: The Smurfs: The Legend of Smurfy Hollow. 10:30 a.m. When Brainy Smurf is favored to win the annual Smurfberry Hunt for the ninth year in a row, Gutsy Smurf sets out to discover how Brainy wins every year. Gutsy’s investigation takes him into spooky Smurfy Hollowand right into Gargamel’s trap. No registration required. All ages are welcome with a caregiver. Oct. 29: Tween Halloween Party. 6 p.m. Join us for a time of spooky stories, good food, and lots of fun.

Registration is required. Ages 8-13 welcome. Oct. 15-30: Painted Pumpkin Display. Decorate a pumpkin, no carving please, and bring it to the Children’s Department between Oct. 15-30 for display. Pumpkins can be picked up on Nov. 1. Oct. 31: Trick-or-Treat at the Library. Stop by each department in the library for treats at any time on Halloween day. Costumes welcome! Story-Time Programming Mondays, 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. Toddler Tales A 30-minute program for ages 19-36 months. Registration required. Tuesday, Oct. 1 and 15, 9:30 a.m. Baby Tales A story time designed especially for babies up to 18 months and their caregivers. Registration required. Wednesdays, 10:45 a.m. Mr. Mac (Storyteller Extraordinaire!) All Ages. No registration required. Thursdays, 7 p.m. P. J. Story Time No registration Required.

Check, a financial literacy simulation built around activities that illustrate what life is like as an adult, such as working, paying bills, and being financially independent. Oct. 17: Young Adult Writing Group. 4:30 p.m. North Shelby Library is looking for teen authors who want to build their writing skills and respectfully discuss and provide feedback on each other’s work. You can come with a piece of writing complete or halfdone, or with no writing at all. Snacks served. Oct. 31: Trick-or-Treat at Library. Stop by each department in the library for treats. Costumes welcome!

Mt Laurel Library Contact the Mt Laurel Library at 991-1660 or mtlaurellibrary@gmail.com for more information or to register. Register online using the Calendar on mtlaurellibrary.org. Oct. 2 and 16: Toddler Tales. 10 a.m. A 30-minute program for ages 36 months and younger. Registration required. Oct. 2 and 16: Storytime with Ms Kristy 11 a.m. All ages. No registration required.

Teens Contact Kate at 439-5512 or nsyouth@shelbycountyal.org for more information. Fridays: Gaming. 3:30-5:45 p.m. Come to the teen department each Friday afternoon for open gaming on the Wii and with board and card games. Oct. 10: Anime Night. 6 p.m. The audience will pick what we watch. Treats will be served and costumes are welcome! Oct. 16: Homeschool Hangout: Teen Edition.1 p.m. An opportunity for homeschoolers in sixth to 12th grades to get together for fun and educational activities. This month we’ll participate in Reality

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Oct. 12: Crafty Saturday. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Drop in during the Mt Laurel Festival to make a craft at the library. All ages welcome with parent help. Registration is not required, but supplies are limited. Oct. 12: Friends of the Mt Laurel Public Library Used Book Sale. 10 a.m.-3 p.m Takes place during the Mt Laurel Harvest Festival. All proceeds benefit the library building fund. Oct. 31: Trick or Treat! Stop by the library for Halloween treats. Costumes are welcome.

Fiesta Hispanic Cultural Festival at Linn Park on Oct. 5 will display the culture, music and food of more than 20 Latin American countries.

Alabama PEO hosting Games Galore this month Chapter AK Alabama of P.E.O. International will host Games Galore on Oct. 29 at Riverchase Country Club. P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational Organization) is dedicated to promoting educational opportunities for women. Proceeds from Games Galore will go to fund the organization’s philanthropies. The day will include bridge, bunko, cribbage and other table games. Lunch will be served, there will be a fashion show and a silent auction. For more information or for tickets, email jsthompson959@charter.net or call 408-7410.

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Community Calendar Birmingham Events

Fiesta Hispanic Cultural Festival wiill bring a taste of Latin American countries to Linn Park on Oct. 5

Oct. 1-5: Oak Mountain State Fall Fair. 5 p.m.-4 a.m. Tuesday-Friday, 1 p.m.-midnigth Saturday. Oak Mountain Amphitheatre. Purchase tickets at the gate or at Walgreens. Call 985-4900 or visit oakmountainstatefair.com.

children activities and the Mutt Strut, a mile-long walk around the park benefiting homeless pets at Shelby Humane Society. Register online at barkinthepark. shelbyhumane.org. For more, email info@ shelbyhumane.org.

Oct. 1-6: Rosenwald Revisited by Ann Smithwick. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, noon-5 p.m. Sunday. Birmingham Museum of Art. Free. Ann Smithwick is a professional documentary photographer based in Memphis. She discovered her home was a former “Rosenwald School,” which established a foundation for African-American education in the U.S. Call 254-2565 or visit artsbma.org.

Oct. 6: Hot Strings Music & Arts Festival. Colonial Brookwood Village. Artists, kids activities and live music. Three on a String, Mandolin Orange, Act of Congress and Matthew Mayfield will perform. Benefits local rescue mission and recovery center The Foundry. $15. Visit HotStrings.org.

Oct. 3-6: Antiques at the Garden. 1-5 p.m. Thursday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday & Saturday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Sunday. Free for members, $10 for non-members. The show will include antique dealers from across the nation, presenting antiques, furniture, porcelain, fine art, silver, garden accessories and jewelry. Visit bbgardens.org. Act of Congress and Matthew Mayfield will play at Colonial Brookwood Village for the Hot Strings festival on Oct. 6.

Oct. 3-6: ‘Bill W. & Dr. Bob.’ 7:30- 9:30 p.m. ThursdaySaturday, 2:30 -4:30 p.m. Saturday & Sunday. Virginia Samford Theatre, 1116 26th Street South. 7$25-30, $17 for students and groups of 10 or more. This play tells the true story of how stockbroker Bill Wilson and surgeon Bob Smith, both alcoholics, formed a relationship that was the genesis of Alcoholics Anonymous and the first 12-step program. Call 251-1206 or visit virginiasamfordtheatre.org. Oct. 5: Fiesta Hispanic Cultural Festival. Linn Park. Noon-8 p.m. The festival will display the culture, music and food of more than 20 Latin American countries. Visit fiestabirmingham.com.

The Vintage Festival returns to Barber Motorsports Oct. 11-13.

Oct. 5: Bark in the Park. Veteran’s Park in Alabaster. Free. This all-day affair will feature activities for both pets and people, including contests, live entertainment,

Oct. 6: New York Polyphony. 3- 4:15 p.m. Cathedral Church of the Advent, 2017 Sixth Ave. North. Free. This ensemble is regarded as one of the finest singing groups in the world, ranging from medieval melodies to cutting-edge contemporary compositions. Call 226-3505 or visit adventbirmingham.org. Oct. 8: 2nd Tuesday Ballet Series. 7 p.m Alabama Ballet Center for Dance. Free. Get a behind the scenes glimpse of Alabama Ballet’s upcoming season productions and participate in a studio chat with Artistic Director Tracey Alvey. Call 322-4300 or visit alabamaballet.org. Oct. 10: America’s Got Talent Live. 7:30 p.m. BJCC. $27$55.25. Call 1-800-745-3000. Oct. 11-13: The 9th Annual Barber Vintage Festival. 7:30 a.m. 6030 Barber Motorsports Parkway. Three days of motorcycle entertainment, including The Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum and Motorcycles by Moonlight Benefit Dinner. Call 699-7275 or visit barbervintagefestival.org. Oct. 12: History Hike. 9 a.m. Oak Mountain State Park. Park admission $3 for adults, $1 for children ages 6 to 11 and for senior citizens ages 62 and older. Learn about the history of Oak Mountain State park during a 3-and-ahalf-mile round trip. Call 620-2520 or visit alapark.com/

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oakmountain. Oct. 12: 11th Annual Art in Avondale Park. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 4101 5th Avenue South. Free. Artists’ exhibits, music, food and children’s art activities. Visit artinavondalepark.org. Oct. 13: Civil Rights Concert. 5 p.m. Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center, Jemison Hall. Free. The Magic City Choral Society Men’s and Women’s Chorus will lead a collaboration of choirs to present the world premiere of “Band of Angels” led by Alabama composer K. Lee Scott to remember the children who died in the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing in September 1963. Call 478-4615 or visit magiccitychoralsocietyy.org. Oct. 13: Break ‘n Bread Food & Wine Festival. 1-5 p.m. Railroad Park, 1600 First Ave South. $35 for adults ages 21 and older, $12 for youth ages 12 to 20 and free for children under age 12. Visit breaknbread.zeekeeinteractive.com. Oct. 17: Beer, BBQ and Bingo Party. 6:30 p.m. Avondale Brewery. Barbecue dinner from Golden Rule, Avondale microbrews, bingo prizes, live music. Hosted by the Junior Board of the Robert E. Reed Foundation, which supports patient care and GI cancer research at UAB. $25 per person or $45 per couple. Purchase tickets at reedgifoundation.com/events or at the door. Oct. 19-20: Fall Plant Sale. Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Call 414-3950, email

Plant lovers stroll through the offerings at the annual Birmingham Botanical Gardens Plant Sale at Blount Plaza.

rwalters@bbgardens.org or visit bbgardens.org. October 22: Borealis Wind Quintet with Leon Bates. 7:30 p.m. Samford University Brock Recital Hall. Presented by the Birmingham Chamber Music Society. $25, $10 for students with ID. Call 726-2853 or visit samford.edu/arts/. Oct. 26: Zombie Chase. 10 a.m. Red Mountain Park. 5K run presented by Birmingham Young Professionals Kiwanis will benefit Better Basics, an organization that provides literacy intervention for elementary and middle-school students throughout Alabama. $40 before Oct. 12, $50 after Oct. 12. Visit facebook.com/ TheZombieChase.

Birmingham Bake & Cook Co. All classes and events run from 6:30-9 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Call 980-3661 to register.

Oct. 3: The Cuisine of the Greece, Chef Rosemary Rutland. $45. Oct. 10: Autumn Holidays – Inspired “Novelty” Cakes, Cake Designer Shannon Lescarini. $45. Oct. 14: Shun Cutlery Open House, with Rick Szymanski from Shun Cutlery. 4-7 p.m. No charge. Szymanski will introduce the Shun cutlery lines, reviewing both the traditional shapes and the new designs. Shun cutlery sales and/or orders taken at this event will be discounted an additional 10 percent.

Erskine will take you through all things WÜSTHOF from knife anatomy and honing and sharpening, to what knife may fit your particular need. WÜSTHOF cutlery sales and/or orders taken at this event will be discounted an additional 10 percent, and free WÜSTHOF cutlery knife sharpening (limit 4 knives) will be provided. Oct. 24: Authentic Tagine Cuisine, Susan Green. $40. A tagine is a traditional cooking vessel of Moroccan origin, usually made of glazed clay.

Oct. 17: Biscuits: A Southern Staple! Rebecca Treadwell, Executive Chef, Hoffman Media. $40.

Oct. 29: Extraordinary Autumn Holiday Desserts, George Geary. $50.

Oct. 22: WÜSTHOF Open House, with Jay Erskine from WÜSTHOF. 4-7 p.m. No charge.

Oct. 30: Best Food Processor Appetizers Ever, George Geary. $45.

Greater Shelby Chamber of Commerce Visit shelbychamber.org for more.

Oct. 2: Ambassadors Work Group. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Oct. 2: Small Business Work Group. 4-5 p.m. Greater Shelby Chamber, 1301 County Services Drive, Pelham. Oct. 8: Education Work Group. 8:30-9:30 a.m. Shelby County Instructional Services Center, 601 First Street South, Alabaster. Oct. 8: Existing Business & Industry Work Group. 9-10 a.m. Barge, Waggoner, Sumner & Cannon, Inc., 3535 Grandview Parkway, Suite 500, Birmingham. Oct. 11: Health Services Work Group. 8:309:30 a.m. Cardiovascular Associates, 3890 Colonnade Parkway, Birmingham. Oct. 15: Industry Tour. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Morgan Creek Vineyards, 181 Morgan Creek Lane, Harpersville. RSVP required by Oct. 11. No cost. Oct. 16: Board of Directors Meeting. 8:15 a.m.9:30 a.m. Greater Shelby Chamber, 1301 County

Services Drive, Pelham. Oct. 24: Governmental Affairs Work Group. 9-10 a.m. Sain Associates, Two Perimeter Park South, Suite 500 East, Birmingham. Oct. 29: Business After Hours. 5:30-7 p.m. Dixie Fish Co., 101 Resource Center Parkway. RSVP required by Monday, Oct. 28. $10 members, $20 future members. Oct. 29: Making Sense of Social Media Seminar. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Greater Shelby Chamber, 1301 County Services Drive, Pelham. RSVP by Oct. 25. Includes free lunch. $5 members, $20 future members. Oct. 30: Membership Luncheon. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Sponsored by First Commercial Bank. Annual Safety Awards presentations will be given. Showcase feature on all Greater Shelby Chamber Members. Pelham Civic Complex, 500 Amphitheater Road, Pelham. RSVP required by noon on Monday, Oct. 28.

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