280 living vol 7 iss 8 april 2014 by Starnes Media

280 Living

April 2014 | April Volume2014 7 | Issue 8 • A1

280Living.com

neighborly news & entertainment

Camp Briarwood turns 50

Change of scenery

This year marks the 50th anniversary of a 280 tradition — Camp Briarwood. Read how the annual event has changed the lives of former campers inside.

Community page A14

Your Home In Bloom Now is the time to introduce your home and garden to this year’s vibrant styles and new looks.

Special page A18

SpringEvents Find everything you need to know about events scheduled for April and early May on the 280 corridor.

Special page B1

INSIDE Sponsors ...... A4 280 News ..... A6 Business ....... A10 Food .............. A13 Home ............ A18

Faith .................. A24 Opinion ............. A25 Community........ B12 School House .... B17 Calendar ............ B20

Rowing group offers U.S. 280 residents the opportunity to exercise in the great outdoors By GREG HEYMAN Marietta Williams thinks of Lake Purdy as a “little hidden jewel” in the U.S. 280 area. She and other members of the Lake Purdy Rowing Association are

always eager to visit. Her excitement about rowing on the lake led Williams about a year ago to start the rowing group, which is open to anyone regardless of previous rowing experience or age. And while membership is

also open to anyone irrespective of where they live, she said Lake Purdy’s location makes rowing with the club ideal for residents living along the 280 corridor. The result is an organization she and club president Scott Green

said offers participants a chance to enjoy the perfect workout while enjoying nature. “One of the great things about living over this way is that we have

See ROWING | page A23

Always with Terry in mind A mother’s lasting impact on the life of one Oak Mountain teen and her mission with Relay for Life By JEFF THOMPSON

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

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Allie Allers has heard it before. “You look just like your mother out there,” her dad, George, tells her occasionally after watching the Oak Mountain High School senior play basketball. Allie’s mother, Terry Allers, was known as Terry Voegler when she walked on with the Fairfield University Stags in 1984. In 1988, as a senior, she led the school to its first-ever NCAA Basketball Tournament appearance. George thinks Terry and Allie — Alexandra, formally — have similar play styles, but it was really Allie’s hair that started the comparison. “When Allie came out with that ponytail bobbing exactly the same way her mom’s did, it was a real goosebumps moment. It still is,” George said. “Terry’s here.”

See RELAY | page A26

Oak Mountain High School senior basketball leader Allie Allers lost her mother to cancer at age 7. Now, she uses her experiences to motivate others in Relay for Life. Photo by Jeff Thompson.

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About Us Photo of the month

Send your submissions for Photo of the Month to Jeff@280living.com

Students in the Spain Park Health Science Academy organization HOSA, Health Occupations Students of America, placed third in Pathophysiology (Rachel Ferrell), second in Biomedical Debate (Neema Ashou, Chris Brock, Zeenia Punjani), and second in Physical Therapy (Derek Williams) during their recent state competition. These students will be given the option to represent Alabama at the national competition in June. From left are: Jason Zajac (instructor), Derek Williams, Zeenia Punjani, Rachel Ferrell, Chris Brock, Neema Ashou and Bethany Edgeworth (instructor).

Editor’s Note By Jeff Thompson assigned through the My family’s budget projected my wife and I would Keeping it Real program. But “real life” can quickly be in trouble. I work at a bank as a be difficult to face for the first time. teller, and management “It made me want to awarded me a raise when I went back to school to earn go home and hug my mom,” one student said. my master’s in finance. But all the extra time away from Keeping it Real is slathome forced me to put my ed for another presentation at Oak Mountain 2-year-old in childcare, and to pay for it I had to start High School this month. Jeff Thompson To read more about the working at Publix on the program — and to learn weekend. But even then we weren’t back in the how to volunteer — read our story on black. In fact, we were spending $379 page A6. Elsewhere, I’m sure you barely remore a month than we were bringing in. Volunteers with the Greater Shelby member the snow days of January and Chamber of Commerce’s Keeping it February. Real program told me multiple times The spring of 2014 has sprung, the that if I wanted to make it, I needed to corridor has ditched its winter drab, and cut out my cell phone and Internet ser- every store has its summer line in the vice and downgrade to a Nissan Versa. front windows. Listen closely, and you Around me, ninth-grade Chelsea High can hear laces tightening. Every weekend this month offers an School students were talking of divorcing their spouses and putting their chil- event for the local runner, as well as opdren up for adoption. portunities for those who aren’t, to get It was all in jest, of course, based off outside and socialize. I fall into the latter of those two opfictional scenarios we were randomly

tions, so you’re more likely to find me at the Feast of St. Mark, whose history you can read on page B8. We take a look at most of this month’s happenings in our Spring Events section on page B1. April weekends are also important for homeowners. I recently bought a house, and my Saturday routine is probably a lot like yours: Wake up. Brush teeth. Hardware store. Break something. Yell a bunch. Hardware store. Dinner. But don’t fret — we’ve sought out local experts to improve that routine. In our spring home guide on page A18, aptly titled “Your Home in Bloom,” we take a look at current trends for your interior and tricks for bringing that yard back to life. Throughout this issue, we’ve done our best to remind you that the days are longer, the sun is hotter and 2014 just gets better from here. See you outside.

280 Living neighborly news & entertainment

Dan Starnes Keith McCoy Jeff Thompson Madoline Markham Katie Turpen Matthew Allen Rhonda Smith Warren Caldwell Michelle Salem Haynes Nathan Pearman Contributing Writers: Rick Watson Kari Kampakis Paul Johnson Greg Heyman Interns: Sydney Cromwell Rachael Headley

Publisher: Creative Director: Executive Editor: Managing Editor: Staff Writer: Advertising Manager: Sales and Distribution:

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.

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Please Support our Community Partners 280 Medical Supply (B18) AL Telco Credit Union (A11) ARC Realty (B10) AUX Mechanical (A18) Alabama Allergy & Asthma Center (B11) Alabama Outdoors (B19) Alabama Power (A26) Asbury United Methodist Church (B4) Bedzzz Express (A3) Bellini’s (B10) Birmingham Duplicate Bridge Club (B20) Birmingham Speech and Hearing Associates (B12) C Food Express (A23) Cabinetry Refinishing & Restoration (A1) Cahaba Dermatology and Skin Care Center (B9) Case Remodeling (A19) Children’s of Alabama (B17) Chiropractic Today (A12) Classic Gardens (A19) Clear Advantage Pantry (B2) Cowboy’s (A16) Danberry at Inverness (A10) Decorating Dens Interiors (A20) Diana Holladay (A12) Dixie Fish Company (B8) Dreamscape Landscape Development LLC (A5) E & F Entertainment (A14) Encore Rehabilitation (B16) Exclusively Ballet (B14) Fancy Fur - Paws and Claws (A7) Fi-Plan Partners (A24) Fitness Together Greystone (A12) Geostone (B14) Greystone Antiques & Marketplace (A27) Guitar Gallery (B20) Hanna’s Garden Shop (A21) Hendrick Hoover Auto Mall (A8, B16) Heritage South Credit Union (B23) Highland Dentistry (B15) Issis & Sons (A21) John Samaniego for Sheriff (B17) Junior League of Birmingham (B18) Kidder Financial Group (B6) Kidz Closet Consignment (A14) Kimberlee King (B11) Lawncrafters (A22) Leaf & Petal (A22) Liberty Park (A2) McKay Building Company (A9) Med South Family Care (A13) Monkey Toes (B22) Mountain Brook Art Association (A24) Narrows Family Eyecare (B5) Olio Oils and Balsamics (A16) Outdoor Living Areas (A17) Pastry Art (B19) Plain Jane Children & Gift Shop (A12) RealtySouth (A7) Red Mountain Theatre Company (B22) Renaissance Consignment and Marketplace (B24) Renasant Bank (B3) Rice Lovers (A14) Richard Joseph Salon and Spa (A1) Rick Needham (B21) Royal Automotive (A28) Sew Sheri Designs (A26) Somerby at St. Vincent’s One Nineteen (A25) Southeastern Jewelers and Engravers (A8) Spring Valley School (B5) St. Vincent’s One Nineteen (B21) Strauss Financial Group Inc. (B20) The Cuckoo’s Nest (B13) The Ditsy Daisy (B13) The Maids (B12) The UPS Store (A17) The Urban Barn (A7) Tutoring Club Inverness (B4) UAB Health System (A23) Varsity Sports (B1) Village Dermatology (B1) Vision Gymnastics (A9) Vitalogy Wellness Center (A15) Wan’s Chinese (A8) YMCA Camp Hargis Retreat (A6) YMCA of Greater Birmingham (B7)

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280 News

Leave a Legacy at Chelsea High By JEFF THOMPSON When it was built in 1992, a highlight of the brandnew Chelsea High School (CHS) was its stunning, stateof-the-art auditorium. Since then, it’s been the venue for countless lectures, student activities, fine arts performances and community events. Also in 1992, compact discs and the World Wide Web were considered state-of-the-art. “Our auditorium is in its original condition from when the school opened,” Chelsea High Principal Wayne Trucks said. “Complete renovations are needed.” Over this year’s summer break, CHS will embark on a complete overhaul of the school’s auditorium. Trucks said the school is aiming to repair or replace the auditorium’s 642 seats, re-carpet floors, paint walls and aisles and install new curtains and sound equipment. He expects the project to cost approximately $60,000. “And our PTO has done an outstanding job in finding creative ways to raise those funds,” he said. Led by PTO President Carol Johnson, the school is launching its Legacy Seat Campaign. Each Legacy Seat in the renovated auditorium will bear a nameplate

containing a personalized dedication. Trucks said those who choose to sponsor a seat could honor or memorialize friends or relatives, celebrate reunions, or feature their businesses. Each seat can be sponsored for a $150 donation, and all profits from this campaign go directly toward auditorium renovations. The school’s goal is to name every seat, which would provide more than $96,000. Trucks said the City of Chelsea contributed $10,000 to the project, which gives the school a base to start with. Seats will be replaced first, followed by painting. If curtains and sound equipment need to be installed after the start of the 2014-2015 school year, he said the work could be done without interrupting students. “Basically, as soon as students leave for the summer, we’re going to get as much done as we can before they return in August,” Trucks said. To participate in the fundraiser, complete the donation form found on the CHS PTO website (chhspto.weebly. com) and return the form to school or mail it to the address on the form. For more information, contact the PTO at chhspto@ yahoo.com or call the school at 682-7200.

The auditorium at Chelsea High School is in need of an overhaul according to school administrators, and the PTO is embarking on the Leave a Legacy Seat Campaign to help fund the project.

Sheriff urges ‘Lock It, Hide It, Keep It’ following rash of car burglaries Over the course of one night in late February, approximately 19 vehicles were unlawfully entered in residential neighborhoods along Cahaba Valley Road near Doug Baker Boulevard in north Shelby County. According to the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, credit cards, checkbooks, cash, computers, phones and guns were all stolen from the vehicles. An unlocked vehicle with the

keys left in it was also stolen from the same area that night. All vehicles unlawfully entered, including the one stolen, were left unlocked. In September 2013, the Sheriff’s Office issued a press release advising residents of a similar night of thefts from cars in the same area. The common theme there was that most of the vehicles were unlocked. In November 2013, the Sheriff’s Office,

in partnership with the Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce and surrounding law enforcement agencies, launched the crime prevention and awareness campaign titled, “Lock It. Hide It. Keep It.” The focus of that campaign is to encourage residents to help us help them prevent property crime. The message is simple: Lock It: Lock your vehicle every

time you leave it unattended, and always lock your valuables in the trunk. Hide It: If you don’t have a trunk, hide valuables under the seats, in the glove box or in other compartments within the vehicle. Keep It: Personal responsibility is the best prevention to safeguard personal property and to prevent becoming a victim.

To reduce your chances of being a victim, remove valuables from your car at night and lock your car’s doors. Anyone with information about these thefts is urged to contact the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office directly at 669-4181, through the Secret Witness line at 669-9116 or through their website at ShelbySO. com.

280Living.com

April 2014

State discredits reports of poor workplace environment in Hoover City Schools By JEFF THOMPSON Following its review, the State Department of Education reported in March that claims of poor workplace environment in Hoover Schools are unfounded. According to a statement by Hoover City Schools Board of Education President Paulette Pearson, she contacted the State Department at the request of the Hoover Board. Pearson’s statement indicates she sought for the Department to conduct an independent investigation of complaints about the work environment at the Central Office. Pearson wrote these complaints were being spread anonymously and largely through social media. “Prior to contacting the State Department of Education, we could not find any credible basis for the complaints,” Pearson’s statement reads. “Yet the complaints continued to circulate in a manner seemingly designed to erode public confidence in the operation of the Central Office.” In the State Department’s review findings, released March 11, State Superintendent’s Office Chief of Staff Dr. Craig Pouncey wrote that the examination focused on work environment and communication skills. Pouncey wrote that reports of pervasive complaints throughout the system are unfounded, as were accusations of employees wanting to walk off their jobs in mass. “Quite to the contrary, Hoover schools have been able to attract a number of talented applicants for each position vacated,” Pouncey wrote. Regarding communication in the system, Pouncey investigation findings showed that Hoover is facing challenges regarding student population growth and decreasing state fund-

ing. The report does not make a clear suggestion for a remedy in communication. “The Hoover City School System has had to take an in-depth and long-term look at its current model of operations,” Pouncey’s review findings read. “I have the opportunity to work with all school systems throughout the state, and many of them are doing the same things that Hoover is doing. Anytime this occurs the uncertainty of possible outcomes creates a nervousness among people.” Pouncey assured the Hoover BOE in the findings that he believes the administrative staff has and will continue to protect the school’s institutional programs and that he is confident decisions put before the board will be well-researched. He also commended the Hoover BOE and Chief School Financial Officer Cathy Antee for their commitment to go through a 10-year strategic planning process. “Very few systems even have a need to have that depth of understanding,” Pouncey wrote. Pearson reported she was “heartened and encouraged” by the State’s report. “We are grateful for the time and effort Dr. Pouncey and his staff expended to clarify issues that were dis-serving our school district,” she wrote. However, the findings conclude with a message from Pouncey that seemingly advises the Board to show additional appreciation for its employees. “With all of this said, that does not mean that school administrators and the board shouldn’t look for additional ways to express appreciation to employees,” Pouncey wrote. “They have been subjected to some very difficult times over the last three or four years due to a lack of state support and the implementation of new standards and assessments.”

• A7

LIFE IS SHORT. MAKE GOOD DECISIONS.

11% 52%

18%

18% RealtySouth sells more homes than the 52% next 5 competitors 11% combined. When you make good 9% decisions, you reap solid results. 5% 5%

Source: TRENDGR APHIX, Inc. This representation is based in whole or in par t on data provided by the Birmingham Association of Realtors® or its Multiple Listings Service for the given. Neither the Association nor its MLS is in any way responsible for its accuracy. Data maintained by the Association or its MLS may not reflec t all real estate ac tivity in the market. (*Sales volume figures are rounded in thousands.)

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280 Living

Chamber Keller takes over as Chamber president By JEFF THOMPSON One year into the Greater Shelby Chamber of Commerce’s ShelbyOne initiative, the man who led its launch passed the baton. During the Chamber’s Annual Luncheon in February, Bill Keller assumed the position of Chamber president for 2014, replacing David Nolen of Renasant Bank. Keller, a member of Regions Bank leadership, thanked his predecessor for the vision he’d used in leading the chamber the previous two years. “For the last six months, two times a month David has made me painfully aware this day was coming,” Keller said. ShelbyOne is a five-year undertaking by the Chamber to “unite all of our county’s corporate and public leaders to guide and

stimulate economic and community development throughout Shelby County,” shelbychamber.org reads. The initiative was created under Nolen’s leadership, as was an administrative restructuring that led to the hiring of Chamber President and CEO Kirk Mancer. Under ShelbyOne, the Chamber created six active workgroups tasked with growing partnerships among the area’s businesses, government leaders and community. Also during the luncheon, the Chamber released its 2013 annual report, which listed that in 2013 the Greater Shelby Chamber: êê Recruited 149 new members êê Held 41 ribbon cuttings êê Responded to more than 1,700 requests for business and community information For more, visit shelbychamber.org.

County general fund shows steady improvement since recession Comparison of the Budgeted General Fund Revenue FY 08 - 14 FY 2008

$54,021,696

FY 2009

$51,824,549

<2,197,147>

FY 2010

$49,555,320

<4,466,376>

FY 2011

$49,650,878

<4,370,818>

FY 2012

$51,022,097

<2,999,599>

FY 2013

$51,814,387

<2,207,307>

FY 2014

$52,720,240

<1,301,456>

This chart reflects the Shelby County General Fund’s steady climb toward its height in 2008.

By JEFF THOMPSON Shelby County’s General Fund is still recovering from the recession of 2008, but data suggests it’s steadily regaining strength. Speaking during the Greater Shelby Chamber of Commerce Luncheon on Feb. 26, Shelby County Manager Alex Dudchock said over the past five years the Shelby County Commission has actively managed its resources and found ways to cut expenses. Thanks to its foresight, the General Fund for Fiscal Year 2014 is projected just $1.3 million short of it’s 2008 apex — up from a $4.5 million difference in 2010. Dudchock added that in the first four months of FY 2014, the County has taken in approximately $477,000 more in revenue than the budget forecasted. He said it was a promising sign, but he expects the Commission to stay the current course. “You can’t change your actions overnight just because you have an uptick,” Dudchock said. Further examining the state of the county, Dudchock said the unemployment rate has been in decline since it peaked at 6.9 percent in 2009. He also said Shelby has the highest labor force participation rate in the state, even though it was still short of the 2008 mark. A figure he said was most telling about the damage to families during the recession was the county’s median household income. In 2008, families brought home an average of $76,000. Last year, that was still $10,000 less

Shelby County Manager Alex Dudchock with the Greater Shelby Chamber’s Lisa Shapiro during the Chamber’s luncheon on Feb. 26. Photo by Jeff Thompson.

at approximately $66,000. “We have now a new normal,” Dudchock said. “Our population increases won’t be like they were when we led state in growth for four decades. That’s 40 years. And during those years we had some growth patterns that weren’t sustainable.” Dudchock also praised Shelby County’s planning efforts to prepare for the Alabama Transportation Rehabilitation Improvement Program (ATRIP) in 2013, which brought approximately $28 million in road and bridge improvements to the county. The funding was used to complete 22 projects.

280Living.com

April 2014 • A9

Teaching teens an important lesson: life

is expensive

Brooke Story, Chamber director of business support and development, works with students at Chelsea High School.

Keeping it Real Chelsea High School sophomore Jada Foster, center, and other students contemplate their options to bring in more income during the Greater Shelby Chamber of Commerce’s Keeping it Real program in March. Photos by Sam Farmer.

By JEFF THOMPSON By design, a quick tour through the Keeping it Real program can change a student’s perspective — if not his or her life. Created by the Greater Shelby Chamber of Commerce, Keeping it Real has introduced hundreds of students in Shelby County Schools to the cost of “real life” during the 2013-2014 school year. Targeting ninth- and some 10thgrade students, the program provides each with a random post-high school financial scenario. After that, it’s up to them to make ends meet. Using their monthly salaries,

students visits 12 booths consisting of financial requirements including transportation, housing, child care, groceries and education. Based on their situation, they calculate what they can afford in those areas. Quickly, students realize surviving on a high school diploma alone is a tall order. “Life is kind of difficult,” Chelsea High School 10th-grade student Jada Foster said during the program in March. “When you’re an adult, you have to handle so many responsibilities. It’s overwhelming and really stressful. Now I know what my parents go through, and you should not take anything for granted.” Like most students who partici-

pated, Jada said she knew housing was expensive, but she didn’t consider how much insurance added on. It was one of many surprises for her during the program. “I didn’t even know utilities cost over $200, or groceries are $500?” she said. “I mean, I can just eat Ramen noodles all day.” Chamber President and CEO Kirk Mancer said the program is a collaborative effort between the Greater Shelby Chamber and Shelby County Schools designed to be a “proactive measure to grow and educate Shelby County’s workforce.” “Businesses in Shelby County, they’re the future employers of these students,” Mancer said. “So,

April 9-10 • Oak Mountain High School Call 663-4542 or email keyla@shelbychamber.org to volunteer

businesses being at the table collaborating on these types of things is beneficial. We want to make sure these students are solid in the basic skills they need.” Mancer said the program would expand over the next four years, offering tiered training to each class of students. Next year, the Chamber plans to introduce a career fair for 10th-grade students. The year after, 11th-grade students will have access to communication training meant to help them in interviews and on their resumes and applications. All the while, the Chamber plans to continue Keeping it Real for the freshman classes.

“We’re trying to help the students understand their priorities, and that if they finish high school and continue their education through a twoyear or four-year college they will have more resources to do what they need — and want — to do further on down the road,” Mancer said in a statement. So far, the message is hitting its mark. It’s worked for at least one student. “I’m really going to try to reach for the highest goal now,” Jada said. “I’m going to get my doctorate so I can really feel good about where I am for the rest of my life. I was struggling through this, but this taught me something.”

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Burkes Outlet, 5025 U.S. 280, Suite 105, is now open in Inverness Heights Market. burkesoutlet.com.

Catering by Bellini’s, the catering arm of Bellini’s Ristorante, 6801 Cahaba Valley Road, Suite 106, is now in business. Branden Saccomani is the catering director. 530-0177. cateringbybellinis.com.

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The Pita Hut, 100 Chelsea Corners Way, Suite 102, is now

open. It was previously located on U.S. 280 near Walmart in Greystone. 677-4153. pitahut280.com. Southern Spoiled Boutique, 5291 Valleydale Road, Suite 119, is now open. The store carries women’s clothing, children’s clothing, local art and small furniture, and it offers custom monogramming. 423-5006. southernspoiled.com.

Regions Bank opened a new drive-through location along the westbound lanes of U.S. 280 in the Inverness area in late March. The

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280Living.com location features a traditional Fast Cash ATM as well as three Regions DepositSmart ATMs. DepositSmart ATMs offer additional services such as cashing checks, depositing multiple checks or bills at one time, and loading funds onto Regions Now Cards. regions.com.

Coming Soon Rocket Cycle Studio, a boutique cycle and fitness studio, will be opening soon at 5299 Valleydale Road, Suite 121. 936-9558. rocketcyclestudio.com.

Construction is underway for Big Bad Breakfast, which will open in the space formerly occupied by Pita Hut at 5361 U.S. 280, Suite 114. This will be the second location of the Oxford, Miss.-based restaurant owned by award-winning chef John Currence. (662) 236-2666. bigbadbreakfast.com.

Relocations and Renovations The Retreat at Greystone apartment complex, 201 Retreat Drive, has started constructing an additional 52 apartment units. 983-7833. retreatatgreystone.com.

Stein Mart, 5275 U.S. 280 South, will be relocating within the Brook Highland Shopping Center on May 1. It will move into a newly constructed store located where its previous store was for several years prior to relocating to an outparcel in the same shopping center. 980-7373. steinmart.com.

Shoppe Serendipity, a gift and 10 jewelry store featuring all local vendors, has relocated to Brook Highland Plaza between Dollar Tree and Lowe’s, 5287 U.S. 280, Suite 91. The business is owned and operated by Jeanette Pridmore and her daughter, AJ Cooper. 937-2728. facebook.com/shoppeserendipity

New Ownership Daily Dozen Donuts, formerly Donut Chef, 16712 U.S. 280, Chelsea, is now owned by Debbie Wooten. The shop is open Tuesday-Friday from 5:30-11 a.m. and Saturday from 6:30 a.m.-noon. 678-7400. facebook.com/dailydozenchelsea.

News and Accomplishments Urban Cookhouse, 250 Summit Blvd., Suite 102, has been honored by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce as a Blue Ribbon Small Business for 2014. The restaurant was one of about 100 businesses to be selected and will be honored at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. in June. 969-6700. urbancookhouse.com.

Tony Smith, senior vice president of investments for UBS Financial Services, 2005 Stonegate Trail, Suite 101, and Jerry Duncan, senior vice president of wealth management for UBS, have been named to Barron’s magazine’s top advisor rankings in the United States for 2014. 977-7070. ubs.com.

Jeff Roberts, private wealth advisor for Ameriprise Financial, 33 Inverness Center Parkway, Suite 300, has been named to Barron’s magazine’s top advisor rankings in the United States for 2014. 313-9150. ameripriseadvisors.com/ david.j.roberts.

Zagat, a national restaurant review aggregator, named The Heavenly Donut Company’s peach fritter as the doughnut to have in Alabama in its recently released “50 States, 50 Donuts” review. The store is located at 4911 Cahaba River Road, Suite 105. 536-7200. theheavenlydonutco.com.

April 2014 • A11 The Blue Willow, 3930 Crosshaven Drive, is now carrying Swap Tabletop, a line featuring seven color palettes that enable you to mix and match platters, dinner plates, salad plates, bowls and mugs. The store is also offering a silhouette event on April 17; call to schedule an appointment. 968-0909. thebluewillow.com.

Brad Osborne, private wealth advisor for Merrill Lynch PBIG, 100 Grandview Place, has been named to Barron’s magazine’s top advisor rankings in the United States for 2014. 298-7403. pbig.ml.com.

Al Desforges, wealth management advisor and senior vice president for wealth management for Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, 100 Grandview Place, has been named to Barron’s magazine’s top advisor rankings in the United States for 2014. 298-7451. wealthmanagement.ml.com.

Cary Bynum, president/CEO of advertising and public relations firm blr | further, 1600 Resource Drive, has been named to the UAB Excellence in Business Top 25 Class for 2014. Organized by the UAB Alumni Association, the class recognizes the top 25 businesses owned or operated by UAB alumni. 324-8005. blrfurther.com.

Jim Meads and Joe Meads of

20 engineering firm Sain Associates,

Two Perimeter Park South, Suite 500 East, have been named to the UAB Excellence in Business Top 25 Class for 2014. 940-6420. sain.com. Sam Miller of Burton Advertising, 1701 Providence Park, Suite 200, has been named to the UAB Excellence in Business Top 25 Class for 2014. 991-9644. burtonadvertising.com.

Hirings and Promotions Joseph B. Bolen III has been appointed to the Trinity Medical Center Board of Trustees. Bolen retired in 2008 from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama after serving as senior vice president of health care networks. He and his wife reside in Homewood. trinitymedicalonline.com.

RealtySouth’s Inverness office, 109 Inverness Plaza, has hired Barry Armstrong and PK Elliston as new Realtors. 991-6565. realtysouth.com.

ARC Realty, 5291 Valleydale Road, has hired Steve Stamp as an associate

broker. 657-4570. arcrealtyco.com.

Aliant Bank, 1100 Corporate Parkway, has hired Sierra Earle as branch manager of its Meadowbrook office. 408-2000. aliantbank.com.

Anniversaries Johnny Ray’s BBQ Chelsea, 10569 Old Highway 280, Suite 3, celebrated 10 years in business in March. The restaurant is owned by Miranda Carter and her brother Jeremy Carter. 678-8418. johnnyraysbbq.com.

Closings FabsFirst, a ceramics and arts/crafts store located at 16165 U.S. 280, Chelsea, has closed its retail store. It will remain in business and work from a new home location but will no longer operate the storefront. 215-6908. fabsfirst.com.

Spa Moksha, 500 Cahaba Park Circle, has closed. 980-9393. spamoksha.com.

A12 • April 2014

280 Living

Your Health Today By Dr. Irma Palmer

What if you used to be really fit and now you’re not? What if, as the years have gone by, you’ve added a couple of pounds here and there and you suddenly notice you’re 30 pounds heavier than you were at your 10th high school reunion? Or, what if you’ve never enjoyed the idea of exercising? Simply put, exercise was never part of your world-view. Many people want to get fit or want to regain a former level of fitness for a variety of reasons, including the above scenarios. But most need guidance in the process of getting fit. We need information and even instruction on what to do and how to do it. For example, it would be a serious mistake for someone older than 50, and even older than 40, to simply go out and try to run 4 miles if he/she had never run before. Outside of feeling like your chest is going to explode, muscle strains, shin splints, or even a stress fracture of one of the bones in the foot would be a likely and unwanted result. Similarly, going to the gym and trying to “lift heavy” would assuredly create various problems for an out-ofshape person who wanted to “get fit”

as quickly as possible. The miserable soreness is coupled with injured tendons and sprained ligaments resulting from trying to rush would set back your hoped-for progress by at least four to six weeks, further delaying the achievement of improved health. The best way to get fit or return to fitness after a long period of inactivity is to start slowly, progress in small increments, and gain an authentic, long-lasting level of fitness over months and years. In short, create a new lifestyle out of it! Being a smart exerciser means not doing too much too soon and respecting your body’s capabilities. Also, being a smart exerciser means engaging in a blend of activities, usually on alternating days. Persons who only bike or run and persons who only lift weights will never be as healthy and fit as those who do both aerobic activity and strength training. To succeed at anything in life, we must create a plan to succeed, especially if you’ve been out of the exercise habit. Here’s just one of many ways to get started. Develop a two-week training schedule that provides a balanced fitness program. In week one, do

50 and Beyond aerobic exercises such as walking, running, biking or swimming laps on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. On alternate days, Tuesday and Thursday, do strength training such as free weights, machine weights or bands. In week two, reverse the activities, doing strength training on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday and aerobic exercise on Tuesday and Thursday. This type of alternating exercise schedule has several benefits; it engages the entire body, maximizes the use of your time, produces results, and overall, improves your health. If you are considering adding exercise to your lifestyle give a real thought to a chiropractic check up first! The truth is, Chiropractic care needs to be an important component of all lifestyles and exercise programs. It is especially important for those who are beginning a fitness program or returning to exercise after a long absence. Regular chiropractic care helps ensure spinal fitness, establish movement to stiff joints, release nerve compression, prevent injury and most importantly, allows you to maximize on the effort of exercise which are great

starting points for all aspects of health and well-being. It’s important to realize that the spinal column is like the mechanical center of your body. Major muscle groups involved in strength training, such as the latissimus dorsi and rhomboids, and major muscle groups involved in aerobic exercise, such as the quadriceps and hamstrings, all attach directly or indirectly to the spine and pelvis. Regular chiropractic care helps ensure optimal functioning of your spinal column, which in turn helps ensure a full range of motion and mechanical availability of muscles critical for successful exercise. This in turn, allows you to live an active lifestyle without the injury and setbacks. The reality is, it’s no fun having a stiff spine. I feel it leads to a ‘stiff life’. A wellness lifestyle involves chiropractic care, consistent exercise, eating God’s foods not man’s, positive intentional thinking habits and rest. Bottom line, adding regular chiropractic care helps you achieve health and thrive at living! Contact us at 991-3511 or visit our webpage at www.ChiropracticToday.com for a complimentary consultation!

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280Living.com

April 2014 • A13

Restaurant Showcase

Hamburger Heaven

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Read all the past Restaurant Showcases at 280Living.com

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5303 U.S. 280 South 981-6402 hamburgerheavenrestaurants.com Monday-Thursday, 6 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Friday, 6 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday, 7 a.m.-9 p.m.

By JEFF THOMPSON From the diner booths to the drivethrough, classifying Hamburger Heaven as a fast food joint seems appropriate. Until you get to the menu, that is. “We’re not fast food,” owner Pete Flach said. “We’re slow food cooked fast.” For more than a decade, Hamburger Heaven on U.S. 280 has served up food made from quality ingredients. The hamburgers are hand-pressed from top quality beef that’s brought in the same day. The store slices Hormel hams and turkeys every morning. They buy their produce from local growers, and they were doing it before the demand for fresh and local became prevalent in Birmingham’s food culture. “I’d go out of business before we quit using the meat we’re using,” Flach said. Flach opened the 280 Hamburger Heaven in 1998, but his relationship with the brand goes back more than two decades and involves familiar Birmingham food families. Hamburger Heaven’s Irondale location was the first. Jack Caddell, founder of Jack’s Hamburgers, launched it in 1982. In 1992, Flach and his father-in-law, Eli Stevens, purchased the Hamburger Heaven in Irondale from the Caddell

Above) The interior of Hamburger Heaven has a nostalgic feel, featuring clean diner booths, walls of sports memorabilia and fresh desserts on the order counter. (Right) The Double Cheeseburger at Hamburger Heaven, pictured with the restaurant’s ChiliCheese Fries, is hand-pressed, weighed and seasoned to order before being cooked over an open flame. Photos by Jeff Thompson.

family, merging a 280 staple with a Birmingham brand. Stevens is the owner of Lloyd’s Restaurant, and within five years he partitioned some of his land on the corridor to bring Hamburger Heaven to 280.

“We’ve been really fortunate out here,” Flach said. “This community has supported us continuously because they know we’re about quality.” Flach said that idea extends to every item on the menu, which is extensive.

Burgers are available in quarter- and half-pound options. Each patty is weighed and seasoned after the order is placed. After that, it hits the grill. “The hamburgers are charbroiled, which is what really gives them their

flavor,” Flach said. The menu is also stocked with fresh salads, grilled chicken, smoked turkey and Nathan’s Famous Franks served in a variety of ways. Flach said the Triple-Decker Turkey Club is popular with the lunch crowd, as are the Hamburger Steak special and the seasonal Chili and Grilled Cheese. Customers can finish any of them off with a handspun milkshake made from reducedfat ice cream. For breakfast, the restaurant offers a full selection to savor on the commute — big biscuits with fresh Hormel meats for those on the go or pancake platters if there’s time to dine-in. But there’s one item on the menu that shouldn’t be ignored. “Our sauce is a huge selling point,” Flach said. “People dip their fries and chicken fingers in it, it goes on burgers, and they even buy a bottle to-go after finish their meals.” Flach said the concoction starts with a ketchup and mustard base, but the list of ingredients goes on to include A-1 and Worcestershire sauces and pickle juice. The collection of quality and care that goes into the menu prevents Hamburger Heaven from being classified as a particular kind of restaurant, but that’s just fine by its owner. “It’s just unique in all sorts of ways,” Flach said.

A14 • April 2014

Camp Briarwood to celebrate 50th anniversary

280 Living

By JEFF THOMPSON At the time of the inaugural Camp Briarwood in 1964, families paid 10 cents for a pay phone call. They could drive a Ford Mustang off the lot for around $2,300 and fill it up for 25 cents a gallon. The economic climate has changed considerably since then, but a week outdoors for a student on summer break has held its value. This spring, Camp Briarwood will celebrate its 50th year. Operated by Quest Recreation Outreach, a ministry supervised by Briarwood Presbyterian Church, the camp is open to all students in elementary and middle school. Camp Director Scott Hannah said more than 70 percent of attendees aren’t Briarwood members, but many return to the camp year after year. He attributes it to an emphasis the camp places on building relationships. “When we train counselors, we teach them to become fully invested in the children around them,” Hannah said. “We teach them to listen — to find out not just who the child is but all the circumstances that make up that child’s life. From there, it’s an amazing thing.” Separated from sitcoms and status updates, counselors invest a week with about five individual children. Through that experience, they mature as role models, caregivers and friends. “What drew me at first was the camaraderie,” said Brice Jackson, day camp director for Camp Briarwood 2014. “But the lasting power comes from watching kids’ hearts light up as they learn and grow.” Jackson started with Camp Briarwood as a counselor in 1994 at age 14. Now in his 20th year, he said he was one of the many who were

Camp Briarwood organizers attribute the event’s longevity to a low counselor-to-camper ratio, which they say provides lasting memories of the experience. Often, they said, campers become counselors when they reach high school, and many volunteer into their college years. Photos courtesy of Scott Hannah/Camp Briarwood.

changed by the experience. “In our culture, where most young adults think the goal of life is to look out for themselves, I remember that as a 15-year-old counselor I was encouraged daily to deny myself and passionately serve God and others,” Jackson said.

“That’s why, as a 34-year-old, I am still serving children and helping with Camp Briarwood.” Camp Briarwood might take pride in its grown-ups, but it’s all about the kids. Hannah and his staff spend more than five months planning the camp. They recruit

counselors, the majority from previous years, for Camp Briarwood’s two locations. Day Camp is held at YMCA Camp Hargis in Chelsea, and Overnight Camp is held at YMCA Camp Chandler in Wetumpka. Each weekly session includes discussions,

280Living.com

April 2014 • A15

What Camp Briarwood means to me Tyler Bingham Camp Briarwood was a wonderful growing opportunity for me, not only as a camper but even more so as a counselor. The focus is on the campers, their physical and spiritual growth. However, we as counselors learned so much from the children, seeing how God worked in their lives. Jennifer Brakefield “We are from Camp Briarwood. We call it fun, but you may call it madness.” Our family is on their second generation of Briarwood Campers and it makes my heart smile. I love that my kids get to find the joy in wet sneakers from the canoe fight while hiking over to archery, ropes courses or fishing. I’ve been blessed to have over 30 years participating in summer camps on some level. I’ve been a camper, counselor, special areas leader, guest speaker and these days a camp nurse. Stay here with us and you’ll forget your sadness. Happy campers are we.

stories, songs and chapel services to help each child build relationships. Other activities include hiking, swimming, canoeing, riflery, archery, arts and crafts, horseback riding, sailing, skiing and a high ropes course. Jackson said that a week in the woods, even if all their time isn’t spent there, is wonderful for children as it gives their developing brains a break from the urgency and distraction of modern life. “So much of their daily lives is spent

in front of a device,” he said. “Even with day camp, kids are out in the boonies for few hours getting sweaty, going swimming and going on hikes.” Registration for Camp Briarwood 2014 begins this month. Hannah said organizers are holding three separate day camp sessions this year, which begin June 9, and three overnight camp sessions, which begin July 7. For more, visit campbriarwood.org, email quest@briarwood.org or call 776-5237.

Ronda Reynolds My son, Carson, attended Camp Briarwood for the first time last year. He has autism, and we’ve been reluctant to let him attend overnight camp. I cannot say enough about his experience at Camp Briarwood. He was surrounded by the love and acceptance of his peers and counselors. He came home with more independence and self-confidence. The counselors were amazing and made sure he had a successful week at camp. Shannon Cline My Camp Briarwood memories start around 1994. My twin girls went to day camp and were Purple Popsicles. I had the honor of being camp nurse for day camp that year and actually love on children, counselors, and staff as well as watch my children thrive at camp! Over the years all four of my children have enjoyed day and overnight camp, and I have had the privilege of being camp nurse over and over again.

Brent Latta We have loved Camp Briarwood for our two oldest children and can’t wait to send our other two. My son enjoys the activities and the “cool” counselors while my husband and I are so thankful that he is seeing older kids live their faith and disciple them throughout the week. My 9-year-old daughter has really enjoyed the traditional camp experience away from all of the electronics that infiltrate everything in regular life. She has also made very close friends. The Christian perspective is so important and that common experience with other Christians, even at a young age is so valuable. We are so grateful they’ve had that experience! Barbara Lindsey Camp Briarwood has meant the world to both my husband and I. When we first met, our connection was this very camp. His sister, Bridgette Lindsey, was my camp counselor my first summer. I remember being a nervous camper, unsure of what to expect. Within the first few hours of being at Camp Briarwood, my whole world was changed. I was not only making friends and experiencing new things, I was continually seeing Christ in all areas of the camp. I went every summer after that summer and would take new friends with me each time. Hannah Lester Camp Briarwood has been a part of my life for the past seven years. It is an amazing place where children can come to learn more about our savior in Christ, grow in their relationships and have a blast! I loved Camp Briarwood for five years as a camper, and for the past two I have enjoyed it as a counselor. This is a place like no other that leaves a lasting impression on your life that you can’t forget.

A16 • April 2014

280 Living

Oak Mountain family helping change Easter for sightless children

In March, OMIS student Rachel Hyche and her teacher, Stephanie Hardwick-Goldblatt, traveled to Huntsville to help with a project that builds beeping Easter eggs. The eggs are hunted during the holiday season by blind and visually impaired children. During the visit, Rachel gave a speech and demonstration to the group on assistive devices for blind students that she uses at Oak Mountain Intermediate School. Photos courtesy of Dana Thrasher.

Thanks to a family from the 280 area, Alabama children suffering from visual impairment can join the fun each year in search of a new kind of Easter egg — one that beeps. Each year, Alabama law enforcement agencies host an event to construct electronic beeping Easter eggs for use with blind and visually impaired children. The event is held at the ATF National Center for Explosives Training and Research (NCTER) in Huntsville. It’s organized by the Alabama Chapter of the International Association of Bomb Technicians and Investigators (IABTI) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

Known as “The Rachel Project,” it was named for Rachel Hyche, a student at Oak Mountain Intermediate School. Rachel’s father, ATF special agent David Hyche, initiated the project, where state, federal and local police explosive experts along with military bomb technicians join together to construct the special eggs. In March, Rachel and her teacher, Stephanie Hardwick-Goldblatt, a Shelby County teacher for visually impaired children, traveled to Huntsville to help. Hardwick-Goldblatt and Rachel worked on mobility skills with cane travel in the large NCETR complex during the visit, and Rachel gave a speech and demonstration to

the group on assistive devices for blind students that she uses at Oak Mountain Intermediate School. During the event, Rachel Brailled the Pledge of Allegiance for the audience. “The rate of gainful employment for blind people is extremely low, but with Rachel’s determination and great teachers and administrators, the sky is the limit for her,” David Hyche said. Rachel travels throughout Oak Mountain Intermediate independently with her cane, and the school has equipment to make Braille and tactile material so Rachel can have the same lessons and materials used for other students.

“I travel quite a bit as the Region IV representative for the National Association for Parents of Visually Impaired Children, and I get to be around blind children from all parts of the country,” David Hyche said. “Our school system has done a wonderful job with Rachel, and this is not the story I normally hear from parents in other areas.” Beeping Easter egg hunts will be held in four locations in Alabama this year in support of the Alabama Association for the Deaf and Blind and the Alabama Association for Parents of the Visually Impaired (AAPVI). – Submitted by Dana Thrasher

280Living.com

April 2014 • A17

Mother’s Day is May 11th

The 2014 Alabama Symphony Volunteer Council Decorator’s ShowHouse is a Mediterraneanstyle estate located in Greystone. Photo courtesy of RealtySouth.

By JEFF THOMPSON The Decorator’s ShowHouse is back on the U.S. 280 corridor this year. The 2014 home, located at 4021 St. Charles Drive, is a Mediterranean-style estate situated on approximately 4 acres overlooking a privately stocked lake in the heart of Greystone. RealtySouth currently lists the house for $2,750,000. Its owner, Michael D’Ambra, is a former CEO with Time Warner Cable. Listing agent Sherry Best said D’Ambra often traveled to France, and his time there influenced the home’s design and décor. The exterior is constructed from 1-foot square stone blocks, a balcony is attached to every bedroom and the home is filled with items imported from Europe. But, Best thought a makeover was in order. “This house is in fabulous condition, but it was built in the mid-90s and its style is outdated,” she said. As a ShowHouse, local design teams will transform much of the decor in D’Ambra’s estate. In February, Best said organizers invited decorators and design store owners from across Birmingham to examine rooms in the home and choose which ones they would like to convert. Once selected, teams assembled at the home for a kickoff party on March 1, and the next day they got to work.

Teams used their own resources to put together a new look for the rooms they were assigned, changing wallpaper, window decor and furnishings while leaving the architecture untouched. When the home opens to the public this month, it will sport modern style throughout. Now in its 38th year, the Alabama Symphony Volunteer Council has grown the ShowHouse into its largest annual fundraiser. From April 26 through May 11, the home will be open for public tours of the estate’s new look. Every item used in the redecoration is for sale, including the paint colors. Tickets are $20 at the door and benefit the Alabama Symphony Orchestra. Lunch is served daily from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. for $13 and includes a beverage. A sweet shop will provide treats for $3. ShowHouse hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Friday evenings, 6-9 p.m., Saturdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sundays, 1-5 p.m. No parking is allowed at the home. A shuttle will pick up patrons at Church of the Highlands during opening hours. No infants, children younger than 8, backpacks, large tote bags or purses, umbrellas and cameras are allowed in the ShowHouse. For more about the home, call Best at 5407171 or Matt Robinson at 907-7171. For more about the event, visit showhouse-al.com.

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A18 • April 2014

Your Home In Bloom

280 Living

How to make your garden grow By RACHAEL HEADLEY Martin Bachtel has spent the past 12 years in the business of making homes beautiful through landscaping. He has been a horticulturist at Hanna’s Garden Shop for the past five years, working in the purchasing of plants, consulting and sales. Located at 5845 U.S. 280 East, Hanna’s Garden Shop was founded in 1986 by Beaty Hanna and is now owned by his nephew, Steve Hanna. The garden center has grown from a small nursery to a full resource retail nursery complete with plants for every season, products to make them grow and a knowledgeable staff to make it happen. Bachtel consults with customers on what to plant based on their yard structure, sunlight, drainage needs and size. He and the staff at Hanna’s are trained to assist customers in creating and maintaining the yards of their dreams. Going into spring, Bachtel has several tips for making sure you not only choose the right plants but also the right way to grow them. 1. Use resources. If you’re a beginner, utilize book, Internet and people resources. Bachtel recommends two authors, Michael Dirr, a botanist at the University of Georgia, and Vince Dooley, a former University of Georgia football coach with a passion for gardening. Also, the staff at Hanna’s is willing to help you choose the right plants for your lifestyle. 2. Don’t just dig a hole and pop it in. Like people, plants need time to adjust to new surroundings. This is the biggest mistake beginners can make. Take all necessary precautions to provide your new plant with good soil, ideal drainage and optimal sunlight for its needs.

3. Get to know your soil. Along the U.S. 280 corridor, there are significant amounts of clay in the soil. Breaking up the clay and mixing it with other soil will create a natural environment with the nutrients of the added soil. 4. Fertilize at the right time. Bachtel recommends fertilizing but cautions, “Wait a little bit.” After planting, the new plant

might need a little time to adapt to its new surroundings and root for a few weeks. After it begins to adjust, fertilize it. Most plants for the spring will need to be fertilized at the beginning of the summer. 5. Prune if needed. Although not applicable to all plants, pruning stimulates growth in many selections of plants. This will help the plant sprout a brand-new coat of leaves.

Although spring winds down the end of tree season and the time to plant fruit trees, it is a great time for annuals such as petunias, angelonia and finca, and certain perennials, Bachtel said. Tropical plants such as hibiscus and plumbago also work well at this time. Less colorful options for the spring include small shrubs like junipers and pittosporum. For more, visit hannasgardenshop.com.

280Living.com

Your Home In Bloom

Operation renovation

April 2014 • A19

How to bring your home up to date

By RACHAEL HEADLEY Gary Hughes has grown up in the business of furniture. His family opened Greenbrier Furniture in 1965, and Hughes eventually became the secondgeneration owner. Last year, Hughes made the decision to team up with local business owner Steve Issis and expand the business to include carpet, hardwood, tile and rugs. Together, Hughes and Issis created the total resource home store for customers interested in updating their flooring, furniture or accessories. With an observant eye and many years of experience, Hughes has seen trends come, go and even come back again. Taking notice of what customers are currently requesting and buying, Hughes has several guidelines for keeping homes up to date for 2014. 1. Add accent color. There has been a move away from patterns and color in the last five years to a very neutral palate that is very soothing. But now, as things tend to ebb and flow, Hughes is experiencing a demand for more color. Using that neutral palate as a base and choosing colors that pop, add some interest and a reflection of your own personality. Hughes said he is seeing a lot more punches of color, including chartreuse, plum, French blue, pink, orange, lime, teal and aqua. 2. Watch women’s fashion. You’ll see home textiles lag about a year or two behind women’s fashion. They’ll take a nod from women’s apparel and let that flow into home textiles. 3. Refresh classics. Hughes said it is still a traditional market. Take a classic

European-style piece of furniture that is hundreds of years old but has a fresh finish on it or is painted. This way it is not a trendy style, it is not a trendy silhouette, but the finish is interesting and not too formal. 4. Reflect your lifestyle with flooring. Hughes is seeing more relaxed finished looks in the flooring. It appears for right now, people are not wanting to go back to a formal presentation in their homes.

5. Incorporate

classics into an updated setting. Classics are the clas-

sics. Customers are seeing a merge of classic furniture with a not-so-formal presentation. People will be drawn to the classic designs just as they have been for centuries.

Hughes said Issis’ attention to customer service has been a consistent draw for customers. “We throw the mold away every day to serve the customer,” Hughes said. “Steve’s favorite

line is, ‘I am not the boss. The customer is the boss.’ He says that at least three times a day.” Issis at Greenbrier is located at 1493 Montgomery Highway in Vestavia Hills. Issis also has another furniture location in Pelham at 250 Cahaba Valley Road, and two flooring galleries, one at 2858 Pelham Parkway and the other at 2815 Greystone Boulevard. For more, visit issisandsons.com.

A20 • April 2014

Your Home In Bloom

280 Living

How to recreate a kitchen or bathroom By SYDNEY CROMWELL Case Remodeling has been a part of Vestavia Hills for nearly 10 years. Designer Randi Kierce described the firm as a “design and build” company, which means Case handles design, contracting and construction. “We build from start to finish,” Kierce said. The designers at Case Remodeling frequently redesign or construct basements, attics and additions for business and residential clients, but their specialty is in kitchen and bathroom design. If your kitchen or bathroom could use a facelift, use these tips from Kierce to make sure your project is a success.

1. Make it blend. Your new

kitchen or bathroom should match the style of the rest of your house. A modern kitchen in a colonialstyle home, for example, will look mismatched and jarring.

2. Mind your budget. Remod-

eling costs can add up quickly, so Kierce recommends creating a budget before you begin and sticking to it faithfully. Keeping a budget in mind will make it easier to avoid bigger, more ambitious redesign projects that you cannot afford.

3. Lighting is key. Proper light-

ing is essential to making your new kitchen or bathroom look good. Make sure to create a balance between overall lighting fixtures and task lighting, such as recessed or track lights.

4. Function before fashion. Make

sure your new space is designed to be useful before you buy “all the pretty things” like plumbing fixtures and appliances, Kierce said. If you have a beautiful kitchen but

cannot cook in it, then the redesign was a waste of time and money.

5. Keep it classic. New design trends may look great, but they change rapidly. Kierce

suggests choosing classic kitchen or bathroom looks, which will look good for years. For more information about Case Remodeling, visit casebham.com.

280Living.com

April 2014 • A21

Your Home In Bloom

Make your yard a standout this season The experts at Classic Gardens share their tips

Classic Gardens teaches customers how to use the right combination of potting soil and fertilizer to grow plants like these that bear tomatoes. Photo courtesy of Classic Gardens.

By MADOLINE MARKHAM Classic Gardens has established itself as a destination for not only the supplies but also the know-how to create a picture-perfect yard. Mike and Ann Pender started the business 24 years ago when their four children were ages 6 and younger. Today, three of the four children work for the family business, which offers retail, landscaping, irrigation, night lighting and lawn care services. Classic Gardens attracts gardeners to its Center Point greenhouses for its wide variety of plants, including 20 kinds of hydrangeas, 60 azaleas and multiple varieties of maples and dogwoods. “People will pass three to four places on way to Classic Gardens,” Mike Pender said. The garden business is also a destination for its expertise in everything from azaleas to zinnias, and they provide many at-home services

in the Over the Mountain area. One key to their advice is recommending a mix of good potting soil and fertilizers for plants — but only the least amount possible, and used properly. With that planting prescription, for the past 20 years, the business has been the No. 1 Fertilome dealer in the nation. The Penders hold a tomato seminar that teaches people to grow 12-foot plants in a container, and they’ve got testimonials to prove their method works. The next two seminars will be held April 12 and 26 at 11 a.m. Still, the biggest segment of their array of services is lawn care. Pender emphasizes that they prioritize providing the best quality of services with environmentally friendly practices. For instance, they can help customers determine that a bug problem that looks like scorpions is actually small ladybugs, and that the most efficient way to treat certain types of bugs requires waiting for warmer weather.

Classic Gardens provides treatment to a front lawn. Photo courtesy of Classic Gardens.

When it comes to lawn maintenance, Pender recommends the following tips: 1. Use a pre-emergent herbicide. This treatment kills weeds before they germinate. Pender recommends treatment six times a year, a service that Classic Gardens offers by delivery. 2. Change your mowing patterns. If you mow in the same direction every week, you will create a “nap” in the grass that causes it to lay over. To avoid this, mow east to west one week, north to south the next and diagonal the third. 3.

Mow low, slow and frequently.

Mowing too fast causes grass to be torn instead of cut evenly, which can cause the grass to turn brown. Cutting grass low discourages most weeds and enables the

grass to stay as healthy as possible. Pender recommends mowing every week and said that every five days is best, depending on the weather. 4. Water infrequently. Pender recommends watering two to three times a week in the summer and less frequently when temperatures are lower. Watering less frequently encourages roots to grow deeper and hence be more drought-resistant. 5. Get your kids involved. Plant things like blackberries or blueberries, and generally encourage the next generation to enjoy working in the lawn. Classic Gardens is located at 1855 Carson Road, 35215. For more, call 854-4005 or visit classicgardens.com.

A22 â&#x20AC;˘ April 2014

Your Home In Bloom

280 Living

Bring spring into your home By RACHAEL HEADLEY Keeping a home in harmony with the seasons can be tough, but Laura Purvis of Decorating Den Interiors knows how to utilize even the smallest accent to do just that. The former owner of a custom window treatment business, Purvis has experience in many areas of home improvement but discovered that her true passion was for interior decorating and design. Pursuing this led her to open her own franchise of Decorating Den Interiors in October 2013 as owner and decorator. This new endeavor allowed her to continue providing quality, custom window treatments to her customers while expanding her business into decorating. In order to brighten your home for spring, Purvis recommends updating or adding to several areas of the home.

1. Window treatments: If your

drapes are heavy and dark for the winter season, change them out for a lighter fabric. This will really open up the room. If you are looking for pattern, florals can be perfect for this season, as well.

2. Colors: If you are not looking to

change out larger pieces like your sofa, add some lighter-colored pillows to them. Accenting existing pieces with season-appropriate color is a small change that can totally transform the look of a room.

3. Accent pieces: Even small pieces can add a darker, heavier look to

a room. Switch out those heavy, wooden candlesticks for glass table accents.

4. Floors: Heavy plush rugs may need to sit this season out. Try a lighter color in a sisal or flat-weave rug to make the floors reflect this season.

The Decorating Den Interiors franchise has been in business since 1969 and provides interior decorating services internationally in the United States and Canada. With access to more than 100 vendors and a free first consultation, Purvis is dedicated to making each home decorating experience easy and stress-free. By bringing all home dĂŠcor necessities directly to the customerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s home, Purvis allows her customers to see every pending change in their own environment: everything from the lighting to the structure of the room can change the look of a piece or a fabric. Above all else, Purvis values the time and the vision of the customer. The personalized customer service that Decorating Den Interiors provides is what Purvis says sets her and her business apart from other interior decorating companies. Through doing business in the greater Birmingham area communities, Purvis has enjoyed getting to know a variety of people who have become more than customers, but also friends. The diversity in style she works with provides her with new challenges and fresh perspectives every day. For more information about Decorating Den Interiors, visit decoratingden. com or contact Purvis at 447-4589.

Laura Purvis purchased a Decorating Den Interiors franchise in October 2013 after years of owning her own custom window treatment business. Photo by Rachael Headley.

280Living.com

ROWING from page 1

Lake Purdy so accessible from the 280 area, and that’s a tremendous benefit,” said Williams, who serves as vice president of the association. “A lot of people who live in other cities drive a long way to row.” Another advantage for the club’s rowers, Williams said, is that Lake Purdy is not crowded because personal watercraft are not allowed on the lake. “You don’t have barges going by and you don’t have motorboats and Jet Skis zooming past you, which are things a lot of people deal with when they row on a regular basis,” Williams said. Williams said Lake Purdy is also an ideal venue because of its three-mile length and shape that includes loops perfect for rowing. Getting started Green, 43, organized the club with Williams and others in January 2013. He still remembers when he fell in love with the sport for the first time, the summer after he graduated from college and moved to Seattle. “It was the first opportunity that I had to see people rowing, and I said ‘I want to do that,’” he said. Now, 20 years later, Green is still involved with rowing both through the association and on his own. His wife, Kathy, 40, shares his passion, and she is also an active member of the rowing association. Williams, 58, remembers spending time on the lake at an early age with her father, who started the Birmingham Sailing Club. “When I was just a toddler, I was in sailboats,” she said. “I was always on lakes sailing.” So, it was a given that she jumped at a chance to establish this organization, which has seen its membership swell from approximately 15 members a year ago to 58 people. Williams said the club’s members include people who rowed in college, or have national experience, and even a former Olympian rower. “So we’ve got rowers with some serious chops here in Birmingham,” she said. It would be wrong, though, to assume the

April 2014 • A23 rowing club is only for experienced rowers, with the association offering classes for inexperienced participants to learn the sport. Williams said new members have to take the class or demonstrate existing proficiency in rowing both to guarantee their safety and the safety of rowing equipment. “Anybody who would fit and has balance can row throughout their lives,” she said. “So it’s a great exercise for all ages.” Members range in age from their teens to 70s. “There’s a lot of people who are middle-aged — a lot of people in their 40s and 50s — and we’ve also got a lot of people in their 20s and 30s,” Williams said. “That’s one of the nice things; it’s reflective of our community, and our goal is to be a very community-focused program,” she said. Filling a void Williams said there are no other rowing clubs in the Birmingham area. With only a few rowing clubs throughout the state such as those in Tuscaloosa, Montgomery and Guntersville, as well as clubs in Atlanta and Chattanooga, options are limited for Alabama residents. But she said the proximity to the other clubs makes competitions more convenient. “When we want to compete, we don’t have to go very far,” Williams said. “It’s a very mental exercise, and it gives you a complete change of scenery from the city and your neighborhood,” she added. “It’s just so incredible to be able to do this right here in Birmingham.” An ideal workout Green describes rowing as a low-impact sport that is highly athletic and offers a full-body workout. But he sees another advantage that comes with rowing: it allows participants a chance to exercise while enjoying nature. “I am passionate about being outside, and Lake Purdy is absolutely gorgeous to row on,” he said. Not only is he getting exercise outside at different times of the year, Green enjoys rows that allow him an opportunity to experience nature at its finest, as bald eagles and ospreys take flight above and he takes in the changing colors that accompany the fall season. “To get exercise, which is an essential part of life, and to be able to do it outside is where the

Members of the Lake Purdy Rowing Association strike out on a morning excursion. Photo courtesy of Marietta Williams.

passion is,” Green said. Williams said rowing offers the combined benefits of an aerobic and a strength workout. But she quickly adds that the exercise transcends a mundane workout at the gym. “It’s just so fun that you don’t feel like you’re exercising,” she said. “You just feel like you’re having a great time, and it’s hard to beat an exercise routine that you can’t wait to get out there and experience.”

And just as he’s been an avid rower for more than 20 years, Green said others who put their heart into the sport are usually smitten with it for life. “One of the things about rowing is that people that have been involved with it, they’ve lived and breathed it for many years and it’s a part of their life,” Green said. For more information about the Lake Purdy Rowing Association, visit lakepurdyrowing.org.

A24 • April 2014

280 Living

Opinion Life Actually By Kari Kampakis

Chasing the good life Several years ago, our family had a huge oak tree fall on our home during a storm. It wasn’t just any home — it was our forever home. We’d moved in 10 days earlier. At last we had the space to spread out and breathe. We’d waited for this a long time. The destruction was major, forcing us to move out. I know God doesn’t work this way, but at first it felt like punishment, a gavel of judgment coming down in the form of tree limbs crashing through my master bedroom ceiling. “What have I done wrong?” I wondered. “What am I supposed to learn from this?” The following nine months were the most chaotic of my life. We moved four times, lived in a rental home with most of our possessions in boxes, and faced several curveballs that compounded the stress. Nothing in my life was normal. I had too many balls in the air, yet none I could eliminate. From the outside, my life wasn’t enviable. It wasn’t pretty, comfortable or convenient. It wasn’t “the good life” we all crave. Yet on the inside I felt something positive happening, a spiritual growth rooted in my constant need to pray. I didn’t pray because I should; I prayed because I had to. I couldn’t cope alone. One morning in particular, I encountered God differently than I had before. I’d gone to bed very stressed, and before my eyes opened the next day my mind fell into prayer. This had become my morning routine, my automatic reflex. And as I lay in bed trying to mentally gear up for the day, an unspeakable peace came over me. All I could think was, “Jesus.”

I sensed Him in the room with me. I felt the peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7). I found calm within the craziness. Suddenly, I wasn’t overwhelmed anymore. I was happy — extraordinarily happy. I wanted the joy of that moment to last forever. That is when I got it. That is when I realized how hard times present opportunities to encounter God and His son in ways that aren’t possible when life is pretty, comfortable and convenient. When we moved back into our renovated home, our lives returned to normal. Practically overnight my stress vanished. But can I tell you how I felt the first morning I woke up in my new master bedroom? Do you know what went through my mind as I opened my eyes to a calm, serene sanctuary? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. Gone were my automatic prayers. Gone was my desperation. Gone was my reflex to connect with God. At last I was waking up to an easier life, yet I felt empty. And sad. And a little disappointed. I know Jesus is with me always. I know I can encounter Him in good times, too. But what I learned by stepping away from the comfortable bubble we all normally live in — then returning to that bubble — is how quickly I can forget Jesus when I’m not desperate. Without a concerted effort, I might easily stop seeking Him. The “good life” we chase in this world — it’s actually a good distraction from what truly matters. It doesn’t feed our soul, and that’s why it leads to emptiness. The people we tend to envy are those rich with goods, but the people we should envy are those rich with faith. They’re

the ones who have it figured out. They’re the ones getting their spirits renewed daily and drawing closer to Christ. Instead of chasing the good life, how about we chase the God life? How about we think outside the bubble and past the material pursuits we think will bring us happiness? Chasing the God life replaces our fear of bad things happening because we can trust that any hardships enable God to do His best work through us. It helps us detach from stuff so we can cling to Christ. I realize now that the tree falling on our house wasn’t punishment; it was a gift. It allowed me to see how I didn’t miss my possessions boxed up, my forever home or the security of a bubble. My life was pared down, yet nothing was lacking. I had my family and my God, and they were enough. This Easter season, let’s reflect on whether the comfort we enjoy hinders our ability to know Jesus. Let’s consider where our mind immediately goes in the morning when we wake up. Most of all, let’s remember how desperately we need our risen Savior on good days, too. Only Christ can save us from ourselves, making sure the pursuits we choose lead to eternity, not emptiness. Kari Kubiszyn Kampakis is a Birmingham mom of four girls, columnist and blogger for The Huffington Post. Join her Facebook community at “Kari Kampakis, Writer” or find her on Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest. Find her personal blog at karikampakis.com or contact her at kari@karikampakis.com.

280Living.com

My South By Rick Watson

Character I’ve spent a lot of time lately or because you ran out of juice before the sound of the bell. thinking about character. One day last week when the sun Those trials where you was warm and the dogwoods thought you had a chance are the were in bloom, I walked alone ones that leave the deepest scars. down around the barn and sat You scrapped, scraped and gave on a makeshift chair, which was it your best shot only to come up a 5-gallon paint bucket turned a little short. These trials teach upside down. you lessons that help you grow. I’m not sure why, but life It’s in the aftermath of these somehow seemed clearer from losses where bits and pieces that vantage point. A redof character are born. Just headed woodpecker landed on because you win doesn’t necWatson the stump of a dead pine that essarily make you a winner. By had the top twisted off in the storm that blew the same token, losing doesn’t make you a through last March. loser. The only way to become a loser is to A door on the old house is weatherworn but stop trying. stands sturdy against the wind and rain. Some of you are probably wondering how a I thought, as I sat admiring the door, that it story can begin with a 100-year-old door and had character. This tread pulled my mind in wind circuitously on to thoughts about life lesan unexpected direction, but I began thinking sons, but that sometimes happens when I write. about character. That old door seemed a fitting metaphor for Character is not something you buy or my thoughts on character. It was young once, something someone gives you. Character built at the hands of a craftsman, and through comes from trials, and it’s something you the years, it’s blocked out nature’s storms. might never notice if not for the scars. Sometimes a little rain blew in at the bottom, Sometimes you only glimpse at character in and the cold wind seeped in around the edges the way someone behaves when the ship hits when the mercury dipped. But for the most the sand (to clean the old saying up and make part, it kept the families who lived there safe, warm and dry. The sun, and the cold, and the it suitable for a family publication). Life is a constant trial. Some days you’re rain have left their mark, but character is someon top of the world, and other days you’re thing that transcends the trials of time. lower than the icky stuff at the bottom of your People are like that too. I think it’s beautiful. fishbowl. Some trials are lost because you fought a Rick Watson is a columnist and author. losing battle. Sometimes you had a chance to His latest book Life Happens is available on win but were outwitted, outmatched or out- Amazon.com. You can contact him at rick@ manned/womanned (I made that word up), rickwatsonmedia.com.

That’s Life By Paul Johnson

Relational marketing This winter, my wife and he was trying, but all she could I attended a seminar called hear was the negative converFinancial Peace, and in one of sations and connotations. the sessions we learned about I encouraged her to change the power of marketing. marketing companies. The speaker told us that our Her head tilted slightly to the society has bought into a myth side, as an animal’s does when of needing credit in order to it is not certain of what it just function within our society. He heard. She needed to receive what said this myth has woven itself into the fabric of our society he offered. By doing so, she because of good marketing. could learn to recognize and According to him, if something repeat it. Johnson is said enough, no matter how In repeating the good, she true or not true it is, we will take it as truth, would employ a self-marketing tactic that, and thus make it a way of life. given the repetition, would soften her heart I was working with a couple recently who more and more to notice and receive the has been stuck for a long time. They have positive things he was offering. This would been working to recover from “mean” words inevitably change how she viewed him, if he and actions repeated over the course of their was consistent, humble, loving and growing marriage, which had turned into bitterness and or changing himself. She could and would resentment. But it’s the “ghost” conversations receive his growing good heart toward her, they have entrench the negativity: as fertile soil receives good seed. The posi“Did he/she really just say that?” tive beliefs of one another, the delight, hope “That’s not the truth and you know it!” and love with one another, could and would “You have absolutely no idea of what is become a way of life. going on, of what you think you know, of When you are in a relationship with someanything!” one who has had a rocky history, and effort “Calling me a (fill in the blank). He/she is is being made to grow and change but there an idiot!” is a consistent hindrance of doubt and negaThe content reinforces the negative feeling, tive interpretation. Give change a chance by builds on it and revisits at least once a week, if reminding yourself habitually about the posinot every day. In a way, it is all negative mar- tives. Keep it fresh by repeating it to yourself. keting that leads to the belief that nothing will After a while, the relational marketing will pay work, that they are irretrievably stuck and that a dividend, and you might just see yourself the relationship has neither hope nor future. buying in. And so, when they walked in, he held the door open for her, let her enter first and said Paul Johnson is a professionally licensed something nice, I asked her how that impacted marriage and family therapist, a profesher. She had no idea. She admitted she would sionally licensed counselor and a nationnot let it sink in very far, and what did get in, ally certified counselor. You can reach him she doubted. This is not a problem but rather at 807-6645, or paul@lifepractical.org. He totally understandable. is available for marital, family or individual She went on to say she knew she needed counseling or consulting, or for speaking to give him the benefit of the doubt, that she at your local organization. His office is in could see after all this time of counseling that Greystone Centre on U.S. 280.

April 2014 • A25

A26 • April 2014

280 Living Oak Mountain High School Relay For Life May 2 • 6 p.m. • Heardmont Park

After Terry Allers began chemotherapy, she lost her hair. But when Terry opened a birthday gift from her daughter, Allie, she used the crinkle-cut paper as a wig, making a memory Allie carries with her. Photo courtesy of Allie Allers.

2014 OMHS Relay for Life Chair Cecilia Crego said a group of 50 students has been planning the event since the start of the school year. “There have been no adults helping except those with the American Cancer Society,” Cecilia said. “It’s all put on by high school students. It’s been hectic and chaotic and we’ve been working so hard, but it’s going to be a great event.” Cecilia said event organizers are focusing this year on opening up the event to the community. She said in recent years it’s relied heavily on high school students and their families, but she wanted every local resident to know that they were invited and that their donations are important. Allie Allers agreed. “Donations don’t just go to ﬁnding a cure,” Allie said. “It goes to lot of families, too — families ﬁghting cancer who need help. It could help with gas money for a family. It could help buy medicine or get a house so they could be closer to the hospital. “I used to think, ‘If I give $5, how does that really help in the long run?’” Allie added. “But now I can think of a lot of ways the American Cancer Society uses that money to help.” Cecilia said the event raised $33,000 in 2013, and organizers have set a $40,000 goal for this year’s event. For more or to donate to a team, visit relayforlife.org/oakmountainal.

RELAY from page 1 This season, Allie Allers led the Oak Mountain Lady Eagles to the Sweet 16 of the state tournament. Before then, she’d taken thousands of free throws and lay-ups in practice and pulled down hundreds of rebounds in hundreds of games. But Allie was 7 when her mother died, and her mother never got to make the comparison for herself. Terry Allers never saw her daughter play. Mom’s resting Before her cancer diagnosis, Terry was an all-American mom, Allie said. She spent her free time working with the Our Lady of the Valley Catholic School PTO, coaching soccer teams and cooking meals for Allie and her three brothers. Terry was loud on the sidelines but gentle with her children. But when the disease struck, things changed. Not immensely, though. Terry lost her hair to

chemotherapy, but she didn’t lose her sense of humor. On a birthday shortly after she started the treatment, she opened a gift from her daughter. Inside were a picture frame and a poem Allie had written for her mom. All Terry saw was a box of pink paper shavings. “Oh my gosh, you got me new hair,” she said, swiftly sticking the mess on her head. “I love pink!” Through the treatment, Terry didn’t do much cooking or cleaning. The family relied heavily on itself and others, as aunts and uncles brought food and Allie remembered nannies and babysitters caring for her and her brothers. The siblings prepared themselves, sleeping on cots in their mother’s hospital room and creating closure before it was needed. Then, Terry left them. “I remember the day she died,” Allie said. “I

remember everything about that day.” George told Allie and her brothers, and shortly after, Allie’s aunt came to pick her up. On the way out, Allie walked by her mother’s room. For months, a small sign had hung on the doorknob that read, “Do not disturb, mom’s resting.” Allie ripped it off and pushed the door open. Getting past In the years that followed, Allie grew up quickly. Her father remarried for a short time, and Allie, at 10 years old, learned to cook meals and care for the family from her stepmother. Her father said she became the woman of the house. Allie, though, simply became an adult. Maturity had washed over her with immediacy, and with the support of her brothers she learned the importance of perspective. Her father helped, too.

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“He set high expectations and standards,” she said of George. “He expects me to make As and Bs. He doesn’t hope things will get done, he expects them. And I think I’m the person I am today because of my dad, because he had those expectations for me.” That person, Allie said of herself, doesn’t get stuck in trivialities. She has a resolve and determination she’s developed in the decade since her mother died. She can see the bigger picture of things rather than living with one little thing at a time. “I feel like the worst thing life has to throw at me has been thrown,” she said. “I feel like if I can get past that, there are so many other insignificant things I can get past.” That includes a heartbreaking 57-31 loss to Jeff Davis in February during the state tournament this year. To get past it, she uses one of the many tricks she’s either developed

280Living.com

April 2014 • A27

One of Allie Allers’ favorite photos of her mother, Terry Allers, taken before Terry was diagnosed with cancer. Terry died when Allie was 7, and Allie participates in Relay for Life to honor the memory of her mother. Photo courtesy of Allie Allers.

or uncovered since her mom died — humor. “We just played awful,” she said. “You think of your last game and giving it your all, and ugh. But whoever in charge of air conditioning in there didn’t do a very good job. We were falling apart. I’m pretty sure all our girls had asthma attacks.” What you have now In February, Allie signed a four-year academic scholarship with BirminghamSouthern College, where she’ll also play basketball beginning this fall. But before that returns one of her favorite seasons at Oak Mountain High School. Allie got into the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life her sophomore year with her mom in the back of her mind. She joined Terry’s team, started originally by her brother, but connected with the event more quickly than even she expected. By junior year, she had formed her own team — Team Up for Terry — and she manages its members like she motivates her fellow Lady Eagles.

It’s much the way her father managed her. The bar is set high, and there’s no room for excuses. “I made T-shirts and I made everyone buy it,” she said. “When people sign up, I make sure they know, ‘Hey, I’m into it. If you join, I’m making it mandatory that you raise your $100.’” The success of her team doesn’t correlate to pleasing someone else, though. Allie loves Relay for Life because she shares a connection with the hundreds who attend. They’ve all lost someone to cancer. And like she needed her father and brothers to build herself into the confident, mature adult she’s become, they need someone, too. “There’s a Survivor Walk, and even a Memorial Honor Walk for the whole community,” she said excitedly. “It’s this coming together to walk around the track. People hold hands and cry, and everyone hugs everyone. It brings everyone together and shows how short life really is. “It shows how you need to cling to the people you have now.”

A28 â&#x20AC;˘ April 2014

280 Living

280Living.com

neighborly news & entertainment

SECTION

April 2014 • A29

Spring Events B1 Community B12 Celebrations B16 School House B17 Calendar B20

157 Resource Center Parkway Suite 102

Behind Logan’s Roadhouse on 280 Your source for teams sports

205-981-0291

SpringEvents U.S. 280 residents are in for another active April, as every weekend this month offers multiple reasons to get outside and join your neighbors in the fun. If you aim to run to raise money for a cause, ride the trails or stroll the streets with a double stack of mint chocolate chip, this is your month.

BKC Dog Show Columbiana April 3-6 • 6 a.m.-9 p.m. • B2

Relay for Life Briarwood Christian School April 5 • noon-10 p.m. • B11

Mt Laurel Spring Festival Mt Laurel April 12 • 10 a.m.-3 p.m. • B6

Feast of St. Mark’s St. Mark Catholic Church April 26 • 4-11 p.m. • B8

LifeSaver Walk for Life Valleydale Church April 5 • 8 a.m.-noon • B2

Expo Excitement 2014 Oak Mountain Middle School April 11-13 • B3

Relay for Life Spain Park High School April 12 • 3 p.m.-3 a.m. • B11

Walk for Autism Veterans Park April 5 • 7:30 a.m. • B3

Walk with Me Veterans Park April 12 • 8 a.m. • B9

Sozo Children Adventure Run Hargis Retreat April 13 • 3:30 p.m. • B7

Relay for Life Oak Mountain High School Heardmont Park May 2 • 6 p.m. • B11

Fire at the Foothills Tractor Supply Company April 5 • noon–4 p.m. • B5

Double Oak Duathlon Oak Mountain State Park April 12 • All day • B6

Walk Me Home Veterans Park April 26 • 8 a.m. • B2

Relay for Life Chelsea High School May 2 • 6 p.m. • B11 Celebrate Hoover Day Veterans Park May 3 • 10 a.m.-2 p.m.• B10

A30 • April 2014 B2

SpringEvents

BKC Dog Show

Walk for Autism April 5 • 7:30 a.m. Veterans Park walkforautismal.com

April 3-6 • 6 a.m.-9 p.m. Shelby County Exhibition Center birminghamkc.org The Birmingham and Tuscaloosa Kennel Club is returning to the Shelby County Exhibition Center in Columbiana for the Spring 2014 Dog Show. The event will take place over four days from April 3-6. Each day, the show hours are from 6 a.m.-9 p.m. This year’s event includes a four- to six-month beginner puppy competition, AKC National Owner-Handler series and three days of obedience and rally. For more, visit birminghamkc.org.

LifeSaver Walk for Life April 5 • 8 a.m.-noon Valleydale Church savalifeshelby.org The 2014 LifeSaver Walk and Family Fun Day will take place on April 5 from 8 a.m.-noon. The event, benefiting Sav-A-Life Shelby, will be held at Valleydale Church. Activities include inflatables, carnival games, face painting, balloons, prize raffles, crafts, food by Tip Top Grill and an Italian ice truck. Family Fun Day wristbands are $10 per person with a $20 maximum per family. Sav-A-Life Shelby’s Pregnancy Resource Center offers accurate information and compassionate care to more than 3,000 women and men every year. For more on the event or on Sav-A-Life Shelby, visit savalifeshelby.org.

280 Living

On April 5, the 11th annual Walk for Autism and 5K Race to Solve the Puzzle will take place at Veterans Park beginning at 7:30 a.m. Presented by the Autism Society of Alabama, money raised for Walk for Autism is kept in the state and used throughout many communities to educate and advocate for families. Participants can expect a fun-filled family time throughout the morning. There will be a resource fair, snacks provided by Zoe’s Kitchen, Earthfare and Nola-Ice, as well as activities for children such as face painting and arts and crafts. Prior to the walk will be the 5K Race to Solve the Puzzle. For more, visit walkforautismal.com.

Expo Excitement 2014 Oak Mountain Middle School April 11-13 Oak Mountain Middle School’s football field will transform into a carnival for its annual Expo Excitement event April 11-13. The event features carnival rides and games, a variety of vendor offerings and specialty foods prepared on site, a garage sale in the school gym and musical entertainment. Unlimited ride bracelets will be sold for the sessions, which are Friday night, Saturday and Sunday afternoon. On site security will be managed by Oak Mountain Middle School and local law enforcement personnel. The school is located at 5650 Cahaba Valley Road.

280Living.com

B3 April 2014 â&#x20AC;˘ A31

A32 • April 2014 B4

280 Living

The Hero of fire safety Chelsea firehouse dog helps teach children life-saving lessons

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Lt. Williamson and Hero entertain a class at Ready, Set, Grow Child Development Center. Photo by Sydney Cromwell.

By SYDNEY CROMWELL Chelsea Fire Department Lt. Don Williamson has been teaching fire safety in elementary classrooms for years. But since November 2008, his partner, Hero, is to thank for helping get the message across. Hero is a Dalmatian and is an essential part of the Department’s education program for children in elementary schools, preschools and daycares across the area. Williamson said he believes children are more attentive when he brings Hero the Firehouse Dog with him. Williamson said students are more receptive to “Fireman Don” when they know they’ll

have a chance to pet Hero and perhaps see him perform a trick or two. The education program is tailored to be age-appropriate, with children in daycares and preschools learning the basics of calling 911, and Williamson focusing on laying the groundwork for future visits and creating a positive relationship with the children. More complicated fire safety lessons are also shared with students. Hero even joins in on showing students how to “Stop, Drop and Roll.” “It helps us deliver a very specific safety message to kids,” said Williamson. “Kids seem to listen a little better

280Living.com

B5 April 2014 • A33

SpringEvents

Fire at the Foothills April 5 • noon–4 p.m. Tractor Supply, Chelsea

By RACHAEL HEADLEY

when there’s a dog involved.” Dalmatians often guarded fire brigades’ horses and wagons in the early days of fire fighting. When the Chelsea Fire Department decided to get its own Dalmatian out of respect for this tradition, they began receiving calls from breeders across the country. The perfect dog, however, was already waiting in nearby Pelham at Danrich Moorcroft Dalmatians. Local trainers from Creative Dog Training found a puppy with the right temperament for working with children and the breeder donated the puppy to the fire department. After extensive training, Hero became the star of Chelsea’s fire safety education program. Almost six years later, Hero is beloved by Chelsea’s parents and children, and is a popular sight at parades and events throughout the year. His friendly nature is perfect for making children want to learn about fire safety, and it has also endeared him to Williamson’s family and the Chelsea firefighters. “He’s like a member of the family. Not only my personal family, but the firemen family,” said Williamson. “All the firemen down here love him and play with him on duty. He’s one of the guys on duty, and he’s one of the family at home.”

Several years ago, Scott Weygand and Dr. Justin Fogo had an argument: Whose chili was better? This friendly competition inspired what is now the Fire at the Foothills Barbecue and Chili Cook-Off. Weygand, a Farmer’s Insurance agent, and Fogo, a chiropractor, put their heads together to create an event that would benefit both a national and local organization. On a national level, the event raises funds for the March of Dimes, an organization dedicated to helping mothers and babies, especially when pregnancy complications arise. The event raises funds for Chelsea Fire and Rescue’s Fire Safety program and the beloved firedog, Hero, the station’s Dalmatian. Hero was an obvious choice for the local fundraising efforts, said Mary Fogo, event coordinator and wife of Dr. Fogo. Hero has served as a bonding agent for the already tight-knit community of Chelsea. Funds were needed for his training and preparation for the dog. After preparations were made, local children submitted names for the Dalmatian puppy and the department chose “Hero.” He became a local icon for fire safety, providing children with a “hands-on learning tool by teaching kids to stop, drop and roll and dial 911,” Fogo said. “We are here for this community. That’s why we chose Hero,” Fogo said. “The excitement of getting this dog became a

Residents support the Chelsea Fire and Rescue Department’s Fire Safety program and its firedog, Hero, during the 2013 Fire at the Foothills.

town project.” The March of Dimes is a well-known national philanthropy and was chosen in addition to Chelsea Fire and Rescue to combine a really big cause and a local cause, Fogo said. This year’s cook-off is April 5 from noon-4 p.m. at Tractor Supply in Chelsea. The event is open to the public and tickets will be $5 at the gate. Tickets will give attendees access to taste the barbecue and chili made by competing teams. There will also be live music and an area for children to play. New features for Fire at the Foothills 2014 are selections of vendor booths from the local community that will have crafts and items available for purchase, face-painting and balloon artists. “I want it to bring folks into the community,” Weygand said. “Hopefully after they stop by,

they’ll want to stay a while.” The best part of the event is the food, Weygand said. With many different recipes, styles and spices to choose from in all kinds of meats, tasting them all and trying to choose the best can get difficult. This year Weygand is expecting anywhere from 500 to 1,000 people to attend. Donations for the March of Dimes and the fire safety program will be accepted at Farmer’s Insurance in Chelsea or Chelsea Chiropractic. Event coordinators and local sponsors include Weygand and Farmer’s Insurance, Fogo and Chelsea Chiropractic, Miranda Carter and Johnny Ray’s BBQ, Benji Wilson and Servpro of Birmingham, the Chelsea fire department, Pastor Danny Lovett and the Church of Chelsea-Westover and Tractor Supply Company.

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Double Oak Duathlon April 12 • All day Oak Mountain State Park team-magic.com The 2014 Team Magic Season kicks off with the Double Oak Duathlon Weekend at Oak Mountain State Park in Pelham. The event is scheduled for April 12. Several races are offered throughout the day, including the main event: a 10K run, 40K bike ride and another 5K run. The sprint event will be a 5K run, 20K bike ride and a 2.5K run. The Powerkids Duathlon, another part of this year’s Double Oak Duathalon Weekend, varies in distance for age groups ranging from 2 to 11. For more, visit teammagic.com/events/3.

Mt Laurel Spring Festival April 12 • 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Mt Laurel mtlaurel.com The Mt Laurel Spring Festival is returning to Dunnavant Valley on April 12. The familyfriendly celebration is scheduled for 10 a.m.-3 p.m. This year events will include a farmer’s market, craft fair, inflatables, hay rides, music, face painting and concessions. The festival will also have special appearances by Cinderella, Alice in Wonderland, the Ghostbusters and characters from Star Wars. For more, visit mtlaurel.com or call 408-8696.

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April 2014 • A35 B7

Walk with Me April 12 • 8 a.m. Veterans Park eastersealsbham.org The eighth annual Walk with Me event, brought to the community by Easter Seals of the Birmingham Area, will take place April 12 at Veterans Park. The event features a 1-mile Family Fun Walk and 5K. Registration will take place from 6:30-7:45 a.m., and the 5K will begin at 8 a.m. The Family Fun Walk will begin at 9 a.m. There will also be face painting, moonwalks, cotton candy and popcorn. The Easter Seals’ mission with Walk with Me is to spread hope and raise funds to help individuals and families living with disabilities. For more, contact Allison Nichols at anichols@eastersealsbham.org, call 314-2187 or visit eastersealsbham.org.

Sozo Children Adventure Run April 13 • 3:30 p.m. Hargis Retreat, Chelsea sozochildren.org/racenow The third annual Sozo Children Adventure Run for Orphans is planned for April 13. This year, the organization has partnered with Waging War on Normal, and 100 percent of the event proceeds will be used to save or rescue orphans in Uganda, Africa. Sozo hopes to purchase 75 acres of land in Kampala, Uganda to begin building “the Sozo Village,” which will consist of 28 children’s homes, a church, medical clinic and school. Funds raised at the Run for Orphans will be dedicated to purchasing this land. Registration is $45. For more, visit sozochildren.org/racenow or contact Laura Kelly at laura@sozochildren. org or Robert Montgomery at robert@wagingwaronnormal.com.

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Feast of St. Mark Feast of Saint Mark Saint Mark Catholic Church April 26 • 4-11 p.m. feastofstmark.com By JEFF THOMPSON Robert Sbrissa realized something was missing at Saint Mark Catholic Church. The parish had strong roots in the Catholic faith and was connected with its patron, but it wasn’t as tapped into the turn of the century as it could be. In 1905, Birmingham’s Italian immigrants founded the first Saint Mark Catholic near Ensley, and soon after it opened its doors, the parish became home for much of Birmingham’s Italian population. They were coal and iron workers, mostly laborers in the mills and furnaces. For decades, local Italian culture was cultivated at Saint Mark. But for decades, that wasn’t the case. “When I moved here in 1996, I saw a lot of Italian names and I knew the city’s Italian background, but I couldn’t see any signs of the culture thriving,” Sbrissa said. “I talked to friends who said there used to be feasts all over town 30 years ago, but nobody carried on the tradition.” So, in 2012, Sbrissa set out to create a flagship event for his parish that both honored Saint Mark the Evangelist, a disciple of Jesus and author of a book of the Gospels, and the church’s Italian founders. He wanted something multigenerational that captured the essence of the traditional Italian celebration — a full-day affair where the whole family could eat, be entertained and hold court. He called it the Feast of Saint Mark.

Visitors and volunteers at the 2013 Feast of Saint Mark celebrate the Birmingham area’s Italian heritage and culture and recognize the story of the parish’s patron, Saint Mark the Evangelist, with a full evening of fun and food at the church. Photos by Tom Janatowski / Courtesy of Saint Mark Catholic Church.

“Almost immediately, everyone got around it,” Sbrissa said. Organizers of the first event thought they’d have 500 attend, and they sold out of their 1,500 tickets. Last year, they doubled the tickets to 3,000 and still sold out. “It’s big, but not too big,” parishioner Jodie James said. “For us, it’s really about making sure you can feed everyone and feed them well.” For this year’s event, scheduled for April 26, organizers will feature food and specialty products from Arnone’s Italian Sausage, Mr. P’s Butcher Shop & Deli, Tony’s Spaghetti

House, Tellini’s Italiano and Graffeo Brothers Sausage. Main courses include Chicken Marsala, Eggplant Parmigiana and Rigatoni Marinara, all prepared by Chef Benard Tamburello, former owner of Bellini’s Ristorante & Bar on Cahaba Valley Road. Traditional Italian beverages, including Italian wines and beers and authentic Limoncello, will complement the feast. “We’re trying to do everything as authentic as possible, down to every detail,” Sbrissa said. “We want to present a good slice of what

traditional Italian feasts are like.” This year, the event starts at 4 p.m. — an hour earlier than years past — and lasts until 11 p.m. at the church, located at 7340 Cahaba Valley Road. Sbrissa said many elements were specifically designed to keep families, from toddlers to grandparents, entertained for hours. Attractions include a ring toss and face painting, mechanical rides, live music, a cigar patio, espresso, carnival games and a bocce court. Tickets are $20. “The beauty of it is that one price includes the meal and everything else,” Sbrissa said. “And it all goes

back to the parish, to support community causes and local projects.” But Sbrissa stressed that the goal isn’t the money raised. He said the Feast of Saint Mark is expensive to hold, especially when attempting authenticity in every aspect, but the cost is worth it to see families coming together. “Nothing is more satisfying than to see grandchildren at the table with their parents and grandparents and everybody is having a good time,” he said. For more or to purchase tickets, visit feastofstmark.com.

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Walk Me Home

Fun for the whole family Food by Chef Bernard Tamburello Arnone’s Italian Sausage Mr. P’s Butcher Shop & Deli Tony’s Spaghetti House Tellini’s Italiano Graffeo Brothers Sausage Live music Ross Gagliano and SpellBound Henr y Lovoy and Razz Ma Tazz Dance South Dance Team Frank Ranelli and Big Daddy’s New Band Total A$$et$ Members of the Rockin’ Rebellions Attractions Face painting Mechanical rides Carnival games Bocce court Cigar patio Espresso

April 26 • 8 a.m. Veterans Park This year’s “Walk Me Home…to the place where I belong” 5K will be held at Veterans Park on April 26 from 8 a.m.-noon. This event is held to benefit and raise awareness for foster care in the greater Birmingham area. Registration, $10, will be from 7-8 a.m., and the run will begin at 8 a.m. Children 18 and under can register for free. All participants receive a t-shirt. For more information, contact Race Director Mike Strayer at walkmehome.birmingham@gmail.com.

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Celebrate Hoover Day

We’re Celebrating Our April 2014

Founders/Owners Doug & Nicole Hovanec

Executive Chef Matthew G. Lagace

Celebrate Hoover Day is returning to Veterans Park next month. The family-friendly event is free and open to the public. It’s scheduled for May 3 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Parking will be available at Spain Park High School with complimentary shuttles to the park. This year’s event features a return of the giant apple pie and Blue Bell ice cream that was a hit with last year’s attendees. Also scheduled for the event are:  Veterans Memorial Paver Dedication  Expansive exhibitor pavilion featuring

Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce members  Kids Zone with inflatables and games  Petting zoo  Carnival rides  Car show  Live entertainment In addition, document shredding will be provided by Cintas, and electronic recycling will be provided by Technical Knock-Out. For more information or to register for a space in the exhibitor pavilion, visit hooveral.org.

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Relay for Life Briarwood Christian School April 5 • noon-10 p.m. relayforlife.org/ briarwoodchristianal

Spain Park High School April 12 • 3 p.m.-3 a.m. relayforlife.org/spainparkal

This year, four Relay for Life fundraisers will be held on Birmingham’s U.S. 280 corridor, beginning on April 5 with Briarwood Christian School’s inaugural event. The American Cancer Society Relay for Life movement symbolizes hope and a shared goal to end a disease that threatens lives, relayforlife.org reads. Participating in a Relay for Life event is a way to take action and help finish the fight if cancer has touched you or a loved one. Relay raises money mainly through the organization of teams, which usually consist of 10-15 members with a goal of raising $100 per team member, said Daniel Bruce, publicity chairman for the Briarwood event. Teams then walk around the track on the day of the Relay, showing their dedication to finding a cure. “It’s a really good story of the community coming together to fight back,” Bruce said.

Oak Mountain High School Heardmont Park May 2 • 6 p.m. relayforlife.org/oakmountainal

Chelsea High School May 2 • 6 p.m. relayforlife.org/chelseaal

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Community Return of JLB Carousel Birmingham’s largest garage sale is scheduled for April 26 and 27. The Junior League of Birmingham’s Bargain Carousel will be held in the former JCPenney location at Century Plaza Mall, 7580 Crestwood Boulevard. There will be more than 100,000 items for sale, including adult clothing, appliances, art, books, music, children’s clothing, electronics, furniture, heirloom items, holiday decorations, home décor, infant furniture and accessories, kitchen items, lighting, linens, office equipment and furniture, outdoors and

sporting goods, rugs and toys. Proceeds support community projects with the Junior League’s partner agencies. “Last year, I found a French hand-sewn dress for $10 for my granddaughter, and she wore it to her baby sister’s baptism,” said Betty Taylor, an Inverness resident. “My friends and I love coming to the preview party, Bargain Bash. It is an annual shopping tradition.” The weekend kicks off with Bargain Bash on Thursday, April 24. For $40 a ticket, VIP admission gets you in the door at 6 p.m. for early bird shopping privileges

(double the listed prices), and general admission (7-10 p.m.) is $30 a ticket. This year tickets will be pre-sold on Friday, April 25 from 3-7 p.m., when shoppers may purchase up to four tickets at $10 each to the Saturday sale. Bargain Carousel will run Saturday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. ($10 tickets for 8-10 a.m. or $5 tickets from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.) and Sunday from 1-5 p.m. with free admission and half-price merchandise. For more, call 879-9861, visit bargaincarousel.net, or like the event on Facebook.

McMahon first COO of Scott Dawson Evangelistic Association Bill McMahon is stepping away from a successful career in the private sector and moving to the not-for-profit arena. In February, he took over as Chief Operating Officer with the Scott Dawson Evangelistic Association (SDEA), the Birmingham-based organization responsible for the popular Stadiumfest held at Veterans Park. Most recently, McMahon was co-founder and president of KLMK Group, Inc., a national construction advisory firm in the healthcare market with a regional office in Birmingham. KLMK was responsible for management of the new Children’s of Alabama

hospital project along with several large projects with Baptist Health System. “We feel Bill joining the SDEA team at this time is very strategic to help guide us to a new level

of ministry effectiveness with an efficient business model,” Scott Dawson said. SDEA is a 501(c)(3) ministry whose mission is to reach students and to affect change in the culture in which they are living. McMahon served on the SDEA Board of Directors for the past two years. “As SDEA continues to grow, I am eager to be part of an organization that strives to change the culture,” he said. For more, contact SDEA at 8339163 or visit scottdawson.org. – Submitted by the Scott Dawson Evangelistic Association

YOU’RE THINKING SPRING CLEAN.

We think that AT EVERY CLEAN.

Proudly keeping homes cleaner and healthier since 1987

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Referred for a reason.

Golf tournament to raise money for dance scholarships By JEFF THOMPSON Dance was Nicole Allbrook’s love in life. She started twirling around the room at age 3, started lessons at age 4 and stuck with it for the next 20 years. By age 24, she was a trained artist. And last February, her death at the hands of an alleged drunk driver stole that art from the world. In her memory, Nicole’s parents, Guy and Terri Allbrook, started the Nicole’s Dancing Angels Foundation. The organization, which is in the process of obtaining its 501(c)(3) status, seeks to provide scholarships to young children to help them find their passions in dance. “We want to give children a place to come that’s very important to them,” Guy Allbrook said. “Their confidence and self-esteem can be taken away from them when other things in their lives fall apart. We want to help children get started, and help others find a way to stick with it.” Nicole was a former Oak Mountain High School student. She received her training from Monica Barnett at Exclusively Ballet on Cahaba Valley Road, and the Allbrooks have partnered with Barnett to provide the scholarships. To help raise funds for the foundation, the Allbrooks are holding their inaugural Nicole’s Dancing Angels Foundation Golf Tournament on May 8 at Timberline Golf Club in Calera. Tee time is 1 p.m., and registration is going on now. The

Nicole Allbrook trained to be a ballerina for most of her life, until she died in a car accident in 2013. Her parents launched the Nicole’s Dancing Angels Foundation in her honor, which seeks to provide dance scholarships to children. The Foundation will hold a fundraising golf tournament in May.

entry fee is $120 per player and covers green fees, cart rental, a box lunch and the open driving range with range balls. Hole sponsorships are also available for $125 and include signage on each hole of the course. All proceeds from the tournament, donations to the foundation, and hole sponsorships fund one-year dance scholarships for children of all ages. For more, visit nicolesdancingangels.com.

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Chelsea family trying to win wheelchair-accessible van for son

Susanne and Michael Napp with three of their children, from left, Mary Carolyn, Davis and Bryce. Since this photo was taken, the Napps have had a fourth child, Cameron. Photo courtesy of Susanne Napp.

Three-yearold Bryce’s wheelchair cannot stop his irresistible smile. Photo courtesy of Susanne Napp.

By SYDNEY CROMWELL As he sits on the sidelines at a Chelsea Hornets basketball game, three-year-old Bryce Napp’s smile never leaves his face. The son of high school teacher and coach Michael Napp, Bryce is beloved by team members and a common sight at most games, which he attends with his mother and three siblings. It does not seem to bother Bryce that he will never walk, run or dribble a basketball himself. Bryce has semi-lobar holoprosencephaly, a condition similar to cerebral palsy in which the brain does not form properly. The disease,

commonly shortened to HoPE by patients’ families, means that Bryce cannot walk, roll or speak, and he must be fed through a tube. When he tries to move, Bryce’s muscles become tense and inflexible. He cannot hold or play with toys and will likely be wheelchair-bound his entire life. “He understands a whole lot of what’s going on around him,” said mother Susanne Napp. “His body just won’t cooperate with what he wants to do.” Currently, Bryce can communicate through his eyes and basic sounds, and Napp said the family is looking into buying a machine that can help him “speak” through

eye movements. Despite needing a wheelchair, a variety of medications and tube feeding, Bryce is almost always smiling. “For all the needs he has, he’s healthy,” Napp said. “Most of the time he feels well and is happy.” However, as Bryce grows older, it becomes more challenging to travel with him. Napp, a former special education teacher who stays at home to take care of the children, must lift Bryce and his wheelchair into the family van every time they go out. The wheelchair alone weighs around 60 pounds, and it has become a two-person job. Napp is frequently forced to wait in parking lots for help

lifting her son and his wheelchair. The Napp family needs a wheelchair-accessible van so Bryce can continue to go to doctor’s appointments and attend his father’s basketball games. However, Napp said new vans fitted with foldout ramps can cost more than $50,000. Even older, used vehicles are about $15,000. “You just don’t realize how expensive wheelchair-accessible vans are and what a help they are to people,” Napp said. “It would be amazing [to have one].” Bryce’s grandmother, Dinah Byrd, entered the family into a giveaway contest for a wheelchairaccessible van, sponsored by the

National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association. Until May 9, people can vote every day for the most deserving entries. After this, a panel of judges will look at the top 10 percent of entries and award the van based on need and each entrant’s story of overcoming and living with a disability. Through social media and the help of family and friends, Bryce has gained more than 1,600 votes since March 11. Napp said she is “completely floored” by the support her family has received. To read Bryce’s story and vote for him, visit mobilityawarenessmonth.com or his Facebook page, A Van for Bryce.

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Celebrating

23 Years! 1 9 9 1 - 20 1 4

Offering quality training in Ballet, Pointe, Pas de Deux, Jazz, Tap, Lyrical, Modern, Hip Hop, Dance Team Preparation, Pageant Preparation

Easter services and events Lent Asbury United Methodist Church: Sermon Series - “The Generosity Factor: Six Parables for the Lenten Season.” March 2-April 6. 8:30, 9:45 and 11 a.m. Call 995-1700.

April 13: Palm Sunday Asbury United Methodist Church Traditional worship services – 8:30 and 11:00 a.m. Contemporary worship service – 9:45 a.m. Call 995-1700.

Holy Week Asbury United Methodist Church: April 17: Maundy Thursday. Serving communion 5-8 p.m. Call 995-1700. April 18: Good Friday Service at 8 p.m. Call 9951700.

Summer Classes Begin

Bold Springs Presbyterian Church April 17: Maundy Thursday Service. 6 p.m. Call 991-3040.

Princess Camp Ages 3-5 Dance Camp Ages 6-7 Dance Intensive Ages 8-Adult Pageant Camp Ages 8-Adult

Chelsea Creek Community Church April 18: Good Friday – Service at 6:30 p.m. Call 678-2406.

June 2 - July 31

Fall Registration Open House

Saturday, August 2, 2014 10:00 am - 2:00 pm 7154 Cahaba Valley Road 995.9220 www.ExclusivelyBallet.com Exclusiveballet@bellsouth.net

Faith Presbyterian Church April 17: Maundy Thursday Service. 6:30 p.m. Nursery provided. Call 991-5430.

April 20: Easter Sunday Asbury United Methodist Church. Sunrise service – 6:30 a.m. Traditional worship service – 8 a.m., 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. Contemporary service – 9:30 a.m. Call 995-1700. Bold Springs Presbyterian Church. Sunrise service – 6:30 a.m. Service followed by breakfast prepared by the men of the church. Call 991-3040. Chelsea Creek Community Church. 10:30 a.m. Call 678-2406. Faith Presbyterian Church. 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. Nursery provided. Call 991-5430.

Easter Egg Hunts Bold Springs Presbyterian Church Community Easter Egg Hunt. April 19, 11:30 a.m. Bring the kids and a basket. Call 991-3040. Chelsea Park Subdivision Easter Egg Hunt. April 19, 10 a.m.-noon. The event will include hot dogs, inflatables, face painting and egg hunting for the kids. Call 678-2406.

Race for MDA returns this month Buddy Hodge Race for MDA April 5 • 2 p.m. Oak Mountain BMX track oakmountainbmx.com Oak Mountain BMX is hosting its second annual Buddy Hodge Race for MDA this month. The charity race, a family-friendly event, is scheduled for April 5 at Oak Mountain State Park. Registration begins at 11 a.m. and the race will start at 2 p.m. The cost to participate is $10.

BMX, which stands for bicycle moto-cross, is a type of off-road bicycle racing. Riders range from as young as 3 to 70. With races taking place within age classifications, the sport is open to anyone. The Oak Mountain BMX track is one of only four in the state, and volunteers run the entire organization. Races take place nearly year-round, from late February to December. If someone can ride a bike, they can race BMX. For more information, visit oakmountainbmx.com or call 259-3388.

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Storm savvy Class teaches 280 residents basics of storm spotting By JEFF THOMPSON You’re at home, and a storm is barreling in. Chirping in the background, a meteorologist identifies the direction it’s moving and its speed as he points at the flashing colors on the TV screen. You decide how long you have to get ready. You know the safest place to be in your house, and that’s where you take your emergency kit and your family. You’ve thought about it so many times, it’s second nature. But, what if you aren’t at home? Assume you’re in your vehicle on the roadway. You’re directly in the path of a tornado with no escape route. Where should you go? This month marks the third anniversary of the devastating tornadoes of April 2011, and in February, National Weather Service meteorologist Tara Goggins and Jim Stefkovich, meteorologist in charge of the Birmingham NWS, presented a Storm Spotter Basics training course at North Shelby Baptist. “What we’re trying to do is pass along information to people about the best ways to protect themselves,” Stefkovich said. More than 125 people turned out for the course, spurred by a desire to be prepared for this year’s storm season. Organizers said it was one of the best turnouts the NWS has had for the course. “We live in tornado alley and the season starts Sunday,” Caroline Jones said. “That’s why we felt it was so important to encourage our members to come listen.” Jones is part of North Shelby Baptist’s Disaster Relief Ministry, which responds to natural disasters by providing food, clothing and communication efforts to those in affected areas. The ministry has made more than a dozen trips to regions struck by hurricanes in the past decade.

Birmingham National Weather Service srh.noaa.gov/bmx North Shelby Baptist Disaster Relief Ministry northshelbybaptist.org/missions/disaster-relief/ Shelby County Emergency Management Agency shelbycountyalabama.com and search “EMA”

Billy Graham, right, head of North Shelby Baptist’s Disaster Relief Ministry, encourages course attendees to learn more about the ministry. Photo by Jeff Thompson.

Billy Graham, head of the Relief Ministry, said the organization coordinated the course as a proactive measure. “We thought, why not get people ready before the storm?” Graham said. Much of the two-hour course focused on knowing what to look for in the clouds. Goggins said it takes a trained eye to spot a developing tornado. But the NWS radar can’t confirm if a tornado forms, only where one is likely. The organization relies on spotters to relay concise, factual information from the field. “To know if it’s a tornado, you need to see the whole picture,” Goggins told the audience. “If you’re going to report, report only what you know. What we don’t want is for people to tell us there is a tornado and be wrong.” She also said that can be a tall order in Alabama, where the landscape isn’t conducive to successful storm spotting like it is in the plains

of the Midwest. “The reason we don’t suggest you go out storm chasing in this area is there are hills and trees in the way, and storms often happen at night,” she said. “Please do not chase storms at night.” However, because the Birmingham weather service is responsible for monitoring and issuing watches and warnings for 39 of Alabama’s 67 counties, spotters are a vital part of protecting the public. And spotter classes not only train residents on what to watch for but also how to protect themselves and best help others in the area. “Don’t put yourself in harm’s way just to make a report, but we would like any information you have,” Goggins said. “When you do contact us, we want just the facts, stay calm and don’t exaggerate.” The event concluded with an expo for area organizations tied to disaster relief and weather

Report weather incidents Call 800-856-0758

safety, including the Red Cross and companies that make and install storm shelters. Stefkovich said public classes like these are not common and are unlikely to occur again in the 280 area this spring or summer, as National Weather Service meteorologists will be hard at work watching radar from the NWS office at the Shelby County Airport. For those interested in taking the Storm Spotter Basics course, the NWS is offering a Webbased version twice this month. The classes are scheduled for April 7 at 10 a.m. and April 14 at 6 p.m. To sign up, visit srh.noaa.gov/bmx. And as for what to do if a tornado is headed for your vehicle? “We stick with the idea that you should get out of your car, get into a ditch and cover your head,” Goggins said. “But if you know there’s going to be bad weather that day, just cancel your travel plans.”

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Dragon boat races come to Oak Mountain On April 26, Oak Mountain State Park will host an Ancient Chinese tradition — dragon boat races. Measuring 45 feet, these boats are adorned with dragon heads, tails and scales to carry on the 2,300-year-old tradition while upholding a new one that benefits the Ronald McDonald House charities. This race requires no prior experience and can provide opportunities for team building and employee appreciation. The boats are split into teams of 20 paddlers and one drummer with three different team options: corporate team, community team or breast cancer survivors. The event will begin at 9 a.m. and will continue until approximately 3 p.m. In addition to the sport, there will also be food vendors and live music for entertainment. Spectators are encouraged to bring lawn chairs to enjoy the activities. For more information visit birminghamdragonboat.com.

Valleydale Church to host event on human trafficking in Birmingham Valleydale Church Women’s Ministry is inviting its fellow women’s ministries in the Metro Birmingham area to get involved in drawing awareness to the hidden atrocities of human trafficking in Birmingham. The event, called (Re)Abolish Night, will be held on April 13 at 6 p.m. to promote the ministry of The Wellhouse. The Wellhouse is a nonprofit rescue and recovery organization for women who are victims of human trafficking and prostitution. It provides a safe, residential environment to sexually exploited women and offers them spiritual, emotional and physical support services. “We want to bring awareness to the problem of human sex trafficking and we want to promote the wonderful ministry of The Wellhouse,” Amy Harris, the organizer of the (Re)

Abolish Night event, said. “We also we want to give practical ways that churches can partner with and provide support to this organization. I have a 15-year-old daughter the same age as many of these young victims and I realize that this could so easily be anyone’s child. ” (Re)Abolish Night will feature a presentation of a 20-minute video called “The Wellhouse – I-20: The Sex Trafficking Superhighway.” A panel discussion will follow, featuring Tajuan McCarthy, founder and executive director of The Wellhouse. At 15 years old, McCarthy said she was sexually exploited by her “boyfriend turned pimp.” She was trafficked to Birmingham so many times that it eventually became her home. After escaping this dangerous life, she became a passionate

advocate for victims of trafficking. Other panel members include Alexa Jones, development director for The Wellhouse, and “Rachel,” another trafficking survivor. Harris said raising awareness of the problem of sexual trafficking is the main goal of the event. Additionally, proceeds raised from ticket sales and a specially designed (Re)Abolish T-shirt will benefit The Wellhouse. “This is a very heavy topic and we don’t want people to go away from this event feeling downhearted,” Harris continued. “We want to offer hope that we can help bring justice to this situation and we want to celebrate the lives that have already been redeemed. Awareness is the first step.” Tickets for the event are $10 and are on sale now through the Valleydale Church website, valleydale.org.

Celebrations Huffman-Preston

Jama S. Shamblin of Charleston, W.Va. and Jeffrey A. Huffman of Clendenin, W.Va. are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter Dr. Kristy Michelle Huffman to Kenneth Michael Preston. Kristy is the granddaughter of Ms. Joanne Huffman and of the late Mr. and Mrs. James and Nancy Stump from Charleston, W.Va. Kristy is a 2002 magna cum laude graduate of Marshall University with a B.A. in speech pathology. She went on to medical school at the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine and graduated in May 2008. She completed her residency training at University Hospitals Case Western Medical Center in Cleveland, OH. Kristy is a practicing anesthesiologist with Cumberland Anesthesia at Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital in Somerset, Ky. Kenneth is the son of Greystone residents Dr. and Mrs. Roy T. Preston. He is the grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. Jimmie Anthony of Birmingham. Kenneth holds multiple degrees including a B.S. from the University of Alabama, a B.S.N. from Union University as well as an M.B.A. and M.S. in nurse anesthesia from Samford University. He also completed graduate studies in corporate finance at Harvard University in Cambridge, MA. After completing his master’s degree in nurse anesthesia in 2008, he has worked as a CRNA for Cumberland Anesthesia in Somerset, Ky. He and Kristy met at the hospital where they both work. The couple will be married May 10 at the Four Seasons Resort in Maui. They will continue with a honeymoon trip to Bora Bora. A reception will be held in their honor at the Griffin Gate Marriott Resort and Spa on June 21 in Lexington, Ky.

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School House Objects in motion at CMS

CMS students test their balloon-powered cars during a science unit on Newton’s Laws of Motion. Photos by Kessler Stampfly / CMS yearbook staff.

At Chelsea Middle School, students in Kristin Arrington’s eighth grade physical science class are having a blast learning about Isaac Newton’s Laws of Motion. Students applied the knowledge they learned

in the classroom to cars they built. The cars move using balloons for propulsion. Students were competitive, too, as they competed in different categories.

MLES choir takes the stage this month The Mt Laurel Elementary School Choir will hold its Spring Performance at Oak Mountain Amphitheater on Friday, April 18 at 7 p.m. Students will perform a medley of songs from favorite Disney movies. Tickets are

$5 per person and include admission to the Oak Mountain State Fair. Visit ticketmaster. com for ticket information or contact Haley Spates, MLES Music Director, at hspates@ shelbyed.k12.al.us for more.

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Celebrating character By JASON GASTON Last month, the Finley Committee for Character Education recognized an employee and two graduating seniors who exemplify good character with the 2014 Finley Awards. The recipients were Spain Park High School coach Michael Zelwak, Spain Park senior Will Freeman and Hoover High School senior Chandler Fullman. The three were celebrated in March at the Finley Awards banquet, held at the Cahaba Grand Conference Center on U.S. 280. The annual celebration also featured the recognition of gradelevel character award winners from each Hoover school in grades kindergarten through 12th. Hoover City Schools winner: Michael Zelwak, Spain Park High School coach Michael Zelwak might be a New Jersey native, but he’s been in Hoover long enough to know the legacy of legendary W.A. Berry High School coach Bob Finley. “Mr. Finley was a great man from what I know. Being a part of the Hoover City Schools you hear about him and the history he left and the legacy,” Zelwak said. Zelwak is the Hoover City Schools 2014 Finley Award winner. The announcement came in a surprise ceremony that included his wife, Anne, daughter, Leighton, extended family, friends, colleagues and others. “Just to be considered [for the Finley Award] is an honor,” Zelwak said. “To win it is actually probably one of the highlights of my teaching career.” Zelwak, who teaches 11th-grade

English, also serves as Spain Park High School’s cross country coach and the coach of the indoor and outdoor track teams. He’s been at the school 10 years. He came to Alabama to attend UAB, with aspirations of a career in the medical field. It was there he met Anne and changed course from medicine to education. “Michael is very outgoing, which makes life with him exciting. He loves what he does,” Anne Zelwak said. “That’s probably the thing that impresses me the most about him.” Anne joined members of the Finley Committee for Character Education, principal Ken Jarnagin, superintendent Andy Craig and others Monday morning for a surprise ceremony in the school’s library. “I think he was completely surprised,” Anne said. “It was hard to keep it from him [this morning].” Zelwak’s surprise was evident as he accepted the award — the single-biggest accolade bestowed by the school system each year. For him, having family present made the experience all the better “I always try to etch out some spare time for my family, which is a balancing act but it’s something that’s been very rewarding to give me some down time away from school and away from coaching.” Spain Park High winner: Will Freeman, senior Spain Park High senior Will Freeman knew something was up when principal Dr. Ken Jarnagin came to escort him out of first period. They walked down the hall to the school’s elevator, presumably headed to a

2014 Finley Award winners recognized

The Finley Committee for Character Education was created in 1996. Its current chairman is Jeff Dance. The committee hosts events throughout the year to recognize students who exhibit exceptional character, in the spirit of Coach Bob Finley— the committee’s namesake. Longtime coach/educator at W.A. Berry High School (the original Hoover High), Finley led by example and was known for his calm demeanor, integrity and strong faith. 2014 Finley Award recipient Coach Michael Zelwak

meeting downstairs. “I was actually just impressed that I was in the elevator,” Freeman said. “I’ve never been in it before — kinda like V.I.P. treatment. I knew something big was going to happen.” Freeman, a nationally-ranked swimmer, is no stranger to the spotlight. However, he was taken aback at the sight just outside the elevator doors. There stood his family, friends, coaches and the Superintendent of Hoover City Schools. That group, along with members of the Finley Committee for Character Education, were all there to announce Freeman as the 2014 Spain Park High School Finley Award winner. “I honestly never thought I would be here — be the winner. I used to see other kids get this award and I thought to myself, ‘Wow, this is a bar I can never get to,’” Freeman

2014 Finley Award recipient and Spain Park senior Will Freeman

said. “Now that I’m here, it’s like people are looking up to me. That’s interesting.” The 18-year-old swimming standout has a full academic and athletic scholarship to the University of Alabama. He’s received numerous academic and athletic accolades over the course of his high school career, most recently being named a national finalist for the Wendy’s High School Heisman. As one of 12 in the U.S., Freeman was recognized at the Heisman ceremony in New York City this past December. Freeman’s athletic stats are impressive. He is a six-year Varsity Letter Winner; school, league and state record-holder and NISCA High School All-American in the 200meter freestyle (1:37.31); school, league and state record-holder and NISCA High School All-American

in the 500-meter freestyle (4:27.36); eight-time high school state champion — four each in 200-meter freestyle and 500-meter freestyle. Six-time NISCA High School AllAmerican — three each in 200-meter freestyle and 500-meter freestyle; holds 28 individual team records for the Birmingham Swim League; and Southeastern Swimming 15-16 Boys Record in the 200-meter freestyle (1:38.22). Beyond the national spotlight, he’s most proud of his accomplishments at his soon-to-be alma mater. During his junior year, he joined the Spain Park High School Honor Council. “[Our council] actually drafted a code of academic integrity this past summer, and we have been trying to implement it throughout the school,” Freeman said.

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Wheels turning in Mt Laurel Mt Laurel Elementary’s fourthand fifth-grade students participated in the Skatetime program in January. The skating unit was implemented to emphasize skating as a “lifetime activity.” Skating provides a variety of benefits that include balance, coordination, motor skills and a toprated cardio-respiratory workout. Students also learned basic skating skills such as starting, stopping, forward skating, backward skating, and a number of safety tips for being a smart skater. There were approximately 40 students at the end of the unit who said they were excited they had learned to skate. On the last day of the unit, fifth graders participated in an “80s Skating Day,” with many of the students dressed in 80s clothing and music from the 1980s played in the gym. – Submitted by Sarah Rhodes

Fifth-grade students at Mt Laurel Elementary wear their 80s outfits for the final day of the school’s Skatetime unit. Photo courtesy of Sarah Rhodes.

OMES sends more than 100 to Mercedes Marathon In February, students and teachers from Oak Mountain Elementary School ran in the Mercedes Marathon in downtown Birmingham. The internationally known event raises money and awareness for Birmingham’s The Bell Center, which provides early intervention services for children with special needs from all across Alabama. Since the first race 13 years ago, the Mercedes Marathon has

raised more than $4 million. One hundred students ran in the Kids Marathon, and four teacher relay teams raced in the Marathon. Students and teachers began preparing in the fall and looked forward to the event all year. First-grade teacher Cammie Eanes all the training is worth it. This is her second year to run the relay with her family. “I have loved cheering others on and

working together to accomplish a goal,” Eanes said. “I can’t wait to do it again next year.” – Submitted by Amy Hogan Sixteen Oak Mountain Elementary School teachers formed four relay teams for the Mercedes Marathon in February. Photo courtesy of Amy Hogan.

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Community Calendar 280 Area Events

April 3-6: BKC Dog Show. 6 a.m.-9 p.m. Shelby County Exhibition Center. Visit birminghamkc.org. April 4: “Glory” 2014. A Lakeside Baptist Church senior activity. First Baptist Church, Guntersville, Ala. Featuring “Paid in Full” and lunch at Guntersville State Lodge. $35. Call 822-1240. April 5: Lifesaver Walk and Family Fun Day. 8 a.m.-noon. Valleydale Church. Activities include inflatables, carnival games, face painting, balloons, prize raffles, crafts, food by Tip Top Grill and an Italian ice truck. Family Fun Day wristbands are $10 per person with a $20 maximum per family. Proceeds benefit Sav-A-Life Shelby. Visit savalifeshelby.org. April 5: Buddy Hodge Race for MDA. 2 p.m. Oak Mountain State Park BMX Track. $10. Visit oakmountainbmx. com or call 259-3388. April 5: Walk for Autism. 7:30 a.m. Veterans Park. There will be a resource fair, snacks provided by Zoe’s Kitchen, Earthfare and Nola-Ice, and activities for children such as face painting and arts and crafts. Prior to the walk will be the 5K Race to Solve the Puzzle. Visit walkforautismal.com. April 5: Relay for Life – Briarwood Christian. Noon-10 p.m. Briarwood Christian School. American Cancer Society event organized by students at the school to raise funds for cancer awareness, research and services benefitting cancer patients and families. Visit relayforlife.org/ briarwoodchristianal. April 5: Fire at the Foothills Barbecue and Chili Cook-Off.

Noon–4 p.m. Tractor Supply, Chelsea. Tickets are $5 and support the March of Dimes and Chelsea Fire and Rescue. Call 678-6060 or email sweygand@ farmersagent.com. April 8: Senior Adult Luncheon. Lakeside Baptist Church. $5. Call 8221240. April 9-10: Keeping It Real Program. Oak Mountain High School. Greater Shelby Chamber of Commerce program that teaches financial awareness to ninth- and 10th-grade students. Volunteers welcome. Call 663-4542. April 10: BBA Fun Day. Lakeside Baptist Church. $10. Call 822-1240. April 11-13: Expo Excitement 2014. Oak Mountain Middle School. Features carnival rides and games, a variety of vendor offerings and specialty foods prepared on site, a garage sale in the school gym and musical entertainment. Unlimited ride bracelets will be sold for the sessions, which are Friday night, Saturday and Sunday afternoon. Call 682-5210. April 12: Double Oak Duathlon. All day. Oak Mountain State Park. Several races are offered throughout the day, including the main event: a 10K run, 40K bike ride and another 5K run. The sprint event will be a 5K run, 20K bike ride and a 2.5K run. Visit team-magic.com. April 12: Walk With Me. 8 a.m. Veterans Park. Event features a 5K and 1-mile Family Fun Walk, as well as face painting, moonwalks, cotton candy and popcorn. Proceeds go to Easter Seals, which raises funds for individuals and families living with disabilities. Contact Allison Nichols at anichols@

eastersealsbham.org, call 314-2187 or visit eastersealsbham.org. April 12: Relay for Life – Spain Park. 3 p.m.-3 a.m. Spain Park High School. American Cancer Society event organized by students at the school to raise funds for cancer awareness, research and services benefitting cancer patients and families. Visit relayforlife.org/ spainparkal. April 12: Mt Laurel Spring Festival. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. .Mt Laurel. This year events will include a farmer’s market, craft fair, inflatables, hay rides, music and concessions. The festival will also have special appearances by Cinderella, Alice in Wonderland, the Ghostbusters and characters from Star Wars. Visit mtlaurel. com or call 408-8696. April 13: Sozo Children Adventure Run. 3:30 p.m. Hargis Retreat, Chelsea. Registration is $45. 100 percent of the event proceeds will be used to save or rescue orphans in Uganda, Africa. Visit sozochildren.org/ racenow. April 14-15: AARP Smart Driver Course. 9 a.m.-noon. Danberry at Inverness, 235 Inverness Center Drive. Class teaches defensive driving techniques, proven safety strategies, new traffic laws and rules of the road. Completion could qualify attendees for a discount on car insurance. $15 for AARP members, $20 for non-members. Call 443-9500 or visit aarp.org/drive. April 17: April Silhouette Event. The Blue Willow, 3930 Crosshaven Drive. Five-minute sittings or side-view photos enable you to create your silhouette. $30 per person, $10 duplicates, $4 mattes and $25 for black oval frames. Call 968-

0909 to schedule an appointment. April 19: Country Gospel Music Festival. Noon-2 p.m. Bold Springs Presbyterian Church. Featuring the Clay Boys and free hot dogs and drinks. Bring your own chair or blanket. Call 991-3040. April 25: Tales for Tots Story Time. 10-11 a.m. Arc of Shelby County, 203 Amphitheater Road, Pelham. Join us for a children’s story, snacks and a craft activity. Bring donations (glue, stickers, paper, wipes, etc.) as admission. Call 664-9313. April 26: Liberty Park Baptist Church Youth Fundraiser Yard Sale. 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Liberty Park Baptist Church, 12001 Liberty Parkway. A wide assortment of items will be available for sale, and proceeds will help students go to summer camp and participate in mission trips. Call 969-1236. April 26: Walk Me Home. 8 a.m.noon. Veterans Park. Registration is $30 and proceeds benefit local foster parents. Contact Mike Strayer, the race director for 2014, at sslj@bellsouth.net. April 26: Feast of St. Mark. 4-11 p.m. St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church. Tickets are $20. The feast will feature food from local restaurants, live entertainment and activities including face painting, carnival rides and a bocce court. Visit feastofstmark.com. April 26-May 11: Decorator’s ShowHouse Public Tours. Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Friday evenings 6-9 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sundays 1-5 p.m. 4021 St. Charles Drive. Tickets are $20 at the door and benefit the Alabama Symphony Orchestra. Lunch is served daily from

11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for $13. No infants, children younger than 8, backpacks, large tote bags or purses, umbrellas or cameras. Call 540-7171 or visit showhouse-al.com. April 29: Spring Fling. 5:30-7 p.m. Dixie Fish Company. Joint event with Mountain Brook, Homewood, Vestavia, Greater Shelby County and Hoover Area chambers of commerce. Visit welcometomountainbrook.com. May 2: Relay for Life – Oak Mountain High School. 6 p.m. Heardmont Park. American Cancer Society event organized by students at the school to raise funds for cancer awareness, research and services benefitting cancer patients and families. Visit relayforlife.org/oakmountainal. May 2: Relay for Life – Chelsea. 6 p.m. Chelsea High School. American Cancer Society event organized by students at the school to raise funds for cancer awareness, research and services benefitting cancer patients and families. Visit relayforlife.org/chelseaal. May 3: Celebrate Hoover Day. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Veteran’s Park. This event is free and will include carnival rides, kid’s activities and live entertainment. Parking will be available at Spain Park High School with complimentary shuttles to the park. Visit hooveral.org. May 3: Derby Days of Shelby County. 2-6 p.m. Shelby’s Restaurant, Highway 261. Watch a telecast of the Kentucky Derby, eat and enjoy souvenir drinks. Participate in a silent auction, prize drawings and a best hat contest. $25. tickets before May 1, $30 at the door. Call 664-9313 or visit thearcofshelby.org

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Community Calendar St. Vincent’s One Ninteen

April 1: St. Vincent’s One Nineteen Book Club. 7 p.m. St. Vincent’s One Nineteen. 7191 Cahaba Valley Road. This month’s book club meeting will discuss The Tower, the Zoo, and the Tortoise by Julia Stuart. The book for May is Flora by Gail Godwin. The book club is free, but register by calling 408-6550.

April 15: Paint and Pinot. 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m. St. Vincent’s One Nineteen. $40 per person. This class will be led by Trina Stogner, owner of Color Outside the Lines, and participants will make a 16 inch by 20 inch cross door hanger. Bring snacks and a beverage of your choice. Register and pay in advance by calling 408-6550.

April 5: Lupus Support Group. 10 a.m.noon. St. Vincent’s One Nineteen. This free monthly meeting supports lupus patients and their families. This month’s discussion topic is “Coping with Lupus.” Visit onenineteen.com.

April 16: CPR Family and Friends. 6-8 p.m. St. Vincent’s One Nineteen. $20 per person. The class will teach the basics of CPR for adults, children and infants, as well as how to help a person who is choking. The course is designed for anyone 11 years or older, but does not provide a course certification card. To register, call 939-7878.

April 5-11: Scale Back Alabama WeighOut. One hour after opening to one hour before closing. St. Vincent’s One Nineteen. This is the final weigh-out for the statewide weight loss contest that started in January. Visit onenineteen.com. April 7: Weight Watchers at One Nineteen. Noon-12:30 p.m., weigh-in starts at 11:30 a.m. Conference room at St. Vincent’s One Nineteen. Fees are prorated for members who join at any time. A new 12-week program will begin April 21. Call 408-6551. April 8: Blood Pressure/BMI Screening. 8-11:30 a.m. St. Vincent’s One Nineteen. The second Tuesday of each month, a representative from St. Vincent’s Wellness will offer free screenings for blood pressure and Body Mass Index (BMI). Visit onenineteen.com. April 11: Zumba Around The World. 6:30-8 p.m. St. Vincent’s One Nineteen. The event is free, but a $10 minimum donation is suggested. Proceeds benefit the American Diabetes Association. Costumes from around the world are encouraged. Visit onenineteen.com. April 14: Weight Watchers at One Nineteen. Noon-12:30 p.m., weigh-in starts at 11:30 a.m. Conference room at St. Vincent’s One Nineteen. Fees are prorated for members who join at any time. A new 12-week program will begin April 21. Call 408-6551.

April 17: Cuisine at One Nineteen. 6:308 p.m. St. Vincent’s One Nineteen. Bring a bottle of wine and enjoy an evening of cooking with Chef Gregg Collier of the Dixie Fish Company. There is a 12-person minimum for the class. $25 per person. Call 408-6550 for reservations. April 17: Living Healthy – Detox: A Guide Toward a Healthy Liver. April 17: 11 a.m.-noon. April 24: 6-7 p.m. St. Vincent’s One Nineteen. Learn about the body’s detoxification system and common toxins and their health risks, as well as dietary strategies to support liver detoxification. Free. Call 408-6550 to register. April 21: Weight Watchers at One Nineteen. Noon-12:30 p.m., weigh-in starts at 11:30 a.m. Conference room at St. Vincent’s One Nineteen. Fees are prorated for members who join at any time. A new 12-week program will begin April 21. Call 408-6551. April 22: Breakfast with the Doc – Is Pain Getting On Your Nerves? 8-9 a.m. St. Vincent’s One Nineteen. Dr. Carter Morris, a neurologist from Birmingham Neurosurgery and Spine Group, will review spine-related nerve issues, carpal tunnel syndrome, ulnar neuropathy and peripheral neuropathy. Free. Call 408-6550 to register. April 22: Medicare Educational Meeting.

10 a.m.-noon. St. Vincent’s One Nineteen. A representative from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama will discuss Medicare plan options for seniors. Free. Call (888) 346-1946 to register. April 24: Blood Cholesterol and Glucose Monitoring. 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. St. Vincent’s One Nineteen. Screenings will be held by appointment, with results in five minutes. The first screening is free for members, but repeat visits and non-member screenings are $20. Call 408-6550 to register. April 24: Living Healthy – Detox: A Guide Toward a Healthy Liver. April 17: 11 a.m.-noon. April 24: 6-7 p.m. St. Vincent’s One Nineteen. Learn about the body’s detoxification system and common toxins and their health risks, as well as dietary strategies to support liver detoxification. Free. Call 408-6550 to register. April 24: Fresh Start to Springtime Cooking. 10:30 a.m.-noon. St. Vincent’s One Nineteen. Learn to create new springtime recipes. The class has a minimum of five participants and a maximum of 10. $25 per class, which includes lunch. Call 408-6550 to register. April 25: Comprehensive Diabetes Education. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. St. Vincent’s One Nineteen. This seminar is intended for individuals with or at risk of diabetes. A physician’s referral is required to attend, and pre-assessments will be given prior to the class date. Call 939-7248 to register. April 26: Safe Sitters. 10 a.m.-noon. St. Vincent’s One Nineteen. This class is intended for children 11 years or older who care for younger siblings at home. The class will teach safe meal preparation, basic first aid, safety precautions, handling emergency situations and engaging in age-appropriate activities. Participants will receive a Certificate of Participation. $25 per person. Call 9397878 to register. April 26: Special Needs Planning for Your Special Child. 1:30-2:30 p.m. St. Vincent’s One Nineteen. Financial advisors Heidi and

Arthur Strauss will present this seminar focused on financial security for families with special needs children. They will discuss customized financial plans, including Special Needs Trusts, Irrevocable Trusts and Personalized Investment Accounts. Free. Call 9679595 to register. April 28: Weight Watchers at One Nineteen. Noon-12:30 p.m., weigh-in starts at 11:30 a.m. Conference room at St. Vincent’s One Nineteen. Fees are prorated for members who join at any time. A new 12-week program will begin April 21. Call 408-6551.

Greater Shelby Chamber of Commerce April 3: Go & Grow Seminar – What’s Your Strategy with Social Media? 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce, 1301 County Services Dr. $10 – members, $20 – future members. Registration required by March 31. Call 663-4542. April 8: Existing Business and Industry Work Group. 8:30-9:30 a.m. Barge, Waggoner, Sumner & Cannon, Inc., 3535 Grandview Parkway, Suite 500. Call 663-4542. April 15: Board of Directors’ Meeting. 8:15-9:30 a.m. Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce, 1301 County Services Dr. Call 663-4542. April 30: Monthly Luncheon — 2013-2014 Student & Educator of the Year. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Pelham Civic Complex, 500 Amphitheater Rd. Hosted by the Education Work Group and sponsored by America’s First Federal Credit Union. $20 – members, $30 – future members. Register by April 28. Call 663-4542.

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Community Calendar Library Events North Shelby Library Register for programs online at northshelbylibrary.org/ children.html. The libraries are also collecting bottle tops for a recycled bottle top mural to be located in the children’s department. Adult Happenings

of the most common IRA mistakes and how to avoid them.” RSVP to aaron@ bridgeworthfinancial.com by April 18. Dinner will be served.

Story Time Programming For more or to register, call the Children’s Department at 439-5504, email northshelbyyouth@gmail.com or visit northshelbylibrary.org.

April 8: Health Screenings. Life Line Screening will offer five scans for potential health problems related to stroke, heart disease and osteoporosis. Wellness Packages include four vascular tests and osteoporosis screening from $149 ($139 with our member discount). Screenings take 60-90 minutes to complete. Register to receive a $10 discount. Call (888) 653-6441 or visit lifelinescreening.com/communitypartners.

April 1: Baby Tales. 9:30 a.m. A story time designed especially for babies and their caregivers. Ages: Birth to 18 months. Registration required. Registration begins one week prior to program date.

April 12: Friends of North Shelby Library Indoor Yard Sale and Book Sale. 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Benefits the library’s summer reading program. Items may be dropped off during library hours until April 11 at 4 p.m. Call 439-5540 or email nsref@ shelbycounty-al.org.

April 3: PJ Story Time. Come in your PJs, have milk and cookies and hear some wonderful bedtime tales. All ages. No registration required.

April 22: Retirement Planning Series: Numbers and Sense. 6:30 p.m. Jeris Burns Gaston of Bridgeworth Financial helps patrons plan for retirement with a seminar titled “The Retirement Minefield: An overview

April 2: Mr. Mac (Storyteller Extraordinaire!). 10:45 a.m. Stories, puppets and lots of music for every member of the family. All ages. No registration.

April 7: Toddler Tales. 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. Stories, songs, fingerplays and crafts make up a lively 30-minute program designed especially for short attention spans. Registration will begin one week prior to each story time. Ages 19-36 months. Registration required. April 9: Mr. Mac (Storyteller Extraordinaire!). 10:45 a.m.

Stories, puppets and lots of music for every member of the family. All ages. No registration. April 10: PJ Story Time. Come in your PJs, have milk and cookies and hear some wonderful bedtime tales. All ages. No registration required. April 14: Toddler Tales. 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. Stories, songs, fingerplays and crafts make up a lively 30-minute program designed especially for short attention spans. Registration will begin one week prior to each story time. Ages 19-36 months. Registration required.

April 23: Mr. Mac (Storyteller Extraordinaire!). 10:45 a.m. Stories, puppets and lots of music for every member of the family. All ages. No registration. April 24: PJ Story Time. Milk and cookies and wonderful bedtime tales. All ages. No registration required. April 28: Cuentos para Niños. 10:30 a.m. A special toddler tales presented in English and Spanish. Registration will begin one week prior to each story time. Ages 19-36 months. Registration required. April 30: Mr. Mac (Storyteller Extraordinaire!). 10:45 a.m. Stories, puppets and lots of music for every member of the family. All ages. No registration.

April 15: Baby Tales. 9:30 a.m. A story time designed especially for babies and their caregivers. Ages: Birth to 18 months. Registration required. Registration begins one week prior to program date.

Children’s Programming

April 16: Mr. Mac (Storyteller Extraordinaire!). 10:45 a.m. Stories, puppets, and lots of music for every member of the family. All ages. No registration.

April 4: Easter Crafts. 4 p.m. Welcome the Easter bunny with a magnetic craft that’s fun and easy to make. Registration required. All ages welcome.

April 17: PJ Story Time. Come in your PJs, have milk and cookies and hear some wonderful bedtime tales. All ages. No registration required.

April 12: LEGO Club. 10-11:30 a.m. The library provides the blocks, the kids provide the imagination and creativity. Creations will then go on display in the Children’s Department. All ages welcome. No registration is required.

April 21: Toddler Tales. 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. Stories, songs, fingerplays and crafts make up a lively 30-minute program designed especially for short attention spans. Registration will begin one week prior to each story time. Ages 19-36 months. Registration required.

April 16: Homeschool Hangout: Roots Music 101. 1 p.m. Bruce Andrews, executive director of the Shelby County Arts Council, teaches how to play harmonica. Ages

7-13. Registration required and includes a $1 fee per child, due at sign up. Limited to 45 children. April 19: Easter Egg Hunt. 10:30 a.m. Children 4 and up will hunt eggs in the Children’s Department beginning at 10:30. Babies up to 3 year olds will hunt eggs in the Meeting Room beginning at 11:00. Includes refreshments, prizes and a visit from a furry guest. No registration required.

Teen Happenings Contact Kate at 439-5512 or nsyouth@shelbycounty-al.org for more information. April 4: Gaming. 3:30-5:45 p.m. Open gaming on the Nintendo Wii and with board and card games. April 10: Anime Night. 6 p.m. The audience will pick what we watch. Treats will be served and costumes are welcome! April 11: Gaming. 3:30-5:45 p.m. Open gaming on the Nintendo Wii and with board and card games. April 17: Young Adult Writing Group. 4:30 p.m. Open to teen authors who want to build their writing skills and respectfully discuss and provide feedback on each other’s work. Snacks served. April 18: Gaming. 3:30-5:45 p.m. Open gaming on the Nintendo Wii and with board and card games.

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Community Calendar Greater Birmingham Area Events Mt Laurel Public Library Call 991-1660 or email mtlaurellibrary@gmail.com for more or to register. Register online using the calendar on mtlaurellibrary.org. April 2: Toddler Tales. 10 a.m. Stories, songs, fingerplays and crafts make up a lively 30-minute program designed especially for short attention spans. Registration will begin one week prior to each story time. Ages 36 months and younger. Registration required. April 2: Story time with Ms Kristy. 11 a.m. Stories, music and more for every member of the family. All ages. No registration required. April 12: Crafty Saturday. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Drop in to make a craft at the library during the Spring Festival. All ages with parent help. Registration is not required but supplies are limited. April 12: Friends of the Mt Laurel Library’s Used Book Sale. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Look for great books at great prices at the Friends of the Library book sale during the Mt Laurel Spring Festival. Email the Friends of the Mt Laurel Library at mtlaurellibraryfriends@gmail.com. April 16: Toddler Tales. 10 a.m. Stories, songs, fingerplays and crafts make up a lively 30-minute program designed especially for short attention spans. Registration will begin one week prior to each story time. Ages 36 months and younger. Registration Required. April 16: Story time with Ms Kristy. 11 a.m. Stories, music and more for every member of the family. All ages. No registration required.

Feb. 22-May 18: Delacroix and the Matter of Finish. Birmingham Museum of Art. The first Eugéne Delacroix (1798-1863) exhibition in the United States in more than a decade features the work of the leader of the French Romantic Movement, who was often heralded as the “father of impressionism.” Call 254-2565 or visit artsbma.org. April 1: An Evening With C.S Lewis. 7:30 p.m. Wright Center, Samford University. Set in the year 1963, Lewis, the now-famous British author, hosts a group of American writers at his home just outside of Oxford. $20-30. Visit samford. edu/wrightcenter. April 1-May 2: Assistance League Lobster Sale Ordering Period. Assistance League of Birmingham is selling freshly steamed Maine lobsters to benefit its philanthropic programs. Drive-through pickup will be Friday, May 9 from 3-6 p.m. at Assistance League of Birmingham, 1755 Oxmoor Road. Call 960-1040 to place your order. April 5: Walk MS. 7:30 a.m. registration, 9:30 a.m. walk. Homewood Central Park. 1-, 2- or 3-mile walk; entertainment; wellness fair. Visit nationalmssociety.org or active.com. April 5: Spring Art Festival. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Crestline Elementary Field. The annual Mountain Brook Art Association event features the work of around 70 artists plus music, food and more. Rain date is April 6 from noon-5 p.m. Visit mountainbrookartassociation.com. April 5: Kidney Foundation Birmingham Walk-a-Thon. 8:30 a.m. registration, 9:30 a.m. walk. Homewood High School’s Waldrop Stadium. Visit alkidney.org. April 11-13: Birmingham Botanical Gardens Spring Plant Sale. Friday 9 a.m.7 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Century Plaza, 7580 Crestwood Blvd. More than 100,000 plants will be available for purchase, including this year’s gold-themed signature plants.

Visit bbgardens.org/springplantsale. April 11-13: Alabama Ballet Presents Ovation. Dorothy Jemison Day Theatre, Alabama School of Fine Arts campus. Featuring Agnes de Mille’s Rodeo, a precursor to the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical Oklahoma!, and the Kingdom of the Shades scene from La Bayadére. $25-45. Call 975-2787 or visit alabamaballet.org for tickets. April 12: Reading, Writing & Rhythms. 12-8 p.m. Avondale Brewing Company. Event features local musicians and benefits Better Basics’ advancement of literacy through enrichment and intervention programs. $15. Visit betterbasics.org. April 12: Cajun Cook-off for Girls Inc. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Linn Park. Benefits Girls, Inc. of Central Alabama’s work with youth in the area. Tickets include food samples from participating teams, entertainment from the Swamp Poppas, kids activities and nonalcoholic drinks. $20 adults, $5 children age 10 and younger. Visit bhamcajuncookoff.com. April 17: David Dorfman Dance. 8 p.m. Wright Center, Samford University. The New York dance company will perform Prophets of Funk, an evening that celebrates Sly and the Family Stone’s music and the struggles and celebrations of everyday people. $15-25. Visit samford.edu/ wrightcenter. April 19: Brookwood Celebrates. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Colonial Brookwood Village. Part of Birmingham Reads, an event that supports Better Basics’ literacy programs for at-risk students. Bring new or gently used books to donate. There will be music and entertainment. Visit birminghamreads.com. April 21-26: Birmingham Fashion Week. Pepper Place, 2829 2nd Avenue South. Visit bhamfashionweek.com. April 25-26: Tannehill Rodeo. 6 p.m. gates, 7:30 p.m. rodeo. Trails at Tannehill, 11975

Eastern Valley Road, McCalla 35111. $10 adults, $8 children, free for ages 5 and younger. Visit tannehillrodeo.com. April 26: Food Truck Round Up. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Macy’s parking lot, Colonial Brookwood Village. Food trucks and kids’ activities. Benefits PreSchool Partners, a nonprofit program working to prepare at-risk preschool children and their parents for kindergarten in Birmingham City Schools. $20 in advance, $25 on-site. Visit preschool-partners. org or email Allene Neighbors at allene.neighbors@ gmail.com. April 26: The Episcopal Place Gumbo Gala. 11 a.m. -2 p.m. Sloss Furnaces. Forty gumbo cook teams will cook and serve gumbo. Live music by Rollin’ in the Hay, children’s activities and vendors selling theme-related Alabama products. $12 in advance, $15 at the gate, free for children 12 and younger. Visit gumbogala.com. April 26: Birmingham Dragon Boat Festival. Oak Mountain State Park. Dragon boat racing involves 20 team members paddling in unison to a drummer’s beat in a long, narrow boat decorated at the bow and stern with a dragon’s head and tail. Benefits Ronald McDonald House Charities of Alabama. Visit birminghamdragonboat. com or call (813) 426-3544. April 26: Earth Day at The Gardens. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Birmingham Botanical Gardens. The Gardens is partnering with Community Garden Coalition for Birmingham to focus on the growing local interest in community gardening. Visit bbgardens.org. April 26-27: Bargain Carousel. Saturday 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday 1-5 p.m. Former JCPenney, Century Plaza Mall, 7580 Crestwood Boulevard. Giant garage sale benefits community projects with the Junior League of Birmingham’s partner agencies. Call 879-9861 or visit bargaincarousel.net.

A52 â&#x20AC;˘ April 2014

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