280 Living January 2010

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280 Living

www.280living.com

Volume 3, Issue 5

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January 2010

neighborly news & entertainment

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January Features

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Runner with a cause

In addition Brenda has written a book called Getting Better, Not Bitter: A Spiritual Prescription for Breast Cancer that goes beyond the medical jargon and takes on more of a “big-sister-stand-by-yourside” approach that she feels a lot of cancer patients need.

“I wanted to do everything I could to help fight the disease, by raising money, focusing on staying healthy and early diagnosis.”

The race is hosted by the American Cancer Society’s Junior Executive Board and is presented by ABC 33/40 and St. Vincent’s One Nineteen.

It raises funds for cancer research and patient support groups. “We are getting closer and closer to a cure everyday. I have been in the research lab at UAB, and it is phenomenal. Everyday I hear of more and more cancer miracles all around us,” says Brenda.

Currently there is a debate brewing over the best protocol for women’s health care. Brenda’s opinion, based on her invaluable personal experience, might be worth listening to. “My advice is take time for your own health, so you can be here to take care of the ones you love. Early detection is the best defense against cancer.

Keep those regular doctor appointments, and get checked. Get your mammograms and do a self breast exam. Any time you feel something has changed, or you feel more tired, see the doctor. Listen to your body.”

Besides being a local news anchor for ABC, published author and breast cancer awareness spokesperson, Brenda is also married to Doug Bell, the mother of three boys, actively involved in their school, a Sunday school teacher at Hunter Street Baptist Church, and trains for marathons.

She has won numerous awards See Ladun | pg 10

• Pet of the month

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• Facebook fan giveaway

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• National Pie Day

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“Cancer is like a marathon. You have to keep putting one foot in front of the other and stay in there each day and persevere.”

• Ashley Neese

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Brenda Ladun

• Chamber of Commerce

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• School News

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Restaurant Showcase | pg 6

• Women of 280

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• Irma Palmer

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• Young at Heart

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• Edd Spencer

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• Paul Johnson

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• Rick Watson

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• Live Music

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• Calendar of Events

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Follow Us On

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WIN PRIZES

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by Patti Henderson and Dan Starnes “For cancer survivors, birthdays are particularly special,” says Brenda Ladun.

At the end of this month Brenda will celebrate another happy birthday. January 30th will also mark the sixth time that she and close to 1,000 other runners will gather in a race against cancer. “Before cancer, running was drudgery. After cancer, it became a gift,” says Brenda. It became a way for her to clear her mind and body.

Brenda publicly fought two bouts of breast cancer - the first time in 2001 and then again in 2007. We watched as she bravely and stoically sat at her ABC 33/40 anchor desk reporting to us the nightly news all the while enduring chemotherapy. “My faith, my family and my friends helped me

through the battle. I had to lean on God and listen to his word to get through it. I found new strength,” says Brenda.

Brenda’s treatment consisted of major surgery, then chemotherapy.

During her treatments Brenda said, “I could look ahead and see others who were just one step ahead of me.” This inspired her to keep going. In turn, Brenda inspired many people across the state to keep fighting their own battle.

Within a year of her surgery, Brenda ran in a marathon. To date, she has completed five marathons and five halfmarathons.

With the support and encouragement of her bosses, Brenda zeroed in on a cause where they all knew she could have a profound impact. “I have wonderful bosses who encouraged me to do this. Thanks Mike Murphy and Garry Kelley!”

In 2004 she founded the Brenda Ladun 8k Conquer Cancer Run. Now in its sixth year, the race has raised close to $200,000 for the American Cancer Society.

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January 2010

www.280living.com

January 2010

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Welcome Friends

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January 2010

Just to set the record straight…

by Patti Henderson It’s good to get feedback from our readers – good or bad. At least I know we’re evoking some sort of emotion. We can’t get anything by you now!

As a parent of an athlete – even young, beginner athletes who play in some of these “new-age” leagues that refuse to keep score – we keep score. If you’re a competitor at heart, you just can’t help it.

Well, it has been brought to my attention that the story we ran last month about the 80# Oak Mountain Blue Youth Football Team being the first team to win the JSYFL championship is indeed an accurate article – but only to a degree.

A father of the Oak Mountain Blue 75# team from 1999 and the Oak Mountain Blue 85# team from 2000 shared with me that his son’s team won championships

Editor’s Note

1/31/10

1/31/10

Facebook Fan Giveaway Congratulations to the winners of the December Facebook fan giveaway:

Angela D Jones $50 to Body Works

Remember only Fans of our Facebook page are eligible for the monthly giveaway. The winners for this month will be chosen Jan 18th.

Fulton H Stokes $50 to Mudtown

This month’s winners will recieve, $50 to Birmingham Bake & Cook CO.

Thanks for reading and being fans of 280 Living.

Artists Stray Together The Stray Art Salon Fine Art Gallery had a successful and happy opening on December 10. The Gallery is located at the Village at Lee Branch., 701 Doug Baker Boulevard, Suite 111, Birmingham, AL 35242.

The Stray Art Salon is a group of artists from the Birmingham area who have come together to work as a team to display and market our creative works.

The Stray Art Salon Fine art Gallery is located between the Melting Pot and Rave theaters. Hours are 11am-6pm M-F, 11am -7pm Sat and Sun.

Alabama Allergy & Asthma Center Baker Lamps & Linens Beholden Counseling Bellinis Beyond Wellness Birmingham Bake & Cook Co. Birmingham Medical Alliance Chic Boutique Chiropractic Today Comfort Keepers

Happy New Year! Hope your holidays were relaxing and joyful. Hopefully, the break gave you a chance to get your feet back under you as we charge ahead into 2010!

This issue marks our 2nd Annual “Women of 280” special section. In it we honor these bold women – the “movers and shakers” of Highway 280. Brave enough to open a business and set up shop in our neighborhood. Please show them your support!

We also want to thank Brenda Ladun for taking the time to sit down with us to share her cancer story and help us promote her 8K Conquer Cancer Run. Unfortunately, it seems we are all touched

back to back in the OMYF&C (Oak Mountain Youth Football & Cheerleading) league. He added, “This would be your senior class at Oak Mountain High School now.” Team members who started with the 75# team in 1999, stuck with the game, and just completed their 10th year of football include: Jonathan Bush, Caleb Dodd, Bradley Kirkpatrick, Jacob May, and Whit Whitfield.

After asking for further explanation, he referred me to the OMYF&C website and here is how it is explained: “This (our current 80# Blue Team) marks the first championship for Oak Mountain since the JSYFL was formed. Oak Mountain had previously won championships in the leagues that preceded the JSYFL.” So there. The record has been set straight. We don’t want to slight our youngest 80# team, or our “senior” 80# team – all are victors in our mind, and all deserve some serious accolades! Now go soar Eagles – all of you!

by cancer somehow, someway. Help us help her raise funds toward research to beat this dreaded disease!

We are so excited to finally announce our brand new website! www.280Living. com! We are pleased to offer you further access to the stories and photos that make our community so special. Take a moment to visit the site and share your comments.

And don’t forget our facebook account! It enables you to enter monthly contests as well!

As always, we welcome your input – your stories, your events, nominations for Athlete of the Month or Bright Spot... this is your paper!

Stay involved!

Pet of the Month

Meet Lucy!!!

She is a 10 year old mini poodle

who has lost her home. She is up to date on shots and is heartworm negative. She is also spayed. This sweet girl needs a loving home to live out her life. If you can open your heart and home to Lucy, contact kknecht@bham.rr.com or aarescue.org for more information.

280 Living Staff & Friends

Contact Information: 280 Living P.O. Box 530341 Birmingham, AL 35253 (205)-370-0732 dan@280living.com

Contributing Writers

Irma Palmer | Malanie T. Lyons | Ashley Neese Pam Holton | Fred Kapp |Paul Johnson | Linda Noel Pastor Edd Spencer | Brent Watson |Rick Watson

Contributing Photographers

Editor

Theresa Newton, Oak Mountain | Cari Dean, Chelsea

Patti Henderson

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 communities along Highway 280 of area school, faith, 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. Inaccuracies or errors should be brought to the attention of the publisher at (205) 370-0732 or by email. Submission instructions:

Creative Director Keith McCoy

Published by Starnes Publishing LLC

Sales and Distribution Dan Starnes Angela Morris

Please submit all articles, information and photos to: (L-R) Deb Paradise, Arthur Umlauf, Nancy Burleson, Hank Siegel, Beverly Owens, Don Estes, Warren Mullins, Laura Brookhart, John Shadrick

dan@280living.com P.O. Box 530341 Birmingham, AL 35253

Please Support Our Sponsors Diana’s Salon Europa Salon Exclusively Ballet Gates of Pearl Greystone Park Greystone Smile Design Highland Package Store Huckabay’s Johnny Ray’s

Kenneth Clayton Salon Lasso The Moon Interiors Longworth Fine Furniture Miss Rosemarie’s Special Teas Mudtown Eat and Drink Narrows Family Eye Care Paper Dolls ReDesign Furniture Consignment Renaissance Consignment

Contributing Graphic Designers Jenifer McCormick Codie Hoyle

Rosegate Design Inc. Seniors Helping seniors Snap Fitness Somerby Stephens Pharmacy The Haven Salon The Highlands School Trinity Medical Center Tutoring Club Varsity Sports

www.280living.com

January 2010

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Foods & Flavors

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January 2010

Johnny Ray’s

by Birmingham staff writer Bake and Cook Restaurant Showcase The Colonnade Company and Emile Henry USA 3431 Colonnade Pkwy 968-8005 announce National Living on the 280 corridor, we are lucky to have a plethora of great restaurants.

Pie Contest When going through a mental checklist of

Emile Henry and Birmingham Bake and Cook Company announce a National Pie Contest in honor of National Pie Day on January 23, 2010. The contest, called “How Pretty Is Your Pie” runs through January 15, 2010. Winners will be announced on the www.emilehenryusa.com and the www.piecouncil.org websites on National Pie Day. So, bakers should heat up their ovens and bake a pretty pie! For more information or to buy a pie dish visit Birmingham Bake and Cook Company at 5291 Valleydale Road, ½ mile off of Hwy 280 in the Inverness Village on Valleydale Shopping Center.

To participate in the Emile Henry Pie Contest, bakers need to submit a pie recipe and a photo of their pie baked in an Emile Henry pie dish. Photos and recipes should be uploaded onto the www.emilehenryusa. com website. Entries can also be mailed to Emile Henry or submitted to Birmingham Bake and Cook Company. It’s that simple!

Contact Susan Green at Birmingham Bake and Cook Company (205-980-3661) for instructions and judging criteria or visit www.emilehenryusa.com. The top winner will receive a $500 Baking Essentials Set and a free trip to the 16th Annual APC/ Crisco® National Pie Championships in Championsgate, FL on April 23 - 25. Four runners up will receive a $50 Baking Set. Visit www. emilehenryusa.com and visit www. piecouncil.org for contest details. Emile Henry USA Pie dishes can be purchased at Birmingham Bake and Cook Company.

where to go for lunch or dinner, it is easy to forget about the tried and true—the restaurants that have served us well for years. Johnny Ray’s at the Colonnade is an example of one of these great restaurants.

Johnny Ray’s originated in Birmingham in the 1950’s and had its original location in Roebuck. Over the years, the family opened satellite locations around the city.

The family blessed the 280 corridor with a location at the Colonnade in 1990. After the family sold the location, there was a brief closing, but the doors to the Colonnade re-opened in April 2009 under new owner Shaunte Creel.

Often when we hear the words “new ownership” with respect to old-standing favorites, we are a bit weary of the results.

Well, I am here to announce that the barbeque at the Colonnade is as great as you ever remember. As I dined, I found that the “new” owner is not “new” at all. Shaunte has been part of the Johnny Ray’s extended family for years; she began waiting tables at Johnny Ray’s over 20 years ago. It’s easy to tell that she learned a few things because my mouth is still watering for the baked beans with the shreds of barbeque marinated within them.

During my visit, I had a pork barbeque sandwich, chopped inside with extra sauce, baked beans, coleslaw and coconut cream pie. My friend had the 5 rib plate with the same fixin’s on the side. The meal was nothing less than excellent. The sauce was rich with a hint of sweet; just the way I like it! The baked beans, as already discussed, had a special something about them. I am not sure if it was the shreds of barbeque or a special ingredient, but I think that they are the best around. The coleslaw was creamy, which I prefer to a vinegar based slaw any

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day of the week.

And the pie, oh the pie, I am not sure that I can even describe the pie in words. I guess the best description is that my friend and I practically had a fork fight as we rushed each other for the next bite. I think that we were each terrified that the other might get one more taste; a lack of trust kept our pace at light speed because the pie was out of this world. I suggested that we also get a piece of “Honey’s Award Winning Pie” to go, but we had consumed enough calories for the night… But, oh the pie, save room for the pie.

The menu stretches far beyond ribs and barbeque sandwiches. You could also enjoy a barbeque potato. This is not your everyday baked potato—this potato includes, butter, sour cream, cheese, bacon and the patron’s choice of barbeque pork, beef, or chicken, and the whole thing is topped off with Johnny Ray’s barbeque sauce. In addition, the menu has many barbeque pork and barbeque chicken combination, as well as good, old-fashioned burgers.

As far as the ambiance and the tone— it’s a barbeque restaurant. Get your hands dirty and enjoy yourself. And on your way out, don’t forget to grab a jar of their special barbeque sauce. I know that I won’t be able to produce the same tenderness in my ribs at home, but at least I will have a sauce that will put to shame anything that I could possibly make.

www.280living.com

January 2010

Forewarned is Forearmed Legal due diligence in M&A transactions

by Ashley Neese, Esq.

Ashley Neese

Due diligence should play a vital role in any merger or acquisition. Not only do buyers need to engage in financial due diligence, but they also need to engage in legal due diligence that considers the target company’s contracts, litigation and potential liabilities, and property, including intellectual property.

Contracts

A large chunk of the legal duediligence process should be devoted to reviewing the target company’s existing contracts. They will likely encompass a wide range of subject matter, including leases, employment agreements and contracts to provide services. For example, the buyer’s attorney may begin by examining the target company’s labor and supply contracts with third parties. Will the buyer want to continue the contracts after the merger? If so, do the contract terms permit an uninterrupted continuance?

Other contracts related to the company’s operations also warrant attention. These contracts are particularly significant when the merger turns on the proposition that the buyer can improve the company’s productivity and profitability.

The attorney will determine which, if any, contracts will require a third party’s consent and assignability. These provisions can heavily affect the transaction’s timing and purchase price. Without consent, closing the deal and then continuing daily operations may be difficult, if not impossible.

The attorney will also want to look for transaction-triggered contractual obligations such as anti-assignment, re-pricing and retention, or severance provisions. Non-compete agreements that current employees entered into with former employers could affect the transaction too; losing key employees who are barred from working for the buyer might undermine the purchase’s value.

Additional relevant contracts include those related to benefit plans, employment and confidentiality.

Litigation

Before closing, the buyer’s attorney should also review all pending or threatened litigation involving the target company. Will the buyer expose itself to liability arising from conduct that occurred before the merger? The attorney will want to consider all of the pleadings from any threatened and pending litigation, including any involving affiliates or subsidiaries.

Equally important is compliance with governmental licensure issues and regulatory investigations or notifications.

Tax counsel is also necessary to properly structure the transaction.

Property

The buyer’s attorney will need to request a comprehensive list of the target company’s real estate holdings. Title research should confirm that ownership of all real estate holdings can pass free and clear to the buyer after merger.

Intellectual property can prove even more important to a company’s value than its real property. In fact, the value of intellectual property may well drive negotiations over the purchase price. Due diligence involving intellectual property requires a complete listing of the target

company’s patents, trademarks, trade names, trade secrets and copyrights. The buyer’s attorney will also review any intellectual property-related agreements with employees, independent contractors, suppliers, vendors, partners or others.

Information technology

A merger can run into trouble if the companies’ hardware and software systems aren’t compatible. In this case, buying new systems and technology may substantially add to the overall cost of the purchase. So, the buyer must investigate the details of the target’s computer systems — including lease provisions and software contracts.

Do the contracts lock the company into a specific operating system and updates?

These obligations could reduce some of the transaction’s expected efficiencies.

Premerger scrutiny

The legal due diligence process’ scope, duration, and cost will depend on several factors, including the target company’s size and industry. However, regardless of how much time, money, and headache are involved, some level of legal due diligence before a merger or acquisition is a must.

Ashley Neese is an attorney at Feld, Hyde, Wertheimer, Bryant and Stone P.C. Ashley’s practice is concentrated on the representation of closely-held business and their owners, assisting entrepreneurial and family companies with their business litigation and transactional needs. For questions or comments on business litigation, you may contact him at: aneese@feldhyde.com. To learn more about Feld Hyde, visit its website at www.feldhyde.com.

The information contained herein should not be construed as legal advice or a legal opinion with respect to any specific facts of circumstances and is not to be used as a substitute for the advice of counsel.

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Shop Talk

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Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce JANUARY 2010 Calendar of Events

Thursday, January 21st – SpeedNetworking for Professionals – Chamber office – 8:30am – contact april@shelbychamber. org for information (no charge to attend).

Register online at www.shelbychamber. org.

Wednesday, January 27th – Annual Meeting and Gubernatorial Candidates – 11am to 1pm – Pelham Civic Complex – contact info@shelbychamber.org for information ($17 for Greater Shelby County Chamber members / $20 for non-members). Register online at www.shelbychamber.org.

For information about Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce events, go online to www.shelbychamber.org or call 663-4542.

Ann Boyd named Who’s Who Ann Marie Boyd, Director of External Affairs at Yeager & Boyd, LLC, has been named to the Biltmore 2009 Honors of Who’s Who Among Executives and Professional Women. Mrs. Boyd has also served on the 2009 Ambassador’s Leadership Committee of The Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce.

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School House

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January 2010

Oak Mountain 4th Grade Cheerleaders Win 1st Place The Oak Mountain 4th Grade Cheerleading League took 1st place for the third straight year in the UCA State Cheerleading Competition that was held on Sunday, November 15, 2009, at Vestavia High School.

Front Row - L to R: Hope Morton, Kelsey Schwender, Hailey Whitaker, Christine David, Bianca Caton, Whitney Aligood Back Row – L to R: Cara Pflaum, Bryson Campbell, Isabella Hollis, Megan Scharbert, Samantha Jane Whitt, Sarah Hamaker Coaches: Tracy Pflaum and Deanna Hollis

Shelby Teachers Honored Pictured on the front row (l-r) are Cheryl Bramlett, Inverness Elementary School; Kelly Hill, Inverness Elementary School; Jennifer Kiser, Linda Nolen Learning Center; and Linda Sears, Oak Mountain Intermediate.

Pictured on the back row (l-r) are: Lacey Hughes, Inverness Elementary School; Laurie Watson, Meadow View Elementary; DeEtte Currie, Special Services Center; Denise Davis, Special Services Center; and Superintendent Randy Fuller.

Jack Kent Cooke Scholar A Chelsea Middle School student, Marwa Elgazzar, has been selected as a Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Young Scholar. The Young Scholar’s Program is a collaboration between the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation and the Duke University Talent Identification Program. Ms. Elgazzar, an eighth grader at Chelsea Middle, is one of

a very small number across the nation to make it through the incredibly rigorous selection process and one of only two from the state of Alabama. Ms. Elgazzar will pursue an individualized course of study to support her interest in medical research as part of a cohort of 50 students from around the nation.

Shelby County Middle School Teacher of the Year

by Pam Holton Congratulations are in order for Lisa McEwen, sixth grade Special Education teacher, who was selected by her peers as Oak Mountain Middle School Teacher of the Year. She has since been named Shelby County Middle School Teacher of the Year. Ms. McEwen was first inspired to work with children through her volunteer work at the Shriners Burn Institute. She believes in the whole child approach to educating students which includes the intellectual, emotional, physical and social needs of the child. She also is a proponent of inclusive classrooms for special needs students. “The rewards I find in teaching are priceless examples of helping to make a positive impact in a child’s life,” she wrote in her application essay. She has been at Oak Mountain Middle School for the past eleven years.

Shelby County Middle School Teacher of the Year Lisa McEwen with Superintendent Randy Fuller Ms. McEwen was honored at the Shelby County Teacher of the Year reception held November 30 at Oak Mountain High School. The Greater Shelby County Education Foundation sponsored the reception.

Westminster students donate to Locks of Love

Nine fourth graders from the Westminster School at Oak Mountain put their faith into action by donating their hair to Locks of Love, a charity organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children suffering from long-term medical hair loss.

Spurred on by their friend Gracie Eddins, who shared the idea at a monthly Bible study with her classmates last year, eight other girls decided to grow out their hair for the purpose of donating it.

Anna Rebekah Richburg, Hannah Simpson, Tori Vandermeulen, Annie Doggett, Lucy Ankenbrandt, Keller Lovvorn, Grace Cortez, and Mary Claire

Gurley joined Gracie at Cache Salon in Lee Branch for a haircut party. Each time the hairstylist, Angie Pruitt, put a girl’s hair in a ponytail and prepared to cut it, everyone gathered around and applauded as their friend’s hair was cut and placed into a plastic bag to send to Locks of Love.

Hannah Simpson remarked, “I remember last year when I saw a little girl my age take off a wig, and she didn’t have any hair. It made me think how special it would be for her to receive hair.” The 4th-grade girls’ Locks of Love party was a special time of celebrating friendship and the blessing of giving to others.

www.280living.com

Cub Scouts Give Back Cub Scouts Pack 71, Den 10 met just before Christmas at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church. This group of 8 cub scouts (along with a few moms and dads) handily assembled 12 brand new bikes to take to the Consolata Missionary Sisters of Greene County, Alabama. The bikes (6 girls and 6 boys) were then distributed to underprivileged boys and girls living in the county in time for Christmas. Greene County, according to Wikipedia.com, is the least populous county of all 67 Alabama counties, and 34.30% of the population lives below poverty level.

January 2010

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School House

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(L-R) are Nicholas Smith, Jason Choi, Christopher Knecht, Gavin Rigor, James Berryhill, C.J. Romano, Mark Henderson, and Sloan Wombwell along with their Den Leader Bob Wombwell standing behind them.

Shelby County Students Honored For Art Work Nick Fiveash and Emily Gillum from Oak Mountain Elementary School entered the 2009 Liz Moore Holiday Art Contest sponsored by the Liz Moore Low Vision Center at St. Vincent’s East. Each student received Awards of Excellence.

Nick Fiveash received additional honors by being selected for one of the 12 coveted spots for the next years St. Vincent’s Foundation Calendar.

The framed art was on display in the rotunda of St. Vincent’s East around a two-story tall Christmas tree. An awards ceremony was held on Monday December 7, where the students received a cash award and their framed picture. This was followed by a tree lighting and a

ight BrSp ot

party. Additionally, the student’s teachers received a cash award to be used during the year. Congressman Spencer Bacchus also presented each school with a flag that was flown over the capital.

Denise Sample, Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments at the Linda Nolen Learning Center, was the vision teacher that entered the show with Nick Fiveash and Emily Gillum’s art work.

Emily Gillum created a dimensional feather tree of purple and pink feather clusters on a background of sparkling snowflakes. Nick Fiveash created a dimensional moss wreath with shells and natural fibers for bow.

Bright Spot

Volunteer Needed: Head Coach: Youth Basketball Team

Job Requirement: Time, Energy and Patience

L

et’s be honest. To volunteer to be head coach of your child’s recreational team – whether it be football, baseball, basketball, softball, soccer – whatever! – is a HUGE commitment.

Often that responsibility falls on dad’s shoulders. Many fathers with heavy travel schedules are left feeling guilty because although they want to coach, they are unable to make that commitment.

That’s why when someone like Gray McMillan comes along, a lot of dads can breathe a sigh of relief!

Gray doesn’t have any children yet, yet he’s surrounded himself with a team full of them. Out of the goodness of his heart, Gray has volunteered to be the head coach of the 6th grade boys’ basketball team at Our Lady of the Valley Church league.

Gray is a regular guy, married, 24 years old, graduated from Auburn in Mechanical Engineering, in flight school studying to be a commercial pilot, has no connection to OLV, isn’t even Catholic, played high school ball, but not college...

In fact, there is no logical reason why Gray should be coaching this team, other than the fact that he is one bright spot for our community.

The team needed a coach, Gray was asked “through a friend of a friend,” and he simply responded, “Yes.” Now twice a week, he comes to the gym to give of his time and wisdom, and then again on Saturday to coach his team to victory.

Classic Italian Food Neighborhood Feel Excellent Price!

Birmingham’s newest Italian Steakhouse. Featuring classic Tuscan Italian dishes, organic black angus beef, veal and seafood

And he’s not just a warm body on the court, he is in their face, earnestly trying to teach them plays and motivate them to reach their potential.

“It’s just nice to see someone who’ll step up and want to work with the kids,” says John Hobbs, Athletic Director at Our Lady of the Valley.

Sometimes it’s time, sometimes it’s talent, sometimes it’s treasure. We don’t all have them all, but usually, we are blessed with at least one of these gifts.

And all we are asked to do in return is share. Gray has answered that call.

Just think, if our community was full of men like Gray, we’d be one brightly shining community! Thanks Gray!

Nominate someone for our Bright Spot Column!

We all know someone in our community who is making a difference in a positive way. No matter how grand or small the impact, we want to highlight them right here in our Bright Spot. Send your nomination to: mailbox@280Living.com.

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Lunch Served M-F 11am-2pm Bar opens at 4 pm daily

Monday - Thursday 4 to 9 Friday & Saturday 4 to 10

6801 CAHABA VALLEY ROAD, SUITE 106 BIRMINGHAM, AL 35242

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January 2010

Mind, Body

Ladun |

for her journalistic coverage of breast cover story cancer including the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation National Media Award, the American Cancer Society Life Inspiration Award, the American Cancer Society award for Best TV Coverage, and the Edward R. Murrow Award.

There are other ways to support the Conquer Cancer Run if you can’t actually run. For a donation, you can have someone’s name printed on the back of the t-shirt worn at the event. This is a good way to remember or honor a loved one or friend who has battled cancer.

The Brenda Ladun Conquer Cancer Run has nearly tripled in size in the last three years, causing volunteers to move the race to bigger locations. This year, the race’s route will begin at St. Vincent’s One Nineteen facility and wind throughout the Greystone community. For more

& Spirits!

Members of the American Cancer Society Junior Executive Board with Brenda. Pictured Left to Right: Patrick Eades, Kate Kelley, Brenda Ladun, Steven Johnson

information or to sponsor the event, contact Kate Kelley at the American Cancer Society at 205-930-8869.

The race is January 30th at 8:00 a.m. To register online, go to www.active.com, keyword: Brenda Ladun.

Greystone Ladies Club supports ChildrenÍ s Hospital The Greystone Ladies Club, under the guidance of Ann Layne and D.J. DeCastro, decorated an award winning Christmas tree for Children’s Hospital. The theme for this year’s tree was “Christmas Through The Eyes Of A Child” which featured large poinsettias and garland along with packages surrounding the bottom of the tree and props which included children trimming the tree and reading stories.

Each year for the past ten years, Ann Layne and D.J. DeCastro have designed the trees along with other volunteers from the Greystone Ladies Club. Local businesses sponsor the trees at various corporate levels and the GLC tree was chosen this year by a Golden Ornament sponsor, WayneNewell and Newton, LLP. This level of sponsorship represented a $3000 donation to Children’s Hospital. The trees are displayed through December 1st

and then moved to the sponsor’s place of business.

left to right are tree decorators: Standing: Molly Trueb, Brook Beckham, Claudia Mosco, Jeannie Johnson, Sue Nuby, Lousies Mango, and Patti Stahlhut Kneeling: Therese Haselden, Ann Layne, Pat Yost, and Renee Newfield

Every Wednesday evening, instructor Dalene Santamour-Dayhood (seen in the middle of photo in black) leads a class of ladies and gentlemen through a class of Power Yoga Flow at Inverness Country Club. Darlene is a nurse at Brookwood Hospital Emergency Room by day, and

by night she continues to soothe and heal “patients.” After this group improves their bodies and minds, they improve their spirits too by gathering in the club grill to share a meal and a glass of wine.

3rd Annual Run Away from Domestic Violence Run a Success!

The Hannah Home Shelby Auxiliary, in partnership with St. Vincent’s One Nineteen Health and Wellness recently hosted the 3rd annual Run Away from Domestic Violence Community Run. Guest MC, Roger Shultz, a former Alabama Tide player and finalist on The Biggest Loser, kicked off the run with some comedy and motivational In 1st photo: Jeremy Bullock, Roger Shultz, Amy Reese, stories from his time on the and Lew Burdette show before starting the runners. Over 200 runners participated in community that helped raise over $21,000, the Alabama RRCA 8K State Championship all of which goes to the Hannah Home Course through the beautiful community Shelby, a Christ-centered home serving the of Greystone Founders. Another 100 needs of homeless and/or abused women participants completed the 1 mile Fun and children. Race results and photos are Run/Walk. One Nineteen hosted many posted at www.runawayrace.com. Plans children’s activities as well as donating are to host the 4th annual run the same time prizes for the overall winners. Thanks goes next year - Saturday, October 23rd, so mark out to our numerous sponsors and a giving your calendars.

Welcome to our second annual Women of 280 Special Section.

It is dedicated to the businesswomen of 280 who are making our community vibrant, attractive, and highly visible. We appreciate their contribution, and applaud their efforts, enthusiasm, determination, hard-work, creativity, courage, brains and spirit of entreprenuership!

11

www.280living.com

ASHLEY DAWSON Paper Dolls

Paper Dolls is located in the Terrace at Greystone Shopping Center on Highway 280. After seven years in business, Ashley has earned industry respect and client loyalty. For Ashley, offering “unique” treasures is no cliche´. “For the past two years, I have really tried to research the marketplace and find products that are truly unique and exclusive.” For example, Paper Dolls carries two lines of jewelry exclusive in all of Alabama - Painted Posy (funky metals), and Christy Bourns (sterling silver). In addition, Paper Dolls offers an Italian pottery line called MiMiʼs which is exclusive in Birmingham. Ashley makes it a point to work closely with local artists, and she is confident youʼll find exactly what youʼre looking for. She is also proud of her current staff. “I finally have just the right mix of employees. They are competent and knowledgable, and customers notice that.” Paper Dolls offers free gift wrapping and “curb service.”

You can call ahead and they will have a gift wrapped, ready, and waiting for you.

5426 Highway 280, 205.408.4000, www.paperdollsbham.com

12

DENISE TAYLOR Tutoring Club

“We donʼt just put a bandage on it. We try to uncover the gaps and fix the problem,” says Denise Taylor, owner of the only Tutoring Club franchise in Alabama. Every week, Denise and her specialized staff tutor around 30 students ranging in age from five to college-age. Denise started her business when her own children were still school age. At the time, it gave her flexibility and filled a missing niche in the marketplace. Six years later, Denise is amazed how her business has grown and how she is still passionate about her work. Simply stated, she loves to help a struggling student get back on track.

“The most rewarding part is watching a student grow in self confidence. We put them in a safe environment and work with them closely to help them achieve their goals.”

So whether you or your child needs a boost in reading, math, language arts, algebra, chemistry or geometry, or help preparing for the SAT/ACT tests, thereʼs someone at Tutoring Club who is ready to assist you. To learn more visit www.TutoringClub.com.

5291 Valleydale Road, Suite 123 205.981.7155

13

www.280living.com

DABNEY HUCKABAY ANDREWS Huckabayʼs Fine Things

While she has only been in business for a little over two months, Dabney is alreaady making a huge impact in the embroidery market. Dabney says sheʼs got two embroidery machines in the back and theyʼre staying busy! Besides embroidery, Huckabayʼs Fine Things, named after Dabneyʼs son (and her maiden name), offers shoppers an excellent selection of unique gifts, monogramming, and a huge selection of in-stock, printable stationery as well! No more ordering and waiting for weeks! And what can they embroider? “Anything that doesnʼt move!” answers Dabney. So whether youʼve got a stack of team shirts, a handbag, a blanket or a towel - Dabney and her staff can personalize it with embroidery. In fact, she can transform a childʼs personal drawing into a template and embroider it right on a t-shirt. Or, she can take a pattern on a pair of pants and embroider a shirt to make it a matching set. The possibilities are endless!

Huckabay’s Fine Things

ROSEMARIE KRAMER

Miss Rosemarieʼs Special Teas “Tea clears the mind, lifts the heart and soothes the soul.” It says so right on the menu and who couldnʼt use a little of that? You have access to one of the top 100 tea rooms/restaurants in the nation. Miss Rosemarieʼs however, is much more than tea. In fact, itʼs home to some of the most flavorful lunch and tea fare menus in town! It truly is “Where European Elegance Embraces Southern Charm.”

Rosemarie Kramer founded the restaurant in 2005, and is now serving Breakfast/ Brunch on Sunday 9-2 and a five course wine-pairing dinner once a month. Come this spring, she will publish her 5th cookbook featuring recipes actually served at Miss Rosemarieʼs. The book will also include “her story!” Beginning in January, the menu will fluctuate throughout the year to offer the most in-season flavors.

5229 Valleydale Road, Suite 121 205.980.8335 • www.MrsTeas.com

5520 Highway 280 South, Suite 3

205.437.8470

New Hours: M-F, 11-3 • Tea/Scones only after 2pm

email: Huckabays@Hotmail.com

REBECCA OGRAN, PAM SCOTT, DIXIE LUKE ReDesign Furniture Consignment

REcreate. REarrange. REwork. REuse. REcycle. These are all words Pam Scott and her interior designers are very familiar with at ReDesign Furniture Consignment. Theyʼre the only words you need to know when it comes time to design, decorate or REdo your home. ReDesign has only been in business for 6 months, but it seems theyʼve found their niche in the community. Offering everything from trendy to traditional home furnishings and accessories, you just never know what inventory will be available next time you step foot in the store. Stop in often and have Rebecca or Dixie come to your home and take advantage of their new affordable interior design service called “Room ReDesign.“ On the flip side, ReDesign offers the community a great way to sell their gently used furniture. Simply visit their website at www.redesignbham.com and click on “Consign.”

It will walk you through the process from start to finish. Pick up and delivery is free!

5361 Hwy 280 #105 205.408.2601 (Bazaar 280 Shopping Center next to WalMart)

CONSTANCE LONGWORTH Longworth Fine Furniture

Constance loves a good challenge. Thatʼs why she went into business three years ago and put together one of the premier home furnishing stores on Highway 280. Sheʼs got a good business brain and an eye for interior design - two key ingredients to her success. Constance holds dealership rights in the city of Birmingham for Drexel Heritage, Lexington and Pulaski furniture, as well as Curvey & Co. Chandeliers. In addition, she offers a fine selection of area rugs, NDI Floral Arrangements, home accessories and gifts. Best of all - Constance will come to your home and help you put it all together...for FREE! Thatʼs right - free in-home design services. “Basically, anything for the home, you can find here. We are a sort of ʻone-stop-shop.ʼ” Longworth Fine Furniture is located in The Terrace at Greystone shopping center on Highway 280.

Longworth F i n e F u r n i t u re

5426 Highway 280, Suite 6 The Terrace @ Greystone 2 0 5 . 4 3 7. 9 8 8 7

14

KATHY MCMAHON • LINDA NOEL Renaissance Consignment Boutique

You know itʼs a success story when despite the sagging economy, this funky little consignment boutique needed to expand 2,000 sq. ft. to accomodate the demand. In fact, itʼs not so little any more. Now sporting 6,000 sq. ft., this shop has a wide selection of jeans, sweaters, jackets, purses, accessories, shoes, boots, blouses, dresses and an upstairs section dedicated to bridal and pageantry gowns. In fact, Renaissance now offers pageantry training! With over 12 years combined consignment experience, Renaissance Consignment has clearly established itself as the “Queen of Consignment” on Highway 280. The experienced staff stands ready to help you transform your wardrobe in a fun, affordable, and stylish way! Renaissance is located in the Cadence Place Shopping Center on Highway 119, just south of Highway 280 (across from the Post Office). If you canʼt make it in, you can always shop online at www.RenaissanceConsignment.com. Store hours are Monday - Saturday, 10-6, and on Thursday, 10-7.

6801 Cahaba Valley Road

205.980.4471

CHERI TATE-HOWELL Kenneth Clayton Salon

Cheri opened Kenneth Clayton Salon two years ago but brought with her thirteen years of styling experience and a Masters license in Cosmotology. Since opening, she has also hired two additional stylists who brought with them many years of experience as well. So you know you are in good hands when you walk through the doors of this relaxing, comfortable salon. Cheri and her staff are determined to give each and every client genuine, personalized service. If you are in need of a hair color update, youʼre in luck. Thatʼs their specialty! Cheri chose to use Schwarzkopf Professional hair color formulas and products simply because she feels they are the best.

“They last the longest and they are reasonably priced,” says Cheri. The studio is calming and inviting, and thereʼs always a refreshment ready and waiting for you.

Kenneth Clayton Salon 5520 Hwy 280 South, Ste 1 • 205.408.8744 • www.kennethclaytonsalon.com

15

www.280living.com

DR. JESSICA A. PALMER, O.D. Narrows Family Eye Care

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F

P

T

O Z

Can you read this? If not, perhaps you need to visit Dr. Jessica Palmer, founder of Narrows Family Eye Care. Dr. Palmer, graduate of UAB, can handle your routine eye exam, fit you with glasses or contact lenses, diagnose and treat a multitude of eye diseases/disorders, and can assist you with pre and post-operative eye care. Her office sells an extensive selection of eye glasses, contacts, accessories and sun glasses, and in many cases, lenses and frames can be put together right in her shop.

Narrows Family Eye Care can treat the entire family, and accepts most vision plans. Dr. Palmerʼs office is open Monday-Friday 8:30-5:30, and after work and weekends are available by request. You can also visit her website www.narrowsfec.com to schedule appointments or to order contacts.

narrows FAMILY EYE CARE

DAYNA GILMER, NANCY NORRIS, ABBY LEIB Rosegate Design, Inc.

Dayna, Nancy and Abby run one of the most comprehensive interior design and decorating stores on Highway 280. Together, they have over 20 years of experience in the industry. An on-site design center enables them to quickly and easily produce custom window treatments, bedding, pillows and upholstery to fit any style of home. And with approximately 1,000 samples and bolts of fabric to choose from, getting exactly the color, price and look you want is a cinch! All three women are friendly, creative, enthusiastic and available for comprehensive outside designing services. In addition, the store floor always showcases a special array of home accessories, fine furnishings, custom florals, and seasonal items. Now in business for over 13 years, no job is too big or too small for Rosegate Design, Inc.!

13521 Old Hwy 280, Suite 233, in The Narrows

205.980.4530

TAMMY HEINSS

Lasso the Moon Interiors, LLC

Tammy P. Heinss, member IDS, is a decorator and the owner of Lasso the Moon Interiors. After earning an A.A. in her home state of Mississippi, and a B.A. in Chicago, Tammy received a Certificate of Interior Design from Sheffield School of Interior Design in New York. Tammy began her decorating business in 1999 in Nashville, then moved to Birmingham in 2000 with her husband and two chidren.

Tammy and the team at Lasso the Moon Interiors continually strive to give clients what they imagine only in their dreams, and within all budgets. So, if you are selling your home, wanting your current furnishings re-mixed, or need a complete make-over, let Lasso the Moon make your dreams come true!

Rosegate Design, Inc. fabrics, florals &

205.317.0919 www.lassothemooninteriors.com

fine furnishings

6801 Cahaba Valley Road • Suite 102 • 205.980.5014 • www.RosegateDesign.com

Interior Decorating and Staging Homes to Sell

16

| An Apple A Day

|

January 2010

ChiropracticToday

420 Inverness Corners Birmingham, AL 35242 (205) 991-3511

Experience the Difference of Chiropractic Today

A Corporate Stock worth Buying

by Dr. Irma Palmer

Our personal corporations require specific You are the CEO of your raw materials: healthy, own personal enterprise. In nutritious food, regular addition to whatever business vigorous exercise, sufficient you might be running or might rest, a positive mental attitude, be in, your personal corporation a fully functioning nervous consists of the value you system and spine. If we’re not generate during your time on receiving sufficient amounts Earth. of any of these inputs, the Some persons such as debit side of our balance sheet Dr. Irma Palmer government officials make increases. We don’t have enough choices and take actions that obviously energy to accomplish our daily tasks, let affect the lives of many others. For most of alone do the things that will make our us it may seem that we have less scope and corporation and lives profitable. With reduced impact, but that is not necessarily sufficient inputs we have energy to spare so. Our choices and actions affect those and our corporation thrives. people closest to us - our family, friends, What are some of the outputs a and colleagues - and their choices and healthy personal corporation provides? actions affect persons closest to them. An Everything we all want: a healthy, happy ever-widening series of ripples continues family and life. Also, other things like to flow, affecting more and more people, a creative work environment, ongoing all stemming from the actions we take and engagement in rewarding social activities, the choices we make today. As B.J. Palmer an ongoing experience of accomplishment, said early on, “You never know how positive self-expression, peace and joy. something you say, think or do will affect Simply put, an opportunity to live a life of lives of millions tomorrow.” If we haven’t significance and leave a lasting legacy to recognized this potential and this power, those we leave behind! all that’s required is raising our gaze to the Therefore, in order for our personal horizon and widening our field of view. corporation to continue to grow and In order for a corporation - a personal corporation - to be effective, it needs to have a sound balance sheet. If there’s a lot of red ink, it’s going to be difficult to be able to provide goods and services.

Depletion of resources leads to depletion of energy. We need to provide a steady stream of raw materials so we’re able to create new products that are desired in the marketplace.

prosper, its basic needs must be met. It’s important to have all departments working efficiently and effectively. Similar to an accountant reviewing the financial health of a corporation, Chiropractic reviews its physical health. “Adjustments” are made wherever and whenever necessary, enabling your personal corporation to continue to evolve and prosper toward the profit center, the green wellness zone.

This zone is where the major profit and return on your investment lies. Striving for the green will yield a quality of life superior than the other colored zones.

Wellness oriented chiropractors are driven to improve this bottom line. The objective is to assist, lead, and guide entire families and communities toward living in the green zone, a wellness lifestyle. Surely the alternative does not look attractive! Keep in mind, the red or green direction is a choice.

You either actively pursue and enjoy the fruits of your labor, or you passively live the average American lifestyle and become an unfortunate statistic.

As always, the beginning of the year motivates everyone to start moving toward being ‘healthier.’ Some may even have a game plan; however, few have a chiropractor on their team. Therefore,

shortly after a few weeks, it’s put aside due to injury, motivation or life. Make this year different by doing something different, GO TO A WELLNESS ORIENTED CHIROPRACTOR! It’s your partner in getting from point to point with the end result being a life we are genetically programmed to live. A life filled with health, vitality, happiness and endless possibilities. Isn’t this the mindset and example we want to instill in our children?

Imagine the difference it can have in all the areas of your life? More profitability, more energy, and available resources to ensure you become part of the solution and not a statistic!

Make 2010 the year YOU dictate your direction. BE proactive and take the following steps.

Relax. Restoring one’s health is possible. The body is continuously changing. Adding positive health habits will yield the results we all want and drive you toward the wellness green zone, regardless of your current standing.

Decision or denial? Whether you are consciously aware of it or totally oblivious of the following fact, your awareness of health has an impact on your direction. Our human body requires an interference-free nervous system and spine so that you can achieve higher See Stock | pg 17 levels of health

Hooping to lose weight?

by Melanie Lyons Hooping to lose weight this January?

This is not a misprint and Hooping is not another hope and dream to lose weight. It is a reality. Hula Hooping or Hoop Dance is one of the fastest growing fitness crazes to hit the exercise scene in the last decade.

The popular toy of the 50’s has been given a drastic makeover. Hula hooping has evolved from hooping at the waist to an endless number of moves and tricks to keep you entertained while you burn calories.

In thirty minutes you can burn up to 300 calories just playing around.

Birmingham has hoops too. Robbie Lewis, of Hoop For Fitness, is teaching hooping classes at St. Vincent’s One Nineteen. She started hooping for fitness about three years ago and is a Hoopnotica certified instructor, as well as a registered dietitian for St. Vincent’s Health System.

Currently, Robbie is training two other instructors to meet the growing demand for hoop classes in Birmingham.

So what does a hooping exercise class look like? Robbie begins each class with instruction on warming up with basic waist hooping. While you continue warming up she moves into a dance demonstration of

ChiropracticToday

what hoop dance looks like when you put all the moves together. In your first class you will be introduced to a variety of fun moves. You will leave the class having plenty of new moves to practice before returning for your next session. The class rounds out with stretching using your hoop to help you extend each stretch. There are always plenty of hoops available for firsttimers. All you need for your first class is a water bottle. To get the most out of the class dress in yoga style pants and a tank top that will leave your shoulders bare to assist the hoop in staying up as you learn the upper body moves. If you get bit by the hooping bug like most fitness enthusiasts do, you can purchase hoops in all sizes right after class. Additionally, Robbie has instructional videos for purchase so you can learn at home or in between her Tuesday classes.

To learn more about Hoop For Fitness you can find Robbie on Facebook or email her at hulahoopgirl@bellsouth.net.

One of the major benefits of hooping is a stronger core, or mid-section, and increased coordination and balance. Robbie claims she was not much of a dancer before learning to hoop, but now she goes through the different hoop moves with ease and fluidness. Weight can be added to a hula

Experience the Difference of Chiropractic Today

hoop to help you build muscle and increase the calories burned while you hoop. Since hooping is a low-impact exercise it is ideal for those with physical limitations, such as arthritis, back pain, or knee pain. It is great for all ages making it something that the

whole family can enjoy. Finally, one benefit often overlooked is its capacity to help you reduce stress. Hooping to soothing music calms the mind, and relaxes your muscles.

After a few minutes the tension will just release from your body. On the other hand, if you feel like jamming, you can turn up the music and move to your favorite song and work the tension out just the same.

What makes hooping for fitness unique or different from other exercises is that it is very personalized. You can attend a structured hoop class, but keep it your own. Your hoop can be customized with colors that reflect your personality. The spins you put on the basic movements are yours, and how you express yourself will be your own style. Once you’ve mastered a few moves you will be anxious to join Robbie at one of her free hoop jams at the park where she and her hoop friends occasionally get together just to have some outdoor fun. What other exercise lets you bring out so much of yourself? So why hide behind those extra pounds, join Robbie and other hoop friends at St. Vincent’s One Nineteen on Tuesday from 5:30 – 6:30 for a fun exercise experience and burn off some calories. Exercise never looked or felt so good.

420 Inverness Corners Birmingham, AL 35242 (205) 991-3511

www.280living.com

January 2010

| Young At Heart

|

Danberry at Inverness welcomes its newest “resident”: Macy, The Loveable Service Dog Say the word “snuggle” at Danberry at Inverness retirement community and you will get a wonderful, furry, hug…that is, if you say it to Macy, a therapy and education dog who is charming the residents of this brand new retirement community.

Macy, an 8½ year-old golden retriever, spends at least three days a week at Danberry. Though Macy was fully trained and licensed as a service dog by Canine Assistants in Alpharetta, Georgia, she sustained a leg injury as a puppy and was not able to perform the heavier duties associated with service work. However, in 2003, she began a long and successful career as a therapy and education dog with her owner Christine Paige, Recreational Therapist and Resident Services Director of Danberry at Inverness. The two trained together, and Paige began to take her regularly to the skilled nursing facility where Paige was employed.

Since then, the duo has worked together in communities offering assisted living, Alzheimer’s and Dementia care, and at special summer camps. Now at Danberry at Inverness, Macy is interacting with all the residents and can perform up to 90 commands—everything from picking up a dropped remote to turning on lights to the very popular “snuggle.”

“That’s our residents’ favorite,” says Paige. “When I say snuggle, you get a hug.

She is just an amazing animal. She gets so excited when I put her service dog cape on her because she knows she’s going to work.

She knows when someone needs help, or when they just need her to love on them. I know she loves what she does.”

Paige and Macy are involved in most of the community’s activities. “I love to watch residents’ faces light up when they

Macy sits ready to serve see her. So many aren’t able to take on the responsibility of having a pet anymore, but with Macy, they get all the benefits.

When our assisted living section opens soon, she’ll spend many hours with those residents as well.”

Located in Inverness on Lake Heather, Danberry at Inverness is a new senior living community for adults 55 and older with every convenience and amenity imaginable for active adults over 55, including a full complement of health & wellness services for retirement: independent living and assisted living.

For more information, call 205-4439500 today. Or visit www.DanberryAtInverness.com.

Be Calm Assertive

by Marlene Buckler, MD FACEP

Cesar Millan, on his TV show, Dog Whisperer, on National Geographic Channel, teaches clients how to be calm and assertive in dealing with their dogs.

He demonstrates, by his own behavior, how to take command of any situation, not by force but by finesses, and shows the dog owner and everyone in the household how to be the pack leader.

I love to watch Cesar Millan and I don’t even have a dog! His message is universal and his approach to both dogs and humans is a model for us all. Calm assertive energy in most situations in life assures that things will run as smoothly as possible. Avoiding aggressive and submissive behaviors allows you to relate to animals and people in a healthy way.

I have tried to use the same approach over the years in dealing with patients in the emergency room. I just didn’t know what it was called. Using calm assertive energy demonstrates respect both for the patient and for me. When a doctor approaches the bedside with an air of quiet confidence the therapeutic process can begin. The patient knows within seconds that this physician can be trusted to take care of the situation, no matter how critical it may be.

Calm assertive energy does not come naturally to everyone. Most of us have to be made aware of it, and then work on

developing the necessary skills, for it to become a part of who we are. Observing good role models is one of the most efficient methods to ensure self-improvement, and enlightened people like Mr. Millan can show the way.

So, be a pack leader in your dealings with others. This is not to say that you should be aggressive.

Aggression is seldom if ever needed and calm assertive energy can defuse most potentially difficult situations. When you are calm and filled with self-respect others immediately pick up on that energy and some of it rubs off on them. Relationships in all areas of life are enhanced by a calm assertive approach.

About the author: Marlene Buckler, MD, FACEP is an emergency room doctor, and a Fellow in the ACEP. Learn more about a healthy lifestyle at www.

StayOutofMyER.co (Reprinted with permission from Steve Van Gilder’s Lifestyles Newsletter. For questions regarding long term care insurance, contact Steve at 205-243-4417.)

and well-being.

Our human body’s health is constantly improving or digressing. This is a fact and here’ another one: our lifestyle choices drive the direction. Therefore, spend more time each day getting stronger with positive choices and through the INSIDE OUT approach chiropractic offers.

Lastly, realize there is a non-

Stock | from pg 16

17

Why Getting Older Makes Us Happier There’s a persistent myth that we get sadder and unhappier as we age, compared to when we were younger. But a recent study tells us different.

According to Stacey Wood, a neuropsychologist and associate professor at Scripps College in Claremont, CA, older people appear to process information differently than their younger counterparts.

In a recent experiment she conducted with Dr. Mike Kisley and funded by the National Institute on Aging, both younger and older adults were shown a series of negative images or positive images while their brain activity was recorded. The result: older adults were less likely to respond to negative or unpleasant information than younger adults, making them happier people.

In general, says Wood, humans

have a tendency to pay more attention to “bad” things than to “good” things, a phenomenon called the “negativity bias.”

A common example: we tend to remember negative events more clearly than neutral or even positive events. When making decisions, we tend to weigh losses twice as heavily as gains.

But older people respond less to negative information than younger people, meaning they’re less likely to become sad or depressed by negative experiences.

Overall, we humans seem to be hard-wired to pay more attention to negative events and information, says Wood, but this tendency decreases as we age.

Reprinted with permission from Steve Van Gilder’s Lifestyles Newsletter. For questions regarding long term care insurance, contact Steve at 205-243-4417.

JANUARY 2010 HEARDMONT PARK SENIOR CENTER CALENDAR SPECIAL JANUARY EVENTS:

(every) MONDAY

9:30-10:30æ Taiæ Chi 9:30-12:00æ Mahæ Jongg 10:30-12:00æ Dominoes 11:30-3:00æ Canasta 12:00æ Lunch

(every) TUESDAY

10:00-11:00æ Exerciseæ withæ Janice 11:00-12:00æ Bibleæ Study 12:00æ Lunch

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(every) WEDNESDAY 9:00-12:00æ Bridgeæ Club 11:00æ -11:45æ Pilatesæ æ 12:00æ Lunch ) 2( ( ¡ ¡ *2( ( ¡ " : Yddj gge ¡ < Yf [ af _

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disputable truth regarding the human body. Chiropractors have been educating and lecturing the masses for over 100 years toward the truth that the human body’s God given intelligence is genetically programmed to strive for health, balance and homeostasis.

Being healthy and balanced requires accountability, personal responsibility and knowledgeable choices.

Chiropractic care is the natural non-

10:00-11:00æ Exerciseæ withæ Donnaæ æ (noclassæ Dec.æ 10) 12:00æ Lunch ) 2( ( % + 2( ( ¡ " 9[ j q da[ ¡ 9j l¡ ; dYkk¡ f g¡ [ dYkk¡ < ] [ &¡)( !

9:00-10:30æ Intermediateæ Lineæ Dancingæ 10:30-11:30æ Beginneræ Lineæ Dancingæ 12:00æ Lunch

invasive, gentle and proactive solution because the goal of a wellness oriented chiropractor is clear. Drive as many as possible toward the destination of HEALTH and WELLNESS. About the Author: Dr. Irma Leon Palmer is available at Chiropractic Today in Inverness. Schedule your winning game plan today by calling (205) 991-3511 or visit www.ChiropracticToday.com to learn more.

ñ Keeping You in the Independence & Comfort of Your Own Homeî 205-981-1800 13521 Old Hwy 280 Suite 153 • Birmingham, AL. 35242

Email: centralalabama@comfortkeepers.com • www.comfortkeepers.com

18

Sports |

January 2010

157 Resource Center Parkway, Suite 102 Behind Logan’s Roadhouse on 280 Your source for teams sports

205-981-0291

It’s a business alright!

by Brent Watson

E

very year a college football coach will move on to another school to take a higher paying job or in some cases, is “asked” to step down.

Occasionally they later end up in the uncomfortable situation of facing their old school.

Ole Miss head coach Houston Nutt recently faced and defeated the school he played for and then coached for 10 seasons.

The Rebels beat the Arkansas Razorbacks for the second straight year and the former Arkansas alum admitted that it was difficult. “It’s tough,” said Nutt. “You know the people, you know the players, you’ve been in their living rooms with their families - so the feelings are there.”

Everyone knows how passionate Southeastern Conference fans are; they love their football and want their team to win…period. No excuse will suffice if they lose. There are, in a sense, three seasons in SEC football: the actual season where games are won or lost on the field, the everpopular recruiting season, and the coaching carousel that comes around at season’s end.

No matter what sport, in a league as competitive as the SEC, coaches will tell you “it’s a business.”

“As long as you’re winning everyone is happy,” said former Auburn head coach Tommy Tuberville during his final season with the Tigers. “But things can turn quick when the losses start to add up and that’s why I’m here (at ESPN) instead of on the sidelines.”

While most coaches admit it is difficult to face their former team, there are also motivations to beat the school that once employed them. Longtime defensive assistant Joe Lee Dunn, who had stints with five SEC schools, said he enjoyed facing past schools where he’d coached. “There’s nothing like beating the guy who fired you.” Dunn stated.

Coaches try not to get their players wrapped up in the emotions and feelings they have when preparing players for those types of games, but it usually is inevitable. “They know,” Nutt said. “Kids pay attention and understand what we as coaches go through and what our feelings are.”

After the Rebels 30-17 win over the Hogs on October 24th, Dexter McCluster said he felt extra motivation leading up to the game. “We wanted to come out and perform well for our coaches,” Said McCluster, who ended the day with over 100 yards rushing and receiving. “They really wanted this one and we wanted to put it all on the line.”

Make no mistake, coaches want to win regardless of the situation. Just look at Mississippi State’s new head coach, Dan Mullen, who coached under Urban Myer for nearly 10 seasons and is good friends with star quarterback Tim Tebow. Mullen had his Bulldogs ready to play the gators, and they just missed a victory. There were handshakes and hugs before and after the game, but as kickoff approached, the competition began as well. “I’m very close to Urban and those players,” Mullen stated.

“But when the game starts, it’s all business and you want to win the game.”

Cary Baxter

Oak Mountain High School Basketball/Baseball Cary was born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, where his dad worked for the Red Cross.

When Cary was two, his family transferred to Montgomery. He attended Wetumpka Schools until moving to Birmingham when Cary entered 7th grade.

Cary is an all-around athlete. He has played basketball and baseball since he was six years old, and he played football until the 9th grade.

As a junior on the basketball team at Oak Mountain High School, Cary averaged 11 points and 7 rebounds per game, and was named all-Shelby County by the Birmingham News. This year as a senior, he averages 20 points and 7 rebounds through ten games.

Last baseball season he earned a 1.6 ERA, averaged 317, and hit 4 homeruns in a very tough region that includes Hoover, Spain Park, Pelham, and Thompson. Cary was a two-time selection to the AlaBCA All-State team, a Perfect Game invitee, and all Shelby

County. Cary is an early baseball scholarship signee to University of Alabama.

Cary maintains a 4.0+ GPA, is a member of the Honor Society, and has qualified for a Presidential Academic Scholarship to the U of A (in addition to a baseball scholarship) with an ACT score of 30. “Cary is the ultimate studentathlete and everything we want our student-athletes to be at Oak Mountain.

He is a leader in the school building as well as in two athletic arenas. All in all, he’s just a great representative of what high school athletics are all about,” comments Donald Clayton, Jr., Oak Mountain High School Athletic Director.

Cary’s primary involvement outside of school/athletics is with “Thrive!” - the Asbury Methodist Youth program.

He has been on numerous mission trips in downtown Birmingham, Big Stuff Retreats, and a Costa Rica mission trip. This summer he plans to go on a mission trip to Kenya. Cary also helps when his family houses 12-year-old Kenyan boys when they are in the US on the Daraja Choir Tour (a tour that raises money for their orphanage in Kenya).

Cary and classmate/teammate Alex Few were recently selected to speak to the youth at Asbury on maintaining their values at school and when they go off to college.

Outside of baseball/basketball, Cary enjoys fishing. His brother, Will, is a sophomore on the track team at Mississippi College. And his parents, Lynn and Billy Baxter had this to say: “Cary really is a good, friendly boy and we are proud of what he accomplishes and who he is as a person. He has been blessed to be surrounded by great people – adults, friends, classmates, teachers, coaches, and our church family.”

The Metro-South All Metro Football Players of the Year from Oak Mountain Middle School are from left to right: 7th Graders: Joshua Gaines (5), Pearce McGee (50), Edward Day (14), Adam Pflaum (54), Coach Brian Balazik, and 8th Graders: Will Moro (76), Bradley Alexander (23), Mickey Forrest (7) and Will Taylor (42) Allie Luster

by Teresa Newton

Oak Mtn's Reid Bishop maneuvers to release the grasp of his opponent during his match against Mountain Brook.

Cary Baxter maneuvers around the Spain Park defense to score a layup for the Oak Mtn Eagles.

Shanna Brooks sails through the air to add two points for Oak Mtn’s varsity girls.

CHS Basketball PHOTOS Dontavius Washington

courtesy of Cari Dean

Joey Mock

www.280living.com

January 2010

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Auburn University Partnering with OMMS in Phenology Garden

by Fred Kapp, Educational Liaison The Alabama Green Industry Training Center Dr. Dave Held and staff from The Auburn University Entomology Department, along with help from Alabama Cooperative Extension System’s Master Gardeners, the Alabama Green Industry Training Center and Oak Mountain Middle School students and faculty, recently installed a phenology garden at the school.

Oak Mountain Middle School already has a large vegetable garden/ nursery by way of a State Department of Education “Learn and Serve Grant.”

Under the direction of the neighboring Alabama Green Industry Training Center, volunteers from OMMS faculty, Phase One students, Green Industry members, Lauren Cotton’s Career Discovery Classes, and the community at large, have worked on the project. The project produces thousands of trees for Habitat and other charitable uses.

The new 4,000 square foot phenology garden will be used as a research tool to study the connection of natural events, such as flower and leaf development, to the emergence of insect and weed pests.

The garden will be divided into four equal quadrants. Each quadrant will be planted with commonly used ornamentals, and contain pheromone traps, an irrigation system and a weather station. Data will be collected three times per week over a twoyear period and will be compiled with data collected from similar projects in Huntsville and Mobile.

Volunteers, working under the direction of the Auburn research team, will help maintain the site and collect data as directed. The data, in part, will also be shared with professionals at the nearby Alabama Green Industry Training Center as well as at Auburn University.

Phenology, from the Greek word meaning “the science of appearances,” is an old science. The Chinese have used this science for several thousand years, and almost every experienced gardener uses last year’s observations to predict this year’s events. For example, when I was a young gardener, the Farmer’s Almanac would tell you to plant corn when the dogwoods were in full bloom. Another old prediction: crabgrass germinates when forsythia flowers.

Since pests of all kinds are on the rise in Alabama, Auburn hopes the statewide phenology garden study will help Green Industry professionals (including landscape and turf management professionals, urban foresters and nurserymen) lessen their use of pesticides, time their applications more effectively, and eventually win the battle against these pests.

The Alabama Urban Forestry Association needs your help to ñ plant a tree in Alabama.î Please go to the Alagasco Tree Planting Survey @ www.PlantATree.Alagasco.com and finish it in “3-clicks” and the AUFA will plant a tree for your efforts. The survey is part of a statewide effort to plant 15,000 trees statewide this year.

Up to this time, we have planted over 4,000 oaks, pines and bald cypress and hope to plant many more on the Martin Luther King Day of Service on January 18th. If you need seedlings for your church, school or community, and live in an Alagasco Service area, get everyone to complete the survey and weÍ ll supply you seedlings for free to reforest the site.

For more information, contact the AUFA Program Manager @

fkapp@bellsouth.net.

Note: this offer is only good while the seedlings last!

Some Assembly Required

by Pastor Edd Spencer Many of us know from experience that on Christmas Eve there are six words that give a parent serious concern.

I am talking about the Edd Spencer six words that come when parents are putting toys and gifts together for their children and friends.

Those six words labeled on the outside of the box are: “Some Assembly Required” and “Batteries Not Included.” Let us look at those first three words together “Some Assembly Required.”

Think for a moment about what you do when you put a toy together. First you spread all the pieces on the floor. Then you take out the directions and try to follow them.

Two hours later the job is done. All the pieces which were once covering your floor are joined together into a beautiful new toy for your son or daughter. The “some assembly required” is completed and you are now ready for Christmas.

In a sense we are all like that toy on the floor spread out in a hundred pieces.

We each come into the world wrapped in God’s love and labeled – “Some Assembly Required.” We all come not completely assembled in the Spirit of God. Therefore, we must let Jesus make us new. To assemble us as our God intends us to be; to allow Him to put all the pieces of our lives together.

Now comes those three other words we dread to see on the side of the box “Batteries Not Included.” It is Christmas Eve and you have finished the assembly of

your child’s toy. Then you read the small print, “batteries not included.” Words that drive you crazy because you realize that you have no batteries and all the stores are closed.

Now, you could give the assembled toy without batteries to your child as a Christmas present, and it could still be played with. Your child could cuddle it, or push it. It is still able to be used as a toy.

But by placing the batteries inside, it can do so much more. It could walk, talk, cry, light up, and make weird sounds. With the batteries the toy becomes all it was meant to be.

Life is like that. The gift of life does not come with batteries. You and I have to decide to add power. You and I have to decide to connect our lives to the power of God and become all that we were meant to be. We have to take the initiative and accept what God has already given us in Jesus Christ. To do all things through Christ who empowers us.

So as we enter the New Year may we remember that we all need some assembly required and the power of God to keep us going. May our prayer be, “Dear Lord, we pray for ourselves and others who come before You spiritually incomplete with some assembly required. Fill us with the desire to be built up and refashioned by your hand that may be used in the work of Your Kingdom here on earth. And may we always remember that Your power at work within us is able to do far more than we can ever imagine. To Your glory and honor.

Amen.”

About the author: You can reach Pastor Edd Spencer at First Christian Church, 4954 Valleydale Road, Birmingham, AL 35242. www.fcc-bhm.org, 205-9915000.

Conveniently Located at Benson Plaza in Chelsea

thehavensalon.net

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January 2010

Greetings and Good Resolutions Paul Johnson, Samaritan Counseling Center Happy New Year! Woo-hoo! Hoopla, hoopla, rah rah, hooray!

Ok, let me be brief. I am writing this while still in the midst of the crazy chaotic Christmas season. I know one thing for sure, next year, I will not be this crazy, strung out and stressed out for Christmas.

I won’t. I resolve that I simply will not. No “ifs,” “ands,” or “buts.” Period. Not going to do it.

By the way, in case you did not hear me or believe me before, Happy New Year!

Happy: feeling or showing satisfaction, contentment, excitement, joy, or pleasure. Happy.

New: at the beginning, something not used, or recently discovered, made or created. New. Year: a measurement of time, specifically 12 months or 365 days (or 366 in the case of a leap year, which 2010 is not), representing the amount of time it takes for the Earth to orbit the Sun. Year.

So, may you feel excitement or pleasure at the beginning of this regular planet orbitation (new word, just made it up). And in doing so, of course, you may make some new determinations or decisions for the upcoming year to be different in certain ways. We all do. We want the next year, or this new year, not to be the same. We want to grow, to mature, to evolve, to change. We want to lose weight, or have more fun; let go of stressful things, or relate differently to certain people. We determine that this year will be better; that in living in this year, 2010, we will be better. We will DO better… At least until January 12th or the first really good-looking chocolate chip cookie comes along (or bag of them).

Alas. What happens? Every year, it is the same thing: the cycle of determination that fades into compromise, conciliation, and concession. Which means Christmas is just as stressful as last year because I did

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by

Paul Johnson

not do anything differently. Which means I did not change. I simply… repeated.

Alas. Ok, how do I make my New Year’s resolutions stick? Seriously. How? If I knew that and could say it in a unique way, I would have a best-seller on my hands. And I would be rich, and satisfied (happy), and could simply buy a new Christmas, or rent someone to do it for me.

(Sigh) The honest truth is this: I do not have much energy to do much different in this new year of 2010. I have more demands upon me with fewer resources to meet those demands and less desire to actually satisfy the demand. I have what I have and I am what I am. And it is limited. Especially after what I spent at Christmas (both time, energy, and money).

(Sigh, again) I guess I will listen to my own advice—keep it simple. Keep it doable. Keep it real. And then keep at it. If it is simple, doable, and real, then I should be able to keep at it.

But if I do not keep at it, I will sit down, because it may be an indication that I need to pause for a moment, maybe take a nap. Rest. Refresh. Breathe. That would be different. Sitting for a moment. As needed.

Throughout the year. When my body or mind or heart tells me that I need to pause, I’ll do that. I can do that. That’s doable.

Even enjoyable. For just a moment, if a moment is all I have. (Deep breath).

Whew, I needed that. I feel better. Ok, time to get going. Back at it, for the moment.

But I feel better. A bit more refreshed, and a bit more able. Thanks.

Ok, so, where was I? Oh, Happy New Year. May your changes and determinations be authentic, doable, and long-lasting. And if so, may you find your year life-giving.

To talk further about your New Year’s determinations or resolutions, please consider Samaritan Counseling Center for your counseling or consultant needs. You may reach us at 205-967-3660, or visit the website at www.samaritancc.org. Paul Johnson is the executive director as well as an associate licensed marriage and family therapist and associate licensed counselor at Samaritan.

Local pharmacy offers FREE vitamins to children Stephens Pharmacy, is now providing a free one year supply of multiple vitamins for all children 12 and younger, in the community.

“Our best medicine is preventative medicine.” said Spencer Stephens, President of Stephens Pharmacy. “No purchase is necessary and every family is invited to take advantage of this free offer.”

With stress levels at an all time high and families being busier than ever, it doesn’t take much to tax our natural immune system making us more susceptible to all viruses including the flu, and children are particularly susceptible.

Good hygiene and a nutritious diet are more important than ever in avoiding disease but healthy eating isn’t always possible.

“Introducing a wellness approach for our community is exciting,” said Spencer Stephens, Pharmacist at Stephens Pharmacy “Lying in bed sick and taking medication isn’t something most of us look forward to so an ounce of prevention can really be worth a pound of cure.”

Offer expires 1/31/10

The line of vitamins included in this offer is limited to select lines and to insure patient safety, the pharmacy will need to confirm with the patient’s doctor that there is no problem adding a particular supplement to a patient’s regimen. Patients will receive a one month supply which can be refilled monthly free of charge.

Stephens Pharmacy also carries a line of wellness products and homeopathic remedies that if one does experience flu like symptoms, when taken early enough can often lessen the

severity of symptoms and shorten the duration of illness. The Pharmacists at Stephens Pharmacy are readily available to counsel patients seeking advice.

Stephens Pharmacy is an independent pharmacy, located in The Narrows, they first opened in April 2009. For more information, contact Spencer Stephens at 408-4484.

www.280living.com

January 2010

My South | Buddy and the Bank

by Rick Watson

We have a little mutt we call Ol’ Buddy. We inherited him from Jilda’s mom Ruby when she passed away. Ruby actually called him Baby, but there’s no way I would have a dog named Baby.

I was convinced that the name Baby would cause unresolved issues with his self-image so I promptly changed his name to Ol’ Buddy. The name seemed to fit him much better and he didn’t whine as much after the change.

I’ve written about Buddy in the past.

In fact, the story I wrote about how we got him is a story that many readers remember most. Folks do love their dogs.

The little mutt makes friends wherever he goes. He loves everyone, except small children. I’m not sure if he views them as competition or what, but I have to keep my best eye on him when our young nieces and nephews are around.

Ol’ Buddy is like a rock star at our local bank. Every time we turn into the drive-through to make a deposit, Ol’ Buddy gets beside himself. He starts barking, wagging his tail as he ricochets off the arm rests. By the time it’s our turn at the window he’s in our lap trying his best to get to the retractable cash drawer.

Banking at our branch comes to a stand still as all the tellers come over to the window to howdy up with Ol’ Buddy. One of the tellers will say, “here’s Ol’ Buddy” and all of a sudden all of the tellers are at our window, and the dog is putting on a show. When they say something to him through the tinny speakers, he will cock his head like the RCA Victor dog. We have to

restrain him to keep him from licking the teller window and hopping into the money tray for a ride inside. Heaven forbid if that were to happen, because we’d never get him out.

When they complete our transaction and send the cash drawer back out to us, there is always a doggy treat in it. To Ol’ Buddy, that’s commerce at its best. He loves doing business there.

Recently, Jilda ran by the bank that handles our business account. As she approached the window, Ol’ Buddy became excited. But when they arrived, much to his dismay, there was no excitement from inside the bank and it appeared to him that banking continued AS USUAL. To a small creature that views himself as the center of the universe, this was shocking!

I’m sure the main thought running through his mind was “MONEY CHANGERS!!!!. I have a lot of clout with my daddy Ms. MoneyGirl and you’ll be in big trouble when I get home.”

To complete the slight, when the money drawer came back out, the only thing in it was a receipt, which he promptly chewed up and left in a damp clump on the floorboard. Jilda said Ol’ Buddy hopped into the back seat where he rode dejectedly all the way home.

I need to have a talk with the banking team at my branch because there is one thing they need to understand - When Ol’ Buddy ain’t happy, I ain’t happy. Either learn a little R-E-S-P-E-C-T and get right with the doggie biscuits or we’re taking our business elsewhere.

Cents of Style |

by

Linda Noel

Happy New You!!

I am sitting under a blanket fighting the annual Christmas cold that always finds me this time of year!! Too much to do, too little time, is the mantra of every woman during the holidays. But January is just around the corner, and it is always when I take time to reflect on the past year and look forward to the one to come. What a great chance we get every year to renew ourselves; body, mind, and soul.

Of course I would put the body first. What we all put in our New Year’s resolution each year and usually is broken

by February or maybe March!! I am going to get healthy. Watch what I eat, work out, etc. You know you have said those words, thought those thoughts. But instead of making a huge statement, and a huge commitment, start with smaller steps. We all start out with good intentions, but we start out too fast. Pace yourself. Set goals for each month, or even week by week. Try walking two times a week and add a few days every few weeks. You will be more apt to stick to it if you break it up into smaller goals. Don’t cut everything out of your diet all at once. Just start limiting the few things that you know you should cut back on. Like too much snacking or only one sweet treat instead of two! Don’t completely deprive yourself. Life is too short to cut out all the fun!!

Of course as you focus on the body itself, it is also a good time to reevaluate your overall appearance. Have you had the same hairstyle for over 10 years?? Maybe it’s time to make a small change. Nothing drastic, maybe, a tweak of the hair color or highlights? Do you keep your hair a certain length because it was easy? I know I was in that rut and it took a lot of time

and patience on my part and my hair stylist to get me out! I can’t say it is completely a finished product as I am always assessing myself, if I think it is flattering and is it easy to manage. No one says you have to make an instant change. Some things take time.

And the great thing about hair is it grows back! Nothing is permanent!!

Ok, let’s assess your style of dress.

Now is the time to try something different.

Do you stick to only a few different colors, say, black, black and black!! Think about adding a little color to your closet. January is sometimes so dreary and bleak, that our wardrobe could use a little color. You can keep the black coat and black pants but add a blue scarf or a colored shoe. As I have said in previous posts, shop your closet first. Switch things up. Wear a skirt with a long sweater instead of a blazer. It makes for a softer business look, without looking unprofessional. Think about layering on colder days. Add a bright colored cardigan under your jacket to add dimension to your suit. January is the time for great deals on clothing and accessories, so if there is something you have wanted to try but cost was holding you back. Carpe Diem! Seize the Day! And if you still feel overwhelmed and lost, enlist in help from a stylish friend or treat yourself to an hour or two with a stylist. They have an unbiased opinion and can help you break out the New Year with a new you!!

So in wishing everyone a Happy New Year, I also wish everyone a Happy New You! About the Author: Linda Noel currently helps clients reinvent their wardrobe at Renaissance Consignment Boutique on Cahaba Valley Road where she works as Store Manager.

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North Shelby Children’s/Teen Department January Happenings 2010

Note: The library will be closed January 1st in observance of New Year’s Day, and January 18th in observance of Martin Luther King Day.

Special Programming Monday, January 25th – 3:15-4:15pm: “Sit, Stay, Read!” A non-profit organization through Hand-in-Paw dedicated to providing volunteer services to children.

Sit, Stay, Read! brings children together with specially trained dogs to help them gain more confidence in their reading abilities in an individual setting at the North Shelby library that is supportive, relaxed, and furry! All Ages. Registration Required.

Saturday, January 16th – 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Family Movie Day – Horton Hears a Who One of Dr. Seuss’ most beloved stories comes to life in an animated adventure that proves “a person’s a person no matter how small.” All Ages. Snacks served.

Thursday, January 21st – 4 p.m.: Craft - “Polar Bear & Penguin Friends” Registration begins Monday, January 4th.

All Ages. Registration Required.

Tuesday, January 27th – 1 p.m.: “Homeschool Hangout: The Write Stuff” Local author Claire Datnow will join us to discuss the writing process and her books.

Ages 8-12. Registration Required.

Story-Time Programming Toddler Tales Mondays, January 4th, 11th, and 25th - 10:30 & 11:30 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 storytime. Ages 18-36 months.

Registration Required.

Baby Tales Story Time Tuesdays, January 12th and 26th – 10:3011:00 a.m.

A story time designed especially for babies and their caregivers. Stories and music provide interaction for the babies and time for caregivers to talk and share with each other. No siblings please. Ages: Birth to 18 months. Registration Required.

Registration begins two weeks prior to program date.

Mr. Mac (Storyteller Extraordinaire!)

Wednesdays, January 6th, 13th, 20th, and 27th at 10:45 a.m.

Stories, puppets, and lots of music for every member of the family. All Ages. No Registration Required.

P. J. Story Time Thursdays, January 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th at 7 p.m. Come in your PJs, have milk and cookies, and hear some wonderful bedtime tales. All Ages. No Registration Required.

Call or email the Children’s Department at 439-5504 or NorthShelbyYouth@gmail. com for more information.

Teen Scene Teen Book Club - Monday, January 11th @ 6 p.m. We will be discussing what everyone read over the holidays. Be sure to join us and let us know what you loved and loathed. The Teen Book Club will meet in the Young Adult department located on the second floor. Snacks served.

Teen Writer’s Club/Teen Advisory Group - Monday, January 25th @ 6pm This club is for aspiring writers and people who want to improve their writing. Bring what you are working on to share with fellow members and offer suggestions for other works. Don’t forget...you can also earn community service credit by joining our Teen Advisory Group!

Call or email Katie or Lori at (205)439-5512 or nsyouth@shelbycounty-al.com for more information.

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January 2010

280 Live Music Listings

G

GREY BAR

280 Living

www.greybarbham.com

CAFE FIRENZE

5426 Highway 280 (205) 874-6361

1/2 - Matt Hill Duo 1/4 - Open Mic Night 1/5 - Cordy 1/6 - Danny and Randy 1/7 - Devon and Thomas 1/8 - Bonus Round 1/9 - Excalibur Band 1/11 - Open Mic Night 1/12 - Cordy 1/13 - J-Ko 1/14 - Devon and Thomas 1/15 - Red Halo 1/16 - After Hours Band 1/18 - Open Mic Night 1/19 - Cordy 1/20 - Danny and Randy 1/21 - Devon and Thomas 1/22 - Pharmband 1/23 - 4 on the Floor 1/25 - Open Mic Night 1/26 - Cordy 1/27 - J-Ko 1/28 - Devon and Thomas 1/29 - Teenage Daddy 1/30 - Altamont

neighborly entertainment

110 Inverness Plaza (205) 980-1315 1/1 - Red Halo 1/2 - Todd Simpson 1/5 - Acoustic/Trivia 1/6 - Bingo 1/7 - Heath Shoemaker 1/8 - Raygun Administration 1/9 - Rumor Mill 1/12 - Trivia/ Acoustic 1/13 - Hump Piolets 1/14 - Detox on the Rocks 1/15 - Deputy 5 1/16 - Livestock 1/19 - Trivia/Acoustic 1/20 - Gentleman Zero 1/21 - David Nail 1/22 - Letters in Red 1/23 - Unabled Usage 1/26 - Acoustic Trivia 1/27 - Deputy 5 1/28 - Another Hero 1/29 - Ugli Stick 1/30 - 4th and One

Classifieds HOGANS Irish Pub & Grill 507 Cahaba Park Circle (205) 995-0533

Every Wednesday / Thursday 8pm Live Music by Razz Ma Tazz Every Friday / Saturday 9pm - Until Live Music by Razz Ma Tazz

UNCLE MONK’S CAFE 16688 Highway 280 Chelsea, AL 35043 (205) 678-7300

Every Monday Night - Bring your dog to dinner on the deck - 10% of proceeds benefit Shelby Humane Society Every Tuesday Night - Family Night Every Wednesday Night - Acoustical with Dwayne Beasley, 6-9pm Every Friday Night - Karaoke with Chelsea native Kenneth Shirley, 8-12pm

LOST CAT

Graci has been missing from the Greystone Farms community (Guilford Place section) since the night of November 12.

She’s a gray, long hair, 11 lb cat.

IÍ m offering a REWARD for her return.

515-9191

Now Hiring

ROGERS TRADING COMPANY HWY 280 BEHIND LOGANS ROADHOUSE part time retail sales associate. up to 30 hours avail. good hourly rate plus commission. employee discount. apply with shannon:

408-9378

Carpet Van For Sale $7,500 OBO Loaded with Truck Mount 1999 Dodge, 67,000 +/- Miles Call (205) 401-3322

www.280living.com

Calendar of Events:

January 2010 1-10

Life, Liberty, and The Pursuit of Happiness Birmingham Museum of Art (205) 254-2565 www.artsbma.org

1-31

The Restoration of Vulcan: A Collision of Art and Science (205) 933-1409 www.visitvulcan.com

2

Trans-Siberian Orchestra Winter Tour 2010 BJCC (205) 458-8400 www.livenation.com www.nightcastlealbum.com Papajohns.com Bowl Legion Field (205) 254-2391 www.papajohnsbowl.com

6

BB King in Concert Alabama Theatre (205) 251-0418 www.alabamatheatre.com

8-9

Monster Jam BJCC (205) 458-8400 www.bjcc.org Strauss for the New Year Alys Stephens Center (205) 251-7727 www.alabamasymphony.org

January 2010 9

Miss Chelsea Area Pageant Lesters Chapel United Methodist Church (205) 966-2851 www.misschelseaarea.com 6th Annual Red Nose Run Boutwell Auditorium Benefits Ronald McDonald House www.rednoserun-bham.com

10

19

Cooking Croissants w/ Chef Tom Cholakis of the Willow Point Golf & Country Club Birmingham Bake and Cook Company 6:30-8:30 p.m.

(205) 980-3661 www.bakeandcookco.com

21

12-17

Cooking Fondue w/ John Dooley of the Melting Pot Restaurant Birmingham Bake and Cook Company 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

(205) 980-3661 www.bakeandcookco.com

14

Birmingham Boat Show BJCC (205) 458-8400 www.bjcc.org

Leaving Gee’s Bend Book Release Party and Gee’s Bend Quilters North Shelby Library 10:00 am

Broadway Across America presents The 101 Dalmations Musical BJCC www.the101dalmationsmusical.com

New Neighbors of Birmingham (Second Thursday of every month) Riverchase Country Club 11:00 am (205) 408-8754

17

The Southern Bridal Show BJCC 800-532-8917 www.eliteevents.com Reflect and Rejoice: A musical tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Alys Stephens Center (205) 975-2787 www.alysstephens.uab.edu

18

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day King Birthday Celebration Civil Rights Institute (205) 328-9696 www.bcri.org

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24

Alabama Youth Symphony Concert with the Indian Springs School Concert Choir Indian Springs Concert Hall 3 p.m.

(205) 231-9504 www.musicop.org

26

Celebrating Food and Cooking w/ Chef Chris Hastings of the Hot and Hot Fish Club Birmingham Bake and Cook Company 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

(205) 980-3661 www.bakeandcookco.com

26-29

Hamlet Birmingham Southern College 7:30 p.m.

(205) 226-4780

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Calendar of Events

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27-31

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus BJCC (205) 458-8400 www.ringling.com

29

Sushi 101! w/ Chef Meredith Nielson Birmingham Bake and Cook Company 6:30-8:30 p.m.

(205) 980-3661 www.bakeandcookco.com

29-31

Aida Friday, Jan. 29, 7:30pm Sunday, Jan. 31, 2:30pm Wright Center, Samford University (205) 322-6737 www.operabirmingham.org

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Brenda Ladun Conquer Cancer Run St. Vincent’s One Nineteen Contact Kate Kelley (205) 930-8869 or The American Cancer Society

FEBRUARY 2010 5

Brad Paisley in Concert BJCC (205) 458-8400 www.bjcc.org

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“Have a Heart for the Arts” Fashion Show/Luncheon First Baptist Church of Columbiana 11:00 am – 1:00 pm Bonnie Atchison (205) 669-9001 Peggy Wood (205) 669-9073 Diane Moore (205) 669-1450

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January 2010