280 Living November 2012

280 Living

280Living.com

November 2012November | Volume 62012 | Issue 3

neighborly news & entertainment

Fixing 280

one light at a time ALDOT schedules meeting to discuss new 280 project

Angel

pillowcases

This summer Harry Arnold, a Brook Highland resident and high school senior, and his partner, Grace Carroll, pictured above, started a nonprofit venture that crafts pillowcases for patients at Children’s of Alabama. This month their story and those of other members of our community.

Community page A9

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

By JEFF THOMPSON

Alabama Department of Transportation engineers Lance Taylor and Brian Davis review new plans to address traffic on Highway 280. ALDOT will present the new project at a meeting on Nov. 19. Photo by Jeff Thompson.

An Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) proposal to begin addressing the abhorrent congestion on Highway 280 is ready for scrutiny.

On Monday, Nov. 19, ALDOT is giving the public the opportunity to review and comment on a new multi-million dollar plan to reduce average drive times down Highway 280. The plan focuses on proposed changes to 26 intersections between Hollywood Boulevard, located less than a mile past the Red Mountain Expressway interchange, and Hugh Daniel Drive, one intersection east of State Highway 119.

“Our goal is to shorten a driver’s trip by three to five minutes,” ALDOT Director John Cooper said while speaking to the Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce last month. “I believe this will cost $12-15 million, and we’ll be able to take it to bid

by April and have it done by November 2013.”

According to ALDOT Division Engineer Brian Davis, the plan involves a long list of improvements, and the department has a different plan for each intersection.

Among other things, the project includes eliminating some access points to the main highway, reconfiguring side streets and widening intersections.

Mostly, though, it’s about the lights.

Davis explained that the average cycle for a traffic signal on Highway 280 is 170 seconds, and the highway is only allocated an average of 65 seconds per cycle. The proposed plan could raise that to an average of 110 seconds.

Athlete of the month

Chelsea’s Julius McCall recently committed to play football for UAB in 2013. FInd his story and more about area students in Section B. Photo courtesy of Cari Dean.

Sports page B6

INSIDE Sponsors .................. A4 280 News ................ A6 Community .............. A7 Business ..................A18 Food ........................ A16

Calendar ................ A20 School House .......... B2 Sports ....................... B6 Essay Winners ........ B8 Opinion .................... B12

See 280 PROPOSAL | page A11 facebook.com/280Living

A2 November 2012

280 Living

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November 2012 A3

280Living.com

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A4 November 2012

280 Living

About Us Photo of the Month

Please Support our Sponsors

Spain Park varsity and JV cheerleaders kick off Breast Cancer Awareness month at the Summit in October.

Editor’s Note By Madoline Markham

Here’s to hoping... at least a first step in the You know you live in the Highway 280 area when at process.

But first, let me share the top of the list for things the hard truth: you are thankful for in a “280 is unsolvable,” given day is how you sudALDOT Director John denly start moving more than two miles per hour Cooper said while addressing the Mountain when you reach Lakeshore Brook Chamber of ComParkway on the morning drive into town, or either merce in October. “I suffer no illusion that we can Valleydale Road or Double solve the problems on Oak Mountain on the way Madoline 280 with the money that home in the evening. At is available or could betimes you see a beautiful sunset when you reach The Summit and come available.”

ALDOT ruled out the previous proit adds a little bit of beauty to the miles of gridlock lying to the south past 459, posals of an elevated highway as too exand on the days when you can be really pensive and at-grade changes because of thankful, you see cars actually moving the difficulty in obtaining right of way. ahead of you, giving you hope that you The new plan is for a $12-15 project to might make it home in less than an hour. allow traffic to have more light time to This month we 280 traffic fighters flow along the corridor at the expense of have something more to be thankful traffic coming on and off the highway.

“It will not solve all the problems, for. As our cover story describes, the Alabama Department of Transporta- but it will make it better,” Cooper said. tion (ALDOT) has a new plan to release The intersections with 459, Valleyus from the bondage of 280 traffic, or dale Road and Highway 119 are all to

280 Living

be tackled later because of complications with engineering and costs.

We hope you will read our cover story and then join us at ALDOT’s public meeting on Nov. 19 at the Cahaba Grand Conference Center to learn more about what exactly these improvements entail.

Also, let us know what you think about all of it by emailing Madoline@280living.com. We want to keep the community conversation going as ALDOT moves forward.

If all goes according to plan, one year from now, 3-5 minutes should be shaved off your average 280 journey. Here’s to hoping something speeds up! And in the meantime, let’s relish the thankfulness we have on those Friday mornings when for some reason traffic moves light years faster than every other weekday.

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Dan Starnes Keith McCoy Jeff Thompson Madoline Markham Rhonda Smith Warren Caldwell Matthew Allen Rick Watson Kari Kampakis Dannelly Farrow Patti Henderson Kathryn Acree Kaitlin Bitz 280 Living LLC

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Alabama Allergy (B14) ALDOT (A10) Aldridge Gardens (A5) Andrea Lucas Studios (A16) Azia (B15) Backyard Adventures (B3) Beaumont Pharmacy (A5) Bellini’s (B7) Birmingham Bake and Cook Co. Birmingham Speech and Hearing (A17) Birmingham Zoo (B9) Brookwood Medical Center (B11) Chiropractic Today (A14) Christmas Village (B7) Comfort Keepers (A16) Cousins Insurance (A7) Cutting Edge Salon (B14) Diana Holladay (A21) Encore Rehabilitation (A23) English Ivy (A8) Fancy Fur (A16) Food Studio B (A3) Four Corners Gallery (A12) Full Moon Barbecue (A12) GeGe’s Salon (B12) Greystone Antiques & Marketplace (A9) Ground Up Coffee & Smoothies (A23) Homewood Chamber of Commerce (A18, A19) iJump 280(B6) Iron Tribe (A24) Isbell Jewelers (A17) Jimmie Hale Mission (B9) Junior League of Birmingham (A6) Kobe (A20) Liberty Oriental Rugs (B4) M&F Bank (A13) Mountain Brook Art Association (B6) MedHelp (A18) North Shelby Baptist (B5) Oak Mountain Lodge (A7) Pak Mail (B2) Pastry Art (B12) Plain Jane (A8) Plastic Surgery Specialists (A20) Renaissance Consignment (B1) Richard Joseph Salon Spa (A1) Royal Automotive (B16) Sabina’s (B9) Salon M2 (A22) Sew Sheri (A14) Shops of Grand River (A2) Skin Wellness Center of Alabama (B5) Small Business Partners (B7) Southeastern Jewelers (B1, B7) St. Vincent’s One Nineteen (A22) The Blue Willow (B6) The Ditsy Daisy (B13) The Lingerie Shoppe (B2) The Maids (A1) The UPS Store (A8) Total Care (A11) Trinity Medical Center (A15, A21) United Way (A14) Varsity Sports (B6) Village Dermatology (B11) Walton and Tower (B2) Which Wich (B3) Your Good Neighbor (A15) Zounds (B13)

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280 Living

280 News

Stay fire safe this winter

Dunnavant Valley residents to weigh in on area plan

By JEFF THOMPSON The Shelby County Department of Development Services will hold its second Community Workshop on Thursday, Nov. 1 from 6-8 p.m. at the Mt Laurel Elementary School Cafeteria.

The workshop is the next step of public planning for the Dunnavant Valley Small Area Plan process.

The November workshop will focus on top issues in the Dunnavant Valley community as selected by the public during the first community workshop.

These include: improving pedestrian and cyclist safety and reducing speeding along County Road 41; improving police response times and increasing residential participation in law enforcement; and preserving the rural character of the Dunnavant Valley.

Erick Womack, senior planner with the Department of Development Services, said pedestrian and cyclist safety was the top priority for the 64 Dunnavant Valley residents who attended the first workshop. In November, residents will have the opportunity to weigh in on accommodating cyclists and providing safe pedestrian routes and crossings on County Road 41.

“The strategies mentioned are to complete the Dunnavant Valley Community Greenway Phases II & III from the trailhead on County Road 41 to Villas Belvedere, commence a study to determine the ideal route from Villas Belvedere north into the Dunnavant Community, construct bike lanes from US 280 to State Route 25, install ‘Share the Road’ signs along County Road 41,

and install zebra crossings with flashing warning lights with or without raised crosswalks,” he said.

Womack also said planning strategies include enhancement of police presence through increased patrols, location of a manned Shelby County Sheriff’s Department substation in the valley, placement of unmanned patrol cars to deter speeders, and commencement of neighborhood watch programs.

Additional objectives outlined are to preserve mountain ridge tops and natural viewscapes, manage wildflowers and other native species, reduce signs in the rights of way, and maintain County Road 41 as a twolane rural road. Womack said strategies include development of ridge top development regulations, establishment of “Adopt a Mile” programs along County Road 41 and State Route 25, promotion of the growth of native wildflowers in the rights of way and encouraging private property owners to place lands in preservation trusts or provide conservation easements.

At the workshop, the public will be allowed to add any additional objectives and strategies regarding the plan, which is being performed in-house by county planners in the Department of Development Services. Womack said no outside funding will be used during this process, and the work will be conducted using the department’s normal fiscal year budget.

For more, follow the progress of the plan on the Development Services departmental page on the County’s website at shelbyal.com.

By Lt. DON WILLIAMSON City of Chelsea Fire and Rescue Department It is that time of year again when everyone starts thinking about Christmas, hot chocolate, chili and fireplaces. When it gets cold, thousands of people along 280 start a fire with expectations it will give them hours of warmth and enjoyment.

However, way too often, they find big red trucks out in front of their house because something went wrong, which makes this time of year one of the busiest for us. Taking your fireplace for granted and assuming it is ready for a fire can be scary, dangerous and expensive.

Dozens of times in the fall and winter we get calls on reported chimney fires and smoke in residences due to neglected fireplaces. I hear the same old stories year after year: “it was ok last year,” “I have never had a problem,” and the one phrase we hate to hear, “we went to bed and awakened to the house on fire.” Most of the time these situations can be avoided.

Properly dispose of fireplace ashes. Believe it or not, improperly disposing of the fireplace ashes causes us more problems than chimney fires.

Ashes from the firebox can stay hot and still cause a fire for up to three days. Placing them in trash cans or dumpsters, bags or boxes on your deck or dumping them in the woods near your house will cause a fire hours after the fire is out in your fireplace.

The best method is to place the ashes in a metal container with a lid and let the ashes sit for several days before disposing of them. Be cautious using a natural fiber broom or vacuum to clean out the fireplace because ashes will hide and you will find the fire later.

for business license to verify any business prior to calling them. Don’t forget to ask the sweep for a copy of the company’s insurance policy or at least the name of their agent as well.

All these things will help to make sure you have a good experience with a good chimney sweep company

Open the damper. The most common smoking problem with a fireplace occurs when an embarrassed homeowner starts a fire in the fireplace and forgets to open the damper or the damper is not fully open and falls shut. This can cause a flurry of activity around the house as smoke pours into the room, starting with yelling kids and the wife dialing 911 as smoke detectors are sounding. Large smoke fans from the fire department can get the smoke out of your home but cannot cure a red face.

Clear the area around your fireplace. One of the most pictureperfect scenes of Christmas is a tree near the fireplace with stockings hanging from the mantle and presents on the hearth surrounded by pinecones. This is not a good situation if you have a fire in the fireplace.

Sparks can shoot out of a firebox for several feet. Items should be kept away from the fireplace at least six feet from the opening. Using spark screens or glass doors will help with the sparks but are not foolproof.

Have your fireplace inspected annually. Fireplaces should be inspected each year to make sure they are ready for use. They may or may not need to be cleaned every year, but it is critical that the condition of the system be checked for maintenance, blockages, cracks or any other issues that may arise during the off season.

If you just moved into an apartment, condo or new home, you need to have it inspected before use by a certified chimney sweep company. However, call them early because October and November are their busy season and you can have up to a two- to four-week wait. Contact the Better Business Bureau and your city government

Clean your gutters. Keeping leaves cleaned out of your gutters and valleys of your roof will help to avoid sparks from your fireplace igniting the tinder material on the roof.

Only allow adults to play with fire. Only adults should start fires and add wood to the fireplace.

Children always want to help, but it is safer for adults. Cooking, roasting marshmallows and popping corn should be reserved for an outside campfire.

The best way to avoid problems with your fireplace is to keep these helpful hints in mind during the cold months of the year.

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November 2012 A7

280Living.com

Community

Putting the brush to the canvas The art and career of Ray Brown

By RICK WATSON Ray Brown fell in love with water, brushes and paint when he was studying commercial art at the University of Alabama. That watercolor love affair has continued throughout his life, as graphic art director for The Birmingham News and after retirement in 2002 as an art teacher at his church.

His job at the News was, in a nutshell, making the paper look good. He was responsible for using pictures, maps, graphs, illustrations, charts and original artwork to make the paper appealing to readers. He also used watercolor to create original full-page art for the News. But the choice of medium wasn’t solely an aesthetic one.

“We had to use something that dried fast,” the artist said.

Brown started in the newspaper business in the early 1960s when there were “composing rooms” where pages were crafted using Linotype machines and hot metal. According to Brown, it took a great deal of skill in those days to make all the pieces come together and look good, particularly under deadline.

Then in the 80s, computers entered the picture.

“They put an Apple Macintosh on my desk and said, ‘Here, use this,’” he said with a laugh. “It went downhill from there.”

In the early days of computerization, the graphics could be somewhat mechanical looking, but Brown said they’ve come a long way since then.

Brown created more than just newspaper art in his 42-year career. The walls of the home he shares with his wife, Gail, are covered in framed

Watercolorist Ray Brown, who lives on Caldwell Mill Road, touches up his painting of a lighthouse. Photo by Rick Watson.

watercolors he’s crafted over the decades.

Painting watercolor of a live scene can be challenging, Brown said, because the daylight is ever changing: “You have to be quick.”

Sometimes he takes a photograph to use as a starting point and then lets the artist within run free, changing the image, adding details or enhancing the color until he’s created something new and unique.

The process of recreating that scene in a different medium is exciting to Brown.

“A camera can do it,” he said, “but that’s not me. I’d rather do it myself.”

Besides, he added, when people see a photograph, they tend to give it a cursory glance, but when they see a piece of art, they reflexively take more time to study the work.

“Watercolor draws them in,” he said.

According to Brown, watercolor requires a lot of planning before you first put brush to paper.

“With oil paint, you can cover up with more layers, but with watercolor you can’t do that,” he said,

noting that occasionally there are some “happy mistakes.”

He starts out with the lightest color and then adds the progressively darker ones.

“You have to paint the dog before you paint the fleas,” he said. That goes against the grain for most beginners because it seems natural to paint the details first and work outward, but watercolor doesn’t work that way.

Brown no longer exhibits at art shows.

He paints mostly for himself, though he does occasionally give a painting away to someone “deserving.”

He also shares his art through teaching at his church. Several years ago, Christ Church United Methodist on Caldwell Mill Road started a fine arts program offering music-related classes. When Brown suggested they add some art classes, they asked him when he could start.

He now teaches watercolor classes each Thursday morning at the church.

Most of his students have never had formal art training, but Brown said they have a lot of fun together learning the basics. At the end of the semester, the students display their art at the church.

In the 30 years that Ray and Gail have lived in their house on Caldwell Mill Road, he’s spent a lot of time in the backyard painting under the shade of a 100-year-old oak. But the tornado that slammed through his neighborhood on April 27, 2011 uprooted the tree and did extensive damage to their home.

The couple was not injured, but they lived in one room while the house is repaired. Many of Brown’s watercolors were crammed into their living room along with furniture and other miscellaneous stuff that had to be stored while repairs are made.

Throughout that time of transition, Brown simply looked forward to replanting the tree and painting under its branches.

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A8 November 2012

280 Living

People You Should Know

Captain Chris George

includes being over the Drug Task Force and SWAT team.

What “words of wisdom” would you give parents?

Commander, Criminal Investigations Division Shelby County Sheriff’s Office

By KATHRYN ACREE Captain Chris George will be quick to tell you that the day-to-day operations of the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office are more about preventing things from happening than many people ever realize.

“If it’s predictable, it’s preventable,” he said. In addition to his duties for the sheriff’s office, this Chelsea father of three sons is the assistant cub master of Chelsea Pack 353 and a member of Liberty Baptist Church.

Is Birmingham home?

Yes, I was born in Birmingham and grew up in the area near the former Eastwood Mall. I went to Ramsey High School and then entered the Marine Corps for four years. While I was in the Marine Corps, I traveled overseas and visited 20 to 30 different countries. I was a radio operator and a paratrooper.

I came back home and started taking the tests for a civil service position for a police officer. The Corps showed me at a young age that I wanted to be a part of something. I wanted to serve. It took me about a year and a half to be hired here in the Shelby County Sheriff’s office, and that’s where I’ve been ever since.

Captain Chris George at the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office. Photo by Kathryn Acree.

How did you come to the Criminal Investigation Division?

I started first as a correctional officer and then moved to deputy. I worked the roads for about four or five years in the southern and eastern areas of the county.

I was then assigned to investigations and then back to patrol as a sergeant for a few

years. I tested for lieutenant and stayed on the road for about a year and a half, then moved to the Drug Task Force for a few years. In August 2011, I applied for captain and was appointed by Sheriff Chris Curry as one of four division commanders.

The Criminal Investigation Division is all crimes against property, people, theft, and violent crime. Part of this

The first thing that I would like people to know is that as far as their children are concerned, they (the children) have no right to privacy. A lot of parents believe that kids have a right to privacy in their room or that they can’t search their purses or go through drawers in their rooms or their cars. They have no right to privacy.

Zero. That’s your house; that belongs to you. You search their rooms, regardless of how much of an angel they may be or if they are the star football player. They have to be held accountable.

People would be surprised at how much their kids know about drugs. It’s on Facebook, Twitter—it’s everywhere.

Not at age 15 or 16, but sixth and seventh grade. These kids know what drugs are. I say, “trust but verify,” as Ronald Reagan used to say. There are too many temptations out there, and statistics tell us that if you’ve not talked to your child about drugs by the time they are 11 years old, the odds are somebody else has.

Drug dealers go out and market their product. They are looking for customers, just like commercials you see on TV. They are only going to give you a small amount (of drugs.) Once they get you hooked, they know you are going to want more and more.

What are your thoughts on the new texting and driving law?

If there was any question, I think the law was needed because we are a society that seems to have trouble controlling

ourselves. If you can’t comprehend that you are driving a 2,000-pound missile and if you take my eyes off the road long enough to send a text, what you may not understand is your concentration is on that device. When you’re traveling 60 miles per hour, in five seconds you can travel the length of a football field, and a lot can happen in one hundred yards. It’s unfortunate, but we are a society of laws because we have to be.

What are you passionate about?

Although my title is that of a captain, the core of me is a deputy sheriff, just like Mayberry’s “Andy” and “Barney.”

I am one of Sheriff Curry’s “Barneys.”

My passion is to make this county safe so that my three boys won’t decide when they’re older that they have to leave because it’s unsafe. That means that my passion is self-serving, but I want this place to stay safe.

I firmly believe that “if it is predictable, it is preventable.” I can predict everyday that someone is going to want to buy drugs, but if I can greatly restrain the supply, for example, then people will go somewhere else to buy.

There are a little over 230,000 people in the county in a little over 600 square miles; that’s a whole lot of people and a whole lot of mileage to cover at a rate of about 1.3 deputies per thousand people.

But, if we can keep it safe, when I retire, whenever that is, I hope to sit back and know this area was kept safe because of the efforts we did as a sheriff’s office to keep it safe. That’s got to be anyone in my profession’s biggest goal.

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Come Visit Jingle & Jangle

on Nov 17th from 1-3pm.

• FREE Picture • Refreshments • Letters delivered to Santa • Drawing for Great gifts for the Adults Plain Jane is Santa’s North Pole Supply post for all your elf supplies.

Pocket Elves, Clothing, Reindeer, Books, Travel Cases and more.

270 Doug Baker Blvd, Lee Branch • 991-1995 www.plainjanegifts.com • Mon - Fri 10am - 6pm, Sat 10am - 5pm

November 2012 A9

280Living.com

Angel

Pillowcases

Grace Carroll, cofounder of Angel Pillowcases, sews a case to donate to a patient at Children’s Hospital.

Local charity founded by high school students reaches out to community

By JEFF THOMPSON Harry Arnold, a Brook Highland resident and Altamont School senior, has a self-professed head for business and an obvious open heart.

He’s like many other seniors, anxious and planning for the future, filling out college applications while juggling challenging course loads with extracurricular activities. But unlike his peers – with the exception of his partner, senior Grace Carroll – Arnold is also juggling a non-profit venture.

Arnold and Carroll are founders of Angel Pillowcases, a charitable operation organized in June 2012 that crafts handmade pillowcases to donate to patients at Children’s Hospital. Since June, the venture has grown considerably, and due to the demand, the team is reaching out in Arnold’s neighborhood and beyond to bring on more volunteers, sell more pillowcases and deliver more smiles to sick children.

“I believe members of the 280 community would openly embrace our venture and give it a huge spark,” Arnold said, “which would mean more children and families from across Birmingham that would benefit.”

Angel Pillowcases was founded shortly after a blue bow campaign was held in Mountain Brook to benefit Sean Fredella. According to angelpillowcases.org, Fredella was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia when he was two years old. What followed was more than

five years of painful treatment before he became cancer-free.

“Knowing that (Carroll) had casually sewn pillowcases for years for donation and that Sean had spent considerable time at Children’s, my business instincts took over and together we connected the dots that created Angel Pillowcases,” Arnold said.

Their venture has grown substantially since this summer thanks to coverage in local media and a grant from the Banking on Youth competition, but Arnold said the challenges of maintaining the operation are minimal compared to the benefit that Angel Pillowcases is having and will continue to have.

“While a personalized pillowcase certainly cannot console a child who has cancer, it can at least make them feel a little more comfortable in their surroundings,” he said. “For the younger patients especially, the pillowcases can uplift their spirits and put a smile on their face.”

The SEANStrong fund is an account at Children’s of Alabama created by the Fredella family that provides financial assistance to families at Children’s who have a child that has been diagnosed with cancer. Donations made to the SEAN Strong fund help patient families with the emotional health, well being and quality of life of children who are battling cancer.

The pillowcases come in many different

designs, including bicycles and basketballs for boys and flowers and cupcakes for girls.

Starting this fall, the pillowcases are exclusively made with Michael Miller Fabrics from New York through a partnership with local businesswoman, Ann Piper, and her husband, Doug Carpenter, who learned about the pillowcases and saw a way to help lower material and production costs while furthering their own initiative to help provide work for women in Haiti, Theona’s Girls.

Theona, a seamstress Piper met on a mission trip, had fled Port au Pricne for Terrier Rouge, a small rural town, following the devastating earthquake in Port au Prince in 2010. There she decided to teach other young women how to sew and to learn a trade. The women have no electricity and use machines that are operated manually.

“Theona’s Girl’s mission is to provide women with hopes and dreams of a better life for themselves and their families with sustainable employment,” Piper said.

A full tax-deductible donation of $25 to Angel Pillowcases provides a handmade pillowcase to a child and makes a contribution to the SEANStrong Fund. On angelpillowcases. org, individuals can purchase a pillowcase for themselves or donate a pillowcase in honor of or in memory of someone, and all proceeds will benefit the fund. In addition to going online, checks to support Angel Pillowcases can be mailed to Janie Jones, Children’s of Alabama, 1600 7th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35233.

Visit angelpillowcases.org for more information or to donate.

A10 November 2012

280 Living

Briarwood Christmas Shop offers gift items and more Briarwood Christmas Shop, a community holiday tradition for more than 20 years, will once again offer a unique Christmas shopping experience. The free event is hosted by Briarwood Christian High School.

The 2012 shop will feature gifts, local artwork, jewelry and accessories, garden décor, wood crafts, monogrammed clothing and items, and home decor exhibited by recognized merchants and talented artisans.

There will be several boutiques for women’s fine clothing.

Stationary and paper products can be customized while you wait.

Retailers like Remon’s will sell collegiate items like key chains, Southern Tide college shirts and other items popular with men.

Christmas music, door prizes and more fun surprises make for a festive atmosphere at the event. This year they will have a Little Elves Shop for small children to shop with a volunteer helper in a store designed especially for them.

Local and out-of-state vendors include Trunk Treasures, Wow Boutique, Bardin Marsee Publishing, Rusty Rooster, Alpha Bama Letters, Remons, Obsessions, The Silver Zoo, Lily Girl, Paper Antiques and The Sweet Smith.

This year’s committee members for the shop are Missy Bekken, Joy Williford, Destiny Butts and Susan Schaper.

The event runs Thursday, Nov. 8 from noon-8 p.m. and Friday,

Southern Christmas Bazaar

Briarwood Christmas Shop 2012 Chairmen Missy Bekken and Joy Williford are preparing for this year’s event.

Nov. 9 from 8 a.m.-4 p.m at the Fellowship Hall at Briarwood Presbyterian Church, located at I-459 on Acton Road.

The Alabaster-Pelham Rotary Club is holding an inaugural Southern Christmas Bazaar at the Pelham Civic Complex on Saturday, Nov. 17 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

More than 50 Alabama merchants will sell clothing, collectables, decorations, crafts and more to benefit Rotary projects, including gift bags for elderly shut-ins and scholarship for students.

Refreshments and concessions will be available, and Santa Claus will be around for photos with Santa.

Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for children and free for ages six and under. Tickets are available at Iberia Bank and M&F Bank, both located in Pelham, or can be purchased at the door the day of the event.

For more information, visit rotarysouthernchristmas.com or rotary6860. org.

A tree the old fashioned way A visit to Old Baker Farm has become part of many families’ yearly traditions. Old Baker Farm now sees the children of their first customers return and experience the same rides, cider and cutting down Christmas trees with their families.

The Christmas tree farm at Old Baker Farm is open from the day after Thanksgiving until Christmas Eve. Admission is free. They offer several types of trees including Virginia Pines, Leyland Cypress, Caroline Sapphire, Arizona

Sapphire and limited Red Cedars. Hayrides, apple cider and candy canes are complimentary on a visit.

Trees run from $15-100 depending on size and type and must be paid for with cash or check.

Old Baker Farm, an approximate 25 minute drive from the Inverness area, is located at 1041 Farmingdale Road, Harpersville, and is open 9 a.m.-dark daily. For more information, visit oldbakerfarm.com or call 672-7209.

Customers take a hayride in the Christmas tree plot at Old Baker Farm.

Photo courtesy of Sandi Herron.

PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT MEETING

PROJECT NUMBER: NH-0038( ) US Highway 280 Intersection Improvements/Access Management From Hollywood Boulevard to Doug Baker Boulevard Monday, November 19, 2012 Cahaba Grand Conference Center 3660 Grandview Parkway Birmingham, Alabama 35243 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Begin Project- Hollywood Blvd.

The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) personnel will be on hand to answer questions regarding the project. The Open House will begin at 4:00 PM. The Comment Period will be conducted between 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM, which includes a presentation on the proposed project. Any person wishing to comment during this period must register at the Sign-In Table.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OR FOR INDIVIDUALS REQUIRING SPECIAL ASSISTANCE CONTACT: Mr. Brian C. Davis, Division Engineer Alabama Department of Transportation – Third Division P.O. Box 2745 Birmingham, Alabama 35202-2745 Attn: Mrs. Sandra F. P. Bonner REQUEST FOR SPECIAL ASSISTANCE SHOULD BE RECEIVED AT LEAST FIVE (5) BUSINESS DAYS PRIOR TO THE MEETING

End Project – Doug Baker Blvd

November 2012 A11

280Living.com

280 proposal

CONTINUED from page 1

What do you think about the new plans for Highway 280?

With that extra 45 seconds, a car traveling at the 55 mile-per-hour speed limit – pending it wasn’t stopped by another light – could cover almost seven-10ths of a mile.

The predicted time savings of three to five minutes may even be an understatement, Davis said. ALDOT is currently installing a hightech traffic signal system called SCATS along Highway 280, which uses an adaptive computer system to reduce traffic delays by adapting to fluctuations in traffic. That project was bid before the proposal to alter intersections, and the two haven’t been modeled together.

But with all the positives that come from a shorter drive down 280, Davis said he is aware ALDOT will be asking drivers to do things differently. At multiple intersections, Rocky Ridge Road, Interstate 459, Valleydale ALDOT is proposing to remove the ability for Road and Highway 119 – aren’t included. He drivers to either travel directly across or make said these intersections require a more timeleft turns. However, the voices intensive and costly comof many will likely outweigh mitment from the departthe voices of a few. Division ment.

3 Preconstruction Engineer “I think the department Lance Taylor said some parts will always be working of Highway 280 carry more on a long-term solution than 100,000 cars a day. for 280,” Davis said. “But “We have got to consider - Brian Davis if you can spend $12-15 the issues for the 100,000 to ALDOT Division 3 Engineer million and make a pretty be more important than the decent improvement in issues of the couple thousand the meantime, then all of trying to get from one side (of Highway 280) a sudden you make it a more usable facility to the other,” Davis said. “Change is scary and while you develop your solution. change is sometimes painful, but our goal is “Those people out there need a break and to balance that so at the end of their trip they they need it today.” say, ‘I’m better off because I saved four or five minutes.’”

ALDOT will hold its public involvement Davis and Taylor stressed the proposal bemeeting to discuss the new proposal on Moning discussed on Nov. 19 was not the big fix day, Nov. 19 at the Cahaba Grand Conference for the highway’s traffic dilemma and has Center, located at 3660 Grandview Parkway. nothing to do with an elevated highway or An open house to review the project begins at toll road. In fact, four of the intersections that 4 p.m., and will be followed by a comment peprovide drivers with the most headaches – riod at 5 p.m. For more, see page A10.

Send your thoughts and opinions with us on 280Living. com, our Facebook page or by email to jeff@280living.com.

We hope to share the community’s discussion on 280 in upcoming issues.

‘Those people out there need a break, and they need it today.’

A12 November 2012

280 Living

The Market returns with holiday gifts Local residents can give back to the community while shopping this holiday season. The Junior League of Birmingham’s annual three-day shopping extravaganza, The Market, will be held on Thursday, Nov. 14 through Saturday, Nov. 17 at the Cahaba Grand Conference Center located off of U.S. Highway 280.

The Market provides a venue for shoppers to purchase unique items that cannot regularly be found in the greater Birmingham area.

New to The Market this year is MADE in the deep south, a one-of-a-kind jewelry line created by Birmingham native Michela Bruno Swafford. The line was developed deconstructing antique jewelry pieces by the pieces mixing them with rustic leather and other vintage pieces.

Also new this year, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be special guests at The Market on Nov. 17 from 9-11 a.m. Children under 12 years of age are admitted free to The Market.

The Junior League of Birmingham is

an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. The funds raised through The Market support the organization’s 35 community projects.

The three-day shopping event kicks-off with The Market’s Sneak Peek Party on Wednesday, Nov. 14 from 7-10 p.m. Whole Foods Market will offer wines, and Good People Brewing Company will provide beer tastings. The evening will feature a Diamond Giveaway sponsored by Diamonds Direct where attendees will have the chance to win a one-carat diamond with the purchase of a glass of champagne. There will also be a silent auction.

Martie & The Market brunch will host Food Network Star finalist Martie Duncan on Thursday, Nov. 15 at 9 a.m. Duncan, a native of Alabama and “party guru,” will share some of her party tips and recipes while showcasing

One of The Market’s most popular merchants, Richard Russell of All Things Gallery located on Cahaba River Road, will return again this year to personalize his SEC school spirit art for shoppers.

Bromberg’s serving pieces.

Tickets to The Market are $12 for general admission or $24 for a three-day Must Have Pass. The Sneak Peek Party is $36 and Martie & The Market is $24. Groups of 10 or more may purchase General Admission tickets to The Market for $10 per ticket. This offer is not valid

on JLB quota tickets.

All events are open to the public. Strollers are welcome Thursday and Friday after 2 p.m. and all day Saturday.

For more details and information on the Junior League of Birmingham’s Market, visit juniorleaguemarket.com.

Miss Merry Christmas Pageant open for participants

North Shelby Baptist Arts and Crafts Fair

Chelsea High School will hold its annual Miss Merry Christmas Pageant on Dec. 1 in the high school auditorium. The pageant is open to all residents of Shelby County ages infant through 12th grade.

Last year 122 girls participated in the beauty walk. Girls fifth grade and younger wear holiday dresses, and sixth to 12th graders wear pageant-type dresses. A winner of each of the five age categories is presented with a crown, and first, second and third alternates

On Nov. 16-17, North Shelby Baptist will hold the Third Annual Arts and Crafts Fair.

On Friday, the fair will be held from 11-7 p.m. and on Saturday, it will be held from 10-8 p.m. The event will take place rain or shine.

The event boasted more than 50 vendors last year and expects to have around the same this year to offer a wide variety of gift items.

Vendors will sell items including preserves and jellies, Mary Kay products, Pampered Chef products, hand painted scripture prints,

receive a trophy and flowers.

The entry fee is $25, and the deadline for registration is Nov. 26. Participants will attend a practice on Friday, Nov. 30.

Admission to the pageant is $5. All proceeds benefit the Chelsea High School Journalism Department and newspaper, The Chelsea Times.

For more information, contact Priscilla Collums at pcollums@shelbyed.k12.al.us or 682-7200.

handmade wooden toys and clocks, jewelry, gift baskets, wreaths, personalized key chains, doggy beds, linen tea towels, baked goods, children’s clothing, fleece blankets and scarves, bird feeders and more.

There is no charge for admission or parking.

Door prizes will also be given away.

North Shelby Baptist is located at 4100 Belcher Drive and can be reached at 995-9056.

For more information, visit northshelbybaptist. org.

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Mention this ad before Nov. 25, 2012 for $25 off one framing or restoration order of $100 or more.

November 2012 A13

280Living.com

OMMS’s Callens advocates for breast cancer awareness

By REAM SHOREIBAH JBMA PTO Many children love to ride bikes, with parents espousing the benefits of exercise and fresh air.

But on Oct. 12, the preschoolers of Joseph S. Bruno Montessori Academy (JBMA) rode for another reason – to celebrate JBMA’s 15th consecutive year of raising money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Over the years, preschoolers at the school have raised more than $42,000 for St. Jude’s through this annual trike-a-thon.

To prepare for this event, middle school students explained bike safety tips to preschool children throughout the week.

Children took home fundraising forms and asked parents to help by bringing bikes and helmets to the school’s outdoor track the morning of the event. When they arrived, middle school students helped unload the bikes and organized them by classes. Then, it was show time.

Class by class, preschoolers pedaled around the track to help raise money for St. Jude. Older students, as they do every year, ran alongside preschoolers or helped them when needed.

Miss Wiregrass Area’s Outstanding Teen 2013 Kyra Callens with her aunt, breast cancer survivor Violet Smiley. Photo courtesy of Mimi and Katherine Fuller.

Seven of the middle school students had ridden in the Trike-a- thon themselves when they were younger.

“I remember when I was in kindergarten and the older kids pushed me to do my best and

stood along the way yelling encouragement,” said eighth grader Thomas Rooney. “I hope JBMA goes on hosting the Trikea-thon for St. Jude for a long time, and I hope it continues to help others in such a fun way.”

Walk to raise support for St. Jude St. Jude supporters in the Hoover community and in 90 cities nationwide will participate in the St. Jude Give thanks. Walk. on Saturday, Nov. 17 to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

The Hoover event will be held at Veteran’s Park on Valleydale Road. Registration begins at 8 a.m., and the walk starts at 9 a.m.

Registration for this family-friendly event is free. All participants are encouraged to raise money to help save kids battling cancer and other deadly

diseases. St. Jude, located in Memphis, welcomes all families with patients without fees, thanks to committed fundraisers and donors.

To register for fundraising, visit fundraising. stjude.org. Registrants will have access to resources to help them reach fundraising goals, including personal and team fundraising pages; recruitment and donation email templates; downloadable resources like a fundraising letter to mail to friends and family and flyers to display at home or work; social media tools; and fundraising tips and videos.

Off road races come to Oak Mountain The XTERRA Oak Mountain State Park Trail Half Marathon will take place November 10 at Oak Mountain State Park. The marathon will include a 5K, a 10K, and a 21K. Registration for the event closes Nov. 8. Packet pickup will begin at 7 a.m. the morning of and the event will begin at 8:30 a.m. Those who register on time have the chance to pick up a Green Layer Dri Fit Shirt with their packets.

The race will take runners through rolling hills, climbs, roots, single path, double path and technical sections.

Awards will be given to the top three finishers in the male and female categories. Awards will also be given to the top three male and female competitors in each age group, which range from 14 to 70 and up.

For registration, prices or more information, visit active.com.

Montessori students raise money for St. Jude Oak Mountain Middle School eighth grader Kyra Callens was crowned Miss Wiregrass Area’s Outstanding Teen 2013 on Sept. 29.

With her new title, she has been working on her platform to help fight breast cancer.

He grandmother, great aunt and several cousins are survivors, and her 45-year-old aunt Violet Smiley of Vestavia was recently diagnoses.

Kyra participated in the “Shades of Hope” team at Race for the Cure on Oct. 20 and is an active volunteer for Susan G. Komen for the Cure. She also worked with local businesses to raise money and awareness through silent auction and luncheons during the month of October.

A14 November 2012

280 Living

Your Health Today

By Dr. Irma Palmer

(This is the second of a two-part series on cancer and chiropractics. If you missed last month’s article, just go to www. chiropractictoday.com and click “Patient Resources” and then “280 Living Articles” to read it!)

Unfortunately, the reality is that you or someone you love is probably suffering from cancer at this very moment. As a chiropractor, I believe in the body’s innate ability to heal itself. I am not suggesting chiropractic care should be a stand-alone treatment option or that it is a “cure” for cancer. But I do believe that it can be an invaluable part of a cancer treatment regimen.

According to a study from Seminars in Oncology Nursing, “Chiropractic is one of the leading alternatives to standard medical treatment for cancer pain management.”

The authors of this study concluded that chiropractic can enhance a cancer patient’s quality of life and help reduce pain from the side effects of treatment or from the disease process itself.

The renowned Cancer Treatment Centers of America was founded in 1988 to provide the very best traditional cancer treatments, along with complementary therapies to heal the whole person. They have a full-time chiropractor on staff to help people who are fighting cancer. They believe in improving

the cancer patient’s quality of life, and helping them get back to the productive, quality lives they enjoyed before their cancer diagnoses. This is completely congruent with the mission of my office!

Regular chiropractic adjustments can reduce stress to the nervous system, which then helps restore the body’s ability to heal itself and function better. Cancer patients often suffer from pain and stiffness in their joints and muscles caused or worsened by surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy. Chiropractic adjustments can help relieve back and neck pain, headaches, sciatic nerve pain, and even nausea and neuropathy (pain or numbness in the hands and feet) associated with cancer side effects.

While conventional oncology and alternative medicine are sometimes viewed as polar opposites, this isn’t necessarily the case. Even the American Cancer Society reports that “Chiropractic treatment has been shown to help treat lower back pain and other pain caused by muscle or bone problems. It can also promote relaxation and stress reduction.”

Many cancer patients undergo radiation treatments.

Such treatments often require patients to hold their bodies in uncomfortable positions for long periods of time, causing neck and back pain.

Simple spinal adjustments can significantly

Chiropractic Care for Cancer Patients? It works!

reduce the amount of pain cancer patients experience.

Chemotherapy is another common form of cancer treatment with many side effects, including nausea, headaches, muscle soreness and neuropathy. Since chiropractic care utilizes a drug-free alternative, patients can experience pain relief while reducing the need for drugs, all without experiencing drug interactions and the side effects of pain medications.

According to David Servan-Schreiber, MD, PhD, and author of “Anticancer: A New Way of Life,” the steps we take to prevent cancer are often also essential contributors to treating cancer. He states, “As emphasized by the 2007 report of the World Cancer Research Fund, approaches reinforcing the body’s defense mechanisms – such as nutrition and exercise…dissolve the frontier between prevention and treatment. On one hand, they prevent the microtumors we all carry in us from developing (prevention).

On the other, they enhance the benefits of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy in the prevention of relapse (treatment).”

In my office, we refer to our overarching approach to wellness care as “Living the Big 5” – five keys to living a happy, healthy life. In short, they are…Faith First, Eating Right, Moving Right, Thinking Right, and Neurological Connection. As you can see,

these are completely consistent with what research shows is the best defense against getting cancer and for treating patients with cancer. It’s my goal to live as if I DO have cancer, in the hopes that I never will. But if I do, I know I’ll have the keys to get through it as best I can!

If you or someone you love could use help navigating the reality and side effects of cancer, I hope you’ll give my office at call at 205-991-3511 and come in for a complimentary consultation and let’s talk about how wellness-oriented chiropractic care can help. Also, RSVP to attend our free Wellness Workshop on Tuesday, November 27th from 6:15-7 p.m.

Finally, be sure to ask about our new line of Standard Process Supplements. With Standard Process, you’ll know the science behind what supplements you need to be taking. We utilize specialized hair analysis testing and pre-screening to determine what mineral deficiencies you have. Then, specific recommendations are made with regards to supplements that will address those deficiencies. That way, you can take only those supplements your body needs without putting in minerals it doesn’t need!

Standard Process Supplements…great for those dealing with cancer, as well as those who aren’t!

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When you give to United Way, you’re not just doing a good deed — you’re creating opportunities for a better life for all. Your donations go directly to our partners and initiatives in our community to help those who need it most. The truth is undeniable: doing good feels good. And nothing feels better than making good things happen with a partner like United Way.

November 2012 A15

280Living.com

Faith Church offers program for healing after divorce

By DANNELLY FARROW Being a teacher of DivorceCare helped Stacy Alliston heal after his divorce, but it was going through the program that changed his life.

“DivorceCare was a lifesaver for me, it helped calm the storm,” he said. “I can’t even list all the ways I benefited from this program.”

In a world where divorce is an all-too-familiar issue, The Church at Brook Hills’ DivorceCare, a seminar and support group, has been offering a safe haven for its participants for more than 15 years. The program is geared towards the community with men and women of all ages, backgrounds and stages of divorce. Approximately 70 percent of all participants are not members of Brook Hills.

There are 13 sessions, and anyone is welcome to come to a class throughout the program. The entire program takes about six weeks to fully complete and is offered in the fall and the spring.

“Many people repeat the program two or three times,” said Dawn Stephens, Minister to Women’s Small Group at The Church at Brook Hills.

“Many are numb the first time they go through the program, and each time people are able to get a little bit more insight.”

It typically takes about five or six sessions for a class to really open up but by the end of the program, they have bonded.

“Divorce can be a very isolating situation. DivorceCare provides a sense of community as well as perspective that someone may be in a worse situation than you,” said Alliston.

There are approximately 12 to 15 members per class, and each session lasts about two hours. The session opens up with an introduction, announcements and prayer. The class then watches a video to introduce a new topic, which is followed by an open-ended discussion. Some of the topics include depression, anger,

finances, loneliness, new relationships and moving on.

The program is lead by both a male and a female to bring a different perspective to each class. In order to lead a class, the facilitators have to be divorced and go through the program so they can better help others go with the same healing process. Sheil Moore and Alliston went through the program together five years ago and have been teaching the class for four years.

The Church at Brook Hills understands that divorce affects the entire family and offers a program for children as well. For children ages five to 12, DivorceCare for Kids (DC4K) provides understanding and resolution.

The Church at Brook Hills also offers on-campus activities and childcare for children of all ages during DivorceCare sessions.

Church administration said it would eventually like to offer a DivorceCare program for teenagers.

“Unfortunately, divorce will always be prevalent and there will always be a need for DivorceCare,” Stephens said. “We will definitely be offering it The Church at Brook Hills for many years to come.”

On Nov. 7 at 6:30 p.m., DivorceCare will take a break from the current program and offer a “Hope for the Holidays” seminar, which is open to the whole community.

For more information, visit DivorceCare.org and DivorceCareforKids.org or call The Church at Brook Hills, 313-7790.

DivorceCare’s Hope for the Holidays Workshop Wednesday, Nov. 7 6:30 -8:30 p.m.

Church at Brook Hills, Room 130 Childcare and a DivorceCare 4 Kids session are available by reservation.

For more information, contact Ashley Chesnut at 313-7790 or visit brookhills. org/happenings/women/2012/10-17/ divorcecare-hope-for-the-holidays.

The Harvest of Hope Luncheon was held in September at the Cahaba Grand Conference Center to benefit the work of Oak Mountain Missions Ministeries.

Contributions from a silent auction and luncheon donations allowed many to regard the event as a success, as it provides one-third of the annual budget for the work of the Mission.

Annual Harvest of Hope Luncheon

Cindy Cooper, Director Roddy Cooper, Bobby Humphrey, Barbara Humphey, Jennifer Greer, Ben Greer

A skilled physician.

A partner in good health.

RodRigo ValdeRRama, m.d.

BoaRd-CeRtified endoCRinologist member of the medical staff at trinity medical Center

Good medical care balances many things, from the body’s needs to the patient’s comfort.

Rodrigo Valderrama, M.D., brings that balance to Trinity Medical Center in caring for the complex systems of glands and hormones that keep our bodies functioning properly. A new member of the medical staff at Trinity Medical Center, Dr. Valderrama treats conditions such as diabetes, thyroid diseases, pituitary disorders, adrenal disorders and endocrine hypertension.

For an appointment, call 205-599-2450.

800 Montclair Road • Professional Office Building 860, Suite 450 • TrinityMedicalClinics.com

65409_TRIN_Vald_10x7_5c.indd 1

10/16/12 12:09 PM

A16 November 2012

280 Living

Food Aunt Mary shares her favorite

By LISA C. JOHNSEY The holiday season is upon us, and I get excited thinking about the parties that we will both host and attend in the coming weeks. As a lover of food, not only do I amuse myself by creating all sorts of dishes in my kitchen during this time of year, but I

holiday hors d’oeuvres

also enjoy sampling items that my friends and family have prepared.

Over the years, my aunt Mary Ann, who enjoys cooking as much as I do, has inspired me to be more creative and eclectic with my menu. I recently attended an event at Aunt Mary Ann’s house where she had prepared numerous heavy hors

Aunt Mary Ann’s Shrimp and Grits Appetizer 2 cups stone-ground grits 6 ounces Velveeta cheese 1 stick butter, divided Salt and pepper, to taste 28 large shrimp 1 lemon 2 pounds fresh tomatoes, chopped (or 2 cans of fire roasted tomatoes) 7 tablespoons olive oil, divided 2 tablespoons sherry vinegar 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning 2 cloves garlic, crushed 1/2 cup half and half Garnishes: fresh chopped parsley, crumbled applewood bacon

d’oeuvres. I asked her permission to share some of her recipes with my readers in an upcoming article. As you prepare dishes for your parties here at the holidays, Aunt Mary Ann and I both hope that you will have a good time with some of these suggestions.

Happy holidays from our table to yours!

Make grits according to package directions. Toward the end of their cooking, add 2/3 stick of butter and the Velveeta cheese and stir until melted in.

Add salt and pepper to taste. Pour grits into a 9x14-inch greased casserole dish.

Place in the refrigerator to harden.

Roast chopped tomatoes in a 400-degree oven for 30 minutes. Toss the tomatoes with 4 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons sherry vinegar, Italian seasoning, garlic and salt and pepper to taste. If using can tomatoes, sauté the garlic in oil and add all other roasted tomato ingredients. Cook in a saucepan for 20 minutes on low.

Cool tomatoes and pulse in a food

Aunt Mary Ann’s Crab-Stuffed Artichoke Bottoms 20 artichoke bottoms, canned or frozen 1 pound lump crab meat 1 cup Remoulade Sauce (store bought or homemade) 2 cups chicken broth (optional; use for frozen artichokes) Salt and white pepper, to taste Olive oil, to taste 1 lemon Mixed lettuce greens, for serving Garnishes: chopped boiled eggs, crumbled bacon

Drain artichoke bottoms if using can.

To assure that the artichoke bottoms are tender, you can place them in a 9x14-inch casserole dish with chicken broth and bake in the oven for about an hour. This will soften the artichoke bottoms, as well as add favor.

If cooking frozen artichoke bottoms, cook until tender in boiling salted water or broth. Drain well, cool and place bottoms on a platter of mixed lettuce greens. Mix the crab gently

processor or blender (sauce should still have texture). Add the cream and salt and pepper to taste.

In a large skillet, heat up 3 tablespoons olive oil and 1/3 stick of butter. Add the shrimp seasoned with salt an pepper and cook until just pink. Squeeze the juice of one lemon on the shrimp. Add the roasted tomato sauce to the shrimp and heat gently.

To assemble the appetizers, cut grits into approximately 2-inch squares and heat in microwave or the oven until warm.

Top grits squares with one large shrimp and roasted tomato sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and crumbled bacon.

Makes 28 squares.

with salt, white pepper, olive oil and the juice of one lemon. Stuff crab on top of artichoke bottoms. When ready to serve, drizzle remoulade over the stuffed crab and garnish if desired with chopped boiled eggs and crumbled bacon.

Note: For a warm variation of this recipe, instead of remoulade drizzlecrab stuffed artichoke bottoms with store bought or homemade hollandaise sauce.

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November 2012 A17

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Restaurant Showcase

Shiki Sakura

Shiki Sakura 27 Olmstead Street Daily, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

705-1337

Intimate Asian dining in Mt Laurel

By MADOLINE MARKHAM Mt Laurel’s new Asian restaurant is smaller and more intimate than large hibachi restaurants yet offers an extensive selection of sushi, hibachi and Chinese foods.

The restaurant business runs in the blood of Peter Wang, owner and chef at Shiki Sakura. His father was a chef in Hong Kong, where Wang grew up learning the restaurant business.

“I can cook Chinese food, American food, everything,” Wang said.

More than 20 years into the restaurant business himself, Wang most recently had a restaurant in Lincoln, and his siblings run several Asian restaurants in the Birmingham area.

Keeping the business in the family, his son Adrian and daughter Anna, both students at Oak Mountain schools, helped him open his new Mt Laurel restaurant this summer and act as translators for their dad.

“The people here are great,” Adrian said about Mt Laurel.

Shiki Sakura offers a long list of sushi rolls from which to choose. We tried the Spicy Tuna Roll and the Black Dragon Roll for something different, and both disappeared quickly. Adrian Wang told us his favorite sushi rolls are the Lobster Roll and California Roll. Most rolls costs between $4.50 and $8.95, but special rolls run a little higher. Large combination sushi “boats” and combinations are also available.

Hibachi dishes are cooked in the kitchen and delivered hot and fresh to the table. We tried a lunch portion, which came with fried rice and crisp, flavorful veggies.

Other popular items on the restaurant’s extensive menu are Sesame Chicken and Samurai Steak.

Lunch specials come with fried rice and an egg

The Black Dragon Roll, above, is one of many selections on the restaurant’s sushi menu. Left, Adrian, Anna and Chef Peter Wang at their sushi, hibachi and Chinese restaurant that opened in Mt Laurel this summer. Photos by Madoline Markham.

roll for $7.95 and are served 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. Chef Specialties range from $10.95 to $12.95 and include dishes like General Tso’s Chicken.

Shiki Sakura delivers orders after 5 p.m. and delivery orders must be a minimum of $25. Take out is available as well. It also caters and delivers food to the Red Shamrock Pub for interested customers.

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A18 November 2012

280 Living

Business Happenings Two new restaurants coming to 280 Brook Highland New spaghetti house open

Tony’s Spaghetti House is scheduled to open in the former Mexicali space in Brook Highland Plaza in early November.

The new restaurant is owned by Tony Falletta and his son, who owned and ran Leonardo’s in Vestavia Hills until recently.

Falletta said Tony’s menu would, of course, feature spaghetti as well as thin crust pizzas among other items.

Tony’s is located at 5287 Highway 280, Suite 219.

Inverness Alabama Outdoors now open

Alabama Outdoors has opened in the former Blockbuster location in Inverness Plaza.

The outdoors store offers the same outdoor products and services as their Homewood and Trussville locations. They sell clothing, footwear and equipment for hiking, backpacking, climbing, skiing or just walking to class or school.

Alabama Outdoors specializes in product from Patagonia, The North Face, Chaco, Merrell, TOMS, Mountain Khaki’s, Salomon and other brands.

Their hours are Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-7 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m.-5 p.m.

The store is located at 108 Inverness Plaza and can be reached at 980-3303. For more information, visit alabamaoutdoors.com.

Lakes at Inverness Apartments renovated

Lakes at Inverness, an apartment community off Cahaba Beach Road behind the Home Depot on Highway 280, completed $4 million in renovations last month. The complex now features a new state-of-the-art fitness center.

Miss Shelby County 2013 Jamie Brooks was in attendance for a grand opening celebration and ribbon cutting at the complex on Oct. 11.

Lakes at Inverness is located at 1000 Hunt Cliff Road. For more information, visit lakesatinverness.com.

Mt Laurel Sabina’s brings furnishings and gifts to Mt Laurel

New Mt Laurel shop Sabina’s sells furniture, gift items, jewelry and diamonds.

The store carries Crabtree and Evelyn products, Ravens Original Spices, Lux Candles, European style and casual furniture, Architelago Botanicals Products, Lighting & Lamps, wrought iron pierces, oil paintings, Dream Fit Sheets and more. They will also buy diamonds, gold and silver.

Owners Michael and Sabina Mann celebrated their grand opening with friends and family on Oct. 4.

Store hours are Monday-Friday 10 a.m.6 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sabina’s is located as 102-B Croft Street and can be reached at 980-3346.

Colonnade Mooyah Burgers comes to town

Mooyah Burgers is scheduled to open in the Colonnade around the first of November. The chain is known for its burgers, fries and shakes.

Franchisee Denny Barrow and sons Joshua and Jordan hope to eventually open five or six restaurants in metro Birmingham.

Dallas-based Mooyah has about 32 restaurants and 220 more in development.

The restaurant will be located at 3439 Colonnade Parkway, Suite 1000. For more information, visit mooyah.com.

Chelsea World Celluar to open

World Cellular, a Verizon Wireless retailer owned by David Fievet, will hold a grand opening for its new store in Chelsea. The ribbon cutting is slated for Nov. 2 at 10 a.m. at 16618 Highway 280.

World Cellular has been in business for 17 years with locations in Birmingham, Oneonta, Moody, Northport and Tuscaloosa. These locations are full-service stores that offer cellular phones and accessories, home phone and Internet service and DirecTV. For more, call 618-9441.

Snider’s adds coffee shop

In October, Snider’s Discount Pharmacy in Chelsea added a coffee shop to its business.

Ground Up Coffee and Smoothies is now located inside the Snider’s building at 15582 Highway 280. The coffee shop is being managed by Casey Morris, former owner of Ekklesia Coffe Shop in Chelsea. For more, call 678-3899 or visit facebook.com/ GroundUpCoffeeAndSmoothies.

Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Events 10/7- Sporting Clay Shoot. Selwood Farm, Inc., 706 Selwood Road, Alpine, Ala. 10/8- Grow & Go “First Response,” presented by John Moser, World-Class Speaking. 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Chamber, 1301 County Services Drive, Pelham. Investment: $10.

RSVP required by noon, Tuesday, Nov. 6.

Sponsored by Business Telephones, Inc. 10/20- Annual Prayer Breakfast. 7:30-9 a.m. Pelham Civic Complex, 500 Amphitheater Drive, Pelham. Investment: Members $17, non-members $25. RSVP required by noon, Friday, Nov. 16. Sponsored by Legacy Community Federal Credit Union and The Jimmie Hale Mission

Walkup resigns Stacy Walkup, executive director of the South Shelby Chamber of Commerce, resigned from her position in October.

During the 10 years Walkup served as executive director, the chamber grew from 100 to 450 members as businesses have opened in the areas they serve.

The chamber, located in Columbiana, supports businesses in Chelsea, the 280 corridor, Dunnavant, Mt Laurel, Wilsonville, Harpersville, Westover and Vincent.

For more information on the chamber, visit southshelbychamber.com.

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November 2012 A19

280Living.com

Read all the past Business Spotlights at 280Living.com

Business Spotlight

Ditsy Daisy

16618 US Highway 280, Suite 100 Chelsea 678-6166 theditsydaisy@gmail.com Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

By MADOLINE MARKHAM Behind the Ditsy Daisy boutique in Chelsea is a mom and daughter team.

After studying computer science at Auburn University, Michelle Butts wanted to do something different. A boutique came to mind as well as the perfect person to run it with her – her mom, Cindy Parnell, who had owned a boutique in Sylacauga several years before.

After searching up and down 280, the momand-daughter team finally found that, with only one other boutique, Chelsea was the perfect place. They picked a name that would capture the fun and colorful atmosphere of their store, right down to daisy-shaped price tags, and opened in a then-empty strip next to the Chelsea BP in December 2011. Their first month of sales was strong.

“We have gotten to know so many super people from Chelsea as well as both directions on Highway 280,” Parnell said. “It’s just been phenomenal.”

The third member of their team is Parnell’s younger daughter, Lindsey, 17, whom customers recognize as the model of their clothing on the Ditsy Daisy Facebook page. She also runs the store when her mom and sister are at market and gives input on the kind of items teenagers like.

The boutique offers contemporary clothing for women of all ages, from middle school to moms and even grandmothers.

“You can get a top for $26 or a top for $76,” Butts said. “We have every price point and want to keep prices reasonable.”

Each piece of their PRITI jewelry line is uniquely handcrafted. Best of all, the line runs

Mother and daughter team Cindy Parnell and Michelle Butts opened Ditsy Daisy boutique in Chelsea last December.

Lindsey Parnell models a Vava dress at Ditsy Daisy, which is owned by her mom and older sister. Photos courtesy of Michelle Butts.

$22-32.

“We like to put it together with our clothes, and it always sells,” Butts said.

They also carry small gift items like frames, candles, scarves and other jewelry.

For the holiday season, they also have new tote bags and shoes arriving as well as more of the trends for fall and winter — oversized tops with leggings; maxi skirts and dresses with denim jackets; and colored skinny jeans in colors like rust, royal blue, peach and mint.

They are also getting in sequined dresses for holidays and New Years that they think will be popular.

This fall they sold a lot of game day clothing, and they carry Chelsea colors when they can.

“If we see something in royal blue, we try to get it in because it always sells,” Parnell

said.

They store has built a base of repeat customers, but people who live in Chelsea as well as north in Greystone or Highland Lakes or further south on 280 are still discovering it’s there, the owners said.

“We have gotten to know our customers and what they like, and we keep that in mind when we go to market,” Parnell said.

And customers know as soon as Ditsy Daisy gets a new shipment, which is most days. Butts posts photos of the items to their Facebook page, and customers can call to reserve merchandise they see.

Ditsy Daisy will host an open house with extended hours Saturday, Dec. 8. The party will also unveil the store’s new larger floor retail space.

A20 November 2012

280 Living

Community Calendar 280 Area 11/2- Spain Park High School vs. Oxford High School Football Game. 7 p.m.

11/2- Oak Mountain High School vs. ClayChalkville High School Football Game. 7 p.m.

11/5- Birmingham Bake & Cook Company’s 4th Annual Holiday Cookie Swap. Call 9803661.

11/6- Chelsea City Council Meeting. 6 a.m.

City Hall.

11/7- DivorceCare: Hope for the Holidays Workshop. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Church at Brook Hills, Room 130. Call Ashley Chesnut, 3137790.

11/8- American Red Cross Blood Services and Shelby Humane Society Partnership. Caldwell Trace Donor Center. Blood donors will be eligible to adopt from the humane society.

Adoption fees will be waived and all pets will be spayed/neutered, micro-chipped, and vaccinated to date. All donations of wish-list items are also welcome. Call DeNita Young, 577-3477.

11/8-9– Briarwood Christmas Shop. Noon – 8 p.m. Thursday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Friday.

Briarwood Presbyterian Church. Event will feature gifts and décor by recognized merchants and vendors. Free to the public.

Email destinybutts@hotmail.com.

11/10- XTERRA Oak Mountain State Park Trail Half Marathon 5K and 10K. 8:30 a.m.

Oak Mountain State Park. Visit active.com.

11/11- Creating Memorable Images Photography Workshop. Chelsea Library. Hank Siegel, professor photographer and instructor for the Shelby County Arts Council, will teach participants the best practices for taking digital

photographs. Call 678-8455.

11/14- The Market Sneak Peek Party. 7 p.m.

– 10 p.m. Cahaba Grand Conference Center.

Whole Foods Market will offer wine and Good People Brewing Company will offer beer tastings. Diamonds Direct will offer the chance to win a one carat diamond with purchase of champagne. Silent auction. Proceeds go to Junior League of Birmingham. Email themarket@jlbonline.com.

11/15- Martie and the Market. 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. Cahaba Grand Conference Center. Food Network Star finalist and Alabama native Martie Duncan will share party tips and recipes while showing Bromberg serving pieces.

Proceeds go to Junior League of Birmingham.

Email themarket@jlbonline.com.

11/16-17– 4th Annual Craft Fair. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday.

Visit northshelbybaptist.org.

11/17- Snaps with Santa. 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Cahaba Grand Conference Center. Free photos with Santa. Email themarket@jlbonline.com.

11/18- Handel’s Messiah. 3 p.m. Riverchase United Methodist Church. Alabama Civic Chorale will present the 65th annual rendition of Handel’s Messiah. Performance will feature professional soloist and members of Alabama Symphony. Free to the public. Visit alabamacivicchorale.com.

11/19- Highway 280 Public Involvement Meeting. 4-7 p.m. Cahaba Grand Conference Center. ALDOT will be answering questions about 280 Intersection Improvements/Access Management.

11/20- Chelsea City Council Meeting. 6 a.m.

City Hall.

12/1- Chelsea High School Annual Miss Merry

Christmas Pageant. Chelsea High School Auditorium. Deadline to register is November 26. $25 registration fee. Open to girls infantage through 12th grade. Email Priscilla Collums, pcollums@shelbyed.k12.al.us.

Special Events 11/1- Anthony Bourdain. 7 p.m. Alys Robinson Stephens Performing Arts Center. Chef, author and television host Bourdain will share his insights into the cooking world. Tickets start at $41.50. Call 975-2787.

11/1-4- Christmas Village Festival. 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. BJCC. Visit bjcc.org/events.php#.

11/2- 10th Annual Day of the Dead Festival. 4 p.m. 1st Avenue South. $10 for adults, $3 for children 7-12, free for children under 7. Visit barehandsinc.org/dotd.html.

11/3- Dirt Dash. 6:30 a.m. Botanical Gardens.

1st annual fun run. Visit bbgardens.org/dirtdash.

11/3- Story Time on the Mountain. 10 a.m. Ruffner Mountain Treehouse. Visit ruffnermountain.org.

11/3- Director’s Forever Wild Hike. 10:30 a.m.

Ruffner Mountain. Executive Director Robbie Fearn will lead a moderate three mile hike.

Reservations are required. $5 for members, $7 for nonmembers. Visit ruffnermountain.org.

11/4- Animal Behaviors. 1 p.m. Ruffner Mountain. Instructor Jamie Nobles will teach about animal’s characteristics and his experiences working at The Birmingham Zoo. $5 for members, $7 for nonmembers. Visit ruffnermountain.org.

11/6– Little Black Dress Luncheon and Fashion Show. 11 a.m. Benefits Assistance League of Birmingham. Gifts, door prizes,

and live music. Call 870-5555 or visit www. assistanceleaguebham.org.

11/6- Book Signing. 4 p.m. Alabama Booksmith. Kevin Gillespie will be signing his new recipe book, Fire in my Belly. Visit alabamabooksmith.com.

11/8- The Firehouse Shelter 5th Annual 5 Alarm Gala. 6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. B & A Warehouse. $50 per person. James Spann will emcee and Les Moore and the In-betweens will provide entertainment. Silent auction will feature gift cards, household items, art, and more. All proceeds benefit The Firehouse Shelter. Email Doug Kovash, dkovash@firehouseshelter.com.

11/10- Geocaching. 10 a.m. Ruffner Mountain.

Scavenger hunting combined with hide and seek. Visit ruffnermountain.org.

11/10- Train Show. Pelham Civic Center.

Trading tables and train displays will be available. Hosted by Magic Valley Chapter of the Train Collectors Association. Call Charlton McArthur, 823-0428.

11/10- Straight “A” 5K. 8 a.m. Avondale Park.

Benefitting Cornerstone School. Visit active. com.

11/10- 6th Annual Holiday Market. 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Saint Mark United Methodist Church.

Handmade items, baked goods, edible gifts, and more. Visa and Mastercard are accepted.

Call 822-1312.

11/10-11- Whistle Weekend. McWane Center.

Train exhibit, The Rocky Mountain Express in IMAX, and free train whistle included with purchase of admission. Visit mcwanecenter. org.

11/12- Birmingham Audobon Society’s Family Bird Walk. 9 a.m. Participants will learn how to use binoculars, learn to identify local birds

280Living.com

November 2012 A21

Music and Arts

and use a field guide. Call 714-8228.

11/14- Book Signing. 4 p.m. Alabama Booksmith. Rick Bragg will be signing My Bookstore. Visit alabamabooksmith.com.

11/1-17- Secrets of a Soccer Mom. Terrific New Theatre. Visit terrificnewtheatre.com.

11/15- 8th Annual Finish the Fight Iron Bowl Party. 6:30 p.m. B & A Warehouse. $85 per person. Includes cocktail buffet, complimentary wine and beer, silent auction, and music provided by 4 Barrel Funk.

Benefits Robert E. Reed Gastrointestinal Oncology Research Foundation. Visit secure. reedgifoundation.com.

11/15- Holiday Tree Lighting. 6:30 p.m.

The Outlet Shops of Grand River. Music, entertainment, and the lighting of a 23 foot tree. Visit shopsofgrandriver.com.

11/1-17- Love, Loss and What I Wore. 8 p.m.

Thursday – Saturday. 2 p.m. on Sunday. Visit bftonline.org.

11/1, 2, 8, 9- Peter Pan. 2 p.m. Birmingham Children’s Theater. Visit bct123.org.

11/2- Alabama Symphony SuperPOPS!: A Broadway Romance with Ted Sperling. 8 p.m.

Leslie S. Wright Center. Call 975-2787.

11/2-4- Guys and Dolls Junior. 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Red Mountain Theatre Company. Tickets are $20.

Appropriate for all ages. Call 324-2424.

11/17- “Bird” is the Word. 1 p.m. Ruffner Mountain. Workshop about turkeys as well as other domestic birds. Attendents will get a chance to interact with the birds and take a bird craft home. Reservations required. $4 for members, $6 for nonmembers. Visit ruffnermountain.org.

11/2- Peabo Bryson. 8 p.m. Alys Robinson Stephens Performance Art Center. Tickets start at $48.50. Call 975-2787.

11/3-5- Death and the Maiden. Theatre Downtown. Visit theatredowntown.org.

11/18- Mine History Hike. 1 p.m. Ruffner Mountain. Gary Bostany will lead the final mine hike of the season, which also includes a visit to the quarry and other unique mine features of Ruffner Mountain. Reservations required. $4 for members, $6 for nonmembers.

Visit ruffnermountain.org.

11/23- Full Beaver Moon Hike. 4 p.m. Ruffner Mountain. Moderate two mile hike. Participants will meet at the gate on the Irondale side of the mountain. Features star gazing, light refreshments, and wet lands hiking. Leashed pets welcome. Reservations required. $5 for members, $7 for nonmembers. Visit ruffnermountain.org.

11/23-24 – Cocoa Brown. 9:45 p.m. Stardome Comedy Club. Brown, who costars in Tyler Perry’s sitcom For Better or Worse, will be recording her Thanksgiving Special. Visit www. cocoabrown4life.com.

11/24- Wine and Cheese Hike. 4 p.m. Ruffner Mountain. Moderate three mile hike will lead to Hawk’s View Overlook. Reservations required. $10 for members, $15 for nonmembers. Visit ruffnermountain.org.

11/8, 10, 15, 17- Seussical the Musical. 7:30 p.m. LJCC Pizitz Auditorium. Family friendly musical featuring all of Dr. Seuss’s most famous characters. $15 for admission, $12 for students.

Call Mindy Cohen, 879-0411.

11/9- Dido and Aeneas in Concert. 8 p.m. Alys Stephens Center. Visit alabamasymphony.org.

11/11, 18- Seussical the Musical. 2:30 p.m.

LJCC Pizitz Auditorium. Family friendly musical featuring all of Dr. Seuss’s most famous characters. $15 for admission, $12 for students.

Call Mindy Cohen, 879-0411.

11/16- Eisenhower Dance Ensemble. 8 p.m.

Leslie S. Wright Center. Part of Wright Center Series. Visit www.samford.edu/wrightcenter/ default.aspx.

11/16-17- Justin Brown plays Bach. 8 p.m. Alys Stephens Center. Visit alabamasymphony.org.

11/17- Alabama Symphony Youth Orchestra Fall Concert. 3 p.m. Alys Stephens Center. Visit alabamasymphony.org.

11/24-25- Great Southern Gun and Knife Show. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Sunday.

BJCC. Visit bjcc.org/events.php#.

11/17- The Forgotten Carols. 7 p.m. Leslie S. Wright Center. Musical. $20 for adults and $15 for students. Visit www.samford.edu/ wrightcenter/default.aspx.

12/1- Race to the Heights 5K. 8 a.m. Church of the Highlands Grants Mill Location. Visit active. com.

11/19-22- Ho, Ho, Ho…A Merry Mouse Christmas. 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m. Presented by Birmingham Children’s Theater. Visit bct123.org

12/1-Andrea Lucas Glass Studio Open House.

1-4 p.m. Eclectic stained glass windows, jewelry and more starting at $25. No toddlers, please.

Cash or checks preferred. 104 Hunset Mill Lane, Pelham, AL 35124. Call 276- or visit alabamastainedglass.com.

11/28- Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis. 7:30 p.m. BJCC. Visit bjcc.org/ events.php#.

12/5-Red Mountain Garden Club Greenery Sale.

9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Botanical Gardens. Call Kathryn Corey, 327-3828.

One of the Top in the Nation.

11/30-12/1- Bartok, Mozart, and Dvorak.

8 p.m. Alys Stephens Center. Visit alabamasymphony.org.

By focusing on quality care for patients and doing what’s right, we have received national recognition. The Joint Commission recognizes Trinity Medical Center for achieving excellence in performance on its accountability measures during 2011 for Heart Attack, Heart Failure, Pneumonia, and Surgical Care.

So what does our being a top performer in using evidence-based care mean for you? Peace of mind in knowing that our local care is tops in the nation.

Find out more at our website: TrinityMedicalOnline.com.

11/30-12/2- West Side Story. 8 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. – 8 p.m. Saturday, 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Sunday. BJCC. Visit bjcc.org/events.php#.

What’s new, hi lights for the Holidays!

Hair 280 175 Inverness Plaza

(Next to Planet Fitness)

For appointments please call

Out of 3,400 hospitals submitting accountability measure data to The Joint Commission, Trinity Medical Center was one of only 620 to meet or exceed the target rates of performance for 2011.

Heart Attack Heart Failure Pneumonia Surgical Care

Top Performer on The Joint Commission Key Quality Measures™ 2011

995.7147 or text 601.9414

65351_TRIN_JointC_4_92x15_25c.indd 1

10/16/12 12:26 PM

A22 November 2012

280 Living

280 Live Music Listings HOGANS Irish Pub & Grill

507 Cahaba Park Circle • 995-0533 Every Wednesday / Thursday 8 p.m.

Live Music by Razz Ma Tazz Every Friday / Saturday 9 p.m. - Until Live Music by Razz Ma Tazz

CAFE FIRENZE

110 Inverness Plaza • 980-1315 Call for this month’s music listings.

Pablo’s

Restaurant and Cantina

3439 Colonnade Parkway • 969-1411

Live music Wednesday and Thursday, 6 – 9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 6 – 10:30 p.m.

Village Tavern

The Summit, Lower Level • 970-1640

Every Wednesday and Thursday, 6:30 - 9 p.m. Artist Jeff Tyler performs. Fridays, 9 -11:30 p.m., Various live music.

City Vineyard Arbor Place, 5479 Highway 280, Suite 102 437-3360 • cityvineyard.net Every Friday Night live music, 7-10 p.m. on the patio.

Inside, they have a wine tasting, 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

BILLY’S BAR & GRILL

Courtyard Oyster Bar & Grill 280 Band and dj schedule

Mondays & Tuesdays-Dj Kop 11/1-Erica & Eric 11/2-Theatrix / SK5 11/3-Atticus Avenue 11/4-Jager Muffin 11/7-Matt Hill & Sean Bunn / Matt Barnes & David Koonce 11/8-Huck & Boss 11/9-Sexy Tractor / Matt Hill Band 11/10-Todd Simpson & the Mojo Child 11/14-Matt Hill & Sean Bunn / Matt Barnes & David Koonce 11/15-Erica & Eric 11/16-Zac Doss & Kent’s Finest / SK5 11/17-The Pistons 11/18-Spoonful / Jager Muffin 11/21-Matt Barnes & David Koonce / Matt Hill & Sean Bunn 11/22-Voodoo Jones 11/23-Outshine / Jager Muffin 11/24-Erica’s Playhouse 11/28-Matt Barnes & David Koonce / Matt Hill & Sean Bunn 11/29-Erica & Eric 11/30-Gentleman Zero / Matt Hill band

The Fish Market Restaurant

4520 Overton Road, Suite 104

GREYSTONE, 5407 Highway 280 980-8600

Call for this month’s music listings.

Every Thursday night live music with Jeff Taylor. All Parrotheads are invited.

Liberty Park • 956-2323

We’re not just another hair salon.

But then, you’re not just another head of hair.

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November 2012 A23

280Living.com

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Corky10x15-75 copy.pdf

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November 2012

280 Living

GOAL GOAL

RESHAPED

CONQUERE D CONQUERED

WON WO NRENEWED

ALTERED LTERED LTERED

ENCOURAGED ENCOURA GE

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CHANGED CHANGE D

TRANSFORMED

STRONGER ST STR RO R ONGER O EMPOWERED

HEIGHTENED HEIGHTENE

CHALLENGED

SHARED SHARE S ED

GAINED GAINE D

FITNESS FITNES

SHARED

GRASPED

RESHAPED

IMPROVED

EMPOWERED

SAVED S SAVE VED VE D

ALTERED A ALTERE TERED TERE D

SAVED S AVE AVE

GAINE GAINED

CHANGED CHANGE

CONQUERED CORRECTE CORRECTED

ST RONGE R

RENOVATED RENO VATED VATE

GRASPED GRASPE

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ENERGIZED

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IMPROVED IMPROVE D

I N V I G O R AT T E D STRONGER

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ENERGIZED

TRANSFORMED TRANSFORME D RENOVATED RENOVATE RENO VATE D VATE

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Energized.

An Open Letter From A Multiple Sclerosis Victim To Anyone Else Who Craves... Life. Energized.

My name is Corky Alexander, and this is my “Life. Energized.” story.

One day, while still serving in the military, I was involved in an accident that left me recovering from 3 shattered vertebra and 2 ruptured disks. I was soon discharged and my fitness plummeted. Then, two years ago, while driving to the VA for a check up on my back, something very strange happened. I lost control of my body ... and my car. I crashed into 2 other cars. The doctors thought I’d had suffered a stroke, but a CT scan unearthed the real culprit.

I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, an inflammatory disease occurring when your body declares war on itself. Your immune cells launch a vicious attack against your nervous system. A crippled nervous system thwarts all attempts at muscular control.

I can assure you, the jolting thought of never walking again will take your breath away. But it’s the unrelenting psychological warfare -- the threat of never being able to pick up your kids again -- that’s what crushes your soul.

Thank God for my wife - my rock - who said, “You can’t let this stop you. You can’t quit!” It was at that point I reached out to my life-long friend, Forrest Walden, to see if his new gym, Iron Tribe, could help me.

Miraculously, after joining Iron Tribe, the tremors in my hand, and the pain in my legs, began to dissipate! Four months later, none of my clothes fit. I’ve had to bore 3 new holes in my belt just to keep my pants on, because I’ve lost 20 pounds.

It’s kind of a weird thing; I don’t know what’s going on. The weight, the symptoms, and the depression are gone. My life has been energized, from being depressed to a point not wanting to get out of bed, to now, where the first thing I want to do in the morning is get up and live my life! Iron Tribe works for me, and I believe it will work for anyone. Iron Tribe is much more than just fitness. Iron Tribe is ... LIFE. Energized.

WATCH Corky’s remarkable true story, go to IronTribe101.com/CorkyAlexander NOW.

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280 Sold Out / DOWNTOWN HOMEWOOD Sold Out / MTN. BROOK

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SECTION

November 2012

School House/B2 Sports/B6 Thanksgiving Essays/B8 Opinion/B12 Libraries/B14

B Where the heart is neighborly news & entertainment

Alabama’s Teacher of the Year keeps one foot in the classroom

By JEFF THOMPSON As many a teacher will affirm, it’s exhausting to juggle daily wrangling of students with any extracurricular duties and whatever shreds of home life that fill the gaps. Adding the responsibility of being the statewide face of education to that is an order of the tallest variety.

“It’s been really quite the whirlwind this whole entire year,” Suzanne Culbreth said.

Culbreth, a Spain Park geometry teacher, was named Alabama’s 20122013 Teacher of the Year in May. Since then, Culbreth can be found at the Alabama Board of Education in Montgomery or appearing at education functions where she spends her time talking with other teachers, assisting in the development of curriculum for upcoming school terms and serving on various committees. But with the recognition comes a good bit of travel time, and she’s been spending about five days a month away from her 120 ninth and 10th grade students.

“Well, right now I’ve got one foot in the classroom and one out,” Culbreth said. “I’ve had the opportunity to speak to groups of potential teachers and it’s really exciting to share with those folks, but thankfully I can still be in the classroom where my heart really is.”

Hoover City Schools made it possible for Culbreth to don the mantle of Teacher of the Year by providing her with a full-time substitute teacher named Jeannie Jackson, previously a math teacher at Pelham High School.

“Having full time sub really opens me up even more,” Culbreth said.

Jackson said she jumped at the opportunity when Culbreth approached her with the offer to spend a year under Culbreth’s guidance, adding that filling in for the Teacher of the Year – while an amazing educational opportunity – can add anxiety to a normal day in the classroom.

“I do feel like there’s extra pressure because I want to do as well as she does, but I know my four years of experience can’t compare with her 30,”

Jackson said. “ So I put the pressure on myself, but I just want to live up to her standards.”

Jackson added that Culbreth’s platform as Teacher of the Year is teacher mentorship, and it shows in their daily interaction.

“I always thought she was the best math teacher there was,” Jackson said. “There’s no way I could pass up working with her.”

Culbreth is also the automatic nominee for the Council of Chief State School Officers’ (CCSSO’s) National Teacher of the Year. The award is presented annually to one of four finalists, and the President introduces the winner in Washington D.C. In April, Gay Barnes, an elementary teacher from Madison County and the 2011-2012 Alabama Teacher of the Year, was selected as a finalist and was invited to the White House.

“So, no pressure there,” Culbreth said. “But I have some big shoes to fill.”

Culbreth, a 28-year teaching veteran,

has been at Spain Park since 2008 and taught at Oak Mountain from 20022008. In 2011, she was both the Spain Park and Hoover City Schools’ Teacher

of the Year, as well as the Alabama Finalist for Presidential Awards for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching.

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B2 November 2012

280 Living

School House Students organize PINK OUT

By Dr. CHRIS ROBBINS Associate Principal, Berry Middle School In October, two Berry Middle School seventh grade football players had a big idea – bring awareness to the cause of breast cancer with a school-wide PINK OUT. The two students drafted ideas, collected supporting signatures from their classmates and presented the idea to Principal Dr. Kathleen Wheaton, who jumped on board.

Faculty members unanimously supported the idea, and on Oct. 11, the entire school was decked out in pink shirts, scarves, pants, shoes and more.

Students placed pink post-it notes on their lockers with the names of any family and friends who have suffered with breast cancer. Students in multimedia class created posters and PSA videos educating the public on the prevalence of and facts relating to breast cancer. News outlets and local public relations media were on the school’s campus to help document this school-wide awareness event.

Finally, at the “PINK OUT” football game, football players wore pink on

Students at Berry Middle School held a PINK OUT on Oct. 11 to raise awareness and funds for the fight against breast cancer. Photo courtesy of Berry middle School

their uniforms. Berry fans were encouraged to support the cause by wearing pink to the game, where they were educated about breast cancer through various announcements

and mini-commercials over the public address system. In addition, donations were collected to benefit breast cancer research.

Pictured are Oak Mountain High School FBLA officers Jared Godfrey, Eddie Brown, Peyton Lee, Blake Wing, Jordan Laxon, Tori Grant, Keagan McQueen and Brett Walton at the 2012 Joint Leadership Development Conference.

Saying ‘no’ to bullying Fourth graders at Greystone Elementary School wore orange on Oct. 10 to show support for Unite Against Bullying on Unity Day. Photo courtesy of Greystone Elementary.

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November 2012 B3

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New tablets mean new opportunities In 2012, Oak Mountain Elementary students were welcomed back to school with a nice surprise.

Kindergarten through third grade students incorporated Nook tablets made by Barnes and Noble into the classroom curriculum this year.

The school purchased more than 200 Nooks for use in the classrooms.

Teachers spent many hours over the summer and during professional development days training with a representative from Barnes and Noble on how to best incorporate this 21st century teaching tool into all subject areas. Teachers researched websites, apps and e-books that would enhance their grade-specific content.

“We just started using the Nooks with Spelling City,” second grade teacher Allison Kinchler said. “This is an interactive website that kids can use to practice spelling and vocabulary words. They have practice tests and games they can play with their words.

They also have access to the site at home. The Nooks give more kids in my classroom the opportunity to use the site and get familiar with it as well as using the technology. We are also using Tumblebooks to read books.

The books are engaging and make reading come alive for the children!”

Principal Debbie Horton said that without the enormous support from parents, PTO members and the community, the initiative would not have been possible.

“In order to keep students actively engaged in learning, we must provide them with learning opportunities that will challenge them, cause them to

Briarwood places second at robotics competition

Oak Mountain Elementary students use a new Nook tablet.

reflect on their thinking, collaborate with their peers and defend their knowledge,” Horton said. “Most of our students know how to navigate a smart phone, iPad or Nintendo DS, so it just made sense to incorporate this technology into the school day. I am amazed at how the students have responded to the Nooks.”

Using Nooks, older students can collaborate with younger students to work on projects, read books to them and share their knowledge. Second and third graders are leaders and have an opportunity to capitalize on these skills. “Nook Buddies” meet weekly to develop a rapport with younger students and share their knowledge.

“Every child, regardless of learning style, educational needs or achievement level, can benefit from the use of Nooks in the classroom,” said second grade teacher Melanie

Hogan. “Students with special education needs, struggling readers and ELL students benefit from the read-aloud and font-size dynamics of the devices. Higher achieving and gifted students have access to materials that the rest of the class may not be ready for, alleviating classroom boredom and increasing self-study skills and achievement.”

Horton added that the ability to have multiple titles at the touch of a button means instant access to an entire curriculum. Incorporating Nooks in the classroom eliminates “down time” because there are always specific lessons, skill reinforcement, math games and activities or books for students to engage in when they complete assigned activities.

Submitted by Oak Mountain Elementary School.

Briarwood Christian High School Robotics team placed second at UAB Blazer Best Robotics competition on Oct. 6. They will be going on to the South’s Best regional competition in Auburn Dec. 1-2.

Pictured are Colin Smith, Blake Coggins, teacher and mentor Victor Nichols and team captain Drew Campbell. Other team members not pictured are Stephen Darwin, Kurt Holladay, Andrew McGehee, Evan Russell, Race Stewart and Forrest Dreher.

Nook buddies at Greystone Third graders in Lana Murphy’s class at Greystone Elementary recently spent time teaching second graders in Jennifer Broom’s class about the “Engaged Learning Initiative” using Nook tablets from Barnes and Noble.

The Initiative is Hoover’s way of enhancing the classroom to prepare younger students for learning 21st century skills. Third graders taught their second grade friends to navigate the Nook, read and record books, and practice math facts and spelling words.

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Students Steven Tran and Claire Kidd learn together on a Barnes and Noble Nook tablet.

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B4 November 2012

280 Living

Jeff State’s New Options Program offers pathway to a better life

Martha Ahern attended nursing classes at the Jeff State campus on Valleydale Road as part of the New Options Program.

She now works for Children’s Hospital.

Photo by Kathryn Acree.

By DAVID BOBO Jefferson State Community College Many adults recognize the need to return to college later in life. Some stop working for many years to raise a family. Others face life-changing situations such as divorce or the death of a spouse. Still others find their current skills obsolete in a fast paced and ever-changing job market. Busy lives provide many excuses not to begin college, but the real obstacles are anxiety, doubt and fear.

To proactively address the need to help these students, Jefferson State began the New Options program in the early 1980s. It was originally funded by a federal grant to help displaced homemakers and under employed/ under educated women get updated job skills to advance in the workforce.

The community college utilized federal grants to offer a series of free seminars to participants who met specific federal guidelines. Seminars addressed issues such as admissions, financial aid, major selection and scholarships.

“Adults sometimes don’t understand that it doesn’t matter what kind of student they were at 17 years old,” said New Options Administrator Ann Fulmer. “They are a different person now with a new perspective on life. Many students realize they can do the work and actually thrive in college classes.”

The program was a success from the beginning. Many of the women who participated were able to update job skills by taking a few classes, complete two-year degrees and transfer to four-year colleges and universities. After a few years, when federal programs were no longer available, community members provided funding during a transition period. Jefferson State currently funds the program, and it is supplemented by grants and donations used for textbooks and scholarships.

Today, the New Options program is

offered at each campus, including their Shelby-Hoover Campus off Valleydale Road.

In addition to the seminars, the program also provides a textbook lending service to participants allowing costly textbooks to be borrowed each semester.

The success of New Options is obvious by the success of participants, both academically and personally. Participants have received the confidence needed for college and completed associate degrees in numerous fields such as nursing, hospitality management and office administration.

“I was very unsure of myself,” said New Options graduate Martha Ahern, who attended classes at the Shelby-Hoover Campus. “They encouraged me and gave me the confidence I needed to go forward with my dream of graduating from college.”

After years as a stay-at-home mom and then a new grandmother, Ahern enrolled in classes just before she and her husband divorced. “My husband provided our only source of income. College became so much more than my dream; it became necessary for my survival,” Ahern said.

She needed financial assistance to continue college. Once again, the New Options program was there to provide guidance and support. “They found grants, loans and scholarships, and encouraged me all the way,” said Ahern.

Today Ahern is a proud graduate of Jefferson State’s nursing program and employed as a NICU nurse at Children’s Hospital. “I know I make a difference in the lives of my patients and their families. My job skills empower me to fully support myself financially for the first time in my life.”

David Bobo is the Director of Community and Media Relations for Jefferson State Community College. For more information on the New Options program, visit www. jeffstateonline.com/newoptions.

November 2012 B5

280Living.com

Pass and Kick at Greystone

By RAND PAYTON

Register for YMCA basketball leagues Hoover YMCA basketball registration has begun and will last through Nov. 10. Leagues are available for players aged kindergarten through sixth grade, and tournament play leagues are available for third through sixth grade.

Registration is open to members and nonmembers. Contact Kelly Kidd, 396-1710 for details or register online at ymcabham.org/hvbasketball.

Greystone Elementary held its fifth annual Punt, Pass and Kick Competition in September. Students who finished in first place in their divisions now have the opportunity to compete in a Sectional Competition in Chattanooga, Tenn. against other winners from their region.

Winners 8-9 year old girls: Lydia Plaia (first), Taylor Bernier and Kayleigh Rice 8-9 year old boys: Nick Dunlap (first), James Robert Lambert and Caleb Deeter 10-11 year old girls: Sarah Ashlee Barker (first), Taylor Harrington and Maggie Stroup 10-11 year old boys: Gavin Callegan (first), Cooper Kelley and Coby Nawrocki

Spain Park student named All-American for shot put

Pictured are winners of the PPK Competition.

Front row: Nick Dunlap, Lydia Plaia, Sarah Ashlee Barker and Gavin Callegan. Second row: James Robert Lambert, Cooper Kelley, Taylor Bernier and Taylor Harrington. Front row: Coby Nawrocki, Kayleigh Rice, Maggie Stroup and Caleb Deeter.

Oak Mountain cross country team makes school history The Oak Mountain Middle School Cross Country team, under Coaches Anthony Marino and Kristie Turner, made history at the Shelby County Championships on Oct. 9. For the first time in the 20-year history of the school, the boys’ team earned a perfect score of 15.

This score is earned when the top five overall runners are on the same team.

Contributing to this historical event were Cole Stidfole, Ben Goode, Caleb Kennedy,

Clay Holstad and Matthew Hazelwood.

Both the boys’ and girls’ teams took first place overall in this county-wide event held at Veteran’s Park in Alabaster, which featured approximately 200 competitors.

Other runners placing in the boys’ top 20 were Austin Bowman, Jonathan Clower, Jacob McGill, Redding Tipton and Jordan Paugh. Eight members of the girls’ team placed in the overall top 20.

They were Julia Pack, Mallory Staubach, Anna McGowan, Andi Schramek, Brooke

Saradpon, Meisi Jacobs, Celia Brand and Grace Campbell.

Special recognition was also given to team member Carson Park, who sacrificed his finishing time at the Jesse Owens Invitational on Oct. 6 to help a competitor.

Upon viewing a fellow runner falling down and then trying to crawl to the finish line, Carson picked up the runner and helped carry him across.

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Spain Park student Dylan Wilson of Hoover, a Lakeshore Foundation athlete, was recently named a 2012 U.S. Paralympic Track and Field High School All-American for his performance in the shot put event with a distance of 6.45 meters. Photo courtesy of The Lakeshore Foundation

B6 November 2012

280 Living

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

205-981-0291

Julius McCall Senior Football-Basketball

The 280 Living Athlete of the Month for November is Chelsea High School senior Julius McCall, an exceptional player in both football and basketball. Chelsea Athletic Director and Head Varsity Football Coach Wade Waldrop said McCall is an outstanding player, hard worker and a great young man and is overly deserving of the recognition.

McCall recently committed to be a part of the 2013 UAB football signing class, choosing the Blazers over Troy, Georgia State, Samford and Alabama State.

How long have you been involved in Football and Basketball?

I’ve been involved in both sports since I was 7 years old.

What is the best thing about being part of Chelsea’s teams?

The camaraderie of my teammates and my coaches. The family atmosphere.

Who has been your biggest inspiration?

My mom and dad are my biggest inspiration.

What other activities are you involved in at Chelsea?

Athletes in Actions.

What cause are you passionate about?

I’m passionate about finishing school and starting college.

Tell us about your family. Do you have siblings involved with sports?

My parents are Anthony and Malinda McCall, and I have a younger brother, Joshua, who plays ninth grade football. I have an older sister, Jennifer, and an older brother, Detrius. They both live in Atlanta.

What are your future college/career aspirations?

I plan to go to UAB and major in engineering or maybe become a dentist.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

Spend time with my family and friends.

Watch ESPN and playing basketball.

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November 2012 B7

280Living.com

Sports Varsity basketball schedules for November Spain Park Boys

Spain Park Girls

Nov. 5: @Bessemer City Nov. 10: Oxford (@Gadsden State Community College), 3 p.m.

Nov. 13: @ Vestavia Hills Nov. 15: @ Hoover Nov. 21-23: Rebel Classic @ Vestavia Hills Nov. 27: @ Thompson Nov. 30: North Forsythe, Ga. Dec. 4: Vestavia Hills, 2:30 p.m.

Nov. 10: Glenco (@Gadsden State CC), 1 p.m.

Nov. 13: @ Vestavia Hills Nov. 15: @ Hoover Nov. 19-21: @ Pell City Thanksgiving Tourney @Childersburg (Time TBD) Nov. 26: @ Gadsden City, 6:30 p.m.

Nov. 27: @ Thompson Nov. 30: North Forsythe, Ga., 4 p.m.

Dec. 4: Vestavia Hills

*Game times 7:30 p.m. unless indicated.

*Game times 6 p.m. unless indicated.

Oak Mountain Boys

Oak Mountain Girls

Nov. 13: @ Stanhope Elmore Nov. 15: @ Gradendale Nov. 17: @ Hewitt-Trussville Nov. 27: Walker Nov. 30: @ Homewood Dec. 4: Pell City

Nov. 13: @ Stanhope Elmore Nov. 15: @ Gradendale Nov. 27: Walker Nov. 30: @ Homewood Dec. 4: Pell City

*Game times 7:30 p.m.

*Game times 6 p.m.

Briarwood Boys

Briarwood Girls

Nov. 15: @ Sylacauga Nov. 27: @ Pelham Nov. 29: @ McAdory Nov. 30: Shelby County Dec. 4: Vincent

Nov. 8: Locust Fork, 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 15: Thompson, 4:30 p.m.

Nov. 15: @ Sylacauga Nov. 19: @ Pell City, 8 p.m.

Nov. 27: @ Pelham Nov. 30: Shelby County Dec. 4: Vincent

*Game times 7:30 p.m.

Chelsea Boys

Chelsea Girls

Nov. 16: @ Thompson Nov. 17: Mountain Brook, 3 p.m.

Nov. 19: Vincent, 1:30 p.m.

Nov. 21: Mountain Brook, 6:30 p.m.

Nov. 26: @ Tuscaloosa County, 2 p.m.

Nov. 30: @ Pell City Dec. 4: Montevallo

Nov. 16: @ Thompson Nov. 26: @ John Carroll Catholic, 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 30: @ Pell City Dec. 4: Montevallo, 5:30 p.m.

*Game times 6 p.m.

Midway through October, the Spain Park Jaguars (7-1, 6-0) were riding a 7-0 win streak into their matchup with Pelham (6-2, 4-2) and appeared to have 6A Region 7’s No. 1 seed locked down heading in the playoffs. But besides Pelham at the Jaguars’ heels, Oak Mountain and Stanhope Elmore – both 6-2 and 4-2 in the region as of Oct. 25 – were vying for placement.

Those four teams appeared poised for the playoffs, but defending champion Prattville was still in the mix if it could take down 6A Region 7 newcomer Chelsea (3-5, 1-5) on Oct. 26.

Alabama High School Athletic Association Playoffs begin Nov. 9 and end Nov. 30, with the 2012 Super 6 Finals scheduled for Dec. 6-7 at Auburn University’s Jordan-Hare Stadium.

NCAA soccer championship returning to Regions Park

*Game times 6 p.m. unless indicated.

*Game times 7:30 p.m.

Tight race for Jaguars heading into playoff season

The 2012 NCAA Men’s College Cup will be held for the second consecutive year at Regions Park in Hoover. Quarterfinal winners will compete in semifinal matches held Dec. 7 at 4 or 6:30 p.m. The national championship match will be played Dec. 9 at 1 p.m.

Tickets are now on sale for the tournament, and all games will be televised live on ESPNU. The Division I Men’s Soccer Committee will conduct selections for the championship on Nov. 10-12. The 48-team field will be announced during a se-

lection show on NCAA.com on Nov. 12 at 4:30 p.m. First-round competition will begin Nov. 15 and the quarterfinals will be held at four campus sites on Nov. 30, Dec. 1 or 2.

“The City of Hoover is proud to host the 2012 Men’s College Cup at Regions Park for the second straight year,” said Hoover Mayor Gary Ivey. “Regions Park serves as a great venue to host the men’s collegiate soccer championship. We are pleased to welcome College Cup fans back to our city for this exciting time of competition.”

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B8 November 2012

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Thanksgiving Essay Winners

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November 2012 B9

No one should go hungry especially on Thanksgiving

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B10 November 2012

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Thanksgiving Essay Winners

November 2012 B11

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BMC_updatedbaby-VillageLiving-10x7_5.pdf

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B12 November 2012

280 Living

Opinion My South By Rick Watson

Life Actually By Kari Kampakis

Toothache

There should be some kind of he asked if my jaw felt numb. I sounded law that says, “No dental work after like I’d drank too much tequila when I the age of 60.” I’m talking about drooled, “It wheels murty nung.” banning root canals, extractions or Then he put what sounded like a wood any procedure that causes your mouth chipper or perhaps a stump grinder in to smoke like a brush fire. But sadly, my mouth to get through the crown and these procedures are totally legal. down to the roots. When he finished up, I I woke up one night this past week stopped at the front desk to settle the bill. with a bit of a toothache. That’s odd, My portion, after what the insurance would I thought to myself. I had a checkup pay, was enough to buy a flat-screen TV. recently, and they found no problems.

Then today it was back to my regular But the fact remained — my jaw was dentist to finish the job. It seems the old hurting a little. bridge had to come off and one of the jaw I got up and drank some buttermilk teeth had to come out. Then she would fit Watson with cornbread and tossed down a me with a new bridge when everything couple of Advil, and the next morning it seemed like healed. an unpleasant dream. Then a few nights later, the same She had one of the women who worked in bookkeeping thing happened again, so I made an appointment to see break the bad news about the cost. She spoke like a grief my dentist. counselor as she explained all the charges.

She tapped on my teeth like she was playing a “So, do you want to have the work done?” she asked. xylophone, but none of them hurt. She then took X-rays.

What I wanted to say is, “No, I think I’ll live the rest After close inspection, she took a tiny implement shaped of my natural life in excruciating pain.” But instead I like a scythe and gouged under one of my bridges. whipped out my debit card, and she scurried off as if “Hmmm,” she mused. “How long have you had this she’d won the lottery. I could almost hear her say, bridge?” I told her I got it when Carter was in the White “Woohoo, now we can all go to the beach this weekend.”

House. She failed to see the humor in my quip. I doubt Obviously I’m having fun at the expense of my toothshe was born when Carter was president, I thought to worker friends. They were all very professional and myself. She looked young, but at my age, most people can’t help the fact that insurance pays so little. look young. But I digress.

But I got to thinking — do people do that don’t After studying the X-ray she saw two potential have insurance or the money to pay what the insurance problems. She recommended I go to an endodontist. company doesn’t pay? I’d be willing to bet there are a lot I wondered why I should see someone who studied of people these days that go without treatment because insects, but then my brain rebooted and I realized she they can’t pay. meant some kind of dental specialists.

I am grateful that we’ve been in a position to pay for The endodontist looked younger than my regular problems when they arise, but we won’t be going to the dentist, so I didn’t bother hitting him with the “Carter beach this weekend. was in the White House” gag. After more X-rays, he said You can learn more about Rick Watson at www. my back tooth that had a crown needed a root canal. homefolkmedia.com. He is available for speaking He came out with a needle as big as a bicycle hand engagements and other events. Contact him at rick@ pump and shot me full of Novocain. After a few minutes, homefolkmedia.com.

Be happy.

Be the blessing.

People often think of happiness as a reaction. Something happens, and our spirits get a boost. But really, happiness is proactive. It’s cherishing what we already have and living life with our eyes open, purposefully seeking moments that fill us with joy.

Most of us don’t lead exciting lives.

Exciting events happen, but not on a daily basis. Moments, however, are daily.

They’re also abundant. And with each new moment comes a new opportunity to Kampakis be happy. Even if we’re not happy with life, we can be happy in the moment. We can savor it as we might a breeze, knowing it’ll pass quickly, but enjoying it while it lasts.

As I write this, my two-year-old daughter, Camille, is cuddled on my lap. When she woke up today, she stood in her crib and called for me as she always does, saying, “Momma?...Momma?” in the sweetest voice ever. These moments flood me with joy. They make me pause and thank God she’s my child. In short, they make me happy.

On a smaller scale, I also find happiness in the coffee I’m drinking. It’s from a Keurig, which to me is like having Starbucks in my home. Being served by a machine is a treat. It makes my morning better.

And then there’s the happiness I feel by taking the cluttered thoughts in my head and arranging them into this essay. Through writing, I sort through life, slowly gaining clarity so I can understand what I need to know.

My point is, happiness exists everywhere. It’s simply waiting to be noticed. Being happy means being present in our lives. It means finding extra pleasure in things that make us smile. It means

See KAMPAKIS | page B13

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November 2012 B13

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Opinion That’s Life By By Paul Johnson KAMPAKIS

CONTINUED from page B12 taking control of our happiness, and not expecting others — a spouse, parent or best friend — to carry the burden. No one wants that burden, nor do they deserve it.

Happiness doesn’t land on our doorstep in a pretty package.

Yet so often, we sit around like couch potatoes, waiting for the delivery. It’s a waste of time because no one can manufacture happiness for us. Happiness can only be made in our heart.

Only we can kick the gears in motion.

And here’s a thought for you: Instead of expecting others to bless us, why can’t we be the blessing? It sounds counterintuitive, but one great irony of happiness is that we get more by forgetting our own for a while and creating it for others. Why? Because focusing on our happiness puts us in a bubble. It narrows our worldview, magnifying our problems. Soon we believe no one has it worse. We get down and hopeless. We wonder, “What’s the use?” and decide to quit trying.

But if we look outside our bubble, we see the world’s needs.

We realize how good we actually have it. We want to help, so we get off the couch and begin using our God-given talents. It feels good because this is how we were designed to live. By giving and doing what a healthy mind and body are able to do. As we connect with others, we find purpose. We find the greatest happiness we’ve ever known from human interaction.

Happiness can be ours today, so let’s not put it on hold.

Let’s quit telling ourselves we’ll be happy when the right stars align — when we get a new house, a new car, a new job and boss — because that’s an invalid excuse. Happiness is a habit, a way of looking at life. It’s changing our filter so we can find happy moments each day. Without this filter, we stay locked in an unhappy place. As my friend Kim’s mom says, “If you have to move an inch to be happy, you’ll never be happy.”

Happiness is within reach, and often under our nose. Let’s do ourselves a favor by delighting in simple pleasures, and sharing our joy with others.

Kari Kubiszyn Kampakis is a Mountian Brook mom of four with a background in PR, writing and photography. Read her blog at karikampakis.com or find her on Facebook and Twitter. Email her at kari@karikampakis.com.

ra

ay fo Call tod

FHeRarinEg EExam!

Defying Gravity And normal too often, because it is familiar, I am a fan of the musical Wicked. To is safe. me, it is much more than the back story Have you been shopping with a friend in for the characters of the land of Oz. It is order to update your wardrobe, and you knew a real story about identity, the seeing and it needed to happen because you were tired embracing of who one is and the power of of wearing the same old frumpy clothing? identity in loving another, even at the cost When you try on something that is a bit more of sacrifice. current, more chic, more stylish, you receive One of the pivotal songs of the musical feedback that you look good. Except there is comes at the end of the first act. During a problem: the clothing is not comfortable.

“Defying Gravity,” Elphaba, whom we I’m not talking about the discomfort that know commonly as the Wicked Witch of comes from clothes that are absolutely the West, decides it is time for her to fly for inappropriate for your body type but rather the first time. Yet, for her, it is more than the discomfort that comes because it is a new just flying; it is about resisting the status Johnson sensation that doesn’t feel normal. So the quo that is wreaking havoc and destruction on the citizens of Oz, particularly those who are different attempt at updating the wardrobe is abandoned because it just doesn’t feel right. or unique. A flight is it about change.

Like the force of gravity, normal is powerful. Gravity I work with people who want change for their lives.

Generally it is a change in the way they relate to one can be a good thing. It keeps us from just floating away. It another or a change in the way they see themselves. There brings structure. But if gravity were never resisted, trees is great desire for life no longer to stay the same. Yet as would not grow tall, flowers would never bloom upright, we work together, they find there is a great resistance to babies would never giggle with delight at their first steps. change, particularly from within themselves. There is a It takes great power for a sprout to break the boundaries of force that says to stay the same, not to change, to maintain, ground and shoot skyward in order to bring its blossom to to hold on to the way things are. These people have come bear. And sometimes change in the way we live with others face-to-face with one of the most powerful forces of the and with how we see ourselves needs to break the bonds of gravity, of normal, in order to become that which we were universe — the power of normal.

“Normal” has numerous definitions, but in this context, designed to be.

It took courage for Elphaba to defy gravity to resist it means the usual, the way things have always been, and thus, the known way of doing things. Because it is a known normal and to no longer conform to her world but be way, the normal is familiar to us, and thus it has its own transformed through renewal. It is called growth; it comfort. It is comfortable because at least we know how involves change.

Which of you is willing to defy gravity? to live this way, which makes us feel confident or at least competent. Yet, as others have defined insanity as doing the Paul Johnson is a professionally licensed marriage same thing over and over while expecting different results, normal can be its own brand of insanity, especially when and family therapist at the Samaritan Counseling Center, any outside observer would say, “that needs to change.” whose main office is located at 100 Missionary Ridge. You But change does not occur because it does not feel normal. may reach him at 807-6645 or paul@samaritancc.org.

B14 November 2012

Food drive ongoing at UPS Stores Local UPS Stores at Inverness Plaza and The Village at Lee Branch are teaming with Divine Faith Missionary Baptist Church to sponsor a food drive dubbed “Meals for Marks Village.” Donations of canned and non-perishable food items received between now and November 21 – the day before Thanksgiving – will be delivered to Divine Faith and distributed to needy families in Marks Village housing in the Gate City community of Birmingham.

Jeff Fabian, who co-owns the stores with his wife, Myra, founded the drive. He said his goal is to collect and distribute 1,000 meals – approximately 1,300 pounds of food – by Thanksgiving.

Food donations can be dropped off at either UPS Store location from 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday. For more information, contact the Inverness store at 9919999 or the Lee Branch store at 4089399. For more information about Divine Faith Missionary Baptist, visit divinefaithmbc.org.

280 Living

North Shelby and Mt Laurel Libraries’ November Happenings Libraries will be closed Nov. 21-23 for Thanksgiving holidays and will reopen Saturday, Nov. 24.

age. This group is open to all skill levels. There is no fee. All ages. No registration required.

North Shelby Library Children’s Programming

Mondays, 9:30 and 10:30 a.m.

Toddler Tales 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 19-36 months.

Registration required.

Nov. 3, 10-11:30 a.m.

Lego Club The library provides the Legos, the kids provide the imagination and creativity. Creations will be displayedd in the Children’s Department. All ages. No registration required.

Nov. 14, 1 p.m.

Aviation Join us to discuss the history and science for National Aviation Month. Ages 8-12. Registration required.

Nov. 16, 4 p.m.

Turkey Craft Come put this cute guy together and hand him on your front door! All ages. Registration required.

Nov. 17, 1:30 p.m.

Family Movie Day – Mermadia Come watch a movie on the big screen. Snacks served. No registration required.

Nov. 26, 6 – 7:30 p.m.

NSL Knitters Bring your current knitting or crochet project, hang out, chat and share tips with other crafters your

Tuesdays, 9:30 – 10 a.m.

Baby Tales Story Time 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. Ages birth to 18 months. Registration required and will begin one week prior to program date.

Wednesdays, 10:45 a.m.

Mr. Mac (Storyteller Extraordinaire!)

Stories, puppets and lots of music for every member of the family. All ages. No registration required.

Thursdays, 7 p.m.

P. J. Story Time Come in your PJs, have milk and cookies, and hear some wonderful bedtime tales. All ages. No registration required. * For more information or to

register for any of our programs or storytimes, contact the Children’s Department at 439-5504 or northshelbyyouth@gmail.com or visit northshelbylibrary.org.

Teen Happenings Gaming Fridays, 3:30-5:45 p.m.

Open gaming on the Wii and board and card games.

Anime Night - Now with Origami!

Thursday, Nov. 8, 6 p.m.

The audience will pick what we watch. Treats will be served and costumes are welcome! We will also fold origami – show us what you can do or learn a new technique.

Teen Advisory Council Monday, Nov. 12 @ 6 pm Interested in helping the Teen Department be even better than it is now? The Teen Advisory Council is the place for you! Bring your ideas and your appetite! Snacks served and community service hours earned.

Teen Book Club Monday, Nov. 19, 6 p.m.

The club will talk about mythology— Percy Jackson, King Arthur, Roman gods and more.

To participate, start reading! See the display in the Teen Department or the reading list on the teen page online for recommended books.

Snacks served.

Craft – Bookmarks Thursday, Nov. 29, 6 p.m.

We’ll be using at least three techniques to make bookmarks – stamping, sewing, paper folding are guaranteed, plus whatever else Kate (or you) can come up with. Register online at northshelbylibrary.org. *Call or email Kate or Daniel at 439-5512 or nsyouth@ shelbycounty-al.com for more information about teen events.

Mt Laurel Public Library Children’s Programming Toddler Tales Wednesday, Nov. 7, 10 a.m.

Stories, songs, fingerplays, and more make up a lively 30-minute program designed especially for short attention spans and their caregiver. Registration begins two weeks prior to each storytime.

Ages 36 months and younger.

Registration required.

Storytime with Ms Kristy Wednesday, Nov. 7, 11 a.m.

Stories, music, and more for every member of the family. All ages. No registration required.

Crafty Saturday Saturday, Nov. 17, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Drop in to make a turkey craft at the library. All ages with parent help. *Contact the Mt Laurel Library at 991-1660 or mtlaurellibrary@ gmail.com for more information or to register.

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280Living.com

Brook Highland Chili Cook-Off features ‘strange wild animals’ and lots of prayer

By PATTI HENDERSON This year marked the 10th Anniversary of the Annual Wingfield Circle Chili Cook-off in Brook Highland. There are 15 houses on the circle, 17 dogs, a handful of cats and some 38 children ranging in age from kindergarten to college graduates.

“Fall is officially here when football, armadillos and the Chili Cook-off arrives!” said homeowner Chris Connell.

This year featured nine chili entries – everything from sweet to spicy to downright exotic. Three adults and three children judged the culinary delights.

Third-place winner Mallory Carrington, in a mom-like-fashion, said she began cooking early.

“I was in my kitchen at 6 this morning making this chili only because my kids are so into the chili cook-off that the pressure to at least enter was non-negotiable!” she said. “I wanted to win this for all the kids out there who have a mommy who hates to cook but wake up extra early to put a pot of meat on the stove.”

Second place winner Steve Young won the competition in 2007 and 2008.

“When you start trying too hard is when you start messing up,” he said of his losing streak.

This year’s first-place chili award went to Dan Marty!

“Dan is well known both here and abroad for his outstanding culinary skills and mastery of faraway spices,” Connell said. “When Dan is home, you know it because the smells coming out of his kitchen fill the neighborhood with the aroma of gastronomical delights. He has also been known to introduce exotic animals into his tomato-based concoctions and has been a strong contender almost every year.”

The key, Marty said, is to prep the night

2012 Wingfield Circle Chili Cook Off

before. While in the kitchen, he draws inspiration from Auburn Head Football Coach Gene Chizik’s famous quote “All in!” He also took the crown in 2009.

Dennis Daughety won first place the last two years.

“It’s a rough adjustment [not winning]. It’s gonna be a long year,” he said.

There are a lot of theories floating around as to why the men have dominated the event the last six years. Connell offers one such theory.

“If memory serves me correct, the ladies have crushed the men for almost a decade prior to Dennis’ arrival,” he said. “Please understand, Dennis is our Tim Tebow. The ladies have such an edge over the men that the only way we can even compete is just throw some strange wild animal into the pot and pray no one gets sick.”

Although the chili cooking is serious, the competition is all in jest. It’s a great way for great neighbors to experience a day full of fun, fellowship and delicious chili fixins!

Dan Marty, Winner 2012 Wingfield Circle Chili Cook Off

November 2012

280 Living