LOOKING AHEAD Coaches’ perspectives on upcoming season. 14
Vol 6 | Issue 10 | September 2021 As Trussville As It Gets
BALANCING PAST AND PRESENT Future of historic neighborhood Cahaba Project under discussion. 12 FOLLOWING FOOTSTEPS
HUSKIES GET TO WORK
From playing bad guys to catching them, Mike and Sean Roberson share love of policing. 6
New coach Matthew Michalke, cross-country teams look to replicate last season’s success. 15
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EDITOR’S NOTE | KYLE PARMLEY Things are happening in Trussville. Kids are back in school. After-school activities have resumed. Football, volleyball and cross-country seasons are here. There are events to look forward to as well, something that we haven’t been able to say much of in recent times. City Fest and the God Is Bigger fishing tournament are on the horizon, both set for Sept. 11, the 20th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on our great country. There has also been some personnel movement within the Trussville City Schools system, highlighted by the retirements of Facilities Coordinator Barry Davis and Assistant Superintendent of Student Services Mandi Logan. In sports, take a look at the upcoming Hewitt-Trussville cross-country season. The Huskies are now under the watch of Matthew Michalke, who was elevated to head coach following 11 years coaching the middle school team. Gary Lloyd has this month’s cover story, which discusses a potential moratorium on home demolitions in the Cahaba Project. Thanks for reading, as always!
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Sir Charles Barkley, a 1-year-old German shepherd mix, chases a ball at the Cahaba Dog Park in Trussville on Aug. 6. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Find Us Pick up the latest issue of Cahaba Sun at the following locations: ► Edgar’s Bakery ► Golden Rule Bar-B-Q – Trussville ► Trussville Civic Center ► Trussville Public Library Want to join this list or get Cahaba Sun mailed to your home? Contact Anna Jackson at ajackson@starnesmedia.com.
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ON THE COVER: Kathryn and Andrew Perrault hold their 18-month-old twins, Ellen, left, and Drew at their newly bought home on West Mall, part of the Cahaba Project, in Trussville. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Following in dad’s footsteps From playing bad guys to catching them, Mike and Sean Roberson share love of policing By HANNAH URBAN
F
ather and son Mike and Sean Roberson didn’t expect to be working at the same police department, but Sean grew up wanting to be in law enforcement like his dad. “It was just always something I wanted to do, growing up, just seeing all the cool things he did at work,” Sean said. Now, Mike, 66, and Sean, 36, both serve as officers with the Trussville Police Department. Mike has worked there for 19 years, and Sean joined him two years ago — officially. Mike was first hired as a police officer Aug. 23, 1980, working at the Birmingham Police North Precinct for a year before moving to West Precinct, then the tactical unit — the BPD SWAT team. He was a tactical officer for 22 years before moving to the Trussville department. Even from a young age, Sean got some idea of what his dad’s career was like. He would go on bomb calls or learn to shoot automatic weapons at the shooting range with his dad. He played the bad guy in police SWAT training several times, and the thrill was contagious. But at least some of those things — as fun as they were — weren’t exactly recommended in the police manual. Mike recalled a specific instance where Sean was on a bomb call with him, and the Birmingham chief showed up. It was a call about a briefcase by SouthTrust bank in Five Points West. Sean was in the front when the chief started walking towards the truck. He had to hide by the floorboards while another officer shielded his view so the chief wouldn’t see him. It wasn’t just those experiences that made Sean want to be a police officer. It was also the camaraderie he witnessed between the police officers, Sean said. “He grew up around a lot of policemen,” Mike said. Not everything about being a police officer has remained the same over the years, and Mike said the job has changed. For instance, his workload used to be lighter. Back then, officers would rarely get a call on a Sunday. But now, officers sometimes work nonstop
Mike Roberson, left, an officer with the Trussville Police Department for 19 years, stands beside his son, Sean Roberson, a twoyear veteran with TPD, at the Trussville Police Department on Aug. 6. Photo by Erin Nelson.
consecutive days in the Birmingham area and even occasionally in Trussville. “When I first got here I was working night shifts, and after nine o’clock you’d think they rolled the streets up because there wasn’t any traffic,” Mike said. “But now it’s different.” Training for officers also has changed. While Mike trained in Birmingham for 19 weeks, Sean’s state training was only 13 weeks. Sean learned newer laws and updated procedures on safety features like traffic stops. Everything moved from pen and paper to computers. Mike did a week of wreck training and Sean only did a few days. Sean began his career as a deputy assigned to the Jefferson County Jail, before moving to Trussville where, he said, he has more opportunities. Instead of waking up inmates, feeding them and taking care of them, he just comes to the department in the morning for roll call then goes out on the road.
“You pretty much make your own day,” Sean said. “Actually look for the bad guys,” Mike said. Mike said he always tried to push Sean to be a good, productive citizen growing up, and not do the crazy things that lead other young men to jail. Now, Sean’s favorite thing about being a police officer is getting to help others and put those bad guys in jail. Sometimes, putting bad guys in jail is easier said than done. But Mike shared some encouragement. “I try to tell some of these younger guys that get upset about losing a case that it’s all a game,” Mike said. “Don’t take it personally, because sooner or later karma takes over.” Being in the same department allows for more father-son time, the Robersons said. During Sean’s training, he went to sniper school for the SWAT team and Mike came out to help them with sighting their rifles.
“” I don’t have any plans to go anywhere else. It’s a good place to work.
SEAN ROBERSON
Sean sometimes helps his dad out with lifting heavy ladders and other small tasks he can’t do on his own anymore. They work opposite shifts, but they still find time in between to hang out even if it’s for something small. Mike is retiring at the end of the year, and Sean hopes to stay at the Trussville Police Department for a while. “I don’t have any plans to go anywhere else,” Sean said. “It’s a good place to work.”
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Trussville Rotary Daybreak Club inducts 2 members Over the course of two consecutive weeks, the Trussville Rotary Club welcomed new members. Ryan Benson and Chase Wright were inducted at the July 14 meeting. Benson works for Daniel Iron. His company has worked on many projects in Trussville and the surrounding area, such as the pavilion and stage in downtown Trussville, the new Trussville City School System Board of Education building and the Rotary Trail sign in downtown Birmingham. Benson’s hobbies include yard work, golf and spending time with family. He and his wife Amber, who is a teacher and will begin in the Trussville City Schools system this fall, have two children: Adeline, 9, and C.B., 4. They are members at Faith Community Fellowship. Wright does governmental affairs for Spire Energy covering Alabama and Mississippi. He is married to Lauren, and they have two children: a boy and a girl. He is an avid mountain bike rider and competes in races. The Rotary International motto is “Service above Self,” and this club
From left: Rotarian sponsor Josh Wooten, Chase Wright, Ryan Benson, Rotarian sponsor Ty Williams and club President Greg Carroll after Benson and Wright were inducted during the club’s July 14 meeting. Photo courtesy of Diane Poole.
lives out this motto by serving the community in many ways. Proceeds from fundraising events, including the coordination of a golf tournament for more than 25 years, go toward the club’s many projects. Those projects include leadership opportunities for local high school students, Dr. Seuss books for local elementary students, ribbons at City Hall in recognition of Veterans Day, lunch for campers and staff at Smile-a-Mile, trees planted at Civitan Park and more. The club has recently funded the new clock tower in downtown Trussville, benches at the walking track at Cahaba Elementary and playground equipment at The Mall in historic Trussville. The Trussville Rotary Daybreak Club meets at First Baptist Church Trussville at 7 a.m. Wednesdays. For more information on the club or to help with one of our projects, please ‘Like’ us on Facebook (Trussville Rotary Daybreak Club) or email Diane Poole at dianepoole1225@centurytel. net. – Submitted by Diane Poole.
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BUSINESS HAPPENINGS NOW OPEN
RELOCATIONS AND RENOVATIONS Trussville Storage, 7900 Gadsden Highway, is expanding! 80+ units have been added to better serve the community. Trussville Storage has also implemented a green initiative by incorporating solar panels and LED lighting both inside and out. 205- 655-8200, trussvillestorage.com
Ollie’s Bargain Outlet, 5980 Chalkville Mountain Road, recently celebrated its grand opening in the Trussville Shopping Center. Ollie’s, a large retail chain that sells closeout merchandise and excess inventory, is one of three businesses that will occupy the site of the former Kmart location along with Tractor Supply Co. and Crunch Fitness. The Trussville location is the fourth Ollie’s location in the Birmingham area. 205-508-0053, ollies.us Perfect Service Heating & Air, 6540 Trussville Clay Road, is now open. It provides services to the Trussville/Clay area and surrounding communities, including crawl space encapsulation, water heaters repair and replacement and indoor air-quality improvement. 205-957-2022, perfecthvac.com Dawson True Heating and Cooling, 817 Florentine Drive, is now open and offering HVAC services. First time customers receive 15% off repair services. 205-383-6639, dawsontruehvac.com
COMING SOON Planet Smoothie plans to open a location at 101 Beech St. in the Trussville Entertainment District, according to the Trussville Tribune. A banner in the window indicates the location is “coming soon.” It will be located next to Cookie Dough Magic. planetsmoothie.com Axe Downtown, 211 Main St., is coming soon to the Trussville Entertainment District. It offers individuals and groups an axe-throwing experience perfect for groups of all sizes. 205-914-1981, axedowntown.com
NEWS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS
SPOC Automation of Trussville, 7363 Gadsden Highway, was named as one of the 21 best companies to work for in Alabama by Business Alabama magazine. 205-661-3642, spocautomation.com Highlands College, 1701 Lee Branch Lane, has received a $20 million donation from Hobby Lobby founder and CEO David Green and the Green family that will fully fund the institution’s first of two residence halls. Highlands College officials will break ground for the residence hall later this month. Plans call for a five-floor facility with more than 68,000 square feet and 126 rooms for 252 students. Completion is expected in late 2022. Students will move in soon after. Because of the Green family gift, Highlands College will construct the residence hall debt-free. Highlands College is a private two-year institution that is scheduled to offer a four-year program within a few years. Its strategic plan calls for growth to 1,000 students by 2029 with a vision for all students to graduate debt-free. A new 70-acre
campus located in the Grandview area of Birmingham set to open later this year features a student center, 19 learning studios, eight hands-on ministry training labs, multiple collaborative areas, dining facilities, cafe, library, fitness and recreation facilities, a multi-purpose auditorium and the latest in audiovisual technology. 205-731-7339, highlandscollege.com
PERSONNEL MOVES Belk, based in Charlotte with a Trussville location at 5036 Pinnacle Square, has promoted Nir Patel from president and chief merchandising officer to CEO, replacing Lisa Harper, who had been CEO since July 2016. Patel joined Belk in 2016 as executive vice president and was promoted to chief merchandising officer in 2018 and president in 2020. Before coming to Belk, he was a senior vice president with Kohl’s, a vice president at Land’s End and worked for Abercrombie & Fitch, Target and Gap. Belk also promoted Don Hendricks from chief operating officer to president and hired Chris Kolbe as executive vice president and chief merchandising officer. Harper now is serving as executive chairwoman of the Belk board of directors. 205-655-2694, belk.com
ANNIVERSARIES Mills Pharmacy, 758 Shades Mountain Plaza in Hoover, and its 13 locations across the Birmingham area — including Pinson and Leeds — in August celebrated the opening of the first location. 205-823-9500, millspharmacies.com
CLOSINGS The BBVA bank branch in Trussville, 5990 Chalkville Mountain Road, is now closed. The branch closing is the result of a merger between PNC and BBVA.
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EVENTS Trussville City Fest set for Sept. 11
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By GARY LLOYD The 2021 Trussville City Fest is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 11. The theme to this year’s event, “Better Together,” will celebrate the reuniting of families and friends following a year of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions and social distancing. Presenting sponsor for the event is the Trussville City Schools Foundation. The festivities will begin at 9 a.m. with a 20th anniversary observance of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on America at the Veterans Memorial. The city’s Veterans Committee, led by Chad Carroll, is organizing the ceremony. The day will continue with an expanded Bryant Bank Kids’ Area, the America’s First Federal Credit Union Marketplace with a variety of business booths and vendors, and a lineup of various food trucks. Entertainment will take place around the Veterans Memorial and behind Holy Cross Episcopal Church, and the Trussville Entertainment District, while members of the Trussville Downtown Merchants Association will offer deals and discounts in and around the Main Street business district. A fine arts show is also planned. Members of the 2021 Trussville City Fest
Two volunteers look on as two boys play a game during the 2018 Trussville City Fest. Photo by Jesse Chambers.
SPECIAL FINANCING
Committee are Mayor Buddy Choat, Stacy Frazier, Chuck Bradford, Drew Peterson, Makeda Smith, Josh Taylor, Leslie Armstrong, Wesley Gooch, David Moore, Katie Cox, Greg Carroll, Debi McCarley, Scott Stearns, Ian Maddox and Jamie Townes. The Trussville Area Chamber of Commerce, led by Executive Director June Mathews and Event Manager Melissa Walker, is coordinating the event. For more information, visit trussville chamber.com/events/ or call the chamber office at 205-655-7535.
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God is Bigger fishing tournament returns By GARY LLOYD The fourth annual God is Bigger Movement Bass Fishing Tournament is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 11 at Lakeside Park/ Sports Complex in Pell City. Proceeds from the tournament will be used to continue to spread the God is Bigger Movement worldwide. Guaranteed prize money of $4,930 will be paid out to 12 winning places, plus a “No Weigh-In Drawing” for a chance to win $100. The entry fee is $110 per boat, which includes $10 for Big Fish. Paid anglers will be provided breakfast and lunch, and will be entered into two drawings. Boat numbers will be entered for a chance to win one of two $250 Bass Pro gift cards. The other drawing is for anglers and spectators for a chance to win draw prizes. Additional tickets are available for a $5 donation or five tickets for a $20 donation. The God is Bigger Movement is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) independent organization based in Trussville that began in 2011 when the creator, Rachel Shaneyfelt, was diagnosed with mesothelioma. Shaneyfelt started making and giving away T-shirts as a reminder that “God is Bigger.” When the T-shirts became too costly, she developed a
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challenge for her small group after ordering the first batch of 1,000 God Is Bigger bracelets, asking members to give them away to complete strangers. Within one week, they had all been given away. Shaneyfelt died in August 2017 after a sixyear battle with mesothelioma. Her family and friends continue to spread the God is Bigger Movement in her honor to bring glory to God. For more information or to register for the tournament, visit gibmovement.com.
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Assistant superintendent retires, replacement named By GARY LLOYD Trussville City Schools Assistant Superintendent of Student Services Mandi Logan recently retired after more than two decades of service to students across Trussville and Jefferson County. In the aftermath of Logan’s retirement, Rachel Poovey was named her successor. Logan, a Huffman High School graduate, earned her bachelor’s degree in special education from Auburn University and later earned her master’s in early childhood special education from UAB. She subsequently earned her educational specialist and doctorate in education leadership from Samford University. Logan taught for five years at Jefferson County’s Burkett Center before being hired to teach at Hewitt Elementary School. She became special education supervisor in 2006 and later was named special education director. In 2012, she transitioned to student services coordinator and then became assistant superintendent for student services. “Student services is made up of the support systems that are crucial for the system to function well,” Logan said. “I usually say that these are the services you would not notice until they stopped happening. I have enjoyed being able to grow with this department. I can remember a time when there were around 3,500 enrollment records to work with, and now we are pushing an enrollment of close to 5,000 students. The growth has been tremendous, and I would expect it to continue.” Logan will now work in an administrative position at a construction company, a field she knows little about. That, however, didn’t stop her. “I prayed that the Lord would close the door on this opportunity since it was not in my plan,” she said. “Instead, the door kept widening, and it became clear where the Lord wanted me to be. For those who know me, my favorite hobby is learning. I research and problem-solve for fun. If I had unlimited funds, I would be a lifetime student just for the fun of learning. So, it makes me extremely excited to start a career where I know very little about the content and will have the opportunity to learn and grow new skills.” Poovey, who has served in public education for 26 years at Decatur City Schools, was named Logan’s replacement in June. Poovey was most recently the coordinator of developmental programs for Decatur City Schools. She has also been a teacher, assistant principal, elementary and middle principal, curriculum supervisor and a special
“
Trussville City Schools Assistant Superintendent of Student Services Mandi Logan, above, recently retired after more than two decades of service to students across Trussville and Jefferson County. Rachel Poovey, left, was named Logan’s replacement in June. Photos courtesy of Trussville City Schools.
Reading the [city of Trussville’s] 2040 Plan, I could see the planning for growth and relationship between the city and the schools is strong.
”
RACHEL POOVEY
education coordinator. “These jobs have given me experiences that address most, if not all, facets of education from elementary to high school and central office,” Poovey said. “I have worked with a variety of school systems to train and grow as an educator. My experiences as a parent also help me be empathetic to the community and the needs of the future as I work to create new opportunities in the schools.”
Poovey holds a bachelor’s degree in special education from the University of Alabama, a master’s in mental retardation, and an education specialist degree in administration from UAB. She earned her doctorate in educational administration from the University of Alabama. “Reading the [city of Trussville’s] 2040 Plan, I could see the planning for growth and relationship between the city and the
schools is strong,” Poovey said. “This job also brings me closer to my family and into a friendly, growing community and will allow me to rekindle some friendships from my childhood. I have lived and worked in a wonderful family-focused community and to make this move for my family I wanted to ensure this would provide them the same or better opportunities. Trussville City more than exceeds those expectations.”
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Longtime school system facilities coordinator Barry Davis retires
Selling Trussville, One Yard at a Time! Choose Lee Ma rlow a s you r ® R EA LTOR
By GARY LLOYD Longtime Trussville City Schools Facilities Coordinator Barry Davis retired in June. Originally a Jefferson County Schools employee who transitioned to Trussville upon its city school system formation in 2005, Davis managed a cycle of construction to keep up with the city’s growth. Prior to joining Jefferson County Schools in 1993 as an electrician and HVAC-certified technician, Davis worked at American Cast Iron Pipe Company. Davis got into the field by growing up working on and building things with his dad. “I enjoy seeing a project start from the planning stages through completion,” he said. Davis said since Trussville City Schools formed in 2005, the system hit the ground running and has been building ever since. Davis said only two projects — the completion of Hewitt-Trussville High School and the renovation of Cahaba Elementary School — have finished over the contracted amount. “I see the school system to continue to grow and adding more buildings,” he said. Davis has been married to his wife,
Trussville City Schools Facilities Coordinator Barry Davis retired in June. Photo courtesy of Trussville City Schools.
Wendy, for 29 years, and the couple has two adult children, Peyton and Parker. Davis will now work in the building and construction private sector. The Trussville City Schools Board of Education voted in the spring to name Brian Pharris as Davis’ successor. Davis said he had some advice for Pharris. “Don’t worry about what you can’t control, and remember that whatever you do, you are doing it for the kids,” Davis said.
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COVER STORY: Future of historic neighborhood Cahaba Project under discussion.
BALANCING PAST AND PRESENT
By GARY LLOYD
The Trussville City Council on July 27 discussed a 120-day moratorium on home demolitions in the Cahaba Project. Cahaba Homestead Heritage Foundation Inc. President Amy Peterson O’Brien spoke to the council at its July 8 workshop and read a statement to the council July 27 outlining why a moratorium is needed. In part, the statement read, “Demolition of contributing resources within the Cahaba Homestead Village is a direct threat to the historic integrity of Trussville’s historic district.” O’Brien went on to say that the moratorium will “preserve the status quo of contributing resources in our historic district, thereby protecting its historic integrity, until we can present a comprehensive historic preservation ordinance for the consideration of the council.” The City Council ultimately tabled a potential moratorium until a later date. Mayor Buddy Choat encouraged the council to plan a workshop as soon as possible to discuss the future of the historic neighborhood. “It’s just not the right time to do it,” Choat said of the moratorium. The council agreed that a special-called workshop is the best way to move toward finding a way forward with the future of the historic area. That workshop was Aug. 19, after press time. Councilman Ben Short said he would not be opposed to a moratorium until that workshop, but ultimately the council decided to wait on any potential moratorium. Councilman Perry Cook said bringing out the knowledge of the history of the Cahaba Project is important. “I think it’s something to protect,” he said. The previous council approved a 90-day moratorium on demolitions in February 2017 and a 21-day moratorium in October 2018. The Cahaba Homestead Heritage Foundation Inc. was founded in 2021 with a mission to support through education, outreach and civic involvement such things that promote, perpetuate and enhance the value of this community as a historic district designated on the National Register of Historic Places. The nonprofit organization so far has had three public meetings to discuss the history and future of the Cahaba Project. Architect James Sransky spoke about the neighborhood’s unique architecture in June. In July, architect Chris Rogers gave a presentation on sense of place, and Realtor Jeffrey Klinner spoke about the property values of historic homes. Rogers mostly discussed the harmonious architectural designs
Above left: Christian Rogers, an architect with Blackmon Rogers, speaks about what makes a home or neighborhood have “a sense of place” during a public meeting about the Cahaba Project on July 20 at the Trussville Civic Center. Above right: A Trussville resident asks a question about the Cahaba Project during the public meeting. Photos by Erin Nelson.
creating a sense of place in the Cahaba Project. “You have a lot of houses that have similar characteristics to each other,” Rogers said. “Because they have similar characteristics to each other, they help create a definition of what is the Cahaba Project. There are a lot of houses that have similar designs. That helps create a cohesiveness, that creates a sense of what’s appropriate for this place.” One Cahaba Project resident said that harmony was the elephant in the room, that if more homes are demolished, what’s built back may not be in keeping with the architectural integrity of the neighborhood. The resident asked Rogers about ways to protect the neighborhood, either through a zoning overlay or something similar. Rogers said most of the places he knows of enacted protections too late, after too much change had happened. “After the cat was out of the bag, you can’t get it back in the bag,” he said. “You’ve got to do it while you have the opportunity. You can’t do it after it’s too late.” Klinner grew up in a home that is on the National Register of Historic Places. He commended Trussville and its Cahaba Project as “probably the best-kept secret in metro Birmingham.” As to managing the future of the Cahaba Project, Klinner said as long as the character remains there is no detriment to the value. “It actually preserves the value from our standpoint because people who want that,
want the character and the style of house, they’re never going to achieve that in a new neighborhood in a new house,” he said. “To further reiterate, as long as you’ve got continuity and something in place that guides and sends direction, it’s going to protect the values and take them up. In the event that you didn’t have that and you ended up with a lot of uncharacteristic property, it could have a detrimental effect on the existing place.” O’Brien also spoke at the July public meeting, about topics ranging from history to property values. “The Cahaba Project has a legacy in Trussville, and the legacy of the Cahaba Homestead Heritage Foundation and all who support this mission will be to see a Cahaba Project whose character endures for generations to come,” she said. Kathryn Perreault recently moved to the Cahaba Project from Forest Park, a historic district in Birmingham. Perreault said that you’re either an “old house” person or you aren’t, and one is no better than the other. She prefers the “old house.” “I can say that I love the old-time feel of a historic house — a solid wood door, an old glass or brass doorknob, cozy spaces,” she said. “The things I love about a historic neighborhood are the large lots, mature trees, walkability and continuity. There’s definitely a sense of place, both geographically and chronologically. It’s plain to see that this place was here long before our family, and it will be here long after us.
There’s something special about that.” Perreault said she and her husband, Andrew, were looking for charm, a flat yard for their young twins, amenities within walking distance and a quality school system. In this tight real estate market, Perreault expanded her search outside of Birmingham and found Trussville, and a home in the Cahaba Project that checked the family’s wants and needs. “As a resident of Birmingham for the past 22 years, I’d say that the Cahaba Project has been a well-kept secret from Birmingham residents,” she said. When Perreault drove to the Cahaba Project home the same day she had discovered it online, she called her mom and told her, “You’ve got to see this place.” She noted the parks, pickleball courts, Cahaba Elementary School, Trussville Public Library, city pool and splash pad, ACTA Theatre, walking trails and more. “My mom, who lives in Tuscaloosa and helps out with our twins, said, ‘Oh, I was hoping you’d look at Ross Bridge,’” Perreault said. “I said, ‘Mom, this is what Ross Bridge wants to be. Come see it.’ She came up the next week, and she got it.” Being a new resident to the Cahaba Project, Perreault is learning the area’s history and settling in. “We’d love for the Cahaba Project to be a model for how a historic neighborhood can stay true to its past, remain easily recognizable, and yet thoughtfully change to suit the needs of its residents,” she said.
SEPTEMBER 2021
CAHABA SUN
Education Guide
CAHABASUN.COM
Advertorial Section
13
Virginia Samford Theatre............................................. 13
Virginia Samford Theatre
Calling all young actors, dancers and vocalists. The Virginia Samford Theatre’s STARS (Students Take a Role at the Samford) program has a lineup of exciting opportunities for young performers. Virginia Samford Theatre is thrilled to announce its spring season, which includes exciting musical acts such as “Junie B. Jones, The Musical Jr.” and “Sister Act Jr.” The STARS program was created to give every child an opportunity to learn theatre in a safe and supportive environment. Participants in the spring season will learn the ins and outs of stage performance, including everything from breath control, singing as a group, choreography and character development. STARS performers also develop a strong bond with their cast members, creating a diverse community of artists who they will learn and grow with for years to come. Together, they’ll hone their craft through disciplined rehearsals
see all these great youth shows with our great youth actors!
NOVEMBER 18 - 21, 2021 ○ Call: 205-251-1228 ○ Web: virginiasamfordtheatre.org/ vststars ○ Email: stars@virginiasamford theatre.org and take to the stage with a newfound confidence. Interested applicants can submit a virtual audition on the Virginia Samford Theatre website. Auditions should include a video with a 30-60 second monologue and a 30-60 second song with a backing track.
MARCH 3 - 6, 2022
JULY 28 - AUGUST 2, 2022
Tickets: virginiasamfordtheatre.org • 205.251.1206
14
SEPTEMBER 2021
CAHABA SUN
CAHABASUN.COM
SPORTS
Grateful coaches F
ootball coaches are routine-oriented by nature. Aside from the health concerns brought upon by the COVID-19 pandemic, everyone’s normal schedule was completely thrown out the window last fall. Many coaches admitted to learning the value of certain aspects of preseason camp, team building activities and much more. The 2020 season definitely included many obstacles, including the absence of spring practices, teams not being able to meet in full and the forfeiture of games due to COVID issues. The hope is the 2021 season is void of those game cancellations and the season is able to go off without a hitch. One thing all coaches agree on is the relief of being able to get back to doing certain things, such as going through spring practice and having the entire team together throughout the summer months leading up to the season. Here’s what some of the local coaches had to say about the challenges and lessons learned from last fall and the excitement level of getting back into that routine they are so accustomed to:
“
“
Last year, I just scrapped the calendar. Every Sunday I’d sit down and send a weekly email to the parents and that would change four or five times. To get through what we did last year, it was amazing.
“
Considering everything we went through with COVID and having a new [coaching] staff, it’s pretty remarkable, because we didn’t have a lot of time, didn’t have spring practice, didn’t have a lot of time to get the team to jel, no opportunity to get the team bonding. A lot of it was done right there at the fieldhouse and on the field. It was very special. It was probably my most memorable year in football.
”
SAM SHADE, PINSON VALLEY
It’s been great. I’m tickled to death that we have to work around construction as opposed to working around something we don’t know the end point [the pandemic]. It’s so refreshing. We learned a lot from COVID. We’re still taking a lot of the learning techniques and teaching techniques from that. We still do Zoom calls with our players on days we don’t have practice. There’s a lot of great things that came from that. The most incredible thing if you were a football player that you learned, your life kept going. You were figuring out trying to find a way to move forward. What a great lesson that was.
”“ ”
SHAWN RANEY, SPAIN PARK
CHRIS YEAGER, MOUNTAIN BROOK
It’s really good to be able to get everybody together. That was a big hurdle that everybody had to face last year and it never made the season feel normal. There’s a lot of culture and team building that you’re able to do now that you weren’t able to do before. The game is about team and together.
DUSTIN GOODWIN, CHELSEA
SEPTEMBER 2021
CAHABA SUN
15
CAHABASUN.COM
Huskies looking to replicate last season’s success By KYLE PARMLEY
Hewitt-Trussville’s Maci Mills makes her way down the final stretch during the Spain Park Class 7A, Section 3 meet in November. Photo by Erin Nelson.
Matthew Michalke takes the reins of the Hewitt-Trussville High School cross-country program at a perfect time. The team is coming off one of its best seasons ever, with the girls finishing third and the boys placing fourth at the Class 7A state meet last November. It was the perfect way to cap the fulltime coaching careers of David and Anita Dobbs, and Michalke was promoted from the middle school program to take over the high school team. The move was announced in December. “The familiarity with the program and with the kids has made it a fairly easy transition for all of us,” Michalke said. "I am very excited that Matthew Michalke has been chosen to take the helm of the Hewitt-Trussville High School cross-country teams,” Dobbs said at the time. “He has done a phenomenal job as head coach at Hewitt-Trussville Middle School and has developed that program into a metro powerhouse. He will bring the energy and enthusiasm he has now to the high school teams." Tom Esslinger took over the track
and field program at Hewitt-Trussville last year, leading the Huskies to a sweep of the indoor boys and girls state titles and a banner season in outdoor as well. “I’ve learned from the best in Coach Dobbs and now getting to work with Coach Esslinger. With his focus on the track side and my focus on the distance, I think it’s great. We’ve got a good staff and a lot of good assistants,” Michalke said. As far as this cross-country season is concerned, the girls have high hopes. Six of the top seven from last year’s third-place team return and Michalke feels as if the younger classes will bolster the team in terms of quality depth. Maci Mills placed 13th at the state meet last fall, clocking a 5K time of 19:57.01. Kylee Sisk finished 18th as well and both runners could lead the team to big things once again this season. Kinley Harris and Avery Cahoon also finished in the top 50 individually. Sisk, Harris and Cahoon are sophomores and Sophia Knox, another top runner on the team, is now a junior. Mills was selected to run in the AHSAA All-Star event in July in Montgomery and enters her senior season as
one of the top runners in the state. She was joined there by Mitchell Phillips of the Huskies boys team. “Both of them really lead by their performance. Neither one of them is necessarily the most outspoken and that’s not a bad thing,” Michalke said. “They show up and lead by what they’re doing.” Phillips finished 19th in the state meet last year, with Tristan Teer and Rush Lachina also back from the Huskies’ top seven. After the graduation of a handful of strong runners, Hewitt’s boys are seeking the next set of athletes to step up. One of those looks to be Wil Edwards, who has impressed over the summer. “He’s been a great leader, put in a lot of great work and he’s excited to see what a cross-country season is going to look like for him,” Michalke said. The Huskies will host the Husky Challenge for the 30th time this October. They also compete in Scottsboro, Huntsville, in Oakville at the state meet course twice and at Veterans Park in Hoover. “The kids are excited to see what we can build on,” Michalke said.
Let your Home
Be UNIQUELY YOU! Contact Stephanie Moore TODAY! O: (205) 514-0857 C: (205) 661-0811 stephaniemoore@remax.net www.stephaniemoore.net
16
SEPTEMBER 2021
CAHABA SUN
CAHABASUN.COM
OPINION Southern Musings By Gary Lloyd
Trussville, before the sun rises I am an unapologetic morning person, and I’m sure half of you reading that just cringed. I understand. Some folks can’t be bothered until every drop of that venti salted caramel mocha latte with two pumps of vanilla, two more of hazelnut, with whipped cream and caramel drizzle, is gone, but I’m not one of them. I also can’t keep up with what some of you folks order at Starbucks. It’s been fairly easy for me in the past to just say “bacon, Gouda and egg sandwich” at the drive-thru speaker. But I digress. I recently completed some errands that required me to leave the house before the sun came up, and I’d like to tell you what I noticed that morning. I passed Golden Rule Bar-B-Q on South Chalkville Road before the lights
had been flicked on, and I’m Aside from the roadways, not sure I’ve ever seen that. it was just peaceful. TrussThe few people I did see at ville, which continues to rapidly grow in population, was gas stations wore boots to work, and they mostly filled stunningly quiet. I saw more up semis and Alabama Power birds than cars. On the way trucks. home, the Chick-fil-A driveI swear I made every green thru line did not yet stretch light between Main Street all the way to Willie Adams Stadium in Pinson. in Trussville and Grayson Valley. Chalkville Mountain I caught almost all the greens again. The historic Road did not back up with traffic from the fast food Cahaba Project neighborLloyd hood felt much more hisrestaurants to the Stonegate subdivision. No one cut me toric, somehow, in the early off coming off Service Road. The Walmart morning. I made it across the railroad tracks parking lot wasn’t even half full. on South Chalkville Road twice in one day
without being stopped by an idle train. No, really. It’s a different world out there before 6 a.m. You can get from Point A to Point B faster, but somehow the world seems to move by slower. Maybe that makes sense. Try an early morning drive around town sometime. You’re likely to enjoy it, too, and I hope you let me know what stands out to you. I promise that being a morning person isn’t that bad. Just make sure your venti salted caramel mocha latte with two pumps of vanilla, two more of hazelnut, with whipped cream and caramel drizzle, also includes a shot of espresso. Gary Lloyd is the author of six books and is a contributing writer for the Cahaba Sun.
Sean of the South By Sean Dietrich
The Birmingham speed demon BIRMINGHAM — Early morning. The sun is low. Fog rests on the trees. And I have a persistent case of writer’s block. I leave my hotel on foot because I love morning walks. They help in more ways than one. When I walk, I’m able to think in straight lines, clear my head and most importantly, pull a hamstring. I see a pest guy spraying outside my hotel. He wears a COVID mask and carries a spray canister of noxious chemicals. “How’re you doing this morning?” he asks. “I have writer’s block,” I say. “Oh, no. I used to get writer’s block, but I don’t get it anymore.” “Really? What’s your secret?” “I had four kids.” I make my hike across a nearby parking lot, aiming toward a shopping complex. Outdoor malls are great places to walk. This is when I hear tires squeal behind me. I turn to look. It is a bad dream happening in slow motion. A white Mitsubishi swerves through the parking lot like a runaway diesel, roaring straight for me. The vehicle fires forward and misses me by an eyelash. I don’t even have time to shout any religious language at the driver. I am left standing on the pavement. Adrenaline has made me cold. I am doubled over. The guy with the sprayer calls out, “You okay?” All I can do is nod. “Just dandy,” I say.
It takes a few minutes to “No, I was in a parking gather myself. I am still sick lot.” to my stomach. But I keep “You should be more carewalking. ful. Cars drive through parking lots.” I walk across culverts, “Not doing 90, they don’t.” ditches, decorative shrubBut she’s done paying bery, thorny bushes and me any mind. And in her steep embankments until I defense, I don’t think she is reach the mall. My nerves are shaken, but I’m alive, and being rude. She is just sort of, that’s the important thing. well … elderly. I pass a slew of employShe offers no apology. ees in shopfronts. They’re She shows no remorse. Dietrich unlocking display windows, She’s too busy. The lady lugs the bag of dry food doing inventory, and drinking coffee from paper cups. And I am finally toward the dumpster. starting to calm down. She whistles once and 3,532 cats creep When I reach the end of the complex I am out of the nearby trees to swarm her. You’ve about to turn around and head to the hotel. never seen so many ferals. They just keep But I don’t. Because I see a white Mitsubishi. slinking from the woods. The car is parked beside a large dumpster. A She fills several bowls behind the dumpsilhouette of the driver sits in the window. ster and uses a high-pitched voice to remind The door opens. Out steps an old woman. each cat to be nice, behave, be sweet, share, She is hunched and wiry. She has over-the- use manners, brush their teeth, pay their counter red hair, and tattoos on her white taxes, take their Omega-3s, etc. lower legs. This woman goes on to say that this mornShe sees me looking. “What’s up?” she says. ing she still has hundreds of local cats left to This gal is something else. She walks to feed. Hundreds, she says. the back of the Mitsubishi and opens the The cats are located all over town. In every hatch. She removes an enormous bag of cat side street, dumpster and back alleyway. She food. And even though I hate to be Captain says she’s been feeding cats for 20 years in Obvious, I feel it’s my civic duty to speak up. Birmingham. Every morning she does it. “You almost hit me,” I tell her. “You’d be surprised where cats hide,” she “You were in the road,” she says. says. “They’re smart. They know who they
can trust.” I ask how she got into taking care of cats. “My dad,” she says. “He used to always feed strays. Didn’t matter whether it was a cat, dog or turtle … Once he even had a goat. He’d take me out looking for animals back in Texas. That’s where I growed up. He was a good man. Never turned an animal away. Real good man.” She loads the food into her Mitsubishi. Slams the trunk door. Then she fires up her little car. The asthmatic engine spits out blue exhaust. Before she leaves, she leans out the window and locks eyes with me. It looks like she’s going to finally apologize. She says, “You’re in my way. Move, dadgum it. I’m backing up.” Our little Hallmark moment is cut short when she guns her four-cylinder until it throws a rod, then peels away like Dale Jr. on a liquor run. I’m not sure if this was her version of an apology or not. But I guess it doesn’t matter. After all, she’s a busy woman, and I can understand that. She is doing important work this morning. She has a lot of mouths to feed. And thankfully, I’ve got something to write about. Sean Dietrich is a columnist and novelist known for his commentary on life in the American South. He has authored nine books and is the creator of the “Sean of the South” blog and podcast.
SEPTEMBER 2021
CAHABA SUN
CAHABASUN.COM
Trussville
6047 Enclave Place
Real Estate Listings MLS #
Zip
1295382
35173
1294974
Address
17
Status
Price
6047 Enclave Place
New
$460,000
35173
7332 Pinewood Drive
New
$249,900
1294892
35173
3399 Smith Sims Road
New
$274,900
1294778
35173
114 Lynn Drive
New
$325,000
1295041
35173
6704 Parkwood Cove
New
$299,900
1294959
35173
3619 Queenstown Road
New
$140,000
1294757
35173
156 N Chalkville Road
New
$390,000
1293608
35173
72 Ridge Crest Lane
New
$299,900
1294670
35173
4316 Maplewood Drive
New
$499,900
1294641
35173
407 Woodward Road
New
$559,900
1292905
35173
4990 Natalie Way
New
$419,900
294434
35173
7904 McIntyre Road
New
$187,000
94064
35173
6950 Honor Keith Road
New
$725,000
1293963
35173
3649 Freeman St.
New
$235,000
1293670
35173
5007 Natalie Way
New
$454,900
1293427
35173
6839 Scooter Drive
New
$364,900
1293373
35173
5879 Carrington Lane
New
$399,900
1293208
35173
2130 Overlook Place
New
$269,900
1293135
35173
322 Palace Drive
New
$489,000
1293012
35173
180 Lakeridge Drive
New
$337,500
1294721
35173
104 Pinehurst Road
New
$249,000
1295191
35173
5808 Carrington Lake Parkway
New
$799,000
1292689
35173
135 Yvonne St.
New
$975,000
1292657
35173
7547 Old Springville Road
New
$169,900
1292144
35173
7631 Barclay Terrace
New
$490,000
1292298
35173
7867 Caldwell Drive
New
$419,900
1292190
35173
409 Birch St.
New
$239,000
1291788
35173
5263 Promenade Drive
New
$245,000
1291443
35173
7561 Paine Drive
New
$449,900
1291362
35173
4095 Overlook Circle
New
$255,900
1291224
35173
3650 Halcyon Trace
New
$355,040
1294990
35173
217 English Walnut Drive
New
$389,900
1294293
35173
4534 Martin Wilson Road
New
$589,000
1290437
35173
3315 Coody Road
New
$430,000
1289997
35173
137 Parkway Drive
New
$445,000
Real estate listings provided by the Birmingham Association of Realtors on Aug. 17. Visit birminghamrealtors.com.
4990 Natalie Way
5808 Carrington Lake Parkway
217 English Walnut Drive
18
FALL MEDICAL GUIDE
SEPTEMBER 2021
CAHABA SUN
CAHABASUN.COM
ENT Associates of Alabama, P.C.......................... 18 Children’s of Alabama.......................................... 19 Birmingham Orthodontics..................................... 20 O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB.... 22 UAB’s All of Us Research Program........................ 24 Total on 1st Advanced Clinical Spa..................... 26 Grandview Medical Center.................................. 27 Gunn Dermatology................................................ 28 Medicare Advisors of Alabama........................... 29 Engle Dentist — The Dental Office of Moody..... 30 Legacy Ridge Assisted Living................................ 30 Alabama Center for Reproductive Medicine.... 31
When It Comes To Your Health
Experience Matters ENT Associates of Alabama, P.C. is the largest Otolaryngology practice in Alabama with 9 locations, 15 physicians, and over 600 years of combined staff and physician experience.
ENT ASSOCIATES OF ALABAMA, P.C. 10 offices conveniently located across Central Alabama 888-368-5020 Q: How has the practice grown and changed over the years? A: In July 1971, ENT Associates of Alabama, P.C., started out with 2 physicians, including Dr. Morton Goldfarb, who is still practicing today. We have grown substantially in our 50 years, going from a single office with 8 employees to our current size of 15 physicians, 14 audiologists, 3 MLPs, 10 locations and close to 100 employees. We are now the largest ear, nose and throat specialty practice in Alabama; however, one thing has not changed,
entalabama.com and that is the way we care for our patients. We provide the best, most upto-date care. That has always been and will remain our top priority at ENTAA. Q: What is it about the practice that has made it so successful? A: One of the main reasons we have been so successful is our staff. We have been very fortunate to obtain and retain the best of the best. We have over two dozen employees who have been employed with us for more than 20 years, and we think of them all as family.
Our practice includes general ear, nose, and throat, head and neck diseases and surgeries, cosmetic surgery, robotic procedures, in-office balloon sinuplasty, allergy treatment, and hearing solutions. We concentrate our training and experience in these areas to provide the best possible medical care for our patients. At ENT Associates of Alabama, P.C. the patient’s experience matters. We treat each patient as a person, not just another case. We pride ourselves in delivering a positive personal experience along with a positive outcome.
Birmingham - Princeton - Hoover - Cullman - Gardendale - Alabaster - Jasper - Pell City - Trussville
www.entalabama.com or call toll free 888-368-5020
19
FALL MEDICAL GUIDE
CHILDREN’S OF ALABAMA 1600 Seventh Ave. S., Birmingham, AL 35233 Q: Dr. Garland “Gigi” Youngblood, one of the first lines of defense against undiagnosed childhood illnesses is pediatric wellness visits. To get the full benefit for their child, how often should parents schedule a pediatric visit? A: Newborns should be seen roughly 3-5 days after they’re discharged from the hospital depending on the baby’s initial health. Following the first visit, our practice usually schedules a one-month visit, but some practices wait until the second month and quickly follow up with a four-month and sixmonth checkup. After the six-month checkup, babies should be seen by a pediatrician every three months until they are 2 years old. The primary reason for these early visits is to administer vaccinations and to monitor growth and development. Typically, when babies are sick, they don’t grow well. So, delayed or stagnant growth is usually the first indicator of nutritional deficiencies or undiagnosed chronic problems. Unless a chronic illness is detected, parents should schedule continuous annual visits after the second year of life. At Children’s of Alabama, we also do a lot of what is called anticipatory guidance. We discuss with parents what they should expect from their child in the upcoming months or year and some of the safety issues they might encounter. Q: After those initial precarious years, it’s not uncommon for parents to miss a few check-ups. Can you explain why it’s important to continue annual check-ups? A: Parents are very busy people and kids in general are very healthy. Often, parents may think, “If they don’t need vaccines, I don’t need to schedule a visit,” but it’s still very important to touch base with your pediatrician every year. After vaccinations are completed, we are still testing and monitoring for the development of heart murmurs, asthma, allergies or eczema. Unfortunately, in Alabama, young patients are actually more likely to have one of these issues than to not have one. Throughout the years we are also making sure there aren’t any new life stressors and monitoring for things such
205-638-9100
childrensal.org
Children born into all kinds of circumstances have dreams and dreams are powerful. WE DO WHAT WE DO BECAUSE CHILDREN HAVE DREAMS.
DR. GARLAND “GIGI” YOUNGBLOOD as learning disabilities or ADHD. Q: Among the top 10 pediatric health concerns in America are childhood obesity and bullying. How do wellness visits help tackle these issues? A: The great thing about Children’s of Alabama is that we are a large network of primary pediatricians and subspecialists. We have a clinic dedicated to treating childhood obesity and a full mental health care service. We’re able to provide a holistic, team-based approach to each patient’s care. During wellness check-ups, primary pediatricians discuss healthy habits with the whole family. We also do a confidential, mental health questionnaire during the check-up and, with parental permission, we take this opportunity to confidentiality speak with older, teenage children about any issues they may have. Q: With school starting back and the joint concern of flu and COVID-19, is there anything extra you would advise parents to do to keep their children safe? A: Vaccinate, vaccinate, vaccinate. It is safe and effective. A misconception about the flu vaccine is that it is meant to keep you from getting the flu. It does prevent some cases, but the real goal is to keep you or your child from dying from the flu. That is what the vaccine is very good at doing. So everyone 6 months of age and older should get the flu vaccine. If your child is eligible, please get them vaccinated against COVID-19, as well.
1 6 0 0 7 T H AV E N U E S . BIRMINGHAM, AL 35233 (205) 638-9100 ChildrensAL.org
20
FALL MEDICAL GUIDE
SEPTEMBER 2021
CAHABA SUN
CAHABASUN.COM
BIRMINGHAM ORTHODONTICS Hoover office: 5391 Magnolia Trace, Hoover, AL 35244
205-583-7238 bhamorthodontics.com
Highway 119 office: 6801 Cahaba Valley Road, Suite 210, Birmingham, AL 35242
205-635-1828
bhamorthodontics.com
Q: Tell us about the services that Birmingham Orthodontics offers. A: Birmingham Orthodontics is a multidoctor practice with four locations in the Birmingham area. We provide patients with expert orthodontic care without breaking the bank. Q: How did Birmingham Orthodontics get started? A: Our story began 27 years ago when Dr. McCarthy, a soldier in the United States Army, struggled to find orthodontics care for his daughter. Because of the financial options available at the time, he was shocked to learn that affordable orthodontics care was virtually non-existent in the area. When he left the Army, he was determined to change that. Through our unique business model and financial options, Birmingham Orthodontics has been able to remove barriers to braces — without compromising experience or quality — for almost three decades now. Q: How does your business model make orthodontics care more efficient for your patients? A: We’re one of the few orthodontic practices in town that have multiple doctors on staff. Each patient has one primary orthodontist, but they also have the equivalent of multiple consultations at Birmingham Orthodontics. Instead of having to seek out a second or third opinion, our doctors collaborate and work together for more complex cases to create the best treatment plan possible for our patients. In addition to eliminating the need for an outside opinion, we keep braces accessible by offering financial options such as nodown payment, lower monthly payments and interest-free financing. Q: Does your practice offer traditional braces or clear aligners such as Invisalign? A: Our focus is straightening our patients’ teeth efficiently and effectively. We want our patients to be happy with their appearance and their comfort level throughout their treatment, so we offer both traditional metal braces and clear aligners. Q: How do you decide which treatment to use? A: That decision is done on a caseby-case basis. For more complex cases, traditional metal braces are used, but for all other cases we advise our patients
DR. ERIKA HARTMAN, DR. CAREY BETH RIVERS AND DR. KATELYN FEINBERG on the pros and cons of each and allow them to choose which treatment they are most comfortable with.
patients to wear their retainers regularly once treatment is completed, but it’s especially important in expedited cases.
Q: How long does treatment usually take? A: Treatment duration really depends on the severity of the case. On average, most people can complete treatment between a year-and-a-half to two years.
Q: What is the time commitment for treatment? A: We take new patient appointments five days a week, Monday through Friday. We are really respectful of our patients’ time and strive to ensure that patients are seen on time. We also offer same-day braces for patients who feel comfortable with starting treatment directly after their consultation. We’ll develop a treatment plan for your case during your initial consultation, which is usually about an hour. Placement of your braces is an additional hour, whether you choose to have it done the same day or schedule it at a later date. After your braces are in place, you’ll come in for a 20-30 minute appointment every seven to eight weeks.
Q: Which treatment is faster, Invisalign or traditional braces? A: A lot of times, clear aligners can work a bit faster than traditional braces, but not everyone can get clear aligners. The pacing of readjustment is the main reason that clear aligners work faster. With traditional, metal braces, patients come into the office every 8-10 weeks for readjustment. Patients who choose to use clear aligners are able to change their aligners every one to two weeks, and that really speeds up the process. One thing to note is that the faster your teeth are moved into alignment, the quicker they are likely to shift back out of alignment. So, sometimes it’s actually good for treatment to take a bit longer. Even though your teeth may appear straight, we advise our patients to continue to stay in braces a bit longer to lessen the likelihood of their teeth shifting again. It’s really important for all
Q: Are you open during afterschool hours? A: Yes. We ask that patients alternate between morning and after-school appointments to allow more patients to miss as little school as possible. However, we will do our best to work with your schedule. Q: Can you tell us a bit about your orthodontists?
A: In addition to Dr. McCarthy, the partners of Birmingham Orthodontics now include Dr. Erika Hartman, Dr. Carey Beth Rivers, and Dr. Katelyn Feinberg. All three women are beyond exceptional in the field of orthodontic care. Dr. Hartman is a graduate of Howard University College of Dentistry and was recognized as one of America’s Top Dentists by the Consumer Research Council of America. Dr. Rivers finished second in her class at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where she received honors such as Omicron Kappa Upsilon, the Leon H. Schneyer Award and the Hinman Scholar Award. Dr. Feinberg is a graduate of Duke University and has published her original research in the Journal of Clinical Orthodontics. The practice is also joined by Dr. Alexis Pugh, an associate doctor who finished first in her class at the University of Missouri, Kansas City. Q: Do you need a dentist’s referral to come to your office? A: No. We appreciate that most of our patients actually come from patient referrals. Over half of our patients hear about us from friends and family. So, there is no referral requirement, and we are always accepting new patients.
We make great smiles even greater. Schedule a free consultation today at BhamSmile.com
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O’NEAL COMPREHENSIVE CANCER CENTER AT UAB 800-822-6478
uabmedicine.org/cancer
The O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB serves patients in Alabama, across the region and from around the world by providing leadingedge cancer care that is personalized and team-based. The only National Cancer Institute-Designated Cancer Center in the state, we are a pioneer in shaping the future of cancer care. We provide the most advanced treatment options through clinical trials, and we offer patients a wide range of new therapies, diagnostic testing, prevention strategies, survivorship care and community-based studies — some of which are only available at UAB. When it comes to cancer, it matters where you’re treated first. Our experienced teams are committed to delivering exceptional and compassionate care when patients need it most. Two of our cancer specialists — Dr. Trey Leath III and Dr. Jeffrey Nix — share their thoughts on the latest advancements and why you should consider UAB for cancer care. Q: How does cancer affect people in Alabama, and what is the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB doing to help? Dr. Leath: Advances in cancer care and treatment are based on a continual process. This includes evaluating how current treatment approaches are used, but also ways that these approaches can be improved. These evaluations and improvements are usually done as part of clinical trials, which often are not available outside of academic medical centers such as UAB. And for cancer specifically, they are usually only done at NCI-Designated Cancer Centers. While not all patients seen at UAB will be enrolled in cutting-edge clinical trials, most patients will have the opportunity to consider
participating in tomorrow’s therapies today. Q: As we gear up for both Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month and Prostate Cancer Awareness Month in September, what is UAB doing to raise awareness and improve care for these cancer patients? Dr. Leath: The UAB Division of Gynecologic Oncology’s Comprehensive Ovarian Cancer Program, within the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, is a program unique to the southeastern United States and one that offers more than just treatment. This program is focused on centralizing our approach to patients with ovarian cancer and all of their potential needs. This includes not only therapy,
but also other supportive interventions such as nutrition, genetics, precision medicine, and even clinical trials, when appropriate. Dr. Nix: UAB continues to focus on communicating with our patients about the importance of getting regular screenings for prostate cancer. Research shows significant concerns about delays in screening for many cancers due to COVID-19 and its limitations on health resources for our patients. We offer services for our prostate cancer patients that are not available at many other medical centers. Our Urology Oncology Clinic, for example, is focused on a patientcentric model of treatment that includes multiple medical specialties. This focus allows
us to personalize care for each of our patients, from active monitoring for low-risk prostate cancer to clinical trials for advanced disease. To improve diagnosis and staging for prostate cancer patients, the UAB Program for Personalized Prostate Cancer Care offers the MRI/ Ultrasound Fusion-Guided Prostate targeted biopsy technique. We have the most experience of any center in the Southeast with this technology, which marks one of the most significant advances in prostate cancer diagnosis in 30 years. We also offer the most advanced treatments for prostate cancer, including robotic surgery, proton therapy, high-intensity focused ultrasound therapy and much more.
Q: What is the easiest way for patients to get an appointment at the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center? Dr. Leath: Your doctor can refer you by calling 800822-6478, or you can visit uabmedicine.org/appointmentcancer for information about scheduling an appointment. Our trained nurse navigators will guide you through every step of your treatment plan. Nurse navigators at the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center interact with patients multiple times, and most patients have their first interaction even before their initial consultation. If you’re a cancer patient at UAB, you can rest assured that your nurse navigator is always in your corner.
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UAB’S ALL OF US RESEARCH PROGRAM (833) JOIN-UAB
JoinAllofUs.org/UAB
allofus@uabmc.edu
Q: Could you explain what the All of Us Research Program is? A: The All of Us Research Program aims to enroll at least 1 million people throughout the United States, with a special effort to include persons historically underrepresented in biomedical research. Clinical, genomic and other biomedical information provided by participants will be available to a broad array of researchers to lay the groundwork for precision medicine that will benefit the full diversity of populations in the country. Q: What will participants be asked to do? A: After learning about the program and providing consent, participants are asked to do several things. They complete a set of brief online surveys about their health status and make an appointment to come to an enrollment site. There they have basic measurements done (e.g., height, weight, blood pressure) and provide blood and urine samples. They receive a $25 gift card upon completion of these steps and consenting to allow the health system where they enroll to share data from their electronic health record. They also are asked to continue to fill out occasional online surveys about their health. Because the All of Us Research Program includes analysis of participants’ DNA, the consent process also involves deciding whether a participant would like to have their DNA analyzed, and whether they would like to receive feedback about important findings about their DNA. Q: Who is eligible to enroll? A: Any adult (older than 19 years of age in Alabama) is eligible to enroll. There is no requirement to have any specific medical or health issue. The program is especially interested in enrolling individuals from groups who are historically underrepresented in biomedical research. Diverse participation is critical if the findings from study of the data will be meaningful to all people across the country. It can’t be assumed that specific health or disease associations found in one population, say persons of European ancestry, will also apply to those of other ancestries, for example African Americans. That is why it is so important that individuals of diverse backgrounds participate in the program. Q: Where can participants enroll in the All of Us Research Program? A: Initial enrollment and consent can
BRUCE KORF, M.D. be done online at www.JoinAllofUs.org/ UAB. We have enrollment centers at multiple sites, including The Kirklin Clinic, UAB Hospital-Highlands, Medical Towers, North Pavilion, Cooper Green Mercy Health Services, UAB Selma Family Medicine, UAB Montgomery Internal Medicine Clinic, UAB Huntsville Regional Medical Campus and the University of Alabama, University Medical Center. Individuals who do not have computer or internet access can complete the consent process and surveys at an enrollment site. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (833) JOIN-UAB. Q: What are some of the benefits for a program participant? A: All of Us is built upon a principle that participants are partners and that information learned about a participant is shared through the participant portal. Perhaps most importantly, participants can opt into having DNA analysis done and data from this analysis are shared with the participant. This includes genetic analysis of ancestry (what part of the world did your ancestors come from), traits (e.g., do you like or dislike the taste of cilantro), actionable medical variants (do you carry a genetic variant
that might put you at increased risk of a preventable condition such as cancer or heart disease), and pharmacogenetics (are there particular medications that you should avoid due to risk of side effects, or should medication dosage be customized to how your body reacts to the medication). Only a small proportion of participants are expected to receive findings of an actionable variant, because these are rare. These individuals will have a freeof-charge genetic counseling telephone or telemedicine consultation to help them understand the implications of the finding for themselves and family members. Aside from these personal benefits, there is, of course, the knowledge that a participant is helping to pave the way toward better health care for future generations, and that this is being done so that all persons, regardless of background, will have the chance to benefit. Q: What would you say to someone who’s hesitant about signing up for the All of Us Research Program? A: The All of Us Research Program is a partnership between participants and researchers, and we realize that sharing health information, including genomic
data, is a big step. The program uses state-of-the-art measures to protect the privacy of participants and to keep data secure. Participants are also protected by a Certificate of Confidentiality that protects the data from being accessed by outside groups, including law enforcement and the courts. There’s been a lot of publicity about people who share their genomic data being subject to law enforcement investigation, but that can’t happen with All of Us data. There might also be concern about whether a participant with an actionable genomic finding (for example, risk of cancer) might be at risk to lose health insurance. The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act makes it illegal to deny a person health insurance in most instances on the basis of genetic information. Genomic information could potentially affect ability to obtain life insurance or long-term care insurance for individuals found to have an actionable variant, but this risk must be balanced against the benefit of knowing that a person who carries such a variant could benefit from a prevention strategy to avoid disease. Finally, it should be noted that participants are involved in every aspect of the All of Us Research Program, including oversight of the protocol and participation on the panel that reviews the protocol to ensure that it is conducted ethically. Q: What if I am already a member of the program, is there more that I can do? A: If you are already a member of the All of Us Research Program, please keep an eye on email notifications and your participant data browser. This is how you will be aware of ongoing surveys and also of any information that might be learned about your health. Ongoing involvement is critical if we are going to have a clear picture of your health and take maximum advantage of the ability to develop new knowledge and approaches in precision medicine. By joining All of Us you are joining a team, and we hope that you will make the most of the chance to contribute to biomedical research. We also hope that you will share your All of Us experience with friends and relatives who might be interested in joining. For more information or to sign up for the program, call (833) JOIN-UAB, visit JoinAllofUs.org/ UAB, or email allofus@uabmc.edu.
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TOTAL ON 1ST ADVANCED CLINICAL SPA 1927 First Ave. N., first floor of the Woodward Building, Birmingham, AL 35203
205-380-6123
Q: Total Skin & Beauty is opening a new location to meet Birmingham’s skincare needs. Where will the new Total on 1st Advanced Clinical Spa be located? A: “The new clinical spa sits in the heart of the Central Business District of downtown Birmingham. The space will occupy the first floor of the Woodward Building, located on the corner of 20th Street and First Avenue North. The Woodward Building, across the street from the Elyton Hotel and adjacent to the John Hand Building, is just 1.5 miles and 6 minutes away from Total Skin & Beauty Dermatology’s main office at Ash Place in Five Points South,” says Ginny Boothe, director of Total on 1st Aesthetic Services. Q: What sets Total on 1st Advanced Clinical Spa apart from other spas or medi-spas? A: “Total on 1st Advanced Clinical Spa will provide the integration of safe and effective skincare procedures for all skin types in a relaxed and soothing spa environment. This concept was built upon a solid foundation of skincare and medical device expertise by the esteemed board-certified dermatologists of Total Skin & Beauty Dermatology Center,” says Jennifer Cork, CMPE, CEO of Total Skin & Beauty. Over the past 44 years, Total Skin & Beauty has evolved into an all-inclusive specialty clinic for dermatologic medical, surgical and cosmetic care.
totalonfirst.com
This unique partnership with our clinical spa allows a comprehensive approach to improve overall skin health by combining in-office dermatologic care with professional skincare treatments and medical-grade skincare products. With continued clinical excellence and support of experienced providers, Total on 1st is dedicated to offering the best possible aesthetic outcome and empowering patients to feel confident in achieving skincare goals.
From left: Ginny Boothe, director of Total on 1st Aesthetic Services; Margo Maples, PA-C; Jennifer Cork, CMPE, CEO of Total Skin & Beauty Dermatology Center.
Q: What are some of the services and amenities that this location will provide? A: “Our facility will be outfitted with cutting-edge equipment and other state-of-the-art technology. This allows us to provide the most effective treatments with minimal discomfort and safe for treating all skin types,” says Margo Maples, PA-C at Total Skin & Beauty. “An overview of the services to be provided are: customized facials, chemical peels, anti-aging procedures such as neurotoxins (Botox® and Dysport®) and cosmetic dermal fillers, laser resurfacing treatments, laser hair removal, microneedling, PRP therapy, hair restoration, skin tightening and body contouring, medical-grade skincare products, massage therapy, spa packages, private parties and more. “Our location also provides free private, covered/ attached parking, in addition to a valet parking option.”
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GRANDVIEW MEDICAL CENTER 3690 Grandview Parkway, Birmingham, AL 35243 Q: What is Cardio-Oncology? A: Cardio-Oncology is a relatively new field that has evolved rapidly over the last decade. The field focuses on new or developing cardiovascular disease occurring during or after cancer treatment therapy. The goal of a cardio-oncologist is to assist and advise the oncology team so that we can work together to get the patient through his or her treatment while protecting the heart and cardiovascular system. Q: What is your mission at Grandview Medical Center? A: I have an opportunity to use my knowledge and experience to help people every day. That doesn’t always mean through medicine. Sometimes it’s just being there for people — the patients and their families. That's probably even more true for cardiooncology, because you're dealing with people who have either already gone through cancer treatment, who are preparing to go through cancer treatment, or who are currently
205-971-1000
grandviewhealth.com
undergoing treatment. Q: How did Cardio-Oncology become your specialty? A: I have always steered towards cardiology because in many ways my mind processes similar to an engineer or a mechanic. I have been drawn towards machines and understanding how they work. The human body and, in particular the heart, is the most amazing machine that I couldn’t help but want to learn more about. Even though my focus has been primarily on cardiology, I have also had a lot of exposure to oncology throughout my training and career. In medical school I participated in basic research involving cancer cells. When I was at Duke University completing my residency, we had the opportunity to work with and learn from their excellent oncology program. During my fellowship at the Baylor Texas Heart Institute in Houston, I was able to spend time learning from the experts at MD Anderson. Because of my educational
and now I will be assisting Grandview as we develop a program here in the Birmingham area.
DR. LEON CANNIZZARO
background, I was asked to start a Cardio-Oncology program at my previous practice in Baton Rouge,
Q: Why is it important for oncology patients to have a Cardio-Oncology specialist? A: Cancer and heart disease are the two leading causes of death nationwide. Caring for patients with cancer can be very complex because they are receiving different agents that affect the heart and the cardiovascular system in many different ways. Cardiology is just one small part of oncologic care. It really takes a whole team that includes medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, surgeons, pharmacist and all the nursing and ancillary staff that goes along with a comprehensive cancer care team. Q: Do all oncology patients need a Cardio-Oncologist? A: These patients can be identified by their oncologists as needing a referral to a Cardio-Oncologist. The oncologist will make the referral when necessary.
14 PRIMARY CARE LOCATIONS. SAME-DAY APPOINTMENTS. 205-971-DOCS.
Grandview Medical Group makes it easier to see a primary care provider in Birmingham – quickly. Just call 205-971-DOCS. Most calls will result in a same-day appointment with a physician or a nurse practitioner at one of our 14 primary care locations. Walk-ins are welcome, too. If you or a family member age five or older needs to see a doctor fast, think Grandview Medical Group.
Visit GrandviewMedicalGroup.com or call
205-971-DOCS to schedule your same-day appointment. Chelsea • Columbiana • Grandview Physicians Plaza • Greystone • Homewood Hoover • Lee Branch • Liberty Park • Springville • Trussville • Vestavia Hills
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GUNN DERMATOLOGY 32 Church St., Mountain Brook, AL 35213 Q: What areas of dermatology care does your clinic provide? A: We’re a very well-rounded clinic. We provide pediatric, medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatology treatment. Q: What is covered in the medical portion of your practice? A: When you think of medical dermatology, think of all the diseases of the skin: acne, eczema, rosacea, psoriasis, rashes related to infecti like in impetigo or even wounds that get infected. When it comes to medical dermatology, it’s very important to know that even if you don’t suffer from any common skin issues, you do need to see your dermatologist once a year for a skin-check. Q: What happens during a skin-check?
205-415-7536
A: It’s the easiest medical visit that there is but is one where modesty doesn’t help very much [laughs]. Dermatology is unlike any other specialty where most of your organs are inside the body, causing your doctor to run a lot of tests. Our test is mainly just looking at it, but we need to see every inch of the body in order to check for anything that may be melanoma or any other form of skin cancer. A huge benefit to being a patient here is if we do find something, we can perform almost all procedures in the clinic. There is only one surgery that we refer out for. Q: Tell us about the new MyTouch platform for the cosmetic side of your practice. A: We’re about to revolutionize the way we
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DR. HOLLY GUNN AND TEAM
gunndermatology.com provide cosmetic treatments. We’re launching two new platforms. The first is called MyTouch. It allows patients to review all of their treatment recommendations, as well as follow your progress with before-and-after treatment pictures. It’s very interactive and tailored to each patient’s skin type, providing information about the best treatments for their skin. Q: How is MyTouch beneficial to your patients? A: The MyTouch platform also includes optical imaging that measures and assigns a scientific number to common areas of concern: wrinkles, pigmentation, acne, the amount of bacteria on your skin, your skin’s hydration levels and how much redness and irritation that you have. Giving these things a number allows us to focus
on what will actually improve your skin’s health and beauty, choose the right treatments and be reassured that what your skin care is actually yielding results. Q: A common skin care concern is pore size. Do you offer a treatment for reducing the size of pores? A: Yes. Although there is no treatment that can completely eradicate pores, Vavaci is one treatment that has given our
patients great results. Vavaci is a microneedling treatment plus radio frequency that can make you look 10 years younger. It really tightens the skin, decreases pore size and reduces crepiness of the skin. It can be used to treat the face or anywhere on the body. Optical Imaging is great to have alongside this treatment because it allows patients to see the drastic changes in their pore size both before and after treatment.
Dr. Holly Gunn and the team at Gunn Dermatology offer Medical, Pediatric, Cosmetic and Surgical Dermatology. Schedule an appointment today at 205.415.7536 or visit us online at gunndermatology.com.
205.415.7536 | gunndermatology.com 32 Church Street, Mountain Brook, AL 35213
SCAN & FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM FOR SKIN CARE EDUCATION SPECIALS AND DEMONSTRATIONS
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MEDICARE ADVISORS OF ALABAMA 2116 Columbiana Road, Birmingham, AL 34216 Q: Who is Medicare Advisors of Alabama? A: We are a locally owned insurance agency that specializes in helping Alabamians better understand Medicare. Medicare is overwhelming, but once someone with patience and knowledge teaches you the questions to ask and then guides you through the process, the whole thing becomes much less stressful. That’s what we provide: a stress-free Medicare experience. Q: What does your service cost? A: Our service is absolutely free. We’re only paid by insurance companies if we help you enroll in a plan. We live by the Golden Rule and that means we treat our clients like we want to be treated. We think of ourselves more as Medicare educators with insurance licenses. Our goal is to use our experiences to help you make an educated Medicare decision, not just sell insurance policies. Q: Why does someone need a broker/adviser? A: There are so many advertisements
205-704-9020
medicareadvisorsofalabama.org
best solution for their client and not the insurance company. Q: When does someone need to help me with Medicare? A: If you’re turning 65 years of age, you have a 7-month window to enroll in Medicare. It’s also when our team can really help you understand your options. However, if you are still working, you may not want or need to enroll. Deciding when to enroll and what to enroll in are our two most asked questions, and our team can help you make an informed decision.
ERIC SMITH
and plans available that it’s becoming almost impossible to sort everything out on your own. A good broker will help you see the positives and negatives of the plans and will work to find the
Q: What if I keep working past age 65? A: Many people think they’ll face penalties if they don’t sign up for Medicare at 65. That can be true, but not always. You can postpone enrollment beyond age 65 if you or your spouse are still working and you have health insurance under an employer plan. Q: What is AEP? A: AEP (or Annual Enrollment Period)
runs from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7. If you are already enrolled into Medicare, it’s the time of the year you can make changes to your plan for the upcoming year. Q: What is an ANOC Letter? A: An ANOC Letter (or Annual Notice of Change) is what you get from your insurance plan in late September that tells the changes for the upcoming year. If a person needs to make changes, they can use AEP to make those changes. Q: Where can I get help with Medicare? A: You can schedule a consultation with someone on our team. We can talk over the phone, meet virtually via Zoom, in-person at our local office, at your home, your business or even out at a coffee shop. Once a month we teach a class called “Prepare for Medicare” at our local office. We have lots of fun, and it’s very educational. No specific products are discussed, but it’s a great way to learn the basics of Medicare and get your questions answered.
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THE DENTAL OFFICE OF MOODY LEGACY RIDGE AT TRUSSVILLE 114 Brookwood Road East, Midfield, AL 35228 205-923-6828
midfielddentalcenter.com
Q: Dr. Engle, who is a good candidate for Invisalign treatment? A: Anybody between the ages of 12 and 99. Invisalign can pretty much treat anything. The technology has come so far compared to metal braces. With metal braces, the treatment is longer, it’s more painful, and obviously, it’s not as attractive. There are still some cases that you can’t treat with Invisalign, but 97% of cases can be treated. Q: What is the treatment process? A: I offer free scans to anyone who comes into my office. We have an advanced machine that scans your bite and within 4-5 minutes, you will be able to see the before and after of what your teeth could look like with Invisalign. We’ll create a treatment plan for you. It typically takes four weeks for all trays to arrive. We give our patients three months of trays at a time and schedule a check-up every three months to make sure your teeth are tracking properly and that you are on course to complete your treatment in 10-11 months.
DR. ANTHONY ENGLE Q: Is Invisalign expensive? A: I think a common misconception is that it is an expensive treatment. The reality is that it is much more affordable than metal braces. Typically, metal braces cost $7,000. Our treatment is only $3,499, and most people’s dental insurance will cover a large portion of that. We also offer several payment options including third-party financing and 0% interest in-house financing.
Invisalign $3499 (Financing Available!)
(Includes Teeth Whitening and Retainers)
CALL TODAY FOR A FREE CONSULT
7868 Gadsden Highway, Trussville, AL 35173 205-661-9940
legacyridgetrussville.com
Q: Legacy Ridge is one of premier assisted living communities in the area. What services do you offer your residents? A: Legacy Ridge at Trussville provides a supreme and upscale lifestyle for seniors while being an affordable assisted living service. Our residents enjoy a beautiful community and assistance with the activities of daily living. We also provide meals, weekly housekeeping, laundry, all of their utilities and more amenities and services for them to enjoy. Q: Who’s the best candidate for residency at Legacy Ridge? A: Senior citizens who are looking for companionship and would like to live in a community that eliminates the worries and upkeep of living alone at home. Q: What sets Legacy Ridge at Trussville apart? A: We have so much incredible
support here. The heat doesn’t go out, the grill is always cooking, and our health care partners and associates always go the extra mile in taking care of our residents. Their passion and service truly shows Legacy Ridge at Trussville’s comprehensive care and hospitality. Q: Where can people learn more about life at Legacy Ridge? A: Please call us or visit our website to learn more about what all Legacy Ridge has to offer and can assist with. You may also schedule a time to visit our community.
BEAT THE SUMMER HEAT! From assisted living to short-term respite care for seniors, the coolest way to spend the summer is with Legacy Ridge at Trussville. Imagine Your Lifestyle Like This • Cookouts and gardening in our courtyard • Watching movies in the theater room • Laughs with friends in the soda shop • A full calendar of activities including corn hole on the patio, socials, dancing,
Platinum Level Invisalign Provider Alabama’s #1 General Dentist Provider of Invisalign Family Dental Care • Emergency/Walk-ins Welcome Implants • Extractions • Root Canal Treatment Oral Sedation • IV Sedation • Crowns/Veneers
and more Call (205) 778-2633 to
Anthony Engle, DMD
2323 Moody Parkway Moody, AL 35004 205-640-1717 thedentalofficeinc.com
schedule a visit today. (205) 778.2633 7868 Gadsden Highway, Trussville, AL 35173
LegacyRidgeTrussville.com
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ALABAMA CENTER FOR REPRODUCTIVE MEDICINE 2006 Brookwood Medical Center Drive, Suite 302, Homewood, AL 35209 205-307-0484
alabamareproductive.com
Q: What makes you stand out from others in reproductive medicine? A: One of the best things about our clinic and appointment times is that we have the ability to really listen. Our goal is to take some of the burden off our patients’ shoulders. I always tell patients that there aren’t any dumb questions. I enjoy taking time to explain difficult concepts to them in ways that they CASSIDY QUIMBY, DR. CECIL LONG, BETH HIDE can understand. I insist that patients get fully involved in the decision-making process when it comes to their care, and that can to improve my knowledge and skills in ultrasound, which is a big part of only happen if they truly understand the patient care in reproductive medicine. process. — Cassidy Quimby, PA-C A: I have about 28 years of experience So I became certified as a Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer, which in reproductive medicine and have seen allows me to expand the care I can offer many improvements and advances in to my patients. — Beth Hide, CRNP options offered to patients. I wanted
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Bedzzz Express Outlet Pelham
Hwy. 280 Next to Issis & Sons
3 Doors South of Pee Wee’s Pawn
408-1250
664-0096
Buy Local. Buy Online. Same Low Prices.
*Some promotions may be limited to select sets. Not responsible for errors in ad copy. Quantities and selections may vary by location. Offers cannot be combined. Mattress images are for illustration purposes only Gifts with purchase (including gift cards and rebates) are not valid with any other promotions except special financing for 6 or 12 months. 0% APR for 60 months financing available with purchases of $1999 or over and does not include sales tax. **Monthly payment is based on purchase price alone excluding tax and delivery charges. Credit purchases subject to credit approval. Other transactions may affect the monthly payment. ***The Nationwide Marketing Group credit card is issued by Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. Special terms apply to qualifying purchases charged with approved credit. The special terms APR will continue to apply until all qualifying purchases are paid in full. The monthly payment for this purchase will be the amount that will pay for the purchase in full in equal payments during the promotional (special terms) period. The APR for Purchases will apply to certain fees such as a late payment fee or if you use the card for other transactions. For new accounts, the APR for Purchases is 28.99%. If you are charged interest in any billing cycle, the minimum interest charge will be $1.00. This information is accurate as of 8/15/2021 and is subject to change. For current information, call us at 1-800-431-5921. Offer expires 9/13/2021. **** Free base offer applies to Queen set purchase of $799 and above or King set purchase $999 and above. King base applies to either one horizontal King Base or one of two TXL bases.***** Free Delivery on mattress sets $699 and up, Local area.