Cahaba Sun April 2016

FUTURE IN WRITING Young author dreams of journalism career. 13

Vol 1 | Issue 6 | APRIL 2016 As Trussville As It Gets

Lessons in

harmony Conservatory offers kids lessons in the arts. 4

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High school baseball rivals graduate and move on as teammates at UAB. 16

Success is coming quicker than expected for the Hewitt-Trussville girls basketball team. 18

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PHOTO OF THE MONTH

EDITOR’S NOTE Despite the fact that I write this editor’s note every month, I rarely read the editor’s notes in other newspapers and magazines.

Most of the time, I skip right past it and delve straight into the first article.

Because of that, I tend to believe that most readers are like me and don’t pay the editor’s note much notice.

On occasion, though, I do get a call or email related to my note, and that’s what happened this month. A reader reached out to me to thank me for my March note and that issue of the paper overall. She said that she wanted to use part of my note to help a friend going through a difficult situation of his own.

That message was so meaningful to me.

It reminded me that it’s not just the articles I write that can have an impact, but also my personal thoughts and ramblings on this page.

As always, there are plenty of great stories inside this issue for you to read. But for those of you who pause to read this before you flip to the next page, I want to thank you. I hope I have said or will say something that’s worthy of your attention.

Please Support Our Community Partners Alabama Allergy & Asthma Center (7) Alabama Hospice Care of Birmingham (12) Alabama Orthopaedic Surgeons (4) Alabama Outdoors (10) Alabama Power (18) ARC Realty (6) Batts’ Chimney Services (22) Birmingham Speech and Hearing Associates (15) Bromberg & Company (10) Cahaba Cycles (21) California Closets (20) Central Alabama Cadillac Dealers (5) Children’s of Alabama (20) Clark Holmes (8) Classic Gardens (24) Commute Smart (30) Corner Shops (11) East 59 (25)

ERS Construction Products (27) First Community Mortgage (22) Geico Insurance (17) Grayson Valley Pet Clinic (19) Junior League of Birmingham (19) Kirkwood by the River (21) Lee Marlow, RealtySouth (8) Melanie Clough, ARC Realty (32) Mountain Brook Art Association (15) Phoenix Builders (28) Relay For Life (3) RealtySouth Marketing (31) St. Vincent’s (17) The Maids (1, 12) Tom Williams BMW (14) Trussville Gas and Water (9) Weigh To Wellness (13)

Our talented photographer Ron Burkett was lucky to catch a glimpse of this bald eagle soaring over his Trussville home.

Bald eagles are becoming more commonly spotted in Alabama as their populations increase, especially near major lakes and rivers. Photo by Ron Burkett.

Publishers: Dan Starnes Scott Buttram General Manager: Matthew Allen Managing Editor: Sydney Cromwell Design Editor: Kristin Williams Page Designers: Shweta Gamble Cameron Tipton Copy Editor: Louisa Jeffries Contributing Writers: Kyle Parmley June Mathews Chris Megginson Saige Leopard Rick Watson Sales and Distribution: Warren Caldwell Don Harris Michelle Salem Haynes Brittany Joffrion Rhonda Smith James Plunkett Contributing Photographer: Ron Burkett

For advertising contact: dan@starnespublishing.com Contact Information: The Cahaba Sun PO Box 530341 Birmingham, AL 35253 (205) 313-1780 dan@ starnespublishing.com

Please submit all articles, information and photos to: sydney@ starnespublishing.com P.O. Box 530341 Birmingham, AL 35253

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

Please recycle this paper.

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Conservatory offers lessons in harmony

By SYDNEY CROMWELL In the halls at First Baptist Church of Trussville, you might hear a little extra music besides the church choir: tiny fingers playing their first piano notes behind one door, an expert violinist performing behind another.

The church is home to the Conservatory, a fine arts program for around 200 students in Trussville and the surrounding area.

The Conservatory offers lessons in ballet, painting and musical instruments including piano, guitar, voice, drums, brass and woodwind. FBC Music Assistant Holly Smith said the Conservatory started in 2002 to fill a need for community music prep lessons. Conservatory Director Joe Estes and some of the instructors have remained on staff since then.

The program has expanded its offerings and now has 11 instructors, but Smith said they still have trouble keeping up with demand.

“You can’t get violin lessons on this side of town and we always fill up,” Smith said.

“As soon as we open their lesson slots they get snatched up pretty fast.”

Smith said the Conservatory has grown mainly through word of mouth because of the “big need” for fine arts in the Trussville area. The fact that they can coordinate lessons for multiple family members and teach from beginners to advanced students ­— one, Aaron learns guitar from Conservatory teacher Dave Covington. Photo by Sydney Cromwell.

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Smith said, teaches in his own home while he continues to take lessons — has made the Conservatory a popular choice for families.

The program also offers musicianship and performance classes as part of their music lessons to make students better rounded musicians.

“I think parents just come back year after year because they want quality programs to put their children into,” said Conservatory Assistant Barbara Joseph.

For Joseph, a 10-year resident of Trussville, teaching piano and voice at the Conservatory is a welcome change from her former job as a public school music teacher. Instead of seeing students for a year and then getting a whole new class, Joseph gets to watch her students improve over months and years.

“Many times I have gotten to literally start a student, which is an amazing thing because parents and even students think, ‘Oh, this is going to be so hard.’ But I’m like, ‘You’ll be surprised, in just a couple months, at all the things you’re doing,’” Joseph said. “That’s what’s great about teaching music: seeing all the lights begin to turn on.”

Some of those students include her Little Piano Pals, a small class for four- to six-yearolds to begin learning the basics of piano.

“It’s intended to make it fun and simple and in a group setting of two to three students, they learn piano,” Joseph said.

There are now four recitals per year for all the music students to be able to perform.

“It’s neat to have that opportunity to hear

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Conservatory Assistant Barbara Joseph accompanies vocal student Savannah during her lesson. Photo by Sydney Cromwell.

these kids and their growth,” Smith said.

Piano, violin, guitar and art are among the most popular classes. Smith said there are a few adults taking lessons, primarily in art, but it is mostly children. Joseph said she thinks the community aspect of the Conservatory is important ­— students get to meet others who enjoy the same hobby and aspire to be like the more experienced performers.

Though the Conservatory is located inside FBC and shares a few staff members, Smith said it is separate from the church financially and in other ways. Neither the instructors nor the students must be FBC members — in fact, Joseph said she knows only one teacher who attends First Baptist Church. She said she meets church members who don’t even realize the Conservatory exists.

“We’re a part of it but we’re also separate,” Smith said. “It’s more of a community service that just happens to be housed here at First Baptist and made possible by the generosity of First Baptist to use the facility.”

Being on the FBC campus does lend some advantages, though. Participation in the Conservatory helps families learn about summer camps and other youth programs at the church if they want to get involved. Smith said she also likes being able to connect with families on a personal and spiritual level.

“I like knowing that in the business of my job, I can step back and take those moments,” Smith said.

There are also challenges that come with the Conservatory’s location. Lesson rooms are spread throughout the church, and Smith’s office is accessible by a side set of stairs that leads to an underground entrance, which can make her hard to find. Joseph said she’d like to have more space for practice rooms and lesson spots for new teachers as the program continues to grow.

“Right now we are bursting at the seams,” Joseph said.

Joseph also wants to get the Conservatory out in the public eye more frequently. Several Conservatory students recently competed in Trussville’s Got Talent and took home some wins, but she wants to see students play at nursing homes, city events and other times they can share there music.

The Conservatory begins registration for its summer fine arts camps and lessons soon. For more information, visit fbctconservatory.org.

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Variety of ways to lend a helping hand

By SYDNEY CROMWELL

that there’s a place for all personalities and skills to give their time.

“People think they’re going to come here to give of their time, but every one of them will tell me how much more they receive,” Little said. “As soon as you walk through the door, you feel it. You are immediately accepted and you are immediately loved.”

Volunteering is all about service to others, but the best volunteers are enthusiastic about the work they do. April is National Volunteer Month, so now is the time to look for a way to get involved in the community. Find the right fit for your skills and interests from this list of Trussville-based organizations below.

FOR THE TRAVELER

FOR THE FUN-LOVER

► Independence Place of Alabama ► independenceplaceofalabama.org ► C ontact: Debbie Little, debbielittle@ independenceplaceofalabama.org The Independence Place of Alabama is only about three years old, but the program based at First Baptist of Trussville is filling a gap in the lives of some area adults with mental disabilities.

The program was started to provide social and recreational opportunities for adults once they have graduated high school. Program Director Debbie Little said that without a job or the ability to drive, many people with disabilities are unable to connect and make friendships. There are about 10 regular participants, and Little said parents and doctors have commented on how much Independence Place has added to their lives.

“They just flourish here,” Little said.

The Independence Place provides activities and social opportunities for adults with mental disabilities. Photo courtesy of Debbie Little.

The cornerstone of Independence Place is getting its participants involved in the Trussville community. The program includes arts and crafts, karaoke, games, fishing, bowling and field trips to museums and other locations. Little said local clubs will visit Independence Place, and there’s a regular group of seniors and Independence Place participants that play games together.

Independence Place participants also stuff

goodie bags for the Maple Leaf Run, sort donations for Sozo Ministries and visit Sunrise Ridge Assisted Living each month for hymns, lunch and bingo.

“We like to give back because people give so much to us,” Little said.

There are about 30 regular volunteers at Independence Place who assist with field trips, prep materials for activities and lead certain activities such as fishing. Little said

► No Longer ► No-longer.com ► C o ntact: Melissa Bozeman, melissabozeman@yahoo.com If you want to extend your volunteering reach a little further, nonprofit No Longer works both in Trussville and the Dominican Republic to help orphans.

Trussville resident and No Longer founder Melissa Bozeman said it was a group of likeminded people who came together a few years ago because they wanted to help orphans.

They connected with the Global Orphan Project and found their niche: an orphanage run by a church in Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic.

“We picked up that project and raised money and funded the construction of the orphanage,” Bozeman said.

The orphanage, called Casa Amor, is now home to 33 children from ages 4 to 16. The

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children receive food, clothing, education and “mamas” who work there and act as parental figures.

“Some of them literally were not going to have a chance at life,” Bozeman said of the children at Casa Amor.

Bozeman said No Longer raises $80 per month per child to provide that care. That fundraising comes through individual donations, the No Longer 5K being held this month and the Fair Trade Party With A Purpose held at Christmas and in the spring.

“It’s gotten bigger than what we ever thought it would be,” Bozeman said. “You just never know when you start something.”

Members of No Longer have taken annual trips to visit Casa Amor, meeting the kids and finding ways to help. This year they’re visiting in summer and again in fall. Bozeman said it’s a relatively easy flight, and some volunteers have brought their children along as well.

“Growing up in the bubble of Trussville is not reality for the majority of the world, and we want our children to see how others live and experience a culture different from their own. Getting out of our comfort zone has taught us to trust God in supporting ‘the least of these,’” Bozeman said.

Bozeman said that volunteers can help with events in Trussville or travel with them to Casa Amor.

“You just have to have a willingness to meet new people and love on kids,” she said.

“It’s changed our family. It’s changed our perspective, the way we look at life.”

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FOR THE TEENAGER ► Trussville Public Library ► Trussvillelibrary.com ► C ontact: Laura Edge, ledge@bham. lib.al.us Trussville teens who enjoy a good book can share that love of reading by volunteering at the Trussville Public Library. Teen volunteer coordinator Laura Edge said about 40 volunteers work in the library in the summer and during the school year.

Edge said the teen volunteer tasks include shelving and reserving books, setting up for programs and assisting with the summer reading program for younger children. A core group is also on the Teen Advisory Board, meeting monthly to give input on what books and movies the library should add to its collection.

“During the summer we could not exist [without volunteers],” Edge said, noting that 1,200 children typically participate in the summer reading program. “We depend on them for a lot.”

Volunteering at the library helps teens grow their confidence, gain experience working with people and learn more about what the library has to offer. However, it’s also just fun for the volunteers.

“There’s definitely a social aspect. They have a good time talking to each other,” Edge said. “They’re meeting people they normally wouldn’t in the classroom.”

Edge said a good library volunteer is responsible, friendly and has a good work

Serving You Ministries’ work includes financial assistance, food pantries and coordinating volunteers for other projects around Trussville and Birmingham. Photo courtesy of John Gibson.

ethic. The next training session for interested volunteers is in May.

FOR ANYONE

► Serving You Ministries ► Servingyou.org ► C ontact: Stephen Shelton, stephen. shelton@servingyou.org Serving You Ministries is based out of NorthPark Baptist Church, but its services reach in many directions.

Executive Director John Gibson said the primary work of SYM is financial relief

services, for area residents going through financial or personal struggles, living on fixed incomes or chronic unemployment.

The services include food, clothing, budget courses and work training.

“We want to be that arm that helps people financially,” Gibson said.

Gibson said volunteers can assist with the food pantry, applicant interviews, data entry and other support roles for SYM’s financial services. However, SYM also coordinates volunteer groups for a variety of other initiatives in Trussville and the greater Birmingham area.

These include Metro Changers house rehabilitation projects, packing food backpacks for food-insecure area children, ministry center cleaning and maintenance, seasonal disaster relief, worship services at the Lovelady Center, serving food at the Changed Lives Christian Center and a variety of projects at Oliver Elementary.

“We’ve got the material, we’ve got the houses, we just need groups [to volunteer],” Gibson said. “We’re trying to serve people that are our neighbors and are struggling.”

Many of these projects are led by other nonprofit groups, but Gibson said SYM attempts to help them get the manpower they need.

“Don’t think we do all this by ourselves.

It’s through volunteers,” Gibson said.

A full list of volunteer projects and ways to get involved can be found on Serving You Ministries’ website.

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CERT seeks volunteers to better prepare city

By SAIGE LEOPARD Retired Army Lt. Col. John Griscom is a good man to have around during a tornado, or a terrorist threat, or worse.

As program manager of Trussville’s Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT), he, along with his five instructors, trains citizens to be prepared for any disaster in the community.

The city of Trussville is sponsoring CERT courses that have been ongoing at Trussville Civic Center since January, and the most recent class of CERT volunteers graduated March 8. There are now more than 24 CERT teams in Alabama, and to date, Trussville’s CERT instructors have trained 32 residents.

These citizens have learned about disaster preparedness, light fire suppression, medical operations, light search and rescue, disaster psychology, CERT organization and terrorism awareness.

When an EF-3 tornado struck Clay’s Pilgrim’s Rest subdivision in 2012, Trussville’s CERT volunteers were there to help.

“CERT’s response was limited during this time and small in scope,” Griscom said. “But we assisted the local departments and helped with the spontaneous volunteers.”

Spontaneous volunteers are those who show up to help, but haven’t had any training

Trussville CERT members practice triage medical care. Photo by Ron Burkett.

and can often get in the way of trained responders doing their job.

Likewise, when Longmeadow resident and The Palace employee Pei Yen Sung went missing in June last year, CERT volunteers completed light search and rescue, covering every square inch in the Trussville area. Sung

is still missing, but it’s those cases that push Griscom to work harder at building the local CERT program.

What he really needs and wants is more people.

“We would like more participation from our local community,” he said. “What we

would like to have is a leader from each subdivision or neighborhood in the city to lead a team.”

That way, if disaster strikes, Trussville would already have an infrastructure of trained disaster relief volunteers who could work together. He said he would like to see at least 20 residents in the next class, instead of the five they had this time.

The CERT courses are open to anyone who wants to be better prepared to respond to and cope with the aftermath of a disaster.

“People should want to do this because they’re interested in helping themselves and their community,” Griscom said.

Griscom completed his first CERT course in 2005 in Homewood’s program. He was working with the Emergency Management Agency, or EMA, at that time, and when Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans that year, he volunteered for the American Red Cross, running supplies to and providing security for the local shelters.

If a catastrophic event hit Trussville next week, more than likely residents wouldn’t need to seek out CERT’s help. Instead, CERT would come to them. They would take certain steps initially, including assessing the area and its damage, splitting their team off and looking for survivors and checking them for injuries. They also might administer basic

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first aid, CPR, and Automated External Defibrillator, or AED, and set up a reception center or triage.

The volunteers have learned how to do this and more, including how to use a chainsaw safely and effectively; thus, the instructors have emphasized that CERT volunteers learn to take care of themselves and family first, and then they can assist their neighbors and community.

“Our priority is safety first,” Griscom said. “The last thing you want is a team member who becomes a casualty.

That’s one reason we teach them to work in pairs; everyone has a partner.”

CERT teams are also trained to assist local fire and police operations, in hopes that they can relieve some of the administrative burden during a crisis. They also look for potential hazards in the area, such as examining what’s flowing through the city’s drainage system.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, has provided the instructional materials for the courses and some grants, but the maintenance of the city’s CERT program has mainly been left to the local police and fire departments, Griscom said.

“We have a lot of support from the local fire department and police,” he said. “The fire department has been great in supplying our CERT kits, and they provide additional training

AP RIL 2016 | 9

monthly, too. They have also given us a disaster trailer that will hopefully be turned into an office for CERT.” For now, the civic center remains home base, and there is much work yet to be done, he said.

The City and Trussville’s Public Safety Committee will host a joint CERT exercise April 30 with teams from Irondale, Springville, Trussville and Vestavia Hills, to test training and procedures in responding to a disaster.

“We are expecting at least 100 to be there,” Griscom said. “The simulated exercise will be a tornado, and we will even have scouts who will serve as casualties.”

In October, they will also participate in the fourth annual National Night Out, a community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships. To be held in Target’s parking lot, CERT will show residents their equipment and talk about what they do, and other organizations will do the same.

Griscom said they hope to open another CERT class in July or August.

The course is nine weeks long with three hours each session.

For further information, contact Griscom at certpm@outlook. com, or find the team on Facebook.

More information about CERT teams can be found at fema.gov/ community-emergency-response-teams.

Family supply list for emergencies ► Water, one gallon of water per person per day, for drinking and sanitation ► Food, at least a threeday supply of nonperishable food for each person ► Battery-powered radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert, and extra batteries for both ► Flashlight and extra batteries ► First aid kit ► Whistle to signal for help ► Infant formula and diapers, if needed ► Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation ► Dust mask or cotton T-shirt, to help filter the air ► Plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-inplace ► Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities ► Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food) ► Clothing and bedding:

It is possible that the power will be out and you will not have heat. One complete change of warm clothing and shoes per person, including: ► A jacket or coat ► Long pants ► A long sleeve shirt ► Sturdy shoes ► A hat and gloves ► A sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person Below are some other items to consider adding.

Some, especially those marked with a * can be dangerous, so an adult should collect these. ► Emergency reference materials such as a first aid book or a printout of the information on ready. gov ► Rain gear ► Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils ► Cash or traveler’s checks, change

► Paper towels ► Fire extinguisher ► Tent ► Compass ► Matches in a waterproof container* ► Signal flare* ► Paper, pencil ► Personal hygiene items including feminine supplies ► Disinfectant* ► Household chlorine bleach* You can use bleach as a disinfectant (diluted nine parts water to one part bleach), or in an emergency, use it to treat water. Use 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners. ► Medicine dropper ► Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container

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Trussville area Business Happenings 75

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Relocations and Renovations Don’s Carpet One has relocated to 3541 Vann Road, just behind Pinnacle Square behind Dunkin’ Donuts.

655-8777, donscarpetone.com

1

New Ownership 2 The Woodlands Indus-

trial Park, located at 1870 Woodlands Industrial Park Drive, has been sold to a private investor for more than $1 million. The site includes 1,800 square feet of office space and 18,200 square feet of industrial space.

Hirings and Promotions 3 Amanda Holmes has been

hired as the office administrator for RealtySouth’s Trussville office, 428 Main Street.

655-8877, trussville.realtysouth.com

4 Realtor® Forrest Smith has

joined Keller Williams Hoover, 1 Chase Corporate Drive, Suite 150.

383-5819, kellerwilliams hoover.com

4 DOES NOT APPEAR ON THE MAP

enjoy life outside.

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School House

Leaders contribute to food drive The middle school Leadership/Interact Club gathered 1,582 cans of food to help the Trussville Ecumenical Assistive Ministry in February. Submitted by Trussville City Schools.

HTHS senior named National Merit Finalist HTHS senior Margaret McBride has been named a National Merit Finalist. To qualify, students must take the preliminary SAT (PSAT). With a high enough score, some students are then invited to apply for Finalist status, which requires an application, high school transcript and the SAT. About 15,000 students across the U.S. with high enough test scores are chosen as finalists, which gives them the opportunity to compete for scholarships. ­— Submitted by Trussville City Schools.

HTHS boys place 3rd at state track tournament The boys track and field team placed third at the recent state championship. The team came home with three gold medals and one bronze, as well as three state champions.

Benji Knox set a new state record of 9:27 in the 3200-meter run, and Noah Igbinoghene set a record of 23’6” in the long jump and 48’1” in the triple jump.

Overall, the HTHS team had 24 All-State athletes and 23 new personal records were set at the championships. ­— Submitted by Trussville City Schools.

Noah Igbinoghene took home two gold medals at the state championship. Photo courtesy of Trussville City Schools.

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HTMS cheerleaders compete nationally

Clockwise from above: Jaymie Hornsby, pictured with art teacher Kristin Bloodworth, and her ribbon-winning self-portrait; Jessica Gagliano and her winning design; and Juan Campbell received an award of distinction for his sculpture.

TCS students compete in state arts program Three Trussville students recently competed in the Alabama Council on the Arts Visual Arts Achievement Program District 4A show at Altamont School on Feb. 18.

Hewitt-Trussville Middle student Jaymie Hornsby won a blue ribbon with her self-portrait. HTHS student Jessica Gagliano was a district winner in 2D Design, which means she will compete at the state level. HTHS student Juan Campbell won an award of distinction for his 3D sculpture. ­ ­– Submitted by Trussville City Schools.

The middle school’s Husky cheerleaders recently took home a second place trophy after competing in the Cheersport National Championship in mid-February.

Submitted by Trussville City Schools.

Culinary team competes to send food to space What gourmet food is heading to the International Space Station next? It could be butternut squash puree garnished with honey cinnamon Greek yogurt, a recipe developed by the HTHS culinary team of Nailah Johnson, Cloe Wilson and Brittany Long under the tutelage of Chef Anna Hallman.

This HTHS culinary team recently won the NASA HUNCH culinary competition held at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville.

Bob Zeek, veteran coordinator

of the program at Huntsville’s Marshall Space Flight Center said, “This is not just preparing a recipe. Students had to learn about sodium content, consistency, rehydration and texture.”

This year’s challenge was vegetable dishes — preferably spicy ones.

The winning HTHS team is vying for a chance to compete in the national competition at the Houston Space Center later this spring.

– Submitted by Trussville City Schools.

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Teen author hopes to make a career in journalism

By SAIGE LEOPARD It’s a rare occurrence to see a teenager using a smartphone as a writing tool these days, but for 16-year-old published author Lacey Beasley, it’s a normal day.

“I don’t really have a certain writing process,” she said. “If an idea comes to me, I usually just jot it down in my phone and then put it in my computer when I get home. I really enjoy not having a certain writing schedule.”

Simply letting her creativity flow is a system that worked for this Hewitt-Trussville High School junior, and helped her to publish “The Forgiven,” in 2014, when she was just 14 years old.

For Beasley, writing a book involved daily work. The 250-page novel took a little under a year to write and another four months to edit completely.

“The Forgiven” covers a few main themes including familial relationships, love and forgiveness. Beasley’s protagonist is a young girl whose parents are divorced and who doesn’t have a strong relationship with her father. After an extended stay with him, that relationship changes and she learns a multitude of new things about herself and her family. She also understands what it means to truly forgive.

Although “The Forgiven” is not based

on Beasley’s personal I was so young, but my experience and all of its family helped me to learn characters are fictional, the ropes with that. They she undoubtedly has strong were very helpful throughfeelings about the concept out the whole thing.” of forgiveness.

Truly, it was what came “I believe that forgiveafter the book hit bookness is a way to show love shelves that proved more difficult than getting pubby reflecting Christ,” she said. “I believe that forgivelished itself, she said. ness should be earned and “After my book came HTHS junior Lacey out, there were lots of not necessarily given away.

Beasley is the author Personally, I’m an easy different opinions flying of the novel “The Forgiven.” around about it,” Beasley person to show forgiveness.

I’m not the type of person said. “That was hard.” to hold a grudge because I The criticism and notohate breaking relationships.” riety that any author faces can be difficult, Beasley stands by the idea that anyone and anyone aspiring to become a published willing to mend the past and make things author should try to stay confident and not right is deserving of forgiveness. be distracted by what others think or say, “I also keep the mentality that Christ for- Beasley said. gave everyone for our sins, so in return I should “It takes a lot of hard work and determination, always forgive others whether they intention- but just be dedicated and persevere,” she said. ally or unintentionally hurt me,” she said. “In One positive that has come from Beasley’s keeping this mentality, I’ve realized that my life experience is that many peers now seek out is so much better and happier without having her help with writing school papers, and Beato hold a grudge against someone.” sley’s happy to give it.

Two years later, she says writing and pub“It happens a lot but it is kind of flatterlishing her book was an invaluable experience. ing,” she said.

“I didn’t know the process,” Beasley said.

Students, by 11th grade, have usually “And getting published wasn’t easy because completed the often-dreaded research paper,

with its endless reading, notes and outlines.

Beasley said though she’s done it, she didn’t love it, and she prefers writing fiction and narrative stories.

Writing is something that she plans to pursue post high school. Looking toward a future in broadcast journalism, she is currently interested in the University of Alabama or Auburn University.

Beasley is also taking a closer look at some of the trailblazers in the broadcasting field.

“I would say I look up to successful news anchors, such as Diane Sawyer, because they are women who made a name for themselves in a male-dominant field,” Beasley said.

When she’s not writing, she enjoys reading her favorite author Stephenie Meyer, of the widely read “Twilight” series. She’s also in her fourth year on the school’s color guard team and plays the piano and the flute.

Beasley’s family has been very supportive of her writing, she said, including her parents Jenny and Robert, and her two older sisters, Holly and Sarah. Her grandparents live in Shanghai, China, and she has had the opportunity to visit the country multiple times and has traveled to the Great Wall and the Forbidden City.

“The Forgiven” is published through Tate Publishing, and is available online at Amazon.

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14 | AP R I L 20 16

CAHABASUN.COM

Sports Coaches, family confirm McGettigan’s skill on field

By KYLE PARMLEY Sitting on a stool inside the concession stand, Megan McGettigan easily answers questions about her team and the people who have helped her along the way. But questions about herself leave her at a loss.

She is asked what makes her good on the soccer field. After a brief moment of silence, assistant coach Tommy Abney chimes in, “The ability to score.”

A few moments later, McGettigan ponders what her life will be like once she’s done playing soccer.

This time, head coach Pete Dakis pipes up.

“She’ll be a coach,” he says.

McGettigan, a senior on Hewitt-Trussville High School’s soccer team, waits for the rain to taper off before starting preparation for the night’s game. She receives the news that her future coach at the University of West Alabama will be in attendance at the game.

She inked her signature on a scholarship form to declare her intention to attend the college in Livingston.

“I already knew about it because my

brother was there,” McGettigan said.

She admits she never gave attending UWA much thought, until Dakis urged her to visit the school.

“I said, ‘Why not?’ It would be a fun experience if anything. I ended up really liking it,” she said.

Soccer started young for the McGettigan siblings, as Megan and brother TJ — ­ a year older than her — would play against each other in the front yard as kids. Megan made one thing very clear from those times.

“I was always a lot better than him,” she said. “But we kind of evened out as the years went on.”

TJ played soccer at Hewitt-Trussville through his junior season, but chose to focus solely on football his senior season, where he served as the team’s placekicker.

He was committed to UAB, but when the football program was shut down in December 2014, he was forced to look elsewhere and landed at UWA. Now that the program has been resurrected on the Southside of Birmingham, TJ jumped Megan McGettigan is a striker for Hewitt-Trussville and is one of the team’s top goal at the chance to go back and fulfill a dream. scorers. Photo by Ron Burkett.

CAHABAS U N.CO M

“My goal all along was to go back to my roots and my city, and that’s Birmingham.

That dream came true in the middle of February when I was officially asked to join the Blazer football program,” TJ said.

About his sister, TJ couldn’t pass up the opportunity to call her “one of a kind,” but had no trouble finding complimentary things to say.

“Her character is like none other; the set of morals and aspirations she’s set for herself is truly beyond her years,” he said. “She’s the type of soccer player that will knock you down on the pitch and immediately stop playing just to help you up.”

From the competition as kids, Megan has developed into a key cog of the Husky soccer program coming off a 2015 season that was arguably the best in school history.

Hewitt-Trussville reached No. 1 in Class 7A for the first time.

“We just had a lot of talent last year,” she said. “We had a lot of people who really wanted to be good. This year, it’s the same way.”

Personally, she made some of her greatest strides as a player while helping teach the game to her optometrist’s 8-year-old daughter.

“I had to teach her different moves, and that’s actually helped me, even though she’s eight,” Megan said.

That role helped her visualize what she does when her own scoring opportunities arise during games.

“What goes through my mind is I have to

“

AP RIL 2016 | 15

[Megan is] the type of soccer player that will knock you down on the pitch and immediately stop playing just to help you up.

”

TJ MCGETTIGAN

go with speed, and then just make a move,” she said.

Megan has played with the Vestavia Hills Soccer Club for several years, and gotten the opportunity to play games in a multitude of places over time. She is grateful for the chances the game has given her, to help pay for college, and to play the sport she loves.

She does eventually offer up a thought as to why she’s become a soccer player fit enough to earn a college scholarship.

“I’m really good at working with my teammates and even if I haven’t played with them for a really long time, I feel like I can get the hang of them easily,” McGettigan said.

McGettigan plans to enter the medical field after her playing days are over. However, Dakis makes one final interjection, as he seems sure she’ll coach one day.

Megan and TJ McGettigan have each had successful athletic careers at Hewitt“There is no life after soccer.”

Trussville High School. Photo courtesy of TJ McGettigan.

16 | AP R I L 20 16

CAHABASUN.COM

Friendship forged on the diamond

By KYLE PARMLEY Clay-Chalkville vs. Hewitt-Trussville.

It’s the ultimate high school rivalry, born out of the construction of Clay-Chalkville High School in 1996. Many of the first Clay students were Hewitt kids who chose to move over and make the transition.

In athletics, especially, the schools fight tooth and nail for every edge they can get over the other; every bragging right they can lay their hands on.

Carter Pharis and Matthew Calvert know the rivalry well. The two lined up across the diamond from each other many a time in high school baseball, with Pharis playing third base for the Huskies while Calvert pitched and played first base for the Cougars.

There’s kind of an unwritten rule in these situations: Don’t make friends with your rivals.

For the most part, Pharis and Calvert followed this rule.

“We’ve been rivals since we were [high school] freshmen or sophomores,” Pharis said.

But college baseball will be different, as far as the two student-athletes go. They find themselves on the same unit now, fighting for the same goal as freshmen on UAB’s baseball team.

“It’s been cool to actually get to play behind him during intersquad [scrimmages] and not have to root against him. That’s been the coolest part,” Pharis said.

Pharis said that while putting his arm around Calvert. The two are in the same boat now, and are navigating the transition from high school to college as teammates pulling in the same direction.

“We’ve become really good friends throughout baseball and having classes together,” Calvert said. “It’s been real fun.”

The move up from high school to college is one thing. Doing it as a Division I athlete is another.

“It’s a hard transition,” their current head coach, Brian Shoop, said. “Nobody, until you’ve actually done it, knows how hard the transition is. The difference from high school baseball to Division I baseball is a lot. There just is going to be a learning curve.”

Pharis has certainly kept his head above water amidst the sea of change, and has asserted himself as the everyday first baseman for the Blazers, a position he did not play at all in high school.

“I’m obviously learning a lot, going from different positions, but it’s been awesome getting to be around some great players and one of the best coaches in the country,” Pharis said.

Shoop has been impressed by the early returns the Hewitt-Trussville product has offered. “(He’s) not only a very, very good player, he has an incredible family and his character is off the charts,” he said.

“We hope and think that he’s got a chance to be a very productive player for us,”

Matthew Calvert was a standout pitcher at Clay-Chalkville before going to UAB. Photos by Ron Burkett.

Pharis is adjusting to a new position at UAB after playing third base at Hewitt-Trussville.

Shoop continued.

Pharis committed to UAB early, but the Blazers established a solid relationship with Calvert later on in the process. Circumstances really pushed Calvert to find a school close to home, where he could still compete at a high level.

“Over time, it’ll take Matthew longer to get into the mix,” Shoop said. “But I think

he’s got a chance to be a very productive player as well.”

The plan is for Calvert to be used in a middle relief role this season. He will look to prove himself as he continues to grow and become more comfortable with the college game.

Calvert said, “I’m waiting on my opportunity, but I’m learning every day from the

guys in front of me. I got a lot of good guys to look up to. Learning from them every day and watching them compete on the mound every day makes me better in and of itself, so it’s been fun.”

The maturity the two youngsters have shown so far does not discount the natural emotion and jitters that pop up.

Calvert’s first appearance on the mound was successful by all accounts. He retired the side in order in the sixth inning against Troy on March 2. He never thought it would end up like that.

He said he was feeling “a little nervous” in his warmup pitches.

“In warmups, I spiked the first ball, then didn’t throw a strike the entire warmups,” he added.

Once game action resumed, though, he locked in.

Pharis had similar nerves. He started at third base in UAB’s opener, and began his career with a 0-for-4 day at the plate, including a strikeout to end the first inning.

“I was really excited and a little jumpy. I just kind of sat back and thought how this was a great opportunity to be here. It was unreal,” he said.

Opening Day butterflies are a thing of the past, and the two hope to build and blaze paths future Huskies and Cougars will be proud to follow in.

“The biggest thing is to compete and just play the best we can play each day,” Pharis said.

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18 | A P R I L 20 16

CAHABASUN.COM

Success coming quickly for Huskies

By KYLE PARMLEY

Gabby Hill is one of the seniors who has helped build Coach Tonya Hunter’s foundation. Photo by Ted Melton.

Before the 2015-16 season began, the Hewitt-Trussville girls basketball team had what it calls a “gut week.”

During that week of training, head coach Tonya Hunter sent her team upstairs to see something that was drastically wrong.

“I just made them walk a couple times down the hallway just to observe. When they came back downstairs, I asked them what they saw,” Hunter said.

What the girls realized was a severe deficiency of trophies for the girls basketball program. They set out to do something about it and did, advancing to the Northeast Regional Finals, the furthest playoff venture in program history.

Hunter’s husband and assistant coach, Cedric, called upon one of the seniors for some advice.

“Where do you want to put the banner at?” Tonya recalls Cedric asking Kimberly Duffett.

Instead of laughing the question off, Duffett pointed to the spot, setting a rollercoaster season in motion.

Hunter inherited the Lady Huskies program after winning the Class 6A state championship at Shades Valley High School in 2014. Now, she is working every day to get her new team to that same stage in Class 7A. The 2014-15 season ended in the first round of the area tournament, which did not come as a total surprise.

But go back to that first meeting of Hunter and her new batch of players, the day “the process” began.

Hunter was introduced at a Trussville City Schools meeting. The upperclassmen in the program were about to get their third coach in four seasons.

Despite anxious feelings, the leader of that team came out with a renewed sense of belief.

“Meeting Coach Hunter for the first time was like a breath of fresh air in the midst of discouragement,” former point guard Cayla Dillard said.

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Here are a few very important things you should know about underground power lines and how to work safely around them.

Color codes for marking underground utility lines

You’ve probably heard the “Call before you dig” mantra many times. But take it to heart, nothing good happens when a shovel plunges into a live power line.

The number to call is easy to remember: 811. Call, preferably 48 hours in advance of your project, and the representative will notify all the appropriate utilities. Pretty easy.

Soon after the call, various technicians will come out and put colored spray paint in the places where there are lines. At right is a chart to explain which one is which.

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Dial 811

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White

Proposed excavation

Orange

Communications, alarm or signal lines, cables or conduit

Pink

Temporary survey markings

Red

Electric power lines, cables, conduit and lighting cables

Purple

Reclaimed water, irrigation and slurry lines

Yellow

Gas, oil, steam, petroleum or gaseous materials

Green

Sewers and drain line

Blue

Potable water

© 2016 Alabama Power Company

More and more power lines are being buried underground. This poses a considerable threat for both construction workers and do‑it‑yourself homeowners. Even if you’re undertaking a seemingly harmless job, such as digging a hole for a new fence, the risks are still there.

CAHABAS U N.CO M

Dillard said she planned to walk up and introduce herself, but Hunter beat her to the punch.

Dillard recalls Hunter saying, “And you are Cayla. I know all about you!”

Dillard bought in right away, but it took longer for others to settle in, such as Duffett, a senior on this year’s team.

“She was telling us some crazy things she was going to make us do, and you just had to start buying in and believing what she was saying, or we weren’t going to be successful,” Duffett said.

Hunter’s track record spoke for itself, but the light finally went on for Duffett one day during practice.

“She told me to start doing this closed-shoulder layup, and it worked. I thought maybe she knows what she’s talking about. That’s when I started believing that she knows what she’s talking about,” Duffett continued.

Jacksonville seemed like such a lofty goal for the team, as Hewitt-Trussville had only reached the Northeast Regional once before the 2016 run. But Hunter never backed away from it, when she came in.

Dillard dreamed about it, but never got to experience it in her four years.

She said, “(Hunter) told me that we were going to compete and try our hardest to get to Jacksonville. Unfortunately, we didn’t make it, but just knowing that she had that goal for my senior season, and did her absolute best to get us there, was really encouraging.”

AP RIL 2016 | 19

Bailey Berry, left, Tonya Hunter, center, and London Coleman speak to the media after a big win in the Northeast Regional semifinals. Photo by Ted Melton.

Duffett feared that she would miss out on the feat as well, especially at the beginning of the year.

Hunter won’t give away too many secrets, but she lays out a plan for every season in writing. Making it to Jacksonville in 2016 was not one of the set expectations in Year 2.

“The track is going a little faster than we thought, but we’re heading in the right direction I think,” she said.

The season was one of ebbs and flows

for the Lady Huskies. They started off well, cracked the Top 10 of the Alabama Sportswriters Association rankings, and fell into a major slump midway through the year.

As the No. 3 seed in the Class 7A, Area 6 Tournament, Hewitt-Trussville used second half comebacks to knock off Spain Park and Mountain Brook to get to Regionals.

The pivotal win was the first one, against Spain Park. A victory there would clinch the spot in the Regionals.

“I knew if we won we were going to Jacksonville,” Duffett said. “ But it didn’t hit me until Coach came to me at the end of the game and she hugged me and told me.”

Dillard raves about her former head coach, and the results back up her abilities to lead a team. Duffett, Gabby Hill and Cierra Taylor helped lay Hunter’s foundation. The likes of London Coleman, Bailey Berry and Morgan Kirk will try to continue the upward trend next season.

20 | AP R I L 20 16

CAHABASUN.COM

Community Shrimp boil returns without crawfish Trussville residents enjoy boiled shrimp and other food at the annual Cahaba River Shrimp Boil.

Photo courtesy of Patrick Campbell.

By SYDNEY CROMWELL This year’s Cahaba River Shrimp Boil will have one less item on the menu on April 30: crawfish.

The Shrimp Boil is in its fourth year and will be held at Trussville Springs, near the river, from 4 to 9 p.m. Organizer Patrick Campbell said the event is free to the public to attend, but food and drink purchases support the Trussville City Schools Foundation and the Hewitt-Trussville Athlete Foundation. The event includes music, fireworks and food including shrimp, hamburgers, hot dogs and barbecue. There are also kids’ activities such as cornhole and face painting.

“It’s a very family friendly event,” Campbell said. “It’s good, old-fashioned outdoor family fun.”

Campbell said the Shrimp Boil started four years ago when the TCS Foundation decided they wanted a new way to build financial support for the school system in the community. The very first boil included shrimp and crawfish.

“We started thinking about what other type

of event we could have. Something different that Trussville’s never had,” Campbell said.

The Foundation charged admission that first year, and managed to sell 500 tickets despite terrible weather. It was enough for the Foundation to decide to try it again.

“It showed a little bit of promise in that 500 people paid for a ticket to stand out in the rain,” Campbell said.

The second year saw more music, good

weather and enough sponsors to allow free admission. Campbell said attendance shot up to about 3,000. “That opened it up and brought in a lot more people,” Campbell said.

After the 2015 Shrimp Boil added barbecue and expanded hours from 2 to 10 p.m., Campbell said they raised $16,000. But the Foundation realized it was spending more on crawfish than they were making, so they decided to drop that from the menu.

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Cahaba River Shrimp Boil • WHERE: Trussville Springs • WHEN: April 30, 4-9 p.m.

• INFO: Free admission • WEB: cahabariverboil.com “I guess the people in our area just aren’t that into crawfish,” Campbell said.

The Shrimp Boil will return to its shorter 4-9 p.m. time span this year and have more barbecue options. This is the first year the Student Athlete Foundation has been part of the event.

The Foundation is hoping to serve about 4,000 people at this year’s boil if the weather is good, with all the proceeds benefiting Trussville’s students, teachers and athletes.

Campbell said that his favorite part of the annual Shrimp Boil is the music and the smell of the shrimp as it cooks.

“It’s just that small-town, outside something to do,” Campbell said.

CAHABAS U N.CO M

AP RIL 2016 | 21

Relay for Life changes location

5K raises money for orphans

By CHRIS MEGGINSON

By CHRIS MEGGINSON

The East Jefferson Relay for Life returns this April but at a new location and new time. On Friday, April 22, those currently fighting cancer, survivors, caregivers, family and friends will gather at Spare Time Trussville on Roosevelt Boulevard from 4:30 p.m. until midnight to help raise money for the American Cancer Society and cancer patients. Last year’s event was on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

“We chose Spare Time Trussville due to the wonderful facility (indoors and outdoors) and their willingness to partner with us, and it is a centralized location for all communities in East Jefferson,” said Elizabeth Pridgen, a local volunteer with Relay For Life. “Our hopes are that more participants from East Jefferson County will join us for this celebration.”

Cancer survivors, defined by ACS as anyone who has ever heard the words “you have cancer,” are invited to the Survivor and Caregiver Dinner on April 17 from 5-7 p.m. at the Trussville Civic Center and sponsored by the Trussville Civitan Club.

The Relay for Life event is a time for the community to come together and walk or run the track to raise money for cancer support through ACS. The event kicks off with a Survivor Lap at 6 p.m. and will include a luminaria ceremony later in the

Celebrating four years of ministry for the orphaned and oppressed, Trussville-based nonprofit No Longer will host its fourth annual No Longer 5K on Saturday, April 30, beginning at First Baptist Church Trussville.

The race, which is the largest of its kind in Trussville and the largest annual fundraiser for the nonprofit organization, had more than 500 participants in 2015 and raised more than $25,000.

The No Longer 5K aims to raise awareness and funds for 35 children at Casa Amor, an orphanage in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, which was recently built in partnership between No Longer and the Global Orphan Project. No Longer provides monthly support to feed, clothe, educate and house these children.

Runners and walkers of all age and athletic ability are welcome. Registration is $30 and includes a race T-shirt, a chippedbib and bag of freebies. Registration will begin at 6:30 a.m. on race day, with the race beginning at 8 a.m. Awards will follow at 9:30 a.m. Participants can register early and pick up race packets Friday, April 29, from 3-7 p.m. at FBCT. Certificates and medals will be awarded to the Top 3 males and females per age category (12-under, 13-19, 20-29, 30-39,

The Relay for Life raises money for cancer research and honors local survivors and those who have lost their lives to cancer. Photo courtesy of East Jefferson Relay for Life.

evening where candles are lit in honor or memory of those affected by cancer.

Live entertainment will include the Clay-Chalkville High School Cougar Choir, Nashville Bound, Raquel Lily, Peter Francks, The Blue Devils, Mr. Leonard Watkins and Pyrite Parachute.

Phillip Acton and his daughter Callie will serve as honorary co-chairs for the event. The father/daughter duo were both diagnosed with cancer with in the last 14 months.

Luminarias can be purchased on site or ordered in advance by visiting relayforlife.org/eastjeffersonal or via email at EastJeffersonALRelay@gmail.com, or call 918-3239.

Runners participate in the 2015 No Longer 5K. Photo courtesy of Melissa Bozeman.

40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-plus). Cash prizes of $250, $150 and $100 will be awarded to the overall male and female top three finishers. Team awards will also be awarded to the top three teams, as well as teams with the most participants, fastest team and most team spirit.

Beginning at 9 a.m., there will also be a one-mile fun run, the GiGi’s Silly Sock Fun Run, which is sponsored by GiGi, a community-wide ministry for third-12th grade girls.

All participants are encouraged to wear their silliest socks.

For more information or to register for the race, visit https://runsignup.com/Race/AL/ Trussville/NoLonger5K.

22 | AP R I L 20 16

Rotary celebrates international birthday Rotary International is 111 years old, and the Trussville Rotary Daybreak Club is celebrating.

Recently the club celebrated with a service project. Members contributed items for the “Love Your Neighbor” food drive for T.E.A.M., Trussville Ecumenical Assistive Ministry.

The club also had a party with cupcakes, balloons and party favors.

The Trussville Rotary Club now meets at Spare Time Entertainment located at 3600 Roosevelt Blvd. in Trussville.

The club meets at 7 a.m. on Wednesday mornings. For more information on the Trussville Rotary Daybreak Club or to help with one of our projects, please visit trussvillerotaryclub.org or email Diane Poole at diane. poole@trussvillechamber.com.

– Submitted by Trussville Rotary Club.

CAHABASUN.COM

Opinion Mother’s passion for Braves baseball Baseball season get underway this month, and I hope the Atlanta Braves have a better year than they had last year.

My mom loved the Braves and spent every waking hour watching them on TV. She hated West Coast games because they started after her self-imposed 8:30 bedtime, but otherwise if they were on TV, she was watching.

Anyone who visited her during game time might as well pull up a seat, munch some popcorn, and watch the TV which was normally louder than rap music blaring from a teenager’s jumbo car stereo speakers.

I never called or visited while the Braves were on unless I had my game face on. Whenever I called after game time to check on her, I’d ask how the Braves did. “Aw, I don’t want to talk about it,” meant they’d lost, so I quickly changed the subject.

But her love of baseball went

My South

By Rick Watson back much further, to when I was a kid playing Little League. She never missed one of my games.

Her cheers were the loudest when we won, and when we lost, her face was the longest.

Once when we played in Hull in a Saturday afternoon game, an opposing pitcher hit me with a late-hooking curveball. While grimacing from the shooting pain, I

noticed her out of the corner of my eye. She was about the “stripe the legs” of every opposing player with a keen hickory. She took baseball and the health of her son seriously.

I struggled with math in school but when I reflect back, I realize I understood a great deal more about geometry, trigonometry, angle, trajectory, telemetry and velocity than my school test scores indicated.

On the occasions when the coach put me in the infield at shortstop, I demonstrated an amazing grasp of those concepts in real time. In less than a millisecond after the crack of a white-ash, bat my eye and brain calculated all the factors to make an instantaneous decision on where to place my glove to catch a ball traveling at what seemed like the speed light.

Early spring was like heaven, with greening trees and warm sun on the back of my freshly starched uniform. The things etched into my mind are the chalk lines and

IAL SPEC

red-clay infields that were as dry as snuff. I can also remember the smell of my cowhide glove with lanolin oil rubbed into the palm to keep it soft as a cotton diaper. By the end of the season, my arms and neck would be tan as teakwood.

Someone once said that baseball is 20 minutes of action packed into three hours. I thought that was funny, but there’s a lot of truth to it.

When I played I remember spending a lot of time standing around scratching and spitting. It’s a good thing cellphones with video cameras hadn’t been invented then, because there would probably be some unfortunate footage of me floating around on YouTube.

The Braves are on TV tonight, so in honor of my mom, I plan to pop some popcorn, eat a hot dog and watch some baseball.

Rick Watson is a columnist and author. You can email him at rick@ homefolkmedia.com.

ION

SECT

n e m o W f o E L L I V TRUSS 2016 Coming in July

Email matthew@starnespublishing.com for more information

CAHABAS U N.CO M

AP RIL 2016 | 23

Right: Members of the baseball team in the Huskies’ dugout.

Below: High school students work the concession stand.

Parents and students watch the Huskies play.

Take me out to

the ballgame

A

day at a baseball game is about much more than the sport­— the smell of hot dogs and the cheer of the crowd are just as much a part of the experience. Our photographer caught a snapshot of the high school baseball experience, both on and off the diamond. Photos by Ron Burkett.

The Huskies stand for the national anthem before the game begins.

HewittTrussville pitcher Bradley Huffstutler at work on the mound.

Above: The next generation of Hewitt-Trussville baseball. Left: Senior infielder Jamison Stennis at bat.

24 | AP R I L 20 16

Spring

CAHABASUN.COM

Home Guide special advertising section

Spring is in bloom, and it’s the perfect time to plant a garden, do some cleaning or start a home renovation. Find tips and tricks from area businesses to jump start any project in our guide.

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Classic Gardens offers a large array of landscape services from irrigation and night lighting to sod installation, fixing drainage issues, shrub and tree installation and building hardscapes such as sidewalks, patios, retaining walls and outdoor kitchens.

Mike and Ann, along with a talented staff, assist customers across four counties with their gardening problems. Classic Gardens is widely known for their expert lawn care service, being able to diagnose problems that no one else can. Classic Gardens applies products to your lawn on a timely basis to

keep weeds out and grass green. They also make sure fungus and insects stay under control.

What highlights Classic Gardens is not only do they offer you the above services, but also they have a beautiful garden center that you can visit and see a huge variety of shrubs, trees and gorgeous flowers.

Classic Gardens has been the top selling garden center in the entire nation 20 years in a row of Fertilome Lawn Care Products. The reason is that Classic doesn’t just try to sell you a product, they know the product line inside and out and tell you what to use, when to use it and how to properly use the product.

When you come into Classic Gardens, don’t forget to ask about their secret Tomato Program and they will show you how to grow 300 pounds of tomatoes in a pot you can sit on your back deck!

For information, visit classicgardens.com.

Phoenix Builders Group...................... 28

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EAST 59

AP RIL 2016 | 25

Spring Home Guide | Special Advertising Section

Linger and shop at East 59 East 59 is the perfect eclectic shop to find the just the right touch for your home or garden! With a wide variety of oneof-a-kind pieces, no matter what you are searching for, you can find it in their East Lake location and at the perfect price point.

The locally owned and operated café and vintage shop features custom-made tables, antiques, accent items, picture frames, lighting fixtures, rugs and art. They also carry Farmhouse Paint, which was created specifically for painting furniture. They will be offering classes in April in furniture painting for home do-it-yourselfers.

“We try to carry a balance of custom, vintage and non-custom items,” said Stephen Tolbert, one of the store’s founders and owners.

East 59 was born from a dream that has evolved to touch other lives and even revitalize a neighborhood. Stephen and his wife Amber, along with Michael and Jeannine Glenn, Carl and Pam Bates, and their daughter, Anna Brown, all partnered in the venture that opened a year ago. Their vision was to create a place where people could gather,

Visit our Vintage Store and Neighborhood Café featuring: antique furniture, jewelry, home décor and gifts

New furniture pieces arrive daily! Stop by and check out our great prices.

7619 1st Ave North Birmingham, AL 35206 205.838.0559 www.east59.net

collaborate and experience community in East Lake. This vision has evolved into a multifaceted community space, where locals can enjoy a cup of coffee, savor healthier breakfast and lunch options, browse vintage furnishings, attend classes and host small events.

“It was a family dream,” said Stephen.

“We wanted to offer a place for a healthier options from fast food with our café at a price point for the local market.” The café features breakfast and lunch entrees, as well as catering, box lunches and to-go dinners.

They even have space for events, which have included area business board meetings, showers and other events.

The ambiance of East 59 feels like home, a gathering space where people of diverse backgrounds are invited to engage and exchange ideas. It’s all very collaborative.

What makes East 59 even better is you can take a little piece of it to your own home to create that same welcoming ambiance of jovial conversation and comfortable elegance For more information, please call 8380559 or visit east59.net.

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ERS CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTS

Spring Home Guide | Special Advertising Section

Your construction partner ERS Construction Products is proud to celebrate in 2016 15 years in the construction supply business.

ERS started in 2001 as an equipment rental business and slowly evolved into a specialty product distributor for many of the top brands offered in the U.S. We take pride in offering the widest variety of top quality products with a service level that you can count on 24/7.

We strive to be your construction partner from start to finish.

There is no secret to our success — it’s our people. Every person and every position cares about giving our customers the very best service, the very best products, at the fairest price. Our staff is your staff, from helping you identify the right product for your application to making sure you get it when you need it — which is usually yesterday!

Our headquarters is based in Alabama and features a state-of-the-art 30,000-square-foot warehouse, showroom and training center for one goal: “To be a true partner for our client.” To us, that means providing you with quality products, on time, and at a competitive price.

We currently have locations and staff in Birmingham, Nashville and Orlando, along with daily shipments to clients throughout the United States.

ERS is committed to be with you around the clock to help make your job

easier. That is what a true partner does every single day.

ERS currently services customers in approximately 15 states with plans to expand. Give us a try. We will make it worth your call.

Main supply segments offered include: ► Safety and fall protection ► Waterproofing ► Fire stop ► Caulks and sealants ► Concrete and masonry accessories ► Infection and dust control ► General tools and equipment ► ORCA Products Other services include: ► Equipment repair and maintenance

center ► Mobile equipment repair ► Paint shop for equipment and containers ► RV, boat and trailer storage facilities ► Container and lot storage for small businesses ► Property and inventory liquidation/ auction services ► We also buy and sell used trucks, equipment and tools ERS Construction Products is a distributor of these and many other brands.

For more information, stop by 5021 Cardinal St., Trussville, call 661-5800 or visit ersstore.com.

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CAHABASUN.COM

PHOENIX BUILDERS GROUP

Spring Home Guide | Special Advertising Section

Benefit from their experience After working for 18 years in the construction business, Stephen Boehme and Ryan Harry combined their talents to found Phoenix Builders Group in the spring of 2015.

“We do everything from the smallest job to the largest job — from replacing a door to building a million dollar mansion and everything in between,” they said Their hard-won experience is the reason why customers turn to Phoenix Builders Group for jobs both small and large. Their expertise can save the customer both time and money. “We do things right the first time.

We want our customers to be satisfied with the job that we do for them and the budget.”

Circumstances conspired to create the opportunity for them to combine their talents to create Phoenix Builders. Boehme and Harry have known each other for 12 years working in the construction business in Birmingham. Together they have worked with the most respected companies in the city. Their on-the-job training is invaluable and their list of contacts is vast, so they can reach out to the best subcontractors, as well as architects, in the business when needed.

“We know the area well,” the guys said.

Phoenix Builders Group serves all areas of Birmingham, including Trussville, and they have even done some projects on Lake Martin. One of the most popular requests forspring is for outdoor living areas.

Spring is also prime time for renovations.

They have experience renovating older homes and preserving historic homes. They also do new home construction and remodeling, as well. It’s this experience that allows them to accurately assess the requirements of a job.

“We give the customers one price that is realistic,” they said.

Their wide base of quality trade partners that complement their experience, as well, allows them to specialize in everything from new construction, remodels, additions, kitchens, baths, decks and porches to door and window swaps and have now created a roofing division, Phoenix Roofing.

They attribute their success to their many years of experience that allows them to approach any job with a sense of confidence.

“We’ve done it all,” said Harry. “We know what we are doing, so we can give people good estimates with no surprises. We know what they need and we know what to look for when we approach a job and can assess it realistically. When we visit a property there are two experienced set of eyes looking at it,” he said.

They are committed to providing customers with quality work and honest communication. “We treat everyone the way we want to be treated.”

For more information, please visit phoenixgroups.net or call Stephen Boehme 205966-0543 or Ryan Harry at 205-234-4553.

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AP RIL 2016 | 29

Trussville

1080 Overlook Drive

Real Estate Listings MLS #

Zip

Address

Status

Price

743427

35173

1080 Overlook Drive

New

$284,900

743571

35173

5151 Missy Lane

New

$347,900

743564

35173

3604 Buckeye Lane

New

$269,900

743523

35173

4235 Cahaba Bend

New

$469,000

743516

35173

3168 Trace Way

New

$249,900

743509

35173

73 Blackjack Road

New

$159,900

743490

35173

4223 Cahaba Bend

New

$459,000

743455

35173

515 Crestview Lane

New

$219,900

743454

35173

5448 Wisteria Trace

New

$200,000

743437

35173

6384 Spring Street

New

$214,000

743488

35173

5311 Stockton Pass

New

$279,900

743234

35173

6213 Mountain Court

New

$214,900

743204

35173

6635 Bedford Circle

New

$332,000

743163

35173

6525 Richmar Drive

New

$175,000

743093

35173

407 Worthington Drive

New

$274,900

5311 Stockton Pass

Real estate listings provided by the Birmingham Association of Realtors on March 14.

Visit birminghamrealtors.com.

TWO HANDS ARE

ALWAYS BETTER THAN ONE The Trussville Tribune and Starnes Publishing have partnered to bring you the Cahaba Sun, Trussville’s monthly publication with stories, photos, and more about the people, places, and things that matter to you most. The Cahaba Sun...as Trussville as it gets.

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Calendar April 2: Red Storm Classic. Trussville Softball Complex.

Life. 4:30 p.m.-midnight. Spare Time Trussville.

April 4: Board of Education Meeting.

7 p.m. Board offices.

April 22-23: 6U and 10U Recreational League Tournament. Trussville Softball Complex.

April 5: City Council Meeting. 6 p.m.

City Hall.

April 29-May 1: Trussville United Classic. Trussville United Soccer Club, 600 Pump House Road.

April 9: NSA Tournament. Trussville Softball Complex.

April 11: Planning and Zoning Meeting. 6 p.m. City Hall.

April 15-16: 8U and 12U Recreational League Tournament. Trussville Softball Complex.

April 19: City Council Meeting. 6 p.m.

City Hall.

April 21: Zoning Adjustments Meeting. 7 p.m. City Hall.

April 22: Earth Day. April 22: East Jefferson Relay for

April 30: No Longer 5K. 8 a.m. First Baptist Church Trussville.

April 30: Cahaba River Shrimp Boil.

4-9 p.m. Trussville Springs.

Tuesdays – Trussville Farmer’s Market. 1-5 p.m. The Mall in downtown Trussville.

Saturdays - Trussville Farmer’s Market. 8 a.m.-noon. Holy Cross Episcopal Church, 90 Parkway Drive.

Trussville Public Library Calendar April 4: Monday Night Movie. 6 p.m.

Snacks will be served.

As

Trussville as it gets.

Advertise with us, and tell your story to all of Trussville. matthew@starnespublishing.com | 205-313-1780

April 12: Intro to Chess. 6 p.m. Join Coach Charles Smith for free introductory lessons. Contact beckyt@bham.lib.al.us.

April 19: Dudes and Donuts. 4:30-5:30 p.m. Book club for first- through third-grade boys. Snacks served, and sign-ups not required.

Contact kpdavis@bham.lib.al.us.

April 21: Chips and Chapters.

4:30-5:30 p.m. Book club for fourth- through sixth-graders. Snacks served, and sign-ups not required. Contact kpdavis@bham.lib.al.us.

April 26: Intro to Chess. 6 p.m. Join Coach Charles Smith for free introductory lessons. Contact beckyt@bham.lib.al.us.

April 4-15: STAR Reading and GSM Testing. Paine Primary.

April 5: Employee Wellness Screening. Paine Primary.

April 8-10: Spring Musical – “The Music Man.” 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday. HTHS Performing Arts Center.

April 10: Hewitt-Trussville Student Athlete Foundation Meeting. 3-5 p.m.

HTHS Stadium Husky Room.

April 11: PTO Meeting. 10 a.m. Paine Primary.

Thursdays: Storytime with Ms. Shawna. 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. All ages welcome.

April 19: 11th Grade ACT Testing.

Hewitt-Trussville High School.

Trussville City Schools Calendar

April 21: JV Track and Field Champions. Hewitt-Trussville High School Stadium.

March 28-April 1: Spring Break.

April 4-7: Dress Rehearsal – “The Music Man.” 3:30-11:30 p.m. HTHS Performing Arts Center.

April 22-23: Hewitt-Trussville Invitational. Hewitt-Trussville High School Stadium.

April 23: HTHS Prom. Regions Park.

CAHABAS U N.CO M

April 28: Awards Day. Hewitt-Trussville High School Gym. May 1: National Honor Society/Mu Alpha Theta Induction. 2-4 p.m. HTHS Performing Arts Center Auditorium.

AP RIL 2016 | 31

May 1: Hewitt-Trussville Student Athlete Foundation Meeting. 3-5 p.m.

HTHS Stadium Husky Room.

Submit your calendar events to Sydney@starnespublishing.com.

Area events April 1-3: Michael J. and Mary Anne Freeman Theatre and Dance Series Concert. Harrison Theatre, Samford University, 800 Lakeshore Drive. Samford Dance showcases the talents of student artists. 7:30 p.m.

Friday and Saturday, 2:30 p.m. Sunday. $15, $6 students. Visit Samford.edu/arts.

1701 Valley View Drive. $4-$6. Visit uab.edu/ engineering.

April 1-3: Batson Bladesmithing Symposium and Knife Show. Tannehill State Park. Learn how modern knives are forged and made. $3-$5 admission. 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

Friday and Saturday, 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Sunday. visit alaforge.org.

April 8-10: Coppelia and the Toymaker. Dorothy Jemison Day Theater, Alabama School of Fine Arts, 1800 Rev. Abraham Woods, Jr. Blvd. Presented by the Alabama Ballet. $25$55. 7:30 p.m. Friday. 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Saturday. 2:30 p.m. Sunday. Visit alabamaballet. org.

April 2: Birmingham Homeschool Fair. 12 p.m.-5 p.m. Cahaba Grand Conference Center. Resources and information for homeschooling families, exhibitors, curriculum share and sale. Visit /birminghamhomeschoolfair.com.

April 2: Celtic Nights Spirit of Freedom. 7 p.m. Wright Fine Arts Center, Samford University, 800 Lakeshore Drive. Celebrations of 100 years of Irish independence $25, $15 students. Visit tickets.samford.edu.

April 5: Alabama Symphony Orchestra Concertmaster & Friends Series: Bass-ic Virtuosity. 7:30 p.m. Brock Recital Hall, Samford University, 800 Lakeshore Drive. $32. Visit alabamasymphony.org.

April 6: Determination, Drama and Daring: The Life of Louise Wooster.

5:30 p.m. Vulcan Park and Museum. Free for members, $8 non-members. Visit visitvulcan.com.

April 8-9: 18th Annual Lebanese Food and Cultural Festival. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. St. Elias Maronite Catholic Church, 836 8th Street South. Free. Visit stelias.org.

April 9: Alabama Asian Cultures & Food Festival. 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Zamora Shrine Temple, 3521 Ratliff Road. Fashion show, silent auction, music, kid’s activities and more. $5-$8. Visit alabamaasiancultures.org.

April 9: Cajun Cook-Off. Railroad Park, 1600 1st Ave. South. Cooking competition, live music, kid’s activities, silent auction and more. $20 adults, $5 children 3-10. Proceeds benefit Girls Inc. programs. Visit bhamcajumcookoff.com.

April 9: CahabaQue BBQ Cook Off. 12 p.m.-5 p.m. Cahaba Brewing Company, 2616 3rd Ave. South. Supporting the Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama. $5-$20. Visit cahababrewingcompany.instagift.com.

April 9: TedxUAB 2016. 1 p.m.-6 p.m. Hill Student Center Alumni Theater, 1400 University Blvd. $20 UAB students, $25 general public.

April 7: Alabama Symphony Orchestra Classical EDGE Series. 7:30 p.m.

Alys Stephens Center, 1200 10th Ave. South. $16. Visit alabmasymphony.org.

April 12-16 Birmingham Barons v.

Tennessee Smokies. Regions Field. 7:05 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and 6:30 p.m. Saturday. $7-$14. Visit barons.com.

April 7: Birmingham Art Crawl.

Downtown Birmingham. 5 p.m. Meet local artists and performers and buy artwork. Free. Visit birminghamartcrawl.com.

April 15-16 ASO EBSCO Masterworks Beethoven's Fifth Symphony.

8 p.m. Alys Stephens Center, 1200 10th Ave. South. $24-$80. Visit alabamasymphony.org.

April 7-10 Alabama Auto Show. BJCC Exhibition Halls, 2100 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd.

North. 12 p.m.-9 p.m. Thursday. 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

Friday-Saturday. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday. $12 adults, $6 children 6-11. Children under 5 free.

Visit alabamaautoshow.com.

April 15: Beethoven's Fifth Symphony Coffee Concert. 11 a.m. ArtPlay, 1006 19th Street South. $19-$34. Visit alabamasymphony.org.

April 8: Alabama Symphony Orchestra Red Diamond SuperPops! Series.

8 p.m. Alabama Theatre, 1817 Third Ave. North. $14-$85. Visit alabmasymphony.org.

April 8: UAB ASME's 27th Annual Brent Newman Memorial Egg Drop Contest. 9:15 a.m. Vulcan Park & Museum,

April 16: Spring Walking Tour #2. 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Vulcan Park and Museum. 1701 Valley View Drive. Free. Visitvulcan.com.

April 16: Curtain Call Ball. Birmingham Children's Theatre, 2100 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. North. 5 p.m.-8 p.m. $25 children, $50 adults, $125 family of four. Raising funds and awareness for the programs at BCT. Visit bct123. org.

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