Vestavia Voice October 2024

The art of Halloween

By TIM STEPHENS

When Isabella Marie Gordon was 15, she found herself in an after-school theater program at Vestavia Hills High School — which, in hindsight, she says was strange because she didn’t like to act or sing.

But at that point in her life, she was experimenting with something theater-related: makeup. Little did she know that seven years later, she’d be making a living as a makeup artist in California at 22 years old and putting the scary faces to one of October’s iconic national attractions: Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood. This is the second consecutive year for Gordon to work her makeup magic at Universal, a highlight on a resume that now also includes work on more than 20 small-budget films.

“It’s a big haunt event, and there are different haunted mazes that you walk through and a bunch of different characters who jump out and scare you,” she said of Halloween Horror Nights, which attracts tens of thousands of fans each night to scream their way through Hollywood-inspired scare houses. “As you walk through the park, there are characters who chase you around and do all of those things.”

By LOYD McINTOSH

Infrastructure may not be super sexy, but it’s crucial in operating governmental services, Vestavia Hills City Manager Jeff Downes said.

And that’s why the city’s record $73.2 million general fund budget for fiscal 2025, which was approved in September, includes significant funding and attention to the city’s stormwater drainage system, information technology, cybersecurity initiatives and roadway improvements, Downes said.

The 2025 budget earmarks just over $2 million for repaving up to 8 miles of roads

in Vestavia Hills, a 9% increase over fiscal 2024. This does not include roadway improvements from other funding sources, such as a federally funded resurfacing project for Massey Road, and an improvement project at the intersection of Columbiana Road and U.S. 31, in collaboration with the Alabama Department of Transportation and Jefferson County.

“We’re going to see well over our targeted eight miles just by collaborating with others, so that’s important infrastructure -wise,” Downes said.

Vestavia Hills native Isabella Marie Gordon puts makeup on the face of Sam Jays as part of a creative personal makeup project she was undertaking. Gordon also for the second year was chosen to do makeup for Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood this year. Photo courtesy of Isabella Marie Gordon.

Men work on a stormwater and median improvement project at the corner of Dolly Ridge Road and Pumphouse Road on Sept. 10. Photo by Loyd McIntosh.

The Jefferson County Department of Health offers comprehensive sexual health testing and treatment

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by a microscopic organism called Treponema pallidum. This bacterium has a characteristic corkscrew shape when viewed under a particular kind of microscope, and an infection with this bacterium can result in many different findings. The findings can range from a small painless ulcer, a chancre at the exposure site, or involvement in the eyes, ears, brain, or other organ systems if left untreated. Physical findings of syphilis may not persist long-term, and sometimes, the only way to identify a person who has a syphilis infection is through a series of blood tests. This matter can make syphilis challenging to diagnose at times. However, highly effective treatment options can completely cure these infections once diagnosed.

In the early 2000s, syphilis hit an alltime low in the United States. During that period, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had hoped to see the complete eradication of syphilis. Unfortunately, as we moved into the 2010s, slow and steady increases in the total number of syphilis cases in the US persisted. In 2022, the total number of Primary and Secondary Syphilis cases was 17.7 cases per 100,000 people. In Alabama, this rate was 23.5 cases per 100,000 people (the 13th highest rate in the United States). Unfortunately, these increases in syphilis have translated to increases in congenital syphilis. Congenital syphilis is an infection passed from mother to child, and this can lead to developmental delay, bone abnormalities, abnormal tooth development, blindness, deafness, and stillbirth. Congenital syphilis can have a devastating effect on a developing baby. Still, with early identification of the infection in a pregnant mother and early treatment, many of the terrible consequences of congenital syphilis can be avoided.

From 2012 to 2021, congenital syphilis cases have increased by 755%, and according to the CDC, 88% of these cases could have been prevented with timely screening and treatment.1 In the United States, there were 3,755 cases of congenital syphilis in 2022, and in Alabama, there were 43 cases, which represents the 20th highest count of congenital syphilis cases in the United States. Given the long-term impacts of congenital syphilis, the ease of blood tests during pregnancy, and effective treatments, every effort must be made to reduce the number of these infections.

Given these concerning increases, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) recommended that all pregnant persons be screened for syphilis when they first start to receive prenatal care, during the third trimester, and at the time of birth. This universal recommendation for screening allows for early identification of a syphilis infection, and early treatment leads to improved long-term health outcomes for the infant.

Wesley G. Willeford, M.D., M.P.H. Medical Director of Disease Control | Infectious Diseases Physician

The Jefferson County Department of Health offers comprehensive sexual health testing and treatment. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 205-588-5234 or by accessing self-scheduling online: jcdh.org/SitePages/Programs-Services/Clinics/SelfScheduling SHProvider.aspx.

To begin to see improvements in the rates of syphilis in Alabama, we encourage the following:

● If you are sexually active, seek regular screening for sexually transmitted infections.

● If you are pregnant, it is essential that you talk to your pregnancy care provider about following recommended testing guidance for syphilis.

1 Screening for Syphilis in Pregnancy. https://www.acog.org/ clinical/clinical-guidance/practice-advisory/articles/2024/04/ screening-for-syphilis-in-pregnancy.

ABOUT US

Editor’s Note By Jon Anderson

As we move into October, there are a lot of things in the air this time of year, and it’s not just cooler weather.

Many people are getting in the mood for Halloween. Those orange-and-black decorations start to go up, and all the candy makers get excited.

This month, our main cover story features a young woman who grew up in Vestavia Hills and now is getting a chance to be a part of an iconic Halloween event — Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood. Our general manager and editor-in-chief at Starnes Media, Tim Stephens, tells us about Isabella Marie Gordon, a professional makeup artist who was chosen to put her special makeup skills to work on

the characters there to help make it a scary night for all who dare to venture through.

It’s also the beginning of a new budget year for the city of Vestavia Hills and its school system, so we’re giving you the highlights for how officials plan to spend your money. Election talk also fills the air this year, with the general election coming up Nov.

5. See page A6 for key facts you need to know in order to vote. We hope it’s helpful, and I hope you’re getting a great start to your fall.

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Nov. 5 general election primer

What you need to know ahead of the election

By JON ANDERSON

It’s hard to go anywhere these days without hearing something about the upcoming Nov. 5 general election.

Donald Trump and Kamala Harris are dominating the headlines, but there are other races on the ballot that are a lot closer to Vestavia Hills.

Here are some answers to common questions:

Q: Who is running for Congress in Vestavia Hills?

A: U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer, a Republican, faces opposition from Democrat Elizabeth Anderson and Libertarian Andria Chieffo in Congressional District 6.

Q: Have Congressional district lines changed?

A: Yes, but Vestavia Hills is still in Congressional District 6. You can see the new district lines by visiting 2023-court-ordered-congressional-plan-algeohub.hub.arcgis.com.

Q: Who else is on the ballot in Jefferson County?

A: Other contested races on ballots in Jefferson County include:

► Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice:

Greg Griffin (D), Sarah Stewart (R)

► 10th Circuit Court Judge, Place 13: Frederic Bolling (D), Douglas Roy Jr. (R)

► Jefferson County District Court Judge, Place 11: Chuantae Brown (D), Jill Ganus Marriott (R)

► Jefferson County Probate Judge, Place 1: John Amari (R), Yashiba Blanchard (D)

► Jefferson County Probate Judge, Place 2: Joel Blankenship (R), Jameria Moore (D)

► Jefferson County Constable, District 55: Ken Gray Jr. (R), Joshua Raby (D)

Q: Who is eligible to vote?

A: Any person may register to vote, provided that they are a citizen of the United States, live in Alabama, are at least 18 years old on or before election day, are not barred from voting due to a disqualifying felony conviction and have not been declared mentally incompetent by a court.

Q: When can I register?

A: Voter registration is open all year, except during the 14 days prior to an election and on Election Day. The last day to register to vote in the general election is Oct. 21.

Q: Do I have to register to vote again if I

have moved since the last election?

A: Yes.

Q: How do I register or update my address?

A: You can register online or update your address at alabamavotes.gov or by using the Vote for Alabama app if you have a valid Alabama driver’s license or non-driver ID card. You also may register when applying for or renewing an Alabama driver’s license or nondriver ID card, or register at state and local government offices when applying or recertifying SNAP, TANF, food stamps, WIC, Medicaid, Aid to Dependent Children or Rehabilitation Services, or register at armed forces recruiting stations or the Jefferson County Board of Registrars office. You also may register by mailing in a form available at probate judge and license commissioner offices, colleges, universities, public schools or libraries. You can request that a mail-in registration form be mailed to you by contacting the Elections Division at 1-800274-VOTE (8683) and mailing the form to your Board of Registrars office.

Q: When are the polls open?

A: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on election day.

Q: Where do I vote?

A: Determine your polling place by going to myinfo.alabamavotes.gov/voterview and typing in your name, date of birth and address.

Q: How do I get an absentee ballot?

A: To apply for an absentee ballot, go to alabamavotes.gov, call the Elections Division at 334-242-7210 or write or visit your county absentee election manager. The last day to apply for an absentee ballot by mail is Oct. 29. The last day to apply in person is Oct. 31. The last day to hand-deliver an absentee ballot is Nov. 4. Any absentee ballots mailed must be received by noon on Nov. 5.

CROSS INTO THE BLUE

Staff photo.

Happy fall to everyone. I would like to highlight some of the city projects that are underway and give you dates for some of the upcoming city events.

Mayor’s Minute

By Ashley Curry

The Vestavia Hills Arts Council will present its annual “Artstober” event, which begins Sept. 29 at City Hall. As in the past, the art will be on exhibit on the first and second floors of City Hall. This is an exciting opportunity to showcase your talents to the Vestavia Hills community. The exhibition will run through October and close on Nov. 1. You can contact the mayor’s office at 205-978-0142 for information on how to submit artwork.

During October, you will see the continued construction of the pedestrian bridge that connects Wald Park and the Library in the Forest. This project was conceived some 20 years ago and has gone through several design phases before the current plan was approved by the Alabama Department of Transportation.

You will see continued development of the Waldo’s Chicken, Big Bad Breakfast and other retail businesses on the south end of U.S. 31. Also, there is significant construction ongoing at The Bray in Liberty Park and the headquarters for Medical Properties Trust.

In November, the city will have two separate events to honor our veterans.

The first event will be held on Thursday, Nov. 7, at the Vestavia Hills Civic Center. This event will feature musical groups from multiple Vestavia Hills City Schools, veteran

support groups and vendors. Our scheduled guest speaker will be retired Navy Rear Adm. W. Kent Davis, who is the current commissioner of the Alabama Department of Veteran Affairs. In addition, we have several Vestavia residents who are World War II veterans and will be participants as well.

The second event will be held on Friday, Nov. 9, at the New Merkel House in Cahaba Heights. These two events are intended to pay tribute to the men and women who have served our country in all branches of the military, Coast Guard and the U.S. Merchant Marine. Please join us at these events as we salute our veterans.

It would be safe to say that if it were not for our veterans, we probably would have nothing to celebrate. Without the freedoms that they fought for, we would not be able to live in a country that allows the quality of life that we enjoy.

We must honor and remember the service of our men and women in the military presently, as well as those who served previously. The sacrifices made by our veterans should never be forgotten.

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Civic group donations aid police SWAT, patrol officers

By LOYD McINTOSH

The Vestavia Hills Police Department’s Special Weapons and Tactics team and patrol division now are better prepared for dangerous situations thanks to donations by two area civic organizations.

The Vestavia Hills Sunrise Rotary Club and Vestavia Hills Police Foundation have donated just under $50,000 to the Police Department this year, enabling Chief Shane Ware to purchase much-needed safety equipment. The new equipment includes 20 ballistic helmets that cost $26,400 ($8,000 from the Sunrise Rotary and $18,440 from the Police Foundation) and two high-level ballistic shields that cost $23,150 ($15,000 from the Sunrise Rotary and $8,150 from the Police Foundation).

“The most important thing is it enhances the safety of everybody on the SWAT team or in a patrol that is using the equipment,” Ware said.

Although the city of Vestavia Hills is deemed one of the safest in Alabama, Ware said it is important that the Police Department be prepared for the unthinkable, such as a school shooting or other mass casualty incident. The new equipment enables the department to respond to those types of emergencies and, hopefully, save lives, he said.

“We have to be able to provide whatever services are necessary, and we have to be able to respond to whatever comes our way,” Ware said. “We have a very well-trained SWAT team of about 20 members, and our Patrol Division is very well trained also, and these types of safety tools allow us to do our job in a safer way and ultimately in a better way.”

Ware said that the Sunrise Rotary Club and the Police Foundation have routinely donated funds to the department for years and that

those contributions are factored into the Police Department’s budget each year. However, Ware said the department has “significantly exceeded” the budgeted donations for fiscal 2024, which required him to seek City Council approval for the purchase of the ballistic shields.

Ware said he appreciates the support from Sunrise Rotary Club and the Police Foundation over the years and anticipates that support to

is one of 20

continue. For fiscal 2025, which starts Oct. 1, he wants to use contributed funds to buy a sophisticated camera system that allows officers to see underneath doors during investigations and also replace other equipment that has outlived its usefulness.

Ware said the support from these organizations, the City Council and the community at large has contributed to the high quality of the

Police Department and its efforts to attract and retain the best officers possible.

“The Police Foundation exists to support us. That’s one of their main platforms, and they do a really great job with that, and so does the Rotary Club,” Ware said. “The donations that are coming in to us from these two organizations are typical of the type of support that we receive routinely from the community.”

This

ballistic helmets purchased with donations from the Vestavia Hills Sunrise Rotary Club and Vestavia Hills Police Foundation. Photo courtesy of Vestavia Hills Police Department.

Planson Outdoors offers high-end furniture and personalized service

Planson Outdoors, an online retailer, offers a wide selection of high-end outdoor furniture to residents in Birmingham and surrounding areas. Their product lineup includes tables, chairs, chaise lounges, benches, stools, ottomans, loveseats, sofas, fire pits, grills, and accessories. By operating exclusively online at plansonoutdoors.com, the company passes cost savings directly to its customers.

“We have about one-tenth of the products we're going to offer right now,” owner Lori Planson said in early September 2024. “We’ll be adding many more products soon. If you don’t see what you're looking for, email us or call. We’re happy to assist as we continue expanding the site.”

Lori Planson, the Trussville native now living in Vestavia, began her career in finance and investments before joining her family’s relocation business, which they grew successfully for more than 20 years before selling. She found her true passion in outdoor living, inspired by cherished childhood memories of spending time outdoors with her family.

“I knew I could sell outdoor products because they bring value to lives,” she said. “From the start, we’ve followed all the rules and regulations of the furniture industry.”

What sets Planson Outdoors apart is its commitment to a personalized, hands-on shopping experience. Unlike many e-commerce retailers, Planson provides her expertise to help customers find outdoor furniture that suits their lifestyle and outdoor spaces.

“We aim to be known for offering durable, high-quality products,” she explains. “When customers buy from us, they’re investing in furniture that will last. They can either shop independently on our website or reach out by phone or email to discuss their preferences. We offer personalized consultations and can even visit homes within a

pricing, including price matching and a best-price guarantee.

• Call: 833-PLANSON (752-6766)

• Email: info@plansonoutdoors.com

• Web: plansonoutdoors.com

30-mile radius of zip code 35243 to assess outdoor spaces and recommend the perfect products.”

Planson Outdoors also provides delivery and assembly services. While most products come pre-assembled, local customers can request assembly or assistance in finding a trusted third-party service.

As the seasons change, so does the product selection at Planson Outdoors. With summer winding down and cooler weather approaching, the company offers seasonal items like fire pits to help customers extend their outdoor enjoyment into fall.

Planson Outdoors commits to offering competitive

“When our manufacturers run special promotions, we pass those savings directly to our customers,”

Lori Planson said. “We will put that on our website and have some information on our social media channels like Facebook and Instagram, sharing sale details and the length of promotions. Typically, this happens around the holidays, such as Fourth of July, Labor Day, Memorial Day, etc. So definitely keep a lookout for those and other savings opportunities.”

For the holiday season, Planson Outdoors will introduce a special collection of high-end Christmas décor, including luxury faux trees and real Fraser fir wreaths with customizable gift messages. These wreaths will ship the week of Thanksgiving or shortly thereafter, based on the order date.

To learn more, call 833-PLANSON (752-6766), visit their website at plansonoutdoors.com or email info@plansonoutdoors.com.

At SouthPoint Bank, we offer products and services for every point in your life. We are committed to providing you with financial tools and solutions for a lifetime.

Planson Outdoors

Lori Planson

School board expects spending to increase 11% in 2025

By JON ANDERSON

The Vestavia Hills Board of Education in September approved a nearly $122 million budget for fiscal 2025, representing an 11% increase from 2024 total budgeted expenditures of $109.6 million.

The budget includes raises for all employees and $9.5 million in capital projects, with a focus on energy management retrofits that include automated building controls, building insulation and water conservation.

The total budget of $121.6 million includes $100.4 million in spending from the general fund, $11.8 million from the special revenue fund and $9.5 million from the capital projects fund.

Public revenues are expected to be $117.9 million, up 8.9% from the $108.3 million in budgeted revenues in 2024.

While expenditures are expected to be $3.7 million higher than revenues in 2025, the school district this summer received more than $7 million in state “advancement and technology” money that it plans to use for capital projects in fiscal 2025, so that money rolls over into this new fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1.

Revenues for the general fund in 2025 are expected to be $103.6 million (8.7% higher than the 2024 budget), and the district plans to spend $100.4 million of that (a 3.7% increase from the 2024 budget), according to budget documents.

While the school district’s general fund budget has had above-average state and local revenue increases in the past several years, school officials say they don’t expect that to continue.

Revenues and expenditures for the Vestavia Hills Board of Education have risen steadily since 2014, with extra expenditures in 2019 and 2010 for construction projects. Chart courtesy of Vestavia Hills Board of Education.

The 10-year average growth of local property tax revenues has been about 4%. However, in some years, the district has seen very little growth, and the Alabama Legislature has passed a law that places a cap on property tax growth at 7%, which will eliminate the higher-revenue growth years that have recently been experienced.

As The Bray development continues, that will have a positive impact on property tax revenues, but employee health insurance costs that are paid by the school system likely will increase next year, which could have a significant impact

on personnel costs, school officials said in their written budget presentation.

Overall expenditures have been increasing at a rate of about 4% per year.

By the end of fiscal 2025 — Sept. 30, 2025 — the school district plans to have $16.7 million in its general fund reserve. That’s equivalent to two months of operating expenses. The state requires a one-month reserve fund, but Vestavia Hills school officials have been trying to strengthen their reserves. The Hoover school system, for comparison, plans to end fiscal 2025 with six months’ worth of operating expenses

The Retirement

in its reserve fund.

Personnel costs make up about 79% of the Vestavia Hills school system’s general fund budget.

The 2025 budget includes the state-mandated 2% raise for all employees, but the Vestavia Hills Board of Education also approved additional raises for teachers of 2% or 3% more, depending on the teachers’ level of education. Some teachers may get even more of a raise due to other adjustments in the pay scale, made to make Vestavia Hills more competitive with other school districts, Superintendent Todd Freeman said.

Custodians received a 4% raise, day care supervisors received a 5% pay increase and child nutrition workers got significant raises, Freeman said.

The school board also approved raises for Freeman, Chief Financial Officer Courtney Brown and other central office staff.

The 2025 budget also includes new teacher positions to maintain optimal numbers of students in classrooms, additional exceptional education teachers to maintain optimal caseloads and additional para-professionals to support the exceptional education program.

The school board added a new science, technology, engineering and math teacher at each elementary school, as well as an additional health science teacher, a theater production teacher, a program specialist for the exceptional education program, two board-certified behavioral therapists and one instructional partner for each school.

See the complete 2025 budget summary for Vestavia Hills City Schools at vhcs.us.

In the Classroom

ACCOLADES

Vestavia has at least 30 National Merit semifinalists

By JON ANDERSON

At least 30 students from Vestavia Hills were named National Merit semifinalists in September.

Twenty-three of them are from Vestavia Hills High School, which had the most National Merit semifinalists of any high school in Alabama this year, while three are from Indian Springs School, three are from the Alabama School of Fine Arts and one is from John Carroll Catholic High School.

The 23 semifinalists from Vestavia Hills High School are Tashfin Abdullah, Jack Cobb, Madeline Crawford, Ali Fathallah Shaykh, Kendall Field, Ishaan Garg, Logan Gregory, Levi Griem, Logan Hawley, Chase Kaiser, Chuewon Kim, Terence Li, Timothy Li, Parker Liu, Ethan Melenevsky, John Pickett, Andrew Sheng, Ishaan Singh, Nicholas Snow, Caroline Tyndall, Mengzhen Wang, Allison Xie and Bryan Zhang.

Indian Springs School had 12 semifinalists, three of whom live in Vestavia Hills: Ibrahim Hamo, Erik Ledvina and Radyn Moradkhani. The Alabama School of Fine Arts had 10 semifinalists, three of whom are from Vestavia Hills: Zoya Aleezada, Aanchal Behara and McNair Shah. John Carroll Catholic High School had one semifinalist, William Magruder, who is from Vestavia Hills.

These 30 students were among 268 named National Merit semifinalists in Alabama this year and more than 16,000 chosen nationwide.

More than 1.3 million juniors in about 21,000 high schools entered the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2023 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, which served as an initial screen of

program entrants.

The pool of semifinalists, which represents less than 1% of U.S. high school seniors, includes the highest-scoring entrants in each state, with the number of semifinalists in each state proportional to the state’s percentage of the national total of graduating seniors.

More than 15,000 of the semifinalists are expected to advance to the finalist stage in February, but only about 6,870 students are expected to receive National Merit Scholarships that will be announced in the spring of 2025.

To become a finalist, the semifinalists must submit a detailed scholarship application, providing information about their academic record, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, employment, honors and awards received.

Those chosen as finalists also must have an outstanding academic record throughout high school, be endorsed and recommended by a high school official, write an essay and earn SAT or ACT scores that confirm the students’ earlier performance on the qualifying test.

The scholarship winners are selected based on their skills, accomplishments and potential for success in rigorous college studies.

VHHS Principal Blair Inabinet said in a news release that achieving semifinalist status not only showcases the students’ hard work, but also embodies the school’s core values of respect, excellence, and service.

“These stellar students have respected the value of their education, pursued excellence in their studies and served as role models to their peers,” Inabinet said. “This achievement celebrates their dedication and represents a milestone on their journey to continued success.”

Vestavia Hills Civic Center HEAL United is a nonprofit organization improving the lives of over 40,000 Alabama students and families through education, community, engagement, and healthy lifestyle promotion. Dinner provided by Kathy G Catering with music presentation by taylor hicks Silent Auction & gift wrapping November 14

Semifinalists in the National Merit Scholarship Program this year from Vestavia Hills High School include: front row, from left, Tashfin Abdullah, Terence Li, Kendall Feild, Caroline Tyndall, Madeline Crawford, Mengzhen Wang, Andrew Sheng and Ali FathallahShaykh; middle row, from left, Allison Xie, Cuewon Kim, Timothy Li, Logan Hawley, Bryan Zhang, Ishaan Singh and Ethan Melenevsky; and back row, from left, Nicholas Snow, John Pickett, Logan Gregory, Jack Cobb, Parker Liu, Ishaan Garg and Chase Kaiser. Not pictured is Levi Griem. Photo courtesy of Vestavia City Schools.

Business Buzz

NOW OPEN

Cahaba Dermatology has now opened its newest location at 3965 Crosshaven Drive, Suite 113, in Cahaba Heights. The Hoover clinic is located on Valleydale Road. The practice offers medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatology, along with body sculpting and skin-tightening services. Clients can schedule appointments on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 205-214-7546, cahabaderm.com

Equipt Kids is a pediatric occupational therapy clinic located at 400 Vestavia Parkway, Suite 135B. They serve children over the age of 2 with developmental delay, autism, difficulty with fine or gross motor skills, sensory integration and/or selfregulation skills. 205-530-0383, equiptkids.com

Vicki’s Amish Traditions is now open at 1401 Montgomery Highway #121. The store is having a grand opening on Oct. 17. Vicki’s specializes in Amish handcrafted furniture that is carved one piece at a time from the finest wood available to the builders. The pieces are custom designed to meet the customer’s needs and created

by Amish builders in Indiana. The store offers quality, one-of-a-kind indoor furniture, outdoor furniture and home decor. Customers can shop and begin designing their own pieces every Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 334-399-5563, vickisamishtraditions.com

Slice Pizza Brew, located at 3104 Timberlake Drive, is now open and serving pizzas, unique salads and ice cold beer from local breweries. 205-557-5423, slicebirmingham.com

COMING SOON

Piddlin Art & Antique is opening soon on Kentucky Avenue in Vestavia Hills. Featuring an array of art, antiques, jewelry and home decor. Also offering classes and showcase art by local artists.

RELOCATIONS AND RENOVATIONS

The Family Medical Supply Store is celebrating five years in business with a move from the Dolly Creek Station shopping center in Vestavia Hills to a new store located at 3205 Lorna Road #102 in Hoover. The business announced the move on Facebook, effective Oct. 1. The store carries retail medical supplies and equipment. Customers can stop by Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 205-502-4416, facebook.com/FamilyMedicalSupply

Postmark Paris Antiques, formerly known as Salon 2412, has moved from its previous location in Mountain Brook to 3258 Cahaba Heights Road in Vestavia Hills. The business also has a hair salon at the back of the store, where owner Scott Renshaw continues to see his customers. The business move, name change and expansion came from the desire that Renshaw had to blend the two things he is most passionate about: hair and antiques. Customers can visit the store 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Monday-Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. 205-414-7854

NEW OWNERSHIP

Hillside Music & Que is now open for business! Helmed by the talented Chef JP Holland, the restaurant offers a mouth-watering menu focused on sandwiches, BBQ, homemade sauces and a variety of sides. Guests can also enjoy a full bar and a delightful selection of frozen drinks.

205-775-0769, thehillsidemq.com

NEWS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS

The Sanders Trust, a health care real estate investment and development company based at 1000 Urban Center Drive, Suite 675, has broken ground for a new $31 million, 45,000-square-foot inpatient rehabilitation facility, ClearSky Rehabilitation Hospital of Lake City, in Lake City, Florida. The new hospital will provide specialized rehabilitative care to patients recovering from disabling injuries or illnesses such as strokes, brain injuries, hip fractures, spinal injuries, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis and other medically complex conditions. The Sanders Trust is working with general contractor MJ Harris and architect Studio +. 205-298-0809, sanderstrust.com

HEAL United, 1360 Montgomery Highway, Suite 116, is offering a free introductory Nordic walking class on Oct. 3 from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Registration is required. 205-704-1001, healunited.org

GET TO KNOW

Corey Dusang, shift manager, Pet Supermarket in Vestavia Hills

By JON ANDERSON

Corey Dusang is a shift manager at Pet Supermarket in Vestavia Hills.

Q: What made you decide you’d like to work here at Pet Supermarket?

A: To be honest, I just needed a better job. This is a better job, and I just happened to love it.

Q: Do you have pets yourself?

A: I have two hamsters, and I have a cat. The hamsters are named Pip and Dan, and my cat’s named June.

Q: Did having them play into your decision to work here?

A: Probably my cat. I didn’t have my hamsters before I worked here.

Q: What’s your favorite thing about working in a pet store?

A: Dealing with animals, probably. Stress relief.

Q: Have you had lots of pets in your lifetime?

A: Yeah, on and off since I was a child. Dogs and cats mostly.

Q: Have you had any interesting animal stories come out of working here?

A: A dude that was playing golf came in here and said, “Did y’all hear about a ferret running around?” He was like, “I just saw one on the golf course. I just wanted to know if y’all knew about it.” ... It was just so random.

Q: Any surprises with the hamsters, in terms of keeping up with them?

A: I forgot they were nocturnal when I

bought them. That was probably the biggest surprise. … The one I just bought, Dan — he’s got three feet, so I named him after Lt. Dan from “Forrest Gump.”

Q: What do you like to do outside of work?

A: Just be a dad really. I have a daughter; she’s about to be 8, and my son’s about to be 10.

Q: What kinds of things do y’all like to do?

A: They like to play video games, and I grew up playing video games, so that’s what we spend most of our time doing. They like Fortnite.

SPOTLIGHT

Talking Social aims to help clients boost revenues, hit goals

By STAFF

Talking Social, a social media marketing firm based in Vestavia Hills, has been making strides in the local business community since its inception in April 2020.

Located at 512 Montgomery Highway, Suite 200, the firm, founded by Logan McCabe, offers data-driven social media strategies specifically tailored to small businesses.

“There's not a one-size-fits-all approach, and we're here to tailor our strategy to your goals,” McCabe said.

The firm emphasizes the use of data to craft social media plans that are designed to increase revenue and build lasting customer relationships.

“Through strategic planning, creative campaigns and targeted outreach, our team elevates brand awareness to new heights,” the company said. “With a keen understanding of market trends and consumer behavior, we craft compelling narratives that resonate with audiences across diverse channels.”

Talking Social team members aim to optimize every aspect of the sales funnel to maximize conversion rates and customer lifetime value, the company said.

“From targeted digital advertising to personalized customer experiences, we deliver measurable results that translate into tangible revenue increases,” the company said. “We transform casual visitors into loyal customers.”

Some of the company’s services include Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, email marketing,

ad management and SMS marketing. Clients have included the Toads and Teacups children’s shop, Dorm Décor, aTeam Ministries, The Breakup Cookie, Shoal Creek, the Stacked plus-size boutique and ESPN sideline reporter Lauren Sisler.

For more information, visit talkingsocialllc. com. Talking Social also can be found on Instagram and Facebook.

From left, Caroline McCabe, Talking Social director of operations, and Logan McCabe, founder and CEO. Photo courtesy of Logan McCabe.

Corey Dusang is a shift manager at the Pet Supermarket in Vestavia Hills. Photo by Jon Anderson.

Sips and Bites

SPOTLIGHT

Amanda Thames of Davenport’s Pizza

By STAFF

City Center.

Q: Tell us briefly about the restaurant.

A: Davenport's Pizza was started in 1964 by my grandparents, Rex and Ardyce Hollis, and they lived in an apartment across the street and would go door to door bringing pizza so that neighbors could try it.

Q: What is your favorite item on the menu and why?

A: A Rex Special, named after my grandfather. … It's sausage, green pepper and onion.

Q: What sets you apart from your competitors?

A: We're family owned. We've been around for 60 years, and so there's a lot of nostalgia there; people have been coming for decades and enjoying our pizza.

Q: How’d you get started in the industry?

A: I grew up eating Davenport's Pizza as a little kid, of course, and worked there in high school to make a little extra spending money. And I've been on the operation side about 14 years now.

Q: What’s your favorite part about working in the industry?

Vestavia Voice is spotlighting local restaurants in print and online. Submit your restaurant for consideration here: go.starnesmedia.com/restaurant-spotlight

Diplomat Deli sticks with what works

By JON ANDERSON

When Joseph Hoskin and Justin Gober bought the Diplomat Deli in the Park South Plaza shopping center in 2016, they decided they didn’t really need to change a whole lot.

“It wasn’t broken. It didn’t need our fixing,” Hoskin said. “We just kind of greased the wheels.”

Diplomat Deli had been around since 1982 and was doing well; the previous owner was just ready to retire, Hoskin said.

Hoskin had been eating at Diplomat Deli since he moved to Hoover in 1994, and acquiring the restaurant gave him a chance to buy something he actually liked.

He’s been in the restaurant or bar business since he was 14, including 11 ½ years as general manager of the Innisfree Irish Pub in Birmingham’s Lakeview community and previous stints at Johnny Ray’s BBQ, Yankee Pizzeria and restaurants in Hawaii.

added live music on the outdoor patio every Friday night and a live trivia competition every other Wednesday night, led by Hoover High English teacher Reed Lochamy.

Q: Anything new or upcoming we should know?

A: We're excited to celebrate our 60th anniversary at our Mountain Brook location this year. … And, if you wanna try the same great pizza at a new location, come check out Vestavia. We'd love to have you and we love being there as well.

A: The people, starting with our staff. We have an amazing staff; some have been with us for years or even decades, and we couldn't do what we do without them. And, of course, our customers.

Diplomat Deli specializes in sandwiches, soups and salads. “Our Reubens are our most popular sandwich,” Hoskin said. “We do a good Philly and a good muffuletta. And then our chili is pretty well famous. It’s seasonal, and it starts back the last weekend in September.”

Hoskin’s favorite is the grilled double deli, which has pastrami, corned beef, Swiss cheese and mustard on grilled rye bread.

After buying the restaurant, Hoskin and Gober

Lunch is a big portion of sales, but the restaurant is open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Friday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

“We have a very loyal following, fan base,” Hoskin said. “We see a lot of the same faces on the same day every week. We’re a Tuesday lunch spot for some people who eat the same thing every Tuesday.”

The restaurant is located at 1425 Montgomery Highway, Suite 101. Find out more at diplomat deli.com.

Justin Gober, left and Joseph Hoskin are the owners at Diplomat Deli in Vestavia Hills. Photo by Jon Anderson

Amanda Thames is co-owner of Davenport’s Pizza Palace in Mountain Brook and the Vestavia

Amanda Thames. Photo courtesy of Amanda Thames.

Trick-or-Treat on the Grand Lawn with local businesses & enjoy games & inflatables from 4:30-6:00 pm! Dress in your best family-friendly costume for a Costume Contest. Bring your Carved or Painted Pumpkin to enter in the Pumpkin contest. Contest Winners will be announced at 6:15 pm.

Don’t Forget a chair or blanket to watch a family Halloween Movie at 6:30 pm.

Presented by

America’s First Federal Credit Union * Ascension St. Vincent’s Health System * Avadian Credit Union

Cahaba Dermatology Skin Health Center * Cellular Sales Authorized Agent of Verizon Wireless * Chopt Creative Salad Company First Horizon Bank * Grandview Medical Center * Highland Dental Arts * Jackson, Howard & Whatley, CPAs

John Henley State Farm Insurance * Leaf & Petal * Liberty Park Joint Venture * Medical Properties Trust * Medicare Advisors of Alabama Next Level AVL * OnTime Service * On-Site Productions * Overture Tributary * Payroll & Benefits Solutions * Regions Bank

Sentry Heating, Air Conditioning, Plumbing, Electrical & Generators * Shades Mountain Baptist Church * Shelley Watkins ARC Realty Shoe Station * Southern States Bank * Spire * StoneCreek Dental Care-Vestavia * United Community Bank * The UPS Store Vestavia Hills Methodist Church * Vestavia Voice

2024 Hazardous Waste Day Collection Event

October 19, 2024 @ 8:00am—11:30am Je erson County Camp Bessemer - 3295 King Street, Bessemer, 35023 Je erson County Camp Ketona - 121 County Shop Road, Birmingham, 35217

INFRASTRUCTURE

CONTINUED from page A1

Regarding stormwater drainage, Downes said the city had a record number of rightof-way stormwater projects being managed in-house in last year’s budget, and the 2025 budget includes the same funding as 2024. Additionally, Vestavia Hills also will receive additional stormwater funding thanks to freshman U.S. Sen. Katie Britt.

“We have been blessed with Senator Katie Britt getting some Congressional-directed spending to facilitate a couple of more million dollars in stormwater improvements in areas off of Highway 31 and Shades Crest,” Downes said. “I can’t give a specific time frame for that project because we were awarded the monies and we’re in the early stages of collaborating with the federal government to execute on that.”

Information technology and cybersecurity are crucial areas of infrastructure improvement, Downes said. “If we don’t have a robust, resilient IT infrastructure that protects cybersecurity vulnerabilities, then we can’t deliver services in the most effective manner as things happen,” Downes said.

Among the enhancements planned are more than $1 million for a new generator system for the Vestavia Hills municipal complex (including City Hall, the Vestavia Hills Police Department and the city’s computer/data systems) and $246,153 for the Cybergard cybersecurity system.

Downes said that even though the city already has cybersecurity and generators in place, the council has prioritized an expenditure that makes the city’s systems more resilient. “We’re very proud of that inclusion in the budget so that we can provide uninterrupted services,” he said.

EMPLOYEE TRAINING

Another area the City Council emphasized for fiscal 2025 is training for all city employees. Earlier in 2024, the city established its first human resources department with two full-time employees, and the 2025 budget allocates $30,000 to improve citywide hu-

man resource training for general topics. The human resources department will facilitate training aimed at improving customer service relations, risk management and general knowledge for city employees.

The Vestavia Hills Police Department will receive $60,000 for additional highly trained master patrol officers and funding to relocate the department’s firearms training facility to rural St. Clair County.

The Vestavia Hills Fire Department will receive the largest amount of funding for training. Downes said training has been a hallmark of Fire Chief Marvin Green but has been held back due to “facility limitation.” To address this problem, Downes said the cities of Vestavia Hills and Mountain Brook have agreed to share some training resources. The 2025 budget includes just under $1 million to build a burn structure for training purposes at the Mountain Brook Fire Department’s training center.

“The ability to collaborate has been very well received by both Vestavia Hills and Mountain Brook,” Downes said. “This would not be possible without the collaboration with Mountain Brook. We all get better by working together, and it’s something that’s very positive from that standpoint.”

QUALITY OF LIFE

The third major category addressed in the 2025 budget is quality-of-life initiatives.

“The city of Vestavia Hills, over the last four years, has invested extraordinary monies into quality-of-life initiatives to include our Civic Center, our parks upgrades and the like,” Downes said. “However, while the participation at all of these venues has just skyrocketed and we’ve grown our staff to support those areas, there continues to be one-off projects that are getting the attention of our City Council.”

One of these priorities is Altadena Park,

which is receiving funding for a new playground, exercise equipment and a sand volleyball court, for which a location is yet to be determined.

Additionally, the City Council is aggressively working to complete sidewalk projects throughout the city, including connecting Massey Road to U.S. 31 and the completion of sidewalk projects in Cahaba Heights and Rocky Ridge. Vestavia Hills Assistant City Manager Cinnamon McCulley said the sidewalk projects have been popular among the city’s small businesses.

“Everything I hear is positive. The changes we have made have been very well received because it’s helped a lot of our merchants to plan events to get foot traffic into their businesses,” McCulley said. “It’s great for our community. It’s great for our merchants. It’s a win-win for all of us.”

Learn more about the Vestavia Hills fiscal 2025 budget at vhal.org.

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Workers from Central Alabama Asphalt mill asphalt off Lime Rock Road in Vestavia Hills in preparation for repaving on June 3. The city’s 2025 budget includes more than $2 million for road paving.

Photo by Jon Anderson.

Gordon said getting to work there is her “favorite thing” and an unexpected honor.

MAKEUP AS AN ART

Gordon’s interest in art started early.

“I’d been an artist my whole life,” she said. “I’d always painted and been interested in drawing and doing all that fun stuff.”

She’d also been interested in the special effects makeup she saw on TV.

“So I started painting acrylic paint on my legs and my face, which is not the safest, and I don’t recommend doing that,” she said with a laugh.

Gordon still didn’t see her makeup hobby as something connected to her theater program at Vestavia Hills High. But that all changed when an opportunity came along to enter a theater competition: the Walter Trumbauer High School Theatre Festival, put on by the Alabama Conference of Theatre.

Her friends started saying she should enter it — they saw something she couldn’t see.

“I was like, ‘I don’t even know what I would compete with,’ and they told me there was a makeup portion,” Gordon said. “And so I was like, OK, that’s a little out of my comfort zone, but I would do it.”

She had to choose a Broadway show or another stage production to create the makeup for, and she chose “Alice in Wonderland.”

“You had to come up with character makeup and design for every character that would be in the show,” Gordon said. “I made a whole posterboard and had to write out every character and the description and why I chose to do that.”

She scored a superior in her district and progressed to the statewide competition — which she won.

From then on, Gordon had a new dream, which she’s now living out. After she graduated from Vestavia, she planned to move to Burbank, California, to attend Make-up Designory, a professional makeup school. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, her plans were delayed about a year and a half, but ultimately she made it.

“I was there for about six months; I did the full program,” Gordon said.

The course of study at Make-up Designory is a little different than at cosmetology school, she said. It has a beauty program, and they learn about color theory, but there’s also lab work with molds and prosthetics for special effects makeup.

HALLOWEEN FUN

After Gordon graduated in May 2023, one of her teachers, who works at Horror Nights, asked her to apply to work there.

“After I finished her class, she mentioned she really wanted me to apply for it, which was great to have someone take a moment out of their day to say, ‘Hey, I think you would really thrive in this environment,’” Gordon said.

She interviewed and “fortunately got hired right after school, which I was told was super rare.”

Gordon’s first work at Horror Nights was with quick lines, which are less complicated makeup jobs.

“Since I didn’t have a ton of experience, they typically put you in that spot,” she said.

“You’re not doing huge makeups; you’re kind of just putting fake blood where it needs to go or putting black makeup on their necks so you can’t see it when masks are on.”

After a few hours, the event organizers moved her to an area where she was working with masks.

“It was such a wonderful experience,”

Gordon said of Horror Nights. “I met my favorite people that I surround myself with, such supportive friends.”

She said she also loved being surrounded by Halloween for two months.

“It’s just a great environment to be in and extremely fun; it’s a great place to grow,” she said. “It’s a seasonal job, yes, but it’s something to look forward to each year.”

Gordon said she really enjoys the special effects aspect of the work.

“That’s something that’s always been super fun, getting to experiment with it. There’s not really a right or wrong way to do it, and that’s just really fun for me,” she said.

She also enjoys her work on the set of short films.

“On set, I’ve done a lot of injuries and regular beauty makeup, some bruises, some cuts,” Gordon said.

FUTURE PLANS

Gordon said she hopes to one day get into the Make-Up Artists and Hair Stylists Guild, a membership that is required for artists to work with big-budget films and TV shows.

“That is my goal, and I’m giving myself about 10 years because it can take longer or shorter, but that’s something I’m working toward,” Gordon said. “I want to get to a place where I can work on high-end films with big budgets so that I’m able to flourish my creativity and work with other people to create something really cool.”

In the meantime, she’s happy right where she is, she said.

“I’m fortunate to have found something that really brings me joy so young in life,” Gordon said. “I can 100% say I’m the happiest ever. I just love being there and doing makeup and figuring out what works best for me and working with other people.”

She said she’s grateful for a great support network of family, friends and teachers back home who encouraged her along the way, including her grandparents.

“They’ve been my No. 1 supporters since day one,” Gordon said. “They’ve always bought me art supplies and supported my makeup ideas, and when I told them I wanted to go to makeup school, they were so, so supportive of me.”

She said even though it’s been a challenge to support herself in California as she moves up in the industry, she has zero regrets.

“I have a lot of interests, and I’m such a

creative person. … Something I really enjoy about this career choice is that it’s something new every day,” she said. “Every set job that you get and every opportunity you get, it’s never the same thing.”

That goes for both the work and the people Gordon meets.

“I like that there’s different colors and textures and character ideas and getting to work with a whole bunch of new people,” she said. “I love getting to make connections and meeting like-minded people who are also in the creative field.”

Jamie Stephenson, the theater teacher at Vestavia Hills High School, said Gordon is a “very talented makeup artist” who impacted the way Stephenson runs the theater program at the school.

“She loved that art form and wanted to pursue it after high school,” Stephenson said. “She is a big part of the reason that I created a makeup and costuming class so that other students could be able to only focus on those aspects of theater.”

She said Gordon always had a focus on her future and turning her creativity into a career.

“It is so wonderful to hear that she was able to accomplish those goals.”

Grace Thornton contributed to this report.

Above left, Isabella Marie Gordon puts makeup on the face of a model in a fashion class in Burbank, California. Above right, a face prosthetic piece she is creating. Below left, a fake injury Gordon created. Below right, Gordon and fellow makeup artists for Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights in Hollywood dress in costumes to look like some of the characters at the 2023 event. Photos courtesy of Isabella Marie Gordon.

Look as good as you feel with a tailored plan from Vulcan Wellness & Aesthetics

Vulcan Wellness & Aesthetics in Vestavia Hills is passionate about helping to empower you in your unique wellness journey. Wellness differs for each person, so we meet you where you are and provide expert, customized care.

Whether you need help with weight management, hormone balance or aesthetic dermatology, we do a thorough consultation, present your treatment options and help you pick the best one for you.

At Vulcan Wellness, our board certified, physician-only staff tailor treatment plans to each patient and avoid one-size-fits-all solutions.

Our weight management program is physician monitored and offers real, evidence-based treatments — not gimmicks or quick fixes. We also follow up with patients monthly to make sure they’re on track and help them manage any side effects.

Dr. Brytney Cobia and Dr. Thomas Lewis, among the co-founders of Vulcan Wellness, are also board certified in obesity medicine in addition to their primary board certifications.

In hormone management, Vulcan Wellness takes advantage of the many recent breakthroughs in the field to help patients.

“We have so many modalities to restore hormone balance,” Dr. Cobia said.

Vulcan Wellness is a Biote-certified clinic for hormone replacement ther-

apy, which can help people with such issues as fatigue, mood swings, weight gain, low libido and hot flashes.

Whether you’re male or female, young or old, we can help you find the right solution for your hormonal needs. We help women cope with menopause and treat men’s decreased testosterone levels.

In aesthetic dermatology, Vulcan Wellness specializes in patients that are currently losing weight or have lost a significant amount of weight.

“We have honest conversations about techniques we can use to make

them look more well-rested and fresh, and restore the volume and youthfulness to their face after weight loss,” Dr. Cobia said.

Vulcan Wellness also provides a wide range of aesthetic services, including fillers, injectables, hair removal, acne clearance and customized facials.

Dr. Cobia enjoys her work with patients and recently left a long-time position as a hospitalist to focus entirely on Vulcan Wellness. Her training in internal medicine combined with her work in obesity medicine and hor-

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• Where: 2015 Kentucky Ave., Vestavia Hills

• Call: 205-438-6009

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mone management make her uniquely suited for this practice.

“I enjoy having long appointment times to get to know my patients and give them the time to really describe how they're feeling and how they are struggling,” Dr. Cobia said.. “By far the best part of my job is that most people feel hopeful and excited after just the first appointment, and that continues to build as success continues.”

Dr. Cobia and the other physicians at Vulcan Wellness continue to educate themselves regarding recent medical advances.

“In medicine, physicians are perpetual students, and it’s exciting to be involved in such a fast-paced, constantly evolving field,” Dr. Cobia said.

For example, she has spent hundreds of hours growing her knowledge and skills in aesthetic dermatology.

“My goal is to provide natural results to make the patients feel more well-rested and fresh, and look as good as they feel,” Dr. Cobia said.

Tuscaloosa’s Capstone Village is a luxury retirement community for active retirees.

Capstone Village offers worry-free living while encouraging lifelong learning and healthy activities.

Located on the historic campus of The University of Alabama — the vitality of collegiate life is brought right to your doorstep.

“We take full advantage of our location at UA. Residents are provided with many opportunities to pursue fun, vibrant, active lifestyles.” said Jana Smith, Director of Sales and Marketing for Capstone Village.

The residents at Capstone Village enjoy university amenities — athletic and cultural events, access to campus libraries, auditing of classes and access to the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI). Many Capstone Village residents are volunteer instructors and OLLI members.

Capstone Village emphasizes health and wellness for residents by offering onsite fitness classes, including yoga, dance and strength training. Residents also receive memberships to the well-equipped student recreation center located directly across the street. “The special relationship between the University and Capstone Village is something our residents cherish. Most of them worked on campus, attended school here or are huge Alabama fans,” Smith said.

Residents enjoy having UA students from various departments and sports teams volunteer at Capstone Village. Students present musical concerts, host health clinics, facilitate special events, socialize with the residents and even work on research projects. For more information or to request a tour, call 855-406-8242 or go to capstonevillage.ua.edu.

There’s lots of landscapers in the Birmingham area, but few measure up to Gardner Landscaping in Hoover.

The company’s experts, all of them licensed and insured, have provided top-quality residential and commercial service since 2006.

“We have the people and resources to get your project done in a timely manner,” owner Grant Gardner said.

Grant is proud of a major project Gardner Landscaping completed recently at Oris and Oak, a new wedding and events venue at 613 Sanders Road in Bluff Park.

A nine-acre property, Oris and Oak has a bridesmaid’s house, a pavilion for wedding ceremonies and a barn for receptions and other events.

The facility’s owner wanted a traditional Southern design, and Gardner Landscaping planted favorites like holly, live oaks, magnolia and hydrangeas.

“The traditional Southern plants create a gorgeous farm-style look and feel, but the property is unique because it’s inside the Hoover city limits,” Grant said.

Fall is the perfect season to have Gardner Landscaping beautify your property.

“It’s the best time of year to plant new trees and shrubs,” Grant said.

Gardner Landscaping will create a customized plan for your yard based on your preferences, as well as sun exposure, soil type and landscape slope.

In addition, Gardner Landscaping is

“very good at building outdoor play and entertainment areas,” Grant says.

The team stays abreast of the latest designs, can satisfy any client’s taste in

Landscaping

Budget Blinds: A business built on family values

In the fast-paced world of home improvement, few businesses manage to thrive for decades while staying true to their roots. Steve and Michelle Thackerson, owners of Budget Blinds in Vestavia Hills, have been faithfully serving their customers for over 30 years.

Steve’s story in the industry began long before Budget Blinds came into the picture. “I started working for a paint store here in Vestavia right after high school in the ’80s,” Steve recalls. “One day I got to work, and our blind installer had quit. They gave me his tools and sent me out on my own.” The rest is history.

Soon after Steve and Michelle got married, Steve decided to go into business for himself and became one of the first-ever Budget Blinds franchisees. After about a year, his office manager left due to health issues, prompting Michelle to help run the business. Steve and Michelle discovered that their skill sets complement each other well, and their business began to take off. Today, their store consistently ranks among the top franchises out of 1,000-plus Budget Blinds locations nationwide.

At the heart of the Thackersons’ business philosophy is an unwavering commitment to customer service. “We wouldn’t sell anything to you that we wouldn’t put into our own homes,” Steve explains. Their family-oriented approach extends beyond their household to their employees, many of whom have been with them for well over a decade. “The least amount of time somebody’s been with me is 12 years,” Steve says, reflecting on the sense of family that permeates the business.

Budget Blinds is also a leader in innovation. Over the years, there have been changes in the window coverings industry, from the materials used to the growing role of technology. The government’s ban on cords for safety standards is one example of the evolving landscape. “Motorization is becoming more popular

due to the permanent ban on cords,” Steve shares, highlighting how they’ve embraced these innovations. These types of products are especially popular in homes with tall windows where cordless window treatments are impractical.

Shutters remain one of the Thackersons’ top-selling products, along with woven woods. These timeless, stylish choices resonate with customers who seek both function and aesthetics in their window coverings.

What truly sets Budget Blinds apart is the seamless experience Steve and Michelle carefully cultivate for their customers. “We take care of all the scheduling — from our salespeople coming out to measure to having the blinds installed by our team,” Steve explains. This hands-on approach ensures that every customer feels looked after from start to finish, an experience that large chain stores simply can’t replicate.

This personalized service, combined with superior products, helps the Thackersons stand out in the industry. “Our prices are competitive, and we offer a one-time replacement on all products for five years,” Steve says. “That’s just an unheard-of warranty in any industry.” Steve says they often get phone calls from customers whose dog has chewed a blind or whose kids have broken one by throwing a ball. He and his team promptly replace the damaged products, reinforcing their commitment to customer care.

For Steve and Michelle Thackerson, Budget Blinds isn’t just a business — it’s a reflection of who they are. A family that works together, cares deeply about their community, and strives to provide the best service possible. It’s no wonder their customers keep coming back, decade after decade.

To learn more, visit the showroom at 2130 Columbiana Road anytime Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., call 205-824-3300 or go online to budgetblinds.com/birmingham.

If you suffer from allergies or other ear, nose,

For a complete and thorough evaluation make an appointment today to see one of our 15 board certified physicians, 4 highly trained, licensed PA’s, or 16 clinical audiologists – all available to serve your needs at any of our 10 locations.

At our practice, your health comes first; and we strive to treat each patient as a person, not just another case. Our goal is to deliver a positive personal experience along with a positive outcome.

For your convenience, we have same day appointments available, as well as early morning, evening, and Saturday appointments. Please call 1-888-ENT-5020 (1-888-368-5020) for more information, visit us

Assisted Living & Memory Care at The Crossings.

Feel the warmth of specialized, person-centered care at The Crossings at Riverchase — where we treat each resident with a higher level of attentiveness and compassion. Our bright, inviting spaces have been purposefully designed for enrichment and engagement, and our Masterful Moments® programming enhances residents’ wellness in mind, body and soul. Whether in need of assisted living or memory care, our nurturing staff provides encouragement and support at every turn — so residents can spend each day with greater comfort and ease.

Discover the difference at our welcoming community — call 205-351-4662 or visit TheCrossingsAtRiverchase.com.

Spooky events coming to Vestavia Hills

By LOYD McINTOSH

There will be plenty of spooktacular fun for kids and adults this month as Halloween comes to Vestavia Hills. From trick-or-treating and games to costume contests for kids and adults, there is an array of events throughout the city to keep you celebrating Halloween for days:

► Oct. 25: Halloween Spooktacular.Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest,

6:30-8 p.m. This is the first of several Halloween events being put on by the Library in the Forest this year. The library will have activities for kids of all ages, such as spooky tales, games and prizes, crafts and snacks. Kids are encouraged to dress in costume or just wear their best scary face.

► Oct. 26: Halloween in the Heights. Cahaba Heights Merchants Association, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. This event for the whole family will feature

trick-or-treating, music, a witches’ ride and shopping at Cahaba Heights businesses. For more information visit vhal.org/event/halloween-in-the-heights.

► Oct. 27: FallFest. Vestavia Hills Baptist Church, 4-6 p.m. The event will feature trunk-or-treating and a bouncy obstacle course for kids, a cake walk and plenty of food and games. Learn more at vhbc.com/events/2024/10/27/fallfest.

► Oct. 29: Haunt the Hills. Wald Park, 4 p.m. This event by the Vestavia

Hills Chamber of Commerce is designed for the whole family and will feature sponsor booths, a costume contest and a Halloween movie. For more information about Haunt the Hills, go online to vhal.org/event/haunt-the-hills-3.

► Oct. 30: 12 Below: Spooky Movie. Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Kids in grades 3-6 can enjoy a spooky movie while making their own popcorn mix to snack on. Call 205-978-0158 for more details.

Left: Costumed visitors make their way around the 2023 Halloween in the Heights event in Cahaba Heights. Center: An attendee at the 2023 Haunt the Hills event put on by the Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce at Wald Park. Right: A young witch poses in the Halloween photo booth at the Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest in October 2023. Photos courtesy of Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest.

For more event information, go to vestavia voice.com

EVENTS

Vestavia Hills events guide

Oct. 3: Community Night Out. 5-7 p.m. Vestavia Hills City Hall, 1032 Montgomery Highway. A night filled with entertainment, jump houses, free food and a pumpkin patch. Meet Vestavia Hills police officers and firefighters and connect with neighbors.

Everyone is welcome to this free community event. For more information, visit vhal.org/calendar.

Oct. 8: Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce Monthly Luncheon. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Vestavia Country Club, 400 Beaumont Drive. Network with other chamber members and hear a speaker. Reservations $25; late reservations $30. Reservation deadline is Oct. 3. For more information, contact the Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce at 205-823-5011 or visit vestaviahills. org.

Oct. 12: JMT + Dave P + Friends in Concert. 6 p.m. Hillside Music and Que, 633 Montgomery Highway. For more information, visit johnmarkturner.com/shows.

Oct. 16: Monthly Morning Rolls and Referrals. 8-9:30 a.m. Town Village Vestavia Hills, 2385 Dolly Ridge Road. A monthly professional networking event with other local business providers. All types of businesses are welcome. Drop by for coffee, cinnamon rolls and connections. Register online for your chance to win door prizes. This event is free. For more information, visit business.vestaviahills.org/events.

Oct. 23: Annual BlueWatch Conference. 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Vestavia Hills Civic Center, 1090 Montgomery Highway. Experience a day of learning and fellowship with law enforcement officers from around the state. This year’s summit is designed to give officers the tools they need to face the challenges of law enforcement. John Davis and A.C. Roper are the keynote speakers. The agenda is designed to offer something for everyone regardless of

their role or rank in law enforcement. Breakfast, lunch and refreshments will be provided. Tickets range from $80 to $95 and can be purchased online at bluewatchfoundation.org/upcoming-events.

Oct. 26: “Encanto — The Sing-Along Film Concert.” 4 p.m. Jemison Concert Hall, 1200 10th Ave. S., Birmingham. Disney Concerts and AMP present a cross-national tour where Encanto lovers of all ages have the opportunity to sing along with their favorite Grammy Award-winning songs performed by a live band while watching the full film. Produced by AMP Worldwide, “Encanto: The Sing-Along Film Concert” will include all the music of the Academy Award-winning film, performed live. Live characters do not appear in this event. Fans are encouraged to dress up as their favorite characters from the film and use their voices to transform the venue into one big celebration of the Madrigal family. Adult tickets are $55; children’s tickets are $35. Receive 10% off when you purchase four or more tickets together. Visit alysstephens.org/events/encanto for tickets and information.

Library in the Forest

TECHNOLOGY

Oct. 3: Windows 1. 4-5:30 p.m. Electronic classroom.

Oct. 10: Intermediate Microsoft Excel Part I. 4-5:30 p.m. Electronic classroom.

Oct. 15: Intermediate Microsoft Word. 4-5:30 p.m. Electronic classroom. Prior Word use required.

Oct. 29: Tech Talk — Streaming TV. 4-5:30 p.m. Electronic classroom.

ADULTS

Oct. 2: Crafter’s, Inc. — Haunted Apothecary Bottles. 11 a.m. Community Room. Registration required.

Oct. 9: Read & Feed Book Group. 6 p.m. Grand Hall. Snacks and discussion of “Sociopath: A Memoir” by Patric Gagne.

Oct. 11: Craft Lab — Halloween Zentangle with Darla. 7 p.m. Community Room. All materials are provided, along with snacks and prizes. Free, but registration is required.

Oct. 14: Cat Castles Craft Event. 6 p.m. Community Room. All materials supplied.

Oct. 21: Alzheimer’s Series — Dr. David Geldmacher. 6 p.m. Community Room.

Oct. 24: Friends of the Library Fundraiser — Dolores Hydock. 10:30 a.m. Community Room. Master storyteller Dolores Hydock will share “Every Picture Tells a Story: The Storytelling of Norman Rockwell.” Tickets are $20 and go on sale Sept. 1. Buy online or at the library.

Oct. 28: Horror Movie Trivia. 6 p.m. Community Room. Grab your spooky friends and dress your scary best for a night of horror movie trivia, tricks and treats.

CHILDREN

Tuesdays: Toddler-a-Go-Go. 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Community Room. Toddlers ages 18 to 36 months.

Tuesdays: After-School Adventures. 3:30-4:30 p.m. Children’s Program Room. Grades K-2.

Wednesdays: Silly Goose Storytime. 10:30 a.m. Children’s Program Room. Ages 3-5.

Wednesdays: 12 Below. 3:30-4:30 p.m. Children’s Program Room. Grades 3-6.

Thursdays: Book Babies. 10 a.m. Treehouse. Ages birth to 18 months.

Oct. 8: Family Night — Drive-in Movie. 6 p.m. for the meal, 6:30 p.m. the movie starts. Amphitheater. All ages welcome.

TEENS (GRADES 6-12)

Fridays: Open Gaming. 4 p.m. Community Room. Enjoy awesome board games and play the latest consoles with other teens. Snacks served.

Oct. 2: Writing Group — Two-Sentence Horror Stories. 4 p.m. Historical Room. Snacks served.

Oct. 8: Tabletop Gaming Group. 4 p.m. Makerspace. Play through “Betrayal at the House on the Hill.” Snacks served.

Oct. 9: Art Group — Monster Mash-Up. 4 p.m. Makerspace. Make shared monsters together. Snacks served.

Oct. 15: Shelf Ghosts. 4 p.m. Makerspace. Help create unique bookshelf banshees to decorate the library’s teen department shelves. Snacks served.

Oct. 16: Game Party. 4 p.m. Makerspace. Play in-person interactive Jackbox party games. Phone or mobile device recommended. Snacks served.

Oct. 22: Pumpkin Painting. 4 p.m. Amphitheater. Snacks served. Oct. 29: Scary Movie Night. 4 p.m. Community Room. Watch a spooky film and eat candy salad.

MAKERSPACE

Mondays and Thursdays: Open Maker Lab. Monday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Thursday, 2-5:30 p.m. Come work on your personal projects.

Oct. 4: Intro to 3D Printing. 4:30-5:30 p.m.

Oct. 10: Cricut Academy. 10-11:30 a.m. Learn to prepare your cuts in the Cricut DesignSpace software and how to operate the machine.

Oct. 21: 3D Modeled Jack-O-Lanterns. 4-5:30 p.m. Ages 10 and older. Space is limited, so please register.

A place like home

Ava Scott Windham finds her place with Rebels

By KYLE PARMLEY

It is often a stressful time for a high school athlete to assimilate into a new team, a new locker room, a new environment overall.

But not for Ava Scott Windham. When she moved to Vestavia Hills as a junior, there was no difficulty fitting in with a new group.

That’s primarily because she already knew most of her teammates on the volleyball team. Windham grew up in Vestavia before moving to Tennessee for a few years. The move to Vestavia Hills High School was essentially a return home.

“I got word there was this player coming back that everybody knew and everybody was excited about,” Vestavia Hills head coach Ashley Hardee said.

“I didn’t know Coach Hardee, but he’s been so welcoming, so it was amazing,” Windham said. “The girls have been my best friends for so long. I stayed in contact with them when I moved away, so I was super excited to come back.”

She fit into the volleyball program seamlessly, starting on the right side for the Rebels as a junior last fall. This year, the Rebels have needed her services primarily as a middle.

“I’ve played every position since I’ve played volleyball. I’ve always been a utility player,” Windham said. “That’s something that has set me apart from a lot of other girls, and it’s opened a lot of opportunities for me.”

Most importantly, she’s earned the respect of her teammates and coaches. She was named one of the team’s captains, along with fellow senior Jordan Madsen.

“It’s such an honor to know that all the girls see how much I love them,” Windham said.

This year’s Vestavia team has big goals. The Rebels play in Class 7A, Area 7 along with Albertville, Grissom, Hewitt-Trussville and Huntsville. They are aiming to be one of the top two in that area in order to advance to the North Super Regional tournament later in October.

As any coach does, Hardee sees plenty of areas for improvement when he watches his team play. But he noted that the Rebels have to “peak at the end of October,” which is certainly within reach.

Windham said when her team is at its best, “everybody’s cheering for each other.”

“We don’t divide ourselves into seniors and juniors and sophomores. We keep each other at the same level. We have the same respect for each other,” she said.

Windham’s volleyball journey began as a fifth grader playing at the Hoover Met. She hasn’t looked back since. And she’s hoping, along with senior teammates Madsen, Emily Byrket, Caroline O’Neill, Piper Metty and Emma Wisdom, to leave a positive legacy at Vestavia on and off the court.

“You want to make it your best year, and we want people to remember us as people. Not even as individuals, but all of our hearts and being genuine people,” she said.

Windham aspires to play college volleyball, but she has not quite determined her next steps.

“I’m just going to go where my path takes me,” she said.

Her path has already led her back to a place that’s home to her, and she’s passed that test with flying colors.

“To move into town, be a good enough player, have enough self-confidence and be a good enough teammate to get into the starting lineup like she’s been there forever, that says a lot about her personality,” Hardee said.

Vestavia Hills' Ava Scott Windham (7) serves during a match between Briarwood and Vestavia Hills on Sept. 3 at Vestavia Hills High School. Photo by Kyle Parmley.

Rebels prep for final stretch

By KYLE PARMLEY

The Vestavia Hills High School football team hits the final stretch of one of the most difficult schedules imaginable in October.

Following the Rebels’ open date on Sept. 27, they play four straight Class 7A, Region 3 games in the month. Three of those four will be on the road as well, but the schedule does look more manageable than a first half that included Hewitt-Trussville, Thompson, Carver-Montgomery and Auburn, all teams that appear in the Alabama Sports Writers Association top 10 poll.

Vestavia Hills travels to Prattville on Oct. 4. It will be the first meeting between the two programs, as Prattville moves into Region 3 for the first time this season.

Prattville has been a Region 2 team for the last 10 years before the latest reclassification by the Alabama High School Athletic Association. The Lions have been working to get back to the playoffs for the first time since 2021.

The following Friday, the Rebels will play a more familiar opponent, as they travel to Heardmont Park to play Oak Mountain. Vestavia Hills has won 15 of the teams’ 20 meetings, including a 50-0 win last fall.

Similarly to Prattville, Oak Mountain’s last playoff appearance was also 2021.

The Rebels return home Oct. 18 to take on Tuscaloosa County, a program that hasn’t been in the playoffs since 2014. Vestavia has owned this series in recent years, winning 45-0 last year. The Rebels have won nine straight contests in the series and hold a 14-6 edge all time.

Vestavia Hills wraps up the region slate Oct. 25 on the road to play rival Hoover. It remains to be seen how much the game

will mean for both teams. Hoover has navigated the season with interim head coach Chip English and has made the playoffs every year since 2000.

This will be the 60th meeting between the storied football programs, with Hoover holding a 38-21 edge through the first 59 games.

Vestavia snapped a seven-game skid in the series with a dominant 26-7 win early last season. It’s been a series largely dominated by the Bucs in recent years, but even in long losing streaks, Vestavia found a way to make the rivalry matchup a compelling game.

Vestavia Hills will conclude the regular season with a home game against ClayChalkville on Nov. 1. The Rebels and Cougars

met in the first round of the state playoffs in 2000, with Clay earning a close win. Clay-Chalkville will provide quite a challenge as the defending Class 6A state champions and one of the top teams in the state once again this season.

If the Rebels qualify for the postseason, the first round is set for Nov. 8.

Vestavia OL Caleb Boylan (53) snaps the ball in the HewittTrussville vs. Vestavia game at Thomspon Reynolds Stadium on Sept. 6. Photo by Savannah Schmidt.

Lakeshore Foundation’s Sports Science and Performance Center offers world-class training for every athlete

In January, the Lakeshore Foundation opened its newest addition, the Sports Science and Performance Center (SSPC), with one goal in mind: to create greater disability equity in the sports industry.

SSPC offers a variety of services to help each athlete reach their goals. This begins with their Sports Performance Assessments, which includes body measurements and advanced body composition scans, metabolic testing, cardiorespiratory tests, power assessments and sport-specific assessments.

Lakeshore’s SSPC also offers strength and conditioning packages, with both in-person and remote options. Additionally, they provide personalized nutrition plans and mental performance packages that focus on building a pre-performance routine, concentration and confidence.

According to Terry Schrimscher, the Associate Director of Communications, SSPC serves anyone looking to reach the next level in sports performance.

“It’s tailor-made training for athletes who come in — and they come in from all over the world,” Schrimscher said.

Recently, Schrimscher said a man who was both an X Games and paralympic athlete came all the way from Minnesota, to train at their facility.

“Athletes with disabilities, whether they are training to compete or just wanting to be healthy and active, don’t always have access to the best equipment or access to lot of the advances in science and technology,” Schrimscher said.

“We built this lab with people with disabilities in mind. It’s built around custom training that’s the best available on the market, but it’s open to everyone. So now, every athlete, whether they’re disabled or non-disabled, has access to the same equipment and equal access to it.”

Liz Baker, Team USA paralympian and seven-time world paratriathlon event medalist, visited the new

facility earlier this year. She was there to help her friend, seven-time paratriathlon world champion Aaron Scheidies.

Scheidies was working on filming a TRX video for the blind and visually impaired at SSPC. Since Baker is a visually impaired athlete herself, her teenage son drove her to Birmingham.

While at SSPC, Baker underwent strength testing, balance testing, resting metabolism tests and a Dexa Scan. For athletes with an impairment trying to compete at the highest level, Baker said “there’s nothing like it.”

Lakeshore Foundation

• Where: 4000 Ridgeway Drive

• Call: 205-313-7400

• Web: lakeshore.org

“Their new sports performance section has all of the bells and whistles and the latest technology to help you reach your goals,” she said.

Later, Baker also had a “lunch and learn” in the nutrition lab.

“[It’s] probably the coolest nutrition lab I’ve been in and I’ve been to all of the USOPC centers,” she said.

“This one stands out.”

While Baker and Scheidies worked, Baker’s son received testing, too.

“My son doesn’t have a visual impairment; He’s non-disabled and he plays soccer, and those tests for him were amazing,” Baker said.

Baker encouraged parents of non-disabled children to bring their kids to the facility and support what SSPC is doing, which in turn could open up new avenues for SSPC to fund athletes.

“When you’re talking about being a visually impaired athlete, and racing internationally, if you can’t reach the criteria to make the national team, you’re funding it all for yourself,” Baker said.

“So, [for] places like SSPC to be able to make that an opportunity for you and you still get all that testing … it’s really an asset.”

The Lakeshore Foundations’ SSPC is located at 4000 Ridgeway Drive in Birmingham. They are open weekdays and work by appointment. For more information, go online to lakeshore.org/ sports-science-performance-center.

Helical Piers

Faces of Vestavia Hills

Chuck Turnbough, UAB scientist and superfan

By SAVANNAH SCHMIDT

Vestavia Hills resident Chuck Turnbough is a science and sports-loving superhero.

Turnbough, a professor of microbiology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham since 1980, specializes in the research of bacillus anthracis, or anthrax. This bacteria releases deadly spores that have historically been used as a form of biological warfare, but Turnbough’s research aided in creating detectors that curtailed its threat.

This scientist’s career as a Blazer fan, however, is just as notable.

When UAB disassembled its football program in 2014 for financial reasons, Turnbough decided to fight back for his beloved team and the whole student body. Out of Turnbough’s resilience came the T-shirt slogan “We’ll be Back.” He printed this phrase on 830 UAB Football T-shirts to hand out at the campus and the Vestavia Hills Publix. Over the next three years, Turnbough and his colleagues donated money, collected student petitions and campaigned at the Alabama State House to bring back the team.

“We had a saying, ‘They tried to bury us, but they didn’t know we were seeds,’” Turnbough said. Their campaign raised the $19.5 million required to bring the program back and even helped acquire the additional $20 million for resources.

In 2017, Turnbough printed a new slogan on his shirts: “We are Back.” Today, his group of science professors enjoys UAB tailgates in a new light.

“Mission accomplished,” Turnbough said.

Air Conditioning, Heating & Generator Experts

Library offers hub for creativity and learning

By LOYD McINTOSH

The Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest is more than just a place to find a great book to read or to study for an important exam. It’s also a place where people in the community can work with their hands and create new things in the library’s innovative Makerspace lab.

Initially created in 2018, the Makerspace lab is situated in a space toward the rear of the library, once occupied by a cafe. Even at midday on a Wednesday, the Makerspace was busy with activity as its director, Derek Anderson, gave a tour.

“Right now, what this is doing is we're 3D printing a patron submission,” Anderson explained as a 3D printer roughly the size of a microwave oven whirred away, creating what looked like a key fob mold for potential commercial use, although Anderson wasn’t sure what the final piece would be.

"This guy is prototyping some kind of custom part that he's trying to make, and so he's got a bunch of different sizes and shapes of this tool or replacement part,” Anderson said. "This is the kind of thing that people come to us with.” Anderson said this project is just a part of how the Makerspace supports the community.

Anyone with an idea can either complete a submission form on the library’s Makerspace webpage or bring their idea to the lab in person.

The Makerspace team will examine the idea and discuss the proper application process and, finally, the cost to develop the prototype, he said. Once the process and price are agreed upon, Anderson said they will create the prototype on one of the Makerspace’s machines, including a large-format 3D printer, vinyl cutter, milling machine or heat press engraver, often right in front of the patron’s eyes. "They can see their item get printed, or they can bring in a 3D model and we'll take a look at it right here in the room," he said. “People bring in a flash drive or something that they want to make, and we'll take a look at it and make the settings in the software and get their projects rolling. That happens a lot of times.”

The Makerspace also offers a photography studio, with seasonal backgrounds and a green screen as well as an array of other tools including tripods, lighting boxes

and a DSLR camera for patrons to use.

There are classes for all ages several days per week on a variety of topics, such as Introduction to 3D Printing, Beginner 3D Modeling with Tinkercad (a web-based design platform) and the Open Maker Lab, in which all of the equipment and Makerspace staff are available to help turn ideas into reality. Additionally, the library staff in September

doubled the hours and the number of classes for the Open Maker Lab. Previously, Open Maker Lab classes were only offered on Thursdays from 2 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. Now, the Makerspace offers the class on Monday mornings as well, to try to reach more people and work with their schedules, Anderson said.

To learn more about the Library in the Forest Makerspace, visit vestavialibrary.org/makerspace.

A mother and daughter check out the 3D printer in the Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest Makerspace. Photo courtesy of Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest.

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John and Teresa Croyle with their new 2024 GMC Sierra 1500.