SENIORS

Photo courtesy ‘I am not thinking about retiring at all,’ Gene Hallman, left, said. ‘I’m more energized than I have ever been.’ The Alabama Sports Hall of Fame will recognize Hallman as its 2022 Distinguished American Sportsman during its 54th Annual Induction Banquet and Ceremony on May 7.

The Sporting Life

Hallman’s Career Path Lands Him in the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame

By RuBin E. GRant

Gene Hallman had reached a crossroad.

After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in economics from the College of Charleston in 1982 and earning a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of South Carolina in 1985, Hallman went to work for NCR, a financial firm.

But after five years of working in corporate America, Hallman decided that wasn’t the life for him. He had a passion for sports and wanted to work in the sports world.

So, he moved back home to Anderson, South Carolina, to live with his parents while he figured out what direction he wanted to take.

After a while, he went to work for IMG as a manager for PGA tour golfers, starting as a marketing consultant for Corey Pavin. But he decided that wasn’t for him, either, especially with the constant traveling.

“It was too tough trying make a living doing that,” Hallman said. “I didn’t want to just be a small player in a big business.”

So, without knowing a soul, Hallman moved to Birmingham in 1992 to become tournament director of the inaugural Bruno’s Memorial Classic golf tournament. Three years later, he founded the Bruno Event Team with Ronnie Bruno. It specializes in managing operations at large sporting events.

Now, 30 years since coming to Birmingham, Hallman is the chief executive officer and owner of Bruno Event Team, which has grown into one of the largest sports event management companies in the nation. Bruno Event Team has more than 80 employees in nine offices throughout the United States and Bermuda.

“I didn’t envision being in Birmingham for 30 years and counting or that I’d still be in the sports business,” Hallman said. “I wasn’t sure where my life path would take me.

“When we formed the Bruno Event Team in 1995, we didn’t have a strategic plan. We were just going to pursue the opportunities in front of

us. We didn’t look beyond maybe even a year.”

Bruno Event Team manages a number of notable events, such as U.S. Women’s Open, U.S. Senior Open and many other professional golf tournaments on the PGA Tour, along with PGA Tour Champions and LPGA.

Other events it manages include Magic City Classic, SEC Baseball Tournament, WBC Heavyweight Championship title fights, SEC Gymnastics Championship, NCAA Gymnastics Championship, NCAA Men’s Soccer Championship, SEC Women’s Golf Championship, SWAC Football Championship, Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama, Barber Vintage Motorcycle Festival, Davis Cup, Fed Cup, 1996 Olympic Soccer and 2004 Olympic Marathon Trials.

Hallman also is CEO of both ZOOM Motorsports and Bruno Hospitality, a catering service.

He lives in Vestavia Hills with his wife, Allison, and their two children, Ella, 18, and Marshall, 16, both students at Vestavia Hills High School. He also has two stepdaughters, Maddie and Molly.

‘I didn’t envision being in Birmingham for 30 years and counting or that I’d still be in the sports business. I wasn’t sure where my life path would take me.’

GENE HALLMAN

Marathoner in Life and Career

A long-distance runner, Hallman has completed six marathons, including both the New York City and Boston marathons.

Now 62, Hallman is showing no signs of slowing down or considering retirement. As a matter of fact, Bruno Event Team is assisting with the management of The World Games to be held in Birmingham this summer.

“The World Games and the 1996 Olympic Soccer are probably the two most gratifying events I have been involved with because they are international in scope,” Hallman said. “I am really looking forward to the World Games and I am really proud they are coming to Birmingham.”

Since 2008, Bruno Event Team has managed gameday operations for the University of Alabama football, basketball and gymnastics programs. More recently, Bruno Event Team has worked with Auburn University, UAB and Alabama State University on various aspects of their football gameday operations.

Hallman also was instrumental in bringing the USFL to Birmingham. The league kicks off its spring football season in April. He is currently assisting the league with marketing and community relations in its inaugural season.

The first sporting event Hallman managed, which is now called the Regions Tradition, will celebrate its 30th anniversary in May, having raised more than $20 million for Alabama charities.

“I am not thinking about retiring at all,” Hallman said. “I’m more energized than I have ever been.”

Hallman is a member of the Birmingham Golf Hall of Fame and the Birmingham Business Journal Top 40 Under 40 Hall of Fame. The Alabama Sports Hall of Fame will recognize Hallman as its 2022 Distinguished American Sportsman during its 54th Annual Induction Banquet and Ceremony on May 7.

He will join an impressive list of others who have been honored as ASHOF Distinguished American Sportsmen. They are: Bob Hope (1988), Hugh Culverhouse (1991), former President George H.W. Bush (1992), Charles O. Finley (1993), Larry D. Striplin, Jr. (1998), Bill Ireland (2000), Roy Kramer (2003), Jim Wilson Jr. (2005), Michael E. Stephens (2006), Joseph Gibbs (2008), Nick Bollettieri (2009), Rick Woodward (2010), Don Logan (2011), Ron Froehlich (2015), Mike Slive (2015), Edgar Welden (2016), Pete Derzis (2017), Jimmy Rane (2018), Daniel Moore (2019), Robbie Robertson (2020), Angus R. Cooper II (2021) and John McMahon Jr. (2021).

“I was stunned when they told me,” Hallman said. “I was also delighted and excited. That’s the biggest award of my professional career. It’s humbling to think I will be in the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame.”

TruBlue of Birmingham Focuses on Seniors Who Want to Age-in Place

When owner/operators Mur Feldman, Roxanne and Rick Batson opened the doors of TruBlue they agreed that one of the main focuses of their company would be to help seniors who want to stay in their homes for as long as possible.

The company now has two Certified Senior Safety Specialists who will help seniors and their adult children assess the home and determine what can be done to make it easier and safer to live there.

The TruBlue technicians do senior modifications such as installing lever door knobs in place of old, round door knobs that can be hard to operate when arthritis strikes, resurfacing slippery bathroom tile, or securing wobbly handrails.

We have a plan that provides a regularly scheduled technician to do jobs such as replacing filters, batteries, ceiling light bulbs, and move items to storage called Home Maintenance Plus. “These are small jobs, but are so helpful to seniors who no longer have the mobility to do it themselves. Until TruBlue, getting these things done was almost impossible!” said Roxanne Batson.

Among the most popular requests are installation of grab bars, handheld showers and replacement of thresholds that hamper navigation for wheelchairs and walkers.

TruBlue services homeowners who are located in Homewood, Mountain Brook, Vestavia Hills and Hoover.

For more information about TruBlue call 205839-3818.

Steel City Walk in Tubs

“As we get older we want to be able to remain in our homes and we want to remain independent and risk free,” said Spencer Bissell. Steel City Walk in Tubs is owned by Richard Trueb, Spenceer Bissell and Cody Walker.

Walk-in tubs offer customers the ability to make their bathroom a top-tier spa experience, make their bathroom safe for continued daily use, and allow the homeowner to make their home one step closer to being equipped for continued use for years to come as they get older.

Steel City Walk in Tubs are built to fit any sized tub slot. Whether it is a standard fiberglass tub or a large jacuzzi tub, the demo is the same: remove the old tub, fit the new walk-in tub making sure the plumbing matches up, the tub is installed and ready to be used.

“Down time for the client is as much as one to two days without a tub, depending on the situation,” said Spencer. “Everything else is determined by the scope of the project for the bathroom.

“We have our own in-house installation team that we trust and respect. It is headed by one of our owners, Cody Walker of Curren Builders. Their crews have 35 years of experience and reputation to back up the high quality work they are able to accomplish.

“Our acrylic walk-in tubs are wonderfully easy to maintain and keep clean and like new. The self cleaning jet system prevents microbial growth, the acrylic tub allows for quick and easy cleaning that anyone can do, and the high quality fixtures maintain their luster and shine for years to come.”

Another attractive feature of walk in tubs, according to Spencer, is that they can be deductible as a medical expense, since your time spent in them is able to improve your well being and possibly treat some ailments you face.

For more information call 205-789-3807.

Walk-In Tubs

Safe, spa-like bathing experience without leaving home

Danberry at Inverness

The Unique Choice in Senior Living

Even more than larger floor plans, gorgeous architecture, and outstanding amenities—Danberry at Inverness frees you to create a lifestyle all your own, with

Independent Living, Assisted

Living, and Memory Care all right here. More peace of mind.

And a lot more fun! Call (205) 443-9500.

In the past, seniors seeking a retirement community had few options. Often, it was either an uninspiring urban high-rise with few outside amenities or an upscale development built around a golf-course or waterfront with few personal services.

But today’s retirees and tomorrow’s retiring baby boomers increasingly demand an environment that not only is carefree, but also offers them ample opportunities to remain mentally and physically active in a soothing natural setting.

In other words, they want an address that redefines retirement.

Danberry at Inverness senior living community, located at 235 Inverness Center Drive in Hoover, just off US 280 and Valleydale Road, is an example of an inspiring approach to retirement living that feels unique from the moment one enters its atrium lobby. Stained-glass windows and a cascading waterfall set the mood for a retirement lifestyle that emphasizes natural beauty, vitality and personal fulfillment. Residents can choose from comfortable one-, two- or three-bedroom luxury apartment homes which are appointed with upscale features such as ceramic tile floors, granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. English gardens and flowering landscapes complete these picture-perfect residences.

The award-winning Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired architecture and natural surroundings only add to the peaceful, stress-reducing environment.

“We believe that Danberry at Inverness offers people over 55 independent living unlike anywhere else - one that encourages growth, learning and discovery of new things about yourself and your environment,” said Danberry at Inverness Marketing Director Lori Krueger.

Get more out of life at

Danberry at Inverness Residents enjoy:

•Flexible dining options •Transportation •Housekeeping •Fitness Center •Wellness Clinic •24-hour nursing •Indoor resort-style pool •Full-service salon & spa •Card & billiard rooms •Creative arts studio •Movie theater •And much more!

Comprehensive health and wellness services for independent living, assisted living and memory care lifestyles are available at Danberry at Inverness, and they are offered in meticulously designed environments that invite nature indoors. For example, throughout the Danberry at Inverness Clubhouse, nature seamlessly blends both indoors and out with fireplaces, the atrium lobby, English tea gardens and waterfalls. Here, residents can take care of everyday details and enjoy a range of first-class amenities (movie theater, creative art studio, bridge and card rooms) and services (library, mail/communications room). Dining is available in the formal dining room and al fresco on the garden terrace. OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAl life

A Dynamic Approach to Wellness The advantages of living in one of today’s wellnessoriented retirement communities are many: ample opportunities to stay as strong and independent as Danberry at Inverness possible, staying in the mainstream of activities and Danberry at Inverness retirement community has been chosen as one of the nation’s top communities in 2013 on SeniorAdvisor.com, the events and keeping a healthy outlook on life. Danberry premier online ratings and reviews site for senior living communities at Inverness offers exceptional fitness opportunities all nationwide. The SeniorAdvisor 2013 Excellence Award recognizes senior living under one roof, such as “senior-friendly” spa services, communities that receive consistently high ratings and positive reviews a fully equipped fitness center, classes including Tai from residents, families, and visitors. “Receiving this des ignation places Danberry in the top one percent of all retirement communities Chi, aerobics, water yoga and Pilates, a private senior-nationwide,” said Danberry at Inverness marketing director, Lori friendly heated indoor, resort-style saltwater pool and a Krueger. “We are so proud that so many—especially our residents— wellness clinic. consider us to be one of the best of the best.” “Our residents will tell

“We make sure our residents have every opportuniLocated in Inverness on you that they wish they’d ty to learn, explore and savor life in a whole new Lake Heather, Danberry at moved here sooner. They way,” said Krueger. “In other words, we help them Inverness is a senior living community for adults 55 and love the carefree, fun-filled design a future filled with fun!”older with every convenience and rewarding retireThis community really must be seen to be believed, so stop by Danberry at Inverness today, visit DanberryAtInverness.com or call 443-9500. and amenity imaginable, including a clubhouse with card rooms, a ballroom, indoor swimming pool, creative art studio, salon/ ment lifestyle they find at Danberry. And we love serving them!” lori Krueger, marketing director, spa, theater, fitness studio, Danberry at Inverness. innovative wellness programs and much more. Residents enjoy chef-prepared menus and dining with friends in the casual bistro or more formal dining room. Services include scheduled transportation, concierge and weekly housekeeping. For those in need of a helping hand, 24-hour licensed professional nursing is available on-site in Assisted Living at Danberry, which offers a comfortable and luxurious atmosphere. On-site physical and occupational therapy also are available.

“Our residents will tell you that they wish they’d moved here sooner. They love the carefree, fun-filled and rewarding retirement lifestyle they find at Danberry,” said Krueger. “And we love serving them!”

Danberry is the flagship senior housing development for the Daniel Corporation and is managed by CRSA®, an LCS® company.

Danberry at Inverness is located on Lake Heather just off U.S. 280 and Valleydale Road in Hoover, 443-9500.

Congress is in session –ARE YOUR VETERANS BENEFITS SAFE?

Our speaker is William G. Nolan, an accredited attorney with the VA and a local Elder Law attorney with the firm Nolan Stewart, PC. Mr. Nolan has written articles about and is a frequent speaker on the subject of Veterans benefits.

You will also learn more about services provided to qualified Veterans exclusively by Always Best Care.

Thursday, March 20, 2014 • 13

ABOVE: Residents spending time together at Danberry at Inverness. LEFT: The atrium at Danberry at Inverness is the center of the clubhouse. It connects the common areas and provides a place where residents can enjoy a cup of coffee or a cocktail with friends before dinner.

Top: The atrium at Danberry is the center of the clubhouse that connects the common areas, providing a place residents can enjoy a cup of coffee or a cocktail with friends before dinner. lefT: Waterfall at the entrance to Danberry. Above: lori Krueger, left, marketing director and Jaclyn Gardner, executive director of Danberry at Inverness.

Veterans benefits have been available since WWII...

yet there are some in Congress who want to significantly curtail your benefits. If you are a Veteran or the widow of a Veteran, or if you might become a caregiver for a Veteran, please join us for an informative and timely (and free!) presentation on “The Future of Your VA Benefits”.

235 Inverness Center Drive Hoover, AL 35242 The Future of Your VA Benefits Tuesday, April 8 OR Thursday, April 10, 2014 • 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

DanberryAtInverness.com Refreshments and Door Prizes 235 Inverness Center Drive • Hoover, AL Limited Availability!

The changes that Congress proposes are not yet law but their intent is clear – they want to make it much harder for Veterans and widows to obtain their pensions. Consider applying for your pension now, before it becomes more difficult!

Distinctively Different Retirement Living

235 Inverness Center Drive Hoover, AL 35242

www.DanberryAtInverness.com

RSVP to (205) 443-9500. Limited Seating.

Helping find the Independent Living, Assisted Living or Memory Care that is right for you.

Birmingham-auBurn

seniorplacementservicesllc.com

Finding the right retirement community for yourself or a loved one can be a difficult task. The Birmingham area is blessed with an abundance of excellent retirement communities, but for seniors, the process of locating the community that matches their lifestyle needs and their budget can be overwhelming.

Fortunately, there is a solution for those considering the move to a retirement community. Senior Placement Services, LLC has helped hundreds of seniors find the perfect fit for their clients since the company’s founding in 2018.

Best of all, said owner Tim Meehan, the service is absolutely free. Clients of Senior Placement Services will never pay a fee either to the company or to the retirement community they choose as their new home. “Many people find it hard to believe,” said Tim, “but our services are actually 100% free to our clients.”

Tim and his team of Placement Specialists bring decades of senior care industry experience to the task of helping seniors locate the best fit for their needs. “Because we know the industry and have worked with the local communities,” said Tim, “we are able to assess our clients’ needs and narrow their search to those communities that offer the best fit in terms of budget, location, lifestyle and health care needs.”

Tim and his team arrange facility tours, accompany clients on these tours, and perhaps most importantly, serve as their clients’ advocate throughout the process. The goal, Tim said, is to help his clients find the answers they need to make the best possible decision for themselves and their loved ones.

“We’re proud of our reputation within the senior community and the local senior care industry,” said Tim. “We believe we’ve earned that reputation by truly working to serve the best interests of our clients and their families.”

“BECAUSE WE KNOW THE INDUSTRY AND HAVE WORKED WITH THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES. WE ARE ABLE TO ASSESS OUR CLIENTS’ NEEDS AND NARROW THEIR SEARCH TO THOSE COMMUNITIES THAT OFFER THE BEST FIT IN TERMS OF BUDGET, LOCATION, LIFESTYLE AND HEALTH CARE NEEDS.” — TIM MEEHAN

For more information about Senior Placement Services, call Tim Meehan at 205-913-3902, or visit www.seniorplacementservicesllc.com.

Fighting Back Against Loneliness and Social Isolation with Aging

Two major challenges that many seniors face are loneliness and social isolation. Older adults often live on their own and may not have close friends or family nearby who can visit regularly. They may struggle with poor vision, hearing, mobility, or health which makes it harder to get out and about by themselves. In turn, this may leave them feeling depressed, frustrated, and disconnected from others.

Taking steps to identify those at risk and helping them to build connections and stay active and engaged is essential. Remember that not everyone who lives alone is lonely or socially isolated. They may live by themselves but still regularly go out and meet up with friends, volunteer in the community, talk with family, and maintain a strong sense of purpose. However, there are plenty of people who don’t have this kind of lifestyle.

TALK ABOUT IT

Talk to your loved one about their day. Find out what they did and what some things they want to do are. Are they spending much of their time inside and alone? What are some of the challenges to them getting out and interacting with others?

Look for ways you can help, such as:

4 Partner with an in-home care provider who can visit regularly, provide companionship, assist with activities around the house, escort on errands, and much more.

Loneliness and social isolation can take a toll on seniors’ physical, mental, and emotional health. Make a conscious effort to ensure that your aging parents have regular interactions with others, are able to participate in activities they enjoy, are having their daily needs met, and are able to build meaningful connections.

a difference and give them something to look forward to.

4 Teach them to use technology and connect over Zoom, FaceTime, Google Duo, Skype, or another video conferencing platform.

4 Getting them assistive devices such as hearing aids, a magnifier, or a walker or cane so they can stay more involved and know what is going on.

4 Arrange for transportation to help an aging parent get to the store, appointments, get-togethers with friends, church services, and recreational activities. Having a reliable ride can allow them to do more things independently and participate in things they enjoy.

4 Help them adopt a pet if they are willing and able to care for it. Dogs and cats can be wonderful companions and give seniors a greater sense of purpose. They can also be a great conversation starter to meet neighbors when out for walks.

4 Schedule regular times to call or video chat just to check in and catch up. Talking to them for just a few minutes a day can make

4 Coordinate visits from friends, family, community groups, or an in-home caregiver. Having someone to talk to, eat a meal with, or socialize with can reduce loneliness and isolation. Giving Our Best To Your Loved Ones Giving Our Best To Your Loved Ones

IN-HOME CARE

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This article was provided by Jennifer Mancuso, owner, Always Best Care. For more information on our services In-Home Care, Including Bathing, Grooming, Housekeeping, contact us at 205-874-9730 or email us Meal Preparation, Incontinence Care, Medication Reminders at jmancuso@abc-seniors.com Skilled Nursing, Occupational and Physical Therapy ServicesLet us help your The Only Agency in Alabama Accredited by the Accreditation Commission of Health Care (ACHC) for Aide, Companion and Skilled Nursing Services loved ones stay healthy, When you want the best for your loved ones, call Always Best Care!“I love Eloise! She does a great job for me and is a fit and happy in their sweetheart. Eloise is like one of my family members.” home in 2022!“Ruby is one of a kind and is super fantastic! She is so smart, that I do not even have to tell her what to do, she just does

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