Shelby Living December 2013

The Radical The Church at Brook Hills pastor puts faith and family first

your Seven items to help make your Christmas merry

The ultimate gift guide Find the perfect present for everyone on your list

Meet Freddie the Falcon

UM’s new mascot is ready to cheer on the home team December 2013 shelbyliving.com

$4.95 December 2013 | 1

tell them wzzk’s rick and bubba sent you

2013 RAM 1500 2013 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE

“ Truck of the Year” -Motortrend

ARE YOU TAILGATE READY? 1624 Montgomery Hwy Birmingham, AL 35216 855-Hey-Hoover • HooverAutomall.com

2 | ShelbyLiving.com

December 2013 | 3

FROM THE EDITOR

I

t’s early November as I write this editor’s note, but signs of Christmas have already appeared.

I can’t believe how quickly this year has passed, but I am excited about celebrating the holiday season with family and friends. I’ve always been one who loves traditions, especially family-oriented ones.

Some of my traditions have changed after I got married and moved to the Birmingham area a few years ago, but I have enjoyed the new traditions just as much.

With my expanded family, there’s more love to go around, and I love watching my nieces and nephews get excited about Santa Claus. My husband and I recently moved into a home, and I can’t wait to decorate it for the first time.

It’s easy to get stressed this time of year — so many presents to buy, deadlines to meet, friends and family to visit — but this year I’m determined stay in the moment and be thankful for all of the wonderful people in my life.

In this issue, we feature a few ideas to make your holiday special, as well as inspiring stories from Shelby County residents.

Give Santa a special treat this year by leaving him some of Birmingham Bake and Cook’s shortbread cookies. Check out the recipe on page 54.

Have you started your holiday shopping yet? If not, make sure to check out our gift guide on page 16. The guide includes great gifts for men, women and kids, and the items can be bought right here in Shelby County.

Kaitlin Moore is only 18 years old, but she’s faced more challenges than many who have led long lives. Diagnosed with a brain tumor at 10, she battled cancer for eight years before finally going into remission in September. Kaitlin maintained her compassionate spirit, and was named Alabama’s representative for the Youth Service America National Child Awareness Month Ambassador Program. Read more about Kaitlin’s inspiring story on page 34.

I hope you enjoy this issue of Shelby Living as much as we enjoyed putting it together. Have a wonderful holiday, and as always, feel free to contact me with any questions, comments or suggestions. l

Katie McDowell, Editor

Katie.McDowell@ShelbyLiving.com

ON THE COVER David Platt is the pastor of The Church at Brook Hills and the author of several books.

Cover design: Amy Baldis Photography: Allison Lewis Photography

SHELBY Living EDITORIAL Katie McDowell Stephanie Brumfield Drew Granthum Amy Jones Cassandra Mickens Neal Wagner CONTRIBUTORS Laura Brookhart Lauren Heartsill Dowdle Lisa Phillips Terri Sullivan Grace Thornton PRODUCTION Amy Baldis Jamie Dawkins Daniel Holmes Jon Goering MARKETING Jill Harvell Nicole Loggins Rhett McCreight Meagan Mims Kim McCulla Mary Strehle Kari Yoder ADMINISTRATION Tim Prince Jan Griffey Mary Jo Eskridge Jennifer Arias Kristy Brown Hailey Dolbare Christine Roberts Laurel Cousins Shelby Living is published monthly by Shelby County Newspapers Inc., P.O. Box 947, Columbiana, AL 35051.

Shelby Living is a registered trademark. All contents herein are the sole property of Shelby County Newspapers Inc. [the Publisher]. No part of this periodical may be reproduced without written permission from the Publisher. Please address all correspondence (including but not limited to letters, story ideas and requests to reprint materials) to: Editor, Shelby Living, P.O. Box 947, Columbiana, AL 35051.

Shelby Living is mailed to select households throughout Shelby County, and a limited number of free copies are available at local businesses. Please visit Shelbyliving.com for a list of those locations. Subscriptions are available at a rate of $12 for one year by emailing subscribe@shelbyliving. com, or calling (205) 669-3131, ext. 21.

Advertising inquiries may be made by emailing advertise@ shelbyliving.com, or by calling (205) 669-3131, ext. 12.

4 | ShelbyLiving.com

WHAT’S INSIDE

34

Features 24 THE RADICAL The Church at Brook Hills pastor David Platt puts faith and family first 30 HONORING OUR VETERANS The American Village launches Veterans Register of Honor 34 FINDING, GIVING COMFORT A family’s bond proves unbreakable against brain tumor December 2013 | 5

WHAT’S INSIDE

82

12 in every issue 8

THE SIMPLE LIFE

9

SHORT STORIES

58

SHELBY SPOTTED

80

OUT & ABOUT

82

WHY I LOVE SHELBY COUNTY

arts & culture education 12

HEALING THROUGH ART Alabaster rehabilitation facility offers painting classes for residents

14

ARTS COUNCIL CORNER The Hot Tamales will perform at the Shelby County Arts Council in December

christmas 16 THE ULTIMATE GIFT GUIDE Find the perfect present for everyone on your list from stores in Shelby County 22 HOLIDAY TRIMMINGS Seven items to make your Christmas merry

16 6 | ShelbyLiving.com

54 38 SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST University of Montevallo professors battle to win the annual Life Raft Debate 40 FEATURE FLYER The University of Montevallo’s Freddie the Falcon returns to the sidelines

home & food 46 AT HOME WITH RUSS AND DEE FINE Catch up with the former radio personalities six years after they went off the air 54 SWEETS FOR SANTA These festive holiday-inspired cookies and drinks are sure to keep you on the nice list

The 2014 Lincoln MKS

2014

Long-LewisLincoln.com.

2551 John Hawkins Parkway Hoover, AL 35244 Long-Lewis Ford Lincoln 205-989-3645 rparker@longlewis.com 2551 John hawkins Pkwy • hoover, aL 35244 205.989.ForD (3673) Long-LewisLincoln.com December 2013 | 7

THE SIMPLE LIFE

Finding JOY in the holidays

I

n years past, we’ve talked about finding the JOY in the holidays by “Just Organizing Yourself.”

Sounds simple enough, yet why do we still wrap up the season with too many commitments in too little time?

While being organized with the shopping, baking, visiting and Lisa Phillips, owner of SimpleWorks, activities, then adding end-of-year Simpleworksmtsp.com deadlines, tax preparations, office lisa@simpleworksmtsp.com parties and staff evaluations — is 205.981.7733 there any time or energy left to feel joy or give joy to others? JOY would be easy if it was “all about you,” yet for most, “you” is at the bottom of the list.

Here are some tips to move you up on your priority list while still putting the focus on others.

Time as a gift. Turn the focus on ways to give your time versus just spending money on a gift out of obligation. Treat a coworker to lunch, have a date night at the movies with a sibling, bake cookies with a friend, go shopping with your mother, golf with a friend, etc. Family activities, such as zoo passes, horseback riding and paddle boating at Oak Mountain State Park, can spread out the fun all year round. McWane Center, Birmingham Barons and Atlanta Braves tickets, concert tickets, Robert Trent Jones Trail cards — any of these can be dated for spring, giving everyone something to look forward to.

Twist on Dirty Santa. Everyone knows the traditional way of exchanging gifts in a group setting. You can unwrap a gift or steal from someone else.

Consider having a theme for your gift exchange. “Hungry Santa” is where all the gifts are food related. This could be homemade bread, a gift certificate from a local restaurant, a box of chocolates, craft beer or a bottle of wine. Have a gift card theme, then see who goes after the Starbucks, Old Navy or Academy Sports gift cards.

They are easy to buy and fun to give, as well as to receive!

Food. Holiday menus can quickly become overwhelming with office cocktails, school parties, social club networking and family get-togethers. Add in her side, your side and the Brady Bunch side, and you’re cooking and eating your way right through midJanuary. Ask yourself whether these traditions are still appropriate and appreciated. “Just because we’ve always done it this way” is not a reason to continue if it lacks the pizazz it once had.

Don’t lose sight that you are the JOY to so many people. You are in an airplane and you are instructed to put the oxygen mask on yourself first. That is so you can have the energy to support those around you. Start with yourself this season. Find your JOY so that you can help others feel the joy as well. It’s that simple. l

Find your JOY so that you can help others feel the joy as well.

8 | ShelbyLiving.com

SHORT STORIES

Big Brothers Big Sisters expands into county Inverness Elementary announces scarecrow winner Each year students at Inverness Elementary School create scarecrows that are displayed on the hill in front of the school and are then transported to the Birmingham Zoo to be used as part of Boo at the Zoo. Each kindergarten through third grade class comes up with a theme for its scarecrow and with the help and creativity of devoted parents, the many different ideas take shape. Local businesses sponsor a class scarecrow and the money raised is used to purchase items needed at IES that fall outside the regular budget.

This year’s winning class was Jamie Cox’s first grade class and was sponsored

by The Brian Campbell Allstate Agency.

The class theme was Cox’s Colorful Crayons and was represented by a pumpkin-headed scarecrow with hay hair popping out of a large Crayola-crayon type box with different color crayons representing the children in the class.

The scarecrows were moved to The Birmingham Zoo on Oct. 15, where they remained on display for the duration of Boo at the Zoo. The IES kindergarten classes took a field trip to the zoo to view the scarecrows near the end of October.

Weissman staff “bands together” for the cure Once again this year, Dr. Sherri Weissman and her orthodontic staff participated in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.

“Banding Together One Smile At a Time” is their annual motto.

The month of October is dedicated to having patient participation in supporting the Race for the Cure by wearing pink elastics on their braces.

Weissman, whose office is located in Inverness, made a donation in their names.

Big Brothers Big Sisters announced its official expansion into Shelby County with a ceremony at Montevallo Elementary on Oct. 16.

Vincent Elementary will join Montevallo Elementary as the first two schools in Shelby County to pilot the program, according to Sue Johnson, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Birmingham. Johnson said the program will expand to other schools as funding becomes available. Currently, more than 900 students are being served in the greater Birmingham area.

Johnson says she expects that number to grow, as an expected 200 students in Shelby County join the program within the next three years. Shelby County Commissioner Mike Vest played a large role in bringing the organization to Shelby County.

Superintendent Randy Fuller said the key to the district’s long-range success is the partnerships it has with the community.

“Big Brothers Big Sisters is a wonderful thing for Shelby County,” Fuller said. “What a wonderful thing for our students,” he said.

Big Brothers Big Sisters pairs at-risk youth with positive adult role models.

Students from Montevallo High School, Vincent High School, the University of Montevallo, as well as employees at EBSCO Industries will volunteer as Big Brothers and Sisters.

December 2013 | 9

SHORT STORIES

GES hosts Super Science Week Excited chatter filled the air as Greystone Elementary third and fourth graders assembled rubber bandfueled rockets as part of the school’s Super Science Week Oct. 14-18.

Enrichment teachers Mandy Fox and Judy Simpson coordinate Super Science Week. In addition to rocket assembly, kindergarten through fifth IT’S BETTER WITH BATH FITTER

®

10 | ShelbyLiving.com

grade students dabbled in rocket assembly, archaeology, animal science, chemistry, engineering, forensics and physics via activities funded by the Greystone Elementary Parent Teacher Association.

Fox and Simpson kicked off Greystone’s weeklong, themed events four years ago. Previous years focused n college, careers and robotics.

OMES honors teacher who died of cancer Lynn Purser, a special needs teacher at Oak Mountain Elementary teacher who lost her long battle with breast cancer last September, was honored at a special ceremony on Oct. 28. Several of Purser’s family members and coworkers attended a special ceremony to dedicate a special needs swing and two benches for the OMES playground in her honor.

The swing and benches were purchased with money donated to the school in Purser’s honor following her death last year. According to Principal Debby Horton,

the faculty of the school selected the special needs swing and the benches as a fitting tribute. Co-workers who spoke at the ceremony said Purser loved to bring her special needs students to the playground, so the new equipment was a very appropriate way to honor her.

Pictured are Purser’s husband, Mark Purser, and daughter, Molly White.

SHORT STORIES

OMHS photography students earn spots in art show Two Oak Mountain High School students had their works featured during the Second Annual Alabama High School Juried Art Show, sponsored by the Shelby County Arts Council, the University of Alabama and Regions Bank.

Gina Sherman and Nora Boone, both senior advanced photography students, competed in the photography category. Sherman had two pieces, titled “Deception” and “Bubble,” in the competition. Boone had one piece, titled “Impact.”

CHS students work on NASA project A group of Calera High School students are getting the opportunity to do handson science through a project that encourages high school students to grow ‘seed’ protein crystals that will eventually be used for space research.

Calera High School is one of 10 schools participating in a NASA competition to see whose scientific methods will result in the best type of crystal. The winning team will receive $10,000 in college scholarship money, which will be divided equally among the team members. The Calera students are participating in the program during

after school hours, working with science teachers Mark Drackett and Mike Smith.

The students are combining various types of solutions in capillary tubes and then manipulating the variables to see which process produces the best crystallization. The seed crystals will then be launched into space, where the microgravity environment is ideal for the crystals to grow into the size and shape needed to study their make-up.

Researchers study the makeup of the crystals for a variety of things, including the development of new pharmaceutical drugs.

December 2013 | 11

ARTS & CULTURE

Healing through Story and photos by LAURA BROOKHART CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Joe Meadows, standing, directs a painting class at Chandler Health and Rehab in Alabaster. Sue Bailey’s colorful canvas of leaves. Several of Ann Cunningham’s pieces are on display at the center.

12 | ShelbyLiving.com

T

he power of color and therapeutic expression never fails to amaze administrator Joe Meadows during the painting classes he guides at Chandler Health & Rehab in Alabaster.

“When you see people who are legally blind, have dementia, Alzheimer’s or Downs syndrome paint and interpret things, it blows your mind,” he said in September.

Meadows implemented his painting program in October 2008, and its popularity has endured even through his 18-month absence troubleshooting at other facitilites in Greystoke Health Systems. His recent return to conducting twice-weekly painting sessions for residents with all levels of challenges has been a sort of homecoming for Meadows.

In his office hang two large canvases with the

art

names and handprints of 31 residents imprinted along with well wishes.

“About half of those are no longer living,” he notes, “but those who are able, like Sue Bailey, continue to show up. We have newer residents, like Jimmy Beauchamp, who just this week chose to participate.”

Beauchamp, a quiet young man with a traumatic brain injury who always wears an Auburn cap, was able to hold the paintbrush and with encouragement from Meadows and Restorative Nursing Coordinator Regina Hall paint an AU, his initials and other more abstract shapes that could be interpreted as red birds and fish.

After the program was in high gear, Meadows took canvases to show at Montevallo Art Walk. Sue Bailey had already established her

reputation as one of the more dedicated painters — one who had developed a distinctive style that reflected an exuberant sense of color.

Bailey is known for two of the few words she employs in conversation, “one time.” After working on the canvas pictured, she wheeled herself away, “I tell you, one time,” she said in parting.

Her work and that of others is displayed throughout every hall at Chandler, like one extended gallery, and is especially enjoyed by visitors. The more prolific painters have work inside and outside their rooms.

On this September day, Ann Cunningham asks Meadows to paint her a black cat silhouette to add to her pumpkinthemed canvas underway. Cunningham has consulted with numerous doctors for macular degeneration issues that began in her 40s; she now has a large blank space in her central vision.

Inside her room hang paintings from her earlier years, much more precise in definition; others reflect the progression of her impairment.

“I liked to photograph. I always wanted to paint but was busy looking after my grandchildren for many years. And I enjoyed writing poetry and have had my poetry published,” Cunningham said.

For Suzee Wood Lee, the sessions helped her cope with her emotions.

“I was so angry when I arrived here. The painting helped to calm me down and use that time to think,” she said.

“It helped me to get to know the other residents and learn that they too had something to offer, that there was a value in getting to know them and become involved in other activities.”

Lee, one of the youngest rehab residents, found that her physical therapy took longer than she anticipated. “My early paintings were dark; I was sad and missing my children,” she said.

One concept piece was called “Sewing Seeds of Love” and depicted a bucket of hearts growing into flowers. She later painted a swing with three hearts hanging from a tree painted in the style of Tim Burton.

Lee hopes to return to working part time but says she will come back to Chandler as a volunteer.

Meadows’ teaching style is to make quiet suggestions with each resident, fetch a new color when needed or demonstrate how to mix colors together. He often rotates a canvas to make reaching a portion of it easier, which also allows the resident to see his or her work from a new direction.

Meadows estimates that his residents have produced more than 350 paintings within the last five years.

His innovative program has been written about in “Inside Healthcare” and “Advantage” magazines. Meadows, who is from Oxford, Miss., is also profiled and photographed with artist Sue Bailey, in the Neil White coffee table book “Mississippians.” l

PE

T GROOMING

&B

OUTIQUE

December 2013 | 13

ARTS COUNCIL CORNER

The Hot Tamales take the spotlight

S

helby County will get an early Christmas present when the Hot Tamales take the stage at the Shelby County Arts Council performance space in Columbiana for one performance only on Saturday, Dec. 14.

The Hot Tamales have been wowing crowds since the mid-90s when Kristi Tingle Higginbotham and Jan D. Hunter met at Town and Gown Theater in a production of “The World Goes Round.” In 1996, they joined forces for their premier performance as The Hot Tamales for a standing room only crowd at City Stages and have remained collaborators onstage and off, sharing tunes and lives ever since.

14 | ShelbyLiving.com

Terri Sullivan,

founder and director of development, Shelby County Arts Council

Both are regulars on the Birmingham theater scene, and have collectively amassed theatrical resumes that would make any Broadway diva envious. They have shared the stage in approximately 30 shows, along with the countless Hot Tamale shows and being the ladies of the popular quartet Four For Time.

Their Shelby County holiday show is high-energy fun and melody with a splash of divaliciousness thrown in. Mixed into their regular repertoire, they’ll share old holiday favorites along with new material they’re putting together just for you. Accompanying them will be Debbie Mielke on piano, Joe Cooley on drums and

Lissa LeGrand on bass.

If you are making plans for New Year’s Eve, stay tuned. A special night of music and celebration is in the works. Tickets for all shows are available online at Shelbycountyartscouncil.com or by calling 669-0044. Seating is limited to 100 and shows sell out quickly. l

SAVE the DATE for the

SHELBY Living

Bridal Show PRESENTED BY

Sunday, January 19, 2014 1 p.m.- 4 p.m. at the Cahaba Grand Conference Center ••••••••

3660 Grandview Parkway, Birmingham, AL ••••••••

For more information, visit Shelbyliving.com.

Sponsored by:

December 2013 | 15

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

The ultimate gift guide

for the

kids

Find the perfect present for everyone on your list – all from stores in Shelby County!

Produced by KATIE MCDOWELL Photographs by JON GOERING and CONTRIBUTED

Share the gift of laughter and dancing with your child with these charming books.

Boogie Monster and Tickle Monster, $16.95 each, Chelsea Lane.

Forget the bells and whistles. Sometimes the best toys are the oldfashioned ones. Marbles, $10; Pick-up Sticks, $8; Jumbo Jacks, $10; Jacob’s Ladder, $10. All from Favorite Laundry.

Let your child discover the adventures of being a firefighter with Janod’s Story Express. Janod Story Express FireFighters, $70, Favorite Laundry.

16 | ShelbyLiving.com

Keep your little ones’ ears warm in these whimsical knit hats.

Hats, $20 each, Gifted, 2643 Pelham Parkway, Pelham.

205-624-3400

Jazz up a simple T-shirt with a bright color and a patterned pocket – a perfect gift for kids or adults. Short-sleeved shirt, $22; long-sleeved shirt, $26. Includes shirt, pocket and monogram. Podos Ink and Thread, 56 Marketplace Circle, Calera.

205-668-0515.

With 50 geometric blocks, Janod’s Kubix offers a fun, new way to build. Kubix, $25, Favorite Laundry.

This shirt’s playful print is sure to make it one of her favorites.

Persnickity shirt, $80, Favorite Laundry.

December 2013 | 17

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

her

for

These metallic bracelets add an urban edge to any outfit.

Bracelets, $22 each, Chic Boutique.

Modern Muse, a new scent from Estee Lauder, includes notes of Mandarin, honeysuckle, jasmine, lily, musk and Madagascar vanilla. Modern Muse, $78, Alabaster Belk.

Wallet or clutch? These Hobo bags are cute enough and practical enough to serve as both. Green wallet, $110, and patterned wallet, $105. Both from Gifted.

With metallic fabric and a platform heel, these Sacha London peep-toe heels are perfect for a night out on the town. Shoes, $118, Chic Boutique.

18 | ShelbyLiving.com

These leather handbags will class up any outfit.

Linen and Leather pocket tote, $135; Cross-Islander bag, $235. All from Chelsea Lane, 16700 U.S. 280, Chelsea. 205-678-3361.

Add a little sophisticated sparkle to her outfit with this green and blue necklace. Necklace, $56, and earrings, $26. Chic Boutique, 270 Doug Baker Blvd., #300, Birmingham, 205-980-2272.

This Park Hill candle is beautiful, long-lasting and comes in a variety of scents, including sweet tea, rosemary, pumpkin and evergreen.

Candle, $24.99, Podos Ink and Thread.

Personalize your gift by monogramming a cooler, bag or wallet. Cooler, $24.99, Gifted.

December 2013 | 19

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

him

for

This handsome Michael Kors watch features a black face and chronograph subdials. Michael Kors watch, $275, Alabaster Belk, 300 Colonial Promenade, #2100.

205-685-9034

These soft, plaid button downs can work for the office or downtime. Nautica shirts, $55 each, Alabaster Belk.

20 | ShelbyLiving.com

These brightly patterned ties will jazz up his boring suits. Ties, $45-55, Alabaster Belk.

These Pulsar discs are perfect for disc golf tournaments or a friendly outdoor game. Disc, $9.99 each, Alabama Outdoors, 108 Inverness Plaza, Birmingham.

205-980-3303.

These beanies make the perfect stocking stuffer for him. Beanies, $25-$30, all from Alabama Outdoors.

These popular Patagonia jackets are extra soft and warm. Sweater, $99, and vest, $99, both from Alabama Outdoors.

He can show his allegiance to his favorite team with a leather wallet or money clip. Wallet, $40, money clip, $20. Both from Gifted.

This Ogio duffle bag is perfect to take to the gym. Duffle bag, $29.95, Podos Ink and Thread.

December 2013 | 21

BEST OF

Holiday Seven items to help make your Christmas merry

Celebrate the season with this whimsical Christmas tree painting.

Painting, $40, Gifted.

Transform your holiday decorations with instant snow. Instant Snow, $5 per can, Favorite Laundry, 100 Craft Street, Birmimgham.

205-533-7861

Remember your baby’s first Christmas with this rustic picture frame.

Frame, $26, Chelsea Lane.

Have your child’s name stitched onto this old-fashioned and charming stocking.

Stocking, Chelsea Lane, $38.

22 | ShelbyLiving.com

Let her show off her Christmas spirit in this festive corduroy outfit by Fireflies and Fairytales. Outfit, $54.99, Gifted.

She’ll sleep well on Christmas Eve in these festive pajamas. Merry Christmas pajamas, $30, Favorite Laundry.

Vietri’s Old St. Nick small rectangular plate is the perfect hostess gift for all the holiday parties you’ll be attending. Old St. Nick boxed plate, $52, Chelsea Lane.

December 2013 | 23

The A radical

The Church at Brook Hills pastor David Platt puts faith and family first Story by GRACE THORNTON Photographs by ALLISON LEWIS PHOTOGRAPHY and CONTRIBUTED

24 | ShelbyLiving.com

t the time in David Platt’s life when Hurricane Katrina submerged his house and everything he had, he had been praying a prayer that missionary David Brainerd had penned years ago.

“God, let me make a difference for you that is utterly disproportionate to who I am.”

Little did Platt know that a year later, at 27, he would become the youngest megachurch pastor and, soon after, a New York Times bestselling author.

“I’d never pastored before, and I’m fairly clueless as a pastor,” said Platt, now 34. “But I think God had it set up this way so that in the end only he gets the glory for anything good that comes out of it.”

Platt serves as the pastor of The Church at Brook Hills, a Baptist church located off

Alabama 119 in Shelby County that runs 4,000 in attendance on Sundays. He jokes that being a pastor “was just not on my radar at all” when he and his wife, Heather, evacuated from New Orleans to Atlanta in 2005, then began filling in at Brook Hills.

“I was just supposed to preach there one week, and then they invited me back for another and another,” Platt said.

The rest is history.

Platt may not have intended to become a pastor — especially not of a megachurch — but he wasn’t the least bit unprepared.

After earning two undergraduate degrees in journalism from the University of Georgia, he earned two master’s degrees and a Ph.D. in theology and ministry from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.

December 2013 | 25

PAGE 26: Platt is the pastor of The Church at Brook Hills, a Baptist church with an attendance of up to 4,000 on Sundays.

ABOVE: David and Heather Platt with their children, Caleb, Mary Ruth, Isaiah and Joshua.

PAGE 27: Platt, shown here in India, founded Radical, a resource ministry dedicated to serving the church by making disciples of all nations.

26 | ShelbyLiving.com

Once again, he’d never intended it to go that way.

“I went down there just planning to do a master’s and then just kept doing more and more school,” he said. “I just really wanted to go deeper … to be the most effective communicator of the word of God that I could be.”

Jim Shaddix, who at the time was a professor at the seminary and now is pastor of teaching and training at Brook Hills, said Platt seemed set apart from the beginning.

“David was part of a unique group of young preachers at New Orleans Seminary who not only loved preaching but were consumed with God and his glory,” he said. “David has never gotten over that. He is caught up in God’s glory and nature. You hear it in his voice and see it in his face when he talks about our Lord’s heart for

the nations.”

Platt’s message week after week has been the glory of God and how, in his love, God sent his son, Jesus, to make a way for people to find forgiveness from sin and have life.

And the next part — which Platt considers inseparable — is that those who find that life have the duty and command from Jesus to take that message to those who haven’t heard it yet.

He said his prayer for Brook Hills “is that we continue to faithfully proclaim God’s word — in every way possible, to as many people as possible — so that we can mobilize the people of God to accomplish the purpose of God around the world.”

It’s something Platt sees played out every day in the life of the church, even around his own dinner table. Two of his four children are

adopted from Asia.

“We wanted for about five years to have children, but God did not provide in the way we expected him to,” Platt said. “During that process, however, he led us to adopt our first son, Caleb, from Kazakhstan.”

Two weeks after they adopted Caleb, they found out Heather was pregnant.

Nine months later, they had their second son, Joshua.

“Praise God for withholding Joshua from us until the Father to the fatherless led us by his grace to an obscure city in northwestern Kazakhstan to adopt Caleb,” Platt said.

Caleb is now 8, Joshua is 5 and they’ve added two more — Mary Ruth, 3, adopted from China, and Isaiah, 1.

“I look around my table, and I see the mercy

ay Saturd 7 Dec. pm a 10 m-12 Baptist Health Center Chelsea (Next to Publix) 15582 Hwy 280, Ste 114 Ph: 678-6884 www.chelseabacksmith.com

December 2013 | 27

Platt, shown here in Korea, travels the world to spread the Gospel.

28 | ShelbyLiving.com

of God,” Platt said. “I love being with them. We have a great time together on a daily basis.”

One night the whole family went out to play and got stuck in a downpour. They decided to play anyway.

“The kids were like, ‘Why is nobody else outside?’ and I jokingly said, ‘They’re not outside because they don’t know how to have fun. Platts know how to have fun.’”

That has stuck and become the family joke, Platt said.

“Our family being a place of love and peace and joy and comfort has huge effects on ministry,” he said. “I pray continually for wisdom to guard what he has entrusted to me there. I pray for faithfulness as a husband and a dad.”

One thing he’s had to guard in recent days is his time, ever since writing the bestselling book “Radical” in 2010.

The book was based on a sermon series he preached at Brook Hills in 2008, challenging the church to know and live out what Jesus really preached, not what American culture says Christianity is.

“For any and every follower of Christ, that’s a purpose worth giving our lives to,” Platt said.

“We were created for something so much greater, so much deeper and so much more fulfilling than having a nice job, raising a decent family and attending a good church.”

Those things aren’t bad, he said, but “there’s more. There’s so much more.”

After “Radical,” Platt wrote two more books, “Radical Together” and “Follow Me,” both of which expound on the message of “Radical.”

He’s also started an organization called Radical aimed at equipping Christians to follow Christ, find their purpose and reach the nations.

All of this has given him a national platform and has made him a highly sought-out speaker.

But to Platt, that’s a sign not of his own accomplishment but that he’s a “product of God’s grace,” Shaddix said.

“David has been yielded to Jesus Christ from an early age, and it appears that from an early age he has been resolved to live a consecrated life to our Lord and his mission,” he said. “There’s no doubt in my mind that God’s favor rests on him in a special way for a special purpose in our time.”

For more information about The Church at Brook Hills, visit Brookhills.org. For more information about Radical, visit Radical.net. l December 2013 | 29

The National Veterans Shrine is patterned after Philadelphia’s Carpenter Hall and will be dedicated on Feb. 17, 2014.

30 | ShelbyLiving.com

Honoring our

veterans Story by STEPHANIE BRUMFIELD Photographs by CONTRIBUTED

H

istorian David McCullough once said the best way to teach history is to tell stories, and this idea serves as the foundation of American Village’s Veterans Register of Honor, a new, digital database that launched in September.

The website gives veterans the opportunity to tell stories via photographs, videos, words and other mediums.

The database can be accessed from the National Veterans Shrine at American Village, which will be dedicated in February 2014 and is where the database will be housed. It also can be accessed from the American Village website, providing worldwide access. The Veterans Shrine is patterned after Philadelphia’s Carpenter Hall.

Videos, biographical sketches and photos uploaded by veterans and their families will be spliced together with historical videos, giving context to the era in which that particular person served, said American Village CEO Tom Walker. The goal is to present something that is “unique and compelling,” Walker said.

“It’s not just some generic term – veteran,” Walker said in July. “This is someone’s son, someone’s brother, an aunt who is serving now in Iraq or Afghanistan ... It will be a unique way of reminding us that it’s service and sacrifice by individual people that has kept our country free.”

Walker said he hopes to have hundreds of thousands of veterans honored through the database within a few years.

Loren McAnally, a former Vietnam helicopter pilot with more than 20 years of service in the Army, began gathering material to submit in July. McAnally said he sees the project as a great way for previously

Jacob’s Corner EVENT CENTER

December 2013 | 31

untold stories to be made public.

“I know some veterans who have problems telling their own families (about their service),” McAnally said in July. “It’s sometimes easier to tell someone else or write it down. It’s just important to keep the legacy going.”

Walker said the database’s success is going to depend on individuals submitting themselves or submitting for their friends or family members who have served or who are currently serving.

There is no cost to submit, and Walker said you can go back and submit more information as you learn more.

Aside from storytelling, Walker said the other purpose of the database is to put things in perspective.

“If we know that liberty and freedom have not come cheaply to us, maybe we will take a little bit more responsibility in our civic lives to honor their service by our citizenship,” he said. “It really does present a human side to the price of liberty.”

A questionnaire is available on the website to register a veteran. The accounts are free. For more information, visit Veteransregisterofhonor.com.

The public dedication ceremony of the National Veterans Shrine and Register of Honor at the American Village is scheduled for George Washington’s birthday on Monday, Feb. 17, 2014. l

A concussion is an injury caused by a blow to the head in which the brain moves rapidly and may collide with the inside of the skull.

Loren McAnally, a former Vietnam helicopter pilot with more than 20 years of service in the Army, began gathering material to submit this summer.

KNOW S C

WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF

USPECTED

ONCUSSION

Any athlete with a suspected concussion: n

Should be IMMEDIATELY REMOVED FROM PLAY/ACTIVITY

n

Should be urgently assessed medically

.

n

Should not be left alone

Even a minor fall or collision may be of concern, so be alert to symptoms such as headaches, unsteadiness, confusion or other types of abnormal behavior.

n

Should not drive a motor vehicle

CONCUSSION CLINIC 205.934.1041 www.Childrens AL.org/concussion IN CASE OF MEDICAL EMERGENCY, CALL 911 OR GO DIRECTLY TO YOUR LOCAL ER

32 | ShelbyLiving.com

Ethe Xaward-winning P E R Idifference ENCE ®

of the

best best Shelby County

SHELBY Living

CCS is an extraordinary prep school with enrollment from infants through kindergarten • • • •

Advanced Reading Program (A Beka Curriculum) Balanced Classrooms (Structure and Play) Bible Instruction (Taught by Director Each Day) Biblical Character Development (Non-denominational) • Safe and Secure Learning Environment (High Tech Security and Visitor Systems)

Enroll Online at www.CCSLion.com

Road Valleydale

25 Southlake Lane • Hoover, AL 35244 (205) 444-5437

Pelham

450 Huntley Parkway • Pelham, AL 35124 (205) 620-2626

ossings Trace Cr

5390 Magnolia Trace • Hoover, AL 35244 (205) 733-5437

& by Ba

gazine Bir ld Ma min Chi gh am

2013

e zin ga Ma

Ala ba ma

brought to you by:

Finding, giving

Kaitlin Moore was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2005.

34 | ShelbyLiving.com

A family’s bond proves unbreakable against brain tumor Story by LAUREN HEARTSILL DOWDLE Photographs by JON GOERING

C

ancer can rob a person of many things, both physical and emotional. But for one girl, this thief wasn’t able to steal her will to live or unmistakable compassion.

Back in November of 2005, Lynn HightowerMoore was on a business trip when she received a phone call from her husband saying their oldest daughter, Kaitlin, wasn’t feeling well. What started as a headache quickly turned into something resembling a virus. And as Kaitlin’s symptoms worsened during the night, Lynn’s husband and mother let her know she needed to come back home to Helena.

The next morning, the family took Kaitlin to the doctor’s office, where precautionary tests turned into life-altering news: A CT scan showed a calciumbased tumor on her brain, which the Moores later found out was craniopharyngioma. Fifteen minutes after the diagnosis, a neurosurgeon came and talked with the family, and Kaitlin was admitted to Children’s of Alabama.

“You blink your eyes, and your whole life changes in five seconds flat,” Lynn says.

It didn’t take long for the family to realize the magnitude of Kaitlin’s tumor. “They told my parents, ‘Go home and get your affairs in order because you might not be going back home with your daughter,” Kaitlin remembers.

After everything started to sink in, Kaitlin, now 18, says she constantly thought about her family, and their support helped her make it through each day.

“I don’t see any way I would have made it without them,” she says. “I didn’t have to make that fight alone – we were all fighting for me to stay here.”

The 10-year-old made it through surgery, but she was not out of the woods yet. Two years later, Kaitlin’s tumor was back and on her brainstem. After December 2013 | 35

a failed surgery to remove the mass, she received the maximum amount of radiation.

“We just assume the doctors are going to fix our children and bring them back to normal,” Lynn says.

Kaitlin lost most of her sight, sees two of everything, does not have a functioning pituitary gland and has a damaged hypothalamus. “I lost more physically than most others with this tumor, but I came out the same person,” Kaitlin says.

And her mother says she is grateful for what she got to keep – her daughter.

“Surviving with her personality intact and not being a bitter person, that’s what I’m most proud of her for,” Lynn says.

While her body may have failed her, Kaitlin’s mind excelled, leading her to graduate as valedictorian from Pelham High School this year.

Now a freshman at Samford University, Kaitlin found out she was in remission this September.

Although no longer a patient at Children’s of Alabama, she can still be seen walking the halls, offering infectious smiles and wisdom beyond her years.

She inspired Cayleigh Cummings, coordinator of Children’s Miracle Network, while volunteering at the hospital. “She has so much compassion and focuses on all of the positives,” she says.

The hospital decided to nominate her for the Youth Service America (YSA) National Child Awareness Month (NCAM) Ambassador Program, and Kaitlin was chosen to represent the state of Alabama.

Involved with recommending Kaitlin for the YSA’s program, Cummings knew she would be a good fit because she was eager to help and learn more. “We thought this would be a perfect fit for her,” she says.

Kaitlin visited Washington, D.C., in September for the NCAM Celebration, where she was coached on raising awareness for children’s charities. She received a $1,000 grant from the program to go toward her project, Kaitlin’s Comfort Kits. However, since all of the materials were donated for her kits, she asked for the money to be awarded to another program for children with cancer: Children’s Hopeand-Cope Program.

“I have a community, family and, heck, I have a whole state of resources,” she says. “I hope I’m going to make a difference.”

Able to relate to what children and their families go through, Kaitlin picked the items in her comfort kits – from the blankets and toothbrushes to coloring books, pens and paper – by remembering what her family needed at the hospital.

“Coming from a family who has gone through 36 | ShelbyLiving.com

this, they know exactly what these families need at this moment,” Cummings says. “The kits help bring some normalcy to these families who come through the emergency department and then don’t go home for months, like what Kaitlin and her family went through.”

Children’s of Alabama gives her kits to families who come to the hospital and have children admitted immediately, like what the Moore family experienced.

Lynn, who stayed at the hospital for more than a month and a half with Kaitlin without leaving during her treatment, says she had family near the hospital who could bring her clothes and other necessities, but not everyone is as lucky. “If you’re from out of town, and your child gets sick, you might not have items like your toothbrush with you,” she says. “We want to give them the comfort of at least having some necessities – as many things as we could think of to

Kaitlin served as Alabama’s representative for the Youth Services America National Child Awareness Month Ambassador Program celebration in Washington D.C. in September.

make them feel human again.”

During this crazy, stressful time, Kaitlin says she hopes her kits can bring some relief to these families.

“I’m trying to make it where the parents don’t have to think about everything,” she says. “If the family isn’t OK, the child can’t really be OK. I want to make sure other families know there are people out there who do care about them and for them to take some comfort in the fact they’re not alone.”

Maturing from a 10-year-old fighting for her life to an inspiring young woman, Kaitlin’s empathy and encouragement continue to extend beyond the kits and hospital walls.

“I want to show other kids and tell the community it doesn’t matter where you are in life: Whatever you can do, you should do it,” she says. “Not caring is not an option around here. There’s always something to fight for.” l December 2013 | 37

EDUCATION

Survival of the

fittest University of Montevallo professors battle to win the annual Life Raft Debate.

Story by STEPHANIE BRUMFIELD Photographs by CONTRIBUTED

I

n a battle of the minds, University of Montevallo professors closed out UM’s annual Founders’ Day celebration with a sort-of dueling of disciplines, making arguments in front of hundreds of UM students as to why their disciplines should be brought on a fictional life raft and survive all other disciplines in the event of a catastrophe.

The Life Raft Debate, in its 16th year, is sponsored annually by UM’s Philosophy Club.

According to the website, participants are to “imagine that there has been a nuclear war, and the survivors (the audience) are setting sail to rebuild society from the ground up.” Only one seat is left, and the professors must argue for their respective disciplines while audience members listen and cast their votes at the very end.

Starting off the debate was reigning champion Brett Noerager, representing biology. He asked the audience to consider what cataclysmic event brought the audience to sail away in the first place.

“It was science that did this to us,” said Noerager to a burst of laughter from the audience.

It was science that created global warming, drought, disease, abnormal weather patterns and all that, he said.

“Unbelievable. If we had just denied it long 38 | ShelbyLiving.com

enough, but no, science just had to have its way,” he said.

Steve Parker, representing sociology, also asked audience members to consider what caused the theoretical catastrophe.

“It wasn’t because of a lack of our ability to crunch numbers,” Parker said. “What I offer is not truths or facts. I offer to be a participant, to

Scott Varagona, assistant professor of mathematics at the University of Montevallo, won the 16th annual Life Raft Debate Oct. 10.

participate with you … to (create) a greater, newer social order.”

Scott Varagona, the eventual winner representing mathematics, started his argument by saying he already knew what audience members were thinking.

“It’s 2013, can’t we just plug things into a calculator? Can’t we just Google the answers to math problems as we need them? No, because it’s the apocolypse. The Internet is gone. You can’t Google the answers anymore. You have to start from scratch,” Varagona said with a smile.

And mathematicians are made to start from scratch, he said. Mathematics is also needed to design cities, build buildings, construct bridges that won’t collapse and manage economies, he said.

“Embrace mathematics and save the world,” he said.

Richmond West, representing Eastern philosophy, took another route.

“Don’t save me,” he said. “The desire to save oneself is what got us into this mess.”

West said he hoped the audience would remember his words, and the fact that he was willing to give up his life for someone else. In creating a new world, he said, “Think about the mistakes that are destroying this one … This is a fun activity, but there is some truth in it, don’t you think?”

Pearce Durst argued that his discipline, rhetoric, was a “vote for us as a whole” because it was necessary to sustain a democracy. During his rebuttal, Durst also noted his discipline’s role in the actual debate.

“The game here is persuasion,” Durst said.

“What makes this night possible? We are all using it.”

Before votes were cast, former Life Raft Debate winner and physics professor Kevin Hope appeared on stage to play “Devil’s Advocate” and encourage audience members to vote everyone off the raft.

And while Hope lost the argument in the end, he didn’t miss the opportunity to take a jab at those on stage.

“He’s trained from scratch,” Hope said of Varagona. “Build a boat.”

About West giving up his life to save the other disciplines, Hope said, “I would pick on Richmond, but I think he’s already done enough for himself.”

The evening’s moderator, philosophy professor Michael Patton, said more than 600 votes were cast at the debate. For more information, visit Liferaftdebate.com. l December 2013 | 39

EDUCATION

40 | ShelbyLiving.com

Flyer

UM’s Freddie the Falcon returns to sidelines

Story by DREW GRANTHUM Photographs by MATTHEW ORTON

W

UM mascot Freddie the Falcon “flies” in during his grand entrance at Midnight Madness.

hen a huge crowd packed Trustmark Arena for the University of Montevallo’s annual Midnight Madness basketball preview on Oct. 17, it was obvious people came for something other than just basketball.

While there was grand applause during the introduction of the men’s and women’s basketball teams and subsequent scrimmages, the night belonged to another member of the UM athletic department. A long-lost friend, if you will.

For the first time in more than three seasons, the school’s mascot, Freddie the Falcon, returned to the sidelines.

Not only did Freddie make his comeback, but he received a complete makeover in the process.

Meredith Waldrop, head cheer coach at UM, said the effort to revive Freddie was a group effort.

December 2013 | 41

Freddie’s antics entertain the student section during Midnight Madness Oct. 17.

42 | ShelbyLiving.com

“Bringing Freddie back was a true collaborative effort on many parts here at UM,” she said. “I would have to give a large part of credit to our athletic director, Jim Herlihy.”

Waldrop said Herlihy, who manages Freddie and once worked with the Philidelphia Phillies, saw the importance of having a mascot as a means of connecting with a fan base.

Montevallo had a Freddie the Falcon costume, but it was considerably dated and uncomfortable for students to wear, leading to sporadic appearances before eventually disappearing altogether.

With the idea to update the costume in place, an effort was held to bring together influential figures from across the university.

“In January 2012, we had a half-day mascot intervention that included several key people on campus from athletics, alumni, SGA, actual students and university relations,” Waldrop said.

“We had a consultant come in, who actually ended up taking on the re-creation of Freddie, and led us in various activities, discussions, brand scenarios and brainstorming sessions in order to get a feel for UM and what we would like to see in the new Freddie.”

While the consultant ended up creating the new costume, Waldrop said great attention to detail was

taken to make Freddie as fan-friendly and UMspecific as possible.

“The consultant took the information and created for us a character branding plan, specific to our needs,” she said. “The plan included focused guidelines including vision, target, performance, branding and revenue goals, messaging and character media.”

The consultant had a proven track record. Dave Raymond, the original Philly Phanatic — the famous Philadelphia Phillies mascot — and his mascot design and development company were called upon to give Freddie life.

Once the costume was a go — and the character of Freddie was given a personality — the task of finding someone to bring Freddie to life came to the forefront.

Waldrop said an extensive audition process was held to find three students that could bring the energy and dedication needed to make Freddie unique.

“The performers that were selected had to participate in a mascot tryout that consisted of several different categories to demonstrate their abilities to fill Freddie’s shoes,” she said.

Overall categories for competition were: communication skills/spirit, prepared skit, and

Five with Freddie Q; How does it feel to be back?

A: It is an amazing feeling to be back on the home court of the Montevallo Falcons! Montevallo students and fans are like no other; they make you feel the Falcon pride and make me feel right at home. I am happy to be back to cheer on the Montevallo’s men’s and women’s basketball teams to victory during this upcoming season!

Q: Has this always been a dream job of yours?

A: YES! Since first attending Alabama College (our school name before we became the University of Montevallo) as a young falcon I had dreamed of being a mascot for a school like no other. Then Montevallo opened its gates to me and allowed me to show my Falcon spirit and my purple and gold feathers. This dream job is more than a job – it’s a family.

Q: You have dance moves like Jackson, and basketball moves like Jordan. Is there anything you can’t do?

A: There is no challenge I am not willing to face; as the mascot for UM I am willing to soar above any obstacle that comes my way.

From busting a move on the court to hitting nothing but net, I’m a fighting falcon that is always willing to do anything for my fans and this great university I call home.

Q: Favorite part of game day. Go. A: My favorite part of game day is supporting our basketball teams to victory! I also love being around the fans and being able to enjoy the whole Montevallo game day experience with them. The atmosphere of a little healthy competition fuels my fire, but bringing excitement and smiles to the fans is what truly keeps me going. They are the heart and soul of this place and I am proud to be their representative!

Q: Anything else we should know about you?

A: Well, it is hard at times being the B.B.O.C. (you know, the Big Bird On Campus)! But off the court I am a huge nerd and love hitting the books. I am not just a mascot, but I am a student too and use my unconventional wisdom to be the best leader I can be!

December 2013 | 43

Freddie’s return was a multi-step process involving several key UM decision-makers.

44 | ShelbyLiving.com

interview. Candidates were judged on their energy, enthusiasm, character definition and development, creativity, confidence, passion, engagement and demonstration of commitment. A minimum of three students were needed to cover all aspects and demands of a “Freddie appearance.’”

Waldrop said two spotters were chosen to help be Freddie’s eyes and ears as well as his voice, due to the sight range inside the costume.

With everything in place, the stage was set for Freddie to make his return. After a media campaign launched on the UM athletics website, as well as on the campus closed circuit TV, Freddie came flying back in through a smoke screen to a grand applause.

After strutting in front of the crowd, he joined the cheerleaders for a routine and then went strolling through the crowd, interacting with fans.

While this will be his primary purpose, Waldrop said the intent was to make Freddie an ambassador for UM. “The energy and smiles Freddie brings to the people he interacts with is encouraging,” she said.

“At the end of the day, no matter what our field of study, interests, responsibilities, task, or job is, we’re all Falcons. Freddie can be spotted in the future at various on-and-off-campus events. He is most definitely an ambassador on UM’s behalf.” l

December 2013 | 45

HOME & FOOD

Story by KATIE MCDOWELL Photographs by JON GOERING

Former talk radio hosts Russ and Dee Fine live in Greystone.

PAGE 47: Dee recently took up painting, and enjoys creating abstract pieces.

46 | ShelbyLiving.com

Saving money on car insurance means more to spend on the ones you love.

N

o one with sense would have put money on Russ and Dee Fine’s marriage lasting.

That’s what Dee says, anyway.

After all, they’d only been on six dates over a few months before they got married in Illinois on Dec. 23, 1966. The wedding itself was a surprise. They had planned to simply pick up a marriage license from a neighboring county’s courthouse that day.

After realizing the license couldn’t be used in their home county, they decided to tie the knot then and there – Dee, who was on a break from work, in a red suit, and Russ in a flannel shirt and jeans.

On Dec. 23, the Fines will celebrate 47 years of marriage. Those almost five decades saw more adventures than most see in a lifetime.

Once the hosts of Birmingham’s top-ranked morning radio show, the Fines also hosted a television show, campaigned for – or against – causes they were passionate about and even had a made-forTV movie made about them.

Life is simpler now for the Fines. Russ, a doctor and University of Alabama at Birmingham professor emeritus, still goes into the office a couple of days a week. Dee, who founded Mothers Against Drunk Driving in Alabama, now campaigns against distracted driving.

Not too much has changed since they went off the air in 2007. The Fines, who made their name in radio for their frank – and often differing – opinions, are still as forthcoming as ever.

Now, however, they’re more likely to be found cheering on their youngest grandson at Chelsea High football games or spending time with their two dogs, Rhodesian Ridgebacks named Madison and Sweet Pea.

Happy holidays from your local GEICO office.

205-824-4449

3301 Lorna Rd Suite 2, Birmingham

Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in all states or all GEICO companies. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, D.C. 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. GEICO Gecko image © 1999-2012. © 2012 GEICO.

December 2013 | 47

AT HOME IN GREYSTONE Home is the brick two-story they bought in Greystone in 1992. While the exterior is traditional, the interior reveals the colorful personality of its owners.

Dee, a decorative magpie, has collected an abundance of sparkling chandeliers, bright vases and metallic accents over the years.

“Me and sparkles. They are going to have to throw some glitter in my casket,” she said.

The kitchen features an elaborate copper backsplash etched with a floral design. The backsplash was created by Royal Miree, an artist who attended school with their older son.

“This is the first backsplash he’s done in Alabama,” Dee said.

The Fines also own several lighting pieces by Twisted Sisters, Nashville-based artists who use copper, steel, glass and other metals in their works.

While the décor is colorful and tastefully flashy, the fundamentals of the home are classic and neutral.

The living room furniture is upholstered in whites and creams. The kitchen features white cabinets with an antique finish, and a muted floral duvet covers the bed in the master bedroom.

Rosegate Design in Birmingham and Jo Johnson Averett of Calera did some of the drapes and other elements of the décor. The real focal point in the house is the art – bright paintings by Mark Singer and Barbara Evans hang from the walls in almost every room.

She may be retired, Dee still likes to get people talking. These days she’s known for Zelda – a pretty blonde mannequin that lives on their back porch overlooking the golf course. Dee found her at a store in Birmingham about 20 years ago.

In the summer, Dee dresses Zelda in a bikini, hat, sunglasses, feather boa and high heels and sets her up in the backyard. Then she laughs as passing golfers attempt to greet Zelda.

Dee said former pro golfer Chi Chi Rodriguez once stopped to chat with Zelda during a tournament, and Zelda has appeared in the PGA Magazine.

“My mother always said, ‘Stay young at heart,’” Dee said about Zelda. “People say, ‘Why do you do this?’ I say, ‘Why not?’”

Dee’s mother played a large role in their life in Birmingham. She lived with them for 17 years, first in their home in Mountain Brook and later in Greystone, and gave Dee her feistiness.

“She was the original fighter,” Dee said.

48 | ShelbyLiving.com

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: The Fines’ two-story brick home overlooks Greystone Founders Course. A console table holds family photos and decorative pieces. A piece created by Dee.

SHELBY Living

Send us photos of your community events, parties or meetings — we love to get photos for our Spotted section!

Brenda Ladun Run

inter nt UM W enceme Comm

Email Katie.mcdowell@ shelbyliving.com with event details

December 2013 | 49

THE EARLY YEARS An entertainment room on the second floor of the house tells Russ and Dee’s story. The room features framed photos and articles of their 20 years in radio, four years in television and other adventures.

Radio was far from their minds when Russ and Dee first met in Illinois. Dee had walked into a drug store owned by an elderly woman named Ruth Washburn, who was a mentor to Russ.

“She had a lot of influence over me,” Russ said.

“She was a tutor, a mentor, a listener.”

Russ, who worked at the store, watched as the two women talked. Then Dee left to pick up her mother.

“Ruth walked up to me and said, ‘That’s the one for you,’” Russ recalled.

Russ and Dee married, and he pursued a degree in doctorate in medicine and a series of high-profile jobs in public health and injury control.

Dee, who studied business, became a stay-at-home mother to their two sons, who are now in their 40s.

In the 1980s, Russ told Dee about an organization called Mothers Against Drunk Driving. The founder, a woman who lived in California, was looking to expand the organization, and Russ encouraged Dee to consider starting an Alabama chapter.

Dee, who was working on a black belt in tae kwon do at the time, was unconvinced at first but agreed.

“I found out I fight better with my mouth than my hands,” she said.

She stayed with the organization for about eight years and served as a national vice president. Dee first made a name for herself with MADD, drawing attention for the cause with her passionate and forceful campaigning.

50 | ShelbyLiving.com

BELOW: The living room features traditional furnishings, a large chandelier and several colored glass pieces. PAGE 51: The Fines have two Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Madison and Sweet Pea.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE The Fines first got into radio in the 1980s. Paul Finebaum, a friend, needed someone to follow him at WAPI, and the husband/wife duo filled the spot with The Fine Line.

The couple connected with their audience, who would call to weigh in on their arguments. In the beginning, Dee said she began as a liberal and Russ was conservative, although she eventually became a conservative as well. However, Dee said they made a point to take any politician to task.

“About every seven years we’d get fired,” Dee said. “We were equal opportunity bashers, which eventually gets you in the end.”

The couple bounced to several different stations and eventually moved to mornings.

While they had a chance to weigh in on pressing political topics and current events, their favorite memories are when they – and their listeners – were able to help people, especially military members.

“That was the best thing about talk radio, being able to do things for people,” Russ said. “It gives you opportunities. You may or may not recognize them.”

One of the first opportunities to help others presented itself in the 1980s when they met Larry McAfee, a quadriplegic who could only move his mouth and eyes. McAfee had been shuttled to several nursing homes for insurance reasons. Unhappy with his quality of life, he petitioned petitioning the state of Georgia for the right to die. The state granted his request, which generated national media coverage.

Larry asked a friend to create a switch that could be installed on his wheelchair and would turn off his breathing apparatus. Larry would be able to control the switch with his mouth, and could make the

Ladies clothing, Accessories, Home Decor and gifts,

Experience the world's favorite foods each month at Cafe

Global Cuisine is a unique menu option in addition to our popular everyday menu

Located on the Plaza of the Hoover Public Library

987-0176

December 2013 | 51

CLOCKWISE FROM FAR LEFT: A series of photos of Russ and Dee from their time as talk radio hosts. The kitchen features an etched copper backsplash by artist Royal Miree. Dee said Babette the maid, who stands in the back corner of the dining room, joined the family after Russ asked for a maid.

52 | ShelbyLiving.com

decision to stop his flow of oxygen.

Russ read about Larry, who was then at a nursing home in Alabaster. Russ befriended Larry, and the Fines and other organizations used their connections to help improve Larry’s life.

“I didn’t mind asking for things if it wasn’t for us,” Russ said.

“We just started improving the overall quality of his life.”

Russ promised to install the switch if they weren’t able to improve Larry’s life, but Larry ultimately decided to give life another chance. He was able to move back to Georgia, where he used special equipment to work part-time as a draftsman. Their story was featured in “The Switch,” a 1993 TV movie.

Larry died of a stroke in 1995, but Russ said he valued their friendship and that he and Dee were able to help Larry.

“That would not have been as obvious an opportunity if it had not been for our radio,” Russ said.

Another opportunity presented itself during the Gulf War in the early ‘90s. Russ and Dee heard about an air force base in Iraq that had a snow cone machine but no flavored syrup. The Fines mentioned the story on their show, and two famous listeners – Randy Owens of the music group Alabama and his wife, Kelly – donated enough syrup for about 80,000 snow cones.

Before they could ship the syrup, however, Russ and Dee received word that the snow cone machine had broken. They found a used machine, and began looking for funds to pay for it.

Another listener, who owned a trucking business, bought that machine and another new snow cone machine. Getting the machines and syrup to Iraq proved tricky. Luckily, the same caller who bought the machines had a driver who knew a guard at an air force base on the East Coast. He drove the machines and syrups to the base and it was loaded on the plane before anything else.

The Fines and their cohorts kept the gift quiet for years. The air force bases did send photos of the soldiers enjoying their snow cones, as well as an American flag that was flown over Baghdad in honor of their show.

“We were the conduit,” Dee said. “Our listeners, our fabulous listeners, did it.”

These days, the Fines spend time with their sons, grandsons, friends and dogs.

Russ, whose official title is Emiritus Professor of Medicine, Division of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Director Emeritus, UAB Injury Control Research Center and the Southern Consortium for Injury Biomechanics at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, still goes into the office a few days a week. Dee has gotten involved with Alabamians Against Texting and Driving.

In their downtime, Russ would like to travel, but Dee has resisted so far.

“I’m afraid someone will tick me off and we’ll have an international situation on our hands,” she said.

That’s OK with Russ, who said he has enjoyed the opportunity to spend more time at home.

“I love her very much. I like to be with her,” he said of Dee. “Now it is time to give back to the degree and extent that we can, to make sure thing go as well as they can for our children and grandchildren and to wait for other opportunities.” l

Loans for whatever makes you happy Ask about Trustmark’s Home EquityLine.

Special low introductory fixed rate for the first four billing cycles

Long-term variable rates as low as

0.00% 4.00% APR*

APR*

Great low rates with no closing costs!**

trustmark.com

*Introductory fixed APR of 0.00% for the first four (4) billing cycles. Thereafter, your APR is a variable rate based upon the prime rate as published in The Wall Street Journal plus a margin based on your creditworthiness and other credit criteria. Rates are subject to change. Prime rate is 3.25% as of October 22, 2013. Minimum APR of 4.00%. Maximum APR of 21.00% in MS and TN, and 18.00% in FL and AL. Minimum monthly Finance Charge of $0.50. Please consult your tax advisor regarding the deductibility of interest. Limited time offer. **If a new Home EquityLine is at least $20,000 but less than or equal to $250,000, Trustmark will waive all closing costs with the exception of any required survey and appraisals on homes located on five (5) acres or more. An initial advance of $5,000 or more is required. (Bank paid closing costs are limited to $500 in FL.) Offer is only available for new Home EquityLine accounts. Offer is not available in the state of Texas.

Member FDIC

December 2013 | 53

HOME & FOOD

54 | ShelbyLiving.com

Sweets for

Santa These festive holiday-inspired cookies and drinks are sure to keep you on the nice list Produced by BIRMINGHAM BAKE AND COOK Photographs by JON GOERING

Buttery shortbread cookies with variations Recipe by Melanie Thorn Yield: approximately 2 dozen, depending on shapes and cookie cutter 1 cup unsalted butter*, room temperature 1 cup sifted confectioner’s sugar 1 ½ tsp. vanilla bean paste ½ tsp. salt 2 cups sifted all-purpose flour As needed all-purpose flour

1. Beat the butter and sugar for about three minutes on high in the bowl of a stand mixer or with a hand mixer, until light and fluffy.

2. Add vanilla bean paste and salt and beat in until smooth. With mixer on low speed, add the flour, mixing just until a dough forms. Take care not to overmix.

The dough will be very soft.

3. Divide the dough in half and place each half on a lightly floured pastry mat.

4. Gently roll each piece of dough into a disk with ¼ inch thickness. (The thickness will ultimately depend on what type cookie cutter being used).

5. Place the still uncut, rolled out dough pieces in refrigerator and chill until firm.

Dip the cookie cutter into a bit of allpurpose flour and then cut out the dough shapes, dipping into additional flour as needed to get a “clean” cut.

6. Chill the cookie shapes until firm, about 30 minutes before baking.** 7. Preheat conventional oven to 350 degrees and place oven rack in the middle December 2013 | 55

of the oven.

8. Place cookies on parchment paper – lined sheet pans or baking sheets and bake until lightly golden brown around edges and fragrant, about 12-16 minutes.

9. Cool on baking sheets for two minutes before transferring the parchment paper to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes: *Shortbread cookies are all about the butter! Use the best you can afford! **At this point, the cookies can be frozen for up to one month unbaked. When you’re ready to cook them, thaw them for about 5-10 minutes before baking.

Shortbread cookie variations Santa will love!

Chocolate shortbread: Substitute chocolate extract for the vanilla bean paste. Add 1/3 cup of Dutch Processed Cocoa and ¼ tsp. of baking powder with the flour.

Cranberry orange shortbread: Add 1/3 cup of dried cranberries into 2 – 4 Tbsp. of orange juice. Soak until cranberries are softened, then finely chop them. Add them along with 1 Tbsp. of orange zest to the creamed butter and sugar mixture.

Substitute orange extract or vanilla extract for the vanilla bean paste.

Chocolate drizzled: Melt 6 oz. of semisweet or milk chocolate (not chips) in a double boiler over barely simmering water. Make sure the water does not touch the bottom of the pot. Dip or drizzle the cookies with chocolate and lay on cooling racks to set.

Eggnog shortbread: Substitute 1/8 tsp. of rum extract for the vanilla and add a few scrapes of fresh nutmeg, or 1 tsp. of ground nutmeg.

Maple walnut shortbread: Add 1/4 tsp. of pure maple syrup or strong flavoring and 1/3 cup of finely chopped, toasted walnuts.

Rum raisin shortbread: Substitute 1/8 tsp. of rum extract for the vanilla, a few scrapes of fresh nutmeg, or 1 tsp. of ground nutmeg, and 1/3 cup plumped raisins, finely chopped.

Cinnamon sugar shortbread: Stir in 1/2 56 | ShelbyLiving.com

cup of cinnamon chips to the dough and sprinkle the cookies with a cinnamon sugar mix just before baking.

Buttery pecan shortbread: Add 1/3 cup finely chopped, toasted pecans and 1/3 cup of crushed Heath Bar. Mint chocolate chip shortbread: Stir in 1/2 cup of chocolate mint chips to the dough.

Peppermint lovers shortbread: Substitute peppermint extract for the vanilla bean paste. Gently stir in 1/2 cup of chocolate mint chips to the dough. Dip in melted semisweet chocolate and while the chocolate is still soft, sprinkle with crushed candy cane.

Cinnamon hot chocolate with vanilla bean whipped cream and a cinnamon swizzle stick Yield: 2 ½ cups

Ingredients 1 ½ granulated sugar ¼ tsp. + dash cinnamon, ground 2 ½ cups whole milk 2 oz. semisweet chocolate, chopped ½ tsp. instant coffee (optional) ½ cup heavy cream 1 tsp. powdered sugar 1 tsp. vanilla bean paste 2 cinnamon sticks

1. Combine the granulated sugar and 1/4 tsp. of ground cinnamon. Set aside.

2. Heat the milk in a small saucepan just to the simmering point – do not let it boil.

3. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the chocolate. When completely melted and incorporated, stir in the cinnamon sugar mixture and the coffee.

4. Whip the heavy cream in a chilled mixing bowl and sprinkle in the powdered sugar when soft peaks form. Gently stir in the vanilla bean paste.

5. Serve the hot chocolate in a warmed

mug or cup, top with a generous dollop of vanilla bean whipped cream.

6. Garnish with a dash of ground cinnamon. Serve it with a cinnamon swizzle stick.

Hot spiced cider Yield: 2 quarts 2 oranges 2 qts. apple cider, fresh 2 cinnamon sticks 6 whole cloves ½ tsp. allspice, ground As needed brown sugar

1. Peel each orange in a long spiral, taking care not to get too much of the spongy white pith that lies in between the skin and the meat of the fruit.

2. Stud the orange part of the peel with the whole cloves. Juice the oranges into the cider.

3. Place the apple cider in a saucepan with the clove studded peel and allspice. Bring to a very gentle simmer and remove from the heat.

4. Taste for sweetness and adjust with brown sugar. l December 2013 | 57

SHELBY SPOTTED

1

2

4

5

3

6

Greystone Ladies Club Luncheon

7

Greystone Ladies Club held its monthly luncheon Oct. 9.

1. Janice Folmar, Krystal Phillips, Carole Marks and Alicia Cuevas 2. Kathy Frey and Angie Birdwell 3. Jeannie Johnson and Ann Layne 4. Wilma Thompson and Tracy Kaufman 5. LaRue Carter and Ashley Fuentes 6. Shirl Ward and Pat Coshatt 7. Susan Debose and Ranea Breen 8. Dana Hamilton and Kelly Kirkland 9. Barbara Brickner and Hitrud Hollibaugh

58 | ShelbyLiving.com

8

9

10

11

10. Tracey Kaufman, Carolyn Haynes and Ashley Fuentes 11. Hendree Moore, Janet Quick and Ursula Norcross 12. Susie Hammers and Leah Green 13. Jan Smith, Julie Kim and Sheri Miller

12 13

December 2013 | 59

SHELBY SPOTTED

2

1

3 4 Harvest of Hope

5

6

The Harvest of Hope luncheon benefiting Oak Mountain Missions Ministries was held Sept. 17 at the Cahaba Grand Conference Center.

1. Linda Read, Susan Lewis and Nancy Grogan 2. Ruth Neff and Dixie Ayers 3. Dotti Bailey and Jennifer Chappell 4. Rachel Rogers, Wanda Lauderdale and Mark Rogers 5. Melinda Helveston and Ginny Mills 6. Dianna Brittain and Dianne Cesario 7. Ray Brown and Jennifer Whisenant 8. Ben and Jennifer Greer

60 | ShelbyLiving.com

7

8

9

10 9. Dianne Syx, Rena Kirk and Kay Balwdin 10. Catherine Bell, Karen Kirkpatrick and Pat Rockett 11. Rebecca Lord and Cindy Guyton 12. Paula Campbell, Harvey Campbell and Janet Hall

11 12

www.berniesonmain.com

December 2013 | 61

SHELBY SPOTTED

1

2

4

3

5

Paws for a Cause

6

The fifth annual Paws for the Cause 5K and mile fun run was held at Veterans Park in Hoover Sept. 21. Proceeds benefited the Shelby Humane Society.

1. Inga Clum and Ursus 2. Laura Downing and Courtney Fleury 3. Jinni Dempsey and Shara Gladden 4. Donna McFeeters, Bill McFeeters and Tracy Dairo 5. Jim and Jack Stembridge 6. Jennifer Vines and Shannon White 7. Gail Batchelor, Jamie Preston and Cassie Moore 8. Brittney Dunham and Cassie Thomson

8

7 62 | ShelbyLiving.com

10

9 11

9. Erin Reid and Jennifer Jebeles 10. Molly and Gretel Russell 11. Andrew Petrovics, Linux and Laurie Smith 12. Lauren Doyle amd John Dean 13. Jasmine and Patti Lawson

12 13

December 2013 | 63

SHELBY SPOTTED

1

2

3

UM Emeriti Luncheon The University of Montevallo National Alumni Association hosted the first annual Retired Faculty and Staff Luncheon Sept. 25 at the Anna Irvin Dining Hall. Seventy-five former faculty and staff attended the event.

1. Sharon Mitchell, Freda Shivers, Eleanor Davis and Theresa Pritchett 2. UM President John W. Stewart III and former UM President Robert McChesney 3. Judy Morris and Ronald Manning 4. Karen Czeskleba, Eddie Czeskleba, Bobbye Lightfoot and Frank Lightfoot 5. Benjamin Middaugh, Ed Robertson and Anthony Pattin 6. Don Alexander 7. Joseph Cardone, Bernice Wilkinson and James Wilkinson 8. UMNAA President James Methvin and former UM President Robert McChesney 64 | ShelbyLiving.com

4

5

6

7

8

Grey Cup

2

Greystone Country Club hosted the 2013 Grey Cup on Oct. 12-13. In this Ryder Cup-style golf tournament, the Legacy team tees off against the Founders team. This year, the ninth annual match-up, the Founders Team won, bringing their total number of wins to five.

1 3

4

1. Jim Clayton and Patrick Graves 2. Steve Vanderburg, Darrell Tyler Ward, Jeff Cliffton and David Kuykendall 3. Ledro McGriff, Van Major, Peter Victor Guarisco and Chris Vines 4. Tony Muncher and Allen Franlin

The Pelham Civic Complex & Ice Arena presents

E

ment h Sttoerdies TM old ON

ICE

s

Saturday, Dec. 7 7:00 pm & Sunday, Dec. 8 3:00 pm Adults $10 Children (4 - 12) $7 3 & under FREE

For tickets & info call 205-620-6448 500 Amphitheater Rd. Pelham

December 2013 | 65

SHELBY SPOTTED

1

2 3

4

6

JDRF Walk

The Junior Diabetes Research Foundation hosted the Walk to Cure Diabetes was held Sept.

29 at Veterans Park.

1. Mary Ann Randel, Courtney Clem, Hannah McClellan and Brennan Sehrt.Claire Finney, Sarah Peacock, Audrey Vickers and Ivana Ellis 2. Alexa Johnson, Tori Price and Savannah Jones 3. Gayle Garski and Chad Roberts 4. Reagan Hudgins, Emilie Hudgins, ShyAnne Bailey, Matthew Teague, Briley Teague, Luke Freeman and Justin Jemison 5. Judy Edwards and Shannon Turner 6. Anne Wallace and Catherine McCall 7. Morgan Jones, Samantha Turner and Dominique Moreno 8. Jane and Katie Clements

5 8

7 66 | ShelbyLiving.com

9 Rehabilitation Center of Excellence at Shelby Ridge

Exceptional, Personal Rehab We see patients as real people ready to get back to everyday life. We’re here to get you there, on your schedule, with the results you deserve.

ShelbyRidgeHealthAndRehab.com

(205) 620-8500

10 11

9. Chris Watson, Michelle Borntrager and Daniel Borntrager. Bryce Borntrager, Tucker Watson and Nathan Borntrager 10. Rebecca Navia, Niknita Jain, Mary Frances Howell, Laura Beth Short, Anjali Wagle and Bhavna Krishna 11. Mallory and Ross Armstrong 12. Stephen Dreher, Tyler Esary, Nancy Dreher, Sherry Heinz and Bryant Heinz

12

December 2013 | 67

SHELBY SPOTTED

1

2 4

3

Grandparents’ Day

5

6

Calera Elementary School’s Grandparents’ Day was held on Oct. 2.

1. John Hughes, Emily Nancy and Brenda Hughes 2. Nichole Davenport, Anita Davenport and Lloyd Davenport 3. Pamela Skinner and Alanah Smitherman 4. Addie Brown, Divan Carmona, Robin Christian, Rokira Brown and Temisia Brown 5. Jackie Smith, Giannah Damato Smith and Racheal Damato Smith 6. Marion Lynn Stewart and Aubrey Stewart 7. Gavin Blankenship and Cindy Blankenship 8. Alex Crim and Lynn Alexander

68 | ShelbyLiving.com

7

8

2

1 3

4

Chelsea Day

Chelsea Day, sponsored by the Chelsea High School band, was held on Oct. 5.

1. Stephen and Joseph Lanzi 2. Keith, Piper, Avery and Stone Roberts with the Holy Cow Ice Cream truck 3. Laurel Wheeler, Sydney Duzan and Maggie Brady 4. Karen and Holly Howerton with dogs, Cara, Grace Kelly and Hope

December 2013 | 69

SHELBY SPOTTED

2

1

4

5

6

7

3

Orphan Run

The Orphan Run was held Oct. 5 at Veterans Park.

1. Shawn, Levi and Dallas Bice 2. Liz Barnette, Lilly Bice and Chloe Powell 3. Esther Bice and Kelsie Borders 4. Hannah Williams and Brooke Murphree 5. Polly Bice and Stefanie Leist 6. Mary Beth Janeway and Zach Gore 7. David and Meredith Phillips 8. Dr. Lee Goldenberg and William Goldenberg 9. Jana M. Hagan and Katie Reed

70 | ShelbyLiving.com

8

9

RWC Boutique Fashion Show

1

The Riverchase Women’s Club held its Boutique Fashion Show Sept. 26 at the Riverchase Country Club.

2 3

5

1. Pat Morgan and Sue Doleys 2. Tena Klopfenstein, Mary Headley and Susan Vann 3. Natalie Harrelson and Shanda Watts 4. Amy Poirier and Kelly Grande 5. Lanette Steadman and Sheryl Heen

4

December 2013 | 71

SHELBY SPOTTED

2

1

3

Hearts for Hasberry 5K

4

5

6

The Hearts for Hasberry 5K was held at Veterans Park in Hoover Oct. 6.

1. Samiya Lankford, Archie D. Johnson, Eric Lampley, Fani Hasberry and Tyler Johnson 2. Holly, Konstance and Matthew Turner 3. Helen Rand and CJ Hasberry 4. Jennifer Brock, Dr. Jamie Bell, Greg Hasberry, Dana Sloan, Laura Barksdale and Laura Hulsey 5. Robert Montgomery and Tatum Massey 6. Jennine and Anthony Weston 7. Evans James and Faye Perry 8. Scott Lyons and Stacy Seals

72 | ShelbyLiving.com

7

8

9

10

11 12

9. Sandy and Claire Hughes 10. Charolette Beeker and Stephanie White 11. Georgia Izard, Autumn Stockwell and Michelle Bradley 12. Alan and Carol Stanton 13. Elizabeth Bell, W. Len Williams and Fani Hasberry

OPEN MONDAY-SATURDAY

7AM-6PM

(888) 693-9020

HOME OF THE 30 MINUTE OIL CHANGE PLEDGE Expires January 15, 2013

Expires January 15, 2013

$10.00 OFF

10% OFF

ANY OIL CHANGE

ANY ACCESSORY OR OVER THE COUNTER SALE

Expires January 15, 2013

$25.00 OFF ANY SERVICE OR REPAIR

13

Must spend over $50. Choose any service available in our dealership. This exclusive offer not valid for insurance work, warranty, over the counter sales, other offers or service specials. Must be redeemed at one visit. Has no cash surrender value.

December 2013 | 73

SHELBY SPOTTED

2

1

3 4

Run Away From Domestic Violence

5

6

The seventh annual Run Away From Domestic Violence Race was held Oct. 19 at St. Vincent’s One Nineteen. The race benefits Hannah Home Shelby, a 13,000-square-foot Christ-centered home that serves the need of abused women and their children.

1. Joseph Reese and Caleb Castille 2. James and Misty Reynolds 3. Keesha Hendricks and Lynn Rush 4. Mandy Cox and Amy Reese 5. Rosanne Coleman, Andrea Humphries, Dana Jarrett and Sharon Crocker 6. Gwendolyn Connelly and Patrick Flynn 7. Michael, Stephanie, Jason and Hannah Pugh 8. Linda Smith and Serena Robertson 74 | ShelbyLiving.com

8

7

10

9 11

12 13

14

9. Wendy Conover and Alain Ehrhardt 10. Bonnie Johnson and Pam Bradford 11. Laura and Holly Thrasher 12. Joseph and Davis Reese 13. Mary Byrd and Bettie Torme 14. Zach and Stephanie Ridgeway 15. Roger and Laronda Corrin

15 December 2013 | 75

SHELBY SPOTTED

2

1

3

4 WOOFStock

The city of Hoover held WOOFStock, a familyfriendly event for pet lovers, at Veterans Park Oct. 12.

1. Linda Arthur, Breck Arthur and Curt Gardner with Bridgette and Gretchen 2. Heather and Jeff Crumpton with Bo and Bama 3. Brayden Eggler and Melody McGinnis 4. Marian Hoge, Caroline Meyer, Sara Gwaltney and Jennifer Kersh 5. Brian and Sandy Kendrick 6. Julia and Kelby Barnes 7. Dawn and Joe Savitsky 8. Jimmy LeCroy and Callyn Tedin with Brewster

6

5

8

7 76 | ShelbyLiving.com

9

10

11 12

9. Nicholle Roskam and Carmen Nardecchia 10. Jennifer and Marisa Mobarak 11. Jordan Ford, Zane McKenzie and Gabby Gatson 12. Kristin and Lynley Jackson 13. Shaina and Joshua Berry with Sammie

13 December 2013 | 77

CLASSIFIEDS

Classifieds To place an ad in Shelby Living, call 205.669.3131

Supreme Limousine Quality Service is our #1 goal. Professional and Punctual. See our fleet and info at www.bhamlimo.com 205-822-8600 Bible Study Now on Thursday “Annie’s Place”100 Ferry Rd. Dinner is available for purchase at 6:00 pm, study begins at 6:30, ending at 7:30. Come join us as we explore God’s word together. For more information contact: Paul & Pat Golden 256-208-1410 Directed by the Alabama Churchplanting Network, Presbyterian Church in America.

SWIMWELL LLC SAVE $200 ON ALL WINTER SERVICE CONTRACTS OFFER EXPIRES 11/30/13 WE SELL AND INSTALL TIRES! Texaco Xpress Lube & Havoline Xpress Lube Service Centers 2308 Pelham Pkwy 6975 Cahaba Valley Rd 851 1st St. N, Alabaster J & J Auto Salvage Used Auto Parts Hwy 5 Woodstock 205-938-0000 205-281-6446 Piano Tuning / Repair, Refinishing, Moving & Storage Trained by The School for the Blind. Buddy Gray Music.

822-0482 or 800-593-2462 Business Taxes Have You Frustrated?

Let Us Help! HH Accounting, LLC. Call 205-444-0266 or 205-621-2758 Wiley Sanders Truck Lines, In. has many new openings for OTR drivers. 21 years of age, Class A CDL W/haz, 6 mos 78 | ShelbyLiving.com

OTR exp, no more than 2 moving violations or accidents in the past 3 years, competitive pay, Health/ Dental/Vision (BCBS), 401k plan, free rider program.

Call recruiting at 1-855-7779785

CDL Skills And Test Training, LLC Day & Evening Classes Hoover Pelham Area 205-253-5960

Immediate Openings For Full Time Positions ** Comprehensive ** ** Benefits Package ** Machine Operators Must have 2 plus years of experience as a manufacturing Machine Operator. Machine set-up experience is a major plus! Pay DOE. Industrial Maintenance Minimum of 2 yrs. exp. Must be able to weld. Apply in person: Smith Companies 100 Pardue Road Pelham, AL 35124. 205-620-4455

Owner Operators Wanting Dedicated Year Round Anniston, AL www.pull4klb.com

Automation Personnel Services.

We are still taking applications @ JCI plant in Clanton for production and assembly positions. Prev. exp a plus. We are also Looking for Exp Forklift Drivers!

Able to pass Drug Test/ Background check. Able to lift up to 50Lbs and stand for 8 hrs. We are paying a 25.00 referral bonus for qualified Applicants. Please call 205280-0002 Or come and apply 8/2:30 @ 2541 7th Ave S Clanton Al 35045

Growing Pharmacy Looking for FT & PT Pharmacy Technicians at

Brooklere Pharmacy Call 205.664.1200 or Visit Brooklere Pharmacy to fill out an application.

OXFORD HEALTHCARE LPN’s, RN’s & CNA’s Full Time/Part Time Please apply @ helpathome.com 205-608-1612

Become a Dental Asst. in ONLY 8 WEEKS! Please visit our website capstonedentalassisting.com or call (205) 561-8118 and your career started!

In a Wheel Chair?

We can get you out of the house and on the road today! Specializing in transportation of handicapped individuals.

205-436-8216 J&D Transit

Order Selectors Food Dist. Center in Pelham Al. Day Shift: Mon-Fri. 40+ hrs./week 10:00AM until finished (varies). $10.50-$14.00/ hour.

Benefits: medical, vision dental, vacation & 401k.

Requirements: •Lift 60 lbs. repetitively.

•Work in 90+ Temp. & -10 freezers • Walking majority of day.

• Reading & math skills required.

Apply 10:30AM-5:00PM Mo-Fr. Southeastern Food Pelham, Alabama 35124 201 Parker Drive 205-685-4551

driving record. F/T & P/T position available, willing to train. Serious Inquiries. Call 424-4211 btw 9-11.

For more LIVE & ONLINE auction info, contact Heritage Realty & Auction DFarmer793. 800.445.4608 www.HeritageSales.com

321-751-0943

Looking for a new job?

Tango has immediate penings for OTR Drivers! Top Pay, Excellent Benefits and Great Home time. CDL-A and 15 mos OTR exp req’d.

Apply by phone Mon-Fri 8-5 and Sunday 1-5 CST. 877-826-4605 or online www.drivefortango.com Please email resumes to: recruiting@tangotransport. com

CHILDERSBURG 30+/- acres with 2,000 ft of frontage on Lay Lake slough.

Great recreational tract close to town. $99,000 Connor 205-790-4954 www. hpprop.com

NEW! Aeropostale, North Face Jackets, Timberland Boots Pic-It Clothing. 115 Nelson Walker Rd. Columbiana 669-9684 MALL BRANDS without MALL PRICES.

Stable Hand Position Shoal Creek in North Shelby County. Experience preferred.

Apply at 991-9720.

Fire & Water Techs Needed For Restoration Company. Must pass background check and drug test, have reliable transportation and good

WE DO IT ALL! Basement to Roof Home Repair 35 yrs experience!

Specializing in masonry and roofing. 205-434-8046

Move Your Business to Calera! (Behind P.O.) 700 & 1400 (+-) sq ft available. Store front/ office space, surrounded by est. businesses. 1305/1361 10th Ave. Call (205)668-6824 Driver Class A CDL, 2yrs exp, Flatbed/Stepdeck OVER THE ROAD, Health Benefits/Paper Logs/Home Time, Avg 2700 mls wkly, call 334-864-7456

CASH NOW! for Owner Financed Mortgage Notes Includes land (improved/unimproved) & mobile homes with land.

Call MIG Financial

MANUFACTURED HOMES MOBILE HOMES with land. Ready to move in. Owner financing with approved credit. 3 bdrm., 2 bath. No renters.

1-205-289-8899 LandHomesExpress.com

Trucking Company Seeking Experienced Diesel Mechanics & Experienced Cargo Tank Mechanics.

Great pay + benefits.

Call 256-352-7089 Evergreen Transport, LLC has two immediate openings for a Class B Trailer Mechanic at its terminal in Calera, Alabama. One position will be for the DAY shift and the other position will be the NIGHT shift. Job duties include repairing, maintaining and overhauling of heavy duty fleet truck/ trailers. If interested, please contact Shane Jones @ 205-668-3316 or apply in person @ 8278 Hwy 25 South in Calera, AL. TANK DRIVERS NEEDED NOW! Min. age 23 and a good MVR required. Most Nights at home. We will train for tank if you have 2 yrs. verifiable Tractor/Trailer Exp. Delivery & Return type carrier. SE States. Dump Trailer Drivers Must have verifiable dump trailer exp.

Excellent benefits including Blue Cross & furnished uniforms with a boot allowance. Contact Carl or Valerie 800-749-5552 or 205-322-5552 or apply

online at www.walpoleinc.com Drivers: Don’t get hypnotized by the highway, come to a place where there’s a higher standard! Up to $2K sign on, Avg $65K/ yr + bonuses! CDL-A, 1 yr exp. A&R Transport 888202-0004 Right at Home Homecare services available in your area. Please call 205-460-1062 Immediate Job Openings for Caregiver/ CNAs in Shelby County.

Apply at www.rahbhm.com.

Spivey Family Dentistry is seeking part time Dental Assist/Hyg. Cert pref, will consider assist/front desk employee. Dental exp is mandatory. Send resumes to spiveyfamilydentistry@ gmail.com $50.00 OFF FIRST MONTH’S RENT Cobblestone Cove is now leasing 1-2-3- bedroom apartments for more info call 205-665-3988 Mon-Fri 8-5 Cobblestone Creek is now leasing 1, 2, 3 BDRM Apartments 1000 Cobblestone Ln. Montevallo 205 665-3988 ASK ME HOW TO SAVE $50.00 Ridgeview & Clearspring Apartments 100 Egg & Butter Rd Columbiana Open Sat. 10am-4pm Leasing 1,2 & 3 BR WOW! $50 off move-in special! 205-669-7999 Rolling Oaks 1, 2 & 3br apartments $380, $420, $500 Security deposit (rent). $30 app. fee.

No pets. Open 8am-1pm & 3pm-6pm Mon-Sat 205-755-6733 Looking for more pay?

Look no more. We provide you with an exceptional training program that rewards you with a raise at the completion of each level. That’s up to 3 raises in your first year! We also offer great promotion opportunities, flexible

scheduling, paid vacation, benefits and a 401K savings plan. GRILL COOKS, DISHWASHERS, SERVERS Stop by: 655 Cahaba Valley Road. Pelham, AL or call 205 987-1555 www.crackerbarrel.com Cracker Barrel EOE The 11th Area of AL O.A.C, Inc has received Federal Funds under the Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program. A Local Board will determine how funds will be awarded.

Agencies can apply for Emergency Food and Shelter Program funds by contacting Kendra at 205-755-1204 for an application.

PLUMBERS NEEDED Call 682-2828, fax resume to 682-2827 or email to resume@sps9.com Electricians Needed Birmingham & Tuscaloosa Call 682-2828, fax resume to 682-2827 or email to resume@sps9.com Immediate Positions Available!

Looking for five motivated people to replace five lazy ones. $150-400 cash daily.

Flexible with the hours.

Hiring immediately. Will train. Call Drew (205)490-1003 or (404)7231322 Wiregrass Construction Company is seeking experienced asphalt equipment operators (Pavers, Rollers, Backhoes, etc.) Must be dependable. Excellent benefits.Interested applicants may apply 951 Dow Street, Pelham, AL 35124 8AM to 5PM,M-F. (205) 6204132. WCC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Just in time for Christmas!

Premier Basketball Goals and Batting Cages www.metrogoals.com 205-664-0002 ACCEPTANCE LOANS $300 - $20,000 Home, Auto, Consumer, Refinance, Vacations. 205-663-5821

Twin Valley Party Barn climate controlled, lg arena with stage, PA sys, kitchen - 7 mi west of Prattville on Hwy 14. For info please call: 205-482-5358 or 334-799-4152 TARGET AUCTION Advanced Real Estate Marketing 800-476-3939 www.targetauction.com AL PICK N’ TRADE 33985 Hwy 25 NEW VENDOR PROMOTION! First 3 months 1/2 off!!!

205-672-2022 (formerly Dixieland) WASTE PRO Serving Shelby County residential trash and recycling October 1, 2013 205 432-0878 CLOCK REPAIR SVS. *Setup *Repair *Maintenance I can fix your Mother’s clock. Alabaster/ Pelham Call Stephen (205)663-2822 S & B CLEANING Experienced in Residential & Comm. Cleaning. 205-6031553 Reasonable w Ref. INSURED & BONDED HOUSE CLEANING & Light Commercial Done to your satisfaction! Reliable, Detailed call Jane 205 243-7783 LAWN CARE For Complete Lawn Care Service Call Kevin 296-2037 Mont. Stockyard Drop Station at Gray & Son’s in Clanton. Call Wesley at 334-850-1608. For other hauling arrangements, contact Wes in Harpersville 205-965-8657 DRIVERS Hanna Truck Lines is hiring OTR Drivers for our Northport & Fairfield AL Terminals. Minimum weekly pay & benefits. Willing to Train. Prefer Flatbed Exp. Veterans Welcome. Contact Dwayne 800-634-7315 E.O.E.

$2,500 SIGN - ON LOCAL CDL-A DRIVERS Florida Rock & Tank Lines, Inc. Is hiring DRIVERS to haul locally for our Birmingham and Montgomery terminals!

Great Benefits Include: * Home Daily *Health/Dental/Vision * 401K w/co match *Safety Bonuses * Paid Training Applicants Must Have: * Class A CDL * Ability to obtain Hazmat & Tanker endorsements * 2 Yrs T/T exp. Or 1 Yr T/T w/ CDL School Cert. * 25 Yrs or Older Apply Online at www. floridarockand tanklines.com or call 1-866-FLA ROCK Class A CDL Drivers Needed immediately.

Local Chilton & Shelby County. * Hauling - 3 yrs min. driving history with Dump Trailer Exp. Home nights. APPLY ONLINE: www.perdidotrucking.com PERDIDO TRUCKING SERVICE, LLC. 251-4700355 MECHANIC NEEDED: Afternoon Shift SOUTHERN HAULERS, LLC, 2157 Hwy 16 Calera, Alabama 35040 Tractor, Trailer & Welding Repairs. Must have own tools. A clear drivers license is needed. CDL a plus. 401k, Health, Dental, Rx options.

For information, call Carson or Tim @ ( 800 ) 537-4621 x 715, e-mail to: cvick@ southernhaulersllc.com or tjohnsonjr@south ernhaulersllc.com Beelman Truck Co. Hiring!

EXPERIENCED TERMINAL MANAGER For Calera, AL Terminal. Sales & Operations Exp.Req Excellent Pay/ Benefits Call: 618-646-5384 CLASS A CDL OTR DRIVERS =========== $2500 Sign on Bonus 1 yr. recent minimum exp Great Benefits! APPLY NOW! 866-759-9204 ext. 176 www.iws-trucking.com St. Martin’s In The Pines Immediate Openings! RN * LPN * CNA Care Managers

Apply in person at 4941 Montevallo Rd, Birmingham. AL 35210 ALWAYS THERE IN-HOME CARE Seeks “CAREGIVERS” In the Shelby County – Pelham, Alabaster & Montevallo area. Flexible schedules. Benefits & training Available. Call for more information.

(205) 824-0224 FT & PT CNA Positions For 3-11 and 11-7 shifts.

Must be willing to work weekends. Please apply in person to 22969 Hwy 25 Columbiana, AL. Comfort Keepers is looking for quality Caregivers to work in Chilton & S Shelby.

Must pass background check, high school diploma or equivalent, some caregiving exp helpful, & some lifting required.

Training provided. To apply: Call (205) 981-1800 or beacomfortkeeper.com DCH Health System Tuscaloosa, AL Learn about DCH clinical and non-clinical employment opportunities and apply online at: www.dchsystem.com Experienced HVAC duct installer needed. Good pay with great benefits.

Must be able to pass drug test. Salary based on experience.(205)755-3369 Giles Cooling & Heating TAX PREPARERS 75 tax preparers needed. No experience required. We will train. Call us at 205-2011829 bhamtaxprep@gmail.com. jacksonhewitt.com Join the team driven by Excellence! $1750 sign-on bonus! Republic Services has openings for Residential Drivers & Technicians (2nd shift diesel mechanic) Apply on line at republicservices.com General Warehouse Forklift Drivers Forklift Mechanic Q.A. Tech Needed Swift Staffing 205-942-6556 December 2013 | 79

OUT & ABOUT AWC Holiday Craft and Bake Sale

Breakfast with Santa

Christmas Tree Lighting

Dec. 2

Christmas Tree Lighting Kick off the Christmas season with Pelham’s Christmas tree lighting and celebration on Monday, Dec. 2 at 6:30 p.m. at the Pelham Civic Complex and Ice Arena. The free program will feature refreshments, musical performances by local groups and an appearance by Santa Claus on a Zamboni.

Dec. 3

Choral Christmas Concert The University of Montevallo’s Department of Music will host a Choral Christmas Concert Tuesday, Dec 3 at 8:30 p.m. For location and other information, visit Montevallo.edu.

Dec. 5

Columbiana Christmas Parade The 11th Annual Columbiana Christmas Parade will be Dec. 5 at 7 p.m. on Main Street.

The theme is “Columbiana, a Southern Christmas.” Austin Foster will sing carols at 5:45 p.m. Prior to the parade, Dream Makers Dancers will perform.

At the City Christmas tree, Santa Claus will be available for photos with children after the parade. Grand Marshal is Dell Moody. Call 669-7813 or Helen Dean at City Hall, 669-5808.

Vincent Christmas Parade The Vincent Christmas Parade will be Thursday, Dec. 5 at 6 p.m. Registration forms are available at City Hall and are due by Dec. 4.

80 | ShelbyLiving.com

Dec. 6-7

A Candlelight Christmas A Candlelight Christmas at the American Village will be Dec. 6-7 in Montevallo. Enjoy a Colonial Christmas feast along with a candlelight tour of the Village. Call 665-3535, ext. 1063 or visit Americanvillage.org.

Admission charged.

Dec. 7

Helena Christmas Parade The 43rd Annual Helena Christmas Parade will be held Dec. 7 at 1 p.m. This year’s theme will be “A Helena Christmas, Past, Present and Future.” The parade route officially begins at Highway 261/ Helena Road and ends in Old Town Helena. This year Helena Historian Ken Penhale will be honored. A weather make-up day will be Dec. 14 if the parade is postponed. Parade packets and information can be found at Cityofhelena.org. Completed applications may be emailed to Penny@cityofhelena.org, faxed to 663-9276 or dropped off at City Hall by Friday, Dec. 6 at 5 p.m.

Christmas Market The Sowers of Seed Christmas Market will be Saturday, Dec. 7 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at Buck Creek Park in Alabaster. Vendors include Blue Fin Market, Chic Wreaths and Designs, Created

by Joel C. Jones, Divalicious Creations, Fay’s Frills, Glitter Gals Gifts, Hula Hoops for Fitness, Jim Z Bracelets-NSuch, Keepin’ Knit Real, Once Upon a Time, Pampered Chef,

Paparazzi Jewelry, Sassy Frass Tees, Scentsy, Usborne Books and Warm and Wool Free. The market will benefit Sowers of Seed’s summer lunch program.

SCAC Artists Market The fourth annual Shelby County Arts Council Artists Market will be Dec. 7 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at 104 Mildred St., Columbiana. Artists will gather at the Shelby County Arts Council to offer their oneof-a-kind art just in time for holiday shopping. This year’s artists will offer pottery, jewelry, watercolors, oil paintings, acrylic paintings, clothing accessories and culinary arts.

The market will also feature a silent auction. Info: 669-0044 or Shelbycountyartscouncil.com.

Tour of Homes The Columbiana Christmas Tour of Homes is Dec. 7. from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Come and view some beautifully decorated homes during this annual tradition hosted by the Columbiana Beautification Board. Advance tickets are $10 and can be purchased at Busy Hands, Dr. Stancil Handley’s office and Dales Beauty Salon. Info: 669-7813 or Cityofcolumbiana.com.

Alabaster Christmas Parade The Alabaster Christmas Parade will be Saturday, Dec. 7 at 10 a.m. The theme is “Wishin’ for a White Christmas.”

Dec. 10-13 Gingerbread

White

House

Christmas The American Village in Montevallo will offer the Gingerbread White House Christmas Dec. 10-13. The program includes a Christmas lunch and a tour of the Village with period holiday decorations.

Hours are 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. and noon-2:30 p.m. Call 665-3535, ext. 1063 or visit Americanvillage. org. Admission charged.

Dec. 12

SSCC Diamond Awards The South Shelby Chamber of Commerce’s annual Diamond Awards will be Thursday, Dec. 12 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Alabama 4-H Conference Center, 892 4-H Road, Columbiana. Cost is $15 per person. The SSCC is taking nominations for Citizen of the Year, Business of the Year and New Business of the Year.

Dec. 14

Meadow Brook Runs Come jingle your bells at Christmastime on Birmingham’s most beautiful race course for the 19th Annual Meadow Brook Runs on Dec. 14! This traditional outdoor family fun features good food, gift bags, prizes and souvenir T-shirts provided by Aliant Bank. The 5K begins at 9 a.m. and the 1-mile fun run starts at 10 a.m. Walkers and pets on leash welcome. Voluntary donation of $15-25 suggested. Location is 1001 Corporate Parkway, Birmingham, AL 35242. Contact Bob Cosby at 205-991-6054 or email JBPOA@juno.com.

Breakfast with Santa Breakfast with Santa, hosted by the Columbiana Merchants and Professionals, will be held on Dec. 14 at Bernie’s on Main. Event includes pancake breakfast children and a visit and picture with Santa. For more information and ticket prices, visit Columbianamerchants. org.

Christmas with the Hot Tamales Two of the Birmingham area’s favorite entertainers are taking the stage for the Shelby County Arts Council’s holiday show.

Jan D. Hunter and Kristi Tingle Higginbotham will take the stage in their signature “Hot Red Heels,” performing favorite Christmas carols with their own unique twist. The performance will be Saturday, Dec. 14 at 7 p.m. at the SCAC performance space, 104 Mildred Street, Columbiana. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $20. Visit Shelbycountyartscouncil.com.

AWC Holiday Craft and Bake Sale The Alabama Wildlife Center will hold its annual Holiday Craft and Bake Sale Dec. 14 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at Veterans Park in Hoover. Homemade foods, holiday decorations, crafts and pet-related items will be for sale. Free refreshments. Photos with Santa will be available. For more information, visit AWRC. org.

Calera Christmas Parade The Calera Christmas Parade will be Saturday, Dec. 14 at 2 p.m.

Westover Christmas Parade The Westover Christmas Parade will be Saturday, Dec. 14 at 10 a.m.

Decked Out Dash Don your Santa suits, elf shoes, jingle bells and tacky holiday sweaters for this annual 5k and

one-mile fun run. The Decked Out Dash will be Saturday, Dec. 14 at Oak Mountain State Park in Pelham. Best costume wins a prize. Runners and walkers will receive an official race T-shirt and a fun run bag full of goodies. Prizes and giveaways will be awarded. All proceeds will benefit children and adults with intellectual disabilities served by The Arc of Jefferson County.

Dec. 14-15

The Nutcracker Performances of Stevan Grebel’s “The Nutcracker” will be Saturday, Nov. 14 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 15 at 3 p.m. at the Pelham High School theater.

Pelham City Councilman Ron Scott will play Mother Ginger.

All seats are reserved: $15 premium adult, $10 premium child, $10 general adult and $5 general child.

Dec. 17

Business After Hours Shelby County’s four chambers of commerce will host a Business After Hours Dec. 17 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Timberline Golf Course, 300 Timberline Trail, Calera.

Dec. 21

Santa Special Santa rides the train and gives a special treat to each child for the Santa Special at the Heart of Dixie Railroad in Calera on Dec. 2 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Tickets and info at HODRRM. org or 757-8383.

Chelsea Christmas Parade The Chelsea Christmas Parade will be Saturday, Dec. 21 at 10 a.m.

Shelby Living is happy to feature community events in its monthly calendar. The event must take place in Shelby County or be sponsored by a Shelby Countybased group. Email details to Katie.mcdowell@shelbyliving. com.l December 2013 | 81

WHY I LOVE SHELBY COUNTY

‘County is full of good neighbors’

B

ruce Andrews has been a well-known name in the Shelby County arts community for years. Now, the artist and musician is taking on a new role: executive director of the Shelby County Arts Council. Andrews has taught classes with the arts council for about seven years and also serves as the lead vocalist for local blues band 2BLU and the Lucky Stiffs. He and his wife, Joy, have two grown daughters.

By KATIE MCDOWELL Photographs by JON GOERING What do you love about Shelby County?

Shelby County is beautiful in most every aspect. My wife and I have almost three decades of our art and life invested here and we do not have any regrets.

The number one reason I love Shelby County is the people. it sounds over simplified, but it’s true. In my opinion, if you travel around much at all you will find we have a lot of nice, caring, creative people who do not hesitate to invest in the lives of others. In short, Shelby County is full of good neighbors.

Why did you decide to pursue this position?

I’ve been living in this county for 30 years, and I’ve been an artist the whole time. Here comes the Shelby County Arts Council about 2004. They were always on my radar screen, and then I started teaching classes for them, and in recent years I was able to design and build some classes for them like the ones they did at the juvenile detention center. Those were sort of my conception.

When they said they needed an executive director, I was sort of at two crossroads. I was at a point in my artistic career where I was looking for something to build, and they are sort of at a point as the arts council that they’ve done such a good job, 82 | ShelbyLiving.com

they’ve created a situation where they really need to grow, and the only way you are going to grow is to have somebody sort of manning the ship pressing constantly.

You said you’re both a musician and an artist. How do you think that those experiences, or even other experiences, are going to help you in your new position?

Because we have a gallery and a performance venue adjacent to it, both of those worlds are familiar to me. I’ve done solo shows, and I’ve been both on the curating side picking the artist, and I’ve been the artist. On the other side of the coin, I’ve been a venue manager. My wife and I had a coffee shop for years, and it had a music venue in it. So I’ve been a venue manager and a performer, and I’ve been a gallery exhibitor and a curator, so I’ve been on both sides of the fence in both instances.

What are some of the first things you plan on doing as executive director?

Number one, it’s got to be profitable.

I’m going to be actively thinking of ways to make it profitable. We’re going to seek every government grant that we’re eligible for, but at the same time we want to be as independent as possible. When I say independent, I mean that we create a value to the community that they’re willing to pay for.

Number two would be to take what (former director of arts and education) Susan (Gordon) has done so well in creating a base of classes and adding some more that have a bit of an edge to it, a more modern flair, maybe more digital art classes. I’m definitely going to do some acting and some filmmaking classes. We may even do some drum circles.

Number three is to have an ongoing concerted effort of branding and awareness, and that includes social networking.

What are you excited about?

For me, I haven’t done one thing in a long time, since probably 1994, where I was doing a concerted effort on one big thing, and I’m excited about the fact that I’m going into it with eyes wide open because I’ve worked with the arts council.

I’m excited and honored to pick up where Susan (Gordon) is leaving off. I think her and Terri (Sulllivan) have done an awesome job, and I think they see the need for somebody being full-time, and I’m just excited to be that guy.

Sometimes you take jobs because you need the money. Sometimes you take jobs because you have to move. And then every once in awhile it’s the right place, right time. You say to yourself, “This is obviously what I need to be doing.” I’d say it’s the right place, right time. l

Empower your passion, begin here.

No one can predict what the market will do in the next five years. But judging by the last five, there’s only one thing we know is certain: change. That’s why we don’t simply prepare you for today’s issues - we teach you to think critically, adapt, create, solve and lead others to do the same.

Graduate programs available: • Master of Business Administration (MBA) • Master of Arts (M.A.) English

• Master of Science (M.S.)

Speech Language Pathology

• Master of Education (M.Ed.) Counseling Elementary Education P-12 Education Secondary Education Instructional Leadership Collaborative Education

• Education Specialist (Ed.S.) Instructional Leadership Teacher Leadership Instructional Technology (coming Fall 2014)

For more information, contact: 205.665.6350 or graduate@montevallo.edu

Ruwaldt Viljoen 2012 MBA graduate

December 2013 | 83

84 | ShelbyLiving.com