DESIGN BAR DEBUT • A SPORTS LEAGUE FOR ALL • CHUCK’S FISH FRESH FROM THE GULF
INSIDE THE SOUTHERN LIVING
INSPIRED HOME
BUFF CITY SOAPS
AN ALL-NATURAL APPROACH
SHE IS
STRONG DECEMBER 2017 ShelbyLiving.com Volume 8 | Issue 12 $4.95
KAREN PIERCE’S POSITIVITY CAMPAIGN FOR WOMEN ShelbyLiving.com 1
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FEATURES
42
SHE IS STRONG Karen Lamb Pierce wants women everywhere to know their struggles are not in vain.
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BUFF CITY IN THE MAGIC CITY This Tennessee soap company comes clean about bringing its all-natural products to Birmingham.
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DESIGNING WOMAN
PHOTO BY DAWN HARRISON
The Design Bar owner Michelle Barclay wants people young and old to reconnect with creativity.
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PHOTO BY DAWN HARRISON
arts & culture
17 Jen and Scot Newman: The owners of JnS Treasured Creations 20 Arts Council Corner: Holiday Events in December
schools & sports
21 Kinect Sports League: A Place for Everyone to Play 26 5 Book Picks: Dana Polk’s Holiday Selections
food
& drink
27 Chuck’s Fish: Tastes Fresh from the Gulf Coast
home
& style
in every issue 6 Contributors 7 From the Editor 8 ShelbyLiving.com 9 The Simple Life 10 #ShelbyLivingMagazine 11 The Guide 61 Business Connections 69 Out & About 79 Marketplace
33 Inspired Home: Inside Southern Living’s Latest Home in Mt Laurel
ShelbyLiving.com 7
contributors EDITORIAL
Graham Brooks Stephen Dawkins Alec Etheredge Briana Harris Amalia Kortright Madoline Markham Keith McCoy Emily Sparacino Neal Wagner
Lauren Dowdle, Writer The former editor of Hoover’s Magazine and Shelby Living, Lauren now lives in Nashville, Tenn., with her husband and four spoiled pets — but you’ll still spot her around Hoover visiting friends and family. She writes for a variety of local and national magazines, along with a few international publications. But when she isn’t staring down a deadline, you’ll find her obsessing over her dogs and cats (or really any animal), decorating a cake or adding more freckles by the pool.
CONTRIBUTORS Lauren Dowdle Lindsay Dyess Dawn Harrison Lisa Phillips Dana Polk Anne Riley
DESIGN
Connor Bucy Jamie Dawkins Kate Sullivan
MARKETING
Kristy Brown Kari George Matthew Gibson Rachel Henderson Daniel Holmes Rhett McCreight Kim McCulla Ashley Murphy Ashley Petrus Viridiana Romero Kenosha Shaw Kerrie Thompson
ADMINISTRATION Hailey Dolbare Mary Jo Eskridge Katie Krouse Katie McDowell Stacey Meadows Tim Prince
Lindsay Dyess, Writer Originally from south Alabama, Lindsay Dyess moved to Shelby County in 2008 to finish her Bachelor of Fine Arts at the University of Montevallo. She began volunteering at the Shelby County Arts Council shortly after college and joined the staff in 2016. She also works part-time as a barista and freelance writer and artist. In her spare time she enjoys making and selling art, photography, and playing the ukulele.
Dawn Harrison, Photographer Dawn Harrison is a freelance photographer out of Birmingham. She grew up and put down roots off of U.S. 280, where she lives with her wonderful husband, five kids, one son-in-law, two grandkids, three dogs, two cats, eight cows and two ducks. When she isn’t taking pictures, you can find her burning up the highway getting to various school and sporting events, or hanging out in carpool lines. She feels extremely blessed to be a part of this publication and to continue to meet such inspiring members of our community.
Anne Riley, Writer Anne Riley lives in north Shelby County with her husband, Rob, and their three daughters, Maggie, Jenna, and Kellan. Anne is the Content Team Director at Uptick Marketing by day, morphing into a freelance writer and editor after the kids go to bed. She is the author of two young adult novels (Shadows of the Hidden and Pull) and one children’s picture book (Voyage to the Star Kingdom), and her freelance writing has appeared in Fresh Style magazine, Shelby Living, Hoover’s Magazine and online.
Shelby Living Magazine is published monthly by Shelby County Newspapers Inc., P.O. Box 947, Columbiana, AL 35051. Shelby Living Magazine 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 Magazine, P.O. Box 947, Columbiana, AL 35051. Shelby Living Magazine 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 $20.59 for one year by visiting ShelbyLiving.com or calling (205) 669-3131, ext. 532. Advertising inquiries may be made by emailing advertise@ShelbyLiving.com, or by calling (205) 669-3131, ext. 536.
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A
from the editor
ON THE COVER
As I write this note, it’s 70 degrees outside. I’m a lifelong Alabamian, so I’ve learned to expect unusual temperature changes in every season. But on days like today, the unseasonal warmth has me questioning whether the calendar is accurate. How can it be December? When will I be able to wear my sweaters and scarves that I snatched from summer hibernation again? Probably sooner than I think. Later, I’ll be complaining about how painful it is to walk from my car to the office in sub-zero temperatures. It’s a never-ending cycle. At the end of the day, though, it’s not a true problem; it’s just something to talk and joke about. Another quick check of my calendar confirms the month is December indeed, which means we’re officially into the Christmas season. (Side note: Does anyone else feel like 2017 flew by at warp speed?) Despite the holiday cheer being marketed at every turn, many people are coping with unpleasant circumstances or reminders of loss. They’re focused on simply making it through these next few weeks, much less enjoying them. But if anything can cut through the “white noise” of this season––incessant commercials about holiday sales, stress from extra deadlines and projects at work, or anything else that causes worry—inspiring stories of courage, perseverance and hope in the midst of pain certainly can. A woman named Karen Lamb Pierce has devoted herself to sharing such stories with anyone willing to listen. After being involved in a group that helped a woman start a new chapter in her life, Karen wanted to find a way to continue supporting more women, and to enable their stories to reach others in need of encouragement. She has formed a campaign of sorts, She Is Strong, to record and share her one-on-one interviews with local women who have triumphed over trials and kept their faith in the process. You’ll read more about Karen and several of her interviewees in this issue, and my hope is you’ll be encouraged to carry on knowing you’re not alone, no matter what circumstances you’re facing right now. If you have any comments or know of someone who has an interesting story to tell, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I’d love to hear from you.
emily.sparacino@shelbyliving.com
Karen Lamb Pierce and Gail Shaefer Lamb
Karen Lamb Pierce, right, created She Is Strong to encourage women. Gail Schaefer Lamb, left, is Karen’s mother and was the first person she interviewed for the campaign. Photo by Dawn Harrison Designed by Connor Bucy
ShelbyLiving.com 9
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ONLINE EXCLUSIVE
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See photos from the 2017 Best of the Best winner certificate presentations at Facebook.com/ShelbyLivingMagazine!
-Bridget Jagacki, in response to facebook.com/shelbylivingmagazine
@shelbylivingmagazine
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the Best of the Best certificate photo at Kai’s Koffee
Dr. Wilson received her medical degree from Drexel University College of Medicine and completed her Pediatric Residency at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children in Philadelphia. She completed her Allergy and Immunology Fellowship at Duke University Medical Center in Durham, North Carolina. After her fellowship, Dr. Wilson completed her Masters of Health Sciences in Clinical Research at Duke University. Dr. Wilson is Board Certified in Pediatrics and Adult and Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, and is a member of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology and the American College of Asthma and Immunology. Dr. Wilson is a third generation allergist/immunologist who is dedicated to providing every patient with the best care possible. She strives to have a positive and lasting impact on their quality of lives by discussing their symptoms, testing and treatment options, as well as treatment goals. She believes it is important to listen to and to educate her patients about their condition and seeks to use the least medication possible to control symptoms. Dr. Wilson joins Alabama Allergy & Asthma Center in their commitment to providing patients with the individualized and expert care they need to obtain a better quality of life. With seven board certified allergists, and six locations, Alabama Allergy & Asthma Center is the leading caregiver in the state for asthma, sinus issues, seasonal allergies, food allergies, drug and insect allergies, eczema, hives and chronic infections. Dr. Wilson is now accepting appointments in Homewood, Hoover, and Alabaster. For more information or to make an appointment call 205-871-9661 or visit alabamaallergy.com.
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THE SIMPLE LIFE
Fake News Have you ever questioned yourself about “who do you listen to?” With the bombardment of social media, it’s a slippery slope on fact versus opinion, and the difference can get very blurry. Think about who you hang around with most. Typically, they have the most influence over you … your decisions, your thoughts, your actions and your vision. For some, that can be a positive thing—if you’ve aligned yourself with those who have values you respect and admire. For some, bad advice may be leading you down the wrong road. Why are you listening to this person? Are you listening to an “expert in their field” or “I don’t know facts but my opinion is important?” Many of us “listen” to someone’s opinion and take it as Owner of SimpleWorks, truth. Simpleworks.guru Same goes for reading something lisa@simpleworks.guru and believing it. You might hear a 205.981.7733 co-worker say, “I read/heard that moisturizer clogs your pores.” Do you question this by asking, “Tell me more about the person who wrote that; how does their skin look; is there something to back that up?” You’re thinking it, so go ahead and say it. “Thank you for sharing that. Tell me, is this your opinion or have you spent time and studied this topic?” Consider their answer before falling into their beliefs and opinions. Who are you listening to in the area of finances, child rearing, marriage and health? For finances: Pick five people whose values and advice are similar to yours. For health: Pick five people that know and show their passion for feeling good and eating good. For marriage: You may want to avoid taking advice from your best friend who’s been divorced three times. Is this the person you allow to whisper in your ear? Your five people can be different for the different areas of your life, but all will have experience, knowledge and your respect. With so many avenues and channels for our “news and advice,” it’s easy to get dizzy on what to believe and what to dismiss. When you surround yourself with excellence, you become excellence in all areas of your life. You “become” like the five people you’re around most! Build your tribe. Choose wisely. It’s that simple.
Lisa Phillips
2017
ShelbyLiving.com 11
#ShelbyLivingMagazine
Tag us in your Shelby County photos on Instagram, and we’ll pick our favorites to regram and publish on this page in each issue.
@interstellargingerbeer Join us Thursday October 19 at 7 PM for the launch of Challenger Games’ new game Ascent!
@phscareercoach
Congratulations to Jarrett McLaren for being the Employee of the Month for the Academy of Craft Training!
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@montevallojuniorcitycouncil
Congratulations to our new and returning MJCC members being inducted last night at City Hall! This year will be amazing!
@thefoundryministries Enjoyed #ShelbyCountyAL Manager Alex Dudchock’s State of Shelby report at @greatershelbychamber. We’re thrilled about opening our #Pelham #ThriftStore
THE GUIDE
HOLIDAY HIGH TEA DEC. 2 11 A.M.-1 P.M. HOOVER Jefferson State Community College’s Culinary and Hospitality Institute ACF Culinary Apprentices will hold a Holiday High Tea and Silent Auction at the Shelby-Hoover Campus, 4600 Valleydale Road. The cost is $40 per ticket. Proceeds benefit educational endeavors of the JSCC CHI ACF Apprentices. The event will also feature Christmas Carols with the Jefferson State Singers. For more information, call (205) 983-5214.
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THE GUIDE
WHAT TO DO IN SHELBY COUNTY DEC. 1 North Pole Express Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum 5 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 8 p.m. DEC. 1 Holiday Artist Market Preview Party Shelby County Arts Council 6 p.m. DEC. 2 Mt Laurel Christmas Open House and Holiday Market Mt Laurel 9 a.m.
DEC. 2
Helena Christmas Parade 1 P.M. HELENA
The theme for the 47th Annual Christmas Parade is “A Christmas Movie Christmas,” and Cris Nelson, former president and councilwoman for the Helena City Council, will be honored for her outstanding volunteer service in organizing and leading for many years the Buck Creek Festival, Helena’s Farmer’s Market and other community events. The parade is Dec. 2 at 1 p.m. Line-up will begin as early as 9 a.m. and all floats must be in place and ready to be judged by 11 a.m. The parade is set to begin at 1 p.m., but if all the participants are in place, the parade might begin earlier than the 1 p.m. time frame. For information regarding the line-up, e-mail kym@cityofhelena. org for the form.
DEC. 8
Christmas Belles
DEC. 8, 9, 14 AND 16 AT 7:30 P.M. DEC. 10 AND 17 AT 2 P.M. PELHAM South City Theatre in Pelham presents “Christmas Belles,” its holiday production for 2017. For more information or to reserve tickets, call the SCT Box Office at (205) 621-2128 or email info@ southcitytheatre.com. SCT is located at 2969 Pelham Parkway, Suites J-K. 14 ShelbyLiving.com
DEC. 2 Holiday Artist Market Shelby County Arts Council 9 a.m. DEC. 5 Tech Tuesdays: Take it away! North Shelby Library 3:30 p.m. DEC. 6 Hedgie Hello North Shelby Library 11:30 a.m. DEC. 7 Baby Tales North Shelby Library 10 a.m. DEC. 8 Three on a String Shelby County Arts Council 7:30 p.m. DEC. 8 North Pole Express Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum 5 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 8 p.m. DEC. 9 A Minor Film School Monthly Meet-Up Chelsea Community Center 10:30 a.m. DEC. 9 North Pole Express – Santa Special Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum 5 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 8 p.m.
THE GUIDE DEC. 10 Jingle All the Way with Dolores Hydock and Bobby Horton Shelby County Arts Council 2 p.m. DEC. 11 Teen Council: Candy in a Flash North Shelby Library 6:30 p.m. DEC. 12 Picture Book Club North Shelby Library 10 a.m. DEC. 13 Teen Homeschool Art Club North Shelby Library 2:30 p.m. DEC. 15 North Pole Express Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum 5 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 8 p.m. DEC. 16 A Jazz Christmas with The Official Clutch Band Shelby County Arts Council 7:30 p.m. DEC. 18 Garden Gates North Shelby Library 4 p.m. DEC. 19 Mt Laurel Picture Book Club Mt Laurel Library 4 p.m. DEC. 21 NSL Book Club North Shelby Library 10:30 a.m. DEC. 26 Sensory Storytime North Shelby Library 10 a.m. DEC. 27 Teen Tech: Oculus Rift North Shelby Library 3:30 p.m.
DEC. 9
Breakfast with Santa 9 A.M. NORTH SHELBY LIBRARY
Families can expect a great time of food, fun and pictures with Santa. Breakfast will be from 9-9:30 a.m. Pictures with Santa and a Christmas craft will be from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Registration is required. Call or visit the library to register. A $5 fee per person is due at registration. All ages are welcome.
23rd Meadow Brook Runs DEC. 16 9 A.M. MEADOW BROOK The 23rd Annual Meadow Brook Runs will consist of a 5K at 9 a.m. and a 1-mile Fun Run at 10 a.m. Walkers and pets on a leash are welcome. The location and lead race sponsor is USAmeriBank, Meadow Brook Branch, 1100 Corporate Parkway, Birmingham. For more information, visit Meadow Brook Runs on Facebook.
Share your news! Email submissions to Emily.Sparacino@Shelbyliving.com to be considered for our next issue. ShelbyLiving.com 15
THE GUIDE AROUND TOWN DEC. 1 Holiday Spectacular 2017 Red Mountain Theatre Company 7:30 p.m. DEC. 3 Chris Tomlin Christmas: Christmas Songs of Worship The Alabama Theatre 7 p.m. DEC. 6 A Christmas Carol Hoover Library Theatre 7:30 p.m.
Alabaster
GIRL SCOUTS HONORED Several local Girl Scouts earned the spotlight during the Sept. 25 Alabaster City Council meeting for giving back to their community while earning one of the highest scouting honors. Alabaster Mayor Marty Handlon presented a proclamation during the meeting honoring members of Girl Scout Troop 654 for earning the Bronze Award for their actions over the past several months. The proclamation recognized Sadie Currie, Nora Ellis, Kaylor and Karlyn Oden, Ella Southern, Janie Cate Grice, Abby Bess and Sierra Walsh for earning “one of the highest honors bestowed upon a Girl Scout.” To earn their Bronze Awards, the scouts completed a service project to make a difference at the Oak Mountain Farm.
Community
JOURNEY OF A LIFETIME It was a combination of strength, determination and tuna fish lunches that allowed Daniel Autry to complete the 2,189-mile trek of the Appalachian Trail. What started out as a bucket-list item became a reality on March 8, when Autry, 32, started his journey in Springer Mountain, Ga. On Sept. 16, Autry completed his hike at Mt. Katahdin, Maine, with an awe and appreciation for the journey. While he started out hiking alone, Autry met other hikers on the trail that hiked alongside him. Another friendship Autry made along the way was with a fourlegged, furry, companion he adopted off of the trail in Erwin, Tenn. “My dog went the rest of the way with me,” Autry says. 16 ShelbyLiving.com
DEC. 7 Gifts of Art Show Aldridge Gardens 10 a.m. DEC. 8 White Christmas The Alabama Theatre 7 p.m. DEC. 9 Christmas Vacation The Alabama Theatre 7 p.m. DEC. 10 Birmingham Boys Choir 40th Annual Christmas Concert Canterbury United Methodist Church 2:30 p.m. DEC. 10 Elf The Alabama Theatre 7 p.m. DEC. 10 Holiday Soul Alys Stephens Center 7 p.m. DEC. 11 Birmingham Boys Choir 40th Annual Christmas Concert Canterbury United Methodist 7 p.m. DEC. 12 Home Alone
THE GUIDE The Alabama Theatre 7 p.m. DEC. 13 Children’s Christmas Play Hoover Library 10:30 a.m. DEC. 13 Christmas Vacation The Alabama Theatre 7 p.m. DEC. 14 HHS Musical Performance Hoover Country Club 11 a.m. DEC. 16 Cartoon Matinee Triple Feature The Alabama Theatre 2 p.m. DEC. 22 The Muppet Christmas Carol The Alabama Theatre 2 p.m.
Public Service
KEEPING US SAFE The Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce recognized numerous public safety officials throughout Shelby County at its monthly community luncheon in September. The purpose of the event was to honor police officers and firefighters for maintaining the quality of life and keeping residents safe on a daily basis. Officials honored represented Alabaster, Cahaba Valley, Calera, Chelsea, Columbiana, Harpersville, Helena, Hoover, Montevallo, Pelham and the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office.
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ShelbyLiving.com 17
THE GUIDE
Highland Lakes
GOOD SAMARITANS RECOGNIZED The Highland Lakes Women’s Club held the first meeting of the 2017-2018 fiscal year on Oct. 3 at the home of Lori Gronek. Club President Teresa Pfefferkorn kicked off the meeting with a special presentation of the new Highland Lakes Good Samaritan Award. Two special guests were the first recipients of the award that is designed to honor Highland Lakes neighbors who go out of their way to be Good Samaritans. •Rick Ogden, picture left in the above right photo, was
Philanthropy
SHELBY SHINDIG WINNING DONATION Alabama State Rep. Corley Ellis and Shelby County Newspapers Inc. recently teamed up to compete in the annual Shelby County Shindig BBQ event, held in Columbiana on July 15. The BBQ team took first place and donated the prize earnings to two local non-profits. Owens House received $500 and the Scott Armstrong Memorial Scholarship Fund received $500. Both organizations were present for the check presentation. Present for the Owens House donation were, top photo, from left, Jenna Bryson, family advocate; Maribeth Bowman, forensic interviewer; Kari Wilson, clinical director; Rep. Corley Ellis; and Daniel Holmes, Shelby County Newspapers Inc. Present for the Scott Armstrong Memorial Scholarship Fund donation were, bottom photo, from left, Josh Arnold, Scott Armstrong Memorial Scholarship Fund board member, with Holmes and Ellis. 18 ShelbyLiving.com
recognized for his actions that resulted in Bob Browning recovering his cell phone and tablet after they slid off the top of his car at the intersection of Highland Lakes Drive and U.S. 280. •Jack Little, pictured right in the above right photo, was instrumental in getting Jamie, a stray dog that was found in Highland Lakes, cleaned up, healthy and living happily in a forever home earlier this year. The club selected Hand in Paw, left photo, as the charitable organization to be supported this year. Therapy dog Lucy, along with her handlers, Mary, left, and Helen, right, visited with members to provide an overview of the program and give personal testimony about its effectiveness.
&CULTURE
ARTS
WOOD TREASURES The Helena couple behind JnS Treasured Creations makes more than just wooden signs. STORY AND PHOTOS BY LAURA BROOKHART ShelbyLiving.com 19
Jen Newman paints a wooden sign at JnS Treasured Creations, which she and her husband Scot opened in 2016.
T
The new location of JnS Treasured Creations is an open and welcoming space, a menagerie of wood-based creations in a rainbow of colors. Now, you can linger and look and see firsthand their larger products such as benches (with storage beneath), farm tables, end tables, a corner entertainment center, headboards and, yes, even dog beds. “Simplicity is what I like,” Jen Newman says. This inviting theme and style is evident throughout the business, which Jen and her husband Scot opened in 2016. Scot built the main counter in their new location and added new flooring. The Newmans have been getting ready for Helena’s First
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Friday on Dec. 1 by brainstorming gift ideas to share with customers. “We will take special orders for our furniture designs or customize any of our other items just for you,” Jen says. See their newly created light fixtures, choose a custom frame to mount a family photo or celebrate your football team of choice with a plaque, even if your household is “divided.” Dog beds in different sizes are available in any finish you desire. Photo transfers can be mounted onto any size of wooden plaque with your choice of color. These are coated with a sealer. Those interested can text or email their photos to the Newmans.
Dog beds are among the varied items Jen and Scot make and sell at their shop.
BEHIND THE SCENES Owners: Jen and Scot Newman Hours of operation: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Closed 2:15-3:15 p.m. each day. Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Location: 4040 Helena Road, Helena, AL 35080. Phone: (313) 377-9078
Christmas-themed decorations come in variety of wooden designs. One strong and simple 2-D composition features angled wooden blocks shaping the traditional tree silhouette. See JnS Treasured Creations on Facebook for more photos and innovative ideas, such as their Christmas Tree Box. JnS Treasured Creations will host an upcoming auction of one of their custom designs to raise money for the Miracle League. ShelbyLiving.com 21
ARTS COUNCIL CORNER
HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS
The Shelby County Arts Council offers a variety of arts-related events this month. BY LINDSAY DYESS PHOTO CONTRIBUTED The Shelby County Arts Council is getting in the holiday spirit with a month of exciting events in December. We’re bringing back some of our favorite acts and artists, as well as some new faces. Kicking off the month is the annual Holiday Artist Market on Saturday, Dec. 2 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Join us for a fun day of shopping from talented, local artists. This year’s market will feature a variety of arts and fine crafts such as pottery, jewelry, paintings, fabric art, printmaking and much more. Here you can find unique holiday gifts for friends and family. The Artist Market will also coincide with the annual Tour of Homes in Columbiana. Join us for a day of fun the whole family will enjoy. The Holiday Artist Market is free to attend. Taking the stage in the Black Box Theater on Dec. 8 is the popular music and comedy group Three on a String. Bobby, Brad, Andy and Jerry are back with lots of favorite songs and laughs. Their bluegrass-folk comedy routine is something everyone will enjoy. Join us at the Shelby County Arts Council on Friday, Dec. 8 at 7:30 p.m., doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25 and include a pre-show beverage reception. Need a little spark in your holiday season? Join us on Dec. 10 for the delightful duo of storyteller Dolores Hydock and musician Bobby Horton. They’re back for Jingle All the Way-Stories and Songs of the Season. Dolores and Bobby blend happy holiday stories with your favorite Christmas tunes. Prepare for a charming storytelling experience unlike any other. Join us on Sunday, Dec. 10 at 2 p.m., doors open at 1:30 p.m. Tickets are $20. For all those jazz fans out there we have a very special holiday performance lined up. The Official Clutch Band presents a Jazz Christmas on Dec. 16. This talented group of young musicians from Birmingham puts their own twist on some of your favorite holiday standards. The Official Clutch Band draws their inspiration from a variety of genres such as bebop, smooth jazz, R&B and pop, just to name a few. Check out this incredible band on their 22 ShelbyLiving.com
way to the top! Join us at the Black Box Theater on Saturday, Dec. 16 at 7:30 p.m., doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 and include a pre-show beverage reception. Don’t let the winter blues get you down this month! Check out the Shelby County Arts Council for a fun and exciting event. There’s something for everyone here. For more information on these events visit Shelbycountyartscouncil.com, or follow us on Facebook and Instagram for all our latest news. Be sure to check out our class offerings and upcoming theater and gallery events.
The annual Holiday Artist Market features pottery, jewelry and other handmade pieces that could make gifts for family and friends.
&SPORTS
SCHOOLS
A PLACE TO KINECT
In this sports league, everyone is on an even playing field, regardless of ability. BY ANNE RILEY PHOTOS BY DAWN HARRISON ShelbyLiving.com 23
P
Playing sports helps tremendously with the development of social skills, life skills and personal discipline – but teens and adults with disabilities don’t always have much of an opportunity to participate in sports. Fortunately, that changed two years ago with the creation of Kinect Sports League, which is open to people with all challenges and disabilities. The league operates for three seasons: Spring, summer and fall. There’s also a winter basketball league at Valleydale Baptist Church. Around 30 people participate in the league, and Courtney King, the behavior analyst who started the HANDS program 11 years ago, is thrilled with the success Kinect has seen. “When we first started playing kickball two years ago, very few knew how to play,” King says. “They had difficulty catching, kicking and running the bases. I have watched them learn these skills, and in turn, their selfconfidence has increased. I love seeing them get excited about
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Angie Lamb, David Lamb, founder and director Courtney King and Kinect coordinator Heather Stowe participate in a kickball game.
playing and interacting with one another.” King, who was born in Birmingham but grew up in Montgomery, became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst in 2004 and founded The HANDS Program in 2006. She also founded the Alabama Autism Assistance Program as a way to help families pay for services. Kinect Sports, which is part of The HANDS Program, serves children, teens and adults with autism and other challenges. King said that her highest moment with the sports league has been watching individuals who would never have had the opportunity to play a team sport learn how to play and develop their athletic skills. “I have also witnessed many instances of players helping other players,” King says. “That is a great thing to see!” While King has never second-guessed herself about starting the sports league, there are times that she worries about funding. “We make it free for all who want to play, but
David Lamb prepares to kick the ball during a Kinect Sports League game.
“
I have watched them learn these skills, and in turn, their self-confidence has increased. I love seeing them get excited about playing and interacting with one another. - Courtney King
2017
”
we often have difficulty finding sponsors for each season. There are so many things I want to do to expand the program, but we need more sponsorship and funding to do it.” Along the same lines, King said her greatest challenge to date has been fundraising and volunteer recruitment. Because of the program’s success, it needs more funding and volunteer support than ever – and those two things can be a big challenge for a program that seeks to provide services to people without charging a fee. Located on Valleydale Road, The HANDS Program offers individual therapy sessions, school services, social activities, early childhood play and seasonal opportunities such as the sports league. Historically, kickball has been the most popular sport, with 18-25 participants per season. “I have always wanted to expand our teen and adult program,” King says in regards to the birth of the kickball idea. “One day I just said, ‘Hey, what if we started playing
Patton Chapel ANIMAL
CLINIC
ShelbyLiving.com 25
Even though the league is technically open to teens and adults over age 16 who have autism, younger children are sometimes allowed to participate, as well as parents, siblings and volunteers.
David Blaszczynski kicks the ball during a Kinect game.
Alisha Maini and sister Maddie Maini, a “sidekick” for Kinect, take the field.
kickball?’ It evolved from there!” While the sports league is technically open to teens and adults over the age of 16 who have autism, younger children who can play safely and understand the rules of the game are sometimes allowed to participate, too. There are also the “sidekicks” – parents, siblings, and volunteers – who often take the field alongside the players. “My behavior technicians help run the league,” she says. “We also rely heavily on volunteers and parent/guardian support.” As far as King’s role, she does whatever needs to be done – playing, refereeing or keeping score. But regardless of her task on any given day, when King is on the field, she loves to see her HANDS clients developing skills and enjoying community that they otherwise might have missed out on. 26 ShelbyLiving.com
Some players need reminders about the rules of the game, and others may need assistance handling the ball or running the bases, but everyone is working together as a team and learning the thrill of competitive sports. King says she’s watched a lot of friendships form among team members, too – a bonus to an already incredible opportunity for people with disabilities and developmental delays. When asked what the program needs most, King’s reply was twofold: funding and volunteers. Applications for the Kinect Kickball League can be found on the HANDS website, as well as the Kinect calendar, sponsorship form and new client application form. There is also additional information about the mission of The HANDS Program and what types of developmental delays they are able to accommodate.
Daniel Howell gets ready to throw the ball.
David Lamb and Margaret Stewart, parent and “sidekick,” playing kickball.
FIND OUT MORE • If you are interested in learning more about The HANDS Program, Kinect Sports League, or the therapy scholarship program available to help offset costs, visit Thehandsprogram.org, email thehandsprogram@gmail. com, or call 205-733-0976. ShelbyLiving.com 27
READ THIS BOOK
5 Book Picks for the Holidays Recommendations from
Dana Polk
Director Chelsea Public Library
This is a busy month for all of us, but make sure to carve out a few minutes daily to read. Dana Polk, the director of Chelsea Public Library, picked five books that will enhance the holiday season for all ages. Christmas cookies, being naughty, Christmas pageants, Christmas ghosts, and a chance to rewrite the past – what will you read next? Stop by the library and check out these and other books.
Naughty Claudine’s Christmas
by Patrick Jennings (Goodreads Author), Suzanne Kaufman (Illustrations) | Children’s Book Claudine doesn’t think Santa should be allowed to just barge into her house—that’s not polite at all! The only way to keep him out? Get on his Naughty List. If you think about it, Santa is a pretty rude guy. He watches you while you sleep. He withholds presents if he decides you weren’t good this year. And he sneaks into your house! Uninvited! Claudine wants none of it—she is determined to keep Santa away from her house this Christmas! And the only way to do it? Be as naughty as possible. Too bad Claudine’s actually a pretty good kid at heart. This out-of-the-ordinary perspective on the beloved holiday figure will have kids rolling with laughter, while letting them know that it’s okay to have an opinion different from the norm!
A World of Cookies for Santa: Follow Santa’s Tasty Trip Around the World
by M.E. Furman, Susan Gal (Illustrations) | Children’s Book A World of Cookies for Santa takes readers across the globe to see all the treats that await Santa on Christmas Eve. Head to the Philippines, where children leave out puto seko cookies and ginger tea for Santa; jet to Russia for a honey-spice cookie; then set out for Malawi for a sweet potato cookie! When you’ve returned home, the journey’s still not over—M.E. Furman provides recipes for children to bake some of Santa’s cookies for themselves.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
by Barbara Robinson | Children’s Book Laughs abound in this bestselling Christmas classic by Barbara Robinson! The Best Christmas Pageant Ever follows the outrageous shenanigans of the Herdman siblings, or “the worst kids in the history of the world.” The siblings take over the annual Christmas pageant in a hilarious yet heartwarming tale involving the Three Wise Men, a ham, scared shepherds and six rowdy kids.
The Afterlife of Holly Chase
Contributor(s): Cynthia Hand (Author) | Young Adult Before I Fall meets “bah, humbug” in this contemporary YA reimagining of A Christmas Carol from New York Times bestselling author Cynthia Hand. On Christmas Eve five years ago, 17-year-old Holly Chase was visited by three Ghosts who showed her how selfish and spoiled she’d become. They tried to convince her to mend her ways. She didn’t. And then she died. Now she’s stuck working for the top-secret company Project Scrooge—as their latest Ghost of Christmas Past. So far, Holly’s afterlife has been miserable. But this year’s Scrooge is different. This year’s Scrooge might change everything. The Afterlife of Holly Chase is a witty, poignant, and insightful novel about life, love, and seizing second (or third) chances, perfect for readers who loved Before I Fall or Dash & Lily’s Book of Dares.
The Noel Diary: A Novel
by Richard Paul Evans | Fiction In this new holiday-themed novel from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Mistletoe Promise and The Walk, a man receives the best Christmas present he could ask for: the chance to re-write the past. 28 ShelbyLiving.com
&DRINK
FOOD
CATCH OF THE TOWN Enjoy tastes from the Gulf — and a beloved bread pudding — at Chuck’s Fish. No beach trip needed. BY LAUREN DOWDLE PHOTOS BY DAWN HARRISON ShelbyLiving.com 29
I
Instead of packing up and traveling to the Coast to enjoy local seafood, residents can simply head to Chuck’s Fish in Birmingham to satisfy their craving. With locations in Birmingham, Tuscaloosa and Mobile, Chuck’s Fish brings its fresh dishes and inviting service to people across the state. They strive to provide a top-notch dining experience and menu that will continue to bring people back again and again. “We really pride ourselves on creating a warm environment,” says Britney Campbell, general manager of the Birmingham location. “We have lots of guest that dine with us weekly, and they have become our family for sure.” The restaurant and its owner have deep ties to the Birmingham area, making the location that much more special. Its namesake, Chuck Morgan, grew up in Birmingham and followed his passion as a civil rights attorney. Born in 1930, Morgan gained national prominence for his speech on race relations in the South, along with his landmark cases for racial equality.
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His son, Charles Morgan III had an idea to open a seafood restaurant in his father’s honor. He owned Harbor Docks in Destin, Fla., giving him the perfect resources for a seafood restaurant. The first Chuck’s Fish opened in Tuscaloosa in 2006, and the Birmingham location opened in 2009. The newest restaurant opened in Mobile just last year. Located on U.S. 280 in the Terrace at Greystone, the Birmingham restaurant continues to impress customers with its fresh, quality ingredients. All of the fish they serve is hookand-line caught by boats from their wholesale seafood market Harbor Docks. They also look to use local produce when possible, and all of their meats are hand-cut either in-house or by local markets. Those local tastes come through with every bite of their dishes — and they’ve got several to choose from to satisfy a range of taste buds. While their nightly specials tend to be the most popular dishes, Campbell says guests also love their white chocolate
Birmingham location general manager Britney Campbell.
Chuck’s House Salad with Grilled Shrimp and Creamy Vinaigrette.
bread pudding, uptown shrimp and fresh-caught Gulf fish. Other dishes include crab cakes, parmesan-crusted grouper, stuffed shrimp, smoked tuna dip and seafood gumbo. All of their restaurants have similar menus, although each is a little different. “We have a few signature dishes that are staples for all of our restaurants, but each one has their own personal touch that reflects the chef de cuisine,” she says. In addition to their seafood entrees and appetizers, they also have an award-winning sushi menu that includes classic and house specialty rolls. Chuck’s Fish even has non-seafood dishes like panéed chicken, ribeye and filets. To satisfy someone’s sweet tooth, other dessert items include key lime pie, chocolate crème brulée and their featured cheesecake. “We have incredibly fresh seafood, delicious sushi and if you people don’t like seafood, we have steaks as well,” Campbell says. “We say we do sushi, steak, seafood.” They serve brunch on Sundays, accompanied by live jazz music that goes from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Some popular brunch dishes include their bananas foster French toast; burger with pimento ShelbyLiving.com 31
Chocolate Crème Brûlée, Parmesan Crusted Grouper with risotto and sauteed artichokes, and Chuck’s House Salad with Grilled Shrimp and Creamy Vinaigrette are three notable dishes at Chuck’s Fish.
cheese, fried egg and bacon jam; blackened catch with McEwen & Sons grits, rosemary cream and house salad. They also have seasonal drink menus, along with a wine and beer list. Their signature cocktails include refreshments like a pineapple jalapeno margarita, strawberry lemon crush, lemon drop and the Old Fashioned. And that’s just a sample of what they serve. “We have many more options that are all delicious,” she adds. But there’s more to Chuck’s Fish than its Gulf-to-table meals. The family environment and quality service continue
to attract people to the restaurant. “I really enjoy the relationships with our guests,” Campbell says. “We have a lot of regular guests that really are like family to us.” The team at Chuck’s Fish gets just as excited about being in the restaurant and giving guests a memorable meal and experience. “I also love the hustle of the restaurant, that part of the night when the restaurant is full, people are enjoying their food and drinks and their company, you hear the dishes rattling in the back and the smile on peoples face when they
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2017
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Chuck’s Fish sushi dishes include the Screaming O Roll with the restaurant’s Uptown Beef, and Tuna Sashimi.
“
I really enjoy the relationships with our guests. We have a lot of regular guests that really are like family to us. - Britney Campbell
”
leave and have really enjoyed their dining experience with us,” she says. “That’s what we do it for!” So whether someone is looking to enjoy local seafood, refreshing drinks, must-try desserts or a welcoming dining experience, they can find it all and more at Chuck’s Fish in Birmingham. No beach trip needed. Chuck’s Fish is located at 5426 U.S. 280 E. in Birmingham. They are open 5-10 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 5-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (brunch) and 5-10 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, visit Chucksfish.com. ShelbyLiving.com 33
FOOD & DRINK
BOURBON PLUM
SMASH CHUCK’S FISH
WHAT’S IN IT
DIRECTIONS
• 1 1/4 ounce Maker’s Mark • 4 slices plum • 4 sprigs mint • 1/2 ounce Cointreau • Splash of ginger simple syrup* • 1/2 ounce lemon juice
• Muddle plum and mint with ginger simple syrup (recipe follows) in shaker. • Add the rest of the ingredients, shake and pour over ice with a mint sprig as a garnish.
*GINGER SIMPLE SYRUP • 3/4 cup peeled and sliced ginger root • 1 cup sugar • 1 cup water
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• Bring to a boil, take off heat and let steep for 30 minutes. • Strain out the ginger root.
&STYLE
HOME
SOUTHERN IDEAL
A look inside the Southern Living Inspired Home in Mt Laurel will have you dreaming in blue and white. BY EMILY SPARACINO PHOTOS BY DAWN HARRISON ShelbyLiving.com 35
O
On a scale measuring neighborhood prestige, Mt Laurel continues to climb higher. Last year, Southern Living editors chose Mt Laurel as the location for the 2016 Southern Living Idea House, a 4,130-square-foot beauty designed room-byroom in honor of the magazine’s 50th anniversary. This year, the magazine hand-picked Mt Laurel once again for another special home bearing its name: Birmingham’s first Southern Living Inspired Home. The new home comes with the distinction of Mt Laurel being one of only 14 communities across the country labeled a Southern Living Inspired Community. “We’re excited to have another partnership with Southern Living,” Mt Laurel Marketing and Community Relations Manager Julianna Vance says. “I think this (home) really reflects the Mt Laurel style because it’s a contemporary craftsman look.” Located at 110 Elyton Drive on a corner lot across the street
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from Turtleback Park, the nearly 2,500-square-foot, twostory contemporary craftsman home features the new Magnolia floorplan with three bedrooms, three-and-a-half bathrooms, an open living area, gourmet kitchen, a study and an upstairs loft. “We’re really excited about this floorplan because it’s so flexible,” Vance says, noting the loft can be used for multiple purposes. In keeping with Mt Laurel’s emphasis on nature and Southern aesthetic, a wrap-around porch is the centerpiece of the home’s exterior. Kay Green Design, the same firm that handled Mt Laurel’s Designer Showcase Model Home on Burnham Street several years ago, designed the Inspired Home’s interior. The home will be open for tours through Dec. 3. Tour hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 12-4 p.m. Sundays. Tickets can be purchased at the door for $10. All proceeds benefit the Friends of the Mt Laurel Library. Before you go, take a look inside this stunning home.
Foyer A first impression can make or break a house’s appeal. The Inspired Home’s two-story foyer with a tongue-and-groove ceiling promises a great first impression inside. As visitors step across the threshold, their eyes will be drawn upward to the high windows that, on sunny days, let in enough natural light to keep lamps turned off until sunset. White shiplap walls give the space an extra-airy feel, against which the browns of the staircase treads, light fixture and entry table stand out as reminders of the trees surrounding the home. Blue knickknacks give the area more color and set the tone for the other rooms. ShelbyLiving.com 37
Living Room Like the foyer, the living room blends white, blue and brown tones to create a clean, comfortable atmosphere. One’s eye is drawn to the fireplace situated between two sets of French doors. Ceiling beams give the room subtle dimension. Beige and cream play with pale and more prominent shades of blue throughout the room, and touches of green outside are just a glance away.
Study Visible from the front door, the study immediately commands attention with floor-to-ceiling, blue, built-in shelves on the back wall. Windows on another wall let light into the cozy room, a conducive environment for anyone to read or catch up on phone calls. And with its proximity to the front door, the study would be ideal for someone to use as an at-home office and occasionally invite clients over for meetings. 38 ShelbyLiving.com
Dining Room The whites and blues in the living room spill over into the dining room in new and creative ways. Most notably, the dark-blue coffered ceiling gives way to creamy walls and furniture. “The dining room is one of my favorites in this house,” Vance says. “It’s so dramatic with the ceiling.”
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Kitchen With a large marble-top island and ample quartz counter space, the open kitchen is the perfect place to entertain a crowd or prepare a meal for two. A mosaic tile backsplash covering much of the walls gives way on each side of the range hood to windows that serve as “backs� to two sets of cabinets. The cabinets’ glass doors allow light from the windows to stream in, creating the same airy quality present in the other rooms on the main level.
Powder Room Although small and nestled in the back of the house on the main level, the powder room makes a bold statement. The light-colored floors and white sink pop against dark blue wainscoting and wallpaper covered in gold grommets. A large mirror on the wall above the sink and toilet makes the room seem larger and visually allows the wallpaper to continue its metallic march across the wall.
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Loft The upstairs loft is a multi-use space. It can serve as a separate living space, a playroom, a TV room or something else depending on a family’s needs. “It’s really great to have,” Vance says.
Upstairs Bedrooms and Bathroom The two bedrooms on the second floor can be children’s rooms or guest rooms. They share access to a Jack and Jill bathroom, which has two vanities. ShelbyLiving.com 41
Master Bedroom Located on the main level, the master bedroom radiates a sense of tranquility with a color palette of soft blues and grays, with touches of cream.
BEHIND THE SCENES Builder: Town Builders, Inc. Interior Design and Furnishings: Kay Green Design, Inc. Lighting: Mayer Lighting Showroom Appliances: AllSouth Appliances, Inc. Windows: Pella Interior tile: Acme Brick and Tile Hardscape: Geostone Hardscape and Paving Stone of Alabama
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Master Bathroom A set of slender French doors separates the master bedroom from the luxurious master bathroom, another space splashed in light tones that give it a dreamy, spa-like feel. Dual vanities feature the same marble used in the kitchen. An interesting feature of the bathroom is the shower-and-tub-combination room.
Porch A major selling point of the Southern Living Inspired Home is its wraparound porch. “Since this is a corner lot, we really wanted to use the wraparound porch,” Vance says. “We’re excited about it.”
®
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She Is Strong creator Karen Lamb Pierce, right, embraces her mother, Gail Schaefer Lamb.
She Is Strong
I
Karen Lamb Pierce wants women everywhere to know their struggles are not in vain. By Emily Sparacino Photos by Dawn Harrison
In a world shaded with darkness, Karen Lamb Pierce is trying to point as many women as she can toward the light. Pierce’s idea of creating She Is Strong, a Christ-centered campaign of encouragement for women, came to her nearly two years ago as she was leading an effort to collect household goods for a woman who was moving out of a shelter with almost nothing of her own. In just a few days, Pierce and a network of people helped move her into a fully furnished home. “She had everything she needed and then some,” Pierce says of the woman. “I was so excited by that. That’s when
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those three words (She Is Strong) came to me. With every quilt and every lamp, there was a story.” She Is Strong is based on Proverbs 31:25, which says, “She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.” “I wanted to counteract negative with positive, because I really think that’s what we’re supposed to do,” she says. “The concept of good is what we really want to remind women,” Pierce says. “(We want) to inspire and encourage women, to remind them of their self-worth and courage and strength.”
EmbroidMe owner Ashley Payton Carter, left, holds a She Is Strong T-shirt as she talks to Pierce.
She Is Strong is a multi-faceted campaign that includes video interviews Pierce conducts with women about their trials and triumphs. Each video is posted to the She Is Strong Facebook page so other women can view them. Another part of the campaign is T-shirt sales. Ten percent of the profits from She Is Strong T-shirt sales goes to various charities chosen by the women Pierce interviews. “We think that every woman has a passion, and every passion is different,” Pierce says. Her first interview for She Is Strong was with her mother. The video drew nearly 1,000 views in 24 hours. In May, Pierce took a leap of faith and quit her full-time job to focus on growing She Is Strong. She
and her husband, Kane, live in Jemison and have two daughters, Peyton and Megan. “It was the scariest thing in my life,” she says. “Choosing to just do this was a little bit crazy, but I was just so passionate about the mission we were on.” When Karen was starting She Is Strong, Urban Barn Clothing Co. owner Colleen Burback expressed interest in selling the T-shirts in her shop off U.S. 280 behind Krispy Kreme. “As soon as I launched She Is Strong, Colleen was the first to say, ‘Hey, let me put your shirts in my store.’ It doesn’t matter to us if you’re 19 or 90; every woman has a story. It’s our job to tell people about it to help others.” Teresa Evans, one of Karen’s longtime ShelbyLiving.com 45
She Is Strong T-shirts are sold at Urban Barn Clothing Co. on U.S. 280.
friends, agreed to be interviewed as she battled breast cancer. Evans had endured multiple rounds of chemotherapy—and a toxic reaction to it—when she and Pierce got together for the She Is Strong interview. “I feel like God allows us to go through things so we can help other people,” Evans says. “There’s a purpose for everything we go through.” Evans hesitated when Karen first asked her about the interview, but she decided sharing her story and possibly helping someone else was more important than her fears. “I thought God can’t really use a closed door. If it helped one single person go through a difficult time, that it would be well worth it to me,” Evans says. And Evans did receive confirmation that she did help at least one person. When she accompanied a family member to the chemotherapy lab for his first cancer treatment, a woman there recognized her from the She Is Strong interview. “She said, ‘I saw your video on one of my darkest days. Just the 46 ShelbyLiving.com
words you said gave me so much hope,’” Evans says. “I said, ‘You just made my day.’ She was a complete stranger. God never takes His hand off of us. Everything we go through, there’s a purpose and a meaning and a reason.” Karen also interviewed Reneé Jones, a friend and former co-worker whose mother has Alzheimer’s disease. “When she started this, I was so proud of her,” Jones says, calling Karen “a joy,” “an encourager,” “compassionate,” “amazing” and someone with “a sweet spirit.” “She just asked me to talk about something I was struggling with. It was really good to be able to share what I’m going through.” In July, Pierce interviewed Bonnie Beard in Arcadia, Florida, about three months after Beard’s husband (and Pierce’s best friend from childhood) died from cancer. When Pierce called Beard to ask her about an interview, Beard says she had an immediate peace about it. “Through my husband’s cancer journey, he shared his
ABOVE: Pierce with her mother and daughters, Peyton and Megan. BELOW: Carter and Pierce work on more She Is Strong T-shirts.
journey on Facebook with all his friends and family. I was kind of the silent partner,” Beard says. “I thought, ‘Wow, God, you’re going to put me out there now that he’s not here. I trusted God to use me in the same way he had used my husband, and he did. I felt like there was somebody out there that was dealing with what I was going through. There’s a peace knowing you’re not alone, and you can help people through your own storm. It changes the way I look at storms that come my way now.” Beard says she probably wouldn’t have had the boldness to seek out a platform by herself, but She Is Strong opened a door for her to share her story. “I’m a big supporter of it. I’m excited about the lives it has touched,” Beard says of the campaign. “It’s an awesome thing.” Karen’s mission is to reach women of all ages and in different walks of life. She Is Strong is not bound by city limits or state lines, socioeconomic status or job title. “That was her mission, really, to have women encourage other women,” Evans says. “She’s trying to do a really good thing.” ShelbyLiving.com 47
Pierce poses with many of the women who have been involved in She Is Strong. Back Row: Shanna Gueneri, Debbie Wooten, Elisha Holcombe, Tammy Campbell, Renee Jones, Tracey Key, Teresa Evans and Ashley Carter. Front Row: Susan Garris, Sandy Hines, Gail Schaefer Lamb, Peyton, Megan, Jaime Deale, Kenley Deale, Mary Basselin and Stacey Yarbrough.
Karen is partnering with Advanced Surgeons PC at Grandview Medical Center to provide She Is Strong T-shirts in care packages given to women who receive a breast cancer diagnosis. She Is Strong T-shirts are available for purchase at Urban Barn Clothing Co. and Sheisstrong-sis.com. Along with generating money for charitable causes, the shirts
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serve as tangible reminders of the uplifting message Karen is trying to spread, one woman, one interview, one inspiring story at a time. “It was really just a passion and grace that got me into this position,” Karen says. “In the middle of all this mess right now, we’re doing a little bit of good. I hope it spreads.”
Buff City in the Magic City This Tennessee soap company comes clean about bringing its all-natural products to Birmingham.
J
By Emily Sparacino Photos by Dawn Harrison
Jeff Collier isn’t OK with people just picking up items in his Buff City Soap Company shop in Hoover. No, he wants them to smell everything they pick up, too. How else will they find their favorite soaps, bath bombs and body butter? Another rule in Collier’s shop, which opened behind Krispy Kreme Doughnuts off U.S. 280 in May, is no one should leave empty-handed. He knows if people give the products one chance, they’ll likely give them another. And another. Lather, rinse, repeat. “We always want people to try our soap,” he says of the allnatural bars lining tables and crates in the shop. “Commercial soap is not what you think it is.”
Buff City Soap started as Bartlett Soap Company, a small business born in founder Brad Kellum’s garage in Memphis, Tennessee, in 2013. Unlike some commercial soap products, Buff City products are free of paraben, phthalate and detergent, and the soaps are exclusively plant-based and made with coconut, palm and olive oils. Phrases like “Awwww Natural” and “Buff Naked Ingredients” on the shop walls speak to the clean and environmentally conscious composition of Buff City’s products. “They are 100-percent natural, including the color and fragrances,” Collier says. “We take a lot of pride in our soaps.” If the contents of the soaps don’t get people’s attention ShelbyLiving.com 49
Buff City Soap on U.S. 280 features a wide variety of soaps, shower fizzies and other products, which customers can sign up to receive in a monthly subscription box.
immediately, the names of the soaps will. Princess Fiona, Mimi’s Lemonade, Sun Dried Cotton, All Hail The Queen and Mama Liked The Roses headline the list. The men’s wall – a collection of soaps and beard products targeting even the manliest men that might avoid a soap shop – is also full of eye-catching names, like Shave & A Haircut, Scarface, Urban Cowboy, Ferocious Beast, Blue Collar Soap and Oatmeal Stout. “We find that a lot of husbands live vicariously through their wives,” Collier says. “They enjoy it (the soap) just as much.” Translation: Men might not frequent the shop like 50 ShelbyLiving.com
their female counterparts, but they’re using the products at home—and likely asking their wives to pick up reinforcements of their man soap the next time they’re out. In addition to the soaps—one of which is an unscented variety called Sportsman Soap for the avid hunter—Buff City offers beard balm, beard oil, shower oil and facial cream for men. A bestseller among teenage and some adult customers is the activated charcoal facial bar, a black disc resembling a hockey puck that contains activated charcoal with hemp oil, coconut oil, shea butter, spearmint and eucalyptus essential oils. The blend is designed to gently treat skin for conditions
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SOAP STARS Peace & Love: Amazing Grace in a unique blend of citrus, florals and spice, with white musk and pink rose. Modern Man: Not for the average man, this blend of bergamot and gold amber allegedly will omit a “can’t live without” fragrance. Unicorn Soap: Disclaimer: With no horn. Ask the Unicorn Queen about this pleasantly pink soap. Grandma Hugs: What could lift your spirits more than a warm, calming hug from Grandma? Lemongrass Eucalyptus: A blend of essential oils with European spa salt makes a surprisingly pleasant combination––and an extra-foamy lather.
Razzle Dazzle: This zesty bar has notes of black raspberry.
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such as acne and redness. The charcoal bar is the only product Birmingham’s Buff City doesn’t make in-house. Everything else is made in the shop each week. “We really have great hopes for the store,” Collier says, and adds the 280 shop will be a “factory” location for future Birmingham-area Buff City locations, which would join existing locations in Tennessee (Bartlett and Downtown Memphis Pop-Up), Mississippi (Olive Branch and Tupelo) and Colorado (Castle Rock). Collier and his family moved to Birmingham from Memphis nearly a year ago. He travels back to Memphis
once a week to work at his radio stations there. Radio is how he was initially introduced to Buff City Soap. He did commercials for the company, started using the products and became a “behind-the-scenes spokesperson” for them. “I fell in love with the products,” he says. The company offers college football themed soaps diehard fans will appreciate, and has released a new line of fall scents, including Pumpkin Spice, French Vanilla and Hot Buttered Rum. With the holidays approaching, Buff City will gift box anything, too. The shop also offers Hello Soap Box monthly subscriptions. Each box
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Shop owner Jeff Collier and his crew make most of the 280 location’s products in-house.
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contains a different combination of scents and products delivered to subscribers’ doors every month. Facial toners, sugar scrubs, citronella lotion bars and pet soap are popular with customers, too. And Buff City works with a dermatologist in Memphis to make sure its products are as beneficial to the skin as possible. “We’re really serious about our soap,” Collier says. “A lot of people come in with skin issues. It does make us feel good. We have products that really do help people.” In addition to the U.S. 280 location, Buff City products are
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available at The Sassy Shopper in Alabaster, Riverchase Galleria and Brookwood Village. According to Collier, Buff City will expand in Birmingham and Tennessee in the coming years. As for Collier’s U.S. 280 shop, located at 5361 U.S. 280, the future is bright. “There’s an extreme sense of community here,” he says of the area. “We put ourselves right in a good spot.” Buff City Soap Co. is open Monday-Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Visit Buffcitysoap.com or @BuffCitySoapBirmingham on Facebook.
Designing Woman
T
The Design Bar owner Michelle Barclay wants people young and old to reconnect with creativity. By Emily Sparacino Photos by Dawn Harrison
The directive “Be Fearlessly Authentic” on the window of The Design Bar is as much a piece of advice for visitors as it is for owner Michelle Barclay, who opened her business on Columbiana’s Main Street several months ago. Barclay, a Birmingham native who moved back to Columbiana in July after living and working for the Walt Disney Company in Orlando, Florida, for nearly 14 years, wanted her shop to serve as a creative destination for people of all ages. Knowing
how therapeutic painting, drawing and other activities are for her inspired Barclay to open The Design Bar. “I have paint on my laptop,” she says. “It’s soothing to me to see paint on my laptop. The goal of this space is I want it to be very peaceful.” Barclay’s first job after graduating from Auburn University as a theater major was performing. Several years later, she transitioned to a sales and marketing position with Walt Disney. “I miss that
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Michelle Barclay opened The Design Bar as a place for people to explore their creativity, whether they want to design a sweatshirt, tea towel or baby item, or they just need a relaxing place to draw or color.
job. That being said, I’m not a corporate person.” Over the years, she and her husband, Vaughn, and their five kids, Chase, David, Mackenzie Grace, Rixon and Matthew, often visited Michelle’s parents, Bill and Bonnie Lewis, owners of Lewis Lakes Vineyards in Columbiana. “We kind of fell in love with Columbiana,” Michelle says. “We got to where we didn’t want to leave.” Now, they won’t leave. Not only have the Barclays put down roots in Columbiana, but Michelle has opened her first business, a venture she hopes will still be open years from now. “I’ve had an Etsy store and done (projects) for friends for seven years,” Michelle says. “This is my first storefront—kind of my own craft room. It’s just fun and something I’ve always enjoyed doing.” 56 ShelbyLiving.com
The Design Bar is the result of an idea Michelle had to open a space where anyone could tap into their creativity, or ask Michelle to tap into hers. People can create a design themselves and have it printed on a tea towel, a T-shirt or some other item, or they can work with Michelle to come up with a custom design that fits their needs. Michelle wants the shop to serve as a gathering place for people of all ages and walks of life. She envisions mothers bringing in their toddlers once a week for makeand-take crafts suitable for small hands. She sees special needs teens and adults who have graduated from high school coming to the shop to socialize and participate in activities with their peers. She pictures leading a class on recreating items found on the popular site Pinterest. She
2017
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Barclay positions a tea towel on her heat press. She was inspired to open The Design Bar after she and her family moved to Columbiana from Florida.
hopes to help customers one-on-one, too, whether they are interested in screen printing, baby gifts, personalized stationery or something else. She can even work with people’s gift registries. “My goal is to provide a customer with a unique, special experience,” she says. “I want to actually design something for them. I like putting it together.” Michelle also wants to help local groups with fundraising projects. “We’d love to be involved in the community and support everybody else.” Michelle’s husband built the bar – the centerpiece of the shop and a significant part of its name – where she 58 ShelbyLiving.com
sits with customers to talk about what they want to design. A small kid’s table in the middle of the shop holds a basket of markers and a large roll of paper for drawing and coloring. Michelle also sells artwork by local artists and other gift items. “This place will morph as it needs to. Stuff will change, and the space will not remain the same,” she says. “I hope we’re here in five years, changing it up. I just want people to enjoy coming in here. We’re just going to have fun.” For updates and announcements, follow The Design Bar on Facebook or call (205) 671-5178.
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Want to return to your normal life faster after surgery or medical complication? Therapy with Rehab Select can speed your recovery and help you regain your strength.
MICHELLE BARCLAY uGrew up in the Birmingham area.
Rehab Select at Shelby Ridge is more than a typical rehab inpatient facility. We feature a physician-led, adaptive program that keeps patients with us only as long as they need, and treats every person like an individual, not a diagnosis or a length of stay. You’ll receive personalized one-onone therapy.
uMajored in theater at Auburn University. uWorked for Walt Disney Company for 14 years. uMarried with five children. uMoved from Florida to Columbiana this summer. uDaughter of Columbiana’s Bill and Bonnie Lewis, owners of Lewis Lakes Vineyards.
881 3rd Street, NE, Alabaster, AL 35007 205.620.8500
uOpened The Design Bar in September. uLoves to paint, draw and design. at Shelby Ridge
Visit us at www.rehabselect.net
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HOLIDAY
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2. BIG GREEN EGG Make his Christmas with a Big Green Egg! So much more than a grill, the Big Green Egg can grill, roast, smoke and bake. Available in Mini to XXLarge, there’s one to fit your needs. Brown Lumber and Building Supply, 21891 Hwy 25, Columbiana, AL 35051, 205-669-6715.
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SPECIAL ADVERTISING 3. MAGNOLIAS
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TOP SELLER! This three piece canister set features vintage style glass door knob handles & sealed lids. Part of a beautiful entertainment collection that can be found at Magnolias! Complimentary gift wrapping! $120 Magnolias, 48 Chesser Crane Rd, Suites A & B, Chelsea, AL 35043, 205-618-9800.
4. PEEPERS READING GLASSES Featured as an Oprah Favorite Thing, these readers feature an oversized look and round shape that make a statement. The bold design is sure to enhance your features and will be your “go-to” accessory for every season. Pharmsouth Pharmacy & Wellness, 34 Manning Place (in Mt Laurel), Birmingham, AL 35242, 205-991-5265.
5. DITSY DAISY The daintiest gold necklace with clear prism from Lucy’s Inspired makes the perfect holiday gift at only $26.00. The Ditsy Daisy, 16383 Co Rd 280, Chelsea, AL 35043, 205-678-6166
6. 24K GOLD FIRMING FOUNDATION PRIMER Allure Magazine Editor’s Favorite! Serum-like foundation primer features suspended 24-Carat Gold Flakes designed to help energize skin and restore its youthful appearance and natural radiance. The gold standard. Merle Norman of Chelsea, 15582 Hwy 280, Chelsea, AL 35043, 205-678-5944 Merle Norman Birmingham at Inverness, 140 Inverness Plaza, Birmingham, Al 35242, 205-995-2442
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SPECIAL ADVERTISING 7 7. THE SASSY SHOPPER BOUTIQUE Hobo bags and wallets make a great gift for females of all ages. Timeless, functional, handcrafted leather pieces of all kinds are available at our shop. Prices between $28-$298. The Shopper Shopper Boutique, 1614 Kent Dairy Road, Alabaster, 205-624-4084.
8. JOULES RAIN BOOTS EXCLUSIVELY AT SOUTHERN ROOTS Fully waterproof, made to withstand any wet-weather conditions. Hand crafted with hardwearing natural rubber and hand-drawn prints. Sure to stand out wherever you are! Southern Roots, 48 Chesser Crane Rd, Chelsea, AL 35043, 205-678-3990
8 9. ANNABELLE’S CANDLES Southern Flare Candles. Beautiful, hand poured, soybean wax candle gift sets. “Locally made with scents that won’t fade.” Available at Annabelle’s Southern Boutique, 601 Doug Baker Boulevard, #105, Birmingham, 205-637-1075.
10 10. INVERNESS GOLF AND OUTDOORS Pictured here are two limited edition firearms manufactured by COLT. Only 300 were made of each. The gun on the left is a Colt 1911 Ray Armand JR. edition chambered in .45 ACP. The gun on the right is “The last cowboy edition” Single action army chambered in .45 long colt. Colt 1911 Ray Armand JR. edition, left, $2,000. “The last cowboy edition, right, $2,500. Both available at Inverness Golf and Outdoors, 4647 U.S. 280, Birmingham, 205-991-1008.
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Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce C o m m u n i t y • C o m m e rc e • C o l l a b o r a t i o n
December 2017 Business Connections 4th Quarterly Industry Tour to Visit Pelham’s Sign Faces
The Chamber’s Existing Business & Industry Work Group is holding its fourth Quarterly Industry Tour, sponsored by Barge, Waggoner, Sumner and Cannon, Inc., from 10:30AM until 11:30AM on December 5th at Sign Faces in Pelham. “faces” (Sign Faces, LLC) is a one-stop wholesale manufacturer of custom signs; including channel
Presenting Sponsor
letters, custom cabinets, pole covers, thermo-formed vinyl, polycarbonate faces, architectural signage, and routed aluminum faces with push-thru letters. The company sells only to the
sign industry and does not have any form of retail trade. Faces specializes in manufacturing the signage projects that might burden your time, staff, energy or interest. Its team can accommodate a variety of order needs, whether it’s a small job that might detain your shop or a large job that you might not have the capacity to complete.
Participants will meet on site at 652 Stuart Lane, Pelham, AL 35124. There is no cost to attend however reservations are requested to assist with preparation. Space is limited, register by December 1 to Payton Thomas at payton@ shelbychamber.org or 6634542 ext. 105 or register online at www. shelbychamber.org/events.
Jackson Pruett Joins Chamber Staff As Director of Business Support & Development Jackson Pruett has joined the Chamber staff team as its new Director of Business Support and Development. Pruett, who was formerly a Project Manager with the Shelby County Economic and Industrial Development Authority, is a 2015 graduate of Auburn University, majoring in Political Science.
In his role with the Chamber, Pruett will coordinate the Chamber’s Business Contact program which is designed to meet with existing businesses throughout Shelby County to identify any challenges or opportunities they might have. In addition, Pruett will direct all of the Chamber’s programs coordinated through the
organization’s Small Business and Existing Business & Industry work groups, which include: “Annual Small Business Celebration,” “Annual Industry Appreciation Reception,” “Quarterly Industry Tours,” “Green Business” program, “Entrepreneurial Roundtable,” etc.
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Greater Shelby Chamber of Commerce
Greater Shelby Chamber of Commerce
Health Focus of the Month: How to Stay Stress Free for the Holidays
Newsletter
Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, oh my! A multitude of holidays are right around the corner and with it comes the expected stress of family, food and finances. W h i l e stress is Goyal unavoidable, remember it can lead to
Presenting Sponsor
hypertension, depression and inflammation. All of these factors can then contribute to cardiovascular problems like heart attack and stroke. So if we can’t avoid it, how do we deal with stress? First and foremost, relax. Take a deep breath in and remind yourself about the true meaning of the
holidays. Exercise, whether at the gym, the park, or the mall (leave your credit card at home!) is a great way to clear your mind while exercising your heart. This is also an important way to reduce inflammation in the body and helps burn off that extra slice of your Aunt’s famous pecan pie. Also remember to
not over indulge in alcohol. While the occasional glass of eggnog or beer is okay, excessive amounts affect our mind and body. Not to mention leading to arguments with that certain brother-in-law no one really likes. Most of all, have fun. Enjoy your family. And remember, Roll Tide. Dr. Munish K. Goyal Interventional Cardiologist Heart South Cardiovascular Group, PC
3rd Edition of Chamber’s Shelby County Map Offers Visibility & Opportunity Our 2nd edition printed map is just about gone, so your Chamber is partnering with Town Square Publications to produce our 3rd edition printing. This formidable marketing tool is the only map distributed by the Chamber to investors, potential newcomers, tourists, visitors, etc. The map, published in full-color street detail, will be used by families and businesses relocating to Shelby County and a valuable resource for business travelers and long-time residents. The 3rd Edition of this Shelby County map will include: uDistribution - thousands of full-color, updated printed maps featuring schools, hospitals, parks and 64 ShelbyLiving.com Shelbychamber.org
development areas will be distributed through the Chamber. uPinpoints - Chamber sponsor business locations will be pinpointed on the map. uOnline Viewing - At publication, the printed version of the map will be hyper-linked to the Chamber’s website where you can view online community information, a directory of sponsors and your printed advertisement alongside your street location mini-map. uNational Website Listing - Chamber sponsor businesses will be included on the Community Profile Network which receives over 2.5 million hits a month! uAd Preparation - may submit your ad to Town Publications Complimentary advertising Square preparation is available, or you electronically.
Voluntary investment advertising helps support this project, and is another valuable way to “introduce” your business, product or service to Chamber investors, new businesses, new residents and visitors to Shelby County. If you would like to be a part of this valuable and informative project, please contact fellow Chamber investor Elise Hearn at 821-2270 or via email at elise@elisehearn.com to review the details. There is limited space availability so if you are interested in being in this publication, we encourage you to contact Elise as soon as is feasible. You may view our 2nd Shelby County Community Map online at: http://local. townsquarepublications.com/ alabama/shelbycounty.
Greater Shelby Chamber of Commerce
Chamber’s Entrepreneur Roundtables Offer Peer-to-Peer Support
mistakes. And once you bring an issue or challenge to the table, the roundtable participants offer advice based on their own experiences and at the next
meeting they will ask you about the progress you’ve made since the last meeting. The Roundtable program is exclusive for the single individual responsible for the
direction of the company and with the authority to make final decisions. There are currently two groups that meet — Entrepreneur Roundtable I which meets in Hoover and Entrepreneur Roundtable 280 which meets on Highway 280 — each month to discuss opportunities, challenges and more. For additional information on the Chamber’s Entrepreneur Roundtable program — or an application to join one of the groups —please contact Chamber President Kirk Mancer by phone at 663-4542 ext. 101 or via e-mail at kirk@ shelbychamber.org.
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The New Year is right around the corner and many of you will be setting your goals for 2018. This could be a prime opportunity for you to consider joining one of two of the Chamber’s Entrepreneur Roundtable programs. What’s the purpose of an Entrepreneur Roundtable? It’s part problem-solving, part information-gathering and contact building. Participating business owners from noncompeting companies meet for a confidential, peer-topeer forum each month to gain valuable insights into others’ successes and achievements, and learn how to avoid the pitfalls of their
Greater Shelby Chamber of Commerce
Newsletter
Ambassador of the Month Congratulations to Ken Sawyer on earning Ambassador of the Month. Ken is a native of Mobile, AL and received a BA from Samford University with a major in Human Relations. He also holds a Master of Education from the University of Montevallo and a Master of Engineering from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. With more than thirty years of experience, Ken has served in many capacities in the Information Technology industry. He has worked for multi-national corporations and been a part of numerous technology startups. He currently holds certifications as a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified ScrumMaster (CSM and a Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD). Ken is the CEO of Sawyer Solutions which provides managed security and IT services, software development and consulting. He is also a
GSCCC Board of Directors (as of 10/11/2017)
Officers Keith Brown Jefferson State Community College (Chair) Joe Meads Sain Associates (Chair-elect) Paul Rogers NobleBank & Trust (Immediate Past Chair) Charlie Stevens Thompson Tractor Company, Inc. (Vice Chair, Business Development & Support)
Ambassador Program Presented in 2017 by:
Jim Purvis A. C. Legg, Inc. (Vice Chair, Communications & Marketing) Bill Connor America’s First Federal Credit Union (Vice Chair, Finance & Administration)
proud member of InfraGard and the Information Systems Security Association (ISSA). Contact Ken for your Information Technology needs at (844) 448-7767 or visit him on the web at sawyersolutionsllc. com.
Kathy Copeland White Rock Quarries – Vincent Hills (Vice Chair, Governmental Affairs) John Browning Cahaba Valley Computer Services (Vice Chair, Investor Development) Board of Directors Matt Fridy (2017) Wallace, Jordan, Ratliff & Brandt Chris Grace (2017) Barge, Waggoner, Sumner & Cannon, Inc. Katie McDowell (2017) Shelby County Newspapers, Inc. Michael Smith (2017) The GREAT, The GOOD and The GONE Craig Sorensen (2017) SouthWest Water Company
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Mike Swinson (2017) Spire Alabama, Inc. Jeff Brown (2018) Brownstone Marketing Solutions William Carroll (2018) Armstrong Relocation Companies Alex Dudchock (2018) Shelby County Alison D. Howell (2018) Alabama Power Company Brian Massey (2018) St. Vincent’s Health System Bruce King (2019) Lhoist North America Jay Dennis (2019) Regions Bank Mike Rickman (2019) Brookwood Baptist Health System Charles Hall (2019) Grandview Medical Center Mitt Schroeder (2019) Central State Bank April Harry (*) Warren, Averett LLC Mark Meadows (*) Chick-fil-A @ Inverness Rocky Patel (*) Hampton Inn & Suites-Pelham David Platt (*) Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Alabama Keith Richards (*) Taziki’s Mediterranean Café Mechelle Wilder (*) ARC Realty (*) Serving a one-year term in 2017
Greater Shelby Chamber of Commerce
Welcome New Investors (as of 11/3/2017)
BTC Wholesale Distributors, Inc. Ellis, Head, Owens & Justice Goodwyn Mills and Cawood, Inc. Hope Finley Photography & Videography Interstellar Ginger Beer and Exploration Co. Iron City Floors MannaMarket Mobile Fleet Specialists of Birmingham, Inc. Momentum Etc. Shaggy Chic Grooming South Oak Title Pelham, LLC Vulcan Steel Products Youngevity Communications - Bonnie Sult
Alabaster Columbiana Birmingham Columbiana Birmingham Pelham Birmingham Alabaster Birmingham Jemison Pelham Pelham Meadowbrook
Distributors Attorneys Architects Advertising & Marketing Services Beverage Flooring, Carpet, Hardwood Community/Service Organizations Automobile Repair Administrative Services Pet Grooming Services Real Estate Manufacturer Business Communications
For a complete listing of all current Chamber investors please visit our Online Business Directory at business.shelbychamber.org/list.
Your Greater Shelby County Chamber is teaming up again this year -- with the University of Montevallo’s Stephens College of Business -- to determine what Shelby County business people think our local 2018 business outlook will look be. To do that, we’re asking Chamber investors to take a few moments to complete our 2018 Business Climate Survey — developed by the Chamber’s Small Business Work Group &
Dr. Stephen Craft, Dean of the Stephens College of Business — to provide important feedback on business issues affecting your company in 2018. All individual responses will be kept confidential, but the overall results will be released
we’ll all have a better idea of what business people like you think 2018 will hold for Shelby County. and shared in composite during You can complete the survey the Chamber’s 2018 Business by going online at www. Outlook Conference co-hosted by the Stephens College of shelbychamber.org. Access the survey by clicking on the “2018 Business. In addition, the Business Outlook Survey” information will also be shared rotator slide on the front page of with economic developers, the website. elected officials and the media so
2018 Legislative Preview Luncheon with Shelby County Delegation The Chamber’s Governmental Affairs Work Group will host the annual “State Legislative Preview Luncheon” featuring the Shelby County state legislative delegation as they prepare for the upcoming 2018 legislative session scheduled to begin on February 9, 2018. This
meeting will provide area businesspeople with the opportunity to meet with the County’s state legislative delegation prior to the State Legislature’s convening in Montgomery. The luncheon will be from 11:30AM - 1:00PM on Thursday,
January 4 and feature a brief presentation from the delegation followed by a “question & answer” period for attendees. The program will be held at Jefferson State Community College’s Shelby Campus (4600 Valleydale Road, Birmingham, AL 35242).
The investment is $15 for Chamber investors, and $25 for “Future” investors. Seating is limited, so please RSVP by no later than Tuesday, January 2, 2018 by calling 663-4542, via e-mail at info@shelbychamber. org or register online at www. shelbychamber.org.
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Shelby County’s Business Climate in 2018 Will Be___________?
Greater Shelby Chamber of Commerce
Newsletter
Join Our County’s Progress by Joining a Chamber Work Group in 2018
The following is a list of Work Groups along with a brief description of each. Joining a Work Group is an easy process — simply contact the Chamber and let us know! You will then be contacted by the appropriate Chamber Staff member or Work Group Chair.
“Communication Matters” for 11th graders and “Student & Teacher of the Year Awards” which recognizes excellence in our classrooms. Meets 1st Wednesday of each month @ 8:30AM @ Shelby County Instructional Services Center
AMBASSADORS GROUP - Sponsored by NobleBank & Trust Serve as goodwill ambassadors between the Chamber and new or relocated businesses. Assists with Chamber events, programs, ribbon-cuttings, groundbreakings and other investor outreach efforts as needed. There is an additional expense for serving on this group which covers monthly lunches and other materials. Meets 1st Wednesday of each month @ 11:30AM @ the Chamber
ENTREPRENEUR ROUNDTABLE PROGRAM (ERT) - Sponsored by Graham & Associates Program designed for the individual responsible for the direction of the company and with the authority to make final decisions. Participants gain valuable insights through monthly meetings of their group which are held January through November with other owners of their companies. There is an application process for this program and an additional annual expense of which covers the monthly breakfast or lunch. ERT I Meets 3rd Friday of each month 7:30-8:30AM ERT280 Meets 3rd Tuesday of each month 11:30AM-12:30PM
CAREER READINESS GROUP - Promote importance of career development and the promotion of a qualified workforce for Shelby County. Organize the following EXISTING BUSINESS & programs: “Keeping It Real” for GROUP 9th graders, “Career Awareness INDUSTRY Fair” for 10th graders, Recognize and support local
industries through tours, legislative actions, seminars and other appropriate means. Also, coordinate the Chamber’s Green Business recognition program and organize the annual Industry Appreciation Event. Meets 2nd Wednesday of each month @ 8:30AM @ iBERIABANK - Pelham Branch
GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS GROUP - Serve as the liaison between our elected officials at the local, state and federal levels and our membership, regarding business/commerce specific issues. Coordinate development of the Chamber’s annual Public Policy Agenda as well as Montgomery Drive-In and other events. Meets 4th Thursday of each month @ 8:30AM @ Sain Associates HEALTH SERVICES GROUP - Promote the importance of good health, wellness and education for Shelby County businesses. Coordinate the “Health Focus of the Month” in the Chamber newsletter, seminars on healthrelated topics and a “Healthy Lifestyles Expo”.
Meets 2nd Friday of each month @ 8:30AM @ the Chamber SMALL BUSINESS GROUP - Sponsored by Brownstone Marketing Solutions Promote the economic success of small businesses through a variety of events, seminars and workshops. Organize annual “Small Business Celebration” activities. Meets 1st Wednesday of each month @ 4:00PM @ the Chamber TOURISM & RECREATION GROUP Serve as the liaison between all sectors of Shelby County’s tourism and recreation industry. Provide assistance in promotion and development of tourismrelated events and recreational activities throughout Shelby County. Encourage the use of Shelby County hotels, campgrounds, parks, bed & breakfasts and other participating lodging facilities during our visitors’ stay in our communities. Meets 1st Friday of each month @ 8:30AM at locations throughout Shelby County
YOUR CHAMBER AT WORK Facebook: 41 New Likes, 91 Visits and 10,256 Post Reaches, Total Likes 2,816. Twitter: 2,880 Followers, 118 Tweets, 12.2K Tweet impressions, 196 Profile Visits and 11 Mentions. Instagram: 425 Posts, 509 Followers. Responded to 164 requests for business & community information. Notarized 24 “Certificates of Origin” for Shelby County companies. 68 ShelbyLiving.com Shelbychamber.org
Greater Shelby Chamber of Commerce
CELEBRATING GROWTH
2017 Ribbon Cutting Sponsor
2017 Ribbon Sponsor
Thank you Pelham Flowers by Desiree’ for providing the ribbon and bows for the Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies.
Congratulations to The Cottage of Serendipity on its recent move/ Grand Opening in Pelham. If you are seeking a unique gift for yourself, or someone else, this is a ‘must stop and shop’ location. Cynthia Elmore was joined in support by Mayor Gary Waters, City Officials, family, friends and Chamber Ambassadors.
Scotch Homes/ RealtySouth Inverness held a Ribbon Cutting Celebration for Phase Two of Willow Branch subdivision in Chelsea. Wayne Scotch, Jr. cut the celebratory ribbon and was joined in support by his wife, REALTORS from RealtySouth Inverness and Chamber Ambassadors.
Congratulations to Vinehouse Nursery on its Grand Opening Ceremony coupled with an Official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. Owner Khiari McAlpin was joined in support by family, friends and Chamber Ambassadors.
Smith Chiropractic held a Grand Opening Ceremony to commemorate its new and expanded facility in Chelsea. Owner Ben Smith was joined by his wife, Je Anne, staff, Chelsea Mayor Tony Pickleshimer, City Officials and Chamber Ambassadors.
Feel the Cheer of the Holiday Season at Dec. 19 Business After Hours
The Greater Shelby County, Montevallo and South Shelby Chambers are collaborating to host Shelby County’s premier business networking event which has a “holiday” theme this month to “celebrate the season” at the next Business After Hours event presented by Sawyer Solutions, LLC. Bring plenty of business cards, come ready to make
Presenting Sponsor
some serious business contacts and earn a chance to win some prizes on December 19 from 5:30PM-7:00PM at The Main Street Tavern, 710 N Boundary St, Montevallo.
The cost — which includes hot, heavy hors d’oeuvres and two beverage coupons — for any Chamber investor is $10 per person and $20 for “Future” investors.
Reservations are required, so please register via email at info@shelbychamber.org, by phone at 663-4542 or online at www.shelbychamber.org by December 18.
Payton Thomas To Assume Role As Chamber’s Manager of Operations Payton Thomas, who joined the Chamber’s professional staff as the Manager of Business Development and Support, will take on a new position with the organization as the Manager of Operations. In his new role, Thomas will coordinate
and manage all of the Chamber’s events and programs held throughout the program year. He will also provide direct staff support for the organization’s Ambassador program and coordinate ribbon-cuttings and
ground-breakings. Thomas graduated from Shelby County High School, attended Jefferson State Community College and is working towards a Bachelor of Science degree in Business and Finance. ShelbyLiving.com 69 Shelbychamber.org
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Interstellar Ginger Beer and Exploration Co. recently held its Grand Opening and Open House in Alabaster. Owner Shane Kelly was joined in support by family, friends and Chamber Ambassadors. This is a must visit experience for homemade brews and glow in the dark beer.
Covenant Heating & Cooling recently celebrated moving into its new facility in Alabaster. Operations Manager DonDee Crowson cut the ribbon and was joined in support by Mayor Marty Handlon, City Officials, family, friends and Chamber Ambassadors.
Greater Shelby Chamber of Commerce
CHAMBER Events
Read more details or register for events online at www.shelbychamber.org or the Chamber office 663-4542. Unless otherwise noted events listed will be held at 1301 County Services Dr., Pelham 35124. CANCELLATION POLICY REMINDER: Cancellation for a paying event must be made TWO days prior to the event.
December 2017
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“Keeping It Real” Program 7:30AM - 3:00PM Sponsors: ECO Credit Union Foundation & The UPS Store Caldwell Mill Road Tourism and Recreation Work Group 8:30AM - 9:30AM Rotates around Shelby County.
Quarterly Industry Tour 10:30AM - 11:30PM SIgn Faces, 652 Stuart Lane, Pelham, 35124 Sponsor: Barge, Waggoner, Sumner & Cannon, Inc. No cost. Reservations required. Lunch will be served. Career Readiness Work Group 8:30AM - 9:30AM Shelby County Instructional Service Center 601 First Street South, Alabaster Ambassadors Work Group 11:30AM - 1:00PM Sponsor: NobleBank & Trust
Small Business Work Group 4:00PM - 5:00PM Sponsor: Brownstone Marketing Solutions
Education Connections 8:30AM - 9:30PM Montevallo High School, 980 Oak St, Montevallo
Health Services Work Group 8:30AM - 9:30AM
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Existing Business & Industry Work Group 8:30AM - 9:30AM iBERIABANK, 2695 Pelham Pkwy, Pelham
Governmental Affairs Work Group 8:30AM - 9:30AM Sain Associates, Two Perimeter Park South, Ste 500 East, Birmingham Entrepreneur Roundtable I 11:30AM - 12:30PM Sponsor: Graham & Associates, CPAs
Entrepreneur Roundtable 280 11:30AM - 12:30PM Sponsor: Graham & Associates, CPAs
Holiday Business After Hours 5:30PM-7:00PM Sponsor: Sawyer Solutions, LLC. The Tavern, 710 N Boundary St, Montevallo Investment: $10 investors, $20 “Future” investors - includes heavy hors díoeuvres and two beverage tickets. RSVP requested by noon Monday, December 18. Montevallo Chamber Monthly Luncheon 11:30AM - 1:30PM Parnell Memorial Library, 377 Park Dr, Montevallo Investment: $12. No reservation required. Christmas Holiday - Chamber closed.
OUT & ABOUT
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THOMPSON AT SPAIN PARK FOOTBALL PHOTOS BY STEPHEN DAWKINS
Thompson’s football team visited Spain Park High School on Friday, Oct. 13, for an important region showdown.
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1. Jarrod Kennington, Cindy Kennington, Davis Kennington, Jay Kennington, Noah Burns, Jimmy White, Suzanne White, Jimmy Dozier, Dillon Best, Sandra Dozier and Cooper White. 2. Gracie Hicks, Michele Hicks and Maggie Hicks. 3. Mason Arledge, Molly Tant, Alyssa Ansley, Abby Turnbow, Jakson Beaubien, Reece Eberhardt, Conner Eberhardt, Ana Rosato, Camilla Covey and Jonavan Arguedas. 4. Molly Cowan, Kate Mercer and CC Scott.
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5. Raegan Bailey and Megan Hurley. 6. Mavis Laney, Erian Maxwell, Lindsey Coffman, Ashley Chastain, Kaylin Bone and Haley Applebaum.
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GREYSTONE LADIES CLUB LUNCHEON
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PHOTOS BY EMILY SPARACINO
The Greystone Ladies Club held its monthly luncheon Sept. 13 at the Founders Clubhouse. 1. Kathryn Watts, Wilma Thompson and Jeannie Johnson 2. Johnnetta Jarrett, Michelle Matlock, Danella Johnson and Janice Folmar
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3. Suzy Sanders and Wendy Howell 4. Carole Marks and Leisa Smith 5. JoDean Smith, Krystal Phillips, Allison Oswald and Trudy Vaughan 6. Sierra Earl and Barbara Brickner 7. Judy Arnold and Nita Yarbrough 8. Sherry Best and Sylvia Stagner 9. Beth Cash, Myrtis Horton and Denise Tassone 10. Ann Layne, Carole Marks, Ann Capps and Hiltrud Hollibaugh 11. Ann Layne, Susie Hammers and Hiltrud Hollibaugh
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ALABASTER HOMECOMING PARADE
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PHOTOS BY KEITH MCCOY AND NEAL WAGNER
Thousands of Warrior fans lined the streets around Larry Simmons Stadium in Alabaster on Wednesday, Sept. 27, for the Alabaster homecoming parade. 1. Aubrey Bauer, Aiden Phifer and Landon Davenport
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2. Bert, Tara, Brooke and Harrison Charles 3. Chloe Kinnell and Riley Chance 4. Christi and Savannah Hamlin with Amie Gordon 5. Destinee and Akaree Barbour with Daiton Todd 6. Emi and Avi Ferraez 7. Lilly and Dravyn Godwin 8. Sabrina and Rachel McNeill 9. Jess, Evan and Cole Searcy 10. Tonya Tolbert and Kamoria Sumerlin 11. Tate Kennemer
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www.SouthlakeOrthopaedics.com
Sports SpineMedicine Center
Testing, Surgery & Rehabilitation all conveniently located in your neighborhood.
“Getting you back to your Active Lifestyle�
Michael F. Blum, M.D. | Ekkehard Bonatz, M.D. | George Robert Booker, M.D. William S. Craig, M.D. | Donald A. Deinlein, M.D. | Michael T. Ellerbusch, M.D. Christopher A. Heck, M.D. | John S. Kirchner, M.D. | William D. Krauss, D.O. Michael D. Smith, M.D. | William D. Sudduth, M.D. | C.J. Talbert, M.D.
Medplex Medical Building 4517 Southlake Parkway Hoover, Alabama 35244
Grandview Physicians Plaza 3686 Grandview Parkway, Suite 430 Birmingham, Alabama 35243
For an appointment, call 205-985-4111
On-site MRI and
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OUT & ABOUT
MORGAN CREEK WINERY GRAPE STOMP
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PHOTOS BY STEPHEN DAWKINS
Morgan Creek Winery hosted its annual Grape Stomp event on Saturday, Sept. 16, with grape stomping, wine tasting, live music, tours and an “I Love Lucy” look-alike contest. 1. (Front row) Elizabeth Darby, Louise Cole, Billie Darby, Arlie Gamblin, (back row) Betty Smith, Cassandra Edwards, Sally Tompkins, Ed Smith and Andrew Gamblin
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2. Hilda Moon, Bonnie Downs and Janice Thrash 3. Nikesa Coleman, Jennifer Coleman and Kylah Coleman
Don’t let pain or injury keep you from enjoying the holidays! Visit your local BenchMark Physical Therapy. Our licensed physical therapists are trained to get you moving and feeling better—faster! Let us focus on your full recovery while you focus on what matters to you.
ALTADENA SQUARE • (205) 298-8711 CHELSEA (THE NARROWS) • (205) 981-4534 CRESTLINE • (205) 957-0870 HELENA • (205) 621-8822 HOOVER • (205) 403-8701 MOODY • (205) 640-0257
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HELENA-VESTAVIA VARSITY FOOTBALL GAME PHOTOS BY GRAHAM BROOKS
Helena students and fans came out to Husky Stadium to watch the Huskies take on the Vestavia Rebels for homecoming on Friday, Sept. 29. 1. Rose Baker and Olivia Winston
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2. Amy Scalise and Emily McCann 3. Emily Maple and Jamie Pace 4. Grant Johnson and Savannah Key 5. Parker Agee, Joseph Ford and Peter Haywood 6. Hallie Srygley and Cori Green 7. Gavin Vansandt and AJ Danner 8. Melanie Davis and Natalie Watts 9. Emily Englezos and Riley Busby
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MT LAUREL FALL FESTIVAL
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PHOTOS BY COLETON PHILLIPS
The annual Mt Laurel Fall Festival was held on Saturday, Oct. 14. In its 17th year, the festival offers attendees the opportunity to shop a vibrant street fair, savor dishes from the best local food trucks and enjoy a day strolling the neighborhood’s idyllic streets. 1. Taylor, Cindy and Mary Connor Smith with Grayton
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2. Ashley Lovingood, Abby Austin, Ava Lovingood and Cindy Coburn 3. Amy, Blake, Adam, Hutch and Luke Palmer 4. Justin, Collin, Jenifer and Rylee Firesheets 5. Savannah Penny, Zach Sharp and Jacob Griffin 6. Wykeshia and Kennedy Horne, Lacretia, Destiny and Dustin Rickenberg 7. Annette Authement, Major and Meritt Walker
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NORTH LAKES CONNECTOR TRAIL OPENING PHOTOS BY AMALIA KORTRIGHT
Members of the hiking and biking community in Shelby County and surrounding areas celebrated the opening of the North Lakes Connector Trail at Oak Mountain State Park on Tuesday, Aug. 29.
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1. Brian Van Nosterand and Matt Cahill 2. David Johnson and Kelly Ezell 3. Lindsey Allison and Chad Scroggins 4. Ken Thomas and Mike Enervold
EVERYTHING SHELBY COUNTY. ALL YEAR LONG. Go to Shelbyliving.com and subscribe for $20.59 a year or call 205-669-3131. @shelbylivingmagazine
@shelbylivingmagazine
Give a Christmas blessing to those who are homeless
for the holidays.
JimmieHaleMission.com (205) 323-5878 PO Box 10472 • Birmingham, AL 35202 ShelbyLiving.com 79
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BARK IN THE PARK
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PHOTOS BY NEAL WAGNER
Hundreds of dogs and their owners gathered at Alabaster’s Veterans Park on Saturday, Oct. 7, for the annual Bark in the Park event benefiting the Shelby County Humane Society. 1. Ashley Cole-Tyson with Fritz 2. Beth Harris with Piper 3. David and Monica Taylor with Holly
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4. Kevin and Marsha Carter with Piper 5. Lynn and Charles Murray with Boomer 6. Summer Neldner with Tye 7. Mindy and Damon Freeman
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Marketplace Shelby Living • 205.669.3131
Great Jobs ARE Out There... If You Know Where to Look! AIDT recruits, screens & trains qualified applicants for outstanding jobs statewide. All at NO COST to you! Visit www.aidt.edu/jobs today to view your opportunities! Accepting Resumes for Full-time/ Part-time Tellers at large credit union. Cash Handling experience required. Great work environment, Competitive Salary, Great Benefits. E-mail resumes to Jobs1@apcocu.org Computer Sales & Repair — $60 SPECIAL — VIRUS & MALWARE REMOVAL! Offering In-home & Inoffice Computer Repair & Servicing for Chilton, Bibb & Shelby Counties CALL TODAY! 706-273-9987
INDUSTRIAL ATHLETES $17.68 hour + production & safety $$$ incentives. Grocery order selection using electric pallet jacks & voice activated headsets. PART-TIME TRUCK DRIVER- CLASS A Average $0.53 per mile deliver palletized loads to grocery stores within 300 mile radius. Work available 7 days/week. Can lead to full-time employment. Clean MVR and 2 years minimum tractor-trailer experience required. Paid vacation & holidays. Blue Cross health & dental insurance. Matching 401k plan. Apply online at AGSOUTH.COM or call Charlie Seagle at (205) 808-4833 Pre-employment drug test required. Lake Mitchell! 1209 Co Rd 261 Spacious home with privacy & beautiful views. GR w/exposed beams & rock fp. Wood floors, large rooms make this home perfect for entertaining or relaxing. FR w/ fp. Multiple decks, exterior stone fireplace, dock & 2 covered boat slips. $270,000. MLS#786807 Atkinson Real Estate LLC 256-245-6782 NITES 205-369-7769 Automation Personnel Services Hiring IMMEDIATELY For: Automotive Assembly, General Labor, Production, Clerical, Machine Operator, Quality, Carpentry, Welder, Foundry. Positions In: Calera, Clanton, Pelham, Bessemer, McCalla. Walk-in applications accepted. Clanton (205)280-0002. Pelham (205)444-9774.
B&J_Metal_Fabricators Starting November 1st! Metal roofing and Portable metal buildings Custom sizes available Customize your own!! Montevallo (205)665-4687 (205)296-9988 Bama Concrete Now Hiring: Diesel Mechanic 4 Years Minimum Experience. CDL Preferred. Competitive Pay. Great Benefits. Apply in person: 2180 Hwy 87 Alabaster, 35007 Birmingham Hide & Tallow Immediate position for CLASS-B ROUTE DRIVERS FOR LOCAL ROUTE. WELL-ESTABLISHED 100+ YEAR COMPANY NOW HIRING ROUTE DRIVERS. HOME NIGHTS/ WEEKENDS. LOOKING FOR HARD WORKING DRIVERS TO JOIN OUR TEAM. CLEAN MVR/BG CHECK REQUIRED. COMPETITIVE PAY & BENEFITS: BCBC, 401K, PAID HOLIDAYS/VACATION, COMPANY FURNISHED UNIFORMS. CALL 205-425-1711 OR EMAIL: adria.lupien@bhtonline.com Boise Cascade Now Hiring for Utility Positions. Starting pay $13/hour. Must be able to pass background screen. Please apply at www.bc.com Borden Dairy of Alabama, LLC NOW HIRING for Class B CDL Delivery Drivers at our Irondale, AL Branch. Six Months verifiable experience driving a Commercial Vehicle. Experience in customer service preferred. Go to www.bordendairy.com to apply. (Careers, select location) Borden Dairy of Alabama, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. BRIARWOOD APARTMENTS Now Leasing! Beautiful 1 and 2 Bedroom Apartments. Mon & Wed 8:30am-4pm. 535-A Hicks St. Montevallo • 205-665-2257 • TDD #’s: (V)1-800-548-2547 • (T/A)1-800-548-2546. This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer. ORDER PULLERS. Distributor in Alabaster has an immediate need for order pullers. Heavy duty lifting is required. We offer a MondayFriday work week, competitive pay and benefits. Call our job line at 205-397-1781.
MARKETPLACE
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Piano Tuning, New & Used Sales, Moving, Storage, and Repair. Trained by School for the Blind. 47 Years’ Experience. BUDDY GRAY 822-0482 or 800-593-2462 Carroll Fulmer Now Hiring Class-A CDL Drivers. Over-the-road positions available. Dry vans. No hazmat. Must have one year overthe-road. Experience and a clean MVR. Competitive pay and bonus package. Good home time. Call 800-633-9710 ext. 2 CDL Drivers Needed! HOME DAILY! • $850-$1250/week • Paid Vacation after 1yr • Medical/Dental/ Vision Avail. • New Equipment 2yrs Exp, Clean MVR, Drug Test Chris 205-446-5400 chrisgilliland01@gmail.com Regina (205)275-2293 rparker7770@gmail.com Danny (205)471-3177 dcgcfi@gmail.com Chandler Health & Rehab in Alabaster Alabama Now accepting applications for CNA’s, RN’s, LPN’s, and RN House Supervisor Call Linda White 205-663-3859 Chase Learning Center & Day Care is Pelham is Now Hiring • PT Nursery • PT After-school. $8/hr. 5 days/week. Great for college students! 205-620-1616 Accounts Payable HR/Payroll Specialist Responsible for reviewing, validating, and processing all invoices for payment including the resolution of all invoice/statements and discrepancies. This position will calculate, process, and report the payroll bi-weekly. This position will also support agency administrative operations by performing standard accounting and administrative functions under the supervision of the Office and General Managers. Degree in Accounting is preferred. Applications may be obtained and submitted in our main office. •Police Officer •Main Street Director — Visit www.cityofmontevallo.com for detailed job description and on-line application or apply in person at City Hall, 541 Main St, Montevallo, AL 35115 EEO Coosa Valley Medical Center NOW HIRING! •RN Med/Surg, 7am-7pm •RN Labor & Delivery,
11pm-7am 7-on/7-off •LPN CVMC Nursing Home, 3pm-11pm, 11pm-7am •RN ICU, 7am-7pm Email resume to: Blaine.Green @cvhealth.net or to apply, go to www.cvhealth.net Full Time and Part Time RN’s Needed for home health in Bibb, Shelby and Chilton counties. Excellent Salary and Benefits. Please send resumes to jobs@rubic.com or call 866-273-3984 DCH Health System Caring. For Life. $5,000 *Sign-on Bonus for full time RNs *For More Info Contact Annie.Miller@dchsystem.com. Apply online at: www.dchsystem.com Homewood Area Package Store. Day Shift (10am-6pm) Clerk/Stocker. Must be 21, have retail experience, be able to multi-task, able to work any shift. Good pay. Call (205)585-8900 D & G Plumbing Service 2003 4th Ave South Irondale, AL 35210 • Plumbing • Drain Cleaning • Gas Lines 10% Senior Citizen Discount 10% off any service call Call Us Now!! • 205-603-7768 • 205-503-6000 • 205-531-8519 Plumbing Service & Repair Technician . Requirements: •Journeyman’s plumbing card •Experience in Residential/ Commercial service/repair/drain cleaning/sewer work •Clean-cut/self-motivated •Good communication skills •Clean MVR/ background/drug test. Email resume: john@jeffcoat.us EnviroCare- Homewood. Lawn, Termite & Pest Techs. Dependable, motivated hardworkers needed. Experience not necessary. Clean MVR, drug screen & background check required. Call 205-940-6361 for Cindy.
Required Qualifications and Experience: •Class A Mechanic Certification, valid Class A CDL, good driving record •A minimum of five years shop experience, to include supervisory responsibilities •Computer skills, including knowledge of Excel •Mechanical repair knowledge and familiarity with warranty and vendors procedures If interested, please call: Chuck Talbot at 251-578-5000 or Rick Mangrum at 205-668-3316 $2000 SIGN ON BONUS NEW PAY SCALE TO QUALIFYING DRIVERS EVERGREEN TRANSPORT, is accepting applications for local drivers in the Calera and Leeds, AL, area. Must have Class A CDL, good driving record, 1 yr verifiable tractor trailer experience. Good pay and benefits. Apply in person at 8278 Hwy 25 South, Calera, AL, or call for info 205-668-3316. LABORERS NEEDED INDUSTRIAL CONTRACTOR Faulkner Industrial Sterrett, AL • Pre-employment drug screen and criminal background check required. • Random Drug/Alcohol screening also administered • Must have State DL or State issued ID. • Must be able to pass basic written safety exams after training • Must be physically fit. Work includes use of personal protective equipment. This includes ½ face and full-face respirator, must be clean shaven. • Must be willing to travel, in and out of town work. Hotels paid by company and daily cash perdiem issued • OSHA 10 & MSHA a plus. • Mechanic and Trouble Shooting Skills a plus. • Pay depends on experience and personal skill sets. Pay starts at 12.00 for basic labor that meets all criteria above. Higher pay is available for higher skill sets or when skills are proven. • Must provide work history and references. Please call for application: 205-672-8556
Welder Training. Short Term Licensing . Call for Details . 866-432-0430 ESDschool.com
ONLINE AUCTIONS www.GTAOnlineAuctions.com 205-326-0833 Granger, Thagard & Assoc. Jack F. Granger #873
SHOP MANAGER CALERA, AL Evergreen Transport has an immediate opening in Calera, AL for an experienced shop manager. This fast paced position effectively manages and directs the daily operation of the maintenance department at our Calera terminal.
DRIVERS: Hanna Truck Lines is seeking Professional Flatbed Drivers. 53 cpm No surprises: Starting pay (all miles): 51 cpm, 52 cpm at 6 months, 53 cpm at 1 year. 100% Outbounds loads Pre-loaded & Tarped. 75% Inbound No Tarp. Late Model Peterbilt Trucks. Air Ride
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MARKETPLACE Trailers. Home weekends. Low cost BCBS Health & Dental Ins. Matching 401K. Qualifications: 18 months Class A CDL driving experience with 6 months flatbed; Applicants must meet all D.O.T. requirements. Contact recruiting at 1-800-6347315 or come by HTL office at 1700 Boone Blvd, Northport. EOE LPN’s, RN’s, CNA’s Full-time & part-time • 2nd & 3rd Shift Apply in person: Hatley Health Care 300 Medical Ctr Dr Clanton, AL 35045 Looking for a wonderful place to live? NEW Meadow View Village Apartments. Columbiana, AL. Now Pre-leasing 2&3 Bedrooms. Great Amenities Provided. Call 256-560-0821. 99 Eagle Lane. info@hollyhand.com. Equal Housing Opportunity. DRIVERS NEEDED J & M Tank Lines, Inc. Sign On Bonus. Full time. Local & Regional. Consistent Home Time. 18 mo Tractor Trailer Experience. jmtankjobs.com or call Carlos Coleman@205-769-3536 CDL TRUCK DRIVER For Tree Service. Also hiring for other full-time and part-time jobs. Drug Test Required. 205-836-2038 or 205-229-7144 Kelly Educational Staffing® We’re hiring! •Substitute teachers •Aides •Cafeteria •Clerical •Custodial positions Shelby County School District & Alabaster City Schools. Please call 205-870-7154 -Equal Opportunity EmployerOwner Operators Wanting Dedicated Year Round Anniston, AL www.pull4klb.com Now Hiring- CDL Drivers Class A or B. Full & Part-time. Tri-axle dump truck experience helpful. Must pass background check/drug screen. Lake Mitchell Construction 205-755-7264 WE HAVE JOBS! · Machine Operator- Moody · Packers- Moody/ Hoover · Paint LineMoody · Pickers/Packers- Alabaster. Lyons HR www.lyonshr.com/careersearch (205)943-4820 Service Technician. Top Pay, Benefits & Commission! Mainline Heating & Air. 400 Hillwood Park S, Alabaster, AL. Or email resume to: ashley@mainlineheating.com (205)664-4751 QUICK LUBE DEPARTMENT IMMEDIATE OPENINGS- Fulltime or Part-time opportunity to work at theoldest & largest Ford/ LincolnDealership in Alabama! Long-Lewis Ford Lincoln is seeking qualified oil/tire technicians to
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join our busy Quick Lane! Join our team of technicians and earn top dollar for production! We offer the best training in the area, state of art facility, fast paced shop, team building, support from the top, great pay and benefits. Job duties: oil change, brakes, tires, rotation, alignment and coolants. Job experience is helpful, but some automotive work would be acceptable. We can train! Call 205-989-3710 to schedule an appointment- no walk ins please. WE ARE HIRING NOW! EOE Marble Valley Manor. Affordable 1 and 2 Bedroom Apartments for Elderly & Disabled. Many on-site services! 2115 Motes Rd, Sylacauga. 256-245-6500 •TDD#s: 800-5482547(V) •800-548-2546(T/A). Office Hours: Mon-Fri, 8am-4pm. Equal Opportunity Provider/Employer MedHelp Clinics Is hiring experienced front desk receptionists and certified Medical Assistants for both full and part time positions. We have 4 locations in the Birmingham area and we’re always looking to hire qualified personnel for each of our busy practices. We’re open 7 days a week Monday thru Friday 8am-8pm Saturdays 8am-6pm and Sunday 1pm-6pm Qualified applicants should apply at: www.medhelpclinics.com Are you a motivated professional? Are you looking for a dynamic career? Are you ready to control your own level of success? See why McKinnons’ is an exciting place to work and grow. Now accepting applications for Sales, Service, and Detail Shop. Apply with the receptionist. 205-755-3430 Hiring CDL-A Drivers! Sign-on Bonus, Great Benefits, Local Domicile Work. Apply online at: MerchantsFoodService.com/Careers Shake up your career!!! Are you looking for something new and FUN? Milo’s is always looking for great managers to come join our growing and dynamic team. Apply online at miloshamburgers.com 280 Location Opening Now Hiring 3 shift Managers. Pay Rate $9-$11. 20-25 Employees. Pay Rate $7.75-$8.50. Must have own transportation and flexible schedule. Apply at recruiting. talentreef.com/momma-goldbergsdeli (205)503-6190 Montgomery Stockyard Drop Station at Gray & Son’s in Clanton. Call Lane at 205-389-4530. For other hauling arrangements, contact Wes in Harpersville 205-965-8657 NOW HIRING Diesel Truck Mechanics with 3-5 years experience in medium to heavy duty diesel trucks, 40/hr work week guaranteed,
competitive bonus structure plus benefits Call Jeff to Apply at: 205-564-8660 Production Jobs. Willing to Train. AAM in Columbiana is HIRING for multiple shifts. Email resume to dcurtis@grede.com or apply in person: 130 Industrial Pkwy, Columbiana, AL 35051 INDUSTRIAL CLEANING IN VANCE Requirements: • 18 Years Old • HS Diploma/GED • Able to work variable shifts/weekends/ holidays • Able to lift up to 50lbs constantly, stand on your feet for 8hrs • Able to pass drug screen/ background check Complete your application on line at www.naonsite.com Production / Manufacturing Vance, Alabama Starting pay: $12.00 – $14.50 /hr. • Have 2 years+ Production/Manufacturing experience. • Have Recently Lived in Alabama at least 2 years. • Have A High School Diploma or GED. • Are at least 18 years old. Complete your application on line at www.naonsite.com Odyssey Early Schools. Birmingham’s Best Daycare/ Preschool is Seeking Experienced Teachers. 4 Year Degree Preferred. Full-Time. BEST Pay. FULL Benefits (Insurance, Leave, Holidays). Call Annie Fine 205-991-0039. Oxford Healthcare in Montgomery currently hiring certified CNA’s and/or Home Health aides in the Clanton, Marbury and Maplesville areas. Must be able to pass complete background check, have reliable transportation and have a strong work ethic. Serious inquires only. Call 334-409-0035 or apply online at www.Oxfordhealthcare.com Cook/Server Needed Breakfast Shift (approx. 3am-1pm) Must be able to work some weekends and holidays. Apply at: Peach Park Express 2320 7th Street South Class A CDL Drivers Needed Immediately for Dump Trailer Hauling • $2000 Retention Bonus • Local Hauling • Home Nights APPLY ONLINE: www.perdidotrucking. com Perdido Trucking Service, LLC 251-470-0355 Private preschool in Helena, Alabama has full time and part time positions available, Experience a plus, dependable, individuals needed. Send resume to: kwilson@primroseriverwoods.com Move in Special! 3/2 Garden Home Calera Schools W/D hook-ups, Dishwasher Fenced backyard. Rent $1195 1/2 off 1st Month’s Rent! (205)433-9811
PLUMBERS & PLUMBER HELPERS Call or Text 205-432-9049 ROSS NEELY TRUCK LINES •NOW HIRING• TRUCK DRIVERS-OTR If you are a professional CDL A Driver, have two years experience, a good safety recrod, and want to GET HOME ON THE WEEKENDS apply online at www.rossneely.com or apply by email at jeff@rossneely.com The Salvation Army, Alabaster, is hiring (Seasonal) Angel Tree Coordinator • Kettle Coordinator • Required Skills: Driver, databases, computer, physical abilities. Email resumes to: Rufus.McDowell@uss.salvationarmy. org 205-663-7105 JOIN OUR MANAGEMENT TEAM Schuster Enterprises, Inc, a Franchisee of Burger King, is looking for Management professionals who have a desire to join a team where people are the most important asset, where growth is based on ability and where opportunity is abundant. Benefits: •Competitive wages •Health & Life insurance •Paid vacations •401(k) Apply online at: www.bkworker.com DRUG FREE WORKPLACE EOE ServiceMaster is Hiring Part-time Fire Cleaning Techs WILL TRAIN! Must pass background check/drug test, have reliable transportation & good driving record. Serious Inquiries. Call (205)424-4211 Order Selectors Food Dist. Center in Pelham Day-Shift: MonFri. 40+ hours/week 10AM until finished (varies). Salary: $16-20/ hr after training. Benefits: Medical, vision, dental, vacation & 401k. Requirements: • Reading & math skills • Lift 40 lbs. repetitively • Work in -10 Temperature Apply in person: 8:30AM-5:00PM Southeastern Food 201 Parker Drive Pelham, Alabama 35124 resume@southeasternfood.com Immediate Positions!!!! Positions needed: Warehouse • Sales Reps • Assistant Manager • Delivery Drivers • Customer Service. Laid back atmosphere, good pay, plenty of hours available! Company vehicles to qualified individuals! Call Andrew 9am-7pm • Mon-Sat at (205)490-1003 or (205)243-6337 CLOCK REPAIR SVS. * Setup * Repair * Maintenance. I can fix your Mother’s clock. Alabaster/Pelham. Call Stephen (205)663-2822 MULTI-CRAFT MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN Responsible for maintenance of all equipment and machine set-up responsibilities. $24.00 plus benefit package. Monday-Thursday schedule. Apply at: 2595 Highway 87, Alabaster, Alabama 35007 or email résumé: hr@sccarolinas.com
Electrician - FT Supreme Electric, local-based company in Pelham. Must be willing to learn & work hard. Go to: supremeelectric-al.com Print employment application under Contact Us. Mail to: Supreme Electric 231 Commerce Pkwy Pelham, AL 35124 or call 205-453-9327. TARGET AUCTION Advanced Real Estate Marketing 800-476-3939 www.targetauction.com TaylorMade Transportation Hiring CDL Drivers for Flatbed Regional Division! BCBS Insurance After 30 Days. To apply call: (334)366-2269 or email: s.smith@taylormadeinc.com Learn a Skill & Begin your Career! Earn $50,000 & More First Year. Hiring Hard Working Insulation & Afterpaint Installers! •Immediate Openings •We Train you to Succeed. Requirements: •Valid DL •Drug Test •MVR •Background Check. www.truteam.com/careers or 205.428.9381 The Painting Company of Birmingham Immediate openings for professional residential and commercial painters. Must be able to speak English. Call 205-995-5559 TRANSPORT LOCAL DRIVER $2,000 SIGN-ON STC has openings for transport drivers. Must have CDL, HazMat and Tanker. Excellent pay, benefits and coworkers. Best job you will ever have- Home nearly every night! Please call Gary at (270)3311165 or (270)450-4122 or (800)941-2209 or stcdispatch@upgas.com for details. Become a Dental Assistant in ONLY 8 WEEKS! Please visit our website capstonedentalassisting.com or call (205)561-8118 and get your career started! Wiley Sanders Truck Lines Inc $1,000 SIGN-ON-BONUS DRIVER PAY RAISE EFFECTIVE JUNE 2017! Longevity-Bonus. Quarterly SafeDriving AWARD. Competitive Pay Package. PAID Orientation. NEW Fleet of Trucks. Call 1-855-777-9785 & ask for Dale or Brandy. Nights/ weekends, call Jeffrey: 334-3725049 Ron: 1-850-454-4276 Richard: 334-492-0803 Wiregrass Construction Company is seeking experienced asphalt CDL TRUCK DRIVERS. Must be dependable. Excellent benefits. Interested applicants may apply: 951 Dow Street. Pelham, AL 35124. (205)620-4132 or 151 Piper Lane. Alabaster, AL 35007 (205)605-0753. 8AM to 5PM, M-F. WCC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
2017
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