Shelby Living February 2013

SHELBY Living Cheeriodicals Mt Laurel business is a gifting sensation

Frozen Tide hits the ice

UA’s hockey team finds success in Pelham

Hit the

Books Spanish teacher publishes first novel

Geocaching

February 2013 • $4.95

Locals join in on this online scavenger hunt

Picture this

Harpersville artist creates cheerful frames February 2013 | 1

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February 2013 | 3

FROM THE EDITOR

O

n a cold December afternoon, I found myself examining the black posts of a fence in Columbiana.

Two of my co-workers, Neal Wagner and Jon Goering, searched the fence with me. We weren’t even sure what we were looking for, although we knew it would be small.

We were geocaching. Clayton Hurdle, a former intern, wrote a story about the game for this issue, and we needed photos to accompany it.

Geocaching, for the uninitiated, is a treasure hunting game where players use a GPS to hide and find objects.

(Please note that “treasure” is used loosely here. Expect plastic containers, not gold coins.) Once you find an object, you sign the piece of paper hidden in it and leave it for the next treasure hunter to discover. The story idea developed when I realized several co-workers geocache.

I was wary of the idea at first, but it turned out to be a worldwide phenomenon, and Shelby County has hundreds of caches hidden in its borders.

Once the story was submitted, we still had the problem of photos to solve. With Neal’s help, we found our first cache, photographed it, signed the log sheet and put it back in its hiding place.

I felt a little thrill after finding the “treasure.” It reminded me a bit of looking for story ideas. Story ideas develop in a variety of ways. My co-workers, who cover the individual cities for the Shelby County Reporter, seem to be a bottomless well of people, places and businesses to feature. In addition to the geocaching article, our staff came up with the ideas for the Anne Riley and Frozen Tide articles in this month’s magazine.

Of course, I also receive many ideas from people in the community. That’s the case with the stories about Vintage Coastal Frameworks and Cheeriodicals, as well as the Why I Love Shelby County Q&A. Thanks to everyone who sent me story ideas over the last year. Finding the perfect story idea in my inbox is the kind of treasure hunt I love!

Katie McDowell, Editor

Katie.McDowell@ShelbyLiving.com ON THE COVER

Nancy Norris and her dog, Maggie, enjoy an afternoon on the porch of her Shoal Creek home.

Cover design: Daniel Holmes Photography: Jon Goering

SHELBY Living EDIToRIAL Katie McDowell Amy Jones Neal Wagner Christine Boatwright Mickel Ponthieux CoNTRIBUToRS Lisa Phillips Laura Brookhart Fran Sharp PRoDUCTIoN Daniel Holmes Jamie Sparacino Amy Baldis Jon Goering MARKETINg Alan Brown Jill Harvell Thomas LaBoone Nicole Loggins Rhett McCreight Meagan Mims Diane Fant LaShan Johnson Tracy Jones ADMINISTRATIoN Tim Prince Jan Griffey Mary Jo Eskridge Annie McGilvray Hailey Dolbare Christine Roberts Shelby Living is published monthly by Shelby County Newspapers Inc., P.O. Box 947, Columbiana, AL 35051. Shelby Living is a registered trademark. All contents herein are the sole property of Shelby County Newspapers Inc. [the Publisher]. No part of this periodical may be reproduced without written permission from the Publisher. Please address all correspondence (including but not limited to letters, story ideas and requests to reprint materials) to: Editor, Shelby Living, P.O. Box 947, Columbiana, AL 35051.

Shelby Living is mailed to select households throughout Shelby County, and a limited number of free copies are available at local businesses. Please visit Shelbyliving.com for a list of those locations.

Subscriptions are available at a rate of $12 for one year by emailing subscribe@shelbyliving.com, or calling (205) 669-3131, ext. 21.

Advertising inquiries may be made by emailing advertise@shelbyliving.com, or by calling (205) 6693131, ext. 11.

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WHAT’S INSIDE

features 14 ThE QUEST FoR PUBLICATIoN After several false starts, a local teacher sees her first novel in print 16 A BoX FULL oF ChEER Cheeriodicals focuses on philanthropy with its team building events and Cheeriodicals Days 34 STEP INTo ThE oLD WoRLD The Norrises’ Shoal Creek home is decorated in European style

34

WHAT’S INSIDE

14

30 in every issue recreation 7

ThE SIMPLE LIFE

8

ShoRT SToRIES

56

ShELBY SPoTTED

80

oUT & ABoUT

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WhY I LoVE ShELBY CoUNTY

22

SKATINg BY ThE IMPoSSIBLE The University of Alabama’s Frozen Tide makes their home in Pelham

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A TREASURE hUNT FoR ThE DIgITAL AgE Shelby County is a hotspot for geocaching

48 home & food 44

REPURPoSINg WITh A PASSIoN Wilsonville resident Donna Smith creates rustic frames from discarded wood

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MADE FRoM ThE hEART Joe’s Italian creates authentic Italian food from scratch

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ThE SECRET oF gREAT MAC & ChEESE Gail Blankenship shares her take on a family recipe

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ESPRESSo MARTINI Try one of Eclipse Coffee and Books’ original creations

arts & culture 10

ThE ARTIST AS SToRYTELLER Sheror Caton Moore shares stories of her childhood

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READINg RooM Renee Brown shares her favorite reads and the reason she teaches

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ThE ART oF QUILTINg The Shelby County Arts Council will host a new exhibit on Feb. 15

34 STEP INTo ThE oLD WoRLD The Norrises’ Shoal Creek home is decorated in European style

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THE SIMPLE LIFE

Dated dinosaurs

T

rends and technology are outpacing the majority of us. If we don’t stay ahead of it, we will find ourselves out of touch with the people around us and the possessions we choose to keep close. When you look around your home, office and closets, Lisa Phillips, owner of SimpleWorks, what do you see that is outdated Simpleworksmtsp.com and irrelevant to your life going lisa@simpleworksmtsp.com forward? Clutter can creep into 205.981.7733 our lives in a blink of the eye, even when we feel we have been so diligent in our housekeeping.

Clutter doesn’t just mean excessive and disorganized, it also can mean outdated.

Electronics. Cellphones were so yesterday. Today’s word is “smartphones.” We have yet to even speak the name of the phone we will use in five years. Google recently posted that the pace of inclusion of new words in the Webster’s dictionary has increased at a rate of 4,000 new words a year. Computers have advanced from desktops to laptops to netbooks, and now tablets. By the end of the year, who knows where your keyboard will end up?

Paper. If you have a 4-drawer filing cabinet, you might be a redneck. (Sending that one to Jeff Foxworthy!) File drawers advanced to digital folders, and today our documents are in the clouds. Insurance papers, bills and owner’s manuals are all online.

Appliances. Coffee pots can now make one cup at a time so everyone in the house is happy. If everyone is expected to drink Folgers decaf, it may be time to update your appliances.

Car keys are being replaced with keyless entry, and you can do away with the baby monitor—there is now an app for that.

“A room without a trash can is like a day without sunshine.” Sounds crazy, yet imagine your world if you never purged, discarded, donated or threw anything away. Just because something still works or has hardly been used does not make it useful to today’s world. Some believe it takes 50 years before something becomes an “antique.” Something that is only a few years old but has no relevance is a dinosaur, or another word that we haven’t even thought of yet.

It’s that simple. l

Just because something still works or has hardly been used does not make it useful to today’s world.

February 2013 | 7

SHORT STORIES

South City Theatre wins awards

Eagle Band invited to Presidential Inaugural Parade The Calera High School Eagle Band was invited to march in the 57th Presidential Inaugural Parade in Washington, D.C. The Presidential Inaugural Committee notified the Calera High School Eagle Band that it had been selected to participate in the Jan. 21, 2013 parade on Dec. 18, 2012.

According to Calera High Band Booster President Cindy Glass, out of

the 2,800 applications submitted, only one band from each state is chosen to participate.

“This is an honor not only for the school, but for the city of Calera, Shelby County and for the state of Alabama, and we need your help to get there,” said Ryan Murrell, Calera High School band director.

— Christine Boatwright

Pelham named ‘Best Place to Raise Kids’ in Alabama Bloomberg Businessweek cited strong schools, low unemployment rates and easy access to amenities when it named Pelham the best place to raise kids in Alabama for 2013.

The national news agency released its “Best Places to Raise Kids 2013” list on Dec. 18, 2012, and named one city from each state to the list.

Through the list, Businessweek evaluated more than 3,200 towns and cities nationwide with populations ranging from 8 | ShelbyLiving.com

5,000-50,000.

“We looked at such metrics as public school performance, safety, housing costs, commute time, poverty, adults’ educational attainment, share of households with children and diversity,” read the list’s preface on Businessweek.com.

Data for the list came from Greatschools.org, the FBI, the U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, according to the website.

— Neal Wagner

The South City Theatre’s production of “Sylvia” took home top honors at this year’s Community Theatre Festival in Wetumpka on Oct. 28, 2012. Ashley Richardson won “Best Actress,” Thomas William Shaw received “All Star Cast” recognition and the production was named one of two “Best in Shows,” earning the right to represent Alabama at the Southeastern Theatre Conference in Louisville, Ky., in March 2013.

SCT also needs corporate and/or individual sponsorship to take advantage of this great honor. Sponsors will receive credit in the special festival program, a listing in all festival-related publicity and other benefits. Consider becoming a sponsor of Alabama’s “Sylvia” and help SCT get to Louisville to represent you at SETC! For more information, contact SCT at southcityinfo@gmail.com.

— Staff Reports

Bo Bice to hit Broadway Former Helena resident and American Idol finalist Bo Bice will make his first Broadway appearance in April in “Pump Boys and Dinettes.”

The musical is set to open on April 8 at Circle in the Square Theater, according to Bice’s website, Bobice.com.

Pump Boys and Dinettes “is a tribute to small-town American life as rendered at a gas station and roadside eatery on Highway 57 in North Carolina,” according to the site.

Bice, a Huntsville native, lived in Helena while he competed in the fourth season of American Idol in 2005. He currently lives and records music in Nashville, Tenn.

— Neal Wagner

SPHS senior attends YoungArts event in Miami in January A Spain Park High School senior was selected out of 10,000 applicants to attend the YoungArts convention in Miami.

Annabelle DeCamillis, who focuses on oil painting, was one of 15 students chosen in the visual arts. She traveled to Miami Jan. 8 and spent a week learning from master teachers in her medium.

Former teachers at YoungArts have included world-esteemed dancer Mikhail Baryshnikov, Oscar-winning director Martin Scorsese, well-known actor Robert Redford and famous singers Patti LuPone and Billy Joel.

DeCamillis said when she applied for YoungArts, she turned in a series of oil paintings she’s done that portray people in costumes doing menial, everyday tasks.

“I love to draw people. They’re just so complicated,” she said. “They really are the hardest things to draw. Anyone can look at a portrait and see what’s wrong with it.”

She said her inspiration for the series came from another passion — making costumes.

One of her best-known paintings, “Rococo Renovation,” portrays a girl in an old-fashioned dress looking at paint samples in a home improvement store. That painting won her a national Scholastic Art and Writing Gold Medal Award DeCamillis plans to attend art school next year, and hopes to attend the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts.

— Amy Jones February 2013 | 9

ARTS & CULTURE

The artist as storyteller and poet Story and photos by LAURA BRooKhART

W

hen Dr. Sheror Caton Moore greets you with her throaty Southern lilt, it won’t be long until her rich chuckle also gathers you into her joyous persona.

In her most recent book, “Grandmother’s Patchwork and Crazy Quilts,” you meet the personalities who live on in these memories she has stitched together.

“I’m all about family,” she said. “Your family is your treasure.”

Moore, who has written several books of poetry, grew up in Alabaster and graduated from Thompson High School Class of 1967 with the titles of “Class Poet” and “Wittiest.”

“Of course, I would rather have been “Best Looking,” she said with a laugh. “When I grew up, there wasn’t all this superficial junk — we were all real. We were all just kids — we didn’t think in terms of rich or poor. Daddy was a little boss in a big mill. My mother made my clothes — some out of flour sacks — but I was well dressed.”

Moore said she never had a teacher she didn’t just love. Her favorite, Mrs. Mable Thornton, was the one who recognized her poetry writing ability.

“Mrs. Thornton brought poetry to life; she read us Shakespeare, which I loved. She lived long enough that I could go to the nursing home and read her my poems and thank her,” Moore said.

Of her 50th class reunion, she recalled, “Many of us still live in the area and we had a beautiful time — we loved each other like brothers and sisters. There’s no way to explain how rare and wonderful it was.”

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Dr. Sheror Caton Moore reads her stories and poems on the porch of Cedar Creek Antiques near Montevallo. Pictured with her here are Dee Nabors and Martha Fulghum, whose illustrations appear in Moore’s books.

In her new book, Moore writes about the “profound influence” her grandmother, Alice Jones Caton, had on her life. She tells of making teacakes (recipe included in the book) and mudpies, decorating them with Chinaberries from the tree in her grandmother’s yard.

Her father, Peter Jackson Caton, was a miracle baby, weighing just 1 and a half pounds at birth. He was placed on a feather pillow by the fire and watched over around the clock for three months by his older sisters and initially fed by eyedropper.

Moore honored his good nature and witticisms in both poems and a compilation called “As Pap Used To Say.” His yarns and wise replies fill several pages — for example, his comment on liars: “He’d tell the truth when a lie would make a better story.”

She tells of meeting her husband, Obie “Buddy” Moore, marrying him at 17, and embarking on motherhood. Later, the couple purchased the old Harrison House in Montevallo, a magnificent, if cold and drafty, structure on the Alabama Register of Historic Landmarks.

The Harrison-Moore home became the setting shared for home tours, tea parties and the women’s retreats Moore began holding after she received the call to help abused women.

“The Lord spoke to my heart,” Moore said. “He told me he would send to me those who were in need.”

She formed Light Unto My Path Ministries and each retreat, with many held over a 10-year period, was based on a poem she was given by God beforehand.

Hand in hand with this, Moore became an ordained minister and certified Christian counselor.

Sheror and Buddy, who died in 2006, were the founders of Shelby Academy, which operated from 1970-2009.

Moore’s life quilt is thus made up of scraps of many lives and as she wrote, “I see the Handprint of God in each square, and I am humbled.”

Moore is the author of several other books of poetry, including “Treasures in an Alabama Attic” and “Only the Ice Cream Show.” For more information, visit Sherorcatonmoor.com. l

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February 2013 | 11

ARTS & CULTURE

Reading Room: Renee Brown

R

Photograph by jon goering

I Capture the Castle

by Dodie Smith If you like the movie version of “Pride and Prejudice,” but didn’t enjoy reading through some of the more rambling setting and character descriptions, this is an excellent choice. It has the charm of the idyllic English countryside, and the social class struggles and triumphs, told by an enchanting, quirky teenage girl who begins the book (her journal) while sitting in the kitchen sink of a castle fixer-upper that is her home.

enee Brown teaches senior English and AP literature at Thompson High School in Alabaster. She and her husband, J.B., have been married for 24 years and have lived in Alabaster for more than 20 years. They have two children: Ryan, a THS senior, and Parker, a seventh grader at Thompson Middle School.

Brown attended the California Center for Biblical Studies and received a bachelor’s degree in theatre arts from the University of Montevallo and a master’s degree in language arts education from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

What led you to Shelby County?

I relocated from southern California to the area because of family connections at the University of Montevallo. While participating in College Night, I fell in love with the man who would become my husband. I also fell in love with the area with its beautiful landscapes, easy drive to beaches and mountains and a nurturing neighborliness that I had never known in the many places I’d lived before.

Why do you enjoy reading?

I am delighted to see fresh perspectives about the human experience from people who are wise and witty and well traveled.

What’s the first book you enjoyed?

“Charlotte’s Web” by E.B. White. I finished that book alone on the back porch and had the most satisfying cry of my young life when (spoiler alert!) Charlotte dies. I mean, even as a third grader, it inspired me to know she had died a noble, natural death after having done wonderful things with her life. Only later did I reflect on the author’s ability to make mere ink on a page create such a profound effect.

It was a spider for goodness’ sake! An anthropomorphized arachnid! But White created her with such tenderness, it was a truly humanizing experience.

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Renee’s Reading Recommendations:

What kind of books do you enjoy most?

I love books that offer purposeful ambiguity. It’s good for this old brain to actively predict and connect and solve aspects of plot and character.

This hook snags a wide range of authors: from Shakespeare to Ian McEwan, from Sophocles to Suzanne Collins. I also enjoy nonfiction: biographies and spiritual reflection books.

Why did you choose a literary career?

I have been involved in theatre from childhood. When it came time to prepare for a family, though, education seemed a more stable lifestyle.

I figured that if I became a literature teacher, I could share the love of literature and incorporate the flair for the dramatic in the classroom, too. So far, it has worked.

To have students in my standard classes say, “This is the first book I ever read all the way through” or in my AP classes say, “I would never have chosen this book, but I am so glad you made me read it” I know it was a great choice. I have written a couple of plays — one performed at Pelham High School many years ago — and have several novels churning in my brain. I may find the time someday to sit still long enough to release them.

The Year of Living Biblically

by A.J. Jacobs.

Jacobs is hilarious!

If you have a strong faith, his year-long journey may challenge you to examine your own “walk of faith.”

If you are secular, you may enjoy his honest, humorous jibes at some of the foibles and oddities in the Bible. He speaks with Hassidic Jews, Jehovah’s Witnesses and snake handlers with the same sincere respect and genuine curiosity. Lovely.

Life of Pi

by Yann Martel I am hesitant the see the movie version of “Life of Pi”; the one I made in my head when I read the book seven years ago is pretty satisfying. I love what Martel has to say about world religions, about misconceptions about animals and — especially — the symbolic nature of the life-changing adventure itself.

ARTS & CULTURE

Celebrate Washington’s Birthday at the American Village Monday, February 18

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$

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quilting

The art of

Story by FRAN ShARP

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•share birthday cake with George Washington • drill with Washington’s Continental Army • play 18th Century games For more information, please call (205) 665-3535 or 1-877-811-1776 ext. 1031 WWW.AMERICANVILLAGE.ORG

uick! What piece of Americana is as treasured by its owners as a hot dog at the ballpark or popcorn at the movies? The answer, of course, is the family quilt.

Passed lovingly from one generation to the next, quilts have soothed the sick, anchored the summer picnic, and converted many a kitchen table into a fort manned by “the good guys” on a rainy afternoon.

The Shelby County Arts Council will honor the quilt and its makers with a 5:30-7 p.m. reception on Friday, Feb. 15. The free exhibit will be open Saturday, Feb. 16 and run the remainder of the month.

“Trends in the art of quilting through 100 years” invites you to view more than 50 quilts, vintage and otherwise, dating from the 1800s, and illustrating the varied styles and fabrics of quilt making through the decades.

Exhibit directors are Agnes Poole and Sarah Atchison, quilters with “many, many years of experience,” according to Poole.

“We are so excited that the Shelby County Arts Council is doing this to coincide with Columbiana’s celebration of Cowboy Day,” she said.

“What better way to connect the two than quilts?” added Atchison, whose “Robbing Peter to Pay Paul” is hand-dyed and hand-quilted, circa 1910.

The exhibit will include children’s quilts made by the Alabama chapter of “Quilts For Kids,” a group of Shelby County women who distribute homemade quilts to sick and/or homeless children statewide.

Poole will display many of her grandmother Natie’s handmade quilts, as well as those dating from the early 1900s. Quilt categories include modern, art works, contemporary and quilts of valor, to name a few. Some of the quilts will be available for purchase. Each woman quilts for her own reasons. Judith Elliott particularly enjoys employing her artistic bent. Poole quilts, does appraisals and writes about quilting. Atchison quilts and hands out quilts to people she thinks will appreciate them.

“I don’t collect, I just give them away,” she laughed.

Perhaps Judith Elliott said it best: “My favorite quilt is one my husband’s grandmother made. It is pieced with fabric from his childhood pajamas. It just doesn’t get any better than that!”

For more information, visit Shelbycountyartscouncil.com. l February 2013 | 13

ARTS & CULTURE

The quest for

publication

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Story by KATIE MCDoWELL Anne Riley is a Shelby County resident and the author of “Shadows of the Hidden,” a paranormal young adult novel published in December 2012.

More about Anne Riley!

• Shelby Living has a copy of “Shadows of the Hidden” to give away! The first reader to email Editor Katie McDowell at Katie. mcdowell@shelbyliving.com will receive the book. Please include your mailing address in the email.

• Anne Riley has a strong online presence.

Follow her on Facebook, Twitter or her website at Annerileybooks.com.

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n the fall of 2008, Anne Riley sat down to write her first novel.

She finished the manuscript only a few months later, but her journey to print would take a bit longer — four years, to be exact. Like most worthy journeys, this one included unforeseen obstacles, such as when Riley’s literary agent left unexpectedly in 2011; maddening delays, in the form of rejections from numerous publishing houses; and personal reflection, as found in multiple revisions and a title change.

But Riley persevered, and in December 2012, Compass Press published her first novel, “Shadows of the Hidden,” a paranormal mystery novel for young adults.

“Shadows of the Hidden” tells the story of Natalie Watson, a Georgia teen who relocated to her aunt’s boarding school in Maine after the death of her parents. She befriends a strange boy at her school, and the two are soon thrust into a “centuries-old quest for immortality,” according to Riley’s website.

Riley, a Shelby County resident, said the idea developed with a question: “What if fairy rings really did have magical powers as some people believe they do?’

“I’d seen rings of mushrooms around town, and it inspired the idea that perhaps these so-called fairy rings really did make people disappear, as some legends claim,” Riley said in an email interview. “As soon as the thought entered my head, I couldn’t resist creating a story around it and putting it on paper.”

In late summer 2008, “Shadows” was merely an idea that had been swirling around in Riley’s head.

The timing was not ideal. School was about to start, and as a Spanish teacher at a local high school, she was about to be extremely busy. (Riley asked not to reveal the high school’s name.)

Also, she had started several other novels and never made it past chapter 2.

She ignored the idea for several weeks, but finally decided to begin writing in August. She wrote the first chapter that day and six more over the next few weeks. She relied on friends to review the manuscript and after numerous revisions, she finished the book, which was then known as “The Clearing,” in December 2008.

With a finished manuscript on her hands, Riley decided to reach out to literary agents. She received numerous rejections, but within a month, she had an agent — Alanna Ramirez with Trident Media Group.

Over the next year, Riley and Ramirez revised the novel and sent it to three rounds of publishers. It was rejected each time, although a major publishing house showed interest in May 2010.

With their options exhausted, Riley decided to have a few copies bound for family, as well as making it available as an e-book.

Sales of the e-book were steady, and Riley was pleased the book was reaching readers, although the rejection still stung.

After Ramirez left Trident Media Group unexpectedly in September 2011, Riley found herself without representation again.

Only a few months later, however, her luck turned.

She received an email from Compass Press inquiring about “The Clearing.” She signed with the publishing company in April and found a new agent the following month.

“I’m sort of in a fog of happiness mixed with mild panic,” she wrote on her blog the morning she signed her contract.

Riley’s own life evolved as much as her novel during the fouryear journey to publication. During that time, Riley and her husband, Rob, had their first daughter in 2010 and are expecting a second in early 2013.

With the help of her husband, who watched their daughter in the afternoons, Riley found time to write several other books over the last four years.

“Winter Wonders,” an anthology containing one of her stories, was also published in December 2012.

“The anthology was actually my idea,” Riley said. “I contacted several of my writer friends to see if they would be interested in contributing to an anthology with a winter theme, with all the profits going to charity.”

One of the writers she contacted, Heather McCorkle, also works for Compass Press, which decided to publish the book with proceeds going to Literacy, Inc. Two of her other novels are currently on submission with her agent, and both include a fantasy element.

“I typically like to weave in some sort of paranormal thread to my stories,” she said.

One of the stories is set in London and “involves the manipulation of reality plus evil zombie-demon creatures.”

Another is set in Spain and “centers around a series of mysterious murders, a ghost and some very peculiar apparitions.”

Riley was always drawn to fantasies as a child: “A Wrinkle in Time,” The Chronicles of Narnia and, later, Harry Potter.

It was that love of characters and stories that drove her to seek publication of her own novel in the first place.

“I’m desperate to share my stories with as many people as possible,” she said. “I want people to fall in love with my characters like I have, and I want to be a role model for kids and teens who dream of being authors.” l

Give a gift card!

February 2013 | 15

cheer

Giving

boxes of

Story by KATIE MCDoWELL | Photos by JoN goERINg & CoNTRIBUTED

Cheeriodicals partners with local companies to give back to hospitalized children

I

n 2011, Mary Martha and Gary Parisher watched a Tristian Lane Jones opened a bright green box at Children’s Hospital of Alabama in Birmingham.

Four years old and battling cancer, Tristian was serving as a product tester for Cheeriodicals, the Parishers’ new business that sold gift boxes full of magazines and snacks. The Parishers also wanted to offer age-appropriate toys for hospitalized children, and they partnered with Children’s Hospital for the project.

Tristian was selected to test the product by the hospital’s staff, who watched with the Parishers as he opened the box and rifled through the toys. Then he found a container of slime and a smile 16 | ShelbyLiving.com

spread across his face. He promptly dumped out the slime to play with it, and the Parishers knew they were on the right track.

“That child’s reaction, it changed everything,” Gary said.

Since its founding almost two years ago, Cheeriodicals has partnered with businesses to give hundreds of Cheeriodicals gift boxes to hospitalized children across the country.

The development of the charitable arm of their business has been the fulfillment of a dream for the Parishers.

A box of ‘me time’ The Parishers founded Cheeriodicals in Mt Laurel in early 2011. The idea was hatched about three years ago when Mary Martha’s uncle was hospitalized.

“We just wanted to send him some fishing magazines, and it turned out no one in the country has that business model,” she said.

Mary Martha worked as a corporate attorney and Gary in biotech sales, but they were captivated by the idea of a company that specialized in gift boxes.

CLOCKWISE FROM FAR LEFT: Cheeriodicals include snacks and magazines. RealtySouth employees make Cheeriodicals during a team-buliding event in November 2012. Families staying at the Ronald McDonald House received Cheeriodicals from RealtySouth’s “Cheeriodicals Day” in November 2012. MoveDaddy, which is based in Shelby County, has partnered with Cheeriodicals to transport the gift boxes for the charitable events, including an event at Children’s Hospital in Birmingham in February 2012. Adam Rhoades, managing partner of Northwestern Mutual of Alabama, hands a gift box to a Children’s Hospital patient and her mother in February 2012. Sean Palmer, owner of Move Daddy, unloads boxes of Cheeriodicals at a Children’s Hospital event in February 2012.

“The whole idea is a gift of ‘me time,’” Mary Martha said.

Originally, the product was to be called “Zines,” and the magazines were to be packed in galvanized buckets. They hired Wendy and Travis Tatum, Birmingham-based marketing gurus, to brand the company. The Tatums came up with the Cheeriodicals name and the bright green boxes.

“We just fell in love with it,” Mary Martha said.

The Parishers saw Cheeriodicals, which were originally restricted to magazines and snacks, as ideal gifts for holidays, hospital stays or corporate clients. Each Cheeridiocal, which cost between $39.99-$59.99, includes four magazines and a selection of salty, sweet or mixed snacks. The magazine categories include business, photography, parenting, style, politics, wine, fashion and many others.

“The magazines are based on the gift recipient’s interest,” Mary Martha said. “We keep so many magazines in stock we’re pretty much able to satisfy everyone’s interests no matter what they are.”

Giving back The Parishers knew they wanted a charitable component to Cheeriodicals when they founded the company.

“The charitable side was always there, but we didn’t know how it was going to develop,” Mary Martha said.

For their first philanthropic project, they turned to Scott and Traci Griffin, who own The Red Shamrock in Mt Laurel and whose son, Gabe, was diagnosed with a terminal disease in 2008.

Mary Martha met the family before they founded February 2013 | 17

Gary and Mary Martha Parisher

18 | ShelbyLiving.com

Cheeriodicals, and she knew she wanted to find a way to help them. The Parishers chose the Griffins as their first “charitable giveback.” They sent the family on an overnight trip to Atlanta, where they also visited the aquarium.

For Cheeriodicals’ next giveback, the Parishers donated money to the Make-A-Wish Foundation because they had trouble selecting a single family to benefit.

The “Cheeriodicals Day” idea was formed in May 2012 when Gary met with Adam Rhoades, managing partner of Northwestern Mutual of Alabama. The Parishers had already noticed their Cheeriodicals were popular gifts for hospitalized children.

Gary and Rhoades discussed the idea of having a teambuilding event where Northwesetern Mutual employees create the Cheeriodicals for the patients. However, Gary was concerned about the children who couldn’t afford the gift box. “(Adam) said, ‘Why don’t we just do a gift for every single child in the hospital,’” Gary recalled.

In March 2012, only three weeks after they met, that’s exactly what they did. Northwestern Mutual employees packed each box with toys, games and stuffed animals, and a group of employees also helped deliver the Cheeriodicals to the hospital.

Cheeriodicals Days Since then, “Cheeriodicals Days” have gained popularity.

We never really anticipated the team building or the Children’s Hospital events to be so huge,” Mary Martha said. “The social responsibility need in the corporate world is really big. People just jump at the option.”

RealtySouth hosted a Cheeriodicals Day for families at the Ronald McDonald House in Birmingham in November 2012. Other Cheeriodicals Days have been held in conjunction with hospitals in New Orleans, Atlanta, Nashville and St. Louis.

The Parishers found another partner, and now friend, through Cheeriodicals Days.

They met Sean Palmer, owner of the local moving company MoveDaddy, at a networking event. They turned to him when they needed assistance transporting the Cheeriodicals for the Northwestern Mutual Cheeriodicals Day. He agreed and refused to be compensated for the work. Since then, Palmer and his MoveDaddy employees have participated in every Cheeriodicals Day. They load up the boxes, drive them to their destination and help unload and even deliver the gift boxes to the children.

With the second anniversary of their company approaching in May, the Parishers have taken some time to reflect on their company. Starting a business from scratch was a big step for both, but they’re proud of the work they’ve done.

“We wanted to be able to do something that had a legacy,” Gary said. “It was never about money or any of those things. It was about having something that was going to live beyond your life.”

For more information about Cheeriodicals, visit Cheeriodicals. com or call 1-855-584-2207. l

February 2013 | 19

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CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Ronald McDonald poses with a Cheeriodicals box during a Cheeriodicals event at the Ronald McDonald House in November 2012. Children’s Hospital of Alabama patient Tristian Lane Jones served as a product tester. Hershey Kisses wait to be packed in a gift box. Adam Rhoades of Northwestern Mutual of Alabama hands a gift box to a hospital patient. Sean Palmer, owner of MoveDaddy, with Mary Martha and Gary Parisher.

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February 2013 | 21

RECREATION

The Alabama Frozen Tide take on the Georgia Bulldogs on Dec. 8, 2012, at the Pelham Civic Complex. TOP RIGHT: A hard check rattles the boards during the December game against the Bulldogs. BOTTOM RIGHT: Head coach Mike Quenneville has been coach of the Frozen Tide since 2010.

Skating by the

Impossible

Story by graham carr | Photographs by Jon Goering

22 | ShelbyLiving.com

I

ce hockey, the University of Alabama and championships are not supposed to go together.

Sure, Alabama has a tradition of championships in a variety of sports, but an ice hockey national title is impossible, right? Well, last season th­e impossible nearly happened.

In March 2011, UA’s Frozen Tide advanced to the American Hockey

Collegiate Association (AHCA) national championship tournament in Atlantic City, N.J. Along the way, the team, which practices and competes at the Pelham Civic Complex, won the South Eastern Collegiate Hockey Conference regular season and postseason tournament championship. The team advanced to the national club championship tournament

by defeating the University of Richmond in the South Regionals.

“What an experience for the kids,” Frozen Tide coach Mike Quenneville said.

“Who would have ever thought that out of all the great sports at Alabama that there was a possibility for an ice hockey team to win a national championship? It was pretty special.”

“Assistant coach David Noble put February 2013 | 23

“Athletes come to the University of Alabama to win championships.”

— Mike Quenneville

24 | ShelbyLiving.com

John Allen Baggett family & cosmetic dentistry

Goalie Sean Vinson makes a save during a practice session in Pelham.

February 2013 | 25

Players line up for a face-off during the game on Dec. 8, 2012. RIGHT: Head coach Mike Quenneville chats with a couple of young players who joined the Frozen Tide for a practice session.

26 | ShelbyLiving.com

together a magnificent schedule for these boys,” General Manager “Buddy” Damare added. “It tested them, it drove them and it forced them to see what it was like to play at that level.

He made them into a national contender by developing that schedule.”

Though the team did not win a game in the championship tournament, Buddy Damare said it elevated the program to being on a championship-contender level.

The program began in 2005 when three students decided to make a dream a reality. Josh Stokes, Adam English and Buddy’s son, Will, were not ready to give up their hockey careers, but there was only one problem.

“Going to the University of Alabama, ice hockey was not an option,” Will Damare said.

With help from Buddy, the three students made ice hockey an option by getting the program sanctioned by the university as a club sport. The next step was finding enough people to play.

“We started off basically just throwing word out there on social media at the time asking if anybody wanted to play hockey and to start a team,” Buddy said. “At the time, there was something like a 20,000 − 25,000 enrollment and you have to figure that someone plays hockey.”

February 2013 | 27

Frozen Tide player Zach Dailey stretches with his teammates at the start of practice.

28 | ShelbyLiving.com

Fifteen players came out to play in spring 2005 for a two-game season against Vanderbilt in order to be eligible to join the ACHA for the 2006 season.

Will remembers the emotions he had watching his hard work pay off as they played that first game.

“It was a good feeling to play a sport we loved and a sport that we came to college not expecting to be able to play again,” Will Damare said. “I don’t think I will ever feel anything like that again.”

Since the first full season in 2006, the team has compiled a 98-88 overall record, including a 77-49 record the past four seasons.

This season’s team is full of underclassmen with 10 freshman and seven sophomores on the 27-man roster. Quenneville still likes the possibilities of the team, but he was cautiously optimistic in the fall of 2012.

“We are young, so we have a lot to learn,” he said. “I do have a bunch of guys that played last year that have national championship tournament experience, but we are young and I am excited about it.

It is a great group of kids.”

The dedication of each player is shown as the Frozen Tide travel an hour to and from their home ice rink at the Pelham Civic Complex.

Buddy Damare wants that to change. He said he would like an ice rink in Tuscaloosa. This would mean the team and fans would not have to make a two-hour round trip for practice and home games.

“The fans would have a great experience and the boys would be a lot safer because they wouldn’t have to travel as much,” he said. “We would be able to be on the ice more often than we are to practice and we could only get better. The upside for having a rink in Tuscaloosa is just off the charts.”

He said the team would sell out every home game if they had their own ice rink in Tuscaloosa.

“We put 3,000 people in the rink at Pelham and the environment was absolutely electric, it was so much fun to be in,” Buddy said.

“We could do that on a regular basis in Tuscaloosa.”

Will Damare has a lot of pride in what he and the two other founders have established and said is most proud that hockey players can now choose Alabama as their college.

“Just a few years ago they would have been like, ‘The University of Alabama, whatever, they don’t have an ice hockey program,’” he said.

Quenneville believes a national title is the ultimate goal.

“Let’s face it, athletes come to Alabama to win championships,” he said. “I don’t care what sport it is, it is just the way of life.”

For Buddy Damare, it is not a matter of if, but when the program wins a national title. He feels the Frozen Tide is destined to one day win a national title, and said it would be a victory for more than just the team that won it on the ice.

“For all the guys that played from day one, from when the very first puck dropped, to the day that we raise that championship trophy, all of them had a part in that history,” he said. “Every one of them that pulled that sweater on had a part in making history, and that is something to be very proud of.”

February 2013 | 29

treasure hunt

A

for the digital age

Shelby County is a hotspot for geocaching

Story by CLAYToN hURDLE| Photographs by JoN goERINg & CoNTRIBUTED

A

global phenomenon wasn’t exactly what David Ulmer was planning when he planted the world’s first geocache on May 3, 2000.

Ulmer, a computer consultant from Oregon, left a black bucket with a pencil and logbook, as well as several “prize” items, in a remote area two miles west of Estacada, Ore. He posted the coordinates on an online forum of GPS enthusiasts and called his idea the “Great American GPS Stash Hunt.” The idea, as stated on geocaching.com, was simple: Hide a container in the woods, note the coordinates and post the coordinates online for others to find.

Before long, the idea had spread across state and national lines. After such national media sources as CNN and the New York Times reported on the hobby, the ranks of geocachers began to grow exponentially. Local and regional geocaching communities began popping up online over the next several years as the fad continued to grow.

One such group is the Alabama Geocachers Association (AGA). On June 9, 2006, “wd4bsu” and “Redneckgal” became the first two AGA members of the online Dixie Cachers forum. Within a week, more than 70 more people from across the state had joined the online community. Ed Manley, known to Dixie Cachers as TheAlabamaRambler, is one of the leaders of the group and joined shortly after the launch of the website.

There are now hundreds of caches in Shelby County and surrounding

A cache in the north Shelby County area is hidden dangling from a fence.

One participant painted this cache black so it would blend in with a fence. The log hidden in this cache dates back several years.

A small magnetic cache is barely visible in its hiding spot behind a former restaurant.

A log hidden inside is used to track findings of the cache.

February 2013 | 31

areas. There are strong concentrations in and around Pelham, Alabaster, Columbiana and Oak Mountain State Park. Tim Straughn, who goes by RoadRoach58 within the geocaching community, is an active geocache hobbyist who owns containers throughout Helena.

“I [own] caches along the Hillsboro Parkway and have five on the rail-trail that starts at the middle school,” Straughn said. “I own all the caches starting with one at the tunnel under Highway 52 all the way to the middle school.”

As simple as this hide-and-seek game may sound, there are several aspects of it that make geocaching compelling and slightly challenging. First and foremost is the stealth and secrecy often involved. There are cachers who are so prone to secrecy within the game that they often don’t reveal themselves as geocachers to anyone, not even fellow cachers.

Stealth is a part of the geocaching game that Straughn said can sometimes cause trouble with the authorities.

“I’m well known to the Helena police department now,” Straughn said lightly. “I’ve been caught snooping around closed businesses and in front of a local church in the wee hours of the morning. I’ve been checked out after a hike because my truck was parked at the civic complex for more than 30 minutes with nothing going on there.”

Most area police departments are at the very least familiar with geocaching, Straughn said.

“You’re on your own if you get caught,” he said. “Just tell

the truth, whatever you do. They’ll check it out, and might even want to escort you on a find.”

Another important challenge associated with geocaching is the ownership of caches. Whoever establishes a cache is that cache’s owner, and is expected, according to Straughn, to regularly check up on his or her location in order to maintain the cache. If a cache owner chooses for any reason to relinquish ownership, his or her caches are open to adoption.

“The adoption process is normally engaged when someone is leaving the game,” Straughn said. “Some people [adopt because they] want to keep the caches active, some want the area to repopulate it with new caches. Generally speaking, it helps to keep the older caches around. Older caches with long lives tend to be popular because of their age.”

A manual process, the adoption process begins when a potential adopter approaches the cache owner about taking over a cache.

“If the owner decides it is best to adopt it out, then he can turn the ownership over,” Straughn explained. “If he thinks it won’t be maintained, or just decides to throw the spot up for grabs for someone else to use, then he may archive the cache.

Archiving is usually a final act, and some justification has to be given to unarchive it and bring it back.”

A third challenge with geocaching is just that, various challenges designed by cache owners.

“A challenge cache can be something like finding a cache

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32 | ShelbyLiving.com

Goecaching is a popular around the country.

whose name starts with each letter of the alphabet,” Straughn said. “The challenge may or may not have a final stage and log to sign. It may also have a time limit on resolution. Whatever the design of the challenge, if you are the owner, you must have personally completed that challenge.”

The many geocaching styles reach out to all sorts of individuals. Straughn is a grandfather with a day job who caches whenever he finds the time. Other cachers range from college students and families with children to middle-aged and retired people who go on finds with varying levels of regularity.

“I think it is one of the best family activities around and it is a blast for singles as well,” Manley said.

Geocaching is an activity that can be done individually or in pairs or groups. It is important to know when to go caching alone and when to bring someone along, Straughn noted.

“I’ve done a few runs that I really should not have done alone, especially in the summer months,” he said. “[There is] the risk of heat stress or falls, or a host of safety problems associated with outdoor hobbies. Always make sure someone knows where you’re going if they aren’t going with you. It could mean finding you a lot faster if things go badly.”

Regardless of the person, the community of Alabama geocachers is an ever-growing group that welcomes new members with open arms.

“We are always happy to introduce our game to new families,” Manley said.

February 2013 | 33

HOME & FOOD

Step into the

Old World

The Norrises’ Shoal Creek home is decorated in European style Story by KATIE MCDoWELL | Photographs by JoN goERINg

34 | ShelbyLiving.com

February 2013 | 35

W

ith its sumptuous fabrics, rich color palette and ornate decor, Ron and Nancy Norrises’ Shoal Creek home is brimming with European charm.

The home exudes a cultivated elegance, but it’s also a functional and inviting space for day-to-day living and entertaining.

An interior designer by trade, Nancy, who co-owns Rosegate Design in Hoover, describes her style as French country or European. She said she favors neutral tones for walls and furniture and introduces color with lamps, art and fresh flowers.

Golf lover Ron bought the property in the 1980s, knowing he would want to move to Shoal Creek one day.

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PAGE 34: Nancy Norris describes her style as French country or European. PAGE 36: A brilliant chandelier lights up the interior of Ron and Nancy Norrises’ Shoal Creek home. CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: The bottom floor features a separate living area, including a kitchen, bedrooms, living room and entertaining area with a pool table. Nancy introduces color into her home through lamps and paintings. A rolling ladder offers easy access to the top shelves of Ron’s library.

February 2013 | 37

The wrap-around porch features several sitting areas and a fire pit.

38 | ShelbyLiving.com

“He picked this lot because he really didn’t want to be on the golf course, but he liked the No. 5 hole. He just liked the lay of the lot,” Nancy said.

Ron and Nancy are former Center Point residents who have known each since the fifth grade. They raised their two sons, who are now grown, in Greystone. Their older son, Tyler, is now 35 and lives with his own family in Vestavia. The Norrises wanted their younger son, Travis, who has Down syndrome, to attend Hoover City Schools.

When Travis graduated, however, the Norrises decided to build their dream home in Shoal Creek.

The two-story house, which has five bedrooms, is designed for entertaining and guests with an open floor plan on the main floor and a second kitchen and living area on the lower level.

Now 32, Travis lives on the lower level of the Norrises’ home and works at Bellinis Ristorante, which is adjacent to Nancy’s business.

“Everybody falls in love with Travis,” Nancy said.

The Norrises also host a rotating cast of younger people at their home, including Shoal Creek’s golf pros and the children of family friends who are job searching or house hunting in the Birmingham area.

“We keep the house active with these young people living with us,” Nancy said.

The house opens into a large foyer adjacent to the dining room, where a brass chandelier hangs over a rustic wood dining table.

A cement angel statue is also located in the room, a cherished object that once belonged to Ron’s parents.

“Ronnie’s parents had the most gorgeous rose garden that you’ve ever seen. That was her favorite thing in her garden,” Nancy said.

The great room features another of Nancy’s favorite pieces of furniture — a large, dark teal cabinet that once belonged to a close friend.

The friend worked with former President Jimmy Carter’s cabinetmaker to create her own cabinet. However, a few years later she was sick with cancer and planned to move to a smaller house.

She offered Nancy the cabinet in exchange for helping her decorate her new house.

“I pretty much designed the whole room around that cabinet,” Nancy said. “It’s a very, very special piece to me.”

The great room also features several antique beams and an ornate panel recovered from an old church in France.

The kitchen and keeping room maintain Nancy’s European aesthetic, and the latter also features large windows that flood both rooms with light.

The master bedroom, a guest room, a gym and Ron’s office are also located on the ground floor.

Prints and paintings are located throughout the house, including pieces by local artists. The couple also travels often because of Ron’s job as a business executive with Terex Corporation, and they often find art while abroad.

A classroom is not bound by the walls that surround it, but by the imagination of the one who leads it. And for us, we seek at every turn to challenge, inspire and grow those individuals who have been called to selflessly impart knowledge to others. Just as those who taught us to think for ourselves, challenged us to explore and encouraged us to go further, we ready our students to teach, inspire and develop the next generation of thinkers. Because this is more than curriculum: it’s the building of character.

Welcome to Unconventional Wisdom.

Unconventional Wisdom

go.montevallo.edu February 2013 | 39

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: The master bedroom features sumptuous fabrics and a rich color palette. A screening room with leather armchairs is located on the ground floor. Outdoor sitting areas are also located along the front of the house.

40 | ShelbyLiving.com

February 2013 | 41

Another major design element of the house is the merging of outdoor and indoor living spaces. A spacious porch wraps around the back of the house.

“A great influence was visiting Palm Desert, which you can tell by the way we joined the outside and the inside,” Nancy said.

The back porch features a fire pit and several sitting and dining areas, including one area with a flatscreen TV for watching sports throughout the year.

The porch can be accessed through several rooms, including the great room and master bedroom.

Both the porch and the hallways inside the house have travertine tiles, a choice made for Maggie, the Norrises’ 12-year-old yellow Labrador who often sheds.

The lower level of the house features several bedrooms, a living room and kitchen, as well as one of the family’s favorite rooms — a movie theater.

It’s one of the two rooms Ron designed, in addition to the sitting area around the fire pit. It’s also movie buff Travis’ favorite room. The theater features red leather chairs, several bean bags and cinema decor, including a large film reel, a popcorn machine and several movie posters.

For the last few years, the Norrises’ home has been the scene of holiday gatherings, family dinners, parties and even weddings. The home is brimming with life, even though it’s nestled in a wooded, four-acre lot.

“Every time you drive through the gates, it’s like you’re on vacation,” Nancy said.

“It’s just so peaceful.”

42 | ShelbyLiving.com

LEFT: Nancy poses with Maggie, the Norrises’ 12-yearold Labrador. ABOvE: The great room leads out to the wrap-around porch.

February 2013 | 43

ARTS & CULTURE

44 | ShelbyLiving.com

Repurposing with a

passion

Local artist Donna Smith creates rustic frames from discarded wood Story by KATIE MCDoWELL Photographs by JoN goERINg

H

arpersville artist Donna Smith finds inspiration in the unlikeliest of objects.

Chipped china. Old spoons. Shutters.

Debris. Donna has used all of these to create jewelry, picture frames and even furniture.

She has found success as an artist with a career that spans decades. Her rustic frames are popular at boutiques across Shelby County and the Birmingham metro area. While she rarely creates jewelry now, her silverware and china bracelets, necklaces and rings were once equally popular.

However, Donna finds joy in making and sharing her art with others, rather than material success.

“I have always enjoyed the act of creating,” she said.

Vintage Coastal Frameworks is Smith’s latest endeavor. The company started about seven years after Hurricane Katrina. At the time, Donna was living in Fairhope with her husband, J.J. Several months after the storm passed, the couple visited the Gulf Coast, passing through Ocean Springs, Miss., on their way to New Orleans. Along the way, she saw wood and debris piled on the side of the road.

“It just really touched me,” said Donna, who has three grown children. “I thought I’d love to be able to take some of this wood and turn it into something really neat. That’s where the frames came in.”

She collected wood, old shutters, pieces of iron and more.

She used her collection to create picture frames and even a few tables.

The picture frames are rustic with a wide border. They’re available in a variety of colors, including white, blue, pink, red and turquoise, which is Smith’s favorite. The frames are accented with decorative iron, wooden crosses or fabric flowers.

February 2013 | 45

PAGE 44: Vintage Coastal Frameworks offers a range of rustic frames made of reclaimed wood. CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Donna uses fabric flowers, wooden crosses and iron to decorate the frames. Donna uses her favorite color, turquoise, for many of her products. Donna Smith. Donna’s picture frames are popular seller at Once Upon a Time, a children’s gift store in Homewood.

46 | ShelbyLiving.com

“When I started doing these frames, you didn’t see a lot of handmade frames,” Donna said.

She began entering arts and crafts shows, including many along the Gulf Coast, where she would occasionally meet Hurricane Katrina victims.

“Sometimes I would run into people who would say, ‘I need some frames because I lost all my frames.’ I would say, ‘OK, which one do you want?’” she recalled.

Donna said art has provided an emotional outlet for her over the years, and she was happy to share her art with others.

“When you’re going through trying times, being creative can help you get through your pain,” she said. “I’m so happy I’ve been able to immerse myself in something that can take my mind to another place that gives me joy.”

The Smiths returned to Shelby County several years ago to be closer to family, and Donna continued making frames, with the help of J.J., who cuts large pieces of wood and regularly attends arts and crafts shows.

Her work can be found throughout their Harpersville home — a table made from a shutter, a brightly painted chest and picture frames everywhere.

While she has no plans to stop making frames, she imagines some new project will catch her eye in the future.

“What I’ve found is I can’t seem to stay with one thing,” she said.

The creative bug bit her as a child, when she would use Popsicle sticks — Donna Smith to create her masterpieces.

She worked in the banking industry for much of her adult life, but still found time to create.

In the mid-90s, she became enamored with ornate vintage silverware, which she used to create jewelry that she still wears today. Several years later, she moved on to making jewelry out of broken china.

While she does some custom work through the stores that sell her frames, Donna typically encourages admirers to tap into their creative side and learn to make their own art.

“You can’t be afraid to ask for help,” she said. “Everyone has an artistic side, you just have to take the time to find it.”

Vintage Coastal Frameworks is available at Once Upon a Time in Homewood, The Blue Willow in Cahaba Heights, Pharm South Drug Store in Mt Laurel, Serendipity in Hoover and the Chelsea Antique Mall.l

“Everyone has an artistic side, you just have to take the time to find it.”

February 2013 | 47

HOME & FOOD

48 | ShelbyLiving.com

Made from the

heart

Joe’s Italian creates authentic Italian food from scratch

Story by CHRISTINE BOATWRIGHT | Photographs by Jon Goering

L

Joe’s Italian’s caprese appetizer is heaping with fresh tomatoes and mozzarella tossed with garlic, oregano, basil and olive oil.

ike many good stories, the tale behind Joe’s Italian restaurant began when a man met a woman.

Joe Bertolone learned the restaurant business from the ground up.

He never attended culinary school or entered into a ready-made family business. Instead, the native Sicilian worked in restaurants from Italy to England busing tables, washing dishes and scrubbing bathrooms.

During a trip to Italy to visit his parents, Joe spotted a woman working at a restaurant and “fell in love with her at first sight,” he said.

Although the future Mrs. Bertolone rebuffed Joe numerous times, he continued to pursue her, and she eventually agreed to be his girl.

Joe soon returned to his restaurant job in London, but within the year returned to marry his now-wife of 44 years, Elvira.

The couple moved in 1977 to California where Joe continued to learn the restaurant business.

“I learned to cook in restaurants from scratch,” Joe said. “Step by step, I went up until the owner recognized I was very intelligent to learn how to cook.”

Joe’s boss asked if he would like to learn the business, and Joe agreed.

“In less than a couple of months, I cooked better than the chef. I was very interested to learn to cook, to make the sauce and to deal with people — that is very important,” he said.

With the help of his brother and sister-in-law, Joe opened the first Joe’s Italian restaurant in 1981, and the Bertolones, with their three children, fed people of California for 27 years.

“The most important thing is family, and number two is business,” Joe said.

The Bertolones followed this credo when they sold their restaurant in 2007, and moved to Montevallo after daughter Mary married a local man.

“Before that, we never knew where Birmingham was,” Joe said. “I looked at the area, and said to myself, ‘This is a beautiful area.’”

The second Joe’s Italian daughter Sonia and son Michael also moved their lives to

February 2013 | 49

50 | ShelbyLiving.com

Shelby County. Michael opened Lucia’s Italian restaurant in Helena in mid-2010. Mary and Sonia run Joe’s Italian with the help of General Manager Todd Atchison.

Joe retired from cooking after more than four decades in the kitchen. His good-natured grin and warm handshakes continues to greet any who enter Joe’s Italian.

Elvira, or “Mamma” to all who visit the restaurant, continues to create unforgettable desserts such as tiramisu, cannoli, Italian rum cake, strawberry cake and other desserts that tempt customers from a glass case in the dining room.

“She’s been making tiramisu for the last three decades. It looks like it’d be easy to make, but it’s not,” Joe said.

The restaurant sold more than 130 cakes during Thanksgiving last year, and regularly sells 30 to 35 cakes daily.

“Whatever my wife does, she is the most beautiful cook,” Joe said with a grin.

The authentic Italian menu is teeming with fresh mozzarella, bright herbs and heady garlic.

Sonia recommends the spaghetti with aglio, olio and peperoncino, which features garlic and red pepper flakes, for a “delicious and really light” meal.

The salty artichoke and black olive bites from the capricciosa pizza are tempered with fresh tomatoes and basil. Other pizza varieties include hawaiiana caliente, which is loaded with ham, pepperoni, jalapeno and pineapple, chicken alfredo pizza, gourmet vegetarian pizza and Joe’s special pizza, which is touted as the restaurant’s most popular.

“We make good sauce, because that’s what counts,” Joe said.

“If you make good sauce, you make good dishes. If you don’t make good sauce, forget about it.”

The dinner menu lists everything from lasagna covered with homemade Bolognese sauce to eggplant parmigiana.

“Whatever we know and whatever we’re doing, we learned from the heart when we were very young,” Joe said.

The menu continues with dishes comprised of tortellinis, fettuccine in homemade white cream sauce and bell peppers stuffed with Italian sausage, rice, potatoes, cheese and chicken.

“We are blessed, first by God and second by the people of the area,” Joe said with his thick Italian accent. “We’ve very proud to say thank you to everybody for the business they give to us.

The next year is going to be the most beautiful year.”

Joe’s Italian is located at 21 Weatherly Club Drive in Alabaster. The restaurant is open Monday through Saturday from 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m. For more information, visit Joesitalianonline.com. l

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: The capricciosa pizza, which, according to Sonia Bertolone means “crazy pizza,” is loaded with onion, olive, mushroom, pepperoni, artichoke, roasted garlic, fresh tomato and basil. Joe’s Italian makes its lasagna with bolognese sauce and fresh mozzarella cheese. Joe’s Italian sells the restaurant’s signature dipping sauce, which is created with a homemade blend of spices. The desserts at Joe’s Italian, which are made by “Mamma” Elvira Bertolone, tempt from a glass case in the dining room.

Bertolone has been making tiramisu for the past three decades. Tortellini al pesto features stuffed pasta and a rich pesto sauce.

February 2013 | 51

HOME & FOOD

The secret of great mac & cheese Story by CHRISTINE BOATWRIGHT Photographs by JON GOERING

U

ntil about a year ago, Gail Blankenship kept her macaroni and cheese recipe close at hand and away from prying eyes.

She first developed the recipe about 20 years ago after taking a recipe of her mother’s and transforming it into something new.

“It wasn’t rich enough,” Blankenship said. “I added and added to where everybody loved it.”

The only people who weren’t thrilled with the macaroni and cheese dish were some of Blankenship’s nieces and nephews, who only asked for “orange macaroni and cheese and wondered where the kind in the box was,” she said.

Blankenship, the executive director of the Calera Chamber of Commerce, has lived in Calera for 36 years, though she is originally from the Siluria-Alabaster area.

Blankenship learned to cook as a teenager for her

dad and sister. She said she learned everything from a neighbor and her aunt, and

has always loved to cook.

“I have always cooked and always enjoyed being in the

“I have always cooked and always enjoyed being in the kitchen. It’s a relaxing time.”

— Gail Blankenship 52 | ShelbyLiving.com

kitchen,” she said. “It’s a relaxing time.”

Blankenship said the recipe really took off in popularity when she was the executive director of a YMCA in Destin, Fla. She makes her nowfamous macaroni and cheese for Thanksgiving, Christmas, the Fourth of July and most of her family’s birthdays.

“I never write anything down, but when I started handing it out, I started writing measurements down,” Blankenship said.

Blankenship decided to reveal the recipe’s secret ingredients when she grew tired of having to make the recipe so often.

In making the dish, the mixture of sour cream, heavy cream, cheese, evaporated milk, butter, eggs and half-and-half must sit in the refrigerator overnight or it “just doesn’t taste the same,” Blankenship said. She also said to always use Kraft cheese, not generic brands.

The next day, Blankenship said to add the cheese mixture to cooked elbow noodles.

“It’s got to jiggle when you put all of the liquid in.

If not, add more milk,” she said. l

Services

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Macaroni and Cheese 16 oz. sour cream 1 cup heavy cream 4 cups (four-cheese blend) 2 cups sharp Cheddar cheese 12 oz. can PET (evaporated) milk 1 stick butter, melted

2 Tbsp. pepper 1 Tbsp. salt 6 eggs 2 cups half and half 16 oz. large elbow pasta Salt and pepper to taste 1 cup sharp Cheddar cheese

Directions: 1. Mix first 10 ingredients together in a large bowl. Let mixture set in refrigerator overnight.

2. The next day, preheat oven to 350 degrees.

3. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and salt and pepper to taste.

4. Grease a large, deep baking dish. Pour pasta into baking dish and fold in cheese mixture.

5. Top with Cheddar cheese and bake at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes. Serves 16-20.

February 2013 | 53

HOME & FOOD

$7.50

Eclipse Coffee & Books 1032 Main Street Montevallo 205-665-4234 Eclipsecoffee.com

Espresso Martini Written by ChRISTINE BoATWRIghT Photograph by JoN goERINg

T

he espresso martini was one of the original alcoholic beverage creations at Eclipse Coffee and Books.

Michael Patton, husband of Cheryl, Eclipse’s owner, said many interesting stories begin with people sipping espresso martinis on Eclipse’s front porch.

Mix 3/4 oz. Kahlua, 3/4 oz. crème de cacao, 1 1/2 oz. Tito’s vodka, 2 shots of espresso and ice. Shake ingredients with ice. Serve in martini glass with a sidecar. l 54 | ShelbyLiving.com

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SHELBY SPOTTED

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The South Shelby Chamber of Commerce Diamond Awards luncheon was held on Dec. 6 1. Bonnie Atchison, Linda Majors, Drake Roberts and Lloyd Gibbs 2. Ben Smith, Randy May and Je Anne Smith 3. Je Anne Smith and Mayor Earl Niven 4. Corley Ellis, Jack Bridges and Bill Brasher 5. Marvin Copes and Karen Stamps 6. Teresa McLarty and Merritt Wanninger 7. Ashley Finn, Helen Dean and Wayne Johnsey 8. Alverdean Huggins-Bonner, Eddie Huggins and Cora Huggins 9. Sen. Slade Blackwell, Citizen of the Year Bob Wanninger and Mayor Earl Niven 10. Sen. Slade Blackwell and Mayor Stancil Handley 56 | ShelbyLiving.com

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11. Amabassador of the Year Peg Hill, SSCC President Donna Smelcer, Citizen of the Year Bob Wanninger and Business of the Year’s Carla and Chuck Watkins of New Leaf Design.

12. Juanita and Wayne Champion 13. Mike Cooley, Pat McDanal, Bill Weldon and Don Shirley

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February 2013 | 57

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The Montevallo Christmas Parade was held Thursday, Nov. 15 in downtown Montevallo.

1. Carmelita Casillas, Czaira Gutierez, Yosgart Ruvalcaba, Zoe Menz, Gerald Puga, Mary Gutierez and Carmen Jimenez 2. Ethan and Jaylee Martin 3. Lindsay Dyess and Natalie Zimmerman 4. Candice Griffin, Ashley Glaze and Sara Martin 5. Brent Hopson and Kyle McDonald 6. Gary O’Neill and Sierra Barder 7. Zach and Nick Thompson 8. Carolyn Jones, Tiffany Bunt and Hannah Stein 9. Mason and Jakob Fowler

58 | ShelbyLiving.com

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Alabaster Christmas Parade

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The city of Alabaster held its annual Christmas parade on U.S. 31 on Dec. 1.

1. Chris Thompson, Christian Livingston, Syklar Livingston and Cheryl Livingston 2. Lindsay Randall, Andrew Bradshaw, Mackenzie Dabbs and Cassie the dog 3. Ava, Angela and Drew Reardon 4. Izzy, Jason and Mia Stowe

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February 2013 | 59

SHELBY SPOTTED

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UM Christmas Party

The University of Montevallo held a Christmas party at Flowerhill on Dec. 6.

1. John W. Stewart III, Breona Jackson, Mr. and Mrs. Claus, Michael Brown and Jana Hoffman 2. Lois Reach Cooper and Mrs. Claus 3. David Wheeler and John W. Stewart III 4. Harold Hamilton and Ruth Truss 5. John W. Stewart III, DeAnna and Chris Smith and son Aidan 6. John W. Stewart III, Mike Mahan and Linda Mahan 7. Jason Newell, John W. Stewart III and Clark Hultquist 8. Ian Stewart, John W. Stewart III and Nina Amato 9. David Wheeler, Diane Wheeler and Mr. and Mrs. Claus 10. John W. Stewart III, Suzanne Ozment, Barbara Bonfield and Stephen Craft 11. Ashley Lowe, Bryn Chancellor, John W. Stewart III, Stephanie Batkie and Tanya Hoang 60 | ShelbyLiving.com

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12. Libby Queen, John W. Stewart III and Sheriff Chris Curry 13. John W. Stewart III, David Wheeler, Diane Wheeler, Mr. and Mrs. Claus, Jim Methvin and Ian Stewart

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February 2013 | 61

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The Columbiana Christmas parade was held Dec. 6.

1. Tim Wilson, Martha Wilson, Tabatha Wilson, Summer Wilson and Eli Wilson 2. Joyce Tidmore, Susan Crumpton, Beverly Cofer and Fan Falmar 3. Tabitha Lewis and Halle Gilbert 4. Rachel Dunnaway, Brandy Ropery and Micah Walker 5. Melissa Bjornson, Raven Stanton, Saniyah Stanton and Amiya Stanton 6. Clayton Halbert, Aaron Shirley and Kaylyn Billingsley 7. Walinda and Deon Carter 8. Paula Jones, Ryan Jones, Braylin McLaughlin, Jamie Burks and Anna Lee Burks

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9. Brandon Beasley, Kathy Beasley, Shay Beasley, Mason Hill, Quintin Hill and Christal Hill 10. Jennifer Green, Braylen Green, Donna Gannon and Debbie Willis 11. Michelle Payton and Jake Jebeles 12. Kim, Austin and Ron Foster 13. Nina Dulaney and Josh Morgan 14. Maddie, Kirkland, Morgan Jeffries, Maelyn Kirkland, Emelyn Kirkland and Hunter Rush 15. Laura Pierce, Ashley Wilson, Carson Gould, Cameron Gould and Megan Stancil

February 2013 | 63

SHELBY SPOTTED

vincent Christmas Parade

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The Vincent Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting Dec. 6.

1. Kim Rose and Jordynne Griffith 2. Katie Smith, Lauren Yancy and Jo Bess Yancy 3. Lona Williams, Ellie Peterson and Sandra Peterson 4. Michael, Mason and Amanda Andrews

64 | ShelbyLiving.com

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Southern Christmas Bazaar

The Alabaster-Pelham Rotary Club held its first Southern Christmas Bazaar on Nov. 17 at the Pelham Civic Complex.

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1. Maria and Allen Levio visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

2. Avery Fuller with Santa and Mrs. Claus 3. Murielle Pittet and Mrs. Claus 4. Laura Phillips with Santa 5. Alexandria Moore visits with Santa Claus.

6. Lucas Ponce gets his first look at Santa Claus.

7. Adelina Carpri tells Santa and Mrs. Claus what she wants for Christmas.

8. Carter and Evan Millins with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

February 2013 | 65

SHELBY SPOTTED

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The AK chapter of the Philanthropic Educational Organization held the “Games Galore” fundraiser at Riverchase Country Club Oct. 30.

1.Lynn Bolles, Gwenn Davis, Marilyn Norris and Linda Gunderson 2. Jackie Tevendale, Dixie Ayers, Sandy Lepor and Judy Smith 3. Bonnie Embry and Jan Thompson 4.Glenda Rogers and Mary Ellen Whone 5. Beth Bucher and Kathy Rogers 6.Joy Turner, Sharon Sington, Jan Hall and Patsy Martens 7. Pat Elder, Patricia Hipps, Rainey Miller and Annette Brady 8.Anne Hane and Dru Chauffe

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9. Jane Caroll, Merrily Manville, Jean Simmons and Jean Preston 10.Pat Elder, Lea Ann Webb and Jan Thompson 11. Barbara French, Jan Martin, Jan Tennent and Peggy Selig 12. Linda Thompson and Linda Kottmeyer 13.Donna Hearn, Peggy Roberts and Lynne Cooper 14. Kay Colgan, Sue Olmsted, Dianna Hurley and Suzie Raeder 15. Joanne Porter, Jane Bird, Sharon Kiker and Connie Nelson February 2013 | 67

SHELBY SPOTTED

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GSCC Clay Shoot

The Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce’s third annual clay shoot was held Nov. 7 at Selwood Farms.

1. The St. Vincent’s team: Kevin Fuller, Chad Brown, Adam Weiger and Ryan Matson 2. The Alagasco team: Jon Lauderdale, Greg Murdoch, Andy Harper and Mickey Smith 3. The GSCC team: Aubri McLendon, April Stone, Melanie Goodwin and Lisa Shapiro 4. The YP team: Angie Johnson and Todd Haney 5. Casey Morris and Adam Weiger 6. The M&F Bank team: H.H. Henderson, Hiliary Henderson IV, David Nolen and Brent Stewart

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GSCC Luncheon

The Greater Shelby Chamber of Commerce Annual Safety Awards luncheon Oct. 31.

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1. Dale Neuendorf, Patricia Hipps and Matthew Mellen 2. Sean Kendrick, Luke Crim, Hilton Shirey and Mayor Jon Graham 3. Valerie, Audrey and Brandon Green 4. Jim Golden and Phil Harris 5. Amy and Tim Crocker 6. Cris Nelson and Adam Mosely 7. Shawn Massey and Stephen Kiel 8. Wayne Shirley and Chris Kizziah 9. Angela Schefano and Steve Barlew

February 2013 | 69

Centrala Garden Club

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The Centrala Garden Club held a Tablescapes event Nov. 11 at Montevallo First Baptist Church.

1. Lisa Thomas and Paula Stephens 2. Denise Almond and April Bethea 3. Lea Ann Webb 4. Wendy Patton and Erin Hayes 5. Rene Lucas, Donna Morris and Leslie Melsoni

MERRI GWIN

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DEE BUGG

WWW.RUSTONENT.COM 70 | ShelbyLiving.com

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Kampfire for the King

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King’s Home’s annual Kampfire for the King in Chelsea Nov. 18.

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1. Master Tyre, Kayla Musso and Seth Weems 2. Taylor Ashley, Chase Kanute and Zane Loveday 3. Austin Herring, Colby Yessick and Sam Swindle 4. Vickie Kanute and Joy Martin

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February 2013 | 71

SHELBY SPOTTED

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Trick or treating at Montevallo’s Hometown Halloween Oct. 31.

1. Malik Inabinette, Kyyonnah Lundy, De’ziyour Bell and Timyriauna Inabinette 2. Madison Gillen, Justus Smith and Gage Gothard 3. Caylee Black and Sharon Williams 4. Joshua and Haydon Ramsey 5. Trevon Gentry, Lauryn Conwell and Tevon Gentry 6. Pax and Charles Thompson 7. Brody and Hunter Broadhead with Kelsey Smith 8. Jeannie and Ian Birkenkamp 9. Grayson, Shae and Kade Edge 10. Samantha Taylor and Audrey Armstrong

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11. Ryan Adams, Trent Benton, Bryan Wilson, Brandyn Abel and Lakain Lutz 12. Allison Owens, Layla Owens, Sebastyan Carroway, Annaleese Carroway, Faith Owens and Breanna Carroway 13. Naomi and Will Henry 14. Su and Thuy Nguyen with Kim and Anthony Hatcock 15.Hunter Moates and Destiny Hope 16. Autumn and Cheyenne Johnson 17. Isabella, Monique and Michael Allen 18. Jaylyn and Jordan Webster 19. Russell, Ayden, Robyn and Eva Green

February 2013 | 73

SHELBY SPOTTED

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Hundreds of children turned out for Monster Walk in downtown Columbiana on Oct. 31.

1. Terri Webb, Mary Anne Moore, Adriana Webb, Nadine Ingram and Jackson Moore 2. Eldridge Jones and Deshawn Goode 3. Cynthia and Kelis Rhinehart 4. McClain Bentley, Emma Bentley and Kallee Merrell 5. John David and Taylor McCullough 6. Zachary and McKenzie Parker 7. Jennifer and Ava Edwards 8. Connor, Neal and Rowena Sanders 9. Jamie, Amy, Sawyer and Lemley Griffin 10.Ian and Eli Carlisle and Damien and Donovan Portis

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11. Jackson Glover and Destinie Stevens 12. Sarah Elizabeth and Drew Shelton 13.Gracie Swan, Caty Swan, Grant Willingham, Aiden Swan and Julia Willingham 14. John Ryan Miller and Aiden Swan 15. Diego Sanchez, Joseph Pastrana and Ricardo Pastrano Jr.

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February 2013 | 75

SHELBY SPOTTED

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Montevallo Art Walk

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The Montevallo Art Walk was held downtown on Oct. 27.

1. Madison Howard and Sydney Shell 2. Sierra Barder, Abbey McNeely and Carly Laing 3. Luna Shedrick 4. Kate Johnson and Tammy Killian 5. Kelsey Roberts and Zack Simoni 6. Ryan and Donna Baker 7. Denise Poole-Cahela and Melanie Poole 8. Mayor Hollie Cost and Courtney Bennett 9. Chelsey Majors

76 | ShelbyLiving.com

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Mitchell’s Place Chili Championship

Mitchell’s Place Chili Championship was held Oct. 15 at Greystone Country Club.

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1. Jim Jasinski, Scott Appell, Will McDonald, Kevin Serra, Mitchell Meisler and Allen Meisler 2. Brent Barringer, Carl Douglas, Mike Douglas and Todd Mishkin 3. Sandy Naramore, Nancy Meisler, Debbie Geldzahler and Anna Meisler 4. Jenny Wilson and Libby Matthews 5. Roy Halladay, Tim McCullom, James Ramey and Harold Ripps 6. Mike Osborn, Payton Osborn, Mark Osborn, Dwayne Chapman and Dean Hoffman 7. Chip Mullinax, Big Al, Russell Carter and Mark Lindsey 8. Jonathan Watts, Jim Finnerty, Tom Ward, Todd Becker and Brian Smith February 2013 | 77

SHELBY SPOTTED

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Pumpkins on Parade

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Alabama Furniture Market in Calera hosted Pumpkins on Parade on Oct 14th.

1. Emma, Rebecca and Megan Krueger 2. Tracey Chloe, Wayne and Makagan Howard 3. Willa Rose, Avery, Walt, Chris and Hopper Akins 4. Kassi, James and Stephen Johnson 5. Elizabeth Bandura, Elizabeth Butler and Willa Rose Akins 6.Carmon and Kylie Leach 7. John, Natielie and Peyton Bores 8. Steven and Ryan Kilpatrick, Matthew, Stefanie and Paislie Staggs, and Cheryl and Gary Kilpatrick

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9. Brian, Mary Catherine and Anna Maria Bilodeau 10. Brian, Ginger, Jack, Ben and Sally Kate Ferrell 11.Alisha and Anna Kate Duncan 12. Abby Bevard, Emma and Neeley Carstensen

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February 2013 | 79

OUT & ABOUT

U of M College Night

Feb. 2

Celebration of the Arts “Celebration of the Arts” benefiting the Shelby County Arts Council will be held Saturday, Feb. 2 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Columbiana. The event is sponsored by the Federated club of Shelby County. The event will include an art sale, luncheon and a fashion show featuring clothes from Belk of Alabaster.

First Lady Dianne Bentley will emcee the event and Fish Market will cater the lunch.

Tickets available at the SCAC and Busy Hands in Columbiana.

Feb. 3

195th Birthday The Shelby County Historical Society, Inc. will host a 195th birthday celebration to recognize the founding of Shelby County. Robert G. Thrower Jr., a tribal historic preservation officer for the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, will serve as the speaker. Guests include Steve Murray, Alabama Department of Archives and History director, Miss Alabama 2012 Anna Laura Bryan and Miss Shelby County 2013 Jamie Brooks. The celebration will be held in Columbiana on Feb. 3 at 1:30 p.m.

80 | ShelbyLiving.com

Feb. 7

SSCC Luncheon The South Shelby Chamber of Commerce holds a monthly luncheon the first Thursday of each month at 11:30 a.m. at Columbiana United Methodist Church, 200 North Main Street, Columbiana.

Cowboy Parade

and new National Alumni Association board members will be sworn-in. Contact the Office of Advancement and Alumni Affairs at 205-6656215 or Tracy Payne-Rockco at Paynet@montevallo.edu.

Feb. 8-9

Cuisine at One Nineteen Save the date for this hearthealthy chef cooking class on Thursday, Feb. 7 from 7:308:30 p.m. at St. Vincent’s One Nineteen. Join us as Executive Chef Chris Harrigan from Mt. Laurel’s Stone’s Throw brings to the table several recipes.

Child care is available with prior arrangement. Please call 408-6550 for reservations.

Admission is $25 per person.

Sylvia performances South City Theatre will hold benefit performances of its award-winning production of “Sylvia.” Tickets are $30 per person and include complimentary hors d’oeuvres and wine at an after-show party with the cast and crew. Contact SCT at Info@southcitytheatre. com. Only 35 tickets are available for each performance. (Season tickets will not be honored for this event.)

Feb. 7-9

Feb. 9

UM Homecoming The University of Montevallo will be celebrating its “Proud Past – Bright Future” during homecoming festivities in February.

College Night productions Feb. 7-9 are the highlight of homecoming, but Saturday will be filled with reunions for individual departments and individual classes.

The homecoming luncheon will be held on Saturday, and alumni award recipients will be honored

College Night Whether or not you’re a University of Montevallo alumni, College Night is guaranteed to be a good time. Cheer on your favorite side – students divide into Purple and Gold – as they put on a musical production to remember. College Night will be held in Palmer Auditorium on Saturday, Feb. 9 at 7 p.m.

Wild About Chocolate Wild About Chocolate, a benefit gala for the Alabama Wildlife

Center at Oak Mountain State Park, will be held at Rosewood Hall, 2850 19th Street South, Homewood on Saturday, Feb. 9 from 6-9 p.m. The event will include a chocolate dessert buffet provided by many of Birmingham’s finest restaurants, bakers and confectioners, as well as silent auction and a live auction hosted by Ken Jackson. Paid admission. Call 205-663-7930, ext. 8.

2013 OLV Ball The 12th annual Our Lady of the Valley Ball will be held Saturday, Feb. 9 from 6 p.m.-1 a.m. The event’s theme is “Building a Lasting Legacy” and the event includes cocktails, dinner, silent and live auction, dancing and music. Visit Olvball.com for more information.

Feb. 12

Calera Chamber Luncheon The Calera Chamber of Commerce holds a monthly luncheon the second Tuesday of each month at Timberline Golf Course. Contact Info@chamber. com.

Feb. 15

SCAC Quilting Exhibit The Shelby County Arts Council will honor the quilt and its makers with a 5:30-7

p.m. reception on Friday, Feb. 15. The free exhibit will be open Saturday, Feb. 16 and run the remainder of the month.

“Trends in the art of quilting through 100 years,” invites you to view more than 50 quilts, vintage and otherwise, dating from the 1800s, and illustrating the varied styles and fabrics of quilt making through the decades. The SCAC is located at 104 Mildred Street in Columbiana.

Feb. 16

Cowboy Parade Columbiana will hold its annual Cowboy Parade on Feb. 16 through downtown Columbiana.

A Night out on the Town The Helena Athletic Association will host “A Night on the Town” on Feb. 16 from 6 p.m. to midnight at the Harley Davidson Center in Pelham.

Entertainment provided by the Perry Combovers Band. Tickets cost $100 per couple, and the event includes dinner, cash bar, silent auction and a raffle for a chance to win $5,000. Contact HelenaAthleticAssociation@ gmail.com.

Feb. 17

Dessertissements Dessertissements, the annual fundraiser benefiting the Alabama Youth Ballet Guild, will be held Feb. 17 from 2-5 p.m. at Grebel Dance, 102 Commerce Parkway, Pelham.

The event includes a silent auction, desserts and wine tasting, entertainment by Fiddlin’ in the Parlor and a performance by the Alabama Youth Ballet Company.

Feb. 19

SCAC open house Come learn more about the Shelby County Arts Council at an open house at its studio, 104 Mildred Street, Columbiana on Feb. 19 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Feb. 20

MCC Luncheon The Montevallo Chamber of Commerce will hold a luncheon at 11:30 a.m. on Feb. 20 at the Parnell Memorial Library.

Feb. 21-23

“Proof” The South City Theatre, 3640 Highway 26 in Alabaster, will perform the drama “Proof.”

Performances will be held Feb. 21-23 and Feb. 28-March 2 at 8 p.m. A matinee will be held Feb. 24 at 2 p.m. For tickets, call 6212128 or visit Southcitytheatre. com.

Feb. 22-23

Cattlemen’s Rodeo The Shelby County Cattlemen’s Rodeo will be held Feb. 22-23 at 6 p.m. at the Shelby County Expo Center, 1 Argo Road, Columbiana, 35051. The rodeo has been held since 1989 and will include a live rodeo, chuck wagon races, bull riding, calf roping, team roping, steer wrestling and bareback riding.

Call 669-6921 or 669-7806 for more information.

Alabama Furniture Market Behind the Gates in Calera www.alabamafurnituremarket.com 205.668.9995 • Open 7 days a week

Feb. 23

Pancake Day Stop by Helena Elementary School from 7 a.m.-noon for the Kiwanis Club of Helena’s ninth annual Pancake Day. All proceeds go to schools and youth in Helena. Tickets cost $5 each. Call 205-999-5239.

Feb. 27

gSCC Luncheon The Greater Shelby Chamber of Commerce holds a monthly luncheon the last Wednesday of each month at 11:30 a.m. at the Pelham Civic Complex, 500 Amphitheater Road, Pelham.

Do you have an event you want to share with the community?

If so, email Katie.mcdowell@ shelbyliving.com. Entries are free and must be submitted at least six weeks in advance.

February 2013 | 81

WHY I LOVE SHELBY COUNTY

Susanna Bagwell

‘You name it, Shelby County has it’ participate when I was eligible because I saw the friendships that were made, the talent that all the girls had and the wonderful scholarship opportunities. The Distinguished Young Woman program has so much to offer, and that’s why I decided to participate.

S

Story by KATIE MCDOWELL Photograph Amanda Traywick

usanna Bagwell was named Shelby County’s Distinguished Young Woman 2013 last summer. DYW is a national scholarship program, and participants are judged on scholastics, interview, talent, physical fitness and selfexpression. Bagwell, a senior at Spain Park High School senior, competed in the state competition in Montgomery in January.

Bagwell has a 3.9 GPA and is a Hoover Belle and an American Heart Association Sweetheart. She is the daughter of Terry and Donna Bagwell and has two sisters.

Why did you decide to participate in Shelby County’s Distinguished Young Woman program?

My older sister participated in the program when it was still called Junior Miss and was named Shelby County’s Junior Miss. I knew that I wanted to 82 | ShelbyLiving.com

What’s your favorite memory from the county Distinguished Young Woman competition?

At Shelby County’s Distinguished Young Woman, we had two weeks of rehearsing prior to the program. During those two weeks, we all got so close, and life-long friendships were formed.

My favorite memory is the great snack/ dinner conversations we had. Every time we would break for snack or dinner, we sat in a circle and got to know each other.

We would go around the circle sharing our favorite color, favorite animal or most embarrassing moment. Those were my favorite memories.

How did you prepare for the county and state competitions?

To prepare for the programs, I work on my interview, talent and, of course, pushups. I watch the news, read magazines and just stay up to date on current events for my interview. My talent is classical ballet en pointe. I rehearse my talent every day and try to keep improving my talent in every way I can. The fitness routines consist of aerobics, crunches, sit-ups, stretching and push-ups. I do push-up after push-up every day so that I can make them look easy.

What are the benefits of competing in the Distinguished Young Woman program?

I gained so much confidence from participating in this program. If you

had asked me when my sister won five years ago to get on stage and do a fitness routine, perform a talent and speak in a microphone, I couldn’t have imagined doing any of that. By participating in the program, I gained so much confidence in myself that I was able to do all of the things I thought I couldn’t do.

What do you love about Shelby County?

There is so much to do in Shelby County. There are so many great schools, restaurants, shopping malls, movie theaters, coffee shops; you name it, Shelby County has it. There is so much diversity that you can always be entertained in Shelby County.

What is your favorite subject in school and why?

My favorite subject is math. I love figuring out and solving problems and getting a definite answer.

What do you plan to do after you graduate from high school?

After I graduate from Spain Park, I am going to Auburn University (War Eagle!) and majoring in math education and school administration. My dream is to teach Algebra I or II at Spain Park and later become a principal at a school.

When did you begin volunteering and why?

I really began volunteering when I started high school. That is when I got involved with a group called Sweethearts.

After that I started volunteering at First Light Homeless Shelter, my church, my school and was selected as a Hoover Belle.

I love bringing smiles to other people’s faces and seeing not only their lives being changed, but mine too.

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84 | ShelbyLiving.com