Shelby Living June 2012

SHELBY Living The

Villarreal’s

big break

Aldridges’ garden

Reality show offers resident a second chance at the game she loves

Going under the needle

best best of the

Acupuncture

Shelby County

June 2012 • $4.95

brought to you by:

SHELBY Living

Vote for your local favorites in our annual contest

From the Editor

W

hen I joined the Shelby Living staff last summer, we were almost finished with our inaugural Best of the Best campaign.

While I only witnessed a small portion of the competition, it seemed to be a success with thousands of votes being cast in two rounds of voting.

That’s why it was such an easy decision to hold the competition again this year.

We made a few changes to the competition. We added numerous categories, especially for local businesses. We hope you’ll take the time to vote for the business you think it best, whether it’s a car dealer, dentist, restaurant or pet supply store.

The Best of the Best contest allows you to share with everyone your favorite local businesses, organizations or places. If your favorite business didn’t win last year, make sure to vote for it again this year — and spread the word!

In this month’s issue, you can read about another Shelby County treasure that you won’t find in our Best of the Best contest. If there was a category for Best Garden, Eddie and Kay Aldridge would surely win.

The Aldridges, who deeded their former home to the city of Hoover to create Aldridge Gardens, created a lovely garden in their Highland Lakes home.

Their lakefront lawn was simply breathtaking, and I am so glad they agreed to share it with the readers of Shelby Living.

As always, please contact me if you have any questions, comments or ideas for the magazine. I love hearing from our readers.

Don’t forget to vote for your favorite Shelby County businesses this month! l

Katie McDowell, Editor

Katie.McDowell@ShelbyLiving.com

ON THE COVER North Shelby resident Kelly Villarreal is a contestant on The Golf Channel’s “The Big Break,” a reality show featuring golfers trying to revive their careers.

Cover design: Jamie Sparacino Photography: Jon Goering

SHELBY Living EdItoRIAL Katie McDowell Amy Jones Wesley Hallman Neal Wagner Christine Boatwright ContRIButoRS Lisa Phillips Laura Brookhart pRoduCtIon Daniel Holmes Jamie Sparacino Amy Baldis Jon Goering mARKEtInG Alan Brown Melissa Clark Thomas LaBoone Nicole Loggins Meagan Mims Barbara Buchanan Diane Fant LaShan Johnson Tracy Jones AdmInIStRAtIon Tim Prince Jan Griffey Mary Jo Eskridge Annie McGilvray Catherine Cousins

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

Shelby Living is mailed to select households throughout Shelby County, and a limited number of free copies are available at local businesses.

Please visit Shelbyliving.com for a list of those locations. Subscriptions are available at a rate of $22 for one year by emailing subscribe@shelbyliving.com, or calling (205) 669-3131, ext. 21.

Advertising inquiries may be made by emailing advertise@shelbyliving.com, or by calling (205) 669-3131, ext. 26.

June 2012

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in every issue 7

thE SImpLE LIFE Powerful pockets of time

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ShoRt StoRIES Condoleezza Rice visits Hoover

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ShELBy SpottEd Greystone Ladies Club, Easter egg hunts and more

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out & ABout June events in Shelby County

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why I LoVE ShELBy County Sen. Cam Ward shares his memories

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arts & culture 10

hoLLywood StAR Oak Mountain student works as extra in movie

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BESt oF thE BESt Our second annual contest kicks off

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poStER Boy Patrick Mayton’s prints can be found across the county

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LIGht thE FIRE UM hosts 19th firing of its anagama kiln

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REAdInG Room Alabaster librarian Frances Smith shares her love of books

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features 21

bEST IN SHOW AKC show brings hundreds of dogs to Columbiana

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GOING UNDER THE NEEDLE Chiropractors use acupuncture as a medicinal alternative

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VILLARREAL’S BIG BREAK North Shelby golfer gets second chance at the game she loves

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home & garden 30

garden party Give your lawn character with these decorative items and a few plants with personality

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the aldridges’ garden Spring blooms in Highland Lakes couple’s lawn

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a primer on paint Tips for adding color to your home

food

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‘where everybody knows your name’ Childhood friends open Shelby’s in Pelham

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J. LAWLEY PASTA Montevallo couple shares recipe for a favorite dish

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ISLAND MARTINI Bellini’s Ristorante shares its summer drink

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The Simple Life

Pockets of Time

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hose “lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer” are here along with high humidity, no school bus traffic and endless hours of sunshine. When you heap all of that together, you get long hours that need our energy in many places other than behind a desk or dishwasher. We yearn to be outside pulling weeds, pulling for the home team, or pulling skiers during an afternoon on the water. Family members demand and deserve more of our head, heart, and wallet, so it is important for you to get a grip on what can be done in “powerful pockets of time.” Here are a few ways to simplify your daily routines. Although they may sound very simple, ask yourself how many of these things did you did today.

Grocery list. Keep an on-going list where all family members can add to it.

Cleanup. Load the dishes in the dishwasher as soon as you are done Lisa Phillips, cooking and eating. owner of SimpleWorks, Laundry. Fold each lisa_phillips@bellsouth. piece as it comes out of the net, 981.7733 dryer. This one tip can save you a ton on time versus heaping clean clothes in a pile to be dealt with later.

Have a basket for each person and put the folded clothes in there for one trip to be put away. never go empty-handed. Take something with you on your trips to the basement or up the stairs. Unload a car the same way.

Buy a ninja. This one appliance does everything from kneading pizza dough to making soft serve ice cream. (The infomercial is amazing!) mail. Open the mail in the same spot every day, preferably over a trash can or shredder. Think iRAFT. Make a decision on each piece of paper: Deal with it Immediately (within five minutes), have a place for things you need to Read, Action (bills, RSVPs, etc.), File and Toss.

Email. Check and respond three times a day. You will process it faster than checking it every time a message appears.

“Do it now, later is already booked.” What a great concept to remember when you are feeling like “I’ll do it Work in the moment. later.” Work in When you take the the moment.

When you take time to do it now, you the time to do it now, you will will have used those have used those “powerful pockets “powerful pockets of of time” that you time” that you didn’t didn’t even know you had. It’s that even know you had. simple. l June 2012

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Short Stories &

The library app Life lessons from Condoleezza Rice During this school year, Spain Park students read former Secretary of State Dr. Condoleezza Rice’s memoir “Extraordinary, Ordinary People.” On April 18, those same students got to hear some of the book’s lessons from the author herself.

Rice, a Birmingham native, returned home to speak to the Spain Park student body, sharing life lessons from her own experiences.

She said the United States as a country must continue to advocate for the rights of all people, as it has done throughout history.

“Never forget that freedom is not free,” she said.

Rice shared stories about her time at Stanford and finding her way into politics, and encouraged students to use this time of their lives to try new things and find their passions.

“Once you’ve found your passion, life has a way of working out just fine,” she said.

“Try something that’s not easy for you. Find somebody — a mentor, a teacher — who cares about you.”

Rice encouraged students to volunteer and work with the needy to learn humility.

“I don’t want you to ever feel entitled to what you have,” she said.

— Amy Jones

Lagace returns to Bellinis Matthew Lagace has returned to Bellinis Ristorante as the executive chef and general manager.

Lagace, who helped open Bellinis four years ago and returned recently, said he was excited about the opportunity to work at the Italian restaurant again.

“I couldn’t resist coming back to this place,” he said.

Majority owner Doug Hovanec said Lagace, in addition to being a good chef, is a friendly presence for customers and employees.

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Hovanec and Lagace first partnered to open Bellinis in April 2008. Lagace left a year later to open Rogue Tavern in Birmingham, where he stayed for three years.

Lagace had extensive restaurant experience prior to opening Bellinis. He graduated from Culinard with honors in 2001, and worked at Nonna Rose and Prairie Fire Grille in Birmingham.

Bellinis is located at 6801 Cahaba Valley Road. For more information visit Ourbellinis. supportlocalflavor.com or call 205-981-5380.

— Katie mcdowell

The North Shelby Library has launched a mobile app that may revolutionize how patrons access the library.

“Ours is the first that’s come out for Alabama. It allows people a lot of functionality,” said Librarian Katie Guerin. “We’re already a 24-hour library in terms of there’s a lot of services that can be accessed remotely. They can be on a trip 1,000 miles away and get on the app and renew their books. Or they can put a book on hold, and when they get back, it’ll be on the shelf.”

Guerin said the app works for Blackberry, Windows phones, the iPhone, Android-powered phones, the Kindle Fire and the iPad. She also said patrons need a library card to access the app.

For more information about the North Shelby Library mobile app, visit Northshelbylibrary.org.

— Christine Boatwright

Fences on Parade

UM student art featured on waymarking site University of Montevallo art student Kirsten Bowman’s dragonfly sculpture, installed at the Ebenezer Swamp and Ecological Preserve, has been established as a waymark on Waymarking.com. David Berenguer photographed the sculpture on a recent visit to the swamp and decided to list it on the site.

Bowman, who is pursuing a BFA degree in drawing and sculpture, created the dragonfly sculpture as a class project under the direction of Professor of Art Ted Metz. Her first welding project, the sculpture was inspired

by Bowman’s grandfather, who allowed her to collect scraps of metal from his property.

Bowman said the sculpture was made in her grandfather’s honor and is now dedicated to his memory.

Similar to geocaching, waymarking is a treasure hunt in which the location itself is

Chelsea Park Elementary School took top honors at the Shelby County Arts Council’s third annual Fences on Parade.

In the competition, students from every county school are invited to design and create a fence.

The elementary school winners include Valley, Oak Mountain and Montevallo.

In the middle school division, the winners were Columbiana, Thompson and Calera. In the high school division, the winners were Shelby County, Oak Mountain High School and Chelsea. The first place winners in each age group won $50.

Chelsea Park Elementary was awarded $100 for Best of Show.

— Nicole Loggins

the treasure. In geocaching, travelers use GPS devices to locate geocaches. When they arrive at a site, the travelers hunt for a hidden container with a treasure and a logbook inside.

Visitors sign the logbook and if they choose to take something from the geocache, geocaching rules require them to leave something of equal or greater value in its place. Before leaving, visitors must return the container to its hiding place. Then they describe their journey on geocaching.com.

Waymarking is a derivative of geocaching, but its purpose is to share interesting locations throughout the world. Like geocaches, waymarks are located via GPS coordinates.

Participants log their journeys on waymarking. com.

— Staff Reports

A tribute to tornado victims On Monday, April 23, the Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra performed a concert to mark the one-year anniversary of the April 27, 2011 tornadoes.

The orchestra played a piece by Beethoven and debuted a new work composed by Dr. Joseph Landers, a University of Montevallo professor.

“Ode to Joy: Tuscaloosa Remembers and Rebuilds” opened with Landers’

new piece, “Sinfonia da Requiem,” a 30-minute composition that blends seven movements of music with selections of poetry by Emily Dickinson, according to a press release from UM. “I was incredibly honored and humbled by such a distinction,” Landers said. “I wanted it to be very dignified.”

Dr. John Stewart, president of UM, said the university is proud of

Landers’ work. He said the request by the University of Alabama to have a UM professor compose the piece was representative of “the spirit of cooperation and collegiality between the state universities.”

“All of the state universities are in this together,” he said. “I think it’s symbolic of that.”

— Katie McDowell June 2012

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Arts & Culture

Hollywood

Behind the scenes in Oak Mountain student works as extra in Sofia Coppola movie

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Written by KATIE MCDOWELL Photograph by JON GOERING

he beer and cigarettes were fake, the music non-existent and all the guests were dressed for summer, although the temperature was chilly. For Anna Nabors, a senior at Oak Mountain High School, it was the party of a lifetime.

The party was actually a scene in “The Bling Ring,” a new movie by Sofia Coppola, the acclaimed director of “The Virgin Suicides” and “Lost in Translation.” Nabors worked as an extra in the new film.

“It’s a true story,” she said. “It’s about this group of high school students that break into celebrities’ homes and steal their stuff.”

While the plot sounds risqué, the experience was relatively tame for Nabors, who traveled to California with her mother, Jennifer Nabors, for five days in April for filming and sightseeing.

Her shot at the big screen was made possible through a family friend who is working on the film. The friend passed Anna’s photo on to the casting director, and she was chosen as an extra.

“I was so shocked,” Nabors said.

The mother-daughter duo spent five days in California, although most of their time was dedicated to sightseeing, including a visit to Venice Beach and a taping of the “Dr. Phil Show.”

Anna filmed on her final day in California. She put in a 12-hour shift from 1 p.m. on Friday to 1 a.m. on Saturday.

“It was only four scenes, but we did a few takes of each,” she said.

She learned many of the behind-thescenes quirks of movie making. In a party scene, fake beer and cigarettes were

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used as props. The scene also required the extras to dance to background music, which was promptly shut off as soon as filming began.

While the movie is set during the summer, the weather was surprisingly cold, so the extras were allowed to wear coats between takes.

Nabors made friends with several of the extras. Although most were from the area, they were equally impressed when the film’s star, Emma Watson of “Harry Potter” fame, stepped on set.

“They thought she was a big deal too,” Nabors said.

During the downtime between scenes, Nabors said she spent time with the extras and roamed the set. A school was established on set for students who were still in school.

Nabors didn’t get to meet Coppola until her filming was over for the day. She snapped a picture with the director, who she said was very focused and quiet throughout filming.

When filming wrapped around 1 a.m. on Saturday, Nabors’ day was far from over. Oak Mountain’s prom was scheduled for Saturday evening, and she made it home with only hours to spare.

With her senior year coming to a close, Nabors hopes to continue to do theater as a hobby when she attends the University of Montevallo next year.

Her time in Hollywood hasn’t changed her life direction too much.

“There’s so much more I’m interested in,” she said. “I want to see what kind of constant job I can get. I can always do acting and art on the side.”

She had another brush with fame in May when she returned to California to shoot a few extra scenes. Her favorite memories, though, weren’t the famous names or long hours. It was the new friends she met during the experience.

“The best part was the friends I met in the movie,” she said. l

of the

best best Shelby County

brought to you by:

SHELBY Living

Go ahead. play favorites.

Shelby Living magazine is holding our second annual Best of the Best in Shelby County contest. We’re asking readers to tell us their favorite local businesses and people from the best yoga studio to best children’s clothing store. Only establishments located within Shelby County are eligible for entry. Each reader who submits a complete ballot will be entered to win a Best of the Best in Shelby County gift basket. So, go ahead, tell us who’s best.

two-stage voting: part 1: Write-in nominations will be accepted for each entry within the four categories of Dining & Nightlife, Arts & Culture, Business and Health & Beauty. write-in nominations will be accepted until Friday, June 29. part 2: The nominations will be narrowed to the top three in each entry.

Starting monday, July 9, readers may vote for their favorite of the three in each entry until. Friday, August 10. Winners will be announced in the October issue of Shelby Living.

how you vote: paper ballots: Paper ballots may be cut out of Shelby Living magazine, filled out and mailed to Best of the Best, P.O. Box 947, Columbiana, AL 35051. Only original ballots from the magazine will be counted. No photocopied or handwritten ballots will be counted. online ballots: Readers may fill out the ballot online at Shelbyliving.com.

Rules: Only one ballot per person will be accepted. Participation is open to all readers 18 years and older. To select a prize winner, a ballot will be drawn at random by a member of our staff, and the winner will be notified.

who’s the best?

BESt oF thE BESt ShELBy County BALLot

Write-in nominations are due June 29. Only establishments within Shelby County limits will be accepted for nomination.

Mail ballots to Best of the Best, P.O. Box 947, Columbiana, AL 35051 Name:_____________________________________ Address: ___________________________________ Email address: _______________________________ dining & nightlife Best coffee________________________________ Best bakery_______________________________ Best burger_______________________________ Best margarita ____________________________ Best barbecue _____________________________ Best bar _________________________________ Best pizza ________________________________ Best patio dining ___________________________ Best Italian cuisine_________________________ Best Mexican cuisine________________________ Best happy hour ___________________________ Arts & Culture Best annual festival _________________________ Best local artist ____________________________ Best museum _____________________________ Best gallery _______________________________ Business Best boutique______________________________ Best jewelry store __________________________ Best veterinarian ___________________________ Best dry cleaner ___________________________ Best pet supply store ________________________ Best auto service ___________________________ Best furniture store _________________________ Best children’s clothing store _________________ Best farmers market ________________________ Best new car dealer _________________________ Best florist________________________________ Best garden center _________________________ Best wedding/reception venue ________________ Best realtor _______________________________ health & Beauty Best nail salon ____________________________ Best family doctor __________________________ Best massage ______________________________ Best dentist _______________________________ Best spa _________________________________ Best yoga studio ___________________________ Best fitness center/gym _____________________ Best pharmacy/drug store ___________________ June 2012

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Pos t er boy Arts & Culture

Patrick Mayton’s prints can be found across the county Written and photographs by Laura Brookhart

ABOVE: In this poster honoring the wedding of friends Robbie and Mandy (a lover of zinnias) a stylized floral motif first appeared. This same shape may be observed reappearing in other designs that followed that year. RIGHT: Mayton’s posters are on display at his studio.

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L

ike the Dr. Seuss character who could do anything with his big ball of string, Patrick Mayton can do anything with some paint and a squeegee, a board and a screen.

He can simultaneously deliver an art history lecture sprinkled with obscure art facts while screenprinting a rock ‘n’ roll poster.

Mayton uses the printmaking techniques of woodcut, letterpress, screen print and intaglio. Displayed at his gallery/studio at 616A Main Street in Montevallo are serigraphy posters, handmade books, invitations and announcements, artful artifacts and limited edition prints.

“Screen printing was first used for industrial purposes and then in WWII, soldiers worked silk-screening camouflage within a mile of the front line,” Mayton said.

After the war, former soldiers such as Stuart Davis used the process in their own art. Not until the early 1950s, when screen printing was rebranded as serigraphy, was it accepted as an art form and began to appear on museum walls.

Mayton often creates a visual from

conversations or stories related by friends. The word art genre, short messages or word play, came of age in the late 60s.

Using hand-printing processes, he produced an accordion-style book that tells the story of a verbal exchange in the 60s between his father, who is an architect, and a colleague. The colleague made a disparaging remark about his father’s cotton batik tie, a design that would today be considered hipster.

Their exchange appears in script along with the fabric of the tie replicated in its original color palette. Eight other ties with diagrams of how-totie-a-necktie instructions appear.

This clever presentation recaptures a seemingly trivial event, but the viewer is allowed to share the joke.

“I remembered my father relating this story one evening at dinner, and it stuck in my mind. My father thought this was kind of a silly thing to use for a project at the time, but this design won me $4,000 in a graduate student show,” Mayton said.

Mayton’s rock ‘n’ roll poster designs are recognizable at music venues such as Bottletree cafe in downtown Bir-

mingham and Eclipse coffee shop in Montevallo. He regularly designs and produces posters and CD covers for the Stuart McNair Band. A compendium of his posters may be seen at Gigposters. com.

The names of his two companies came from fortune cookies eaten at significant times in his life. He produces under both Sympathetic Wife Productions and Courageous Press. His most recent project was the poster for Calera’s Strawberry Festival in late April.

Mayton has been quoted saying he is happiest when teaching. He recently became a full time professor teaching art appreciation at Jefferson State’s Shelby-Hoover and Chilton-Clanton locations.

From his vast collection of ties, several of which have been autographed by other artists – Jim Dine and Karen Graffeo, for example – he chooses a different tie for each day of class. If a student spots a repetition during the semester, he is exempt from the final.

Patrick Mayton can be found on Facebook and both his work and that of his wife, Tonia, owner of Eden Photography, are shown at Blue Phrog gallery in Montevallo. l

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Light t he fire Arts & Culture

Written by Katie mcdowell Photographs by jon goering

The University of Montevallo pulls off the 19th firing of its anagama kiln In mid-March, University of Montevallo professors, students and volunteers from across the state gathered on campus to fire Fat Bastard – an anagama kiln. Twenty feet long, the kiln is fired for four days and nights and reaches temperatures of up to 2,400 degrees.

It’s backbreaking work. Led by Dr. Scott Meyer, a ceramic artist and art professor, volunteers must first spend months locating and chopping 14 cords of wood to feed the fire.

Once the wood is collected, the pottery is placed in the kiln and the fire is started.

Volunteers work in shifts ­– stoking the fire every few minutes for four days and nights. The end result is hundreds of pieces of pottery – each uniquely marked by the flames within the kiln.

Here’s the story – told through a lens – of how hard work, late nights and lots of sweat can produce astounding pieces or art.

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THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: John Shea, a resident artist at UM, glues knobs to the bottom of a piece of pottery. The knobs lift the pottery off the shelves, which allows flame and heat to pass under it and prevents the piece from sticking to the shelf; Meyer presents Jamie Berry, a UM student, with a lighter to start the fire. For each firing, Meyer chooses a student who has been particularly helpful to start the fire; It takes 14 cords of wood to fire the kiln for four days. Meyer and his students are responsible for finding and splitting the wood Poppy Meyer, Scott Meyer’s mother and a familiar face at the firings, pours sake for the volunteers for the annual toast to mark the start of the firing.

OPPOSITE PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Fire glows from the front of the kiln on the second day of the firing.

The fire will reach temperatures of 2,400 degrees during the process; Smoke billows from the chimney into the surrounding forest; Night falls at the kiln site, but volunteers will remain through the night; Tony Wright, a ceramics professor at the University of South Alabama, prepares to feed a piece of wood into the kiln.

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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: The volunteers return about a week after the firing to remove the pottery from the kiln. Meyer first removes still-hot embers from the entrance of the kiln; The first peek inside the kiln is highly anticipated; John Shea removes a piece of pottery from the kiln; The firing process creates what Meyer calls a “glassy, varied surface� on the pottery. The patterns and colors are created when the wood ash settles on the pottery during the first days of firing. As the heat rises, the wash melts and fuses to the surface of the work; Volunteers pass pottery from the kiln in an assembly line.

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Arts & Culture

Reading Room: Frances Smith

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Photograph by Jon GoERInG

hicago native Frances Smith is the youth services librarian at the Albert L. Scott Public Library in Alabaster, where she has worked since 2004. The married mother of two has a bachelor’s in communications and a master’s degree in library science.

Q: why do you love to read?

A: Regarding fiction, I like to see how clever writers are and how people use their imaginations. Regarding nonfiction, I like to see how writers can possibly write about boring or mundane things in a way that encourages people to read about them – even when they don’t have to.

Q: what’s the first book you remember loving?

A: “Little Women” – I read it in the fifth grade.

Q: what are your favorite types of books?

A: I like decorating books and cookbooks. I like kids’ easy picture books with great artwork – especially books that utilize the art of collage. I like pop-up books.

Q: why did you become a librarian?

A: I was inspired by my aunt who was a school librarian. Also, when I was in fourth grade, my brothers and sister and I started walking (a long way) to the library.

The only person I can remember working there was the children’s librarian who had a blonde Afro and wore mini-skirts and who basically let us create our own programs.

Once I wrote a play that my friends and I presented about Martin Luther King, Jr. Another time I remember my siblings and I formed a band and we were in a talent show there.

When I was in high school there was a citywide essay contest about city workers and I won “librarian for a day” at our branch and got to “work” there instead of going to school.

Q: do you have any upcoming books or readings you want to promote?

A: Currently, in addition to planning and facilitating children’s programs for this spring, I am finalizing the Summer Challenge that starts on June 4.

The theme for children from birth to

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10 years old is “Dream Big – Read!” The theme for young adults, ages 11-18 years old, is “Own the Night.”

The goal of the Summer Challenge is to encourage children to read for fun. By doing this, they can maintain their reading levels or boost them. During the challenge they can check out and read any of our library books and earn prizes. We’ll be giving away prizes for kids who read from a few books to more than 100.

We also have lined up more than 40 free programs including drama workshops, crafts, a museum visit, a chef, live animals, a real cowboy, magicians, musicians and some nighttime family fun.

We’ve also ordered hundreds of new books, some of which have begun arriving and are being processed so they can be put on the shelves.

Another great thing about our Summer Challenge for kids in middle school and high school is that we buy the books on their required reading lists and they can read for school and also earn prizes. l

Reading Recommendations Chopsticks This “easy reader picture book,” written by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and illustrated by Scott Magoon, stars a set of chopsticks that has always been together but becomes separated after an accident.

There are puns, interesting vocabulary and discussioninspiring illustrations. There is also a nod to the song “Chopsticks.”

Chopsticks Same name, different book! This book, by writer Jessica Anthony and artist Rodrigo Corral, is for young adults (11-18 years old). This is an unusual novel told not with text but with newspaper clippings and other media, photos, collages, and instant messaging. It’s about a teenage musical prodigy, romance and chopsticks, both the utensils and the song. In the end, the reader must decide “what’s what.” Although the book is YA, I’d only recommend it for older, mature teens because of a bit of New York high school profanity, mental illness, racial harassment, death and some of the art. outside your window: A First Book of nature Written by Nicola Davies and illustrated

by Mark Hearld, this nonfiction book can be enjoyed by all ages, although it is aimed at children. It has facts about the four seasons and animals and is written in freestyle poetry with multimedia illustrations. It can be paired with other books and can inspire arts and crafts projects and nature walks; it has a recipe for Berry Crumble and explains how to grow vegetables and make bird cakes (not cakes made of birds but cakes for birds.)

One possible drawback may be that the people depicted are not diverse.

Best in show

AKC show brings hundreds of dogs to Columbiana Written by Katie mcdowell Photographs by jon goering

ABOVE: Some groomers use whimsical or trendy accesories, such as this red bow, for practical purposes, such as keeping hair out of a dog’s face.

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BELOW: Handlers use a variety of tools, even hair straighteners, to prepare dogs for the show ring. RIGHT: A handler prepares to enter a show ring.

BOTTOM RIGHT: Handlers provide last-minute touch-ups to a pair of Yorkshire Terriers.

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andy Moody stood nervously in the Shelby County Exhibition Center in Columbiana on a Friday morning in May. Her eyes were fixed on her dog, which was standing in the center of the arena in the building. The 16-month-old Labrador, named Trigger, was oblivious to her gaze.

“I’m hiding from him,” she said with a laugh.

That morning, April 6, marked one of the first times Trigger had competed in a dog show. Trigger handled the pressure beautifully, patiently waiting beside his handler until beckoned to trot around one of the fenced-in judging rings with a handful of other Labs.

The dog show, which was sanctioned by the American Kennel Club and sponsored by the Birmingham and Tuscaloosa

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Kennel Clubs, drew hundreds of breeders, owners and handlers from around the country to Columbiana for four days of competition in early April.

Karen Munster, a Chicago native, was one of those visitors. Columbiana was just one dog show of many this year, including stops in Wisconsin, Ohio and Florida. The following weekend, she and her husband planned to travel to Indiana for yet another show.

“They’ve got some nice dogs here,” she said as prepped Bucket, a 5-year-old Shetland Sheepdog for his competition.

Those dogs numbered in the hundreds.

Dozens waited with their handlers for their turn in one of the show rings.

Around the arena, dogs sat in cages waiting to be groomed or to compete.

Others sat on small tables while groomers washed, dried, brushed and even

applied makeup on them.

Like Munster, many of the handlers and owners will travel throughout the country to compete.

“There’s shows everywhere year round, except between Christmas and New Year’s Eve when you take a break,” said Page Conrad, an AKC-registered breeder and handler.

At the Columbiana show, the dogs were judged on conformation, or how well a dog conforms to breeding standards. The dogs aren’t judged against each other. Instead, they are judged against the ideal breed type. The judges look at markings, bone structure, fur, attitude and more to choose the winner for each breed.

“The idea of all of it is for everyone to breed the best dog in their standard,” Conrad said.

The Columbiana show also included two rings for obedience and rally trial.

These rings featured the action that most TV viewers of dog shows have come to expect. Throughout the day, dogs jumped fences and trotted back and forth across the ring.

The show was open to all breeds of dogs — there are more than 150 on record — and a wide variety was represented on Friday from Gordon Setters to Whippets and Scottish Terriers to Australian Shepherds.

Conrad and her husband traveled with 13 dogs to the show. Some of those dogs included the boxers that she and her husband breed. The rest of the dogs belonged to other owners who hired the Conrads as AKC-registered handlers to show the dogs at the competition.

Conrad has been in the business for decades. She’s been working with boxers, which she also breeds, for about 27 years.

Conrad said the Birmingham and Tuscaloosa Kennel Clubs had put on a good show.

“It’s good that it’s four days,” she said. “You compete every day, but it’s a brand new show every day.”

That allows the dogs to gain experience, and, hopefully, if they win, points.

The AKC point system varies from show to show, but the basic premise is the same, according to the organization’s website. A dog receives points for major wins, including winner, best of breed and best of winners. In order for a dog to become a champion, it must receive a total of 15 points with two major wins.

Because most judges are only experienced enough to judge a few breeds, dog owners and handlers, like Munster, the Chicago native, follow them to shows.

“We will follow the judges,” Munster said. “We will go where we think we’ve got a shot with the judges.”

That was the case for many of the other breeders, groomers and handlers at the competition. People came from across the United States to the competition. Many, like Conrad, travel by motorhome to each show. The Conrads, who also offer training and judging seminars at their business in Georgia, travel by motorhome with their dogs to each show.

“It’s a very expensive hobby is what it is,” she said wryly.

While it can be a hectic, uncertain and — yes — expensive, lifestyle Conrad said it’s ultimately rewarding. l

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June 2012

23

Going under the needle

Written by CHRISTINE BOATWRIGHT Photographs by JON GOERING

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ShelbyLiving.com

Chiropractors use acupuncture as a medicinal alternative

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or centuries, many cultures have looked to acupuncture for healing and relief. Today, the ancient technique has become more popular on this side of the globe.

“Acupuncture is recently coming into play in western medicine,” said chiropractor Dr. Cherie Johnson of Chiropractic Acupuncture Health Center. “There are several different philosophies of acupuncture.”

Johnson said the more traditional philosophy focuses on what the Chinese call “chi” or “qi,” referring to energy.

“There are 12 main meridians in the body, or channels of energy,” she said.

Johnson used an example of an extension cord connecting a television to an electrical socket.

“You know electricity runs through it,” she said. “It’s more of an open channel (of energy). You can’t really dissect the body and find it.”

Another philosophy, explained Johnson, is a nerve-based treatment, rather than energy-based.

Dr. Justin Fogo of Chelsea Chiropractic said acupuncture is a relatively unfamiliar concept to most patients he treats.

“It’s such a foreign thing; you have to try to keep it as simple as possible.

It doesn’t make sense to most people,” he said. “It’s difficult to understand that putting a needle in my hand is going to help my headache.

“The body is an organism that has energy in it. When there is a painrelated issue that causes someone discomfort or pain, the balance of energy is out of line or out of whack,” he added. “We use these acupuncture points that lie along these meridians, channels in our body that carry the energy. We can balance the energy, and the body can begin healing itself.”

LEFT: Chiropractors only use the tip of the thin, flexible needles for the treatment. Dr. Cherie Johnson said one of the main side effects of acupuncture is fatigue, and patients tend to sleep well the following night.

Both doctors said acupuncture can complement medicinal treatments.

“For a lot of people, they’re either anti-medicine or anti-alternative types of care. I think they’re great, complementary alternatives for everybody,” Fogo said. “At some point and time, some of us get some aches and pains, and a lot of people don’t want to rely on taking another Lortab or another pain medication that is difficult for the body to process.

Certainly they help, or people wouldn’t be taking them. This is a great alternative that is complementary.”

Johnson said she uses acupuncture to treat a variety of ailments, including insomnia, stress, anxiety, infertility, sinus problems and more.

“If someone feels they are taking too much sinus medication, they can try something a little more alternative,” she said.

Fogo said acupuncture can have an effect on digestive issues, contribute to smoking cessation and even assist in weight loss.

“People want to use it for weight loss, as well. It can work,” he said. “I don’t do a lot of weight-loss acupuncture. I often discourage it until people begin to change their lifestyle. Most people want a quick fix.

“If you want to use acupuncture for weight loss, but keep eating your double bacon cheeseburger, it’s not going to work,” he added. “It helps in reducing your cravings and boosting your metabolism to help your body burn more calories. You still have to make lifestyle changes. “ The results of the technique vary

depending on the patient.

“People think it’s a one-time fix, but the human body doesn’t work like this,” Johnson said. “It takes three to five visits to find what they’re looking for, but sometimes people notice results immediately.

“I don’t want patients to get up and be disappointed with no immediate relief,” she added.

Fogo personally uses acupuncture for migraine headaches.

“It works great for me. I’m not naïve enough to say it works get for everybody, but I think it helps more people than it doesn’t help,” he said.

He said new patients have concerns with acupuncture.

“The main concern is, ‘Does it hurt?

How big is the needle?’” Fogo said.

“The needle is quite thin and flexible.

Many times you don’t even feel the insertion of the needle. Typically they’re not penetrating super deep; they’re superficial.”

Johnson said typical acupuncture sessions last between 15 and 30 minutes, with the needles inserted for about 15 minutes.

“I’m assuming where the blockage is so energy can flow freely,” she said. “It’s like a dam, and you break a little hole.

Then positive and negative ions mix together again.”

Chiropractic Acupuncture Health Center is located at 6930 Cahaba Valley Road, Suite 102, Birmingham.

Visit Cahc.biz for more information.

Chelsea Chiropractic is located at 398 Cheeser Road, Suite 2, Chelsea. Visit Chelseafamilychiro.com for more information.

Do’s and don’ts for acupuncture

By Dr. Cherie Johnson uDo not eat unusually large meals before or after treatment. uDo not exercise 30 minutes before or after treatment. uDo not consume alcoholic beverages within six hours. uDo not get involved in any stressful activities 10 minutes after treatment. Relaxation is necessary after treatment. uBe careful on strong or large

doses of drugs prior to treatment.

Do not overdose. uDo not engage in sexual activity 20 minutes before or after treatment. uDo not drink extremely hot or cold drinks 30 minutes before or after treatment. uDo not use heat after visit, including heat pack, sauna or hot shower. uIt is recommended to relax for 10 minutes after treatment.

June 2012

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Dr. Cherie Johnson said she can use acupuncture to assist with headaches and migraines, as well as sinus problems. The tip of the needle is only about the size of a pore, Johnson said.

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Uses for acupuncture According to Dr. Cherie Johnson, acupuncture is being used for pain management related to several conditions, including but not limited, to the following: Cardiologists uHigh blood pressure uAngina Pectoris uArteriosclerosis uAnemia EnTs uSinusitis uSore throats uHay fever uEarache uDizziness uPoor eyesight uRinging in ears uNerve deafness Gastroenterologist uIrritable bowel uSpastic colon uColitis uConstipation uDiarrhea uHemorrhoids uAbdominal bloat uGastritis uUlcers uFood allergies Gynecologist uPMS uIrregular menstruation uEndometriosis uChronic bladder infections uPregnancy complications uFibroids uMenopause uImpotence uInfertility Internist/general practitioners uImmune disorders (candida, chronic fatigue, HIV and AIDS, Epstein Barr virus,

allergies, lupus, MS and Hepatitis. uAddictions (smoking cessation, drugs and alcohol) uEmotional/ psychological disorders (anxiety, insomnia, depression and stress) uRespiratory disorders (asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, colds and flues) uDermatological conditions (acne/hives) uMay also help reduce chemotherapy/radiation side effects Orthopedist (with musculoskeletal disorders) uArthritis uSciatica uBursitis uStiff neck uBell’s Palsy uPolio uSprains uTrigeminal Neuralgia uHeadaches/migraines uNeuralgia uBack pain uTendonitis uStroke uCerebral Palsy uMuscle spasms uShingles Rheumatologist uFibromyalgia uRheumatoid Arthritis uLupus uJoint pain uConnective tissue disorders

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June 2012

27

Villarreal’s big break

North Shelby golfer gets second chance at the game she loves Written by Wesley hallman Photographs by CONTRIBUTED

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Contestants on the “Big Break Atlantis” compete in a golf skills competition in the Bahamas where one victor will walk away with a grand prize of a Tour exemption and other prizes. The show this season features North Shelby resident Kelly Villarreal.

K

elly Villarreal thought her golf career was over when she finished up her fourth year on the women’s golf team at Samford University in the spring of 2004.

A promising career downspiraled when Villarreal was diagnosed with a eating disorder during her college career, which left her struggling on the course mentally and physically by the time her senior season arrived.

Villarreal thought she gave up competitive golf completely following graduation. However, her passion for golf was rekindled when she heard about “The Big Break,” a reality television show on The Golf Channel featuring golfers trying to revive their careers.

Villarreal, a Decatur native who makes her home in north Shelby County, took a chance and traveled to Orlando, Fla. on a whim at the encouragement of her father, Andy, and her husband, Brad Dobbins, for the show’s auditions.

“They encouraged me to pursue my passion,” Villarreal said. “I kind of put my life on hold.”

The decision paid off, with Villar-

real learning she was a semifinalist in November 2011 and being named the first Alabama native to earn a spot on the show a month later.

Villarreal and 11 other women spent several weeks filming “Big Break Atlantis,” the network’s 17th version of its “Big Break” series in late January and early February at The Ocean Club Golf Course on Paradise Island in the Bahamas.

The show premiered with a series preview April 30 featuring all 12 golfers and their backgrounds, with the weekly series premiering May 14 on The Golf Channel.

Villarreal isn’t allowed to announce how she fared on the show. The winner earns cash prizes and entry into future Ladies Professional Golf Association events.

Villarreal said participating on the show, which mixes unusual golf skill challenges and normal competition, in the Bahamas was “amazing.”

“How could you not love it?” Villarreal asked jokingly. “It was a dream come true.”

The show allowed Villarreal to come full circle from her days as a college golfer. Villarreal said being in the

spotlight has helped her shine the light on the eating disorder that claimed her budding career, which included a Collegiate Players Tour championship as a sophomore at Samford.

Villarreal has a platform set up to help other youth golfers battling with similar issues through her Pro-Healing Foundation.

“I never could have dreamed that I would be able to use this experience to help others,” Villarreal said. “I want to use this as a launching pad.”

Villarreal has set up a personal website, KellyVillarreal.com, to further her cause. Villarreal has designed her own women’s golf clothing line, V-Chic, which will debut on the site in the coming months.

V-Chic clothing is a combination of class and style for every woman, Villarreal said.

“The inspiration from V-Chic comes from a desire to create wearable, comfortable and stylish fashion for every woman on and off the golf course,” Villarreal said.

Villarreal said $10 from every V-Chic purchase will go directly toward her Pro-Healing Foundation. l June 2012

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Home & Garden

Garden party 30

ShelbyLiving.com

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Give your lawn a little character with these decorative items and a few plants with personality 1. Identify the herbs in your garden with these rustic row markers. Wooden Row marker, $8.99, Alabama Furniture Market, 100 Commercial Park Drive, Calera.

2. Classic lion head fountain, $81, Aquatic Gardens, 5485 Highway 280, Birmingham.

3. Orchid, $24.99, Hanna’s Garden Shop, 5485 Highway 280, Birmingham.

4. A wind chime is music to your ears on a breezy day. Wind chime, $67, Aquatic Gardens.

5. Iron detailing lends these chairs a rustic air.

Comptoir de Familla Klosque Folding Table and four chairs, $1,279, Alabama Furniture Market.

6. A wrought-iron bench and floral tin boots are a quirky addition for any lawn. The Garden Story Collection Tin Rain Boot, $39 for set, children’s Daisy bench, $65, Alabama Furniture Market.

7. Bromeliad, $24.99, Hanna’s Garden Shop.

8. Keep your plants hydrated with this whimsical watering can. Can, $34.99, Hanna’s Garden Shop.

9. Caladium, $10.99, Hanna’s Garden Shop.

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Home & Garden

Welcome

to the Aldridges’ garden Written by KATIE MCDOWELL Photographs by JON GOERING June 2012

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PREVIOUS PAGE FROM LEFT: The Aldridges, pictured with their Boston Terrier, Susie Mae, spotted this butterfly bench in a magazine and tracked the manufacturer down to Lebanon, Penn. Floral themes can be found throughout the house, including antique plates and pillows in the foyer. “Admiral Semmes” is a azalea hybrid that was created in south Alabama.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Aldridges’ flowers were in bloom in April this year. A waterfront walking trail winds along the home through the garden. A viburnum tree flowers over an outdoor sitting area in the Aldridges’ Highland Lakes garden.

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ABOVE: A painting in the home depicts the Aldridges in a garden. RIGHT: This fountain was a 1984 purchase from Robinson Iron in Alexander City.

S

ixteen years have passed since Eddie and Kay Aldridge deeded their home to the city of Hoover and moved to unincorporated Shelby County.

Their former home – and the accompanying 30-acre estate – is now a beloved public park visited by Hoover residents who enjoy the tranquil setting and beautiful landscaping.

The Aldridges have spent those years at their new home in Highland Lakes, which is strikingly similar to its Hoover counterpart. In fact, it’s almost identical, save for a different roofline and a few enlarged rooms.

While their new garden is much smaller than the original – two acres instead of 30 – it also has a familiar feel to it since many of Eddie’s favorite plants make an appearance on the lakeside lot.

“We call this Aldridge Gardens East,” he said. “We tried to duplicate the gardens, but on a smaller scale.”

What their Shelby County garden lacks in size, it makes up for in variety and planning. Eddie Aldridge no longer works in the yard, which is meticulously

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landscaped by a small crew, but he still keeps close tabs on all of his plants.

“This is not a landscaped garden,” he said. “This is a collection garden.

There are only about 15 plants. It’s really basically what I like.”

During an afternoon walk in March, he rattles off the name of each plant and its history. He has many favorites: camellias, of which he has 80 that bloom from September through early spring; “Admiral Semmes,” a yellow azalea hybrid created by a friend in south Alabama; a “Southern-type” lilac that is rare and typically prefers cold weather.

His very favorite, though, is the Lace Leaf Japanese Maple, a small tree with brilliant red leaves.

“I like the fact that they’re real

Oriental-looking and they do so well in the Alabama climate,” he mused. “Most people that like plants like the ones that God put in Asia.”

Eddie’s garden was in full bloom in April, which worried him since it was two weeks early because of the unusually

“Eddie stays out of the house and I stay out of the garden.”

— Kay Aldridge warm weather. He wasn’t concerned about his own garden, but about the people who make a living anticipating nature’s next move.

Eddie Aldridge is familiar with the woes of gardeners and horticulturalists.

Aldridge’s father was a noted

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horticulturalist who owned a greenhouse in Birmingham. After Eddie served in the Korean War, he returned home, graduated from Birmingham-Southern College and joined his father in business.

“It was in the blood,” he said.

The second-generation horticulturalist and his father first came across what is now Aldridge Botanical Gardens in 1966, when the home was owned by another family. After about a decade, the estate was put up for sale and Eddie Aldridge bought it and began transforming it into a botanical garden.

In 1971, he and his father discovered and patented a hydrangea, called Snowflake.

The white flower, which fades to a light pink, is now grown across the globe and was featured on the cover of Southern Living magazine in 2003. The flower can be found in their Highland Lakes garden, while an enlarged version of the Southern Living cover hangs in the sunroom. The magazine photo was not the Aldridges’ only brush with fame. Their garden was also featured on HGTV several years ago.

The Aldridges’ love of flowers and plants can be found through the interior of their home. The house is Kay’s domain, and she rules it as carefully as Eddie does the garden.

“Eddie stays out of the house and I stay out of the garden,” she said.

Kay maintains numerous interior plants, while dried hydrangeas abound in the dining room. Several paintings depict the Aldridges in their gardens, and a mural of hydrangeas is painted on the backsplash above the stove. The two-story home is also filled with family heirlooms and antiques.

“We have a lot of history in this house,” Kay said.

LEFT: The great room, like the rest of the house, is modeled after the Aldridges’ original home in Hoover. A grand piano is a focal point of the great room. ABOVE: Kay Aldridge added an enlarged sunroom , which is one of her favorite rooms, to their Highland Lakes home.

Many of the pieces belonged to Eddie’s mother, whom he described as an “antique buff.”

Her silver tea set sits in the dining room, while many of the decorative items lining the shelves in the great room also belonged to her. The furniture in a guest bedroom also belonged to her family.

“This is the bed that Eddie’s mom was born in,” Kay said of a beautifully carved headboard and intricate quilt.

Every room – all four bedrooms and six bathrooms – is used by the Aldridges or visiting friends and family. Kay and Eddie married in 1981, and Kay has several children and grandchildren.

The ground floor of the home is dedicated to a recreation room and a large gymnasium. While the gym once got frequent use, it is now most enjoyed

by Susie Mae, the Aldridges’ 3-year-old Boston Terrier, who enjoys pushing basketballs across the wide expanse of floor with her nose.

The couple still enjoys visiting Aldridge Botanical Gardens in Hoover, especially on days when the park is full of young families. But, they are always happy to return home to their own garden, full of the plants they love most.

“Mother Nature’s hard to beat,” Eddie said. l

Get more for your money.

Purchase two movie tickets — or 52 weeks of Shelby County’s best local news coverage for $14.04.

To sign up today, email “MORE” to subscribe@shelbycountyreporter.com, or call 205.669.3131.

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June 2012

39

A Primer

Home & Garden

on paint

Written by KAtIE mCdowELL

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new coat of paint is a fun way to punch up a room’s personality.

Whether you’re a fan of neutrals or vibrant colors, the options are endless. Painting is also a project you can take on yourself, if you are in the mood for a do-it-yourself project.

Ricky Germany, a manager at Rainbow Paint and Decorating in Hoover, said most of his customers hire residential contractors to paint the interior of their homes. However, the homeowners are still very involved with the process, especially color selection.

“The most common question we get is what’s the most popular color,” he said. “Right now, grays are really hot.

It’s not really the steel gray. It’s more of a smokier gray.”

Jonathan Guthrie of SherwinWilliams in Pelham has also seen gray grow more popular in the last six months.

“It’s really become a fundamental neutral,” he said.

Gray is used for interiors and exteriors, although taupes and neutrals are still most popular for exteriors. Another trend for interior paint is “light,

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clean colors,” according to Germany.

While Rainbow Paint does keep track of trends, Germany said the store encourages homeowners to choose colors they like, rather than what is trendy now.

“We like to cater to the individual as opposed to the masses,” he said.

Most clients typically choose a paint color based on a fabric or an item in the room.

“A lot of people bring in fabrics,” Guthrie said. “They’ll bring in fabrics or comforters.”

Another 2012 trend has nothing to do color.

We’ve seen the trend where more people are doing it themselves,” Germany said.

For those adventurous homeowners, Germany offers a few words of caution about prep work.

“Surface preparation is the most important thing when it comes to a good paint job,” he said. “I always compare painting with cooking. Painting is the easy part.”

A truly good paint job owes more to the prep work – cleaning, removing wallpaper, sanding – than the fantastic new color.

30 Minutes

+ No Hassle Consultation Color isn’t your only option when choosing paint. Paints also come in a variety of finishes from matte to satin.

Finishes, also known as sheen or gloss, have different levels of reflection and resistance to stains.

While there are multiple choices for finishes, Germany said there are three popular selections for interiors: matte, eggshell and satin.

“The trend now has been people using matte on the walls and a satin finish on the trim work,” he said.

Matte finishes tend to cover up imperfections better, such as bumps or cracks in the wall. However, paints with a matte finish are usually less washable than others.

Stain, on the other hand, can withstand light cleaning, which is why it is a popular choice for trim or rooms with lots of traffic.

Whatever it’s matte versus gloss, color versus netural, do-it-yourself versus professional, Germany said he always suggests homeowners stick with what they like.

“That’s one thing we try to tell people here,” he said. “We tell them to go with what you like. That’s going to last a lot longer.” l

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June 2012

41

Food

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‘Where everybody knows your name’

Written by KATIE MCDOWELL Photographs by JON GOERING

June 2012

43

Childhood friends open neighborhood pub in Pelham

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helby County native Kolby Mele has found success in the bar business in the past decade.

He’s an owner of both Steel in Birmingham and Grey Bar on Highway 280. For his most recent business, he decided to return home to Pelham.

Perhaps it’s fitting then that his new pub, which is managed by his sister Angele Mele and childhood friend Scotty Price, was modeled after the bar in the TV show “Cheers.”

Even the logo is based on the famed logo in the show. The idea of a local watering hole seemed perfect for the Pelham area. Mele also wanted an opportunity to branch out into food service.

“We wanted to make a Cheers,” Mele said. “When we first came out to the space and saw the cars driving by, I just couldn’t help but to tell myself, ‘Wow, what a great opportunity.’”

The location has been key for the

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new pub, which has a wall of windows overlooking busy Helena Road in northern Pelham.

“We’re really excited about it,” Mele said. “There are so many people in a twomile radius.”

The locals seem to be excited about it too. The pub has been open for less than six months – Dec. 29, 2011 was the official date – but it’s already attracted a following that comes for the food, company and live music.

Shelby’s menu features a range of classic, American food: burgers, wings, salads and sandwiches.

Appetizers – the most popular items for many pubs – include dips, wings, chicken tenders and onion rings. The dips are all house-made and include classics like queso and sals.

The spinach-queso dip is particularly popular and has been mentioned by patrons on recommendation websites such as Urban Spoon. Other dips include

buffalo chicken, made of white meat chicken tossed in a zesty wing sauce and blended with cheese, and a tomato hummus, which includes roasted garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, citrus and crushed red peppers.

One of the most popular items is Shelby’s prime rib sandwich, which features a thinly sliced prime rib with a horseradish crust, braised with au jus and served with provolone cheese on a hoagie roll.

The menu features a range of burgers

PAGE 42, CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: SpinachQueso Dip. The logo, like the restaurant, was inspired by the TV show “Cheers.”

Shelby’s Famous Chicken Wings are served with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing. Kolby Mele also owns Steel and Grey Bar in Birmingham. BELOW: The West Coast Chicken Wrap includes spinach, tomato, honey-mustard aoli and avocado. BELOW LEFT: The stage at the front of the restaurant features live performers four nights of the week. LEFT: Scotty Price, a childhood friend of the Meles, is one of the food and drink managers.

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“We wanted to make a Cheers. When we first came out to the space and saw the cars driving by, I just couldn’t help but to tell myself, ‘Wow, what a great opportunity.’”

— Kolby Mele and sandwiches, including the Burger Architect, which allows the diner to create his own plate, choosing rolls, cheese and toppings. Choices range from the traditional – cheddar, mushrooms, bacon – to the adventurous – pretzel brioche, avocado, spinach.

The restaurant also features signature entrees such as the Kentucky Pork Chop and Roasted Chicken Shelby for diners who want a full meal.

Daily specials, pizzas, salads and a range of appetizers and desserts round out the menu.

Like any proper tavern, Shelby’s also features a wide range of liquors and beer to accompany dinner or for bar-goers.

“It’s a combination of the bar world and the restaurant world in one,” Angele Mele said.

FAR LEFT: The bar offers a variety of beers on tap. LEFT: A pool table in a back corner offers traditional bar entertainment.

The full-service bar offers craft beer by Alabama brewing companies Good People and Back Forty.

Live music plays four nights a week – open mic on Wednesday, acoustic on Thursday and full bands on Friday and Saturday. Rollin’ in the Hay, a popular bluegrass band, drew a big crowd in April.

Angele Mele said a few changes are in store for the pub. They plan to have outdoor seating available by summer.

Angele said they are already beginning to see familiar faces in the crowd, and they hope to draw some of those regulars – and new patrons – to the tavern for games throughout the year.

Shelby’s is located at 9340 Helena Road, Suite 1 in Pelham.

Food prices range from $5-$15. Hours are 3 p.m.-midnight Monday-Wednesday, 3 p.m.- 2 a.m. Thursday-Saturday. Call 205-403-4071 or visit Shelby’s Facebook page for more information. l

ask the professionals

June 2012

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Food

Working his own style Written by ChRIStInE BoAtwRIGht Photographs by Jon GoERInG

W

hen Jeff and Misty Webster noticed a closed storefront off Montevallo’s Main Street, they decided to take a closer look.

The building had been closed for about a year, and their feet stuck to the floor when they walked in.

“When we looked at the ceiling, we knew this was it,” Jeff Webster said, speaking of the building’s vintage touches.

The Websters transformed their new “it” place into Montevallo’s Main Street Tavern and opened in August 2009.

“We started three years ago, in the middle of the recession. We’re either really stupid or really smart,” Jeff Webster said. “Montevallo has embraced us. We try to fill a void in the town.”

Webster, a Chelsea resident, has been in the restaurant business for more than 17 years.

“My first job was washing dishes,” he said. “I don’t know why, but there was something cool about that business. I was 15 and being treated as an adult.”

Webster graduated from Culinard when the culinary school first opened and has since worked in Hot & Hot Fish Club and V.Richards in Birmingham, as well as Jim ‘N Nick’s on U.S. 280.

“I’m trying to do my own thing and work my own style,” he said.

The Main Street Tavern serves everything from cheeseburgers to freshcut steaks to fresh pastas.

“I have worked with some great chefs, and everybody loves a burger,” Webster

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said. “It’s quintessential American.”

The restaurant’s menu is composed of at least eight burgers and a full list of entrees.

“I use the naked philosophy in cooking. I use salt and pepper. I don’t believe in premade seasonings because it doesn’t show what it’s all about,” Webster said. “Everyone always asks, ‘What is this seasoning?’ It’s salt and pepper. It’s just been so long since people have had it. We don’t freeze anything. I think that’s key, too.”

Main Street Tavern’s J. Lawley pasta got its name from a “great man” who visits the restaurant at least twice a week, Webster said.

“He would always ask for an Alfredo sauce, so I would make it for him,” he said. “When we wrote a new menu, we just added it to the menu and named it after him.”

Webster said he is running a family business in a family town.

“It has the Cheers feel. It really does,” he added. “We try to culture that and make it stronger. That’s the beauty of a small town.” l

J. Lawley Pasta Ingredients: 1 cup butter 3 cups heavy cream 1/2 tsp. fresh, chopped thyme 1/2 tsp. dried oregano Dash of fresh, chopped rosemary and basil 1/2 to 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1 lb. shrimp, chicken or Andouille sausage (or use a combination of all)

12 ounces pasta, cooked and drained Directions: 1. Sauté shrimp, and cook off pasta.

2. Melt butter in pot on medium heat. Add heavy cream and herbs.

3. Add shrimp/meat and pasta.

Simmer for just a minute. Stir in cheese to thicken.

Serves 4

June 2012

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Food

Island Martini Written by KATIE MCDOWELL Photographs by JON GOERING

$11

Bellini’s Ristorante 6801 Cahaba Valley Rd. #106 Birmingham 205-981-5380 Ourbellinis. supportlocalflavor.com

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For its newest martini, Bellini’s Ristorante put a new twist on an old favorite. The restaurant changed up the liquors in a Pineapple Upside Down Martini to create the Island Martini – a fun and fruity drink that’s perfect for summer.

Bellini’s uses counts instead of measurements, and said one count is roughly equal to an ounce. The drink is made of two counts of Absolut Vodka, two counts of Malibu rum, two counts of peach schnapps, two counts of orange juice, one count of triple sec and three counts of pineapple juice.

Shake the drink until there’s a layer of froth on the top. Pour in a glass and a splash of Blue Curacao for color.

“It’s a great summertime drink,” ??? said.

“It’s fruity. It’s heavy in liquor, but it goes down easy because of all the different juices.” l

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June 2012

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Leadership Shelby County Golf Tournament

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The Golf Tournament was held April 16 at Riverchase Country Club in Hoover.

1. Lane Vines and Allen Rice 2. Jake Burchfield and Ken Burchfield 3. Calvin Gunn and Dale Hughey 4. Jacqui Sweet, Doug Sweet and Doug Sweet II 5. Phillip Heard and Ken Blackmon 6. Nathan Sills and Keith Strickland 7. Casey Morris and Chris Price 8. David Bobo and Keith Brown 9. Peg Hill and Randy Fuller 52

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Mt Laurel Spring Festival

The Mt Laurel Spring Festival took place April 14.

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1. Robert and Sasha Johns 2. Evan Walker, Salvador Romano, Sarah Cate Walker and Theresa Romano 3. Jennifer and Chris Duren 4. Kristi and Beckett Hazelwood 5. Jessica Hawbaker and Tiffany Raley 6. Kim McCulla, Blake Dodgen, Bri Wittman and their dog, Rounder 7. Linda Wallace and Nancy Hurst 8. Stacye Howell and Sandra Annonio 9. Mary Martha Parisher 10. Ron and Darlene Reece June 2012

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Montevallo Arts Fest

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The festival took place at Orr Park on April 14.

1. Katherine Schofield and Adam Weil 2. Rashad McDade and Myoshi Taylor 3. Patti Zeller and Brooke Warren 4. Macon Bidwell, Barbara Macon, Caitlyn Bidwell and Rebecca Bidwell 5. Eric Guster and Shantel Hebert 6. Jessica and Matt Volpe 7. Linda Stephan and Margaret Stefanson 8. Chaille Raines, Sandy Swindall and Jessica McKenzie 9. Laura Smith, Emily Haynie and Kerrie Haynie 10. Klara Ernst and Brittany Anderson

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11. Roger Helson and Theresa Powell 12. Julia Maloney, her dog Scout, Natalie Marrero and Kayle Mitchell 13. Regan Bearden and Dillan Greene 14. Mary and Steve Arledge 15. Kim and Ashley Hagood 16. Tyler Reeves, Carrie Tubbs and Kelly Garrett 17. Rebecca Frennea and Karson Goodman 18. Mary Glaze and Jean Thacker 19. William and Loretta Cobb

18 June 2012

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The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe

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A production of the play took place at Briarwood Christian School on April 21.

1. Billy, Leslie and Kayla Reeves 2. Lee and Brooke McCarty 3. Lucy Vetrano and Ivy O’Brien 4. Matt and Jenny Piell 5. Ted and Betty Shelton 6. Morgan and Darren Ash 7. Gracie Trivett, Cathryn Jacks and Avery Jacks 8. Hunter White, Caroline Ward, Lily Kauffman and Collier Kauffman 9. Teresa, Madeline and Lance Poole

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The Alabama Symphony Orchestra

The Alabama Symphony Orchestra performed April 3 in Palmer Hall at the University of Montevallo.

1. Bethany Chappell, Bailey Newell, Jennifer Ellis and Kaitlee Daw 2. Anthony Melton, Sydney Sims, Hannah Coppock, Lindsay Lowery and Elizabeth Tubbs 3. Ashley Santa and Cruz Foster 4. Seth Smith and Jalen Brown 5. Kayden Tabb and Amanda Threatt 6. Jana and Barry Hocutt 7. Kenny and Cody Sanders 8. Judy Morgan and Anniece Mallard 9. Dottie Moore and Elizabeth Woods

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10. Chrystal Smith and Joi Hodge 11. Conrad and Rachel Fowler, John and Mary Jones, Jack and Carolyn Mundy 12. Julia Maloney and Kevin Kierspe 13. Brownie Gillespy and Betty Coe 14. Hunter Brown and Dillon Owens 15. Jim and Rene Day 16. Stacy and Christopher Burnside 17. Nancy, Danny and Emily Hill 18. Nathan Brasher, Oksana Berko, Ella Brasher and Christy Brasher

June 2012

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GSCC monthly luncheon

The Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce held its monthly meeting March 28 at the Pelham Civic Complex.

1. Freddy Ard and Sheriff Chris Curry 2. Hina Patel and Jerry Wideman 3. Tyler Dawson and Ann Marie Boyd 4. Carl Orso and Lisa Berry 5. Kathy Brasher and Vicki Everett 6. Keith Mire and Charmaine Dye 7. Bob Fitzgerald and Kathy Hinsley 8. Amanda Smith, John Browning and Lynn Ray

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Chelsea Health Fair

The South Shelby Chamber of Commerce’s Chelsea Health Fair was held March 31 at Liberty Baptist Church.

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1. Yasmin Ali, Noor Ali and Jalal Meghjani 2. Maggie Owens and Diane Hughes 3. Mitizy Kelly and Kaylor Lee 4. Jenny Mullaly and Blake Scozzaro 5. Daulat Daulat and Shirin Cherenia 6. Keith Mire and Emily English 7. Charlie Greene, Maleia Kromer, Danielle Kromer and Steve Thomas

7 June 2012

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Hoover Egg drop

Several area churches teamed up to hold an Easter egg helicopter drop at Veterans Park April 7.

1. Beth, Cayla, Mitchell and Emily Drennen 2. Olivia Seals, Larry Nix, Jessica Nix, Parker Seals and Kristen Seals 3. Cher and Shelby Graham 4. David, Rebecca and Cheri Segars 5. Matt McCullough, Tara Beaird, Molly McCullough and Caroline Beck 6. Kaleb Carson and Braden Miller 7. Courtney Mefford and Jessica Carson 8. Meredith and Brantley Padgett 9. Youanna Breckenridge, Elle Taylor, Abby Lemp, Nicole Breckenridge, Kyle Lemp and Connie Lemp

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Montevallo Art Walk

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The Montevallo Art Walk was held in downtown Montevallo on March 31.

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1. Jim and Charlotte McFarland 2. Vicki Strong and Tara Osborn 3. Penny and Hannah Adamson 4. Cynthia and Grace Stermer 5. Rachel Hall and Ali Lake 6. Janet and John Sugg 7. Lisa and Roger Templin 8. Keith and Rebecca Bidwell 9. Denise Poole-Cahela and Melanie Poole

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Walk With Me 2012

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Easter Seals of the Birmingham area held its annual Walk With Me event at Veterans Park in Alabaster on March 31.

1. Claire and Ashley Robinett and Susanne Harris 2. Joe McLaughlin, Jamie Jones and Julie McLaughlin 3. Dana Claburn and Kesha McCollough 4. Kim Boyd and Josh Clark 5. Jenni Cooper and Scott Lewis 6. Monica Stalling and Shannon Colquitt 7. Mike and Shirley Ogburn 8. Clark, Josh and Caroline Hale 9. Ashley Gilmore and Nancy Daugherty

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Shelby County’s Best BBQ Cookoff 2012 The Shelby County Best BBQ Cookoff was held March 30 in downtown Columbiana.

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1. Rick and Debbie Ingram 2. James Henry and Jae Cates 3. JC Burgess, Bill Annonio and Gary Bradberry 4. Jon Lauderdale, Stacy Walkup and Donna Smelcer 5. Linley and Laura Katherine Sparks 6. Mike and Lynn Jared 7. Rodney, Sasha and Rose Glassman 8. Roger and Nan Self, Joe and Connie LaRock and Russ and Lindsey Allison

June 2012

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Oak Mountain State Park Easter egg hunt

Oak Mountain State Park held a community Easter egg hunt on April 7.

1. Mahesh and Eshika Kudravalli 2. Greg and Mia Natello 3. Kate Godfrey, Sophie Byler and Lily Byler 4. Jennifer, Justin and Nancy Orduno 5. Aliya, Renee, Gianna and Mike Davito 6. Marley and Nicole McLaughlin 7. Krissy and Koslyn Chism 8. Matt, Ayla and Renee Dohn 9. Ethan McAnally and Polly Metcalf

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10. Juliana, Natalie and Eleanor Edwards 11. Quest, Jarralynne, Trey and Dr. Bob Agee 12. Molly Dolbear, Emily Hagan and Norm Hagan 13. Nya Conely and Samarian Jemison 14. Chet, Zack and Karla Lovelace 15. Delaney Wilson and Madisyn Rutherford 16. Christie and Hayden Johnson 17. Katelyn Howard and Ashlee Austin

June 2012

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Primrose Spring Fling

The Primrose Schools Spring Fling 5k Run was held at Hoover’s Veterans Park March 31.

1. Rachel, Weston and Ron Holt 2. Jeff Falone, Kevin Harper and Brandon Field 3. Elizabeth Bray and Laura Wedgworth 4. Jennifer and Chris Yeaton 5. Elizabeth and Andy Tillery 6. Cam Higgins and Jennifer Huffstutler 7. Mera and Chris Price 8. Hayden, David, Melissa and Samantha Finch 9. Ronny and Russell Murphy

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10. Sam, Ramirez and Stacy Campbell 11. Meredith Locker, Courtney Sims, Stephen Sims, Heather Falgout and Marissa Funderburk 12. Lee and Randy Schwartzenburg 13. Drew Field and Webb Harper 14. Regina, Jaime and Andres Salgado 15. Porter Sims, Eric Harris and Diego Harris 16. Amber Janchus and Monica Harris 17. Kathy Dalton and Kim Wilson 18. Chris Vines and Ralph Dalton

June 2012

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Greystone Ladies Club

Charles Thompson spoke to the Greystone Ladies Club April 11 at the Founders Clubhouse in Hoover.

1. Brenda Arthur, Wanda Stone and Julie Kim 2. Carol Myers, Beth Yoder, Wilma Thompson and Nancy Nelson 3. Betty Galbraith and Nancy Nelson.

4. Paige Kyser and Mindy Boggs 5. Keeley and Denise Moore 6. Kathy and Tony Jones 7. Preston Nichols and Charles Thompson 8. Trudy Vaughn and Ginger Adams 9. Linda and Michael Adler

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10. Mechelle Wilder and Therese Haselden 11. Barbara Brickner, Hiltrud Hollibaugh and Heather Strauss 12. Alicia Cuevas and Carolyn Haynes 13. Betty Galbraith, Pam Miller, LaVerne LaRocca, Joan Zolak and Kathy Morris.

14. Mary Mueller and Bette Mills 15. Krystal Phillips and Trudy Vaughn 16. Ursula and John Norcross 17. Eleanor Hall, Janet Quick and Sylvia Stagner

16 June 2012

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Chris Hammond Celebrity Gala

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The Chris Hammond Youth Foundation Celebrity Gala and Auction Party was held April 15 at the Founders Clubhouse at Greystone Country Club.

1. Todd Green, Lynne Hammond, John Lieber and Andy Hammond 2. Neil Ramey, Brian Burnett, Jason Falkner and Todd Schafer 3. Ernie Cory and Jamie Shunnarah 4. Jonathan Nelson Jr. and Jonathan Nelson 5. Gary Sheffield and Chris Hammond 6. Bonnie Reid and Sue Ramey 7. Ben Hammond and Pete Freeman 8. Smokey Hodge, Keith Martin and Lance Evans 9. Sondra and Shannon Stephens

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Chris Hammond Celebrity golf tournament

The Chris Hammond Youth Foundation golf tournament was held April 16 at Greystone Golf and Country Club’s Founders course.

1. Zane Smith, Mike Trimeloni, Mike Holle, Alex Aubin and Andrew Manning 2. Chris Stewart, Michael Pounds, Collin Read, Patrick Gordon and Tom Miles 3. Floyd Larkin, Andre Howard, Terry Humphryes, Kyle Butts and John Lord 4. Jason Falkner, Todd Schafer, Joe Cribbs, Mark McGill and Brian Burnett 5. Bruce Collins, Antonio Langham, Phillip Austin, Mike Simmons and Warren Askew 6. Andy Hammond, Jeff Segar, Chris Vines, Peyton Osbourne and Dwayne Chapman

June 2012

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A Taste of Shelby County

The fifth annual “A Taste of Shelby County” was held April 12 at the Cahaba Grand Conference Center.

1. Kay Parish and Rick Burch 2. Lee Anne Fuller, Randy Fuller, Grace Perry and Blake Perry 3. Courtney and Kathy Dalton 4. Kelli Holmes and Jennifer Chappell 5. Lisa and James Pitts 6. Robin and David Minor 7. Jordan and Tracy Wilson 8. Aubrey Miller and Tom Howard 9. Sarah Keaten and Torrie Coghlin

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10. Derek Purifoy and Portia Osby 11. Rosie McClune and Tina Liollio 12. Stan and Wanda Spillers 13. Hannakah Rubin, John Allen, Eric Isler and John Hendricks 14. Jeremy Cherry and Amanda Smith 15. Dr. Kimberely and Elliot Carr 16. Jim and Kathy Miller 17. Erin and Tom Chelewski

16 June 2012

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Out & About

Flag Day

Ongoing

Columbiana Farmers Market: The Columbiana Farmers Market will kick off in April. It will be held every Saturday from 7 a.m.2 p.m. on West College Street. Contact Randy Glenn at 205-305-8632 for more information.

Valleydale Farmers Market: The Valleydale Farmers Market will be held on Saturdays beginning May 15 through August from 8 a.m.noon at 4601 Valleydale Road in Birmingham. Contact Jed Park at 868-4575.

Helena Movies in the Park: Movies in the Park in Helena will begin in June. Movies will be shown every Friday at the Helena Amphitheater.

Music on Main: Head to downtown Columbiana for live music every Friday night beginning in June for Music on Main.

“Paris in July” Summer Art Camp: The Shelby County Arts Council’s 2012 art camps will focus on the works of Claude Monet, Mary Cassatt and Atoni Gaudi. Professional artist teachers will teach the

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classes. featuring various art techniques, painting with plastic palette knives, making mosaics and creating with clay. Students will have projects to take home at the end of camp. Camp dates for 5-8 year olds is July 16-20 from 8:30 a.m.noon. Registration is $125/ week plus a $25 registration fee for new students. Camp dates for 9-12 year olds is July 23-27 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Registration is $195 a week plus a $25 registration fee for new students. Visit Shelbycountyartscouncil. com.

June 2

Alabaster CityFest: The 10th annual Alabaster CityFest will be held Saturday, June 2 at Alabaster’s Municipal Park. For more information, visit Alabastercityfest.com.

Get Wild!: Inside Avian Rehabilitation — Join the Alabama Wildlife Center for this special presentation by staff and volunteers as they share favorite success stories with our audience on June 2 at 2 p.m. Get a glimpse of what it’s really like to care for injured and orphaned wildlife through the eyes

Farmers Markets of the AWC rehabilitators.

This free, monthly familyoriented program promoting bird conservation and stewardship. Each program is hosted by wild bird educators and may feature one or more of our glovetrained Education Birds. Cost is free with admission to Oak Mountain State Park, 200 Terrace Drive, Pelham.

June 9

Walk for Lupus: The Lupus Foundation of America is holding a fundraiser walk June 9 at Heardmont Park.

Registration begins at 8 a.m., and walk begins at 9 a.m. Info: Walkforlupusnow birmingham.kintera.org.

June 14

Flag Day: Celebrate Flag Day at the American Village! Bring your own flag or wear an emblem of the flag. The event includes colonial dancing with Eleanor Park Custis, a retelling of Paul Revere’s famous ride, a meeting with George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, colonial games on the green and more.

Programs begin at 10 a.m. and end at 4 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults and children

ages 5 and older. American Village is located at 3727 Alabama 119 in Montevallo.

June 17-22

Young Musicians’ Camp: The University of Montevallo Young Musicians’ Camp provides students ages 1218 with superior musical instruction combined with the fun and friendship of a great summer camp. A variety of ensemble and masters class experiences are conducted by University of Montevallo music faculty and guest artists. Evening activities include swimming, field sports, cook-outs, movies and talent shows.

Individual private instruction is also available in guitar, voice, piano and instruments for an additional fee. Camp scholarships are available for the musically gifted or for those who demonstrate financial need. Important dates include the following: May 18, scholarship applicant deadline; May 25, registration packet and deposit due; June 1, final day to request funds; June 8, balance of tuition and fees due. For more information, please contact the YMC Camp Director Dr. Ted Hoffman at 205-665-6670

Out & About or YMC@montevallo.edu

June 23

St. Vincent’s Block Party: St. Vincent’s One Nineteen will host a block party and health festival June 23 from 4-8 p.m. The event will include live music, free Zumba, hula hoop classes, free health screenings and more. St. Vincent’s One Nineteen is located at 7191 Cahaba Valley Road in Hoover. Contact 205-4086600 for more information.

Ram Run: A 5k race will be held Jun 23 at 8 a.m. at Oak Mountain State Park, 200 Terrace Drive, Pelham.

Registration costs $20 for a regular participant, $15 for a University of Mobile alumni and $10 for a current University of Mobile student with student identification.

June 29

Liberty Day Celebration: Head to downtown Columbiana for a weekend of celebrations. The event includes arts, crafts, food, children’s carnival and activities, classic cars cruisein, Hall of Memories, Miss Shelby County and Miss Alabama signing autographs, fireworks and more.

Two Sisters Exhibit: The Shelby County Arts Council will feature the paintings of Diane Ellis and the pottery of Sylvia McDonald this summer. The opening reception will be Friday, June 29 6-8 p.m., and the exhibit will be on display June 21July 31 Monday-Thursday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Exhibit sponsor is Dr. Stancil Handley.

June 30

Helena Fourth of July: The City of Helena will host a Fourth of July celebration with live music and fireworks on June 30. Visit Cityofhelena.org.

Liberty Day Luncheon: The Vignette Club will host a Liberty Day Luncheon at Donald Real Estate honoring Miss Shelby County (and her sponsors), Miss Alabama and Miss Shelby County Outstanding Teen. All three will autograph on Main Street from 1-3 p.m. and will be in the Liberty Day parade.

July 4

Independence Day at The American Village: Enjoy fun, food and fireworks at The American Village on July 4 to celebrate the nation’s 235th birthday. See and hear

George Washington, Patrick Henry, Abigail Adams, Thomas Jefferson and visit with Teddy Roosevelt in his magnificent White House East Room. Watch the elegant Independence Ball as costumed interpreters dance to all the latest 18th century tunes accompanied by the Colonial Consort.

Entertainment includes stilt walking from Tom Foolery, sword-swallowing from Dan Meyer and the entertaining clockwork clown, as well as old-fashioned family entertainment like pie-eating contests and sack races. Act of Congress will provide evening entertainment followed by fireworks with patriotic music from The Montevallo Community Band. Gates open at 11 a.m. and programs begin at noon. Admission for adults and children age 5 and over is $5. All active military and veterans enter free. The American Village is located at 3727 Alabama 119 in Montevallo.

July 6

Miss Hoover Pageant: The sixth annual Miss Hoover Pageant will be held Friday, July 6 at 7 p.m. at Spain Park High School, 4700 Jaguar Drive, Hoover.

July 11

Big Time Summer Tour: The Big Time Summer Tour, featuring Big Time Rush, Cody Simpson and Rachel Crow will begin performing at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, July 11, at the Oak Mountain Amphitheatre in Pelham.

July 28

A Red Tie Affair: The Shelby County Chapter of the American Red Cross will host A Red Tie Affair to honor local individuals who have had an extraordinary impact on the community or have demonstrated the values of courage, character, humanity or personal initiative.

Members of the county are invited to nominate a local hero for consideration.

Areas of consideration when identifying a hero for nomination include: youth, public safety, animal, education, senior adult, work place, military and health care. Please send nominations to herbert.orise@redcrossal. org. Support the Red Cross by attending A Red Tie Affair, July 28 at 7 p.m. at the Pelham Civic Complex. For ticket information call (205) 987-2792 or email herbert. orise@redcrossal.org. l

Ram Run

Independence Day at The American Village June 2012

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Why I LOVE Shelby County

Senator Cam Ward:

‘Listen more to others. There is always a lot to learn.’

Veterans Park are two of my favorite places.

Q: Why did you decide to seek elected office?

A: I served on staff for several officials before I ran for office myself. The decision was ultimately based upon my desire to have an impact on the public debate dealing with issues I saw statewide. I felt that I could have a bigger impact on the issues I cared about more in the legislature than some other area of government.

Q: What do you think is the most overlooked issue facing the state right now?

A: The corrections system in Alabama is a ticking time bomb. At 193 percent capacity, this system is literally on the verge of having the federal courts intervene in how we run our prisons. This would cost our state hundreds of millions of dollars and put public safety in danger.

D

Written by KATIE MCDOWELL Photograph by JON GOERING

rawn to public service after working for other elected officials, Sen. Cam Ward has served Shelby County in the Alabama Senate since 2010. Prior to that, the senator, who has a bachelor’s degree from Troy University and a law degree from Cumberland School of Law, served two terms in the Alabama House of Representatives. Ward lives in Alabaster with his wife, Julie, and their daughter, Riley.

Q: Are you from Shelby County? If not, how did you discover Shelby County?

A: I did not grow up in Shelby County. I moved here after graduating from Cumberland Law School. My wife and I have lived here ever since. Also, both our families have moved to Shelby County in the last

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several years.

Q: What is the most underrated aspect of living in Shelby County?

A: There is large amount of green space available to the public. Some of the best parks in the state are right here in our local community.

Oak Mountain and Alabaster’s

Q: What has serving as an elected official taught you about yourself?

A: I learn something new everyday in this job. I have learned that you have to patience and tolerance for differing views. I was not sure I had this ability but over time I have grown into a role of listening to both sides of an issue.

Q: What is the proudest moment of your career?

A: When I was named Easter Seals State Elected Official of the Year for the entire country.

My wife and daughter accepted the honor on my behalf. It was such an honor to be recognized for my work on helping those with developmental disabilities.

I was very proud that my wife and daughter were such a big part of this honor.

Q: How do you unwind after a stressful day of work?

A: Two things actually. I enjoy exercising, and I like doing yard work. They both seem therapeutic for the stress.

I am sure people would look at me oddly when I say I enjoy working in the yard, but it is definitely a stress reliever to me.

Q: Where do you see Shelby County in 10 years?

A: I think it will be a community in transition. With growth continuing and more people moving from Jefferson County into our community it will put a strain on our infrastructure. We will need to plan for continued growth and how we continue to provide the quality of life that attracted so many people to our community in the first place.

Q: Who is your role model?

A: My mentor and close friend Mike Hill. He originally encouraged me to run for office in 2002. He and his wife Carol have been a real influence on my family’s life. I could not have navigated the legislative process without Mike. The respect for him on both sides of political aisle in Montgomery makes him a great teacher and role model.

Q: What are your hobbies?

A: I enjoy collecting political memorabilia. At last count I think I have more than 2,500 buttons and posters now.

Q: What advice would you give your 18-year-old self?

A: Listen more to others.

There is always a lot to learn. l

Welcome to the good life. Welcome to Shelby Living!

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Hilltop Montessori students take learning outdoors

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Farmers markets kick off across the county

College NTig oht p the oldest homecom tradition in the couning try

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Montevallo’s organic paradise

Table treats your dog can eat

SHELBY Living

e yea Arts & Culture n o r fo es u s s i Local Fashions 12 Unique Home Features Monthly calendar of events and happenings

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