Shelby Living March 2013

SHELBY Living Take flight!

masked lady

Montevallo’s

Bird migration signals start of spring

2013 Summer Camp Guide

Planting time

March 2013 • $4.95

Start working on your garden now for pretty spring blooms

Frat Collection

The

Alabaster native’s finds success with T-shirt company March 2013 | 1

Play & Stay www.facebook.com/pages/City-of-Pelham

in Pelham

www.pelhamonline.com

2 | ShelbyLiving.com

March 2013 | 3

FROM THE EDITOR

S

pring is not here yet, but I am ready for the warmer weather.

Shelby County is gorgeous in spring. The sprawling land that makes this area such a draw for new residents bursts into color. I’m ready to see green grass, blue (not gray) skies and flowers of every color.

This month’s issue of Shelby Living brings you a promise of the fun that warmer days will bring.

The spring bird migration is always a sure sign that winter is making its retreat. The Alabama Wildlife Center shared times and places to look for winter birds leaving and summer birds arriving in Shelby County. Check it out on page 24.

It’s not too early to start thinking about those long summer days, especially if you have kids. We rounded up a guide to Shelby County summer camps on page 28.

Think soccer camps at SportsBlast 280, camping at the Kanawahala Program Center, nature programs at Parnell Library in Montevallo and themed camps at the local YMCAs. There is no shortage of things to do when school lets out, but don’t wait too long to register!

April showers bring May flowers … but not if you don’t prepare your garden first!

We talked to several local gardening centers about what preparation you need to take to make your garden grow. Check out their tips on page 40.

That’s not all we have in this issue. Don’t miss out on the story about The Frat Collection, a T-shirt company founded by Alabaster native Nathan Pearce while he was still in college. He’s only 22 now and has seen tremendous success thanks to his ingenuity and hard work.

Don’t forget to email your story ideas to us! Also, make sure to follow Shelby Living on Facebook. We regularly post event photos and links to stories we think will interest you.

I hope everyone has a happy spring!

Katie McDowell, Editor

Katie.McDowell@ShelbyLiving.com ON THE COVER

Artist Sarah Jackson poses with a handmade mask on the University of Montevallo’s campus.

Cover design: Amy Baldis Photography: Jon Goering

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

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

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

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

4 | ShelbyLiving.com

WHAT’S INSIDE

features 14 The arT Of living sculpTures Montevallo resident creates distinctive leather masks

14

20

The fraT cOllecTiOn Alabaster native finds success with T-shirt company

24

Take flighT Birds return to Shelby County for spring

28

2013 camp guide Shelby County offers a range of summer camps

March 2013 | 5

WHAT’S INSIDE

10

58

40 in every issue gardening 7

The simple life

8

shOrT sTOries

60

shelby spOTTed

80

OuT & abOuT

82

why i lOve shelby cOunTy

40

hOw dOes yOur garden grOw? Tips for gardeners who are ready to start planting now

44

planTing Time Start working on your garden now if you want pretty spring blooms

home & food 46

simply The besT Greystone couple celebrates almost two decades in the neighborhood

54

The gaThering place Bernie’s on Main offers great food and small-town charm

58

full-flavOred decadence Michele Hill shares the secret behind the perfect crepe

arts & culture 10

Old can be new again Helena resident creates “rethunk junk”

12

reading rOOm Melissa Dixon shares her love of reading and teaching

13

wriTing ficTiOn Award-winning author to host workshops in March

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44 Check out a selection of gardening supplies from local stores!

THE SIMPLE LIFE

Spring Clean a Closet

W

hen the season changes, it signals a good time to reorganize and purge the most lived-in areas of our home, such as garages, basements, and closets. Let’s start with spring cleaning a bedroom closet that is full of clothes you won’t Lisa Phillips, owner of SimpleWorks, need for a few months.

Simpleworksmtsp.com start by evaluating every lisa@simpleworksmtsp.com piece in your closet. Do I like 205.981.7733 this? Did I wear it? What can stay in the closet and what needs to be moved out due to the weather? Seasonal switching of closets happen more up North than down South because we can wear most of our clothes year-round.

Try it on. Many times our closets hold clothes and shoes because we did not want to take the time to try something on.

Sometimes we just don’t want to make a decision about what to do with something. Be honest, do you have more space or time? invest in good hangers. “Flocked” are space efficient, sturdy and perfect for those garments that just can’t seem to “hang on.” You can almost double the space in your closet by using the same hanger style throughout. hanger trick. Start the season by hanging all of your clothes with the hanger head pointing “out.” After you wear it, turn the hanger head as you normally would with it facing “in” towards the wall. At the end of the season, you can easily see what you did or didn’t wear. What is still facing “out” … out it goes for good.

Organize your closet with “like with like.” Group blouses, pants, etc. together. Then organize by color. Hang the garments with the “front” of the clothes facing you as you open the closet. enough is enough. Consider adapting the “one in, one out” rule. Before you buy another pair of shoes, which pair will you move out of the closet?

The acronym for SPACE is a simple way to remember five steps to organizing any area. sort, purge, assign a home, containerize, equalize.When you implement these tips, you will have a closet that is organized and streamlined with room to spare! Now, on to the garage. It’s that simple. l

When the season changes, it signals a good time to reorganize and purge the most lived-in areas of your home

March 2013 | 7

SHORT STORIES

Stone named SSCC executive director

CHS Eagle Band marches in presidential inaugural parade The Calera High School Eagle Band marched in the 57th Presidential Inaugural Parade in Washington, D.C. on Jan. 21.

The Presidential Inaugural Committee notified the Calera High School Eagle Band that it been selected to participate in the parade Dec. 18.

According to Calera High Band Booster

President Cindy Glass, out of the 2,800 applications submitted, only one band from each state is chosen to participate.

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

— christine boatwright

The South Shelby Chamber of Commerce has named April Stone its new executive director.

Stone began her work with the South Shelby Chamber on Feb. 1. Previously, she served as the director of community and workforce development at Stone the Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce.

“Hiring April was a unanimous decision. We are very excited she has accepted,” said Chamber President Donna Smelcer.

Stone said she, too, is excited about working with the South Shelby Chamber.

“I have always enjoyed visiting Columbiana and am really looking forward to working in and with the South Shelby communities every day. I’m excited to work with community leaders, government leaders, everyone. We live in a great county and I am very fortunate and honored to have this opportunity.”

— Jan griffey

Alabaster YMCA opens $1.7 million expansion The Alabaster YMCA recently opened its $1.7 million expansion.

The 18,000-square-foot addition more than doubled the size of the building, which was a former Body Shop gym purchased by the YMCA in 2010.

The new addition features a new YMCA-themed main entrance on the western side of the building, a few multipurpose meeting rooms, concrete floors, a large gym, new locker rooms, an indoor whirlpool and an outdoor wheelchairaccessible swimming pool.

— neal wagner 8 | ShelbyLiving.com

Hoover resident donates $500k to Remy Fund The Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham has announced a gift of $500,000 from Hoover philanthropist Ken Jackson to the Remy Fund for Pets and Animal Services. Jackson, founder of the Remy Fund, said he made the gift to increase the ability of the fund to support animal-related programs that provide rescue/shelter services, spay/neuter services and animalassisted therapy.

“We know the needs are great,” Jackson said, “and we want to be able to increase our grants over time.” In its first two years, the Remy Fund of the Community Foundation awarded $40,000 in grants. Nonprofit organizations can submit applications for next cycle of Remy Fund grants starting April 1.

Jackson established the Remy Fund with an initial $250,000 gift and named it in honor of his late dog, Remy.

“I have seen such a difference that we have been able to make already with grants to organizations that are doing great work with traditional companion animals – cats, dogs and horses,” Jackson said. “This whole experience has been so rewarding that I wanted to do more.”

The Remy Fund is open for donations online through the “Donate Now” button at Foundationbirmingham.org or by check to the Community Foundation for the Remy Fund, 2100 First Avenue North, Birmingham, AL 35203.

— staff reports

Big names to headline amphitheatre in 2013 An alternative rock group and three country musicians have scheduled shows at Pelham’s Oak Mountain Amphitheatre, according to their tour schedules.

The Dave Matthews Band, Keith Urban, Tim McGraw and Luke Bryan are all scheduled to take the stage in Pelham this year.

The Dave Matthews Band, an alternative rock band, is scheduled to perform at the Amphitheatre on Saturday, April 6.

Opening for DMB will be Vintage Trouble.

Tim McGraw will take the stage May 2, Luke Bryan will perform July 11 and Keith Urban is scheduled for Aug. 22. For more information, visit the individual performers’ websites.

— neal wagner March 2013 | 9

ARTS & CULTURE

Everything old can be new again Story and Photographs by laura brOOkharT

T

he business card of Amy Perryman Gunter, owner and creator of JAM’s Garage, states her blended, eclectic styling to be “Creating Rethunk Junk.”

Gunter, a Helena resident for 12 years with husband, Jason, and daughter Maggie, grew up in Cahaba Heights in a family of three children. Her mother dressed the family, by necessity, from local yard sales.

“She dressed us in clothes that I didn’t necessarily like, so I remade them, especially the ones handed down from my sisters,” Gunter said.

“I went through a lot of different styles, hippie, punk, and I once shaved off half my hair and sported several ear piercings.

I loved to add flowers and embellishments to everything,” she added. “There is also a part of me that gravitates to Victoriana.”

Gunter finds her full time job as a marketing director to be of value as she has moved into selling the products of her creative pursuits.

“I know that anybody works for what they get. I believe it is important to be informed and serious, whatever the product. After establishing trust, being real and telling the story behind the item, someone who is interested is likely to buy.”

That said, when Gunter goes to play with her stash of possibilities, she said, “I make what I like.”

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PAGE 10: Helena resident Amy Gunther creates jewelry and art out of repurposed items. . ABOVE: These cuff bracelets were created from repurpsed pins and broaches.

In her day job, Gunter travels a lot and always searches out the local resale shops and thrift stores. A family trip means a stop at most every flea market along the way – sometimes obscure places off the beaten track.

Her discerning eye tells her immediately of a find’s possibilities. She also emphasizes function in her conversions – old frames and printer’s type trays are repurposed to hold jewelry or keys or dry erase boards.

The fabrics used were likely tablecloths or, occasionally pillowcases, and all are vintage. She also buys random items that she composes into shadowbox montages.

Since she began showing at local festivals, she has added jewelry items reflecting a Steampunk influence.

“My style combines non-dressy, simple shapes with rhinestones to add bling. Fashion is artistic in nature, but I find functional sells best,” she said.

“Being the perfectionist I am, when someone buys my creation, it’s the ultimate compliment.”

This past year JAM’s Garage (JAM stands for Jason, Amy and Maggie) had a booth at Whistle Stop Festival in Irondale, Art on the Green at Ross Bridge, where she received third place in mixed media, and Soho Christmas Bazaar at Rosewood Hall. She also contributes to the Children’s Hospital Fundraiser. You also can find her creations at Helena Mercantile and Easy Street in Pelham.

Follow JAM online at Etsy.com/shop/JAMsGarage and Jamsgarage.net/blog.html. l March 2013 | 11

ARTS & CULTURE

Reading Room: Melissa Dixon Photograph by JOn gOering

M

elissa Dixon teaches 12th grade English at Oak Mountain High School.

She and her husband, Charles, live in Inverness and have two children. Dixon graduated from Briarwood Christian School and majored in mass communications and earned a master’s of education at the University of Montevallo.

what drew you to shelby county?

I live in Inverness. My father was one of the builders of the neighborhood, and we were the third house completed in 1972, I think. When I married, I returned to the neighborhood to raise my boys in the very area that I so fondly loved as a child. why do you love to read?

Reading is my escape. Of course, who ever heard of an English teacher who doesn’t love to read? But for me, I can wrap myself into a good book and forget the problems of the world for a little while.

I can easily become engrossed in the variety of characters and pretend for just a moment that life isn’t as difficult as it seems to be. I will never own a device like a Kindle because there is nothing better than turning the page of classic novel. what’s the first book you remember loving?

Hands down “To Kill A Mockingbird” by Harper Lee. I was 13 years old and leaving

a friend’s house in Texas for a long car ride back home. My friend’s mother, who was an English teacher, gave it to me and told me it would change my life. It did. My dream is to one day sit down with Lee and thank her for such an amazing insight so many decades ago of the South by revealing the true goodness in people when times are contentious and historically charged. what are your favorite types of books?

I love classic literature. I’m always searching for something that I can use as a reference in my English classes. I read very few contemporary novels, and I especially stay away from authors who seem to crank out a novel every year.

why did you decide to pursue a literary career?

My husband told me that I’m always correcting people’s vocabulary or pointing out grammatical mistakes. I was the kid who loathed playing school when I was younger, but now as an adult, I’m happiest in the classroom. I love what I discover in literature. I teach AP literature and senior English, so I have such meaningful conversations with my students and such a great rapport with these young adults. I can talk all day about “The Great Gatsby,” Julius Caesar, and Frankenstein and how they relate to society today. I also teach journalism and advise the yearbook, which is the creative outlet in my day.

Melissa’s Reading Recommendations: To kill a mockingbird by harper lee I remember receiving this novel as a gift from an English teacher when I was in middle school, and it changed my life. Ironically, I became an English teacher as well and joyfully taught the novel for many years.

12 | ShelbyLiving.com

The holy bible No words can describe the impact it has had on my life.

The gifted by anna kathryn davis This is the first novel by a former student of mine who graduated last year. It was released just days ago, and I was humbled to receive an advanced copy. It is a beautifully written story, one of three she has planned in the series. I highly recommend it.

ARTS & CULTURE

Award-winning author to host writing workshops in March Story by Terri sullivan

R

obert Inman, an awardwinning novelist, playwright and screenwriter, will offer adult and student writing workshops in Shelby County in March.

Workshop attendees will discuss the essential elements of storytelling – character, plot, setting, voice and dialogue – and look at how those elements work together to produce a vibrant, charactercentered story. Inman will also discuss the practical aspects of publishing, including agents, editors and marketing. The goal will be to provide supportive, nurturing and positive input for each participant.

“My workshop will concentrate on character-driven fiction. I believe that all stories are about people,” he said.

Inman is a native of Elba, where he began his writing career in junior high school with his hometown weekly newspaper. He later developed his skills at The University of Alabama.

His latest novel, “The Governor’s Lady,” will be published in September 2013 and draws on Inman’s experiences as press secretary under Governors George and Lurleen Wallace. Other novels are “Home Fires Burning” (made into a Hallmark Hall of Fame movie), “Old Dogs and Children,” “Dairy Queen Days” and “Captain Saturday.”

Inman’s first stage play, the musical

Robert Inman will host writing workshops for adults and students in March.

comedy “Crossroads,” had its world premiere in 2003 at Blowing Rock Stage Company. His playwriting credits include “The Christmas Bus,” “Dairy Queen Days,” “Welcome to Mitford,” “A High Country Christmas Carol,” “The Christmas Bus: The Musical” and “The Drama Club.”

Inman has written screenplays for six motion pictures for television. His script for “The Summer of Ben Tyler,” a Hallmark production, won the Writers’ Guild of America Award for best original television screenplay in 1997.

The Shelby County Arts Council and Pelham Public Library partnered to host

the workshops, which will be held March 4-8. Student workshops will be held at Pelham and Calera high schools at no cost to the schools. The adult workshops will be limited to 20 and offered during the evenings at Pelham library.

The SCAC secured grant funding from the Alabama Humanities Foundation and SouthArts to pay for the student programs and a free community reading.

Register online at Shelbycountyartscouncil.com or at the Pelham library. A free community reading will be Wed, March 6 at 6:30 p.m. at the SCAC gallery, 104 Mildred Street, Columbiana l

Send us your Shelby County events for our

SHELBY Living calendar!

Email Katie.mcdowell@shelbyliving.com

March 2013 | 13

ARTS & CULTURE

The art of living

sculptures

Story by chrisTine bOaTwrighT Photographs by JOn gOering and sarah JacksOn

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PAGE 14: Sarah Jackson uses her middle name, Joy, and her bright red hair to distinguish herself in the art world.

ABOVE: Jackson began making her leather masks about a year ago.

A

rtist Sarah Jackson pulls inspiration from the most unlikely places. She loves Steampunk, which applies modern technology to a Victorian-era setting, art nouveau, the French author

Jules Verne and British science fiction television show “Doctor Who.” Jackson’s diverse interests filter into her unique art style. A photographer, painter and sculpture, Jackson’s current passion involves creating leather masks.

While sitting in Eclipse Coffee and Books in Montevallo, Jackson, with expressive blue eyes, wrapped her hands around her coffee mug and explained how she created “practical, living sculptures” through leatherworking.

March 2013 | 15

Last year, the Greater Birmingham Humane Society petitioned artists to design a poster for its first Jazz Cat Ball fundraiser, and Jackson’s design was chosen.

The Humane Society then asked artists to create masks from different materials to auction off at the Mardi Gras-themed event.

Jackson decided to experiment with leather for her mask contribution.

“My husband’s hobby is blacksmithing. He makes knives and leather sheathes for his knives,” Jackson said.

Jackson, a Montevallo resident, visited Tandy Leather Factory Store in Hoover for a quick education in leatherworking.

“They told me, ‘Just play with it, run with it and see what you can do,’” Jackson said.

Jackson, a theater major from the University of Montevallo, thinks of the leather as clay.

“I call them sculpture masks,” she said. “When you wet the leather, it dries and stays in that shape permanently. I figured out the recipe to make masks.”

To create the masks, Jackson first designs a pattern that she traces onto 16 | ShelbyLiving.com

CLOCKWISE FROM FAR LEFT: Steampunkery Mask is on display at Blue Phrog Gallery in Montevallo. Jackson dons her OrchidStra mask, which she made from leather, acrylic paint, feathers and silk flowers. Inspired by fire, the Inferno Mask was created with acrylics, leather, loose tea, gold and copper leafing and satin cord. Dragonfly Mask was created from leather, glass beads, acrylics, silk flower petals, gold and copper leafing and glitter.

Jackson’s daughter, Gannon, models the mask.

March 2013 | 17

the leather. She cuts out the design and puts the leather through a “wet moulding process.” Afterward, the leather is “like pipe cleaner. You can do anything,” Jackson said.

“Everybody went crazy over it. By then, I was addicted to it,” she said.

A year later, Jackson said she pulls inspiration from her “family of bookworms,” which includes children Aidan, Gannon and Quinn, and her husband of 16 years, Jimmy.

“I’m still learning as I go. What I envision in my mind is pushing me to hone my craft,” she said. “I’m one of those people who believes in failure.

To me, failure is my education. My best work has come from terrible failure.”

Jackson’s craft extends into other artistic arenas. She won first place in the altered category of the Smithsonian Institute’s 2011-2012 International Photography competition for her photograph, “Negative Octopus,” beating out 268,000 entries from more than 90 countries. She also placed in the top 20 for Sony’s DSLR photography contest in 2011.

The daughter of an artist and a draftsman, Jackson grew up in an artistic home, and has spent the majority of her life testing her painting abilities. Jackson, a self-proclaimed “hermit artist,” paints in her spare time, though she reserves her paintings for personal enjoyment or as gifts for

Jackson used acrylics and silk flowers to create the Candyskull Mask.

friends.

Today, she mentors budding artists and encourages them to embrace their talent.

“Most artists I have met, they have no idea they are as gifted as they are. They forget that what they can do is a gift or

21 Weatherly Club Drive Alabaster, AL 35007 205-663-4111 • Fax: 205-663-4134 www.joesitalianonline.com

18 | ShelbyLiving.com

talent that others can’t do, and I love reminding them of that,” she said.

Jackson’s masks currently are on display at the Blue Phrog Gallery, which is located at 955 Main Street in Montevallo. To view more of Jackson’s artwork, visit Sarahjoyart.com. l

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March 2013 | 19

The

Frat

Collection Alabaster native finds success with T-shirt company

W

Story by neal wagner Photographs by cOnTribuTed

hen Alabaster resident and longtime local auctioneer Chip Pearce heard his son’s business plan, he initially had much skepticism.

Shortly after Chip’s son, Nathan, graduated from Millsaps College in Jackson, Miss., in 2012, he told his dad he planned to make a living selling T-shirts and other clothing items.

“I’ve always told my boys ‘You can be anything in the world you want to be after you graduate college, but until then you’re going to work as an auctioneer with me,” Chip said. “So when he graduated, I said ‘Nathan, it’s time to make a decision.’

“When he said, ‘Dad, I’m going into the T-shirt business,’ I said ‘Oh no, you’re not,’” Chip added with a laugh.

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But soon after seeing the early success Nathan was having with his upstart clothing line, Chip soon changed his mind.

“They were skeptical, but I know they were just looking out for us,” Nathan said. “There’s always a risk involved in a business like this.”

Today, the business Nathan and his fraternity brother, Peter Rafferty, founded — The Frat Collection — has grown from modest beginnings in their college rental home to a nationwide phenomenon.

The Frat Collection’s genesis came when Nathan and Peter purchased a screen-printing machine to help make T-shirts commemorating fraternity and sorority functions at Millsaps.

“We made a little money doing that, but there is so much competition doing screen printing. We couldn’t compete with some of the bigger companies,” said Nathan, a Kingwood Christian

CLOCKWISE FROM FAR LEFT: “The Chapel Hill” is a twotoned sports shirt featuring white Oxford and blue gingham. The company’s first shirts were long-sleeved with patterned front pockets.

Popular sellers include shirts featuring a school’s colors, like “The Auburn.”

School alumnus.

But during their screen printing days, Nathan and Peter started sewing their own pockets onto the front of long-sleeve T-shirts in an effort to provide something other clothing retailers didn’t offer.

From there, the business partners knew they had found their niche. After seeing how popular the pocketed shirts were, Nathan and Peter hired another one of their fraternity brothers to start sewing pockets onto T-shirts during his spare time.

As demand for the pocketed shirts grew, the business partners eventually hired seamstresses off Craigslist.com and set them up in an apartment unit in Jackson. In May 2012, Thefratcollection.com went live and started taking orders. Business was soon booming.

“It was like we woke up one day and we had a ton of sales,” Nathan said. “We actually couldn’t keep up with sales with just the seamstresses.”

March 2013 | 21

While looking for a way to keep up with demand, Nathan and Peter ran across the small city of Tylertown in southern Mississippi.

“They had three sewing manufacturers there, and two had already closed,” Chip said. “The third one was doing some government contract work and was barely keeping the doors open. When Nathan approached the plant, the general manager flipped out.”

“We’ve had a great relationship with them, and we couldn’t be happier,” said Nathan, who makes regular trips to Tylertown to offer hands-on help at the plant.

The Frat Collection allows shoppers to create their own custom T-shirts with pockets featuring everything from houndstooth patterns to state flags. In late 2012, the company started offering buttonup dress and sport shirts, some of which are two-tone and feature college colors.

22 | ShelbyLiving.com

“There are over 100,000 pocket-shirt combinations on our website,” Nathan said.

Word-of-mouth advertising and campus representatives have quickly spread the company’s popularity nationwide, and sales have been on the rise since its launch.

The weekend after Thanksgiving 2012, the company processed more than 100,000 orders, Chip said. The Frat Collection also donates 10 percent of its proceeds on every shirt to the charity of the buyer’s choice.

Although Nathan, 22, recently graduated, his former professors at Millsaps College have already invited him back to speak in the business and entrepreneurship classes he took as a student.

“We feel so blessed and so fortunate to be where we are today,” Nathan said.

As for Chip, the skepticism he initially felt about his son’s business plans has given way to a great sense of pride.

“He has touched so many lives. He has made us all proud,” Chip said. l

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Friends and family members visit Nathan Pearce, fourth from left, at a factory in Tylertown, Miss. to help him fill a flood of Frat Collection orders for the Christmas season. Models pose in the T-shirts for The Frat Collection’s promotional photos. The company now sells shirts for women, men and children.

“The Tuscaloosa” features red and grey gingham.

March 2013 | 23

www.facebook.com/VintageInteriors.com

24 | ShelbyLiving.com

Take Birds return to Shelby County for spring

B

flight

Story by kaTie mcdOwell Photographs by JOn gOering and cOnTribuTed

eginning in March, the first of Alabama’s birds will return during the spring migration.

They will have traveled thousands of miles from tropical and humid locales in Mexico and South America. They fly for weeks at a time, perhaps even a month, until they reach their final destination.

Scores of bird species return to Alabama during the spring migration, Alabama Wildlife Center Education Director Jay Eubanks said.

“Early March is when you’re going to see the first birds start to make their way back. Most of them will be here for sure by the end of April,” he said.

Returning birds include Mississippi Kites, Indigo Buntings, Blue Grosbeak, Purple Martins, Yellow-billed Cuckoos, Broad-winged Hawks, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, Warblers and Orchard and Baltimore Orioles.

“Warblers are really the target for a lot of bird watchers. They are very beautiful,” Eubanks said.

Birds that depart from Alabama in

the spring include Dark-eyed Juncos, Cedar Waxwings and Swallow-tailed Kites. These birds will travel to the northern United States or even Canada for the summer.

Many of Alabama’s migrating birds go to Mexico or South America. Mississippi Kites migrate to southern Brazil, Paraguay and northern Argentina, while Ruby-throated hummingbirds winter in southern and central Mexico.

Many aspects of bird migration are still a mystery, Eubanks said. The start of the fall migration seems to be triggered by shortened days and temperature changes, according to Outdoor Alabama’s website.

Birds typically prepare themselves by fattening up for their upcoming journey.

The need to migrate is deeply ingrained in birds. Even Natchez, an education bird at the AWC, gains weight like wild Mississippi Kites.

“He starts putting on the grams in the fall,” Eubanks said.

Once birds begin the journey, the migration process becomes murky to biologists.

However, there are several popular theories to describe how birds find their winter destination, according

PAGE 24: Natchez, a Mississippi Kite and education bird at the AWC. ABOVE: A warbler.

March 2013 | 25

LEFT: Jay Eubanks and Natchez.

ABOVE: A hummingbird.

to Outdoor Alabama. Those theories include visual orientation, the use of geographic landmarks; sun compass, the position of the sun; celestial navigation, the position of stars; and geomagnetism, the earth’s magnetic field.

When temperatures rise again, the birds return. For Alabama’s birds, the journey may be 4,000-5,000 miles.

“We know it’s at least a two-week to month-long journey,” Eubanks said. “A lot of these birds are literally crossing the Gulf of Mexico.”

The migration is a great opportunity for bird watchers to see a variety of birds. The best bird watching takes place in the morning in an area with mature trees, a water source and rock formations, Eubanks said.

However, it is possible to attract birds to your yard with a little bit of work.

Hummingbirds are the easiest to attract, but you’ll need to include a variety of feeders to draw in other birds.

“To draw in diversity to your feeders, your bag of generic wild bird feed is not enough,” Eubanks said.

He suggests adding Suet, woodpecker and thistle feeders.

“If you can get into the right habitat, you can draw them in,” he said. “A lot of people will have those birds come to their feeders.” l 26 | ShelbyLiving.com

March 2013 | 27

2013 Summer Camps After a long year of schoolwork and extra curricular activities, children can cut loose and have a blast at summer camps. Whether your child enjoys arts and crafts, riding horses or simply enjoying Mother Nature, Shelby County offers the perfect camp for a wonderfully memorable summer. alabaster ymca 117 Plaza Circle Alabaster, AL 205-663-7240 Ymcabham.org/ alsummercamp Traditional Camps Campers will experience the adventure and excitement of the outdoors daily, meet new friends, and express their growing independence under the supervision of qualified and caring YMCA camp staff. Camp activities include games, sports, field trips, crafts, songs, skits, swimming and water activities. Campers will be outdoors most of the day, except during inclement weather.

Little Explorers Dates: May 28-Aug. 16 Ages: 5 years old Fee: $110/week members, $165/ week non-members Scamper Camp Dates: May 28-Aug. 16 Ages: Grade 1 Fee: $110 Members/week members, $165/week nonmembers

28 | ShelbyLiving.com

Trailblazer Camp Dates: May 28-Aug. 16 Ages: Grades 2-5 Fee: $110 Members/week members, $165/week nonmembers Teen Scene Camp Dates: May 28 – Aug. 16 Ages: Grades 6-8 Fee: $110 Members/week members, $165/week nonmembers Nontraditional Camps Cooking Camp Dates: June 10-14 Ages: Grades K-3 Fee: $160 members, $240 nonmembers Advanced Cooking Camp Dates: June 17-21 Ages: Grades 4-8 Fee: $180 members, $240 nonmembers Wild about Wilderness Dates: June 24-28 Ages: Grades 3-8 Fee: $180 members, $260 nonmembers Sports Camps Sports camps are designed to work on existing as well as new skills for the participants registered. Each day participants will spend time in the mornings working in skills clinics, and in the afternoons they will swim and play games using the skills they worked on that morning. Camps are from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. with an early drop-off and late pick-up

option.

Volleyball Camp for girls Dates: July 29-Aug. 2 Ages: Grades 4-8 Fee: $110 members, $165 nonmembers Soccer Camp for boys and girls Dates: June 15-19 Ages: Grades K-8 Fee: $110 members, $165 nonmembers Flag Football for boys and girls Dates: June 17-21 Ages: Grades K-8 Fee: $110 members, $165 nonmembers Basketball Camp for boys and girls Dates: July 8-12 Ages: Grades K-8 Fee: $160 members, $165 nonmembers greystone ymca

5414 U.S. 280 Birmingham, AL 35242 205-981-0144 Ymcabham.org/greystone Campers will experience the adventure and excitement of the outdoors daily, meet new friends, and express their growing independence under the supervision of qualified and caring YMCA camp staff.

Camp activities include games, sports, field trips, crafts, songs, skits, swimming and water activities. Each week of traditional camp is themebased with crafts and activities.

Traditional Camps Ages: 5-11 Fees: $125/week members, $175/ week non-members Safety Week Dates: May 28-31 Field trip: Bowling at Oak Mountain Lanes

Health and Wellness Dates: June 3-7 Field trip: Jump Zone

Field trip: Montgomery Zoo Core Values Dates: June 24-28 Field trip: Blue Bell

Career Week Dates: June 10-14 Field trip: Golden Flake

History Dates: July 1-5 Field trip: American Village

Wild about Summer Camp Dates: June 17-21

Around the World Dates: July 8-12

Field trip: Talladega Motor Speedway Going Green Dates: July 15-19 Fieldtrip: Southern Environmental Center Science Dates: July 22-26 Field trip: McWane Science

Center Olympics Dates: July 29-Aug. 2 Field trip: I Jump Splash Week Dates: Aug. 5-9 Field trip: Hargis Back to School Dates: Aug. 12-16 March 2013 | 29

30 | ShelbyLiving.com

Field Trip: Tour d’Playgrounds Teen Scene Camp Dates: May 28-Aug. 16 Ages: 12-15 Fees: $123/week members, $174/week non-members Help empower your child and teach values at the same time.

The children will plan their week of volunteering and field trips.

Specialty Camps Fees: $153/week members, $217/week non-members Supply fee: $25 Time: 7 a.m.-6 p.m.

Specialty activity: 9 a.m.-noon

skills needed to become a master clay maker. With paintyour-own pottery, mosaics, tie-dye, glass fusing and silver clay, she has lots of great stuff for every artist.

Western Trails Dates: June 17-21 Ages: 7-11 Welcome to the Wild, Wild West! This new western camp will be held at a local horse ranch. They will offer learning experiences of horsemanship such as taking care of horses and ponies, tacking and grooming, and the various techniques of riding.

Band lineup: Deputy 5 Naked Eskimos M-80s The Hunter Lawley Band Rolling in the Hay The New Grass Troubadours The Sam Foster Project BT Walls

Shop ‘Til You Drop Date: May 28-31 Ages: 7-11 Do you like to shop and get pampered? This is the camp for you, and there are no boys allowed! The weekly activities will include manicures, pedicures, facials, styling hair and more! Participants will go to a different mall each day: Summit, Galleria, Pinnacle and Brookwood.

How It’s Made Dates: June 24-28 Ages: 5-11 Do you ever wonder how ice cream is made or where potato chips come from? If so, come join us on tours around the area. We will be visiting the Blue Bell factory, the Golden Flake Factory, Bud’s Best Cookies and a few other places around the city.

Cooking Secrets Dates: June 3-7 Ages: 5-11 Whether your child is interested in becoming a head chef or simply a maker of a mean pesto sauce, Cooking Secrets is a wonderful opportunity to expose your child to new foods that encourage them to expand their culinary palates and can serve as an ideal entree to culinary pursuits.

Where the Wild Things Are Dates: July 1-5 Ages: 5-11 Explore Alabama wildlife like you never have before!

Enjoy learning about the animals at the Birmingham Zoo, Montgomery Zoo, the Auburn Animal Hospital and the Harmony Park Safari Drive-thru Zoo in Huntsville.

Dive into the world of animals through songs, games, crafts and other fun activities.

Clay Dates: June 10-14 Ages: 5-11 Learn to Do-It-Yourself in Homewood! Ms. Julia will teach all the techniques and

Magical Wonders with the Magic Man Dates: July 8-12 Ages: 5-11 Join Larry the Magic Man to learn all the tricks magicians March 2013 | 31

32 | ShelbyLiving.com

use. The children will spend the week learning and perfecting their new talent.

On Friday, parents can join the summer campers to watch our new magicians perform on stage.

LEGO Master Builder Academy Dates: July 15-19 Ages: 5-11 Tips, techniques, and inside information from LEGO Master Builders! Build a shuttle launch, fighter ant, a F-1 racer, a skyscraper or anything your creative juices desire. Field trip to The Lego Store at the Galleria.

Explosions, Crashes and Catapults Dates: July 22-26 Ages: 5-11 Campers will be challenged to test their knowledge of physics by designing and building rockets, catapults, space capsules, bridges and gumdrop domes. Field trip to the McWane Science Center.

For the Love of Art Dates: July 29-Aug. 2 Ages: 5-11 Let your creativity explore the different mediums with Ms. Julia as she teaches lots of different art forms throughout the week. We’ll make our own marbled paper, paint art, print art and even sew art.

My Scrap Life Dates: Aug. 5-9 Ages: 7-11 Bring your pictures, ideas and a smile for a week-long scrapmania party! We will create a scrapbook of your choice from baby pictures, vacations or your best friends.

Mind Games Dates: Aug. 12-16 Ages: 5-11 Ever wanted to learn how to solve a Rubik’s cube? Like the challenge of a good Sudoku?

Want to improve your skills in chess? A variety of games and puzzles that require spatial reasoning and logical deduction will be presented in this camp.

Sports Camps Fees: $143/week members, $207/week non-members Each of the sports camps includes three hours of daily instructional clinics, as well as practice and games. Camp is full day with sports clinic offered from 9 a.m.-noon.

Canoeing Dates: May 28-31 Ages: 7-11 Baseball Dates: June 3-7 Ages: 5-7, 8-11 Soccer Dates: June 10-14 Ages: 5-7, 8-11 Flag Football Dates: June 17-21 Ages: 5-7, 8-11 Cheerleading/Gymnastics Dates: June 17-21 Ages: 5-7, 8-11 Bowling Dates: June 24-28 Ages: 7-11 Extreme Sports Dates: July 1-5 Ages: 7-11

SHELBY Living

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

Brenda Ladun Run

inter nt UM W enceme Comm

Email Katie.mcdowell@ shelbyliving.com with event details

Basketball Dates: July 8-12 March 2013 | 33

Ages: 5-7, 8-11 Ultimate Frisbee/ Frisbee Golf Dates: July 15-19 Ages: 7-11 Table Top Sports Dates: July 22-26 Ages: 7-11 Volleyball Dates: July 29-Aug. 2 Ages: 5-7, 8-11 Fishing Dates: Aug. 5-9 Ages: 7-11 Summer Gamers Dates: Aug. 12-16 Ages: 5-11 Pelham YMCA 2610 Pelham Parkway Pelham, AL 35124 205-664-9622 Ymcabham.org/pelham Tiny Tots Preschool Camp Dates: June 3-Aug. 2 Ages: 3-4 (must be potty trained) Fees: $68/week members, $108/ week non-members Campers will experience days filled with swimming, healthy activities, games and crafts.

Camp counselors will teach your child to discover, build skills and play together in a Christian setting. Camp will be held Tuesday-Friday from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Explorer Camp Dates: May 28-Aug. 16 Ages: Grades K-1, Grades 2-4 Fees: $83/week members, $133/ week non-members This camp is perfect for the new camper and parents who want a more affordable option for camp. Campers will enjoy songs, skits, group games, teambuilding activities, arts 34 | ShelbyLiving.com

and crafts, free swim and much more. No field trips.

Discovery Camp

Dates: May 28-Aug. 16 Fees: $103/week members, $167/week non-members Campers, in groups divided

by age, will experience the adventure and excitement of the outdoors daily, meet new friends and express their

growing independence under the supervision of qualified and caring YMCA camp staff.

Camp activities include games,

sports, field trips, crafts, songs, skits, swimming and water activities.

March 2013 | 35

Specialty Camps Each camp focuses on a specific activity and helps your child learn and develop skills related to that activity. Part of each also will be spent doing traditional camp activities like swimming, games, art, and more.

Treasure Hunters Dates: May 28-31 Ages: Grades 3-5 Fees: $126/week members, $189/week non-members Campers will spend this week using many different methods of navigation such as a trusty map and compass to a hightech GPS unit. Campers will use these devices to track down clues in a scavenger hunt culminating in a big dig at the week’s end.

New Lego Camp Dates: May 28-31 for Grades K-2, June 3-7 for Grades 3-6, June 17-21 for Grades K-2 Fees: $160/week members, $256/week non-members Campers will build ships, animals and even an amusement park! Your camper will work in a team to build the best Lego design.

Sports Camps Each of the sports camps includes two to three hours of daily instruction clinics, as well as practice and games.

Tennis Session 1: June 3-7 for Grades 2-5 Session 2: July 15-19 for Grades 1-3 Fees: $103/week for members, $165/week non-members Cheerleading 36 | ShelbyLiving.com

Dates: July 8-12 Ages: Grades K-4 Fees: $99/week members, $158/ week non-members Bowling Session 1: June 17-21 for Grades 1-3 Session 2: July 22-26 for Grades K-3 Session 3: July 29-Aug. 2 for Grades 4-6 Fees: $99/week members, $158/ week non-members Karate Dates: July 15-19 Ages: Grades 3-7 Fees: $99/week members, $158/ week non-members Archery Dates: July 22-26 Ages: Grades 4-8 Fees: $99/week members, $158/ week non-members YMCA-University of Montevallo Camps The University of Montevallo will bring their staff and players to the Pelham

YMCA instruct campers in the fundamentals, rules of the game, teamwork, skill development and more.

Campers will get one hour of swimming each day along with plenty of breaks in between.

Campers will be split into age appropriate groups.

Volleyball Dates: May 28-31 Ages: Grades 4-8 Fees: $130 members, $208 nonmembers Basketball Dates: June 10-14 Ages: Grades K-8 Fees: $130 members, $208 nonmembers Soccer Dates: June 24-28 Ages: Grades K-8 Fees: $130 members, $208 nonmembers Aquatic Camps Campers learn pool games and sports as well as aquatics safety while spending more time at

the pool than any other camp.

Four days of swim lessons are included in each aquatic camp.

Sports ‘n Splash Dates: June 17-21 Ages: Grades 2-5 Fees: $130 members, $208 nonmembers Water basketball, volleyball and water polo are just a few of the events that campers will enjoy in a friendly competitive atmosphere.

Water Works Dates: July 8-12 Ages: Grades 4-6 Fees: $145 members, $232 nonmembers Beat the heat this summer at the YMCA’s two swimming pools and Alabama Adventure!

Water slides, pool toys and noodle races are a permanent fixture in fun under the sun.

Wet-n-Wild Dates: July 29-Aug. 2 Ages: Grades K-2 Fees: $130 members, $208 nonmembers Campers will spend their days

playing fun games at the pool, having water balloon fights and doing wacky slip n’ slides.

University of Montevallo Young Musicians’ Camp Dates: June 16-21 Ages: 12-18 The UM Young Musicians’ Camp provides students with superior musical instruction combined with a great summer camp. A variety of ensemble and masters class experiences are conducted by UM music faculty and guest artists.

Evening activities include swimming, field sports, cook-outs, movies and talent shows. Camp scholarships are available. Call 205-665-6670 or contact YMC@montevallo.edu shelby county arts council 104 Mildred Street Columbiana, AL 35051 205-669-0044 Shelbycountyartscouncil.com Artists of America: From Sea to Shining Sea Session 1: July 15-19 for ages 5-8 Session 2: July 22-26 for ages 9-12 Fees: $135 for session 1, $200 for session 2 In this art camp, the artists will focus on a different American artist each day.

Monday: Georgia O’Keefe.

Tuesday: Andy Warhol.

Wednesday: John James Audobon, plein air painting day at the Alabama 4-H Center in Columbiana. Thursday: Grandma Moses. Friday: Wrap-up and art camp open house for friends and family.

The camp will last from 8:30 a.m.-noon for session 1 and 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. for session 2. hargis retreat

928 Hargis Drive Chelsea, AL 35043 205-678-6512 Ymcabham.org/HRDaycamp YMCA Hargis Retreat is situated on 200-plus wooded acres in Chelsea. Drop off begins at 8 a.m. and pick up begins at 5 p.m. Extended morning and evening times are available as early as 7 a.m. and as late as 6 p.m. Bus routes are available to several locations.

Day camps Dates: May 28-Aug. 16 Ages: Ages 5-13 Fees: $169 for members, $179 for non-members The traditional camps are held in one-week sessions and include swimming, canoeing, archery, fishing, hiking, field games, chapel, arts and crafts, team building and more.

Campers are divided into groups based on their grade and assigned a counselor at the beginning of each session.

Navigator camps The specialty camps offers give older campers a chance to either discover a new or to develop and hone skills of an existing interest. Campers spend half of the day in the specific activity and also participate in swimming and other camp activities.

Beginner Rock Climbing Dates: June 10-14, July 8-12 Ages: Grade 6 and up Fees $214 members, $250 nonmembers Advanced Rock Climbing Dates: June 22-26 Ages: Grades 6 and up Fees: $214 members, $250 nonmembers Lost and Found March 2013 | 37

205-408-6600 Onenineteen.com

Dates: June 17-21 Ages: Grades 4 and up Fees: $204 members, $240 nonmembers

Dates: July 15-19 Ages: Grades 4 and up Fees: $204 members, $240 nonmember

Dates: Two week sessions in June and July, dates TBA Ages: 8-12 Fees: $200/week

Fishing Dates: June 3-7, June 17-21 Ages: Grades 4 and up Fees: $204 members, $240 nonmembers

alabama 4-h center 892 4-H Road Columbiana, AL 669-4241 Aces.edu/4hcenter

parnell memorial library 277 Park Drive Montevallo, AL 35115 665-9207

Outdoor Survivor Dates: June 3-7, June 10-14, July 8-12, July 15-19 Ages: Grades 4 and up Fees: $214 members, $250 nonmembers

Summer camps Dates: June 3-June 21 Fees: $100 The camp is for 4-H kids and includes two- or four-nights stays with lodging, meals, a summer camp T-shirt and lots of summer fun!

Outdoor Survivor 2 Dates: June 24-28, July 22-26 Ages: Grades 4 and up Fees: $214 members, $250 nonmembers Mountain Biking Dates: June 28-28, July 29-Aug. 2 Ages: Grades 4 and up Fees: $204 members, $240 nonmembers Top Shot (Specialized Archery and BB guns) 38 | ShelbyLiving.com

stevan grebel center for dance 102 Commerce Parkway Pelham, AL 35124 205-987-7234 Grebeldance.com Senior Camp Intensive Dates: July 9-Aug. 3 Ages: 12 and older Fees: $300/week Junior Camp Intensive

Montevallo Nature Camp Dates: June 9-15 Ages: Entering grades 3-5 Fees: None The camp’s mission is to connect children with the outdoors through nature-based and eco-friendly experiences.

The program includes activities, such as recreation, arts and crafts, storytelling, conservation and music and rhythms. The camp also includes one-to-two field trips.

Registration is Friday, April 26 from 3:30-5 p.m. for former campers and Saturday, April 27 from 10 a.m.-noon for former and new campers. st. vincent’s One nineteen 7191 Cahaba Valley Road Birmingham, AL 35242

Around the World in Five Days Session 1: June 17-21 for ages 6-9 Session 2: June 24-28 for ages 10-12 Fees: $175 This half-day class will dare kids to discover new ways to cook old favorites, investigate new foods and explore healthy cooking. Kids will learn basic cooking skills for a lifetime of healthy eating by preparing and eating their own creations.

Cooking experience is not necessary. Recipes are available for beginners and more advanced chefs. To register, call 408-6550.

Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food Session 1: July 15-19 for ages 6-9 Session 2: July 22-26 for ages 10-12 Fees: $175 In this class, kids will learn to make meals from the farmers market, after shelling peas and shucking corn. Cooking experience is not necessary.

Recipes available for beginners and more advanced chefs.

The cost is $175 per week. To register, call 408-6550.

Camp One Nineteen Dates: June 3-August 9 Ages: 6-12 Fees: $30/day members, $35/ day non-members.

St. Vincent’s One Nineteen offers a full-day summer camp for children featuring sports, fitness workouts, camp games, indoor/outdoor activities and creativity centers. You can register your children for single days each week, or you can register for the entire week or

summer. Register by calling Samantha Clayton at 205-4086556. kanawahala program center 831 Girl Scout Road Chelsea, AL 35043 205-678-8843 800-734-4541, ext. 1600 Girlscoutsnca.org/camps Summer camps Dates: May 28-Aug. 2 Ages: 5-17 Fees: $125-$350 KPC offers resident camp for girls and day camp programs for girls and boys, members and non-members. Special camps include a Harry Potterthemed week, a photography week and a theater week.

An open house will be held Saturday, March 10 from 2 to 4 p.m. pelham civic complex 500 Amphitheater Road Pelham, AL 35124 205-620-6448 Pelhamciviccomplex.com Learn-to-Skate Camps Session 1: June 3-7 Session 2: July 15-19 Session: Aug. 5-9 Ages: 5-11 These camps are for those skaters with little or no experience. The camps include three ice sessions per day, stretch class, off-ice jump class, arts and crafts, a skating exhibition, a T-shirt and more.

Northern Edge This hockey program is designed to combine essential elements from both the goal scoring and ultimate defense curriculums. The five-day camp includes three hours of ice time daily and

a variety of off-ice strength and conditioning training.

The camp is open to skaters of limited to advanced skills and hockey players of all skill players.

Planet Hockey This hockey player development camp is designed to get results and to grow your love of the sport. Camp Requirements: The camp is open to skaters of limited to advanced skills and hockey players of all skill players.

We’re here for the few they can’t.

sports blast 280 19220 Highway 280 East Birmingham, AL 35242 205-980-1701 Sports Blast, a multi-field indoor sports facility, offers many different camps and clinics throughout the year.

The camp offers a clean, safe, climate-controlled environment where “fun learning” is the number one focus.

Lightning Speed and Agility Dates: June 3-7, June 10-13, June 24-28, July 22-26 Soccer Day Camp June 10-13, June 24-28, July 22-26 Mighty Mites June 10-13, July 8-12, July 22-26 Kids Fun Camp June 17-21, July 15-19

Giving hope to parents and providing care to children is what we’ve done for over 100 years.

Our nationally ranked healthcare team treated children from 42 states and 4 foreign countries just last year. Children’s of Alabama is recognized locally and around the world as providing a level of care that presents children with a much brighter future.

1600 7t h Av e N U e S O U t h B i r m i N G h A m , A L 35233 (205) 638-9100 ChildrensAL.org

Tykes Fun Camp June 17-21, July 15-19 If you would like for your organization to be a part of the summer camp calendar next year, email Katie.mcdowell@ shelbyliving.com. l March 2013 | 39

How does your garden grow?

Story by kaTie mcdOwell Photographs by cOnTribuTed

M

arch is finally here, bringing with it the promise of warmer days, green trees and colorful blooms.

However, the weather hasn’t quite made up its mind this time of year, and it’s not unusual to have a 70-degree day followed by a 40-degree day. The erratic weather can cause problems for those with green thumbs — or well-meaning black thumbs.

That doesn’t mean gardeners have to wait to break out the watering can and gloves. In fact, late February and is a great time to start preparing your garden for spring and even planting hardy plants, according to gardening professionals with Hanna’s Garden Shop in Birmingham and Cedar Creek Nursery in Montevallo.

First, respect the thermostat. That’s the most important rule to keep in mind in March. You may be hankering to plant those vincas and impatiens, but one cold spell can ruin your hard work.

“Everything’s pretty much weatherrelated in early spring,” Cedar Creek owner Johnny Stephens said. “We get a lot of killing cold all the way into April.”

It’s best to wait until April to plant annuals. Tax day, which usually falls on or around April 15, is a general rule of thumb, Hanna’s Garden Shop team leader Lorraine Fincer said.

However, there are some hardier annuals and perennials that can withstand cold snaps, including geraniums, petunias and snapdragons.

For cold snaps in the 30s, both Stephens and Fincer suggest covering your plants to offer a layer of protection.

It’s not a guarantee, but it can definitely help shield plants from the cold.

40 | ShelbyLiving.com

Tips for gardeners who are ready to start planting now

PREVIEW DAY

PAGE 40: Pink geraniums. TOP: White petunias. ABOVE: Yellow roses.

March 2013 | 41

“You could cover it with a cloth or a bed sheet,” Fincer said. “You have to make sure to cover the whole thing and protect it from any air.”

The Alabama Cooperative Extension System suggests planting shrubs, such as camellias, throughout January, February and even into March.

March is also a great time to do basic upkeep. Check your tools and make any necessary replacements. Make sure leftover soil is still fresh and hasn’t grown mold.

“It’s a good time to prune back roses.

You can prune a lot of things then — anything that sets blooms on wood,” Stephens said.

Fincer knows when the skies turn blue and the trees bud, her customers will turn up in full force, ready to start gardening, no matter the weather.

“People start to notice a lot of the flowers in their yard start to come up from their roots, so they get excited,” Fincer said. “They get the plant bug in March, for sure.” l

42 | ShelbyLiving.com

Petunias come in a wide assortment of colors.

SHELBY COUNTY

Arts Council I M A G I N E . C R E A T E . I N S P I R E

104 Mildred Street, Columbiana, AL 35051 • 669-0044

Shelby County Arts Council & South Shelby Chamber of Commerce present:

sponsored by

Shelby County Reporter & Deloach, Barber & Caspers, P.C.

April 5th in downtown Columbiana Event opens at 3pm with BBQ tasting from 4:30pm-7pm

The Shelby County Arts Council is a 501c3 not for profit corporation

Support the Arts in Shelby County!

Tickets are only $10.00

Purchase tickets on our website or call 669-0044

VIST OUR WEBSITE FOR A CURRENT LIST OF CLASSES!

www.ShelbyCountyArtsCouncil.com March 2013 | 43

This old-fashioned aluminum watering can holds several gallons of water. Behren’s watering can, $29.99, Hanna’s Garden Shop, 5485 Highway 280 East, Birmingham.

Planting

Story by kaTie mcdOwell Photographs by JOn gOering

time

Start working on your garden now if you want pretty spring blooms

It’s not too early to start planting seeds, including Forget-Me-Not, Sweet William, Columbine, Poppy Iceland and Trailing Lobelia. Seed packs, $1.59-$2.39 per pack, Hanna’s Garden Shop.

Trying to guess the final winter freeze? That’s a dangerous game for gardeners, but you can make it a little easier with a farmer’s almanac. The Old Farmer’s Almanac 2013, $5.99, Cedar Creek Nursery.

44 | ShelbyLiving.com

Attract migrating hummingbirds with this colorful feeder. Make sure to hang it in a safe place and away from cats and other critters with claws. Gordman hummingbird feeder, $19.95, Cedar Creek Nursery, 2979 Alabama 119, Montevallo

These colorful and popular gloves allow uninhibited movement, but are puncture resistant. Atlas Nitrile Touch Gloves, $6.99 each, Hanna’s Garden Shop.

These Corona hand tools are lightweight and have soft contoured grips. Corona hand cultivator and trowel, $9.99 each, Hanna’s Garden Shop.

March 2013 | 45

HOME & FOOD

46 | ShelbyLiving.com

Simply the

best

Greystone couple celebrates almost two decades in the neighborhood

March 2013 | 47

T

Story by kaTie mcdOwell Photographs by JOn gOering

o say Sherry and Raymond Best love Greystone would be an understatement.

The couple was one of the first 100 families to move to the neighborhood in the early 90s. They have moved twice since their first home on Sandwick Place, but always to another Greystone neighborhood.

After about 10 years, they moved to Greystone Legacy, and in May 2011, to their current home, a stunning two-story with more than 9,000 square feet.

48 | ShelbyLiving.com

“We love Greystone. It’s just like going to the country, but it’s close to everything,” Sherry said.

A realtor with RealtySouth, Sherry knew her current home was a good deal the day it came on the market.

“I called Raymond and said, ‘Come look at it.’ We bought it that day,” she recalled.

The home was custom built by Clark Parker in the late 90s, and the Bests loved the floor plan and the detail work.

However, the home needed a lot of work when they moved in, which gave them a chance to customize it.

“There’s nothing we didn’t change,”

Sherry said.

Sherry chose grays and neutrals when selecting colors for the house. While the home is perfect for large family gatherings with the Bests’ children and grandchildren, it will be too large when they retire.

“I did a lot of studying and talking to people about the trends, and grays were coming in. I wanted to decorate it so if I want to sell it in two or three years, I won’t have to paint everything,” she said.

The home opens into a spacious foyer with a brilliant chandelier illuminating a winding staircase and marble floor.

The chandelier and another in the dining

PAGE 46: The foyer opens to a spiral straircase and marble floor. PAGE 47: A brilliant Germanmade chandelier located in the foyer is original to the house. CLOCKWISE FROM FAR LEFT: The master bedroom features sumptuous fabrics and large windows overlooking the lawn. The master bathroom is decorated in sophisticated neutral tones. Bright paintings line the walls along the staircase. Sassy and Teddy lounge in the great room.

March 2013 | 49

room are the only two fixtures original to the house, and even those were revamped.

Kelly Kirkland, Sherry’s decorator, painted the brass chandelier a silver-gray color.

Sherry also hand washed each crystal before re-hanging the chandeliers.

The dining room is a formal affair, with another brilliant chandelier illuminating the gold-and-blue-striped walls and ornate crown molding. A large hutch displays the Bests’ china, silver and crystal collection.

The great room balances elegance and comfort. The room features a soaring ceiling, a full wall of windows, a fireplace and plenty of seating and storage space.

Adjacent to the great room is the kitchen, which also saw major updates, including a new island, marble counters, cabinetry and fixtures.

The Bests spend most of their time in the keeping room. Adjacent to the kitchen, the keeping room features another fireplace and an unusual octagonal shape that looks out over the backyard and golf course.

“From every room on the main level, you’ve got a great view,” Sherry said.

That includes the master bedroom on the other side of the house. The bedroom includes many of the hallmarks found throughout the house, such as sumptuous fabrics, rich colors and detailed crown molding. A two-sided fireplace heats the two rooms. Additional guest rooms are located on the second floor, while the basement serves as an entertaining and recreation area with separate rooms for a pool table, foosball table, a bar and a gym, as well as Sherry’s art studio. A swimming pool can also be directly accessed from several of the rooms on the ground floor.

For both of the Bests, the best features of the house can be found outside. Raymond, who owns Best Insurance Agency in Trussville, is an enthusiastic golfer. Sherry is particularly partial to the waterfall that is located in the backyard, which also includes a swimming pool and a covered porch.

Sherry worked with architect David Smelcer on the porch addition, as well as several interior projects.

Located off the keeping room, the porch mirrors the same octagonal shape and provides plenty of seating areas.

The waterfall was original to the house, 50 | ShelbyLiving.com

MERRI GWIN

DEE BUGG

CLOCKWISE FROM FAR LEFT: The great room is decorated in grays and browns. A waterfall in the backyard, pictured in a family photo, is one of Sherry Best’s favorite features of the home. The study features more masculine decor.

March 2013 | 51

but it too needed significant work when the Bests bought the house. They landscaped the area and planted new trees and flowers.

“This is real pretty in the summertime when everything’s in bloom,” Sherry said.

The Bests have no intention of leaving the Greystone community, although they 52 | ShelbyLiving.com

may find themselves in a different house at some point. They have a large group of friends in the area and regularly meet new neighbors at the club or on the golf course.

“There are people from all over the world,” Sherry said. “It’s a melting pot of people. There are people like us, that were

born and raised in Birmingham, but I’d say the majority of the people are from elsewhere.”

As a realtor, Sherry has even sold homes to some of the new transplants, who are occasionally less than thrilled about relocating to Birmingham.

Welcome to the good life. Welcome to Shelby Living!

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Located off the kitchen, the keeping room is the main gathering place in the house and also overlooks the backyard.

“When I sell them a house, the wives come here kicking and screaming,” she said. “Then they get here, and they won’t leave.”

After almost two decades in Greystone, that’s a sentiment both Sherry and Raymond can understand. l

• • • •

$12

r,

SHELBY Living

e yea Arts & Culture for on sues Local Fashions 12 is Unique Home Features Monthly calendar of events and happenings

To Subscribe visit ShelbyLiving.com or call 669-3131

March 2013 | 53

HOME & FOOD

54 | ShelbyLiving.com

PAGE 54: Pan-seared salmon over risotto.

ABOVE: Benard Tamburello.

gathering The

place

Bernie’s on Main offers flavor and small-town charm

Story by kaTie mcdOwell Photographs by JOn gOering

B

ernie’s on Main is practically an institution in Columbiana. Visit the restaurant at noon on a weekday, and it’s buzzing with

activity. It’s the preferred lunch spot for

the courthouse crowd – one group of local judges even has its own unofficial table.

While it’s well known to most residents in southern Shelby County, Bernie’s customers may have noticed changes over the last six months.

That’s because Benard Tamburello, who founded the restaurant in 2002 and left

in 2008, is back. He returned in August 2012 in an effort to “simplify” his life and have more time with his children. Since then, he’s made changes to the restaurant.

He has finessed the menu, introducing some of the beloved Italian recipes he has developed over the years, in addition to launching live music nights.

March 2013 | 55

“We’ve come so far from where we were,” he said of his return. “We’re really doing well. The hype’s out there.”

While Tamburello’s passion is Italian food, he got his start in his cousin’s hot dog stand in 1994.

“Within three weeks, I purchased it from him. The rest is history,” he said.

Tamburello made a stop in Chelsea with Bernie’s Grill before setting his sights on Columbiana. He purchased the old Western Auto on the corner of Main and Mildred Street.

“When I got this space, it just reminded me of a New Orleans-style restaurant down in the French Quarter with all your exposed brick, your hardwood, your high beams and your concrete floor,” he said.

While he loved the restaurant and his customers, Tamburello wanted to experiment with Italian cooking. He opened La Dolce Vita in Hoover in 2005 and sold Bernie’s the following year. He opened Bellinis Ristorante, also in Hoover, in 2008.

While he no longer owns either of the Hoover restaurants, he brought some of that Italian influence to Bernie’s after his return.

Bernie’s has a wide-ranging menu that includes hamburgers, chicken, pastas, steaks and fish. Now, they are making their own bread and revamping the specials. Eventually, Tamburello hopes to make homemade pastas as well.

Appetizers include fried green tomatoes, crab cakes, mozzarella sticks and spinach dip. Dessert offerings include cheesecake, white chocolate bread pudding and key lime pie. Bernie’s also has a variety of beer and wine available.

Tamburello said customers’ favorite meals depend on the time of the day.

The Gorgonzola Wedge is a popular seller. The salad includes a wedge of iceburg lettuce with chopped applewood smoked bacon, tomatoes, cucumbers and bleu cheese.

Other popular items include the homemade Cajun gumbo, lasagna and the hamburger steak.

The specials are big draws for diners who visit in the evening.

“Everybody loves to see what Bernie’s is 56 | ShelbyLiving.com

going to create,” Tamburello said. “They love to see what we’re going to do with salmon. They love to see what we’re going to do with grouper.”

The menu isn’t the only thing that’s changed at Bernie’s. Live entertainment is now offered on Saturdays. Previous performers include the Charlie Soul Band, Chuck King, Festival Expression and John Bull.

“We’re doing a lot of rhythm and blues types of bands on Saturday night,” Tamburello said. “This is a touch of what’s

going to come this summer.”

Bernie’s is also home to a temporary exhibit of Vietnamese art, on loan from Birmingham attorney Stephen Humphreys. Tamburello hopes to host other exhibits in the future, and has also partnered with the Shelby County Arts Council to present “Eat. Drink. Paint.”

The monthly workshop includes a painting session, food and wine.

Tamburello has also pushed to keep Bernie’s food and activities fresh on his customers’ minds through Facebook and

PAGE 56: Lasagna from Bernie’s.

BELOW: Wine glasses hang over the bar.

T PE

GROOMIN

&B

G

OUTIQUE

Pinterest.

“We’re doing all the stuff we can to put our menu out daily,” he said.

Even with all the changes he’s made at the restaurant, Tamburello has still managed to carve out time for his three children. The kids – two sons and a daughter – even help out around the restaurant occasionally. It’s a combination of two of his favorite things and a return to the life he said he loves best.

“God gave me a talent for spices, for herbs, for meeting and loving people,” he said. “I’ve got energy like no other. Not only can I cook, but I can put smiles on other people’s faces.”

Bernie’s on Main is located at 115 South Main St. in Columbiana. Visit Berniesonmain.com. l March 2013 | 57

HOME & FOOD

Fullflavored decadence Michele Hill shares the secret behind the perfect crepe Story by michele hill Photographs by JOn gOering

M

ichele and Billy Hill have lived in a 100-year-old home in Montevallo for the past 20 years.

The Hills’ kitchen is in the heart of their home, though Michele said she only cooks for special occasions.

“If you’re going to use up calories, it better be worth it,” Michele said.

Michele shares the history behind how she acquired the decadent, cheese-filled crepes recipe from a popular restaurant, as well as hints to create a dish where “technique is everything.”

“In the 1970s, there was a very popular restaurant in Brookwood mall called The Magic Pan. It was fascinating to watch the crepes as they were being made on a twirling rotisserie.

While eating at the restaurant one evening, I boldly asked the waitress for the recipe. I felt quite certain that this was a violation of a solemn oath taken when hired, but what did I have to lose?

To my amazement, when the waitress returned to our table, she had the simple ingredients written on the inside of a match cover.

The secret to these little French pancakes lies in the consistency of the batter, the temperature of the curve-shaped pan and the amount of unburned butter in the pan each time you begin a new crepe.

I like to place the real butter in the bottom of the plan. I usually let it burn the first time. I wipe the burned butter with a paper napkin and start again, this time with better information concerning how long it takes for the butter to burn.

It’s best to start at a medium heat setting.

The perfect setting is usually between medium and low. The batter is at its best 58 | ShelbyLiving.com

consistency when you are able to place one-fourth cup of batter in the pan and lift the pan off the heat using just your wrist to swirl the batter slightly up all sides of the pan. Then wait for the heat to cook the eggs and flour to form an even, solid coating. At this point, I can usually lift the edges of the

crepe with a utensil and flip it to the other side with my fingers.

The beauty of the crepes is that they can be made a day or two before usage. Store them between sheets of wax paper, seal them in a zipper storage bag and place them in the refrigerator.” l

Crepes

(Yields about 12 crepes)

1 Tbsp. butter, melted 11/2 cup flour 11/2 cup milk 3 eggs

1 tsp. sugar Pinch of salt 1 tsp. lemon rind Optional: 1 Tbsp. sugar

Directions: 1. Combine ingredients and let rise in refrigerator overnight.

2. Brush a 4- or 6-inch skilled with butter. Pour in melted butter. Add 1/4 cup of batter to pan. Tilt pan to cover bottom.

3. Cook batter quickly on both sides. Add more milk for thinner batter. Add sugar for a dessert crepe, if desired.

Cheese Blintz Filling (Yields 12 servings) 1 (3 oz.) package cream cheese, softened 1 (12 oz.) carton cottage cheese

1 egg, beaten 2 Tbsp. sugar 1 tsp. grated lemon rind

Directions: 1. Combine cream cheese and cottage cheese. Beat until smooth.

2. Stir in additional ingredients. Chill 15-20 minutes.

3. Spoon batter into each crepe. Fold with seam side down.

4. Serve topped with sour cream and strawberry or cherry preserves.

5. Garnish with fresh strawberries.

March 2013 | 59

SHELBY SPOTTED

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Justin Gaffrey exhibit

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The Shelby County Arts Council held an opening reception for its Justin Gaffrey exhibit Jan. 19 at its gallery in Columbiana.

1. Craig Sorenson, Kevin Guston, Jane Hampton, Justin Gaffrey, Christy Milliken and Janet Faulkner 2. Trent, Trey and Terri Sullivan 3. Columbiana Mayor Stancil Handley, Ann Handley and Helen Dean 4. Gene and Judy Quick 5. Glenda Mason and Patsy Hudson 6. Kathleen Turley, Mary Turley, Madison Murphy, Sandy Murphy and Meghan Murphy 7. Karen and Camdyn Gilbert and Justin Gaffrey 8. Samantha Rush, Barbara Robinson, Peggy Wood and Carol Hill

60 | ShelbyLiving.com

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Relay for Life Kickoff

The South Shelby Relay for Life Columbiana Kickoff was held Feb. 22 at Bernie’s on Main in downtown Columbiana.

1. Sasha Lilly and Amy Kuhn 2. Paula Johnson, Ann Handley, Columbiana Mayor Dr. Stancil Handley and Helen Dean 3. Mary Strehle and Linda Wren 4. Ron Howard and Kari Yoder

March 2013 | 61

SHELBY SPOTTED

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ECS Snowball Run

Evangel Christian School held its annual Snowball Run at the church on Saturday, Jan. 19.

1. Millie Brommer, Amy Russell, Heather Ponder, Randee Sims, Holly Baylis and Amanda Flowers 2. Elise Montgomery and Cindy Nelson 3. Kathryn Trainor and Linda Fowler 4. Sammie Myers, Mahlon Myers and Benji Wilson 5. Candace and Tristan Gregory 6. Kendyll Covington, Susie Eaise and Leah Covington 7. Mitchell Dickey and Jordan Hunter 8. Trey Lolley, Suzy Lolley, Suzannah Rotenberry, Shannon Rotenberry and Annesley Streets

62 | ShelbyLiving.com

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SSCC Luncheon

The South Shelby Chamber of Commerce held its monthly luncheon Jan. 10 at the Columbiana United Methodist Church.

1. Carla Watkins, Mary Deloach and Elise Hearn 2. Bill Weldon, Donald Shirley, John Waggener, Bill Robertson and Dale Neuendorf 3. John Samaniego and Rene Day 4. Columbiana Mayor Stancil Handley and Ann Handley

benefitingĂŠ localĂŠ charities

Hoover Metro Kiwanis Club

March 2013 | 63

SHELBY SPOTTED

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3 Shelby Living Bridal Show

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The third annual Shelby Living Bridal Show was held Jan. 6 at the Cahaba Grand Conference Center in Birmingham.

1. Laura Robertson, Ashley Robertson and Lindsay Walton 2. Kelly Gamble, Cindy Ferguson and Gina Acker 3. Jessica Goolsby and Alicia Duncan 4. April Miller and Alison Garza 5. Jenni Pang and Kristen Rowland 6. Dorothy and Jennifer Lyles 7. Dexter Cunningham and Mary D. Turner 8. Kathy Harper and Phaedra Turner.

9. Kathy and Jeanie McLean

64 | ShelbyLiving.com

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10. Sonja Chapin, Shelli Chapin and Harley Chapin 11. Eugenia and Audra Brawley 12. Amanda Markham and Laura Elm 13. Lindsey Williams and Douglas Drumheller 14. Kevin and Evelyn McSwain 15. Chelsea Bullard, Tammy Loggins, Autumn Poe and Brenda Bullock 16. Ismael Vallejo and Adela Valdez 17. Christine and Kathy Marino

March 2013 | 65

SHELBY SPOTTED

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Chamber After Hours

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The Greater Shelby County Chamber, Calera Chamber, Montevallo Chamber and South Shelby Chamber held a holiday networking event Dec. 18 at Timberline Golf Club in Calera.

1. Darlene Brasher, Susan Lehman and Shane Welch 2. Steve Gilbert, Heath Park and Terry Bruno 3. Ben Watson and Montevallo Mayor Hollie Cost 4. Mark Rogers and Clint Umphrey 5. Jeff Brown and Heath Park 6. GSCC Executive Director Kirk Mancer and Rene Endres 7. Paula Johnson and Lynn Ray 8. Kay Sutton, Travis Reed, Misty Rigdon, Larry Daughety and Ben Watson

66 | ShelbyLiving.com

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located in greystone

11

9. Melanie Goodwin, April Stone and Aubri McClendon 10. Michael Wylie and Harold Blankenship 11. Linda and David Williams 12. T.J. Fincher and Jeff Brown

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March 2013 | 67

SHELBY SPOTTED

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UM winter commencement

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The University of Montevallo’s winter commencement was held Dec. 14 at the McChesney Student Activity Center.

1. Barry Keller, Laura Keller and Michelle Mayfield 2. April, Ahsley, Chris and Karen Rogers and Ernestine Phillips 3. Vance Curro and Taylor Goodwin 4. Olivia Folmar and J.D. Ard 5. Tim Baker and Shernina Gaiters 6. Keonna Washington and Shahalini Gilbert 7. Trey Guest and Robert Albritton 8. Amber McMullin and Katie, Andy, Jody, Megan and Brian Keith

68 | ShelbyLiving.com

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9. DeMarcus Clinton, Matt Sanderlin, R. J. Severtsgaard, Coleman Sears and Alexis Craig 10. Carol Ann Crowe, Becca Munkachy and Ana Lucia Ardon 11. Brad Teague and Larissa Marshall 12. Madison Jones, Jana Hoffman, Lizzie Bellina and Lauren Barber

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March 2013 | 69

SHELBY SPOTTED

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3 AWRC Craft and Bake Sale

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The Alabama Wildlife Center held its Craft and Bake Sale at Hoover’s Veterans Park Dec. 8.

1. Emily Griffin, Elliott Griffin and Chuck Karcher 2. Sasha, Nicole and Alexandra Naylor 3. Amy Ortins and Fran Hardin 4. Abby Goldfon, Judy Roy, Jack Goldfon and Lydia Johnson 5. Jay Stewart and Sandra Allinson 6. Jason Whisenant and Katherine Klyce 7. Erin Limerick and Kelly Breland 8. Mark and Shayla McCay 9. Pam Allen and Carol Argo

70 | ShelbyLiving.com

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10. Sadie Bissonnette, Bobby Bissonnette and Tracy Wade 11. Jay Eubanks and Ireland 12. Hazel and Aiden English 13. Moya Layne, Mary Lou Kevorkian and Pam Cooper

UR ROOFING NEED FOR ALL YO S

RECISION ROOF CONTRACTOR S CALL P

13

March 2013 | 71

SHELBY SPOTTED

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3 Christmas at Oak Mountain

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Christmas at Oak Mountain, featuring the bands of Oak Mountain High School, was held Dec. 11 at the school’s Performing Arts Center.

1. Gabby Macke, Aly Bonville, Kelley Allsbrook, Hannah Atkins and Kaleigh McGee 2. Mandy Remke and Lindsey Dale 3. Carli Schilleci and Cole Kinchler 4. Steve and Jill Haglund 5. Jessie and Scott Tankersley 6.Debbie Nelson and Kay Barnett 7. Tyler Johnson and Jordan Golden 8. Elaine Kelsoe, Nello Kelsoe, Barbara Kelsoe, Ken Carson and Susan Carson

72 | ShelbyLiving.com

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9. Chris Odom, Charles Costas and Rebecaa Thomas 10. Rebecca Thomas, Tiffany Thomas and Marcelia Nobles 11. Richard and Gloria Schmohl 12. Jacob, Lisa, Mark and Sam Williams

12

March 2013 | 73

SHELBY SPOTTED

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3 Greystone Ladies Club Christmas Luncheon

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The Greystone Ladies Club held a Christmas luncheon Dec. 12 at the home Kathy Granger.

1. Ellen Staner, Kathy Granger and Sue Nuby 2. Ashley Watts, Jessica Smelcer and Joice Watts 3. Barbara Brickner and Hiltrud Hollibaugh 4. Krystal Phillips and Brenda Arthur 5. Ursula Norcross and LaRue Carter 6. Carolyn Haynes, Theresa Hazelman, Bonika Wilson and Mindy Boggs 7. Channing Carder and Wilma Thompson 8. Susan MacKenzie and Suevaughn Hicks

74 | ShelbyLiving.com

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9. Anna Vanderburg, Susan DuBose and Mary Rankin 10. Sue Nuby, Julie Kim and Kathy Granger 11. Susan Shirley, Kathryn Watts, Wanda Stone, Eleanor Hall and Sherry Best 12. Linda Bailey and Shea Mendheim 13. Susie Hammers and Rose Stephenson 14. Janet Quick and Shirl Ward 15. Valerie Middleton and Rebecca Hamrick 16. Brenda Arthur and Sherry Best 17. Eleanor Hall and Janet Quick March 2013 | 75

SHELBY SPOTTED

1

Westover Christmas Parade

The Westover Christmas Parade was held Dec. 8. in downtown Westover.

1. Gail Williams, Frank Chappell, Jimmy Vick and Frankie Osborn 2. Noah Seritt and Deldon Cannon 3. Xander, Mackenzie and Jaime Echols 4. Sierra Keys, Jayde Keys and Blake Jones

76 | ShelbyLiving.com

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Calera Christmas Parade

The Calera Christmas Parade was held Dec. 8 in downtown Calera 1. Noah Padgett, Maci Hutchinson, Marley Hutchinson, Brittany Hutchinson, Bethany Concord, Alexis Ingram, Rebecca Ingram and Aiden Ingram 2. Jim McElroy, Betty McElroy, Paige Mashburn and Betty Whatley 3. Sonya Wilson and Shemiah Craig 4. Tiffany and Elizabeth Bridges

March 2013 | 77

SHELBY SPOTTED

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Toys for Tots Tennis Tournament

The Greystone YMCA hosted a Toys for Tots tennis tournament Dec. 7.

1. Sissy Barrett, Christa Lewis, Jennifer Lancaster and Kim Traylor 2. Channa McKenna, Michelle Guffey, Lauren Kozlowski and Lauren Kirby 3. Diomedes Perez and Freddy Guerra 4. Morgan Bush and Kimberly Pruitt 5. Suman Fischer, Quanda Jarrett, Natalie Crockett and Shelly Richardson 6. Donna Cready and Rebecca Warnock 7. Janet Detwiler, Jean Castille, Kelli Baker and Ginger Carpenter 8. Wally Turner, Bud Crockett, Cain Mashego, Chase Meadows and Ken Roozen

78 | ShelbyLiving.com

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Cattleman Association Banquet Bill

The Shelby County Cattleman Association Banquet Bill was held Jan. 22 at the First Baptist Church of Columbiana.

1. Don Armstrong, Jimmy and Joyce Bice and Charles Wilder 2. Mike Kent, Melvin Stanford, Paul Starnes and Edwin Atchison 3. Harold Hughes and Laura and Jack Tatum 4. President Sam Bristow and Columbiana Mayor Stancil Handley

March 2013 | 79

OUT & ABOUT

Cottontail Express

Ongoing Events

cottontail express Head to the Heart of Dixie Railroad in Calera for a little bit of spring fit. Hop aboard a train for a ride to Peter Cottontail’s meadow. Hunt for Easter eggs for a chance to win a prize. Other activities include jump station, temporary tattoos, coloring and sandbox. Bring a camera to take pictures with Peter Cottontail.

Rides scheduled for Saturday, March 23 and 30 at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. and Sunday, March 24 at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Ticket prices are $15 for adult (ages 12 and up) and $10 for child. Children under 2 are free.

Visit hodrrm.org.

March 2

fairy Tale ball The fifth annual Fairy Tale Ball will be held Saturday, March 2. Visit the Roy Downs/Calera Public Library, 9700 Highway 25 in Calera, as it’s transformed into a live story land with 30 fairy tale characters that children can meet, take pictures, dance and interact with. The pre-school ball will be held from 1-3 p.m., while the regular ball, which is open to all ages, will be held from 6-8 p.m. Among some of the characters to make an appearance are Baloo, Mowgli, Jungle Animals, Snow White, Cinderella, Ariel, Ursula, King Tritan and Scottish Villagers.

The ball will also have group dancing, a story with live characters and many other 80 | ShelbyLiving.com

fun-filled activities. Pumpkinshaped carriage rides cost $5.

Call 668-7200. helena belles masquerade ball 2013 Your presence is requested at an evening of fantasy and magic at the premier Masquerade Ball benefiting the Helena Belles Scholarship Fund. This mesmerizing night will take place March 2 at the Helena Sports Complex from 7-10 p.m.

A light Mardi Gras style buffet, live music and surprises will be provided. Join in with your mask and tux/ball gown finery or simply purchase a mask at the door if you don’t have one!

Proceeds will go to Helena Belle’s inaugural Scholarship Program. Order tickets online at Helenabelles.com rms 5k for cache Join RMS as they run for cache.

Help RMS raise money to update their technology, so they can help students prepare for the challenges of living and working in the 21st century! The run is scheduled for Saturday, March 2 at 9 a.m. at Oak Mountain State Park. Registration is $25 for ages 18 and up and $20 for under 17. fire at the foothills Fire at the Foothills, benefiting the March of Dimes and Chelsea Fire and Rescue’s Fire Safety Program, will be held March 2 in Chelsea. The event will include a BBQ and Chilli cook-off that

Brenda Ladun Run

will be held at Tractor Supply in Chelsea. For more information, call Scott Weygand at 205-6784711 or Dr. Justin Fogo at 205678-1000. calera acts of kindness The Calera Acts of Kindness spring giveaway will be held Saturday, March 2 at 8 a.m. at the Calera Community Center, 8560 Highway 31. The annual event supplies free infant, children’s, teens’, men’s and women’s clothing and shoes to people in need. Volunteers and donations needed: Call 281-1975 or email caleraaok@gmail.com.

March 4-8

scac writing workshop Novelist, playwright and screenwriter Robert Inman will conduct a weeklong writing workshop focusing on characterdriven fiction. Participants will submit 15 pages of their own work for discussion in the small group setting. Each participant will have one-on-one time with Inman. Session one is scheduled for March 4, 5 and 7 from 3-5 p.m. and costs $79. Session two is scheduled for March 4, 5 and 7 from 6-9 p.m. and costs $99. The workshop is sponsored by the Pelham Library and the Shelby County Arts Council. Visit Shelbycountyartscouncil.com.

March 6

photography round Table Join facilitator Hank Siegel and other photographers

to share advice, ideas and knowledge on March 6 from 6-8 p.m. The program is held on the first Wednesday of each month at the Shelby County Arts Council gallery, 104 Mildred Street, Columbiana.

Open to all photographers. $5 participation fee. Visit Shelbycountyartscouncil.com.

March 9

brenda ladun conquer cancer run The ninth annual Brenda Ladun Conquer Cancer Run is a 5k/1 Mile Fun Run that benefits the American Cancer Society. The run will be held March 9 at 8 a.m. at St. Vincent’s One Nineteen.

The course will go through the Greystone community. walk with me The seventh annual Walk with Me event benefiting Easter Seals of Birmingham area at Veterans Park in Hoover on March 9. Small festival to follow featuring local arts, crafts, food trucks, activities and more. Info: Eastersealsbham.org.

March 10

Joanne fogle solo exhibit Check out drawings, paintings and prints by Joanne Fogle, the winner of the Shelby County Arts Council’s 2012 Juried Art Show. The opening reception of her exhibit at the SCAC will be held Sunday, March 10 from 2-4 p.m. at the SCAC gallery, 104 Mildred Street, Columbiana.

The exhibit will be on display March 8-29. The reception and exhibit is free and open to the public.

March 16

maggie’s glen hike Maggie’s Glen Hike at Oak Mountain State Park on March 16 at 10 a.m. Meets at the North Trailhead. Three and a half mile walk on easy to moderate terrain. Dress for the weather and bring water. Well behaved, leashed pets are welcome. Info: 620-2520.

March 16-17

shamfest 2013 Head to Mt Laurel March 1617 for The Red Shamrock’s Shamfest 2013, an all-day St. Patrick’s themed event benefiting the Hope for Gabe Foundation, which supports rearch and reaises awareness for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The twoday event begins 8 a.m. on March 16 and 11 a.m. on March 17. Bands will play throughout

the event, including Deputy 5, Naked Eskimos, M-80s, Hunter Lawley Band, Rolling in the Hay and the New Grass Troubadours.

The event also includes a huge carnival for kids and food vendors. Visit Hopeforgabe.org.

March 18

monday’s mammals Monday’s Mammals will be held at Oak Mountain State Park on March 18 at 10 a.m. Meet at the Treetop Nature Trail to learn about Alabama mammals. Info: 620-2520.

March 19

Tuesday’s Tweets Tuesday’s Tweets will be held at Oak Mountain State Park on March 19 at 10 a.m. Meet at the Treetop Nature Trail to learn about Alabama birds.

March 20

into the woods Into the Woods Wednesday will be held at Oak Mountain State Park on March 20 at 10 a.m. Meet

at the Campground Pavilion to learn about fun things that can be discovered in the woods. Bring binoculars, a nature journal or other exploration materials.

2 and under. A hunt for ages 3-5 starts at 10 a.m. The final hunt for 6-8 year-olds begins at 10:30 a.m. Bring your basket!

March 21

spring Theatre festival The University of Montevallo’s advanced directing students will present a series of short, provocative and often experimental plays at the annual spring theatre festival.

Performances will be held March 28-30 at 7:30 p.m. Adult content and limited seating.

Tiny Treasures Tiny Treasures will be held at Oak Mountain State Park on March 21 at 10 a.m. Meet at the Campground Pavilion to see tiny creatures. Bring digging tools but no large shovels.

March 22

ribbit ribbit Ribbit Ribbit will be held at Oak Mountain State Park on March 22 at 10 a.m. Meet at the Campground Pavilion to learn about frogs and toads.

March 23

helena easter egg hunt The City of Helena 2013 Easter Egg Hunt will take place on March 23, 2013 at the Old Town Amphitheatre Park. The first hunt begins at 9:30 a.m. for ages

March 28-30

March 30

easter egg hunt Oak Mountain State Park’s sixth annual Easter Egg Hunt will be held March 30 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Will take place at the Dogwood and Lakeside Pavilions. Egg hunt at 11 a.m. for ages five and under and 1 p.m. for ages six and up. Some activities cost $1. Activities include cake hop, face painting, hay rides and more. Info: 620-2520.

March 2013 | 81

WHY I LOVE SHELBY COUNTY

Brian Copes

‘My core belief is helping others’ graphic arts and drafting. At the end of the visit, my father said, “Pick one.”

I enrolled in the construction program and in my second year of college, I re-evaluated my life. I remembered my industrial arts (shop) teachers who had reached out and believed in me when nobody else did. It was at this point I decided to go back to high school, not as a student, but as a “shop” teacher. This was a terrifying decision for me because high school had been a torturous time I had tried to forget. Embracing this bittersweet decision, my goal became to mentor students, like me, who struggle in school.

B

Story by kaTie mcdOwell Photograph by JOn gOering

rian Copes has had a busy school year. In December, People Magazine selected Copes, a Calera High pre-engineering teacher, as a winner in its Teacher of the Year competition.

The honor was bestowed in part because of a student field trip to Honduras Copes led in the summer of 2012.

Outside the classroom, Copes and his wife, Angel, live in Calera with their three daughters. Copes is the son of Marvin and Lurette Copes, and he grew up in Indiana.

Why did you want to go into education?

Becoming an educator was the last thing I ever thought I would aspire to accomplish. I was bullied and picked on from the third grade through my senior year. I still remember begging my parents to send me to military school, to any place, besides the public school I was attending.

My senior year, my father escorted me to Vincennes University in Indiana where we checked out three majors: construction, 82 | ShelbyLiving.com

What was the best part of the trip to Honduras?

My proudest moments have been when my students take what they have learned in the classroom to help others and change the world of complete strangers.

Specifically, my amazing students have invented utility vehicles designed to drill for life-giving fresh water, plow fields to grow crops and serve as an ambulance to save countless lives in underdeveloped countries.

One moment stands out to me: after a challenge from a guest speaker who spoke about the need for inexpensive prosthetics around the world, my students invented a prosthetic leg out of simple used automotive parts. Impressed and invigorated, the Calera community rallied with me in a fundraising effort to take 10 students to Honduras where they fitted 14 amputees with the prosthetic legs that they had invented in class.

While in Honduras, after the first amputee to be fit with a prosthetic leg took his maiden steps, a beaming student exclaimed, “Mr. Copes, it’s a miracle!” I choked back my tears. Later, a woman came up crying and thanking the students.

She explained that when her husband

had lost his leg, he lost his livelihood, his self worth and his desire to live because he could no longer provide for his family.

The tearful woman further explained that when her husband was fitted with my students’ leg, it was the first time since his accident that he had smiled. Her husband regained his dignity and desire to live.

These experiences cannot be taught in the traditional classroom, and these “WOW!” moments profoundly change the lives of everyone blessed to be involved.

What’s next for your CHS engineering students?

It became quite apparent that there are other immediate needs in Honduras that my students feel they can help with.

First was the absence of reliable affordable electricity. This past semester my students have begun the design and fabrication of a hydroelectric generator. This will include a pontoon boat that will be anchored in the river. A 6-foot paddle wheel will be mounted to the deck of the pontoon boat.

As the current flows beneath the boat it will turn the paddle wheel thus harnessing this energy to power a generator.

The town where we were staying was in a buzz of excitement they had their first young man graduating from high school. Locally there is a small building capable of housing an elementary school.

For a student to attend middle or high school, students are forced to travel to a larger town. I firmly believe the way out of poverty is education. Therefore, we are raising $8,000 so we can add two rooms onto the existing school. This will allow both middle and high school classes to be offered. The towns’ residents have offered to supply the labor to construct this building thus keeping the cost low. The mayor of Jutiapa has agreed to pay for the teachers needed to run the school. l

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