Shelby Living May 2012

SHELBY Living The Little

beekeeper Hilltop Montessori students take learning outdoors

To Market

Farmers markets kick off across the county

Scott Squared

J. Darby Farm

May 2012 • $4.95

Montevallo’s organic paradise

Table treats your dog can eat

Š 2012 Alabama Power Company

Brought to you, in part, by Alabama Power.

AlabamaPower.com

From the Editor

I

’ve been working in Shelby County for less than a year.

In that time, I’ve seen firsthand how supportive the community is. Businesses, churches, non-profits, schools and the government work handin-hand to make the county a wonderful place to live and work.

We are proud to announce a new partnership this spring. We will begin printing Viewpoints, the newsletter of the Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce, within the pages of this magazine each month.

Now, we have a long-standing relationship with the GSCC, and this seemed like a great opportunity for both groups, as well as the citizens of Shelby County.

We first printed Viewpoints in the April issue of Shelby Living, and we hope you will take the time to check out the Chamber news on page 61 of this issue.

The GSCC works hard to foster relationships between businesses and the community, and we’re proud to help with that goal.

Of course, that’s not all we’re featuring in this month’s magazine.

This issue is crammed full of interesting profiles on local businesses and residents. We focused on healthy living this month, and several of our stories focus on the unique ways county residents are bettering their health and their environment.

Montevallo resident Joyce Darby quit her desk job to open her own organic farm. Read her compelling story and check out her adorable farm animals on page 22. Students at Hilltop Montessori School in Mt Laurel learn about healthy eating early in life. The students help maintain class gardens. Check them out on page 38. Healthy living is not just for people.

Hollywood Feed, which is located on Highway 280, offers organic food for your pets. Read its story on page 32.

As always, I would love to hear from you with any suggestions or comments about Shelby Living. l

Katie McDowell, Editor

Katie.McDowell@ShelbyLiving.com

ON THE COVER Joyce Darby holds a chicken on her farm during an afternoon visit to her organic Montevallo farm in March.

Cover design: Jamie Sparacino Photography: Jon Goering

SHELBY Living ediToriAl Katie McDowell Amy Jones Wesley Hallman Neal Wagner Christine Boatwright Nicole Loggins ConTribuTors Lisa Phillips Laura Brookhart Corey Nolen produCTion Daniel Holmes Jamie Sparacino Amy Baldis Jon Goering mArKeTing Matthew Allen Alan Brown Melissa Clark Thomas LaBoone Meagan Mims Barbara Buchanan Diane Fant LaShan Johnson Tracy Jones AdminisTrATion Tim Prince Jan Griffey Mary Jo Eskridge Annie McGilvray Catherine Cousins

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

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

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

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

May 2012

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Chill Out & Learn to Skate 2012 Basic Skills Summer Camp

June 4-8; June 25-29 & July 23-27 | 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM Camp is for ages 6 and up who are beginners through Basic Skills students.

Registration begins the week of April 2, 2012. Cost: $200.00 for the 5 day camp.

620-6448 | www.pelhamciviccomplex.com 6

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in every issue 9

The simple life Increase your personal productivity

10

SHORT STORIES OM Amphitheatre announces concert season

61

viewpoints News from the GSCC

68

out & About Brenda Ladun Run, SCAC Exhibit and more

90

WHY I LOVE SHELBY COUNTY Dollar Bill shares his local favorites

14

arts & culture 12

An Artist’s journey UM professor Karen Graffeo on her passion for photography

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masters of stained glass Montevallo couple creates colorful creations

16

scott squared SCAC to feature UM artists for May exhibit

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READING ROOM Jim Murphy shares his love of all things literary

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CHECKMATE! Caesar Chess teaches more than game strategy

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12

90 May 2012

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22 58

features 22

her TAKe on eden Joyce Darby creates an organic paradise in Montevallo

30

bACK in Time Visit the Shelby County Museum Trail

32

hollywood feed Greystone pet store offers natural and holistic products

34

The pAmpered pooCh Local stores offer a range of products for your dog

36

dinner for dogs The do’s and don’ts of sharing food with your pet

38

hillTop’s gArdeners Mt Laurel’s Montessori school takes learning outdoors

38

46

home & food

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46

‘only in monTevAllo’ The Kirbys fall in love with a historic home and a small town

52

To mArKeT, To mArKeT Stock up on fresh produce grown by local farmers

54

A fresh eXperienCe Food Studio B serves up healthy meals in Chelsea

58

lATin shrimp And AvoCAdo CoCKTAil Chef Gray Byrum shares a favorite recipe

60

A dAy AT The beACh Check out Grey Bar’s fruity beverage

ShelbyLiving.com

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The Simple Life

Be productive

C

hances are there has been a day where 24 hours passed and you’ve been left wondering if you did even one thing that held any importance to your business or personal life. Typically, these days happen when you are digging your toes into the sand and soaking up warm sunshine on vacation.

However, unproductive days can happen even when we are on the clock, costing a company thousands of dollars of lost work time.

Give the following some thought when you realize it’s time to get serious about being productive. schedule it: While most of us make appointments with other people, we rarely put ourselves on our own calendar. Block off time, write it in ink and don’t cancel or postpone on yourself.

“96”: Pareto’s Principle states that roughly 80 percent of the effects come from 20 percent of the causes. In other words, 80 percent of the work you need to do can be accomplished in 20 percent of the time. An 8-hour work day is 96 minutes. What could you accomplish if you had 96 minutes to focus on an item of priority? Be creative in order to make 96 minutes a reality—shut your office door, turn off the ringer on the phone, and set a timer on your laptop or computer. let others know: Interruptions are a major killer in your focus to finish (or start). Let coworkers, staff and family know you are tied up and when you will be able to be reached. reorder your day: Alter your normal routine by getting to Lisa Phillips, work earlier or staying owner of SimpleWorks, later than usual. lisa_phillips@bellsouth.net, Consider doing this 981.7733 once a week until you get caught up with the work hanging over your head.

Keep breaks to a minimum: Remember Newton’s Law of Motion that says something about the same speed and the same direction unless acted upon by an “unbalanced force?” Television, Internet surfing and Facebook are unbalanced forces. Every minute you are away makes it hard to regain your focus, so stay in motion as long as you can.

Being productive means having solid time management skills in place. In perspective, time management Focus today on what is really life is important so that management. Focus today on what is tomorrow you can stick important so that tomorrow you can your toes in the sand stick your toes in the sand without guilt. without guilt.

It’s that simple. l May 2012

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Short Stories &

Fly me to the moon Karen McDonald’s fourth grade class at Valley Intermediate School was in for a shock on March 8.

The class chose the winning name for the Huntsville-based Rocket City Space Pioneer’s “Name the Lander” contest. The winning name is “Spirit of Alabama.”

With luck and a lot of hard work, “Spirit” will be the first to the moon in a international competition funded by Google.

The RCSP is creating a lunar lander as part of the Google Lunar X Prize, which offers $30 million to the first privately funded team to send a robot to the moon capable of completing a series of exploration and transmission tasks.

The RCSP partnered with the Alabama Department of Tourism and the state Department of Education to solicit names from thousands of fourth-grade students across the state for the team’s lunar lander.

McDonald said Furman came up with the name “Spirit of Alabama,” and the idea was discussed and voted on by the whole class before it was sent into the competition.

“This is what teamwork does,” McDonald said, as her classroom erupted into cheers during the announcement. “We chose the name spirit because it represents a fire within. We want Alabama to be at the beginning and at the front of the pack.”

For winning the contest, the whole class will spend three days at Space Camp in Huntsville. McDonald also won a $500 gift card to purchase classroom supplies.

— neal wagner

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Victory on ice Frozen Tide finishes most successful season The University of Alabama Frozen Tide hockey team recently completed its most successful season in history.

This season was the first time Alabama’s hockey team qualified for and competed in the national tournament, marking the team’s most successful year to date.

By beating the University of Richmond in the ACHA South Regional Tournament championship game on Feb. 18 in Columbia, S.C., the Frozen Tide secured its spot as the No. 3 seed in the national tournament, which was held March 14-17 in Vineland, N.J. The team fell in the tournament, but Coach Mike Quenneville said it was a learning experience for his relatively young

team, and said the Frozen Tide will build on the experience in the offseason.

“We went up there and learned a lot. The guys matured a great deal,” Quenneville said.

To date, Quenneville said the Frozen Tide has accomplished five of the six goals the team set when it was founded nearly seven years ago.

The team’s goals were to place in the top 10 in the South, win the South Regional tournament, beat the Auburn University hockey team, win the SECHC tournament, qualify for the national tournament and win the national tournament.

This season, the team reached all but the final goal, Quenneville said.

— neal wagner

Red Cross moves to Shelby County Indian Springs is the new home of the American Red Cross Alabama and Central Gulf Coast Blood Services Region headquarters.

The new headquarters is located at 700 Caldwell Trace, Birmingham, Ala. 35242. Hours at the new donation center at Caldwell Trace are Monday through Tuesday from noon to 8 p.m., Wednesday through Thursday

from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Friday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Blood donors must be at least 17 years old (16 years old with parental consent) and weigh at least 110 pounds. Please call 1-800-REDCROSS or visit Redcrossblood.org to make an appointment to donate blood or platelets.

— nicole loggins

Music at the mountain

The art of reinvention

He turned 18 in jail, but that didn’t stop Lennie Jones from reinventing himself – twice.

The Florida resident went on to work as a federal agent and also became a respected folk artist. He visited Columbiana recently as the featured artist of the Shelby County Arts Council’s Regional Folk Art Exhibit.

He also participated in the organization’s student outreach program at the Shelby County Detention Center.

“I turned 18 in jail,” he said. “I want (the kids) to realize they don’t have to stay where they are now.”

The exhibit, which was curated by Bruce Andrews, also featured the works of two Southern folk artists: She-She Vaughn, a Shelby County resident, and Elnora Spencer.

The SCAC is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting arts and culture in Shelby County.

The Regional Folk Art Exhibit was on on display March 8-April 26 at the SCAC, 104 Mildred Street, Columbiana. For more information, visit Shelbycountyartscouncil. com.

— Katie McDowell

Rock ‘n’ roll icons Kiss and Motley Crue, country music star Jason Aldean and R&B group New Edition will highlight the 2012 concert season at the Oak Mountain Amphitheatre in Pelham.

The venue’s concert season will kick off at 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 26 with rock groups Rise Against and A Day to Remember.

New Edition will perform at 8 p.m. on Thursday, May 10, and Jason Aldean and Luke Bryan will hit the stage at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 17.

The Big Time Summer Tour, featuring Big Time Rush, Cody Simpson and Rachel Crow will begin performing at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, July 11.

The Tour 2012 starring Kiss and Motley Crue will hit the stage on Tuesday, July 31 at 7 p.m.

Tickets for all shows except the Kiss and Motley Crue concert currently are available on Livenation.com. Tickets for the Kiss and Motley Crue concert are set to go on sale to the general public at 10 a.m. on March 23.

— Staff Reports

Going casual for animals Shelby Humane Society is encouraging residents to shed their suits and ties at work on Friday, May 4 for Collared Shirt Day 2012.

The annual fundraiser, which occurs in conjunction with National Be Nice to Animals week, raises funds and awareness for the homeless animals of Shelby County.

Jennifer Wilson, SHS executive director, encouraged business owners to make May 4 a casual dress day for anyone purchasing and wearing a Shelby Humane Society Collared Shirt Day T-shirt.

“Collared Shirt Day is a great way for animal lovers to promote awareness and raise funds for the shelter! This year we have a fun new design that really promotes a positive message about being kind to

animals,” Wilson said.

T-shirts are just $20, and the proceeds provide second chances for the 5,000 animals Shelby Humane Society sees annually by funding food, medicine and supply costs.

Participating businesses should assign a “pack leader” to take orders, collect money and distribute T-shirts. Pack leaders get a free T-shirt for their efforts.

Individuals can order T-shirts by contacting Jennifer Wilson at jwilson@ shelbyhumane.org.

For more information on Collared Shirt Day or Shelby Humane Society contact Jennifer Wilson at 205-669-3916 ext. 36 or visit www.shelbyhumane.org.

— Staff Reports May 2012

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Arts & Culture

An artist’s journey Written by LAURA BROOKHART Photographs by JON GOERING and karen graffeo

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E

ntering Karen Graffeo’s studio one sees, on the surrounding walls, the past, present, future and enduring, ongoing pursuits of this photographer/multi-media artist/University of Montevallo professor.

“Each wall here is an altar of sorts to engage me in a particular timeslot,” she said.

“I am always seeking new ways to represent the journey, particularly the journey of aging in the light of gratitude.”

Facing the brick fireplace, one sees jars of objects that contain fragments of her earlier life, some from generations past. A grandmotherly old shoe, a ledger page faded to sepia, an accumulation of red buttons, a plaster bridal couple from a wedding cake.

These bottles and jars are part of the original installation of 300 displayed in a downtown Birmingham gallery.

“Sometimes,” Graffeo said, “I think I’ve chosen to travel so much because I’m running away from my Mississippi roots.

At the same time, I respect them. My fear was that I would become stuck in the sharecropper mentality.”

Graffeo pointed to a framed photograph on an easel. “Once, for my Christmas present, I was given a grave plot in Agricola.

“I took the dirt from the grave and photographed it. It is called ‘I Pin My Fears To This Dirt So They Will Not Follow Me.’ I am always seeking technique that pulls the content together, to establish a focus for the artwork. I look for the perfect way to have an experience.”

Like Walker Evans and James Agee during the Great Depression, Graffeo embarked on a photographic project in 1999 documenting the Roma Gypsies in Italy.

In the exhibit, “Let Us Now Praise the Rom,” Graffeo sought to “portray survival and show the warm humanity and courage of the Roma peoples,” she said. First displayed internationally in 2007 at SACI Gallery in Florence, Italy, it now continues at Biblioteca e Bottega Fioretta Mazzei. A few of these prints taken with medium format camera reside on opposite walls in Graffeo’s campus studio.

During a research sabbatical, Graffeo

PAGE 12: Karen Graffeo is a photographer based in Montevallo. PAGE 13: Graffeo has focused her lens on the Roma Gypsies in Italy.

became aware of lenticular technology— more often used in commercial marketing. In this process she found a way to express dimensionally, beyond the static image of one photograph, a sense of motion or the passage of time.

From one angle a lenticular print may look like landscape, from another angle, the sky. Or the print may first appear as human figure, but looking back over your shoulder, you see water.

An exhibition of 56 of Graffeo’s lenticular prints entitled “Re:re:re:fwd:fwd:Forward” currently hangs in the SACI University in Florence, Italy.

One image, “Vernazza,” from the exhibit is also on an easel in the studio. Graffeo tells of finding herself in magical, late afternoon light as she walked through an olive grove near dusk in the village of Vernazza. The illuminated tree branches and the red nets suspended to catch the olives seemed otherworldly. Returning the next day, she photographed two other angles of the scene in morning light. The three

images layered together merge and change as the viewer passes.

Of the lenticular print Graffeo said, “It opens the door to the heart and then the mind and triggers your curiosity about the mystery.”

The fourth studio wall references other lenticular works about space.

“When you are flying in a jet,” Graffeo explained, “you are in that space where every intimate conversation and all communication is taking place as voices relay between cell phones and satellites. You are just flying through these waves of intimacy.”

Although each of the works in this show can stand alone, Graffeo prefers to touch all the senses. A video image of a man swimming across the Mediterranean Sea plays in slow motion. And a soundtrack, created in collaboration with composer Rusty Banks, plays as the viewer walks through the installation.

“As an artist, I try to be generous to the spectators — I want them to know how worthy and interconnected they are. I want the people who come to my exhibit to have an experience, so I use the technique of installation to enlarge or wrap the viewers,” she said.

“Ultimately I am just a glutton for stories; art is a visual manifestation of the medicine that is so badly needed these days — the medicine of joy.”

To read more about “Now Let Us Praise the Rom,” visit: Umilta.net/karengraffeo. html. l May 2012

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Arts & Culture

Masters of stained glass

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Written by KATIE MCDOWELL Photographs by JON GOERING

icki Masterson faced a perplexing problem.

She had been commissioned to create a stained glass piece of the view of the Coosa River outside a man’s home. In the piece, a gray egret perched on a bank of cypress trees beside the river. It was the water that was creating difficulties.

Masterson couldn’t find the right glass.

Her client suggested a teal glass he was partial to, but it was too blue for the river.

She finally found the right glass hidden on a shelf in her studio. The greenish-blue glass had hints of yellow to represent the sun, and the rippled surface suggested movement in the water.

“I’ve been pulling my hair out getting the water right ... I’m a little bit of a perfectionist,” Masterson said from the upstairs studio at Masterson Fine Arts, the business she owns with her husband, Grady Masterson.

It was a Thursday morning in February.

Light shone in through sheets of colored glass - blues and greens - propped up in her windows in her studio in downtown Montevallo.

“I keep something up there all the time,” she explained. “It really does affect you, the color.”

That’s part of the reason why Masterson, and later her husband, fell in love with stained glass.

She was first introduced to the medium in the ‘90s when she was a student at the University of Montevallo. She was majoring in ceramics, but fell in love with stained glass when she took the class as a senior.

“It just bit me,” she said. “It was just something I felt I could express myself in.”

She began focusing on glasswork and opened her business while still in school.

Commissioned works followed, including Camp Branch Methodist Church in Saginaw and the First United Methodist Church in Montevallo.

One of her first commissioned works was a piece featuring Cahaba Lilies for the Friends of the Parnell Library.

She loved the challenge the flowers presented, and the lilies have featured prominently in her work since then.

“They’re almost translucent,” she said.

“They’re so thin and so delicate and so complicated. The only way, in my mind, I have successfully represented them is in the very, very close up.”

The Mastersons have branched out beyond stained glass windows and screens. They have

PAGE 14, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: A close-up of a stained glass piece. Stained glass pieces hang in the window in the Mastersons’ studio. One of Masterson’s first commissioned pieces, shown here, is now on display in Parnell Library in Montevallo. ABOVE: Nicki Masterson works with a piece of glass in her studio in downtown Montevallo.

created tiles for kitchen counters, decorative art and jewelry. They also recently began offering stained glass classes in their studio.

Masterson said stained glass is one of the most accessible art media for beginners. It’s relatively cheap to produce smaller pieces. In fact, Masterson said a novice could be up and running a “very” small studio for $250.

Masterson uses a glass cutter to create a “scratch” in the glass in the shape she wants to create. She then uses a clamp for pressure, and the glass breaks along the scratch. Grady

Masterson does the metalwork for the stained glass pieces, which are soldered together.

Of course, the art of stained glass is more difficult than the explanation belies. The most maddening part of the creation process is finding the right glass for each piece of work.

“It’s always a challenge,” Masterson said.

But it’s a challenge that produces colorful and rewarding - results.

Masterson Fine Arts is located at 608 Valley Street in Montevallo. For more information, visit Mastersonfinearts.com. l May 2012

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Arts & Culture

Scott Squared

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Written by KATie mCdowell Photographs ConTribuTed

he Shelby County Arts Council will exhibit the works of two University of Montevallo artists during the month of May. The exhibit, “Scott Squared,” will feature the work of Scott Stephens and Dr. Scott Meyer. Susan Dennis Gordon, director of arts and education for the SCAC, said the organization is proud to host the two artists.

“Professor Stephens and Dr. Meyers of UM are two very talented and influential artists,” she said. “The exhibit opening reception on May 3 will feature two gallery talks — one from each professor, about their exhibits.”

Stephens is a professor of art and chair of the art department at UM. His studio practice is in large-format printmaking and historic photographic processes. åMeyer is a ceramic artist who has been in practice for more than 20 years. He received a Ph.D. in art education from Penn State in 1985

Cyanotype by Scott Stephens.

and is interested in “the methods with which tradition is passed from one to another and the role of place in the life of imagination,” according to a press release from the SCAC. An opening reception for the exhibit is scheduled for Thursday, May 3 from 6-7:30 p.m. at the SCAC gallery. The exhibit will be

on display through May 30. The reception and gallery exhibit are free and open to the public.

The artists’ work will be for sale, and a portion of the proceeds will benefit the SCAC. The gallery is located at 104 Mildred St. in Columbiana and is open on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. l

ask the professionals

Arts & Culture

Reading Room: Jim Murphy

Reading Recommendations

Photograph by jon goering University of Montevallo English professor Jim Murphy shares his love of all things literary. q: share a little about your background.

A: I went to the University of MissouriColumbia for my bachelor’s degree, and to the University of Cincinnati for my M.A. and Ph.D. I have one daughter and two cats.

elizabeth bishop’s Complete poems: Bishop possessed one of the sharpest sets of eyes in 20th Century American poetry.

From Nova Scotia to Brazil and everywhere in between, her poems engaging home and travel and their relationships are without peer in her generation.

q: what drew you to shelby County?

A: My job at the University of Montevallo drew me here, all the way from Cincinnati, way back in the year 2000. q: why do you love to read?

A: There’s probably no better way to more deeply understand the world, its people and their ideas than through deep reading. It’s also a lot cheaper than world travel. q: what’s the first book you remember loving?

A: When I was about 5 years old, I loved “Green Eggs and Ham” by the inimitable Dr. Seuss. That book always made me hungry, believe it or not. Those green eggs and ham looked pretty good to a little kid who liked funny foods, anyway! q: what are your favorite types of books?

A: I very much enjoy teaching all kinds of poetry and prose, of course, though I’d give a slight edge to poetry because that’s the genre that I practice myself. For nightstand reading at home I like history, natural science and economics, and occasional

biographies of rock and rollers. Keith Richards’ “Life” was very, very good. q: do you have any upcoming readings or books you want to promote?

A: My most recent book is a collection of poems called “Heaven Overland” from Kennesaw State University press. You can get it on Amazon.com, and if you buy it there, I’ll jump up from three millionth to two million, nine hundred thousand nine hundred and ninety-ninth in their all-time best sellers’ list.

yusef Komunyakaa’s pleasure dome: new and Collected poems - Komunyakaa, an African American Vietnam Vet, is not only a tremendous political poet, but also a lyricist of the first order. He’s the closest thing to Miles Davis we have in contemporary poetry. His work is spare, tight, jazz-inflected, and richly human, just like Miles’ trumpet lines.

May 2012

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Arts & Culture

Checkmate!

Caesar Chess teaches more than game strategy Written by NICOLE LOGGINS Photographs by COREY NOLEN

May 2012

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PAGE 19: Caesar Lawrence faces off against Will Throckmorton during a practice session. ABOVE: Lawrence watches as Jude Raia faces off against an opponent during a tutoring session. RIGHT: Michael Cocouris makes his move during a game of chess.

I

n a contest between a game of chess versus Saturday morning cartoons, the winner seems obvious, especially when you’re dealing with children between the ages of 5 and 14 years old.

However, Caesar Lawrence, a chess instructor, has been happy to find that cartoons don’t always win.

“There’s something about the game that draws kids to it,” he said. “It’s just hard to explain. I call it ‘something good,’ and when you’ve got ‘something good’ you teach it and try to let more people know about it. I knew we had something good because kids were giving up Saturday morning cartoons.”

Lawrence, director and chess coach at Caesar Chess, LLC, has been an avid chess player since 1978 and began teaching in 1992.

He now teaches chess lessons at various schools in Shelby County as an after-school activity, including: Thompson Intermediate, Oak Mountain Intermediate, Helena Intermediate, Valley Intermediate and Valley Elementary. He also has a program based in

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Montgomery.

“Right about now, I have about 80 students and about six schools,” he said.

The chess guru teaches students ranging in ages and skill level from kindergarteners to ninth grade students. Lawrence’s classes meet once per week for an hour, and advanced classes are on Sundays for two and a half hours.

He encourages his students to play against individuals of all ages. The age difference doesn’t always work against younger players, according to Lawrence.

“Some of these younger kids seem to get the angles before the older kids,” he said. “I had a kindergartener pick it up before his third-grade brother. If you learn the rules and play by the rules, you’ll be fine.”

Lawrence’s own granddaughter took his chess class at 3-years-old. He described the attraction that children have to chess as a magnetic relationship.

“When a kid sees a chess set, I can leave it out and the kids run to it,” he said.

For parents looking to encourage their children to go to college, chess scholarships are readily available for students, according to Lawrence.

“You don’t have to compete with a lot of people for those scholarships. But you have to be real good,” he said.

Lawrence founded Caesar Chess, LLC in 2009 to gain a better platform for his chess services. The Class-A instructor charges by the month for lessons, and prices range from $30 to $50 per month.

“People seem to recognize a business as opposed to an individual,” he said. “People come to you. It’s been a lot of success since I’ve joined the Shelby County business community.”

According to Lawrence, chess players are a diverse crowd that includes athletes, nonathletes, music students, math team members and musicians. Lawrence referred to the game of chess as “an equalizer.”

“No matter how old you are or how young, or how weak or how strong, it’s a level playing field,” he said. “It’s a stereotype that chess is only for geniuses, and that’s not true. Anyone can play; you just have to study.”

Lawrence is adamant that his students are learning much more than a time-managed, strategic game.

“They come to chess thinking they’re just playing a game, but they are getting an education. I teach them math and history.

You have to know your angles to play chess,” Lawrence said.

According to Lawrence, students learn how to focus, plan, manage their time, develop social skills and develop pattern-recognition skills.

When it comes to his favorite chess set, Lawrence likes to stick with the basics. He has multiple chess sets but said that his favorite is the Staunton-style, basic chess set.

“I have different chess sets; you have some for display and some you play with,” he said.

“The basic chess set is called a Staunton style and that style is just beautiful.”

His favorite chess piece is the knight — the only piece that can jump opponents on the board.

“The knight is my favorite chess piece; the kids call it a ‘horsey,’” he said. “It’s the only piece in the game that can hop over other pieces. He can get over obstacles without being blocked.”

Lawrence has had an extensive career as a chess player and now as a coach. One of his favorite moments as a player was the first time he beat a master-rated chess opponent.

“A master is considered a 2,000-plus rating. I won against a master when I lived in Alaska,” Lawrence said. “When I won, I jumped up and screamed ‘Yes!’ and you don’t do that in chess.

Chess is a quiet game, so people were looking at me, and I just looked around and said ‘Oops.’”

Lawrence is looking to expand his chess empire by teaching lessons at more local schools.

“I wish I had this in high school. I learned to play chess in college,” he said. “Chess is a great game. It teaches kids about life. If you follow the rules, you’ll win. But if you break the rules, you can — and will — be punished.”

Caesar Chess, LLC is an affiliate of the Alabama Chess Federation and the national federation, and Lawrence has sponsored the state tournament six times. Lawrence also sponsors chess tournaments every month that are open to any chess players, not just his students. For more information, visit Caesarchess.com. l May 2012

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Her t ake on Eden

Joyce Darby creates an organic paradise in Montevallo Written by CHRISTINE BOATWRIGHT Photographs by jon goering

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J. Darby Farm’s freerange chickens prefer to lay their eggs next to other eggs. Joyce Darby uses golf balls as decoy eggs so the chickens will lay eggs near the balls. Along with the chickens, Darby’s farm has an array of farm animals and herb, flower and produce gardens to supply her organic farm.

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“When you retire from your desk job, how are you going to be fulfilled?” Darby asked. Darby finds fulfillment in running her organic farm, from bottle-feeding her baby goats to growing produce.

“I got to see Eden before it was ravaged. Somewhere you’ve got to take a stand. I’ve been allotted 17 acres to make my little stand.”

— Joyce Darby

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s Joyce Darby strode through her farm, she herded large groups of chickens in her path.

“They’re free-range chickens,” she said. “I have to keep the doors to the house closed or they would free range right through my front door.”

Darby’s Golden Nugget hens aren’t the only contributors to her organic-certified farm, J. Darby Farm in Montevallo. The farm also features alpacas, llamas, horses, donkeys and goats.

“They all have a place in it. I’m allowing them to fill what their job is,” Darby said.

The chickens provide eggs and keep the

farm parasite-free.

“The hens eat all parasites. We don’t have dog ticks or army worm,” she said. “I’ve seen farmers nearby drench their fields (with pesticides). I just set my chickens on them.

Now I have fat chickens and no army worm.”

Darby intentionally rotates her horses and goats to different pastures on her 17-acre farm to prevent parasites.

“I’ve gone the route of the old-time farmers,” she said, speaking of how she protects her farm from pests. “I use herbs — garlic, pumpkin seed, cumin.

“I’m trying to be an alternative approach,” she added. “I’m trying to rethink what’s

important, and this is my take.”

Darby’s alternative approach began when she turned 5o. She worked as a systems analyst for a health insurance company for 17 years.

“When I hit 50 years old, a third of the people at work had already acquired diabetes,” she said. “I realized I’d been given many abilities and talents. They all required intense physical activity, and my friends were dying. People said I retired. (Heck) no, I didn’t retire!”

Darby cashed in her 401K and pension and purchased property and a house off Shelby County 17 more than three years ago.

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“I would love to see the garden growing beautifully, but nothing stirs my passion like being in the pasture playing with my animals,�

Darby said.

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Darby sits with her rehabilitation chicken. The farm provides fresh produce at the Montevallo Farmers Market during the summer months.

Darby keeps Nigerian Dwarf goats, which have the highest butter fat milk. While she’s never laid a hand on her llamas or alpacas, Darby hopes to teach them to pack one day.

“I started the farm and threw everything into it,” she said. “I had the opportunity to take a raw piece of land that had just been plundered and try to make sense of it.”

J. Darby Farm now has 7,500-gallon rain tanks, a solar-powered barn, a solar-powered water heater, herb and produce gardens, honeybees, fruit trees and a slew of animals.

“Everything has a job. If you’re going to do it, then you may as well do it with animals that are appealing to kids,” she said. “I want to get as many school kids out here as possible. It’s important to have kids out here and get their hands in the dirt.”

Darby said she hosted fourth graders for a visit, and as the students were watching a farm hand milk a goat, a chicken walked in and laid an egg.

“All of the kids screamed,” she said.

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“There was no connection whatsoever.”

Darby has Nigerian Dwarf goats, a breed that produces milk with the highest butterfat.

“I needed goats to graze,” she said. “I sold my bush hog. It’s outrageous for a farmer not to have a bush hog.”

The farm’s seven llamas and three alpacas have “never had a hand on them,” Darby said. She also said the animals’ manure will sell for $9 per quart for fertilizer. Alpaca fleece sells for about $65 per pound, and llama fleece for about $35 per pound on Ebay, according to Darby.

“And that’s raw,” she said. “It would be worth 10 times the value if I spun it into yarn.”

Darby has one of the 11 certified organic farms in Alabama.

“The square footage is better suited for a mall, but why live? I got to see Eden before it was ravaged,” she said. “Somewhere you’ve got to take a stand. I’ve been allotted 17 acres to make my little stand.”

Darby sells produce, eggs and other products through Community Supported Agriculture, which offers locals a “far discounted” price for produce.

“People always want eggs because the eggs are just phenomenal,” she said. “You tell me what you want in your box, and I’ll fill it up to that point. You always get lots more than you pay for.”

Darby includes herbs, vegetables, fruit, cut flowers and more in the CSA boxes. For more information about J. Darby Farm or to purchase produce through CSA, email Darby at jdarby@hughes.net. l

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Shelby County Museum and Archives

Take a step back in time on the Shelby Museum Trail Written by Dr. Jack bridges Photograph by JON GOERING

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lot of living went on in what is now Shelby County long before it became a county. Even before Alabama became a state in 1822.

Living, working and dying.

Clearing fields and planting them. Feeding families, building houses, stores and grist mills and damming streams to power them. Surveying routes for roads and building them (to make things easier for mules, the dirt roads went around hills rather than cutting through them).

Then, there was no electricity or air conditioning, no washing machines or water heaters, few doctors, no hospitals, no power saws or tractors. Shelby pioneers – that’s what they were – just

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may have been stronger, tougher, more determined than later generations! Working, living, attending to what must be done day-by-day; they prepared the foundation for Shelby County today.

Those who came before us had their hands full with the problems and challenges of daily life, leaving scant time to build monuments. But they left enduring evidence of their accomplishments. Those evidences have been gathered together for all to see in Shelby County’s historical museums.

The exhibits are well worth seeing! And all are right here.

Spend a day – or several – exploring them for yourself.

You’ll be glad you did! Visit Shelbycountymuseums.com for more information.

SHELBY COUNTY MUSEUM AND ARCHIVES, a project of the Shelby County Historical Society, Inc., is located in the 1854 courthouse building centering the round-about on Shelby County 47 in Columbiana, a block south of the current limestone courthouse. The museum displays artifacts from the Indian era through modern times. In addition, there is an extensive collection of research materials including county courthouse records and U.S. federal census records from 1790.

Open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. Schsociety.org.

KARL C. HARRISON MUSEUM OF GEORGE WASHINGTON contains what is acknowledged to be the most significant collection outside Mount Vernon of materials,

papers and personal belongings of George Washington and his family. The museum occupies a special building attached to the Columbiana Library at 50 Lester St., just behind the courthouse.

Open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free; donations welcome. Washingtonmuseum. com.

SHELBY IRON WORKS MUSEUM is five miles south of Columbiana in the Shelby Iron Park, on Shelby County 42, just off Shelby County 47.

Shelby, now a quiet crossroads community, was the site of Shelby Iron Company, the state’s premier charcoalfired iron furnaces with the first rolling mill in the state.

Once the picnic area for the company’s employees, the tree-shaded grounds now

constitute the Shelby Iron Park. The Museum of Shelby Life and Iron Making is at the park’s heart. Living history and blacksmith demonstrations and an operating 1880s era sawmill (volunteers use the resulting boards in park construction) are features of the fall festival the second weekend in October.

There is an antique engine show the last Saturday of August and a relaxed “Fun in the Iron Park” welcome to spring the Saturday after Mother’s Day. The museum is open during these events and also in response to advance requests.

The park and museum are projects of the Historic Shelby Association. Free; contributions welcome. Shelbyirnonworks. com.

ConfederATe CemeTery is about five miles west of the Iron Park on Shelby County 42. A resort hotel at nearby Shelby Springs (now private) served as a military hospital during the Civil War. A grove up the hill from the hospital became the final resting place of both Confederate and Union troopers who died of wounds or disease at the hospital. Now a project of the Shelby Historical Society, the cemetery is maintained by members of the Sons of Confederate Veterans. It is open daily. Free.

AlAbAmA firefighTing museum is an addition to the Museum Trail now in advanced planning. A central collection of vintage fire engines and related memorabilia already has been assembled, and the Shelby County government has secured the site. The museum will be located on Alabama 25 about six miles west of Shelby Springs.

Fundraising for construction of the museum building and for additions to the collection is under way. heArT of diXie rAilroAd museum is the official Alabama state railroad museum. Its extensive grounds are in Calera, just off Alabama 25. Antique rail cars of all

sorts and from many lines on are display outdoors. Among them is a “tea kettle” steam locomotive with no firebox or boiler – it was filled with steam at an industrial steam plant before beginning its day’s work! A fine collection of railroad memorabilia is housed in a 1890s L & N depot moved from Birmingham. The Heart of Dixie Railroad Club runs regular weekend train rides on the Calera and Shelby Railroad – the federal and state licensed operating entity – from Calera toward the Shelby Iron Park.

Also on the grounds is a steampowered narrow gauge railroad once located at the Birmingham zoo; rides are available for children–and their parents.

There is a well-stocked gift shop, and Thomas the Tank Engine is a regular visitor. Call 280-0820 for ticket prices. Hodrrm.org AldriCh CoAl mine museum preserves the memory of a very early Alabama coal mine, in production as early as 1839. The mine, named for its owners, the Aldrich brothers, was the first in the state to ship coal to market by rail. The museum includes miners’ camp houses and bath house, ruins of the original mine, the Company Store and Farrington Hall, the owners’ mansion remain.

Museum exhibits tracing the local history of Alabama coal are in the Company Store building and Farrington Hall.

Actual old coal mines are exceedingly hazardous, so the Aldrich Museum constructed a replica mine so realistic that it is used as a location for movies!

Take Alabama 25 from Calera to Montevallo, then Shelby County 10 west to Aldrich.

This museum is the personal mission of Henry and Rose Emfinger. Open Sunday 1-4 p.m. and Thursday-Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. or by appointment.

Admission $5 for adults, $3 for children. A project of the Shelby County Historical Museum Association in cooperation with the South Shelby Chamber of Commerce. For more information call 669-9075 or visit Southshelbychamber.com. l

www.fotowerkscustomphotography.com

• 205-665-9970

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Hollywood Feed

Greystone pet store offers natural and holistic products

Written by NICOLE LOGGINS Photographs by JON GOERING

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ealthy living is no longer just for people.

Pets have gotten in on the action with more companies offering natural and organic food and products. Hollywood Feed, a Memphis-based retailer, is one of those companies. The chain, which opened a store in Greystone in 2010, describes its stores as “natural and holistic pet food merchants.”

Offering dogs and cats healthy products is more than just a passing trend, according to manager Tracy Dairo.

It’s a way to create happier and healthier pets.

“When we eat better, we feel and look better,” she said. “It’s the same for your pet. If you feed them better, then you find yourself visiting the vet less.”

Hollywood Feed specializes in natural foods, and the shelves hold many different formulations tailored for dogs and cats with different needs.

“We carry a large variety of natural foods, meaning no preservatives, fillers or artificial coloring,” Dairo said. “The most prestigious brand we carry is Orijen. It’s been the Pet Food of the Year for the past two years and probably will be again this year.”

Many of the store’s feed formulations contain 80 percent meat and 20 percent vegetables from free-range stocks compared to byproduct fillers and sugars in other types of processed pet foods.

“Avoid by-product fillers, artificial colors and preservatives,” Dairo said. “There are foods that you buy that have lots of sugar. Your pet doesn’t need sugar.”

Byproducts in pet foods are usually old meats. Dairo said owners should look for foods that contain fresh meats and haven’t been spoiled.

“It’s approved by the government to allow

our pets to have processed foods,” Dairo said. “When you look at the labels and realize what’s in the food, you get to the point where you won’t buy anything without checking the label first.”

The store offers a wide range of dog and cat toys and supplies, including name brand products like Lupine and Kong. Hollywood Feed buys from U.S. manufacturers and American-made products.

The store offers a price-match guarantee program, and customers who are uncertain if their pet will like a new product don’t have to worry.

“Our ‘Hollywood Feed Promise’ is if you or your pet don’t love it, bring it back and we will replace or refund it,” Dairo said. “We also price match guarantee, so if you find it cheaper somewhere else, we will honor that price.”

Hollywood Feed rewards returning customers with its Frequent Feeder program.

“Ninety percent of the foods in the store are frequent feeders,” Dairo said. “When you buy a certain number of foods you get one free.”

PAGE 32: Tracy Dairo poses with a pup at Hollywood Feed in Greystone. ABOVE LEFT: The Wall of Fame features Hollywood Feed’s beloved customers. ABOVE: Bones are tempting treats for the dogs that visit the store.

The programs are just a few ways the store works to retain customers. Dairo places a premium on customer service. During the day, she welcomes customers — often by name — and offers assistance for owners looking for food, treats and toys.

“We want to interact with our consumers and discuss their pet with a mom-and-pop store feel with competitive pricing,” Dairo said.

“We want long-lasting customers.”

The chain has stores in Tennessee, Mississippi, Arkansas and Alabama, including Greystone and Cahaba Village. The Greystone business is located at 2815 Greystone Commercial Blvd. in Hoover. For more information, visit Hollywoodfeed.com or call 995-0223. l May 2012

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The pampered pooch Shelby County stores offer a range of products and toys for your dog

Certain breeds of dogs can’t walk for long distances, but that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t enjoy the outdoors. Take your dog on a long walk with this stroller.

Stroller, price upon request, Hollywood Feed.

Lupine-brand products, like these dog collars, have a lifetime guarantee.

Lupine collars, $10 each, Shelby County Humane Society, 381 McDow Road, Columbiana.

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These jackets by The Worthy Dog Supply Co. are weather-resistant and have reflective piping for extra visibility at night.

Apex Jacket, $38.99 each, Fancy Fur.

These harnesses will keep your dog by your side and comfortable during walks.

Harness, $20, Shelby County Humane Society.

The clever design of this feeder makes mealtime mess-free for your pooch.

Neater Feeder, $49, Hollywood Feed, 2185 Greystone Commercial Blvd., Hoover.

These dog treats are free of wheat, soy and corn – ingredients that many dogs are allergic to.

Dog treats, $2-$6.50, Fancy Fur, 5291 Valleydale Road #139, Birmingham.

Most dogs love the sound of biting into a water bottle. Keep your pet safe by putting the bottle in this plush and stuffing-free animal toy.

Skinneeez Big Bite, $9.99, Hollywood Feed.

This dog toy is made of soft but strong fleece material that is braided to maximize its durability.

Kong Braidz, $12.59, Hollywood Feed.

The Kong Classic is a bouncy, natural rubber toy that has been popular with dogs – and their owners – for decades.

Kong Classic, $18.99, Hollywood Feed.

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Dinner for dogs

The do’s and don’ts of sharing food with your dog Written by KATIE MCDOWELL Photographs CONTRIBUTED It’s dinnertime and your dog is hungry.

Tonight, he would rather have the steak on your plate, rather than the kibbles in his bowl.

Most dog owners have treated their dogs to human food at some point. It’s something that Dr. Greg Kelley, a veterinarian at Chelsea Animal Hospital, knows all too well.

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It’s also something he would like to see more dog owners avoid.

“We strive to get people to use only approved diets and treats that are done by commercial companies,” he said.

Kelley said commercial dog food is well rounded. In addition to fulfilling the animal’s nutritional needs, it’s good for their teeth and coat, as well.

Commercial food is increasingly

specialized. There are foods for dogs with diabetes, allergies and gastrointestinal problems. Some of those problems, like bladder stones, are even caused by feeding your dog table scraps.

However, for days when the pleading look in your dog’s eyes is just too hard to ignore, Kelley offered a few tips about which table scraps are best for your pet – and which you should avoid.

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human foods canines can enjoy

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treats that are for people only Chocolate

Raw carrots Carrots are low-calorie snacks that many dogs enjoy.

Green beans Green beans are filled with vitamins and minerals, including K, C and manganese, according to Modern Dog Magazine.

Chocolate, even white chocolate, contains a toxic agent called thobromine, according to WebMD. When ingested, it can cause a dog to have symptoms ranging from diarrhea and extreme thirst to seizures and tremors.

Grapes and raisins Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in canines. According to WebMD, it doesn’t take much to make a dog ill.

Rice Many commercial dog foods are rice-based. Kelley said rice is OK for dogs because it’s bland and it’s a carbohydrate.

Peanut butter Many dogs love peanut butter.

Kelley said it’s OK in moderation and suggests disguising pills in it for finicky dogs.

Cheese Like peanut butter, cheese is another good option for hiding pills. Kelley suggests Cheese Whiz as one option.

Dairy products Kelley said that most dogs – and many cats – are lactose intolerant. With the exception of cheese, pets should not eat dairy products, including milk or ice cream. Too much dairy product can cause loose stools.

Avocado Avocado contains persin, which is harmless for humans who aren’t allergic, according to WebMD. However, large amounts of persin can be toxic to dogs.

Macadamia nuts WebMD claims it can take as few as six macademia nuts to poison a dog.

Plain yogurt­ Yogurt provides dogs with calcium and protein, according to Modern Dog Magazine. Stay away from options that are high in fat, sugar or sweeteners.

Onions Onions in all forms can destroy a dog’s red blood cells, which can cause anemia, according to WebMD. May 2012

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gardeners

Hilltop’s little

Students at Mt Laurel’s Montessori school take learning outdoors at an early age Written by KATIE MCDOWELL Photographs by JON GOERING

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Mays Dunbar harvests Swiss chard, which was used to make a smoothie for snack time.

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S

pinach and Swiss chard probably aren’t at the top of the favorite food lists for most 4-year-olds.

But both were included in the milkshake served in Cindi Stehr’s class on a March morning at Hilltop Montessori School in Mt Laurel. The students even helped pick the Swiss chard in the school garden, and added it to the blender, along with blueberries and bananas.

Then, the entire class enjoyed an organic smoothie for snack time.

Stehr and Michele Scott Wilensky, executive director of the school, which is located in Mt Laurel, said the students are far more likely to eat – and enjoy – different foods when they have a hand in preparing them.

“If they go out and pick the food and prepare it, they almost always will eat it,” Stehr said.

An expanded palate is only one of the benefits the outdoor gardens provide. Outdoor gardens have been a part of Hilltop’s programs since the school was founded in 1996. In the last three years, the school has made a concentrated effort to implement the gardens into the curriculum.

Students learn about the growth cycle of different plants. They learn math while measuring ingredients or multiplying a recipe to create a meal for the entire school. They also learn responsibility in caring for the gardens on their own – self-sufficiency is an important tenant of Montessori schools.

“At this age, they’re just really open to trying new things,” Wilensky said. “A lot of it is doing things for themselves at a very young age.

That’s part of the Montessori philosophy.”

For the gardens, the students start at the beginning – the seed. Each classroom is responsible for its own garden, from toddlers through the eighth grade.

The gardens are a year-round component of the curriculum, and the students planted Swiss chard, kale, arugula and flowers in March. They tend to the garden each day and harvest the plants themselves. They also learn about the growth process – a favorite aspect is compost and the role worms play in the garden.

“The worms help with the garden,” Maggie Mullaney said. “They mostly eat rotten things.”

The produce is used for snack time for the classroom, like the organic smoothie. Each CLOCKWISE FROM FAR LEFT: Cindi Stehr assists Maria Jose Roldan as she snips Swiss chard in the garden, while Maggie Mullaney looks on.

Oriana Roldan shreds spinach for the organic milkshake her class made for snack time. Students, including Ethan Moody, are taught from a young age about healthy eating and the importance of being self-sufficient. Students help shred spinach and swiss chard to make a mikshake for snack time in Cindi Stehr’s class. Students are responsible for assisting with snack time, from choosing the meal and harvesting the produce to chopping the ingredients and clean up. Anna Dollar digs in the toddlers’ garden.

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classroom is stocked with cookbooks featuring healthy and kid-friendly recipes. The students are responsible for choosing the snack they would like to create that day using at least one ingredient from their garden.

While making the smoothie in Stehr’s class, the students took turns adding fruit and vegetables to the blender, and they helped clean up afterward, throwing away their cups as they finished.

Each classroom is also responsible for creating a healthy snack or meal for the entire school at least once during the year.

The school also has partnered with local organizations and businesses. Southern Pines provided child-sized tables for the children, while Chris Hastings of Hot and Hot Fish Club often leads cooking classes.

While each garden is small, taken together, the school can produce quite a crop. In fact, CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Cindi Stehr, Benjamin Appling and Shiela Jones view a honeycomb that was removed from Hilltop Montessori’s bee hive.

Shiela Jones and Benjamin Appling check a bee hive for beetles and other pests. Cindi Stehr holds several plants the 3-year-old students will plant in their garden. Julia Gale uses a plastic knife to slice a banana. Students are responsible for assisting with snack time, from choosing the meal and harvesting the produce to chopping the ingredients and clean up.

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they often donate leftover produce to Mt Laurel restaurants, in addition to occasional produce sales.

“We try to give back to the community as much as we can,” Wilensky said.

In addition to the gardens, the school also has a working bee hive. Benjamin Appling, an 8-year-old student, serves as the student beekeeper. He works alongside Stehr and Shiela Jones, both of whom are working to become master beekeepers.

For Appling, the opportunity to work with thousands of bees was too good to pass up.

“I like bees,” he said. “I like that they make a lot of honey, and honey tastes good.”

As the official student beekeeper, Benajmin was required to complete a course with the Shelby County Extension Office. He takes his role seriously and easily rattles off his weekly tasks.

He works with the hive “every time it’s a good day to do it.” He inspects the hives for

pests, such as wax moth larvae and Varroa mites, which kill bees, and hive beetles, which eat wax.

He has his own protective suit, although the vast number of bees excites him more than scares him.

“There might be a couple of thousand out of the hives, but there’s probably tens of thousands in the hives,” he said excitedly.

It’s that dedication and independence that Hilltop attempts to foster in all of its students.

The outdoor gardens have been particularly successful in exciting the students, Wilsensky said.

“A lot of parents who send their children to Montessori schools already live a healthy lifestyle,” she said. “But we have received a lot of positive feedback. A lot of them have started doing gardens at home.”

Wilensky hopes to further expand the gardens in the future. It was recently awarded the 2012 Ursula Thrush Peace Seed Grant for

the addition of a peace gardent to the campus.

The school is raising funds for a new kitchen, half of which will serve as a working kitchen with child-sized appliances.

“The kids will go to the kitchen and work,” Wilensky said.

Wilensky and several other staff members will also travel to California this summer to learn more about Alice Waters’ Edible Schoolyard program, which encourages learning in garden, kitchen and lunch programs.

Wilensky said Waters was a former Montessori teacher, and she believes the program will be especially adaptable to Hilltop.

“She understood that children need to be taught in a hands-on way,” Wilensky said.

For now, the Hilltop Montessori students will continue to get their hands dirty this spring as they watch over their produce.

And that is exactly what the Hilltop staff like to see. l

“At this age, they’re just really open to trying new things.

A lot of it is doing things for themselves at a very young age.

That’s part of the Montessori philosophy.”

— Michele Scott Wilensky May 2012

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Ms. Cindi’s Organic Smoothie

1 bag organic spinach, torn into pieces and washed 1 bunch of organic Swiss chard, torn and washed 2 cups frozen blueberries 1 banana, peeled and cut 2 cups orange juice Directions: Blend well and enjoy!

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Homemade Hilltop Applesauce 3-5 Granny Smith apples, peeled and thinly sliced 1/4 to 1/2 cup water 1/4 to 1/2 cup sugar 2 tsp. cinnamon Directions: Place apples in medium saucepan with water, enough to cover the bottom of the pan. Sprinkle in sugar and cinnamon. Cook over medium-high heat. Continue stirring and add more water as needed. Once apples have softened, stir to remove lumps.

Cool to preferred temperature and serve.

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

Unconventional Wisdom

Primary Pumpkin Bread 2 cups cooked pumpkin 4 eggs 1 cup salad oil 3 cups sugar 3 1/4 cups flour 1 tsp. baking powder 1 tsp. nutmeg 1 tsp. cinnamon 1 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. ground cloves 2 tsp. salt Directions: Sift together dry ingredients. Mix pumpkin, oil, sugar and beaten eggs. Add to the flour mixture and stir until smooth. Pour into a well-greased and floured bread pan, until it is 3/4 full. Bake for 60 minutes at 350 degrees.

Toddler Turkey Wraps Flour tortillas Sliced turkey Baby spinach from the garden, washed and dried Garden vegetable cream cheese Directions: Spread cream cheese over tortilla. Layer turkey and spinach on 1/3 of tortilla. Roll, slice and enjoy.

For more information: mba@montevallo.edu or 205.665.6544

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‘Only in Montevallo’

The Kirbys fall in love with a historic home and a small town

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Home & Food

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Written by KATIE MCDOWELL Photographs by JON GOERING

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or John and Carolyn Kirby, life in Montevallo couldn’t be better.

They love the easy flow of life: walking or biking to church, a downtown lunch and even work. They love knowing their neighbors’ names and the little “only in Montevallo” quirks, like the mailman delivering the mail to the door.

“These are things other people don’t get to enjoy,” Carolyn said.

For the last five years, the Kirbys have made their home in a charming, two-story Victorian located near the University of Montevallo campus.

The house has character that only time – in this case, 130-plus years – can bring. Only three families have owned the home, including the Kirbys. Built by the McCounnghy family in the 1880s, it originally served as an early boarding house for the pre-Alabama College school system, according to historical documents. The Kirbys bought the home from its second owner, Minnie Lou Warnke, in 2005.

The Kirbys met years earlier, when PREVIOUS PAGE CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: The German grandfather clock in the foyer is a family heirloom that belonged to John’s first wife. John and Carolyn Kirby are only the third family to own their 1880s Victorian home in Montevallo. The backyard is home to two buildings that date back to the 1880s: the garage, which was originally a carriage house, and the “Little House,” which was originally the servants’ quarters.

The master bedroom includes a nook for relaxing or reading.

This antique radio is an heirloom from John’s family. The Kirbys give a nod to their own past with family photos in the foyer. RIGHT: The Kirbys renovated the house, including removing walls to create larger, open rooms, before they moved in.

Two of the big changes the Kirbys made to the home before moving in included raising the ceiling to its original height and expanding the hallway by removing a series of closets.

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they both lived in other Birmingham suburbs. However, they both had ties to Montevallo. Carolyn is a kinesiology professor at the University of Montevallo, and John spent his childhood in the town.

In fact, John developed a love for old homes growing up down the road from his current residence. Most of those homes are gone now, replaced by newer versions, stores or empty lots.

“Growing up in Montevallo, I remember homes like this one, even prettier, but they’re gone,” he said. “You can make (a historic home) modern and up-to-date, but still have that old feel.”

While the Kirbys now have the amenities of a modern home, it was certainly a challenge. The Kirbys, with the help of their son-in-law, Carl Schoettlin, did extensive renovation to the home before moving in.

Schoettlin, and his wife, Karen, one of John’s three adult daughters, have practice with restoration. The couple recently bought and renovated Birmingham’s Donnelly House, which was built in 1905.

“Carl understands old homes,” Carolyn said. “He studies them.”

The Kirbys’ main goal in renovating the house was creating space and a more open feel. Under Carl’s direction, they doubled the size of the main hallway by removing a long row of storage closets.

They also raised the ceiling from 8 feet tall to its original height of about 12 feet.

During that process, they made a fortunate discovery. Transom windows were located above the doors throughout the house. The windows were missing, so John had them replaced with a custom clear glass pattern mimicking the entry door.

The door has its own unusual history.

It’s original to the old Blanchard house, where previous owner Minnie Lou Warnke grew up.

“When they tore that house down, she asked for the door,” John said.

The Kirbys were forced to tear down most of the walls to accommodate the changes, but that had the benefit

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Rich earth tones and natural fabrics create a comfortable and cozy living room. Major Miller, a Montevallo celebrity, naps on the couch. The Kirbys collect art from their European travels, including this painting of Capri, where the couple got engaged. Much of the interior of the “Little House,” which was originally servants’ quarters, is original.

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of allowing them to better insulate the house. They discovered layers of wallpaper in the remaining rooms. They framed small squares of the wallpaper from the dining room, master bedroom, kitchen and foyer.

The Kirbys also expanded the kitchen, which Carolyn said was woefully in need of updating. They added new cabinets and black granite counters.

“The kitchen was so small, the refrigerator was in the pantry,” she said.

The Kirbys did not decorate the home with an abundance of antiques. With the exception of a few family heirlooms, the home is decorated in comfortable and current furniture.

Paintings from the Kirbys’ world travels, including Capri, where the couple got engaged, hang from the walls, as well as photos of their families. Carolyn has also received numerous pottery pieces from former students.

Two exterior buildings in the background serve as a reminder of the home’s historic roots: the garage and the servants’ house.

The garage was originally used as a one-horse carriage house. The quaint building has low windows, which were originally open so the horses could graze.

The two-bedroom servants’ house includes much of the original building, including richly stained pine walls and floors. One of Carolyn’s favorite details is also located in the servants’ house, which the Kirbys call the “Little House.”

The previous owner moved the mantle from the fireplace in the main home to the Little House.

“I think it’s probably the prettiest part of the old house,” Carolyn said.

The Little House is also home to Major Miller’s annual Christmas party.

Major Miller is the Kirby’s 16-year-old Brittany spaniel.

The party is a Montevallo favorite and brings friends and family from across the Birmingham area to the Kirbys’ house.

It’s that feeling of connectedness that the Kirbys have loved most about life in Montevallo. And it’s something they couldn’t find anywhere else.

“I grew up in a small town,” Carolyn said, “but I don’t think there can be many towns where people are as supportive as they are in Montevallo.” l

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To market, to market Stock up on fresh produce grown by local farmers

Written by KATie mCdowell Photograph by jon goering

Columbiana Farmers Market West College Street Open April-September Saturday, 7 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Contact Randy Glenn at 305-8632 Calera Farmers Market Oliver Park, 9758 Highway 25 Open June through August Tuesday, 3-6 p.m.

Contact Rebecca Krueger at 281-1975 Calerafarmersmarket.com U-Pick’em Blueberries Morgan Creek Winery 181 Morgan Creek Lane, Harpersville June 15-July Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. $12 per bucket Morgancreekwinery.com.

Helena Farmers Market 4151 Helena Road June 3-Aug. 25 Saturday, 8 a.m.-noon Contact Cris Nelson at 296-6153 Mt Laurel Farmers Market 38 Manning Place Begins in June Saturday, 8 a.m.-noon Contact Kelly Burley at 408-2717 Montevallo Farmers Market Middle Street behind First Baptist Church June-August Monday, 3-6 p.m.

Contact Mary Lou Williams at 665-1519 Valleydale Farmers Market 4601 Valleydale Road, Birmingham, May 15-August Saturday, 8 a.m.-noon Contact Jed Park at 868-4575 May 2012

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A fresh experience

Home & Food

Written by Amy JONES Photographs by JON GOERING

W

hen Chelsea resident Sean Butler was growing up and learning to cook with his grandmother, she instilled one wise lesson that has stayed with him throughout his life: “Use what the land provides for you.”

Butler heeded his grandmother’s words as he began a culinary career, and they have become the abiding theme behind his Chelsea restaurant, Food Studio B. “Nothing’s out of a can. That’s just the way we do things,” Butler said.

Food Studio B has been open since 2008 in Greystone, but Butler decided to relocate to Chelsea earlier this year because he calls the city home.

“We want people to stay here instead of going over the mountain to eat. We live here too,” he said. “We love the community. We’re not going anywhere.”

The bison burger is one entrée staying on the menu, Butler said.

A customer favorite, the burger features an onion-bacon marmalade and blue cheese crumbles and is served on a fresh bun baked in-house.

A recent lunch menu featured roasted tomato-basil bisque and bison black bean chili for soup selections, along with salads, including the Greek chicken salad with ovenroasted chicken, feta cheese, mixed olives, baby cucumbers, peppers and vine-ripened tomatoes tossed with organic greens in red wine-feta dressing.

Sandwich choices include the studio chicken salad, which features poached all white meat chicken, honeyed pecans, sundried cranberries and Italian parsley tossed in a light yogurt dressing on house-made flatbread.

The restaurant will also offer Friday night family-style dinners, which will require reservations and will feature several courses.

“We want people to come in, have fun and talk. We want to know our customers,” Butler said.

Butler said Food Studio B caters to anyone looking for fresh food, but the restaurant also looks to serve people who want — or need — to eat differently.

“Our goal is to become a one-stop shop for anyone with Celiac disease,” Butler said.

LEFT: Tomato-basil soup with house-made bread and apple slices. TOP: Meatball sandwich with classic salad and peach slices. ABOVE RIGHT: Black and blue salad. ABOVE LEFT: Greek chicken salad.

Food Studio B will feature fresh bakery items every day, and many of those items will be gluten-free.

The business also offers home meal replacement plans, in which the restaurant can produce take-home meals to fit a specific diet or need, such as low calorie meals, gluten-free meals or the Paleo diet.

Butler works with local farmers to get the freshest seasonal produce for use in his dishes.

“We try to stay seasonal as much as possible,” he said. “The farmers we talk to are committed to growing an acre or an acre and a half of what we want, which is fantastic.”

Butler said the Chelsea community is hungry for a place to eat fresh food, lovingly

prepared.

“The best thing we hear is, ‘We don’t want another fast food restaurant,’” he said. “We’re what people did 50 years ago before everything was manufactured. We control almost every aspect of our food.”

The restaurant also offers breakfast, which features breakfast sandwiches, pastries and other bakery items and drinks such as freshsqueezed juices and coffee.

Food Studio B has a freezer section for walk-in customers looking for meals to take home and prepare for their families.

For information about Food Studio B’s hours and other questions, contact the restaurant at 965-3682. l May 2012

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dining guide

ALCOHOL SERVED

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CATERING AVAILABLE

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dining guide Mikey’s Grill 4254 Southlake Parkway Suite 7 / Hoover 205.538.7637 / Mikeysgrill.com Mikey and Melissa have been in the fine dining business for more than 30 years combined. Mikey buys only the freshest seafood possible and cuts all steaks in house. All of the dressings and sauces are made from scratch. Come try our oneof-a-kind Chicken Saltimbocca, topped with sweet marsala prosciutto, cheddar, parmesan, mozzarella cheeses or one of our many other signature dishes. We have great daily lunch specials starting at $5.50, and an extensive wine collection at our bar, and you can enjoy anything on our menu all day. We are open from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesday - Friday for lunch, 4:30-9 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, and 4:30-10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday for dinner. So, if you’re looking for a wonderful dining experience, come to Mikey’s Grill. We’re truly Shelby County’s hidden gem.

Miami Café 3569 Hwy 31 / Pelham / 205.358.8348 If you want something that has Caribbean flare, Miami Café’s got it! They serve nothing but authentic cuisine from the classic Cuban sandwich to Arroz con Guandules with roasted pulled pork. If you don’t have time to dine in, then take it with you! Catering is available for special occasions or corporate events that are sure to impress. Enjoy the taste of the Caribbean.

The Best Eatery in Town 123 Easy Street / Downtown / 205.669.3131 Besteatery.com You’ve worked hard to get your establishment ready — you’ve got a great location, the perfect atmosphere for patrons to enjoy their meal, the best wine and beer list in town, live music on the weekends and a catering crew ready for events big and small. The only thing missing now...all those hungry folks who have yet to try your fare! The perfect solution? The Shelby Living dining guide. Reach an affluent readership throughout Shelby County, and prepare to welcome new patrons to your establishment. Secure your spot on the Dining Guide by email at advertise@shelbyliving.com!

the Shelby Living

dining guide

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Latin Shrimp and Avocado Cocktail Ingredients: 1 lb. cooked shrimp, peeled and de-veined 1/2 cup lime juice 1/2 white onion, minced 1/3 cup cilantro, chopped 1/2 cup ketchup 1 Tbsp. hot sauce 1 cup diced cucumber or jicama 1 avocado, cubed 58

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Salt to taste 1 green plantain for frying Directions: 1. Combine all ingredients, except the plantain, and allow mixture to marinate in the refrigerator for one hour.

2. Meanwhile, remove the skin of the plantain. Next, using a mandolin,

thinly slice the plantain into paperthin strips.

3. Heat an electric fryer or a large pot with oil. Fry the plantain strips until golden brown and slightly curled. Sprinkle with salt and allow to drain on a paper towel for three to five minutes.

Serve with the shrimp and avocado cocktail.

A student of cuisine Written by ChrisTine boATwrighT Photographs by jon goering

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fter sampling a cacophony of flavors in a little village outside Mexico City, Chef Gray Byrum returned to the States and recreated the cocktail of shrimp, avocado and plantains for a festive Cinco de Mayo dish.

While Byrum’s company, Echelon Catering, has a “huge offering of different flavors from around the world,” Byrum’s specialty is in French and Mediterranean cooking.

“My heart is in the Mediterranean, but I’m a student of cuisine,” Byrum said. “I plan on cooking until I die.”

Byrum’s cooking experience is as diverse as his flavors.

A Birmingham native, Byrum attended Birmingham Southern College and began his culinary career at the Wynfrey Hotel in Birmingham. His career took him to Washington D.C. and Orlando, Fla., where

he worked for “a lot of great chefs,” he said.

Byrum was the executive chef at Citricos at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa in Orlando, which won Best New Restaurant in Orlando in 2001. After more than 20 years in the restaurant business, Byrum wanted a change. He returned to Alabama to be closer to family and worked as a Culinard chef instructor for more than a year. Before opening his catering business, Byrum took the time to travel.

“I wanted to see what other people do and what they’re all about,” he said. “Travel for any cook is essential.”

The shrimp and avocado cocktail was inspired by Byrum’s travels.

“It’s not typically what you find in Mexican restaurants,” Byrum said. “It’s a little more authentic.”

He said the starter dish only requires a few ingredients, so the ingredients are put together, the shrimp is cooked and it’s complete.

“It’s a dish that needs to be eaten that day,” he said. “It’s a little starter that can be

translated into a cold salad with lettuce or tortillas.”

As for the plantain chips, Byrum said to purchase green plantains and use a paring knife to peel them.

“I deep fried them, but they can be shallow fried,” he said. “Take them out when they’re brown and crispy. Sprinkle them with kosher salt, and you’re good to go.”

For more information about Echelon Catering, visit Echeloncatering.net. l

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A Day at the Beach

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Written by Katie McDowell Photographs by JON GOERING

he bartenders at Grey Bar in Birmingham are ready for summer. They stirred up this fruity concoction, which is reminiscent of – what else? – a day at the beach.

The drink is fairly simple. It’s made with 1 1/2 ounces of Amaretto, 1 1/2 ounces of Malibu rum, 2-3 ounces of orange juice and a slash of grenadine. It’s shaken for several seconds, poured in a short glass and garnished with a lemon slice.

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Grey Bar 5426 Highway 280 Hoover 205-874-6361 Greybarbham.com

Greater Shelby Chamber of Commerce

Viewpoints The Birmingham Barons team up with the Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce for Family Night.

The Birmingham Barons have given the Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce a special deal on tickets for the Thursday, June 7 ballgame. Tickets are only $6 and admit five! That’s you and four of your favorite people to enjoy a great night at the ballgame!

Former Atlanta Braves All-Star Javy Lopez will be in attendance on June 7. He will be signing autographs during the game. For more information, please visit Barons.com.

Also, this night is Ladies’ Night sponsored by AVEDA Institute, and the first 500 ladies in attendance will receive a gift from our sponsor.

Also a Thirsty Thursday game, where we will offer $1 drink specials throughout the stadium.

Tickets are available for purchase and pick up at the Greater Shelby County Chamber office, 1301 County Services Drive, Pelham. Call the Chamber with any questions at 663-4542. See you at the ballgame!

May Luncheon My Future, presented by Randy Fuller, Shelby County Schools superintendent The My Future initiative is a systematic approach that prepares students for the ‘real-world’ transition.

My Future will foster career exploration, identification and preparation so that each student graduates with a meaningful life plan.

Calera and Chelsea High Schools are piloting major components of My Future

this year before the program is expanded to all high schools next year. Another component of the initiative is the My Future web portal, a comprehensive webpage linking students and parents to career exploration, career planning, workforce information, college investigation and portfolio sites.

The luncheon will be held on May 30 from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the Pelham Civic Complex, 500 Amphitheater Dr., Pelham. RSVP required by noon, Monday, May 25 due to Memorial Day Holiday. Members $17, non-members $25. Showcase City Feature: Chelsea, Columbiana and Wilsonville.

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Birmingham Barons Family Night

Greater Shelby Chamber of Commerce

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Greater Shelby Chamber of Commerce

Snapshots

Executive Director Chris Monceret was joined by the board of directors to celebrate the expansion of the Community of Hope Health Clinic. This bi-weekly clinic is open to Shelby County residents who don’t have insurance but need medical care. Area doctors and nurses volunteer their time to see patients on Mondays from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. and Thursday evenings from 5-8:30 p.m. For more information about the clinic or how you can donate time or resources, call 685-4154 or visit Communityofhopehealthclinic.org.

Thanks to Dr. John Stewart and the University of Montevallo for hosting the recent Focus on Montevallo in its newly renovated Student Union Building.

Congratulations to the Birmingham Barons’ Regions Field for holding its groundbreaking for a new facility that is scheduled to open in time for Opening Day 2013.

Thank you to the Shelby County Reporter for sponsoring the annual Mayoral Luncheon!

D!iscover Information Technology and Training hosted an open House to celebrate its new office, which includes state-of-the-art training and testing classrooms. They offer training in computer information systems, as well as business topics such as budgeting, ethics and time management.

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Uptown Art Uncorked owner Michelle McCauley held a ribbon cutting ceremony. She was joined by family, friends and Ambassadors of the Greater Shelby Chamber. Uptown Art Uncorked offers an opportunity for family and friends to paint or do karaoke together in a fun and upbeat atmosphere. For more information or to book a class, visit Uptownart.com.

Shelbychamber.org

Greater Shelby Chamber of Commerce

Grow & Go Workshop Microsoft Office 365 for Professionals and Small Businesses Cahaba Valley Computer Services, LLC, presents Microsoft® Office 365. Microsoft® Office 365 for small businesses is a set of web-enabled tools that let you access your email, documents, contacts and calendars from virtually anywhere, on almost any device. Designed for organizations with 1-25 employees, the service brings together online versions of the best communications and collaboration tools from Microsoft, including Microsoft Office Web Apps, at a price that small businesses can afford. Office 365 was designed to be easy enough for small businesses to run without specialized IT knowledge. The Grow & Go Workshops are made possible by the 2012 Continual Sponsorship of Business Telephones, Inc. The programs and events we offer wouldn’t be possible without the support of our sponsors!

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When: Thursday, May 10, 2012 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Where: Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce, 1301 County Services Drive, Pelham Investment: $10 per person. Includes lunch and materials.

Registration: Register and prepay by credit card online (Discover, M/C, or Visa) by clicking the link on the seminar you wish to attend on our Chamber Event Calendar. Registration required by May 8 to be guaranteed a seat and lunch.

Shelbychamber.org

23rd Annual Golf Classic Get ready for the Greater Shelby Chamber’s 23rd Annual Golf Classic! The Greater Shelby Chamber’s 23rd Annual Golf Classic has a superior reputation, and we make sure there is something for everyone to enjoy. This year’s tournament will be held on May 22 at Eagle Point Golf Club, Birmingham. Our players, sponsors and volunteers all walk away winners.

We are fortunate to host a premier golf tournament that offers friendly competition, lots of prizes and fun for all.

Lunch will be served at 11 a.m., and the driving range will be open. Shotgun start is scheduled for 12:30 p.m.

Registration includes: Round of golf, course and cart fee, two meals, drink tickets per person, one mulligan per person and all contests.

Format: Four-person scramble with chances to win flighted divisions, along with longest drive, closest to the pin, putting contest and many other prizes.

If you are interested in being a sponsor, volunteer, or playing in the tournament, call the Chamber office at 663-4542.

Greater Shelby Chamber of Commerce

New Members Patsy Leach Ron Whitney Lynn Brown Michelle Givan Mickie Manning Ashley Nicholson Randy Davis Carol Mitchell Thomas Davis Ronald Wilson Eddie Bowlin Chaundra Davis Rus Morgan Ron Neely George Ethridge Serena Durham Rebecca Bradford Ron Shoe Myrl Baker

P.O. Box 1384 3 Riverchase Office Plaza, Ste 114 9200 Highway 119, Ste 700 4851 Cahaba River Road 124 Green Springs Highway 5291 Valleydale Road, Ste 107 400 Park Ave 300 Doug Baker Blvd., Ste 100 3800 Colonnnade Pkwy., Ste 600 P.O. Box 1489 #2 Inverness Center Parkway 1400 Urban Center Drive, Ste 100 1200 4th Avenue North 800 Corporate Ridge Drive 138 Citation Court 3200 Galleria Circle P.O Box 1294 3 Riverchase Office Plaza, Ste 106 P.O. Box 361231

Alabaster Hoover Alabaster Vestavia Birmingham Pelham Moody Birmingham Birmingham Alabaster Birmingham Vestavia Hills Birmingham Birmingham Birmingham Hoover Pell City Hoover Birmingham

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Aliant Bank of Alabaster d!scover Jackson Hewitt LearningRx Office Depot Studio Zen Fitness Red Diamond Mitchell’s Paper Etc. MetLife Financial Group of the South Sunrise Energy Solutions, Inc. America’s First Federal Credit Union Nex21 Americas First Financial Wingate by Wyndham Alabama Hydraulic Services AVEDA Institute Birmingham Beck First Aid & Safety, Inc. SIP Oasis Superior Garage Door Service

Ambassador Spotlight March Ambassador of the Month

Congratulations to our Ambassador of the Month!

Ann Marie Boyd is the director of External Affairs for Yeager and Boyd, LLC Certified Public Accountants. She has been active with the Ambassador program for almost five years. Yeager and Boyd provides exceptional accounting, auditing and tax services. They are experts in

Ann Marie Boyd

audit and reporting requirements, tax planning strategies, compliance procedures and forensic accounting.

The purpose of the Ambassador Program is to extend the warmth and hospitality of the Chamber to

members and guests while facilitating networking at Chamber functions. If you are interested in being involved in the Ambassador Program contact April Stone at the Chamber, 663-4542 or april@shelbychamber.org.

For more information about Yeager and Boyd, call (205) 991-5506, or visit their website at Yeagerboyd.com.

Shelbychamber.org

Greater Shelby Chamber of Commerce ©2012 Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company

SHOW CAR PIT STOP

COME SEE THE OFFICIAL SHOW CAR OF THE NASCAR NATIONWIDE SERIES.

Don’t want braces?

We are more than happy to see if you can get straight teeth without braces!

Braces • invisalign •

Tuesday, May 1, 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM

at Pelham Walmart 2181 Pelham Parkway, Pelham, Alabama 35124 Scott Richards Agency (205)988-4346

Keep up with the NASCAR Nationwide Series at NASCARnationwideseries.com The NASCAR Nationwide Series logo is used ed und un er lic licens ensee by the Nattion ional al Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, Inc. and Nationwid de Mutu M t all Insurance Company. NASCAR® and the NASC CAR® logo are registered trademarks of the National Asso socia ciatio tion forr Sto Stock c Carr Au Auto to Rac Racing ing, Inc. Nationwide, Nationwide Insurance, the Nationwide framemark and Nationwide is On Your Side de are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. All rights ts res reserved. d ADP-18 AD 801 (01/12)

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Brandon Boggan, DMD, MS

Dr. Boggan is an invisalign® Elite Premier Provider and the #1 provider of invisalign® in the state.

CALL TODAY AND MAKE YOUR CONSULTATION APPOINTMENT!

Pelham & Calera | 205.664.4140

www.BracingTeam.com

Pit Stop

Come out and join Scott Richards Agency, Nationwide and the Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce as we celebrate from noon until 6 p.m. on Tuesday, May 1. Enjoy grilled hot dogs and other refreshments while you check out the OFFICIAL SHOW CAR OF THE NASCAR NATIONWIDE SERIES. Plus there will be a race car simulator you can drive too! First-come, first-served.

No cost or RSVP required. Event is open to Greater Shelby Chamber members and the community.

Contact Us Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce 1301 County Services Drive, Pelham, Alabama 35124 (205) 663-4542 Fax: (205) 663-4524 info@shelbychamber.org Shelbychamber.org

377 Huntley Parkway Pelham, AL 35124

Scan it. Browse it. emBRACE it.

Greater Shelby Chamber of Commerce

Charter Business A.C. Legg, Inc. FastSigns Alabama Power First Commercial Bank Alabama Telco Credit Union Graham and Associates, CPA ALAGASCO iBERIABANK Aliant Bank Legacy Community Federal America’s First Federal Credit Union Credit Union Minuteman Press Alabaster AT&T Regions Bank AT&T Advertising Solutions Brookwood Medical Center Shelby Baptist Medical Center Shelby County Reporter Business Telephones, Inc. Stewart Organization Cahaba Valley Computer Services

2012 GSCC Board of Directors David Nolen M&F Bank (Chair) April Weaver Shelby Baptist Medical Center Bill Keller Regions Financial Clint Umphrey Texas Roadhouse

Keith Brown Jefferson State Community College Lisa McMahon Warren, Averett, LLC Mike Vest Governor’s Commission on Physical Fitness & Sports Paul Rogers Aliant Bank

Dave Davis Legacy Community Federal Credit Union

Phillip Heard Alabama Gas Company

Howard Bailey Neil Bailey Insurance & Investments

Silvia Hoyos Hispanic Interest Coalition of Alabama

Joe Sullivan Sullivan Communications, Inc

Terri Williams AT&T

John Browning Cahaba Valley Computer Services, LLC

Tim Bowen Alabama Power Company

Keith Barfield Barfield, Murphy, Shank & Smith, PC

Tim Prince Shelby County Reporter Vivian Johnson Sam’s Club Hoover

GSCC Events

Find more details of what you can expect about any event listed by visiting the Greater Shelby County Chamber’s website at Shelbychamber.org. Register for events online at Shelbychamber.org, call the RSVP Line at 663-8923 or the Chamber at 663-4542.

CANCELLATION POLICY REMINDER: If a reservation is made for a pay event and you are unable to attend, you will be charged for the event unless a cancellation request is made at least TWO business days prior to the event.

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Focus Pelham: 8:30 a.m.- 9:30 a.m.

Linda Nolen Learning Center, 2280 Hwy. 35 No RSVP required. No cost.

Afternoon of Fun by Nationwide: noon-6 p.m.

SHOWCAR Pit Stop sponsored by Scott Richards Agency Nationwide Insurance Wal-Mart Supercenter, 2181 Pelham Pkwy.

No RSVP required. No cost.

Business After Hours: 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Jefferson State Community College - ACT Testing Center 4600 Valleydale Road No RSVP required. No cost.

Grow & Go “Microsoft 365”: 8:30 a.m. -10 a.m.

Presented by Cahaba Valley Computer Services, LLC Chamber, 1301 County Services Dr., Pelham Cost $10. RSVP required by noon, Tuesday, May 8th.

23rd Annual Golf Classic:11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Eagle Point Golf Club, 4500 Eagle Point Dr. Sponsors, teams and volunteer opportunities available.

Contact the Chamber for more details - 663-4542.

Social 280: 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.

National Bank of Commerce, 5 Inverness Center Pkwy.

No RSVP required. No cost.

Monthly Membership Luncheon: 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Randy Fuller, Shelby County Schools Superintendent Pelham Civic Complex, 500 Amphitheater Dr., Pelham RSVP required by noon, Monday, May 25 due to Memorial Day Holiday. Investment: Members $17, non-members $25.

Showcase Feature: Chelsea, Columbiana. and Wilsonville.

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2012 Continual Sponsors

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Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce Coffee and Contacts The Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce held Coffee and Contacts March 8 at Somerby at St. Vincent’s One Nineteen.

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Douglas Ray signing

Indian Springs School held a book release party for English teacher Douglas Ray Feb. 27.

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1. Nena Hebbani and Raniem Hajuzin 2. Cameron Westbrook, Sawyer Klein and Jacob Thigpen 3. Douglas Ray 4. Katherine DePalma and Patrick Scalise 5. Dorrie Fuchs and Anna Olson 6. Angela Szaz and Jay Jung 7. Michael Mazer, Carole Mazer and Gareth Vaughan 8. Cori Mazer and Eli Cohen 9. Gordon Sullivan and Sam Bonner 10. Elliot Gibbs, David Gary and Savannah Rodriguez

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Brenda Ladun Conquer Cancer Run

Hundreds of participants came out to participate in the Brenda Ladun Conquer Cancer Run on March 3 at St. Vincent’s One Nineteen.

1. Kinsley Heaton, Tracy Heaton, Robert Jackson and Bryan Heaton 2. Marcia Roof, Brooklyn Dickey, Kathy Jarboe, Debbie Karr and Angela Wiggins 3. Dave Baird and Brenda Ladun 4. Dwight and Sharon Moore 5. Glenn and Gersan Heatherly 6. Shannon Barnett, Garrett Barnett and Donny Fincham 7. Steve Berryhill and Matthew Slaughter 8. Tracy Cohn, Al Cohn, Morgan Cohn, Amy Best, Scott Best, Dylan Best and Vicki Goldstein 9. Melissa Tuck and Richard Danner 70

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10. Chad Jones, Anna Grace Jones, Addison Woodruff and Chad Woodruff 11. Amanda Davis, Joy Crocker, Blair Watson, Meredith McCay and Laurel Dotson 12. Ziven and Anna Fowler 13. Madison Heatherly, Kaden Heatherly, Noah Golden and Arin Rhoden 14. Stephanie Vazquez and Kaye Sharp 15. Wanda Tynn and Kimberly Bowling 16. Bekah and Brayden Blythe 17. Madline Reeves, Laura Rush and Dawn Williams 18. Colby Hamner, Brenda Ladun and Hannah Gregory May 2012

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School of Technology Fashion Show

The SOT held its first fashion show “Behind the Glamorous Mask” on March 9 at the Shelby County High School auditorium.

1. Destiny Lansdell and Tyler King 2. Jason Vaughn, Taylor Brown, Brandon Williams and Morgan Bonner 3. Kane Mitchell and Logan Nichols 4. Alyssa Willis and Charlie Kent 5. Stephanie Roulier and Jennifer Nesbitt 6. Morgan Bonner and Shawn O’Neill 7. Chris Pitchford and Rachael Broderick 8. Brittany Wambaugh and Austin Revis 9. Lindsey McDaniel and Shawn O’Neill 10. Myca Mashburn and Jasmine Robinson 72

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GSCCC Mayor’s luncheon The Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce held its annual mayors’ luncheon Feb. 29 at the Pelham Civic Complex.

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1. Mayor Steve Zerkis and Mayor Allan Lowe 2. Mayor Jon Graham, Mayor Earl Niven and Mayor Ray McAllister 3. Eva Shepherd and Mary Lou Williams 4. Shona Dykstra and Brian Garnett 5. Amanda Smith and Lyndsie Harman 6. Kimberlee Harkins and Christy Little 7. Marilyn Lane and Lauren Dango 8. Hank Erwin and Stacy Walkup 9. Joel Bearden, Freddy Ard and Paul Reynolds 10. TJ Fincher and Tim Bowen May 2012

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Antique Appraisal

The Friends of the Library hosted the Central Alabama Antique Appraisal Market on March 3 in Columbiana.

1. Joe Sharp and Joe Hay 2. Richard Glasgow and Jim Strickland 3. James Taylor and Amy Piper 4. Jenn Sublett and Connie Knutsson 5. Nancy Bell and Donna Butts 6. Evan Chalmers, Caity Buford and Jen Mishalanie 7. Pat Johnson, Fanay Register and Beth Strickland

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Cattlemen’s Rodeo

Cowboys and cowgirls gathered at the Shelby County Expo Center for the county’s 25th annual Cattleman’s Rodeo on Feb. 24.

1. Sammy Richardson, Sam Richardson and Hannah Irvin 2. Emma Drolet, Hannah Drolet, Maddox Mitchell and Sheila Mitchell.

3. Jacob Massey and Austin Henderson 4. Sue Baxley and Kenneth Rousseau 5. William and John Ward 6. Brody McCall, William Martin, Sam Bristow and Ronny Cook 7. Abby Rowland, Maggie Vonderau, Jocee Ehlman and Claire Vonderau 8. Britton and Katie Wade 76

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9. Henry and Becky Willis 10. Chris Blackmon and Daniel Gardner 11. Daniel Talley and Megan Krueger 12. Chris Vonderau, Melissa Vonderau and Jeff Ehlman 13. Ann Handley, Ronnie Cook and Jimmy Bice 14. Brett Gray and Chris Terrill 15. Emalee Nolen, Emma Conell, Anna Conell, Allysah Henderson, Payslee Nolen, Austin Henderson and Montana Wells

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1. Alicia Johnson with Joe and Anne Murphy 2. Dale Neuendorf, Mayor Earl Niven and Robert Burnett 3. Rozann and Michael Cooley 4. Bill and Barbara Weldon 5. Roberta and Joel Dauber 6. Dale and Mary Neuendorf 7. Duncan Loggins and Caleb Kirkpatrick 8. Vicki and John Devenyns 9. Jay and Carol Jerman 10. Eddie, Cora and Alverdean Huggins

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SCAC Regional Folk Art Exhibit

The Shelby County Arts Council held an opening reception for the Regional Folk Art Exhibit on March 8 in Columbiana.

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1. Linda Major, Dolores Jones and Phyllis French 2. Nancy Crook, Sandra Dudley, Sarah Fendley and Kim Beebe 3. Kathy Copeland and She-She Vaughn 4. Bob Whetstone and Don Lundy 5. Tommy Carter and Linda Browning 6. Lennie Jones and Laura Alvord 7. Elnora Spencer, Edna Sealy and Jerry Roldan 8. Sue Owen, Diane Peters and Maggie Glass 9. Bob and Marj Berguson May 2012

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Welcome to the good life. Welcome to Shelby Living!

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e yea Arts & Culture n o r fo es u s s i Local Fashions 12 Unique Home Features Monthly calendar of events and happenings 80

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To subscribe visit ShelbyLiving.com or call 669-3131

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Montevallo Arbor Day

Montevallo held its 20th annual Arbor Day celebration Feb. 25.

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1. Elizabeth Frederick, Peter Seeds and Matt Barton 2. Mike Pickett, Herschel Hale, John Mckinnon and Dee Woodham 3. Kathy McEntee, Julie McEntee, Jan McKinnon and Nancy Hale 4. Debby and Steven Raymond 5. Billy and Peggy Tyler 6. Hollie Cost with Dee and Barry Woodham 7. Barbara Williams, Kate Vogel and Judy Morgan 8. Mike Miller and Judy Rogers

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Montevallo Citizens’ Night

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Citizen’s Night was held March 9 at Anna Irvin Dining Hall at the University of Montevallo.

1. Emily Porter, Alisha Plier, Becca Tate and Chelsey Wilson 2. Maryann Lee, Lam Wang, Brett Gray, Kelsey Childress and Raechell Miller 3. Phoebe and Suzanne Hurst 4. Xan Shivers and Earl Cunningham 5. Barbara Belisle and Susan Fulmer 6. Margie Hardin and Barbara Freeman 7. Kim and Mark Gray 8. Adrian Lucas and Melinda Nix 9. Kathy and John Stewart 10. Judy Santa Cruz and Dee Lien

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SSCC luncheon

South Shelby Chamber of Commerce focused on Mt Laurel during its March 1 luncheon.

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1. Patti Gaines and Ann Bryant 2. Miranda Carter, Jenny Wilson and Kendall Williams 3. Caleb Goodwin and Dr. Ben Smith 4. Mara Tierce and Nina Shields 5. Dennis Dupont and Mike Griffin 6. Rosie McClure and Jessica Henderson 7. Katie Guerin and Kate Etheridge 8. Carl Orso and Kevin Morris 9. Mayor Ray McAllister, Dixson Brookes Jr. and Caleb Goodwin 10. Jolyn Broadhead and Karee Hughes

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Sav-a-life Lifesaver Walk

Sav-a-life held its annual Lifesaver Walk on March 10th at Heardmont Park on Hwy 119.

1. Diana Vance, Chuck and Debbie Streets 2. Anthony Baumann and Jon Walden 3. Mary Hanyes, Pat MacKay and Jeanie Jones 4. Eric and Jennifer Spadgenske 5. Lee and Katlyn Karcher 6. Amy and Jeff Chambless 7. Donna Gray, Ethan Gray, Connie White and Carol Carter 8. Rachel Bowman and Bill Stamp 9. Julieanne Barnhill and Buzz

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10. Molly, Jennifer and Maggie Dillahunty; Angie and Audrey Deifenderfer 11. Kara Etienne, Sarah Boggan, Morgan Paramore, Daisy Sexton, Trish Bardberry, Kayla Etienne and Eli 12. James and Sheila Alaniz 13. Karla Butler, Judy Lewis and Amy Norris 14. Alyssa, Jennifer and Alyvia Stilwell 15. Melyssa Boggan and Stephanie Davis 16. Michelle and Ashley Wojcik 17. Dani Karcher, Bailey Bullock and Madeline Huys 18. Abby McMillan, Elyse Rawlins and Jenny Ling May 2012

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The Montevallo branch of the Association of American University Women held its style show, luncheon and silent auction March 29.

1. Carol Kehoe and Elizabeth Hendrix 2. Allie Williams and Libbie Rodgers 3. Emily and Karen Pendleton 4. Lara and Pat Watts 5. Dorothy Grimes and Peggy Tyler 6. Diane Thompson and LaDonna Payne 7. Candace Harbour and Shartese Clark 8. Hannah Stein and Janessa Moeley 9. Kelsey Eobyne and Shawn Dulaney

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October Baby premiere

The national premiere of “October Baby,� a feature film directed by two Calera natives, was held March 23 at the Summit Carmike in Birmingham.

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1. Emily Espy and Gianna Jessen 2. Jon Champion and Jerilyn Bickford 3. Joe and Rebekah Raffield 4. Laura Grace Smedley and Emma Krueger 5. Forrest and Lindsey Swaffield 6. Chanah Fallin and Victoria Tarnakow 7. Sarah Tarnakow and Ellen Marsh 8. Jill Smitherman and Pat Shaw 9. Megan Krueger and Erin McCown 10. Angela Ferguson and Gisela Kreglinger

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Out & About Buck Creek Festival

April 26

Oak Mountain Concert: The Oak Mountain Amphitheatre concert season will kick off at 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 26 with rock groups Rise Against and A Day to Remember. Tickets are available on Livenation.com.

April 28

Derby Run: Mark your calendars early for The Derby Run 5k/10k benefiting Special Equestrians. For more information, visit Specialequestrians.org.

Tour de Blue: Join us on this scenic bicycle ride through Jefferson, Shelby and St. Clair counties to help promote prostate cancer awareness and fund free prostate cancer screenings in Alabama. Ride starts at 8 a.m. on April 28 from the Birmingham Bicycle Company, 1105 Dunston Ave., Birmingham.

There are three ride options (60, 75, 100 miles). Cost is $40 and includes an event T-shirt. Register online at UrologyHealthFoundation. org, or contact Sherry Wilson at swilson@urologyal.com or 445-0117.

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May 3

Art Exhibit: The Shelby County Arts Council will host an exhibit by University of Montevallo faculty members Dr. Scott Meyers and Scott Stephens May 3-31.

An opening reception will be held May 3 from 6-7:30 p.m. The SCAC is located at 104 Mildred Street in Columbiana.

May 4

Go Casual for Homeless Animals: The Shelby Humane Society is asking Shelby County residents to shed their shirts and ties at work on Friday, May 4, for Collared Shirt Day 2012, while helping raise funds and awareness for the homeless animals in the area. T-shirts are just $20, and proceeds will be used to support SHS through food, medicine and supplies. Orders are due by April 17.

For more information, contact Jennifer Wilson at 205-669-3916, ext. 36 or visit Shelbyhumane.org.

Iyaz Concert: Three-time platinum recording artist Iyaz, along with special guest “Mann” will perform at the

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Pelham Civic Complex, 500 Amphitheater Road, on Friday, May 4. The concert is being hosted by the Helena and Pelham Youth Athletic Associations and all proceeds will benefit local youth programs. Iyaz is best known for his top 40 pop hits “Replay,” “Solo” and “Pretty Girls,” and for his appearances on the wildly popular Disney television show, “Hannah Montana,” and the subsequent movie, “Hannah Montana Forever.”

Tickets may be purchased through Ticketbisquit at the Pelham Civic Complex box office or online at pelhamciviccomplex.com.

May 6

Collared Shirt Day: Shelby Humane Society’s Collared Shirt Day is back! The event is scheduled for Friday, May 6. For more information, visit Shelbyhumane.org.

May 7

SHS Volunteer Orientation: Shelby Humane Society Volunteer Orientation will be held May 7 from 10 a.m. to noon or 1-3 p.m. at the North Shelby Library at 500 Cahaba Valley Road in Birmingham.

Reserve your space today by calling 205-669-3916.

May 10

New Edition concert: New Edition will perform at 8 p.m. on Thursday, May 10 at the Oak Mountain Amphitheatre in Pelham. Tickets are available on Livenation.com.

Memorial Golf Tournament: The first Officer Philip Davis Memorial Golf Tournament will be held May 10 at Ballantrae Golf Club in Pelham. Davis was a Pelham police officer who was shot and killed during a 2009 traffic shot. The event will benefit the Philip Mahan Davis Foundation, which raises money to benefit the families of officers, firemen and dispatchers killed in the line of duty in Shelby County.

Registration to play in the tournament is $96 per player or $381 per team. Advance registration forms are available at Ballantraegolf. com, and day-of-the-event registration will begin at 10 a.m. The event will begin with a shotgun start at noon.

May 11-12

Buck Creek Festival: The

Out & About Buck Creek Festival will be held May 11-12 in Helena.

Enjoy live music, arts and crafts and the annual duck race in historic Old Town Helena.

Relay for Life: Relay for Life of South Shelby will be held May 11-12 from 6 p.m.-6 a.m. at Chelsea High School, 10510 Highway 11, Chelsea. For more information, call 205930-8868 or visit Relayforlife. org/southshelby.

Harpersville Homecoming: The Town of Harpersville will celebrate Homecoming 2012, May 11 and 12 2012 with two fun-filled family days. There will be a Classic Car Show, a “Special” international musical artist, inflatables, children’s activities, arts and crafts and much more! If you would like to be a vendor, please call us at 205-672-9961

May 17

Golf Tournament: Swinging Fore Achievement Golf Tournament will be held May 17 and will benefit the Arc of Shelby County.

The tournament will be at Timberline Golf Course in Calera. Info: Thearcofshelby. org or call 664-9313.

Oak Mountain concert: Jason Aldean and Luke Bryan will hit the stage at the Oak Mountain Amphitheatre at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 17. Tickets are available on Livenation.com.

Grebel goes Gershwin: The Alabama Youth Ballet Company and students of Grebel Center for Dance present the ninth annual Spring Dance Concert.

This year, artistic director Stevan Grebel has selected the wonderful music of George Gershwin with new choreography and costumes.

This light-hearted and fun hour of dance will delight all ages with single jazz, lyrical and tap pieces and a full ballet of Gershwin music that wil make all feel like they are in the heart of New York City!

All tickets are $10. All seats are reserved. Call 205-9877234 or pay with PayPal through info@grebeldance. com.

May 20

XTERRA Oak Mountain Trail Runs: Taking place on May 20, 2012, the XTERRA Oak Mountain Trail Runs are healthy and fun ways enjoy the great nature trails inside Oak Mountain State Park.

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Navigate through weaving dirt pathways, leap over roots, and skate down pine-studded ridges through the lush green forest. Awards will be given to the top three in each male and female age group for all three of the running events, which include a marathon, 19k, 10k and 5k.

Finishers medals awarded to all runners in the halfmarathon and marathon trail runs. For more information, call 877-XTERRA-1.

May 26

Vision Run 5k: Thompson Intermediate School will host the 12th annual Vision Run and Boston Butt sale will be held Saturday, May 26 at 8:30 a.m. The 5k begins at 8:30 a.m. and the one-mile run begins at 9:15 a.m. Awards will be given at 9:30 a.m. TIS is located at the corner of Highway 119 and Thompson Road in Alabaster. Visit Active.com for more information.

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Alabaster CityFest: The 10th annual Alabaster CityFest will be held Saturday, June 2 at Alabaster’s Municipal Park. Vendors can sign up to participate in the event through May 1. For

more information, Alabastercityfest.com.

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

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

Shoal Creek Clean-up Day: The University of Montevallo Environmental Club has partnered with the Alabama Department of Transportation to sponsor a series of Shoal Creek Cleanup Days. The dates include May 6 and 12 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Volunteers will meet at the Orr Park Bridge. Chest waders, boots, gloves and trash bags are provided for all volunteers. Volunteers are not required to stay for the entire event. Call 334-318-6151 for more information. l

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Why I LOVE Shelby County

‘Dollar Bill’ Lawson:

‘Shelby County gives you the best of both worlds’

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Written by WESLEY HALLMAN Photograph by JON GOERING

ommuters in Shelby County have several morning radio shows to choose from, including the comedic “Dollar Bill” and Madison Show on 102.5 The Bull.

“Dollar Bill” Lawson, a resident of Alabaster, has been entertaining Shelby County residents for years during his four decades on the air in the Birmingham market. Lawson, who started his on-air career in 1971, teams up with Madison Reeves Williams on the Clear Channel station in an Alabama Broadcasters Association award-winning show each morning to make the drive to work more enjoyable.

The morning talk show is one of the most popular programs on the air thanks to the humorous Bill Lawson, who recently shared with us some of his favorite things about Shelby County.

Q: What do you love about living in Shelby County? What is your favorite part of living in the county?

A: I love that living in Shelby County gives you the best of both worlds. Living here, you

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get many of the advantages of both a progressive urbanized county with the varied choices of shopping, cultural events and good quality roads, law enforcement and schools, and the down-home comfort of

a more rural setting that is warm, woodsy, friendly and less congested.

transformative and magical!

Boogie Check, Boogie Check, Yeah Yeah!

Q: How long have you lived here? Where did you grow up?

A: I’ve lived in Shelby County (Montevallo and Alabaster) since 1999. I grew up in Jefferson County, living in Homewood, Roebuck and Vestavia Hills.

Q: What is your favorite food?

A: I love seafood, especially shellfish. But ask anyone who knows me ... there are very few food items or cuisines that I don’t like. I am an eater!

Q: Are you a fan of other radio personalities? If so, which other personalities do you listen to?

A: I listen around to everything locally, but it’s more for business and not so much for pleasure. Checking out what all the stations are doing and taking note of trends and good programming ideas makes listening a bit “clinical.” I do enjoy many of the programs on NPR, especially on the weekends.

Q: What do you do in your downtime or time away from the radio show?

A: My wife, Mary, and I love to take drives. We drive all over the state in search of roads less taken, historic markers to read and restaurants to try. I also enjoy photography, flying, reading and puttering around the house fixing things, but I don’t like yard work!

Q: What is your favorite book?

A: The Bible. “Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo” was a favorite since childhood. I have enjoyed many, many books but some of my favorites have been “Atlas Shrugged.” “The Grapes of Wrath,” “Catcher in the Rye,” “With The Old Breed” and the writings of Clive Cussler, Tom Wolf and John Grisham.

Q: Who or what inspired you to get into the radio business?

A: I was a radio junkie as a kid. I listened to WSGN, WYDE and WVOK locally, and found that at night you could pick up stations out of Nashville, New Orleans, Cincinnati and especially WLS in Chicago!

I was a big fan of the WSGN “Good Guys” like Dave Roddy, Steve Powers, Don Martin, Rick Dees and Steve Norris in the 1960s. But John “Records” Landecker on WLS in Chicago was really amazing to me, because as a kid, that station sounded so big and was from so far away that it was

Q: What is the most memorable thing you have ever experienced?

A: It’s funny, but thinking of this brought about such a strange mix of feelings and remembrances.

But, The MOST Memorable Experience?

I thought of my joining the church, of births and deaths, marriage and childhood memories ... the 1964 World’s Fair, the day I soloed flying an airplane, getting stomped by a bull, flight in an F-4 Phantom jet, my dog Heidi or Marion Military Institute. I guess it’s the moment I realized that life is fleeting, time is precious and love really is the answer. l

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