Shelby Living November 2013 by Shelby County Newsmedia, Inc.

SHELBY Living Run like

a girl McKenzie Hogue finds success in triathlons

At home in

Mt Laurel

Step into the Bicesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; retreat

Perfect pies Three recipes to try for Thanksgiving

November 2013 shelbyliving.com

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Showgirls

Shelby County residents show livestock at fairs

November 2013 | 1

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FROM THE EDITOR

ow far would you push yourself in pursuit of a goal? That’s a question I asked myself several times while preparing this issue for press. This issue features several stories about people of all ages in pursuit of a goal. • In “Raising Animals,” staff writer Stephanie Brumfield writes about several teenage girls who show livestock in fair and other shows. The girls learn responsibility and patience from looking after the animals and traveling to shows. The benefits, however, are great with cash prizes and recognition. In fact, Cheyenne Wells, who hopes to become a geneticist, began being recruited by colleges when she was in eighth grade because of her work with livestock. • Alabaster mom Drew Ann Long saw years of work come to fruition with the national launch of Caroline’s Cart, the first shopping cart for special

needs children and adults. Named after her 12-year-old daughter who has Rett syndrome, Caroline’s Cart is now in 18 states in the U.S. and overseas. • Chelsea resident Todd Rosser was seriously overweight at 270-plus pounds a decade ago. In the last 10 years, he took up mountain biking, got in shape and competes in races across the country. What I love about these stories is the attitude of the people we interviewed. Drew Ann, Todd and Cheyenne all had different goals, but pursued them with patience and a positive attitude, even during difficult situations. Those aren’t the only inspirational stories in this issue. This November, I am thankful for the chance to pursue my goals and to be inspired by others. I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving. As always, feel free to contact me with any questions, comments or story ideas. l

SHELBY Living EDITORIAL Katie McDowell Stephanie Brumfield Drew Granthum Amy Jones Neal Wagner CONTRIBUTORS Grace Thornton Laura Brookhart Lauren Heartsill Dowdle Linda Long Lisa Phillips PRODUCTION Amy Baldis Jamie Dawkins Daniel Holmes Jon Goering MARKETING Alan Brown Jill Harvell Nicole Loggins Rhett McCreight Meagan Mims Kim McCulla Mary Strehle Kari Yoder ADMINISTRATION Tim Prince Jan Griffey Mary Jo Eskridge Jennifer Arias Hailey Dolbare Christine Roberts Laurel Cousins

Katie McDowell, Editor

Katie.McDowell@ShelbyLiving.com

ON THE COVER Mark and Vicki Bice and their golden retriever, Jake, pose for a photo on the patio outside their Mt Laurel home. Cover design: Daniel Holmes Photography: Jon Goering

Shelby Living is published monthly by Shelby County Newspapers Inc., P.O. Box 947, Columbiana, AL 35051. Shelby Living is a registered trademark. All contents herein are the sole property of Shelby County Newspapers Inc. [the Publisher]. No part of this periodical may be reproduced without written permission from the Publisher. Please address all correspondence (including but not limited to letters, story ideas and requests to reprint materials) to: Editor, Shelby Living, P.O. Box 947, Columbiana, AL 35051. Shelby Living is mailed to select households throughout Shelby County, and a limited number of free copies are available at local businesses. Please visit Shelbyliving.com for a list of those locations. Subscriptions are available at a rate of $12 for one year by emailing subscribe@shelbyliving. com, or calling (205) 669-3131, ext. 21. Advertising inquiries may be made by emailing advertise@ shelbyliving.com, or by calling (205) 669-3131, ext. 11.

4 | ShelbyLiving.com

WHAT’S INSIDE

Home & food 40

IN THEIR ELEMENT Mark and Vicki Bice’s Mt Laurel home is a relaxing retreat

ALL ABOARD Dixie Fish Company brings Southern seafood inland

PERFECT PIES Serve these tasty sweets at the end of your Thanksgiving feast

46 November 2013 | 5

WHAT’S INSIDE

40 in every issue 8

THE SIMPLE LIFE

SHORT STORIES

art & culture

SHELBY SPOTTED

OUT & ABOUT

WHY I LOVE SHELBY COUNTY

32 6 | ShelbyLiving.com

features

THE LADY IS ECLECTIC Sylvie Popov’s work is influenced by her travels

RAISING ANIMALS Local teens show livestock at fairs across the country

READING ROOM Greystone Elementary’s Julie Richey shares her favorite books

GOING GLOBAL Alabaster mom fills a need around the world with Caroline’s Cart

THE ROUND TABLE SCAC offers class for novice and experienced photographers

Mountain biking helps Chelsea residents Todd and Mary Rosser stay healthy.

recreation 32

RIDE FOR YOUR LIFE Todd Rosser takes up mountain biking to lose weight

RUN LIKE A GIRL McKenzie Hogue finds success in triatlon competitions

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THE SIMPLE LIFE

Three ways to define your day

ou fill each minute of your day with people to see and things to do. Busy doesn’t even begin to describe the life you’re leading. How do you respond when asked, “What did you do today?” Do you have to think of something, anything, to say because Lisa Phillips, owner of SimpleWorks, you really can’t pinpoint anything of Simpleworksmtsp.com importance. Before another day goes lisa@simpleworksmtsp.com by, let’s look at three ways we spend 205.981.7733 our time: automatic, unplanned and creative. Automatic. The things you do to keep everything running smoothly on a daily basis. These things neither move you forward or backwards. At home, it’s getting ready in the morning, laundry, yard work, housecleaning, cooking, grocery shopping, etc. For the most part, these mundane tasks can consume more hours than anticipated, which can cause you to run late or not complete everything you had hoped to cross off your to-do list. The key is to identify ways to do these tasks more efficiently and effectively. Unplanned. This wraps up life’s little surprises, like the kids being sick, car problems, Internet glitches, or clients who show up early or late. We all learn to pivot and adjust when we face the unexpected. When life happens, this often means initiating Plan B. Creative. You finally made headway on a new project, you tackled your bucket list, or you put into motion an idea that has been in the back of your mind for some time. Painting a bedroom or adding new landscaping is moving forward … it’s out of the ordinary/every day/mundane realm of our lives. At work, you developed a workshop, set up a new department, or added three new sales positions. These activities move you forward in energy, passion and purpose. You were able to reach your “creative” mode because you had time—right? Think about how many times your best ideas have stayed on the back burner because you lacked the time and energy to work on them. Finding the time to be creative is vital to keeping you and your business current, vital and prosperous. Think about today. Where did you spend the majority of your time: automatic, unplanned or in a creative state? These three areas also correlate to our attitudes. Autopilot could be described as neutral, unplanned as anxious and creative as exhilarating. How do you want to spend your day? It’s that simple. l

Finding the time to be creative is vital to keeping you and your business current, vital and prosperous.

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SHORT STORIES

United Way kicks off 2013 campaign

display. Categories included photography, oil painting, mixed media, sculpture, printmaking, drawing and watercolors.

The Shelby County United Way kicked off its 2013 campaign in September. The fundraising goal for Shelby County is $2.66 million, which is a 2 percent increase from last year. The total goal for the Central Alabama division, which includes five counties, is about $37.9 million. Drew Langloh, president and CEO of United Way of Central Alabama, said the goal is big, but so is the need. “We all know that this economic recovery is not happening for everybody,” Langloh said. “As this economy recovers, there’s sort of this bifurcated recovery. Some people are getting a lot better, and some people are getting a lot worse.” Shelby County United Way division chairperson Scott Reed said some of his “most powerful United Way moments” are his site visits, when he gets to see what’s going on at United Way agencies. “(We’ve set) a big goal, but Shelby County is a big-hearted county full of people who care and who are doing great work,” Reed said. The Shelby County United Way is in its 56th year of serving the citizens, organizations and companies of Shelby County. Today, 27 agencies and programs receive United Way funding.

~Staff Reports

~Stephanie Brumfield

Spain Park High school freshmen cheerleaders win awards The Spain Park High School’s freshmen squad recently competed at the UCA Cheer Camp in Panama City, Fla. The freshmen squad, pictured, won first place in home pom, first place in extreme, second place in cheer and first place overall. Back row, from left, Coach Emily Paul, Brennen Cooke, Emma Stephens, Jade Jolly, Taylor

Brent, Morgan Lambert, Brooke Gilliam, Mimi Martens and Maddy Campbell. Front row, from left: Ann Odom, Mary Carson Collins, Angelica Soekoro, Lina Zaharias, Lauren Nicholas, Ellie Lapinski and Sophie Campbell. ~Staff Reports

Brechum wins Best of Show contest Larisa Brechun won Best of Show at the Shelby County Arts Council’s Juried Art Show in September. Brechun, an artist based out of Hoover, won for her oil painting “Shadows,” a portrait indicative of interest in shadows and the human figure. She has shown pieces at the annual show once before, but she has never won Best of Show, in Shelby County or anywhere else. “It feels good,” she said. “I was very surprised.” Brechun received a $500 cash prize and a solo exhibition at the Shelby County Arts Council in the spring of 2014. About 30 artists were selected for this year’s show, with about 65 pieces on

November 2013 | 9

SHORT STORIES

SCAC names new director

Leadership Shelby County welcomes new class Alumni and board members of Leadership Shelby County recently welcomed its Class of 2014 during an Aug. 29 reception at the Hoover campus of Jefferson State Community College. The Class of 2014 includes 37 people. Leadership Shelby County is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization. Established

10 | ShelbyLiving.com

in 1994, the program provides an opportunity for individuals to gain exposure to the integral components of Shelby County, according to an LSC press release. Once a month from October-May, participants attend full-day sessions on a high-priority topic concerning Shelby County. ~Staff Reports

The Shelby County Arts Council named local artist and musician Bruce Andrews as its new executive director. Andrews, who started his position in mid-September, has taught classes with the arts council for about seven years and also serves as the lead vocalist for local blues Andrews band 2BLU and the Lucky Stiffs. The SCAC is in the midst of a capital campaign and hopes to raise several million dollars for a new arts center. Andrews said he will focus on looking for ways to make the SCAC profitable and expand its services, including possible digital art, acting and filmmaking classes. ~Staff Reports

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ARTS & CULTURE

FROM FAR LEFT: Popov created “The big guy,” a sculpture that is approximately 5 feet tall and is for sale at Littlehouse Gallery in Homewood. Signature features of Popov’s work include over-scale hands and feet and coiled arts and necks. Popov’s work is influenced by her travels, including Spain, Israel, Turkey, Greece, Morocco and Africa. Popov’s work is for sale in Alabama and Georgia, including Littlehouse Gallery and Art Alley in Birmingham and Seldon Beylouni Salon in Atlanta. Sylvie Popov will be teaching a clay sculpture class at the Shelby County Arts Council in January 2014.

The lady is eclectic Story and photographs by LAURA BROOKHART

ylvie Fournier Popov’s artistic influences are the collected influences of her travels. Raised in France, she has family on four continents and has visited Spain, Israel, Turkey, Morocco and Africa. Now, she lives in Alabama, where she creates art as diverse and interesting as her history. “My first big travel was from France to Greece when I was seventeen and signed with the French Ballet,” she said. “I spent several months dancing with them before eventually returning to work in my mother’s family restaurant business in Paris.” Popov’s sculptural work was first in leather — this she says, only for her personal exploration and to find her own way in 3-D. She fashioned many masks, 12 | ShelbyLiving.com

face and body parts, and leather sculptures that incorporated movement. Soon after coming to Atlanta, Ga., in 2002, she began to work in clay. Signature features of her art include over-scale hands and feet, coiled arms and necks. “When I think about the universal concept of friendship, I envision two individuals who support one another, who can lean on each other, give each other a hand when needed. Perhaps they even share arms, hands, feet,” she said. Popov’s husband is from Bulgaria, a physician specializing in nephrology who practices in Alexander City. Popov currently shares studio space outside of Eclectic with Sarah and Doug McCullough of Eclectic Pottery and often teaches classes at the Shelby County Arts Council in Columbiana. “As I have slowly learned the story of Sylvie’s life, I think Sylvie is very brave. I cannot imagine going to France and doing

what she is doing here—starting over in a new country, learning a new language, completing her GED testing in that new language,” Sarah said. “She learned to function in a business and raise her child; she has experienced difficult situations in stilted societies and now she lives with grace in the middle of nowhere.” “Sylvie grows where she is planted and is unfailingly friendly,” Sarah added. At Sylvie’s studio, among her creations, prize ribbons of all colors can be seen as she has won awards at every juried show in which she has participated. She won first place in clay in the SCAC 2012 Membership Show 2012 for her sculpture, “Ms. Green.” “The sculptures are fragile, so when complete they go to the kiln to dry. They come out of the kiln white, then are finished with acrylics and sealed with a clear glaze,” Popov explains. “Some days, it is boom, boom, boom—an idea comes

together quickly; some days it is slower. You try something, it’s not working, you take it down and start again.” Michael Bradley, curator at Littlehouse Gallery, where some of Popov’s work is displayed, said Popov’s style references cultures from across the globe. “Sylvie’s sculptural work, being in a most modern style and technique, becomes even more unique as you notice that almost all of her figures relate to ancient, cultural costumes and facial features from throughout our world influenced by the style of archaic India, China, South and Central Americas,” he said. Popov, who will teach a clay sculpture class at the Shelby County Arts Council in January 2014, said she often has an idea of a shape or form in her head before she begins working. “Then I go from there. I listen to the way the clay talks to me while working,” she said. After Popov releases the idea from the clay and forms it into being, she doesn’t feel afterwards the need to talk or define what this element or that element means or why. “I do my thing, but leave the interpretation to the viewer; a piece may make you feel as though you are somewhere else somehow,” she said. “You may see a male, someone else may see a woman; if the piece just does not talk to you, it may be that you do not speak that language.” l November 2013 | 13

ARTS & CULTURE

Reading Room: Julie Richey

What’s the first book you remember loving? “We were Tired of Living in a House” by Liesel Moak Skorpen. I love the illustrations! My students know it’s one of my many “old friend” books. They love the story of how I paid $100 on eBay for two copies of the book – one for my students and one for my future grandchildren!

Story by KATIE MCDOWELL Photograph by JON GOERING

ulie Richey is the library media specialist at Greystone Elementary School. Julie graduated from Clemson University and the University of Alabama. She and her husband live in Hoover with their two children.

What do you like about your job? I love working with all of the students and teachers at Greystone Elementary. As a former kindergarten teacher, I love introducing younger students to great authors and great books and instilling a love of reading in them. I also love being able to work with older students on information literacy skills, research skills and library skills, which will help them throughout their lives. It’s fun getting to know a whole school full of kids and learning the kind of books they enjoy. Why do you love to read? It relaxes me! I also love to meet all of the interesting characters! What are your favorite types of books? Realistic fiction, mysteries and humorous fiction.

Why did you decide to pursue a literary career? I’ve always loved reading. I have fond memories of walking to my small town library in Bamberg, S. C., and checking out as many books as I could carry home!

Do you have anything you want to promote? In April, we will celebrate our seventh annual Young Authors’ Week with authors Sarah Weeks and Jessie Crawford, illustrator Henry Cole and singer/songwriter Roger Day. Our students also display their own writing all over the school – poems, stories, songs, digital books and much more. The Hoover City Schools now has OverDrive eBooks! Students in grades 3-12 now have school-issued NOOKs, ChromeBooks or iPads. Now they can use our new technology to check out a variety of eBooks! Students have access 24/7 to the best books. Our school is participating in the AEA Be a Champion and Read contest for the third year. Students read six “just right” books in support of Alabama or Auburn for a chance to win three tickets to the Iron Bowl! Who will read more books? Alabama or Auburn? l

Julie’s Reading Recommendations “The One and Only Ivan” by Katherine Applegate Ivan is a gorilla who has lived for years in a down-and-out circusthemed mall. One day, Ruby, a baby elephant, joins Ivan in the mall. Ivan knows he must find a better life for Ruby. 2013 Newbery Award winner. 14 | ShelbyLiving.com

“Hatchet” by Gary Paulsen After a plane crash, 13-year-old Brian spends 54 days in the wilderness, learning to survive with only the aid of a hatchet. Great survival story!

“Pie“ by Sarah Weeks Alice’s Aunt Polly passes away and entrusts the recipe for her world-famous pie crust to her cat, which she leaves in Alice’s care. As everyone, including Alice, tries to discover the secret ingredients, Alice learns some important lessons about faith, love and family.

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ARTS COUNCIL CORNER

Welcome to the round table Arts Council offers class for novice and experienced photographers Story by GRACE THORNTON | Photographs by CONTRIBUTED

arol Dashiff found herself walking down a country road recently for the second time. Standing near a couple of grain bins, she pushed the camera shutter just like she’d done before, except this time she framed the symmetrical bins and crop rows slightly differently. Dashiff returned to the scene at the advice of her photography teacher Hank Siegel, who shared a few tips for improving the original photo. The shot was later accepted into a photography show. That kind of advice and growth is exactly the reason Siegel began the Shelby County Arts Council Photography Round Table. The round table, which meets every first Wednesday of the month at 6 p.m. at the SCAC in Columbiana, offers informal discussion and feedback about photos. Siegel, a photographer, sets the topic — such as photos of autumn or holiday shots — and the group takes time to discuss each one. “We put the photos up on the screen and discuss 16 | ShelbyLiving.com

Objects in Mirror Are Closer Than They Appear Madelyn Bonnet

Camellia by Carol Dashiff

Carol Dashiff

Goldfish Bowls Shelby County Fair by Crenda Miller

what we like about it and what could have made it stronger,” Siegel said. “We try to set up a welcoming and nonthreatening atmosphere.” It’s an environment Dashiff, a Helena native, said she found helpful. “For me, it is an informal

opportunity to share my photos, see what others are doing, ask questions about challenges I encounter, pose my own thoughts about my own photos and ask for feedback,” she said. “Hank is always supportive while also giving suggestions that would

improve a shot or helping troubleshoot challenges.” And it’s great to hear the thoughts of the group, Dashiff said. “Individual taste varies, and you can get a good sense of what might be viewed as interesting and well done by

more than one person Out of the Way Cafe by — especially Laura Brookhart useful if you plan to sell your work,” she said. Madelyn Bonnett agrees that the group dynamic is helpful — so much so that she’s invited friends who have also become members. “Hank is a great moderator with a wealth of technical and artistic knowledge to pass on, and we all suggest topics of interest and shooting assignments for the next or future meetings,” said Bonnett, who lives near Columbiana. “We have a lot of fun viewing and discussing each other’s images, and we get encouragement from Hank and the group to try new things. It’s a great learning and sharing experience that I look forward to every month.” Siegel said the group has discussed topics from lenses to composition to how to go digital from film. “It’s a pretty broad spectrum — a full gamut of folks who come,” he said. It’s a welcoming place for beginners who don’t feel comfortable enrolling in a class yet. “We’ve had several go on from here to take classes now that they know what kind of questions to ask or what class would fit them best,” he said. Laura Brookhart said it’s the education about the technical side of photography that she has enjoyed the most about the round table. But she enjoys the more personal topics, too. “One of the group discussion topics I think those present particularly enjoyed was telling about our first camera,” Brookhart said. “A few even brought them or photos taken with those first cameras to share.” The round table is “not a class; it is a casual but informative venue for amateur to expert-level photographers to come together to share their ideas, tips, advice, tricks and knowledge with each other,” according to the website. Those interested in attending the round table are encouraged to bring two of their own photos with them, either in print or on a jump drive. Ages 12 and up are welcome. For more information, visit Shelbycountyartscouncil.com.l November 2013 | 17

Raising

animals

Shelby County teens show livestock at fairs across the country Story by STEPHANIE BRUMFIELD Photographs by JON GOERING

Cheyenne, left, and Dakota Wells, right, show pigs at fairs and livestock shows across the country.

18 | ShelbyLiving.com

November 2013 | 19

igs are a daily topic of conversation at the Wells dinner table in Columbiana, and rightfully so. Cheyenne, 16, and Dakota, 13, have been showing pigs at fairs and livestock shows across the country for about five years now, traveling to 15 shows a year on average in about eight different states. “All we talk about is pigs,” Cheyenne says. “At the kitchen table, we’ll be discussing who we want to breed to next year, what we can do to make our pigs better, what we can do to make our showmanship better.” Cheyenne has even taught her 7-year-old sister how to show pigs. “I taught her how to win,” Cheyenne says with a smile. On a daily basis, both Cheyenne and Dakota work from sun up to sun down, spending about an hour and half at the farm every day caring for the pigs. “You have to come over here (to the farm), she’ll go to work or I’ll go to softball practice, we come home, do our homework and then we just go to bed, no matter what time it is,” Dakota says. “It teaches you a lot of responsibility because you can’t just forget about them. When you’re sick, you have to come over here. You have to come over here on Christmas. You can’t really take any vacations. My vacation would be here because I love it here. It’s fun.” Getting ready for shows is an even longer process. Cheyenne 20 | ShelbyLiving.com

TOP: This year, the Wells sisters have traveled to Texas, Iowa, Indiana, Tennessee, Georgia and cities across Alabama to participate in shows. ABOVE: Many students can earn scholarships by showing livestock.

November 2013 | 21

CLOCKWISE FROM FAR LEFT: Rebekah Letlow participated in the Shelby County Fair livestock show Sept. 16. The Wells sisters spend about an hour and a half at the farm every day caring for their pigs. Anna Folmar started showing dairy cows because she loves anything involving animals.

says it can take up to two hours preparing for a show at the farm, two to three hours prepping the pigs at the show and anywhere from two to eight hours actually showing the pigs in the ring, and that doesn’t include travel time. This year alone, they’ve been to Texas, Iowa, Indiana, Tennessee, Georgia and shows across Alabama, often getting home in the wee hours of the morning to go to school the next day. “You just sleep on the way home,” Dakota says. But staying on the road isn’t for everyone. Shelby County High School senior Rebekah Letlow, who has shown goats for about 10 years, says she could 22 | ShelbyLiving.com

go to a show every weekend if she wanted to. She used to participate in out-of-state shows, but now she only goes to shows in Alabama. “I just wanted to get into something in 4-H,” she says. “For me right now, being a senior, it’s basically about scholarships. They offer really good scholarships.” Junior Anna Folmar, who shows dairy cows, says she got involved because she’s always loved anything involving animals. Before showing dairy cows, she showed dogs with her dad. “When we got cows, we fell in love with it,” Folmar says. “The environment at the shows was nicer, and the people

were nicer.” Folmar juggles her time getting ready for shows with playing volleyball, and she says getting ready for shows can often be a three-month process. “You start feeding them differently during the summer, so they don’t gain a lot of weight. They can’t just be eating grains all of the time like they would in the wintertime. You have to put them up sometimes so they don’t eat so much grass,” she says. “Then you have to work with them in the halters.” Folmar says playing volleyball doesn’t really interfere with the cows because she can take care of them when she gets home. In the mornings, she’ll feed the “bottle baby,” throw the cows some hay

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FROM LEFT: Rebekah Letlow got involved showing goats because of scholarships she can receive. The Wells sisters breed and raise pigs from babies to adults. Anna Folmar participated in the Shelby County Fair livestock show Sept. 16.

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and make sure they have water. “I usually work with them on the weekends so I have more time,” she says. Like Folmar, Cheyenne also has a love for animals that she plans to continue harnessing after she graduates high school. Her goal is to be a geneticist and attend Purdue University, which began recruiting her when she was in eighth grade. “It’s all about football here, but in the Midwest and in what they call the flyover states, (Cheyenne) can get scholarships (for showing livestock),” says Nick Wells, Cheyenne and Dakota’s father. Cheyenne echoes the sentiment. “Football players will get looked at when they’re in 12th grade,” she says. “I got looked at when I was in seventh grade.” Working with the pigs is also a stress reliever.

“Most pigs, when they get used to you, they’ll come up to you and nudge on you, and they can tell when something’s wrong,” she says. Both Cheyenne and Dakota say they enjoy seeing the results of their hard work, especially when pigs they’ve bred have babies. “Because you breed them and then for three months you have to sit there and watch them grow, and you don’t know what’s coming out of them, and then when they finally farrow you get to see what you did,” Cheyenne says. “You have them, you grow them, you watch them, you see what you have to do with them, then when you get in the show ring, that’s your reward of all your work.” “It’s like seeing all of your hard work come into something,” Dakota says. “It all pays off.” l

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Caroline’s Cart goes global An Alabaster mom fills a need across the world Story by GRACE THORNTON

ABOVE: Caroline Long, right, communicates with her mother, Drew Ann, through the use of an augmentative communication device, which Caroline can control with her eyes.

26 | ShelbyLiving.com

When it happened, Drew Ann Long said it felt like getting a Sony record deal: It was going to make grocery shopping a lot easier, and not just for her — for families worldwide with special needs children. Long, an Alabaster resident, recently created the first shopping cart for special needs children and adults, and Technibilt — the Sony of shopping carts — started shipping orders Aug. 8. “I think the market is going to be flooded,” Long said of Caroline’s Cart, named after her 12-year-old daughter Caroline, who has Rett syndrome and can neither walk nor talk. “Now that they are in mass production, we are in 18 states so far and growing.” Globally, there’s already a demand, she said — there are orders from Canada and Mexico, as well as Europe, Australia and Africa.

The release of Caroline’s Carts this summer was a big next step in a story Long said she took a leap of faith to start. “I might as well have been trying to invent the space shuttle — I had no idea where to begin,” she said. All Long knew was that Caroline — at that time 6 years old — had outgrown the traditional shopping cart, which made shopping with Caroline and Long’s two other children, Mary Grace and Matthew, nearly impossible. “I would have to either bring her wheelchair in and have help to push it, or only buy what I could carry while pushing her wheelchair, or hire a babysitter so that I could grocery shop,” she said. “And with a husband and three small children to feed, I had to shop several times a week.” Surely, there are special needs carts out there,

Long thought. But with research, she quickly found out that there weren’t. “There was a huge gap,” Long said. She said it frustrated her that there were carts with fun designs available for her able-bodied son to enjoy but nothing practical available to make shopping possible for the disabled. “Through much prayer and research, I told my husband that this is something that needs to be changed,” Long said. And that’s where the journey started. She began to sketch ideas for a design then started calling engineers and manufacturers. “It’s hard to find someone willing to listen when you’re calling up saying, ‘Hi, I’m a mom trying to design a special needs shopping cart,’” Long said. She hit a lot of dead ends until a company in

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November 2013 | 27

Alabaster resident Drew Long and her daughter, Caroline, with the first verstion of a special-needs shopping cart the family developed.

28 | ShelbyLiving.com

“When you grow up in a wheelchair, your whole perspective on life is different. Here is a child who doesn’t walk or talk, but she has purpose. God can use anyone. This is her contribution to society and every community to say, ‘We deserve to be visible, too.’” — Drew Ann Long Indianapolis liked the idea and drew up some professional 3D sketches. After that, she made calls for several months and finally got a meeting with a manufacturer. “They were very encouraging,” Long said. “It wasn’t that this had been tried and failed, it had just never been tried. They encouraged me to keep trying and said, ‘We really think retailers would buy this.’” But first she had to create a demand. So she took pictures, went to Facebook and “took it to the masses,” she said. “So many people said, ‘Why hasn’t this been done? We need this in our community, in our stores,’” Long said. “We heard from retailers all over the world.” Caroline’s Cart even won a 2013 da Vinci Award for transportation and mobility innovation for the disabled. The first one manufactured — Long’s prototype — first rolled Caroline, who was named the 2012 National Child Representative of Easter Seals, up and down the aisles at Belle Foods in Alabaster. The cart, fitted with a five-point safety harness, has an easy-to-access seat in the back of the November 2013 | 29

From left, Alabaster Mayor Marty Handlon, Matthew, Drew Ann, Caroline and David Long shortly after Handlon presented a proclimation honoring the family.

cart and allows the person seated to face the person pushing the cart. It meets a range of needs, from a special-needs child to a disabled adult to a rambunctious preschooler, Long said. And it deals with that disheartening moment where she would need a quick grocery stop, look in the rearview mirror and see Caroline’s wheelchair and think, “It’s just too hard.” From its introduction, Caroline’s Cart has received overwhelming feedback, Long said. Sara Brewster, vice president of marketing and communications for National Easter Seals, said the cart “will be welcomed by thousands of families who have children with disabilities” and make it possible for these children to be more

involved in family life. “More than this,” Brewster said, “it sends an important message to everyone who sees them that kids with disabilities are kids first and need to be included.” Long said Caroline is excited about what’s been going on. “When you grow up in a wheelchair, your whole perspective on life is different,” she said. “Here is a child who doesn’t walk or talk, but she has purpose. God can use anyone. This is her contribution to society and every community to say, ‘We deserve to be visible, too.’” For more information about Caroline’s Cart, or to find stores near you that provide them, visit Carolinescart.com. l

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November 2013 | 31

RECREATION

Ride for

your

life

Story by DREW GRANTHUM | Photographs by JON GOERING

Todd and Mary Rosser took up mountain biking several years ago and compete in races across the country.

32 | ShelbyLiving.com

n 10 years, Todd Rosser has traded in his spare tire for bike tires. About a decade ago, the Columbiana resident knew he needed to make a change. At 28, he was out of shape, had a terrible diet and was making other poor health choices. “I was severely overweight,” he said. “I smoked and pretty much anything you can do wrong from a health perspective, I did. I had no concept of what my lifestyle needed to be.” He knew he needed to change, but wasn’t sure how. A trip to Vail, Colo. in 1998 planted a seed to better health, a strengthened marriage and allowed him to be a role model for his children. “(My wife and I) were at an automotive event,” he said. “Someone said we could ride the gondola and rent mountain bikes, so we did that and rode down the ski roads. I was so lost health wise, I knew I needed to do something.” It wasn’t a complete wake up call, Rosser said, but it was an eye-opening experience. He purchased a bike soon after with the intention of riding, but didn’t start taking his health seriously until 2008. He found himself caught in a routine that consisted of work and little else, watched as his weight skyrocketed and knew he had to do something. “I used to sleep all the time,” Todd said. “I just ate so bad before then. I didn’t ride. I sat in an office and worked. That was probably my worst piece weight wise and fitness wise. I looked back and had posted on Facebook that I weighed like 272 pounds.” Finally, Rosser made up his mind to get into shape. It wasn’t an instant decision, but a concrete one made with the help of his wife, Mary. “I don’t think it was one discussion, I think he just kind of gradually started doing things differently,” she said. “It just all kind of worked together. I think he got more involved with the kids’ activities.” In time, Todd started making better health choices in addition to riding more. He left his office job, changed his diet and worked his way off blood pressure medicine. He began to work from home on CahabaWeb, a website building company which he and Mary co-own. The move allowed him to ride during the week and focus on his diet. “I just ate so bad,” he said. “Most of it was just food. I had no concept of what my lifestyle needed to be. I probably lost 70 pounds.” Together, he and Mary began riding together as a way to not only exercise, but spend time with each other. Mary also teaches cycling classes at the Chelsea YMCA. As they rode, Todd began to see his health — and their relationship — improve. He and Mary started entering races, especially after Todd had to give up running for exercise because of an ankle injury. “We were moving in different directions,” he said. “(Riding) is our time we carve out to spend together. It never November 2013 | 33

gets put off or forgotten about like some scheduled dinner. It’s almost effortless because we’re both moving in that direction anyway. The bikes have been the common bond for us, but also our kids, and my wife’s parents.” Eventually, the two entered races as goals to work toward. They even brought along their two children to race, with their son completing a 100-mile event stretching from Anniston to Atlanta last Thanksgiving. Todd said the races weren’t so much about winning, but more about the process of training to get there. I don’t really think about races as races, more like checkpoints or milestones,” he said. “Part of the progression toward a never ending goal; something that can never be fulfilled completely. I do love the idea of these big events. You meet people that you never forget. Even locally, it’s just a bunch of really, really positive people. It makes you want to show up and be better every time.” There was one challenge in particular that sparked Rossers’ interest: the Leadville 100, a mountain bike race that stretched 100 miles in the Colorado wilderness. “I saw a movie on (it),” he said. “I didn’t quit thinking about it. My wife put us in the lottery to get invited.” The couple found out they made the cut, and immediately set out to get in shape for the 12,000 feet above sea level altitude. “We trained like crazy,” Todd said. “There are a lot of guys that ride more than I do. We did some local races.” They set out for Colorado in late July to get used to the altitude, and took part in the race Aug. 10. As challenging as the race may sound, Mary said it was far from the toughest event they entered. “We were ready for that, so it wasn’t bad when we got there,” Mary said. “We did a race in April in Tennessee, and it was rainy and it was 100 miles, and I really didn’t even want to go to Colorado after that. I hated that race so much. It wasn’t fun. So Leadville was pleasant (by comparison).” The couple brought along their children and Mary’s parents to serve as their trail crew, or support system, on the trail. Both Todd and Mary completed their goal of finishing the race in the allotted time, with Mary placing 10th in her division. Although the two engage in playful competition, Todd is quick to compliment her performance. “It was longer for me,” Todd said. “She finished probably two hours ahead of me. There’re guys from here that have done that race that haven’t done it that fast. That’s a pretty good time.” One of the keys to being able to enter the events is being able to train appropriately. Both Todd and Mary said the ChelseaWilsonville-Columbiana area is great for riding, both on the road and on trails. “Out here, for the most part, people give you space,” Todd said. “I feel comfortable riding by myself anywhere.” Mary agreed. “It’s beautiful,” she said. “It’s perfect riding out here. We ride and train on roads. It’s a great place to ride.” l 34 | ShelbyLiving.com

Run

like a

girl

Story by LINDA LONG Photographs by JON GOERING AND CONTRIBUTED

November 2013 | 35

ABOVE: McKenzie finishes her run during the Ironkids National Championship in Iowa in September. ABOVE RIGHT: McKenzie won first place in her age group in the Ironkids championship. She raised $200 for the Jimmie Hale Mission during the race.

36 | ShelbyLiving.com

McKenzie Hogue finds success in triathlon competitions

cKenzie Hogue was an accomplished athlete even before she discovered the world of triathlon competition last year. The-12 year-old Alabaster youth plays soccer and is on the swim team at the Greystone YMCA, but it is thanks to the triathlon – that strenuous, often grueling, three-part timed event that combines swimming, biking, and running – that she began competing in track, the sport that is perhaps her destiny. “McKenzie came out of the womb wearing a pair of running shoes. We always had her pegged for a track star. It runs in the family,” said her dad, Scott Hogue. That just might be an understatement. The Hogue

family has quite an athletic history. McKenzie’s mom, Brittney Hogue, is a former long distance runner having won several events at the state level, while Scott is a former 400-meter runner. Werner Beierstoerser, Brittney’s father and McKenzie’s grandfather, was a track star at Auburn University and later coached track at Shelby Academy. McKenzie’s aunt attended Samford University for track, and finally, her great grandfather qualified for the 1936 German Olympic team and would have competed had it not been for the outbreak of World War II. McKenzie has been competing in triathlons for just over a year, winning five out of eight total events. She discovered the sport by accident when she and

her father attended an event as spectators at Oak Mountain State Park. “I watched it and it looked really fun,” she said. “I found out there would be another one in two weeks, so I went to that and participated and loved it. So, that’s how I got started.” From that point on, triathlon training has become an everyday part of the Hogue family’s routine, and Scott admits he didn’t know exactly what he was getting himself into that day they decided to attend the first event. “Yep, she’s pulled her old Dad off the couch,” said Scott, who has lost 40 pounds in the last year. “I have become McKenzie’s training partner. She challenged me last June to do (a triathlon). I told her if she would, then I would. We’ve been at it ever

IT’S BETTER WITH BATH FITTER

since.” McKenzie even coaxed her grandfather out of retirement to help coach her. “When Dad saw her finish the mile in just over six minutes, his ears perked up and he said, ‘We’ve got something here,’” Brittney said. Werner said he knew McKenzie was talented as soon as he saw her run. “Runners have a certain way of carrying themselves,” he said. “They make it look effortless and that’s how McKenzie looked. I’ve worked with her to get the pacing and speed down right.” While Werner sees “huge promise” for his granddaughter’s future in athletics, he does have a word of caution. “It’s too soon to be looking

down the road and thinking about possible Olympic potential. Right now, we need to concentrate on letting her be 12 years old,” he said. “Triathlon is a part of her life but it is not her whole life. Too many times we focus on the fact of improve, improve, improve and forget to let her just be a kid. Thinking about the Olympics as a 12 year old is so far down the road, and if we get caught up in doing that we forget she needs to be 12 and 13 and then 14.” Werner said as proud as he is of McKenzie’s athletic achievements, it “pales” in comparison to the pride he feels in her mission in competing for the five charities she has chosen to represent, donating all of her sponsorship money to their causes. “McKenzie was inspired by November 2013 | 37

a girl who was competing in triathlon to support cancer research in memory of her father who had died from the disease,” said Brittney. “She said ‘Mom, that’s what I want to do. I want to help somebody when I compete.’” McKenzie donates her money she earns when she competes to the following causes: the Jimmie Hale Mission; Special Equestrians, which her special needs sister Alex is involved in; Sanctuary Animal Rescue; First United Methodist Church of Alabaster, where the Hogues are members; and in support of youth missions. “As proud as I am of her athletic achievements, I am even more proud of the motivation she has for competing,” Werner said. “That’s part of who she is and is more important than anything she can do in a triathlon. It speaks volumes for who she is and the priorities in her life though she is only 12. There’s no comparison. The other stuff, accomplishments in the pool and on the track, the other stuff is so irrelevant when you consider that.” Scott is looking on down the road at what the future could hold for McKenzie if her athletic abilities continue to progress. “Timing is everything,” he said, “and right now the NCAA Division I doesn’t offer a scholarship in Girls Triathlon but that is expected to change next year when it will become the next NCAA sport. We feel like the timing is right for McKenzie to have a bright future.” Meanwhile, Scott says he will continue as his daughter’s training partner for as long as he can keep up the pace. “This has been good therapy for me. I was beginning to have back problems and was feeling pretty old, but it’s becoming a lot more challenging,” he said. “She just keeps getting faster and faster and I’m just trying to hold on to what I’ve got. I told her, ‘McKenzie, you swim like a girl and run like a girl, and that is a very good thing.’” l 38 | ShelbyLiving.com

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: McKenzie trains at her family’s home in Alabaster and Veterans Park. McKenzie bikes during a triathlon. McKenzie, in a black and white suit, dives into the water in the Ironkids National Championship. McKenzie competes in the swim portion of a triathlon – one of many she has entered in a little over a year.

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November 2013 | 39

HOME & FOOD

Vicki and Mark Bice’s home features natural décor and plush furnishings.

40 | ShelbyLiving.com

In their

element Mark and Vicki Bices’ Mt Laurel home offers a relaxing retreat for family and friends Story by KATIE MCDOWELL | Photographs by JON GOERING

ark and Vicki Bice had one thing on their mind when building their Mt Laurel home – family. The couple has three children – two grown daughters and a son who attends Auburn University – and five young grandchildren. They wanted a home that was welcoming and comfortable – and that’s exactly what they got. “We just want to create lots of memories,” Vicki said. In fact, part of the reason they chose Mt Laurel was its friendly, old-fashioned character. They loved the abundant trees, the cobblestone streets and “the quaintness of it,” Mark said. The Bices only moved into the one-story brick home in July 2013, but they’ve already made many memories. They’ve taken their grandchildren fishing at the lake, and Mark’s family visited for the Fourth of July. They’ve also hosted gatherings for friends from Vestavia Hills Church of Christ, where Mark serves as a deacon. They prepared for those large gatherings by choosing an open floor plan. The front door opens into the main room, which is divided into four areas: a dining room, kitchen, sitting area and den. Vicki decorated the entire house, and said creating a distinctive but cohesive look for each area of the open floor plan was challenging. “It can be daunting, but it’s my favorite thing to do,” she said. Mark, however, never had a doubt about Vicki’s decorating prowess after seeing her in action over the course of their 37-year marriage. “She has a knack for decorating,” he said. They used much of the furniture from their old house in Willow Brook, where they lived for 21 years, but Vicki recovered some pieces herself. Vicki, who describes her style as “simple” and “clean,” used a palette of browns, grays and creams with yellow as an accent color on the main floor. “Our main goal was to have it open and make it light and airy,” she said. The dining area features a black square table that seats eight and can be expanded for larger groups The adjacent sitting area features two plush armchairs and an ottoman. Pillows covered in a yellow and orange leaf pattern add a pop of color to the space.

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November 2013 | 41

42 | ShelbyLiving.com

FAR LEFT: Vicki and Mark Bice moved to Mt Laurel in the summer of 2013. The Bicesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; craftsman-style home features a stone and shingle exterior.

November 2013 | 43

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: The home features an open floor plan for the dining room, living room and kitchen. A pedestal tub is the highlight of the master bathroom. The master bedroom is decorated in soothing whites and blues. The kitchen overlooks the living and allows the Bices to cook and entertain at the same time.

In the kitchen, a gray and white backsplash served as the inspiration for the room. The kitchen also has white beadboard cabinets, marble counters and black hardware. A large kitchen island provides ample cooking space and bar stools for meals. The den is the largest area in the main living space. The focal point is a large stone fireplace. A cream L-shaped sofa and two leather armchairs provide plenty of seating space. Vicki reupholstered an ottoman in a yellow and gray pattern that reflects other colors throughout the main living area. Against one wall is a painted table with a wooden top. The home pays tribute to the surrounding forest with oak floors and large cedar beams and columns. Rugs help define the different areas in the main room. A floral motif rug is in the dining room, while natural fiber rugs are in the den and sitting area. Greenery and flowers can also be found throughout the home, which provides color and a natural element. Two guest bedrooms are located on a hallway off the main floor: one for adults and the other, which has bunk beds, for the grandchildren. 44 | ShelbyLiving.com

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The master bedroom is also located on the main floor. In keeping with Vicki’s style, it is decorated in a simple but sophisticated manner. The bed features metal headboard and footboard, a white patterned quilt and lots of blue and white pillows. The adjoining bathroom features a white beadboard and a white freestanding tub. Down the hallway from the kitchen is a separate wing of the house. A small sitting area leads into the three-car garage, while the second floor is home to another bedroom, bathroom and Mark’s office. The sitting area on the ground floor is home to a small sofa, a table with a computer and, most importantly, bookshelves located in the niche beneath the stairs. Known as “Nana’s Nook,” the bookshelves are home to kid-friendly books for the Bices’ grandchildren, as well as numerous Bibles. The second floor bedroom belongs to the Bices’ son. It’s large enough to serve as two rooms: A bed is on one side while a couch and two armchairs are on the other. One day, the Bices plan to convert the room into an entertaining area. The outdoors are just as inviting in the interior of the home. A stone patio is located off the kitchen and living room on the main floor. The Bices are gardening lovers and brought many of the plants from their old home to Mt Laurel when they moved about a year ago. They rented a house for six months while their new home was being constructed. Through — Vicki Bice it all, they looked after the daylilies and sunflowers from Willow Brook.” “We’re very sentimental,” Vicki said. “We brought about 75 plants and we babied them all through the winter.” The Bices also love the outdoors. Mark, particularly, enjoys seeing deer and other wildlife that visit their yard on a regular basis. “The lake, for me, was a big draw,” he said. In fact, they picked their lot because the area behind the house is dedicated green space, which gives them more privacy. For the Bices, Mt Laurel has offered the perfect place to call home. Mark, who works for Timberland Investment, has even moved his office to the Mt Laurel business district. Both Vicki and Mark love the ease of living Mt Laurel offers with a grocery store and restaurants nearby as well as the solitude of the forest. They plan to retire in the house, and make more memories with friends, family and loved ones for years to come. l

“Our main goal was to have it open and make it light and airy”

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: A painting hangs over a table next to the stone fireplace in the living room. Vicki found this red birdhouse at an estate sale. The kitchen backsplash served as the inspiration for the room.

November 2013 | 47

ALL ABOARD Dixie Fish brings Southern seafood inland Story by LAUREN HEARTSILL DOWDLE | Photographs CONTRIBUTED

48 | ShelbyLiving.com

HOME & FOOD

Dixie Fish Company offers five oysters options on its menu, including the Orange and Blue.

November 2013 | 49

here’s no salt-laced breeze, rolling waves or sand-filled flip-flops at Dixie Fish Co. – but that won’t stop guests from enjoying a fresh, local seafood

dinner. The restaurant opened its nautical doors in September after Mason Jambon, chief operating officer, and his Fern Street Enterprises partners brought their passion for fine cuisine to Birmingham. Jambon started his career as a food runner at the acclaimed Brennan Family Restaurants in New Orleans, where Chef Gregg Collier, Dixie Fish’s executive chef, also honed his culinary skills. “When I went there to look for a job, I had no idea I was walking into one of the Top five restaurants in history,” Jambon says. “I was 50 | ShelbyLiving.com

CLOCKWISE FROM FAR LEFT: Diners enjoy their meals at Dixie Fish Company. The restaurant opened to the public in September. The Crimson Shrimp and Grits includes Royal Red Alabama Gulf Shrimp smothered in trinity and tomatoes and served with McEwen and Son’s stone ground grits. Chief Operating Officer Mason Jambon.

reared in the restaurant business with a very high set of standards.” But Jambon, Chef Collier and the other partners decided to sail away from their Creole roots and focus on local southern cuisine. “We came up with the concept of celebrating regional styles of cooking seafood,” Jambon says, “not only for the main components of dishes – but even the produce and other ingredients.” And when the group came across the former Bahama Breeze building off of U.S. 280, they decided to move forward with this business plan. “The building made me think of a lake or fishing house,” Jambon says. Fitting right in with the coastal theme are the locally caught dishes. “Guests aren’t eating something that’s been frozen and flown in from China,” Jambon says. “We have a bounty of great November 2013 | 51

seafood right here on the Coast. We can get it within a day.” Chef Collier also visits farmers’ markets, working with local produce companies to find fresh food daily. “We try to support local businesses,” Jambon says. “Not only are you supporting us, you’re also supporting other local businesses.” Something else that sets this restaurant apart is its price point compared to other similar eateries, with entrées ranging from $12 to $30. “We are a local restaurant – it’s not a chain,” he says. “I think what we offer is a more52 | ShelbyLiving.com

authentic dining experience. We’re going to give you a higher-quality culinary experience at the same price of what you’d pay at larger chains.” Popular dishes include catfish, crimson shrimp and grits with Royal Reds, orange and blue fried oysters and gumbo – a dish that won Chef Collier numerous cook-offs. Other standouts featuring local ingredients are Good People’s sweet brown ale BBQ shrimp, Dixie chicken that’s marinated in sweet tea then fried, seafood pasta and Cochon de Lait pot pie. For dessert, guests can dig into sweet

“We have a bounty of great seafood right here on the Coast. We can get it within a day.” -Mason Jambon dishes such as Mississippi mud pie, white chocolate bread pudding and Krispy Kreme Crème Brule. Brunch is served on Sundays.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Dixie Fish Company offers a range of seafood, including shrimp, oysters, crab and fish. Executive Chef Gregg Collier. A server prepares oysters at the Oyster Bar. Dixie Fish offers beer, wine and spirits at the bar, including locally brewed beers from Good People Brewery and Avondale Brewing Company.

November 2013 | 53

Orange & Blue Oyster Poppers with Blue Cheese Dipping Sauce Specialty Equipment: Skillet and blender Servings: 6

Serve oyster with blue cheese dressing in your favorite oyster dish or on the half shell.

Ingredients:

Blue Cheese Dressing

12 oz 4 Tbsp 12 oz 36 2 cups 1 cup below)

Crystal hot sauce Honey Clarified butter Gulf oysters Seasoned flour Blue cheese dressing, for dipping (see

Method:

Mix Crystal hot sauce and honey in blender until combined. Heat butter to 140 degrees. Slowly add butter to hot sauce and honey mixture. Blend until combined. Place skillet over medium-high heat. Add enough cooking oil to the pan to pan fry the oysters. Drain excess liquid off oysters and dredge in seasoned flour. Fry oysters until golden brown and crispy. Remove from oil. Place on a paper towel to rid excess grease. Toss oysters in sauce until coated.

However, there are dishes guests won’t find on the menu, including salmon, calamari and crab legs. “We’re only using stuff we can get from the Gulf waters,” he says. A final touch to the dining experience comes from Holly Mandot, a designer who has also worked on the House of Blues music clubs. Her murals adorn the walls and create a complete dining experience.

54 | ShelbyLiving.com

Specialty Equipment: Mixing bowl and a whisk Servings: 3 cups

Ingredients: 8 oz 12 oz 2 oz 2 oz 1 oz 1½ oz pinch pinch 4 sprigs

Blue cheese or Stilton Mayonnaise Sour cream Buttermilk Distilled white vinegar Salad oil Kosher salt Ground black pepper Flat leaf parsley, washed and chopped

Method:

Combine all ingredients and serve.

“When you come in, you’re not a customer – you’re a guest,” Jambon says. “You can come in wearing jeans or a polo shirt and be blown away by the aesthetics, feel comfortable and have a high-quality meal.” On Friday and Saturday nights, the restaurant features Bluesy, southernrock bands on the patio, which is adorned with picnic tables painted with SEC team colors and large-screened

TVs. The restaurant is also available for private parties and special events. “People in the South are hospitable,” Jambon says. “They really make you feel welcomed, and that’s what we’re trying to do. Our dishes are great, and we use only fresh, local produce – at the heart of it, it’s southern hospitality.” To read more about Dixie Fish Company or view its full menu, visit dixiefish.co.

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November 2013 | 55

HOME & FOOD

Perfect pies

Produced by BIRMINGHAM BAKE AND COOK Photographs by JON GOERING 56 | ShelbyLiving.com

Serve these filling and tasty sweets at the end of your Thanksgiving feast

Rustic Cranberry Galette Yield: 10-inch Galette 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour, chilled 1/2 tsp. salt 1 tsp. sugar 1/4 tsp. cinnamon, ground 10 Tbsp. unsalted butter, cold, 1/2inch dice 2-4 oz ice water, as needed 1 cup dried cranberries 1/4 cup orange juice, fresh 1 egg yolk, for egg wash 1/2 Tbsp. heavy cream, for egg wash 2 cups cranberries, fresh or frozen, picked over 1 cup pears, peeled, cored, chopped 1/2 cup sugar 1/2 tsp. cinnamon, ground A few scrapes nutmeg, whole 3 Tbsp. cornstarch Zest of 2 oranges 2 Tbsp. demerara, raw, sanding or sparking sugar (optional)

1. Combine the flour, salt, sugar and 1/4 tsp. cinnamon in the bowl of a food processor and pulse to combine. 2. Disperse the butter over the top of the flour mixture and pulse until the mixture becomes coarse with still some substantial chunks. 3. Pour 2 ounces of ice water evenly over the mixture and pulse again. At this point, if the mixture does not hold together when you grab a chunk, add additional ice water, one tablespoon at a time until it holds together. 4. Turn out the mixture into a work surface and form the dough into a tight, flat disc. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of an hour, preferably overnight. 5. Place the dried cranberries in the orange juice to plump. Set aside. 6. Lightly dust the surface of your work area with flour. Roll out the dough disc to a 15-inch round, about 1/8-inch thick. 7. Do not trim the dough. Place it on a parchment paper-lined sheet pan and refrigerate it until it is very firm, about 30 minutes. 8. Whisk together the egg yolk and

heavy cream to make your egg wash; reserve. 9. Combine the 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries, pears, sugar, 1/2 tsp. cinnamon, nutmeg cornstarch and orange zest. Drain the dried cranberries, add to the pie filling and stir to thoroughly combine. 10. With your dough still on the parchment, spoon the fruit mixture evenly into the center of the chilled bottom crust, creating a mound with a minimum of a 3- to 4-inch perimeter. 11. Gently fold up the sides, overlapping them around the pie, leaving the fruit visible in the center. Refrigerate the pie for about an hour until very firm. 12. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Adjust your oven rack so that it is on the lowest position and place a 1/2 sheet pan on the rack to pre-heat with your oven. 13. Brush the crust only with the reserved egg wash and if using, sprinkle the sugar on top of the egg wash. 14. Slide your galette (on parchment paper) onto the 1/2 sheet pan and bake on the lowest rack until the crust just begins to turn a light brown, maybe 30 40 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees and continue baking for another 45-60 minutes until the pie juices are bubbling and thickened. Keep a watch on your crust. If it is darkening too quickly, cover it with foil. 15. Transfer the pie from the oven to a wire rack to completely cool before cutting.

Deep Dish Chocolate Pecan Tart Yield: 8 servings 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour, chilled 1/2 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. sugar 10 Tbsp. butter, 1/2-inch dice, chilled 1/4-1/2 cups ice water 2 oz. bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped 1 Tbsp. butter, melted 1/4 cup corn syrup 1/4 cup pure maple syrup 1 cup dark brown sugar, packed 4 eggs, large, room temperature 1/2 tsp. salt 1 Tbsp. vanilla extract 2 cups pecan halves, lightly toasted 1 cup heavy cream 3 Tbsp. sugar 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla bean paste 1/4 cup bourbon

1. Combine the flour, 1/2 tsp. salt and sugar in the bowl of a food processor and pulse to combine. 2. Disperse the butter over the top of the flour mixture and pulse until the mixture becomes coarse with still some substantial chunks. 3. Pour 2 ounces of ice water evenly over the mixture and pulse again. At this point, if the mixture does not hold together when you grab a chunk, add

November 2013 | 57

Four-Apple Apple Pie Yield: 1 each 9-inch pie, double crust

additional ice water, one tablespoon at a time until it holds together. 4. Turn out the mixture into a work surface and form the dough into a tight, flat disc. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of an hour, preferably overnight. 5. Lightly dust the surface of your work area with flour. Roll out the dough disc to a 13-inch round, about 1/8-inch thick. Fit your dough into an 8-inch by 2-inch tart pan (with a removable bottom) and press it evenly into the rippled sides and bottom so that there are no air pockets. Do not stretch the dough. 6. Trim off the top so that the dough is even with the top of the tart pan. Thoroughly prick the sides and bottom of your crust with a fork to prevent blistering or rising. Refrigerate or freeze until it is very firm, at least 30 minutes. 7. Preheat your conventional oven to 375 degrees. Line your pie crust with parchment paper or foil and fill with pie weights or dried beans. 8. Bake just until the crust is beginning to brown at the edges, around 20 - 25 minutes. 9. Remove the pie weights and turn the oven temperature down to 350 degrees and continue to bake briefly until the crust is golden brown and not 58 | ShelbyLiving.com

too dry, 5-10 minutes. Raise the oven temperature to 400 degrees. 10. While the pie crust is baking, make your filling. Combine the chocolate and butter in the top of a double boiler over barely simmering water and stir until melted. Pull off the heat and add the corn syrup, maple syrup and brown sugar; stir until thoroughly blended. 11. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with the 1/2 tsp. salt and vanilla until combined and frothy. Slowly incorporate into the chocolate mixture. 12. Pour the pecan halves into the parbaked pie shell and pour the hot filling over the nuts, making sure they are evenly distributed. Bake until the filling is puffed, a bit cracked, but â&#x20AC;&#x153;jigglesâ&#x20AC;? in the center, about 12 - 16 minutes. It will still be gooey. While the pie is cooling on a rack, make the whipped cream accompaniment. 13. Whip heavy cream in a chilled mixing bowl on high, adding sugar until soft peaks form. 14. Once soft peaks form, slow the mixer down, add the vanilla bean paste and the bourbon. Mix until just incorporated. 15. Cut pie into eight wedges and top with a generous dollop of whipped cream.

2 1/2 cups all purpose flour, chilled 1 tsp. salt 1 tsp. sugar 1/2 Tbsp. unsalted butter, cold, 1/2 dice 1/4-1/2 cups ice water 2 Granny Smith apples, large, peeled, 1 cored and sliced 1 inch Golden Delicious apple, large, peeled, cored and sliced 1 inch 1 Gala apple, large, peeled, cored and sliced 1 inch 1 Honey Crisp apple, large, peeled, cored and sliced 1 inch 1/2 cup sugar 1 egg yolk, for egg wash 1/2 Tbsp. heavy cream, for egg wash 1/4 cup sugar 1/2 tsp. cinnamon, ground 1/8 tsp. nutmeg, freshly grated 2-3 Tbsp. all purpose flour 1. Combine the flour and salt in the bowl of a food processor and pulse to combine. 2. Disperse the butter over the top of the flour mixture and pulse until the mixture becomes coarse with still some substantial chunks.

3. Pour 1/4 cup of ice water evenly over the mixture and pulse again. At this point, if the mixture does not hold together when you grab a chunk, add additional water, one tablespoon at a time until it holds together. 4. Turn out the mixture into a work

surface and divide the dough into two piles. Wrap each in plastic wrap forming a disc and refrigerate for a minimum of an hour or overnight. 5. Lightly dust the surface of your work area with flour. Roll out one of the dough discs to a 13-inch round, about 1/8-inch thick. Fit it into your 9-inch pie plate. Without trimming the overhanging dough, refrigerate it until it is very firm, about 30 minutes or so. 6. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Adjust your oven rack so that it is on the lowest position. 7. Whisk together the egg yolk and heavy cream to make your egg wash; reserve. 8. Combine the apples and 1/2 cup of sugar and toss together; allow to macerate for 1 hour. 9. Combine the 1/4 cup sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and 2-3 Tbsp. flour. Toss this mixture with the apples and the juices that have collected and pile it evenly into the chilled bottom crust. 10. Roll out the second disc of dough to the same width

and thickness as with the first. 11. Brush the rim of the bottom crust with the egg wash. Place the rolled out dough on top of the fruit mixture and trim the dough to about a 1/2-inch overhang. 12. Tuck the top dough under the bottom dough all around the rim and crimp. Brush the top crust evenly with the egg wash. Using a paring knife, make a small 1-inch hole in the center of pie and cut four-five slits around it. 13. Refrigerate or freeze the pie for about an hour until very firm. 14. Place the pie on a parchment paper-lined 1/2 sheet pan and bake on the lowest rack until the crust just begins to turn a light brown. Reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees and continue baking for another hour or so until the pie juices are bubbling and the apples are tender. Keep a watch on your crust. If it is darkening too quickly, cover it with foil. 15. Transfer the pie from the oven to a wire rack to completely cook before cutting. November 2013 | 59

SHELBY SPOTTED

Leadership Shelby County

Leadership Shelby County welcomed its 2013-2014 class with a breakfast on Aug. 28 at Jefferson State Community Collegeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Shelby-Hoover campus. 1. Judge Jim Fuhrmeister and Kim Melton 2. David Bobo and Lynn Cook 3. Clovia Wheeler and Scott Goggins 4. Larry Sailes and Reggie Holloway 5. Leslie Greenwood and Carol Bruser 6. Judy Tramble, Mandy Schwarting and Peg Hill 7. Terri Tucker and Tim Bowen 8. Carol and Mike Hill 9. State Sen. Cam Ward and Bobby Joe Seales 10. Bridgette Smith and Diane Seales

60 | ShelbyLiving.com

11. Helen Dean, Miranda Carter and April Stone 12. Cynthia RamsburgBrown, Judge Jim Fuhrmeister and Cindy Fuhrmeister 13. Clayton Smith and Jim Sumpter 14. John Samaniego, Rick Easterling and Chris George

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November 2013 | 61

SHELBY SPOTTED

Save the Os

The ninth annual Save the Os 5k and Fun Run was held Aug. 17 at Greystone Founders. The run was held in honor of Lorie Johnson and raised money for the Norma Livingston Ovarian Cancer Foundation. 1. Viki Pate, Natasha Bettis and Natasha Yoder 2. Luke Awtery and Sierra Millsaps 3. Cyndi Poore and Miracle Reese 4. Bryan and Tracy Heaton 5. Arjat Parikh, Monjri Shah, Reid Roper and Abby Mitchell 6. Kirk, Sarah and Alicia Cuevas with Stephen Foster 7. Merideth Sanders, Katie Farmer and Alicias Gomes 8. Davis and Joseph Reese 9. Beverly Springer and Charlotte Whitney 10. Jaylyn Harvey, Morgan Lightner, Courtney Keen, Sabrina Hill, Chantel Brackett, Jonae Collins and Luisa Tinoco 62 | ShelbyLiving.com

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11. Lisa Dark and Kara Forbus 12. Barbara Budinger and Becky Donaldson 13. Kim Evans, Steve Vanderburg, Cindi Routman, Johnny Johnson, Jennifer Johnson and Ronald Alvarez 14. Debbie Catlin and Leslie McMellon 15. Susan and Darby Henley 16. Karen Threlkeld and Adrienne Newton

November 2013 | 63

SHELBY SPOTTED

Greystone Country Club

The Greystone Country Club Member-Member Golf Tournament was July 14 at Greystone Founders Course. 1. Leonard Thompson and Mike Washburn 2. Shannon Godwin, Danny Bowers, Barry Vines and Joshua Priestley 3. Van Major and Bhrett McCabe 4. Holt Rast and Kevin McLendon

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Saturday, November 23 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

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CAHABA GRAND CONFERENCE CENTER Sneak Peek Party

Wednesday, November 20 7 - 10 p.m.

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FREE PARKING Snaps with Santa

Saturday, November 23 9 - 11 a.m.

Art Walk

Community members flocked to the streets of downtown Montevallo Aug. 24 for Art Walk, where about 50 artists and businesses showcased their work. 1. Jesse Cosper, Justin Bell, Amber Scott and Brad McDaniel 2. Bob Garrie, Susan Packa, Lee Test and Mattie Test 3. John Alvea and Julie Camp 4. Greg and Heather Longo 5. William Cole, Spencer Feagin and Nicole Cornett

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SHELBY SPOTTED

3 4

Sons of the American Revolutionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 10th Anniversary

The Cahaba-Coosa chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution celebrated its 10th anniversary Aug. 22 at the American Village in Montevallo. Gov. Robert Bentley served as guest speaker and was inducted into the chapter during the program. (Photos by Phoebe Donald Robinson) 1. Glenn Nivens, Charlie Marvin, Gov. Robert Bentley, Lee Hallman, Mel Shinholster and Jim Crawford 2. Linda and Ron Davis with Laverne Davis Ramsey 3. Kris Hauber and Jim Crawford 4. Marvin and Carolyn Vickers 5. Mel and Ann Shinholster 6. Gov. Robert Bentley with Columbiana Mayor Stancil and Ann Handley 7. Red and Phoebe Robinson 8. Jeff Brown and Lee A. Hallman 9. Larry and Mary Byrd with John Walker 66 | ShelbyLiving.com

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10. Bobby Joe and Diane Seales with Reagan and Mike Seales 11. J. L. Gibson, Stephanie Tow, Nancy and Ron Clemmons 12. Katherine and Robert Robinson 13. Don and Luz Relyea with Barbara and Luther Stone

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SHELBY SPOTTED

Greystone Country Club’s Patio Party

Greystone Country Club’s Patio Party was held July 18 at the Founders Patio.

1. Caroline Gurley, Logan McCabe, Caroline McCabe and Quinton Gurley 2. Andrew Sbrissa, Monica Sbrissa, Daniel Kaufman and Ashley Fuentes 3. Chris Kahn and Ron Ten Berge 4. Pat Heilala and Jenna Cassesse 5. Kim and Frank Paduch 6. Jeff and Lisa Clifton 7. Marve and Bobbie Breeding 8. Chris Kahn and LeAnne Rhodes 9. Krista and Max Carter

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10. Ron and Leigh Ten Berge 11. Pam and Tom Miller 12. Daniel Kaufman, Jaime Kaufman and Jeff Kaufman 13. Barry and Sandy Vines

November 2013 | 69

SHELBY SPOTTED

3 4

High School Leadership Conference

The Shelby County Schools High School Leadership Conference was Sept. 12 at Valleydale Church in Birmingham. The conference was hosted by the Oak Mountain High School Student Government Association and included students from Calera High, Chelsea High, Montevallo High, Oak Mountain High, Pelham High, Shelby County High and Vincent High.

1. Walker Boyd, Ivy Sibley, Madding McFadden, Callie Barganier, Caroline Beauchaine and Jay Holton 2. Carson Park, Cameron Thomas and Alex King 3. Michaela Parker and Brianna Anderson 4. Joshua Holland and Grayson Littleton 5. Claire Gray and Carson Park 6. James Calhoun and Ethan Brown 7. Grace Rodriguez and Shai Partridge 8. Johnathan Traylor and Jaramy Dozier 9. Katie Day, Jordan Howard and Cynthia Herrera

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10. Emily Colley, Faryn Fryer, Isabel Gallo, Julie Smith, Faith Blair and Galalys Gallo 11. Madison Harbin, Blake Schilleci and Justin Anderson 12. Alex Buttgereit and Alex Crane 13. Emily Lyons, Claire Kendrick and Julia Buckner

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November 2013 | 71

SHELBY SPOTTED

Kickoff to Achievement

The Arc of Shelby County Kickoff to Achievement was Aug. 29 at its Pelham headquarters. The fundraiser included a silent auction and open house. 1. Jenny Epperson and Glenda Terrell-Cairns 2. Travis Gray, Aaron Geno and Bob Slanovits 3. Kameron Harrison, Amanda Seal, Joe Destafino and Dylan Destafino 4. Jodi Lewis, Beatrice Lewis and Elizabeth Boone

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Helping the Hope Lodge

Greystone residents Mindy and Larry Boggs hosted a Helping the Hope Lodge party to benefit the American Cancer Society Aug. 15.

1. Tom and Ellen Staner 2. Melinda Craft, Carole D. Marks, Cindy Perdue and Ginny Tucker 3. Bella and Brooke Beckham 4. Sarah Benton Walker, Larry Boggs, Mindy Boggs and Will Benton

November 2013 | 73

SHELBY SPOTTED

Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament

The Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce held its annual golf tournament at the Riverchase Country Club Aug. 26.

1. Kirk Edmunds, Alex Shahid Jr. and Alex Shahid Sr. 2. Hollins Rush and Ben Wolker 3. Jim Acton and Ron Simms 4. Terri Williams with Jennifer and Dennis Whisenant 5. Jimbo Moore, Jammie Cowden and Billy Silver 6. Wes Turner and Heath Williams 7. John Hicks, Donald Carrie, Nathan Dayhuff and Gabe Johnson 8. Suzanne Banks-Russell and Caela Rae Berletich 9. Trisston Burrows and Suzanne White 10. Bill Gray and Mark Edwards

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11. John Holley and Guy Bradley 12. Doug Meadows and John Lyda 13. Bob Duckworth, Nathan Clark, Tim Puckett and Monty Gooch 14. Christina Arnone and Haley Montgomery 15. Jason Ledlow, Norman Saia, Anthony Romano and Brandon Ledlow

November 2013 | 75

SHELBY SPOTTED

3 “In Her Own Fashion”

The Shelby County Arts Council hosted “In Her Own Fashion,” performed by storyteller Dolores Hydock, on Aug. 24 at the SCAC’s performance space in Columbiana. 1. Linda Mims, Sandy Evans, Diane Moore and Bonnie Atchison 2. Susan Spafford, Catherine Heinzerling and Linda Hinchman 3. Dorothy Merrill, Erin Davis and Judy Vaporean 4. Judy and Gene Quick with Dolores Hydock 5. Sherry and David Ammons 6. Corley Ellis and Terri Sullivan 7. Judith Elliott and Ferrell Tibbs 8. Janie Treadwell and Mernette Bray

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Cars by the Creek The 12th annual Cars by the Creek car show had more than 70 classic and custom cars on display at Orr Park in Montevallo Aug. 17.

1. Tresse, Joe, Ethan and Cody Koloski 2. Gary McGuire, Charlie McAteer and Bill Evans 3. Chase Headley and Willona Vanderslice 4. Alyssa Glass and Cody Easterling 5. Lynda and Cortland Dusseau

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SHELBY SPOTTED

First day of school

Local students shared their first-dayof school photos. Public schools started the new year on Monday, Aug. 19. 1. Zoey Pate and Katie Thomas, kindergarten, Chelsea Park Elementary 2. Olivia Harmon, kindergarten, Valley Elementary 3. Zach Stewart, fourth grade, Thompson Intermediate, and Reagan Stewart, second grade, Meadow View Elementary 4. Ava Barco, kindergarten, Elvin Hill Elementary 5. Jada Harris, eighth grade, Kingwood Christian School 6. Austin Brock, fourth grade, and Lilly Brock, kindergarten of Mt Laurel Elementary 7. Austin Colvert, kindergarten, Valley Elementary 8. Savannah Walker, senior, Thompson High 9. Riley Ward, fifth grade, Thompson Intermediate School 10. Aidan Hamlin, fourth grade, Thompson Intermediate 11. Ellen Hamby, second grade, Meadow View Elementary 12. Lilli Kemp, fourth grade, Calera Intermediate 78 | ShelbyLiving.com

13. Garrett Jones, kindergarten, Elvin Hill Elementary 14. Laila Harris, fifth grade, Kingwood Christian School 15. Connor Alder and Madison Alder of Chelsea High, Duncan Alder of Chelsea Middle, and Jeremy Gathoni of Alabama School of Fine Arts 16. Kaelynn Nelson, sixth grade, Chelsea Middle 17. Sydney Parks, tenth grade, Pelham 18. Hayden Casey, kindergarten, Oak Mountain Elementary

18 November 2013 | 79

OUT & ABOUT A Southern Christmas Bazaar

Christmas Parade

Nov. 1

Golf FORE Education This year the Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce will celebrate its 24th Annual Golf Classic - Golf FORE Education! Proceeds to benefit workforce development and education initiatives. The tournament will be held at Eagle Point Golf Club on Nov. 1 with a shotgun start at 9 a.m. Entry fee is $150 per player/$600 per team. Contact the Chamber 205-663-4542 for sponsorship requests. Visit Shelbychamber. org for information.

Nov. 2

Eat.Drink.Read. Shelby County author Irene Latham will speak at the Columbiana Public Library, 50 Lester Street, on Nov. 2 at 1 p.m. Latham is the author of two novels for children, “Leaving Gee’s Bend” and “Don’t Feed the Boy,” and two volumes of poetry, “The Color of Lost Rooms” and “What Came Before.” Free admission. Call 205-669-0044.

Nov. 3

Standing by Tammy Wynette The Shelby County Arts Council will present “Standing by Tammy Wynette: The Donna Chapel Story” on Saturday, Nov. 2 at 2:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. 80 | ShelbyLiving.com

Santa Special Train Ride

This brand new musical is based on the true story as told by her one-time stepdaughter, Donna Chapel, who sang with Tammy in 1967 at the age of 14 year old. Tickets are $20. Doors open 30 minutes prior to show. Visit Shelbycountyartscouncil. com. Out of the Darkness Walk The eighth annual Out of the Darkness Walk will take place on Nov. 3 at Heardmont Park to raise awareness of depression and suicide, to honor loved ones and to raise funds for research, education and survivors of suicide support programs. Registration is at 1 p.m. Walk begins at 2:30 p.m. Register: Afsp.donordrive.com/event/ Birmingham. No registration fee. There will be a survivor area, with counselors, for walkers to post pictures of their loved ones. Complimentary refreshments will be available.

Nov. 4

Cash for Candy On Nov. 4 from 3:30-5:30 p.m., in cooperation with Operation Gratitude, Dr. Lisa Wilson will be buying back your unopened Halloween candy for $1 per pound (up to 5 pounds)! The candy will be shipped to our courageous troops deployed in the Middle East. We will

also collect and send other items to the troops. See Troopcarepackage.com for a list of acceptable items. Wilson’s office is located at 5470 Caldwell Mill Road. Info: 995-8084 or email Info@drlisawilson.com.

offer challenging targets for both the beginner and expert. Entry fee is $100 per person/$400 per team. For more information call the Chamber office at 205663-4542. Visit Shelbychamber. org.

Nov. 7

Nov. 15-16

SSCC Luncheon The South Shelby Chamber of Commerce’s luncheon will be Thursday, Nov. 7 at Columbiana United Methodist Church. Networking begins at 11:30 a.m. and lunch at noon. Sponsored by the Jimmie Hale Mission. Caterer is Blue Spring Manor of Vincent. Admission is $10.

Nov. 11

Veterans Day Salute The American Village in Montevallo will host a Veterans Day Salute Nov. 11 from 10 a.m.4 p.m. Admission charged. Free to veterans and active military. Call 205-6650-3535, ext. 1063 or visit Americanvillage.com.

Nov. 13

GSCC Sporting Clay Shoot The Greater Shelby Chamber is having its 4th Annual Sporting Clay Shoot on Nov. 13 at Selwood Farm, Inc., Alpine. Selwood’s comprehensive shooting facility includes a covered 5-stand for warm-up and training and a 100-target course. Their traps

Holiday Open House The Columbiana Merchants and Professionals Associations will host a Holiday Open House in November. Stores will be open until 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 15 and all day on Saturday, Nov. 16. A Southern Christmas Bazaar The Alabaster-Pelham Rotary Club will hold a two-day bazaar on Nov. 15 and 16, at the Pelham Civic Complex and Ice Arena, 500 Amphitheater Road, Pelham. Friday hours will be 3-8 p.m. and Saturday hours will be 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Visit Rotarysouthernchristmas. com for customer and vendor information. Cost is $7/ adult or $6 with canned food donation and $6 for children over the age of 6. Contact Info@ rotarysouthernchristmas.com or call 205-414-3672.

Nov. 17

Mitford auditions The Shelby County Arts Council will hold auditions for “Welcome

to Mitford,” a drama/comedy by Robert Inman adapted from the Mitford novels by Jan Karon. Directed by Sue Ellen Gerrells. Auditions will consist of improvisations and cold readings from the script. No previous experience necessary. Email Sueellengerrells@gmail. com.

Nov. 18

Shop & Go P.E.O. Chapter B will hold a Tea, Live Auction and Shop-&Go at Danberry at Inverness, 235 Inverness Center Parkway, on Nov. 18 from 1-3 p.m. Storyteller Dolores Hydock will share a Thanksgiving story about surprising blessings, holiday hassles, sibling rivalry and mysteries of sweet potato casserole. Tickets are available for $15 from Helen Faught at 967-6459 or Helenfaught@aol. com or from Char Bonsack at 408-9084.

Nov 19

of Commerce will host Coffee with the Mayor of Harpersville on Nov. 21 at the Harpersville Town Hall, 83 Town Hall Lane.

Nov. 22

Opera Scenes The University of Montevallo Theater Department will present “Opera Scenes” on Nov. 22 and Dec. 2 at 7:30 p.m. UM theater students will present a series of single acts from a variety of works. Visit Montevallo.edu.

Nov. 23

2Blu and the Lucky Stiffs 2Blu and the Lucky Stiffs will return to the Shelby County Arts Council Nov. 23 for an evening of blues entertainment. The night begins at 6:30 p.m. with a barbecue and brews tasting party. The band will take the stage for two one-hour sets of music at 7:30 p.m. Cost is $22 for tasting ticket and concert. Visit Shelbycountyartscouncil.com.

SSCC Speed Networking The four Chamber Speed Networking Event will be Tuesday, Nov. 19 at the Shelby County Instructional Services Center, 601 First Street North, Alabaster. RSVP to the South Shelby Chamber at 205-669-9075 or Director@ southshelbychamber.com.

5k Glo Run The 5k Glo Run will be Saturday, Nov. 23 at 7 p.m. at Veterans Park in Alabaster. All profits will go to spinal cord research and other causes at UAB related to Transverse Myelitis, a rare spinal cord disease. Visit Active.com for registration information.

Nov. 21

Nov. 30

Coffee with the Mayor The South Shelby Chamber

Shelby Living is happy to feature community events in its monthly calendar. The event must take place in Shelby County or be sponsored by a Shelby Countybased group. Email details to Katie.mcdowell@shelbyliving. com.l

Christmas Parade The city of Montevallo will host a Christmas parade and holiday street party on Main Street on Nov. 21. The annual day of holiday fun includes marching band, floats, civic officials and an appearance by Santa Claus. Following the parade children are invited to meet Santa for a photo with him at First Baptist Church in Montevallo. Street party is from 3-6 p.m. Parade begins at 6 p.m. Free admission. Call 205-665-1519.

Santa Special Train Ride Santa Claus will ride the train at Heart of Dixie Railroad on Nov. 30 and Dec. 7, 14 and 21. Children can tell him what they would like for Christmas as he poses for photos. Each child will receive a Christmas gift. Visit Hodrrm.org.

November 2013 | 81

WHY I LOVE SHELBY COUNTY

Doug Adair: ‘The best of all worlds’ Story by KATIE MCDOWELL Photograph CONTRIBUTED

oug Adair recently was named executive director of the Alabama Wildlife Center. Doug, 52, has lived in the Birmingham metro area for most of his life. After graduating from Berry High School, he received degrees from Samford University and the University of Alabama School of Law. He lives in unincorporated Shelby County with his wife, Nina, who is a musician with the Alabama Symphony Orchestra. They have two adult sons and a teenage daughter.

What do you love about Shelby County? Living and working in Shelby County offers the best of all worlds. We are surrounded by a beautiful natural setting, and caring wonderful people, only minutes away from every offering, from world-class sporting events and an amazing symphony to four-star restaurants and incredible museums. Why do you think the AWC’s mission is important? The Alabama Wildlife Center is Alabama’s oldest and largest wildlife rehabilitation and education center. We operate statewide as a leader in the rescue and rehabilitation of wild birds, caring for almost 2,000 native birds of more than 100 species each year. We are also dedicated to educating people of all ages about our wildlife heritage through programs at our headquarters in Oak Mountain State Park, school programs, and community outreach. I believe our rehabilitation and education mission is vital to increasing awareness and appreciation of our unique natural resources, and preserving and protecting Alabama’s native bird population for future generations.

82 | ShelbyLiving.com

What programs are you most excited to offer this fall? We are excited about our annual Craft and Bake Sale coming up Dec. 14 at Veterans Park. It will be a great opportunity to purchase unique holiday gifts and support AWC at the same time. Our largest fundraiser, Wild About Chocolate, will be here before we know it in February. I’m also excited about the educational programs we are offering this fall and winter, both in schools and at AWC headquarters. We have excellent programs on birds of prey featuring our glove-trained raptors, as well as a range of offerings in partnership with the Birmingham Audubon Society, Friends of Oak Mountain and the Oak Mountain Interpretive Center. The next program features Alabama’s waterfowl on Nov. 10. Do you have a favorite type of bird? I really can’t pick a favorite. Each species is amazing in a unique way — from the beauty and flight mechanics of a Ruby-throated Hummingbird, to the majesty and power of a Red-tailed Hawk. What do you enjoy most about your new job?

The people that I have the opportunity to work with are extraordinary. It is very rewarding to work every day with such a talented and dedicated group of volunteers and staff, who care so passionately about our native wildlife and resources. What’s the most unusual job you’ve held? Earlier in my career I had the opportunity to serve in Washington, DC as Associate Director of the White House Office of Cabinet Affairs. I suppose the White House is a fairly unusual place to work. It was certainly an exciting job, and I never knew who I would run into from day to day – sometimes literally. One day I was hurrying down a staircase in the West Wing when I plowed headlong into Russian President Boris Yeltsin coming up the stairs. His Secret Service protective detail was not happy, but he was very friendly. What are your hobbies? I like to be outdoors – hiking, camping, fishing, running and of course, bird watching. I also enjoy American history and listening to the Alabama Symphony. l

November 2013 | 83

ELITE RETAILER

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