LEATHER + GRACE JEWELRY DESIGNS • TOUR A BRIGHT MODERN RETREAT • FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
FALL FASHION GUIDEBOOK CITY BOWLS SENSATION OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2018 VestaviaHillsMagazine.com Volume Two| Issue Five $4.95
the ART of transformation
EVOLUTIA’S RECLAIMED WOOD
At the University of Montevallo, you will enjoy small classes, personalized attention, engaging student activities and abundant opportunities for real world experience. You will emerge a well-rounded, highly educated individual who isn’t just ready for the world — you’re ready to change it.
montevallo.edu 205-665-6030 admissions@montevallo.edu #IBelongAtMontevallo
Here, students don’t merely fit in, they find a place to call home. You will discover a new family where you belong. So schedule a tour — come see for yourself why You belong at the University of Montevallo.
Twenty-seven wooded, beautiful homesites have been released in The Willows at Willow Point, situated on the northern shoreline of Pitchford Hollow. Choose from a portfolio of thoughtfully-designed house plans from Russell Lands approved architects, designers and builders or bring your dream plans with you. To find out more, call 256.215.7011.
Visit RussellLandsOnLakeMartin.com
Please Join the BBVA Compass Bank local team as we host our monthly socials, drinks and Hors d’oeuvres provided. Join your fellow business owners, expand your network, and grow your business!
Bromberg's Ricky Bromberg
Mountain Brook
Chamber of commerce
October
Make time for your mammogram. 2018 MAMMOTHON
Sometimes there just aren’t enough hours in the day for your busy schedule. But the last thing that should be neglected is your health. According to the National Cancer Institute, one in eight women will develop breast cancer, and mammograms are the most effective form of early detection. Ask about special pricing and extended hours during October, and make time for your mammogram today. Brookwood Baptist Medical Center 2006 Brookwood Medical Center Drive Women’s Medical Plaza, 1st Floor Birmingham, AL 35209 Week of October 22-26
CALL (833) 214-6659 TO MAKE YOUR APPOINTMENT.
*3D Mammography Available
Princeton Baptist Medical Center Breast Care Center 833 Princeton Avenue SW POB III, 1st Floor Birmingham, Alabama 35211 Month of October, M–F
Walker Baptist Medical Center Breast Care Center 3400 Highway 78 E POB, Suite 218 Jasper, Alabama 35501 Mondays in October
Citizens Baptist Medical Center 604 Stone Avenue Talladega, AL 35160 Mondays in October
Shelby Baptist Diagnostic Center 1004 First Street North Alabaster, AL 35007 Month of October, M– F
Diagnostic Center – Hoover 5295 Preserve Parkway, Suite 110 Hoover, AL 35244 Month of October, M– F
*3D Mammography Available
Diagnostic Center – Hwy 119 7131 Cahaba Valley Road Hoover, AL 35242 Week of October 22-26 *3D Mammography Available
Visit BrookwoodBaptistHealth.com/MyMammo or call (833)214-6659 for appointments at any of our facilities.
FEATURES
52
THE FALL FASHION GUIDE What’s trending this season at Vestavia Hills boutiques—and where to find it.
60
WAREHOUSE OF WOOD Each piece of reclaimed wood in Evolutia’s warehouse has a story to tell—as does the family who is getting them into homes and restaurants all over town, and the country.
68
Three different schools, two cities, one mural. The old Berry campus has quite the history, and now Vestavia Hills City Schools will launch its own legacy on its grounds.
6 October/November 2018
PHOTO BY JOE TANKERSLEY
THE COLOR ON COLUMBIANA
52
41
PHOTO BY LAUREN USTAD
arts & culture
17 The DIY Way: Ashley Williams’ Leather + Grace Collection
schools & sports
23 Friday Night Lights: The Color of a VHHS Football Game 30 Five Questions For: Educators Deanna Bell & Trudye Confessore
food
& drink
31 Stoking the Superfruit: A Trip to City Bowls 40 Five Questions For: Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint Founder Pat Martin
home
& style
in every issue 6 Contributors 7 From the Editor 8 VestaviaHillsMagazine.com 9 #VestaviaHillsMag 10 The Question 11 The Guide 80 Out & About 86 Marketplace 88 My Vestavia Hills
41 Bright & Light: A Modern Bright Retreat Renovation 51 At Home: Autumn-ify Your Living Space
VestaviaHillsMagazine.com 7
contributors EDITORIAL
Graham Brooks Stephen Dawkins Alec Etheredge Briana Harris Madoline Markham Keith McCoy Emily Sparacino Neal Wagner
CONTRIBUTORS
Karen Askins Milan Ballard Mallory Barry Jessica Clement Mary Fehr Amy Ferguson Emma Simmons Elizabeth Sturgeon Joe Tankersley Lauren Ustad
Karen Askins, Photographer
Karen received her first 35mm camera at 21, and has been taking images of family, architecture, friends and sports ever since. She and her husband, David, have called Vestavia home for 32 of their 34 years of marriage. They have two daughters: Jordan Lawrence, a teacher at VHEC, and Devon Askins, a student at the University of South Alabama Medical School.
Amy Ferguson, Writer
Amy is a healthcare marketing professional, an avid Mexican food enthusiast and native of Vestavia Hills where she lives with her husband, Eric, and their love-able chocolate labradoodle. She earned her undergraduate degree from Auburn University and her master’s from the University of Alabama, but faithfully cheers for the Tigers (much to her husband’s disdain). When she isn’t watching a documentary, reading a biography or sniffing around local antique stores, she is helping her husband transform his love for woodworking into a small side business.
DESIGN
Connor Bucy Jamie Dawkins Kate Sullivan
MARKETING
Kristy Brown Kari George Rachel Henderson Daniel Holmes Rhett McCreight Kim McCulla Nick McKnight Lindsay Milligan Viridiana Romero Kerrie Thompson
ADMINISTRATION Hailey Dolbare Mary Jo Eskridge Katie McDowell Stacey Meadows Tim Prince
Emma Simmons, Writer & Photographer
As a wanderluster with a serious addiction to her parents’ cooking, Emma is thrilled to be in the ‘Ham, only a short drive away from their dinner table in Vestavia Hills. When she’s not plugging away as the evening web girl at ABC 33/40, she’s probably scheming up ways to turn her black thumb green or make her dog Mazzy Insta-famous. Some of her favorite things include: sunshine, long baths, fuzzy socks and conversations with strangers.
Lauren Ustad, Photographer
Lauren lives in Birmingham with her husband, Joe, their three daughters, and their 2-pound Yorkie they refer to as “Boobie.” She spends her professional time posing itty bitties and chasing little munchkins. In her free time you can probably find her slaving away at their most current renovation project or building Legos with her self-proclaimed super heroes.
Vestavia Hills Magazine is published bimonthly by Shelby County Newspapers Inc., P.O. Box 947, Columbiana, AL 35051. Vestavia Hills Magazine 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, Vestavia Hills Magazine, P.O. Box 947, Columbiana, AL 35051. Vestavia Hills Magazine is mailed to select households throughout Vestavia Hills, and a limited number of free copies are available at local businesses. Please visit VestaviaHillsMagazine.com for a list of those locations. Subscriptions are available at a rate of $16.30 for one year by visiting VestaviaHillsMagazine.com or calling (205) 669-3131, ext. 532. Advertising inquiries may be made by emailing advertise@vestaviahillsmagazine.com, or by calling (205) 669-3131, ext. 536.
8 October/November 2018
from the editor
I
ON THE COVER
Evolutia Made
Vestavia Hills native and resident Clay Skinner runs Evolutia, a reclaimed wood business in downtown Birmingham. Photo by Mary Fehr Design by Kate Sullivan
Is anyone else awkward about receiving compliments? My tendency is to defer them. You like my earrings? My mom picked them out, I’ll tell you. You’re a fan of my Oreo-stuffed chocolate chip cookie bars (they are pretty amazing!)? They’re just a simple Tollhouse derivative recipe. You like the magazine I edit? Then most of the credit goes to our amazing writers and photographers and designers and administrative team. And indeed they deserve mad props for Vestavia Hills Magazine taking home the 2018 Magazine of the Year award from the Alabama Press Association this summer. That’s the highest honor in the state, and no small deal to those of us in community journalism circles. It was equal parts thrilling and humbling to receive such an award in our first year of publication. To give you the full report, we also took home first place awards for Best Feature Story (“Roman Revival” about the Vestavia Temple and George Ward) and Best Personality Profile (Jennifer B. Slaton’s “Lending His Ear” about Reg’s Coffee House), plus second place for Website Design and third for Best Design. Award-winning stories won by award-winning talent about stellar people and places, all right here in Vestavia Hills. Now that’s something to be excited about. But if I’m really honest though, I adore compliments. I cling to words of affirmation, my strongest of the love languages right up there with quality time, and relish them for hours and days to come. I’ve historically downplayed that fact, but I’m learning a certain breed of pride is actually a good thing. I’m incredibly proud of the volumes of pages I envision, organize and bring to life in each issue— why would I not want to own that fact? And that applies just as much to this issue as the ones that have won awards already. We shot our first ever fashion shoot of fall attire, in the heat of summer, with a stellar set of talent (I’m also a fan of passing on words of affirmation). Amy Ferguson tells the story of Evolutia’s reclaimed wood craft, Elizabeth Sturgeon that of the old Berry High School mural and Emma Simmons that of City Bowls’ superfruit sensation, all with stunning photos by Mary Fehr and Emma to boot. Plus, I’m excited to showcase some of Karen Askins’ documentation of Friday night Rebel football games, plus that of Ashley Williams’ jewelry making. And that’s a few highlights. I’m pretty sure there are some award winners in here for next year too. Stay tuned to see which ones they are! And feel free to send me ideas for stories any time.
madoline.markham@vestaviahillsmagazine.com VestaviaHillsMagazine.com 9
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Vestavia Hills Events Not to Miss This Month What’s going on when and where? Find our full roundup of Vestavia’s best events online each month. vestaviahillsmagazine.com/category/events/
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10 October/November 2018
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Need to brag a little on my buddy: while at Auburn University baseball camp this week, he was presented the “Camper of the Week” award. Congrats Bud!
VestaviaHillsMagazine.com 11
“ ” THE QUESTION
What’s the best way to spend a fall day in Vestavia or with Vestavia friends? Walk the trail to McCallum Park. Go to Sybil Temple and look out over the valley and Red Mountain. Go to the bluff on Shades Crest and look out over the valley.
Attending the festivities with Heights Heroes Fun Run and 5K. Watching an Auburn football game at one of VH fantastic restaurants. Attending the River Run Halloween hayride.
Tailgating before a Rebel football game.
Playing tennis at Wald Park with friends and attending the West School Carnival.
Begin with breakfast at Klingler’s. Take a drive to Cahaba Heights for shopping. End the day on the patio at Diplomat Deli or Taco Tech or at Sybil Temple overlooking the city.
At Scout Square during Rushton Mellen Waltchack’s family pumpkin sale benefiting adoptions! Absolute favorite thing to do in the fall!
Fun painting class with friends at Shannon Harris’s Grace Gallery in Cahaba Heights!
Walking the trails behind the Library in the Forest! So pretty during the fall.
-Judy Marie Cutcliffe
-Peggy Ogilvie
-Bridgett Whatley Glasgow
-Charlee Foreman Splawn
12 October/November 2018
-Katherine Williams McRee
-Rebecca Suits Hartsough
-Casey Skewes O’Dell
-Madeline Cook
THE GUIDE
VESTAVIA HILLS COMMUNITY NIGHT OUT OCT. 2 Vestavia Hills City Hall 5:30-8 P.M.
Join the Vestavia Hills Police and Fire departments for a night of fun and demonstrations. Kids can enjoy inflatables and a firefighter obstacle course, and there will be live music, free food and a mugshot photo booth. Pets are welcome too! PHOTO BY JACKSON ROSS
VestaviaHillsMagazine.com 13
THE GUIDE
Rebels Varsity Football Here’s to hoping the Rebels have some playoff games scheduled come November. Don your red and blue, and we’ll see you at Thompson Reynolds Stadium. All games start at 7 p.m.
PHOTO BY KAREN ASKINS
OCT. 5: vs. HewittTrussville OCT. 12: vs. Thompson OCT. 19: vs. Hoover OCT. 26: at Oak Mountain NOV. 3: vs. Huffman
WHAT TO DO IN VESTAVIA OCT. 5+NOV. 2 First Friday Fiber Arts (Adults) Library in the Forest 10 a.m. OCT. 5 Artist Incorporated First Friday Reception 4:30-8:30 p.m. OCT. 9 Senior Citizen Luncheon Dogwood Room Vestavia Hills Civic Center 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. OCT. 9 Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce Luncheon Mayor Ashley Curry’s State of the City Vestavia Country Club 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. OCT. 10 Treehouse Poetry Reading Series Featuring Hank Lazer and Doug Baulos Library in the Forest 6-7:30 p.m. OCT. 12 Parent Teacher Conference Day No Students Vestavia Hills City Schools
OCT. 27
Library in the Forest Storybook 5K Vestavia Hills City Hall 8 A.M. 5K, 9 A.M. FUN RUN
Dress as your favorite storybook character and get ready for a run and fun. After-race festivities will feature live music, a bouncy house, appearances by storybook characters and ballet dancers, food and drinks. It all benefits Children’s Department of the Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest and is hosted by the Junior Board of the Vestavia Hills Library Foundation. Register at runsignup.com and find more info at librarypals.org. 14 October/November 2018
OCT. 17 Pumpkin Painting For Teens Library in the Forest 4-5:30 p.m. OCT. 25 Rock & Roll Bingo: ‘70s Boogie Fever Ages 18+ Library in the Forest 6-7:30 p.m. OCT. 26 Spooktacular Spooky stories, crafts, costume contest Library in the Forest 6:30-8 p.m.
THE GUIDE OCT. 27 Lego Wars First Grade and Up Library in the Forest 11 a.m. NOV. 2 Artist Incorporated First Friday Reception 4:30-8:30 p.m. NOV. 2 Homecoming Vestavia Hills High School NOV. 8 Veterans Day Celebration Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church Presented by Mayor Ashley Curry and the City of Vestavia Hills 1-3:30 p.m.
OCT. 2
Fall Fashion Show 400 Beaumont Drive 11:30 A.M.
Come see the latest fall fashions modeled over lunch at this event presented by PNC and benefitting Vestavia City Schools Foundation. The foundation provides ongoing and dependable funding for critical academic “extras” such as professional development, technology and classroom enhancements for every grade level, every academic subject area and every student in Vestavia City Schools. Order tickets at vestaviafoundation.org
OCT. 20
Heights Hero 5K The Heights Village 8 A.M. 5K, 9:30 A.M. Heroes Challenge
NOV. 8 Treehouse Poetry Reading Series Featuring Kwoya Fagin Maples Library in the Forest 6-7:30 p.m.
Run through the neighborhood streets of Cahaba Heights while benefitting the Vestavia Elementary Cahaba Heights PTO. The fun run will have age-based divisions. Registration is $20 for the 5K until Oct. 8 and $30 afterward.
NOV. 12 Senior Citizen Luncheon Vestavia Hills Civic Center Dogwood Room 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
OCT. 25
NOV. 13 Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce Luncheon Vestavia Country Club 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Hollywood Pools 1441 Montgomery Highway 6:30-9 P.M.
NOV. 13 Harry Potter Fandom For Teens Library in the Forest 4-6 p.m.
Viva Vestavia Hills Get a taste of area restaurants’ finest and try fine wines—all with a “scary” theme. The event is presented by the Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce and benefits the Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce Foundation. Tickets go on sale Oct. 1. For more information, call the chamber at 823-5011.
NOV. 15 Friend of the Library: Dolores Hydock Fundraiser Library in the Forest 10-11:30 a.m. NOV. 21-23 Thanksgiving Holidays Vestavia City Schools Closed
VestaviaHillsMagazine.com 15
THE GUIDE NOV. 8
Deck the Heights
Shops of Cahaba Heights 4-8 P.M.
Get a head start on holiday shopping when businesses stay open late throughout Cahaba Heights. A trolley will make for easy transport between shops in the area.
AROUND TOWN OCT. 4-6 Greek Food Festival Holy Trinity-Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Cathedral OCT. 4-7 Antiques at the Gardens Birmingham Botanical Gardens OCT. 4-7 Southern Women’s Show BJCC OCT. 6 Bluff Park Art Show Bluff Park Community Center 9 a.m.-5 p.m. OCT. 6-8 Barber Vintage Motorcycle Festival Barber Motorsports Festival OCT. 13 Susan G. Komen North Central Alabama Race for the Cure Regions Field
OCT. 17-28
SHOP SAVE & SHARE Shops Throughout Vestavia Hills and Birmingham We’re all about an excuse to shop for a good cause, and you can’t beat the Junior League of Birmingham’s Shop Save & Share fundraiser. A digital or printed Shop Save & Share card costs $40, and then you receive a 20 percent at more than 500 participating businesses—including 62 in Vestavia Hills alone. Time to get ahead on holiday shopping, y’all! Shoppers can purchase and download a card at ShopSaveandShare.net or on the Planet Fundraiser app. 16 October/November 2018
OCT. 14 Breakin’ Bread Sloss Furnaces OCT. 19-21 Alabama Ballet Presents La Sylphide BJCC Concert Hall OCT. 20-21 Fall Plant Sale Birmingham Botanical Gardens OCT. 26-28 A Midsummer Night’s Dream Virginia Samford Theatre OCT. 28 The Phantom of the Opera Alabama Theatre NOV. 2 Dia de los Muertos Pepper Place NOV. 1-4 Disney on Ice Presents Frozen BJCC Legacy Arena
NOV. 2-4 Junie B. Jones Jr. Red Mountain Theatre Company NOV. 2-11 Tartuffe Virginia Samford Theatre NOV. 11 National Veterans Day Parade Downtown Birmingham NOV. 14-17 Market Noel Presented by the Junior League of Birmingham The Finley Center Hoover Metropolitan Complex NOV. 16-18 The Turn of a Screw Virginia Samford Theatre NOV. 30-DEC. 16 RMTC Holiday Spectacular Red Mountain Theatre Company
THE GUIDE CHURCHES
Holiday Markets Already dreading what to buy that impossible-to-buy-for special someone in your life? Not to fear. Stop by one of these markets full of hand-crafted items, and have it ready to wrap before Thanksgiving hits.
MAGICAL MARKETPLACE Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church NOV. 16 9 A.M.-4 P.M. Arts and crafts, clothes, candles and scents, housewares, wooden items, toys, jewelry, hand-made items and more—all to benefit Unless U. HOLIDAY MARKET Saint Mark United Methodist Church NOV. 10 9 A.M. TO 1 P.M. Find handmade items and all kinds of gift items and baked goods for sale, plus a coffee shop, and all proceeds go toward missions at the church and in the community.
IS PROUD TO WELCOME INTO OUR EXPERT TEAM OF PHYSICIANS
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Michael F. Blum, M.D. | Ekkehard Bonatz, M.D. George Robert Booker, M.D. | William S. Craig, M.D. Donald A. Deinlein, M.D. | Michael T. Ellerbusch, M.D. John S. Kirchner, M.D. | William D. Krauss, D.O. Michael D. Smith, M.D. | William D. Sudduth, M.D. C.J. Talbert, M.D. ON-SITE MRI and PHYSICAL THERAPY
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VestaviaHillsMagazine.com 17
THE GUIDE NOV. 27
Tree Lighting Festival
Vestavia Hills City Hall 1032 Montgomery Highway 6 P.M.
Ring in the season with this annual celebration of holiday lights. We hear Santa will be there, too, along with music from school choirs and bands and more.
Share your news! Email submissions to mm@vestaviahillsmagazine.com to be considered for our next issue.
&CULTURE
ARTS
THE DIY WAY
Vestavia Hills Elementary East teacher Ashley Williams moonlights crafting earrings with bounties of leather and grace. BY MADOLINE MARKHAM PHOTOS BY KAREN ASKINS VestaviaHillsMagazine.com 19
20 October/November 2018
E
Each morning when Ashley Williams is getting ready for school, she goes shopping in her special earring collection. “I ask what goes with my outfit,” she says. “It’s so fun.” After all, earrings have always been her favorite accessory—the bigger and bolder the better. Today her collection Leather + Grace is one she hand makes in just that style, and not just for herself. Coming in at 2 to 3 inches tall, the statement makers in colors and shapes and patterns of all sorts add a pop to any outfit. And their weight is so light you hardly notice you are wearing them. Perhaps the greatest fan base of Leather + Grace is Ashley’s students at Vestavia Hills Elementary East, where she has taught for 13 years. One girl in her class last year got her ears pierced just so she could wear her teacher’s earrings. Another student picked out a pair of earrings for his mom—who passed away a few months later. Ashley credits the East faculty for being her biggest marketers from Day 1. They bought them and wore them, and then got asked
where they got their earrings. A quick tour around Ashley’s shabby chic home near the school will tell you she’s always been a DIYer. She built her coffee table, a farmhouse table outside and the frames in her hallway, along with refurbishing many more pieces not currently on display. For years she sold picture frames and wood nativities as a fun side outlet from teaching. But her current craft of choice allows her to work inside instead of her woodworking that took her into the heat or the cold. It all started when Ashley was seeing leather earrings in boutiques last fall. She loved the style, but not the $30-40 price tag. So she bought some leather at Hobby Lobby and tried her hand at making them herself. It was November 2017 when she posted the leather feathers with metallic tips on Facebook, and friends started asking her to make them for Christmas gifts. “Then it exploded,” Ashley recounts with the intonations of her Selmer, Tennessee drawl. “It was the most unexpected thing ever.”
Xx Ashley Williams with her twin daughters in their Vestavia Hills home where she crafts her earring line.
VestaviaHillsMagazine.com 21
From there she discovered all kinds of leather patterns and paints and stains. “It’s an obsession now,” she says, noting how she’s always looking for new materials. From the start Ashley has always focused keeping the price at $10, or a few dollars more for more layers or other upgrades. If anything she wants to give everyone more of a discount. “Because they are my friends,” she says—also noting that pretty much everyone is her friend. So when stores approached her about selling her earrings but wanting her to mark up prices of what she sold too to be comparative to their mark up, she had to say no. “I had a heart-to-heart this summer with my husband,” she says. “I did not start this to be in retail. It’s a creative outlet.” Instead much of her “payment” comes in intangibles: seeing people with her earrings on and knowing they love to buy them as gifts and share them with their girlfriends. Like in the beginning much of Ashley’s inspiration comes from Pinterest, but much has changed along the way. She now purchases leather from a supplier in Tacoma, Washington, with thousands of varieties and gathers ideas and trends from blogs. “I have evolved and learned so much from what works and what doesn’t,” she says. When an item sells out like a new fish tail braid leather, then she knows she’s onto something. Today Ashley starts the process with her Cricut machine to outline the exact shape of the leather piece. From there she turns on Netflix, pulls out a pair of tiny sharp scissors, and cuts out feather shapes in bulk before poking holes for chains and hooks. After that comes a round of vacuuming up stray pieces of leather and then final assembly, complete with earring cards she makes out of cardstock marked with a wood grain pattern to harken to her wood working days—a task that came easy given her teaching skillset. Technically Ashley has a studio in her basement, but she mostly ends up in her living room and at her dining room table to be near her husband and twin daughters. Today she’s added a fringe style to a collection ala earrings her friend found for a higher price tag at a local boutique and requested—and has a set of Alabama and Auburn ones out for football season, of course. She also bought some clip-on sets to make earrings for her 7-year-old twin daughters. After all one of them, Addison, has been asking to both wear and help make them for months. And Ashley’s thinking it will be the start of Mommy & Me sets. These days Ashley ships a few pairs out of town a week to people who have found her on Instagram and ordered pairs. “I get tickled about it,” she says. “It’s going to New Jersey!” she thinks as she ships a pair off in that direction. But the heart of Leather + Grace will always be at Vestavia East. 22 October/November 2018
WHERE TO FIND LEATHER + GRACE IN STORES
Alabama Goods in Homewood
The Mercantile on Highway 280 ONLINE
leatherandgraceal.com
@leatherandgraceal on Instagram VestaviaHillsMagazine.com 23
nov 3-4 2018 PURSELL FARMS RESORT GETAWAY GIVEAWAY Enter at the Festival.
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LAKE: Event Rentals Unlimited Birmingham • Vestavia Hills Magazine | RIVER: Alabama Power • Joe Piper • USS Real Estate VILLAGE GREEN: Avadian Credit Union • Bare Naked Noodles • City of Hoover • Coca Cola United • Jaguar Land Rover Bham • McDowell Security • Pathway Gardens PNC Bank • Pursell Farms Resort • RealtySouth | SPOTLIGHT PARTNERS: AARP Alabama • AEC • Alabama Outdoors • CartoTracks • Durante Home Exteriors • Embassy Homes FOR | BHM • Golden Flake • Hargrove Engineers • LeafFilter North of AL • Mountain High Outfitters • Precision Chiropractic • Royal Cup • Saiia Construction • The Beer Hog • Weil Wrecker
SCHOOL
&SPORTS
FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS
Karen Askins might be shooting SEC football games now, but she wouldn’t miss out on the color of VHHS football. PHOTO ESSAY BY KAREN ASKINS
VestaviaHillsMagazine.com 25
26 October/November 2018
G
Going to a Vestavia football game is not just about football. It’s all the community coming together on one night with one purpose: to cheer on the Rebels. I see people in their 90s, moms with babies, middle school students, and little kids who think, “One day maybe I’ll become a football player. Maybe I’ll get to be a majorette. Maybe I can play the trombone in the band.” No one is worried about who’s doing what tomorrow or who is voting for who. We are all together. It’s community in the truest sense of the word. It’s something I don’t want to give up even though I’m shooting SEC Football now. Vestavia got me started. —PHOTOGRAPHER KAREN ASKINS
VestaviaHillsMagazine.com 27
LEFT: Cheerleader Madison Chatwood soars in the air during a stunt as the girls cheer from the sidelines. BELOW: Just a sophomore for Vestavia Hills, running back Knox Romeo is already a player to keep an eye on, and is pictured breaking a tackle against Briarwood in a jamboree game earlier in the football season. He is part of a Rebels’ offense that loves to be physical and use the ground game, while the defense does its job as well. RIGHT PAGE, BOTTOM: Buddy Anderson coaches the Rebels for his 47th season at the school. Earlier this year he was inducted into the National High School Hall of Fame administered by the National Federation of State High School Associations.
28 October/November 2018
“[On Friday nights] no one is worried about who’s doing what tomorrow or who is voting for who. We are all together. It’s community in the truest sense of the word.” -Karen Askins
VestaviaHillsMagazine.com 29
“
The people I meet— football players, students in the band, kids on the track, teachers, administrators— give me great hope in the future of America.
”
–Karen Askins
ABOVE: Vestavia Hills junior quarterback Eli Sawyer, one of the team’s leaders this year, prepares to throw a ball downfield to an open receiver for the Rebels in a jamboree matchup against Briarwood. He’s still growing and looking to spark his team’s offensive play, but has a solid defense to help him out. BELOW: Cheerleaders and painted-up fans alike build up the energy for fans. Pictured are
30 October/November 2018
Haley Seitz, Elizabeth Bendall and Kailey Koch walking on the track, and Madison Chatwood in the center cheering. TOP RIGHT: The sons of Abby and Adam Plant and Stacey Anderson dream of playing at the high school level. BOTTOM RIGHT: VHHS Rockette Abby Waters performs a routine during game festivities.
FAMILY MEMBERS VERIFIED THAT SHE ONCE TALKED NON-STOP DURING A 5-HOUR ROAD TRIP TO FLORIDA.
CHILDREN A M A Z E U S E V E R Y D AY
and at Children’s of Alabama, we want to see every child grow up and live to their fullest potential. That’s why we recruit, train and retain the most inquiring minds, the most skilled hands and the most compassionate hearts in pediatric medicine. 1 6 0 0 7 T H AV E N U E S O U T H B I R M I N G H A M , A L 3 5 2 3 3 (205) 638-9100
Talked Non-Stop - 3.5 x 9.75 - Shelby Living.indd 1
ChildrensAL.org
VestaviaHillsMagazine.com 31
3/26/18 11:16 AM
SCHOOLS & SPORTS
5
FIVE QUESTIONS FOR
Deanna Bell & Trudye Confessore Kodály Music Educators PHOTO CONTRIBUTED
Music education is transforming in Vestavia from east to west thanks to Kodály Concept. It’s a Hungarian word pronounced “ko-DAH-ee” that denotes the teaching practices of Zoltán Kodály, a prominent composer and musician in the early 20th century who believed that music could be used to develop a person’s intellectual and emotional personality. Deanna Bell, music teacher at Vestavia Hills Elementary East, completed Level III training this summer in the Kodály Concept and is now a certified Kodály educator, and Trudye Confessore, music teacher at Vestavia Hills Elementary West, completed Level II training and will have the opportunity to earn certification next summer. Here’s what they had to say. Can you talk some about how music influenced you as a child and how you got into teaching? Deanna: I grew up on a farm, and my mom was a piano player and taught me how to play. I think I sang at my first wedding when I was 3 years gold. I joined the band when I was in the fifth grade and fell in love with music. I went to the University of Alabama to be a trumpet major, and it was there that I fell in love with teaching. Trudye: In kindergarten I started taking piano lessons. I started playing flute in the 7th grade. My mom was a music teacher when I was growing up, but I did not become a music teacher until 11 years ago. I have played in bands and orchestras and worked at orchestras and a music store.
active music making to learn music literacy. Trudye: With this method, there’s a very precise order musical concepts are taught so each concept builds on the last one. They have a huge folk song database and break them into what they teach you, like quarter notes or triplets. They love movement and teaching it through games. When they are learning through movement, it really makes the concepts stick.
over, and then they get the rhythm of the 16th notes.
What do you love most about your work? Trudye: The children and the smiles and the joy it brings to them. Anyone who comes into my classroom is capable of succeeding, whether they have issues with learning the language or physical impairments. Everyone can enjoy music. When you see the look on their faces, they are enjoying themselves. What does that look like in your That’s all you need. Deanna: I feel like I have the best job in classroom? Trudye: One time you are singing a folk the building. We love to sing folk songs and song to teach one concept, and you may play the guitar. We love to play music games bring it back a month later to present another and play instruments and drums. More than aspect of music. Folk songs are music of the anything everyone describes it as an active people, things they have grown up with since music-making environment. We are they were small children. We do a lot of laughing and working together. I have fun How would you describe what Kodály singing, a lot of movement, and some every day at my job. instruments too. certification is and signifies? Deanna: One of my kids’ favorite things What do you think the lasting impact of Deanna: It is the most difficult certification a music teacher can earn that is playing Chicken on the Fence Post. We are teaching Kodály will be? Deanna: Our high school choral director means reaching a higher quality of learning how to use 16th notes, but it’s an is thrilled about the method because it makes active game to get the chicken in the middle musicianship and instruction. For kids they are playing games and interacting socially, of the circle. The kids love the game so much the kids sing better and with a pure tone. It’s creating rhythms and melodies. It’s more that they continue to sing the song over and great for early childhood. 32 October/November 2018
&DRINK
FOOD
STOKING THE SUPERFRUIT
A trip to City Bowls is like an ice cream social for the health-conscious. Here’s how it came to be. PHOTOS AND STORY BY EMMA SIMMONS VestaviaHillsMagazine.com 33
34 October/November 2018
B
Before bursting into health buff’s lexicons and Instagram feeds, açaí—pronounced “AHH-sigh-ee” —enjoyed a constrained yet celebrated existence in Brazil’s Amazon River basin. For centuries, the purply superfruit queen quietly reigned as a local dinner staple, until two biological surfer brothers decided 1999 was high tide for a U.S. introduction. Although açaí has graced American grocery aisles for two decades now, it didn’t receive much Southern hospitality until recently. Cory Dill, owner of City Bowls, knew the trendy folks of Vestavia Hills and its surrounding communities wouldn’t be stoked if they knew what they were missing out on. The City Bowls experience is kind of like an ice cream social for the health-conscious. The shop’s pureed açaí-, pitaya- (also known as dragon fruit) and spinach-based bowls are a far cry from a sundae, save for being a sweet treat. Anyone who pigeonholes City Bowls as a dessert destination is in the dark, Dill insists. VestaviaHillsMagazine.com 35
“They may look like desserts, but they’re very filling,” he says. “Our Powerhouse Bowl is a meal replacement, but people don’t understand that until they eat one.” If this former gym owner and competitive athlete can get his post-workout fill from a superfruit bowl, 36 October/November 2018
anyone can. Dill first stumbled across açaí bowls in Miami while traveling for CrossFit competitions. Eventually, he decided to ditch the gym for two-adays in Alabama’s inaugural açaí bowl truck, which hit the streets last April. “You can’t beat coming to work happy. It’s fun,
A City Bowls employee sprinkles chia seeds on a bowl with a spinach base.
VestaviaHillsMagazine.com 37
and it’s different. I love getting to see new faces every day,” Dill says, beaming. In crafting City Bowls’ menu, Dill forged a new outlet for his creativity, formerly channeled into CrossFit programming and workout choreography. After a month of toying with fruity flavor combinations, he was poised to be the Magic City’s açaí hype man. When he first unleashed his brainchildren on greater Birmingham, he knew he’d have to make a hard sell. Getting locals excited about his exotic offerings with perplexing pronunciations was no piece of Lane cake. “I was on the phone all day, every day, just trying to book venues. Selling people on our product was difficult enough because they look at it and see a bowl of fruit,” he says. Armed with a go-getter’s work ethic, the self-described “good ole boy from Hueytown” achieved sweet success in six months, no college degree necessary.
38 October/November 2018
City Bowls founder Cory Dill
VestaviaHillsMagazine.com 39
HOW TO BUILD A BOWL Choose one topping: bee pollen, cacao nibs, chia seeds, coconut flakes, honey, Nutella, peanut butter
Choose two fruits: bananas, blueberries, kiwi, pineapple, strawberries
Choose: granola or no granola
Choose a base: açaĂ, spinach or pitaya 40 October/November 2018
WHERE TO GRAB CITY BOWLS
uThe Vestavia Hills location off Healthy Way uWherever the food truck is parked. Check the calendar on Facebook for details. uA Birmingham Barons game (twice a month during family nights) uUAB Hospital (on Thursdays) uYour next event. Custom bowls are available for catering.
“I don’t come from money, at all,” he says. “I had to bust my butt to get stuff done. I learned my work ethic from my parents, who always had jobs.” Now, the family gets together at dinnertime to put in the hours. Dill’s mother is a regular fixture on the food truck, and his sister pitches in at the brick and mortar, which opened in April of this year. Befitting its nutritional focus, City Bowls scored a spot within the Healthy Way community alongside notable tenants such as GNC, athletic apparel store Fleet Feet, Publix, and the behemoth Life Time Fitness (arguably the largest private athletic facility in Alabama). City Bowls quickly evolved from an Instagram hotspot for smartphone-wielding teen girls into a reliable joint for anyone to enjoy a refreshing repast. Ironically, the clientele diversified as a result of its soaring social media presence. Açaí is having a heyday in the ‘Ham. “[Our customer base] has totally flipped since we opened the store. The age range has greatly increased. I think it helped to have people of that age constantly posting about [the bowls] on social media,” Dill admits, grateful for the free advertising. Around lunchtime on a typical weekday, a healthy blend of professionals, families and teens line the buoyant blue wall across from the assembly line, deliberating whether it’s a Vulcan Bowl or Blazer Bowl kind of day. Sunlight saturates the space, which Magic City Woodworks and local architects animated from Dill’s original sketch. While he is in the process of expanding the City Bowls truck franchise, he’s happy to call Vestavia Hills his immobile home. “I keep my head down, keep hammering forward, and everything is still rocking and rolling,” he humbly concludes.
shoes
accessories
apparel
b i r m i n g h a m ’s n e w e st w o m e n ’s b o ut iq ue
3920 crosshaven drive cahaba heights 205 518-5010 www.ryan-reeve.com VestaviaHillsMagazine.com 41
FOOD & DRINK
5
FIVE QUESTIONS FOR
Pat Martin
Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint Founder PHOTO BY MARTIN’S BAR-B-QUE
Pat Martin will fight you tooth and nail if you order a barbecue sandwich without slaw. “If you don’t want slaw, you can have it that way, but you are eating it wrong,” he’ll tell you. “It’s a texture thing, and the acidity from the slaw helps give it balance.” With seven locations of his whole-hog-style barbecue restaurant now in operation in Tennessee and Kentucky, we’d say he knows what he’s talking about too. The first in Alabama is set to open in Cahaba Heights at 3029 Pump House Road in mid-tolate fall. Here’s what he had to say about the concept he founded in Nashville 12 years ago. How did you get into cooking whole hog barbecue? I went to college in Henderson in West Tennessee in 1990, and everyone there cooks whole hog. I befriended a man there, Harold Thomas, and he taught me how to cook. I wanted to open up a place. I just thought I’d do it in my 60s when I was retired, and it didn’t quite work out that way. It worked out better. I had a finance econ degree and went on with another career, but barbecue was always calling. In 2006 I put my house up as collateral for a loan and opened Martin’s with one employee in addition to myself. And that was it.
topped with brisket is wildly popular up in Nashville.
What should we order at your restaurant? A whole hog sandwich topped with slaw. It’s the definite barbecue item in my opinion. We also have spare ribs and pitcooked chicken, and barbecue nachos and loaded potatoes. People like our wings with Alabama white sauce, and our burger
How did you end up in Cahaba Heights? My longtime partner and one of my closest friends John Michael Bodnar lives in Vestavia, and we decided to open one in his backyard. We are really excited about it. My uncle lives in Pell City, so I have always loved Birmingham.
42 October/November 2018
What will the new space be like? The backbone of this brand is whole hog. We have three hog pits going in our pit room designed so people can be engaged and see what’s going on. I also want to create a cool vibe and atmosphere. We will have a beer garden with string lights, heavy landscaping, picnic tables and shuffleboard, and the hog pits will be right there amongst everything going on. I cook my barbecue with the intention of running out every day, which is what old school real barbecue joints do.
Can you talk some about the hogs you cook? We butterfly our 185-200-pound hogs and they cook for 24 hours. We get our hogs from the Fatback Plant in Eva, Alabama, right near the Tennessee line. Twenty-one farmers supply that plant. What you buy at the grocery store is what you call packer meat. Those hogs were kept in cages their whole life, and most have never had the opportunity to get on their hind legs and walk around. They are just bred for meat. These are farm-raised hogs. They are walking around in a pasture and well fed, and they get to wallow around and be happy hogs. It affects the taste and fat content greatly. What might first timers not suspect about Martin’s? I am a wine drinker, so I like to surprise people with our wine list. They come in my restaurants in Nashville and find affordable and approachable but really, really good wine. We will have beer and liquor too.
&STYLE
HOME
BRIGHT & LIGHT
How one family turned their big brown house into a modern white retreat. BY MADOLINE MARKHAM PHOTOS BY LAUREN USTAD VestaviaHillsMagazine.com 43
HOME & STYLE
J
Jessica Conner recalls the moment she first walked into Mary-Michael Neese’s home vividly. “I saw it and thought, ‘Yes! This girl has cool taste,’” Jessica recalls. Around her she found on-trend acrylic chairs and funky glass light fixtures—the types of pieces she had been selecting for her own interior design projects. Needless to say the styles of the interior designer and homeowner instantly were in sync. Mary-Michael had called in Jessica to help her reconfigure her family of six’s home to add a bathroom for her teenage son, move the laundry room and, the most fun part, update the kitchen. When the Neeses bought the Vestavia home in 2013, everything in it was original to its 1979 origins except for new granite countertops, but they saw a lot of potential in its good bones. They quickly brought in lighter paint inside and out. “We called it the big brown house,” Mary-Michael says. “Every square foot of it was dark brown. But I have enough vision to see past ugly.” When it came time for more extensive renovations a few years later, Jessica and Mary-Michael started by looking for common themes on Mary-Michael’s Pinterest boards and then translated them into a cohesive design for the home. They painted the walls half strength Modern White and the trim and cabinets full strength of the same hue. The floors became a lighter
44 October/November 2018
Mary-Michael Neese and her husband, Ashley, sit in their front yard with their kids Lucy, Lynlee and Lawson (their son Landon is not pictured).
hue as well with a whitewashed white oak hardwood. They also added new mullion strips to the windows, which made them look like new windows to friends who came over, and added new molding, doors and casings throughout the house. “That was a dramatic upgrade that would have changed the look even if we didn’t do the kitchen,” Mary-Michael says. But the biggest statement was in fact the kitchen. It was there that Jessica says they decided to “push the envelope” with a black hood and no wall cabinets, plus the statement lantern lights they hung above the island. Mary-Michael ended up acting as the general contractor for all the renovations and was in the middle of the construction every day telling people what to do. “I definitely have the bug to renovate or build again,” she says. “I am the only person I know who actually enjoyed the process of renovating.” But she says she couldn’t have done with without Jessica: “Her designs are on point, her prices are reasonable, and her plans are very detailed—and were probably the sole reason the renovation was easy and enjoyable on my end.” What Mary-Michael pulled off is spectacular, Jessica will tell you, and they both made a new friend along the way. Now Jessica’s next step is just to figure out how she can hire Mary-Michael to work with her on future client projects.
Kitchen Jessica and Mary-Michael wanted a modern yet traditional look for the kitchen. They went practical with some features like durable quartz countertops while making style statements with the black vent hood and the quartz backsplash in place of upper cabinets. The Neeses also now have an island with enough chairs to seat their whole family—and a good looking one at that.
VestaviaHillsMagazine.com 45
Dining Room Mary-Michael’s style already shined in this room before renovations with an antique table plus acrylic chairs flanked with navy upholstered ones from Target at either end. The glass orb light fixture adds a bit of funk to the room too.
46 October/November 2018
Dining Room Connector The biggest puzzle piece of the kitchen redesign was how to get more natural light from the front of the house into the kitchen without losing any cabinetry. Adding windows in place of walls to connect to the dining room ended up being the perfect solution, complete with black walnut cabinets below that provide a distinct look for that part of the kitchen.
VestaviaHillsMagazine.com 47
Hallway Office Jessica and Mary-Michael designed a desk nook area in the hallway beyond the kitchen with assistance from Mary-Michael’s father-in-law who owns Henry County Hardwoods.
48 October/November 2018
Living Room Mary-Michael built off the good bones of their large living space and made it more modern with light walls and dark couches. White built-in cabinets on either side of the fireplace round out the room’s symmetrical statement.
VestaviaHillsMagazine.com 49
Foyer To make a dramatic statement when you enter the house, MaryMichael came up with the idea to add a tray ceiling. The dark wall color contrasts with the white in most of the house, and a metallic modern fixture from World Market adds extra pizazz to the space. 50 October/November 2018
Bar Antiqued mirror tile from at Floor & Décor helps this beverage area pop out from the rest of the kitchen.
BEHIND THE SCENES Interior Design: Jessica Conner Design & Interiors Framer/Carpenter: Frank Troncore
Electrician: Sammy Ruben/Master Electrician Tile: South Cypress
Light Fixtures: Meyer Lighting
Flooring & Molding: Henry Country Hardwoods, Superior Hardwood Flooring
Exterior Doors: Southern Window Supply
Interior Windows & Doors: Builders Millwork Countertops: CR Home Alabama
Kitchen Rug: Hazel House Collective
Colonial Christmas Lunch and Tour at the American Village Due to of this the popularity we annual event, have added another day.
Monday-Friday, December 3-4-5-6-7 10:30-1:00 or noon-2:30 This Christmas tradition is the perfect outing for your family, club, senior group, office, or church organization.
Tickets are $30 per person.
Call (205) 665-3535 extension 1031 to make a reservation. • enjoy a delicious lunch with hostess Abigail Adams • • sing carols in the Colonial Chapel • • share a Christmas Homecoming with the Washingtons • • visit the President’s House •
www.americanvillage.org VestaviaHillsMagazine.com 51
AT HOME
autumn-ify
YOUR LIVING SPACE
Styling for fall allows you to add layers and warmth to your home. Incorporate patterned pillows, a fun printed throw, leather-bound books, and festive pumpkins and wreaths to help transition your living room into the new season. These accessories are not only affordable, but they can also be used year-round!
Photo & Text By Jessica Clement
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1. Cotton Wreath- Swoon, $63. 2. Leopard Throw- Interiors by Kathy Harris, $124. 3. Gold Side Table- Interiors by Kathy Harris, $215. 4. Block Mist Lumbar Pillows- Interiors by Kathy Harris, $185. 5. Velvet Pumpkin- Interiors by Kathy Harris, $53. 6. Concrete Pear- Interiors by Kathy Harris, $8. 7. Leather Bound Books- Interiors by Kathy Harris, $38. 8. Heirloom Pumpkins- Swoon, $27- $30.
VestaviaHillsMagazine.com 53
the fall
fashion guide WHAT’S TRENDING THIS SEASON AT VESTAVIA HILLS BOUTIQUES—AND WHERE TO FIND IT. PHOTOGRAPHED AT VESTAVIA HILLS BAPTIST CHURCH PHOTOS BY JOE TANKERSLEY STYLING BY MILAN BALLARD & ELIZABETH STURGEON
ON JALEAH WIGGINS
Denim Kara Jacket by KUT- Mia Moda, $98. Button Down Red Swing Dress- Serendipity, $79. Springfield Booties by Chinese Laundry- Mia Moda, $99. 1950s Choker with 1930s Shoe Clip, Made in the Deep South, $236. Wave Cuff, Elisabeth K Designs, $160.
54 October/November 2018
BROWN IS NOT QUITE THE NEW BLACK, BUT YOU’LL SEE IT EVERYWHERE THIS FALL.
ON KATIE LAMASTER
Byron Lars Beauty Mark Patterned Top- The Clothes Tree, $250. Hutch Jumpsuit- The Clothes Tree, $275. Yellow Box Wedges- FlipFlops & What Nots, $59.99. Cross Double Strand Necklace- Cdesigns, $25. Caroline Feather Earrings- Bizoú Designs, $90.
VestaviaHillsMagazine.com 55
ON CINDY CHERRY
Emma Pant by Marie Oliver- Manhattan South, $178. Myka Oatmeal Top- Ryan Reeve, $189. Cashmere/Silk Henna Mix Scarf, Ryan Reeve, $225. Austin Agate Slice Earrings- Bizoú Designs, $60. 1920s Brooch Cuff from CT Estate- Made in the Deep South, $200.
56 October/November 2018
THIS SEASON’S SPLICED PRINT PIECES GO BEST WITH A NEUTRAL, SOLID ACCESSORY.
ON RACHEL STOCKARD
Edo Top- Serendipity, $69. Flower Print Ruffled Sleeve Kimono- Serendipity, $59. Gainsbourg High Rise Jeans by McGuire Denim- Ryan Reeve, $248. White Druzy Necklace- N by Nicole, $85. Adella Flower Earrings- Bizoú Designs, $60.
VestaviaHillsMagazine.com 57
PLAID IS ON TREND THIS FALL. YOU CAN EVEN PAIR MULTIPLE PATTERNS.
ON KAILEY KOCH
Athletica Plaid Shirt- The Clotheshorse, $22.50. THML Cream Suede Skort- GiGi’s Teen, $64. Dolce Vita Blush Suede High Tops- The Clotheshorse, $39. Black and White Star Necklace with Feather Tassel- Kailey K’s Jewels, $35. Devil White Marble Necklace - Kailey K’s Jewels, $30. Leather Earrings- Leather + Grace, $10.
58 October/November 2018
ON ELIZABETH STURGEON
Free People Gray Bell Jeans- The Clotheshorse, $32.50. Amanda Uprichard Bodysuit- The Clothes Tree, $185. Khaki Boots- FlipFlops and What Nots, $69.99. Heartbreaker Blue NecklaceCdesigns, $23. Nest Ring with Smoky Quartz- Elisabeth K, $175. Joyce Teardrop Earrings, Bizoú Designs, $28.
VestaviaHillsMagazine.com 59
behind the designs ALL JEWELRY FEATURED IN THIS SHOOT IS CREATED BY VESTAVIA HILLS DESIGNERS. HERE’S WHERE TO SHOP FOR THEIR WORK.
VHHS student Kailey Koch first made necklace designs for herself and now sells them to friends and more. @kaileykjewels
KAILEY K’S JEWELS
East teacher Amy Ashley crafts designs with her business partner. Find them at Shoefly in Homewood and other boutiques. @bizoudesigns
Michela Bruno Swafford recreates designs with vintage and antique pieces. Find their jewelry at Mia Moda and other boutiques. @madeinthedeep south
@BIZOUDESIGNS
MADE IN THE DEEP SOUTH
60 October/November 2018
Collins McMurray donates partial proceeds of her designs to Children’s Miracle Network for her Miss Alabama Outstanding Teen platform. @_cdesigns
Before launching her own line of custom jewelry, Betsy Sanders worked for Tiffany & Co. as a CAD developer. elisabethk.com
Liberty Park resident Nicole Miller Williamson started designing bracelets and now is creating necklaces as well. facebook.com/ Nmadeforyou
CDESIGNS
ELISABETH K DESIGNS
N BY NICOLE
meet the stylists ELIZABETH STURGEON
MILAN BALLARD
@ELIZASTURG
@MILANMODERNMODA
How would you describe your style? Classic with a hint of boho/hippie. I like vintage pieces and the styles, colors and polka dots that never go out, mixed with a little bit of interesting detailing and my Birkenstocks. Do you see any connections between your style in different artistic realms: art, fashion, writing? I start with a big idea that’s a little too complicated and then have to cut it down to what works and tells the most direct story. In fashion, that means not adding too much to what’s already there. What are your favorite fall wardrobe staples? I love putting sweaters over dresses when it starts to get cold, so I pull out a cream colored one pretty often. What’s trending right now that you are most excited to wear? Flare jeans for sure (like the gray ones in the shoot!). I haven’t worn them in so long, and I just bought two pairs.
You like to blog about travel. How do you think your photo aesthetic and fashion style connect? I love finding unique, colorful buildings, street art, etc. to photograph, and my home is filled with colorful items and maps from my trips. However, when it comes to clothing, I gravitate towards neutrals and deeper tones. What are your favorite fall wardrobe staples? My leather moto jacket is my number one go-to. I can pair it with almost anything from midi dresses and ankle boots, to jeans and a sweater. My Madewell Cape Scarf in camel is my hardest working piece for fall and winter. It is so versatile, and can be used as a cape, scarf or shawl, and even a blanket if you’re cold enough. What’s your biggest extravagance? I suddenly have a growing collection of vintage pieces, mostly by Moschino. I don’t know when or why the collection started, but I may have gone overboard!
You dream of a place where the whole family has fun... 12 Month Trial Memberships Available Call 972-9000 or visit oldovertonclub.com for more information! VestaviaHillsMagazine.com 61
62 VestaviaHillsMagazine.com October/November 2018
warehouse of wood Each piece of reclaimed wood in Evolutia’s warehouse has a story to tell—as does the family who is getting them into homes and restaurants all over town, and the country. By Amy Ferguson | Photos by Mary Fehr
VestaviaHillsMagazine.com 63
A
An unexpected treasure trove of historical artifacts long forgotten is nestled in the heart of downtown Birmingham. Piles of reclaimed wooden boards boast rich, forgotten stories inside this dusty, 100,000-square-foot warehouse. If you’re looking for a connection to the past, you’ve come to the right place. This is the home of Evolutia, a small family-run business that brings life to ignored pieces of history, turning them into new creations with new functions. Owned and operated by Vestavia Hills native Clay
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Klinner, Evolutia ensures the integrity and preservation of reclaimed wood by transforming it into works of art for contractors, restaurants, businesses and remodelers. “Most of the wood we salvage has a story to tell,” Clay says, “from the dry dock in Mobile Bay used to transport captured German submarines, to plantation homes built by actual slaves to salvaged parts of a theater where famous actors and actresses, including future assassin of President Abraham Lincoln, John Wilkes Booth, performed. These are all stories that
deserve to be retold.” Inside the Evolutia warehouse, a subtle sweet smell of pine weaves throughout your senses and a light layer of sawdust sprinkles at your feet. Alongside its antique wooden boards and beams you’ll see a wide range of machinery for cutting, shaping and general fabrication of wood. If you’re a carpenter, interior designer, architect or contractor, this is your candy store. It’s in this space that Clay’s team of lumberjacks combines their talents to transform material that
could have otherwise ended up in a landfill into beautiful flooring, countertops, accent walls and architectural beams. Clay, who has a finance degree from the University of Alabama and zero years of woodworking experience, stepped into the company’s operator role four years ago when his father, Robert Klinner, and his former business partner parted ways. Under Clay’s leadership, the company has steadily increased its revenue year over year, but it was Robert who truly built the company from the ground up, almost by accident.
VestaviaHillsMagazine.com 65
In 1985, Robert, along with his then business partner, operated a large industrial recycling company and haphazardly fell into the opportunity to purchase a large textile mill. Constructed at the turn of the century, Robert saw that the dilapidated mill was formed with high-quality wood materials and knew he had struck gold. “We went backwards in the business planning process,” Robert admits. “We salvaged all this beautiful, authentic wood with so many stories to tell and didn’t really know what to do with it.” So they dabbled in a little bit of everything to pinpoint exactly where the market was. “We were basically shooting in every direction,” Clay explains. “Cabinetry, furniture, hardwood flooring—back then, if you asked us for it, we would do it.” This “let’s-do-it-all” approach delayed the company from establishing its true identity, Robert says. But when the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental D e s i g n ) movement zipped across t h e
“
nation in the mid-1990s, he found he was making some real traction in the marketplace. “All of a sudden, everyone wanted eco-friendly and sustainable material for their builds. It was a phenomenon that just kind of swept us up with it,” Robert says. “We had companies coming at us left and right asking for antique, reclaimed wood. It helped us buckle down and really focus on our product.” It was a turning point in the company. Today Evolutia is much more specialized, strictly adhering to the processing –Clay Klinner of reclaimed wood without all the detail that comes with building furniture, cabinetry or whatever is requested. And when homeowners are gravitating more and more toward a rustic farmhouse style, the Evolutia product is flying off the shelves like never before. Just recently, Clay installed a new automated phone system to accommodate the increasing number of calls pouring into the office. “Even with the new system, it’s still hard to keep up with all the phone calls,” Clay says with a laugh. “With the boom of all the home improvement and DIY shows on TV, the demand for this type of salvaged wood look has skyrocketed even further.” For the Evolutia product in particular, people are forking out the big bucks. Several of Evolutia’s customers pay more for the shipment of material, say out to Oregon or Colorado, than the actual wood itself. As hard as that is to wrap your mind around, it makes sense if you think about it. “We have a good reputation,” Clay explains. “But you also have to consider that the prices out West for reclaimed material are much higher than what they are here. We have much better access to this stuff. Wood from old barns, rundown plantation homes, 500-yearold trees—you can’t find those things anywhere, but [in the South].” Everyone has the ability to be an Evolutia customer, which is
Wood from old barns, rundown plantation homes, 500-year-old trees—you can’t find those things anywhere, but [in the South].
66 VestaviaHillsMagazine.com October/November 2018
”
Evolutia owner Clay Skinner took over the business from his father Robert Skinner. Opposite: Evolutia provided the wood for the art gallery at the Grand Bohemian Hotel Mountain Brook, one of may Birmingham buildings showcasing its product.
VestaviaHillsMagazine.com 67
SEE EVOLUTIA’S WORK The Evolutia product can be found in local restaurants and businesses including: Avondale Brewery Bar Taco Brick & Tin Cahaba Brewing Cayenne Creative Demetri’s BBQ
68 VestaviaHillsMagazine.com October/November 2018
Good People Brewing Co. Leaf & Petal MELT Miss Dots Mobley & Sons Mountain High Outfitters
Pies & Pints Pizzeria GM The Grand Bohemian Hotel The McWane Center Trinity United Methodist Church Twisted Root Burger
pH Balanced Massage & Fitness massage studio ~ yoga pilates ~ personal training
www.phbalancedfitness.com www.phbalancedmassage.com 3325 Rocky Ridge Plaza , Suite 211 & 213 Vestavia Hills, AL 35243 (205) 533-9421
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Your Stories. Your Community. Your Magazine. Visit VestaviaHillsMagazine.com or call 205-669-3131 to subscribe for $16.30 (6 issues) a year.
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another hallmark of the company’s exclusivity. Most wholesalers strictly sell to contractors and builders, and/ or offer special pricing to certain types of companies. But Evolutia sells to everyone, and no one gets a better price over anyone else. Any and everyone is welcome: contractors, floor distributors, architects, DIY-ers, even the woodworking hobbyist who has been tasked with building a dining room table for his next-door neighbor. “We can give you the material rough and raw,” Clay says. “Or we can mill it to specific dimensions if you prefer. We work with you.” Even though the Evolutia product is demanded nationwide, Clay and his wife, Julie, intend to stay grounded to their Vestavia Hills roots. The high-school sweethearts, who married after 10 years of dating, never questioned that they would raise their family here. “I feel like Vestavia is centered around community,” Clay says. “It’s an area packed with families who just want a happy, stable life for their kids.” As new parents to an almost 2-year-old little girl named Katherine, this type of stability has never been more important to the Klinners. Even after all these years, it’s the solid friendships and sense of community that keep the couple “in love,” Julie describes, with Vestavia. For the Klinner family, it’s all about going back to the roots. Whether they are embracing the community that helped them grow, or restoring a pile of wood to its former glory, the roots are always involved in some way or another. To learn more, visit evolutiamade.com.
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THE COLOR
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COLUMBIANA Three different schools, two cities, one mural. The old Berry campus has quite the history, and now Vestavia Hills City Schools will launch its own legacy on its grounds. BY ELIZABETH STURGEON PHOTOS BY MARY FEHR
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Coach Wayne Wood is the unofficial historian of the mural at the old Berry High School, which is being renovated to become the new Pizitz Middle School building next year.
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Coach Wayne Wood first saw the mural when he was driving on Columbiana Road. Standing tall boasting blues and golds, there’s no doubt it’s the focal point of the school building he saw. Wood didn’t teach or go to school there, but it was just a curious fascination of his. To some passersby it might just look like a geometric, painted wall on the side of an old school, but it’s got a story— a 50 years and counting kind of story. The mosaic is made up of 138,480 tiles that have observed thousands of students walk through the halls since 1965. Originally installed for W. A Berry High School, this unnamed mural has become “The Berry Mural” to those who’ve been close to it, but now Vestavia Hills can call the artwork part of its home. The building is currently transitioning into Pizitz Middle School for the 2019-20 school year, encasing the mural behind fences and construction for right now. On his way to becoming the unofficial Berry mural historian, Wood, a 30-year teaching and coaching veteran at Simmons Middle School, found the simple beginnings of the mural in a Birmingham News article about Kerry Buckley, the senior class president of 1965 who drew the mural design. “Probably because he was class president, he looked at things differently than the normal student,” Wood says of the depth of the design. It represents a timeless quest for education, made up of different talents and pursuits. What’s held by each figure corresponds to each field of education: the laurel wreath represents athletics, the triangle represents
mathematics, the palette and brushes represent the arts, the atom represents the sciences, and the quill and scroll represent the humanities. The torch above the figures represents the illuminating light of knowledge. Wood has always looked toward the future of the mural, too. After shifting from the high school to Berry Middle School, then to being vacant and used for “this and that” as a Hoover community space, he and others, including a few Berry High grads, would go clean up the grounds, including Finley Stadium and the area around the mural building. “I just developed an affection for the coaching staff and the high school,” Wood says, reflecting on his ties to the building. Seeing the grounds covered in broken tiles, he saw the need to keep this piece of art alive. Now, Vestavia Hills City Schools will be that force, inheriting the mural and making it a part of their story, their own quest for knowledge. In 2016, the Vestavia Hills school system, in need of another building, announced their plan to buy the Berry campus, leaving many graduates and people like Coach Wood unsure of what would happen to the mural and the stadium named for the beloved and iconic Coach Bob Finley. Former Superintendent Sheila Phillips answered the call, stating that the mural and stadium would be maintained to respect the embedded tradition. And as construction on the building continues, the projects across Vestavia schools are scheduled to be completed in June 2019, says Dr. Patrick Martin, assistant superintendent of operations and services for Vestavia Hills City VestaviaHillsMagazine.com 73
A few yearbooks from the ’70s showcase some of the glory days of Berry High.
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Schools. “This mural belongs to a lot of people. It belongs to the people who went to school there. It belongs to the faculty members. It belongs to the ages, to education,” Wood says. “A lot of alumni live in Vestavia now. There is a connection to Berry and the mural that’s not just Hoover.” As the building becomes Rebel Ashley Moran with Abigail and John Michael grounds, it will always have a place in the hearts of graduates, especially those like Ashley Moran, a Berry High grad and a Vestavia resident who will soon send her two youngest children to the new Pizitz building. She’ll tell you that Berry is “a big part of my family heritage.” After all, two of her aunts graduated from Berry before she did in 1992 too. As a high school student, Moran went to mural building for Advanced Studies Team, the school’s gifted program, as well as for Mrs. Seller’s art class on the bottom floor. A member of the color guard, she was at every football game, too. “It was incredible to be able to go to the games and see how excited everybody was about it,” she says. Her freshman year she watched the football team play in the state championship with senior player Stan White on the team,
who would go on to be Auburn’s quarterback. Moran also remembers her older sister’s parking spot being close to the mural and always passing it to go to the stadium, along with all the other students. “Everybody used to go to the games just to be excited for the team. It didn’t matter if we won or lost,” she says. “We just wanted to be a part of it.” Now, her Vestavia West second grader Abigail and 5-year-old John Michael will get a piece of her high school pride when they go to middle school at Pizitz with the mural nearby. “I’m glad to see Vestavia bringing it to use as a school again,” she says. “I didn’t want it to get torn down because the mural represents Hoover and now Vestavia.” Not only does Vestavia now get the physical building, but they’ll also get the chance to adopt the meaning behind the tiles. “The mural was something different. When you walked on that campus, you knew you were at a special place,” Larry Giangrosso says. Now principal at Spain Park High School, he got his first job at Berry High School as an English teacher and baseball, football and basketball coach and worked there from 1975 to 1990. Everything Berry did, and the excellence the community craved,
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corresponded with what was on the mural, Giangrosso notes. “It was a large part of our success even though we didn’t know it then,” he says. “You’ve got to fit into the mural. I used to tell students that. There’s a reason why there’s not only one figure on that mural. Each one represents something different, and that was us.” The unity between figures on the mural represented dynamics between Berry students on the daily. On a rainy day one spring, Giangrosso remembers students having to crowd into the gym to practice, with theater students holding a dress rehearsal on the stage, baseball players throwing on one side of the floor, wrestlers on their mats at the other side, cheerleaders in the lobby— a medley of different people who you wouldn’t imaging crossing paths. “Everyone was working as hard as 76 October/November 2018
they could, and we were all happy, the 500 of us in this one room,” he recalls. “Everyone belonged, and everything was important.” Melissa Hays remembers the love people like Giangrosso had for the high school and its mural when her mom was English teacher at Berry when she was little. “I remember it being such a focal point of the school and what my mom told me what it represented,” Hays says. She’d go to help her mom (Melody Greene, now assistant superintendent for Hoover City Schools) set up her classroom in the summers and later entered Berry Middle School as a sixth grader in 1996. The love for the mural, the favorite photo-op for the high schoolers, was lost among most middle school students there, as Hays remembers. But the mural building, separated from
This is
Rebecca Crowther 807-6838 Cal Sirkin 873-0234
The mural, lined with construction for now, will soon look back out on Columbiana Road when work finishes up next summer.
the rest of the school, was still where she remembers wanting to be since it was the eighth-grade building. “The mural is what set that apart and made it unique. It felt original,” she says. “The whole building changed when they made the middle school, but that never changed.” Wood is excited that the mural will greet a new, young generation to begin its Vestavia story. “I think it’s very unifying,” he says. “I know there are rivalries, but this is a common denominator. This mural doesn’t depict the cities. It transcends time before and afterwards in how it represents education.” He hopes to see an official historical marker on the mural one day, and likely future Pizitz students will memorialize it as well in their own photos. The question is just what hashtag of their own they will give it.
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MORE THAN SKIN DEEP With a new, state-of-the-art building, Cahaba Dermatology and Skin Health Care Center is ready again to reimagine excellence in skin health.
From left, Dr. Zoey Glick, Dr. Vlada Groysman, physician assistant Suzanne Vickers and Dr. Ann Gerald
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Dr. Vlada Groysman is a physician who believes deeply that the practice of medicine should focus on individualized care. She always had a vision for a practice built around the patient from the ground up. That vision became a reality five and a half years ago when Cahaba Dermatology and Skin Health Care Center opened. After two expansions to their first facility, Groysman, medical director and founder of the clinic, and Joel Druxman, her husband and Cahaba Dermatology business manager, knew it was time to build a new clinic. Cahaba Dermatology recently opened its new facility, which triples the practice’s square footage and expands on the services it has offered since its founding. PUTTING PATIENTS FIRST
Patient care was always at the heart of what Dr. Groysman wanted to offer when she started her own clinic. She was especially drawn to complex patients, who have difficult or rare skin conditions and require specialized care. Dr. Groysman received her bachelor’s degree and medical degree from the University of Arizona before completing a three-year residency in dermatology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. While at UAB, she also worked as an assistant professor of dermatology and as the director of the Women’s Health Clinic.
“Learning and practicing at UAB taught me a lot about medical dermatology and patient care. I felt like I was really well trained and thankful to have been a part of the program,” Groysman comments. At Cahaba Dermatology, Groysman specializes in medical, surgical, cosmetic and laser dermatology for children and adults of all ages. She also continues to see complex psoriasis and eczema patients. Additionally, she specializes in vulvar dermatology, which focuses on skin conditions that affect women specifically. The practice requires specialized training, since skin conditions affecting the vulva often present differently. She is one of few vulvar dermatologists in the nation — and the only one in Alabama. “That actually is my pride and joy, to be able to see these really complex patients where I can spur significant change in their lives,” she says. “That was really essential for me … I get satisfaction from seeing patients improve and get better and seeing them with their families.” Cahaba Dermatology is also home to Dr. Zoey Glick, who specializes in medical, surgical, cosmetic and laser dermatology for adults, adolescents and children. Glick received her bachelor’s degree from Washington University in St. Louis and her medical degree from George Washington University. She has a passion for pediatric dermatology and completed additional training in the field during
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Cahaba Dermatology and Skin Health Care Center has been serving the medical and cosmetic dermatology needs of the Birmingham metro area since 2013. The practice moved to a new, state-of-the-art facility this summer and now has a full spa with expanded services.
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1. Customer service representatives greet patients in the waiting room of Cahaba Dermatology. 2. The waiting room for medical dermatology patients. 3. The medical side of the practice has more than 15 spacious exam rooms. 4. Cahaba Dermatology offers a wide range of skin care lines in the retail area. 5. Spa services include facials, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, lash extensions and more. 6. Cahaba Dermatology was one of the leading providers of CoolSculpting in the state. Pictured is the CoolSculpting suite.
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Cahaba Dermatology offers a wide range of skin care and make up products.
The salt water float pool is located in a private suite and offers a sensorylimiting experience.
The waiting room for medical dermatology patients.
her residency and fellowship. Dr. Ann Gerald, who founded and oversaw Dermatology Plus in Southlake from 1992-2010, found a new home at Cahaba Dermatology in 2014. Dr. Gerald treats medical patients one to two days per week. Physician assistant Suzanne Vickers has worked in dermatology for 15 years and at Cahaba Dermatology since 2015. She received her bachelor’s degree from Samford University and master’s degree from the University of South Alabama. She works with Groysman, Glick and Gerald to treat a wide variety of dermatological concerns with a special focus on acne and rosacea. EXPANDING THE PRACTICE Cahaba Dermatology has grown steadily since it was founded in 2013. After several years in their original location, Groysman and Druxman realized they needed a new space.
“We had expanded on the previous space twice,” Druxman says. “When you expand, you never get the full efficiency, and so through two expansions we just found ourselves in a situation that wasn’t working as fluidly.” The new building triples the square footage of their former space. One side of the building serves medical dermatology patients, while the other half is dedicated to a full spa with expanded services as well as administrative offices. The foundation of the practice is medical, Druxman says, and the new office has more than 15 exam rooms providing ample room to offer a wide range of medical and surgical dermatology. In addition to eczema, psoriasis and acne, they see patients for skin cancer removal, mole removal, hair loss, excessive sweating, warts, scar revision and more. The new practice allows Cahaba Dermatology to better serve its complex patients. Psoriasis patients, for example, often visit the practice two to three times a week, so Groysman and Druxman decided to create a separate space for patients receiving
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light therapy treatments. They created a “mini-clinic” with its own waiting room, parking area and dedicated staff. Cahaba Dermatology also offers a variety of cosmetic and laser treatments, including Botox, laser hair and tattoo removal, resurfacing and more. “We invest in cosmetic technology based on what provides greatest benefit and best safety for our patients.” Groysman comments. The office offers a full range of injectable products including advanced treatments such as Sculptra. It also offers a full suite of sculpting technology, which helps target fat cells that are resistant to diet and exercise. The non-surgical technology is not meant as a weight loss solution, but it is an alternative to liposuction. “We were one of the leading providers for CoolSculpting in the state,” Groysman says. “When we saw that body sculpting field was expanding, we decided to add some additional technology such as VanquishME and more. We can now better serve different people and different body types.” A RELAXING RETREAT
Come see what Cahaba Dermatology has to offer at its Open House & Grand Opening on Thursday, October 18. The event will include demonstrations, tours and specials during the day, followed by grand opening and reception starting at 5:30 p.m. Additional information and RSVP link are available at www.cahabaderm.com.
The lounge offers spa clients a place to relax between treatments.
Although Cahaba Dermatology has long offered cosmetic and aesthetic treatments, the new building allows it to expand its offerings and offer clients a relaxing retreat from the real world. Spa treatments include facials, waxing, chemical peels, makeup consultations, micro-needling massage therapy and more. Cahaba Dermatology carries La Bella Donna make-up line, which is made of high-quality minerals. Another reason to offer the spa treatments, Groysman says, was to combat misinformation about skin care from department stores and social media. “We really wanted to make sure we were recommending products and services that will add to the medical side of the practice and also make people feel better,” she says. “When your skin is looking good, you’re feeling good, then you want to take care of the rest of your skin and the rest of your body as well.” An exciting new addition to the spa is the salt-water float pool — the only one available in the Birmingham. Although “floating” is popular in many parts of the country, it’s still fairly new to Alabama, so many people are unfamiliar with it. Floating offers a sensory-deprivation experience — a chance to relax and retreat from all sound and light. At Cahaba Dermatology, the float pool is located in a private suite. The pool contains 18 inches of water and 1,200 pounds of Epsom salt. Water and room are heated to the client’s body temperature. The client is completely buoyant while in the pool; everyone floats. The room is also light and sound-proof, resulting in a sensory-free environment. (Light and music are available for clients who prefer it.) Druxman comments, “It’s different for every person. Some will do it for the meditative experience. Some will do it just to simply un-plug and … be in an environment free of sensory input.” Druxman says the float pool can provide pain relief, especially for people with joint or compressive issues. Many patients enjoy combining their float session with a massage from Cahaba Dermatology’s licensed massage therapist. The spa also has a lounge area where patients can relax, think or read between treatments. “Before, we felt good about what we were doing for our clients, but we knew we lacked the ability to give them a full experience. We can now offer beneficial spa treatments coupled with a terrific and tranquil experience.” Groysman says. “Across all our lines of business, at the core we are a service organization,” Groysman says. “We feel like every patient and client should get the best of what we can provide with every visit.” Cahaba Dermatology is located at 2279 Valleydale Road, Hoover, 35244. The Tuscaloosa office is located at 1649 McFarland Boulevard. For more information, visit www.cahabaderm.com or call 205-214-7546.
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BACK 2 SCHOOL IN THE HILLS
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PHOTOS BY MALLORY BARRY
The new school year kicked off with fun and games in Cahaba Heights on Aug. 10. 1. Cooper, Kelly and Kate Falls 2. Michael and Brenda Harris 3. Alesia and Daquarius Smith 4. Summer and Brittney Schatz 5. Nathan and Laura Yoo 6. James, Truett and Ashley Decker 7. Drew and Jadie Uhrig 8. J.P. Kopwe 9. Lucas, Casey and Andres Azuerlo 10. Mills and Hills Carmichael 11. Melanie and Olivia Burns 12. Addison and Lucy Boeckmann 13. Isabella Gordon and Annie Kane 14. Dawn and Hunter Higginbotham
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OUT & ABOUT
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NATIONAL SENIOR CITIZENS DAY CELEBRATION
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PHOTOS BY MADOLINE MARKHAM
Eli Gold was the keynote speaker at this sixth annual event, held this year at Vestavia Hills City Hall. 1. Dianna Murphree, Reba Williams and Linda Burell 2. Ann Taylor and Charlotte Laggy 3. Pat More and Gayle Raymond
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4. Sophie Milling and Anna Grace Darty 5. Lucian and Jeanne Hagedorn, and Elise Budenheimer 6. Tom Laggy and Jackie Matte 7. Shirley and Calvin McCulloch 8. Anna Kate Creel and Madison Murell 9. Peggy Maddox and Ruby Denson 10. Anne Boston and Joann Mote 11. Will Grove and Bob Odle
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OUT & ABOUT
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VHHS JAMBOREE GAME
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Vestavia Hills High School Varsity Football defeated Briarwood Christian 13-0 in a jamboree on Aug. 24. 1. Maggie Evans, Lucy Evans and Skylar Holladay 2. Molly Swords and Lanie Johnston 3. Mary Prickett and Riley Richardson 4. Jacob Moore and Mary Clark Webb 5. Lillie Cation and Carsen Schaefer 6. John Ingram and Luke Talley 7. Rebecca Chow-wah, Jillian Ronson, Taylor Wisdom and Lucy Kracke 8. Harper Armstrong and Margaret Patton 9. Kirk Kirkpatrick, Miguel Lopez, and Phillip Zuccala 10. John Pounds and Ben Swearingen 11. Neal Pirtle and Kade Nolan 12. Grace Brown and Sophia Velezis
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Now Hiring Heavy Equipment Operators and CDL Drivers Competitive pay and benefits. Preemployment drug test required Equal Employment Opportunity Employer Call: 205-298-6799 or email us at: jtate@forestryenv.com Franklin Iron Works Now Hiring. Grinders & Laborers. Must apply in person: 146 Tommie Drive, Thorsby. MonFri. 10am-3pm. Taking applications for waitresses for growing business in Clanton Call Teresa: 334-235-0228 or call the restaurant between 4-10pm: 205-280-4949 ONLINE AUCTIONS www.GTAOnlineAuctions. com 205-326-0833 Granger, Thagard & Assoc. Jack F. Granger #873 DRIVERS Hanna Truck Lines is seeking Professional Flatbed Drivers. 53 cpm No surprises: Starting pay (all miles): 51 cpm, 52 cpm at 6 months, 53 cpm at 1 year. 100% Outbounds loads Pre-loaded & Tarped. 75% Inbound
No Tarp. Late Model Peterbilt Trucks. Air Ride Trailers. Home weekends. Low cost BCBS Health & Dental Ins. Matching 401K. Qualifications: 18 months Class A CDL driving experience with 6 months flatbed; Applicants must meet all D.O.T. requirements. Contact recruiting at 1-800634-7315 or come by HTL office at 1700 Boone Blvd, Northport. EOE LPN’s, RN’s, CNA’s Full-time & part-time • 2nd & 3rd Shift Apply in person: Hatley Health Care 300 Medical Ctr Dr Clanton, AL 35045 Wholesale and Logistics Facility, Alabaster Administrative Assistant Great Benefits MondayFriday 7:00-4:00 Excel exp. Required Logistics background a plus Call ( 205) 912-7204 www.hibbett.com Conveyor Mechanic Great Benefits Monday-Friday 7:00AM - 4:00PM Call (205)912-7204 ww.hibbett. com Road and Parking Lot Striping Company NOW HIRING LABORERS. Must be 18+ and have valid driver’s license. Monday-Friday. BCBS/Paid Holidays/Sick days/Vacation/401k. Apply in person: 1110 Highway 31, Calera. 205-663-1511 Does your loved one need help at home? Licensed, bonded, insured, affordable homecare offered. Approved Veteran Service Contractor & LTC Insurance accepted. Live-in-Care Available. Call us today! 205-453-4285 Industrial Coatings Group, Inc. is hiring experienced sandblasters and industrial painters. Must be able to pass a drug test & E-verify check. Professional references required. Must be willing to travel. Please send
MARKETPLACE resume to icgsecretary@ hotmail.com or call (205) 612-2064. Kelly Educational Staffing® We’re hiring! •Substitute teachers •Aides •Cafeteria •Clerical •Custodial positions Shelby County School District & Alabaster City Schools. Please call 205-8707154 -Equal Opportunity EmployerOwner Operators Wanting Dedicated Year Round Anniston, AL www.pull4klb.com Welders, Welding (MIG-TIG) Sheet Metal/manufacturing helpers. Multiple positions. Paid holidays, typical shifts are 6:30am-2:30pm plus Overtime. Must be reliable Tardiness and no-shows Will not be tolerated Call RICK: 205-644-9633 Need FREE help with your Medicare? Call your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) today at (800) AGE-LINE (800)-243-5463. M&M Trucking Company hiring experienced trailer and tractor trailer drivers. Minimum three years verifiable experience required. Tanker and dump experience a plus. Apply in person w/MVR at M&M Trucking Company. 980 Lee Road. Auburn, AL 36830. Now Hiring!! •CaregiversADL’s, assist with medications and some lifting 7am-3pm, 3pm-11pm, 11pm-7pm •Activity Director Part-Time •Cooks-some 12/hr shifts Call Shay McNeal 205-6202905 Marble Valley Manor. Affordable 1 and 2 Bedroom Apartments for Elderly & Disabled. Many on-site services! 2115 Motes Rd, Sylacauga. 256-245-6500 •TDD#s: 800-548-2547(V) •800-548-2546(T/A). Office Hours: Mon-Fri, 8am-4pm. Equal Opportunity Provider/ Employer Are you a motivated professional? Are you looking for a dynamic career? Are you ready to control your own level of success? See why McKinnons’ is an exciting place to work and grow.
Now accepting applications for Sales, Service, and Detail Shop. Apply with the receptionist. 205-755-3430 Shake up your career!!! Are you looking for something new and FUN? Milo’s is always looking for great managers to come join our growing and dynamic team. Apply online at miloshamburgers.com Montgomery Stockyard Drop Station at Gray & Son’s in Clanton. Call Lane at 205389-4530. For other hauling arrangements, contact Wes in Harpersville 205-965-8657 Production Jobs. Willing to Train. AAM in Columbiana is HIRING for multiple shifts. Email resume to dcurtis@ grede.com or apply in person: 130 Industrial Pkwy, Columbiana, AL 35051 NOW HIRING Class-A CDL Driver Must have clean driving record, two years experience Will train drivers on tank Drivers home nightly Contact Keith at: 205-4384959 INDUSTRIAL CLEANING IN VANCE Requirements: •18 Years Old •HS Diploma/GED •Able to work variable shifts/ weekends/holidays •Able to lift up to 50lbs constantly, stand on your feet for 8hrs •Able to pass drug screen/ background check Complete your application on line at www.naonsite.com Production/Manufacturing Vance, Alabama Starting pay: $12.00 – $14.50 /hr. • Have 2 years+ Production/ Manufacturing experience. • Have Recently Lived in Alabama at least 2 years. • Have A High School Diploma or GED. • Are at least 18 years old. Complete your application on line at www. naonsite.com Oxford Healthcare in Montgomery currently hiring certified CNA’s and/or Home Health aides in the Clanton, Marbury and Maplesville areas. Must be able to pass complete background check, have reliable transportation and have a strong work ethic. Serious inquires only. Call 334-409-0035 or apply online at www.Oxfordhealthcare. com
Class A CDL Drivers Needed Immediately for Dump Trailer Hauling • $2000 Retention Bonus • Local Hauling • Home Nights APPLY ONLINE: www. perdidotrucking.com Perdido Trucking Service, LLC 251470-0355 Move in Special! 3/2 Garden Home w/garage. Dishwasher, Fenced backyard, Great Room w/vaulted Ceiling. Calera Schools. Rent $1150. FLAT SCREEN TV!! (205)4339811 Soon the Mark of the Beast Will Be Enforced. Free Book & Bible Study. PO Box 171 • Samantha, AL 35482 205339-4837 Southeastern Food Merchandisers-Pelham Day-Shift: Sunday-Friday 40+ hours/week 9:00AM until finished (varies) Motivated Selectors earning as much as $27 or more per hour after training No cap on hourly rate 100% productivity based pay structure Benefits: • Medical • Vision • Dental • Vacation • 401k with company match Requirements: • Reading and math skills • Lift up to 60lbs, repetitively • Work in ambient temperatures Apply in person at: 8:30AM5:00PM Southeastern Food 201 Parker Drive Pelham,AL 35124 ofrye@ southeasternfood.com White Oak Transportation is hiring CDL-A drivers in your area. Great Pay! Excellent Benefits! Visit our website www.whiteoaktrans.com for more information EOEM/F/D/V Warehouse Team Member Call (205) 912-7365 or visit www.Hibbett.com Great Benefits Call us for all your auction needs!! Ken Yates, Auctioneer Lic. #1782 256276-8091 256-396-5381 South Haven Health & Rehab, Hoover NOWHIRING!!! •LPN’s & RN’s-All Shifts-Shift Differential -$3000 Sign on Bonus!!!! •Dietary Aide Apply in person or email: ken.holmes@nhsmgt. com
Immediate Positions!!!! Positions needed: Warehouse • Sales Reps • Assistant Manager • Delivery Drivers • Customer Service. Laid back atmosphere, good pay, plenty of hours available! Company vehicles to qualified individuals! Call Andrew 9am7pm • Mon-Sat at (205)4901003 or (205)243-6337 CLOCK REPAIR SVS. * Setup * Repair * Maintenance. I can fix your Mother’s clock. Alabaster/Pelham. Call Stephen (205)663-2822 Electrician - FT Supreme Electric, local-based company in Pelham. Must be willing to learn & work hard. Go to: supremeelectrical.com Print employment application under Contact Us. Mail to: Supreme Electric 231 Commerce Pkwy Pelham, AL 35124 or call 205-453-9327. TaylorMade Transportation Hiring CDL Drivers for Flatbed Regional Division! BCBS Insurance After 30 Days. To apply call: (334)3662269 or email: s.smith@ taylormadeinc.com The Painting Company of Birmingham Immediate openings for professional residential and commercial painters. Must be able to speak English. Call 205-995-5559 Independent Distributor Opportunity Own Your Own Business Golden Flake/ Zapps and all other brands in Utz Snack Food Portfolio are offering independently owned distribution routes for sale in Calera, Alabaster, and Chelsea. Excellent earnings opportunities on established Route with tremendous growth potential. Route sales experience a plus but not required. Very flexible financing available with low down-payment Contact James Stuckey 706-888-0313 Email: jstuckey@utzsnacks. com Become a Dental Assistant in ONLY 8 WEEKS! Please visit our website capstonedentalassisting.com or call (205)561-8118 and get your career started!
WCA • Roll Off Drivers needed for our Alpine, AL location. Class A or B CDL is required along with one (1) year of verifiable equivalent commercial truck driving experience. Must have a valid and safe driving record. We offer competitive wages & a comprehensive benefits package which includes: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401k, Life Insurance, Short & Long Term Disability, Paid Holidays and PTO. Please apply through our website at www.wcawaste.com EOE M/F/D/V WARRIOR MET COAL NOW HIRING Located in Brookwood, AL Immediate need for experienced: •Underground Miners •Electricians •Maintenance Foreman •Supervisors Apply online: www.warriormetcoal.com Need appliance or air conditioner parts? How about a water filter for your refrigerator? We have it all at A-1 Appliance Parts! Call 1-800-841-0312 www.A1Appliance.com LARGEST SELECTION OF WHOLESALE VEHICLES IN THE SOUTHEAST Over 350 vehicles available for direct sale daily! Live auction every Thursday 6:30p.m. (205)7444030 birminghamautoauction. com Housing Authority of the Birmingham District Hiring: Homeownership LeasePurchase Facilitator Resident Services Coordinator-ROSS Human Resources Specialist Compliance Data Analysis Application Data Entry Clerk Assistant Vice President ofHousing Operations Director of Public Safety Custodian View complete description and apply at www.habd.org or 1826 3rdAvenueSouth Birmingham, Al 35233
VestaviaHillsMagazine.com 89
MY VESTAVIA HILLS KIMBERLY COOK
City Councilor + Community Volunteer + Mom of Three
Wooded Refuge
Like a Small Town
Smooth Rock Café and Conference Center This is my new favorite place to meet folks for coffee because it is a quiet, peaceful refuge from screens and provides a tranquil place to sit and talk with friends. I like to sit on the outdoor patio, surrounded by tall trees.
Buddy Anderson Stadium I enjoy tailgating and visiting with friends on Friday nights. Rebel football brings the whole Vestavia Hills family together and hearkens back to the small-town Friday night football games of my childhood. Go Rebels! I am also a huge fan of the Rebel Marching Band and Mr. Horton singing the National Anthem—Man, I Love That Band!
Shopping Day
The Heights Village When I shop at Manhattan South, people always ask, “Where did you get that?” Lili Pad and Gigi’s is my source for fun, casual tops and baby presents. New York Butcher Shoppe has the very best steaks to grill at home, so we are a frequent customer there. In the picture I’m at the Heights Heros 5K.
All in the Family
Meadowlawn Park This is a special place for my family because it is the location of the pavilion my son Will built for his Eagle Scout project. It is also the place where I learned how to cut shingles and put on a roof. I love that the creek bordering the park is so beautifully landscaped with plants that improve the water quality and provide a lovely backdrop.
New Eats
El ZunZún I am most excited about the new Satterfield restaurant in Cahaba Heights. I recently enjoyed lunch there with a friend and had a lot of fun exploring some innovative Latin fusion menu options. The restaurant decor exudes creativity and fun and will be a welcome addition to the Vestavia Hills restaurant scene.
90 October/November 2018
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