Shelby Living, September 2017

STEP INTO BACKYARD BLISS • MINISTERING THROUGH ART • SKIP BROWN’S BRONZE STAR

MILKSHAKES AT

K&J’S ELEGANT PASTRIES

MONTEVALLO’S

MUSHROOM FARM

SEPTEMBER 2017 ShelbyLiving.com $4.95

VIOLIN VIRTUOSO HONNEY KIM’S MUSICAL EXCELLENCE

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FEATURES

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A LIFE OF HEROIC ACHIEVEMENT Vietnam War veteran Skip Brown didn’t talk about his time in Vietnam until five years ago. It took even longer – 45 years, to be exact – for him to receive his Bronze Star.

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MUSHROOMS IN MONTEVALLO At Grandview Farm, Charles and Shiyrah Crowther grow mushroom crops with sustainability in mind.

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TRAILBLAZER

PHOTO BY DAWN HARRISON

After getting his start on the pitcher’s mound, Zach Andrews has crossed the finish line of some of distance running’s most adventurous races – and he’s not slowing down.

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PHOTO BY DAWN HARRISON

arts & culture

17 Art Speaks: Photorealist Painter Lynita Motes 22 A Month of Sundays: Shelby County Arts Council 23 Colonial Times Revisited: American Village’s Educational Programs 24 Read This Book: 5 Book Picks for Children

schools & sports

25 Honney Kim: Indian Springs School Violinist 30 Five Questions For: PHS Principal Amanda Wilbanks

food

& drink

in every issue 6 Contributors 7 From the Editor 8 ShelbyLivingMagazine.com 9 The Simple Life 10 #ShelbyLivingMagazine 11 The Guide 61 Business Connections 69 Out & About 77 Marketplace

31 Milkshake Masters: K&J’s Elegant Pastries and Creamery 36 Recipe: K&J’s Original Milkshake

home

& style

39 Backyard Paradise: Dennis and Janie Dollar’s Yard

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contributors EDITORIAL

Graham Brooks Stephen Dawkins Alec Etheredge Briana Harris Amalia Kortright Madoline Markham Keith McCoy Emily Sparacino Neal Wagner

CONTRIBUTORS Rene’ Day Dawn Harrison Anne Riley Nancy Wilstach

DESIGN

Dawn Harrison, Photographer Dawn Harrison is a freelance photographer out of Birmingham. She grew up and put down roots off of U.S. 280, where she lives with her wonderful husband, 5 kids, 1 son-in-law, 2 grandkids, 3 dogs, 2 cats, 8 cows and 2 ducks. When she isn’t taking pictures, you can find her burning up the highway getting to various school and sporting events, or hanging out in carpool lines. She feels extremely blessed to be a part of this publication and to continue to meet such inspiring members of our community.

Anne Riley, Writer Anne Riley lives in north Shelby County with her husband, Rob, and their three daughters, Maggie, Jenna, and Kellan. Anne is the Content Team Director at Uptick Marketing by day, morphing into a freelance writer and editor after the kids go to bed. She is the author of two young adult

Connor Bucy Jamie Dawkins Kate Sullivan

novels (Shadows of the Hidden and Pull) and one children’s picture book

MARKETING

Nancy Wilstach, Writer

Ann Aycock Kristy Brown Kari George Rachel Henderson Daniel Holmes Rhett McCreight Kim McCulla Ashley Murphy Viridiana Romero April Spivey Bayleigh Thompson Kerrie Thompson

ADMINISTRATION Hailey Dolbare Mary Jo Eskridge Katie Krouse Katie McDowell Stacey Meadows Tim Prince

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(Voyage to the Star Kingdom), and her freelance writing has appeared in Fresh Style magazine, Shelby Living, Hoover’s Magazine and online.

Nancy lives in Montevallo with her husband, Bill Plott; her 7-year-old grandson, Atticus Plott; and her rescue terrier, Barney. Nancy spent 40 years as a daily newspaper journalist, the last 25 of those years with w covering Shelby County. Retired since 2008, she is enjoying writing about Montevallo when she is not traveling with her family in her RV.

Shelby Living Magazine is published bimonthly by Shelby County Newspapers Inc., P.O. Box 947, Columbiana, AL 35051. Shelby Living 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, Shelby Living Magazine, P.O. Box 947, Columbiana, AL 35051.

Shelby Living Magazine is mailed to select households throughout Shelby County, and a limited number of free copies are available at local businesses. Please visit ShelbyLiving.com for a list of those locations. Subscriptions are available at a rate of $16.30 for one year by visiting ShelbyLiving.com or calling (205) 669-3131, ext. 532.

Advertising inquiries may be made by emailing advertise@ShelbyLiving.com, or by calling (205) 669-3131, ext. 536.

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from the editor

ON THE COVER

Honney Kim

For this violin virtuoso, music is life. Years of hard work and dedication to her instrument have led Kim, a student at Indian Springs School, to many successes, including being selected to play in the 2017 National Youth Orchestra of the United States of America.

Photo by Dawn Harrison Designed by Connor Bucy

Two days into my summer vacation in July, my phone let me know its storage space was almost gone. It wasn’t the first time I’d seen this alert; I’m bad about not transferring photos on my phone to the computer for safekeeping on a regular basis. But in this case, the lack of storage was especially unwelcome considering I had five days of the trip left to document. My saving grace was the small digital camera I packed as a backup.

This trip — a weeklong adventure in Cleveland, Ohio; Detroit, Michigan; Chicago, Illinois; and Milwaukee, Wisconsin — was a departure from my family’s typical summer beach trip. I knew I would be mad at myself later for any failure to document the high points with photos.

Based on the cities listed, you sport aficionados might have figured out this trip involved baseball. If not, let me confirm it involved copious amounts of baseball.

Shortly after my husband’s favorite Major League Baseball team, the Chicago Cubs, won the World Series last year, I remarked that I wanted to go to a game at Wrigley Field. He took my wish and created a schedule that would allow us to see a game at Wrigley, bookended by games at other ballparks in the region.

Joe, my sister and I rented a car and drove up to Cleveland to watch the Indians play the Toronto Blue Jays at Progressive Field first. From Cleveland, we drove to Detroit to watch the Tigers play the Kansas City Royals at Comerica Park. On our way to Chicago, we drove through Ann Arbor for a quick peek at the University of Michigan campus. In Chicago, we went to games at Wrigley Field and Guaranteed Rate Field, home of the White Sox. We also did most of our sightseeing in Chicago, including an architecture river tour and visits to Navy Pier, the top of the John Hancock building and the Bean at Millennium Park. We capped off the trip with a Cubs-Brewers game at Miller Park in Milwaukee.

That’s the condensed version. We logged thousands of miles in the car and dozens more on foot, stayed at five different hotels and ate more ballpark food in one week than I have in an average calendar year. We were thoroughly spent, in energy and money, when we got home. But, oh, did we have a ball.

If you’ve been wanting to venture out of Shelby County and explore a different part of the country or the world, I encourage you to go for it.

Because you can’t link arms with fellow Cubs fans at Wrigley Field after they win to sing the Cubs song if you’re sitting on your couch. You have to be there, out with the crowd. Trust me.

emily.sparacino@shelbyliving.com

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ONLINE EXCLUSIVE

5 Places to Get a Good Cup of Coffee

Some days call for a pick-me-up in the form of a good cup of coffee. Check out our readerinfluenced picks for coffee shops in Shelby County that serve up delicious java, yummy treats and friendly service. shelbyliving.com/places-for-coffee

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THE SIMPLE LIFE

Organizing mobile clutter School’s back in full force and calendars are filling up with practices, games and after-school activities. Weekends are planned with Friday night football, tailgating and church picnics. With today’s hectic lifestyles, we often find ourselves in our cars more than at our desks or in our homes. No longer is the family vehicle used just for driving to work and school. Our automobiles have turned into mobile offices, dining rooms and homework stations. We can be in a carpool line and still close sales deals. We’ve all eaten a hamburger while on the highway and have dropped French fries under the front seat. With more and more time spent in our cars, it’s important we take the time to declutter our mobile areas just like we do our homes. uSort: Put like items together.

Ketchup packets, straws, koozies and Owner of SimpleWorks, loose change are a few of the things Simpleworks.guru that overwhelm a small space. lisa@simpleworks.guru uPurge: Throw away fliers, 205.981.7733 tattered papers and expired coupons.

Pull out sports drinks and lunch bags that are rolling around the floorboard. Make sure all the ink pens work. Remove everything that’s not needed for the season. Ice scrapers and pool toys can rotate a spot in the trunk. Sports gear also requires removal from the back seat at the end of the season. uAssign a storage place: Keep any papers in the glove box that have to do with the actual car maintenance such as car insurance, registration and the owner’s manual. uUse containers: Trunk organizers are perfect to corral loose items like jumper cables, gloves and extra tools. Use a small basket in the front seat to make exiting the car easier when carrying in purses, briefcases, packages, mail, etc. Consider giving each child their own tote to keep homework supplies, movies or games that will keep them occupied for long stretches in the car. uEnough is enough: Once you have plenty of napkins, don’t ask for more at the drive-thru window. Keep a trash bag handy to remove the crumbled grocery lists, homework papers, tissues and hand wipes.

Next time you say, “We can take my car,” you’ll know that the front seat is inviting and clear of football cleats, file folders and half-empty water bottles. It’s that simple.

Lisa Phillips

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#ShelbyLivingMagazine

Tag us in your Shelby County photos on Instagram, and we’ll pick our favorites to regram and publish on this page in each issue.

@pelham_bands #pelhamband2017

@lindseyculverphotography summer bucket list √ ready for school days!

@shelbyhumanesociety Happy Tails Alert! Chiquita (pka Margo) was adopted from SHS several months ago. She is now her mom’s medical alert and PTSD service dog! Numerous SHS alum have gone on to become service and sniffer dogs! Congrats Chiquita!

We’re proud of you and so glad you found an amazing family @theworlandpups

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@shelbyedk12alus This group is ready to get things going at Calera Intermediate School!

THE GUIDE

HEAD OVER TEAL 5K SEPT. 23 8 A.M.-12 P.M. THE PRESERVE IN HOOVER The Laura Crandall Brown Foundation is hosting its 8th Annual Head Over Teal 5K/10K and Fall Festival on Sept. 23. This family- and pet-friendly race takes participants on a 5K and 10K course. Don’t run off after the race: A fall festival awaits! Games, children’s inflatables, face painting, crafts and more will keep little ones happy. Online registration is available by visiting ThinkOfLaura.org/HeadOverTeal.

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THE GUIDE

WHAT TO DO IN SHELBY COUNTY

SEPT. 21

SEPT. 5 Lego League Albert L. Scott Library in Alabaster 4-4:45 p.m.

SEPT. 7 Mt Laurel Book Club Mt Laurel Library 7-9 p.m.

SEPT. 9 Crafty Saturday at Mt Laurel Mt Laurel Library 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Police Explorers Golf Tourney 8 a.m.

Bent Brook Golf Club, Bessemer

The 9th annual Douglas W. Jones Memorial Golf Tournament is “fore” a good cause, benefiting the Helena Police Explorers. The cost of the tournament is $100 per player and will include a round of golf, range balls, a gift bag, lunch following the conclusion of the round and automatic entry for door prizes. For more information, call 663-6499.

SEPT. 13

Harvest of Hope Luncheon 11:30 a.m.

The Club in Birmingham

Shelby County Commissioner Mike Vest will speak at the 11th annual Harvest of Hope Luncheon to benefit Pelham-based Oak Mountain Missions Ministries. A silent auction will start at 10 a.m., and the luncheon starts at 11:30 a.m. To sponsor a table, or for reservations to Harvest of Hope, contact 6855757 or Oakmtnmissions.com.

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SEPT. 10

Marc Phillips and Groove Daddy

Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

Show starts at 6 p.m.

SCAC Black Box Theatre, Columbiana Be ready to get groovy with live music from Marc Phillips and Groove Daddy.

Tickets are $15. SCAC members receive reserved seating. All other seats are general admission.

SEPT. 11 Mt Laurel Legacy Writing Class Mt Laurel Library 5:30-7 p.m.

Homeschool Happening “Writing About Science” Albert L. Scott Library in Alabaster 10-11 a.m.

SEPT. 12 Pete the Cat Book Club Albert L. Scott Library in Alabaster 6 p.m.

SEPT. 12-13 Shelby County Student Career Awareness Fair Shelby County Exhibition Center 8 a.m.-3 p.m.

SEPT. 14 Coffee with Westover Mayor Larry Riggins ServPro Training Center in Westover 8:30-9:30 a.m.

SEPT. 15 Mt Laurel Treasure Salvage Mt Laurel Library 5:30-6:30 p.m.

American Girls Club Albert L. Scott Library in Alabaster 4 p.m.

THE GUIDE SEPT. 16 Spain Park High School Cross Country Invitational Veterans Park 8 a.m.-12 p.m.

SEPT. 17 The Grande Junction Featuring Choko Aiken and Ari Friedlander Shelby County Arts Council 6 p.m.

SEPT. 18 Garden Gates North Shelby Library 4-5 p.m.

SEPT. 19 Magic Tree House Passport to Adventure Albert L. Scott Library in Alabaster 6 p.m.

SEPT. 20 Mt Laurel Tween Engineering Challenge Mt Laurel Library 4-5 p.m.

SEPT. 22 Preschool Kitchen Science North Shelby Library 10:30-11 a.m.

SEPT. 24 Gospel with Danny Brooks and 2Blu Shelby County Arts Council 6 p.m.

SEPT. 26 Summer Reading End Party with Mr. Mac North Shelby Library 10:45-11:15 a.m.

SEPT. 27 Alabaster City Schools Annual Homecoming Parade Thompson Middle School 5:30 p.m.

Teen Tech: Oculus Rift North Shelby Library 3:30-5:45 p.m.

Local Farmers Markets

You can support our farmers and enjoy the freshest produce available at area markets.

Check out the selections at these locations before they close for the season: Burnette Farms Market Open year-round Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., and Sunday, 1-6 p.m. at Alabama 261 just past Church of the Highlands but before Dollar General.

Fresh fruits and vegetables, specialty dog treats, handmade soaps, plants, boiled peanuts and more.

Chelsea Farmer’s Market Open every Thursday, 3-6 p.m., in front of Chelsea City Hall.

Mt Laurel Farmers Market and Craft Fair Open Saturdays through Oct. 7, 8 a.m.-12 p.m. at Mt Laurel Town Center.

Fruits and vegetables, homemade salsas, jellies, breads, bakery items and artisanmade crafts.

Valleydale Farmers Market Open Saturdays, 8 a.m.-12 p.m. at 4601 Valleydale Road.

Run and operated by Community Markets, Inc., a non-profit company dedicated to bringing fresh, local produce to communities around Alabama and the Southeast.

SEPT. 28

Tee It Up Golf Tournament

8 a.m. shotgun start Timberline Golf Club in Calera

The Greater Shelby County and South Shelby Chambers of Commerce are putting the ‘par’ in “partners” to present the 28th annual Tee It Up “Fore” Education Scramble this month. For more details, call the Greater Shelby Chamber at 663-4542.

Share your news! Email submissions to Emily.Sparacino@Shelbyliving.com to be considered for our next issue.

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THE GUIDE AROUND TOWN SEPT. 7 Lady Antebellum, Kelsea Ballerini, & Brett Young Oak Mountain Amphitheater 7:30 p.m.

SEPT. 14-16 St. George Middle Eastern Food Festival St. George Greek-Catholic Milkite Church SEPT. 15 Tedeschi Trucks Band The Alabama Theatre 8 p.m.

Summer Reading

STOP, DROP AND ROLL Who knows Helena Fire Department Engine 61 can hold 750 gallons of water or 1,200 feet of fire hose? Children in Helena’s summer reading program know. They met members of the department, saw different parts of the fire truck and high-fived a firefighter wearing his head-to-toe gear.

Alabaster FUMC

WARM WELCOME The Rev. Arthur Harrison was named the new executive pastor of First United Methodist Church of Alabaster this summer. He preaches two of the church’s four morning services, while Senior Pastor Sherry Harris, who serves as head of the church, preaches the other two. Fun fact about Harrison: He has fulfilled what he calls a “dual calling,” ministry and military, by becoming a chaplain in the Army Reserves.

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SEPT. 16 Monkey C Monkey Run Benefits Camp Smile-A-Mile Smile-A-Mile Place, Downtown Birmingham SEPT. 21-23 Greek Food Festival Holy Trinity-Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Cathedral SEPT. 21-OCT. 1 A Chorus Line Virginia Samford Theatre SEPT. 22 Ballet Hispánico Alys Stephens Center 8 p.m.

Non-Profit

HOOPS FOR HOPE Nonprofit Blanket Fort Hope hosted a three-on-three basketball tournament fundraiser called Hoops for Hope in August. Proceeds will go toward building a safe house for child victims of human trafficking, a growing crime in America. Organizations like Blanket Fort Hope are lights in the darkness.

SEPT. 24 Breakin’ Bread Sloss Furnaces SEPT. 26 Young and the Giant BJCC Concert Hall 7 p.m.

SEPT. 27 Flicks Among the Flowers Father of the Bride Birmingham Botanical Gardens Gates 6 p.m., Movie 8 p.m.

SEPT. 30 Irondale Whistle Stop Festival Historic Downtown Irondale

THE GUIDE SEPT. 30 Fiesta Linn Park OCT. 1 Peppa Pig Live!

The Alabama Theatre 5 p.m.

OCT. 1+15+29 Vulcan AfterTunes Vulcan Park and Museum 1-6 p.m.

OCT. 1 Cahaba River Fry-Down Benefits Cahaba River Society Railroad Park 12-4 p.m.

OCT. 4 The Head and The Heart The Alabama Theatre 8 p.m.

OCT. 6-8 Barber Vintage Motorcycle Festival Barber Motorsports Festival OCT. 6-8 Antiques at the Gardens Birmingham Botanical Gardens Friday & Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Sunday 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

OCT. 7 Bluff Park Art Show Bluff Park Community Center 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

OCT. 7 Susan G. Komen North Central Alabama Race for the Cure Regions Field 9 a.m.

OCT. 12 Spanish Harlem Orchestra Engel Plaza, UAB Free 6 p.m.

Oct. 15

Shopkins Live!

The Alabama Theatre 1 p.m.

South City Theatre

GRAND DEBUT South City Theatre’s first major musical, “The Music Man,” entertained audiences in July. It was a first for Pelham City Schools, too, as it marked the first time the Pelham High auditorium was used for an SCT production. Stay tuned; an annual summer series in partnership with PHS is a possibility.

Bartending

PERFECT POUR Alabaster O’Charley’s bartender Tim Boehm doesn’t have to serve drinks to customers: He wants to.

And he happens to be great at it.

Boehm won the first round of Bar Olympics for the Alabaster O’Charley’s, competing against the restaurant’s market of other bartenders. He was slated to compete in the second round of competition recently, with a chance to advance to the finals held at the company’s headquarters in Tennessee. Cheers to that, Tim! ShelbyLiving.com 15

THE GUIDE Film Festival

FILM FEATURED AT A MINOR FILM FESTIVAL Members of the next generation of filmmakers could be right here in Shelby County. Kids and teens in Chelsea showcased their filmmaking skills at the second annual A Minor Film Festival on July 29. Students learned about filmmaking, storyboarding and editing in a seven-week class this summer. Students in the advanced filmmaking class created the short film “Alien Ducks” and screened it at the festival for family and friends.

CIS

GOING PINK Calera’s annual “Go Pink” initiative led staff and students at Calera Intermediate School to raise $1,000 for breast cancer research. The funds will support research aimed at helping diagnose, treat, prevent and eradicate the disease. Nice job, CIS!

The Alabama Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders is committed to finding a cure for Trevor and the more than 1,500 children who come to us for care each year.

As a founding member of the Children’s Oncology Group,* Children’s of Alabama and UAB combine research and innovative therapies to help save the lives of children down the street and around the world.

Although the cancer cure rate has risen from 50 to 84 percent and strokes in patients with sickle cell disease have decreased by 90 percent, we are actively working toward a CURE for children like Trevor.

*The Children’s Oncology group is a clinical - translational trials organization with more than 9,000 experts worldwide dedicated to finding better cures and improving the outcomes for all children with cancer.

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THE FACE OF A

CURE

&CULTURE

ARTS

ART SPEAKS

In matters of creativity and faith, Lynita Motes lets her art do much of the talking.

BY EMILY SPARACINO PHOTOS BY DAWN HARRISON ShelbyLiving.com 17

B

Birthday celebrations that Shelby County artist Lynita Motes plans are no ordinary celebrations.

Beyond the obligatory cakes and candles, Lynita lets her creativity roam free, creating themed adventures to make her honorees feel special, even spoiled.

Her husband, Stewart, and their children know what she’s capable of orchestrating.

“My husband has enjoyed 35 years of super creative birthdays, from being delivered a message from a pirate to board a dinner cruise, to a golf-putting course being set up in the living room, to Cousin Cliff the magician showing up at our apartment, to being kidnapped for a surprise camping trip, to being served dinner with friends by a waiter in our dining room while a violinist plays in the corner,” she says.

“Creativity combined with hospitality has affected how I host things, wanting others to feel like they have been given a gift by being here, wanting them to feel loved, like they have a place to come.”

One of her favorite parties to host was a mystery murder dinner theatre for a bride and groom and their wedding party. Lynita turned the family’s barn into a saloon to set the

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scene. Everyone loved it.

“This might sound overwhelming to most people, but it is just how my mind is wired,” she says. “It is natural to do things in an uncommon way.”

And so it goes for every part of Lynita’s life. A look inside her home studio – a small, inviting room across the hall from her bedroom – reveals evidence to support her claim that “art and creativity spill into almost everything,” right down to the studio’s door: The glass reads, “The Artist is In and Out (Body & Mind).”

Lynita’s earliest artwork, two Paint By Numbers paintings she completed as a 6-year-old in the ’60s, hang on a wall in her studio. The boy and girl looking back at her from the paintings are reminders of her first taste of art, a taste she has cultivated into a seasoned career. The paintings are a part of what she calls her art testimony.

“I paint because it is what I know, what I’m good at, and what I have been doing since fourth grade,” she says. “It snowballs. Every piece of artwork I create makes me long to do another one. I always feel I have yet to create the ‘topper,’ the best one. It is still waiting to be born.”

For fans of her work, this is a relief. For Lynita, this is her lifeblood.

Lynita’s paintings revolve around a concept called photorealism. She can take the details from a photograph and present them in a painting. Even the most minute details — the fuzz on a tennis ball, for example — aren’t lost in translation. And she excels at painting the human figure.

“Specifically in portraiture, I have learned that no matter what first impression I have of a subject (person I’m painting), by the time I am finished I am in awe of the beauty and majesty of that person. This is because I study them intently

and deeply. God has made no mistakes, and each of us is made in His image which produces in me a response of wonder and honor toward my subject.”

Grounded in her faith, Lynita’s art has led her to new ventures as an art teacher.

This summer, she has taught a weekly art class at her Montevallo home for women from her church, Evangel Church PCA. On Friday mornings, about five women have gathered in Lynita’s basement for two hours of group discussion, instruction and friendly conversation.

“She makes it so much fun,” class member Betty Harrison ShelbyLiving.com 19

says of Lynita. “She gives you the confidence that you can do it. She’s so down-to-earth, so complimentary.”

Harrison tried to schedule her summer trips around the class so she wouldn’t miss the lessons. The class started with drawing exercises and moved into other topics, like pastels.

Harrison signed up for the class to learn more about art in a comfortable, encouraging setting. That’s exactly what she found.

“I’m so glad I did it,” she says. “We’re getting such an overview of art. We’re learning perspective. I’ve learned to observe things more than I ever have.”

Lynda Blackwell, another member of the Friday women’s class, was in a similar boat as Betty. She had little experience with art aside from coloring in coloring books as a child.

“I’m having a wonderful time, and I feel like she (Lynita) is just a great teacher,” Lynda says. “Her creative abilities enable her teaching skills to just flow. She teaches from a 20 ShelbyLiving.com

spiritual perspective which makes things come alive. I’m having a wonderful time, and I feel like she’s just a great teacher.”

Lynita has spoken to groups of women about how God’s word has changed her life and approach to art. She calls this developing platform Art Speaks.

“I actually haven’t entered many competitions because what I have accomplished mainly over all these years is commissioned work, which is sold and therefore gone.

However, now that I am entering a new stage in life with my last child a senior in high school, I have launched a business plan of a parent company, lynitamotesart, with several subsidiaries underneath. These include commission work (portraiture especially), fine art, my Art Speaks (where I use art as a platform to speak to women) and teaching lessons.”

She has painted professionally for more than 25 years and has created oil portraits for numerous clients.

“

Like so many things in life, (art) takes time, investment, appreciation, deeper thought. Perhaps these are just a few of the reasons it should be valued.

- Lynita Motes

”

She loves to use oils mostly, but says her art classes have made her experiment with more media in the last five years.

“I did a collage piece last year that I thoroughly enjoyed, which sold, and I am planning on doing another piece soon that I will be using in a seminar I am speaking at in November,” she says. “I have ideas constantly.”

Just as her creativity spills over into most areas of her life, the lessons she has learned in art can be applied to anything, regardless of whether she’s holding a paintbrush in her hand.

“It’s valuable. It’s important. It affects how I see the world, others. It is emotional. It requires patience. Like so many things in life, it takes time, investment, appreciation, deeper thought.

Perhaps these are just a few of the reasons it should be valued. How many professions have museums honoring them? That alone says something of its worth.”

The inherent value of art keeps Lynita coming back for more — more of others’ work, and more of her own.

“Art, good art, has a certain mystery about it that draws me in, that causes me to stare at it, study it, digest it,” she says. “It can satisfy like a good meal. Perhaps this is because it gives me just a glimmer of the beauty and satisfaction found in the ultimate Creator.”

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ARTS COUNCIL CORNER

A MONTH OF SUNDAYS At the Shelby County Arts Council, Sunday is the new Saturday.

BY LINDSAY DYESS PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED September is “A Month of Sundays” at the Shelby County Arts Council.

Three unique performances this month, featuring everything from accomplished jazz musicians to gospel blues, will keep crowds entertained.

This month, packed with talent, will unfold in Columbiana’s Black Box Theater.

Among those taking the stage is The Grande Junction.

Musicians Choko Aiken and Avi Friedlander work together to push the boundaries of jazz, classical and pop music on the piano and cello.

As pianist, Aiken is no stranger to the music world or the Shelby County Arts Council.

Aiken has played at many gallery openings and has performed at the SCAC 10th Anniversary Celebration.

She left the crowd stunned with her rendition of “Amazing Grace.”

Aiken was born and raised in Japan and began studying music when she was just 3 years old.

She went on to study violin, voice and music theory in colleges in Tokyo and Fukuoka, and later studied jazz in New York and Los Angeles.

Aiken is versed in multiple styles and genres of music.

Since relocating to Birmingham in 2013, Aiken continues to share her love of music by performing at local venues and music festivals.

Friedlander, a cellist, blends his love of classical music and rock and roll in his arrangements. Although he currently performs with Birmingham Sunday Jazz Night and String Theory Birmingham, he has spent time touring in the U.S., Italy and Japan.

He has even performed in Carnegie Hall and for a PBS special at St. Peter’s Church in New York City.

Friedlander received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music performance from the University of Michigan and his professional studies degree from the Cleveland Institute of Music. He enjoys spending his time teaching and performing around the U.S. The Grande Junction takes the stage Sunday, Sept. 17.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and the show will start at 6 p.m.

A complimentary beverage reception will quench guests’ thirst before the performance.

Also joining the SCAC for “A Month of Sundays” are Marc 22 ShelbyLiving.com

Phillips and Groove Daddy on Sunday, Sept. 10 at 6 p.m.

Tickets are $15.

Singer-songwriters Danny and Debi Brooks with the 2Blu Trio will perform Sunday, Sept. 24 at 6 p.m. Tickets are $15.

Those wishing to see all three shows may purchase a “A Month of Sundays” ticket package for $35.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit Shelbycountyartscouncil.com or call (205) 669-0044.

THE AMERICAN VILLAGE

COLONIAL TIMES REVISITED The American Village is more than just an idyllic expanse of farmland dotted with colonial-style buildings. Its educational programs are proof.

BY MELANIE POOLE PHOTO CONTRIBUTED Judy Gray, who has taught elementary school students for more than 25 years, gives the American Village high praise for their educational programs.

“I can say with complete honesty that our trip to American Village was the most fun, educational and inspiring trip of my career,” she says. “Not only did my students get to experience colonial life, but you did an equally beautiful job of instilling a love of this great country.”

Other educators have similar things to say: u“The program goes perfectly with our history book,” Reyndy Ammens, Morgan Academy, says.

“Wonderful reinforcement – actors were knowledgeable and motivating. The American Village is our best field trip each year.” u“Awesome, awesome field trip,” Kathy Galati, Providence Christian School, says. “So very worth the six-hour round trip drive. Thank you.” u“Thank you,” R. Davis, Cornerstone School, says.

“Better than wonderful.” u“The most motivating experience during the program was the interpreters’ revelations about independence,” Dawn Howard, Vincent High School, says. “Each was passionate in his (or) her own way about freedom. I love living history and that students interact and take part in their own learning. I want my students to experience history first hand and see, hear and feel the story of it. Wonderful experience.” u“Thank you for bringing history alive,” Sherry Willis, Rankin Elementary in Tupelo, Miss., says. u“To see the students’ ‘ah-ha’ moments when things ‘clicked’ and became clear to them after seeing it played out in real life is exceptional. We had almost 40 people in our group, and it was unanimously agreed upon that this was the best field trip we have been on in ages,” Cynthia Bible, Grace Homeschoolers, says. “Kids and parents alike learned so much.”

The American Village is a museum of ideas, where visitors step onto the stage of American history with a talented and passionate staff and explore the ideals of American liberty and self-government.

Each day during the school year, hundreds of pre-K-12 students converge on the American Village.

They are fully engaged and captivated as they experience stories of the past that become real, personal and relevant, helping them understand who we are as Americans today.

On a typical day, one can see students taking risks in colonial Boston, preparing to debate Patrick Henry’s Virginia resolves for independence, enthusiastically drilling in Washington’s Army at Yorktown and serving as delegates to the Constitutional Convention at Philadelphia.

Recent additions to the American Village’s educational offerings are two programs designed for pre-K through kindergarten students. Living America’s Story: An American Christmas gets children into the spirit of Christmas as they gather in the Chapel to sing familiar Christmas songs. They enjoy the tale of “Twas the Night Before Christmas Mouse,” learn to dance, cut our gingerbread cookies and play 18th Century games.

The second pre-K through kindergarten program is called Colonial Story Time Adventures. This experience brings to life the great patriotic children’s story Yankee Doodle Dandy, as told by Ellis the Elephant.

For information about educational programs at the American Village, contact School Reservationist Jessica Averett at (205) 665-3535 ext. 1062, 1-877811-1776 or javerett@americanvillage.org.

ShelbyLiving.com 23

READ THIS BOOK

5 Book Picks for Children Recommendations from

Savannah Kitchens Children’s Librarian North Shelby Library

School is officially back in session. Parents, does your child’s book collection at home need a boost?

Check out these selections from North Shelby Library Children’s Librarian Savannah Kitchens that will help set the tone for the school year. All of these books are available to check out at the North Shelby Library. All you need is a Shelby County Library card.

School’s First Day of School

by Adam Rex, illustrated by Christian Robinson (Roaring Brook Press) | Fiction It’s the first day of school at Frederick Douglass Elementary and everyone’s just a little bit nervous, especially the school itself. What will the children do once they come? Will they like the school? Will they be nice to him? K-3. 40 pages.

Bailey

by Harry Bliss (Scholastic) | Fiction Bailey loves school. Then again, he’s the only dog at Champlain Elementary. This is a fun and funny back-to-school read. Grade level: K-3. 32 pages.

Oh No! Not Again!: (Or How I Built a Time Machine to Save History) (Or at Least My History Grade)

by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Dan Santat (Hyperion/Disney) | Fiction After missing a question on her history test, our heroine builds a time machine. While she is changing history by painting caves in Belgium, two cave dudes steal the machine and do a little history-changing of their own. Grade level: K-3. 40 pages.

Call Me Oklahoma!

by Miriam Glassman (Holiday) | Fiction Paige, determined to put a humiliating third-grade experience behind her for the new school year, decides that renaming herself Oklahoma — “a name with guts” — will help make her the bold person she wants to be. Grade level: 1-3. 123 pages.

The Year of Billy Miller

by Kevin Henkes (Greenwillow) | Fiction Second grader Billy is having a tough year, getting off on the wrong foot with his new teacher and worrying he’s not smart enough for school. Grade level: 1-3. 229 pages.

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&SPORTS

SCHOOLS

HEART STRINGS

Playing the violin is a lifelong commitment for Indian Springs student Honney Kim.

BY ANNE RILEY PHOTOS BY DAWN HARRISON ShelbyLiving.com 25

H

Haeun “Honney” Kim’s musical career began during her preschool years, but she didn’t make her Carnegie Hall debut until the ripe old age of 11. Since then, she’s logged one honor after another for her prowess on the violin, and recently returned from a Latin American tour with the 2017 National Youth Orchestra of the United States of America.

As the daughter of a professional pianist, Kim used to follow her mother to rehearsals with other musicians. It was during one of these rehearsals that Kim noticed the cello – a beautiful instrument that captured her 3-year-old mind like nothing else ever had.

26 ShelbyLiving.com

“I was so intrigued by the instrument that when I went home, I got a mop, chopsticks and a chair, and pretended to play the cello,” Kim said. “My mother thought it was a good idea for me to start on the violin and piano, and change to the cello when I was older, because she thought the cello was too big for me.”

She may have set out to play the cello, but when she got her hands on a violin at the age of 4, she set aside everything else in order to master it.

Her mother, Hye-Sook Jung, describes Kim as a “generous and heartwarming person.” She loves her daughter’s

dedication to hard work and admires her for not trying to take shortcuts. But according to Kim, she learned the art of hard work from her parents, who emigrated from South Korea to pursue advanced degrees with little understanding of the English language.

“They have always shown and taught me to never give up and keep working hard as there will eventually be a reward for me waiting at the end,” Kim remarked. “Even if it is not what I initially wanted, it might be a gateway to something even better for me.”

That work ethic has come in handy during times of doubt. In spite of the success she enjoys now, Kim’s pursuit of musical excellence hasn’t always been easy – or fun.

“Being stuck in a practice room for hours a day really made me want to quit when I was younger because I did not see the point,” she said. “All of my friends were outside playing, and I was stuck in a practice room playing on a piece of wood with four strings attached to it.”

But she didn’t quit – and when it came time to perform, everything clicked. Suddenly, all those practice hours made sense. Being on stage and playing for an audience convinced her that quitting just wasn’t an option, and now that she performs regularly, the thought of giving up doesn’t even enter her mind.

“The adrenaline I feel when I perform and the emotions I feel on stage … cannot be compared to anything else that I do,” Kim said. “It is not something that I can just decide to put down and never do again. The amount of time and energy I spent on it most obviously shows in one way or another and cannot be replaced.”

Kim’s dedication to her craft has been paying off since she was very young. At 11 years ShelbyLiving.com 27

“

The adrenaline I feel when I perform and the emotions I feel on stage … cannot be compared to anything else that I do.

- Honney Kim

”

old, she won The American Protégé International Competition. A year later, she performed as a soloist with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra – the first in a string of orchestral appearances. Other groups she’s played with include The Georgia Philharmonic Orchestra, the Interlochen Symphony Orchestra and the Southern Adventist University Orchestra.

But it’s not the events or the awards that give Kim a sense of accomplishment. Instead, it’s overcoming personal obstacles and seeing the improvement that comes with consistent practice.

“Music is life,” Kim said. “You start off as a little baby with little knowledge, and every time you improve on something, you get closer to being an adult and/or a professional. So at any moment in my life where I feel as if I have improved in

28 ShelbyLiving.com

a certain area – especially if it was a troublesome part – I feel accomplished with myself and keep going, knowing I will continue growing.”

Kim’s parents, violin instructor and academic teachers actively participate in her musical career by doing whatever is necessary to encourage her and facilitate her practice schedule. The presence of her Indian Springs teachers in the audience at some of her performances has inspired her to work even harder, as it shows that there are people who believe in her and trust her to do her best. And of course, her violin instructor plays a key role in her musical development.

“My violin teacher has taught me how to be a more beautiful and more active human being,” she said. “To do music, you need to be a good person and take care of yourself, and she is a prime example of someone I want to be in the future.”

And what a bright future it is. When Honney Kim looks at the life in front of her, she dreams of a career in music and hopes to pass along some of her passion to the younger generation.

“I would love to be able to go to a conservatory and major in music performance or music education,” Kim said. “Being a teacher and professor is my dream, and it would be an honor to be a part of an orchestra and play in a chamber group while being able to teach young musicians and see how their future blossoms.”

ShelbyLiving.com 29

SCHOOLS & SPORTS

5

FIVE QUESTIONS FOR

Amanda Wilbanks Pelham High School Principal PHOTO BY EMILY SPARACINO

Amanda Wilbanks has grown accustomed to workdays without structure.

As Pelham High School’s principal, she knows flexibility is paramount.

Wilbanks, 39, grew up on a pine tree and black angus cattle farm in Kellyton. She holds multiple degrees and is working on a doctorate in educational leadership at Samford University. Her husband, Michael, is a gifted specialist at Thompson Middle. Amanda has a stepdaughter, Taylor, and two cats, Sam and Eli. As the PHS principal, what are your goals this year?

We saw good improvements in students’ standardized math and reading scores this year. That was largely due to our teachers’ commitment to analyzing our data and making the necessary adjustments in their curriculum to help grow students. We will continue that process this year and hopefully see continued success. We also What’s something important you’ve want to continue improving our students’ college and career readiness as defined by learned working in education?

There is so much potential in every improved ACT scores, qualifying AP student. It is very important for teachers scores, college credit, benchmark scores and administrators to help students on ACT WorkKeys, industry credentials maximize their abilities. With its wide and military enlistment. range of academies, extracurricular activities and advanced classes, Pelham Outside normal school day hours, what does a phenomenal job at helping students does your job entail?

A major responsibility is attending explore their interests. extracurricular events. I make it a point to attend several, if not all, events for every What was life like when you first became a school administrator?

It was difficult. My life as a teacher was fairly structured, but life as an administrator is all about change from day to day. You can never predict what the day might bring. Variety keeps the job interesting, but that aspect made it hard to adjust at first.

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team and organization we have at PHS. This means a lot of evenings at football, soccer, choir, band and so on, but that is the best part of my job. I believe good administrators spend much of the school day walking around the school interacting with students, visiting classrooms and monitoring the operations of the building.

What would you say to someone just starting out in administration?

Your professors in graduate school say administration is all about communication and they are so correct. The majority of a principal’s day is spent talking to teachers, students, colleagues, parents and community members. Learn to really listen to others and hone your problem solving skills. Both will serve you well.

Also, always remain flexible. If you cannot adapt and think on your feet, this job won’t appeal to you.

&DRINK

FOOD

MILKSHAKE MASTERS

Here’s the scoop about the milkshakes at K&J’s Elegant Pastries and Creamery: They reign supreme.

BY EMILY SPARACINO PHOTOS BY DAWN HARRISON ShelbyLiving.com 31

K

Kristal and Jonathan Bryant want to see your “shake face.”

At their Alabaster business, K&J’s Elegant Pastries and Creamery, such a face can be made only when someone devours one of Kristal’s handcrafted milkshakes.

It sounds simple enough, but don’t underestimate the magnitude of a K&J’s milkshake. Impressive in size and design, the now-famous milkshakes evolved from an idea Kristal, 34, had to bring beautifully crafted creations she saw in places like New York and Disney World to Alabama, and to stamp them with her own culinary signature.

“We were the first ones in the state to have these milkshakes,” Kristal says, adding, “I think ours stand out more.”

Each K&J’s milkshake flavor is inspired by someone in her family. The Strawberry Shortcake flavor is a nod to Kristal’s mother’s favorite ice cream bar. The Kollasal Jawdropper, nicknamed the “K&J,” is the shop’s signature shake and features a mixture of Kristal’s and Jonathan’s favorite sweets.

“My favorite treat is a brownie, and my husband’s favorite

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treat is an ice cream cookie,” Kristal says. “For everything else, anything we like we try to compress it into shakes.

They’re great for sharing.”

The K&J’s Original and the Cotton Candy are among the shop’s bestsellers. Kristal rotates shakes depending on the availability of certain ice cream flavors. One of the newest shakes is the “Cookie Monster,” which features Blue Bell’s new Blue Monster ice cream (cookie dough mixed with cookies and cream ice cream) topped with cookie crisp, chocolate chips and a chocolate chip cupcake.

But before the shakes earned spots on the shop’s menu, Kristal perfected each one with preliminary illustrations, trial runs in the kitchen and taste-test approval from family and friends. “To see them come to life, it was a big thing.”

Each shake resembles a work of art, from top to bottom.

Kristal’s attention to detail and design is ingrained from years of school and restaurant work.

She attended Culinard, The Culinary Institute of Virginia College in Birmingham from 2002-2004, but her focus was on savories, not sweets.

Get spotted in Contact us if you’d like to have your event featured in the Spotted section of Shelby Living! Email emily.sparacino@ shelbycountyreporter.com with event details.

ABOUT THE BUSINESS

Want to return to your normal life faster after surgery or medical complication?

NAME: K&J’s Elegant Pastries and Creamery incorporates the first letters of Kristal’s and Jonathan’s names.

Therapy with Rehab Select can speed your recovery and help you regain your strength.

FAMILY: Kristal and Jonathan Bryant have two children, Jaliyah, 8, and Jakaiya, 14.

Rehab Select at Shelby Ridge is more than a typical rehab inpatient facility. We feature a physician-led, adaptive program that keeps patients with us only as long as they need, and treats every person like an individual, not a diagnosis or a length of stay. You’ll receive personalized one-onone therapy.

FUN FACT: K&J’s goes through about 60 3-gallon tubs of ice cream every two to three days.

LOCATION: 236 1st Street South, Alabaster.

WEBSITE: Kjselegantpastries.com

881 3rd Street, NE, Alabaster, AL 35007 205.620.8500

SOCIAL MEDIA: @kjselegantpastries (Facebook and Instagram) at Shelby Ridge

Visit us at www.rehabselect.net

ShelbyLiving.com 33

N RE OW T SE RV AKIN AT G IO NS

Colonial Christmas at the American Village

a memorable Christmas event for you and your family or organization

December 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th Ticket price still the same: $25 per person Includes lunch & 90-minute tour of the American Village with historical vignettes.

Call (205) 665-3535 extension 1031, or email christmas@americanvillage.org to reserve your seats today.

She also worked at different restaurants in the area. In her free time, she started making cakes for friends.

In 2013, she decided to step out on faith and open a baking business. Her first K&J’s storefront opened on June 1 on Kent Dairy Road across from Thompson Middle School.

At the first location, Kristal only sold cakes and cupcakes. Adding ice cream — and, in turn, milkshakes — has taken K&J’s to the next level.

“Our cake clientele has always supported the business, but shakes now are,” Kristal says. “I feel like finally people are seeing my work.”

Kristal and Jonathan relocated K&J’s to 236 1st Street South in 34 ShelbyLiving.com

Alabaster for more space. After renovations were completed, the new location opened in mid-February.

“The grand opening was a success,” she says. “A lot of people didn’t know about the shakes. We were able to post them on social media. We’re excited about that because our customers are helping us.”

Hashtags like #shakelife and #shakeface are becoming common ways to categorize K&J’s milkshake posts and customer experiences on social media.

Although it’s tough to take your attention off the milkshakes, Kristal and her team

also make custom cakes for clients’ special events. “I’m self-taught with all my cakes,” she says. “It’s just a gift, I guess.”

K&J’s offers 40 flavors of cupcakes.

Typically, 10-12 flavors are available per day.

Are more K&J’s locations a possibility in the future? Yes, Kristal says. For now, serving the best milkshakes and treats her staff can assemble is her main focus. “This is something I’ve been doing for 10 years.

We just hope that it stays like this and we make sure to take care of everybody. It has been a blessing.”

ShelbyLiving.com 35

FOOD & DRINK

WHAT’S IN IT • 1 milkshake (vanilla with chocolate swirl) • 3 helpings of whipped cream • 1 ice cream cookie sandwich • 1 brownie • Oreo crust around jar’s rim • Chocolate syrup • 1 cherry

DIRECTIONS • Start with a vanilla-chocolate swirl milkshake and add whipped cream, brownie square and ice cream cookie sandwich.

• Apply Oreo crust around jar rim. Drizzle with chocolate syrup and garnish with a cherry.

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K&J’S ORIGINAL MILKSHAKE

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&STYLE

HOME

BACKYARD PARADISE Dennis and Janie Dollar don’t have to leave home to find sanctuary. All they have to do is step out their back door.

BY EMILY SPARACINO PHOTOS BY DAWN HARRISON ShelbyLiving.com 39

Y

Yard work is a labor of love for Greystone’s Dennis and Janie Dollar, with an emphasis on the labor.

“I put about 20 hours a week into it,” Dennis says. And Janie is quick to point out she’s the one that waters all of the plants when he is traveling.

Landscaping and lawn care companies help them with the labor. The love part comes every time Dennis and Janie see their backyard, a space they have developed over the last decade into a setting for social gatherings, a recreational spot for their grandchildren and a place where quiet reflection and butterflies are always welcome.

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When the Dollars moved to Greystone from Washington, D.C. 12 years ago, they took time to brainstorm ways to enhance the existing strengths of the backyard – a fountain, English garden and putting green, of all things – and design a colorful space that fit their unique personalities.

“The one thing we wanted when we moved back south was a yard. It has probably taken us 10 of those 12 years to get the yard where we wanted it,” Dennis says. “I know the art of the possibilities, and she knows the art of the beauty. One of the things we liked about this house was the yard potential.”

Sunroom And Screened Porch The home backs up to the 11th fairway of Greystone’s Founders Course. Janie often takes her morning coffee to the back porch for her daily devotions. If the grandchildren are visiting, she plays with them in the sunroom, where sunlight streams through the windows on clear days and potted plants provide pops of color, mimicking the colors of their outside counterparts. “Most of the family congregates in this area or the screened-in porch,” she says.

“Both get lots of natural light.” Inside and out, butterflies can be spotted flitting from one plant to another. Janie loves watching them. When Hector Hoyas with Dreamscape Landscape was helping the Dollars decide which flowers to plant, he suggested lantana because it attracts butterflies. Hoyas also did the Dollars’ hardscape, including the stone walkways and fire pit area.

ShelbyLiving.com 41

Putting Green Indeed, the Dollars have a legitimate putting green in their backyard. It came with their Greystone home, which they purchased from pro golfer Steve Lowery. “I don’t even golf, but it was a cool feature,” Dennis says. “We didn’t want to have it removed.” They came close, though. At first, Janie wanted a pool instead of the putting green. But they decided to keep the bright green swatch of turf that has become a conversation piece and source of entertainment for their five grandchildren and other guests. “The kids love it,” Dennis says.

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English Garden The English garden was another element of the original backyard. A vine-laden trellis at the garden’s entrance gives way to an intimate space, where someone can sit on one of the concrete benches and enjoy the surrounding beauty within and beyond the garden’s box tree hedges.“The grandkids love to go sit in the English garden,” Janie says. “It’s funny what the grandkids gravitate toward in the back. I just love watching them, though.”

2016

BEHIND THE SCENES Design: Dennis and Janie Dollar Landscape and Lawn Service: Southlawn Lawn Treatment Service: Heritage Lawn Irrigation: Dustin’s Irrigation Fountain: Alabama Aquarium and Pond Hardscape Development and Installation: Dreamscapes ShelbyLiving.com 43

Covered Patio The ground-level covered patio is “the perfect place to sit and listen to the rain,” Dennis says. It affords them a prime view of a fountain the family nicknamed “Morton Salt Girl” years ago.

PERFECT EVENT VENUE Janie and Dennis Dollar will open their backyard to King’s Home Shelby Auxiliary for its Backyard Pumpkin Bash fundraiser Oct. 28, 6-9 p.m.

Individual tickets are available for $125, or a corporate sponsorship is $250 (includes two tickets and publicity). Contact Auxiliary President Pam Bradford at pbradfor@charter.net or (205) 533-4239.

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Fire Pit Fall is the perfect season for nights by the fire pit. The area offers plenty of seating in case the Dollars have guests over. “We like to entertain more outside than inside,� Janie says.

The relaxing atmosphere puts everyone at ease.

ShelbyLiving.com 45

A life of heroic achievement Veteran Skip Brown didn’t talk about the Vietnam War for many years. It took 45 for him to receive a Bronze Star.

W

By Rene’ Day Photos by Dawn Harrison

When you enter Louis I. (Skip) Brown’s home in Chelsea, the chorus of “voices” greeting you identifies this as a special place. Nina, Abby and Cooper are the first to say hello – followed by Molly and her two compatriots. As Skip makes introductions, it might strike some as incongruent that this seasoned war veteran and his wife, Cheryl, spend time taking care of these six furry and feathered family members. Perhaps I should clarify that Nina is a black German shepherd, Abby is a Yorkie, and Cooper is a toy poodle. Molly is one of three brilliant exotic birds. However, what may seem unusual at first is just a part of the

46 ShelbyLiving.com

amazing story that is Skip’s life.

Some individuals have a relationship with history that most never experience. Mr. Brown is one of those people. I planned to chat with him solely about the Bronze Star awarded in January – more than 40 years after he earned it in Vietnam.

But, I quickly realized that it was just part of a remarkable life. Vietnam has been a polarizing subject and, in many ways, Americans are just beginning to come to terms with that war. Today, there are three million veterans with important stories to tell and many are just beginning to talk about what happened to them in the Southeast

“It wasn’t cool then to be a Vietnam veteran.

People treated us terribly if they found out we were there. So I just got on with my life.”

- Louis I. (Skip) Brown

Asian jungles. In fact, until five years ago, Skip had never talked about his time there.

To understand, one must begin in Ohio. He was born and raised on a farm with six brothers and sisters. He spent his summers baling hay for the cows and taking care of the other animals. On May 4, 1970, he and a friend made a college visit to a school 55 miles away called Kent State University. As they walked from the Registrar’s office to their car across campus, they were caught up in one of America’s iconic events. Guardsmen had just opened fire on students protesting the Vietnam War. Surely, most have seen the photo of Mary Ann Vecchio kneeling over one of the dead students. What you didn’t see was Louis Brown and his friend, Danny, standing 30

feet to her right. They were cropped out of the PulitzerPrize winning photograph. The experience shook Skip to his core and made him realize that if Vietnam could cause this – he had to see what it was really all about. He says, “I decided right then that I had to volunteer and go.”

Despite his parents’ concern, he enlisted shortly thereafter. He was 18 years old.

After his enlistment, Skip was sent to Ft. Polk, Louisiana, for initial training and then on to Ft. Knox, Kentucky. In October he arrived at Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam. Skip spent his first months with the 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry – on the ground. It was a dangerous place to be in 1970. His interest in K-9 units was piqued at that time. While on a routine mission, a ShelbyLiving.com 47

trained German shepherd suddenly alerted to something just ahead. The soldiers soon realized that the dog could hear the wind whistling over the trip-wire to a buried mine. They all lived because of the shepherd’s quick reaction. After that experience, dogs would prove to play a large role in Skip’s life after the war.

In December, Skip was moved to the 11th Armored Calvary and served with those men for the rest of his time in Vietnam. Skip’s unit was due to return stateside March 1, 1972. On Feb. 28, a final ambush mission was announced. Skip and a close friend Tennessee both went on the mission. .

Around 2 p.m. on Feb. 29, the team was dropped close to a Viet Cong supply road. At 5:30, as he was eating supper, Skip noticed a Viet Cong soldier just to the right of his elbow. He moved back silently. The next thing Brown remembers is the blast of an enemy satchel charge – Tennessee took 70 percent of the blast and Skip took 30 percent, including a major wound to his right leg. An hour-long firefight ensued between the eight Americans and numerous Viet Cong soldiers. Air support was 48 ShelbyLiving.com

unavailable, but personnel carriers managed to rescue the men – six seriously wounded – and get them to helicopters that took them to the 24th Evacuation Hospital. By the time they arrived, Tennessee had died in Skip’s arms.

Rushed into surgery, Army doctors saved Skip’s life.

He then spent time in four Army hospitals, finally arriving at Valley Forge Army Hospital in Pennsylvania. After finishing physical therapy one morning, he came back to find a Purple Heart pinned to his pillow. But, when he called his family after his discharge, they told him no one would be coming to get him. So, he took a taxi and arrived home with $7 in his pocket. As Brown states, “It wasn’t cool then to be a Vietnam veteran. People treated us terribly if they found out we were there. So I just got on with my life.” He never talked about the war and he never realized he was eligible for the Bronze Star until five years ago. “I was just doing my job,” he explains.

In 2012, his former commander realized that Skipnever received the medal and went to work to make it happen.

JU.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who was then

HOMES & LAND

2016

serving as a U.S. Senator for the State of Alabama, served as the required legislative sponsor. And, in January 2017, Skip was finally recognized for the sacrifices he made so many years ago by receiving the Bronze Star for heroic achievement. It took 45 years for America to say thanks.

Skip Brown’s Vietnam experiences certainly helped shape the man he is today – but his story goes far beyond the jungles of 1972. Please join me, as I talk about his later brushes with history in another story coming soon.

ShelbyLiving.com 49

Mushrooms in Montevallo

At Grandview Farm, Charles and Shiyrah Crowther grow mushroom crops with sustainability in mind.

D

By Nancy Wilstach Photos by Dawn Harrison

Depending on where you grew up, the word “farm” may mean cotton sacks or wheat combines, grain elevators or brooder houses … but, once you visit Grandview Farm in Montevallo, “farm” also will mean logs, each with dozens of tiny holes in them, lying beside blue plastic children’s swimming pools.

50 ShelbyLiving.com

Charles and Shiyrah Crowther don’t milk or plow; yet they reap. They reap beautiful bumper crops of mushrooms—shiitakes, Reishis, turkey tails, lion’s mane and oyster mushrooms, the latter dazzling to the eye in their pale lustrous yellow and jewel-like softest pink.

On a hot summer day in 2017, the shiitakes are

begging for harvest—spreading broad flat brown tops across scores of oak and sweetgum logs. The logs are spread around blue plastic children’s wading pools, like so many sunbathers on a dappled riviera.

The mushrooms grow in semi-shade on a slope behind the Crowthers’ home. Each fungus pops from a hole Charles has drilled in a short log as recently as a few months ago, sometimes more than a year ago. The logs vary from a couple of inches in diameter to six or eight inches, each log two or three feet in length.

Each hole drilled in the logs has had a splurt of mushroom spawn injected into it, a process called “inoculation.”

For the burgeoning shiitakes, the results of this process— after a dip in the pool, a spell under cover and a period of basking propped up much like a Hollywood starlet on a poolside chaise—are these spreading velvety brown umbrellas of gourmet delight.

Charles and Shiyrah are quite clear about the purity of these mushrooms on their web site: “ … sustainable farming without the use of harmful chemicals and pesticides.”

But, as in any kind of farming, the weather can make you or break you. The mushroom logs, once inoculated, start their journey toward the harvest with a good soaking in those blue plastic wading pools, held down by mini boulders, the length of the bath depending on the size of the log. The objective is a good soaking.

However, the logs can get too wet if rainfall is heavy. Then, the Crowthers must drape them with plastic. If there is too

Patton Chapel ANIMAL

CLINIC

ShelbyLiving.com 51

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE? The taste of freshly harvested shiitake mushrooms from the Crowthers’ farm is much different than store-bought mushrooms. At Grandview Farm in Montevallo, the Crowthers use sustainable farming without chemicals and pesticides to grow their mushrooms.

little rainfall, the logs must not be allowed to dry out, so the sprinklers are turned on.

As any good cook can tell you, a few mushrooms added to an otherwise mundane meal can turn it into a gourmet repast.

Shiyrah is skilled in creating demand.

The harvested mushrooms go to market like any good farm crop. The Crowthers bring them to Montevallo’s Farmers Market on Monday afternoons and to Birmingham’s Pepper Place on Saturday mornings.

Because sometimes cooks are unfamiliar with the taste difference between an ordinary white, plastic-packaged, store-bought mushroom and a freshly harvested peak-offlavor shiitake, Shiyrah sautés a few of her delectables for shoppers’ sampling.

Yum! Sold!

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The Crowthers launched their Montevallo enterprise six years ago, but Charles has been growing fungal varieties for 14 years.

The Grandview web site hints at what else the Crowthers are doing throughout the year: Grandviewfarmmushroomsandmore.com Besides the intriguing mushrooms, the couple raise free-range chickens for brown eggs and have added “micro greens,” living plants that are bigger than sprouts but not yet leafed-out plants. Besides the log-grown shiitakes and turkey tails, the delicate oyster mushrooms grow in the Crowther greenhouse in pesticide-free pasteurized wheat straw.

The Reishis are either gathered wild or log-grown, and the Crowthers make tea from them. Shiyrah battled erratic blood pressure until she started the regimen, she

said, “but my blood pressure is normal now.”

The turkey tails also have medicinal properties, the couple said. Over all, exotic mushrooms fight gout, lower cholesterol and boost the immune system, they said. “There is research right now that is showing the shiitake is a remedy for stomach cancer,” Charles said.

Come October, the Crowthers are going to take their mushrooms on the road—or in the air—on a journey to Italy where they plan to teach what they have learned to farmers in Tuscany. Farmers are signing up in small groups there to gain the Crowthers’ mushrooming insights.

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Trailblazer

After starting on the pitcher’s mound, Zach Andrews has crossed the finish line of some of distance running’s most adventurous races.

Z

By Anne Riley Photos by Dawn Harrison

Zach Andrews has accomplished something that only a handful of people in the world can claim. In October 2013, he completed the Pitchell 100K – a grueling self-supported run through the mountains surrounding Asheville, North Carolina, that takes participants through 67 miles and 30,000 feet of elevation change.

“To this day, finishing Pitchell is the single most defining moment of my trail running life,” Andrews

said. “After 18 hours and 48 minutes of nonstop movement, I reached the summit of Mount Mitchell. It solidified the type of trail running and adventure that truly spoke to my soul, and it was a monumental moment of my life.”

The funny thing is, he didn’t really mean to become a runner.

Andrews grew up in Hartselle, Alabama, and attended Hartselle High School. There, he played ShelbyLiving.com 55

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basketball – his favorite sport – and baseball, which occupied most of his focus. His parents have always been incredibly supportive of his athletic pursuits and gave him exactly the kind of encouragement he needed as a high school athlete.

“They never pushed me to be better than anyone else,” Andrews said. “Instead, they instilled in me a hard work ethic and encouraged me to always do my best and to do all things with integrity.”

That hard work ethic accompanied Andrews to the University of Montevallo. From 2004-2008, he was an All-American pitcher for the Falcons, leading his team to the College World Series in 2006. It was his coach that first threw out the idea of distance running as a good form of conditioning for baseball – and sometimes, as a form of discipline for misbehaving team members.

“On the not-so-rare occasion that I got in trouble, I would get special treatment,” Andrews said. “This special treatment meant waking up on Friday mornings at 4 to meet Coach Goff.

I would hop in his car and he would drive me 6-7 miles from campus, drop me off, and let me run back. There was something extremely satisfying about running in the dark, knowing that the majority of the world was still fast asleep.”

Despite that satisfaction, Andrews didn’t see running as something that could be fun. It was conditioning at best, punishment at worst, and it certainly wasn’t on his radar as a potential hobby.

Sweet Dreams

Located 5 miles off Hwy 280 in the Chelsea/Columbiana area.

www.CanineCountryClub.pet 205-258-CLUB (2582) ShelbyLiving.com 57

“

There is something so magical about strapping on a pack with the bare essentials, heading out into the mountains before the sun rises, and not returning until the sun goes down.

- Zach Andrews 58 ShelbyLiving.com

�

But shortly after his marriage in 2010, he took up trail running. Before he knew it, he had signed up for his first race: the Black Warrior 50K. At that point, he’d never run farther than a half marathon, but he completed the race and solidified his love of ultra trail running.

“There is something so magical about strapping on a pack with the bare essentials, heading out into the mountains before the sun rises, and not returning until the sun goes down,” Andrews said. “What I love most about trail running is that it really gives you an opportunity to push your limits and explore your potential. The mountains aren’t biased and won’t hesitate to humble you!”

When he’s not running, Andrews stays busy serving as an ambassador for The FARM – a local Shelby County business that specializes in chiropractic care, injury rehabilitation and sports therapy.

The FARM even sent him to the Bryce Canyon 100 in Utah, which offered him two things he’ll never forget: the most beautiful scenery he’s ever experienced and a close encounter with a mountain lion, which “resulted in nothing more than one wild and vivid memory,” according to Andrews.

He also had the opportunity to be a hike leader for this year’s Make-A-Wish Trailblaze Challenge – an event that

aims to bring people together who are facing the common obstacle of life-threatening health conditions. Thanks to everyone who supported the Trailblaze Challenge, over $222,000 was raised for the Alabama Chapter of MakeA-Wish Foundation.

On any given day, Andrews can probably be found on the Blue Trail at Oak Mountain State Park, where he enjoys running up to King’s Chair and taking a break to enjoy the view. He’s also an active member of the Birmingham Ultra Trail Society, a group that encourages runners to take advantage of the incredible trail systems at Oak Mountain, Ruffner Mountain, Red Mountain and the Preserve. Andrews enjoys volunteering and helping with local events – anything to share the love of running and help others enjoy the adventurous outlet he thrives on.

As far as future races go, he’s got his eye on the Hardrock 100 in Silverton, Colorado. It’s not an easy race to get into, but Andrews has kept running qualifying races so that his name stays in the lottery. Whether or not he gets invited to the Hardrock 100, one thing is for sure: Zach Andrews isn’t slowing down anytime soon.

To connect with Andrews online, visit his blog at Fictionrunning.blogspot.com or follow him on Instagram @zeeger6.

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ST. VINCENT’S ONE NINETEEN

PROACTIVE APPROACH Don’t just react to medical problems; take steps to prevent them.

By Dr. Shanon Jernigan Photo Contributed Let’s face it. There will always be some medical problems that can’t be prevented. But there’s good news, too. There are many medical problems we can anticipate, and even prevent. And the diseases that can’t be avoided can often be managed through early identification and treatment.

That’s why I think it is so important to regularly see a primary care physician – someone who gets to know you and any risk factors you might have. Like other primary care doctors, I see it as my job as a family medicine specialist to not only treat disease, but to do everything possible to prevent disease. When you see your primary care physician regularly, that doctor can identify your health risks and help you develop a customized plan to avoid those risks.

It’s a great idea to get those annual checkups even as a young adult, so doctors can track family medical histories, schedule appropriate screenings and address lifestyle concerns that can lead to disease.

Here’s an example of why developing a relationship with a primary care doctor is so important. When I hear a young patient say, “Every man in my family has had a heart attack by 50,” I pay attention. I start monitoring that patient for heart disease, checking their weight and blood pressure. I’ll suggest they adopt a healthy diet and exercise, to do everything we can to break those family patterns.

But it’s never too late to get screenings, regular

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immunizations and assistance in developing a healthy lifestyle. Although it’s great to start that process in your 20s, retirees also benefit from preventative care.

Preventative medicine includes cancer screenings.

The timing of those screenings can be tailored to an individual’s family history. But preventative care also includes a physician getting to know the whole person.

Anxiety, depression and sleep issues can cause serious health problems, too.

I’ve practiced in Alabama my whole career. Many times I’ve treated multiple generations of the same family. I want patients to know there’s real value in developing a long-term relationship with a primary care physician – a doctor who not only treats you when you’re sick, but helps you identify and prevent life-threatening risks.

Dr. Shanon Jernigan is a family medicine physician at St. Vincent’s Primary Care – BIMA – Birmingham Internal Medicine Associates.

Greater Shelby Chamber of Commerce

Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce C o m m u n i t y • C o m m e rc e • C o l l a b o r a t i o n

September 2017 Business Connections Go & Grow Workshop: “Understanding How Business Relationships Work” 2017 Presenting Sponsor

business relationship, uHow to build a business relationship based on common values, uWhat “engagement” looks like in a business, uWhat “marriage” looks like in business, uStaying “married” in business, uAnd more.

The Go & Grow Workshop

will be from 11:30AM-1:00PM on Tuesday, September 5 at the Chamber. There is no cost to attend, but lunch is available for $10 per person for Chamber investors ($20 for “Future” investors).

To ensure we have a proper headcount, please make reservations by noon on Friday, September 1 (due to the Labor Day Holiday) for this workshop

Co-Sponsor

by contacting Payton Thomas, Manager of Business Development & Support via e-mail at payton@ shelbychamber.org, call 6634542, ext. 105 or register online at www.shelbychamber.org.

Join the Chamber for “CoffeeNet” at Ground Up Coffee & Smoothies located inside Snider’s Pharmacy Be sure to mark your calendar for Thursday, September 21 and join us at Ground Up Coffee & Smoothies located inside Snider’s Pharmacy, 15582 Highway 280 in Chelsea from 8:30AM until 9:30AM for CoffeeNet. The morning meeting, hosted by Ground Up

Coffee & Smoothies located inside Snider’s Pharmacy, is designed for investors to enjoy networking, coffee and light refreshments — all before heading to the office.

CoffeeNet events are a great way to make new business contacts so bring plenty of

business cards. There is no cost to attend however reservations are requested by noon on Tuesday, September 19 to assist in preparation.

Please contact the Chamber by phone at 663-4542 or register online at www. shelbychamber.org.

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Newsletter

On Tuesday, September 5, the Chamber’s Go & Grow Workshop -- presented by Business Telephones, Inc. and co-sponsored by JJC Professional Business Coaching, LLC -- will be an interactive workshop featuring Michael Smith, the Chamber’s Entrepreneur-in-Residence from The Great, The Good and The Gone.

Michael will be facilitating a workshop on understanding how relationships work in business. uHow to establish a solid

Greater Shelby Chamber of Commerce

Newsletter

Third Quarterly Industry Tour to be Held at Southern Organics The Chamber’s Existing Business & Industry Work Group is holding its third Quarterly Industry Tour, sponsored by Barge, Waggoner, Sumner and Cannon, Inc., from 9:00AM until 10:00AM on September 14 at Southern Organics near Columbiana.

Southern Organics specializes in growing local, healthy produce through ecologically sustainable methods. This is achieved by combining the aquaculture and hydroponic industries into one integrated system that thrives on continuous technological advances.

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2017 Presenting Sponsor

Nutrient-rich water from their tilapia flows under rafts in their state of the art greenhouses to continually nourish their plants. This enables them to grow all of their produce without the use of any pesticides, insecticides or any harmful chemicals used in traditional agriculture.

Southern Organics is able to grow superior products through continuous focus on innovation and sustainable practices. They believe there is value in being able to eat a product that was harvested that morning as opposed to a week or more ago. When buying products from

Southern Organics you are investing in food that is 100% locally grown and treated with care to ensure premium quality and taste.

Participants will meet on site at 120 Landfill Road, Columbiana AL 35051.

There is no cost to attend however reservations are requested to assist with preparation. Space is limited, register by noon on Tuesday, September 12 to Payton Thomas at payton@ shelbychamber.org or 6634542 ext. 105 or register online at www.shelbychamber.org/ events.

Greater Shelby Chamber of Commerce

Tee It Up “FORE” Education Golf Tournament Set for September 28

Gold Sponsor

2017 Presenting Sponsor

various sponsorships that are available, please contact the Chamber at 663-4542 or visit www.shelbychamber.org/ events for more details.

Silver Sponsors

YOUR CHAMBER AT WORK Facebook: 26 New Likes, 81 Visits and 6,368 Post Reaches, Total Likes 2,839.

Twitter: 2,815 Followers, 143 Tweets, 14.9K Tweet impressions, 215 Profile Visits and 9 Mentions.

Instagram: 185 Posts, 406 Followers.

Responded to 157 requests for business & community information.

Notarized 37 “Certificates of Origin” for Shelby County companies.

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Newsletter

The Greater Shelby County and the South Shelby Chambers of Commerce have teamed up for the 28th Annual TEE IT UP “FORE!” Education Tournament, presented in 2017 by America’s First Federal Credit Union, will be held, September 28 at Timberline Golf Club.

This year’s tournament proceeds will benefit both Chamber’s scholarships and career readiness intiatives in the coming year.

A few of the education and workforce development programs the Greater Shelby County Chamber has launched over the past few years include: Keeping it Real, Student Career Awareness Fair, Student and Educator of the Year and Communication Matters.

Sponsorships and teams are almost sold out. If your organization is interested in having a team, player or participating through the

Greater Shelby Chamber of Commerce

Newsletter

Calling Volunteers for 2017 Student Career Awareness Fair

The Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce will be hosting its 3rd annual Student Career Awareness Fair at the Shelby County Exhibition Center in Columbiana on Tuesday, September 12 and Wednesday, September 13 for Shelby County 10th grade students. We are seeking volunteers to spend a day (8:30AM - 2:30PM) or a 1/2 day sharing your expertise with the students about the career fields listed at the end of this article.

As you can see there are 16 “career clusters/ areas” needing multiple volunteers in each to share with the students what they can expect in the “real world” what it’s like to work in a particular career field such as: how to dress, educational requirements, salary ranges, day-to-day expectations and

Gold Sponsors

duties, etc.

If you or someone in your business would like to volunteer please contact Keyla Handley at 663-4542 ext. 106, keyla@ shelbychamber.org for details or sign up online a www. shelbychamber.org. uAgriculture, Food, and Natural Resources uArchitecture & Construction uArts, AV Technology & Communication

uBusiness Management & Admin uEducation & Training uFinance uGovernment & Public Admin uHealth Science uHospitality & Tourism uHuman Services uInformation Technology uLaw, Public Safety, Corrections, Security uManufacturing

uMarketing uScience, Technology, Engineering, Math u Transportation, Distribution, Logistics

Volunteers Needed to Assist 9th Grade Students at “Keeping It Real” Program The Chamber is launching its 5th year of “Keeping It Real” in September. This program teaches 9th grade students about “real world” life choices by having them choose a random “life scenario” which includes marital/family status, education, job and salary. They learn how fast money can be spent just on basic necessities.

It’s been an eye opening experience for the past few years for the 9th graders and

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2017 Presenting Sponsors

volunteers alike!

Volunteers are asked to spend one-half to one day at the school. Our first visit will be on September 22 at Cornerstone Christian School

followed by Kingwood Christian School on September 29. Volunteers would manage a station and assist 9th grade students as they “pay bills” and make “life choices” based

on the randomly drawn life situations. If you or your colleagues, are interested in being a volunteer, please call Keyla Handley at 663-4542 ext. 106, email at keyla@ shelbychamber.org or sign up online at www.shelbychamber. org. Volunteers would arrive at the schools as early as 7:30AM and the program would conclude by 3:00PM. Lunch will be provided for all volunteers.

Greater Shelby Chamber of Commerce

Health Focus of the Month: Healthy Aging

2017 Presenting Sponsor

Exercise has even been shown to help prevent dementia.

Remember, the more you move today, the more likely you are to still be moving tomorrow! uBALANCED DIET: A diet that includes more fruits and

vegetables will be higher in antioxidants, which help protect us against age-related changes.

High intake of produce also decreases the risk of many types of cancers. And plenty of protein is needed to help you maintain

that muscle mentioned above. uSOCIAL SUPPORT: The emotional support offered by friends and family is often associated with longer, happier, and even healthier lives. uCHECK-UPS: Regular visits to your physician will allow you to stay up-to-date on those blood pressure and cholesterol checks, cancer screenings, vaccinations, and other tests recommended for chronic disease prevention.

Of course, this is by no means a comprehensive list. There are numerous healthy habits that can help us age gracefully, but this is a great place to start!

Article submitted by: Whitney Tew, MD Grandview Medical Group — Lee Branch

Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Hosts “Annual Safety Awards” at September Community Luncheon Join us on Wednesday, September 27 for the “Annual Safety Awards” Community Luncheon, presented by Alabama Power and cosponsored by A.C. Legg, Inc., as we honor public safety officials from throughout Shelby County. Each year we are privileged to recognize individuals who have demonstrated outstanding excellence in public safety by presenting them with an award.

This program is an opportunity for us to personally give thanks to the fire, police and sheriff personnel, and honor them for

2017 Presenting Sponsor

the outstanding service and sacrifices they make each day in keeping our respective communities a safe place to

Gold Sponsor

at the Pelham Civic Complex and Ice Arena, 500 Amphitheater Drive, Pelham.

Reservations requested by noon on Monday, September 25. Investment: Chamber investors $20, “Future” investors $30. Register online live, work, and play.

The luncheon will be held at www.shelbychamber.org or from 11:00AM until 1:00PM call the Chamber office at 663on Wednesday, September 27 4542.

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Newsletter

The US population is aging quickly. As a result, healthy aging is on the forefront of everyone’s minds, from epidemiologists and public health officials, to us as individuals. Getting older is inevitable, but there are ways you can take action now to improve your health down the road. uEXERCISE: This is perhaps the most important of all. Try to be more active throughout the day, in addition to having a regular exercise program. Most people know about the need for cardiovascular exercise, but the importance of resistance training is often overlooked.

Resistance training allows you to hang on to the muscle mass you generally lose with time.

Greater Shelby Chamber of Commerce

Newsletter

Ambassador of the Month

Michael Ray is the Sales and Project Manager for Plexamedia.

Plexamedia is a company that specializes in responsive web design for businesses, churches, and non-profits. They also have the ability to live stream church services. He joined the company in June of 2011 shortly after receiving his bachelors in Information Systems from UAB. His company became an investor of the Greater Shelby County Chamber in February 2014, and he has been involved with the Ambassador Program for two years and is currently serving as Chair of the Program.

While a native to Gadsden, AL, he recently moved to the Hoover area after getting married and finishing his MBA at UAB in May 2014. His wife is a graduate from the University of Montevallo. Before working for Plexamedia, he was an IT manager for a local bank in Etowah County. Outside of his work, he is very active at the Station Church on Valleydale

GSCCC Board of Directors (as of 6/21/17)

Officers Keith Brown Jefferson State Community College (Chair) Joe Meads Sain Associates (Chair-elect) Paul Rogers NobleBank & Trust (Immediate Past Chair)

Ambassador Program Presented in 2017 by:

Charlie Stevens Thompson Tractor Company, Inc. (Vice Chair, Business Development & Support) Jim Purvis A. C. Legg, Inc. (Vice Chair, Communications & Marketing)

Road and enjoys photographing weddings with his wife.

For more information about Plexamedia, call Michael at 256458-7656 or visit plexamedia. com.

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

Linda Cencula Avadian Credit Union (Vice Chair, Community & Workforce Development) Bill Connor America’s First Federal Credit Union (Vice Chair, Finance & Administration) Kathy Copeland White Rock Quarries – Vincent Hills (Vice Chair, Governmental Affairs) John Browning Cahaba Valley Computer Services (Vice Chair, Investor Development) Board of Directors Matt Fridy (2017) Wallace, Jordan, Ratliff & Brandt

Jeff Brown (2018) Brownstone Marketing Solutions William Carroll (2018) Armstrong Relocation Companies Alex Dudchock (2018) Shelby County Alison D. Howell (2018) Alabama Power Company Brian Massey (2018) St. Vincent’s Health System Tracey Morant Adams (2019) Renasant Bank Troy Ainsworth (2019) Lhoist North America Jay Dennis (2019) Regions Bank Mike Rickman (2019) Brookwood Baptist Health System Charles Hall (2019) Grandview Medical Center Mitt Schroeder (2019) Central State Bank April Harry (*) Warren, Averett LLC Mark Meadows (*) Chick-fil-A @ Inverness Rocky Patel (*) Hampton Inn & Suites-Pelham David Platt (*) Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Alabama

Chris Grace (2017) Barge, Waggoner, Sumner & Cannon, Inc.

Keith Richards (*) Taziki’s Mediterranean Café

Katie McDowell (2017) Shelby County Newspapers, Inc.

Mechelle Wilder (*) ARC Realty

Michael Smith (2017) The GREAT, The GOOD and The GONE

(*) Serving a one-year term in 2017

Craig Sorenson (2017) SouthWest Water Company

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Mike Swinson (2017) Alabama Gas Corporation

Greater Shelby Chamber of Commerce

Welcome New Investors (as of 8/1/2017)

Angel Warriors Foundation Beth Chapman & Associates, LLC Champion Sports Medicine EliteMark Recruiting & Training Heartland Kevin Martin - New York Life Low Latency Communications, LLC Realty Pros, LLC - Amy Spinks Rodan and Fields Smiley Brothers Specialty Foods The Foundry Ministries

Alabaster Birmingham Pelham Pelham Pelham Alabaster Pelham Montevallo Birmingham Pelham Bessemer

Associations & Organizations Public Relations Firm Health & Wellness Staffing Payroll Services Insurance Telecommunications Real Estate Health & Beauty Retail Thrift Store

For a complete listing of all current Chamber investors please visit our Online Business Directory at business.shelbychamber.org/list.

Chamber’s Two Entrepreneur Roundtables Offer Support mistakes.

The Roundtable program is exclusive for the single individual responsible for the direction of the company and with the authority to make final decisions.

There are currently two groups that meet - Entrepreneur Roundtable I which meets in discuss opportunities, challenges Hoover and Entrepreneur and more.

For additional information on Roundtable 280 which meets on Highway 280 - each month to the Chamber’s Entrepreneur

2017 Presenting Sponsor

Roundtable program - or an application to join one of the groups - please contact Chamber President Kirk Mancer by phone at 663-4542 ext. 101 or via e-mail at kirk@shelbychamber.org.

Start Receiving Substantial Savings on Items You Use Everyday by Creating Your Office Depot Account Today!

The Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce serves you by advocating for initiatives that will improve the business climate in our county and by creating programs that will help you promote and grow your business. The affinity program we have with Office Depot can help grow your bottom line by cutting hundreds of dollars in

expenses from your balance sheet.

If you have any questions, please contact Lisa Shapiro at 663-4542, ext. 103 or email lisa@shelbychamber.org.

If you’re ready to place your order from Office Depot, visit the Chamber’s website at www.shelbychamber.org, look for the Office Depot logo and click to start saving today.

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Newsletter

The Chamber’s Entrepreneur Roundtable program is part problem-solving, part information-gathering and contact building. Participating business owners from noncompeting companies meet for a confidential, peer-to-peer forum each month to gain valuable insights into others’ successes and achievements, and learn how to avoid the pitfalls of their

Greater Shelby Chamber of Commerce

CHAMBER Events

Read more details or register for events online at www.shelbychamber.org or the Chamber office 663-4542. Unless otherwise noted events listed will be held at 1301 County Services Dr., Pelham 35124. CANCELLATION POLICY REMINDER: Cancellation for a paying event must be made TWO days prior to the event.

September 2017

Newsletter

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Chamber closed for Labor Day.

Small Business Mentorship Appointments 8:00AM - 11:00AM Michael Smith, The Good, The Great & The Gone By appointment. Contact Payton Thomas at 663-4542, ext.

105.

Go & Grow Workshop “Understanding Business Relationships” 11:30AM - 1:00PM Presented by Michael Smith of The Great, The Good and The Gone Presented by: Business Telephones, Inc. & Co-sponsored by: JJC Professional Business Coaching, LLC Reservations requested by noon on September 1.

Investment: No cost for workshop but lunch is available for $10 investors, $20 “Future” investors.

Career Readiness Group 8:30AM - 9:30AM Shelby County Instructional Service Center 601 First Street South, Alabaster Ambassadors Work Group 11:30AM - 1:00PM Sponsor: NobleBank & Trust Small Business Work Group 4:00PM - 5:00PM Sponsor: Brownstone Marketing Solutions

Education Connections 8:30AM - 9:30AM Helena High School 1310 Hillsboro Parkway, Helena South Shelby Chamber Luncheon 11:30AM - 1:00PM Columbiana First Baptist Church 208 North Main Street, Columbiana Investment: $15. Reservation required.

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Health Services Work Group 8:30AM - 9:30AM

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Career Awareness Fair 8:30AM - 2:30PM Shelby County Exhibition Center 86 Argo Road, Columbiana Sponsors: AC Legg, Inc., Graham & Associates, CPAs & Whataburger

Existing Business & Industry Work Group 8:30AM - 9:30AM iBERIABANK2695 Pelham Pkwy, Pelham

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Quarterly Industry Tour 9:00AM - 10:00AM Sponsor: Barge, Waggoner, Sumner & Cannon, Inc. Southern Organics, 120 Landfill Rd, Columbiana Education Connections 8:30AM - 9:30AM Vincent High School, 42505 Highway 25, Vincent Entrepreneur Roundtable 280 11:30 - 12:30PM Presented By: Graham & Associates, CPAs

Montevallo Chamber Monthly Luncheon 11:30AM - 1:30PM Parnell Memorial Library, 377 Park Dr, Montevallo Investment: $12. No reservation required.

CoffeeNet 8:30AM - 9:30AM Ground Up Coffee & Smoothie’s located inside Snider’s Pharmacy, 15582 Highway 280, Chelsea Reservations requested by noon on September 19.

Entrepreneur Roundtable I 7:30AM - 8:30AM Presented By: Graham & Associates, CPAs

Keeping It Real 1:00PM - 2:30PM Sponsors: eCO Credit Union Foundation & The UPS Store Caldwell Mill Rd. Cornerstone Christian School, 24975 Hwy 25, Columbiana GSCC Community Luncheon “Safety Awards” Presenting Sponsor: Alabama Power Company & Co-sponsor: A.C. Legg, Inc. Doors open at 11:00AM. Program 11:30AM - 1:00PM. Pelham Civic Complex & Ice Arena 500 Amphitheater Rd, Pelham Reservations requested by noon, Monday, August 28.

Investment: $20 investors, $30 “Future” investors.

Governmental Affairs Work Group 8:30AM - 9:30AM Sain Associates, Two Perimeter Park South, Ste 500 East, Birmingham “Tee It Up FORE Education” Golf Tournament 7:15AM - 3:00PM Presenting Sponsor: America’s First Federal Credit Union Timberline Golf Club, 300 Timberline Trail, Calera Keeping It Real 1:00PM - 2:30PM Sponsors: eCO Credit Union Foundation & The UPS Store Caldwell Mill Rd. Kingwood Christian School, 1351 Royalty Dr, Alabaster

OUT & ABOUT

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PELHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY’S LEGO COMPETITION PHOTOS BY BRIANA HARRIS

About 20 children participated in Pelham Public Library’s LEGO Building Competition for youth ages 6-18 on Saturday, July 15.

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1. Trace, Nikki, Charles, Madison and Gabriella Miles 2. Tricia and James Schmid 3. Sarah, Abby and Amy Vandiver 4. Paul and David Schmid 5. Emma and Jill Davis 6. Keller and Sydney Brownell 7. Courtney Cook, Gavin Cook, Justin Thomas, David Schmid, Keller Brownell and Addison Morris

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OUT & ABOUT

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BARK & WINE 2017

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PHOTOS BY SAMANTHA TRIVETT

The 8th Annual Bark & Wine benefitting Shelby Humane Society was held July 22 at Greystone County Club. Guests enjoyed silent and live auctions, a strolling dinner and drinks.

1. Cathy Roussell, Brittny Rene, Rachael Hooper and Lacey Bacchus 2. Jake Guercio 3. Chef Gray Byrum and Chef Mark Stevens 4. Chef Mark Stevens 5. Terry Ponder and Connie Ponder 6. Frank Lewis and Nancy Lewis 7. Jack Granger and Luke Williamson 8. Hannah Collier and Kyle Walters 9. Fred Gleason and Connie Gleason 10. Mary Catherine Schroeder and Chuck Schroeder 11. Donna McFeeters and Cindy Beatty 12. Erica Meadows and Anthony Romano 13. Emily Sage and Staci Horne

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Don’t let pain or injury keep you from doing what you love!

Visit your local BenchMark Physical Therapy.

Our licensed physical therapists are trained to get you moving and feeling better—faster! Let us focus on your full recovery while you focus on what matters to you.

ALTADENA SQUARE • (205) 298-8711 CHELSEA (THE NARROWS) • (205) 981-4534 CRESTLINE • (205) 957-0870 HELENA • (205) 621-8822 HOOVER • (205) 403-8701 MOODY • (205) 640-0257 SPRINGVILLE • (205) 467-0110

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OUT & ABOUT

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HELENA JAZZ IN THE PARK

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PHOTOS BY GRAHAM BROOKS AND KEITH MCCOY

Helena residents and non-residents alike filed into the Helena Amphitheater in the early evening hours on July 9, to enjoy the free Jazz in the Park concert presented

by Magic City Smooth Jazz.

1. Morgan Bass, India Easley and Dylon Demoss.

2. Mona Brown and Clinton Billworth.

3. Vivian Brown and Lanita Goree.

4. Ken and Terri Ball.

5. Sonoria and Earnest.

6. Allison Dees and Boston Sharp.

7. The Bentley family.

8. Cassia Davis and Maryln Carson.

9. Katie, Lance and Noah Hutchison.

10. Chris and Alexander Giovannelli.

11. Columbus Pruitt and Bernie Evans.

12. Monique Rogers and Omar Sims.

13. Shannon and David McFall.

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Throughout our community the things we build best are

relationships.

Call (205) 986-9846 today to attend our New Beginnings event at 11 a.m. Thursday, September 21.

A Life Care* Community 3850 Galleria Woods Birmingham, Alabama 35244 brookdale.com *Life Care plan/guarantee is subject to the terms of the Residency Contract.

80072-Galleria WoodsSeptember Ads1 3 SW

©2017 Brookdale Senior Living Inc. All rights reserved. BROOKDALE SENIOR LIVING and BRINGING NEW LIFE TO SENIOR LIVING are the registered trademarks of Brookdale Senior Living Inc.

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OUT & ABOUT

TAZIKI’S RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY

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PHOTOS BY AMALIA KORTRIGHT

Taziki’s Mediterranean Café celebrated the grand opening of its Alabaster location at a ribbon cutting ceremony on Tuesday, July 18.

1. April Stone and Barbara Zieba 2. Cindy Warner and Dana Martin 3. Marty Handlon and Keith Richards 4. Tre’ Morton and Keith Sides

®

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OUT & ABOUT

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CHELSEA FARMERS MARKET PHOTOS BY AMALIA KORTRIGHT

Locals from Chelsea and surrounding communities gathered outside Chelsea City Hall to buy freshly grown produce and crafts from vendors.

1. Jason and Linda Roberts

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2. Joyce Thornton 3. Eugenia and Kent O’Daniel 4. Don Driggers 5. Charlie and Anna Garner 6. Fanoula Gulas 7. Alan Sweet

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OUT & ABOUT

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GSCCC’S STATE OF THE SCHOOLS

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PHOTOS BY BRIANA HARRIS

Superintendents from throughout Shelby County gathered at the Great Shelby County Chamber of Commerce’s community luncheon on Wednesday, July 26, to share information about their respective school systems.

1. Danny Steele, Neely Woodley, Charissa Cole and Rachea Simms 2. Tre Morton, Ron Gilchrist and Ann Marie Boyd 3. Kirk Mancer and John Turner 4. Benji Sawyer 5. Maxine Burns and Latanza Harrison 6. Paul Howell and Lewis Brooks 7. Wynell Gilbert and Cindy Warner 8. Shannon Bogert, Kim Kiel and Amanda Wilbanks

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OUT & ABOUT

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PELHAM SENIOR CENTER PHOTOS BY BRIANA HARRIS

Area senior citizens played a game of Duplicate Bridge at the Pelham Senior Center on Monday, July 24, at 10 a.m.

1. Karen Johnson and Harold Higgins 2. Anne Hauck and Diane Furnish

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3. Wilma Whitaker, Keith Johnson, Anne Hauck, Jim Lofe, Karen Johnson, Harold Higgins, Janiece Beinke and Diane Furnish

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Marketplace Shelby Living • 205.669.3131

Acceptance Loan Company, Inc. Personal Loans! Let us Pay Off Your Title Loans!

224 Cahaba Valley Rd, Pelham 205-663-5821

Be part of the next breakthrough Cancer treatment.

Donate Today. Your donation funds lifesaving research, treatment and care. www.cancer.org Great Jobs ARE Out There...

If You Know Where to Look!

AIDT recruits, screens & trains qualified applicants for outstanding jobs statewide.

All at NO COST to you! Visit www.aidt.edu/jobs today to view your opportunities!

INDUSTRIAL ATHLETES $17.68 hour plus production & safety $$$ incentives. Grocery order selection using electric pallet jacks & voice activated headsets. Paid vacation. Paid holidays. Blue Cross health & dental insurance. Matching 401k plan. Apply online at AGSOUTH.COM or call Charlie Seagle at (205) 808-4833 Pre-employment drug test required.

Lake Mitchell!

1209 Co Rd 261 Spacious home with privacy & beautiful views. GR w/exposed beams & rock fp. Wood floors, large rooms make this home perfect for entertaining or relaxing. FR w/fp. Multiple decks, exterior stone fireplace, dock & 2 covered boat slips. $270,000.

MLS#786807 Atkinson Real Estate LLC 256-245-6782 NITES 205-369-7769 Automation Personnel Services Hiring IMMEDIATELY For: Automotive Assembly, General Labor, Production, Clerical, Machine Operator, Quality, Carpentry, Welder, Foundry Positions In: Calera, Clanton, Pelham, Bessemer, McCalla Walk-in applications accepted.

Clanton (205)280-0002 Pelham (205)444-9774 B&J Metal Fabricators Professional sheet metal replacement and fabrication on classic cars/trucks. $65.00/hour for labor Parts/supplies additional Quotes based per job. Media

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blasting available. Powder coating coming soon. Montevallo area.

(205)665-4687 (205)296-9988 Bama Concrete Hiring Mixer Drivers Local deliveries. Class-B+ CDL, 2yrs MINIMUM heavyhaul experience/ Clean MVR. Competitive Pay/ Great Benefits.

Apply in person: 2180 Hwy 87 Alabaster, 35007 Be Blessed Caregivers (205)381-2391 Need dependable, loving, dedicated care for your loved ones? Call us today for a free consultation.

Licensed-Bonded-Insured.

Bathing-Dressing-Meals-ErrandsLight House Cleaning-Medication Reminders-Hygiene.

John 3:16 Beelman Truck Hiring Experienced Mechanics and Drivers. Great pay.

Great benefits.

Apply online at beelman.com or call 205-665-5507.

Birmingham Hide & Tallow Immediate position for CLASS-B ROUTE DRIVERS FOR LOCAL ROUTE. WELL-ESTABLISHED 100+ YEAR COMPANY NOW HIRING ROUTE DRIVERS. HOME NIGHTS/WEEKENDS. LOOKING FOR HARD WORKING DRIVERS TO JOIN OUR TEAM. CLEAN MVR/BG CHECK REQUIRED. COMPETITIVE PAY & BENEFITS: BCBC, 401K, PAID HOLIDAYS/VACATION, COMPANY FURNISHED UNIFORMS. CALL 205-425-1711 OR EMAIL: adria.lupien@bhtonline.com NOW HIRING CAMPGROUND MAINTENANCE Must have basic electrical/ plumbing/handyman/multi-tasker/ computer knowledge/customer service/communication skills/ fluent English. Ability to pass a background/drug screen. Send resume to tammy@abshop.com.

CAREGIVER Over 20 yrs experience.

Trustworthy. References upon request. 24/7. Light cooking, drs appts., will run errands.

CALL 205-566-4900

ShelbyLiving.com

Borden Dairy of Alabama, LLC NOW HIRING for Class B CDL Delivery Drivers at our Irondale, AL Branch. Six Months verifiable experience driving a Commercial Vehicle. Experience in customer service preferred.

Go to www.bordendairy.com to apply. (Careers, select location) Borden Dairy of Alabama, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

BRIARWOOD APARTMENTS Now Leasing! Beautiful 1 and 2 Bedroom Apartments Mon & Wed 8:30am-4pm 535-A Hicks St Montevallo 205-665-2257 TDD #’s: (V)1-800-548-2547 (T/A)1-800-548-2546 This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

DELIVERY DRIVERS Local Grocery Distributor in Alabaster seeking qualified drivers.

Delivery/unloading to multiple locations. Mon-Fri work week.

Requirements: Valid DL, clean driving record. Benefits: Competitive wages, bonuses, benefits, opportunity for advancement. Call 205-397-1782.

BTC Wholesale Distributors FOR SALE: Oracal Vinyl and Premium HTV Vinyl by the Foot or by the Yard C&C Trophy & Sign, Inc. 209 6th ST N Clanton CAGLE SOD FARM 419 Hybrid Bermuda • $1.35 sq.yd.

Meyers Zoysia • $2.50 sq.yd.

Empire Zoysia • $3.00 sq. yd.

DELIVERY AVAILABLE 662-365-3152 www.caglesod.com Carroll Fulmer Now Hiring Class-A CDL Drivers. Over-the-road positions Available. Dry vans. No hazmat.

Must have one year over-the-road Experience and a clean MVR. Competitive pay and bonus Package. Good home time.

Call 800-633-9710 ext. 2 CDL Drivers Needed!

HOME DAILY! •$850-$1250/week •Paid Vacation after 1yr •Medical/Dental/Vision Avail.

•New Equipment 2yrs Exp, Clean MVR, Drug Test Chris 205-446-5400 chrisgilliland01@gmail.com Regina (205)275-2293

rparker7770@gmail.com Danny (205)471-3177 dcgcfi@gmail.com FT Presser for Dry Cleaner.

Salary, vacation, holidays, health & life insurance. Must have reliable transportation.

Call Debbie: 205-588-6521 Hiring part-time salesmen for permanent morning shift Monday-Friday. $10/hour versus commission. Call 256•404•7897 and leave a message to be considered for the position.

PT Golf Course Grounds Worker Visit www.cityofmontevallo.com for detailed job description and on-line application or apply in person at City Hall, 541 Main St, Montevallo, AL 35115 EEO Got a Class A or Class B CDL? WE WANT YOU! We can even do OJT in some cases. We offer a NO overnight, NO Weekend 4-day workweek!

You need to be able to drive a manual shift or automatic transmission truck. On some deliveries you will need to be able to lift at least 75 lbs- just letting you know up front (yep–we have hand trucks and dollys though!)

We start early-so you need to be able to wake before the roosters– but we don’t work late nights.

We are a Birmingham based, family owned Company with a 90 year business history, so yeah– we are here to stay! Call 205-7954533 or send resume to trans@citywholesale.com Library Director Chilton/Clanton Public Library Master of Library Science preferred, with 5 years supervisory library experience. Applications available at Clanton Library circulation desk, email darlene@chiltonclantonlibrary.org or by mail to the Chilton/Clanton Public Library 100 First Ave Clanton, AL 35045 Ready to Work for the #1 Brand in the World?

Now Hiring Class A-CDL Drivers for Coca-Cola Bottling United. Go to www.cocacolaunited.com to apply!

Columbiana Health and Rehabilitation, LLC is currently looking for a few good people for the following positions:

•PRN Dietary •PRN Housekeeping/Laundry •Full Time RN/LPN 7P-7A •Full Time CNA Night Shift •Part Time CNAs (Day and evening shifts) Please apply in person to: 22969 Hwy 25 Columbiana, AL 35051 Applications are accepted Monday-Friday 8:30A-4:00P. Coosa Valley Medical Center NOW HIRING! •LPNs: Post Acute Care •Respiratory Therapist: Sign on Bonus Email resume to: Blaine.Green@cvhealth.net or to apply, go to www.cvhealth.net Full Time and Part Time RN’s Needed for home health in Bibb, Shelby and Chilton counties.

Excellent Salary and Benefits.

Please send resumes to jobs@rubic.com or call 866-273-3984 DCH Health System Caring. For Life. $5,000 *Sign-on Bonus for full time RNs *For More Info Contact Annie.Miller@dchsystem.com Apply online at: www.dchsystem.com EXPERIENCED ASPHALT EQUIPMENT OPERATORS Dunn Construction is now hiring for the following full-time positions: •Backhoe Operator: Must be able to demonstrate use of front and back of equipment.

•CDL HAZMAT Drivers: Must hold current Commercial Driver’s License w/Hazmat endorsement, as well as clean driving record.

2 years experience is a must.

•CDL Driver Class B or A: Must have at least 12 months’ experience operating dump truck.

•Experienced Asphalt Equipment Operators •Asphalt Laborers: Looking to hire in Saginaw & Birmingham areas.

•In search of anyone w/previous asphalt operations experience.

401K, health, vision, dental, life insurance, paid holidays, PTO benefits. E-Verify.

To Apply: Go to dunnconstruction.com Click on “Working at Dunn, scroll to the bottom of the page & click position to apply. If you have questions you can emailcareers@dunnconstruction. com EOE/Minorities/Females/ Disabled/Veterans

PT/FT Farm Equipment Operator, Lawn Maintenance and Fork Lift Driver Needed Drug and Background Check Required.

Apply In Person: 150 Princeton Lane Jemison, AL 35085 Plumbing Service & Repair Technician Requirements: •Journeyman’s plumbing card •Experience in Residential/ Commercial service/repair/drain cleaning/sewer work •Clean-cut/self-motivated •Good communication skills •Clean MVR/background/ drug test Email resume: john@jeffcoat.us NOW HIRING MECHANIC Must be able to pass background check, drug screening, Needs own tools Apply at: Ellison Auto Sales 12 Ellison Lane Jemison, AL. ASE Auto Technician with Imports (German) experience.

Candidate should have: •strong work ethic •own tools Quality & craftsmanship are important. www.empireautohaus.com Welder Training Short Term Licensing Call for Details 866-432-0430 ESDschool.com Eastern Tree Service 24 Hour Storm Service www.ETSTree.org Experienced Professionals 205-856-2078 Quick Response Free Estimates $2000 SIGN ON BONUS NEW PAY SCALE TO QUALIFYING DRIVERS EVERGREEN TRANSPORT, is accepting applications for local drivers in the Calera and Leeds, AL, area. Must have Class A CDL, good driving record, 1 yr verifiable tractor trailer experience. Good pay and benefits. Apply in person at 8278 Hwy 25 South, Calera, AL, or call for info 205-668-3316.

LABORERS NEEDED INDUSTRIAL CONTRACTOR Faulkner Industrial Sterrett, AL • Pre-employment drug screen and criminal background check required.

• Random Drug/Alcohol screening also administered • Must have State DL or State issued ID. • Must be able to pass basic written safety exams after training • Must be physically fit.

Work includes use of personal protective equipment.

This includes ½ face and full-face respirator, must be clean shaven.

• Must be willing to travel, in and

out of town work. Hotels paid by company and daily cash perdiem issued • OSHA 10 & MSHA a plus.

• Mechanic and Trouble Shooting Skills a plus.

• Pay depends on experience and personal skill sets. Pay starts at 12.00 for basic labor that meets all criteria above. Higher pay is available for higher skill sets or when skills are proven.

• Must provide work history and references.

Please call for application: 205-672-8556 Now taking applications for: •Cook •Bartender •Waitress •Line Dance Instructor for growing business in Clanton.

205-755-4949 or 334-235-0228 PELHAM LOCATION NOW OPEN: Monday-Saturday, 11am-8pm Sunday, 11am-2pm Try our ribs!

Ask about our daily specials.

309 Huntley Parkway 624-4461 ONLINE AUCTIONS www.GTAOnlineAuctions.com 205-326-0833 Granger, Thagard & Assoc.

Jack F. Granger #873 H&H Waterproofing Now Hiring Experienced Waterproofers Must be able to pass background check and drug test.

205-670-0090 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 1-800-634-7315 or come by HTL office at 1700 Boone Blvd, Northport.

EOE Hardee’s Now Hiring •Crew Members/Hoover •Management/Calera Email resume to: hardees2007@bellsouth.net 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

Looking for a wonderful place to live?

NEW Meadow View Village Apartments. Columbiana, AL. Now Pre-leasing 2&3 Bedrooms.

Great Amenities Provided.

Call 256-560-0821 99 Eagle Lane info@hollyhand.com.

Equal Housing Opportunity.

NOW TAKING APPLICATIONS Managers and Assistant Managers MONTEVALLO KFC 950 N. MAIN STREET MONTEVALLO, AL 35115 To apply send resumes to: Attn: Katie Badgwell 113 25th Ave East Tuscaloosa, AL 35404 (205) 553-8621 Katie@jmfkfc.com

for Sales, Service, and Detail Shop. Apply with the receptionist.

205-755-3430

Part Time Apartment Manager Immediate opening for part time apartment manager in Clanton, AL. Previous residential property management experience and/ or Rural Development property preferred. Strong organizational, communication & computer skills. Ability to effectively multitask. Position eligible for health insurance and paid time off.

For Immediate Consideration Email Resume to: hiringdept0885@gmail.com Include in Subject Line: CLANTON Background checks will be run prior to starting employment.

CDL TRUCK DRIVER For Tree Service Also hiring for other full-time and part-time jobs.

Drug Test Required.

205-836-2038 or 205-229-7144

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

Clanton Villas 2806 7th Street Clanton, AL 35045 1 Bedroom Units Rental Office 205-755-9377 TDD/TTY 1-800-548-2546 This institution is an equal opportunity provider and Employer.

Owner Operators Wanting Dedicated Year Round Anniston, AL www.pull4klb.com

International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers Celebrating 100 years of justice, equality and fairness in the workplace.

BIRMINGHAM AREA INSULATORS LOCAL 78 THE HEAT AND FROST INSULATORS LOCAL 78 will be accepting applications for a fouryear Apprenticeship Program.

Applications will be accepted on Tuesdays only between 8:30am and 2:00pm at 2653 Ruffner Road Birmingham, AL 35210 205-956-2866 or craig@insulators78.org Applicants must be at least 18 years old and furnish proof of age. Applicants will be required to take a simple math test as well as an English comprehension test.

The Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee is registered with the Department of Labor Bureau of Apprenticeship Training and is an equal opportunity employer.

DRIVERS NEEDED $2,000 Sign On Bonus J & M Tank Lines, Inc. Class-A CDL Local and OTR Drivers. GREAT BENEFITS! Health Insurance $9 Weekly. OTR Drivers Home 2 or More Times Weekly. jmtankjobs.com or call Jeff Sandlin@256-245-3933

Kelly Educational Staffing® We’re hiring!

•Substitute teachers •Aides •Cafeteria •Clerical •Custodial positions Shelby County School District & Alabaster City Schools.

Please call 205-870-7154 -Equal Opportunity Employer-

Lovejoy Trucking Montevallo seeking an OTR Driver home once/twice a week Flatbed and Tarp experience, must pass Physical/Drug Screen Terry Lovejoy 205-746-2419 Jimmy Hatcher 205-283-9822

Hiring CDL-A Drivers Sign-on Bonus Great Benefits Local Domicile Work Apply online at: MerchantsFood Service.com/Careers

280 Location Opening Now Hiring 3 shift Managers Pay Rate $9-$11 20-25 Employees Pay Rate $7.75-$8.50.

Must have own transportation and flexible schedule. Apply at recruiting.talentreef.com/ momma-goldbergs-deli (205)503-6190 Montgomery Stockyard Drop Station at Gray & Son’s in Clanton. Call Lane at 205-389-4530. For other hauling arrangements, contact Wes in Harpersville 205-965-8657 Certified Crane Operator Position Must have current crane license for telescoping boom cranes, DOT physical. Birmingham Area Call 205-672-2403 for more information

WE HAVE JOBS! · Machine Operator- Moody · Packers- Moody/ Hoover · Paint Line- Moody · Pickers/PackersAlabaster Lyons HR www.lyonshr.com/career-search (205)943-4820

Ignite Your Career with Mspark!

For current openings, visit: www.mspark.com/our-company/ careers/ or send resume: apollard@mspark.com.

Mspark offers competitive compensation, benefits and a team-oriented work environment.

EOE.

Service Technician Top Pay, Benefits & Commission!

Mainline Heating & Air 400 Hillwood Park S, Alabaster, AL Or email resume to: ashley@mainlineheating.com (205)664-4751

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

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

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

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Odyssey Early Schools Birmingham’s Best Daycare/Preschool is Seeking Experienced Teachers.

4 Year Degree Preferred.

Full-Time.

BEST Pay. FULL Benefits (Insurance, Leave, Holidays).

Call Annie Fine 205-991-0039.

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 on-line at www.Oxfordhealthcare.com Popeye’s Operated by PAP of AL, LLC Hiring at locations in Pelham & Sylacauga Apply online at: work4popeyeskitchen.com Cook/Server Needed Breakfast Shift (approx. 3am-1pm) Must be able to work some weekends and holidays.

Apply at: Peach Park Express 2320 7th Street South 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 251-470-0355 AFFORDABLE HIGH-SPEED INTERNET Available where you live! Call Today for this Limited Time Offer! www.pbsinternet.com 800-266-4409 PLUMBERS & PLUMBER HELPERS Call or Text 205-432-9049 NOW HIRING Regional Class-A Driver Positions For Our Finley Blvd. Location •Competitive weekly pay (direct-deposit) •Full-benefits including 401K •Health/Life insurance •Safety Bonuses •Minimum weekly pay: $700(guaranteed) Call 270-250-3595 for more information or visit pylestransport.com to apply.

Regional Drivers are home every weekend and often mid-week for rest period.

FREON 12 WANTED: R12 collecting dust in your garage? We pay CA$H for R12 EPA cert, We pick up Call now for April pickup: (312)291-9169 sell@refrigerantfinders.com

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3/2 Garden Home Calera Schools Easy access to HWY 31 & I-65 W/D hook-ups, Dishwasher Fenced backyard.

No Pets. Rent $1250 (205)433-9811 PRE-SCHOOL OPPORTUNITY Lead Teachers For 18-24mos AND Lead Teachers For Pre-School Age Morning and Afternoon Opportunities Call: 205-601-9482 or Email: queenmoore1956@gmail.com ROSS NEELY TRUCK LINES •NOW HIRING• TRUCK DRIVERS-OTR If you are a professional CDL A Driver, have two years experience,a good safety recrod, and want to GET HOME ON THE WEEKENDS apply online at www.rossneely.com or apply by email at jeff@rossneely.com Saiia Construction Co. ISO: CDL Long-Haul Drivers.

Requirements: OTR experience driving lowboy trailers; transporting heavy oversized loads; experience with heavy equipment required; ability to work in outside environments, safety-oriented, and team-player. Overtime available.

Great opportunity. Competitive compensation/benefit package.

Email: DVeigl@saiia.com or fax: 205-943-2258 JOIN OUR MANAGEMENT TEAM Schuster Enterprises, Inc, a Franchisee of Burger King, is looking for Management professionals who have a desire to join a team where people are the most important asset, where growth is based on ability and where opportunity is abundant.

Benefits: •Competitive wages •Health & Life insurance •Paid vacations •401(k) Apply online at: www.bkworker.com DRUG FREE WORKPLACE EOE Saiia Construction Company seeks equipment operators in the Alabaster area with the ability to operate various types of equipment including: dozers, excavators, rock trucks, and motor graders. 2+yrs. operating exp.

MSHA training a plus. Must have dependable transportation, able to work in outside environments, safety oriented, and team player.

We have day and night shift work, overtime is available.

Great opportunity. Competitive compensation and benefit package. If you are interested contact Johnny Pipp 205.943.2214 or email jpipp@saiia.com

Innovative Salon and Spa in Helena searching for talented, dependable Cosmetologist, Massage Therapist and Esthetician. Join the Serenity Team. Now accepting applications by email: serenity@serenity-salonandspa. com ServiceMaster is Hiring Part-time Fire Cleaning Techs WILL TRAIN! Must pass background check/ drug test, have reliable transportation & good driving record.

Serious Inquiries Call (205)424-4211 We are currently in need of experienced CNC Machinists.

Excellent pay and benefit package. Qualified applicants may apply at: Shelby Machine & Tool 160 Mullins Drive Helena, AL 205-621-6711 Order Selectors Food Dist. Center in Pelham Day-Shift: Mon-Fri. 40+ hours/week 10:00AM until finished (varies).

Salary: $16-20/hr after training.

Benefits: Medical, vision, dental, vacation & 401k.

Requirements: •Reading & math skills •Lift 40 lbs. repetitively •Work in -10 Temperature Apply in person: 8:30AM-5:00PM Southeastern Food 201 Parker Drive Pelham, Alabama 35124 resume@southeasternfood.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 9am-7pm • Mon-Sat at (205)490-1003 or (205)243-6337

Electrician - FT Supreme Electric, local-based company in Pelham. Must be willing to learn & work hard.

Go to: supremeelectric-al.com Print employment application under Contact Us. Mail to: Supreme Electric 231 Commerce Pkwy Pelham, AL 35124 or call 205-453-9327.

TARGET AUCTION Advanced Real Estate Marketing 800-476-3939 www.targetauction.com TaylorMade Transportation Hiring CDL Drivers for Flatbed Regional Division!

BCBS Insurance After 30 Days. To apply call: (334)366-2269 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 HIRING EXPERIENCED CDL-A COMPANY TANKER DRIVERS IN YOUR AREA! Regional runs-Chemical hauls *Get Home Weekly!* **Earn $60K+ Per Year** Average 2,000-2,500 miles/week.

Paid product training-$800/week.

Full benefits+401K. CDL-A, 2-Years Tractor Trailer Experience, tanker/hazmat endorsements, passport & TWIC required.

Call 888-572-3662! www.trimac.com OTR Drivers Wanted 24 Years or Older Hazmat preferred but not required. Full benefit Package available.

Pneumatic tank equipment.

Dry bulk hauling. $500 SIGN ON BONUS Home every other weekend.

Apply online: Vernonmilling.com 800-753-1993

CLOCK REPAIR SVS. * Setup * Repair * Maintenance I can fix your Mother’s clock.

Alabaster/Pelham Call Stephen (205)663-2822

Become a Dental Asst. in ONLY 8 WEEKS! Please visit our website capstonedentalassisting.com or call (205) 561-8118 and get your career started!

SUNCREST HOME HEALTH CLANTON, AL Is Growing!!

We have immediate, full time and PRN needs for RN, LPN, PT, PTA, OT, and COTA’s.

MUST have one year of clinical experience!

Apply online at: www.almostfamily.com /careers.php For questions, please call the agency at 205-280-4663

Caregivers Needed ASAP! Competitive hourly pay.

Call Visiting Angels at (205)719-1996 to discuss.

FLATBED DRIVERS OTR Flatbed Trucking Co. now hiring Company Drivers and Leasing Owner Operators with 2 yrs exp.

205-592-3422 www.watkinstrucking.com NOW HIRING CDL-A DRIVERS w/Haz. $5000 Sign-On Bonus.

Apply online: www.westernintl.com or Corporate Office: 979-413-2140

$5000 SIGN-ON BONUS! HIRING CDL TEAM A DRIVER Apply online: www.westernintl.com Or Contact Corporate: Western International Gas & Cylinders 979-413-2140 or 979-413-2192 (EOE) Experienced Carpenter Needed Please Call 205-755-8555 or send resume to whatleybuilders@ businessmailbox.com Tree Nursery Worker Needed Responsible w/mechanical skills.

To operate forklift/farm tractors/ equipment/welding/ground maintenance/service equipment/ check fluid levels/clean after use.

Maintain safe/clean area. Requires valid-DL/reliable transportation.

334-365-2488 Wiley Sanders Truck Lines Inc $1,000 SIGN-ON-BONUS DRIVER PAY RAISE EFFECTIVE JUNE 2017!

Longevity-Bonus.

Quarterly Safe-Driving AWARD. Competitive Pay Package.

PAID Orientation.

NEW Fleet of Trucks.

Call 1-855-777-9785 & ask for Dale or Brandy.

Nights/weekends, call Jeffrey: 334-372-5049 Ron: 1-850-454-4276 Richard: 334-492-0803 Wiregrass Construction Company is seeking experienced asphalt CDL TRUCK DRIVERS. Must be dependable.

Excellent benefits.

Interested applicants may apply: 951 Dow Street Pelham, AL 35124 (205)620-4132 or 151 Piper Lane Alabaster, AL 35007 (205)605-0753.

8AM to 5PM, M-F. WCC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

YARD SPOTTER Immediate Opening-F/T or P/T Class-A-CDL required to shuttle trailers from truck-yard to loading area. Benefits available for F/T positions.

Apply In Person: Woodgrain Distribution(EOE) 80 So. Shelby St., Montevallo 205-665-2546(Ext.207) ksenecal@woodgrain.com”

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Every story has a beginning.

When you’re pregnant, you learn a lot about what to expect. But no matter what, you know that having your baby is only the beginning of the story. With five hospitals throughout central Alabama, access to an entire network of specialists, and countless ways to customize your experience, Shelby Baptist Medical Center is a community of care dedicated to making your new beginning a happy one.

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Find your happy beginning with us at bbhob.com