HALF SHELL OYSTER HOUSE NOW OPEN • JAMES SPANN’S TOP PICKS • THE GUYS’ PLACE’S LOCAL TALENT SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2022 VolumeShelbyLiving.com14|Issue5$4.95 on a budget FURNISHING A HOME THROUGH FACEBOOK MARKETPLACE BOUJEEFINDINGPURPOSETHROUGHGRIEF THE FARMRICHCOMPANY’STRADITION NO TAPPING OUT FROM BRAZIL TO BIRMINGHAM: THE MENTALITY OF A LOCAL WORLD GAMES COMPETITOR
FIND YOUR FOREVER HOME TODAY REALTYSOUTH.COMAT People are our specialty. Homes are our business. Integrity is our standard. Excellence is our result.
2 September/October FEATURES2022 MCCOYKEITHBYPHOTO How The Farm Company’s owner Cathy Hitt builds bridges for friendships to blossom. MORE BUSINESSTHAN 53 43 See what recommendChattanoogansasanewtwist on their old, fan favorite tourist destination. LIKECHATTANOOGAALOCAL HIT THE ROAD Downtown Calera sees continued growth in Main Street renovation. A CITYDESTINATION 22 SPONSORED CONTENT 69
PHOTO BY KEITH MCCOY
home & style 43 Stretching a Dollar: Nadia Wilder’s Furnishing through Facebook Marketplace 35
ShelbyLiving.com 3 4 Contributors 5 From the Editor 6 The Question 7 The Guide 24 Instagram 64 Chamber Connections 76 Out & About 86 Marketplace 88 My Shelby County in every issue SL arts & culture 11 Full Circle: The Guys’ Place’s New Home in Campus 124 19 Arts Council Corner: The Art of Expression schools & sports 25 From Brazil to Birmingham: Elioenai “Raio” Campos’s Legacy 34 Five Questions For: Oak Mountain State Park Event Coordinator Anna Jones food & drink 35 Now Open: Half Shell Oyster House in Pelham Diversifies Hometown Cuisine
Christiana Roussel, Writer
EDITORIAL Meg AnnaMichelleHerndonLoveKeithMcCoyGraceMooreEmilySparacinoNoahWortham
Alec MaryHaileyEtheredgeDolbareJoEskridgeMadisonKingStaceyMeadowsLaurenMorrisTimPrince Brittany
An award-winning writer, Lauren lives in Hoover with her husband, daughter and four fur-babies. She writes for a variety of local, national and international publications. A graduate from the University of Alabama, Lauren played the tuba in the Million Dollar Band, which is how she met her husband. When she isn’t writing or chasing around a toddler, she loves to bake for friends and family.
4 September/October 2022
AnnaTarwaterWillis
Carmen earned her master’s degree in communication and information sciences from the University of Alabama. She has worked as a magazine feature writer for the last 15 years and also works as a writing coach and copy editor. Her work has been published in HomeCare, Tuscaloosa Magazine, The Executive and more. She enjoys writing articles on a variety of topics but especially health and wellness and inspirational articles on human resilience. Check out her website at carmensheabrown.com.
Carmen Brown Lauren ChristianaLindsayDowdleDyessSashaJohnsMichelleLoveRoussel DESIGN Jamie Dawkins ConnorKimberlyMartin-LivelyMyersBrianaSansom MARKETING Octavia Campbell Evann RachelMichaelaJessicaCampbellCaudillKariGeorgeHancockHendersonRhettMcCreightToriMontjoyViridianaRomero
CONTRIBUTORS
contributors
Lauren Dowdle, Writer
While food writing is her original passion, she has really enjoyed expanding her repertoire to include travel and sporting activities that might involve an upland adventure. And no, it is not just because there might be a need for new clothes for the expedition.
ADMINISTRATION Schofield Savana
Advertising inquiries may be made by emailing advertise@ShelbyLiving.com, or by calling (205) 669-3131, ext. 536.
Michelle Love, Writer Michelle loves writing about all of the new and exciting things Birmingham has to offer. She has worked as a freelance and contributing writer for nine years now and in that time has written about the different businesses and people that make this city so unique. When she isn’t writing, Michelle can be found trying out new recipes in her kitchen while listening to classic rock music or reading a horror novel. She also loves spending time with her family, her boyfriend and her pets Lola and Moody.
Carmen Brown, Writer
Shelby Living Magazine is published bi-monthly 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.
Where should we have dinner? Where should we go on our next family vacation or couple’s getaway? What kind of shotgun should I buy? These are all queries writer Christiana Roussel has answered in recent months.
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 $14.95 plus tax for one year by visiting ShelbyLiving.com or calling (205) 669-3131, ext. 532.
It’s stories like Raio’s that make my job worthwhile. Although I may not always get to watch him fight on the big screen, I do get to play a part in telling his story to the world, so others can revel in his success. I cherish these small roles I get to play because sharing those whose stories deserve to be heard brings me joy. Share with me such stories, and I’ll be happy to share them with the world.
editor ON
5 G
While I’ve never encountered true, physical hardships, Elioenai “Raio” Campos, a World Games 2022 contestant and Columbiana business owner, has.
Growing up, I always loved watching underdog movies. That feeling where life kicks a character down, forcing him to face his deepest, darkest fears—the feeling of the unimaginable—to overcome, triumphant, is one I will chase after every day. Just like Nicole Kidman says in the AMC Theatres commercial, “Somehow, heartbreak feels good in a place like this,” I’m drawn to these stories because I love watching characters overcome their “giants” and prove to the rest of us ordinary folk that anything is possible.
Photo by Keith McCoy Design by Kimberly Myers from the THE COVER annagrace.moore@shelbyliving.com
Lauren Dowdle tells Raio’s story on page 25, and I encourage you all, readers, to place yourself in his shoes for a moment and realize just how incredible his journey is. Raio survived the hardened streets of a rough neighborhood in Brazil, immigrated to the United States just a decade ago and although he hardly spoke English, still pursued a career in the military to provide for himself and his family. Now, Raio serves in the Alabama National Guard as an infantryman in the 1-167th Infantry Battalion. In addition to serving his country, he ventured out into the world of jiu-jitsu, relying on his grassroots and hard work to make his dreams a reality.
Kind regards, Ballin’ on a Budget
Nadia Wilder’s home is furnished mainly through her thrifty finds on Facebook Marketplace, which makes her estate staple-quality in the Oak Mountain community.
ShelbyLiving.com
Selected to represent the United States in The World Games, Raio felt honored and humbled. During his last match, he got into a submission attempt, but he never tapped out. This moment earned him worldwide recognition. To many, he is the true champion not only for his talent he displayed in The World Games, but also for his neverending determination to become better than he was yesterday, leaving everyone he meets better than he found them.
6 September/October 2022 Vincent Jackets! -Amy Garrett Martin Oak Mountain Eagles!!! -Jennifer Hipp Holsomback Columbiana Middle School my son is playing this year! -Robin Fredette The Helena Huskies of course! #25 -ButchKendra Wade Which Shelby County football team will you be rooting for this fall? PELHAM PANTHERS -Tracey Lowery Evanko Calera all the way! Go Eagles! -Tammy Bousack Chelsea high school -Shelby J Blackerby Oak Mountain Eagles -Kimberly Keyes Youngblood ”“THE QUESTION
TINGLEWOOD FESTIVAL FT. 20TH ANNUAL CARS BY THE CREEK SHOW SEPT. 10 9 A.M.-5 P.M. Orr Park This free, one-day event features local artists that will compete in a wood carving exhibition, a whittling contest and a wooden boat race. There will also be a classic car show, which will showcase a huge lineup of vintage smoke show automobiles. Attendees in addition can look forward to local food trucks and live music. With family-friendly activities all day long, the Tinglewood Festival is one families won’t want to miss! For more information, tinglewoodfestival.com.visit THE GUIDE
Presented by the Shelby County Arts Council SEPT. 8
8 September/October 2022
6-7:45 P.M.
Brock’s Gap Brewing Company THROUGH SEPT. 22 Color + Sound Gallery Exhibit
When the Blast Occurred: Remembering the 16th Street
Presented by Legacy Arena AROUND TOWN
The Pelham Public Library honors the lives of Addie Mae Collins, Denise McNair, Carole Robertson and Cynthia Wesley, who tragically lost their lives in the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing on September 15, 1963. This pivotal event shaped the Civil Rights Movement, which Presenter Jim Baggett, who is the head of the Department of Archives and Manuscripts at the Birmingham Public Library and the archivist for the city of Birmingham, will talk about. Reservations for this event close on Tuesday, Sept. 13 at 6 p.m. To register, visit baptist-church-bombing.occurred-remembering-sixteenth-street-librarycalendar.com/event/when-blast-pelham.
Bertolone’s Classic Italian Restaurant SEPT. 10 Girl Scouts Love State Parks Day 2022 Oak Mountain State Park SEPT. 11 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony & Patriot Day Celebration
Old Mill Square Park Brought to you by Discover Shelby, the Shelby County Arts Council and The Shelby County Chamber of Commerce, this annual outdoor music festival will feature regional vineyards, food from local eateries and live music. Admission is free; however, those wanting to participate in wine tastings can pay $15 to receive an entry wristband and festival wine glass. Just a Tish will also be open and serving alcoholic beverages for those wanting a cold beer. A majority of proceeds will go to benefit the Shelby County Arts Council’s programs. The live music lineup will showcase The Wildflowers: A Tom Petty Tribute Band; Rollin’ In the Hay; Early James Band; The Grand Tour; and the Crisie Isbell Band. To learn more about this event, visit shelbyal. com and search “Discover Shelby Fest.” SEPT. 13 OCT. 1
Pelham Public Library
Discover Shelby Fest
THE GUIDE
Trivia Night
Baptist Church Bombing
11 A.M.-7 P.M.
THURSDAYSTHETHROUGHOUTFALL
Wild at Heart Fundraiser & Gala Birmingham Zoo SEPT. 9 Friday Nights at the Cove Owl’s Cove Park SEPT. 9-11 Alabama State BumpersChampionship9-BallBilliards SEPT. 10 Saturday Paint Club
Oak Mountain State Park SEPT. 23-24 Homewood High School Patriot Band 50th Reunion Homewood High School & Surrounding Areas SEPT. 24 Head Over Teal 5K & 10K The Preserve SEPT. 28 Mary J Blige
Vestavia Hills City Hall SEPT. 17 Hold the Fort 5k & 10k Races
OCT. 6
The 49th Annual Greek Food Festival Holy Trinity-Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Cathedral
SEPT. 29-OCT. 2
OCT. 8
Antiques at the Gardens Birmingham Botanical Gardens
The Shelby County Chamber Luncheon and 2022 Annual Safety Awards Presentation
Taste of Hoover Aldridge Gardens
ShelbyLiving.com
Jimmie Hale Mission Rescue Run
OCT. 15 Jason Aldean Presented by Legacy Arena
OCT. 29
Back to Broadway Presented by Red Mountain Theatre OCT. 30 2022 Annual Witches Ride benefitting the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Alabama at BeginningBirminghamatHomewoodCentralPark
11 A.M.-1 P.M.
The Shelby County Chamber of Commerce will honor police, fire and sheriff personnel with awards in this annual ceremony. The chamber is proud to recognize such individuals who sacrifice their time and efforts towards bettering our community. Reservations to attend this luncheon are required by noon on Monday, Sept. 26. Reservations are $20 for chamber investors and $30 for “future” investors. Register online at 2022-annual-safety-awards.events/details/tscc-community-luncheon-business.shelbychamber.org/
OCT. 4 Homewood Chamber Golf Classic Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Oxmoor Valley
ALL DAY Eagle Sports Complex - 3176 County Rd 20 Benefitting breast cancer awareness, the Stars Over Alabama Fall Showcase will feature a 4GG 3 Pool into single elimination bracket and 80-plus-minute games. The National Scouting Report will also be conducting free combine testing and results for all of the players. In addition, on Friday, Oct. 14, DC Elite Productions will host an exposure camp before the showcase, in order to feature more than 13 different colleges’ teams. While softballs are provided, players are expected to bring their own gear. Athletic trainers will be on site, coaching participants. Registration is $150. For more information or to register, visit dceliteproductions.com/soa-fall.
Pelham Civic Complex
Stars Over Alabama Fall Showcase presented by DC Elite Productions
5K & 10K Downtown Homewood
SEPT. 28 OCT. 15-16
9 THE GUIDE
OCT. 7 Friday Nights at the Cove Owl’s Cove Park
Greta Van Fleet: Dreams in Gold Tour Presented by Legacy Arena OCT. 29 Halloween Bar Crawl Steel Gastropub
OCT. 29 Halloween Havoc Half Marathon Oak Mountain State Park
OCT. 29-31
OCT. 13-15
10 September/October 2022 24/ 7 EYE EMERGENCY ROOM Every spectrum of eye care. At UAB Callahan Eye, we’re focused on providing vision-saving care at every level — from the only 24/7 eye emergency room in Alabama to daily eye care from exper t physicians. See the di erence at uabcallahaneye.org.
ARTS CULTURE&
One journey from attending school at Campus 124 to operating his business in the same building years later.
BY CARMEN BROWN PHOTOS BY KEITH MCCOY & CONTRIBUTED
man’s
THE ART OF BARBERING
12 September/October 2022
K
Kevin Hamby looks around The Guys’ Place barber shop in what was once Valley Elementary School in Pelham and remembers himself as a firstgrader, bustling down the hallway, playing outside near the wooden drawbridge. He even remembers his teacher’s name, Ms. Jaynes. He speaks with a healthy mixture of humility and pride about his memorabilia up on the wall, including his picture of a helicopter with the famous words “Go Bama!” and his Citizen of the Year Award certificate he won—yes, as a first-grader. “Not Student of the Month, but Citizen of the Year,” he says, laughing. “I don’t remember what I did or what it was for, but I must have been a pretty good kid.” It’s all come full circle for him. Kevin, who went on to earn his business degree from Springhill College in 2002, is now the owner-operator of the only The Guys’ Place barber shop franchise location in Alabama, which is located at 2408 Pelham Parkway in Suite 315. The Guys’ Place, which he opened in February 2021, is a modernday version of the classic barbershop, offering a full-service haircut that includes a shampoo and conditioning, a hot facial towel, an eyebrow and mustache trim and a shoulder massage with an Oster massager. The Guys’ Place also offers separate services such as beard trims, highlights, gray blending and facial waxing.
ShelbyLiving.com 13
“The franchise model was to offer buckets of peanuts, but we give out individually-wrapped bags of peanuts because of Covid and because some people have allergies.”
14 September/October 2022
Kevin recalls how he never thought he would have a business in his old school, where he attended from 1986 to 1987. What used to be two classrooms is now 1,600 square feet of pure luxury, where Pelham men (and occasionally women) get their hair cut while holding a remote and watching their favorite channel in front of their own HDTV.
“I really like the relaxed environment. We have couches, reclining chairs, we’ve got music going. Today it’s ‘80s, but every day it’s something
different. We play country sometimes, too.”
The Guys’ Place also does activities to engage the community as well, having recently held a raffle to auction off a backpack filled with school
The Guys’ Place has complimentary coffee, a mini-fridge with bottles of water, candies and mints. Kevin even gives out peanuts.
GREYSTONEWWW.ARDENTPRESCHOOL.COMARDENT.•PATCHWORKFARMS•TRACECROSSINGS•VALLEYDALE
supplies. Kevin says that business has come with its share of memorable experiences, too, like the tornado that touched down in Pelham in late March 2021, just a month after the shop opened. He and two of his stylists had to hunker down in the shop for shelter. “I’ve witnessed tornadoes before, but I’ve never had one go right over me like that,” he says, reflecting.
ShelbyLiving.com 15 THANK YOU ARDENT PARENTS! BEST SHELBY LIVING’S BEST OF THE SHELBYLIVING COM 2022 WINNE R SCHEDULE A TOUR AND SEE WHY OUR DELIGHTED PARENTS CHOOSE
During the March 2021 tornadoes, Kevin and two of his stylists took shelter in The Guys’ Place, praying for safety. Luckily, the tornado passed right over the business.
Kevin, who had been owner of The Goddard School from 2005-2018, says he learned about the space availability in the Campus 124 building from a friend, and he immediately got in touch with a city contact about securing one of the suites.“After I sold my previous business, I was trying to think of services me and my family use,” he says. “My boys and I are always getting haircuts,
Although Kevin moved from Pelham after first grade, going on to live in other areas including Massachusetts and Louisiana, he has lived in Pelham continuously for the last 20 years with his wife and three children and didn’t want to go anywhere else. “We were wanting to stay in Pelham,” he says. “Our kids are in school here, and we wanted to
WELCOME OUR NEWEST PEDIATRICIANS: Anna White, MD and Joseph,JenniferMD (PICTURED LEFT TO RIGHT) ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS GREENVALE PEDIATRICS BROOK HIGHLAND 101 EAGLE RIDGE DRIVE BIRMINGHAM, AL 35242 (205) 995 greenvalepediatrics.com1004 DR-MKTG-0012_Greenvale_New_Docs_Ad_3.5x9.75.indd 1 8/4/22 11:43 AM Kevin Hamby won the Valley Elementary School’s National Recognition Award in 1987 for being “an outstanding citizen.”
ShelbyLiving.com 17
so after doing some research I was most impressed with The Guys’ Place.”
Chad Leverett, a regular client, says he visited the salon not long after it opened and was sold the first time. “The place is super clean, they play great music and the people are very nice,” Chad says. “They take walk-ins too, and I seem to get right in going around 10 a.m. before the lunch traffic.”
18 September/October 2022 stay rooted. Once the opportunity came up, it was perfectKevintiming.”sayshis customers constantly give him positive feedback, complimenting him on the positive environment. He says business has been going well, with an average of 20 to 30 customers a day, many of them repeat customers. Through this The Guys’ Place has cultivated a true family atmosphere.“Ourstylists are good at making the customers feel comfortable, talking with them and building a relationship with them,” he says. “A lot of customers live nearby, and we’re right next door to the Half Shell Oyster House. A lot of customers tell me they remember going to school here like I did when it was Valley Elementary.”
Visit Kevin and the stylists to experience the true art of a good barber, right here in Shelby County.
The Guys’ Place is open Mondays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Tuesday through Friday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m; and Saturdays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is closed on Sundays. Appointments can be made by calling 205-624-3086 or by booking online at theguysplace.com/pelham.
THE ART OF EXPRESSION
Isbell. Admission is free to the event, but a wine tasting wristband (which includes a complimentary festival wine glass) will be available for purchase at shelbycountyartscouncil.com. There will also be local food trucks on site. Join us in the beautiful Old Mill Square Park in Columbiana for a full day of great music, local wine and delicious eats! Net proceeds of this festival will benefit programs offered by the Shelby County Arts Council (501c3).
BY LINDSAY DYESS PHOTO BY JERRY SIEGEL
ShelbyLiving.com 19
Born and raised in Selma, Jerry has turned his eye to revealing the beauty in the people and places of the South. He has photographed everything from beauty queens to drag queens, the kitchen junk drawer to the garden hose, the school marching band to some of Alabama’s most famous artists. Rarely will you come across a subject that Jerry hasn’t photographed.
Join us in welcoming an exciting new festival to Shelby County, Discover Shelby Fest! This event is hosted by Discover Shelby, the Shelby County Arts Council and The Shelby County Chamber. This event shines a spotlight on some of the splendid vineyards in Shelby County in this first fall festival. This outdoor music festival will take place on Saturday, Oct. 1 from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. and
ThethePromiseTheofLiving/Tender
If a photograph can say so much by saying so little, Jerry Siegel’s photographs could fill volumes.
Land opens on Thursday, Oct. 13 from 6-8 p.m. The gallery opening reception is free and open to the public. Work will be on display until Wednesday, Nov. 23. Gallery hours are Monday-Thursday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (Wednesdays 11 a.m.-5 p.m.). Be sure to stop by and see this incredible work while it’s on display.Visit shelbycountyartscouncil.com for all things art and music happening at the Shelby County Arts Council! Be sure to catch the gallery exhibit, Color + Sound, on display in the EBSCO Fine Art Gallery until Saturday, Sept. 22. Gallery admission is free. Gallery hours are Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Wednesdays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
ARTS COUNCIL CORNER
The Shelby County Arts Council welcomes a new music festival and a seasoned photographer’s work to their community.
Opening at the Shelby County Arts Council’s EBSCO Fine Art Gallery in October, The Promise of the Living/The Tender Land features work from Jerry’s monograph, Facing South and Black Belt Color Facing South artistsfamousSouth’ssomeportraitsintimatefeaturesofofthemostvisualwhile Black Belt Color takes a look at culture.Southmakepeopleandlandscapestheeverydaywhouptheandits
TourTheJamesHay,Rollin’tribute(aWildflowersincludeslineupyear’smusic.foodvineyards,regionalfeaturesandThismusicTheTomPettyband),intheEarlyBand,GrandandCrisie
Collectivus Church and Event Center opened in December after 18 months of renovations to the old Baer’s Department Store, which was being used only for storage since closing in 2008.
Downtown Calera was initially founded around the crossroads of two railroad lines in the middle of the state, helping to earn the name “The Heart of Dixie.”Today, a project to revitalize the area of downtown Calera has resulted in continued business growth, even through the Covid-19 pandemic.
Calera’s focus on downtown revitalization and its recent adoption of a new comprehensive plan further demonstrate why this community is eager to explore new opportunities.”
Downtown Calera sees continued growth in Main Street renovation.
A DESTINATION CITY
22 September/October 2022 SPONSORED CONTENT
Calera’s downtown is on the National Register of Historic Places, and some of the unique properties of the city are still intact including the old Central State Bank building, the Cowart Drug Company located in the historic Masonic Lodge, the Wade Hotel and Theater and Cadle Company.
“We started this project by becoming a designated Main Street Alabama city in June of 2019,” said executive director of Calera Main Street Jackie Batson. “At that time close to 65 percent of downtown storefronts were vacant. Today, after opening nine new businesses (many during the pandemic), we are down to 30 percent vacancy and we’re working on how to fill those properties.”
“Calera is consistently ranked one of the fastest growing cities in Alabama, and is bursting with potential,” Batson said. “A suburb of Birmingham, Calera is situated on Interstate 65 and benefits from location and convenience while offering a variety of housing options and excellent schools. The Shelby County Airport paired with interstate access at three exits generate development opportunities that result in a diverse economy and strong employment base.
BY EMILY REED
The Main Street program is a nonprofit that focuses on economic development for the historic downtown district.“We take interested entrepreneurs and match them up with property owners to restore the buildings into usable spaces and launch their businesses,” Batson said. “We look for the right retailers that are a good fit for our Main Street and help them develop into thriving locally ownedBuildingbusinesses.”community is another important aspect of the work. The Main Street merchants are all instrumental in working together to support and cross-promote each other with every new customer relationship.CaleraMain Street also hosts a festival series that gives residents and visitors the opportunity to enjoy activities downtown, while also exposing them to the local merchants.A
SPONSORED CONTENT
ShelbyLiving.com 23
district.walkablelandscaping,streetscapesplayground,pavilion,wouldbeenredevelopmentdowntownplanhasproposedthatfeatureastage,parkarea,freshwithandaentertainmentThereisspace for at least three restaurants, a boutique hotel as well as additional shops. Popular destination places for those wishing to visit Calera include Corbin Farms Winery, Ozan Winery and Vineyards, The Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum, Timberline Golf Course, and the Eagle Sports complex that hosts tournaments throughout theForyear.more information about Downtown Calera, visit downtowncalera.org.
24 September/October 2022 @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. @kelsea.schafer.photos Meet @evanrileysings in @shelbylivingmagazine July/August issue! I am super grateful for the opportunity to photograph Evan Riley and her family! Thank you to Shelby Living Magazine for this opportunity to photograph such a talented musician. To top it off and have my picture on the cover of the issue, is absolutely amazing! To see more of Evan Riley and her story, pick up a copy of the Shelby Living Magazine!! #shelbyliving #evanrileysings #music #singer #photography @k9.thunder The World Games are here and we are ready to keep the world safe. @twg2022#workingdog#birmingham#worldgames#worldwide@oakmountainstatepark#international#k9#alabama#bham#pelham#labradorretriever #blacklab#dogsofinstagram#labsofinstagram @mavenhairco We’ve seen so many blondes lately but how about this brunette?? We richened up her base color and glossed her ends to calm the brass and darken to match her root color Hair by: #birminghamsalon#hairgoals#brunettehair#mavenhairco@hairstylist_meganm#brunettetransformation#darkbrunette#redkencolor#beforeandaftercolor#beforeandafterhair#shadeseqgloss#hairtransformation#modernsalon#americansalon#virtuelabspro#alabamasalon#bham#alabama @joancarlosphotography I was so lucky to work the City of Columbiana’s “Cowboy Day” back in February, 2022. I have a lot of favorite shots from this event #photographer #festivalfashion#travelphotographer#photooftheday#eventphotography#portraitphotography#canonphotography#instagood#photoshoot#southernphotographer#alabamaphotographer#canon#lifestyle#explore#patriot#alabama#smalltown#cowboy#america#reenactment#cavalryregiment#western#guns#southernliving#southern#southerncharm#spring#columbianaalabama#havegunwilltravel#money
FIGHT OF HIS LIFE Raio Campos never quits with his sport, military career or life goals.
BY LAUREN H. DOWDLE PHOTOS BY KEITH MCCOY, CODY MUZIO & JOSH MCLAUGHLIN SCHOOL SPORTS&
When he was 10 years old, they introduced him to jiu-jitsu—which focuses on grappling and ground fighting to control an opponent using different techniques in an attempt to submit them.
“Jiu-jitsu has so many benefits for kids,” he says. “This sport challenges you every day. You have to put into practice what you’ve learned to overcome the adversary during a match.”
In addition to teaching his students important techniques, he also tries to instill the values and mindset needed to be successful—both inside the gym and beyond. While training for the physical aspect of jiu-jitsu is important, maintaining the mental determination to reach his goals is what sets Campos apart and allows him to compete at the highest level.
From the streets of Brazil to center stage at The World Games, Elioenai “Raio” Campos continues to prove anything is possible for those who refuse to tap out on their dreams.
ShelbyLiving.com 27 F
His passion for this martial art has only grown since moving to the States a decade ago—where he’s not only improved his athletic abilities but also the skills of others. Since 2017, Raio has owned Ground Strike Grappling, a jiu-jitsu and fitness gym in Columbiana, where he teaches all levels and ages.
“It’s for everyone, whether someone is an athlete or they just want to get in shape,” he says. “We just want to encourage you and offer the sport in a family-friendly environment. The hard part is taking that first step and walking through the door.”
This past March, Campos traveled to Washington,
Raio was one of five jiu-jitsu fighters who represented the United States in July at The World Games in Birmingham. The honor is even more impressive considering how far he’s come in life to reach this Growingpoint.upin a dangerous area of Brazil, Raio says his parents wanted him to be involved with sports to keep him away from negative influences.
While he didn’t medal in The World Games, Raio still impressed everyone with his never-quit mentality. During one match with a Polish fighter, Raio found himself in a submission attempt—but he refused to give up. Instead of tapping out, he kept fighting up until he went unconscious.
“We’re fighters, and we’ll die trying. It’s part of the job,” says Raio, who competed in the men’s 85-kilogram weight class. “You put every little bit of effort into it, and sometimes the body doesn’t respect your heart and mind and gives up on you.” But maybe his most memorable moment came before The World Games kicked off when he was invited to represent the athletes. Each World Games, the host country selects one athlete to serve as the ambassador for the whole country. That person is responsible for walking the athletes in during the opening ceremonies and reciting the athletes’ oath on behalf of all those participating.
Raio couldn’t help but reflect on how far he’d come, from learning jiu-jitsu as a young boy in Brazil to coming to the States—and accepting this momentous opportunity.
28 September/October 2022 D.C., to participate in tryouts for The World Games. While he had worked hard to prepare for that moment, making the U.S. jiu-jitsu team still made him“Itemotional.feltamazing,” he says. “I was in tears.”
“I could barely speak English when I made my
Raio joined 3,600 of the top athletes from more than 100 countries to compete at The World Games in Birmingham July 7-17. He says he was both excited and surprised by the overwhelming support from his family, friends and community throughout the“Evengames.people I didn’t know were supporting me and sending me prayers and messages,” he says.
Leading up to The World Games, he trained in both the United States and Brazil with high-level athletes in his sport—something he’s done his entire career. He wanted to be at the top of his game and the most complete fighter he could.
30 September/October 2022 SUBSCRIBE NOW! Visit ShelbyLiving.com and subscribe for $14.95 plus tax a year, or call @shelbylivingmagazine@shelbylivingmagazine205-669-3131. EVERYTHING SHELBY COUNTY. ALL YEAR LONG. Front white knockout ART BAKINGS CANDLES HELENA JANUARY/FEBRUARYVolume WEDDINGS2021 EIGHT REAL WEDDINGS PANDEMIC LOVE STORIES ROMANTIC BRIDAL HAIRSTYLES cover THE ENCOURAGERJULIE YEAGER’S LEGACY ATCHELSEA MIDDLE SCHOOL THE PATHOF HEALINGALSANA’S APPROACHTO EATING DISORDERS PAINTINGS MELISSA MCMURRAY TIPS BRINGING ORDER CHAOS MARCH/APRILShelbyLiving.com running CAPTURING THE SUNRISE MAGICOF HORSES IN MONTEVALLO SHELBY FREE Front white knockout REFINEDCOMFORT THE CHEF BEHIND HELENA'STO-GORESTAURANT MEET GRANDMAJIUJITSU PROVING YOU'RE NEVER TOO FOR ADVENTURE CANDY'S ENTREPRENEURS POCOPANNI'S PASSION HOLIDAY NOVEMBER/DECEMBERVolume Antique Meets MODERN INSIDE THE PRICKETTS' MT LAUREL HOME LIVING cover CHAT SOURIANT PATISSERIE TEACHER YEAR DOZIER OAK MOUNTAIN MAY/JUNEShelbyLiving.com SHELBY GAME MEET THISTURNED-COACHMLB-PLAYERfor the love of the BEST OF THEBEST WINNERSYOU VOTED. WE TALLIED.WHO WON. JUST HOMETHEIRSTYLE INSIDE A MEADOWBROOK RENOVATION • Preventative Care • Surgery • Boarding • WeGroomingtreatyoulike family and each patient like our own pet. Check out our 55 5-star reviews on Google!
Bring in this ad for a free new client welcome bag. Oak View Animal Hospital, 127 Old Montgomery Highway, Pelham, AL 35124 988-3559 • OAKVIEWAH.COM way out here, and so many people doubted me,” he recalls. “God put me in this spot to represent the whole United States to give the athletes’ oath. That responsibility was such an honor to represent our country and military. It’s something I’ll never forget.”It’salso a moment that should have been impossible because the jiu-jitsu athletes weren’t scheduled to arrive in Birmingham until a week after the opening ceremonies. Being local allowed him to be there—but that isn’t the only reason Raio was bestowed the honor. When Raio asked those in charge of the program why he was chosen, he was told he encompassed what the sport was about: He loved his sport and the country he represented. “That was an amazing opportunity and responsibility that was gifted to me,” he says. “I was really Lookingsurprised.”ahead,Raio says he would like to compete in the next World Games in 2025 if he stays in good health and is ranked. Until then, he will continue competing as much as possible. While fighting is an important part of his life, it’s not his only passion. Raio joined the Alabama National Guard and currently serves as an
ShelbyLiving.com 31 GOALS OUTSIDE OF THE RING Fighting at the highest level demands not only physical strength, but it also requires determination to stay at the top of the sport. Those are values Raio says he hopes others see in him and can incorporate in their own lives—whether it’s a child who needs a positive influence or an adult being told they can’t achieve their dream. “It’s my wish to impact somebody’s life,” he Fromsays. learning a new language and earning his GED to passing the qualifications for the National Guard and competing in The World Games, Raio is a role model for how to be a champion in all aspects of life. 3727 H IGHWAY 119 • M ONTEVALLO • WWW AMERICANVILLAGE ORG Colonial Christmas Lunch & Tour December 5-6-7-8-9 • $40 per person Call (205) 665-3535 ext. 1031 to reserve your seats IS PROUD TO WELCOME TO OUR EXPERT TEAM OF PHYSICIANS Suite 430 Grandview Physicians Plaza 3686 Grandview Parkway Birmingham, Alabama 35243 MedPlex - Hoover 4517 Southlake Parkway Hoover, AL 35244 w w w.S o uthl a k eOr th o p ae dics.co m Call 205-985-4111 today to schedule your appointment. Jonathan Isbell, M.D. SPORTS MEDICINE, ORTHOPAEDIC SURGERY Michael F. Blum, M.D. | Ekkehard Bonatz, M.D. | George Robert Booker, M.D. | William S. Craig, M.D. Michael T. Ellerbusch, M.D. | Richard L. “Beau” Grantier, M.D. | Christopher A. Heck, M.D. Dewey H. Jones, M.D. Daniel C. Kim, M.D. John S. Kirchner, M.D. William D. Krauss, D.O. | Michael D. Smith, M.D. William D. Sudduth, M.D. C.J. Talbert, M.D.
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infantryman in the 1-167th Infantry Battalion. In his role, Raio must ensure he stays mentally and physically ready for the job—something he’s accustomed to in his jiu-jitsu training, as well. “I need to be prepared, brave and ready to fight,” he says. “I pray every day that God gives me the health to continue to be both an infantryman and fighter. Those are my favorite two jobs.” But some in his life didn’t believe he’d ever have a job in the military. After failing the test to get in, Raio remembers people telling him the military wasn’t for him—that he should try something else. But like how he didn’t submit during his World Games’ fight, he also refused to give up on this dream. He kept studying until he passed and reached his “Whethergoal.it’scompeting at The World Games to represent this country or anything else I’ve done, I’ve always had people doubt me during the process of reaching my goals,” he says. “But if you’re still alive and breathing, there’s no reason to Hequit.”encourages others to adapt that same type of mentality when they want to achieve something difficult in life—no matter what others might say. “Give it everything you’ve got, push hard and never stop until you get where you want to be,” he says.
Anyone interested in taking a class with Raio at Ground Strike Grappling can visit groundstrikegrappling.com to learn more.
While Raio strives to be a complete jiu-jitsu fighter in all aspects of the sport, he does have a favorite move: the arm bar. It’s the most-used joint-lock submission in the sport. The arm bar can be done by one opponent placing his legs across the other’s chest, keeping one of his arms between their thighs and the elbow joint. If the opponent doesn’t escape or tap out when placed in an arm bar, they risk torn ligaments, tendons and possibly a broken bone. It’s a highly effective move to end the fight when executed correctly.
ShelbyLiving.com 33 FAVORITE MOVE
As an event coordinator, what was your favorite event to help coordinate and your favorite event to attend? Why?
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We were lucky to have the best venue management team assigned to Oak Mountain State Park for The World Games’ events that were hosted here. Working closely with them and all the organizations that donated their time and energy to help make The World Games a success and keep guests safe was by far my favorite part. Being able to greet park visitors from nearby counties and then those from across the globe was a treat. However, being reminded of the endless support and dedication that our park partners provide for Oak Mountain State Park continuously was magical. All of us at Oak Mountain State Park are forever grateful. What can park lovers look forward to in the future when it comes to events held at Oak Mountain? We host a broad variety of events throughout the year. From incredible educational programming provided by our interpretive team to the large-scale seasonal events we host and to the many organizations that have chosen Oak Mountain State Park as the venue to host their event, I can guarantee there is something happening continuously here, and there is something for everyone!
Anna Jones Oak Mountain State Park Event
PHOTOCoordinatorCONTRIBUTED SCHOOL &QUESTIONS5SPORTSFIVEFOR
Conveniently located off of I-65 in Pelham, Oak Mountain State Park is the largest state park in Alabama. The park covers 11,584 acres and boasts a wide array of activities. It has three lakes for fishing and paddling, world class mountain biking trails and newly expanded and repaved lanes for road biking and hiking trails. The park also has a campground, an 18-hole golf course, an archery range, a demonstration farm, a large playground, guided horseback riding and more. Here, Oak Mountain State Park Event Coordinator Anna Jones talks about her experience helping coordinate some of The World Games’ events that were held at the park this summer.
What does it mean for Oak Mountain State Park and the Shelby County community to host The World Games’ water sports? Oak Mountain State Park hosted the Canoe Marathon Competition and the Waterski and Wakeboarding Competitions on Double Oak Lake. We also hosted the Middle-Distance Orienteering Competition. It was an honor to be chosen as a competition venue by The World Games, and we are grateful to have been given the chance to share with the world the beauty of Alabama State Parks. What events drew in the largest crowds, and why do you think that is? Waterskiing and wakeboarding brought a large crowd. The weather was perfect for the days of the waterski and wakeboard competitions. Warm sun, fresh golden sand and cooling dips in the lake will always bring a crowd and are the perfect complement to watching athletes compete for the gold. The weather early in the week was not as favorable for the Canoe Marathon, but those who joined us to cheer on those athletes had a wonderful time! Can you speak any on how Oak Mountain’s partnership with The World Games and other community events helps give back to the community? We partner with many local charities and non-profits throughout the year to help support their fundraising efforts. It’s one of the most rewarding things Oak Mountain State Park can offer to our community outside of maintaining and protecting Alabama’s natural resources for current users and future generations. For The World Games specifically, we are proud to have been able to host competitions that brought visitors to the city of Pelham and highlighted Shelby County, Alabama.
FOOD DRINK&
PHOTOS
TASTE OF THE BAYOU Newly opened Half Shell Oyster House in Pelham offers a taste of the French Quarter that will satisfy foodies.
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BY MICHELLE LOVE BY KEITH MCCOY
The Pelham location of the Half Shell Oyster House restaurant has officially opened its doors to theAfterpublic.two successful soft openings on Monday, June 6 and Tuesday, June 7, the seafood restaurant, which is located in the Campus 124 property, held its grand opening Wednesday, June 8. The popular restaurant chain has several locations throughout the South, but this marks the first location for Shelby County. It joins the Campus 124 entertainment area on Pelham Parkway, home to the popular Beer Hog, which serves several local beers and bar food. The location was designed to bring new life to the Pelham area, providing a multitude of dining options to what was formerly a lull on the highway. Though Half Shell is a corporate chain, the store runners wanted to create a space that was unique for Pelham residents.
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The restaurant’s open feel allows guests to enjoy their meal without being smothered by the party next to them. It’s decor rings of a New Orleans French Quarter aesthetic, and the open bar area allows guests to enjoy a variety of different cocktails without feeling too crowded. The chandeliers that hang from the ceiling were specifically chosen to give patrons the perfect amount of lighting and to also emulate that “dining in the Quarter” feel.
The menu offers a diverse array of appetizers, ranging from fried green tomatoes to crab cakes. Their oyster sampler offers four different varieties of oysters on the half shell: Raw, Rockefeller, garlic herb and shrimp with parmesan. Main entrees reflect that same bayou restaurant feel with dishes such as fried oyster po’ boys and grilled red fish with red beans and rice. If you have a sweet tooth, you must try the cinnamon roll bread
T
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General Manager Will Middleton said the restaurant’s staff was more than excited to open to the public, and the opening has been a long time coming.“Ourtraining staff and new hires worked really hard, and it makes me happy to hear the praises they received during the soft opening,” he says. Since they opened, Will says they’ve had an almost overwhelming positive response from the community. He explains that with the growth of the city progressing at such a fast rate, the citizens of Pelham were ready for a seafood restaurant.
ShelbyLiving.com 39 pudding.Thecocktail list is just as extensive as the food menu. Classic cocktails such as a Manhattan and a French 75 hold their own against more creative libations, like a blackberry margarita or a mango martini. Wine lovers will be impressed with their long list of classic wines, and any bourbon lover will love the wide variety of bourbons available.
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“We have been rocking and rolling every night,” Will says. “The community of Pelham is eager to have somewhere new to dine, and we are happy to be that. We aim to deliver delicious seafood with a New Orleans flair, top-notch service with a fun and relaxingPelham’satmosphere.”CityCouncil President Maurice Mercer says the restaurant was exactly what the community needed, and he is a huge fan of the diverse menu. “Half Shell is everything I have heard residents say they want in Pelham, in terms of an upscale seafood restaurant,” Maurice says. “I’m ecstatic to see them grow in Pelham and come into the
Half Shell Oyster House of Pelham is located at 2408 Pelham Parkway. Hours are 4-10 p.m. Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. on Sunday.
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Back in April, Half Shell hosted a job fair for front and back-of-the-house positions, and the restaurant’s communications manager Kelsey Griffin said they are still accepting applications. “We are mainly setting our focus on hiring right now,” she says. “We are eager to open for lunch, but we need more staff before we can do that. We encourage anyone who enjoys a fast-paced and fun environment to apply. We provide paid training for all positions, referral bonuses, competitive pay and Blue Cross Blue Shield health insurance.”
entertainment district at Campus 124. As a selfproclaimed gumbo connoisseur, I personally look forward to my next bowl of Half Shell’s gumbo.”
ANNA GRACE MOORE PHOTOS
BALLIN’ ON A BUDGET Oak Mountain resident Nadia Wilder has a knack for decorating while also being thrifty.
BY BY KEITH MCCOY
HOME STYLE&
Nadia says she’d saved thousands of dollars from trading on marketplace, which has allowed her to fund her children’s college tuitions and family vacations. “Also, having a house full of teenagers and pets, I just didn’t want to worry about things getting worn or damaged. I wanted a home that looked and felt lived in but still
Nadia grew up in a log cabin in Vincent, Alabama, that was originally built in 1846 in Harpersville. Her parents relocated the cabin in the 1980s, and in May 2014 it was featured in Shelby Living.
Despite the house’s three-story layout, Nadia felt she could work with what she had. She says she was determined to achieve her dream home.
N
Four years after moving, Nadia transformed this home into one people expect thousands have been spent on in renovations. The irony is clever, however, when guests realize Nadia achieved her dream home on nickels and dimes. How did she do it? Facebook Marketplace.“Fixturesand paint and marketplace furniture is how I’ve done it all,” she says. “I’ve always bought and sold on there. So, once we moved in here and I needed different stuff, [I] was like let me see what I canNadiasell.” estimates she’s bought and sold more than 100 items on Facebook Marketplace. “All my friends are like, ‘teach me how to do it,’ and I always say, ‘It’s really one-part tenacity and one-part luck. You have to stay on it. You have to be consistent. You have to actWhileimmediately.’”buyinganything online can be a gamble, Nadia admits that a buyer can always sell something back if it doesn’t work out. “It’s hard for me to pay retail for anything,” she says. “There’s a lot of things I could sell for more than I paid for it.”
Just because someone may not have a ton of money doesn’t mean she can’t have nice things. Nadia encourages anyone wanting to redecorate to find her style then find how she can achieve that look for less. “I always tell people to follow Instagrammers and look on Pinterest for ideas. My kitchen is almost identical to a kitchen that I saw on Pinterest. You find things you like, and then you go to marketplace and start looking for those specific things.”
“I wanted to be the hangout house,” Nadia says, chuckling. “Boy, did I get what I asked for.”
“That ties into my story because what I always wanted as a grownup was a normal house like walls to paint,” Nadia says with a laugh. “My room was the loft. We moved there when I was 10. I couldn’t paint or Nowdecorate.”asa full-time working mom, she says her dreams to decorate never changed, but she had to become thrifty in order to prioritize family.Thefamily lived in Meadowbrook for three years before deciding to sell their home. Amazingly, the house sold the day they listed it, prompting them to moveWhilequickly.driving her kids to school every day, Nadia says her son noticed a “coming soon” sign in one of the house’s yards. They looked up the listing for grins and giggles and found the home had both a pond and a pool. They bought it and got to work.
fourthprobablysheaboutkidsnicerjokepleasing.aesthetically[was]IalwaysthatI’llhavethingswhenmyaregrown.”Whentalkingherkitchen,says,“That’sthethirdortableI’vehad in there. Because I’ll see something on marketplace that’s better. I’ve gone from square to smaller round to bigger round, so I’ll immediately as soon as I see something I want just go ahead and buy it because I know I can sell it. My whole dining room looked completely different six months ago.”
While a couple of rooms in her house are still a work in progress, Nadia says she hasn’t given up on creating her dream aesthetic that she wanted as a child. Through hard work, determination and teaching herself how to do things, Nadia is proving to working moms everywhere that achieving their dream home is possible.
ShelbyLiving.com 45 Nadia Wilder knows how to stretch a dollar. The Shelby County native’s home is gorgeously updated with the majority of the house’s original blueprint staying the same as when she first bought it.
Nadia chose to use neutral colors with pops of blue to cool her room’s mood. Her sectional, for example, is a neutral beige that she happened to purchase from her neighbor. Her cherry wood hutch, too, is a thrifty find. She says she bought her hutch for $300 on marketplace when it normally would’ve retailed for close to Nadia$2,500.whitewashed her fireplace to brighten the room. Her knickknacksfarmhousecomplete the room’s aesthetic while giving it a “French country” theme.
ShelbyLiving.com 47 FAST, WARMFRESH, • curbside • takeout • delivery • catering • shippingnationwide Living Room
Nadia painted her corner chairs with fabric paint rather than purchase new chairs. Her chandelier and statement painting are from marketplace. Most notably, her table and chairs, Nadia says, she paid for less than one fourth of what they would cost retail. Saving money excites her!
Dining KitchenRoom
Nadia says her kitchen is a work in progress. She plans to one day gut her kitchen and incorporate an open concept with a larger, cooking-friendly island. She also wants to restain her hardwood floors a darker shade and paint her cabinets a whiter, brighter color. For now, she decorates with Gerbera daisies and sunflowers because they’re just “fun!”
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Laundry Room
Nadia says with working a full-time job and raising two kids, she relies on sprucing up second-hand buys to revitalize her home and prioritize spending money on her family. To make her office stand out, Nadia opted for bold hues paired with side railing and pole wrap wood garnishing on her walls to add texture and electrify this once bland-colored room.
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Office
Nadia jokes that her laundry room is where all of her “farm stuff” went to die. She opted for a checkered black and white floor to allude to the farmhouse feel.
Nadia never misses an opportunity to have a statement piece, such as this French country lace-beaded chandelier above her bathtub. The art, too, has eye-popping color in this neutral bathroom, which is unique because the colors in the painting draw all eyes to it, making the piece more artistically innate.
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Master Bathroom
Nadia says the best décor is showing off her family.
Not only does Nadia rely on lots of bright white and neutral colors to convey a comforting mood, but she also accentuates her furniture finds through highlighting statement pieces in the way she designs her rooms. This room’s vaulted ceiling is painted a different color for a dramatic flair.
Master Bedroom
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Family Portraits
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The house’s pool, along with the pond, is what makes Nadia’s estate a staple home in the Oak Mountain community.
Backyard Pool
This sunroom, which rests above the beautiful view of Nadia’s estate, provides the perfect solace on a sweet midsummer’s evening.
Nadia says her house was originally on a dairy farm, and her backyard’s pond was originally used as a springfed pond for the farm’s cows.
BY SASHA JOHNS BY KEITH MCCOY
| PHOTOS
Business more than How The Farm Company’s owner Cathy Hitt builds bridges for friendships to blossom.
Cathy Hitt, the owner of the charming little store known as The Farm Company on Columbiana’s historic Main Street, will tell you she doesn’t have customers, she has a family, and she wouldn’t have it any other way. The road that brought her to small business ownership was one of both pain and healing, and it’s given her the chance to help others do the same in the midst of their own journeys. In 2007, Cathy made what would turn out to be a life-changing decision. She bought an embroidery machine. She purchased it anticipating that she would make some fun items for her first grandchild that was on the way, but it ended up leading her to opportunities she couldn’t have seen coming. That’s because one month after the purchase, Cathy’s first husband, Lee, passed away. Cathy had been working for a nationally recognized oil and gas company for five years when she suddenly lost her husband. At that time, they had been leading a youth group at a small church and had been deeply invested in the lives of kids that went to her church. “It was my Camelot,” she says. “It was a great mix of kids from all walks of life.” She
C
Cathy says that she learned during this time “not to lean on her own understanding,” and in doing that, she says she had the faith to continue to move forward in her life. Eventually, in the wake of loss, the chance for a new path presented itself when Cathy met an old friend, Tiger Hitt, for the second time in her life. “I had always said that if God had a new guy for me, he was going to have to put him slap dab in front of my face,” says Cathy, and that’s exactly what happened thanks to her sister who “re-introduced” them.
especially loved when kids that struggled with bullying and family stressors could find a safe place and acceptance among the kids she and her husband led.Though her loss was sudden and painful, she stayed on for a year with her youth group after Lee passed, but she never forgot the feeling of the love and healing that was possible in that community.
Cathy and Tiger had known each other in high school and even went to junior prom together. “I tell people I went to junior prom with my second husband, and senior prom with my first,” Cathy says, laughing. Three months after their first date, Tiger proposed during a Blue Moon on New Year’s Eve, and they’ve been together for 12 years now. In the midst of all this, she kept creating with her embroidery machine. As the years went by, friends and family asked her to make things from time to time. Eventually, her hobby became a business, and
ShelbyLiving.com 57 205-668-0075 320 HWY 304 CALERA, AL burtoncampers.com35040 Thank you! for voting us into the 2022 Best of the Best BE CERTAIN WITH BURTON 3165 Cahaba Valley Road Birmingham, AL 35124 NOW COMMERCIALSELLINGALSOPLAYEQUIPMENT!CALL205-408-4386FORMOREINFO! 205-408-4386CALLformoreinfo! www.backyardalabama.com3165ChbVlleRd AY86 info! For all your playgroundbackyardneeds!! CATHY’SCOMPANYFARMMISSION Faith - Because it’s what has carried her through everything. Community - Because it’s what we’re here for, to pour ourselves into others. Creativity - Because we are creative. We want to keep moving forward with new ideas and not get stuck by obstacles. Encouragement - Because we’ve already been through “it,” we can help others get through “it.”
ShelbyLiving.com 59 she opened the first version of her endeavor, a little shop on the corner of College and Main Street called CC Happy Bug. But as she got to know the folks in the other stores on Main Street, a new opportunity arose to buy a more established business that she could work her embroidery business into seamlessly. That business was the well-loved gift shop, The Farm Company.
The Farm Company has been a joy for Cathy. After leaving the corporate world and entering the world of full-time entrepreneurship, she’s found that her shop gives her new ways to revisit that community of love and healing that she had when she worked with youth at her church. When she took on the store, she kept the
The Farm Company already had an established following of patrons and was known for its unique and often locally sourced merchandise. The previous owners had built a reputation for not only customer service but also community building through their faith. “They told me I was the first customer that came in that they didn’t already know,” Cathy says of their first interaction with owners Robin and Shannon. They became fast friends and eventually, as the owners were ready to move on to some new life journeys of their own, the opportunity arose for Cathy to take on The Farm Company to expand her business.
60 September/October 2022 BRANDSLOCAL AT THE COMPANYFARM Farm Charm Boutique Good ItemsAndStonehollowKingdomLittleMadartz1818Jennifer’sPiperMama’sRevivalForageGraciousFarmsteadCoffeeSecretCookiesandLeafTeaKitchenFarmsPhotoHenDesignsFarmsFarmsofcoursebytheFarmCompany
previous owner’s “prayer tree” as a major focal point of the shop. A literal tree, along the right side of the store, bears slips of paper with prayer requests of guests that venture into the store. People can leave a prayer request or take one to pray over. As people participate in this, Cathy has had the chance to get to know and care for her community better, and as a result, she’s become involved in multiple programs throughout the Columbiana area that contribute to her own healing and the healing of others.“I’m always automatically attracted to women that tell me they are widows because of my own journey,” she says. “But I love partnering with groups like Owens House and the Working Wildcats, too.” She’s also a cheerleader for all the small businesses on Main Street, pointing out other spots that she hopes her customers will go visit after leaving her store. “I want us all to be successful because when we are all successful, we all win,” she says. Cathy works behind the scenes with this philosophy, too, as the vice-chair of the Columbiana Main Street organization. “I want us all to do well,” she says, and when she says it, you know she’s talking about not just the other small businesses she shares Main Street with, but the people of her little community who own and visit those businesses as well.
Be ready to make some serious business contacts on September 29 from 5:30-7 p.m. at Cahaba Derma tology | Spa. The investment – which includes hors d’oeuvres and two bev erage coupons -- for any Chamber investor is $10 per person and $20 for “Future” Reservationsinvestors.arerequired, so please reg ister via email at jordan@shelbychamber. org, by phone at 205-663-4542 or online at shelbychamber.org by noon on Tuesday, Sept. 27. Business After Hours at Cahaba Dermatology | Spa
Newsletter
Join us for the October Chamber Connections Luncheon, scheduled for October 6 featuring the Tourism and Recreation All Star Awards featuring comments from Joe Romano, Executive Vice President & COO of VenuWorks. The event will be held in the Grand Hall at Old Mill Square, 104 West Col lege Street, Columbiana, AL 35051. RSVP required and pre-payment to assist in preparation by noon, Tuesday, Oct.Admission:4. Investors $20 and future investors $30.
The Shelby County Chamber 1301 COUNTY SERVICES DR. PELHAM, AL, 35124 Sept. Chamber‘22Events Ambassador6Work Group 11:30 AM - 1 PM 7 Career Readiness & EBI Work Group 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM The Shelby County Chamber 7 Chelsea Business Alliance Luncheon 11:30 AM - 1 PM Chelsea Community Center 7 Small Business Work Group 4 PM - 5 PM 8 Governmental Affairs Work Group 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM Sain Associates9 Health Service Work Group 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM via 13Zoom Tourism & Recreation Work Group 11 AM - Noon Via ZOOM14 Women’s Business Council 11:30 AM - 1 PM creACTive Wellness Center Invester15Reception11:30AM-1PM The Shelby County Chamber PelhamCommunity28Luncheon11:30AM-1PMCivicComplex&Ice Arena 29 Business After Hours 5 PM - 7 PM Cahaba Dermatology & Spa Cahaba For on Chamber work groups and how to get involved visit shelbychamber.org or email info@ shelbychamber.org
On Saturday, Oct. 1, The Shelby County Chamber will be co-hosting the inaugural Discover ShelbyFest event from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. The event, co-hosted by The Shelby County Arts Council and DiscoverShelby. com, will be held in Old Mill Square Park in Columbiana and feature wines from sever al of the splendid vineyards in Central Ala bama, Food & Live Music. Opportunities to taste and/or buy wine will be available by purchasing a festival wristband which also includes a festival wine glass souvenir. Food trucks will be on site, and “Just a Tish” located adjacent to the event area will also offer attendees other beverages. The live music scheduled for the Festival includes: The Wildflowers (A Tom Petty Tribute Band), Rollin’ In the Hay (“High Octane Rock-grass”), Early James Band (Modern Americana/ Blues), The Grand Tour (Classic Country) and more! Sponsorships are available. If you are interested in visibility for this new Fall Festival, contact Kirk Mancer via email: kirk@shelbychamber.org or by phone at 205-419-3361.
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information
New Fall Festival: Discover ShelbyFest
October ConnectionsChamberLuncheon
BUSINES S CONNECTI ONS
Leadership Skills Training 205 - 663 - 4542
SHELBYCHAMBER.ORG
Alabama Industrial Develop ment Training (AIDT) is offering a three-part Leadership Course focused on skills that all leaders, supervisors or managers need to be more effective. This FREE opportunity, offered through the partnership between 58 INC and The Shelby County Chambe,r pro vides training in leadership, com munication, teamwork and lead ing multiple generations. The dates for the three course series are: Leadership Skills I: September 20 & September 21; Leadership Skills II: October 19 and Leadership Skills III: Novem ber 16. Spots are limited to the first 25 participants, so make your reser vations early. Attendees must be able to attend the class IN PER SON in Chelsea, AL and pass a written exam at the end of the course to receive AIDT’s Certified Leaders Certificate. To register, contact Melody Whitten, Vice President with 58 INC by e-mail: mwhitten@58inc. org.
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Join us on Wednesday, Sept. 28 for the “An nual Safety Awards” Community Luncheon, presented by SouthWest Water Company, co-hosted The UPS Store at Caldwell Mill Road and Turner Promotions, as we honor public safety officials from throughout Shelby County. Each year we are privileged to recognize indi viduals who have demonstrated outstanding excellence in public safety by presenting them with an award. This program is an opportunity for us to per sonally give thanks to the fire, police and Shel by County Sheriff’s office personnel, and honor them for the outstanding service and sacrifices they make each day in keeping our respective communities a safe place to live, work, and play. The luncheon will be held from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 28 at the Pelham Civic Complex and Ice Arena, 500 Amphithe ater Drive, Pelham. Reservations required by noon on Monday, Sept. 26 to assist with prepa ration – pre-payment requested. Investment: Chamber investors $20, “Future” investors $30. Register online at shelbychamber.org or call the Chamber office at 205-663-4542.
Join us on September 15 for our 3rd Quar ter Investor Reception to make sure! Whether you’re a long-time investor, or relatively new, we encourage you to join your fellow inves tors and Chamber staff for some business net working and to learn how to maximize your investment. This working lunch meeting is from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Pelham Coun ty Services Building (1301 County Services Drive).Acomplimentary boxed lunch will be provided for all attendees. Reservations are required – and space is limited -- so please contact the Chamber by no later than Noon on September 13 via e-mail at jordan@shel bychamber.org, by phone at 205-663-4542 ext. 109 or register online to reserve your place.
Is Your Organization Taking Full Advantage of Your Chamber Investor Benefits? Newsletter
Chamber Hosts “Annual Safety Awards” at September Community Luncheon
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Sponsors Chelsea Business Alliance September Luncheon
On September 7, the Chelsea Business Alliance will host their monthly luncheon at the Chelsea Community Center. Doors open at 11:30AM for business networking with the luncheon starting at noon. To allow for proper planning, reser vations are requested by no later than September 5. Reservations can be made by contacting Kirk Mancer at kirk@shelbychamber.org, by telephone at 205-663-4542. rate oat loans otorcyc really any loans With a variet y of terms and rates to fit your s , your dreams really can com true Like today Because we don’t just talk about helping our memb s we actually do it amfirs Living_hp.pdf 1 8/2/2021 4:17:20 PM Meet Jane Ann Mueller, a Chel sea resident and our Ambassador of the month. Jane Ann represents the City of Chelsea as a liaison to Shelby County by serving on numerous committees and work groups. She is the current vice chair of the Tourism & Recreation task force. Her leadership skills and get things done work ethic, serve Jane Ann well with her many projects for the City of Chelsea. Jane Ann is the Programs Director of the Chelsea community center and part of the team implement ing the major expansion of this property.Aproud native of Kentucky, Jane Ann is grateful to have settled in Chelsea and now be active at mul tiple levels with the Shelby County Chamber. For more information on things going on in Chelsea contact Jane Ann at 205-677-2052. of the Month
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ShelbyLiving.com 67 Newsletter Celebrating Growth Simple Tax Solutions - Pelham StateFarm Insurance - Ryan Fagerstrom Agency - PelhamRealty South - Cheslea Tiffany’s View Photography - Pelham Uncommon Phyiscal Therapy - 280 Corridor (Tattersall Park)The Steakhouse of Helena - Helena A2 Pharmacy Solutions - Hoover Bug’s & Bee’s Boutique - Alabaster Dunn’s HVAC, Plumbing & Electrical - Pelham Elizabeth Moore Chocolates -Pelham Engle Services - 280 Corridor (Lee Branch) Equity Homebuilders - Chelsea Freedom Therapies -Pelham Hardcore Jeet Kune Do - Chelsea LaQuinta Ground Breaking -Chelsea Matthew 25.35 - 280 Corridor Movement Mortgage - Amber Brittain - Chelsea 2022 Sponsor
Social
Mike Swinson Spire Alabama, Inc. Vice Chair, Tourism & Recreation John Collier Progress Bank
Immediate Past Chair Chris Grace Barge Design Solutions, Inc
Legacy
RuxDIRECTORSBentley Rux Carter Insurance Keith Brown Jefferson State Community College Laura Clarke SYNOVUS Jeff Purvis A. C. Legg, Inc. Guy Locker SouthWest Water Company Amiee Mellon University of Montevallo Melissa Dixon Charles Dixon Industries Alec Etheridge Shelby Newspapers,CountyInc. Khiari McAlpin Knox Vinehouse Nursery Maurice Mercer KATs Delivery Kyle Mims Edward Jones Investments – Kyle Mims Agency Steven Smith Specification Rubber Products
Traci Fox T Fox SalonSpa Kimberly L. Jackson Alabama Power Company William Norwood PNC Benji Sawyer Sawyer Solutions, LLC Chad Scroggins Shelby County Gretchen DiFante City of Pelham Meribeth Gilbert McLeod Software Bruce Gouin ExpressProfessionalsEmployment Keith Richards Taziki’s Mediterranean Café Chris Stricklin Dunn Companies The Hon. Brian Puckett (Ex-Officio, SCMA) City of Helena Amy Sturdivant (Ex-Officio) 58, INC (as of 8/1/22) Phillips of Shelby PelhamCounty Landing Group LLC Pelham Sno Biz of 12-July 17)
COMMITTEE)(EXECUTIVEOFFICERS
Chamber Chair Brian Massey Ascension St. Chair-ElectVincent’s Mechelle Wilder ARC Realty Vice Chair, Business Development & Support Kelly Thrasher Fox Hand Arendall, Harrison, Sale LLC Vice CommunicationsChair, & Marketing Lee Dorrill Blue Cross Blue Shield of CommunityViceAlabamaChair,&CareerDevelopment
InvestorsNew Gardens of Pelham Assisted FloorTheSouthernLegacyPelhamLivingCleanersChelseaWellnessLLCAlabaster3DAirServicesLLCAlabasterDosTequilasLLCChelseaCollisionProPelhamSteakhouseofHelenaHelenaCoveringsInternationalofBirminghamGreystoneUnderOneRoof,LLCBirmingham Constant Companion Animal HospitalPelham Paige
Agency, LLC EminenceArby’sCalera–ChelseaChelseaClinicUrgent Care PelhamPelham The Chandelier Lounge EncompassPelhamHealth
- Responded to 59 requests for business & - Promoting Chamber as well as Chamber & Community events through the following Media outlets: - Chamber Facebook: 37 “new follows”, 1681 “photo views”, 17,042 “post reaches” and 6,072 “total followers” - Twitter: 21 “tweets”, 717 “tweet impressions”, 180 “profile visits”, 3,024 ”followers” - Instagram: 1,538 “followers” - LinkedIn: 762 (14 new) “followers”, 178 “search appearances”, 32 “unique visitors” - WBC Facebook: 403 “followers”, 28“views”, 709“post reaches” June 11 – July 15, 2022
community information.
Melinda Bennett Candlewood Suites – Alabaster
AlabasterAlabaster (June
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Kevin Morris America’s First Federal Credit Union Vice Chair, Finance & Administration April Harry Warren, Averett, LLC Vice GovernmentalChair,Affairs
investors
68 September/October 2022 Find Us Online Sign up for our weekly newsletter | Access our investor directory 205 - 663 - 4542 SHELBYCHAMBER.ORG Newsletter 2022 TSCC Officers and Board of Directors
ChattanoogalikeaLocal
By Christiana Roussel
| Photos Contributed
HIT THE ROAD
This bridge over Rock City hangs hundreds of feet in the air, providing tourists a view over the treetops. Photo courtesy of ChattanoogaTourismCo.
70 September/October 2022 After time spent in the summer months visiting beaches and lakes, bobbing on foam noodles or skim-boarding waves on 30-A, we’re all ready for something a bit different. Weekend escapes in the cooler months such as football bye-weeks here in SEC country are the ideal time to explore someplace new, or even revisit a familiar destination but see it in a whole new way.
162 Miles 59 59 59 Birmingham Trussville Gadsden PayFortneGuntersville Chattanooga
Chattanooga, which is just a short two-hour trip Northeast of Birmingham, ticks a lot of boxes for so many different types of travelers. So much has been written about the hiking and scenic-overlooks of Ruby Falls and Lookout Mountain. Many readers have probably already visited the famed Chattanooga Choo-Choo and the phenomenal Tennessee Aquarium. However, there is so much more to Chattanooga! Let’s explore what a visit would look like from a local’sFallperspective.travel just hits differently. min.
AlabamaTennesseee Georgia2 hrs., 25
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The crowd here is strictly 21+, so plan accordingly. Memberships are available in case you never want to leave.
Pictured above is the historic Bluff View Art District. Photo courtesy of Chattenooga Tourism Co.
Recent years have seen the addition of several great new hotels in the Chattanooga area, as well as the sprucing up of some venerable favorites. Bode Equal parts non-traditional hotel, local gathering spot, coffee shop, hip bar, co-working and collab oration space, BODE in downtown Chattanooga is the kind of landing spot that can make all types of travelers happy. Offering one, two and three-bed room lofts, each high-ceilinged space is outfitted with a kitchen, living area and maybe even a ping pong table and a view of nearby Lookout Moun tain. DAWN is where you’ll find your morning coffee while the bartenders at DUSK have you covered with evening snacks and libations. Think family groups, girlfriend getaway or those with wanderlust seeking local connection.
WHERE TO STAY
Bode Chattanooga’s many amenities keep customers coming back. Photo courtesy of Digital Love Photography.
Common House is a private Chattanoo ga social club with six hotel rooms (plus one suite) available to the public. Hotel guests have access to the entire club while on-site: four bars, fitness center, intimate restaurant, co-working spaces, cabana-lined pool, podcasting studio and positively the coolest vibe in town.
Bluff View Inn Nestled in the arts-rich Bluff View Art District, this bed-and-breakfast-style inn is actually three turn-of-the-centu ry homes overlooking the Tennessee River. From the front porch of the T.C. Thompson House, you can sit a spell in a rocking chair and watch the sun set over Signal Mountain. Located within walking distance of many of Chattanoo ga’s must-see sites means you can park the car and venture out afoot to dine and do.
ShelbyLiving.com
Common House Tucked into the heart of uber-cool Southside, stands Common House. This white-stucco-ed former YMCA building has been exquisitely converted into a coveted “third space” that needs to be experienced to be appreciated. Third spaces exist to create community and connection, outside of home and work.
Common House’s exquisite architecture is but one aspect that garners attention from both locals and tourists alike. Photo courtesy of Ali Harper and Common House.
Take the recently renovated Lookout Mountain Incline to the top of the mountain, where you can visit Point Park (site of the Civil War Battle Above the Clouds). Back at the bottom, it is a short drive to Ruby Falls, Cloudland Canyon and Rock City, which is celebrating its 90th year of visitors! Locals suggest buying tickets ahead of time to spend more time oohing-and-aahing over the views and less time waiting in lines. Chattanooga is teeming with creatives and you can find something inspiring at almost any turn.
Locals love wandering in and out of galleries and showrooms in the Bluff View Art District, where the juices just flow. Gallery 1401 is a respite from the ordinary, and you’re bound to discover an eclectic mix of artists’ work.
Bluff View Art District
Kyle House Fitness If you’re game to stay on track with fitness goals while you travel- and those Lookout Mountain hikes weren’t enough- pop into Kyle House Fit ness for a class.
Sisu Sauna If you’d just rather sweat it out, a session or two at Sisu Sauna should do just the trick.
The Hunter Museum deserves an afternoon all to itself. With a permanent collection featuring works by the likes of Bierstadt, Frankenthaler and Ansel Adams, there is just enough to see without feeling overwhelming. BONUS: The museum is showcasing work by Birmingham-based artist Amy Pleasant until July of 2023, so be sure to check that out. Photo courtesy of Chattanooga Tourism Co.
Photo courtesy of Chattanooga Tourism Co. Photo courtesy of Zach Bopp HIT
THE ROAD
Outside Inside Kayaking on the Tennessee River For something completely differ ent, get on the Tennessee River by kayak to observe the endangered gray bats as they take to the eve ning sky in search of insects. On this 30-mile paddle of Nickajack Lake, you may even spy an osprey or the occasional bald eagle, so pack your binoculars!
72 September/October 2022
Lookout Mountain Incline
WHAT TO DO Yes, any trip to Chattanooga should include something outdoors, especially in the fall when the leaves are changing and the temperatures are most conducive to being outside.
The Hunter Museum
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Book and Cover Book and Cover is a lovely, little independent book store, where staffers are happy to suggest a new favorite read.
Photo courtesy of Ali Harper and Common House. Photo courtesy of Blaes Green
K Boutique Looking for something new to wear out to dinner or even just something casual?
State of Confusion is great for outdoor dining and drinks. Think ceviche, burgers and beer. Lunch, dinner, brunch. Reserva tions are accepted.
Local ladies love K Boutique in North Shore, where you can outfit yourself for almost any occasion.
Alice Blue, Electric Blue and Hanover Blue In the heart of Riverview, locals are drawn to the three-stores-in-one allure of Alice Blue, Electric Blue and Hanover Blue, which will have you dapper-in-aflash for an afternoon spent exploring Chattanooga local dining spots.
Main Street Meat Main Street Meats is a one-part butcher shop, one-part restaurant, where the daily offerings change, according to what is in season.
Speaking of local dining, Chattanooga is replete with interesting people doing interesting things, culinarily-speaking.
Pop in to Locals Only, which prides itself on supporting local artisans and makers.
Sidetrack At Sidetrack, be sure to order the beig nets (yes, you WILL make a mess) and the Eggs in Purgatory. Adelle’s Creperie Looking to satisfy that sweet tooth? Check out Adelle’s Creperie. Carla and Ken Pritchard may own this darling creperie, but their daughter, Adelle, gets all the credit for the concept and inspired menus and décor.
Locals Only Looking for a souvenir to take home?
Southern Squeeze For the vegetarians and vegans in your group, make like a local and head to Southern Squeeze with enough plantbased breakfast and lunch offerings to satisfy anyone. Feed Table and Tavern For weekend brunch, head to Feed Table and Tavern, where locals clamor for short ribs and grits or the Rocky Balboa biscuit.
For the travelers who simply must have their retail therapy when they visit a new city, there is nothing like discovering local Warehouse Row Warehouse Row, which is a converted Civil War stone fort in downtown Chat tanooga, has always been a great shop ping draw with plenty of national names you already know. Do yourself a favor and shop Embellish, which specializes in names like Rag & Bone and Veronica Beard. If something for the home is what you seek, just go directly to Revival, where the offerings include one-of-a-kind antiques and vintage finds, as well as gorgeous coffee table books and pretty barware, lamps and furniture to create the nest of your dreams back at home.
WHERE TO EAT
The secret is out about Boathouse Rotis serie and Raw Bar, where locals and visi tors alike clamor for seats that fill up fast. Go early to avoid too much of a wait.
State of Confusion
Shopgems.
Boathouse Rotisserie and Raw Bar
Alleia The aforementioned Revival-decorat ing-haven gets the credit for the warm interiors at Alleia in Southside, where the rustic Italian menu makes the most of lo cal ingredients. This is where Chattanoo gans go for date nights or to celebrate something special, even if that event is just called “making it to the weekend.”
76 September/October 2022 4 5 3 6 1 2 OUT & ABOUT 1. Bella Willie, Adam Spann, Chris Spann, Cindi Spann and Roxine Heath 2. Kristen Blanton, Spring McKinney and Jacob Ritondo 3. Reginald Battle, Reginald Battle II, Joshua Engrem and Derek Battle 4. Khalil Sabbah and Max Havercroft 5. Sara Ezekiel and Madison McLoughlin 6. Amanda Johnigan, Olivia Johnigan, Brooklyn Kirksey and Kya Gardner 7. Sharon Zou, Maureen Ngugi and Megan Briley 8. Sage McHardy, Donna McGuffie, Bella Willie and Sunni Edwards 9. Katie Glawson, Alysa Webb, Lacey Roller, Tatum West and Mitchell Rhodes 10. Zach Underwood, Krista Underwood and Jace Underwood 2022 HELENA HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION PHOTOS BY MICHELLE LOVE The class of 2022 seniors were all smiles as they threw their caps in the air in celebration of the end of their high school careers. The graduation was held at Samford University’s Pete Hanna Center on Monday, May 23.
ShelbyLiving.com 77 7 8 9 10 OUT & ABOUT
78 September/October 2022 4 5 3 6 1 2 OUT & ABOUT 1. Izabel Vice, Lola Wade, Rebecca Wentworth, and Madison Massone 2. Amy Burton and Taylor Sullivan 3. Sarah Briley, Samantha Briley, Aaron Briley and Reece Briley with Cowboy the dog 4. Spencer Beard and Alyssa Beard 5. Brian Puckett and Katie Britt 6. Kat Noyes and Scott Noyes 7. Brianna Dill, Kinsley Dill and Hadley Dill 8. Brian Puckett and Erin Welborn 9. Tonya Hicks, Misty Harmon, Jennifer Rasmussen and Becca Allen 10. Daniel Griffin and Sawyer Griffin 11. Crystal Raitsmith and Kelly Morgan 12. Maggie Dillahunty, Kynlee Doss and Ellie Stewart 13. Lindsay Keller, Landon Keller and Cade Keller 14. Erin Welborn and Katie Britt HELENA OLD TOWN LIVE ROCK & ROLL PLAYHOUSE PHOTOS BY MICHELLE LOVE Helena families flocked to Amphitheatre Park on Saturday, June 18 for the June installment of Old Town Live. Taking place on Father’s Day weekend, kids enjoyed water slides and a performance from Rock & Roll Playhouse.
ShelbyLiving.com 79 8 9 10 11 13 7 14 OUT & ABOUT 12
80 September/October 2022 4 6 5 3 1 2 OUT & ABOUT 1. Shana Colburn, April Box, Kian Box, Michelle McConnel and Noah McConnel 2. Emily Sims 3. Ethan Sims 4. Ashley Palladino 5. Marsha Coggins, Madison McCoy, Peyton Watkins and Robin Calvert 6. Jack and Taylor Spink 7. Olivia Marshall, Bella Guy and Carolyn Marshall 8. Bobbie Fleming and Margaret Elliott 9. Olivia Bachus, Allison Thompson, Becca Lindstrom, Elizabeth Rylee and Aly Davis 10. Margaret Elliott, Mike Fleming, Kristen Fleming, Grayson Fleming, Anslee Fleming, Bobbie Fleming, Mark Burnett, Jeff Burnett and Kathy Burnett 11. Sandra and Conrad Brown with Joyce and Jeff Birdsong 12. Ivy and Harley Champion 13. Melissa Landers and Shannon Hickman 14. Brandon Rose, Liam Barnes and Marcus Smith CHELSEAFEST AND THE BIG KABOOM PHOTOS BY EMILY SPARACINO The city of Chelsea hosted its annual Independence Day celebration, ChelseaFest and the Big Kaboom, on Saturday, July 2. The event featured an array of vendors, live entertainment and fireworks.
ShelbyLiving.com 81 8 9 10 11 13 7 14 OUT & ABOUT 12
82 September/October 2022 7 4 5 3 6 1 2 OUT & ABOUT 1. Colleen Varner, Karly Dunnigan and Edith Grant 2. Karina Jensen and Tyler Spidle 3. Charlie and Jan Moore, Buck, Hannah, Jennie, Kynlee and Charlie Bice 4. Dana Morson and Britton Funderberg 5. Taylor and Amie Guice 6. Jane Cooper, Michael Morissey, Craig Cecil and Chester the dog 7. Gail Brown and Lorianne Steed BUSTER MEMORIALBRITTONTRIATHLON PHOTOS BY MICHELLE LOVE Hundreds gathered at Oak Mountain State Park early Saturday morning on Aug. 13 to take part in the annual Buster Britton Memorial Triathlon. The event involved racers taking part in swimming, biking and running at Olympic and spring levels.
ShelbyLiving.com 83 4 OUT & ABOUT 7 8 5 6 1 2 3 1. Victor Williams, Libby Schropp and Irene Naranjo 2. Paula Holly and Jonathan Holly 3. Jenny Galey and Adam Galey 4. Libby Schropp Mark Schropp, Jenny Galey, Adam Galey, Paula Holly, Jonathon Holly, Roxanne Wing, Andrew Wing, Irene Naranjo, Victor Williams, Octavia Moore, Sergio Salinas, Kyle DePew, Bradley Harper, Reba Green, Cherie Olivier, Andrew Parrish, Margie Fincher and Ricky Pendley 5. Libby Schropp and Mark Schropp 6. Margie Fincher and Ricky Pendley 7. Andrew Parrish and Cherie Olivier 8. Roxanne Wing and Andrew Wing 24E FITNESS PREMIER DANCE CLASS PHOTOS BY MICHELLE LOVE Pelham’s 24e Fitness premiered its new weekly professional dance classes on Friday, June 10. The owners of IV Motion Dance studio taught attendees the basics of salsa and how to let loose on the dance floor.
CONNECT
FOUNDED IN 1896, the Universi ty of Montevallo is nestled in the heart of Alabama, approximately 35 miles south of Birmingham. Designed by the architects behind New York’s Central Park and the grounds surrounding North Carolina’s Biltmore House, our campus serves as a picturesque backdrop to match the University’s world-class educational offerings. White columns, expansive lawns, brick walkways and stately oaks are just part of the campus’ beauty that has earned widespread acclaim. Southern Living magazine even named us among the “South’s Most Beautiful Colleges” in 2020. As the only public liberal arts uni versity in Alabama, the University of Montevallo has the charm of a private school experience while providing the value of a state-supported institution.
As a small school, we are committed to creating big opportunities for students. Montevallo’s list of national accolades grows each year. U.S. News & World Report has ranked us a Best Value School and one of the most innovative schools in the nation, and we have been named a College of Distinction for 11 consecutive years. At UM, we don’t merely inspire — we teach our students how to harness inspiration, become versatile and give back. Through our accreditations, scholarships and faculty resources, we’ve cultivated a reputation for pro ducing bright minds. Montevallo offers academic programs in four colleges: Arts and Sciences, Business, Education and Human Development and Fine Arts. Students choose from more than 30 degree programs and more than 70 majors and concentrations. They par ticipate in an educational environment boasting an average class size of 13 and have unprecedented opportunities for conducting undergraduate research under full-time faculty mentors.
University of Montevallo
UM fields 22 NCAA Division II athletic teams competing in the Gulf South Conference, Peach Belt Con ference and New South Intercollegiate Swimming Conference, giving stu dent-athletes ample opportunity to don the purple and gold.
Unique to Montevallo is our home coming tradition, College Night, known as the oldest tradition of its kind in the nation. Montevallo students from across all disciplines have come together for a spirited competition like no other for more than 100 years. College Night was selected as a “Local Legacy” for the Library of Congress’s bicentennial celebration in 2000. We invite you to take a tour and see for yourself why You Belong at Montevallo! FOR MORE INFORMATION Visit: montevallo.edu/tours Call: 205-665-6030 or 800-292-4349 Email: admissions@montevallo.edu WITH US @UMontevallo@Montevallo
SCHEDULEATOUR
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At the University of Montevallo, you will enjoy small classes, personalized attention, engaging student activities and abundant opportunities for real-world experience. You will emerge a well-rounded, highly educated individual who isn’t just ready for the world — you’re ready to change it. Here, you won’t merely fit in, you’ll find a place to call home. You will discover a new family where you belong. So, schedule a tour — come see for yourself why You Belong at the University of Montevallo.
For All Your Masonry Repair Needs Brick & Block Repair •Columns •Steps •Retaining Walls Call
or srichardson642@gmail.comemail to get your free estimate! Boothe’s Siding & Remodeling •Vinyl Siding •Doors •Windows •Remodeling 55
O-Flex Metal Finishing Electrical hourTechnicianMaintenance$22.00-$25.00/REQUIREMENTS: •Knowledge of electrical work, American •RecognizemechanicalElectricalHandbook,Electricians’Local/NationalCodes•Readdrawingssafetyhazards
Become a Dental Assistant in ONLY 8 WEEKS! Please visit our capstonedentalassisting.comwebsite or call (205)561-8118 and get your career started! Now Hiring! Termite Treaters and Inspectors. Work with a great local company, in business for over 50 years. BC/BS insurance, 401k, opportunities available. No experience required. Must have a good driving record and be able to pass drug screen. Email to facsmith@charter.net or call 205-369-6250. Vulcan Termite and Pest Control Now hiring RN’s and LPN’s throughout Alabama! $250 community referral bonus for RN’s and LPN’s. Sign-on Bonuses available at select locations! For more information please contact: Paige Gandolfi Call/text: 724-691-7474 pgandolfi@wexfordhealth.com
Shelby Living Magazine • 205.669.3131 ShelbyLiving.com
INSULATORS LOCAL
•Mechanicalspaces diagnostic skills •Basic
•Lift/ move heavy objects •Work in tight computer
H&H Enterprises, Inc. Alabaster, AL has an immediate opening for a Delivery Driver. Delivery Drivers will be primarily responsible for the delivery and set up of portable buildings. All applicants must be customer service driven and represent our company in the upmost way. We are an established 35 year old company with 18 retail locations. We look forward to adding to our team to continue working toward future success. Delivery Drivers: • must have a good driving record • must have a Class A CDL license • must be able to deliver wide load Salarybuildingsis$900.00 plus per week depending on experience Direct Deposit is available Health/Dental and Vision ToInsuranceApply: Send Resumes ortracy.thomas@hhenterprises.comtoCall205.664.9191ext125.
Bama Concrete Now Hiring: Diesel Mechanic 4 Years Minimum Experience. CDL Preferred. Competitive Pay. Great Benefits. Apply in person: 2180 Hwy 87 Alabaster, 35007 Now Hiring For Utility Positions Starting pay $14.42/ hour Must be able to pass background screen. Please apply at: www.bc.com $80,000+ Yearly Potential Sales positions available at Burton Campers. Please call Mickey Price for phone interview: 205-668-0075
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 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 inquiries only. Call 334-409-0035 or apply on-line at www.Oxfordhealthcare.com
Portable Building Delivery Drivers job duties: • drives a company vehicle in a safe, courteous and responsible •mannerloadportable buildings at the store and verifies the condition of the truck, the manifest and other paperwork associated with the deliveries to be made • drives to the delivery destination, confirms order with customer, unloads, blocks, levels and obtains confirmation DeliverysignatureDriver job requirements: • Applicants will need a valid Class D driver license. No CDL is required • Pass DOT driving physical Delivery Driver Salary starting at $600.00 + per week based on experience. To Apply: Send Resumes ortracy.thomas@hhenterprises.comtoCall205.664.9191ext125.
Kelly Education • Shelby County Schools • Hiring Substitute Teachers. Limitless opportunities for passionate people! •Free pre-hire training •Paid orientation •Ongoing professional development •Steady, yet flexible, work •Weekly pay •Your preference of schools. Contact Anne anne.gamble@kellyservices.comM:O:Gamble:205.682.7062205.532.1122
MVP Landscape •Mowing •Edging •Weed Eating •Pruning •Pine Straw •Mulch FREE 256-267-4578ESTIMATES!
work order system Apply in person: O-Flex Metal Finishing 725 Keystone Drive, Clanton Experienced Termite Technician or someone experienced in route-service work and wants to learn new profession. Work-vehicle/ equipment provided. Must drive straight-shift, have clean driving record/be 21/pass background/ drug test. Training provided. Insurance/401K offered. M-F 7:00-4:30 + 1 Saturday/month. Pay $13hr. Send resume to facsmith@charter.net Call Mrs. StarL www.AlabamaPsychic.com205-560-0490 205-643-0729 srichardson642@gmail.com 205-643-0729 Maylene Drive (205)948-5649 AREA 78 Joint & will be accepted July 1, 2022- July 31, 2022 in person at 2653 Ruffner Road Birmingham, Al 35210 205956-2866, 205-956-8101 etx.3 based on, RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, NATIONAL ORIGIN, SEX (INCLUDING PREGNANCY AND GENDER IDENTITY), SEXUAL DISABILITYANORGENETICORIENTATION,INFORMATION,BECAUSETHEYAREINDIVIDUALWITHAORAPERSON
Marketplace
to get your free estimate! For All Your Handyman Needs Total Remodeling! •Framing •Painting •Sheet Rock Call
& math skills EXPERIENCE: •Electrical-5 years •Eurodrive•Boilertruckmaintenance•Plant/facilities•Forklift/hand•Allen-BradleyPLCVFD•Computer
H&H Enterprises, Inc Alabaster, AL has an immediate opening for a Portable Building Delivery Driver. Delivery Driver will be primarily be responsible for loading, delivering, blocking and leveling portable storage buildings. The delivery driver will also be responsible for completing other tasks associated with our business. All delivery driver applicants must be customer service driven and represent our company in the upmost way. We are an established 33 year old company with 19 retail locations. We look forward to adding to our team to continue working toward future success.
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.
BIRMINGHAM
Apprenticeship
86 September/October 2022 Associated Grocers of the South • NOW HIRING TRUCK DRIVERS. Home most every night! Earn $50,000-$85,000 delivering palletized loads to grocery stores within 300 mile radius of Birmingham. Minimum 2 years tractor- trailer experience required. Steady work & great benefits! Blue Cross health & dental insurance only $60/wk family coverage. Matching 401k plan. Apply online WWW.AGSOUTH.COMat
NOW HIRING Custodian/ Event Set-up Performs various Includingduties,cleaning and maintaining Civic Center and set-up/breakdown of events. Pay begins at $14.75/hour, with BCBS insurance, and retirement included in the benefits package. Applicants must have reliable transportation and drug test required. Please contact: 205.978.0166 for application and additional details.
South Haven Health & Rehab NOW HIRING!!! •LPN’s & RN’s -$5,000 Sign-on Bonus for Full-Time shift • CNA’s Apply in person: 3141 Old Columbiana Rd Birmingham,AL-35266
Training Committee ApprenticeshipapplicationsAcceptingfor4-yearProgram. Applications
University Baptist CDC Pre-K In Montevallo NOW HIRING Auxiliary teachers for First Class 4-year-old Pre-K programs. School year positions with competitive pay. Auxiliary teachers must have Child Development Associate (CDA) or 9hrs Early Childhood Education/ ExperienceDevelopment.inFirst Class program & bilingual skills a plus. Also looking for substitute Forteachers.questions or resumes, contact Lorrie 205-665-4039universitybaptistcdc@gmail.comOzley: COLAFRANCESCOVILLAGGIO #1 Gelato in the world straight from Italy and a way of life where work is more than just another job. On Hwy 280 by Cowboy ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS Full & Part Time *Baristas *Cashies *Management Offering Competitive Pay Closed on Sundays Call for an Interview: 205-593-4221
or email
apprenticeshipwillApprenticeshipThe&bediploma/IDdependablemustwww.insulators.org.Checkcraig@insulators78.orgusoutatApplicantsbe18+,drugfree,havetransportation,&proofofage,highschoolGED.ApplicantswillrequiredtotakemathtestEnglishcomprehensiontest.AsbestosWorkersLocal78TrainingTrustnotdiscriminateagainstapplicants or apprentices
Chilton and Shelby County Treatment Center Now Hiring Masters in counseling/social work and related fields. Email resume information.Ordonnajoiner53@gmail.comto:call205-755-4300formore
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One of my favorite memories is probably when a massive gang showed up at our house last year after the March 25th tornadoes to help begin the cleanup operation. These people were angels. They started to restore order and give us hope. I will never forget their hard work, kindness and compassion.
88 September/October 2022
MY SHELBY COUNTY SPANN for
The best event in Shelby County is VBS at Double Oak Community Church every June. I might not be good at many things, but I know how to do VBS. It’s the greatest week of the year for kids!
Chief Meteorologist
ABC 33/40
JAMES
The most time I get to spend outdoors in Shelby County is on the 50-yard artificial turf field across the street from the TV station in Riverchase at Godspeed Elite Sports Academy. It isn’t a public park, but I work out there at least three days a week. When you sleep three hours a night, your physical health is very important, and they keep me going. I feel better now than I felt when I was 30!
Our First Home When Karen and I were married in 1981, we moved into a home in the Southwind subdivision in Alabaster. We have very fond memories there. Furthering God’s Kingdom Teaching Vacation Bible School
God’s Promises prove through Disaster
Finding Fellowship through Family
Breakfast at Sunrise
The March 25th Tornadoes
Pancakes at Jimbo’s in Mt Laurel I lead children’s worship at Double Oak Community Church, which is also in Mt Laurel. Before Sunday morning duties, a stop at Jimbo’s is critical. You also can’t beat pizza from Area 41.
Working out on a Time Crunch Godspeed
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S P A C A H A B A YOUR LOCAL ESCAPE Relax. Refresh. Renew. S P A C A H A B A | 2 0 5 . 5 6 4 . 9 4 5 8 W W W . S H O P C A H A B A . C O M
