Shelby Living August2016

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Back to

school

Locals return to their alma maters to lead the next generation

Ride4Gabe

Ride raises awareness about Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Healthy skin Spa One Nineteen offers treatments for sun damage

August 2016 shelbyliving.com

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Perfect score ISS student scores 36 on the ACT

No longer forgotten Local swim teams learn skills and teamwork


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FROM THE EDITOR

I

’m back! But only for this issue. On Feb. 23, my husband and I welcomed our first child, a daughter we named Sarah. We are smitten with her and think she is perfect, although we may be a little biased. She is now a plump 4-month-old who likes to laugh, eat, roll over and wake us up in the middle of the night. I returned from maternity leave in May, but took some time to focus on other projects before getting back to the magazine. Lauren has done a fantastic job with Shelby Living, and I am so thankful she was able to handle the magazine in my absence. I mentioned earlier this is my last issue again. Emily Sparacino, a coworker who writes for the magazine occasionally, is going to be the new editor of Shelby Living and our sister publication, Hoover’s Magazine. Emily’s a Shelby County resident, a talented writer and a fantastic person. I will continue to work for our parent company, Shelby County Newspapers, Inc., but I have gotten a little too busy to give Shelby Living the proper

attention it needs. Emily will do a great job with both magazines, and I am looking forward to reading them each month. This issue announces the return of our sixth annual Best of the Best Shelby County contest. The purpose of the contest is to honor the people and businesses that make Shelby County a wonderful place to live and work. The 2016 contest features more than 70 categories in eight subgroups: Dining and Nightlife, Arts and Culture, Health and Beauty, Services, Places, Home and Finance, Shopping and Auto. Voting began July 18 and will end Aug. 12, and the results will be published in the October issue of the magazine. I hope you will take the time to vote this year. This is a great opportunity to show support for local businesses, organizations and people. Thank you for your support, feedback and story ideas over the years. It has been a privilege to tell your stories over the years. I will continue to be Shelby Living’s biggest fan – now as a reader instead of the editor.

Katie McDowell, Editor

Katie.McDowell@ShelbyLiving.com ON THE COVER Arrington Collie is the science enrichment specialist for the elementary campus at Briarwood Christian School, her alma mater. Cover design: Layken Gibbs Photography: Keith McCoy

SHELBY Living EDITORIAL Graham Brooks Baker Ellis Alec Etheredge Keith McCoy Jessa Pease Emily Sparacino Neal Wagner CONTRIBUTORS Laura Brookhart Lindsay Dyess Dawn Harrison Lisa Phillips Grace Thornton PRODUCTION Connor Bucy Jamie Dawkins Layken Gibbs Clarke Stackhouse MARKETING Meagan Barton Kristy Brown Ashley Duckett Kari George Daniel Holmes Rhett McCreight Kim McCulla April Spivey Jessica Spradlin ADMINISTRATION Tim Prince Katie McDowell Mary Jo Eskridge Hailey Dolbare Stacey Meadows Shelby Living is published monthly by Shelby County Newspapers Inc., P.O. Box 947, Columbiana, AL 35051. Shelby Living is a registered trademark. All contents herein are the sole property of Shelby County Newspapers Inc. [the Publisher]. No part of this periodical may be reproduced without written permission from the Publisher. Please address all correspondence (including but not limited to letters, story ideas and requests to reprint materials) to: Editor, Shelby Living, P.O. Box 947, Columbiana, AL 35051. Shelby Living is mailed to select households throughout Shelby County, and a limited number of free copies are available at local businesses. Please visit Shelbyliving.com for a list of those locations. Subscriptions are available at a rate of $20.41 for one year by visiting Shelbyliving.com, or calling (205) 669-3131, ext. 532. Advertising inquiries may be made by emailing advertise@ shelbyliving.com, or by calling (205) 669-3131, ext. 536.

4 | ShelbyLiving.com


WHAT’S INSIDE

education 27

BACK TO SCHOOL Meet the educators who have returned to their alma maters to lead a new generation of students

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PERFECT SCORE ISS junior earns perfect ACT score

38

ELECTRIC FUTURE THS students converting old car into an electric vehicle

28 August 2016 | 5


WHAT’S INSIDE

26

16 in every issue 7

THE SIMPLE LIFE

8

SHORT STORIES

55

BUSINESS CONNECTIONS

63

SHELBY SPOTTED

77

MARKETPLACE

80

OUT AND ABOUT

82

WHY I LOVE SHELBY COUNTY

arts & culture 11

THE ART OF STORYTELLING Van Sykes shares his stories with the Shelby County Arts Council

12 NO LONGER FORGOTTEN Glenn Wills’ new book highlights abandoned structures across Alabama

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48 health & fitness education 16

CYCLING FOR A CURE Cross-country Ride4Gabe raising awareness about Duchenne

21

BACK TO HEALTH Nurturing treatments for summer skin damage

faith 22

GROWING NEED Asbury UMC breaks ground on multimillion-dollar expansion

25

MEETING A NEED Church launches Chelsea Community Food Table outreach

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A TIME TO PLANT Church of the Highlands adopting Alabaster community garden

27

BACK TO SCHOOL Meet the educators who have returned to their alma maters to lead a new generation of students

36

PERFECT SCORE ISS junior earns perfect ACT score

38

ELECTRIC FUTURE THS students converting old car into an electric vehicle

features 48 WELCOME TO ANNABELLE’S New boutique in Lee Branch shopping center offers women’s apparel, accessories


THE SIMPLE LIFE

Stop interruptions

H

ave you ever thought, “If people would just leave me alone I could get my work done?” And what about the days when someone asks, “What did you do today?” and you realize you didn’t get anything accomplished that you set out to finish due to constant Lisa Phillips, owner of SimpleWorks, interruptions? Simpleworks.guru We’ve all been there and lisa@simpleworks.guru truthfully, we will continue to deal 205.981.7733 with interruptions because we interact with people. Add in the connection you have with your phone and every news app that dings for the latest “breaking news” and you have a day where the noise around you causes you to lose focus. Let’s save the tech connection for next month and this month let’s look at dealing with people and how to protect your precious time so that you can work! Stop inviting people into your space. If your office seems to be where people gather to chit-chat, look at what’s attracting them to you. Do you have mini candy bars on your desk that draws them in? Do you have the only printer in the office that brings others into your space? Change your greeting. A simple change from “How are you?” to “How can I help you?” keeps the conversation going in a production direction. Let’s be real: We’ve all asked someone “How are you?” and 20 minutes later you know way more about their broken water pipe, sore foot and car problems that you wanted to know. Don’t make eye contact. If you want to stop people from coming into your office, shut the door. Simple, yet it works. For open areas and cubicles, watch your eye contact. If you see someone walking by and you make eye contact, this innocent act invites conversation. Consider moving your furniture around so you aren’t facing the break room, copier, or other popular hang-outs where people gather. I know what you’re thinking—I don’t want to be rude. There’s a wide line between being rude and staying focused. At work, eliminating interruptions is understandable. Recently, on a trip to New York City, I was intrigued by how many people on the street smiled or struck up a conversation with me. Ok, it was usually a street vendor wanting me to buy a “designer purse,” but still! My son-in-law said, “That’s because you look at everyone, ask them “How are you?,” and you never stop smiling.” When you do the opposite, you just might get your work done today. It’s that simple. l

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August 2016 | 7


SHORT STORIES

Hayley Barber crowned Miss Alabama In a few months, Pelham High School graduate Hayley Barber will compete in the Miss America Competition after being crowned Miss Alabama at a June 11 pageant. As the 2016 Miss Shelby County, Barber was the first to win at the state level while still holding the Shelby County title. “I have grown up in Shelby County and have had some of the best experiences because of the great people who have poured into my life,” Barber wrote in a June 13 email. “To represent my home county and win Miss Alabama is so special. I hope to represent Shelby County as best I can and pour into other’s lives as others from Shelby County have poured into mine.” Through the Miss Alabama Pageant, Barber was not only awarded $13,800 in cash scholarships, she said she was also given the experience to share the importance of the Miss Alabama Pageant to people she meets at appearances throughout the state. Barber said this is her fifth year competing in the Miss Alabama Pageant, and she has earned more than 65,000 in scholarship funds during her stint with the organization. During the pageant June 11, Barber said she was surprisingly calm leading up to

being crowned. Barber will compete at the Miss America competition in two months, and she said she’s already begun her preparation.

She’s also started booking appearances throughout the state for speaking engagements, talent performances or meet and greets.

Alabaster leaders honor local Eagle Scout The entrance to an Alabaster neighborhood will serve as a lasting reminder of a local Eagle Scout’s dedication to his city, and his work recently earned him praise from the city’s leaders. Alabaster Mayor Marty Handlon presented Boy Scout Troop 20 Eagle Scout Colson Benedict with a proclamation honoring his achievements during a June 27 City Council meeting. While working toward his Eagle Scout badge, which is the highest honor a Boy Scout can achieve, Benedict planned, organized, raised funds and completed a project to renovate the entrance to the Park Place subdivision off Kent Dairy 8 | ShelbyLiving.com

Road. In addition to earning his Eagle Scout badge, Benedict also has a lengthy list of achievements, including earning 25 merit badges, serving as patrol leader, quartermaster and historian for his troop and serving as a member of the National Honor Society of the Boy Scouts of America – The Order of the Arrow. He has been inducted into the Thompson High School National Honor Society, the THS Junior ROTC Kitty Hawk Honor Society and the mathematics honor society of Mu Alpha Theta. He regularly volunteers at his church, and he owns his own lawnmowing business.


Local cities selected for Main Street Alabama program Two Shelby County cities have been chosen to take part in a statewide program aimed at breathing new life into communities through downtown revitalization. Columbiana and Montevallo are among four new communities, including Heflin and Wetumpka, designated for the Main Street Alabama revitalization program this year. “When a community is ready for Main Street, as these four are, our economic development program works,” Main Street Alabama President and State Coordinator Mary Helmer wrote in a June 1 press release. “It brings jobs, dollars and people back to historic downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts.” Each city participated in a rigorous, five-month competitive application process to be considered for the program. As news of the latest Main Street Alabama selections spread through Columbiana and Montevallo

on June 1, city leaders, business owners and residents expressed excitement about the future. Columbiana, Montevallo, Wetumpka and Heflin join Alexander City, Anniston, Athens, Birmingham, Decatur, Dothan, Elba, Eufaula, Florence, Fort Payne, Gadsden, Monroeville, Jasper, Opelika, Oxford and Selma and in using Main Street’s comprehensive and incremental approach. The cities will report their success by tracking their reinvestment statistics. Main Street Alabama’s Designated communities have reported 239 net new businesses, 2,392 net new jobs, $187,262,002 in private investment, $32,555,955 in public improvements, and 26,652 volunteer hours in their districts collectively since June of 2014. For more information, visit Mainstreetalabama.org. Pictured, Gov. Robert Bentley speaks at Columbiana’s Main Street Alabama celebration and kickoff event on June 29.

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SHORT STORIES

Two Hoover teachers named PBS Digital Innovators

Arc of Shelby County golf tourney held The Arc of Shelby County extended thanks to SouthWest Water Company, sponsors and all of the players for making The Arc’s 10th Annual Swinging Fore Achievement Golf Tournament a success. More than 75 golfers participated this year. The winning team was Digital Marketing Solutions.

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Vincent Chiaramonte (Computer Science, R.F. Bumpus Middle School) and Carol McLaughlin (second grade, Greystone Elementary School) have been named Alabama PBS Digital Innovators for 2016. PBS recently named its annual slate of Digital Innovators, tech-savvy educators who will serve as ambassadors for integrating best practices in digital learning in their classrooms, according to a Hoover City Schools press release.

In conjunction with their awards, Chiaramonte and McLaughlin will receive one year of free professional development from PBS. Additionally, one educator from every U.S. state and territory was named a Lead Digital Innovator, and will represent their state or territory at the PBS LearningMedia Digital Innovator Summit in Denver at the 2016 ISTE conference. For a full list of the 2016 PBS Digital Innovators, visit Pbslearningmedia.org/ digitalinnovators/.


ARTS COUNCIL CORNER

The art of storytelling Van Sykes shares his stories with the Shelby County Arts Council Story by LINDSAY DYESS Photograph CONTRIBUTED

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torytelling has always been a great tradition in the South. Whether people enjoy telling or listening, stories are a way of bringing people together. Over the years, the Shelby County Arts Council has brought lively stories to the Black Box Theater stage to entertain folks from all over. Now, we proudly present a night of storytelling with local storyteller Van Sykes. Van Sykes may be best known as owner and pitmaster of Bob Sykes BBQ, but he also possesses an incredible gift for storytelling. Sykes has been sharing stories his whole life. “I’ve always enjoyed sharing true stories about my history growing up and spending my entire life at Bob Sykes BBQ,” Sykes said. Spending his life in the family BBQ business gave Sykes the opportunity to meet many different people and collect stories along the way. “I love people and interacting with people because that is what

I do every day in my life,” he said. “That really is what story telling is all about.” Norton Dill, a movie and TV producer, encouraged Sykes to give professional storytelling a real shot. Sykes joined ARC Stories earlier this year and has since performed his stories for hundreds of people. ARC Stories is a group dedicated to storytelling. ARC take stories out of the coffee shops or from around the dinner table and presents them on stage for all to experience. Each event has a theme and the ARC team works with storytellers to help shape their work. Sykes’ first ARC experience was at the Avon Theater in front of 500 eager listeners. The theme for the evening was “stories from the workplace.” Since that first event with ARC Stories, Sykes has done well for himself with the group. “I am on the “Preferred” Storytelling list for ARC stories,” he said. “I’m also featured on the ARC Stories podcast and on NPR

as a recent storyteller.” Now Sykes prepares to bring his exciting stories to the folks of Shelby County. Join us at the Shelby County Arts Council on Saturday, Aug. 13 at 7:30 p.m. for the exciting Storyteller Night with Van Sykes, also featuring Columbiana Mayor Stancil Handley and Peg Hill. Doors open at 7 p.m. and tickets are $25. Your ticket also includes a beverage reception before the show. Join us for a fun and unique night of entertainment. Hear stories that are guaranteed to leave with a smile on your face. As Van Sykes says, “Look and listen close; everyone has a good story to tell.” To purchase tickets or for information on this and other upcoming events, please visit Shelbycountyartscouncil.com or call 205-669-0044. l

Van Sykes, owner and pitmaster of Bob Sykes BBQ, will share stories at the Shelby County Arts Council Black Box Theater on Aug. 13.

August 2016 | 11


ARTS & CULTURE

No longer forgotten Glenn Wills’ new book highlights abandoned structures across Alabama Story and photographs by LAURA BROOKHART Photos by LAURA BROOKHART AND GLENN WILLS

ABOVE: Mose Phillips Store, Smut Eye, photo by Glenn Wills. RIGHT: Photographer Glenn Wills near the remains of the old Siluria Train Trestle located behind Alabaster City Hall. This spur likely served the Siluria Cotton Mill Company which operated from 1896 to 1979. Photo by Laura Brookhart.

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lenn Wills’ 30-plus year career in broadcasting included working as a satellite truck operator from 2001-2009 for WVTM 13. During this time, he logged over a quarter-million miles and encountered numerous abandoned and forgotten structures that were still standing. Wills was enamored with these old structures and the secrets they kept. To feed his passion, he meticulously planned out a series of road trips that

encompassed visiting every county in Alabama and photographing what would become the contents of his book, “Forgotten Alabama,” published in 2015. In the book, he is careful not to share the exact location of the structures. “There is concern on my part that some of the structures I have found along the way will be vandalized or further mistreated if I give the exact location, so that information is not put forth in the book,” Wills said. “I am fine with nature taking


August 2016 | 13


TOP: Captain Chris retired shrimp boat in Bon Secour, photo by Glenn Wills. RIGHT: Honoraville School, Crenshaw County, photo by Glenn Wills.

14 | ShelbyLiving.com

its course with some of the more obscurely located structures, but in no way do I wish to subject them to those who may not appreciate their special place in history.” “Every place I go, once meant something to somebody, sometimes it has historical significance—sometimes only to a family, but these places bring back memories that were important to somebody,” he continued. “That is the whole purpose behind the photos encompassed in my book.” That purpose was emphasized in mid-June. An old home in Red Level, which he photographed

and included in the book, burned down after being struck by lightning. “That house was hidden for years, but once revealed after clear cutting, became often photographed,” he said. “Now, it is no more. But the photograph preserves its memory.” “Not to brag on how special I am,” Wills acknowledged, “but I may be the last person to have taken a photo of something memorable before it vanished.” The photos in the book are both color and black and white. Wills shoots everything in color and converts those best appreciated in black and white. The photo Wills took in Shelby County shows the silo that remains from the old Kent Dairy Farm Road in Alabaster. Although not an official designation, Wills notes, he has included a capture of Hells Gate Bridge in Oxford, Calhoun County, that according to urban legend, was so named because it appeared to be looking at the gates of Hell when you stopped in the middle and looked back. There are captures of old farm machinery, cars and trucks long left to rust, the Garden Room train car from the defunct Twickenham Station


Restaurant in Madison County and two photos from the Aliceville WWII POW camp in Pickens County. Included, too, are some of Wills’ own observations, such as, “The GPS is the second most important tool after my camera. However, it is imperfect technology. At times it would tell me to turn down roads that did not exist or lead me down what one might call roads in the technical sense because it assumed I had 4-wheel drive and high ground clearance.” “I remember one road it put me on where I seriously debated whether or not they’d ever

find my body. I’m thinking it was tired of saying ’recalculating.’” Some destinations were pre-planned, but Wills also appreciates the “accidental scenes” found along the way. They are like the proverbial icing on the cake to any photographers who cruise the back roads. Signed copies of Forgotten Alabama are available from Glenn Wills at Helena’s First Friday events. For more information about the book, visit Forgottenalabama.com or Facebook.com/ forgottenalabamathebook. l

LEFT: Abandoned House in Woodville, photo by Glenn Wills. RIGHT: Diamond T Dump Truck, Jacksonville, Ala., photo by Glenn Wills.

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August 2016 | 15


HEALTH & FITNESS

CYCLING

FOR A

CURE Cross-country Ride4Gabe raising awareness about Duchenne

Story by MOLLY DAVIDSON Photographs by JON GOERING AND CONTRIBUTED

M

any people spent Memorial Day weekend at the beach or on the lake, but not Michael Staley. The Hoover resident spent the three-day weekend logging a total of 600 miles on his bike. Cycling is a passion, but Staley wasn’t just riding for fun, he was training for the upcoming Ride4Gabe cross-country ride inspired by 16 | ShelbyLiving.com

11-year-old Chelsea resident Gabe Griffin and his fight against Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Duchenne is a genetic condition that slowly destroys muscle and often causes death before patients reach 25. There is currently no cure or treatment for Duchenne, although the Muscular Dystrophy Association said researchers have made promising strides.


3,400 Staley and Colorado resident Wes Bates were the cyclists in the inaugural Ride4Gabe in 2014. They peddled 3,400 miles, from Oregon to Alabama, in 42 days, averaging 80 miles per day.

August 2016 | 17


CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: Wes Bates, Gabe Griffin and Michael Staley meet with Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley, who proclaimed Aug. 9, 2014 as Ride4Gabe Day in Alabama. Gabe and Scott Griffin. Gabe Griffin gets a ride from his dad, Scott Griffin, during the 2014 Ride4Gabe.

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“It steals life from young people,” Staley said of the disease. Staley first met Griffin when he was working as chief of staff for former U.S. Rep. Spencer Bachus in Washington, D.C. Griffin and his father, Scott, stopped by the congressman’s office to educate Bachus and his staff on Duchenne and the Hope for Gabe foundation. “(Scott) said, ‘My son is dying, can you help us?’” Staley recalled. “I fell in love right away with the cause and the family.” The Hope for Gabe foundation focuses on raising awareness about Duchenne and supporting research efforts to find a cure. “We feel like we race against the clock,” Staley said. “Every dollar we raise goes to a good cause.” Staley and Colorado resident Wes Bates were the cyclists in the inaugural Ride4Gabe in 2014. The two peddled 3,400 miles, from Oregon to Alabama, in 42 days, averaging 80 miles per day. This year’s ride is a little different.

“It’s the distance of the Tour de France in half the number of days,” Staley said of 2016 Ride4Gabe. Staley, Bates and Payne Griffin will set out from Houlton, Maine, on July 29. The trio of cyclists will log an average of 200 miles each day, arriving in Mobile less than two weeks later on Aug. 8. The three men will take to the road at sunrise every morning, and sleep in tents each night, Staley said. “It’s very intense,” Staley said. The cyclists will be accompanied by a camper, which Staley called a moving billboard for Hope for Gabe, a nurse and possibly Gabe. A camera crew will document the entire journey. “We’re hoping Gabe will be able to join us the whole way,” Staley said. “He’s a pretty cool kid.” While the journey is definitely a physical challenge, the ride’s main function is to raise awareness about Duchenne across the country. Staley hopes to stop every 75 or 100 miles along the


WHAT IS DUCHENNE? Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a genetic disorder characterized by progressive muscle degeneration and weakness. DMD is caused by the absence of dystrophin, a protein that helps keep muscle cells intact. DMD is one of nine types of muscular dystrophy, and it primarily affects boys. Diagnosis typically occurs in early childhood, typically between the ages of 3-5 years. A child with DMD will likely be in a wheelchair by age 12. DMD is fatal, usually by the late teens or 20s. However, advances in cardiac and respiratory care have lengthened life expectancy with some sufferers surviving into their early 30s and beyond.

August 2016 | 19


Gabe Griffin pictured in Mt Laurel in 2014.

path to hold a community or press event. “This ride is mostly about raising awareness,” Staley said. “You have to have people who know about the condition in order to do something about it.” Community support is always welcome and appreciated, Staley said. Riders are welcome to cycle along with Staley, Bates and Payne Griffin for a leg of the ride or just cheer them on. “We all have the physical fitness to do this, but the biggest challenge will be mentally overcoming when it hurts,” Staley said. “All of the support and encouragement we can get along the way really inspires us.” Donations are also very helpful to offset the overhead costs of the trip and benefit medical research into Duchenne. The 2014 Ride4Gabe raised $50,000 to contribute for a medical research project, Staley said. “We believe this generation of Duchenne patients can be the first generation to have substantially better lives,” Staley said. For more information and to donate to the Ride4Gabe, visit Ride4gabe.com. To learn more about the Hope for Gabe foundation, visit Hopeforgabe.org. l

PUBLIC SAFETY • Crime rates in Hoover are among the lowest in the state • Endorsed by Jefferson County Sheriff Mike Hale and Shelby County Sheriff John Samaniego • Endorsed by Hoover Firefighters Association • $1.2 million for 10 more police officers in 2016 • Expanded drug interdiction force; captured over $10 million in drugs

EDUCATION • Strong supporter of Hoover City Schools • Secured an additional $1.3 million from the Hoover city budget for Hoover schools in 2016 • Led effort to fund 100% of the cost for School Resource Officers through the city budget • Hoover School System is among the best in the state and has over $90 million in reserves

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

PAID FOR BY GARY IVEY FOR MAYOR 709 CRESTED FERN LN. HOOVER, AL 35244

20 | ShelbyLiving.com

• Low unemployment rate in Hoover • Conservative business practices • Believes in growing the economy, not raising taxes • Over 40 years experience as a business owner • Recruited over 50 businesses to Hoover


Back-to-school,

HEALTH & FITNESS

back to health

Nurturing treatments for summer skin damage Story by EMILY SALILLAS

A

ugust is an eagerly-anticipated month at St. Vincent’s Spa One Nineteen. As area families return to school routines, busy parents will now have more time to assess whole-family health concerns, including the toll our sunny summers take on our largest and fastest-growing body organ – our skin. Each August we see clients with dehydrated, sun-damaged skin. Beach weeks, family lake weekends and general summer distractions can take a significant toll on skin health. Here’s what our Spa One Nineteen professionals are likely to suggest as clients seek to repair the results of too much summer sun fun: 1. Protect from further sun damage. Unlike the typical mass-marketed products, a medical grade broad-spectrum sunscreen, such as our Obagi option, protects from the harmful effects of both UVA and UVB rays. Although Alabamians are wise to use such a sunscreen year-round, August and September are particularly risky months for burns. 2. Get a complimentary customized consult. Many adults don’t know which cleansers and moisturizers are best for their skin types. Our spa estheticians can advise on specific products and consistent maintenance routines, including gentle cleansers and effective moisturizers that provide real results. 3. Understand how important your skin is to your health. In addition to providing products and treatments, our professionals can also advise on how a client’s skin health might reflect their overall wellness. Our Spa One Nineteen estheticians can refer clients to other experts within the St. Vincent’s One Nineteen complex for help with nutrition, stress-reducing exercise, smoking cessation, diagnostics and other whole-health concerns. 4. Consider a jumpstart. Although skin

recovery can’t always be immediate, a Spa One Nineteen facial, peel or microdermabrasion treatment can speed the process. New options as well as tried-and-true favorites abound. Our great hydrating treatments include a lactic facial from glo-minerals. We also have a great new berry antioxidant serum from Kerstin Florian that would be an amazing August jumpstart for fall skin wellness. We look forward to seeing and serving area residents soon, especially since we are offering particular product values this month. Obagi is offering a rare one-day sale at our Spa on August 19, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. That makes August an exceptional time to stock up on protective and restorative skin care products, including that allimportant broad-spectrum sunscreen. l Emily Salillas is the manager of St. Vincent’s Spa One Nineteen. August 2016 | 21


FAITH

Growing need

Asbury UMC breaks ground for multimillion-dollar expansion Story by MOLLY DAVIDSON Photographs by MOLLY DVIDSON and CONTRIBUTED

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: A rendering of the Asbury United Methodist Church expansion. Asbury UMC Senior Pastor Dr. Kip Laxson speaks with parishioners about the process leading up to the May 22 groundbreaking ceremony. A map of the expansion.

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undreds of parishioners armed with shovels marked an important moment in Asbury United Methodist Church’s history, breaking ground for the church’s multimillion-dollar expansion on May 22. Four years of careful strategic planning led up to the May 22 groundbreaking ceremony, Senior Pastor Dr. Kip Laxson said, but the process really began with the church’s growth. Asbury UMC was founded in 1986, and by 1989, the church had 570 members and average worship attendance of 400. Since then, the church’s membership has nearly quadrupled, reaching more than 2,000 and worship attendance regularly exceeds 1,000. “We’re out of space,” Laxson said. “Since 2011, over half of this church is new.”

August 2016 | 23


The expansion includes a new, 35,000 squarefoot sanctuary with more than 1,200 seats and more space for adult, child and youth activities. Also proposed in the expansion plan are additional athletic playing fields, 338 new parking spaces, an organ and renovations to the current sanctuary, choir room and offices. The church’s current 700-seat worship space will be downsized to a 400-seat space for Since 1989, the contemporary worship church’s membership services, educational has nearly quadrupled, meetings, weddings, reaching more than 2,000 and worship performances and attendance regularly more. exceeds 1,000. The Asbury UMC expansion carries a price tag of between $12 million and $14 million. The church kicked off the expansion fundraising campaign, called the Reach Campaign, in April 2015, and so far has raised nearly $6 million in funds. For more information about the Reach Campaign and expansion, visit Reach. asburyonline.org. l

2,000

Two young parishioners help break ground for the church’s multimillion-dollar expansion on May 22.

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Meeting a need

FAITH

Church launches Chelsea Community Food Table outreach Story and photo by EMILY SPARACINO

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new community outreach project members and staff at Lesters Chapel United Methodist Church have launched is aimed at helping families replenish their pantries. The Chelsea Community Food Table is held on the third Wednesday of each month from 2-4 p.m. in the education building at Lesters Chapel UMC, 7800 Chelsea Road in Columbiana. “We started this the Tuesday after Easter and have done it once a month,” Lesters Chapel UMC Pastor Melissa Patrick said. “We know across the country and across the county there are pockets of people that are food insecure. We want it to be a community outreach.” People in need of a few grocery items––and perhaps a few inspirational words––are invited to come by the church and pick up a grocery bag, free of charge. Twenty bags are available on a first-come, first-served basis each time. No I.D. is required at pick-up, but the church asks recipients to write down their names, addresses and phone numbers for project updates. Kathy Joseph, chairperson for missions and outreach at the church, and others in the congregation formed the primary vision for project. Its name, Chelsea Community Food Table, acknowledges the church’s proximity to the Chelsea community despite its Columbiana address. Nonetheless, all are welcome at the table, Patrick said. “In the early part of the church, table fellowship was central in sharing the gospel,” she

said, “The table meaning all are welcome, and a place where everyone is equal and all are children of God.” Patrick said she is available to talk with visitors, pray with them and take prayer requests; however, participation is not required. “Physical food and spiritual food is what this is all about,” she said. Staples provided at the community food table, and accepted as donations, include: Baking powder, baking soda, canned chicken, tuna and salmon, cereal (no high sugar), cocoa, coffee, tea, honey, jelly, syrup, hot cereal and oatmeal, pancake mix, pasta, peanut butter (medium size), saltine crackers (in sleeves), soup (dried or canned, prefer low fat/low sodium) and vegetables (canned green beans, corn, peas, beans); 2-pound bags or boxes of dried beans, dried milk, flour, meal, rice, salt and sugar; and fresh produce such as apples (bring two or three days prior), potatoes and sweet potatoes. A small selection of spiritual and children’s literature is available too. Patrick said Heavenly Smile Inc., a faith-based, non-profit organization in Chelsea that operates a community food pantry, has helped Lesters Chapel UMC launch the project. Anyone wishing to give a financial donation may send a check payable to Lesters Chapel UMC. To donate food items, call the church at 6786259 to arrange a drop-off day and time. “We’re still open to suggestions,” Patrick said of the project. “We do what we can to help out.” l August 2016 | 25


FAITH

A time to plant Church of the Highlands adopting Alabaster community garden Story and photo by NEAL WAGNER

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2-acre plot of land in Alabaster’s Limestone Park soon will be planted to the brim with everything from blackberries to lettuce and squash to help local food banks after the Church of the Highlands adopted the project through its Serve Day program. During its June 13 meeting, the Alabaster City Council voted unanimously to allow the Alabaster campus of the Church of the Highlands to use the about 2-acre plot in Limestone Park off U.S. 31 to operate a community garden. A portion of the land currently houses a small community garden, and the Church of the Highlands is looking to greatly expand the project over the next several months, said Alabaster campus Associate Pastor Ron Hogland. “Our ultimate goal is to see this become a huge farm that’s sole purpose is to feed those in need,” Hogland said. “We want to take this and really do something big with it.” Hogland said the church holds a Serve Day each July, and reached out to Alabaster Mayor Marty Handlon – who attends the 26 | ShelbyLiving.com

church – to see how they could best help locals in need. The church’s Alabaster campus had already been working with the Alabaster-based Manna Ministries, which provides food to locals who cannot afford it each Saturday, and was eyeing a project to bolster the charity’s food bank. “Now, a lot of what you see (at Manna) is a lot of processed food. It’s certainly better than having no food at all, but we’d like to help them get better nutrition,” Hogland said. During this year’s Serve Day on July 16, the church began working to expand and transform the community garden into a sustainable supply of fresh food to Manna and other local charities. During Serve Day, Hogland said between 200 and 300 volunteers worked to build a greenhouse, construct a pavilion, build a fence and prepare the garden to reap a bountiful spring harvest next year. “We do plan to do some fall planting and reap some harvest like squash, broccoli and lettuce,” Hogland said. “But our main goal is to get it prepared for next spring.” Hogland said Church of the Highlands is working to form partnerships with other area churches and schools to support the project. “I’m excited about the fact that we are seeing churches coming together,” Hogland said. “I think it will be a great way to bring unity to our churches and our community and let the city see what Jesus really looks like.” l


EDUCATION

Meet the educators who have returned to their alma maters to lead a new generation of students Story by KATIE MCDOWELL Photos by KEITH MCCOY

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Arrington Collie Briarwood Christian School

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rrington Mooney Collie is the science enrichment specialist for the elementary campus at Briarwood Christian School. She also coaches the Lady Lions soccer program at the high school. She is the daughter of Arnold and Kelly Mooney, and she has two older brothers, Houston and Graham. The Mooney children were close in age, and their house was a “busy place filled with action and sports.” “We were Looney Mooneys!” Arrington said. Arrington followed her brothers to Briarwood and then to Furman University in South Carolina, where she played Division 1 women’s soccer and received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in elementary education. After teaching for a year in Greenville, SC, she moved to Briarwood, where she just finished her sixth year. “A mutual friend introduced me to my husband Clay Collie, and we are about to celebrate our fourth wedding anniversary,” she said. “We are the parents of a 7-month-old, blue-eyed daughter named Saylor.” Arrington said her education at Briarwood, which spanned 14 years beginning with the 4-yearold kindergarten program, provided her “many many years of Christian education that I am able to utilize in my classroom as a teacher today.” Q: When were you a student at your current school? A: I attended Briarwood starting in Kindergarten in 1991 and graduated in 2005. Q: What is your fondest memory of your current school, either as a teacher or student? A: The fondest memory is a hard call to make but probably … Like most teachers every day is

different and of course that is great, but the handson messy science that I am able to implement to our students is the best part, especially when they have the light bulb go on and understand the principals of Newton’s Law or Bernoulli’s Principle. Q: What do you love most about your job? A: I love the environment of Briarwood Christian School. Each morning students are prayed over and they listen to scripture read during announcements. The hallways are warm and inviting and covered with student work. The colleagues I have the opportunity to work with have created a fun, life-giving place to come every day! I love the people I work with and the students I teach and coach! Q: Who is your role model? A: My mom, Kelly Mooney. She is an amazing woman who loves Jesus with all her heart and is always helping other people. I don’t think there is anything she can’t do. She is a true Renaissance woman who can do it all from calligraphy and flowers for weddings to cooking for the church on Wednesday nights. My mom is a great role model and has shown me that the important things in life are Jesus, others and relationships. I would love to grow to be half the woman she is! Q: What is the one place in the world you would like to visit and why? A: I would love to visit New Zealand. I have heard it is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Being an adventure lover, New Zealand sounds exciting since there is always adventure waiting with mountains, volcanoes, rivers and beaches. l

LEFT: Arrington Collie is the science enrichment specialist at Briarwood Christian School, where she was also a student.

August 2016 | 29


Clay Colvin Indian Springs School

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ore than 20 years after graduating from Indian Springs School, Clay Colvin is back as chair of the Arts Department. Passionate about painting and drawing, Clay Colvin received his B.A. in art history from New York University and M.F.A. in painting from the University of Alabama. Recent solo exhibitions include Margaret Thatcher Projects and Launch F18 (both in New York City); the University of Montevallo; and the University of Memphis Art Museum. His work is part of the permanent collections of the High Museum of Art (Atlanta), the Birmingham Museum of Art, and the Mobile Museum of Art. He recently received a fellowship in visual arts from the Alabama State Council on the Arts. (Biography courtesy Indian Springs School.)

Q: What do you love most about your teaching job? A: The students and how they are so creative and driven. Q: What has teaching taught you? A: One thing it has taught me is how grateful I am to have had great teachers. I’m always trying to be as good a teacher as the people I remember inspiring and challenging me in the classroom and the studio. Q: How do you balance teaching with creating art? Is it hard to juggle the two? A: Well, my studio practice has changed. Designing projects and designing a practice that can serve the studio and classroom activity can be a challenge, but the change has been productive and positive.

Q. When were you a student at your current school? A: I was a student at Indian Springs from eighth grade through 12th grade. I graduated in 1995.

Q: What are the benefits of art education classes for young students? A: In a lot of classes the product is the goal. In the art studio, part of the goal is to engage and participate in a creative environment. Art classes can provide a Q: When and why did you decide to become a lot of autonomy and decision-making opportunities. teacher? Typically, over the course of a project, challenges A: In college and graduate school I saw art professors who were extremely creative and extremely present themselves and require adjustments. I think generous teachers also. I thought that what they were it’s one of the things that the arts teach us: to explore and experiment and apply what develops in directions doing—active in the classroom and in the studio— that our curiosity dictates. looked really interesting.

RIGHT: Clay Colvin is chair of the Art Department at Indian Springs School, where he was once a student.

30 | ShelbyLiving.com

Q: What is your fondest memory of Indian Springs School, either as a teacher or student? A: Well, to be honest, I actually went to Indian Springs even before I was a student, as a camper at soccer camps. Spending a week living in the dorm, eating in the dining hall, playing indoor soccer late at night in the now-replaced gym were the first times I really felt how amazing the campus and community are. I have too many memories as a student to pick one. Returning as a teacher, I remembered pretty quickly that Springs is constantly renewing itself. Teaching at Indian Springs has been a refreshing experience every day.

Q: What advice would you give your 18-year-old self? A: The same as I tell my students: Try to find something that you like doing and then work at being your best at it. Q: If you could be present at any major historical event, what would it be and why? A: The World Cup final because I am a soccer nut. Q: Who is your role model? A: Artists and teachers who have challenged me and encouraged me. l


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Robin Hollingsworth Valley Intermediate School

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obin Hollingsworth is now principal of Valley Elementary School in Pelham, but she got her start at the bottom – as a first grade student in 1986. Hollingworth is a Pelham native and one of three siblings who all attended Valley Elementary, Riverchase Middle and Pelham High. She met her husband, who is also a life-long Pelham resident, in the second grade at VES. They now have four children, who also attended Pelham schools. She enjoys spending time with family and “the art of creating things whether it’s the art of cooking, painting, restoring old furniture, gardening.”

Q: Why did you decide to go into education? A: It’s all I ever wanted to do. My 2nd grade teacher, Donna Compton, at Valley Elementary was a huge inspiration at an early age. She knew how to reach every student on an individual basis. I was very shy in school and didn’t like to read out loud. It affected my confidence but Mrs. Compton was able to change my self perception. Even at 7 years old, I knew that was something special. I wanted to do that for children as well. Now, with social media, myself and my classmates are able to stay in contact with Mrs. Compton-I love that connection with her some 37 years later. Q: What is your fondest memory of Valley Intermediate or Pelham High as a teacher or student? A: During my time as a student at Valley Elementary, the playground underwent a major renovation. Many of the parents, including mine, participated in the construction. It was really something, having that kind of support from the community. The playground was enormous and featured swings and bridges, tires to climb on and run through – all the things any kid would love to see on a playground. It really was a labor of love and every kid who got to play out there enjoyed it. Fall Festivals-I also remember the Fall Festivals and the excitement surrounding those events. The halls of Valley were packed with parents and kids and every classroom had a game to play. For some reason the

game that stands out the most is what I will call “go fishing” – where we had a fake fishing rod that hung over a sheet and when you got a tug on the line you pulled the prize back over to see what you got. We all looked forward to the Fall Festival every year. Ball Park/Community: I played softball as a little girl in Pelham as well and that led to many friendships on and off the field. I mention this because I remember classmates of mine being on my team and having conversation about the practice that day or the game that week. At that time, Opening Day consisted of a parade in and around the neighborhoods around the park. The kids would load up in the back of pickup trucks and toss out candy to those in the community who came out to support us as we rode through their neighborhoods. The park was alive all day and all night and as a kid we thought there was no better place to be at the time. Q: What do you love most about your job? A: At the end of the day, I think we all want to make a difference in the world, regardless of our profession. In life we want to have made a difference for someone. That’s what I love most about my job – from students, teachers, parents and community… making an impact and connecting with people. Q: What has teaching taught you? A: Relationships are the most important impact any of us have on each other. Investing in people is where we make a difference. Q: What advice would you give your 18-year-old self? A: Slow down, be patient, stay steady and strong, strive to be the best at what you love to do… get involved and be a great friend to others and to yourself. Q: What is one place you would like to visit? A: There are a few places my husband and I would like to visit within the United States. We’d like to take a trip up the East Coast and visit several coastal communities. The thought of seeing the beauty of Alaska has always been something we talk about seeing one day too. l

LEFT: Valley Elementary School Principal Robin Hollingsworth attended the school as a first grader in 1986.

August 2016 | 33


Heather Myles Thompson High School

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hompson High School plays an important role in Heather Myles’ life. She was a student at the school from 2001-2005. Matt, her husband of six years, is also a THS alumnus. She began her career at THS as a math teacher. Today, she works as the high school’s 12th grade counselor. She also coaches the varsity and competition cheerleading squads. Myles received a bachelor’s degree in secondary education mathematics from the University of Alabama in 2009 and a master’s degree in counseling from the University of Montevallo in 2013. She and her husband live in Alabaster with their black lab, Mayley. Q: Why did you decide to go into education? A: Becoming a teacher was something I thought of a lot when growing up, but I was hesitant to pursue a career in education because of the incessant phrase, “teachers don’t make any money.” It wasn’t until my sophomore year of college that I finally accepted that teaching was my calling. I am so thankful for the teachers who took time to invest in me academically and personally, and it is an honor to give back to the community that gave so much to me. I believe this is my mission field, and God has me right here for a reason. Q: When were you a student at your current school? A: I was a student at Thompson High School from 2001-2005. I also attended Creek View Elementary School and Thompson Middle School.

RIGHT: Heather Myles is Thompson High School’s 12 grade counselor. She graduated from the school in 2005.

34 | ShelbyLiving.com

Q: What is your fondest memory of your current school, either as a teacher or student? A: I have so many fond memories of Thompson High School that it’s hard to pick just one! A recent highlight is the “Parade of Graduates,” which was

a new event for our seniors this year. Prospective graduates dressed in their caps and gowns and spent a day visiting their former schools in our district. Watching them proudly walk through the hallways of each school while high-fiving younger students and embracing former teachers stirred up a lot of emotions. The end of the school year often brings stress and exhaustion; the “Parade of Graduates” was refreshing and a great reminder of why we do what we do as educators. Q: What do you love most about your job? A: I love connecting with students. Every student has a story. It’s so easy to get wrapped up in tasks and to-do lists, but taking the time to get to know the students and investing in them can be life-changing. Q: What has teaching taught you? A: One of my former principals, Dr. Danny Steele, said, “Before people can buy into your vision, they have to first buy into you.” I believe that in order to make a difference in the classroom, we must first establish relationships and credibility with our students. They need to know we care more about them than our content. Q: What advice would you give your 18-yearold self? A: Don’t stress out so much when things don’t go as planned. God has far greater things in store for you than you could ever imagine. Q: Who is your role model? A: My ultimate role model is Jesus. Ephesians 5:1-2 says, “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Jesus set the perfect example by demonstrating love, compassion, humility, patience, and forgiveness. l


August 2016 | 35


36 EDUCATION

The Perfect Score Indian Springs School junior Davis Tyler-Dudley earns perfect ACT score Story by TYRA JACKSON Photograph CONTRIBUTED

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Indian Springs School junior Davis Tyler-Dudley recently earned a perfect score of 36 on his ACT score.

36 | ShelbyLiving.com

ndian Springs School junior Davis Tyler-Dudley can now add a perfect score of 36 on the ACT exam to his list of accomplishments. On April 8, Tyler-Dudley took the exam for the first time, after he said he looked at the exam as a test run for what he could improve on when taking future ACT exams. “Going into the exam, I didn’t know how I would do,” TylerDudley said. “After I got out, I was pretty sure I was going to score high, but not that high.” The ACT exam is a college readiness exam that tests high school students in subjects such as English,

reading, math and science. The four components of the test are scored individually on a scale of 1-36, and an average of the scores are used to provide a composite score. The junior said he was elated when he got the email showing his results, while sitting in his history class. College tours are already on the junior’s mind. He said Princeton University, Harvard University and Stanford University are his top choices. He said he’s already toured Princeton. As for choosing a major, Tyler-Dudley said he’s not quite sure, yet. He said he definitely knows it will have to be related to international studies. “I’ve been leaning towards international business, relations, law or something with an international influence. I attribute that to my school because we have a lot of international students that I’m exposed to,” he said. Tyler-Dudley wasn’t the only one excited when he received his score, because his parents Stewart and Ahrian Dudley also celebrated his achievement. “I had a feeling he would do well,” Ahrian Dudley said. “He’s that kind of kid. I’m very proud of

him for making the score.” Although, Dudley said she is overwhelmed with joy, she is more proud of the person her son is because he always puts others first. “He is a bit of an old soul,” she said. “Academics are one factor, but treating people kindly is equally important.” In fact, Tyler-Dudley isn’t just a high scorer. He is a leader at his school. He is a former participant of the University of Alabama Capstone Leadership Academy, an elected member of Spring’s Student Government and Judiciary. In addition, he is the co-captain of Indian Springs School’s Mock Trial Team. As a former commissioner of education at Indian Springs, Tyler-Dudley said he loved lending his skills to other students who might need assistance with their academics. “I’m extremely lucky at what I’ve gotten, as far as family circumstances,” he said. “I try to help those who are not as fortunate as I am.” At the end of the day, the score is just a number that doesn’t define much, Tyler-Dudley said. “I don’t believe test scores say that much about people,” he said. “It doesn’t show how hard of a worker someone is or how nice they are.” l


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EDUCATION

THS students convert old car into an electric vehicle Story by CLARKE STACKHOUSE Photos by KEITH MCCOY

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ome Thompson High School students have been working hard this summer on converting an old car from a gas engine to a working electric vehicle. Engineering teacher Brian Copes said the project has been going on for the past year and a half and they hope the car will be finished by the end of the upcoming 2016-17 school year. Copes has been at Thompson for the past two years and brought in the car project in December of his first year. “I always try to find something that will excite the students and make 38 | ShelbyLiving.com

them want to learn,” he said. “We like to offer students as much as we can.” The car came in as a working gas engine 1974 Bradley GT II, a kit car built on the base of a Volkswagen Beetle. Thompson senior Dallas Smith said the kit car was popular because it looked similar to a Ferrari. “They sold them as the poor man’s Ferrari,” Smith said. “In that honor, we plan to paint it Ferrari red.” The students have mainly been working on the body and the battery compartment. Smith said the battery compartment is made up of 40 lithium cells that are each powered at 3.7 volts giving the car “some


TOP: Pictured is the frame of the stripped down frame of the 1974 Bradley GT II, as Thompson High School students prepare to make the old car electric. BOTTOM: Senior Dallas Smith works on detailing the frame to make it smooth and ready for paint.

August 2016 | 39


Performance Car Craft owner Scott Meinberg (left) inspects the battery cart and back detailing while Dallas Smith works next to him. Student Stephen Fuller asks a question to his teacher Brian copes and car body expert Vernon Boyd.

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August 2016 | 41


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Vernon Boyd, of Performance Car Craft, explains how to smooth out edges on the vehicle’s farm to student Dallas Smith.

serious battery power.” Stephen Fuller, a junior, said his favorite part of building the car was learning about the electrical system and how it works within the vehicle. Copes said after the car is finished it will be used for different testing for the students, and will provide them a real-life model of how to keep and maintain an electric vehicle. “Electric cars are here, and they’re here to stay,” he said. “It’s important for these students to understand these cars and how to work on them, because it’s their future.” 42 | ShelbyLiving.com


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Copes said many local businesses and nonprofits have helped mentor the students, and been integral in getting parts and financing for the project. “It’s really been a community effort to educate these students and make this project possible,” Copes said. A big partnership of the conversion project has been with Performance Car Craft, a body shop located in Alabaster. Copes said Vernon Boyd has been helping the students shape the body and prepare it for paint and finishing. Performance Car Craft owner, Scott Meinburg, said Boyd has been in the business for more than 30 years and taught at August 2016 | 43


Junior, Stephen Fuller works on sanding the number of the old car. The car is on schedule to be a finished electric vehicle by the end of the school year.

44 | ShelbyLiving.com

Honda and VC Tech, and helping at Thompson seemed a natural fit. Boyd said he has spent many half days at the school, helping guide the students to make sure the car is done well. “I was here every day Scott would let me take a half day,” Boyd said. “I’ve spent about six Saturdays and 20 half days helping these boys. They’ve been doing real well.” Copes said the project has mainly been an afterschool and weekend project with little time spent on the car during the school day. They hope to have the car primed and ready to paint within the next month. Copes said they are right on schedule to have a working electric car built by the end of the school year. l


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number of months in the promo period, rounded to the next highest whole dollar, and only applies to the financing period shown. If you make your payments by the due date each month, the monthly payment shown should allow you to pay off this purchase within the promo period. If you have other balances on your account, this monthly payment will be added to the minimum payment applicable to those balances. Interest will be charged to your account from the purchase date at the APR for Purchases if the purchase balance is not paid in full within the promotional period. The current APR is 27.99%. See store for details. **Only applicable to manufacturers’ sponsored comfort exchanges.


FEATURES

WELCOME TO ANNABELLE’S

Annabelle’s Southern Boutique opened in the Village at Lee Branch in May 2016.

48 | ShelbyLiving.com


New boutique in Lee Branch shopping center offers women’s apparel, accessories Story by EMILY SPARACINO Photographs by KEITH MCCOY

C

helsea resident Anna Lawley knew the ropes of running a boutique long before she purchased a storefront in The Village at Lee Branch shopping

center. Lawley, 26, operated an online women’s apparel business for two years before she opened her brick-and-mortar shop, Annabelle’s Southern Boutique, in May. “I like to talk to people when they come in,” Lawley said, adding that working with her mother in a boutique again also factored into her decision to open a shop. “It just kind of feels like home.” Years ago, Lawley helped her mother run a boutique next to her hair salon. Now, Lawley’s mother and sister-in-law are helping her at Annabelle’s. August 2016 | 49


50 | ShelbyLiving.com


SHELBY Living

Send us photos of your community events, parties or meetings — we love to get photos for our Spotted section! CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Hats and shoes are displayed on a ladder in the story. A table in the back displays shorts during the summer. The store also sells gift items, such as perfumed soaps and lotions.

Along with a wide range of women’s apparel, Annabelle’s offers shoes, hats, headbands, jewelry, candles, soaps and bath lotions. Lawley said she tries to incorporate clothing styles and trends her customers are interested in and that they request. “I try to branch out,” she said. “I try to cater to customers and what people want.” Among her most requested brands are Umgee, Jealous Tomato and By Together, she said. Tassel jewelry is currently selling well, too.

Brenda Ladun Run

inter nt UM W enceme Comm

Email Katie.mcdowell@ shelbyliving.com with event details

August 2016 | 51


52 | ShelbyLiving.com


LEFT: Anna Lawley recently opened Annabelle’s Southern Boutique. ABOVE: Necklaces, bracelets and earrings are displayed for shoppers.

“I try to branch out. I try to cater to customers and what people want.” — Anna Lawley Lawley’s roughly 1,200-square-foot shop features design and décor elements her family helped with, including a multicolored floor her brother painted and a back wall lined with stained wood. “We’re just really proud of her,” Lawley’s mother, Susie, said. “She started this her senior year of college. I am just really proud that she’s following her dreams.” Located off U.S. 280 at 601 Doug Baker Blvd., Annabelle’s Southern Boutique is open Monday-Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Lawley said she has enjoyed running her boutique in Lee Branch, a growing retail area she said she frequents herself. “I shop around here all the time,” Lawley said. “I’m always in Lee Branch. I like Lee Branch a lot.” l August 2016 | 53



Greater Shelby Chamber of Commerce

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

Business Connections Join Us at the 2nd Annual Healthy Lifestyle Expo on August 31 2016 Presenting Sponsor:

500 Amphitheater Drive, Pelham.

The event is FREE and open to the public! There will be health screenings, nutrition, and expo booths to visit that will be full of tips, techniques and more on making healthy lifestyle choices. The expo is FREE! If you would like more details,

contact Keyla Handley, Director, Community & Investor Development at 663-4542, ext. 106.

“S.C.O.R.E. for the Chamber” Kicks off in September! The Chamber’s second Total Resource Campaign (TRC) kicks off next month! This year’s theme: “S.C.O.R.E. (Supporting Chamber Opportunities Reaps Excellence) for the Chamber” offers current Chamber investors the opportunity to pull together in an effort to share the benefits of investing in the Chamber and sponsorship opportunities to the entire business community. The TRC Steering Committee -- led by Campaign Chair Charlie Stevens of Thompson Tractor -- is currently seeking recruiters, door prizes and sponsors for the 2016 event. The TRC will begin with a

Charlie Stevens training session on Sept. 15 and conclude with a Victory Party on Nov. 17. The Campaign offers a variety of ways to be involved: As a TRC volunteer, your employees can network with

area business leaders as well as improve sales techniques such as prospecting, preparing a sales pitch and closing the sale-through our sales training manual and

orientation. As a TRC Sponsor or TRC door prize donor, your business will receive name and logo recognition in the Chamber’s monthly newsletter, Business Connections, and all other publicity related to the TRC as well as name recognition in the Recruiter sales training manual. The money and prizes donated are used to thank our recruiters for all of their hard work. For more information on “S.C.O.R.E. for the Chamber”, contact Keyla Handley at the Chamber by phone at 6634542, ext. 106 or via e-mail: keyla@shelbychamber.org. August 2016 | 55 Shelbychamber.org

Newsletter

The Chamber’s Health Services Work Group is hosting its second Healthy Lifestyles Expo! The event, sponsored by St. Vincent’s Health System, will be held from 8:30 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. - 3:00 p.m on Aug. 31 at the Pelham Civic Complex & Ice Arena,


Greater Shelby Chamber of Commerce

Newsletter

Health Focus of the Month: Hydration Summer is here, and that means time for lazy days by the pool, family vacations, outdoor adventures and dehydration? Alabama is notorious for hot and incredibly humid summer months, and when thermometer starts to climb so do the instances of hydration related issues. We all know we are supposed to drink plenty of water for a multitude of health reasons, but if we fail to plan ahead during these hot months it could turn out to be a lifethreatening scenario. The key to staying hydrated is to be aware of early warning signs of dehydration as well as having a game plan for adequate fluid intake, which includes amounts, frequency and type. According to the University of Connecticut’s Human Performance Lab, even a 1.5 percent loss in normal water can cause issues such as altered mood, mental clarity and overall energy levels. In our clinic we encourage patients to recognize ‘brain fog’ or slight drowsiness as

2016 Presenting Sponsor:

precursors to dehydration. The gold standard for many years was to drink eight, 8-ounce glasses of water. Now this may be an adequate baseline, but this protocol gives no thought to individual body types, how often to drink and if we should be adding anything to our water. How much water do I need? Our daily consumption of water will vary dependent on level of activity, time of year and health status. A baseline for non-activity water consumption is half your body weight in ounces of water per day. For active individuals and athletes that amount could be closer to 3/4 body weight in ounces. How often should you hydrate? The advice of ‘drink when you feel thirsty’ used to be standard advice for both athletes and your average Joe. New evidence shows that by

the time we feel thirsty we are already mildly dehydrated. For example, let’s say I am a 200-pound male who is fairly active. I should be consuming approximately 125 ounces of water per day, it would be best to get about 8 ounces of water per hour at a minimum. This ups the status quo of eight, 8-ounce glasses per day to a whopping 15-16, 8-ounce glasses per day! So keep that water bottle within reach! Bonus tip! Try to drink at least 12-24 ounces of water first thing in the morning to replenish water loss while asleep, your energy levels will thank you! Hydration during exercise? The advice of ‘drink when thirsty’ is an excellent marker during physical exertion. The amount of liquid taken in during exercise should NOT be included in your daily water total. This allows us to accommodate for water loss through sweating during exercise. Electrolyte replacement? Consuming more water during the warmer months paired

with increased sweating will result in the loss of crucial electrolytes. It is a common misconception that the only people who need electrolyte replacement are athletes involved in strenuous exercise. One of the simplest ways to ensure that you are replenishing those stores is to start throwing in a sprinkle of sea salt to a few of those glasses of water throughout the day. You don’t necessarily need sports drinks and electrolyte powders, which often times are loaded with sugar which can be even more dehydrating! A good rule-of-thumb is to make sure you are getting some type of electrolyte replacement in a 1/3 of your daily water intake. Again, this amount may vary dependent on activity level, weather and body type. Now get out there, enjoy the summer and stay hydrated! Article Submitted by: Dr. Beau Beard, DC, MS, CCSP The FARM: Functional Athletic Rehabilitation & Movement

Golf “FORE!” Education Scramble Set for September 30 Save the date! The Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce’s 27th Annual Golf “FORE!” Education Tournament, presented in 2016 by HealthSouth Lakeshore Rehabilitation Hospital, will be held, Sept. 30 at Timberline Golf Club. This year’s tournament will once again help fund the Chamber’s vital education 56 | ShelbyLiving.com Shelbychamber.org

Presenting Sponsor:

and workforce development programs in the coming year. A few of the education and workforce development programs the Chamber

has launched over the past few years include: Keeping It Real, Student Career Awareness Fair, Student and Educator of the Year and Communication Matters.

Sponsorships and teams are already being sold. If your organization is interested in having a team, player or participating through the various sponsorships that are available, please contact the Chamber at 663-4542 or visit www.shelbychamber.org/ events for more details.


Greater Shelby Chamber of Commerce

Nominations for 2017 Chamber’s Board of Directors Sought In accordance with the Chamber’s by-laws the Nominating Committee is responsible for selecting a list of up to six candidates, who are all members in good standing, to serve a three-year term on the Board of Directors beginning in January 2017.

Due consideration will be given to the candidate’s business or profession in an effort to have a broad representation of businesses represented on the Chamber’s Board of Directors. These candidates, known as the “Official Ticket,” will

then be presented to the full membership through the November edition of Business Connections, the Chamber’s monthly newsletter, for its consideration. If you are interested in being considered as a candidate -- or would like to

nominate someone for the Nominating Committee’s consideration -- please contact Chamber President & CEO Kirk Mancer via email at kirk@shelbychamber.org or by phone at 663-4542 ext. 101 by no later than Friday, Aug. 12.

Calling Volunteers for 2016 Student Career Awareness Fair in your business would like to volunteer please contact Kelly Anderson at 663-4542 ext. 104 or kelly@ shelbychamber.org for more information. Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources Architecture & Construction

Arts, AV Technology & Communication Business Management & Admin Education & Training Finance Government & Public Admin Health Science Hospitality & Tourism

Human Services Information Technology Law, Public Safety, Corrections, Security Manufacturing Marketing Science, Technology, Engineering, Math Transportation, Distribution, Logistics

TO BORROW THE WAY

Even if the way you want seems a bit complicated. ith ru t ar fi di the ri ht fi a cia o utio or our bu i e doe t ha e to be co icated ur e der ha e e erti e with a di ere t t e o fi a ci ro a bu i e to ar e co e co ercia e di o a er what t e o bu i e ou are i our tea ca he ou deter i e the o tio be t uited or our eed 83 5 M ai n S t reet | M on t ev allo, A L | 205.665.2591

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August 2016 | 57 Shelbychamber.org

Newsletter

The Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce will be hosting its 2nd annual Student Career Awareness Fair for Shelby County 10th grade students on Sept. 12-13. We are seeking volunteers in each of the following career fields. If you or someone


Greater Shelby Chamber of Commerce

Welcome New Investors (as of 5/24/2016 - 7/7/2016)

Bayliss Machine & Welding Birmingham Christian Family Elaine Julian, Realtor Glenn Contracting & Paving Co, Inc. Junior Davis & Associates - Laney Yarchak L & M Cleaning Service McDowell Security Services Meetings And Events By Adair Merle Norman Cosmetic Studio @ Inverness Plaza Merle Norman Cosmetics / Hair Salon @ Chelsea PennPoint Sports Ministries R & R Wine & Liquor Russell Cellular Verizon Wireless Shelby Pizza Inc. d.b.a. Domino’s Tuff Shed Wayne Brantley Electric Co.

Birmingham Birmingham Birmingham Birmingham Maylene Calera Birmingham Birmingham Birmingham Chelsea Birmingham Calera Montevallo Alabaster Bessemer Pelham

Machine & Equipment Repair Publications Real Estate - Residential Paving - Asphalt Promotional Products Cleaning Services Security Services Event Planning Beauty Salons Cosmetology Community/Service Organizations Retail Communications - Wireless Restaurants Outdoor Storage Electrical Services

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

Newsletter

Greater Shelby Chamber August “Community Luncheon” to Recognize Shelby County Healthcare Professionals of the Year The Greater Shelby Chamber’s August Community Luncheon will hold its second annual Healthcare Professional of the Year Program presented by First Commercial Bank and will be hosted by the Health Services Work Group. This is an opportunity to recognize those individuals who have made an outstanding contribution in healthcare to our communities. Nominations were accepted for any healthcare professional employed in the Shelby County area. The recipients for the Healthcare Professionals of the Year will be announced and presented

Presented in 2016 by:

Awards Sponsor:

with an award sponsored by Healthsouth Lakeshore Rehabilitation Hospital. The Chamber will also feature Health Educator Neika Nix Morgan from St. Vincent’s Health System as the guest speaker sharing her expertise on “Simplifying a Healthy Lifestyle in a Busy Life.” The August “Community

Neika Nix Morgan Luncheon” will be held on Aug. 31 in the banquet hall at the Pelham Civic Complex and Ice Arena. Doors will

open at 11:00 a.m. for business networking and the program will begin promptly at 11:30 a.m. The investment is $20 per person for Chamber members and $30 per person for “Future” members and includes a luncheon buffet. Reservations requested by noon on Monday, Aug. 29. Please contact the Chamber at info@shelbychamber.org, by telephone at 663-4542 or register online at www. shelbychamber.org.

Join the Greater Shelby for “CoffeeNet” at Ground Up Coffee & Smoothies / Snider’s Pharmacy in Chelsea Be sure to mark your calendar for Thursday, Aug. 11, and join us at Ground Up Coffee & Smoothies / Snider’s Pharmacy,15582 Highway 280, Chelsea from 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. for CoffeeNet! The morning meeting is designed for members to 58 | ShelbyLiving.com Shelbychamber.org

Presented in 2016 by:

enjoy networking, coffee, and light refreshments -- all before heading to the office.

CoffeeNet events, sponsored by Cahaba Valley Computer Services, Inc., are a great way to make new business contacts

so bring plenty of business cards. There is no cost to attend however reservations are requested by Monday, Aug. 8, to assist in preparation. Please contact the Chamber by phone at 663-4542 or register online at www. shelbychamber.org.


Greater Shelby Chamber of Commerce

Celebrating Growth

2016 Ribbon Cutting Sponsor

Thank you Pelham Flowers by Desiree’ for providing the ribbon and bows for the Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies and Cake Art by Cynthia Bertolone for providing a cake for the Ambassador of the Month.

A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony was held at Emily’s Heirloom Pound Cakes at their kiosk at the Riverchase Galleria Food Court. Shown cutting the ribbon is owner April McClung, as her son, J. Alexander McClung holds the bow, and son Lacy (white shirt) is in between. (Photography courtesy of Bill Powell, Hoover Chamber.)

Congratulations to Hart McGarry Allstate Insurance Agent on its recent Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Celebration in Calera! Hart was joined in support by family, Mayor John Graham, City Officials and Ambassadors.

Congratulations to Carrabba’s Italian Grill on its Ribbon Cutting Celebrating for its new Catering Truck! Conor Murphey was joined in support by friends, customers, clients, business neighbors and Ambassadors.

Newsletter

Congratulations to the The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Alabama/Gulf Coast Chapter on its 43rd year in Birmingham and the move to its new office space on Blue Lake Drive. Lizzi Wilkerson cuts the ribbon along with colleagues and Ambassadors.

Go & Grow Workshop: “Pre-Season Practice Drills” As everyone gets back from their summer vacations, now seems a perfect time to practice our business skills and hone our techniques. Attendees at the August Go & Grow Workshop will focus on role playing and practicing their personal skills in the areas of:  Phone Techniques,

Presented in 2016 by:

 Networking Techniques,  Presentation Techniques,  Closing Techniques The workshop — sponsored by Business Telephones, Inc. and

facilitated by Michael Smith of The Great, The Good and The Gone -- will be on Aug. 2 from 11:30 a.m.- 2:00 p.m. at the Chamber. There is no cost to attend, but lunch is available for $10 per person for Chamber investors ($20 for “Future” investors).

To ensure we have a proper headcount, please make reservations for this workshop by contacting Payton Thomas, the Chambers Manager of Business Development & Support via e-mail at payton@shelbychamber. org or by calling 663-4542, ext. 106 or register online at www.shelbychamber.org. August 2016 | 59 Shelbychamber.org


Greater Shelby Chamber of Commerce

Newsletter

Ambassador of the Month Congratulations to Kendall Williams for earning Ambassador of the Month. Kendall is the Development and Community Relations Director for the Shelby County Schools Education Foundation. The Education Foundation provides support for the Shelby County Schools District and strengthens interactive partnerships between parents, communities, businesses and educators to ensure that each student is offered maximum potential for achievement. The Education Foundation’s mission is to expand the possibility for educational excellence for all of Shelby County Schools students and teachers. Kendall also serves on the Boards of Directors for Leadership Shelby County, Leadership Shelby County Alumni Board, South Shelby County Chamber Ambassador, 2015 Chair of the Greater Shelby Chamber’s Ambassador Work Group and serves on the Chamber’s Education and Workforce

(as of 01/01/16)

Officers Paul Rogers NobleBank & Trust (Chair) Keith Brown Jefferson State Community College (Chair-elect) Lisa McMahon Warren Averett, LLC (Immediate Past Chair)

Development Work Group. For more information about the Education Foundation and ways you can support Shelby County Schools, contact Kendall at foundation@ shelbyed.k12.al.us. Ambassador Program Presented in 2016 by:

Contact Us

Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce 1301 County Services Drive, Pelham, Alabama 35124 Office: 663-4542 | Fax: 663-4524 info@shelbychamber.org | shelbychamber.org

60 | ShelbyLiving.com Shelbychamber.org

GSCCC Board of Directors

John Browning Cahaba Valley Computer Services (Vice Chair, Business Development & Support) Jim Purvis A. C. Legg, Inc. (Vice Chair, Communications & Marketing) Kathy Copeland White Rock Quarries – Vincent Hills (Vice Chair, Community & Workforce Development) David Platt Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama (Vice Chair, Finance & Administration) Joe Meads Sain Associates (Vice Chair, Governmental Affairs) Charlie Stevens Thompson Tractor Company, Inc. (Vice Chair, Investor Development)

Matthew Hogan (2016) Bama Budweiser Gregg Maercker (2016) First Commercial Bank - Retired Bill Connor (2017) America’s First Federal Credit Union Matt Fridy (2017) Wallace, Jordan, Ratliff & Brandt Chris Grace (2017) Barge, Waggoner, Sumner & Cannon, Inc. Katie McDowell (2017) Shelby County Newspapers, Inc. Michael Smith (2017) The GREAT, The GOOD and The GONE Craig Sorenson (2017) SouthWest Water Company Jeff Brown (2018) Brownstone Marketing Solutions William Carroll (2018) Armstrong Relocation Companies Alex Dudchock (2018) Shelby County Brian Massey (2018) St. Vincent’s Health System Bob Phillips (2018) Shelby Baptist Medical Center Ashley Robinett (2018) Alabama Power Company Tracey Morant Adams (*) Renasant Bank

Board of Directors Tim Benefield (2016) Buffalo Rock Company

Brandon Greve (*) Regions Bank

Linda Cencula (2016) Avadian Credit Union

Mark Griggs (*) Summer Classics

Steve Chapman (2016) Alabama Gas Corporation

Mark Meadows (*) Chick-fil-A @ Inverness

Bruce Fryer (2016) Lhoist North America

(*) Serving a one-year term in 2016


Greater Shelby Chamber of Commerce

Small Business Mentorship Program Offers Guidance & Support The Chamber’s Entrepreneur & Small Business Mentorship program continues to provide much needed assistance to small business owners - and entrepreneurs. Participants have received guidance on starting a new business, expanding an existing

business, launching a new product, downsizing and dealing with a difficult employee. The next Mentorship opportunities, facilitated by Michael Smith with The GREAT, The GOOD and The GONE will be held Tuesday, Aug. 2 from

Presented in 2016 by:

8:00 a.m. -11:00 a.m. As the Chamber’s Entrepreneurin-Residence, Smith is available for a one-on-one confidential meeting with any small business owner or entrepreneur to discuss

any topic. Appointments are required and usually last 30-45 minutes. Please contact Payton Thomas, the Chamber’s Manager of Business Development & Support, at 663-4542 ext. 105 or via e-mail at payton@ shelbychamber.org for availability on Aug. 2.

NETWORK280 Offers Opportunity for New Contacts Presented in 2016 by:

at host sponsor, Carrabba’s Italian Grill, (4503 Riverview

Parkway, Birmingham, AL 35242). Bring plenty of cards and plan on meeting lots of new contacts at this event. The cost is $10 per person for Chamber investors and $20 per person for

“Future” investors and includes heavy hors d’oeuvres and two beverage tickets. Reservations are requested by August 15, so please contact the Chamber via email at info@ shelbychamber.org, by phone at 663-4542 or register online at www.shelbychamber.org.

Trust matters.

INTRODUCING SMALL BUSINESS ACCOUNTS Visit amfirst.org to learn more.

Federally insured by NCUA

Available to qualifying members only.

August 2016 | 61 Shelbychamber.org

Newsletter

Are you looking to expand your contacts on the Highway 280 corridor? NETWORK280 can help you with that by providing businesses with an excellent opportunity to make them! The next NETWORK280, presented by 280 Living, will be held on Thursday, August 18 from 4:30PM until 6:00PM


Greater Shelby Chamber of Commerce

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

August 2016

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Small Business Mentorship Appointments 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Michael Smith, The Good, The Great & The Gone By appointment. Contact Payton Thomas at 663-4542, ext. 105. Go & Grow Workshop “Pre-Season Practice Drills” 11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Presented by Michael Smith, The GREAT, the GOOD and The GONE Sponsor: Business Telephones, Inc. Reservations requested by Aug. 1. Investment: No cost for workshop but lunch is available for $10 investors, $20 “Future” investors. Ambassadors Work Group 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Sponsor: NobleBank & Trust Small Business Work Group 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Sponsor: Brownstone Marketing Solutions South Shelby Chamber Luncheon 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Columbiana First Baptist Church, 208 North Main Street, Columbiana Investment: $12. Reservation required. Education Work Group 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. Shelby County Instructional Service Center 601 First Street South, Alabaster Existing Business & Industry Work Group 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. iBERIABANK, 2695 Pelham Pkwy, Pelham CoffeeNet 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. Sponsor: Cahaba Valley Computer Services, LLC Ground Up Coffee & Smoothies / Snider’s Pharmacy 15582 Highway 280, Chelsea No cost. Reservations requested by Aug. 8.

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Entrepreneur Roundtable I 7:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.

Montevallo Chamber Monthly Luncheon 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Parnell Memorial Library, 377 Park Dr, Montevallo Investment: $12. No reservation required. NETWORK280 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. 2016 Sponsor: 280 Living Carrabba’s Italian Grill 4503 Riverview Parkway, Birmingham Reservations requested by Aug. 15. Investment: $10 Investors, $20 “Future” Investors. Governmental Affairs Work Group 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. Sain Associates, Two Perimeter Park South, Ste 500 East, Birmingham 2nd Annual Healthy Lifestyle Expo 8:30 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Sponsor: St. Vincent’s Health System Pelham Civic Complex & Ice Arena 500 Amphitheater Rd, Pelham Free/ Open to the Public GSCC Community Luncheon “Healthcare Professional of the Year Awards” Presenting Sponsor: First Commercial Bank Doors open at 11:00AM. Program 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Pelham Civic Complex & Ice Arena 500 Amphitheater Rd, Pelham Reservations requested by noon, Monday, Aug. 29. Investment: investors $20, “Future” investors $30.

YOUR CHAMBER AT WORK Facebook: 46 New Likes, 198 Visits and 4,906 Post Reaches.

Health Services Work Group 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.

62 | ShelbyLiving.com Shelbychamber.org

Twitter: 2,499 Followers, 124 Tweets, 19,000 Tweet impressions, 337 Profile Visits and 19 Mentions. Responded to 192 requests for business & community information.


SHELBY SPOTTED

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The Chelsea Public Library kicked off its summer reading program with an hour of music and fun for elementary school-aged children with award-winning singer and entertainer Anna Moo. 1. Molly, Madelyn and Makinley Gaither with Kendall Senn 2. Christopher and Stacy Holland 3. Melissa and Nora Villanueva 4. Ali, Shelby and Luke Neill 5. Gabby, Jennifer, Ian, Henry and Benjamin Finney 6. Rhonda, Logan and Laila Posey 7. Eli, Owen and Liam Headrick 8. Alyssa, June and Sam Abbott 9. Amelia, Amanda and Andrew Ansel

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August 2016 | 63


SHELBY SPOTTED

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5 Leadership Shelby County graduation

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The members of the Leadership Shelby County class of 2016 presented their community service projects before receiving their diplomas during a May 10 ceremony at the Jefferson State Community College HooverShelby campus. 1. Bobby Joe Seales, Adam Moseley, Dorann Tanner and Dr. Wayne Vickers 2. Larry Palmer and Chris Curry 3. Butch Burbage and Jill Lee 4. Monique Shorts and Samantha Rush 5. Scott Brakefield and Rhett McCreight 6. Leslie Greenwood, Calvin Gunn and Diane Seales 7. Brian Lee and David Bobo 8. Carol Bruser, Chris Curry and Kendall Williams

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SHELBY SPOTTED

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9. Jim Sumpter, Carol Bruser and Bobby Joe Seales 10. Bobby Joe Seales and Bridgette Smith 11. Dorann Tanner, Allison Boyd and Diane Seales 12. Jennifer Maier and Bobby Joe Seales

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SHELBY SPOTTED

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South Shelby Chamber of Commerce June luncheon Shelby County Schools Superintendent Randy Fuller gave a State of the Schools address to the South Shelby Chamber of Commerce at a June 2 luncheon at First Baptist Church of Columbiana.

1. Lewis Brooks, Kerry Rush and Daniel Richards 2. Dexter Carden and Daniel Richards 3. Chance Hallmark and Mary Laughery 4. Comedienne Joy and Elise Hearn 5. Stancil Handley and Ray McAllister 6. Frank and Dale Hebert 7. Terra and Jada Harris 8. Tina Neighbors and Stevi Sims 9. Kevin Thornthwaite and Kyle Mims

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SHELBY SPOTTED

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10. Nan Allen and Jim Bradford 11. Kay Ray and Donald Shirley 12. Donald Shirley and Kelly Page 13. Brenda and Matthew Mellen

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SHELBY SPOTTED

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Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce May luncheon

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The monthly Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce luncheon was held May 19 at The Hyatt Regency-The Wynfrey Hotel. 1. Rick Smith, Jabo Waggoner, John Lyda and Grant Bruner 2. Pam Thompson and Joey Brown 3. Henry Hagood and Steve Hart 4. Paul DeMarco and Jabo Waggoner 5. Al Wood and Scott Sanders 6. Pastor Green Calhoun and Trisston Burrows 7. Clint Neville, Brent Elliott and Sean Yoder 8. Dave Davis and Jessica Dixon 9. Cindy Hartman, Billy Joe Watson and Kerry Bailey

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SHELBY SPOTTED

Alabaster Library Lego League

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Families came together to build creations at the first LEGO League event of the summer at the Albert L. Scott Library in Alabaster on Tuesday, June 8. 1. Sean E. Mulvaney 2. Asterik, Micah, Mallory and Damien Kimbrough 3. Gabriel, Aldrie and Lindsey Rigdon 4. Mallory Kimbrough and Parker Ray

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SHELBY SPOTTED

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Families and friends gathered to watch “Inside Out� as the first movie of Free Friday Flicks at Veterans Park in Hoover on June 3. 1. Hattie Grace Morris, Abby Morris, Jessica Morris and Brad Carney 2. Keturan Todd and Skylar Seeley 3. Lena Dees and Tatiana Freeman 4. Austin Vanwhy, Hartley Vanwhy and Kandi Johnson 5. Jeana King, Kristen and Addison Praytor 6. Loretta Ford and David Carter 7. Katrene Weathers, Leatrice and Olivia Lee 8. Lizzy Martin, Kennedy Martin and Lauren Criswell 9. Nasah, Muhamand and Raba Alqaza

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SHELBY SPOTTED

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10. Blake, Emma, Cassie and Jack Kell 11. Ysabella and LaToya Hagler 12. Nick, Marijane, Jackson and Stephen Saikley 13. Mary-Walker Lindsey, Nathan Heim and Daniel Nolen

• The latest in cuts, coloring and styles • Manicures • Pedicures • Waxing • Massage therapy

thesalon5.com Alabaster, AL

Want to return to your normal life faster after surgery or medical complication? Therapy with Rehab Select can speed your recovery and help you regain your strength. Rehab Select at Shelby Ridge is more than a typical rehab inpatient facility. We feature a physician-led, adaptive program that keeps patients with us only as long as they need, and treats every person like an individual, not a diagnosis or a length of stay. You’ll receive personalized one-onone therapy.

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

at Shelby Ridge

Visit us at www.rehabselect.net

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SHELBY SPOTTED

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The city of Pelham and the Cahaba Valley Elks Lodge hosted a Flag Day Celebration Sunday, June 12 at the Pelham Civic Complex 1. Angie Delahuossaye with Loretta and Don Pagan 2. Cindy Humber with Chuck Bryan 3. Exchange Club of Shelby County President Marilyn Eddings and President-elect Coni Fievet-Crawford. 4. Nancy and Bob Barefield 5. Pelham City Council member Maurice Mercer and Ward Williams 6. Lauren Sisler and Miss Alabama Hayley Barber 7. Sue Smith and Joyce Venezia 8. Miss Alabama Hayley Barber and Kenneth Paschal 9. Cahaba Valley Elks President Barbara Shinpaugh, Pelham Mayor Gary Waters and C. LaFaye

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Coffee with the Mayor of Westover

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The South Shelby Chamber of Commerce sponsored Coffee with the Mayor of Westover, Mark McLaughlin, at Westover City Hall on June 16. 1. Mayor Mark McLaughlin and Edna Felton 2. Donald Shirley, Chief Deputy Chris George, Gail Owen and Sheriff John Samaniego 3. Marie Mallory, Micah McLaughlin and Pastor Danny Lovett 4. Stacy Walkup and Scott Weygand

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SHELBY SPOTTED

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Mt Laurel Cookies and Cream Social

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The Mt Laurel Library hosted a cookies and ice cream social with cookies from TownHouse Tea Shoppe on June 23. 1. Avery Price, Collins McCorkle and Madison Price 2. Cherlyn and Brielle Humburg with Mason, Matthew and Jennie Waters 3. Thomas and Evyn W 4. E.V. Kahl and Tiffany Jiang 5. Olivia and Ethan Wright 6. Raylee and Tiffany Harris 7. Jack Brandt and Lucy Summers 8. Olivia Maddox and John Grady Maddox 9. Laura Parks and Lizzie Parks

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SHELBY SPOTTED

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10. Cole, Brielle and Reed Humburg 11. Allison and Caroline Morey 12. Charlotte Morton, Daphene Whatley and Madeline Morton 13. Emma Davenport, Linley Griffin and Gavin Davenport

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SHELBY SPOTTED

Toddler Tales at the Alabaster Library

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Parents and kids gathered around a storyteller to listen to the book “On Top of Spaghetti” and then created their own pizza with stickers at the Albert L. Scott Library in Alabaster Friday, June 25.

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1. Samuel Brom 2. Charlotte and Dalton Smith 3. Violet Miller and Charlotte Smith 4. Emory Marshall 5. Maggie Connell 6. Breanna Rowilson and Michael Lapone

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Grow your career here. If you’re looking for a fun, high-energy career with growth and earning potential, then my Allstate agency may be right for you. Expand your sales skills while helping protect what matters most in people’s lives. You can help make a difference in your community with a brand that’s been putting people in good hands for nearly 85 years. Sound good? Let’s talk. Join my team as a sales professional and you will: • Make a good living for your hard work • Receive ongoing training and support to grow your career • Work in a local business for your community • Help people protect what matters most • Have a professional career that challenges, inspires, and gives you room to grow Call me if this sounds like a good fit for you or someone you know.

Hart McGarry 205-690-3234

The Licensed Sales Professional opportunity is not an employment opportunity directly with Allstate Insurance Co.; but rather employment as a staff member with Allstate Exclusive Agents, who are independent contractors. © 2015 Allstate Insurance Co.

173373

7950 Hwy. 31, Ste. B Calera hartmcgarry1@allstate.com

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CLASSIFIEDS

Marketplace Shelby Living • 205.669.3131

Cooling Season Assistance starts August 1 for Chilton/ Shelby Counties. Call Appointment Lines: Chilton Co: 205-287-0139 Shelby Co: 205-610-8916 Online: eaaoac.cascheduler.com 11th Area of Alabama O.A.C. Acceptance Loan Company, Inc. Personal Loans! Let us Pay Off Your Title Loans! 224 Cahaba Valley Rd, Pelham 205-663-5821 B&J Metal Fabricators Professional sheet metal replacement and fabrication on classic cars/trucks. $65.00/hour for labor Parts/supplies additional Quotes based per job. Media blasting available. Powder coating coming soon. Montevallo area. (205)665-4687 (205)296-9988 Backhoe Work and General Hauling Services. Gravel, red clay, sand, pea gravel. Can clean ditches out and recover road with new gravel. Contact Barry Cunningham (205)217-5731 FIREWOOD-OAK or HICKORY Pick up - only 6 cents per pound. Commercial and Residential delivery also available. Columbiana Wood Products 21421 Hwy 25, Columbiana (205) 671-5202 Tupperware Dealer C: 205-567-0876 F: 205-208-1710 elblondeetw@gmail.com elblondeetw.com Welder Training Short Term Licensing Call for Details 866-432-0430 ESDschool.com

ShelbyLiving.com

I O.W.N. I Operate Wiser Now Adult Technology Classes: Smart phones, tablets, laptops. $15 per person at your location. Minimum of 3 students. Discounts for larger groups. Email: iownaovictorious@gmail. com Call: 205-207-7548

1BD Fully Furnished Weekly Suite @ $219.99 Free Utilities. No Credit Check. Two Budgetel locations at 1902 Highway 31 South, Hoover and 5249 Highway 280 East, Birmingham Call 205-985-9117 or www.budgetel.com

Montgomery Stockyard Drop Station at Gray & Son’s in Clanton. Call Lane at 205-389-4530. For other hauling arrangements, contact Wes in Harpersville 205-965-8657

TARGET AUCTION. Advanced Real Estate Marketing. 800-476-3939 www.targetauction.com

AFFORDABLE HIGH-SPEED INTERNET Available where you live! Call Today for this Limited Time Offer! www.pbsinternet.com, 800-266-4409. Professional Home and Office Cleaning Services offered to all of Shelby & Chilton counties. Family owned and operated. Call 205-683-8611 or visit www.steelmanprocleaners.com for more info. CLOCK REPAIR SVS. * Setup * Repair * Maintenance I can fix your Mother’s clock. Alabaster/Pelham Call Stephen (205)663-2822 Become a Dental Asst. in ONLY 8 WEEKS! Please visit our website www. capstonedentalassisting.com or call (205) 561-8118 and get your career started! 5 Bedroom, 3 Bath Log Home on 12 beautiful acres in Calera. Overlooking a stock pond. Barn with workshop. Needs some updates and TLC. $359,000 Call 205-862-6883

ONLINE AUCTIONS www.GTAOnlineAuctions.com 205-326-0833 Granger, Thagard & Assoc. Jack F. Granger #873 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 House For Rent 3/2 in Calera W/D Hook-ups, One Car Garage, Dishwasher Rent $1150 205-433-9811 Commercial Office Building For Sale or Lease 400 Lay Dam Road, Clanton w/acreage, brick building, paved parking lot. Close to new hospital. Call: 205-420- 2494 or email: mwaldrop@rwbrad.com. TARGET AUCTION Advanced Real Estate Marketing 800-476-3939 www.targetauction.com

CAGLE SOD FARM 419 Hybrid Bermuda • $1.35 sq.yd. Meyers Zoysia • $2.50 sq.yd. Empire Zoysia • $3.00 sq. yd. DELIVERY AVAILABLE 662-365-3152 www.caglesod.com Class-A CDL Driver. $500 Sign-On Bonus. Must be 25+ years with clean MVR. 1 year with 6 months flatbed experience. $.34-$.40pm w/ dh $.20 pay. Contact HR: (205)706-4837 HIRING Production Workers in McCalla IMMEDIATE OPENINGS! Various shifts, temp-to-hire positions! Apply online at: www.adeccousa.com or call our office at 205-497-6400 ext. 2033 NEED A JOB? NEED A BETTER JOB? AIDT recruits, screens and trains qualified applicants for outstanding jobs statewide. All at NO COST to you! Visit www.aidt.edu/jobs today to view your opportunities! Multi Craft Technician with Electrical Experience. Willing to cross train in Commercial Air Compressors. Fax resume to 205-664-4889 or call 205-664-0192. American Proteins, Inc. Hiring Drivers Home Daily, Great benefits package (including: health/ dental/ vision insurance), paid vacation and holidays, 401K retirement plan. Need Class A CDL with tanker endorsement, one year verifiable driving experience. Contact Jamie Sewell: 256-970-6133 or Ronnie Demonia: 256-970-6109 EOE

ANDERSON EYECAREMontevallo Seeking experienced optician & eyecare tech. Knowledge of eyewear & edging lenses required. Great hours/work environment. Email resume: andersoneyecare@bellsouth. net or mail: Anderson EyeCare 977 Main St., Montevallo 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 APPLY NOW! Baugh Ford in Clanton is Hiring Salespersons and Internet Sales Manager Email cover letter/resume to autojobsclanton@gmail.com Fax to (205)755-6443 Or apply in person. Class A CDL Drivers Needed Stable, steady work, great benefits package and home time. We will train experienced drivers to haul our products. CDL-A 1 year-experience required. Must have good driving/work history. Call 866-388-0686 to find out more! www.schillicorp.com CHANGING SPACES RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL MOVING, INC. NOW HIRING! EXPERIENCED HOUSEHOLD GOODS MOVING DRIVERS Health, Dental & Retirement Benefits. Full Time, Part Time, or Seasonal. Drug Testing and Background Checks Required. (205)972-0744

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Bibb Medical Center & Nursing Home Currently Hiring For: •Hospital DON •Billing/Insurance Clerk •MLT/ MT •LPN & RN’s •Labor & Delivery Nurses •CNA’s & PCT’s Apply at: Hospital Information Desk, 208 Pierson Ave., Centreville, AL Or email resume to: bmchr@bibbmedicalcenter. com. Apply Online: bibbmedicalcenter.com DELIVERY DRIVERS Local Grocery Distributor in Alabaster seeking qualified drivers. Delivery/unloading to multiple locations. Mon-Fri work week. Requirements: Valid DL, clean driving record. Benefits: Competitive wages, bonuses, benefits, opportunity for advancement. BTC Wholesale Distributors Call 205-397-1782 BURGER KING JOIN OUR MANAGEMENT TEAM Schuster Enterprises, Inc., a Franchisee of Burger King, is looking for Management professionals who have a desire to join a team where people are the most important asset, where growth is based on ability and where opportunity is abundant. Benefits: Competive Wages, Health & Life Insurance, Paid Vacations, 401(k). Apply online at: www.jointeamschuster. com. (EOE - DRUG FREE WORKPLACE). JOIN OUR TEAM! MAINTENANCE ENGINEER FOR A BURGER KING FRANCHISE Schuster Enterprises, Inc., a Franchisee of Burger King, is looking for a person with skills in HVAC and Refrigeration, Light Electrical and Plumbing. •Competitive Wage based on skills and experience, annual reviews. •Health and Life Insurance •401 (k) Profit Sharing Plan •Paid Vacations •Maintenance Vehicle & Tools furnished FOR INTERVIEW CALL DAVID STEVENS (706)563-3066 (EOE—DRUG FREE WORKPLACE)

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Coal Yard Bar & Grill Now Hiring Experienced servers & bartenders Apply in person: Tuesday-Saturday, 2pm-4pm at The Coal Yard 4085 Helena Rd. *No Phone Calls Please* Ready to Work for the #1 Brand in the World? Now Hiring Class A-CDL Drivers for Coca-Cola Bottling United. Go to www.cocacolaunited.com to apply! COLUMBIANA HEALTH & REHAB LPN Charge Nurse PRN - 12 hour shifts Excellent Salary. Interested applicants should send resume to: shannon.bell@ northporthealth.com Coosa Valley Medical Center OR Nurse Manager RNs (Surgical Services): dayshift RNs (Med/Surg): all-shifts RNs (Post Acute Services): all-shifts Email resume to: Janean. Crawford@cvhealth.net or to apply, go to www.cvhealth.net DCH Health System Caring. For Life. $5,000 *Sign-on Bonus for full time RNs *For More Information Contact Annie.Miller@dchsystem.com Apply online at: www.dchsystem.com PRESS BRAKE OPERATORS & WELDERS Experienced MIG welders, fitting experience preferred. Weld test required: bring welding helmet. Must pass mandatory drug test prior to employment. Weekly pay and benefits package. Apply in person from 9am-1pm: E-Box 101 Air Park Industrial Road Alabaster, AL 35007 Plumbing Service & Repair Technician Requirements: Journeyman’s plumbing card, Experience in Residential/Commercial service/ repair/drain cleaning/sewer work, Clean-cut/self-motivated,

Good communication skills, Clean MVR/background/drug test. Email resume: exie@eagleservicecompany.com NOW HIRING FOR HOMECARE AIDES & LPN’s IN THE SHELBY COUNTY AREA. Apply Online: www.eldercareofnorthalabama. com under the ‘Cullman’ office or call 256-727-5312 (M-F 8am-5pm) $3000 SIGN ON BONUS NEW PAY SCALE TO QUALIFYING DRIVERS EVERGREEN TRANSPORT, is accepting applications for local drivers in the Calera and Leeds, AL, area. Must have class A CDL, good driving record, 1 yr verifiable tractor trailer experience. Good pay and benefits. Apply in person at 8278 Hwy 25 South, Calera, AL, or call for info 205-668-3316. THE FISH MARKET RESTAURANT CASHIERS & SERVERS NEEDED. NOW HIRING HAPPY People with GREAT Attitudes! Must be Flexible/Hours Vary Apply in Person ONLY Hwy 280 & Hwy 31 Locations INDUSTRIAL LUBRICATION / SERVICE INSTALLATION TECHNICIAN for Alabama, Mississippi, Western Tennessee and Panhandle of Florida. Preferably located in the Greater Birmingham Area. Experience Required. Please send resume to: mlacroix@flowdynamics.net PLANT MAINTENANCE POSITION Desired Skills: •Minimum 10-years experience in plant industrial maintenance environment (mechanical/ hydraulics/electrical/fabrication/ pneumatic) •Strong electrical trouble shooting skills in high-voltage as well as low-voltage •Ability to work on PLC is required Apply At: Foley Products, Clanton or online: www.foleyproducts.com Foley Products Company is an EOE.

Franklin Iron Works Now Hiring Grinders & Laborers Must apply in person at 146 Tommie Dr, Thorsby Mon-Fri, 10am-3pm Hiring Stylists in Pell City Average Pay $12 & Up 205-966-7254 Hardee’s Now Hiring •Crew Members/Hoover •Management/Calera Email resume to: hardees2007@bellsouth.net LPN’s, RN’s, CNA’s Full-time & part-time • 2nd & 3rd Shift Apply in person: Hatley Health Care 300 Medical Ctr Dr Clanton, AL 35045 J & M Tank Lines is now hiring qualified Class A CDL Drivers for our Calera, AL terminal! If you are hired in the next 30 days then you will be eligible for the **$2,000 Sign-On Bonus** Benefits: •Paid Weekly by direct deposit •Paid Vacation & Holidays •401K with company % match •Medical, Vision & Dental through BCBS starting as low as $10/week •Company Paid $50,000 Life Insurance Policy •Safety, Referral and Christmas Bonuses Requirements: •You must be at least 25 years old •Have no more than 3 moving violations in the past 3 years •18 months of Tractor Trailer experience •Tanker Endorsement preferred but NOT required as you will be trained If you meet the above requirements and are interested in a position with us at J & M Tank Lines then you may contact Sarah Murphy @ (205)769-3544 or go to www. jmtank.com to fill out our online application! We only have a couple of positions available so please don’t pass up this great opportunity!

Tree Climber / Bucket Operator Top pay guaranteed. 5 yrs exp. CDL required. Drug Test Required. 205-836-2038 or 205-229-7144 Kelly Educational Staffing® We’re hiring! • Substitute teachers • Aides • Cafeteria • Clerical • Custodial positions for Shelby County School District and Alabaster City Schools. Please call 205-682-7062 We Are An Equal Opportunity Employer Owner Operators Wanting Dedicated Year Round Anniston, AL www.pull4klb.com NOW HIRING •Tri-Axle Drivers- Class A or B •Backhoe Operators •Asphalt Laborers Lake Mitchell Construction CALL 205-755-7264 Are you a motivated professional? Are you looking for a dynamic career? Are you ready to control your own level of success? See why McKinnons’ is an exciting place to work and grow. Now accepting applications for Sales, Service, and Detail Shop. Apply with the receptionist. 205-755-3430 Shake up your career!!! Are you looking for something new and FUN? Milo’s is always looking for great managers to come join our growing and dynamic team. Apply online at miloshamburgers.com Ignite Your Career with Mspark! For current openings, visit: www.mspark.com/ourcompany/careers/ or send resume: wscott@mspark.com. Mspark offers competitive compensation, benefits and a team-oriented work environment. EOE.


Class-A CDL DriverDry Bulk/PneumaticBirmingham,AL Must be 25+, have clean driving record, two-years tractor/trailer experience. Will train drivers on tank. Good benefits-almost all drivers home every night. Contact Keith 205-438-4959 Noland Health Services Now Hiring RN’s Day & Night Shift Available Noland Hospital Shelby Located in Shelby Baptist Medical Center Alabaster To Apply Visit: www.nolandhealth.com Production / Manufacturing Vance, Alabama Starting pay: $12.00 – $14.50 /hr. • Have 2 years+ Production/ Manufacturing experience. • Have Recently Lived in Alabama at least 2 years. • Have A High School Diploma or GED. • Are at least 18 years old. Complete your application on line at www.naonsite.com Warehouse Position in Calera Starting pay $10/hr. Flexible shifts. Requirements: • Recently Lived in Alabama at least 1 year. • High School Diploma or GED. • At least 18 years old. Complete your application on line at www.naonsite.com Odyssey Early Schools. Birmingham’s Best Daycare/ Preschool is Seeking Experienced Teachers. 4 Year Degree Preferred. Full-Time. BEST Pay. FULL Benefits (Insurance, Leave, Holidays). Call Annie Fine 991-0039. Manufacturing/Assembly positions available in Calera & McCalla areas. Full time hours, all shifts available. Call today 205-267-3910 PawTree. Love Pets? Love People? How would you like to educate pet parents about customized pet nutrition and other fun pet products? We are looking for positive and motivated people who

love pets to open up the Alabama area! No experience necessary. Full or Part-Time! Own your own business while making profit with a purpose. Minimal start up fee. For more information, email healthypetpro@gmail.com

MECHANICS NEEDED: Afternoon Shift SOUTHERN HAULERS 2157 Hwy 16 Calera, Alabama 35040 Call Vince: (251)230-1692 Fax resume to: (330)726-7887 Email to: kzook@rjtrucking.com

Class A CDL Drivers Needed Immediately for Dump Trailer Hauling • $2000 Retention Bonus • Local Hauling • Home Nights APPLY ONLINE: www.perdidotrucking.com Perdido Trucking Service, LLC 251-470-0355

Southern Haulers, LLC Immediate openings for: Local Tractor-Trailer Dump Drivers & Local Pneumatic Tanker Drivers. Excellent wage/Benefit package. 1 yr tractor-trailer driving experience. Good MVR and CSA points. If interested, call 1-800-537-4621 ask for George or Adam. Or www.southernhaulersllc.com EOE

Burger King Hiring General, Assistant & Shift Managers. Top Pay/ Monthly Bonus/Vacation/ Medical Benefits. 3yrs fast food experience required. Fax resume: 334-649-1112 Or apply at: www.work4bk.com Pyles Transport Inc. NOW HIRING Regional Class-A Driver positions for our Finley-Blvd location. •Competitive weekly pay(direct-deposit) •Full-benefits including 401K •Health/Life insurance •Safety Bonuses •Minimum weekly pay: $700(guaranteed) Call 270-250-3595 for more info or visit pylestransport.com to apply. Regional Drivers are home every weekend and often mid-week for rest period. Order Selectors Food Dist. Center in Pelham Al. Day Shift: Mon-Fri. 40+ hours/ week. 10:00AM until finished (varies). Benefits: Medical, vision, dental, vacation & 401k. Requirements: Reading & math skills, Lift 40 lbs. repetitively, Work in -10 Temperature Apply 8:30AM-5:00PM Southeastern Food, 201 Parker Drive, Pelham, Alabama 35124 205-685-4533

Immediate Positions!!!! Positions needed: Warehouse • Sales Reps • Assistant Manager • Delivery Drivers • Customer Service. Laid back atmosphere, good pay, plenty of hours available! Company vehicles to qualified individuals! Call Andrew 9am7pm • Monday-Saturday at (205)490-1003 or (205)243-6337 Stevens Home Health Care Currently Hiring: Personal Care Workers Must have experience & clean background. For more info call: 334-215-0084 or 205-942-5996 (EOE) SUBWAY South Shelby County Stores Now Hiring • All Positions Looking for Sandwich Artists. Print out the application from the link below and bring by your nearest Subway Location. http://wpc.4728. edgecastcdn.net/004728/ applications/subway-jobapplication.pdf Looking for Managers with these same traits. Please send resumes to: scottreneau@gmail. com TaylorMade Transportation Hiring CDL Drivers for Flatbed Regional Division! BCBS Insurance After 30 Days. To apply call: (334)366-2269 or email: s.smith@taylormadeinc. com

CV Home Health currently recruiting for: LPNs/RNs •Great pay •Manage own schedule If you’d like to become part of our growing team, call: 866273-3984 shendon@techota.com TEMP FORCE HIRING NOW: Assembly and Inspection! Childersburg & Vincent. Full Time. 1st and 2nd Shifts. Entry Level OK! Apply at TempForce: (256)2458367 www.tempforcejobs.com Shoal Creek Barn Hand Flexible part or full time hours w/benefits Call Carrie: 991-4654 or 427-5591. Landscape Assisstant 6:00a.m. - 3:00p.m. Full Time • Monday-Friday Paid health benefits. Looking for a quick learner, with great work ethic! Call Carrie 205-991-4564 or 205-427-5501 ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS CDL-B DRIVERS WITH TWO YEARS EXPERIENCE. WASTE REMOVAL EXPERIENCE PREFERRED, 25+, CLEAN RECORD, HAVE KNOWLEDGE OF SHELBY AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES. CALL: 205-419-4005 Hiring Installers for new Alabaster Location! Responsibilities: Install according to work order and guidelines, Follow all OSHA and Company Safety policies/ procedures. Requirements: HS diploma or equivalent, Valid DL, 18+ years old, Overtime/weekends as required, Out-of-town travel as required, 0-6 months experience in Construction/ Insulation/Trades/etc., 1-3 years construction experience preferred, Pass drug/ background screenings. Come Join Our Team Apply online: www.truteam.com or in person: 220 Scotland Drive, Alabaster AL 35007

OTR DRIVERS WANTED 24 years or older. Hazmat preferred but not required. Full benefit package available. Pneumatic tank equipment. Dry bulk hauling. $500 SIGN-ON BONUS HOME EVERY OTHER WEEKEND Apply Online: vernonmilling.com 800-753-1993 NOW HIRING CDL-A DRIVERS w/Haz. $5000 Sign-On Bonus. Apply online: www.westernintl.com or Corporate Office: 979-413-2140 $5000 SIGN-ON BONUS! HIRING CDL TEAM A DRIVER Apply online: www.westernintl.com Or Contact Corporate: Western International Gas & Cylinders 979-413-2140 or 979-413-2192 (EOE) LOADER/PICKER Immediate Opening- F/T or P/T Class-A CDL required to shuttle trailers from truck-yard to loading/unloading pad. Responsibilities: Accurate/ timely picking/loading customer orders, continuous lifting 50+pounds throughout day, overtime availability as-needed. Excellent benefits. Competitive wages. Apply In Person: Woodgrain Distribution 80 South Shelby Street, Montevallo (205)665-2546 Ext.207 ksenecal@woodgrain.com (EOE) LEVYS FINE JEWELRY Others buy Gold, We buy Jewelry! 205-251-3381 Downtown Birmingham www.levysfinejewelry.com Cobblestone Cove Apartments Located in Montevallo NOW LEASING 2 Bedrooms Pool • W/D Hookups Call apartment manager for leasing information 205-665-3988

August 2016 | 79


OUT & ABOUT Alabaster Farmers Market

Calera & Shelby Train Ride

Shelby County Schools first day

Aug. 1

Montevallo Farmers Market: Montevallo Farmers Market will be held Monday, August 1 from 3:00- 6:00 p.m. at 660 Main Street. Buy fresh, buy local! For more information, please call (205) 665-1519.

Aug. 2

Small Business Mentorship Program: Typically the first Tuesday of each month from 8:00AM until 11:00AM, Michael Smith with the The Great, The Good and The Gone will be available for a one-on-one confidential meeting with any entrepreneur or small business owner to discuss opportunities, challenges or any other issue they may be facing. Appointments are required so please call Payton Thomas, Manager, Business Development & Support at 6634542, ext. 105 for availability during that timeframe.

Aug. 4

Understanding Medicare Seminar: Does Medicare confuse you? Get answers at this seminar provided by a Medicare advisor from Physicians Mutual. The presentation simplifies complex issues such as the Medicare parts, enrolling and more. Attend this program and get the facts. The seminar is free and open to the public. For more information, please call the Pelham Public library 80 | ShelbyLiving.com

at 620-6418.

ride lasts approximately 1 hour. Departure times are 11:00 a.m. Aug. 4-6 and 2:00 p.m., but arrive an A Midsummer Night’s Dream: hour before departure. For South City Theater, 7:30pm, more information, contact the and box office (205) 621-2128. call center at (205) 757-8383. www.southcitytheatre.com. Tickets: $16 for adults, $13 for Aug. 8 students and seniors, $11 for Montevallo Farmers Market: groups of 10 or more, paid in Montevallo Farmers Market will be held Monday, August advance. 8 from 3:00- 6:00 p.m. at 660 PJ Storytime: North Shelby Main Street. Buy fresh, buy Library presents PJ Storytime. local! For more information, Come in your PJs, have milk please call (205) 665-1519. and cookies, and hear some wonderful bedtime tales. All Aug. 9 ages are invited and there is no Shelby County Schools first registration required. This free day of classes begin. event is from 6:30-7:00 p.m. at Alabaster Teen Council will North Shelby Library. be hosting Teen Movie Night Aug. 6 at Warrior Stadium, 8-11 pm, Alabaster Farmers Market: showing “Mean Girls”. Alabaster Farmers Market: Alabaster Farmers Market will Aug. 11 be held Saturday, August 6 PJ Storytime: North Shelby from 8:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m. at Library presents PJ Storytime. Come in your PJs, have milk 11th Avenue Southwest Alabaster, AL 35007. The and cookies, and hear some Majority of fresh produce is wonderful bedtime tales. All provided by Shelby County and ages are invited and there is no registration required. This free Chilton County growers. event is from 6:30-7:00 p.m. at Calera & Shelby Train Ride: North Shelby Library. Take a trip back in time as you board vintage railroad Aug. 12-14 and 19coaches restored to their 21 former glory! The Calera & A Radio Variety Show: Shelby Railroad runs on a Directed by Jenny Wheeler, portion of the former L&N Set in the Golden Era of Radio Alabama Mineral Railroad, (1940’s) This MMSP Original established in 1891. The train presentation features classic

radio drama, music, comedy, vintage commercials, live Foley (sound effects), and more. Presented in a radio studio setting, performers will work with written scripts on stage. Held at the Parnell Memorial Library Theater, evening performances 7:30pm, Sunday matinees 2:00pm. www. montevallomainstreetplayers. org.

Aug. 13

SCAC Story Teller Night: Southerners have always had great stories to share. Vann Sykes, Mayor Stancil Handley and friends will be sharing personal stories sure to have you smiling from ear-to-ear. Event will be held at 104 Mildred Street, Columbiana, at 7:30pm. Fees/admission: $25.00. To contact by telephone call: (205) 669-0044, or by email: info@ shelbycountyartscouncil.com. Night Excursion: 6:30-8:30 pm. Meet the Naturalist at the entrance to Group Camp Road for an exciting walk through the woods to look and listen for animals of the night. The entire trip would be no more than 2 miles in length. oakmountain. naturalist@dcnr.alabama.gov. 205-620-2520 Columbiana Farmers Market & Trade Day: There will be a Farmer’s Market, Flea Market, Arts and Crafts, and Yard


Sale in the parking lot of the Shelby County Courthouse in Columbiana. This monthly event will begin at 7:00 a.m. and will have no fee for vendors. To sign up please call Randy Glenn at (205) 305-8632. This is a rain or shine event. Calera & Shelby Train Ride: Take a trip back in time as you board vintage railroad coaches restored to their former glory! The train ride lasts approximately 1 hour. Departure times are 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., but arrive an hour before departure. For more information, contact the call center at (205) 757-8383.

Aug. 15

Montevallo Farmers Market: Montevallo Farmers Market will be held Monday, August 15 from 3:00- 6:00 p.m. at 660 Main Street. Buy fresh, buy local! For more information, please call (205) 665-1519.

Aug. 18

PJ Storytime: North Shelby Library presents PJ Storytime. Come in your PJs, have milk and cookies, and hear some wonderful bedtime tales. All ages are invited and there is no registration required. This free event is from 6:30-7:00 p.m. at North Shelby Library.

Aug. 19 Chirps

and

Chips

2016:

The Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Heavy Hors D’oeuvres, Wine, and Beer, Casino-Themed Games, Silent Auction, and Drawing, $50 per Ticket, Benefitting the Alabama Wildlife Center, Hosted by Raptor Force, the Junior Board of the Alabama Wildlife Center. Located at Oak Mountain State Park, the Center is also dedicated to educating the public to create awareness and concern for the native wildlife of Alabama. Tickets now available at: www. awrc.org/Chirps_and_Chips.

Aug. 20

Alabaster Teen Council will be hosting a Back to School Bash at Municipal Park, August 20th, 5-11 pm. Goodfellas, Jazz Duo: Goodfellas is a Birminghambased jazz duo featuring the talents of Jeff Lopez on sax and Ken Talley, Sr. on keys. The Goods are known for bringing their spin on classic rock n’ roll music to small stage venues. Event will be held at 104 Mildred Street, Columbiana, from 7:30-10:00pm. Fees/ admission: $20.00. To contact by telephone call: (205) 6690044, or by email: info@ shelbycountyartscouncil.com. Cars by the Creek Car Show: 15th Annual Car Show featuring Antique and Classic

Cars and Trucks. Free to the Public Car Registration $20 Food, Music, Children’s Activities, to be held at Orr Park, from 9am-3pm. Calera & Shelby Train Ride: Take a trip back in time as you board vintage railroad coaches restored to their former glory! Ride behind a first generation diesel-electric locomotive as you travel through the scenic forests of Shelby County. The train ride lasts approximately 1 hour. Departure times are 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., but arrive an hour before departure. For more information, contact the call center at (205) 757-8383.

Aug. 22

Montevallo Farmers Market: Montevallo Farmers Market will be held Monday, August 22 from 3:00- 6:00 p.m. at 660 Main Street. Buy fresh, buy local! For more information, please call (205) 665-1519.

Aug. 25

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Drayer Physical Therapy & Lemak Health: You are invited to attend the Official Ribbon Cutting Celebration for Drayer Physical Therapy & Lemak Health on Thursday, August 25 at 10:30AM. The store is located at 104 Chelsea Pointe Drive, Chelsea, AL 35043.

PJ Storytime: North Shelby Library presents PJ Storytime. Come in your PJs, have milk and cookies, and hear some wonderful bedtime tales. All ages are invited and there is no registration required. This free event is from 6:30-7:00 p.m. at North Shelby Library.

Aug. 27

Creek Kids “Creek Stompin’ Workshop”: 10:00am to 11:00am, Oak Mountain State Park. Free & open to all ages. Alabama is the nation’s leader in biodiversity when it comes to freshwater aquatic species of mussels, snails, crayfish, fish, and amphibians (only Georgia has more amphibians). Exact Location within the park will be disclosed at time of registration. Participants should be prepared to get wet. Pre-registration is required, please call 205-620-2520 or email for details. Workshop is limited to 15 participants. Workshop is available for group activities. oakmountain. naturalist@dcnr.alabama.gov. 205-620-2520 Calera & Shelby Train Ride: Take a trip back in time as you board vintage railroad coaches restored to their former glory! Departure times are 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., but arrive an hour before departure. For more information, contact the call center at (205) 757-8383. l

A Radio Variety Show

Chirps and Chips 2016

Cars by the Creek Car Show August 2016 | 81


WHY I LOVE SHELBY COUNTY

Michele Wilensky: ‘I especially appreciate the emphasis on protecting the environment’ What do you consider to be Hilltop Montessori’s greatest strengths? A: Parents gravitate to private, independent schools for various reasons but our parents note that they appreciate the “family” feeling that Hilltop offers. A great deal of this is due to the fact that Montessori has children with the same teacher for three years and a low teacher-student ratio. Other benefits include daily Spanish immersion for the entire school, a thriving fine arts program, a strong emphasis in technology for the elementary and middle school and a beautiful campus, which is about to expand for the third and final time.

By KATIE MCDOWELL Photo by KEITH MCCOY

H

illtop Montessori Head of School Michele Wilensky may live near downtown Birmingham, but her heart is in Shelby County. Wilensky, a Miami native, moved to Alabama in 1988 to attend the University of Alabama. She then relocated to Shelby County, where she lived for 20 years before moving to the Forest Park neighborhood in Birmingham. “We have to live near downtown because my husband is a physician and needs to be close to his hospital but I will always feel that Shelby County is my home,” she said. Wilensky shares her love of Shelby County with her parents. They fell in love with the area during visits, and moved to Ballantrae in 1991. “We have all found that life in Shelby County is much less hurried and congested than Miami and everyone is so friendly,” Wilensky said. “It’s also been a great place to work and raise my son.” Wilensky has been the Head of School at Hilltop Montessori School in Mt Laurel for 11 years, seeing the school through successful accreditations, enrollment growth and several expansions. “Over 75 percent of the school’s families reside in Shelby County and the fact that Hilltop Montessori is such a strong anchor for parents looking for an alternative to public education is a real source of pride for me,” she said. What do you love about Shelby County? Shelby County is absolutely beautiful and I especially appreciate the emphasis on protecting the environment. It seems that all the citizens in Shelby County, and especially in Mt Laurel, truly care about each other and the neighborhood support I experience as Head of School is truly exceptional. Hilltop Montessori is fortunate to be a strong part of the Town Of Mt Laurel due to a very generous land donation from EBSCO Industries, Mt Laurel and 82 | ShelbyLiving.com

the Stephens family, and we work hard to offer an individualized education to families seeking an independent school. Being a strong part of Shelby County is a real source of pride for us. How would you describe a Montessori education to someone who is unfamiliar with it? Although not all Montessori schools are the same, Hilltop Montessori offers a more individualized system of education that engages the children on multiple levels through concrete, hands-on exploration that promotes a love of learning. Hilltop Montessori School has multiple accreditations and has won numerous awards, but we are most proud of the fact that we have graduated so many students who are thriving at their secondary schools, colleges and in the workforce. Among our alumni, we have six National Merit Scholars and a Fulbright Scholar. Many of our graduates have done exceptionally well but overall, the most impressive aspect is that they leave Montessori with a love of learning that will last a lifetime.

What does Hilltop’s current expansion include and when will it be complete? We are just thrilled with the project and the support we have received from EBSCO, USAmeribank and our stakeholders. The expansion will be ready in 10 months and will include an expanded fine arts area, a science laboratory, a gymnasium, a teaching kitchen and more classrooms. Why did you decide to go into education? I choose a career in education because I wanted to contribute to society and make a difference in the lives of others and in particular, children. My father was a Fire Chief and so I suppose I inherited his love of service to the community. Knowing that I made a difference in the lives of thousands of children and that I can assist them with reaching their fullest potential motivates me every day and leaves me with a strong sense of fulfillment. What was your favorite subject in school? I have always loved writing and in retirement, I hope to have a book published. I hear so many wonderful and funny things that our students say and I would love to publish that into an insightful book showcasing the beauty (and frankness!) of children. l




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