Shelby Living, June 2017

Enhancing the

experience Amoré Ristorante Italiano serves up more space, drink options

Curtain call

South City’s Sue Ellen Gerrells honored with national theatre award June 2017 shelbyliving.com

‘Voyage to the Star Kingdom’ Anne Riley authors children’s book about family's hope following tragedy

Expression through flowers Pelham Flowers by Desiree’ owner creates personal designs

Appreciating every victory Jeff McDowell shares journey to opening security company

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2 | ShelbyLiving.com

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June 2017 | 1

FROM THE EDITOR

I

always say one of my favorite parts of my job is hearing people’s stories.

My job connects me with people I might otherwise never have an opportunity to meet, and I have the privilege of getting to know them beyond the confines of small talk.

I enjoyed working on this whole issue, but one of the stories you’re about to read has stayed with me long after I typed its last words.

It challenged me to think about how I handle tough situations, and reminded me that maintaining a sense of perspective is so important.

When I started reading Shelby County author Anne Riley’s blog about her book “Voyage to the Star Kingdom,” I realized there was much more depth to it than a cursory glance at the book’s title offered.

I felt I was working on a story within a story – an account of how Riley and her cousin, artist Amy Grimes, put the book together, but also of a family’s emotional journey on which the book’s plot is based.

This family has been through tragedy and upheaval and darkness. The parents

have lost one of their three daughters to an incurable disease, the same disease threatening to claim another of their daughters’ lives.

The book, which Riley and Grimes created as a tribute to this sweet family, is an allegorical portrayal of the grief the family has experienced in their “storm,” the uncertainty they have faced in the aftermath and the hope they have in a higher power, the Star King.

In one of her blog posts about the project, Riley admitted she considered quitting her job and going into genetic research to find a cure for the two young girls.

Instead, she recognized a God-given “nudge” to use her gifts as a writer to craft a book that would honor the family and highlight the power of their faith – a faith that has carried them through shadowy valleys.

You can read more about Riley and this special book on Page 26.

If you have any ideas or suggestions for Shelby Living, you can contact me at Emily.Sparacino@ShelbyLiving.com.

Thank you for reading! l

Emily Sparacino, Editor

Shelby Living EDITORIAL Graham Brooks Stephen Dawkins Alec Etheredge Briana Harris Amalia Kortright Keith McCoy Emily Sparacino Neal Wagner CONTRIBUTORS Emily Bolden René Day Lindsay Dyess Dawn Harrison Lisa Phillips PRODUCTION Connor Bucy Steven Calhoun Jamie Dawkins Clarke Stackhouse MARKETING Kristy Brown Kari George Rachel Henderson Daniel Holmes Hagan Joiner Donna Knott Rhett McCreight Kim McCulla Ashley Murphy April Spivey Kerrie Thompson ADMINISTRATION Tim Prince Katie McDowell Mary Jo Eskridge Hailey Dolbare Stacey Meadows

Emily.Sparacino@shelbyliving.com ON THE COVER Amore’ Ristorante Italiano owner and executive chef Dino Drakos sits outside his restaurant off U.S. 280.

Cover design: Connor Bucy Photography: Dawn Harrison

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.

2 | ShelbyLiving.com

features 18

CLEAN PALATE At Inverness Country Club, Executive Chef Ben Vaughn infuses new flavor into club dining

26

‘VOYAGE TO THE STAR KINGDOM’ Book created by local author and artist honors family coping with terminal illness

34

ONE MAN’S DETERMINATION After hitting rock bottom, Jeff McDowell picks himself up and starts a security company

40

THAT’S AMORÉ Restaurant serves same Italian dishes it’s known for – just with more dining space and drink options

46

A BLOOMING BUSINESS Desireé Shrestha tells stories in floral designs

June 2017 | 3

WHAT’S INSIDE

54

26

40 in every issue health 5

THE SIMPLE LIFE

6

SHORT STORIES

53

BUSINESS CONNECTIONS

61

SHELBY SPOTTED

75

MARKETPLACE

78

OUT AND ABOUT

80

WHY I LOVE SHELBY COUNTY

arts & culture 11

12

OFF TO CAMP Shelby County Arts Council to offer summer camps for children once again CENTER STAGE South City Theatre Artistic Director Sue Ellen Gerrells receives national theatre award

4 | ShelbyLiving.com

& beauty 17

TOP 10 TIPS An anesthesiologist addresses chronic spinal pain

features 18 CLEAN PALATE At Inverness Country Club, Executive Chef Ben Vaughn infuses new flavor into club dining 26 ‘VOYAGE TO THE STAR KINGDOM’ Book created by local author and artist honors family coping with terminal illness 33 DAY BY DAY A chat with a ‘Ewenique’ Black Sheep

features 34 ONE MAN’S DETERMINATION After hitting rock bottom, Jeff McDowell picks himself up and starts a security company 40 THAT’S AMORÉ Restaurant serves same Italian dishes it’s known for – just with more dining space and drink options 54 A BLOOMING BUSINESS Desireé Shrestha tells stories in floral designs

THE SIMPLE LIFE

Learning to unplug

C

hances are high that the majority of people have a “love/hate” relationship with their phone, tablets and watches.

Doctors now are learning all these screens are causing long-term effects on our bodies, too. Physically and mentally, we’re affected by the Lisa Phillips, owner of SimpleWorks, light of the screen, the position Simpleworks.guru of our neck and shoulders that lisa@simpleworks.guru lead to stressed muscles and poor 205.981.7733 posture, and our eyesight is showing increased strain.

Would a break every now and then be such a bad thing? Your body is screaming for some relief. uInsomnia. All electronic screens give off a blue light that stimulates the brain, causing your brain to receive mixed signals when bedtime rolls around. The light suppresses the production of melatonin, which is the hormone that helps regulate your sleep cycle. The simple solution is to turn off all devices one hour before bedtime. And, before you say you like to read a few pages before turning in, many newer models will have a “nighttime mode,” or the ability to dim the brightness, or switch from the blue light to a warm reddish tone. Super simple solution: Save your Kindle for daytime and read a bound book at night. uBackaches. “Tech Neck” is the newest phrase and is a massage therapist’s best friend. Tilting your head forward and down can put an extra 30-60 pounds on your spine. A simple solution to help ease the pain is to gently roll your head from left to right. uEyesight. Constantly looking at a screen causes you to blink about one-third less, which creates eyestrain, headaches, blurred vision and dry eyes. The simple solution here is to take frequent breaks and walk away from the screen. uWeight gain. Lack of sleep messes with the production of our hormones that messes with our metabolism that messes with weight gain. So, instead of blaming your phone for those 15 extra pounds, find an app to help you track everything from calories to your daily steps.

Constant checking of your phone can create conflict in relationships. We end up not being present to the people right in front of us. Every once in a while, we might need to turn everything off in order to make eye contact and give our bodies a rest. It’s that simple. l

Constant checking of your phone can create conflict in relationships.

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SHORT STORIES

Legion Post 555 members replace flag American Legion Matthew Blount Post 555 held a flag replacement ceremony at Specification Rubber Products, Inc. in Alabaster at 9 a.m. on March 23.

According to First Vice Commander Tom McDaniel, a flag replacement team retired the worn-out flag that was originally flying in front of the company’s building and put a brand new one in its place.

“We were originally contacted by the business, but Kenneth Paschal [a Post 555 member] went by there, saw their flag and stopped by to inform them of the services we provide,” McDaniel said.

McDaniel said the flag retirement ceremonies performed by Post 555 are identical to those performed in the military. The Post 555 flag replacement team is comprised of four people and a moderator, who explains to onlookers what each part of the ceremony means.

“People get to see an actual service performed,” McDaniel said.

During this particular flag replacement ceremony, McDaniel said about 25-30 people came outside to watch.

“We always have people stop by to watch us. Everybody is always receptive to it,” McDaniel said.

McDaniel said Post 555 regularly does flag replacement ceremonies to remind the public of the importance of the American flag and the etiquette surrounding it.

“It’s about honoring our flag and what it stands for to the public,” McDaniel said.

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Students learn about careers Chelsea High School held its seventh annual career fair March 24 at 12:30 p.m. in the school’s media center. According to CHHS teacher Cynthia Walker, this year’s career fair incorporated as many volunteers from local businesses and nonprofit organizations as possible.

“I saw the need for students to see what’s available in the Birmingham area,” Walker said. “We want to educate them on the amount of education, disadvantages, advantages and salaries of different careers.”

CHHS Principal Wayne Trucks said the fair placed a special emphasis on the job market in Chelsea in the hopes of seeing students contribute to the city’s economy in the future.

“With our career fair, we’re trying to bring in our local businesses a little more so students can learn about job opportunities in Chelsea,” Trucks said.

“Chelsea is a lot like other schools, in that

some students will move away, but most will find their way back.”

Sophomore Kadin Christian said while he already has an idea of what he plans to pursue in the future, the career fair gave him more insight.

“I’m learning a lot about different career fields and what they’re like. I already have an idea of what I want to do, but it’s interesting to see what people have to do every day at their jobs,” Christian said.

Christian said he plans to become a minister after he graduates from high school, and hopes he can stay in Alabama.

Becky Landers said she was glad to talk to students about what her job as the Chelsea City Clerk is like.

“I felt honored that they invited me.

I love Chelsea, and I love what I do,” Landers said. “I will retire one day.

Hopefully, one of these students will take my place.”

SHORT STORIES

Outdoor Learning Center completes renovations

The Outdoor Learning Center, a park and nature trail in Columbiana, recently completed several renovations through the efforts of the Shelby County Master Gardeners and other local and state organizations.

According to Shelby County Master Gardeners Project Facilitator Michele Hill, the park is described as a “secret hideaway for walking, picnicking, enjoying nature and outdoor learning.”

“It’s always been usable, but a lot of people don’t know about us,” Hill said.

A press release stated renovations began in September 2015, when representatives from Shelby County Master Gardeners began pressure washing the park’s amphitheater seats, bridge and picnic tables. Later that month Ricky Colquitt, of the Alabama Extension Center, eradicated the park’s overgrowth through an invasive species workshop.

Renovations halted until February 2016. The Alabama Master Gardeners Association awarded the Shelby County chapter a $1,000 grant, which they used to build a new entrance sign, create flowerbeds near the entrance, purchase new plants and purchase gardening equipment.

The Shelby County Master Gardeners also donated many plants, which they created beds for, planted, mulched and labeled.

Shelby County College and Career horticultural students used rocks to make an entry path to the nature trail, cleared debris and tended to plants.

Throughout the renovation process, staff from the Shelby County Facilities and General Services Division constantly maintained the park by mowing grass, keeping pathways clear, emptying and picking up trash, setting up the entrance sign and repairing footbridges.

Hill said the Work Release and Community Corrections program “provided the surge that led to final completion,” by removing fallen trees and large branches, pulling vines and clearing underbrush.

June 2017 | 7

SHORT STORIES

Farmers market opens in Pelham Burnette Farms Market opened its doors April 1, offering fresh fruits and vegetables to area residents.

Thorsby-based Burnette Farms built an 8,000-square-foot brick and mortar farmers market on Alabama 261 just past Church of the Highlands but before Dollar General. The business is run by husband and wife Michael and Mary Charles Burnette and their daughter Jenny – a family of fourth-generation farmers.

Burnette Farms Market will be a yearround market – open Monday-Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sundays from 1-6 p.m.

“We received a lot of positive feedback on Saturday,” Jenny Burnette said. “The turnout was overwhelming in the best way.”

“People told us that they’re thrilled to have us here,” Mary Charles Burnette added.

Jenny Burnette said Burnette Farms grows strawberries, peaches, plums, nectarines and tomatoes, and other fruits and vegetables are brought in on a daily basis from nearby farms. In addition to produce, the market will sell specialty dog treats, handmade soaps, plants and more.

Sensory friendly dinner held Chubbfathers owners Will and Stephanie Cholewinski partnered with the Angel Warriors Foundation to provide a sensory friendly dinner for community members with special needs April 17.

“We changed the lights to make it darker, and we don’t have very loud music.

The biggest thing is to have a judgmentfree dinner,” Angel Warriors Vice President Erika Zoebelein said. “For a lot of parents of children with special needs, there is some anxiety about what will happen when they go out.”

According to Stephanie Cholewinski, the sensory friendly dinner was a great way for Chubbfathers to give back to the community and give families of people

with special needs a chance to enjoy themselves.

“It was put on our hearts to help these guys out. We’re opening doors for parents and kids to experience things that they wouldn’t get to, otherwise. It’s all about the children, and we’re happy to be a part of it. It was the right thing to do,” Stephanie Cholewinski said.

Parent Elaine Ethridge said she was grateful to have the opportunity to take her family out to dinner, and used the event as a way to celebrate the 26th birthday of her daughter, Rebecca, who has special needs.

“This is just a whole new thing, to be able to do more at a restaurant,” Ethridge said.

Willow Branch, Cat-n-Bird Winery now open Several events were held April 7 and April 8 to celebrate the grand openings of two Chelsea businesses.

The South Shelby Chamber of Commerce held ribbon cutting events for Willow Branch homes and Cat-n-Bird Winery on April 7. Cat-n-Bird Winery also hosted a grand opening celebration on April 8.

Willow Branch, which was developed

by Scotch Homes and Land Development Group Inc., was recently voted Best Community in Chelsea.

8 | ShelbyLiving.com

“I always find people’s needs and wants to be of equal importance, so we had an opportunity to provide what people want when they’re looking for a home,” owner and developer Wayne Scotch said.

The Willow Branch subdivision is being built in multiple phases, with plans for 190 houses. According to Scotch, about 12 people currently live in the neighborhood.

Cat-n-Bird Winery owners Robyn and Matt Lyons had dreamed of opening a winery but viewed that as more of a longterm goal.

“We bought this place in April, thinking that one day we would, but we didn’t realize it would be so soon,” Robyn Lyons said. “We like making wine, we like drinking wine and we have friends that enjoy our wine.”

Robyn Lyons said the Cat-nBird Winery is the closest winery to Birmingham and serves as a venue for weddings, corporate events, birthday parties and other events.

The winery opened to the public on April 8.

SHORT STORIES

Cason inducted into Baking Hall of Fame Bud’s Best Cookies have long been favorites locally and across the country, and the company’s founder and chairman, Albert L. “Bud” Cason, was recently recognized by his peers in the baking industry.

Cason was inducted into the Baking Hall of Fame by the American Society of Baking during the BakingTech 2017 event in Chicago from Feb. 26-28.

“Since I was 12 years old working in my aunt’s bakery, I always knew that I wanted to own my own cookie factory,” Cason said. “Being inducted into the Baking Hall of Fame is such an honor and makes me realize all of my dreams have come to fruition.”

Cason’s career in cookie baking began at Greg’s Cookies in Birmingham at a time when almost all sales were from 1-cent cookies purchased out of a jar.

After graduating from college and serving in the U.S. Army, and continuing to work with his aunt at Greg’s Cookies,

Cason eventually purchased the company in 1970 with a vision for expanding sales into more populous areas of the country and implementing tray packaging and other advancements.

A national conglomerate approached Cason about purchasing Greg’s Cookies and Bishop Baking Company in Cleveland, Tennessee, which Cason had acquired.

Though Cason insisted he was not interested in selling, an offer was made that he could not refuse and he sold the companies in 1986.

Cason signed a five-year non-compete clause but always planned to return to the industry. During this time away, Cason took a nutrition class at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where the instructor said two bites satisfies a person’s craving for something sweet—and anything past that is eating just for the sake of eating.

“That’s where I got the idea about bitesized cookies,” Cason said.

Bud’s Best now contract manufactures for a national baking company, has added on to its Riverchase facility three times to a total size of about 130,000 square feet, has an output of more than 1 million cookies per hour, employs about 175 people and produces several varieties and product lines, including Uncle Al’s standard-sized cookies.

“People ask why I love the cookie business,” Cason said. “It’s the people you get to meet. You meet some of the nicest people in this business. Even our competitors are some of the nicest people in the world.”

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June 2017 | 9

SHORT STORIES

GSCCC awards $3,500 to educators, students of the year The Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce awarded $3,500 in cash awards to Shelby County teachers and students during its fourth Student and Educator of the Year luncheon on Wednesday, April 26.

Each school in Shelby County was invited to nominate an elementary and a secondary teacher of the year, as well as a “college ready” and a “career ready” student to be considered for an award.

The winners in each category were selected by a panel of judges. Keyla Handley, chamber director of community and investor development, said the teachers were evaluated based on an application packet that included information about their education and teaching history, community involvement, teaching philosophies, letters of recommendation from colleagues and administrators.

Students were evaluated based on their grade point average, extracurricular activities and awards, a written essay and a letter of recommendation. Students also went through an interview process, which was intended to help them develop soft skills such as punctuality, speaking clearly, eye contact, dressing properly and resume writing.

After recognizing the candidates in each category, chamber president and CEO Kirk Mancer announced the winners. Shelby County College and Career Center student Ben Jones was named the Career Ready Student of the Year, Oak Mountain High School student Armeen Barghi was named the College Ready Student of the Year, Oak Mountain Intermediate teacher Amy Miller was named the Elementary Educator of the Year and Shelby County College and Career Center instructor Gary Griffith was named the Secondary Educator of the Year.

The students received a $1,000 cash prize to use toward education and career development and the teachers received a $750 cash prize to use in their classrooms.

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ARTS COUNCIL CORNER

Off to camp Shelby County Arts Council to offer summer camps for children once again Story by LINDSAY DYESS Photograph CONTRIBUTED

T

his summer the Shelby County Arts Council’s summer camps are back offering fun-filled and educational ways to keep your kid’s creativity flowing.

In June the Missoula Children’s Theatre truck rolls into town ready to put on a full-scale musical performance in just one week.

In July teacher Edna Sealy hosts the Summer Fine Art Camps where students learn about a variety of artists and techniques to inspire their creativity.

These camps are a great way for students to immerse themselves in the world of art and culture while beating the boredom of summer.

Each summer the Missoula Children’s Theatre crew comes to town ready to share the love of musical theater with kids from all over the county.

One camper, 17-year-old Haley Carlisle from Columbiana, has spent over 10 summers participating in these camps.

This is a very special summer for Carlisle because she was recently accepted to Missoula’s Next Step Prep program in Montana.

This program is for students considering majoring in performing arts in college. It includes six weeks of acting, singing and dancing lessons.

Students attend workshops and classes that help them hone their skills and prepare them for the future.

Carlisle started attending camp when she was 6 years old after seeing how much fun her sister had at camp.

“The whole experience is fun for me,” says Carlisle. “But mostly I love how

Children don costumes at Missoula Children’s Theatre Camp.

welcome everyone makes you feel and how the directors keep the week light and fun.”

Not only is MCT camp about the joy of theater, but it reinforces educational components like memorization and interpersonal relationships.

“I learned how to work as a team. This experience helped me get out of my shell and become more confident,” she said.

“It made me realize I wanted a career in performing arts.”

The best part of camp is that there is no experience required. Campers are provided with roles, costumes and scenery and put on a full-scale production in only one week.

“Regardless of your skill level everyone gets to participate in the show,” says Carlisle. “Being able to perform on stage is one of the most fun things you could ever do, even if you don’t pursue it as a career.”

This year MCT camp will perform ‘The Tortoise versus the Hare.’ Camp will take place from June 26-July 1 at Shelby County High School in Columbiana. Campers will perform the play on Saturday, July 1. Camp is for students entering first grade through 12th grade. Cost is $100 per camper.

With all her talent and camp experience, where does Haley hope it will take her?

“I one day hope to be a performer at Walt Disney World and maybe even work towards Broadway,” she said. “Whatever I do it will definitely be in performing arts.”

In July the Shelby County Arts Council gears up for the Summer Fine Art Camps.

This year’s theme is “Inspire. Imagine.

Create.”

During these camps students ages 5-12 explore art and nature through clay techniques, sculpture, drawing, painting, collage, printmaking and music.

Students will learn about inspiring and driving their creative passions by studying artists Vincent Van Gogh and Alexander Girard.

Students will even have the opportunity to meet local and regional artists and learn about their art and processes.

Camp for students ages 5-8 will take place July 17-21 from 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Cost is $125. Camp for students ages 9-12 will take place July 24-28 from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Cost is $195.

For more information and registration for all of our summer camps, call (205) 6690044 or visit Shelbycountyartscouncil.com.

For our latest news and events, follow us on Facebook and Instagram. l June 2017 | 11

ARTS & CULTURE

Center stage

South City Theatre Artistic Director Sue Ellen Gerrells receives national theatre award

FROM TOP LEFT: South City Theatre Artistic Director Sue Ellen Gerrells in a scene from “Arsenic and Old Lace.”

Gerrells and Noelle Gunn portray nuns in “Agnes of God.”

12 | ShelbyLiving.com

Story by EMILY SPARACINO Photographs by STEVEN ROSS heatre was a part of Alabaster resident Sue Ellen Gerrells’ life when she was in college, but she gave it up after she married and started raising her children.

Then, when her husband’s job moved the family to Singapore in 1975, she found time to immerse herself in community theatre.

“When we went to Singapore, I wasn’t able to work,” Gerrells said, noting expatriates had to have special documents to work in Singapore.

T

“We had a live-in amah (housekeeper, cook, babysitter, etc.), so I suddenly had free time on my hands. I discovered The Stage Club, Singapore, a community theatre founded in 1945

by British troops serving in the area. I worked with them as board member, president, actor and director the rest of the time we stayed in Singapore, and my years there hold a special place in my heart.”

Many people in Shelby County probably know Gerrells, 72, from her work as artistic director at South City Theatre in Pelham.

Others in the theatre world, however, soon

will know her as an AACT Fellow, an award the American Association of Community Theatre has bestowed upon Gerrells this year, more than 40 years after her involvement in theatre as an adult took root overseas.

“Becoming an AACT Fellow is the highest honor I can receive as a community theatre artist,” Gerrells said. “It means the world to me. I’m still overwhelmed to be included in this august company.”

According to Gerrells, fewer than 100 people still living are “Fellows” in the country.

“I shamelessly think of it as the Kennedy Center Honors of Community Theatre,” Gerrells said. “It’s a lifetime award, so I’ll be part of this very exclusive group from now on.”

Gerrells plans to attend the awards ceremony during the AACTFest 2017 national theatre festival in Rochester, Minnesota, June 26-July 1.

Until then, she will undoubtedly remain busy with her duties at South City, where her husband, Mike, serves as the facilities manager and technical director.

The couple assumed leadership positions at South City in 2012 when founder Alan Gardner had to relinquish the artistic director position because of health issues, asking Sue Ellen and Mike to take over.

“It was a good fit for us,” Sue Ellen said of the opportunity. “I had the background in the creative side of the theatre, and Mike was an experienced technical theatre person. Unfortunately, Alan passed away six months ago, but before his death, he did attend a production in our new Pelham home and gave us his blessing and encouragement to carry on with his dream.”

As artistic director, Sue Ellen must choose the productions and directors June 2017 | 13

ABOVE: Gerrells, John Chain and Sharon Morgan act a scene in “Arsenic and Old Lace” at South City Theatre.

14 | ShelbyLiving.com

for each season, oversee all the creative decisions made by the theatre and run the day-to-day operations with Mike.

She advocates for South City and handles its publicity, social media and website.

In addition, she has directed and acted with South City in numerous productions.

“South City continues to evolve,” Sue Ellen said. “We’ve undergone many changes since our birth in 2000.”

South City, a non-profit theatre organization “dedicated to promoting theatre in Shelby County,” was formed and led by Alan and Francie Gardner for 12 years, according to the website.

A member of the Alabama Conference of Theatre, the Southeastern Theatre Conference and the American Association of Community Theatre, South City produces six mainstage plays every year and conducts a youth program consisting of two workshops during the school year, along with a two-week summer camp for children interested in theatre.

“My first work at South City was directing

‘The Rainmaker,’” Sue Ellen said. “That was a special show because I met extraordinary talents who have become lifelong friends, and I squeezed my foot in the door of a new (for me) theatre company.”

In many ways, her theatre work overseas prepared her for South City.

After returning to the United States from Singapore in the mid-1980s, the Gerrells family lived in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, followed by Mobile.

Sue Ellen worked at Theatre USA in the University of South Alabama’s theatre department as its publicist and arts administrator, served as the assistant to the Chair of Theatre Department, was active as an actor and director with Theatre USA and appeared with the Mobile Theatre Guild and the Joe Jefferson Players.

“It was there I began my association with The American Association of Community Theatre when MTG entered our production of Marvin’s Room in the Southeastern Theatre Conference representing Alabama,” Sue Ellen said. “We

didn’t win SETC that year, but someone saw our production and recommended us to the Dundalk Maytime Festival folks who invited us to participate and represent the U.S.” Then, Mike’s career moved the family to San Diego, and Sue Ellen took a job with the University of California, San Diego, and started working with several community theatres in the area as director and actress.

“One of the highlights of my time in California was co-founding the Full Circle Theatre in La Jolla. The head of the La Jolla High School theatre department, Ann Boutelle, wanted to start a company that would marry the talents of experienced community theatre artists with the up-and-coming talents of young high school performers. I worked with Ann, her husband and another woman to set up Full Circle where I performed.”

The year 2000 was exciting for the couple as Mike was offered a promotion and the opportunity to work in Yokosuka, Japan, as the project manager for Northrop Grumman’s Ship Systems.

“By this time, our kids were on their own and didn’t accompany us so once again I had free

time on my hands,” Sue Ellen said. “I worked on the U.S. Navy base for PIRE’s PREVENT program and later as a faculty member for the University of Maryland’s University College, where I taught public speaking, writing and theatre courses. While in Japan, I performed with the Yokohama Players and the Yokosuka International Players, community theaters using mostly expatriates in the area.”

Sue Ellen said a high point of her theatrical career was performing in Marvin’s Room at the Dundalk Maytime Festival in Dundalk, Ireland, with the Mobile Theatre Guild.

“It was my first international stage appearance and my first time in Ireland,” she said.

Sue Ellen said her favorite directing project was “Oklahoma!” in Singapore in 1983.

“We had over 250 folks from all nationalities audition for us,” she said. “It was quite overwhelming! The final cast was made up of multiple nationalities: Singaporean, American, British, Australian, Dutch, Indonesian, etc.

The project began my first foray into starting a theatre company, STARS: Singapore’s Theatre American Repertory Showcase. I’m proud to say that after I left Singapore in 1985, STARS evolved

June 2017 | 15

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Sue Ellen and Mike Gerrells smile together. Sue Ellen acts in “Mama Won’t Fly” at South City Theatre. From left, Sharon Morgan, Sue Ellen Gerrells and Mike Gerrells appear in “Arsenic and Old Lace” at South City Theatre.

16 | ShelbyLiving.com

into a professional theatre company which still performs today.”

When Mike retired, the couple settled in Birmingham in 2006 to be close to their children and to afford Sue Ellen more opportunities to continue her theatre career.

She served as the executive director of the Alabama Conference of Theatre from 2008-2013, and recently resumed the position as the interim executive director when the current executive director was forced to step down for health reasons.

Sue Ellen serves as an adjudicator, endowment fund trustee, festival commissioner and AACT ambassador. (For more information about AACT, go to Aact.org.)

Sue Ellen was born in Portsmouth, Virginia.

She and Mike have been married for 50 years and have three sons, all married, and three grandsons.

Sue Ellen and Mike are active members of St. Thomas Catholic Church in Montevallo.

Decades of theatre have given Sue Ellen more than just awards and recognition.

“Theatre has taught me to be less judgmental and more accepting of different beliefs and cultural practices,” she said. “I’ve learned

“I’ve learned that people are basically the same deep down.

We all want and need love, recognition and acceptance.”

— Sue Ellen Gerrells discipline and collaboration from working on productions where teamwork is always required.

I’ve learned patience and trust are necessary to lead a team of individuals in a project.”

Now that she has accomplished many of the professional goals she set for herself, Sue Ellen said she plans to enjoy time with her family, see and do as much as she can while she’s still able and continue to pass on the gifts theatre has given her to a new generation of artists.

“I’ve learned that people are basically the same deep down. We all want and need love, recognition and acceptance,” she said. “Theatre has given all of that to me and more. I am who I am today because of my lifetime working in community theatre.” l

HEALTH AND FITNESS

Top 10 tips

An anesthesiologist addresses chronic spinal pain Story by DR. JEREMY C. BARLOW Photograph CONTRIBUTED

I

t’s June, the time of year everyone wants to be active. But that makes this month particularly challenging for people with chronic back pain – from weekend warriors to older adults who have been hurting for years.

What some of those folks might not know is that anesthesiologists specializing in spinal pain management can often help. We treat patients with recent injuries. We treat patients who have tried multiple therapies and are seeking other non-surgical solutions. We also treat patients who have had multiple surgeries and are not candidates for more. The good news is that there is hope for the hurting.

Here are my Top 10 tips for back pain that won’t go away: 1. Get your evaluation. Most of our patients are referred by physicians. But patients can also make direct contact. Don’t wait for months or years to feel better.

2. Check your expectations. It’s best to start conservatively. Not everyone needs surgery or even an anesthesiologist’s intervention. There may be multiple therapies to consider.

3. Maximize your resources. We refer patients to St. Vincent’s One Nineteen physical therapy before, after or instead of an intervention, to maximize their chances of excellent outcomes.

4. Explore your options. A spinal “block” is a general term for the tools we use to relieve pain.

Blocks can include epidurals or other injections.

5. Ask your questions. Make sure you understand all options. Some patients benefit from ablations that target nerves for pain control.

We also provide implantable therapy, including spinal cord stimulators.

6. Choose your team. I’m just one member of a highly-qualified anesthesiology team. Choose a physician who works closely with other highly credentialed specialists.

7. Choose your place. Although some doctors

do these procedures in their offices to reduce costs, we choose St. Vincent’s One Nineteen’s Outpatient Surgery Center because it’s a stateof-the-art facility. There we have a wide range of tools to handle any complications that might arise. That’s especially important for older patients with undetected risks.

8. Make your plans. To assure comfort during the procedure, I recommend patients receive blocks under sedation. For best results, I also recommend they rest for 24-48 hours afterwards.

9. Discard your discouragement. Long-term sufferers may feel there is no hope. However, the applications of these interventions are changing.

Advanced technologies are improving the outcomes of even long-established therapies.

10. Pursue your education. Part of addressing pain is preventing future injury. One Nineteen physical therapists also serve our post-treatment patients, teaching correct body mechanics for everyday movement. As those patients transition to One Nineteen’s regular fitness floor they are ready to enjoy the activities everyone wants to pursue in June.

To learn more about the full range of services at St. Vincent’s One Nineteen, visit onenineteen. com. l Dr. Jeremy Barlow is an anesthesiologist at St. Vincent’s One Nineteen.

June 2017 | 17

18 | ShelbyLiving.com

FEATURES

Clean palate

At Inverness Country Club, Executive Chef Ben Vaughn infuses new flavor into club dining Story by EMILY SPARACINO Photographs by DAWN HARRISON hen he was about 13 years old, Ben Vaughn took a job at a Greek diner in Florida and noticed what he described as an “electric vibe” among staff members in the kitchen.

The brand of excitement that affected a young Vaughn in that diner is the same brand he has pursued for the last 22 years as a chef.

“I just kind of fell in love with that whole fastpaced lifestyle,” Vaughn, 40, said.

As Inverness Country Club’s executive chef, Vaughn reflected on his career and the lessons he has learned from years of working in the restaurant industry, an industry not designed for the faint-hearted.

Vaughn is originally from Miami, Florida, where Caribbean, Cuban and Floridian styles of food meet in the kitchen.

He learned at a young age how to be creative in cooking with an unpredictable set of ingredients from one day to the next.

“I grew up with a single mom and sister, so we

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fended for ourselves while she worked two jobs,” Vaughn said. “Every night was an episode of ‘Chopped’ … a mystery basket, if you will.”

After working in several restaurants in Florida, Vaughn moved to Indiana to attend Indiana University. He worked in different restaurants through college.

“It was an experience, being from the South,” he said. “Working through school, I can totally tell the restaurant was calling me more than the school was calling me.”

Vaughn moved back to Miami and enrolled in culinary school at the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale.

Although he had already gained practical skills from working in restaurants, Vaughn said he wanted to expand his knowledge of the craft.

“It was helpful to have that foundation of already working,” he said. “It helped (me) kind of figure out what was realistic and what was textbook.”

While in school, Vaughn apprenticed with several chefs in Miami and started to appreciate the farm-to-table movement and sourcing fresh

LEFT: Ben Vaughn is the executive chef at Inverness Country Club.

June 2017 | 19

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: The dining room at Inverness Country Club is the site where various meals prepared by Vaughn and his staff are served.

Pictured is the foyer inside the club. Vaughn stirs his latest concoction in the club’s kitchen. Another view of the foyer and dining room at the club.

20 | ShelbyLiving.com

ingredients locally.

“It was a great experience,” he said.

Then, he left Florida to pursue an opportunity to apprentice with chef Charlie Trotter in Chicago.

“It was a non-paying job, so that was difficult, but completely worth it,” Vaughn said, adding he also worked with Homaro Cantu, Trotter’s then sous-chef. “It was a really intense experience. It’s like I almost had everything to lose and everything to gain. It was a lifestyle choice.”

Vaughn went on to apprentice with Cantu, who had opened a restaurant called Moto in Chicago.

“The experience of building something from scratch, you have a completely different set of eyes on that,” Vaughn said. “Developing systems and ingredients and menus … it was quite the experience to be a part of that team.”

After that, Vaughn left to pursue an opportunity in Memphis, Tennessee, to open a

restaurant inside of a Hilton hotel.

“I didn’t know what I was getting myself into,” he said, adding the move – a significant change both geographically and professionally for Vaughn – introduced him to a different pace and style of food.

And, as a father, Vaughn was working to support more than just himself.

“The grounding of having a family in Memphis is what kept me in Memphis,” he said. “It became my own little food town.”

Several years later, Vaughn welcomed a son, along with an opportunity to run a restaurant called River Oaks.

In 2007, the restaurant received a regional nomination for a James Beard Foundation award.

JBF is a non-profit organization whose mission is to “celebrate, nurture and honor chefs and other leaders making America’s food culture more delicious, diverse and sustainable for everyone,”

“I cook real food, no bells and whistles, no smoke and mirrors, not an episode of Fear Factor.

It’s just real food done well, sourced as close as humanly possible. I think that speaks volumes of the club.”

— Ben Vaughn according to its website. In addition, the Foundation operates the James Beard House in New York City’s Greenwich Village and invites chefs to “perform” there by preparing meals for different groups of people.

Vaughn was invited to cook three dinners at the Beard House, an honor he likened to a musician being chosen to perform at Carnegie Hall.

After leaving River Oaks, Vaughn opened a restaurant – a “tiny eatery” in Memphis’s Midtown area – and named it after his daughter, Grace.

“It was a great experience to be able to, ground up, build my vision from farm to plate (and) develop my own staff,” Vaughn said.

Although he had developed a positive reputation as a chef, Vaughn said opening his own restaurant was “one of the scariest and most exciting things ever.”

“It was flooded,” he said of the restaurant. “It was exhausting.”

Then, he took a risk and used revenue from Grace to open Au Fond, a breakfast and lunch, farm-to-table cheese shop that was “a little ahead of its time in Memphis,” Vaughn said.

“We were doing things in there I learned from a large market,” he said. “We were doing things outside of the box.”

The restaurant built a solid following, but in 2008, the economy crashed.

Vaughn and his wife didn’t have business partners, and they had a little girl and a second child on the way.

They sold one of the restaurants and closed the other.

Six months later, Vaughn received an offer to open a restaurant in Atlanta called White Oak. And then, another surprise came calling.

“We were packing, and someone called me from a casting company for Food Network,” he said. “I thought it was a joke, maybe one of my old employees.”

It wasn’t a joke.

“They wanted me to host the show called ‘Health Inspectors,’” Vaughn said. “We took that opportunity with Food Network, all while moving to Atlanta and opening a restaurant.”

The restaurant was a hit, but the show, despite a healthy following in Canada and the U.S., wasn’t renewed for a second

2016

Patton Chapel ANIMAL

CLINIC

June 2017 | 21

FROM TOP LEFT: Line cooks Gary Jones, left, and Dustin Allin. Vaughn chops ingredients for a dish.

22 | ShelbyLiving.com

season.

Vaughn also realized his divided attention and temporary absences weren’t good for White Oaks.

“Shooting a TV show all over the country and running a restaurant is almost impossible,” he said.

“Health Inspectors” led Vaughn to other opportunities, including co-hosting a show on A&E’s FYI Network, working with the Travel Channel on a show called “Buffet Buddies” and writing.

Vaughn started writing regular columns for Las Vegas Sun and The Daily Meal.

“I really enjoyed it because it was another version of being able to creatively express myself,” he said. “My wife is a really great writer. She was able to help me find my voice on paper, which was really difficult to do. She was my in-house editor.”

A book deal was the next step for Vaughn.

Vaughn’s first book, “Southern Routes: Secret Recipes from the Best Down-Home Joints in the South,” published in September 2015.

“My intentions for the book were to travel to 10 Southern states and go to meat-and-three restaurants, which seem to best represent

Southern food,” Vaughn said. “I was just in love with that philosophy of utilizing ingredients that were only available for hundreds of years. People romanticize Southern food, but it’s actually a food that grew through a lot of sadness, a lot of turmoil in our country and where we came from.”

He said some of the restaurant owners wouldn’t share their recipes. In those cases, he recreated the dishes to the best of his ability and asked the owners to give the dishes a thumbs up or a thumbs down.

The book was picked up immediately by QVC, and sales jumped from 0 to 10,000 copies in eight minutes one day, according to Vaughn.

“I started my own consulting firm during the writing process because I was unavailable to anyone to sit in a restaurant 80 hours a week,” he said.

He also started speaking to students at culinary schools, including Penn State University, Johnson & Wales University and smaller schools like Culinard and Le Cordon Bleu.

In one-hour lectures, Vaughn sought to mentor students in a candid way, shedding light on the hard knocks of the industry and the value of hard

HOMES & LAND

work and persistence.

“I was grounded at that point,” Vaughn said. “I’d already put my time in. Speaking to students was super liberating.

“It was a healing process for me of having ups and downs in the industry,” he added. “It was like therapy. Coming out of my mouth and saying it made it real. Mentoring those students was a blast.”

Vaughn said he tried to give students a realistic picture of a typical career in the food industry.

“You don’t walk around in your whites and get pictures taken of you. You work like a dog, manage people, counsel people, talk people through addiction,” Vaughn said. “The schools were really teaching the real guts of what the industry’s like.”

When Vaughn was approached by Inverness Country Club for its executive chef position, he didn’t take the charge lightly.

“I saw it as my largest challenge of my career,” he said.

“Country clubs … it’s a member-driven business. You have to have the ability to meet everyone’s taste buds, which can be difficult.”

Vaughn praised ICC General Manager Steve Korson for his extensive knowledge and approach to management.

“He is probably the nicest guy in entire world,” Vaughn said. “He’s a really great individual, and he’s been great to work for the last four months, and super supportive. I was given a blank slate, like a clean palate, and that was exciting.”

Vaughn and his team cook everything from scratch; they make the bread, smoke the meats, grind the burgers and everything in between.

They source all of their ingredients from a 400-mile radius, and an in-house garden is under construction.

“This is a marathon, not a race. It’s about consistency which builds credibility,” Vaughn said. “I can’t just say we’re the best; I have to prove it, day in and day out.”

From his place in the ICC kitchen, Vaughn plans to help take the club to “a phenomenal level,” where there is no question a better club exists for dining.

“Our goal for the club is to be cutting edge without being unfamiliar,” he said. “I cook real food, no bells and whistles, no smoke and mirrors, not an episode of Fear Factor. It’s just real food done well, sourced as close as humanly possible. I

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FROM TOP LEFT: Vaughn, right, talks to Jones and Allin in the kitchen. Staff members work in the kitchen.

think that speaks volumes of the club.”

Vaughn’s second book is slated to be released in April 2018.

Another project Vaughn has devoted time to lately is “The Breakfast Show,” a digital series he hosts on Small Screen Network.

In an independent project not in conjunction with ICC, Vaughn is planning a series of pop-up

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dinners in Birmingham that will feature only ingredients from Alabama.

“It will be a true experience, something that Birmingham has never seen,” Vaughn said.

“We are currently building out the location, and tickets will go on sale this summer. I’m proud and excited to bring such an event to Birmingham, my new home. I credit chefs like

Frank Stitt and Chris Hastings for forging the path, but these dinners will be a game changer for the way Birmingham dines out, sensory overload.”

Tickets will be pre-sold and offered online at Vaughn’s web store at BVate.com.

Aside from the books and television shows and digital projects — and even the cooking — Vaughn said he enjoys the less publicized parts of being a chef, including writing menus and experimenting with new uses of common ingredients.

“You can work with very reasonable ingredients

and still make them shine,” he said. “Food doesn’t have to have that sensational thing happening.

It can be a form of entertainment, but in moderation. It really is the sustainability of life.”

A busy 20 years, a whirlwind, a blast.

Whatever descriptions Vaughn uses for his time as a chef thus far are balanced with his focus on the future.

“It’s going to be an exciting few years in Inverness,” Vaughn said.

To follow Vaughn’s culinary adventures, visit BVate.com. l

June 2017 | 25

FEATURES

‘Voyage to the Star Kingdom’ Book created by local author and artist honors family coping with terminal illness Story by EMILY SPARACINO Photographs by DAWN HARRISON and MORGAN BLAKE PHOTOGRAPHY s a young adult fiction author, Anne Riley writes stories based on plots and characters that form in her imagination.

“My mind is a plot factory, with new ideas

A 26 | ShelbyLiving.com

coming to me almost daily,” she said. “But the meat of a story, the details, develop over time.”

Her first book, “The Clearing,” which was renamed “Shadows of the Hidden” after it was picked up by a small press, follows Natalie Watson, a girl trying to solve the mystery surrounding her parents’ disappearance.

Riley’s second book, “Pull,” centers on female

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FROM LEFT: Author Anne Riley, who collaborated with her cousin Amy Grimes on “Voyage to the Star Kingdom,” writes one afternoon at The Neighborhood Brew. Released in January 2016, “Voyage to the Star Kingdom” is a tribute to a family Riley and Grimes know that has coped with two of their three daughters being diagnosed with an incurable disease.

“Every time I worked on that story, I wept over it. It was like being torn open over and over.”

— Anne Riley character Rosie Clayton and her adventures with a group of crime-fighting strangers in London who have a special ability called “Pulling.”

Her third book, “Voyage to the Star Kingdom,” is different than the others.

Not just because it’s a children’s book, but because the story is based on reality.

It’s the story of one family’s love, loss and hope in heaven, carefully and tenderly depicted in allegory form.

And it’s the story Riley, a 33-year-old mother of three girls, can’t reread without crying.

“Every time I worked on

that story, I wept over it,” Riley said. “It was like being torn open over and over. Even now, more than a year after it released, I can’t read it without crying.”

Released in January 2016, “Voyage to the Star Kingdom” follows a family in VillageUpon-Stone that, in the midst of leading a happy life, must endure a terrible storm hovering over their home.

In real life, this family is the Gieselmann family – Frazer and Dana, and their daughters, Ann Carlyle, Milla and Elle – and the storm is incurable illness.

Riley and her cousin Amy

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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Amy Grimes, who illustrated “Voyage to the Star Kingdom,” works on another painting. Grimes’ paintings are inspired by the stories she writes. Grimes, with her artist’s palette, created the illustrations that depict the Gieselmann family’s story in the book. Grimes’ work lines a wall at her home.

28 | ShelbyLiving.com

Grimes, who Riley asked to illustrate “Voyage to the Star Kingdom,” are friends of the Memphis family. The book was a personal project for both women.

To fully understand the meaning embedded in the book’s words and illustrations, one needs to know the Gieselmanns’ story first.

In August 2013, Milla, Frazer and Dana’s middle daughter, started to have seizures that became more numerous with time.

Milla was diagnosed with Batten disease – an incurable, inherited neurodegenerative disorder – one year and two months later.

Children with Milla’s type of the disease have a

life expectancy of eight to 10 years.

On the heels of Milla’s diagnosis, Frazer and Dana had Ann Carlyle and Elle tested for Batten, since it is a genetic disease.

Ann Carlyle, 8, tested negative for the disease.

Soon after that, however, the family was hit with news that Elle, the youngest of the three girls, also had the disease despite her lack of symptoms to that point. But her first seizure followed closely behind her diagnosis.

“Shortly after I found out about all this, which was over a year ago, I found myself weeping over the situation and desperately trying to think of something to do,” Riley wrote in a blog post in

November 2015. “For a moment, I actually considered quitting my job and going into genetic research so that I could find a cure for these girls.”

Riley prayed to God, asking for guidance on how she could help the family during an unimaginably trying season of life.

God’s answer to Riley’s prayer came in the form of a “mental nudge,” as she called it; a quiet directive to use her gift for storytelling to tell the family’s story.

Riley and Grimes embarked on an emotional journey to create a book that would honor the Gieselmann family and shine a soft, faith-filled light on their experiences.

“I was fortunate to have Amy Grimes in my corner with all of this; she is responsible for the great majority of the plot ideas, and I was able to add a few elements of my own, write it all down and tie it all together in a neat little book-shaped package,” Riley said. “Her illustrations capture the heart of the story so beautifully and perfectly – I could not have asked for a better artist to take on this project.”

In the book, the family prays to the Star King for help in the storm. He sends them gifts meant to comfort and sustain them, but doesn’t remove the storm.

Then, he sends an Angelfish messenger to deliver an invitation to the family for a special banquet in the Star June 2017 | 29

30 | ShelbyLiving.com

Kingdom.

But the Star King asks that the family’s two younger daughters depart for the kingdom before their parents and oldest sister.

At this point in the story, the weight of impending separation settles to the bottom of one’s heart like an anchor to the ocean floor.

The Gieselmanns have shouldered that weight for years now.

Their sweet Milla passed away in November 2016, shortly after her 6th birthday.

Elle is involved in a clinical trial for an experimental drug intended to slow or halt the progression of Batten disease.

Riley consulted with Dana and Frazer throughout the book project to ensure it honored their family in every way.

“They loved the idea and were thrilled with the finished product,” Riley said. “I think it was hard for them to read at first – after all, it was about their family, their children. But they have told me that it’s been helpful in talking to their oldest daughter about what’s happened to their middle sister, and we were able to give some of the original artwork to them, which they have on display around their house.”

The purpose of the book, Riley said, was to remind the family that people’s lives on earth are a tiny part of the whole story, “that there are beautiful, perfect things waiting for us in eternity, and that once we are there, the pain of this world will be forgotten.”

“In the first part of the story, when you see the family’s life being turned upside down – there’s real grief there, which was intentional,” Riley said. “Amy and I wanted to show the sadness of the family’s separation and turmoil so that the story would carry the weight of that brokenness (and if you look closely at the illustrations, you can see the grief on the family’s faces), but then the ending comes – hope, light, meaning. That’s what we wanted for this family. And for all of us.”

“Voyage to the Star Kingdom” ends with the two daughters who were summoned to the kingdom first realizing the rest of their family has joined them for a banquet with the Star King. They are together again, but this time, for eternity.

In March, Baptist Memorial Health Care in Memphis announced it will open two new grief centers, one of which will bear Milla’s name.

The midtown location, the Kemmons Wilson

LEFT: Riley and Grimes worked together for months on the book, an emotional project for both women given the nature of the story at the heart of the book.

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ABOVE: The Gieselmanns – Dana and Frazer, and their three daughters, Ann Carlyle, Milla and Elle – have dealt with many emotions since Milla and Elle were diagnosed with Batten disease several years ago.

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Family Center for Good Grief, Milla’s House, is set to open this summer on the grounds of Idlewild Presbyterian Church, according to Baptistonline.org.

All profits from the sales of “Voyage to the Star Kingdom” go to the Gieselmann family’s trust fund, Riley said.

Since the book’s release in January 2016, Riley has had her third child and is delving back into writing on a consistent basis.

“I’m currently captivated by an idea for a new YA novel, and I’ve also worked on some other children’s book ideas, too,” she said.

Riley, who is originally from Birmingham, started writing for publication in August 2008.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in advertising and public relations, with a second major in Spanish, from the University of Alabama.

She works as the content team director at Uptick Marketing.

“I am a freelance editor and have worked with about a dozen aspiring authors on everything from query letters to manuscript editing,” Riley said. “I have a very neglected blog on my website, and sometimes I blog for the company I work for at Uptickmarketing.com.”

She does occasional speaking events and attended the Alabama Writing Workshop in February.

Riley, her husband and their three young daughters live in north Shelby County.

Riley enjoys hiking, reading and drinking coffee early in the morning by herself.

But, more than anything else, she loves to write.

“I think some people assume it’s easy and anyone can do it.

Then there are other people who are good writers and have a story to tell, but they think it’s too hard – and they’ll never finish,” Riley said. “The truth is somewhere in the middle; it takes a long time and a lot of hard work to get a book publication-ready, and while anyone can be an author, it takes a special kind of dedication to be an author well.”

To follow Riley’s writing endeavors, visit Annerileybooks. com. For more information about Grimes and her work, visit Storypaintings.net. l

DAY BY DAY

A chat with a ‘Ewenique’ Black Sheep

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hen you meet Barbara Adkins, you know from the initial twinkle in the eyes behind her signature chic spectacles that this is someone with her own “ewenique” story. A recent chat with the owner and curator of Black Sheep Antiques in Harpersville did not disappoint – Barbara is a true Shelby County treasure!

Her lovely business was highlighted in the November 2015 edition of Shelby Living. (You can access it online and it is worth a look.) This time, meet the dynamo behind the brand.

Someone once said Rene’ Day, A Day in the Life Antiques, “good” girls Vintage, and Design rarely make ADayintheLifeal@ history. It gmail.com takes those willing to march to a different tune, to embrace individualism and to go beyond bland.

Barbara is one of those women. When asked why she chose the “black” sheep for her store (by the way, that sheep is named Ewenice!) she quickly replies, “The term historically refers to something unique, different, not plain vanilla – and perhaps, just a little bit naughty.” She could have been just as easily referring to herself.

Barbara grew up moving around Alabama and Mississippi as the daughter of a Methodist minister. Hers was a “city life” except time during summer vacations and “AEA” weeks when she visited her great-aunt and uncle. Her relatives were the fourth generation of her mother’s family to inhabit Harpersville’s historic Chancellor House. Virtually unchanged in 100 years at the time, she played among items that inspired a love of things that related her

family’s history. Opportunities to visit in upscale and sophisticated congregants’ homes exposed her to “wonderful things,” she says, and she benefited from attending public schools with good art programs. These experiences began a journey culminating in an art degree with a senior project in sculpture. She forged a 30-year career in residential and commercial interior design until a trip to Paris four years ago changed her life and her path. She returned and six months later bought the building now housing Black Sheep Antiques. Realizing that life is short, Barbara chose to work in a new art form. The shop is now the palette on which she practices her honed aesthetic and three-dimensional art.

Upon her great-aunt’s death, Barbara chose to become the fifth generation living in the family home and she moved to Shelby County. She says it was not a decision born of nostalgia, but of a responsibility to her family, the land and the community. She undertook a massive restoration and now enjoys her life there with her beloved husband, Sonny. The product of their labor is a residence and grounds appearing in numerous magazine articles and design books. Her former work in design combined with her unique talent is evident at every turn.

Barbara’s eclectic mix of good design elements from a variety of periods and genres produces admirers from around the South. Her leadership in major societies such as the Alabama Trust for Historic Preservation has made her a “go-to” person in restoration and antique circles. She understands that in today’s chaotic world, there is renewed interest in creating living spaces that are comfortable and feel like “home.”

Each weekend, you will find this selfdescribed “fun and fortunate” lady in her “happy place” just off Highway 280 at the Harpersville crossroads. The rest of the week, she and Sonny – her No. 1 supporter and the person to whom she attributes her ability to do what she loves – are most likely on “the hunt” for exquisite additions to the store. Some of their recent jaunts include “bucket-list” trips to the famed Brimfield antiques show in Massachusetts and to Round Top, Texas. However, her favorite activity is playing with her 3-year-old grandson!

Barbara Adkins embraces her life in Shelby County just as you would expect a “black” sheep to – with energy, exuberance and just the right amount of naughtiness. And, she is making “history” all the way! Take a trip to Harpersville and get to know her. l June 2017 | 33

FEATURES

One man’s vision After hitting rock bottom, Jeff McDowell picks himself up and starts McDowell Security Story by EMILY SPARACINO Photographs by DAWN HARRISON he year 2010 is where Alabaster resident and McDowell Security founder Jeff McDowell starts when he tells the story of how his company formed.

It’s the year McDowell, a 40-year-old husband and father of two, lost his job, applied for government assistance and scrambled to figure out how he was going to support his family again.

“I was contracted as a consultant with another company, and they ended my contract unexpectedly,” McDowell said. “We were broke. We had nothing. We were trying to make ends meet.”

2010 was a pivotal year for McDowell, without question. It’s the year McDowell’s life experiences

T

34 | ShelbyLiving.com

came into play in a bigger way than they ever had.

STARTING FROM SCRATCH In December 1984, when McDowell was in the second grade, his family’s house in Gardendale burned to the ground shortly before Christmas.

“I remember my second grade class, everybody in my class, they bought us a Christmas tree,” he said. “I remember all the kids in my class bringing ornaments for us to put on that tree. I remember other people bringing food and other different things for our family. All these years later, that still sticks with me.”

In the time it took for the flames to reduce his family’s home to a mountain of ashes and charred

debris, McDowell realized how it felt to have everything and then to have nothing, right before the holidays.

However, he also realized how it felt to be lifted by the selfless support of the people around him.

“I remember that was a community that rallied around a family that needed help, and I think that was one of those moments that, when you’re that age, it’s those things that impress upon you, those things that move you forward,” he said. “I liked the way that made me feel back then, and now that I’m older, if I’m in a position where I can help people like that, I want to do that. Anytime I see there’s an opportunity to jump in there and help someone, I want to do it.”

As a father himself, McDowell can sympathize with his dad’s position as the head of the household during such a devastating event for his family.

“I look at it as a dad now with my kids and how my dad must have felt a week before Christmas losing everything,” McDowell said. “Perspective helps you understand things differently. I’ve learned

how to look at things from different people’s viewpoint.”

When McDowell lost his job without warning six years ago, that feeling of panic became even sharper.

Bills were piling up, and he had to make the gut-wrenching decision to apply for food stamps to afford food for his family.

In the midst of turmoil, one of McDowell’s former clients called him and said he had another contract he wanted McDowell to work.

He told McDowell to start a security company, and he would be McDowell’s first client.

“I said, ‘I can’t do that. I can’t pay rent,’” McDowell said to the man, who asked for McDowell’s address and sent him a check to put toward a business license to start the company.

“I asked him, ‘Why are you doing this?’ He said, ‘Something tells me I’m supposed to help you,’ and I remember that. To this day, he still won’t let me pay him back.”

Six years ago, with a check and the hope of a fresh start, McDowell started his company,

FROM LEFT: Jeff McDowell opened McDowell Security six years ago. The firm is based in Pelham. McDowell received one of Birmingham Business Journal’s Top 40 Under 40 awards earlier this year.

June 2017 | 35

“We’re always trying to swing to the fences, and we’re not grateful for the singles and doubles. It’s the singles and doubles that get people around the bases and score the points.”

— Jeff McDowell McDowell Security, from his living room.

LEARNING TO LEAD Working in security was not a new concept to McDowell when he opened his security firm.

He had his first paying job in law enforcement when he was a student at Mortimer Jordan High School in Kimberly.

He was a dispatcher for the Kimberly Police Department, and he served as an Explorer for the Gardendale Police Department.

“My career path did not work out to be a police officer,” McDowell said. “However, I would not say I’ve had a disappointing career.”

After graduating high school, McDowell entered the military and served 14 years in the Army Reserve National Guard, including time overseas.

Then, he started working as a security guard.

Starting his own firm wasn’t as big a leap for McDowell as learning how to operate a growing business was.

“I grew up in the home of an entrepreneur and small business owner, so for me, it’s really all I’ve known my whole life,” McDowell said. “It wasn’t much of an adjustment. Learning how to do it has been an adjustment. Learning how to go from a small business to a larger business that we are now has been a big adjustment.”

McDowell Security launched with 200 square feet of office space and 12 employees.

“Fast forward a few years, we were rocking along and we were making a living,” McDowell said. “We weren’t exploding in growth, but we were making a living.”

He teamed up with a vision coach to help him craft a written vision statement for the company, including weekly and quarterly milestones to reach.

“I said, ‘Here’s where we’re going to be in six years,’ and we’re knocking it out,” he said. About two-and-a-half years into it, the company was reaching milestones McDowell had set for the fourth year. His ultimate mission for the company came into focus when tragedy struck a member of his staff.

After the employee didn’t show up for work one day, McDowell went to his apartment to check on him out of concern, and discovered the man had taken his own life at 40 years old.

36 | ShelbyLiving.com

“In that moment I said, ‘I want my time here to matter,’” McDowell said. “Forty years here, and it came down to this. The more I thought about it, that just plagued me. I thought, ‘How am I going to make a difference owning a security guard company?’

I thought, ‘You know what, it’s my vehicle. God gave it to me.

Where I choose to drive it is up to me.’”

VISION TO SUCCEED Before McDowell turned 40 in May, he led his company to higher benchmarks than he thought possible.

In just a few years, the company grew from 200 square feet of space and 12 employees to 4,400 square feet with about 160 employees.

McDowell is in the process of obtaining the proper licensing to do security alarms, cameras and access control.

“By the end of the summer, we’ll be a true security integration company, which means we’ll be able to handle any of our clients’ security needs, whether it be electronic or physical,” he said.

After struggling financially, McDowell gained the means to support his family, his employees and even others in the community with the company’s revenue.

His goal to help people beyond the walls of his home — just as his classmates helped his family at Christmas many years ago — has come to fruition.

“One of the things we talked about in the vision was being able l

U.S. News & World Report

This icon is not the official U.S. News & World Report best hospitals emblem.

2016-17

BEST CHILDREN’S HOSPITALS

McDowell’s Top 40 Under 40 award hangs on a wall in his office.

to serve the community,” McDowell said. “Last year, we donated security services where we would send guards to do services at discounted rates, sometimes at no charge, for non-profits in certain cases. I was able to give more last year than I personally made the year I started this company. That’s why I do this. I know what it’s like to not have anything, and I don’t like it.”

In his company’s vision statement, McDowell wrote it “exists to help people do what they do best.”

“That’s just who we are,” he said. “We do things in a customer-

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Regarding his awards and how quickly his company has prospered since it opened, McDowell said, “I’m still trying to wrap my head around all of it.”

service-focused way. We believe the best way to do this is to be like we’re an extension of our clients’ brand.”

One of his priorities ever since he opened McDowell Security has been to make sure his employees don’t have to worry about their paychecks or how to navigate unexpected situations that affect their jobs, such as sudden lack of transportation.

“Those are things that people really worry about, and I don’t want my employees to worry about those things,” McDowell said.

“I had a pastor that told us you can’t out-give God. I also believe that if I don’t do something good with this (company), I also don’t deserve to keep it.”

In August 2016, McDowell was named to Birmingham Business Journal’s FastTrack 30, a list of the area’s fastest-growing business.

Several months ago, he received one of BBJ’s Top 40 Under 40 awards. He is on the Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce board of directors and is a graduate of the Leadership Shelby County class of 2017.

“I’m still trying to wrap my head around all of it,” McDowell said. “A quote I’ve become most known for lately is ‘I’m a high school graduate trying to figure this out.’ I failed my way through most of this.”

38 | ShelbyLiving.com

But fail completely, he has not. If anything, McDowell said, he got to where he is now by working hard, treating people right and doing what he promised people he would do.

McDowell Security is licensed to operate in Alabama and Mississippi and has covered events at Venue 31 in Pelham, Aldridge Gardens, Samford University and Hoover’s Moss Rock Festival.

His firm provides security for shows at Avondale Brewery and Iron City, the Magic City Art Connection, the Outlet Shops at Grand River and even the Birmingham and Tuscaloosa kennel clubs’ dog shows in Columbiana. McDowell has opened another McDowell Security office in Huntsville.

He said he had to learn how to celebrate the small victories that have combined to create the large victories, like expanding to different cities.

“What I found was it was not the big swings that mattered; it was the little daily steps, doing the little daily activities that got you closer to the goal, and celebrating the victories along the way,” McDowell said. “Something I had to learn how to do is congratulate myself. We’re always trying to swing to the fences, and we’re not grateful for the singles and doubles. It’s the singles and doubles that get people around the bases and score the points.”

His daughter and sidekick, Kayleigh, 7, looks up to McDowell and is too young to remember when he didn’t operate his own company.

“She asked me one day, ‘Daddy, have you ever worked for someone else?’” he said. “We started this business when she was 10 months old. She doesn’t know any different. This is what’s normal for her.”

McDowell’s wife, Candyce, who co-owns McDowell Security, homeschools Kayleigh. The two spend much time at McDowell’s office during the week.

Kayleigh even has business cards with her name printed above the title “Princess in Charge.”

She accompanies McDowell to Chamber events, talking to people and handing out her business cards.

The couple’s 13-year-old son, Cameron, is on the autism spectrum and attends public school.

“Having a son with high-functioning autism, I’ve learned how to communicate with people on a different plane because I have to communicate with him,” Jeff said. “People just want to be respected.”

To know if he has struck a healthy balance between work and home, McDowell just has to talk to Kayleigh for the answer.

“I was tucking her in one night, and she looked up at me and said, ‘Daddy, sometimes I forget you own a big company,’” he said. “That told me I’m spending as much time with her as she needs me to be.”

Every quarter, Jeff checks in with his vision coach and sets new milestones for the company.

A statement he wrote in the original vision as a goal statement remains in there as motivation: “I’ve had people comment that if our company closed up shop there would be a void in the community.”

“We’re not there yet, but I want to get there,” Jeff said of the statement. “I didn’t expect it to grow as fast as it has. We’re building some momentum now. We want to make that difference in the community.” l

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FEATURES

That’s

Amoré

Restaurant serves same Italian dishes it’s known for – just with more dining space and drink options Story by EMILY SPARACINO Photographs by DAWN HARRISON hen people arrive at Amoré Ristorante Italiano, owner and executive chef Dino Drakos suggests they be prepared to step back in time – about 60 years – and to leave their worries at the door.

“The idea is you leave the parking lot, you come in here and you come into a different world,” Drakos said.

The ambience of the restaurant is reminiscent of a 1950s Italian eatery in Boston or New York City, with intimate seating, minimal lighting and music from members of the Rat Pack and other greats of the big band era playing softly in the background.

W

A large painting of Frank Sinatra hangs behind the wine bar.

“Very private, very cozy,” Drakos said of the restaurant, which first opened in 2005.

In 2015, Drakos remodeled his restaurant to enhance the ’50s feel, adding modern touches to the décor, more seating and a wine bar – something patrons had asked him about many times over the years.

“We had no place to keep people that were waiting somewhere,” Drakos said. “Now we do.

People were asking for it.”

Remodeling took Amoré from 29 seats to 83, a much-needed increase based on the restaurant’s growing customer base.

“The expansion was a really necessary thing,”

LEFT: One of Amore’ Ristorante Italiano’s cocktails is the Tequila Honeysuckle, a mixture of tequila, honey syrup and sour mix with a salted rim and lime garnish.

June 2017 | 41

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Brazilian red snapper with white wine chive sauce, sundried tomatoes, risotto, sea scallops and ocean prawn, with asparagus. Dino Drakos owns Amore’. Veal Osso Buco with aromatic vegetables and gnocchi with basil broth. A 14-ounce USDA prime ribeye infused with rosemary garlic and black pepper corns, with roasted red pepper and mushroom demi glaze on a bed of garlic herb mashed potatoes and seared Mediterranean vegetables.

42 | ShelbyLiving.com

Drakos said.

With the wine bar came an expanded wine list.

In addition, specialty drinks crafted in-house – including a lemon drop martini with homemade sour mix and old-fashioned drinks with bourbon and cherries – are popular offerings at Amoré.

At the center of the fine dining experience Drakos aims to create for patrons, however, is the Italian food.

Drakos prides his restaurant on its filet mignon and veal dishes.

“The veal is the best in the city, no doubt about it,” he said. “I love the veal here.”

The Primo Filetto alla Griglia features a 10-ounce prime filet mignon grilled to perfection, with a mushroom, roasted red pepper, wine demi glaze, roasted potatoes and fresh sautéed vegetable of the day.

The Vitello Cotoletta alla Griglia features a 14-ounce veal chop chargrilled to perfection, with a mint pesto cream sauce, roasted potatoes and fresh sautéed vegetable of the day.

All entrees at Amoré are served with complimentary bruschetta appetizers, Italian salad and homemade garlic rolls.

“We make fresh bread every day,” Drakos

“I have probably one of the best staffs I’ve had in 45 years.

I’ve got some special people working here. I feel very fortunate and honored to have them working here.”

— Dino Drakos added. “People think that’s a nice treat.”

Amoré’s signature large meatballs, and all raviolis and pastas, are handmade daily.

Patrons should come to the restaurant with hearty appetites.

“Our meals are full meals,” Drakos said. “You get salad, bread, a starch, a meat, vegetables … lots and lots of food. But that’s the way we do it.”

Wine dinners are held three to four times a year, typically on Mondays in May or June. Patrons can taste wines from different vendors, and pair them with menu items that complement the taste.

The six-course dinners end with dessert.

June 2017 | 43

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Drakos wanted to create an ambience in his restaurant that is reminiscent of a 1950s Italian eatery in Boston or New York City, with minimal lighting and intimate seating. The restaurant was remodeled in 2015 to enhance the ambience and create more seating. The Tequila Honeysuckle is one of the restaurant’s cocktails. A painting of Frank Sinatra hangs behind the wine bar, which was installed during remodeling.

Amore’ now features more seating and beverage offerings.

“Everything is paired with the wine,” Drakos said.

Drakos has been around Italian food since childhood. His family cooked Italian dishes often, and Drakos honed his skills as a chef under his uncle.

His longtime love of Italian cuisine explains the name of his restaurant, Amoré, which means “love” in Italian.

“We put lots and lots of love in this place,” Drakos 44 | ShelbyLiving.com

said. “We’re a specialty place.”

Drakos has worked in the restaurant business for about 45 years, and said his current staff at Amoré exceeds expectations.

“I have probably one of the best staffs I’ve had in 45 years,” he said. “I’ve got some special people working here. I feel very fortunate and honored to have them working here.”

Drakos enjoys building relationships with patrons

2016

and seeing their appreciation for what his restaurant offers.

“I enjoy their enjoyment of the restaurant,” Drakos said.

His ongoing goal is to provide excellent service, excellent food and an ambience that sets Amoré apart from other eateries.

The restaurant holds a social hour Tuesday-Saturday, 4:30-6:30 p.m. The restaurant is closed Sunday and Monday.

Amoré also offers catering for various events.

Amoré Ristorante Italiano is located at 5510 U.S. 280, Suite 116.

For more information, call (205) 437-1005, go to LetsAmore. com or visit the restaurant’s social media pages. l June 2017 | 45

46 | ShelbyLiving.com

FEATURES

A blooming

business

Desireé Shrestha tells stories in floral designs

Story by EMILY BOLDEN Photographs by DAWN HARRISON or Desireé Shrestha, owner of Pelham Flowers by Desireé, being a florist isn’t just a job: it’s a calling.

Shrestha fell in love with floral design at age 4, when she noticed the beauty of the plants – even the weeds – growing by the side of the road.

On her daily walks home from school, she gathered these blossoms together into impromptu bouquets for her mother.

As a teenager, Shrestha followed her love of plants to a job at a landscaping company.

She carried her childhood admiration of arrangements with her, taking inspiration from nature to create floral designs for the company’s clients.

F

Though her supervisor deemed the designs “exasperatingly uncalled for,” the clients praised her work, confirming to Shrestha that this was indeed her calling.

As an adult, Shrestha studied floral design at Auburn University.

She frequently visited Pelham Florist, a small shop in which she saw a great deal of potential.

When she received an offer to purchase the shop in 2009, Shrestha leapt at the opportunity to make her dreams a reality – and to make her customer’s dreams a reality as well.

She rebranded the shop as full-service florist named Pelham Flowers by Desireé.

Since 2009, Pelham Flowers by Desireé has served customers in Shelby and Jefferson counties as an all-occasion florist, offering sameday delivery services in Hoover, Birmingham,

LEFT: Colorful flowers and a sign reading “by Desiree’” welcome patrons to Pelham Flowers by Desiree’.

June 2017 | 47

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: In addition to flowers and plants, Pelham Flowers by Desiree’ offers decorative items. A Pelham Flowers by Desiree’ employee works on a floral arrangement.

Displayed are a corsage, next to a coordinating boutonnière. A funky fish clock hangs on the wall.

Chalkboard signs are set up outside the shop, which is located in Pelham.

48 | ShelbyLiving.com

Alabaster, Helena, Indian Springs and Riverchase.

Today, the shop offers an array of services, including customizable arrangements of flowers and plants celebrating life’s most joyous milestones, such as weddings, birthdays, baby showers, bar mitzvahs and graduations.

Her elegant arrangements and linen centerpieces grace the tables at corporate events and parties, and she offers services for a wide array of occasions, from Get Well and Thinking Of You bouquets to gift baskets for Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, and Easter – even Christmas

decorations.

The shop also provides funeral arrangements, wreaths and sympathy bouquets in Shelby County and the greater Birmingham area.

Shrestha notes that she and her staff understand the solemnity of these occasions; they offer consultations so that customers can create personalized arrangements and sprays that pay special tribute to a person’s life with individualized touches – the orange and blue colors of a mother’s favorite football team, for instance, or flowers arranged so as to create an image that represents

a grandfather’s love of fishing – to comfort the grieving family.

From wedding bouquets and boutonnieres to lush floral centerpieces, Shrestha and her talented staff craft custom-built designs, combining the classical and contemporary to create unique floral arrangements.

The staff has expanded to a dedicated team of talented floral designers; this includes two apprentices, to whom Shrestha imparts her insights about the importance of engaging customers to create uniquely meaningful designs and the ways in which an entrepreneur can build

a strong business upon a loyal base of customers.

More than anything, she hopes to pass on her love for the work, hoping that her apprentices “will one day carry on this vanishing art of floral design.”

Shrestha’s dedication to the art of floral design, her shop, and her customers has certainly paid off. Pelham Flowers by Desireé received WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Awards in 2011 and 2012; the shop’s designs also received recognition from the Alabama State Flower Design Workshop in 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012. In 2013, Wedding Elite magazine recognized Pelham Flowers by June 2017 | 49

50 | ShelbyLiving.com

FROM TOP LEFT: Pelham Flowers by Desiree’ owner Desiree’ Shrestha assembles a corsage. Thought and details go into even the smallest items, like corsages, at Shrestha’s shop.

Desireé as the best florist in Alabama. The shop received a commercial beautification award from the city of Pelham in 2010 and, in 2016, was recognized at the Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce’s Salute to Small Business Luncheon with a nomination for the 2016 Small Business of the Year in the One to Five Employees Open One Year or More category.

Pelham Flowers by Desireé was listed in the top 20 of the Expertise Best Floral Designers in Birmingham in 2017, and in the Gardening Channel’s top five best local flower shops in the Birmingham area in 2012 and 2017.

This list of awards and accomplishments stands as a testament to Shrestha’s life-long love of floral design and to the hard work she’s put into the shop, which she describes as “a success story of will, determination, and the search and discovery of a life’s calling.”

This is a story that’s just beginning: Shrestha hopes to one day develop a franchise and open stores across Alabama, sewing new seeds for her business while maintaining the rich soil of quality, customer-centered work in which Pelham Flowers has blossomed into a beloved shop in Shelby County.

It’s clear that much of Shrestha’s success comes from her June 2017 | 51

ABOVE: The staff assembles floral arrangements and other items in the shop’s work space.

52 | ShelbyLiving.com

dedication to her customers.

Shrestha and her staff consider each client to be part of their “extended family;” she stresses the importance of “building relationships, not merely sales.”

Like any good family member, Shrestha listens carefully to the client, sympathizing and sharing “life’s happy moments through her flowers.”

Testimonials written by Shrestha’s clients show her attention to detail and a willingness to work with their financial needs.

As one reviewer writes, Shrestha “really did have great budget-minded ideas that kept my checkbook happy,” and created designs that were both beautiful and budget-friendly. The client even dried and framed the flowers from the

bouquet, creating a lasting commemoration of their marriage ceremony.

Flowers, after all, are a way to celebrate and remember the most important people, relationships, and moments in our lives, and it is this that ultimately drives Shrestha’s business.

When asked what she loves most about her career, Shrestha answered that she loves “being able to bring a smile or comfort to people by conveying their message through flowers – and what better way to do so by having a job that you love and have never-ending passion for.”

More information about Pelham Flowers by Desireé can be found at Pelhamflowersbydesiree. com. The shop is located at 3105 Pelham Parkway in Pelham. l

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 Go & Grow Workshop: ‘Hands-on Workshop on Linkedin’ Series II 2017 Presenting Sponsor

uHow to tweak your profile to increase views, uTarget people you want to do business with, uBuilding your connections the fast and smart way. uWays to “post”, “like”, “comment”, and “share” that build your business, uand much more!

NOTE: This workshop is limited to the first 10 participants that register. Each participant should bring their laptop or tablet and be ready to work on their Linkedin profile. First-come, firstserved.

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

Co-Sponsor

To ensure we have a proper headcount, please make reservations by June 5 for this workshop by contacting Payton Thomas, the Chamber’s Manager of Business Development & Support via e-mail at payton@ shelbychamber.org, by calling 663-4542, ext. 105 or register online at www. shelbychamber.org.

Join the Greater Shelby County and Montevallo chambers for ‘CoffeeNet’ at Eclipse Coffee and Books in Montevallo Join the Greater Shelby County and Montevallo chambers for “CoffeeNet” at Eclipse Coffee and Books in Montevallo Be sure to mark your calendar for Tuesday, June 20 and join us at Eclipse Coffee and Books, 1032 Main Street,

Montevallo from 8:30AM until 9:30AM for CoffeeNet! The morning meeting is designed for members to enjoy networking, coffee, and light refreshments — all before heading to the office.

CoffeeNet events are a great way to make new business

contacts so bring plenty of business cards. There is no cost to attend however reservations are requested by Monday, June 19 to assist in preparation.

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

June 2017 | 53 Shelbychamber.org

Newsletter

On June 6, the Chamber’s Go & Grow Workshop — presented by Business Telephones, Inc. and cosponsored by FocalPoint Coaching — will be an interactive workshop featuring Michael Smith, the Chamber’s Entrepreneur-in-Residence from The Great, The Good and The Gone.

Michael will be facilitating a “hands on” interactive workshop on the how, what, when, where, why and how to, of utilizing Linkedin. Building on the workshop held last month, topics covered during this hands-on and interactive workshop will expand on:

Greater Shelby Chamber of Commerce

Welcome New Investors (as of 3/31/17)

Birmingham Association of Realtors Classic Home Mortgage K&J’s Elegant Pastries KATs Grocery Delivery Shelby County Republican Party Woodforest National Bank

Birmingham Birmingham Alabaster Alabaster Hoover Alabaster

Real Estate - Residential Mortgage Bakery Delivery Service Community/Service Organizations Financial Institutions

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

Newsletter

Liberty Day Parade Set for June 24 The Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce is assisting the City of Columbiana with its 31st Annual Liberty Day Parade on June 24. The City of Columbiana began its annual Liberty Day festival in 1986 in honor of the 100th anniversary of the Statue of Liberty. There will be an evening of fun lined up Friday evening on June 23 beginning at 6:30PM

and Saturday, June 24 Mayor Stancil Handley will provide a welcome at 9:00AM to kick off the Liberty Day activities.

There will be vendors, tons of activities for children of all ages At 3:00PM the Liberty Day Parade begin. That night there will be live music, fireworks and the announcement of the Parade winners.

If you would like to have a float in the parade please contact Keyla Handley at 663-4542 ext. 106 or E-mail keyla@shelbychamber.org

for a registration form and details about parade line-up, time and location. If you are interested in participating as a food or arts and crafts vendor call Elizabeth Smith at 6696800 for more information or visit www.cityofcolumbiana. com - click on - “What’s Going On” on the left sidebar and then “Liberty Day Parade to access food and arts & crafts vendor forms.

Health Focus of the Month: “Protecting and Caring for Your Skin” It’s that time of year again the days are growing longer and the warm sun is shining brighter. For this reason, May, in its entire splendor, is the perfect month to remind us of the importance of sun safety and our skin health. May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month and because skin cancer affects one in every five Americans, we must be ever mindful of the effects sun can have on our skin. Though seemingly small and innocuous, over 13,000 people are expected to die in the U.S from skin cancers in 2017.

54 | ShelbyLiving.com Shelbychamber.org

2017 Presenting Sponsor

Keep in mind - the skin IS the largest organ of the body.

Having regular screenings with a board-certified dermatologist is one of the

best ways to help prevent this threat. Because changes in skin lesions can be subtle, a dermatologist’s expert and thorough screening exam

can help detect skin cancers in their earliest stages, when they are very treatable. You can do your part as well by watching for changes in your own skin. Watch for any spots that itch, burn, bleed or change and don’t delay evaluation. Have you had YOUR spots checked lately?

Article Submitted by: Dr. Kristy Curl, DO Village Dermatology

Greater Shelby Chamber of Commerce

June ‘Community Luncheon’ To Feature Presentation on the ‘2018 US Women’s Open’ Presented by:

time and defending champion Inbee Park.

The program, presented by Homewood Suites (Inverness) and co-sponsored by Graham and Associates, CPAs, will be held in the banquet hall at the Pelham Civic Complex & Ice Arena. Doors will open at 11:00AM for business networking and the program will begin promptly at 11:30AM. In addition to the great business networking, tourism and recreational entities

John Coppins are encouraged to secure a table and participate in the Showcase Feature (miniexpo) being held during the networking hour. Limited to 10 tables, first-come, first-served, so secure your table by

contacting the Chamber office at 663-4542 today.

The cost is $20 per person for Chamber investors and $30 per person for “Future” investors and includes a luncheon buffet. For more information, or to make a reservation, please contact the Chamber at info@ shelbychamber.org, by telephone at 663-4542 or register online at www. shelbychamber.org by noon on Monday, June 26.

Co-Sponsor

Chamber Seeking Nominations for Third Annual Healthcare Professional of the Year The Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce’s Health Services Work Group is seeking nominees for its third annual Healthcare Professional of the Year program presented

by St. Vincent’s Health System.

This award, sponsored by St. Vincent’s Health System, will recognize individuals who have made an outstanding contribution in the healthcare industry. Any healthcare professional employed in the Shelby County area is eligible to be nominated. The deadline for nominations is July 21. The

2017 Presenting & Award Sponsor

nominees and recipients will be recognized at the August “Community Luncheon” to be held on August 30, from 11:00AM until 1:00PM at the Pelham Civic Complex and Ice Arena. You may go to the

Chamber’s website at www. shelbychamber.org to access the nomination form. For more information contact Keyla Handley, Director of Community & Investor Development at 663-4542,

2017 Co-Sponsor

ext. 106 or email keyla@ shelbychamber.org.

June 2017 | 55 Shelbychamber.org

Newsletter

The Chamber’s June “Community Luncheon” will feature a presentation by John Coppins, Championship Manager of the 2018 U.S. Women’s Open. Shoal Creek has been selected by the United States Golf Association to host the 2018 U.S. Women’s Open Championship, May 31-June 3. Considered the world’s premier women’s golf championship, the U.S. Women’s Open is one of 13 national championships conducted annually by the USGA. It is open to professional female golfers and amateur females with a Handicap Index not exceeding 2.4. The championship was first conducted in 1946 and boasts an impressive list of winners, including Babe Didrikson Zaharias, Betsy Rawls, Mickey Wright, Hollis Stacy, Amy Alcott, Meg Mallon, Annika Sorenstam, Se Ri Pak, Juli Inkster, Cristie Kerr and Paula Creamer, as well as two-

Greater Shelby Chamber of Commerce

Ambassador of the Month

Newsletter

Congratulations to our Ambassador of the Month Johnny Carcioppolo. Johnny is a Certified Business Coach and Corporate Trainer who owns and operates a FocalPoint Business Coaching franchise.

Johnny specializes in helping companies reduce turnover and improve employee communication, engagement and productivity. Johnny is also a Value Added Associate with TTI Success Insights™ and holds the following certifications: * Certified Professional Behaviors Analyst * Certified Professional Driving Forces Analyst * Certified Professional EQ Analyst * Certified Professional TriMetrix HD Analyst Johnny has a wide range of solid business skills that will assist you in building a road map to higher levels of achievement. These include operations management, business planning, staff development, individual development plans, problem solving, vision and mission statements, training programs,

GSCCC Board of Directors (as of 3/15/17)

Officers Keith Brown Jefferson State Community College (Chair) Joe Meads Sain Associates (Chair-elect)

management/leadership development, change management, core values identification and integration, budgeting and cost control.

Contact Johnny by phone 436-6500, email jcarcioppolo@ focalpointcoaching.com or visit him on the web at johnnycarcioppolo. focalpointcoaching.com.

Ambassador Program Presented in 2017 by:

Paul Rogers NobleBank & Trust (Immediate Past Chair) Charlie Stevens Thompson Tractor Company, Inc. (Vice Chair, Business Development & Support) Jim Purvis A. C. Legg, Inc. (Vice Chair, Communications & Marketing) Linda Cencula Avadian Credit Union (Vice Chair, Community & Workforce Development) Bill Connor America’s First Federal Credit Union (Vice Chair, Finance & Administration) Kathy Copeland White Rock Quarries – Vincent Hills (Vice Chair, Governmental Affairs) John Browning Cahaba Valley Computer Services (Vice Chair, Investor Development) Board of Directors Matt Fridy (2017) Wallace, Jordan, Ratliff & Brandt

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

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

Keith Richards (*) Taziki’s Mediterranean Café

Katie McDowell (2017) Shelby County Newspapers, Inc.

Mechelle Wilder (*) ARC Realty

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

(*) Serving a one-year term in 2017

Craig Sorenson (2017) SouthWest Water Company 56 | ShelbyLiving.com Shelbychamber.org

Mike Swinson Alabama Gas Corporation (2017)

Greater Shelby Chamber of Commerce

Green Business Program Encourages Best Practices - Become a “Certified Chamber Green Business” The Chamber’s Existing Business & Industry Work Group invite our investors to become a “Certified Chamber Green Business.”

The Green Business application is based on a point system in the categories of Waste Prevention, Recycling, Purchasing, Energy Conservation, Transportation, Water Conservation, and Pollution.

Each applicant has to receive a minimum of 20 points

total to be designated as a “Certified Chamber Green Business.” The purpose of this program is to recognize Shelby County businesses that are committed and engaged in environmentally responsible operations and practices, also known as “green” business practices.

The program recognizes these companies each year at the Chamber’s annual Industry Appreciation Event.

If your company is

2017 Green Business Program Sponsor

engaged in green practices and is interested in applying for the Chamber’s Green Program Certification, the application can be found on the website www. shelbychamber.org/

business-support-center/ green-business-program.

For more information or questions please contact Payton Thomas, Manager, Business Development & Support via email payton@ shelbychamber.org or call 663-4542, ext. 105.

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, May 9 from 8:00AM

until 11:00AM. 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. 106 or via e-mail at payton@ shelbychamber.org for availability on May 9.

YOUR CHAMBER AT WORK Instagram: 134 Posts, 294 Followers Facebook: 18 New Likes, 135 Visits and 7,154 Post Reaches, Total Likes 2,754 Twitter: 2,739 Followers, 125 Tweets, 12.8K Tweet impressions, 218 Profile Visits and 7 Mentions Responded to 154 requests for business & community information.

Notarized 46 “Certificates of Origin” for Shelby County companies.

June 2017 | 57 Shelbychamber.org

Newsletter

Small Business Mentorship Program Offers Guidance & Support

Greater Shelby Chamber of Commerce

Newsletter

Tourism & Recreation Work Group Formed As part of the 2017 Business Plan, the Chamber has formed a Tourism & Recreation Work Group. The purpose of the group will be to: - Serve as the liaison between all sectors of Shelby County’s tourism and recreation industry, - Provide assistance in promotion and development of tourism-related events and recreational activities throughout Shelby County, and - Encourage the use of Shelby County hotels, campgrounds, parks, bed & breakfasts and other participating lodging facilities during our visitors’ stay in our

communities.

In April, an initial group of investors in the tourism & recreation sector, held a formation meeting to gauge interest and discuss a potential schedule. That group

determined that meeting on the first Friday of each month from 8:30AM - 9:30AM would potentially give a majority of businesses in the tourism & recreation sector a convenient time to meet. The group

also decided that meeting at various locations throughout Shelby County would help familiarize work group members with all that our communities have to offer in tourism and recreation.

While the group’s focus is on tourism and recreation, participation in the group — like all of the Chamber’s Work Groups — is open to any employee of any Chamber investor firm.

For additional information on the Tourism & Recreation Work Group, please contact Kirk Mancer at 663-4542 ext 101 or via e-mail at kirk@ shelbychamber.org.

Trust matters.

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

Available to qualifying members only.

58 | ShelbyLiving.com Shelbychamber.org

Federally insured

by NCUA

Greater Shelby Chamber of Commerce

Celebrating Growth

2017 Ribbon Cutting Sponsor

2017 Ribbon Sponsor

Thank you Pelham Flowers by Desiree’ for providing the ribbon and bows for the Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies.

Congratulations to Precision Chiropractic of Alabama on its new location at Bowling Lane, Pelham. Cutting the ribbon is Dr. Marty Lavvorn with wife Lindsey Lovvorn, joined in support by Dr. Mason, Mayor Gary Waters, staff, friends, family, Helena Business Association and Chamber Ambassadors.

Congratulations to OFCworkscapes on its Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting in Hoover. Business partners Steve Gathings and Frank Mitchell cut the ribbon and was joined by Mayor Frank Brocato, Shelby County Commissioner Rick Shepherd, family, friends, Hoover Area and Greater Shelby Chamber Ambassadors.

Congratulations to Magnolia Creek Treatment Center for Eating Disorders on the Grand Opening opening of its new 10 bed cottage in Columbiana. Mayor Stancil Handley, city officials, medical staff and Chamber Ambassadors joined in support as CEO Linda Jackson cut the celebratory ribbon.

Snapshots

Investors enjoyed networking along the 280 corridor at the recent NETWORK280 event, presented by 280 Living, at host Outback Steakhouse - Inverness. The host had delicious appetizers, cool beverages and surprise scratch off cards for guests that could be a chance to win one-year eat free.

The Greater Shelby Chamber held its “4th Annual Student and Educator of the Year” program, presented by America’s First Federal Credit Union, at the April Community Luncheon. More than 65+ student and educator nominees were recognized during the luncheon program.

Congratulations to all of our 2016-17 nominees and recipients.

(L-R) Keith Brown, Chamber Chair, Jefferson State Community College; Gary Griffith, Shelby County College and Career Center; Armeen Barghi, Oak Mountain High School; Ben Jones, Shelby County College & Career Center; Amy Miller, Oak Mountain Intermediate School; Kevin Morris, SVP/ Chief Loan Officer, America’s First Federal Credit Union.

June 2017 | 59 Shelbychamber.org

Newsletter

Congratulations to Aesthetic Dermatology, Grandview Parkway, on it’s one year anniversary. Dr. Northington and Dr. Bourgeois held an Open House and everyone joined in singing happy birthday as they blew out the candles. They were joined by staff, family, clients and Chamber Ambassadors.

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.

June 2017

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South Shelby Chamber Luncheon 11:30AM - 1:00PM Columbiana First Baptist Church 208 North Main Street, Columbiana Investment: $15. No reservation required.

Tourism & Recreation Work Group 8:30AM - 9:30AM

Small Business Mentorship Appointments 11:30AM - 1:00PM Michael Smith, The Good, The Great & The Gone By appointment. Contact Payton Thomas at 663-4542, ext. 105.

Go & Grow Workshop “Hands on Workshop on Linkedin” II 11:30AM - 1:00PM Facilitated by Michael Smith, The GREAT, The GOOD, and The GONE Presented by: Business Telephones, Inc. & Cosponsored by: FocalPoint Coaching Reservations requested by noon, June 5.

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

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

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Existing Business & Industry Work Group 8:30AM - 9:30AM iBERIABANK, 2695 Pelham Pkwy, Pelham Entrepreneur Roundtable I 7:30AM - 8:30AM Sponsor: Graham and Associates, CPAs CoffeeNet 8:30AM - 9:30AM Eclipse Coffee and Books, 1032 Main St, Montevallo No cost. RSVP requested by Tuesday, June 19.

Entrepreneur Roundtable 280 11:30AM - 12:30PM Sponsor: Graham and Associates, CPAs Montevallo Chamber Monthly Luncheon 11:30AM - 1:00PM Parnell Memorial Library, 377 Park Dr, Montevallo Investment: $12. No reservation required.

Governmental Affairs Work Group 8:30AM - 9:30AM Sain Associates, Two Perimeter Park South, Ste 500 East, Birmingham Liberty Day Parade 3:00PM City of Columbiana - Main Street GSCC Community Luncheon “2018 US Women’s Open featuring John Coppins” Doors open at 11:00AM. Program 11:30AM - 1:00PM. Showcase Feature: 10 Tables Open to Tourism and Recreation Investors Sponsor: Homewood Suites - Inverness Pelham Civic Complex & Ice Arena 500 Amphitheater Rd, Pelham Reservations requested by noon, Monday, June 26.

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

SHELBY SPOTTED

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4 2017 Fire at the Foothills

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Residents spend a day sampling barbecue and chili at Fire at the Foothills on Saturday, April 22. The event was hosted by the Chelsea Kiwanis Club and raised funds for several children’s programs around the city.

1. Stan Martin, Van Morris, Chris Mundy, Steve Cook, Tony Picklesimer 2. Donald Shirley, Gail Owen 3. Aiden and Cassandra Ragazzoni 4. Jake and Paige Harkins 5. Jay and Wendy Zito 6. Reece, Tiffany, Brayden and Bayleigh Bittner 7. Kim Sharp, Elise Hearn, April Stone 8. Nicholas, Geoffrey and Susan Setser 9. Steve Snider, Robert Powell, Kevin Powell

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5 Helena Easter Egg Hunt

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Families and children packed the Helena Amphitheater on Saturday, April 15, for the city of Helena’s annual Easter Egg Hunt.

1. Melanie Watson and Michaela Singer 2. Jeremy, Meg and Kate Saylor 3. Danielle Stiles and Anna Goodwin 4. Georgette Taylor and Michaela Singer 5. Melanie Watson and Michaela Singer with Hayes and Prezley Lummus 6. The Auterson family 7. The Parker family 8. Dylan Smitherman with the Easter Bunny 9. Monroe and Finley Farquhar 10. Lily Berry

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Chubbfather’s Sensory-Friendly Dinner

Members of the community with special needs and their families gathered at Chubbfathers on Monday, April 17, to have dinner in an accommodating and judgment-free space.

1. Madison Lybrand, Heather Lybrand, Glenn Davis, Mary Davis and Kennedy Chambers 2. Victor Williams, Jade Williams, Erika Zoebelein 3. Will and Stephanie Cholewinski

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June 2017 | 63

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3 King’s Home Shelby Auxiliary Tablescapes Luncheon

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King’s Home Shelby Auxiliary held its 2017 Tablescapes fundraiser at Metro Church of God in Hoover on April 19. After a silent auction, former First Lady Patsy Riley, a charter member of Hannah Home Shelby, spoke to attendees.

1. Breanna and Barbara Brickner 2. Sarah Jane Thielman and Tosha Lyles 3. Tricia Schencker and Tina Douglass 4. Shannon Moore and Connie Crowe 5. Pam Bradford and Karen Spann 6. Maureen Bunn and B. Suttle 7. Susan Smith, Ann Horne and Hope Skoney 8. Breanna Sexton, Alicia Cuevas and Karen Spann

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9. Phyllis Davis and Cheree Carlton 10. Mary Cole and Susan Jones 11. Janet Perry and Beth Hamer 12. Mona Trawick and Carolyn Goslin 13. Linda Joseph, Paula Carlile and RenĂŠe Kennedy 14. Jenice Prather-Kinsey, Hiltrud Hollibaugh and Myrtis Horton 15. Susan DuBose and Shelayne Thompson 16. Cathy Rutledge and Tammy Lamle 17. Marcia Miller, Julie Narz and Barbara Snook

June 2017 | 65

SHELBY SPOTTED

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3 King’s Home Shelby Auxiliary Tablescapes Luncheon

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King’s Home Shelby Auxiliary held its 2017 Tablescapes fundraiser at Metro Church of God in Hoover on April 19. After a silent auction, former First Lady Patsy Riley, a charter member of Hannah Home Shelby, spoke to attendees.

1. Amy Reese and Valerie Goodman 2. Julia Brackeen and Cindy Meil 3. Leslie Hackbardt and Patti Stahlhut 4. Sherry Parker and Mary Jensen 5. Sylvia Ricker and Ann Capps 6. Eva Frederick and Mebra Kirby 7. Marita Rodriguez and Wendy Howell 8. Joice Watts, Kathryn Watts and Cindy Burell

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Stiletto Monologues

Women from around the community were invited to come to Unity Christian Center and listen to other women share stories of how they overcame some of life’s challenges at the Stiletto Monologues on Saturday, March 11.

1. Lorenda Cohill, Lynette David, Conchetta Bevelle 2. Danetter Owens 3. Lynette David 4. Sydney Jackson, Caroline Briggins, Kalyn Spencer

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June 2017 | 67

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The Circle of Champions chapter of the Toastmasters Club held its sixth annual open house event at Abundant Life Church on Monday, March 6.

1. Trent Jones 2. Ahmad Austin 3. Tony Roberts 4. Tonia Myers 5. Wanda Spillers 6. Cedric Burden 7. Michael Mills 8. Sonia Deyampert, Wanda Spillers, Nancy Gilmore and Quiana Shaw

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Ladies club assembles Easter baskets for kids

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The Ladies of North Lake met for a meeting March 16, during which they assembled more than 100 “Baskets of Love� for the Alabama Childhood Food Solutions to distribute at Easter.

4

1. Lenora Askew, Bettie Crosswhite, Lou Anne Swetonic, Linda Garrett, Sherry Baldwin, Donna Swalley, Becky Benoit, Martha Thompson, Lillian Shannon and Debby Trimble 2. Linda Garrett and Bettie Crosswhite 3. Sherry Baldwin and Becky Benoit 4. Donna Swalley

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June 2017 | 69

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Westwood Baptist Church hosted its first-ever “It’s Just a Phase, So Don’t Miss It” parenting conference on Saturday, March 18.

1. Wade and Natalie Brooks, Hope and Eric Sansom 2. Marcus and Mariah Mullet 3. Kristy Bruce, Kristen Agee 4. Lynn and Karen Bush 5. Steven and Heather Cannon 6. River, Nicole and Blaire Farless 7. Megan, Jarred and Judson Boyd 8. Carla Callahan, Aly Hilton, Kari Callahan

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Game On Huskies fundraiser

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Real Deal Gaming visited Helena High School on Friday, April 7, to provide a unique fundraiser as the school gymnasium was transformed into a gaming fun zone. Dozens of game consoles were set up in the gym as kids of all ages spent hours playing video games.

1. Will Miller and Cole Walker 2. Drew Cook, Owen Murphy and Carson Moore 3. Rob Saville and LaDarrius Rice 4. Kobe Hughes and Kellen Hughes 5. Matthew McFall and Wyatt Devers 6. Max Parker and Andrew Cochran 7. Tucker Knight and Cole Pugh 8. Kyle Beckham and Austin Hutchison 9. Andrew Armstrong and Nick Spears 10. Connor Pugh

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The Helena Miracle League sponsored the inaugural “Womanless Beauty Pageant” on Saturday, April 1, to help raise funds for a future special needs baseball field at Joe Tucker Park.

1. Trey, Jennifer, Summer and Rickey Lambert 2. Preston and Mary Chambliss 3. Lillie Brewer and Stephen Janoulis 4. Brooklyn, Jonathan and Bashi Guerrero 5. Andre Usher and Brandi Usher with Joseph Guerrero 6. Ralph Rawlings and Jamie Duffel.

7. Mikayla Ward, Lea Hardin, Melody Smith, Zack Todd and Josh Ward.

8. Robyn and Matt Hardin.

9. Monica and Holly Cruce.

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www.SouthlakeOrthopaedics.com

Sports Medicine

Spine Center

Testing, Surgery & Rehabilitation all conveniently located in your neighborhood.

11

“Less pain. More living.�

Michael F. Blum, M.D. | Ekkehard Bonatz, M.D. | George Robert Booker, M.D. William S. Craig, M.D. | Donald A. Deinlein, M.D. | Michael T. Ellerbusch, M.D. John S. Kirchner, M.D. | William D. Krauss, D.O. | Michael D. Smith, M.D. William D. Sudduth, M.D. | C.J. Talbert, M.D. Medplex Medical Building 4517 Southlake Parkway Hoover, Alabama 35244

Grandview Physicians Plaza 3686 Grandview Parkway, Suite 430 Birmingham, Alabama 35243

For an appointment, call 205-985-4111

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On-site MRI and Physical Therapy

10. Jason Rushing, Josie Stanford, Trinity Scozzaro, Kolt Scozzaro, Kristi Scozzaro and Jerre Mitchell 11. Caroline, Ainsley, Julie, Declan and Luisa Ryle with Erin and Amber Whitten 12. Eli Beall and Lillie Brewer 13. Mark Hall, Emmanuel Scozzaro, Mike Bratton, Jamie Reid and Gail Mitchell

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Highland Lakes Women’s Club April meeting

The Highland Lakes Women’s Club held its April meeting at Rosegate Design in the Cadence Place shopping center April 4.

1. Lori Gronek, Susan Friend and Nancy Smith.

2. Abby Lieb and Kathy Dotts.

3. Josie Ott and Abby Lieb.

4. Joy Doering and Vicki Everett.

5. Cathy Enders, Jo Schmidt and Terry Crutchfield.

6. Linda Precht.

7. Jean Barganier, Marilyn Chiaramonte and Susan Pockstaller.

8. Lynda Smith.

9. Marie Lorek, Linda Hauck and Carol Campbell.

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Marketplace Shelby Living • 205.669.3131

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

224 Cahaba Valley Rd, Pelham 205-663-5821 General Lawncare Weekly/bi-weekly grass cutting, including large properties, acreage, lake properties.

Great rates!

Free Estimates!

Discounts for multiple properties. Serving Shelby and Chilton Counties.

Call Alex: 205-955-3439 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 FOR SALE: Oracal Vinyl and Premium HTV Vinyl by the Foot or by the Yard C&C Trophy & Sign, Inc. 209 6th ST N Clanton Welder Training Short Term Licensing Call for Details 866-432-0430 ESDschool.com Eastern Tree Service 24 Hour Storm Service www.ETSTree.org Experienced Professionals 205-856-2078 Quick Response Free Estimates J & W Professional Painting Interior • Exterior 205-788-2907 31 Years Experience!

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 AFFORDABLE HIGH-SPEED INTERNET Available where you live!

Call Today for this Limited Time Offer! www.pbsinternet.com 800-266-4409 FREON 12 WANTED: R12 collecting dust in your garage?

We pay CA$H for R12 EPA cert, We pick up Call now for April pickup: (312)291-9169 sell@refrigerant finders.com 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 capstonedental assisting.com or call (205) 561-8118 and get your career started!

BRIARWOOD APARTMENTS Now Leasing!

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

LAND FOR SALE 7.8 ACRES IN CHELSEA, AL CHELSEA ROAD/HWY 47 Located near Chelsea Community Center For More Information Call Cooper Trent 205-322-0627

ShelbyLiving.com

ONLINE AUCTIONS www.GTAOnlineAuctions. com 205-326-0833 Granger, Thagard & Assoc.

Jack F. Granger #873 Looking for a wonderful place to live? NEW Meadow View Village Apartments. Columbiana, AL. Now Pre-leasing 2&3 Bedrooms.

Great Amenities Provided.

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

Equal Housing Opportunity.

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 Lake Guntersville Cedar Cove Subdivision approx. 3/4acre enclosed boat house / lift Grant Schools $79,500.00 Agents welcome!

Metcalf Realty Co. Inc. George Wyatt 205-721-3670 metcalfrealtycoinc.com 3/2 Garden Home Calera Schools Easy access to HWY 31 & I-65 W/D hook-ups, Dishwasher Fenced backyard.

No Pets. Rent $1250 (205)433-9811 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 Great Jobs ARE Out There...

If You Know Where to Look!

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

All at NO COST to you!

Visit www.aidt.edu/jobs today to view your opportunities!

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 Bama Concrete Hiring Mixer Drivers Local deliveries.

Class-B+ CDL, 2yrs MINIMUM heavyhaul experience/Clean MVR. Competitive Pay/Great Benefits.

Apply in person: 2180 Hwy 87 Alabaster, 35007 Beelman Truck Hiring Experienced Mechanics and Drivers.

Great pay.

Great benefits.

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

Birmingham Hide & Tallow Immediate position for CLASS-B ROUTE DRIVERS FOR LOCAL ROUTE. WELL-ESTABLISHED 100+ YEAR COMPANY NOW HIRING ROUTE DRIVERS. HOME NIGHTS/WEEKENDS.

LOOKING FOR HARD WORKING DRIVERS TO JOIN OUR TEAM. CLEAN MVR/BG CHECK REQUIRED. COMPETITIVE PAY & BENEFITS: BCBC, 401K, PAID HOLIDAYS/VACATION, COMPANY FURNISHED UNIFORMS. CALL 205-425-1711 OR EMAIL: adria.lupien@ bhtonline.com Maintenance Worker for Pinelawn Gardens, in Columbiana Weekdays & Weekends Must be able to perform physical labor & operate small machinery & equipment. Apply at Bolton Funeral Home.

DELIVERY DRIVERS Local Grocery Distributor in Alabaster seeking qualified drivers.

Delivery/unloading to multiple locations.

Mon-Fri work week.

Requirements: Valid DL, clean driving record.

Benefits: Competitive wages, bonuses, benefits, opportunity for advancement.

Call 205-397-1782.

BTC Wholesale Distributors PAINT CREWS Nationally branded painting company for subcontractor work in the Birmingham area.

Must have own insurance, equipment & vehicle.

205-277-9999 PT/FT Farm Equipment Operator, Lawn Maintenance and Fork Lift Driver Needed Drug and Background Check Required.

Apply In Person: 150 Princeton Lane Jemison, AL 35085 FT Presser for Dry Cleaner.

Salary, vacation, holidays, health & life insurance.

Must have reliable transportation.

Call Debbie: 205-588-6521

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Nationally known wholesale company needs Assistant Sales Manager •Hourly plus commission & bonuses!

•No nights, weekends, holidays or travel!

We market some of the hottest items out, like finger spinners, etc. $10/hour to start!

Call 205-969-1797 Serious inquiries only!

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!

Coosa Valley Medical Center NOW HIRING! •LPNs: Post Acute Care •Respiratory Therapist: Sign on Bonus Email resume to: Blaine.Green @cvhealth.net or to apply, go to www.cvhealth.net Full Time and Part Time RN’s Needed for home health in Bibb, Shelby and Chilton counties.

Excellent Salary and Benefits. Please send resumes to jobs@rubic.com or call 866-273-3984 DCH Health System Caring. For Life. $5,000 *Sign-on Bonus for full time RNs *For More Info Contact Annie.Miller@dchsystem. com Apply online at: www.dchsystem.com Homewood Area Package Store Day Shift Clerk/Stocker Must be 21, have retail experience, able to work any shift, holidays & weekends.

Good pay. Call M-F, 9-5 (205)585-8900 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

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•Clean MVR/background/ drug test Email resume: john@jeffcoat.us IMMEDIATELY HIRING FOR: Warehouse, Production & Automotive Assembly in Calera and Clanton.

Temp-to-Hire positions, great pay rates!

Clanton (205)588-6716 Birmingham (205)822-8234 Apply online: www.elwoodjobs.com ASE Auto Technician with Imports (German) experience.

Candidate should have: •strong work ethic •own tools Quality & craftsmanship are important. www.empireautohaus.com $2000 SIGN ON BONUS NEW PAY SCALE TO QUALIFYING DRIVERS EVERGREEN TRANSPORT, is accepting applications for local drivers in the Calera and Leeds, AL, area.

Must have Class A CDL, good driving record,1 yr verifiable tractor trailer experience. Good pay and benefits. Apply in person at 8278 Hwy 25 South, Calera, AL, or call for info 205-668-3316.

Now taking applications for: •Cook •Bartender •Waitress •Line Dance Instructor for growing business in Clanton.

205-755-4949 or 334-235-0228 PELHAM LOCATION NOW OPEN: Monday-Saturday, 11am8pm Sunday, 11am-2pm Try our ribs!

Ask about our daily specials.

309 Huntley Parkway 624-4461 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

DRIVERS NEEDED $2,000 Sign On Bonus J & M Tank Lines, Inc. Class-A CDL Local and OTR Drivers.

GREAT BENEFITS! Health Insurance $9 Weekly.

OTR Drivers Home 2 or More Times Weekly. jmtankjobs.com or call Jeff Sandlin@256-245-3933 NOW TAKING APPLICATIONS Managers and Assistant Managers MONTEVALLO KFC 950 N. MAIN STREET MONTEVALLO, AL 35115 To apply send resumes to: Attn: Katie Badgwell 113 25th Ave East Tuscaloosa, AL 35404 (205) 553-8621 Katie@jmfkfc.com Truck Driver/ Debris Loader Operator CDL Required.

Full or Part Time.

Drug Test Required.

205-836-2038 or 205-229-7144 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 Klassy Klean Hiring Cleaning Techs Cleaning homes & businesses.

Requirements: good background, drug-free, good work ethics, trustworthy, able to work with a team, positive attitude.

Will train.

Call 205-685-9883

WE HAVE JOBS! · Machine Operator- Moody · Packers- Moody/ Hoover · Paint Line- Moody · Pickers/PackersAlabaster Lyons HR www.lyonshr.com/ career-search (205)943-4820 Service Technician Top Pay, Benefits & Commission!

Mainline Heating & Air 400 Hillwood Park S, Alabaster, AL Or email resume to: ashley@mainlineheating.com (205)664-4751 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 Hiring CDL-A Drivers Sign-on Bonus Great Benefits Local Domicile Work Apply online at: MerchantsFood Service.com/Careers 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 280 Location Opening Now Hiring 3 shift Managers Pay Rate $9-$11 20-25 Employees Pay Rate $7.75-$8.50.

Must have own transportation and flexible schedule.

Apply at recruiting.talentreef.com/ momma-goldbergs-deli (205)503-6190 Ignite Your Career with Mspark!

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

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

INDUSTRIAL CLEANING IN VANCE Requirements: •18 Years Old •HS Diploma/GED •Able to work variable shifts/weekends/holidays •Able to lift up to 50lbs constantly, stand on your feet for 8hrs •Able to pass drug screen/ background check Complete your application on line at www.naonsite.com Production / Manufacturing Vance, Alabama Starting pay: $12.00 – $14.50 /hr.

• Have 2 years+ Production/Manufacturing experience.

• Have Recently Lived in Alabama at least 2 years.

• Have A High School Diploma or GED. • Are at least 18 years old.

Complete your application on line at www.naonsite.com Odyssey Early Schools Birmingham’s Best Daycare/Preschool is Seeking Experienced Teachers.

4 Year Degree Preferred.

Full-Time.

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

Call Annie Fine 205-991-0039.

LPNs NEEDED Oxford Healthcare seeking LPNs, RNs, and CNAs to provide patients with in-home care in Pelham, Hoover, Alabaster, Montevallo Call (205)608-1612 or visit us at helpathome.com 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 HIRING Afternoon Teachers for Christian Early Learning Center, 6wks to 4k in Helena.

2pm-6pm, Mon-Fri.

Call 205-426-1910 or email resume to queenmoore1956@ gmail.com Saiia Construction Co. ISO: CDL Long-Haul Drivers.

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

Competitive compensation/ benefit package.

Email: DVeigl@saiia.com or fax: 205-943-2258 Saiia Construction Company seeks equipment operators in the Alabaster area with the ability to operate various types of equipment including: dozers, excavators, rock trucks, and motor graders.

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

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

Great opportunity.

Competitive compensation and benefit package. If you are interested contact Johnny Pipp 205.943.2214 or email jpipp@saiia.com Machinist Local manufacturer has an immediate opening for an experienced manual machinist and CNC programmer operator.

40+ hours per week, good working environment and company benefits.

Competitive salary.

EOE Send resume with salary history to: Sealing Equipment Products Co. 123 Airpark Industrial Rd Alabaster, AL 35007 Or email: jeanz@sepcousa.com ServiceMaster is Hiring Part-time Fire Cleaning Techs WILL TRAIN! Must pass background check/drug test, have reliable transportation & good driving record.

Serious Inquiries Call (205)424-4211

Order Selectors Food Dist. Center in Pelham Day-Shift: Mon-Fri. 40+ hours/week 10:00AM until finished (varies).

Salary: $16-20/hr after training.

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

Requirements: •Reading & math skills •Lift 40 lbs. repetitively •Work in -10 Temperature Apply in person: 8:30AM-5:00PM Southeastern Food 201 Parker Drive Pelham, Alabama 35124 resume@ southeasternfood.com MASTER MECHANIC with Tools Top pay based on experience.

Good diagnostic capabilities a must.

Southern Dixie Auto Repair Call 205-312-1047 Immediate Positions!!!!

Positions needed: Warehouse • Sales Reps • Assistant Manager • Delivery Drivers • Customer Service.

Laid back atmosphere, good pay, plenty of hours available!

Company vehicles to qualified individuals!

Call Andrew 9am-7pm • Mon-Sat at (205)490-1003 or (205)243-6337 Electrician - FT Supreme Electric, local-based company in Pelham. Must be willing to learn & work hard. Go to: supremeelectric-al.com Print employment application under Contact Us. Mail to: Supreme Electric 231 Commerce Pkwy Pelham, AL 35124 or call 205-453-9327.

TaylorMade Transportation Hiring CDL Drivers for Flatbed Regional Division!

BCBS Insurance After 30 Days. To apply call: (334)366-2269 or email: s.smith@taylormadeinc.com

The Painting Company of Birmingham Immediate openings for professional residential and commercial painters.

Must be able to speak English.

Call 205-995-5559 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 Security Guard Part-time Must have pistol permit and pistol. $11/hour.

Call Carrie 991-4654 or 427-5591 or 205-427-5501 HIRING EXPERIENCED CDL-A COMPANY TANKER DRIVERS IN YOUR AREA! Regional runs-Chemical hauls *Get Home Weekly!* **Earn $60K+ Per Year** Average 2,000-2,500 miles/ week.

Paid product training-$800/week.

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

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

Pneumatic tank equipment.

Dry bulk hauling. $500 SIGN ON BONUS Home every other weekend. Apply online: Vernonmilling.com 800-753-1993

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) Tree Nursery Worker Needed Responsible w/mechanical skills.

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

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

334-365-2488 Wiley Sanders Truck Lines Inc $1,000 SIGN-ON-BONUS Longevity-Bonus.

Quarterly Safe-Driving AWARD. Competitive Pay Package.

PAID Orientation.

NEW Fleet of Trucks.

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

Nights/weekends, call Jeffrey: 334-372-5049 Ron: 1-850-454-4276 Richard: 334-492-0803 Experienced Automotive Tech Duties: Engine diagnostics brakes/ac work/etc Auto-Lube Tech Duties: oil changes/mount & balance tire/light maintenance work.

Competitive pay/benefits (205)995-5520 or (205)688-3333

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

205-592-3422 www.watkinstrucking.com

Wiregrass Construction Company is seeking experienced asphalt CDL TRUCK DRIVERS. Must be dependable.

Excellent benefits.

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

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

NOW HIRING CDL-A DRIVERS w/Haz. $5000 SignOn Bonus. Apply online:

YARD SPOTTER Immediate Opening-F/T or P/T

Caregivers Needed ASAP! Competitive hourly pay.

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

Class-A-CDL required to shuttle trailers from truck-yard to loading area. Benefits available for F/T positions.

Apply In Person: Woodgrain Distribution(EOE) 80 So. Shelby St., Montevallo 205-665-2546(Ext.207) ksenecal@woodgrain.com Experienced Asphalt Equipment Operators Dunn Construction is now hiring for the following positions: Backhoe Operator: Must be able to demonstrate use of equipment.

CDL HAZMAT Drivers: Must hold current commercial Driver’s License w/HazMat endorsement, as well as clean driving record. 2 years experience is a must.

CDL Driver Class A or B: Must have at least 18 mos. experience operating a dump truck.

Milling Machine Groundman: Must be able to run milling machine boxes.

Asphalt Laborers: Looking to hire in Saginaw & Birmingham areas.

In search of anyone with previous asphalt operations experience.

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

Drug-free workplace.

To Apply: Stop by our office for employment application.

3905 Messer Airport Hwy. Birmingham, AL 35222 or send your resume/ request for application to careers@ dunnconstruction.com EOE/Minorities/Females/ Veterans/Disabled HIRING IMMEDIATELY! Groundsmen, Equipment Operators, and Laborers.

Requirements: Drug Free, Clean Driving Record, Self Self-Motivated. Opportunity For Advancement. Company Will Train. Shop Located in Irondale.

Call: 205-8362038 or 205-229-7144.

FULL TIME & PART TIME COUNSELORS For Christian Summer Camp 30 May - 4 Aug (10 weeks) Children: K-thru-8th Grade in Helena. Email Resume to bill@rbchelena.org or call 205-426-1910

June 2017 | 77

OUT & ABOUT Birmingham Zoo to You

June 1

Kids’ Kickoff – Build a Better Story Magic Show: The Kids’ Kickoff – Build a Better Story Magic Show with magician Tommy Johns will be held at the Albert L. Scott Library in Alabaster at 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Adults can register children for the challenge before or after either show.

They’ll receive a goody bag as well as a summer activity calendar, a small gift, a reading log and more.

YA Kickoff – Culinary Quest Party: The Young Adult Kickoff – Culinary Quest Party will be held at the Albert L. Scott Library in Alabaster on June 1 at 6 p.m. The event is for ages 11-18 and will include food fun, swag bag and prizes.

They can register and get their program details before, after or during the event.

June 3

Summer Reading Kickoff Party: The North Shelby Library will hold a Summer Reading Kickoff Party on June 3 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event will include inflatables, Velcro wall and library dollar Money Grabber machine, refreshments, games, face painting and more. All ages are welcome, and no registration is required.

June 5 78 | ShelbyLiving.com

Teen Summer Reading Kickoff

Summer Feeding Program: The Shelby County Schools Child Nutrition Program will once again participate in the Summer Food Service Program for students and adult visitors. The meals will be provided to all children without charge and are the same for all children regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability, and there will be no discrimination in the course of the meal service, according to the school district. Meals will be provided at the sites and times as follows: Calera Elementary School, June 5–July 21 (breakfast and lunch); Montevallo Elementary School, June 5–July 14 (breakfast and lunch); and Oak Mountain Intermediate School, June 5– July 21 (breakfast and lunch).

Breakfast will be served from 7:30–8 a.m. Lunch will be served from 11 a.m. to noon.

The cost for an adult visitor breakfast will be $3.25, and the cost for an adult visitor lunch will be $4.25. Tea is available for $1. Carry-outs are not available for students.

For more information, call the Child Nutrition Program at 682-6531.

Sushi Class

June 5, 6-8 p.m. GameTruck will be at the library with video games and laser tag for teens (entering sixth-12th grade) who are registered for summer reading. Registration is requested.

Register using the online calendar at Northshelbylibrary.org.

Contact Kate at 439-5512 or nsyouth@shelbycounty-al.org for more information.

Birmingham Zoo to You: The Albert L. Scott Library in Alabaster will host Birmingham Zoo to You on June 5 at 10:30 a.m. Animals from the zoo will visit as part of the library’s summer challenge.

Mt Laurel Summer Reading Kickoff Party: The Mt Laurel Library will host its Summer Reading Kickoff Party on June 6 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. The event will include inflatables, refreshments, face painting and more. All ages are welcome. No registration is required.

June 7

Tween Program: Paracord Bracelets: Weave your own survival bracelet June 7 from 2-3 p.m. at the North Shelby Library. They look pretty cool, too. The event is for ages 8-12.

Registration is required.

June 8

Manga, Comic Book Club: A whole hour will be devoted to manga and comic books at the North Shelby Library on June 8 at 4 p.m. Share with each other what everyone has been reading and get ideas of what to read next. Snacks will be served. Contact Kate at 439-5512 or nsyouth@ Sushi Class: Like sushi? shelbycounty-al.org for more Learn how to make your own information. sushi rolls June 5 at the North Shelby Library from 6:30-8 June 12 p.m. The program, for adults, Acting Up Theatre Summer is sponsored by the Friends of Camp: Registration is open the North Shelby Library and for the South City Theatre’s will be held in the classroom. Acting Up Theatre Summer Teen Summer Reading For more information, call Camp, June 12-23 at Pelham High School from 9:30 a.m.

Kickoff: The North Shelby 439-5510. to 2:30 p.m. The cost is $325.

Library will hold its Teen Through the study of acting, Summer Reading Kickoff on June 6 Iron Giant Percussion Concert and DIY Instrument Workshop: The Albert L. Scott Library in Alabaster will host the Iron Giant Percussion Concert and DIY Instrument Workshop at 4 p.m. The workshop is for all ages.

OUT & ABOUT singing, dance and more, students will work with professional performers and teachers to become better artists. For more information, visit Southcitytheatre.com.

when she was found wounded on a French battlefield. In a narrative that takes us from London to America and back again, Shreve has created an engrossing and wrenching tale about love and the meaning June 14 of memory, set against the Tween Program: Movie haunting backdrop of a war Matinee: Come to the North that destroyed an entire Shelby Library for a journey generation. to a galaxy far, far away June 14 from 2-4:30 p.m. Force American Red Cross Blood awakening snacks will be Drive: The North Shelby provided. Lightsaber necklace Library will host an American craft included. Costumes are Red Cross Blood Drive on encouraged, but not required. June 19, 2-7 p.m. Help build The event is for ages 8-12. a better world by donating Registration is required. blood during this critical time.

Sign up on the Red Cross June 15 site: https://goo.gl/NEQvv0.

Library Book Group: Go to Contact Kate at 439-5512 or the Albert L. Scott Library nsyouth@shelbycounty-al.org in Alabaster on June 15 at 7 for more information. p.m. for a group discussion of “Stella Bain” by Anita Shreve. Self Defense Class: Pelham An epic story, set against the Tiger Rock Martial Arts backdrop of World War I, will be at the Mt Laurel from bestselling author Anita Library on June 19 at 5 p.m.

Shreve. When an American to teach people basic selfwoman, Stella Bain, is found defense skills. Registration suffering from severe shell is required. Register using shock in an exclusive garden the library’s online calendar in London, surgeon August at Mtlaurellibrary.org or call Bridge and his wife selflessly 991-1660. agree to take her in. A gesture of goodwill turns into June 16 Towns of something more as Bridge Forgotten Learn about quickly develops a clinical Alabama: interest in his houseguest. Alabama’s ghost towns at the Stella had been working as a Mt Laurel Library on June 16 nurse’s aide near the front, but at 6 p.m. Glenn Wills will be she can’t remember anything present to discuss his book of prior to four months earlier beautiful photographs.

Mt Laurel Storytime: Stories, music and more will be available, and every member of the family is welcome.

Mt Laurel Storytime will be held June 16 from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the Mt Laurel Library’s meeting room. For more information, call 9911660.

June 22

The event will allow readers to meet authors and fellow readers.

June 26

Block Party: The Albert L. Scott Library in Alabaster will host a Block Party (Legoinspired fun) on June 26 at 4 p.m. Children 4 years old and older can sign up.

June 28

Mt Laurel Craft: Children can come to the Mt Laurel Library on June 28 from noon to 2 p.m. to create a craft. All ages are welcome with adult assistance.

Registration is not required.

Supplies are limited. For more YA Culinary Quest: The information, call 991-1660.

Albert L. Scott Library in Alabaster will hold YA June 29 and Architecture Culinary Quest: Veggie Taste Art Workshops: The Albert L. Test at 4 p.m. for ages 11-18.

Scott Library in Alabaster June 23 will host the Amazing Art Summer Lovin’ and Architecture Workshop Romance Conference: for kids in first-fifth grades at The Summer Lovin’ 10:30 a.m.; and YA Awesome Romance Conference with Art and Architecture for ages special guest, best-selling, 11-18 at 4 p.m. award-winning author Sabrina Jeffries will be held Cookies and Cream Social: June 23 and June 24 at the North The Mt Laurel Library will Shelby Library. Tickets are host its Cookies and Cream $40, or $50 starting June 1. Social on June 29 at 2 p.m.

Tickets include Friday night Stop by for a cool treat on a hot dinner with keynote speaker day and enjoy some yummy Sabrina Jeffries, book signing cookies. No registration is after dinner with all authors required. Contact the Mt in attendance, Saturday Laurel Library at 991-1660 or Champagne brunch and panel mtlaurel@shelbycounty-al.org sessions with various authors. for more information. l Body Quest with Alabama 4-H: The Albert L. Scott Library in Alabaster will hold Body Quest with Alabama 4-H at 10:30 a.m. for kids in third-fifth grades.

YA Culinary Quest

Self Defense Class

Cookies and Cream Social June 2017 | 79

WHY I LOVE SHELBY COUNTY

Dawn Howard

“I love my school and my county system”

Photograph CONTRIBUTED

B

eing named the Vincent High School Teacher of the Year for 2016-2017 brought things full-circle for Dawn Andrews Howard.

Howard, 41, lives in Sterrett with her husband, Danny, and their two sons, Wes and Cam. She grew up in Vandiver and attended Vincent Schools, graduating valedictorian in 1994. Her husband is also an alumnus, class of 1993. Her father is an alumnus, class of 1971.

“I have many other family members that have attended Vincent as well,” Dawn said.

“My children attend school here. Wes is ending his junior year, and Cam is ending his freshman year. We are a Jacket Family!”

Dawn attended the University of Montevallo, graduating in 1998 with a Bachelor of Science in social sciences and secondary education.

She earned her Master of Education from the University of North Texas in 2004. She is certified to teach anything in the Social Science fields, as well as gifted education.

She also just earned her PRAXIS certification in Family and Consumer Sciences in March 2017. She teaches Advanced Placement United States History in grades 10 and 11, Advanced Placement Psychology, Advanced Placement Government/Honors Economics and Teacher Education and Training at Vincent. Dawn and her family attend church at Sterrett Church of God, where she serves as Worship Leader/Music Minister and interim Youth Pastor.

What do you love about Shelby County?

I love the small town feel of Shelby County. I love knowing my neighbors and the pride and camaraderie I share with them. I love living in the country and that sense of a farming community where just about everyone has a garden or raises livestock and/or poultry. I 80 | ShelbyLiving.com

love our school system and athletic/ extracurricular programs. I love churches on every corner, and I love being a part of something great.

What does it mean to you to be named an overall Shelby County Schools Teacher of the Year winner for 2016?

I am truly honored and humbled by this prestigious award. I was so honored to be selected as Vincent High School Teacher of the Year for 2016-2017. It is an awesome feeling to know that my peers recognize my love for teaching and nominated me for this award. Then to go on to the county level and be recognized as Shelby County Teacher of the Year was immensely gratifying, especially knowing that there are so many wonderful teachers with whom I competed. I love my school and my county system, and to be able to represent them is a remarkable feeling.

I have also been nominated as a state finalist for the Alabama Teacher Hall of Fame.

How long have you been a teacher?

What positions have you held, and where?

I have been teaching for 19 years. I began my career at Victory Christian School in 1998. I taught high school history and introductory Spanish and served as acting counselor, prom sponsor and cheerleading sponsor.

I joined the Vincent High School staff in 2002 and have taught gifted education in grades 6, 7 and 8, Career Choices, Advanced Placement United States history in grade 10 and 11, AP Psychology, AP Government/Honors Economics and Teacher Education and Training. In the past, I have served as sponsor for: Yearbook, Beta Club and Senior Class. I currently serve as Student Government Association and First Priority sponsor. I serve on the Continuous School Improvement Leadership Team, mentor teacher and on various academic and extracurricular committees.

Who, or what, inspired you to become a teacher?

I have always wanted to be a teacher.

Teaching is such a noble profession. I love when people ask me what I do. I get to say that I teach and that I change lives.

I love helping people and I love history and the social sciences, so being able to share that passion and knowledge with students is quite rewarding. One of the biggest reasons I teach is because I want to truly make a difference.

What is something interesting people might not know about you?

Many people may not know that I love to watch movies, especially Westerns.

I grew up watching Westerns with my dad, and the west is one of my favorite time periods. I love John Wayne, and I love to watch westerns every chance I get. l

2016

June 2017 | 81

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