Shelby Living March 2017

Dedication to dance

SPHS grad becomes UAB Golden Girls dance team coach

Minding their manor

Family shares story behind Douglas Manor venue

‘Amazed and humbled’

Get to know 2017 Distinguished Young Woman of Alabama Claire Kendrick

Changing lives

Brian Copes nominated for LifeChanger of the Year award

New leadership Meet St. Catherine’s Episcopal Church’s new rector

March 2017 shelbyliving.com

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March 2017 | 1

FROM THE EDITOR

D

id you know a Shelby County teacher is in the running for the 2016-2017 LifeChanger of the Year award?

Thompson High School engineering academy teacher Brian Copes recently was nominated for the national award, which is sponsored by the National Life Group Foundation and recognizes K-12 public and private school educators and employees in the United States for their leadership and positive impact on their students.

According to its website, LifeChanger of the Year is an annual program funded and run by National Life Group and the National Life Group Foundation.

Emily Reed talked to Copes about his nomination and the events in his life leading up to it.

Being a LifeChanger of the Year nominee is one of many accolades Copes has accrued during his 21-year teaching career.

He has visited six continents, led four teams of students and teachers to Honduras to deliver utility vehicles and fit 20 amputees with student-created

prosthetic legs, overseen his students’ construction of a hydroelectric power plant to generate electricity for a rural medical clinic and led a group of educators to Honduras to establish a sister school partnership in Jutiapa.

On top of these and his countless other accomplishments, Copes was named among the top 50 Teachers in the World by the Varkley Foundation’s Global Teacher Award.

Another, unofficial life-changer featured in this edition is Nicholas Long, 21, who donated one of his kidneys to his mother, Akilah Long, in January.

Nicholas didn’t hesitate to volunteer himself when it became evident his mother needed a kidney transplant. His selflessness has paved the way for his mother to have a better quality of life.

Don’t forget to take a look at the other features this month, including the Rev. Eric Mancil, the new rector at St. Catherine’s Episcopal Church in Chelsea, and Abby Southerland, a Spain Park High School graduate who is serving as the UAB dance team coach.

Thank you for reading! l

Emily Sparacino, Editor

Emily.Sparacino@shelbyliving.com ON THE COVER Following many years of dancing in middle school, high school and college, Spain Park High School graduate Abby Southerland now serves as the coach of the UAB Golden Girls dance team.

Cover design: Connor Bucy Photography: Dawn Harrison

SHELBY Living EDITORIAL Graham Brooks Steven Calhoun Stephen Dawkins Baker Ellis Alec Etheredge Briana Harris Amalia Kortright Keith McCoy Emily Sparacino Neal Wagner CONTRIBUTORS Laura Brookhart Lauren Dowdle Lindsay Dyess Lisa Phillips Laura Purvis PRODUCTION Connor Bucy Jamie Dawkins Clarke Stackhouse MARKETING Meagan Barton Kristy Brown Ashley Duckett Ellie Frederick Kari George Daniel Holmes Rhett McCreight Kim McCulla April Spivey Jessica Spradlin Kerrie Thompson ADMINISTRATION Tim Prince Katie McDowell Mary Jo Eskridge Hailey Dolbare Stacey Meadows Shelby Living is published monthly by Shelby County Newspapers Inc., P.O. Box 947, Columbiana, AL 35051.

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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.

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features 12

THAT’S THE SPIRIT UAB dance team coach’s passion for teaching dance is contagious

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WARM WELCOME Mancil named rector at St. Catherine’s in Chelsea

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THEIR VENUE, THEIR VISION Family opens Douglas Manor to accommodate special events

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FOCUSING ON OTHERS Teacher Brian Copes nominated as LifeChanger of the Year

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SELFLESS SACRIFICE 21-year-old son donates kidney to save his mom

March 2017 | 3

WHAT’S INSIDE

12

in every issue 5

THE SIMPLE LIFE

6

SHORT STORIES

51 WALL TO WALL 53

BUSINESS CONNECTIONS

61

SHELBY SPOTTED

75

MARKETPLACE

78

OUT AND ABOUT

33

arts & culture 9

10

features

POSITIVE ENERGY The Springs country rock duo spreads happiness

12 THAT’S THE SPIRIT UAB dance team coach’s passion for teaching dance is contagious

UNLEASHED IN 2017 Show features sounds of Sidewalk Prophets, Jimi Hendrix

26 WARM WELCOME Mancil named rector at St. Catherine’s in Chelsea

20 HOPE IN MUSIC Maestro’s impact as music teacher reaches Shelby County

33 THEIR VENUE, THEIR VISION Family opens Douglas Manor to accommodate special events

health & fitness

40 FOCUSING ON OTHERS Teacher Brian Copes nominated as LifeChanger of the Year

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40

MARCH HEALTH TIPS Restoring the spring in your step.

48 SELFLESS SACRIFICE 21-year-old son donates kidney to save his mom

THE SIMPLE LIFE

Start downsizing

I

sn’t it funny how some words can mean different things to different people? Recently, a message appeared, “If you don’t like the application, change the definition.”

While some people resist the word “declutter,” let’s substitute the word “downsize.” Basically, with Lisa Phillips, owner of SimpleWorks, the help of a little stretch of the Simpleworks.guru imagination, when you remove stuff lisa@simpleworks.guru that’s no longer needed, you’re in a 205.981.7733 sense “downsizing” a space.

So, for those that want to “declutter” and just quite haven’t started yet, and now spring cleaning is needed, change your thought process to “downsizing your space” and let’s see if that helps build excitement and action. House. Let’s start here. If the house is too big to take care of, either because the kids have moved out or it’s just too big to handle by yourself, your first call might need to be to a realtor. Clothes. Consider keeping a variety of solid color pants and shirts that can be worn together to create a colorful wardrobe. There’s nothing wrong with having the go-to outfit of a white shirt with black pants. Rethink the paisley skirt that only has one blouse that matches it. Offsite storage. No surprise that this industry is growing rapidly. Ask yourself why you’re paying to store things you aren’t currently using? While most people have good reasons to rent a storage space, there may be others who rent them as a delay tactic. Exercise equipment. The joke is treadmills make great clothes hangers. Think of the space unused exercise equipment may be taking up. Since there are now fitness centers on every corner, could a gym membership free up some space in your home? Kitchen appliances and gadgets. Consider only keeping (or buying) things that have multiple uses. Avocado peeler or a sharp knife? YoNana or a blender? Paper. This includes magazines, files and books. Kindles can replace the physical book; magazines can be viewed online; and file folders can be replaced with files on the computer or in the Cloud.

Surround yourself with things that make you happy and give you space to breath. It’s that simple. l

Surround yourself with things that make you happy and give you space to breathe.

March 2017 | 5

SHORT STORIES

HIS collects $1,000 for new HPD K9 Helena Intermediate School administrators, teachers, students and parents decided to put their heads together, so to speak, to help out the Helena Police Department in finding a new K9 companion by holding a hat day fundraiser that resulted in nearly $1,000 raised for HPD. The department’s 10-year-old K9 Bak passed away from cancer suddenly near the end of November 2016, and while he certainly will not be forgotten for all his hard work, the department still needs to find a replacement K9 for the future.

Unfortunately, there is a hefty price to pay when searching for a welltrained police K9, and because of this, Helena resident Chris Williamson decided to step up and help the department in the form of a GoFundMe fundraiser, at the beginning of January.

After hearing word of the fundraiser, Helena Intermediate School decided to help out with the cause Jan. 9 by acting on the school motto “Be the Difference.”

Students were allowed to wear hats to school by each paying $1, and teachers were also allowed to wear jeans to school in exchange for a $1 donation.

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River park work underway The Cahaba River is among the most scenic and biologically diverse waterways in the United States, and the public will soon have more access to a portion of the river in Shelby County.

Work is under way on the planned Cahaba River Park, a 1,500-acre site with recreational trails and canoe launch sites near the Bibb County line in western Shelby County.

The river will split the park into two sites with different amenities.

The north side, which is being called the Helena/Hoover Sector, includes most of the park’s acreage. The sector comprises 1,212 acres of Forever Wild property and 127 acres of county property.

Cahaba River Park is a Shelby County venture that is being developed in conjunction with Forever Wild Land Trust, an initiative of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

Access to the Helena/Hoover Sector will be from Shelby County 13 to Shelby County 251. Shelby County 13 runs through Helena.

Improvements to Shelby County 251, or River Road on the north side of the

Cahaba River, are about 75 percent complete.

Other planned work includes trails for mountain biking, hiking and trail running; multiple parking locations at trailheads; canoe launch sites; a pavilion and restroom facility; and a caretaker’s house for a law enforcement officer.

The Helena/Hoover Sector will feature about 15 miles of professionally designed trails and multiple canoe launch sites that will allow for short trips or runs as long as 7 miles.

Cahaba lilies, a flower that can be found in the river and only a few other places in the Southeast, are present in parts of the park.

Part or all of the Helena/Hoover Sector could be opened to the public in the fall, even if work remains.

The south side of the river, which is being called the Boothton/Montevallo Sector, comprises 188 acres of Shelby County property.

Access to this sector will be from Shelby County 10 to the south side of Shelby County 251.

Shelby County 10 runs southeast to Montevallo.

SHORT STORIES

TMS students bring back world history

Chelsea Coffee House moves Chelsea Coffee House opened its doors at a new location off U.S. Route 280 on Jan. 2.

Owner Jeff Gross said he had been planning the move for several years, and began the moving process in early November. They closed their location on Foothills Parkway on Friday, Dec. 23, 2016.

Gross said Chelsea Coffee House only served drinks on the first day, and began serving the full menu Jan. 3.

Employees have begun training on how to use their new espresso machine.

At the new location, Chelsea Coffee House boasts a full kitchen, which will

allow them to expand their menu and produce higher quality food.

Gross said no new items have been added to the menu yet, but they will be introduced shortly.

According to Gross, the increase in space and new outdoor seating options are also big upgrades from their last location.

The new location is also adjacent to Chelsea Apothecary. The two businesses share a foyer area and are separated by a wall with glass panels. So far, relations have been friendly between Chelsea Coffee House and their neighbors.

Thompson Middle School eighth grade pre-AP World History students dressed in period costumes, created artifacts and prepared presentations for the second annual Night at the Museum on Jan. 5 at 6:30 p.m.

TMS Teacher Patricia Tauber said she was inspired to start the event after another middle school held a similar event. She said it was modeled after the movie “Night at the Museum.”

Tauber said Night at the Museum offered students an alternative way to learn about ancient world history.

According to Tauber, students were assigned the project in November, shortly before Thanksgiving. Tauber said the project was designed to make students think and stretch their creativity.

Tauber said 224 students presented at this year’s Night at the Museum.

During the following week, students presented their projects in their history classes for a grade. She and other TMS social studies teachers are proud of their students’ work.

Shelby Humane Society receives $60k grant The Shelby Humane Society received a $60,000 grant from PetSmart Charities in December 2016. The grant will subsidize spay and neuter surgeries for cats and dogs in Shelby County. The grant covers pets whose owners live in Westover, Saginaw, Vandiver and Maylene.

Funds from the grant will go into the Shelby Humane Society’s Quick Fix Program, which offers spay and neuter surgeries to residents at a low cost.

According to a press release from the Shelby Humane Society, the Quick Fix program has directly contributed to a

steady decrease in intake numbers since its beginning in 2008.

A portion of the grant will also be applied to supporting education and marketing through billboards, yard signs, local newspaper ads and presentations to community groups.

PetSmart Charities is the leading funder of animal support in North America. They work to prevent pet homelessness by promoting adoption and increasing efforts to spay and neuter pets. Since 2009, PetSmart Charities has funded over 1.4 million spay and neuter procedures in the United States.

March 2017 | 7

SHORT STORIES

Montevallo celebrates bicentennial The city of Montevallo held a celebration Jan. 3 to kick off its streetscape project.

Citizens and business owners stopped by to snack on refreshments and talk to city officials and organizers of the streetscape project, which will take an estimated 200 days to complete and falls in the city’s 200th year.

At the kickoff celebration, children stood in line to get their picture on construction equipment and with the project’s mascot – a man made of traffic drums that has yet to be named.

City officials were taking votes for names of the mascot, which will be placed at different locations for the duration of the construction project as a fun reminder of the city’s positive outlook.

The renovation project has been in the planning phases during the administrations of the last three mayors of Montevallo.

Multiple groups support the new development, including the Montevallo Chamber of Commerce and Main Street Montevallo. The Montevallo Development Cooperative District has been an indispensable part of the project, according to former mayor Ben McCrory.

Sarah Hogan of the Montevallo Main Street program said her program is very supportive of the streetscape project.

Businesses will be open during the construction.

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Program facilitates training Shelby County students with disabilities have the opportunity to receive career training. According to Project SEARCH teacher Blake Huynh, this is a collaborative effort between Project SEARCH, the Arc of Shelby County, Shelby County Schools, Alabaster City Schools and Pelham City Schools.

“Our kids with disabilities get to intern. It’s kind of like a job college,” Huynh said. “We can help students develop life skills, job skills and social skills.”

Huynh said the program is for high school seniors with disabilities who have all the necessary class credits and haven’t yet graduated.

At the Shelby Baptist Medical Center, internships are given based on a student’s interest in certain areas of work.

Huynh said several interns are learning about hospital management.

Others are helping to prepare and serve food in the hospital’s cafeteria.

Interns are also learning about housekeeping, transporting patients and patient care.

According to Huynh, the Arc of Shelby County has provided a full-time job coach and a part-time job coach.

Huynh said students begin searching for jobs in March, and have the option to graduate early once they have a job lined up.

ARTS COUNCIL CORNER

Positive energy The Springs country rock duo spreads happiness Story by LINDSAY DYESS Photograph CONTRIBUTED The South has proved to have an endless wealth of talented musicians.

The Shelby County Arts Council has had the privilege to host many of these upand-coming musicians over the years.

This month, we welcome Alabama natives The Springs to the Black Box Theater.

Comprised of Holly Helms and Stewart Halcomb, The Springs are an energetic country rock duo who describe their music as “a mix between Lady Antebellum and Little Big Town.”

Both Helms and Halcomb have been involved in music since a young age.

Originally from Enterprise, Helms started singing at talent shows and joined her first band when she was only 14. Halcomb, from New Market, found his love of music when he began singing with the string band when he was in high school.

The couple met each other when they both moved to Nashville, and since then, they have been an unstoppable force of songwriting skills and creative energy.

Little did they know that their early musical beginnings would have such a tremendous effect on their futures. Over the years they have opened for many top recording artists such as Toby Keith, Florida Georgia Line and Hunter Hayes, and in 2016, their EP “Dance with Me” charted No. 42 on the Country Billboard Charts.

It is no wonder that they have been such a successful team. Their positive outlook and energy radiates in their music.

“We always have the goal in mind of keeping our music positive for our fans and allowing country music listeners

Holly Helms and Stewart Halcomb are The Springs, an energetic country rock duo that will perform at the Shelby County Arts Council’s Black Box Theater this month.

to have something a little different than they’ve heard before,” says Helms.

Listening to tracks such as “Just Might” and “Dance with Me” bring back feelings of young love and make you want to take a spin on the dance floor.

Their captivating vocals blend perfectly with their country sound and make you want to sway. The Springs gather inspiration for their music from everything.

“Whether it’s something we see, a movie we watch or just a conversation we have with someone, that can lead to the inspiration of a song,” says Helms.

“Things that make us feel good is what we enjoy the most.”

“We are optimistic people and we love listening and writing happy music,” adds Halcomb.

Not only are The Springs dedicated to their music, but also their fans who they

affectionately call “frans.”

Not only do they want to share their musical journey with people but get to know them on a personal level as well.

“We hope our fans realize love is real and that we have found it,” says Halcomb.

“We want them to walk away from a show happy and forget about the tough things they might be going through.”

Join us at the Shelby County Arts Council on Saturday, March 11 at 7:30 p.m. to get to know The Springs.

Tickets are $20 and include a pre-show beverage reception. Doors open at 7 p.m., and the show starts at 7:30 p.m.

To purchase tickets for this show and to check out upcoming Black Box Theater events, visit Shelbycountyartscouncil. com or call 669-0044. If you would like to know more about The Springs visit Thespringsband.com or follow them on social media. l March 2017 | 9

Unleashed in 2017

Show features sounds of Sidewalk Prophets, Jimi Hendrix Story by LAURA BROOKHART Photographs by LUKE CULVER and JENNIFER CULVER Talent flowed freely about the stage for 2017 Unleashed at Helena High School. The show production is fit within one whirlwind week.

“We go home, think about what we want to do and come back for auditions on Friday,” explained Devin Creel. “Monday, we learn who has been selected; Tuesday and Wednesday are rehearsals; then we open on Thursday.”

“The reason I chose to sing ‘You Love Me Anyway’ by the Sidewalk Prophets,” senior Jake Hall explained, “Is because it shows how much my faith is important to my life and how God has truly impacted me. Once I am on stage in front of the mic, the nerves all go away for me.

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“I want to give a shout-out to Justin Ritondo who did a great job with his passionate guitar solo opening the second act.”

Ritondo cranked up the volume with Jimi Hendrix’s “Voodoo Child.”

“If you are really passionate about what you are singing or playing, you get lost in it,” added Ritondo. “I’m going to give my best, show the audience what I’ve got, but ultimately their opinion is not what I’m after.”

Ritondo, who is mainly self-taught, has been playing guitar since sixth grade.

“I was on a family trip and I heard ‘Welcome To the Jungle’ by Guns & Roses. From there, Slash became my inspiration to play more,” he said.

After Ritondo saw Slash live in concert, he

continued teaching himself via Youtube videos.

“Then I discovered Jimi Hendrix and listened to his live albums to add more to my repertoire,” he said. “I took Hendrix’s basic structure of ‘Voodoo Child,’ but when it came to the break, I went improv. Once you get into the music, you are carried to a different place.”

And that is a place of confidence, agree these students.

“You put on your confidence and don’t make the audience nervous for you by fidgeting or showing your nerves. You make yourself happy and your audience is going to be happy along with you,” Ritondo observed.

The most important thing, they all agree, is how one feels about his or her performance.

“Others will have their opinions, but we have chosen thoughtfully to be ourselves.”

“I chose to sing ‘Lost Boy,’” said Devin Creel, “Partly because it is my mom’s favorite song and also because there have been times when I have felt alone and like a lost boy myself. When I was younger, I used to talk to the moon. I would be upset about bullying at school, and I would just talk about it to the moon, because the moon is always there.”

Creel had considered accompanying herself on piano, but didn’t feel she had the luxury of time to practice.

Ritondo said that his father applauded Creel’s performance and suggested the two consider getting together to play and sing.

Unleashed was hosted by Drake Bessant

and Cana Brown, who sat down together and planned jokes and plays on words around each performance title.

Bessant himself read an original poem called “Five Year Olds Have Problems, Too.” Bessant said he enjoyed the earthy rendition and interpretation of “What Is Love” performed

by Bethany Leader and Bailey Breland.

The final performance was Savannah Key dancing to “The Beautiful People.”

Key has danced primarily at Dance Etc. and was also on the HHS Dance Team for two years.

“I put this dance together last minute,” she says, “And I wanted a fun and sassy dance that worked with the red fringed costume from my senior show solo. Dance has always been such a big part of my life; the activities I chose like cheerleading, ice-skating, softball—fell by the wayside, and now it’s been six years and I’m still loving it.”

What may the future hold for these talented teens?

Senior Drake Bessant plans to apply at the University of Montevallo, and Jake Hall will attend Mississippi College.

“I will continue to dance for fun,” Key said, “And plan to pursue college studies in marketing and interior design.”

Sophomore Justin Ritondo is considering applying to the Alabama School of Fine Arts.

Devin Creel would love to be an animator at Pixar or Cartoon Network, perform in the theater, and perhaps—someday—on Broadway. l

FROM LEFT: Bethany Leader performs “What Is Love” with Bailey Breland (not pictured). Devin Creel sings “Lost Boy” during Unleashed at Helena High School. Drake Bessant and Cana Brown host the 2017 Unleashed.

March 2017 | 11

Abby Southerland’s extensive dance background has led her to her current position as the coach of the UAB Golden Girls dance team.

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spirit That’s the

UAB dance team coach’s passion for teaching dance is contagious Story by GRACE THORNTON Photographs by DAWN HARRISON

A

bby Southerland’s mom didn’t know a lot about dance when she let her daughter try it out as a 3-year-old — but she could certainly tell you a lot about it now, Southerland said.

Because once Southerland started dancing, she never stopped. Her life has circled around dance ever since.

“I was always a different person when I was on stage in front of an audience, and my mom could see that. She just encouraged me to keep going,” she said.

“It was kind of my go-to and it just grew from there. I didn’t do sports — I just stuck with dance.”

These days, Southerland is the coach

of the UAB Golden Girls dance team — the perfect place for her passion for dance to get passed on, she said. “I’m getting to teach what I love to do to other people.”

She loves all dancing, but dance teams have had a special place in her heart since she joined the team in middle school, Southerland’s mom said. She kept on through her years at Spain Park High School, then went on to be captain of the University of Alabama’s dance team, the Crimson Cabaret.

“It was awesome,” she said of her years at UA, during which time she got to perform at Madison Square Garden and appear twice on ESPN College GameDay. “Alabama (football) won two national championships while I was March 2017 | 13

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: Southerland, right, watches her Golden Girls rehearse a routine. Southerland says coaching the UAB dance team allows her to teach other people what she loves to do. The Golden Girls form a line during rehearsals.

Southerland leads her dancers during a routine.

Southerland looks on as the team rehearses.

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there, and getting to be around that was amazing.

It was like a dream come true getting to dance there. I loved every minute of it.”

Southerland said she’s a huge sports fan and has been an Alabama fan “since I was born,” so getting to be around athletics is one of her favorite parts of team dancing.

“It also teaches you about how to work within a group of people, and that’s a lesson that spills over into other areas of your life as well,” she said, noting that it’s helped her in everything from dance team competitions to her work at Dominick Feld Hyde, P.C. law firm.

After her time at UA, Southerland served as dance team coach for Spain Park High School for three years, then moved to UAB in 2016.

“Abby has been a wonderful addition to the UAB Spirit Program this year,” said Ryan Martin, UAB Spirit Coordinator and a cheer colleague of Southerland’s from UA. “I hired her because she truly has a passion for teaching others and for dance.”

The job, she said, takes a lot of time and energy, and if it’s not something you love, it will

“Abby has been a wonderful addition to the UAB Spirit Program this year.”

— Ryan Martin be hard to stay motivated.

“Abby is always coming to me with new ideas and ways to improve our presence at games and competitions, as well as improving the lives of our student athletes,” Martin said. “We are very lucky to have her here at UAB.” Martin and Southerland are now working together to bring the “big school mentality” they had at UA to the dance team at UAB, Southerland said.

“We hope it will make our program grow and become a competitive team,” she said. “That’s our goal — to make it an ideal program that people want to come be a part of, to give it a competitive edge. We are excited about it, and we are super excited about football coming back

March 2017 | 15

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: Dancers show attitude as they perform a routine. A dancer gets vertical with a move at practice. Southerland and her team pause for a photo at practice. Southerland gives the team instructions. The team runs through a routine. Dancers stay in sync with each other during a routine.

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next year.”

Southerland has been building programs wherever she’s gone, like at Jackie O’Neal School of Dance in Vestavia, where she’s built two hiphop companies from the ground up.

“We have 50-plus kids in that program now,” she said.

Tammy Towns, owner of that dance school, said Southerland has practically grown up at the studio and that her impact on students today is something powerful.

“It’s been awesome for the studio having her back to teach and work with the hip hop companies,” Towns said. “She’s got so much charisma. She’s a unique individual, very creative, and she’s a strong role model for the younger people.”

Coaching and teaching has a special place in Southerland’s heart, and though she loves jazz and pom, hip-hop has always been her favorite, she said. “The energy and fun of it has always been my go-to.” l

March 2017 | 17

Hope in music Maestro’s impact as music teacher reaches Shelby County ABOVE: Maestro Carlos Izcaray, the master conductor for the Alabama Symphony Orchestra, is a passionate advocate for the development of youth orchestras around the world.

He recently held a lecture for parents, educators and the general public on the importance of music among young people. RIGHT: Indian Springs student Haeun Kim began her adventure into music at 4 years old. She started on the piano and began playing the violin six months later. Kim gave her first Carnegie Hall performance at 11 years old.

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Story by ELIZABETH FRANKLIN-BALCH Photographs by THEFRENCHGUY PHOTOGRAPHY

Y

oung musicians in Shelby County and around the world are finding hope in music. These efforts have been supported by those including Alabama’s Maestro Carlos Izcaray, director of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra (ASO).

Izcaray’s hope for the world through music begins with the very smallest and started many years ago.

Through organizations and efforts to teach music to the young, Izcaray is bringing hope through teaching music to young people, literally

around the world.

“To say I’m passionate about this is an understatement,” Izcaray said.

The Venezuelan-born music leader began playing in a youth orchestra at 3 years old.

Izcaray is also the current director of music for the American Youth Symphony, based out of Los Angeles.

Izcaray did a lecture workshop at the Alabama School of Fine Arts, which was held on the evening of Oct. 20, 2016, where the public gathered to learn about the influence of youth orchestras.

Two local music students performed for Izcaray, their families and others attending the lecture.

Violinist Haeun Kim from Indian Springs School performed a complicated solo piece for the audience.

The ISS sophomore began playing music as a toddler, starting out on the piano. Kim went with her mother, HyeSook Jung, to rehearsals and became inspired to make music.

Jung is the director of instrumental music at ISS. “She started playing the piano when she was 4 years old,” Jung said of her daughter.

Jung, who was born in South Korea, has a Doctor of Philosophy and has worked tirelessly to support her daughter’s programs for musical development.

“My role models are my parents,” Kim said. Although the young musician said she was first inspired to play the cello, her fondness for the violin developed after her mother started her on the smaller stringed instrument.

Kim began playing the violin at age 4 – four months after her mother started taking Kim to her rehearsals – and went on to give her first Carnegie Hall performance at 11 years old.

“The violin is my voice,” Kim said.

In addition to a number of other exceptional performances March 2017 | 21

ABOVE: Trumpet player Caleb Walker from Oak Mountain High School greets the crowd before his performance at Alabama School of Fine Arts.

Walker was one of two youth musicians chosen to perform for ASO Master Conductor Carlos Izcaray in October.

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and music awards, Kim won the violin award for the Second Leopold Auer International Violin Competition, which was held in Russia.

“Through the music, the audience and I become one,” Kim said. “What I feel afterward are the most unexplainable, happiest feelings ever.”

Kim is also the 2016 Alabama Youth Orchestra Concerto Competition winner.

“The case of Haeun Kim, whose mother exposed early to music, and has since helped her by getting her the best possible teachers and opportunities, is a notable example of love and team perseverance,” Izcaray said. “Applause goes to both Haeun and her encouraging mother.”

Kim’s next public performance was the second week of January at the University of South Carolina, where she was the only one to represent the state of Alabama as a Music Teachers National Association competitor. She faced nine other musicians from the South.

Only one winner will proceed to the national competition from there.

Trumpet player Caleb Walker from Oak Mountain High School also gave a solo performance for the crowd at the lecture workshop.

Walker was selected for the state’s elite youth orchestra program.

“I thoroughly enjoy being a part of the Alabama Symphony Youth Orchestra,” Walker said. “Music to me is the greatest way to express myself. Music is taking emotion and putting it into sound.”

Among Walker’s other musical achievements include being selected for the Oak Mountain High School Wind Ensemble, Oak Mountain Spirit of Cahaba and the Oak Mountain High School Jazz Band.

“It is an incredible experience to work alongside fellow musicians who share my same passion,” Walker said. “I love to hear the music come together and see how everyone puts in their piece to make every performance one of a kind.”

His music career began when he was in the sixth grade. Walker’s mother, Michelle Nault, has nourished his talent and interest in music and has also found his passion inspiring.

“He continues to amaze and inspire me with his deep love of music,” Nault said. “His dedication to trying to be the best he can be and the hours of practice he puts into playing the trumpet are impressive.”

Walker is a sophomore at OMHS, and his mother has noticed the effort of the educational system that has contributed.

“We are so fortunate to have such a wonderful community of music educators in our public school systems here that teach, encourage and support students like Caleb,” Nault said. “Through their exemplary dedication and many hours of instruction and guidance, Caleb has been able to have people that believe in his ability and push him along the path to continue doing what he loves.”

Walker participated in the All-State Orchestra. Among his upcoming performances and competitions include the OMHS Wind Ensemble event for the Alabama Music Educators Association in Montgomery. He will soon march with the Spirit of Cahaba at Disney World.

“Musical talent is like a seed that can only flourish with great care and nourishment,” Izcaray said. “Therefore parents and guardians are an essential part of the equation for young artists to realize their true artistic potential.”

Reaching the youth of the world through music, and youth orchestras in particular, is Izcaray’s passion in life.

Izcaray knows how much the ministry of youth

music education has shaped and influenced the world, and spoke of how in Caracas, Venezuela – considered the most dangerous city in the world – has re-directed the lives of some of children by the utilization of the local youth orchestras there.

“This gets them off the streets and into a more productive activity,” Izcaray said. “You go to orchestra every day Monday through Friday after school.”

Izcaray knows from his own experience how much of an influence being in a youth orchestra can have on a young person.

Izcaray’s father was in one of the first music schools that was started in Venezuela and was the founder of one of the first choruses in Venezuela.

His father is also a prominent Venezuelan conductor. Izcaray began

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CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: Walker was chosen for the Alabama Symphony Youth Orchestra for his work on the trumpet. Kim explains the piece she will perform to the crowd gathered for ASO Maestro Carlos Izcaray’s workshop held at Alabama School of Fine Arts. The recent star of the show for the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra was Kim, the daughter of pianist Hye-Sook, who began taking her daughter to her own rehearsals when she was 2 years old.

24 | ShelbyLiving.com

conducting under the direction of his father when he was just a teenager.

Kimberly Strickland is the parent of a young boy and attended the lecture.

“I was very curious about how the orchestra programs in Latin America were structured and wanted to know the history behind the successes,” said Strickland, who is the chair of the music department at the Alabama School of Fine Arts and conductor of the ASFA Orchestra. “This lecture allowed me to have post conversations with my son about music and Latin culture.”

The title of his presentation, “Youth Orchestras in Latin America and their Worldwide Impact,” highlighted some history of youth orchestras, but also their far-reaching influence.

Izcaray’s family moved to the United States when Izcaray was a teenager.

“I made a decision to be a musician while I was here,” Izcaray said.

He became a cellist and continued his passion and work for conducting.

The Izcaray family moved to Wisconsin. His

mother is also involved in the music world as an arts administrator and amateur singer.

Though he plays, he feels instructing and learning himself through playing in his own discipline go hand in hand.

“I cannot teach without playing, and I cannot play without teaching,” Izcaray said during his presentation.

Izcaray said years ago when foreign businesses bought into the Venezuelan economic infrastructure, orchestras began to flourish, calling the movement of conglomerate orchestras “a musical soup.”

There were many benefits of the youth orchestras, which have now become some of the best youth orchestras in the world. The Venezuelan government officials within the Minister of Culture’s office in 1989 also worked in particular with the foreign economic developers to increase the presence of musical performing arts.

Izcaray, who is also a composer, has led prestigious orchestras and symphonic organizations throughout the world, including

the St. Louis Symphony, the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphonies, the Chamber Orchestra of San Antonio and the Venezuela Symphony Orchestra, among a multitude of others.

During his lecture, he also outlined the two different types of youth orchestras, and their sphere of influence. The first type of orchestra he discussed was the “artistic elite” youth orchestras of the world, which for the most part were established by the wealthier communities and their supporting organizations to bolster cultural development and musical preservation. These organizations feed into the older youth symphonies and can also open doors to the more prestigious symphonies.

“It’s about the elite orchestral all-star teams, mainly focused on the musical-development angle,” Izcaray said.

This top-notch orchestra is the American Youth Symphony.

“This is an elite training orchestra,” Izcaray said.

His term as director of the prestigious youth organization began this year and will extend through 2019.

The second type of youth orchestra he discussed is the “subsidized social orchestral program,” the far-reaching entity that includes programs from disadvantaged sectors and can act as a tool for social development.

When fostered, it functions “as a means for social progress.” In these youth orchestras, music is facilitated as a tool to improve other facets of their lives.

Youth orchestras have begun having global influence, Izcaray explained. In Paraguay, The Recycled Orchestra Landfill Harmonic actually created stringed instruments out of the garbage from the landfill, which led to inspiring sound.

“They play Beethoven with these instruments,” Izcaray said. “These (orchestras) have made so much noise worldwide.

“If you have the will, you’ll get it done,” he added.

Strickland also spoke about how learning about the organization had an influence.

“My son was intrigued by seeing pictures of young orchestras in Latin America and was extremely impressed as he learned about ‘The Orchestra of Recycled Instruments’ that Maestro mentioned to us,” Strickland said.

Izcaray outlined the value of music education and the impact it has on cognition and thought development in the brain of a child. He sourced BRAMS, the International Laboratory for Brain, Music and Sound Research, and its subsequent findings.

More information on youth orchestras in the greater Birmingham area can be obtained through the Metropolitan Youth Orchestras of Central Alabama (MYOCA) at Myorch.org, and the Alabama Symphony Youth Orchestra at Alabamasymphony.org/asyo.ht. l

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March 2017 | 25

Warm welcome Mancil named rector at St. Catherine’s in Chelsea ABOVE: The Rev. Eric Mancil started his work as the new rector at St. Catherine’s Episcopal Church in Chelsea in January. RIGHT: St. Catherine’s was founded in 2007 as part of the Episcopal Diocese of Alabama.

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Story by EMILY SPARACINO Photographs by DAWN HARRISON

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he Rev. Eric Mancil arrived at St. Catherine’s Episcopal Church in Chelsea nearly two months ago with a clear vision of what he would like to see happen at the church under his leadership.

“Our hope is that we continue to grow into who we feel God is calling us to be as a congregation,” said Mancil, 33, who was called in November to be St. Catherine’s new rector, the head priest of the church. “We hope people know we’re here, and they’re welcome here.”

The church’s call to Mancil came after a nearly 15-month process, during which a rector search committee formed by the Vestry – the governing board of St. Catherine’s – tried to discern who would be a good fit for the position following the Rev. John Mark Ford’s departure in August 2015.

“It can take a while. It’s a long process of discernment the community goes through,” Mancil said.

Prior to arriving at St. Catherine’s on Jan. 2, Mancil and his family lived about 900 miles away in Abilene, Texas, where he served as curate at the Episcopal Church of the Heavenly Rest, focusing

“We’re hoping to grow, but for us, we also want to continue growing into who God has called us to be as followers of Jesus.”

— Eric Mancil on ministry to young adults and college students, liturgical arts and worship and pastoral care.

On an average Sunday, his Texas congregation consisted of about 300 people. At St. Catherine’s, about 50 people attend Sunday worship, Mancil said.

Growth in numbers is a positive thing, he said, but spiritual growth for individuals coming to St. Catherine’s is his ultimate goal.

“We’re hoping to grow, but for us, we also want to continue growing into who God has called us to be as followers of Jesus,” Mancil said. “We welcome all people.”

Mancil grew up in Enterprise and earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music education from Auburn University.

After graduation, he worked as a middle and high school choral music director for several years and got involved at a

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March 2017 | 27

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: Prior to St. Catherine’s being planted in Chelsea in 2007, the city did not have an Episcopal church, Mancil said.

Children’s artwork hangs in a hallway at the church. A framed sign in the church reads, “Whoever you are and wherever you find yourself on the journey of faith you are welcome here as you are.”

28 | ShelbyLiving.com

local church.

As much as he enjoyed teaching music, Mancil started to feel God might be calling him to utilize his talents as a priest.

“For me, it was kind of a gradual thing,” he said. “It’s something that we’re encouraged to take our time with and pray.”

His formal discernment process regarding ordained ministry began in spring 2007, and five years later, he was sent to Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria, Virginia, by the Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast.

In May 2015, Mancil graduated with a Master’s of Divinity and became a curate at his former church in Abilene.

As rector at St. Catherine’s, Mancil is the only full-time priest. Two retired priests, the Rev. Frank Young and the Rev. Maggie Taylor, serve as priest associate and priest affiliate, respectively.

Founded in 2007, St. Catherine’s is part of the Episcopal Diocese of Alabama, which is based in Birmingham.

St. Catherine’s was among four churches planted in a 10-year span, Mancil said. At the time, Chelsea was growing fast and was identified as a place that would benefit from an Episcopal church planted in the area.

Prior to 2007, the city did not have an Episcopal church. Mancil’s mission is to let people know about the church and to welcome newcomers of all ages, wherever they might be in their faith walks.

“The Episcopal church is very warm and inclusive,” Mancil said, adding it is “a place for all people.”

Regarding missions, St. Catherine’s is one of about 16 churches in the state that operates a beans and rice ministry. On the third Saturday of

March 2017 | 29

30 | ShelbyLiving.com

every month from 9-11 a.m., the church gives away grocery bags full of food to local families in need.

“We welcome donations throughout the month and for people to volunteer time,” Mancil said.

“Volunteers in community are welcome. Outreach is a very big part of our ministry here.”

Sunday activities at St. Catherine’s start with adult Sunday school at 9 a.m. The nursery also opens at 9 a.m. and remains open until after the worship service.

The only worship service is held at 10:30 a.m.

Mancil said the church might increase to two worship services someday.

Children’s chapel takes place during the worship service in another area of the church.

St. Catherine’s is starting an inquirers class at 9 a.m. for people who want to know more about the Episcopal church.

A coffee hour is held immediately after worship to give people an opportunity to socialize and get to know each other.

“Everyone is invited to stay for that,” Mancil said.

Mancil is married to Chelsea, a registered nurse at Children’s of Alabama.

They have two children, Sophie and Jude.

FROM LEFT: Mancil sits on the steps in front of St. Catherine’s, which is located at 4163 Shelby County 39 in Chelsea. This is the baptismal font at the entrance to the church. The font is where members celebrate baptisms, and it is placed near the entrance of the church so that every time people walk inside, they are reminded of the vows that they made in their baptisms.

Mancil said the move back to Alabama has been an exciting transition for his family.

“We’ve been out of Alabama for four years,” Mancil said. “Being in Chelsea really feels like coming home for us.”

St. Catherine’s Episcopal Church is located at 4163 Shelby County 39 in Chelsea. For more information, call (205) 618-8367 or visit Stcatherinesal.com. l

March 2017 | 31

HEALTH & FITNESS

March health tip: Restoring the spring in your step Story by DR. JOHN ROBERSON Photograph CONTRIBUTED

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or many of my patients, March represents a turning point. As the weather warms, some are eager to get back outdoors, to the golf course, hiking trails or track, but find foot pain a hindrance. Others long to put on flip-flops, but hesitate to bare their feet because of a deformity. They may need help to correct bunions, hammer toes or other painful problems.

Some of the patients I see this time of year have never had a foot problem before, but experience a fracture, sprain or strain on the tennis court or softball field.

Although many of those patients can be treated with nonsurgical methods, others will require a surgical solution. Some will decide to pursue surgery after putting it off for months or years. The following common questions from my patients – followed by my answers – might help area residents wondering whether they should talk to a podiatrist about surgical methods 32 | ShelbyLiving.com

to relieve foot pain: Which foot problems can be addressed through surgery?

Bunions are our most common podiatric surgery. However, we also surgically address hammer toes, plantar fasciitis and soft tissue masses. I also repair foot fractures and tendon injuries.

What’s involved in this type of surgery?

Podiatrists now perform each of those procedures on an outpatient basis.

The vast majority take under an hour to complete. Some are done within 15 minutes. We use IV sedation, not general anesthesia, so patients don’t remember anything, awaken quickly, and can return home promptly.

How long are patients off their feet?

Podiatric surgical techniques have progressed to the point where we can send patients home without crutches or casts.

Most will be in a weight-bearing boot for about six weeks. That allows them to make an easier transition to regular shoes and activities.

Where is this surgery performed?

Years ago, podiatric procedures – like all other surgeries – were performed in hospital settings. However, today’s advanced techniques allow us to work in outpatient centers. That helps us minimize infection risks and maximize patient convenience. The St. Vincent’s One Nineteen Outpatient Surgery Center is a new, state-of-the-art facility that not only provides everything I need to take care of my patients, but easy parking access for them and their families. And, easy access is a big deal when your feet hurt.

The public should know that the vast majority of podiatry patients don’t need surgery. We can even typically treat many foot injuries, including tendonitis, with more conservative methods, including shoe inserts or custom orthotics.

But some painful conditions are best treated through surgical methods. For those patients, March can be a great time to restore the spring in their step. l Dr. John Roberson is a podiatrist at St. Vincent’s One Nineteen.

Their venue, their vision

Family opens Douglas Manor to accommodate special events

Story by EMILY SPARACINO Photographs CONTRIBUTED

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racie Howard and her family have witnessed countless weddings over the last six years, but not just as guests. They have played integral parts behind the scenes of those weddings.

Howard, her mother and her two brothers own and operate Douglas Manor, a special event venue in Shelby County named in memory of Howard’s father, Doug Joseph, who died in 2004 following two heart

transplants.

The idea of opening an event venue on the family’s 32-acre spread of land off Shelby County 47 between Columbiana and Chelsea came to Howard and her mother, Kathy Joseph, after Howard’s brother Daniel Joseph and his wife, Ashton, got engaged.

“We had just purchased this land and building, and we had no idea what we were going to do with it,” Tracie said.

As Tracie and Kathy accompanied Daniel and Ashton on visits to potential wedding venues, they

ABOVE: Tracie Howard, seated far left, and her family are the hands and feet of Douglas Manor, a special event venue situated on 32 acres in south Shelby County.

March 2017 | 33

34 | ShelbyLiving.com

noticed some had strict event guidelines, including early end times and vendor restrictions.

They believed they could offer something better for people, starting with Daniel and Ashton.

In six months’ time, the family – which also includes Tracie’s husband, Ricky, and her other brother, Seth Joseph and his wife, Ashley – prepared the property and transformed the storage building to a 9,000-square-foot indoor event facility with a built-in bar, a stage, dressing rooms, restrooms and a kitchen.

“They got engaged in October, and we had their wedding the next April (at Douglas Manor),” Tracie

said of Daniel and Ashton.

During the first year Douglas Manor was open, the family built their house on the property.

In addition to the indoor facility, Douglas Manor features three outdoor ceremony sites, a lake and a pond.

The sites boast different elements that serve as focal points for outdoor weddings, including a rock arch at one site and a fireplace flanked by trellises at another site.

Since Douglas Manor is removed from the main highway, its outdoor venues offer couples a scenic, quiet setting for their wedding ceremonies and

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: A couple kisses during their wedding ceremony at Douglas Manor’s outdoor fireplace site. Guests watch a wedding ceremony from pews at the outdoor fireplace site. A couple embraces during their photo shoot at Douglas Manor.

A couple walks up the aisle during their outdoor wedding ceremony at Douglas Manor.

March 2017 | 35

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: Candles and uplighting set the mood at a reception inside Douglas Manor’s event building. A couple kisses during their reception.

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receptions.

Clients may decorate their chosen sites as little or as much as they want to at Douglas Manor. Tracie has a room full of decorations – candelabras, plant stands, vases and much more – that clients may use to enhance their events.

Tracie said she has seen a variety of wedding themes, from rustic to contemporary, and added, “Every bride has a different vision.”

A particularly special feature in the indoor facility is the bar. Its surface consists of wood from a pine tree that stood on Tracie’s family’s property in Chelsea before the tree was struck by lightning in 2005.

The tree was the site of Kathy and Doug’s first date, and would have held the state record for

largest tree if it hadn’t perished after the lightning strike 12 years ago.

No hourly limits are placed on clients’ event days, and all outside vendors are welcome.

Two golf cart shuttles are on-site to transport guests from the parking area to each site location.

Douglas Manor only allows one event per day, and typically only two weddings per weekend.

Weekends tend to be the busiest times.

Most couples book weddings at Douglas Manor from nine to 12 months beforehand, Tracie said.

Douglas Manor can accommodate about 300-500 people at each event.

About six people, including Tracie and Kathy, comprise the staff.

They are responsible for cutting the grass,

2016

March 2017 | 37

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: A couple exchanges vows in a ceremony at the outdoor site overlooking the water. String lights provide a warm glow for outdoor events at Douglas Manor. A couple embraces as fireworks illuminate the night sky after their wedding. A couple stands on a bridge on the grounds of Douglas Manor.

A newly married couple kisses amid smoke from their guests’ sparklers as they exit their reception. Another couple walks across the grounds at Douglas Manor.

Tables are set for an outdoor reception.

38 | ShelbyLiving.com

cleaning the building, setting up before events, cleaning up after events and ensuring things run smoothly during events.

“We handle it all,” Tracie said. “It’s an all-week process. We’re doing something all the time.”

Amid the never-ending list of tasks, she said her family members get along well with each other as they work.

Prior to opening Douglas Manor in 2011, Tracie built houses for 15 years.

Now, she runs a venue that holds nearly 50 events every year – weddings, rehearsal dinners, school activities and local organizations’ events.

“Getting to work with families is probably the

best part,” Tracie said. “You never see the same thing twice.”

Package pricing includes the use of outdoor and indoor facilities until midnight, rehearsal time before the event (two hours), dressing rooms for the wedding party, caterer prep kitchen, interior and exterior setup, cleanup, parking directors with the use of two six-person golf carts, builtin bar, built-in stage, seven uplights, 300 white composite chairs, 100 white plastic chairs, four 7-foot barn style tables, one 8-foot barn style table, 10 72-inch round tables, 12 60-inch round tables, five bar top tables, seven 6-foot rectangular tables, four decorative tables for sign-in, cakes,

gifts or favors and all use of Douglas Manor’s decorative items.

Twenty wooden church pews are available for a $500 rental fee.

The Saturday Package is $5,475, the Sunday/ Friday package is $3,975 and Friday Rehearsal Dinners are $1,500.

Douglas Manor offers a 10-percent discount for the months of December, January and February, and a 10-percent military discount.

Tracie said she would love to build a chapel or an open-air pavilion on the property someday.

For now, however, she and her family will continue serving clients from near and far looking for a venue to make their celebration unforgettable.

“Our brides are the sweetest, and we are just blessed by that,” Tracie said.

For more information about Douglas Manor, call (205) 369-8714, email info@douglasmanorevents. com or visit Douglasmanorevents.com. l March 2017 | 39

Focusing on others Teacher Brian Copes nominated as LifeChanger of the Year CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Thompson High School engineering academy teacher Brian Copes, center, talks to students as they examine the rear tail lights for a car. Students, from left, are McKenzie Kimbrough, Piere Risk, Anthony Tamashiro and Steven Fuller. Copes helps a student in one of his classes.

Copes’ awards line a shelf in his classroom.

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Story by EMILY REED Photographs by DAWN HARRISON hompson High School engineering academy teacher Brian Copes has been nominated for the 2016-2017 national LifeChanger of the Year award.

“This is very exciting,” Copes said about his nomination.

Sponsored by the National Life Group Foundation, the national LifeChanger of the Year program recognizes and rewards the very best K-12 public and private school educators and employees across the United States who are making a difference in the lives of students by exemplifying excellence, positive influence and leadership,

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according to a press release about the LifeChanger program.

Copes, who has been a teacher for 21 years, was nominated by Cena Davis.

He previously taught at Calera High School, where in 2008, his eighth grade class won a collegiate-level engineering competition for building basic utility vehicles capable of transporting goods and services in underdeveloped nations abroad.

“I had a lot of experiences growing up where I had the opportunity to travel,” Copes said. “I have had the pleasure of visiting six continents. I went to Liberia, Africa when I was a teenager and saw people lived in mud huts, but they were such a

happy group of people. That experience really opened my eyes to the needs of the world.”

Copes has led four teams of students and teachers to the jungles of Honduras, where they have not only delivered the basic utility vehicles, but have fitted 20 amputees with studentcreated prosthetic legs, mass-producible at $40 each, according to the release.

In 2014, his students also constructed a hydroelectric power plant to generate electricity for a rural medical clinic, and to install solar panels and build a basic utility vehicle that serves as a school bus.

“I think a lot of times we can be really focused on where we live whether it is Calera, or Alabaster, or Alabama, and most people, especially youth, don’t really know the world around them,” Copes said. “They see people living in a mud hut from a television program, or they think that something like that March 2017 | 41

42 | ShelbyLiving.com

happened a long time ago. I really enjoy being able to show my students the world around them, and I have seen through that process their eyes are really opened up and they take the focus off of themselves and put it onto others. That is really where true learning takes place.”

In 2013-2014, Copes led a group of educators to Honduras to establish a sister school partnership in Jutiapa, where wages average $2.50 per day.

Copes raised the necessary funds to add two rooms onto the Cefalu School in Honduras, allowing the school to offer middle and high school level classes, according to the release.

There are currently 115 students who attend the school.

In 2014, Copes and seven students traveled back to Jutiapa to install solar panels and build a basic utility vehicle that serves as a school bus.

Last year, Copes led Information Technology (IT) students from Thompson High School to install computer labs in three different Honduran schools. These labs connected the Jutiapa schools to Alabaster City Schools, and allow local teachers to offer remote lessons to Honduran students, according to the release.

This summer, Copes plans to establish another

LEFT: Copes was nominated

by Cena Davis for the 20162017 national LifeChanger of the Year award. RIGHT: In November 2015, Copes received a President’s Lifetime Achievement Award, the highest educator volunteer award given by the White House, for having more than 4,000 volunteer hours.

sister school in Olvidado, which currently does not have a high school. His students’ plan to build a small two-room cement block building to be used for Olvidado’s school.

“Not only is Copes a LifeChanger, but he is teaching his students and colleagues how to be LifeChangers, as well.” Davis said in the release.

March 2017 | 43

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: Copes looks at a part as he and his students work on a car in class. Copes and students Zak Henderson and Anthony Tamashiro examine the dash panel of a car.

Students in one of Copes’ engineering classes talk to each other about the car they’re working on. Pictured is the electric motor in the car. Students work in Copes’ Resource Center at THS. Two students examine one of the car’s front tires.

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“We are proud to have recruited him and worked with him, but most importantly, we are proud to call him a friend.”

Copes was also recently recognized by the Varkley Foundation’s Global Teacher Award as one of the top 50 Teachers in the World.

Each LifeChanger winner will receive a cash award that is split between the individual winner and their school, according to the release.

The national Grand Prize award is $10,000. Winners are announced via surprise award ceremonies held at their schools.

The top five winners will also be honored at a national awards ceremony in Naples, Florida. Winners will be announced in the Spring.

For more information about LifeChanger, visit www. lifechangeroftheyear.com. l

March 2017 | 45

Like No Other Office

Dr. Baxter & family

46 | ShelbyLiving.com

Dr. McFarland & family

March 2017 | 47

Selfless sacrifice 21-year-old son donates kidney to save his mom ABOVE: The Long family is thankful that a recent surgery for two members of the family was successful.

Akilah Long (back, center) received a kidney donation from her son, Nicholas (back right) in January.

48 | ShelbyLiving.com

Story by EMILY REED Photographs CONTRIBUTED

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hen 21-year-old Nicholas Long found out his mother needed a kidney transplant to save her life, he did not think twice before stepping up to donate one of his.

“It wasn’t really something I had to think about,” Long, a Chelsea resident, said. “She is my mom, and she has done so much for me, that when I found out she needed a kidney, it was kind of a no-brainer.”

The journey leading up to Akilah Long, 41, receiving a kidney transplant first started in 2010 after Akilah was diagnosed with Lupus.

The Lupus began attacking her kidneys, prompting a four-year journey with dialysis.

“We had gotten to the point where I was going to the dialysis center three days a week for a fourhour block of time each time,” Akilah said. “We were going to start dialysis at home, but that meant someone was going to have to stay at home and help me. At the time, my husband, Cliff, was thinking he could do it, but he travels a lot for work.”

“When we were going through that process, he was such an encouragement for me.”

— Akilah Long Nicholas, a student at Pensacola State College at the time, decided to put school on hold while he learned how to care for his mother and her dialysis at the family’s home.

“I kept telling him I wanted him to stay in school, but he kept saying he needed to be there to help me,” Akilah said.

“Nicholas went through a three week training, and as a result he now knows how to give me blood, how to give me fluid, he can monitor my blood pressure. It really takes a lot for the person helping you because ultimately they have to be able to do lifesaving things with you the whole time. When we were going through that process, he was such an encouragement for me. Even when it was hard for me to keep going, he was always an encouraging voice for me. He kept telling me he was going to make sure I was well enough to get a new kidney, and then he was going to give me his kidney.”

While several individuals volunteered to give Akilah a much-needed kidney donation, Nicholas was determined to help his mom, and went through numerous tests before being cleared to donate.

“We got a letter from UAB saying that I was a match, and I was really excited,” Nicholas said. “I was just relieved to know that my mom was going to be OK.” The initial surgery was scheduled for Aug. 25, 2016, but at the last minute doctors noticed Akilah was showing signs of a fever, and found an infection due to a growth sitting on the Mitral Valve of her heart.

The surgery was canceled, and Akilah underwent open heart surgery 10 days later.

“We were all very discouraged at that point because we had all gone through so much to get to the point of the kidney donation, and to hear about the infection was just hard on everyone,” Akilah said.

After several months of recuperating from open heart surgery, Akilah received testing to find out she was well enough to have the kidney transplant, and doctors found Nicholas was still able to be a donor.

Both mom and son had surgery on Jan. 4, and Akilah received one her son’s kidneys.

“It has been very touching for me that I carried my son in the womb for nine months, I gave him life, and I raised him, and then in the end he was the one who gave me my life,” Akilah said. “I remind Nicholas of a Bible verse that I have shared with him throughout his life that says ‘honor thy father and thy mother that it may go well with thee.’ I feel as though he chose to honor me, and I believe because of that he will be blessed. He may not see that now, but there will come a time that he will understand.”

Now, Nicholas is recuperating at the family home in Shelby March 2017 | 49

RIGHT: Akilah Long (left) said she will always be thankful for her son, Nicholas (right), and the gift of life he gave to her.

County while Akilah is recuperating at UAB before being transitioned to a UAB townhouse for kidney transplant patients.

“It has been a journey,” Cliff Long, Akilah’s husband and Nicholas’ father said. “It has been very tiring to have two patients in two different counties. I have a wife who needs me and a son who needs me, so there has been a lot of going back and forth. Our family has been very blessed by so many people, and we have had a lot of

2016

50 | ShelbyLiving.com

support to get through this.”

While Nicholas admits he was a “little” nervous about the whole process, he is now thankful to know his mom is on her road to recovery.

“The doctors have told me that I will be fine to live with one kidney,” Nicholas said. “I have to maintain a healthy lifestyle and monitor certain things, but I will be OK. I am just thankful that everything went well with the surgery, and most of all that my mom is doing much better.”l

Cooking up a fresh look A redecorated kitchen can blend comfort and style Story by LAURA PURVIS Photographs CONTRIBUTED

O

ur kitchens have long been the center of our homes. Many of us have happy memories of the wonderful aromas we remember when our mothers were baking. And, since so much of our time is spent in our kitchens, it’s natural that when considering remodeling or redecorating this space, you would want your décor to be comforting and satisfying – just like a great meal.

It’s also very important to be sure that your new redecorated kitchen reflects your likes and your personality.

Above all else, I suggest you consider making your decorating scheme reflect your personality.

Are you a gourmet cook? Then, why not consider incorporating some unique utensils and gadgets in your new décor – wooden spoons, spice graters, whisks, copper molds, etc., are all great kitchen accessories. And, because many of these accessories can be hung on the walls, your new kitchen makeover will actually provide you with a two-fold purpose – redecorating your space and making these vital items more accessible as you cook.

Picking a great color plan is also important.

Often, color choices are dictated by the “givens” March 2017 | 51

RIVE HIGHLANDS O F

52 | ShelbyLiving.com

B I R M I N G H A M

in your room – flooring, appliances, cabinets, countertops – so let your good judgment prevail. If you really want a drastic change and your color choices don’t blend with your “givens” consider changing what you can now, and replace other items over time. What’s most important is that your colors be of the same intensity and tone.

Window treatments for the kitchen are wide and varied in style. In fact, more and more homeowners are opting for uniquely designed fabric top treatments, usually placed over a privacy treatment like wood blinds, cellular shades or pleated shades. Kitchen window treatments don’t have to be 100 percent utilitarian. Swags and jabot treatments do have their place in the kitchen. Sometimes a simple scalloped valance in a patterned fabric, edged in a contrasting cording is just enough to add pizzazz to a ho-hum room. Stagecoach valances, mock throw swags, tabbed valance; all displayed on unique decorative rods can really fit the bill too.

And don’t forget those little special accents that give any room a total decorative look. You’ll need to consider repeating your fabric selection in other areas of your kitchen for a truly coordinated look. How about adding some upholstered seat cushions, pillows on chairs, lining on the insides of cabinets, shelves and hutches. Tablecloths, placemats, table runners and coordinating napkins are also a must.

So have fun with your kitchen! Just remember, be sure to let your cooking personality and color preferences shine through. 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

Chamber’s Entrepreneur Roundtables Offer Support

for the single individual responsible for the direction of the company and with the authority to make final

decisions.

There are currently two groups that meet — Entrepreneur Roundtable I

which meets in Hoover and Entrepreneur Roundtable 280 which meets on Highway 280 — each month to discuss opportunities, challenges and more.

For additional information on the Chamber’s Entrepreneur Roundtable program — or an application to join one of the groups — please contact Chamber President Kirk Mancer by phone at 663-4542 ext.

101 or via e-mail at kirk@ shelbychamber.org.

Join the Chamber for “CoffeeNet” at Davis Drug in Columbiana Be sure to mark your calendar for Wednesday, March 22 and join us at Davis Drug, 111 South Main Street in Columbiana from 8:30AM until 9:30AM for CoffeeNet. The morning meeting, hosted

by Davis Drug, is designed

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

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

There is no cost to attend however reservations are requested by Monday, March 20 to assist in preparation.

Please contact the Chamber by phone at 6634542 or register online at www.shelbychamber.org.

Shelbychamber.org

Newsletter

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

Newsletter

Health Focus of the Month: Food Label Facts How can I improve my healthy eating patterns?

Become a smart shopper by reading food labels. The Nutrition Facts label on food items can help you choose the best food option. Begin by looking at the serving size, or the amount for one serving. If the serving size is one cup, and you eat two cups, you are getting twice the calories, fat and other nutrients listed on the label.

Second, look at the total calories and fat. A good rule to follow is to keep saturated fat less than 3 grams per serving. This will help cut

2017 Presenting Sponsor

back on total calories as well. Limit cholesterol and sodium to help reduce your risk for heart disease and high blood pressure. Total carbohydrates are made of

sugar, starches and fiber.

Aim for high fiber foods (5 grams or more) and low sugar (less than 30 grams) per serving.

Lastly, check the

ingredient list of foods.

Ingredients are listed in descending order by weight.

These easy label reading tips can help fuel your body with the proper nutrients necessary to live a healthy lifestyle.

Article Submitted by: Leah Gates, MA, RD, LD Clinical Nutrition Manager Brookwood Medical Center

Trust matters.

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

Available to qualifying members only.

Shelbychamber.org

Federally insured

by NCUA

9th Grade Shelby County Students Buzzing About “Keeping It Real” Program The Chamber’s Education Work Group is wrapping up its 4th year of the “Keeping It Real” Program with its final two schools for the 2016-2017 year. This program teaches 9th grade students about “real world” life choices by giving them a randomselected “life scenario” which includes marital/ family status, education, job and salary.

The students then pay bills, make decisions on increasing education, adding a second job, etc. based on the randomassigned scenario. Each year

Co-sponsored by:

this program has created a buzz with the students. It’s an eye-opening experience for the 9th graders and the volunteers that assist with the program.

The Chamber is seeking volunteers on Friday, March 3 at Helena High School and Thursday, March 16 Chelsea

Director, Community & Investor Development at 663High School. Volunteers would 4542, ext. 106, email keyla@ manage a station and assist shelbychamber.org or register the students as they make online at www.shelbychamber. decisions “paying bills” and org. Volunteers would arrive “life choices” based their at the schools as early as “random-selected” scenario.

7:30AM and the program If you or your colleagues, are would conclude by 3:00PM. interested in being a volunteer, Lunch will be provided for all please call Keyla Handley, volunteers.

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

This Office Depot program, free to Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce investors, gives you access to the power of a $70 million group purchasing program, the result of which is a very aggressive pricing structure on items you use the most. This pricing program is specifically

tailored by Office Depot to support Chambers of Commerce and their investor companies. Hundreds of Chambers and thousands of their investor companies participate.

Each time you participate in the Office Depot program, you get substantial savings and you help support the work the Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce does on your behalf.

The program is also very convenient. When you find the Office Depot items you need, you can order them online through a dedicated gateway on the Office Depot website and receive next-day

delivery.

This program is extended to you because of you are an investor of the Chamber — there is no obligation to enroll. If you are interested in learning more about the program, please schedule an appointment with our Major Account Manager, Rick Love, at 427-9328 or ricky.love@ officedepot.com for a price analysis to demonstrate your significant savings potential.

“The special discount I receive from Office Depot as a Chamber investor is unbelievable! Every time I go, I receive a discount, but I almost didn’t believe the Office Depot salesperson on my last visit: Iíd ordered

500 sheets with color printing, cut in half that came to almost $700 with tax. When I shared with them my Chamber discount, my total was only $112 with tax. The savings on this one order covered my annual Chamber investment — for multiple years!” — Elise Hearn, Shaklee Independent Distributor If you have any questions, please contact Lisa Shapiro at 663-4542, ext. 103 or email lisa@shelbychamber.org. If you’re ready to place your order from Office Depot, visit the Chamber’s website at www.shelbychamber.org, look for the Office Depot logo and click to start saving today.

Shelbychamber.org

Newsletter

Create Your Office Depot Account through the Chamber and Start Receiving Substantial Savings on Items You Use Everyday!

Greater Shelby Chamber of Commerce

Newsletter

Ambassador of the Month Congratulations to Vicki Everett, Juice Plus+ Franchise Owner, for earning Ambassador of the Month. Vicki has been an Ambassador with the Chamber for more than five years and loves promoting Shelby County, the great county she lives and works in daily!

She is a former teacher whose passion is educating and counseling children and adults about the role whole food nutrition plays in our health and our lifestyle.

Juice Plus+ has been a daily part of Vicki’s life for more than 15 healthy years and she feels ethically and professionally responsible to share it with others.

Juice Plus+ is a 23 year old global business, reaching 20+ countries, and is the most thoroughly researched brand name whole food nutritional product in the world with 30+ studies published in peer reviewed medical journals. Juice Plus+ is not a vitamin. Most importantly, Juice Plus+ is 32 vine ripened vegetables, fruits, berries and 2 grains picked fresh from THE FARM to CAPSULE or SOFT CHEW FORM. Additionally, THE TOWER GARDEN by JUICE PLUS+, an aeroponic vertical gardening system for the patio or poolside, serves from THE TOWER to THE

(as of 1/19/17)

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

TABLE. Vicki is active in her community and throughout Shelby County with her church, professional and community organizations and is an Ambassador with the Greater Shelby County and South Shelby County Chambers of Commerce.

Ultimately, Vicki’s passion is giving back to the community with her time and talents.

For more information about Juice Plus+, call Vicki at 205-332-5255 or visit http://vickieverett.juiceplus. com.

Ambassador Program Presented in 2017 by:

YOUR CHAMBER AT WORK Facebook: 5 New Likes, 85 Visits and 2,040 Post Reaches, Total Likes 2,704 Twitter: 2,675 Followers, 86 Tweets, 12.8 K Tweet impressions, 131 Profile Visits and 7 Mentions.

Instagram: 81 Posts, 204 Followers.

Responded to 121 requests for business & community information.

Notarized 16 “Certificates of Origin” for Shelby County companies.

Shelbychamber.org

GSCCC Board of Directors

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

Mike Swinson Alabama Gas Corporation (2017) 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 Bob Phillips (2018) Shelby Baptist Medical Center Tracey Morant Adams (2019) Renasant Bank Troy Ainsworth (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

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

David Platt (*) Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Alabama

Katie McDowell (2017) Shelby County Newspapers, Inc.

Keith Richards (*) Taziki’s Mediterranean Café

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

Mechelle Wilder (*) ARC Realty

Craig Sorenson (2017) SouthWest Water Company

(*) Serving a one-year term in 2017

Go & Grow Workshop: “Leadership Lessons Learned with Bill Todd” 2017 Presenting Sponsor

The series, facilitated by the Chamber’s Entrepreneurin-Residence, Michael Smith of The Great, The Good and The Gone, will be from 11:30AM2:00PM at the Chamber. There is no cost to attend, but lunch

is available for $10 per person for Chamber investors ($20 for “Future” investors).

To ensure we have a proper headcount, please make reservations by March 3 for this workshop by contacting Payton Thomas, the Chamber’s Manager of Business Development & Support via e-mail at payton@ shelbychamber.org, by

Co-Sponsor

calling 663-4542, ext. 105 or register online at www. shelbychamber.org.

This is a Great time to Review Your Online Business Listing Have you looked at your online business listing lately? Visit www. shelbychamber.org and click on “Business Directory” from the home page. Search for your business by name or by using the category search to be sure your information is listed how you would like it viewed. The 2nd quarterly printed directory, Who’s Who of Shelby County Businesses,

the Chamber’s Quarterly Printed Directory, will be in Shelby Living next month and you’ll want to make sure your listing is correct.

Your business will be listed by primary category and include the following information: Company name, phone number and website address.

Can’t find your Investor Login information? From the

Chamber’s website, www. shelbychamber.org, select Investor Login at the top right of the home page and then: Enter your email address Select Forgot your username/password? Click submit You will receive a link to reset your password.

Don’t forget to take advantage of your

complimentary online benefits while you’re logged into your account. Create a Hot Deal, Job Posting, add an upcoming Event or add a News Release, plus so much more.

If you have any questions about your login or navigating through the site please contact Lisa Shapiro at lisa@shelbychamber.org or call 663-4542, ext. 103.

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

Shelbychamber.org

Newsletter

On March 7, the Chamber’s Go & Grow Workshop -- presented by Business Telephones, Inc. and cosponsored by FocalPoint Coaching -- will be an interactive program featuring Bill Todd, President & Partner of o2ideas. Bill, widely recognized as a leader in the marketing industry, will be on hand to share the business lessons he has learned in marketing and planning, branding, digital and social media, business management, and public relations, as well as the philosophy he has developed on his journey towards success.

Greater Shelby Chamber of Commerce

Welcome New Investors (as of 1/4-1/27/2017)

Construction Education Foundation of Alabama Cutstone Company LLC eCO Credit Union Foundation ECS Southest, LLP Galleria Woods Retirement Community Grinkmeyer Leonard Financial Pelham Parkway Dentistry SafeHouse of Shelby County, Inc. Spoon & Ladle Soup Co. Sunbelt Business Brokers The Carter Group Tiger Rock Martial Arts

Birmingham Alabaster Birmingham Birmingham Hoover Birmingham Pelham Pelham Hoover Birmingham Birmingham Martial Arts School

Education-Training and Tutoring Industry/Stone Supplier Community Service Organizations Engineers Retirement Community Financial Investments Dental Community/Service Organization Food Wholesale Brokerage Firm Business & Professional Services Pelham

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

Newsletter

Looking for Some Exposure? Sponsorship Opportunities for Chamber Programs Provide Great Exposure for Your Business Sponsoring Chamber events are a great way for your business to get noticed and create a buzz for your company.

Launching a new product line...expanding a new service?

Sponsoring a Chamber program is an excellent and cost-effective way to get the word out to the Shelby County business community.

What’s more, by sponsoring

a Chamber event or program helps maintain — and in most cases increases your — organization’s visibility. And, remember, the visibility our sponsors receive is more than just “at” the event — our sponsors also receive exposure prior to, during and after the events and programs through: Business Connections — the Chamber’s newsletter, E-Business Connections,

the Chamber’s weekly programming updates, fliers for specific events which are distributed throughout the year, on the Chamber’s website and follow-up marketing lists of attendees at the event or program that you’ve sponsored There are still several sponsorship opportunities for 2017 remaining, so

whatever your budget might be, there are some excellent and effective ways for your company to increase its exposure through the Chamber in 2017. Be sure to contact the Chamber to find out more!

Call the Chamber at 663-4542 or email info@ shelbychamber.org to find out what sponsorships would best suit your organization.

Chamber’s Mentorship Program Helping Shelby County Small Business Owners & Entrepreneurs If you’re an entrepreneur or small business owner wanting to discuss opportunities, challenges or any other issue you might be facing, the Chamber’s Entrepreneur & Small Business Mentorship effort is available to assist

Shelbychamber.org

you.

On Tuesday, March 7 from 8:00AM-11:00AM, Michael Smith with the The Great, The Good and The Gone and the Chamber’s Entrepreneurin-Residence will be available for a one-on-one

confidential meeting with any entrepreneur or small business owner to discuss any topic. Appointments are required so please contact Payton Thomas, the Chamber’s Manager of Business Development &

Support, at 663-4542 ext. 105 or via e-mail at payton@ shelbychamber.org for availability on March 7.

Snapshots

The Chamber’s Existing Business & Industry Work Group held its 2nd annual Business Outlook Conference featuring a panel of top-level executives from various business sectors in Shelby County (banking, real estate, healthcare, retail, manufacturing and small business) that provided their respective business outlook for Shelby County in 2017.

The Chamber held its 36th Annual Meeting, presented by Home Instead Senior Care, featuring 200+ investors in January. Outgoing board members and Work Group Chairs were recognized as well as incoming leadership. Dr. Stephen Craft, Dean of the Stephens College of Business at the University of Montevallo, also revealed the results of the Chamber’s annual Business Outlook Survey.

The Chamber had a full house at its recent Investor Reception presented by Mutual Savings Credit Union. Investors learned about the benefits and services offered, what Chamber Work Groups are in place, networking opportunities, complimentary benefits, networking all while enjoying lunch.

Shelbychamber.org

Newsletter

The Chamber’s Governmental Affairs Work Group hosted a Legislative Preview Luncheon, presented by Sain Associates, Inc., featuring the Shelby County state legislative delegation before the 2017 legislative session. Hosted by Jefferson State Community College - Shelby Campus, the event and was attended by more than 80+ — Each legislator had a few minutes to address the audience and took time for a question and answer period before the event concluded.

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.

Newsletter

March 2017

1 1 2 3 7 7 8 10

Ambassadors Work Group 11:30AM - 1:00PM Sponsor: NobleBank & Trust Small Business Work Group 4:00PM - 5:00PM Sponsor: Brownstone Marketing Solutions South Shelby Chamber Luncheon Columbiana First Baptist Church 208 North Main Street, Columbiana Investment: $15. No reservation required.

“Keeping It Real” Program 8:30AM - 9:30AM Co-Sponsors: Central State Bank & The UPS Store Caldwell Mill Rd/ Hoover Helena High School, 1310 Hillsboro Pkwy, Helena Volunteers needed. Contact Keyla Handley, 663-4542, ext. 106.

Small Business Mentorship Appointments 8:00AM - 11:00AM Michael Smith, The Good, The Great & The Gone By appointment. Contact Payton Thomas at 663-4542, ext. 105.

Go & Grow Workshop: “Leadership Lessons with Bill Todd” 11:30AM - 2:00PM Facilitated by Michael Smith of The Great, The Good and The Gone Presented by: Business Telephones, Inc. & Co-sponsored by: FocalPoint Coaching Reservations requested by noon, February 3.

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

Existing Business & Industry Work Group 8:30AM - 9:30AM iBERIABANK, 2695 Pelham Pkwy, Pelham Health Services Work Group 8:30AM - 9:30AM

Shelbychamber.org

14 15 16 21 22 23 29

Education Work Group 8:30AM - 9:30AM Shelby County Instructional Service Center 601 First Street South, Alabaster Montevallo Chamber Monthly Luncheon 11:30AM - 1:00PM Parnell Memorial Library, 377 Park Dr, Montevallo Investment: $12. No reservation required.

“Keeping It Real” Program 7:30AM - 3:00AM Co-Sponsors: Central State Bank & The UPS Store Caldwell Mill Rd/ Hoover Chelsea High School, 10510 Co Rd 11, Chelsea Volunteers needed. Contact Keyla Handley, 663-4542, ext. 106.

Entrepreneur Roundtable I 7:30AM - 8:30AM Entrepreneur Roundtable 280 11:30AM - 12:30PM CoffeeNet 8:30AM - 9:30AM Davis Drug, 111 South Main St, Columbiana No cost. Reservations requested by March 20.

Governmental Affairs Work Group 8:30AM - 9:30AM Sain Associates, Two Perimeter Park South, Ste 500 East, Birmingham GSCC Community Luncheon “Green Business Best Practices” Doors open at 11:00AM. Program 11:30AM - 1:00PM. Pelham Civic Complex & Ice Arena 500 Amphitheater Rd, Pelham Reservations requested by noon, Monday, March 27.

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

SHELBY SPOTTED

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1 3

5 4 Leadership Shelby County Justice Day

Members of the Leadership Shelby County Class of 2017 attended Justice Day on Dec. 13.

1. Corey Moore, Kerri Pate and Bobby Joe Seales 2. Becky King 3. Bill Bostick and Clay Hammac 4. Julius Cook 5. Bobby Joe Seales and Lara Alvis 6. Calvin Gunn 7. Lindsey Allison, Carol Bruser and Kerri Pate 8. Bill Bostick, Sonny Conwill, Michael Joiner and Corey Moore

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5

Chillin’ on ice

Hundreds of people enjoyed a public skating session at Pelham’s Ice Arena on Thursday, Dec. 29.

1. Mattie Lewis, Hannah Elder, Morgan Berry, Stuart Brandstetter, Meriwether Drummond and Caleb Ford 2. Sophie and Reese Burns 3. Sharon and Mason Mohon 4. Amy, Alley and Jenny Kwon 5. Alysa Lawhorn with Hallee and Jaxon Humphries 6. Evie Horst 7. Evelyn and Gavin Noel 8. Harrison Gauldin, Riley Drouin, Lauren Musachia and Grace Patterson

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9. Waylon and Amelia Tubbs, Mallory Yarbrough, Laurel and Josie Tubbs 10. Lilliana and Emily Gray 11. Jeff and Emma Carreon 12. Kim Nolen, Janae Davis and Linda Silver

12

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3 5 Thompson Middle School Night at the Museum

Thompson Middle School 8th grade pre-AP History students dressed in period costumes and gave presentations on a specific era in world history.

1. Mykah Nolen, Becca Mosely and Bell Wooten 2. Mary Kate Parnell 3. Caitlyn Reichard and Jayla Cannon 4. Grant Hopkins 5. Caroline Crumpton 6. Grace Ray 7. Brianna Marcos and Leanna Robinson 8. Lauren Williams, Brayden Pitts and Luke Gentile

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10

9. Anthony Butler and Monet Crear 10. Claire Barnett 11. Patrick Landry and Jacob Cofield 12. Grant Underwood and Clara Hicks 13. Alexicia, Trace and Ralph Brotherton 14. Kole Matthews 15. Victoria Williams

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Greystone Ladies Club Christmas Luncheon

The Greystone Ladies Club held its Christmas luncheon Dec. 14 at the home of Pam Yates.

1. Judy Arnold and Myrtis Horton 2. Ursula Norcross and Brenda Arthur 3. Hendree Moore and Katila Farley 4. Joyce Watts and Wendy Howell 5. Pam Yates 6. Pam Yates and Leigh Ann Priest 7. Ranea Breen 8. Ranea Breen, Leigh Ann Priest, Barbara Brickner, Hiltrud Hollibaugh, Breanna Brickner and Carole Marks

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9

10 11

9. Katila Farley, Alicia Cuevas and Rita Wood 10. Denise Tassone, Janie Dollar, Tina Douglass, Susie Hammers and Rita Wood 11. Therese Haselden and Jenice Prather-Kinsey 12. Susie Hammers, Susie Gaston and Suzy Sanders

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at Shelby Ridge

Visit us at www.rehabselect.net March 2017 | 67

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2

1 4

3 5 Hannah Home Shelby Auxiliary’s Downton Abbey Tea

The “Sipping Away at Domestic Violence” Downton Abbey Tea benefitting Hannah Home Shelby Auxiliary was held the afternoon of Nov. 13 at the American Village. The keynote speaker was Patsy Riley.

1. Nancy Nelson, Kim Milling, Joanna Burleson, Susan Dubose, Elaine Kennedy, Stacey Knouse and Ann Vanderburg.

2. Susie Gaston and Wendy Howell.

3. Patsy Riley.

4. Susan Dubose and Patsy Riley.

5. Susan Dubose and Janie Dollar.

6. Alicia Cuevas and Carolyn Ramey.

7. Pam Bradford.

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Albert L. Scott Library’s Lego League

1

Kids from Alabaster and surrounding areas expressed their creativity with Legos at the Albert L. Scott Library’s Lego League at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 10.

2 5

3

1. Eric Skocelas and Ethan Skocelas 2. Daniella Guardado, Isabella Guardado, Victoria Guardado and Gabriela Guardado 3. James Aldridge 4. Lando Aldridge 5. Frances Smith

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

Visit your local BenchMark Physical Therapy.

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

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

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3 5 Greystone Ladies Club January Luncheon

The Greystone Ladies Club held its monthly membership luncheon Jan. 11 at the Founders Clubhouse. Local musician Marc Phillips performed for the group.

1. Myrtis Horton, Bruce Andrews and Judy Arnold 2. Janie Dollar, Judy Arnold and Myrtis Horton 3. Marc Phillips and Bruce Andrews 4. LaRue Carter and Wilma Thompson 5. Mary Rankin and Ann Layne 6. Jackie McAtee, Leigh Anne Priest and Mary Rankin 7. LaRue Carter, Julie Kim and Wilma Thompson 8. Susie Hammers, Denise Tassone and Wendy Waldman

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Patton Chapel ANIMAL

CLINIC

2016

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9. Lisa White, Susie Gaston and Cindy Burell 10. Hiltrud Hollibaugh, Breanna Brickner and Pat McCanna 11. Ranea Breen 12. Michelle Matlock, Kim Fike and Carole Marks

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3 5 Shelby County Arts Council Fine Folk Art Gallery

The Shelby County Arts Council celebrated the opening of its fourth annual Fine Folk Art Gallery on Friday, Jan. 13. The gallery features folk art from artists around Alabama.

1. Barbara Snyder and Josh Arnold 2. Bruce Andrews and Lindsay Dyess 3. Candye Lundy and Lindsay Dyess 4. Jim Jones and Mack Gothard 5. Marian Baker and Amy R. Peterson 6. Peggy Woods and Amy Pickens 7. Hope Nelson and Denise Sanders 8. Scott Owen

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SHELBY SPOTTED

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9. Beth Glasgow 10. Edna Sealy 11. Joy Andrews 12. Deanna McCombs

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SHELBY SPOTTED

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3 5 Chelsea Coffee House

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Chelsea Coffee House opened its doors at a new location on Monday, Jan. 2 and began serving food on Tuesday, Jan. 3.

1. Sally Tompkins and Paula Wilson 2. Jeff and Emily Honea 3. Chelsea Coffee House owner Jeff Gross 4. Jacob Gross 5. Abbie Dean 6. Melodie Dean 7. Paula Thomas and Sylvia Rath 8. Ginger Hess, Jill Bates, Dianna Long and Dorothy Veil

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Marketplace Shelby Living • 205.669.3131

Heating Season Assistance Call Appointment Lines: Chilton_Co - Assistance starts 12/15/16: 205-287-0139.

Shelby Co - Assistance starts 12/26/16: 205-610-8916. eaaoac.cascheduler.com 11th Area of Alabama O.A.C. AB Garage Auto Repair 201 Patton Street West Jemison Will compare prices. All car types. We make cars and customers happy.

Thank you!

(205)688-2055 Acceptance Loan Company, Inc. Personal Loans! Let us Pay Off Your Title Loans!

224 Cahaba Valley Rd, Pelham 205-663-5821 B&J Metal Fabricators Professional sheet metal replacement and fabrication on classic cars/trucks. $65.00/hour for labor Parts/supplies additional Quotes based per job. Media blasting available. Powder coating coming soon.

Montevallo area.

(205)665-4687 (205)296-9988 Piano Tuning, New & Used Sales & Organ Servicing.

Moving, Storage and Repair.

Trained by the School for the Blind. 46 years’ experience.

BUDDY GRAY 205-822-0482 or 800-593-2462 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 FIREWOOD OAK - $25 Rack HICKORY - $30 Rack Pick up yours today at Columbiana Wood Products 21421 Hwy 25, Columbiana (205) 671-5202

Welder Training Short Term Licensing Call for Details 866-432-0430 ESDschool.com Montgomery Stockyard Drop Station at Gray & Son’s in Clanton. Call Lane at 205-389-4530.

For other hauling arrangements, contact Wes in Harpersville 205-965-8657 AFFORDABLE HIGH-SPEED INTERNET Available where you live! Call Today for this Limited Time Offer! www.pbsinternet.com 800-266-4409.

Residential and Commercial Moving 37+ years of service. Licenses, bonded and insured. A+ rated member of BBB. “”I would definitely recommend this company to my friends and family. Everyone is extremembly nice and very professional.”” Mindy Road Runner Moving 205-945-8339 www.movebirmingham.com CLOCK REPAIR SVS. * Setup * Repair * Maintenance I can fix your Mother’s clock.

Alabaster/Pelham Call Stephen (205)663-2822 TV NAILS PROFESSIONAL NAILCARE FOR LADIES & GENTLEMEN 1062 First NW Childersburg, AL 256-378-5040 Monday-Saturday 9:30am-7pm Walk-Ins Welcome In Coosa Plaza Next To Piggly Wiggly Become a Dental Asst. in ONLY 8 WEEKS! Please visit our website www.capstonedentalassisting. com or call (205) 561-8118 and get your career started!

Warehouse Space for Lease Pelham 10 Monroe Drive

ShelbyLiving.com

10,000 sq.ft. Fenced. Parking. $5,200/mo.

801 Keystone Court 5,000 sq.ft. loading dock. $2,000/mo.

602 Keystone Court 5640 sq ft. Roll up door. $2,200/mo.

(205)936-3055 ONLINE AUCTIONS www.GTAOnlineAuctions.com 205-326-0833 Granger, Thagard & Assoc.

Jack F. Granger #873 Dreaming of a Career in Real Estate?

Linda Hankins School of Real Estate 224 1st Street North, Ste 225 Alabaster, AL 35007 For information, call 205-283-0948 School License #104738 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, 8am4pm Equal Opportunity Provider/ Employer 100 Corporate Woods Drive Shelby County Airport 4,000 sq.ft. at $7-$8/ft.

13+ offices. 205-915-5044 RENT SPECIAL!!

Brick 3/2 located next to Meadow View Elementary Easy access to I-65.

W/D hook-ups, dishwasher, carport. Rent $1295.

(205)433-9811 TARGET AUCTION Advanced Real Estate Marketing 800-476-3939 www.targetauction.com Magnolia Mixes Premium Gluten Free Baking Mixes Locally Made For information on our great tasting line up, check us out at www.magnoliamixes.com and Amazon.

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 4BR/2BA Columbiana house for rent Fenced in yard with storage/garage All newly renovated to include new luxury flooring, granite counter tops, and more $1050/month Call 205-410-8785 •3 BR/1BA •1 car garage/separate carport on side •awnings in front&back over patio •New Durante Windows •New Roof •Fenced back-yard •95,000 OBO •205-294-2828 or 205-312-8062 HIRING Production Workers in McCalla IMMEDIATE OPENINGS! Various shifts, temp-to-hire positions!

Apply online at: www.adeccousa.com or call our office at 205-497-6400 ext. 2033 Need A Job? Need A Better Job? AIDT recruits, screens and trains qualified applicants for outstanding jobs statewide.

All at NO COST to you!

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

OWNER OPERATORS: BE YOUR OWN BOSS. Have what it takes to run under your own MC authority?

We give you the chance for only 10% + cost of insurance.

Find your own loads, negotiate the rate. Choose when you run and when you’re home.

205-706-4837 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 APPLY NOW! Baugh Ford in Clanton Hiring Diesel Mechanic Ford certified highly preferred.

Email cover letter/resume to autojobsclanton@gmail.com Fax to (205)755-6443 Or apply in person.

EXPERIENCED SERVERS, CASHIERS, KITCHEN HELP Apply in Person before 11am or between 2pm-4pm: Bertolone Italian Cafe 605 2nd Ave N, Clanton Bibb Medical Center & Nursing Home Currently Recruiting For: •Medical Lab Tech Full-time position, requires 2 year associates degree.

•Medical Technologist Full-time, 7 on-7 off, blood bank experience required.

Apply at: Hospital Information Desk 208 Pierson Ave., Centreville, AL Email resume: bmchr@bibbmedicalcenter.com Or Apply Online: bibbmedicalcenter.com Bibb Medical Center & Nursing Home Now Hiring For: RN • Labor & Delivery PM - F/T position AL RN license required.

Apply at: Hospital Information Desk 208 Pierson Ave., Centreville, AL Email resume:

March 2017 | 75

bmchr@bibbmedicalcenter.com Cathedral Daycare Infant/Toddler teacher needed Or Apply Online: for FT/PT position in church bibbmedicalcenter.com preschool. 19 or older. HS diploma required. Experience Bibb Medical Center & preferred Nursing Home Call (205) 716-3083 to apply Now Hiring For: Dietary Manager • Full time PAINT CREWS For Long term care and acute Nationally branded painting care hospital.

Responsible for food service for company for subcontractor work in the patient care and Birmingham area. Must have non-patient care own insurance, equipment & Apply at: vehicle.

Hospital Information Desk CertaPro Painters 208 Pierson Ave., Centreville, 205-277-9999 AL Email resume: bmchr@bibbmedicalcenter.com CUSTOMER SERVICE REPS Or Apply Online: FOR DRY CLEANER bibbmedicalcenter.com Must have good customer service skills. 35+ hours per week.

Necesita un ama de casa a Call Matt: tiempo 205-821-2909 parcial de 3 días por semana.

Los deberes incluyen: la Full-Time Counselor limpieza de la casa, Chilton County Treatment compras de supermercado, Center haciendo recados. Debe tener 205-755-4300 transporte confiable, debe ser confiable.

Deben hablar español y algo Ready to Work for the de inglés. #1 Brand in the World?

Sírvanse proporcionar experien- Now Hiring Class A-CDL cia laboral. La compensación Drivers for Coca-Cola depende de la experiencia.

Bottling United. Go to Póngase en contacto con www.cocacolaunited.com 903-677-0820 para más to apply! información o al 903-677-2126 fax Reanudar.

Coosa Valley Medical Center 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 BURGER KING JOIN OUR MANAGEMENT TEAM Schuster Enterprises, Inc., a Franchisee of Burger King, is looking for Management professionals who have a desire to join a team where people are the most important asset, where growth is based on ability and where opportunity is abundant.

Benefits: Competive Wages, Health & Life Insurance, Paid Vacations, 401(k).

Apply online at: www.jointeamschuster.com.

(EOE - DRUG FREE WORKPLACE).

76 76 | | ShelbyLiving.com ShelbyLiving.com

NOW HIRING! CNAs: Post Acute Care RNs: Med/Surg, all-shifts Email resume to: Janean.Crawford@cvhealth.net or to apply, go to www.cvhealth.net DCH Health System Caring. For Life. $5,000 *Sign-on Bonus for full time RNs *For More Info Contact Annie.Miller@dchsystem.com Apply online at: www.dchsystem.com Now Hiring for new Inverness Location Servers & Kitchen Help Dreamland BBQ 150 Inverness C orners Birmingham, AL 35242 Plumbing Service & Repair Technician Requirements: •Journeyman’s plumbing card •Experience in Residential/ Commercial service/repair/drain cleaning/sewer work •Clean-cut/self-motivated •Good communication skills •Clean MVR/background/ drug test Email resume: exie@eagleservicecompany. com

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 $3000 SIGN ON BONUS NEW PAY SCALE TO QUALIFYING DRIVERS EVERGREEN TRANSPORT, is accepting applications for local drivers in the Calera and Leeds, AL, area. Must have class A CDL, good driving record, 1 yr verifiable tractor trailer experience. Good pay and benefits.

Apply in person at 8278 Hwy 25 South, Calera, AL, or call for info 205-668-3316.

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

205-755-4949 or 334-235-0228 Come be a part of a growing team!

Kindred at Home is hiring •Full-time Registered Nurse •PRN Speech Therapist for our Clanton location.

• Flexible work schedule • Team environment • Competitive compensation Contact us today for more information: Arnita Barber 770-372- 1100 arnita.barber@gentiva.com NEW STORE OPENING SOON IN PELHAM Now Hiring: •Cooks •Servers •Cashiers •Utility Email resume or work history to: paulgoldenrulebbq@hotmail. com Call 368-4277 for more info.

Join our Team!

309 Huntley Parkway NOW HIRING! Full-Time Assistants Full & Part-Time Teacher Positions Grace Community School and Daycare For more information, visit our website at www.thewhaleschool.com or call us at (205) 769-6209

Hiring Stylists in Calera Average Pay $12 & Up 205-966-7254 Hardee’s Now Hiring •Crew Members/Hoover •Management/Calera Email resume to: hardees2007@bellsouth.net LPN’s, RN’s, CNA’s Full-time & part-time • 2nd & 3rd Shift Apply in person: Hatley Health Care 300 Medical Ctr Dr Clanton, AL 35045 Now accepting applications for experienced caregivers Apply online at www.HCAmatch.com Visit us at www.HomeCareAssistance BirminghamAL.com 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/Packers- Alabaster Lyons HR www.lyonshr.com/careersearch (205)943-4820 Are you a motivated professional? Are you looking for a dynamic career? Are you ready to control your own level of success? See why McKinnons’ is an exciting place to work and grow. Now accepting applications for Sales, Service, and Detail Shop.

Apply with the receptionist.

205-755-3430 Shake up your career!!!

Are you looking for something new and FUN? Milo’s is always looking for great managers to come join our growing and dynamic team.

Apply online at miloshamburgers.com 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 Class-A CDL DriverDry Bulk/PneumaticBirmingham,AL Must be 25+, have clean driving record, two-years tractor/trailer experience.

Will train drivers on tank. Good benefits-almost all drivers home everynight.

Contact Keith 205-438-4959

Noland Health Services Now Hiring RN’s Day & Night Shift Available Noland Hospital Shelby Located in Shelby Baptist Medical Center Alabaster To Apply Visit: www.nolandhealth.com Production / Manufacturing Vance, Alabama Starting pay: $12.00 – $14.50 /hr.

• Have 2 years+ Production/ Manufacturing experience.

• Have Recently Lived in Alabama at least 2 years.

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

Complete your application on line at www.naonsite.com Warehouse Position in Calera Starting pay $10/hr. Flexible shifts.

Requirements: • Recently Lived in Alabama at least 1 year.

• High School Diploma or GED. • At least 18 years old.

Complete your application on line at www.naonsite.com Odyssey Early Schools.

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

4 Year Degree Preferred.

Full-Time. BEST Pay. FULL Benefits (Insurance, Leave, Holidays).

Call Annie Fine 205-991-0039.

Manufacturing/Assembly positions available in Calera & McCalla areas. Full time hours, all shifts available. Call today 205-267-3910 Class A CDL Drivers Needed Immediately for Dump Trailer Hauling • $2000 Retention Bonus • Local Hauling • Home Nights APPLY ONLINE: www.perdidotrucking.com Perdido Trucking Service, LLC 251-470-0355 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

HELP WANTED 40 hours/ week. $10-$12/hour to start Homewood call center has immediate openings. No experience required. For an interview Call (205) 777-5601 Pyles Transport Inc. NOW HIRING Regional Class-A Driver positions for our Finley-Blvd location.

•Competitive weekly pay(direct-deposit) •Full-benefits including 401K •Health/Life insurance •Safety Bonuses •Minimum weekly pay: $700(guaranteed) Call 270-250-3595 for more info or visit pylestransport.com to apply.

Regional Drivers are home every weekend and often midweek for rest period.

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 teamplayer. Overtime available.

Great opportunity. Competitive compensation/benefit package.

Email: DVeigl@saiia.com or fax: 205-943-2258 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 Willing to Learn?

We are willing to teach!

NOW HIRING All Positions Pelham & Chelsea Great Opportunity Rewarding Career 401K/Health Ins/ Group BenefitsContact: 205-620-4455 cwomack@smithcos.com 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: 8:30AM5:00PM Southeastern Food 201 Parker Drive Pelham, Alabama 35124 resume@southeasternfood.com MASTER TECHNICIAN 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 SUBWAY South Shelby County Stores Now Hiring • All Positions Looking for Sandwich Artists.

Print out the application from the link below and bring by your nearest Subway Location. http://wpc.4728. edgecastcdn.net/004728/ applications/subway-jobapplication.pdf Looking for Managers with these same traits. Please send resumes to: scottreneau@ gmail.com TaylorMade Transportation Hiring CDL Drivers for Flatbed Regional Division!

BCBS Insurance After 30 Days. To apply call: (334)366-2269 or email: s.smith@taylormadeinc.com 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 Full-time and Part-time Available Great benefits. Must have pistol permit and pistol. $11/hour.

Call Carrie 991-4654 or 427-5591 or 205-427-5501 Accepting Applications EXPERIENCED CLASS-A CDL DRIVERS for HAUL in the Alexander City, Prattville, Thorsby and Opelika Areas *Benefits Package *Sign-On Bonus To Apply or for More Information Call (334)368-4956 Evergreen Forest Products, Inc. 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 US HEALTH ADVISORS New Advisors Wanted•Potential $75K-150K 1st Year Industry Leading Compensation Monthly&Quarterly BONUSES •FREE Company Generated Leads WE Offer an Innovative Approach to Individual Health Coverage 205-259-8026•Alabama.

Division@ushadvisors.com F/T applicants only Caregivers Needed ASAP! Competitive hourly pay.

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

NOW HIRING CDL-A DRIVERS w/Haz. $5000 Sign-On Bonus.

Apply online: www.westernintl.com or Corporate Office: 979-413-2140 $5000 SIGN-ON BONUS! HIRING CDL TEAM A DRIVER Apply online: www.westernintl.com Or Contact Corporate: Western International Gas & Cylinders 979-413-2140 or 979-413-2192 (EOE) 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 2BR/2.5BA Vestavia Condo for rent Great corner unit in community with open deck, granite counters, and luxury flooring Call 205-410-8785 Dr. Gary Howard is Now in Calera.

401-404 Airport Commons Dr. (205)665-2002 Hope to see you there!

100 Corporate Woods Drive Shelby County Airport 4,000 sq.ft. at $7-$8/ft.

13+ offices. 205-915-5044 Bad Credit?

Need a car?

Langston Motors 205-406-5886 Highway 31 in Alabaster next to Chevron.

LangstonMotors.net Ask about our guaranteed credit approval!

Production Jobs MPG in Columbiana seeks quality people to work multiple shifts. Willing to train.

Email resume to dcurtis@grede.com.

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

205-592-3422 www.watkinstrucking.com

March 2017 | 77

OUT & ABOUT Alabaster Scholastic Chess Tournament

Toddler Tales

Judy M. Merritt Memorial 5K Run

March 1

Family Storytime with Mr. Mac: Stories, puppets and lots of music for every member of the family will be available March 1 at 10:45 a.m. The event is for all ages, and no registration is required. For more information, call 4395504.

March 2

Singer Songwriter Showcase: A Singer Songwriter Showcase will be held at the Shelby County Arts Council on March 2. The event is free. For more information, call the Shelby County Arts Council at 6690044.

Pajama Storytime: Come in your PJs, have milk and cookies and hear some bedtime tales at the North Shelby Library on March 2 at 6:30 p.m. The event is for all ages, and no registration is required. For more information, call 4395504.

South Shelby Chamber Membership Luncheon: The South Shelby Chamber of Commerce will hold its monthly membership luncheon March 2 at 11:30 a.m. at Columbiana First Baptist Church. The cost is $15 per person. The caterer is Bernie’s on Main. The speaker is Shelby County Manager Alex Dudchock.

March 3

Open Gaming: Come to the North Shelby Library for board, card, Minecraft, XBOX ONE and Wii games March 3 at 3:30 p.m. Participants must have a parent permission slip on file to attend. For more information, call 439-5512.

Library provides the Legos, and the kids provide the imagination and creativity. Families are welcome to drop in anytime between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. on March 4 to build creations, which will then go on display in the children’s department.

All ages are welcome. No registration is required.

Keeping it Real at Helena High School: The Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce will hold the Keeping it Real program at Helena High School on March 2 and March 3. Anyone interested in volunteering for a few hours or the day, register now or call 663-4542 or email Keyla Handley.

Alabaster Scholastic Chess Tournament: Thompson Intermediate School, in association with Caesar Chess, will present the 9th Annual Alabaster Scholastic Chess Tournament on March 4 at TIS. For more information, email CaesarChess@gmail.com.

March 4

Judy M. Merritt Memorial 5K Run: The Judy M. Merritt Memorial 5K Run and OneMile Fun Run and Family Day will be held March 4 from 8 a.m. to noon at Veterans Park next to Jefferson State Community College’s Shelby-Hoover Campus, 4600 Valleydale Road. Packet pickup will take place Friday, March 3, 8 a.m. to noon, at the Shelby-Hoover Campus and starting at 6:45 a.m. on race day at Veteran’s Park. Each registration includes a T-shirt.

For more information, visit Jeffersonstate.edu.

Lego Club: The North Shelby

78 | ShelbyLiving.com

Sam Frazier and Danny Brooks in Concert: Sam Frazier and Danny Brooks will be in concert at the Shelby County Arts Council on March 4 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20.

For more information or to purchase tickets, call the Shelby County Arts Council at 669-0044 or email info@ shelbycountyartscouncil.com.

March 6

Toddler Tales: Stories, songs, fingerplays and crafts make up a lively 30-minute program designed especially for short attention spans. Registration will begin one week prior to each storytime. Ages 19-36 months. Registration required.

For more information, call 439-

5504.

March 7

Baby Tales: A story time designed especially for babies and their caregivers will be held March 7 at 10 a.m. Stories and music provide interaction for the babies and time for caregivers to talk and share with each other. Ages birth to 18 months. Registration is required and will begin one week prior to program date.

For more information, call 4395504.

March 9

Roast and Toast: A Roast and Toast honoring Carol Bruser, global relations manager at the University of Montevallo and program director for Leadership Shelby County, presented by Southwest Water Company benefiting The Arc of Shelby County on March 9 at 6 p.m. at the Pelham Civic Complex.

Tickets will be available in January.

For sponsorship information, contact jellison@ thearcofshelby.org.

Gallery Opening: The gallery opening for the Shelby County Arts Council Instructor and Student Exhibit will be held March 9 from 6-8 p.m. The event is free. For more information, call 669-0044 or email info@ shelbycountyartscouncil.com.

March 11

The Springs: The Springs will be in concert with guest Hope Cassity on March 11 at 7:30 p.m. at the Shelby County Arts Council. Tickets are $20. For more information, call 669-0044 or email info@ shelbycountyartscouncil.com.

March 13

Anime Night: Come to the North Shelby Library’s teen department March 13 at 6 p.m. for an evening of anime and snacks.

The audience will pick what the group watches. Cosplay is welcome. For more information, call 439-5512.

Organic Gardening: Gardeners of all skill levels are invited to attend an organic gardening program presented at the Pelham Public Library by Regional Extension Agent Nelson Wynn on March 13 at 6 p.m. Wynn will cover general organic vegetable gardening, organic fertilization and pest managing. He has vast experience and training and will be able to answer all questions about organic gardening. The event is free to attend, but those interested in attending should call the library at 620-6418 to reserve a seat.

March 14

Picture Book Club: Come to the North Shelby Library for stories, games, crafts and snacks featuring a different favorite book character each month. All ages are welcome. Registration is required. The next meeting will be held March 14 at 10 a.m.

March 15

Homeschool Hangout: Turtles of Alabama: Registration for Homeschool Hangout – Turtles of Alabama at the North Shelby Library begins March 1 at 8

a.m. The event will be held March 15 at 1 p.m. for ages 7-12.

March 16

NSL Book Club: The NSL Book Club meets every third Thursday at 10:30 a.m. in the North Shelby Library conference room. The club is for adults. For more information, call Michelyn Reid at 4395510.

March 18

2nd Annual Mustache Run: The soccer program at Helena High School is hosting the 2nd Annual Mustache Run on March 18. The event includes an 8K, 5K, Fun Run/ Walk and Pet Walk. Registration begins at 6:45 a.m., and the race starts at 8 a.m. at HHS, located at 1310 Hillsboro Parkway in Helena. For more information, visit Hhsmustacherun.com.

Teen Volunteer Day: Help the North Shelby Library and earn community service hours March 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The library will host four volunteer days this semester. Each time it is offered, sixth-12th graders can sign up for one to two hours of service. The limit is five volunteers per day. Contact Kate at 4395512 or nsyouth@shelbycounty-al.org to sign up for a time.

March 24

Preschool Kitchen Science: Stop by the North Shelby Library on March 24 at 10:30 a.m. for stories, songs and STEAM-y (Science Technology Engineering Art and Math) science experiments for preschoolers. Supplies are limited.

Registration is required.

Open Gaming: Come to the North Shelby

Preschool Kitchen Science

Library for board, card, Minecraft, XBOX ONE and Wii games March 24 at 3:30 p.m. Participants must have a parent permission slip on file to attend. For more information, call 439-5512 or email nsyouth@shelbycounty-al.org.

March 25

Hoover XtremeAIR 5K Obstacle Race Series-Veterans Park: The Hoover XtremeAIR 5K Obstacle Race Series will be held March 25 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Veterans Park in Hoover.

March 28

Sensory Storytime: Sensory Storytime will be held at the North Shelby Library on March 28 at 10 a.m. This is a snackfree storytime for children with special needs with caregiver support, and features fun picture books and songs, along with fine and gross motor movement activities.

Special supports like fidget toys are available to help children be successful.

Registration is required and begins March 14 at 8 a.m. For more information, call 439-5504.

March 29

Family Storytime with Mr. Mac: Stories, puppets and lots of music for every member of the family will be available March 1 at 10:45 a.m. The event is for all ages, and no registration is required. For more information, call 439-5504.

March 30

Pajama Storytime: Come in your PJs, have milk and cookies and hear some bedtime tales at the North Shelby Library on March 2 at 6:30 p.m. The event is for all ages, and no registration is required. For more information, call 439-5504.

Open Gaming

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WHY I LOVE SHELBY COUNTY

Claire Kendrick:

‘I was amazed and humbled to be part of such an ambitious, talented and visionary group of young women’ Award, Hollywood Dance Jamz Assistant of the Year, and various regional and national dance awards.

Photograph by PAUL ROBERTSON PHOTOGRAPHY

B

irmingham resident Claire Kendrick, 18, was recently named the 2017 Distinguished Young Woman of Alabama.

As the third of eight children, Kendrick said she loves coming from a large family.

She stays active in her community through volunteerism, and was recently awarded the Presidential Service Award.

Her hobbies include dancing at Jackie O’Neal School of Dance and traveling with Dance Makers, Inc., as a member of the Collective Season IV. She is a senior at Valleydale Christian Academy and looks forward to graduating in May. What do you love about Shelby County?

I love the intimate feel of Shelby County.

It truly feels like a small town where everyone seems to know and support one another.

What did you do to prepare for the Distinguished Young Woman program?

In preparing for the Distinguished Young Woman program, I invested a significant amount of time studying local, state and national affairs as well as rehearsing my dance piece for the talent portion of the program. I also spent extra time in the gym working on my physical strength for the fitness portion of the competition.

How do you feel you benefitted from participating in the program?

Without a doubt, this program pushes you to “Be Your Best Self.” I was amazed and humbled to be part of such an ambitious, talented and visionary group of young women.

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What are your plans after you graduate?

I plan to attend college in New York City and pursue a professional dance career. I also plan to obtain a doctorate in physical therapy with a concentration on injury prevention.

As the 2017 Distinguished Young Woman, what events do you have on your calendar for the rest of the year?

In June of this year, I will have the honor of representing Alabama in the 60th Annual Distinguished Young Women’s Nationals in Mobile, Alabama. In addition, I will have the opportunity to visit local schools and civic clubs promoting the DYW platform, “Be Your Best Self.”

What advice would you give young women interested in participating in the program?

I would tell young women to just go for it. It truly is an unforgettable experience.

The entire program is a celebration of hard work and dedication, and provides each participant with an opportunity to meet some incredible young women from across their county and state.

What other awards have you received over the years?

National Honor Society inductee, Citizenship Award, Presidential Community Service Award, Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Award, Student Government Committee Member of the Year, Student Government True Leader

What is something you have always wanted to do, and why?

Travel the world. I have always enjoyed meeting people from various backgrounds and cultures. Traveling would allow me the opportunity to experience and celebrate these differences first-hand.

Who is your biggest role model, and why?

My biggest role model is my mom.

Being a mother of eight cannot be as easy as she makes it look. I admire her because she is the true definition of beauty and has dedicated her life to serving her family and others.

What is your favorite book or movie?

My favorite book is “Start with Why” by Simon Sinek.

If you could travel anywhere in the world today, where would you go, and why?

Without a doubt, Italy. I would love to experience the culture and indulge in some authentic Italian cuisine.

What is your favorite spot in Shelby County, and why?

Oak Mountain State Park. There is so much to do with friends and family, and it’s a great way to get outside and enjoy time with each other. l

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