Vestavia Hills Magazine, Summer 2024

THE BOND OF A BROTHERHOOD

There is a special bond between members of law enforcement. While that bond is a large part of Corporal Jerry Hughes’s life, his story starts somewhere else.

You voted. We tallied. See just who Vestavia Hills’ favorite restaurants, retailers, community events and more are.

Make tracks this summer for someplace a little off the beaten path: Buena Vista, Colorado.

PHOTO BY KELSEA SCHAFER

PHOTO BY UNTOLD IMAGERY

EDITORIAL

Anna Grace Moore

Donald Mottern

Rachel Raiford

Mackenzee Simms

Andrew Simonson

Noah Wortham

CONTRIBUTORS

James Culver

Rachel Culver

Daniel Dennis

Lauren Headrick

Beth Hontzas

Blair Ramsey

Christiana Roussel

Kelsea Schafer

Ashley Tiedt

DESIGN

Sydney Allen

Jamie Dawkins

Rowan Futrell

Connor Martin-Lively

MARKETING

Michaela Bankston

Octavia Campbell

Evann Campbell

Rachel Henderson

Rhett McCreight

Viridiana Romero

ADMINISTRATION

Mary Jo Eskridge

Alec Etheredge

Stacey Meadows

Kayla Reeves

Leslie Reeves

Brittany Schofield

Lauren Morris

Blair Ramsey, Photographer

Blair is a Vestavia Hills-based photographer whose company, Southern Intrigue Photography, specializes in sports action, portrait and commercial images. Blair has two sons, Cooper and Cameron, who have both had the privilege of being Auburn cheerleaders. Blair’s work can be found at southernintriguephotography.com, on Instagram @southernintriguephotography and Facebook @southernintrigue.

Christiana Roussel, Writer

Christiana Roussel is a Birmingham-based, award-winning food, travel and lifestyle writer. Naturally curious, she relishes any opportunity to meet new people and explore new places. She is a proud member of the Birmingham chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier as well as the Industry Advisory Board of Auburn University’s Horst Schulze School of Hospitality Management. Her other interests include bourbon, bacon, a great wardrobe capsule, upland hunting, pork rinds, pilates and power walks that include four-leaf clovers and feathers. Follow her online at @christiana.roussel.

Kelsea Schafer, Photographer

Kelsea is a student at Hoover High School. She lives in Hoover with her family and two dogs, Fendi and Riley. When not in class, she is behind the camera, shooting sports, events or senior portraits wherever possible while running Kelsea Schafer Photography. During her free time, she is often at Lewis Smith Lake, enjoying all things sun, boating and wake surfing with her family and friends.

Ashley Tiedt, Writer

Over the last 15 years, Ashley Tiedt has contributed more than 100 articles to various publications in Alabama. From debutants to tattoos, and addiction recovery to local artists, Ashley specializes in telling unique stories that engage and inform audiences. A graduate of the University of Alabama, Ashley started her career in broadcast journalism. She resides in Mountain Brook, Alabama, with her family.

Vestavia Hills Magazine is published quarterly by Shelby County Newspapers Inc., P.O. Box 947, Columbiana, AL 35051. Vestavia Hills Magazine is a registered trademark. All contents herein are the sole property of Shelby County Newspapers Inc. [the Publisher]. No part of this periodical may be reproduced without written permission from the Publisher. Please address all correspondence (including but not limited to letters, story ideas and requests to reprint materials) to: Editor, Vestavia Hills Magazine, P.O. Box 947, Columbiana, AL 35051.

Vestavia Hills Magazine is mailed to select households throughout Vestavia Hills, and a limited number of free copies are available at local businesses. Please visit VestaviaHillsMagazine.com for a list of those locations. Subscriptions are available at a rate of $14.95 plus tax for one year by visiting VestaviaHillsMagazine.com or calling (205) 669-3131, ext. 532.

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

ON THE COVER

Transcending Art

Carol Carmichael’s unique appreciation of life’s tiny details is evident in her artistic style—a hallmark of her creations.

MMy favorite stories to feature are ones that depict the goodness in humanity–refueling my faith in miracles. When I learned about Corporal Jerry Hughes’s testimony, I knew I wanted to share his story with you all, readers.

Cpl. Hughes, who works for the Vestavia Hills Police Department, was diagnosed with renal failure several years ago. On the other side of Birmingham around this time, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Lieutenant Mike House felt God telling him that he was going to be a kidney donor.

Lt. House met Cpl. Hughes and his family for the first time at UAB Hospital–the day of their kidney transplant. How cool is it that two men–who did not know each other–came to become great friends through the “mysterious ways” the Lord works? Not to mention, one saved the other’s life simply because he said “yes” to the Lord’s calling on his life.

Reading Cpl. Hughes’s story got me thinking about what purpose I am to serve on Earth and how the Lord wants to use me to further His kingdom. When I was a senior in high school, I spoke to my home church–the Inverness Vineyard Church–about Proverbs 17:17 which says, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” In my mini-sermon, I spoke about not knowing where I would one day go to college, much less what I would one day do with my life. Although I did not know at the time (and still do not quite know entirely) which direction my life’s trajectory is steering, I do know that I have the ability to be a light– a beacon of hope for the disheartened.

Readers, if you think of a pitch black room with one, singular lit flame emerging from the nothingness–the flame’s light will grow brighter and brighter as it comes in contact with more fuses ready to be ignited. Like this catalyst candle, Lt. House was able to save Cpl. Hughes’s life–becoming his brother born for adversity, or simply, a friend to another in need.

Many of you reading our fateful brothers’ story (page 49) may also be wondering what your purpose is in life or what you are supposed to be doing. While I cannot answer that question point-blank, I can encourage each of you to focus on what you can do–love unconditionally, support one another ferociously and especially as the going gets tough, band together with your shared humanity and face the world side by side.

If nothing else, I look forward to living out part of my calling–being a mouthpiece for truth, inspiring hope within our community by sharing your stories.

Photo by Blair Ramsey Design by Jamie Dawkins

@vestaviahillsmag

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

@summitsmileskids

Happy dental hygienist week to our amazing hygiene team!

@cajun_steamer

Friendly reminder that there are only 14 DAYS LEFT TIL MARDI GRAS! That’s right - TWO WEEKS!!! Keep swiping to see what your vision might look like after drinking $5 Hurricanes and $3 Fireball shots all day. Tag your Mardi loving bestie who’s just as excited as you are! *please drink responsibly, always.

@__ellieb__

Our people! Would not be who we are without them! Love you all beyond words.

@grazingbeecharcuterie

Hello, wonderful friends! I’m Heather, the heart behind Grazing Bee. I’m beyond excited to share my passion with you all! It’s been nearly a year since I started this adventure, pouring my creativity into crafting charcuterie boards that I hope bring a touch of joy to your gatherings.

” “THE QUESTION

What graduating Vestavia Hills High School senior would you like to give a shout-out to?

Kennedy Vincent

-Jamey Vincent

Greer Smith -Jennifer Joseph Smith

Kiran Kaur

-Levine

Tate Davidson and Amelia

Preston -Bradley Bixler O’Neill

Jack Davis -Jennifer Greer

Jeb Balogh

-Charla Durham Balogh

Dean Walker

-Ming Walker

Harper Avery and Anna Harmon

-Tana Hengst

THE GUIDE

I LOVE AMERICA NIGHT JUNE 27

6-9 P.M. Wald Park

I Love America Night is back again this June, featuring free swimming at the aquatic complex, sponsor booths, games, arts and crafts, live entertainment and a grand finale that includes a fireworks display! This event is free and open to the public. There will be concession stands open for attendees to purchase food and drinks. Be sure to arrive soon because parking is limited. For more information, visit facebook. com/Iloveamericanight.

JUNE 5

Fleet Feet Birmingham –

The Big Run

6 P.M.

Fleet Feet Birmingham

3060 Healthy Way, Suite 100

Runners are invited to celebrate Global Running Day with Fleet Feet Birmingham during this annual 5K race! Registration

fees are $20 per person. Proceeds benefit the Children’s S.H.I.N.E. clinic, which raises money and awareness to fight childhood and adolescent obesity. The Big Run 5K finishers will each receive a medal. For more information or to register, visit runsignup.com.

SELECT WEEKS IN JUNE & JULY

Summer Days

Vestavia Hills Methodist Church

Check out these day camps your kids will love this summer. Learn more information and register at vhmc.org/summerdays/descriptions.

JUNE 3-7: American Girl Doll Camp

JUNE 3-7: Olympic Games

JUNE 10-14: Vacation Bible Camp

JUNE 17-18, 20-21: Lego Camp

JUNE 24-28: Wet-N-Wild

JULY 8-12: Mad Scientist

JULY 15-19: Game On

JULY 22-26: Music and Arts presents “The Lion King”

JULY 29-AUG. 2: Pay it Forward/Serve Camp

FRIDAYS THROUGHOUT THE SUMMER

Storytime in the Gardens Birmingham Botanical Gardens

SELECT WEEKS IN JUNE & JULY

Kids’ Art Camp

Thomas Andrew Art, Home & Faith 2856 18th Street South

SELECT WEEKS IN JUNE & JULY

Gross Out Science Camp Camp Fletcher 5150 Fletcher Road

SELECT WEEKS IN JUNE & JULY

Summer Art Camp

Birmingham Museum of Art 2000 Rev. Abraham Woods, Jr. Boulevard

SELECT WEEKS IN JUNE & JULY

Gross Out Science Camp Vulcan Park 1701 Valley View Drive

JUNE 1

First Saturday Cruise In Hoover Tactical Firearms

JUNE 1

Alabaster CityFest Thompson High School

JUNE 6

Lew-E’s Comedy Circus Show

Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest

JUNE 7

Calera Main Street’s First Friday Festival: Backyard Bash 1120 17th Avenue

JUNE 8

Run, Ride & Rumble for PTSD Awareness 4500 5th Avenue South

JUNE 8

The Molly Ringwalds Avondale Brewing Company

JUNE 9

Sean of the South “On the Air” Music Series

Shelby County Arts Council

JUNE 10-14

Around the World Morning Camp

Birmingham Botanical Gardens

JUNE 11 21 Savage Oak Mountain Amphitheatre

JUNE 11-12

Roger Day Hoover Public Library

JUNE 15

Father-Daughter Tea Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest

JUNE 20

Ventriloquist Gene Cordova Presented by the Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest

JUNE 21

Hydrangeas Under the Stars Aldridge Gardens

JUNE 24-28

Backyard Wildlife Morning Camp

Birmingham Botanical Gardens

JUNE 28

Super Smash Bros. Tournament Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest

JUNE 30

City of Hoover’s Fireworks Show

Hoover Metropolitan Stadium

JULY 4

Independence Day 1776 American Village

JULY 4

Calera Main Street’s First Friday Festival: Independence Day Fireworks 1120 17th Avenue

SELECT WEEKS IN JUNE & JULY

Mason Music Camps

8:30-11:30 A.M.

Mason Music in Cahaba Heights 3187 Cahaba Heights Road

In select weeks in June and July, Mason Music will be hosting summer music camps for campers of all ages and musical abilities at the Cahaba Heights studio location. Each camp has a different age range and registration fee. Find more details and register at masonmusic.com/ group-programs/music-camps.

JUNE 3-7: Mason Music Camp for Beginners

JUNE 17-21: Rock Band Camp: Performance Edition

JUNE 24-28: Singing Safari Music Camp for Preschoolers

JULY 22-27: Rock Band Camp: Recording Edition

JULY 29-AUG. 2: Guitar Camp for Beginners

JUNE 6 & 20

Moonlight Movies

6-9 P.M.

Vestavia City Center

The Vestavia City Center will be hosting two movie nights on the green, and everyone is invited to attend! While these movie showings are free and open to the public, attendees are advised to bring their own blankets and lawn chairs to use during the showings. For updates, follow Vestavia City Center on Facebook.

Gross Out Camp

8 A.M.-5 P.M.

McCallum Park 3332 Rosemary Lane

Gross Out Camps are award-winning science camps put on by the Birminghambased nonprofit, Fresh Air Family, nearly every week in June and July across the

state of Alabama. With 64 camps across 22 different locations, Gross Out Camps are designed to get kids outdoors, helping them to enjoy nature, learn about Alabama biodiversity and even conduct some fun science experiments, too. To learn more information or register, visit grossoutcamp.org.

WEDNESDAYS THROUGHOUT THE SUMMER

Vestavia Hills Farmers Market

10 A.M.-1 P.M.

Scout Square

741 Montgomery Highway

Brought to patrons by Vestavia Hills Methodist Church, the annual Vestavia Hills Farmers Market will feature a wide variety of local businesses, farmers’ selections of fresh produce, artists, musicians and more. To learn more, follow Vestavia Hills Methodist Church on Facebook.

JULY 6

First Saturday Cruise In Hoover Tactical Firearms

JULY 8-12

Superhero Training Academy Camp

Birmingham Botanical Gardens

JULY 9-11

Vestavia Hills High School Youth Boys Soccer Camp Thompson Reynolds Stadium

JULY 14

Sean of the South “On the Air” Music Series

Shelby County Arts Council

JULY 22-26

S.H.E. CAMP

UAB’s Artplay 1006 19th Street South

JULY 23-25

Vestavia Hills High School Youth Boys Soccer Camp

Louis Pizitz Middle School

JULY 26

Hootie and The Blowfish

Oak Mountain Amphitheatre

JULY 27

Otey’s Fest Crestline Village

JULY 30

Zombie Scavenger Hunt XII Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest

AUG. 6

Barbie The Movie: In Concert Oak Mountain Amphitheatre

AUG. 14

Creed

Oak Mountain Amphitheatre

AUG. 16

Train

Oak Mountain Amphitheatre

AUG. 17

Birmingham Babypalooza Baby Expo

BJCC East Ballroom

SELECT WEEKS IN JUNE & JULY

ARTS CULTURE&

TRANSCENDING ART

Carol Carmichael’s art is rooted in creative ingenuity–her distinct authorship of the world around her.

BY ANNA GRACE MOORE

PHOTOS BY BLAIR RAMSEY

MMeaningful art weighs heavy in power–such strong enough to inspire open minds to seek out and protect the beauty of this albeit rather broken world. Art–one’s legacy–transcends his time on Earth and shapes societal narratives about what is deemed worthy to be praised.

Vestavia Hills painter and art teacher Carol Carmichael believes that each person holds the ability to create art deep within himself; however, to evoke such emotion on the canvas, one must first learn to appreciate what others often take for granted–nature, the world’s first blank canvas.

Carol first moved to Vestavia Hills in 1974, when her father became the minister of what was then known as Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church. Growing up as a pastor’s kid, Carol jokes that she sometimes ignored her father’s sermons and instead drew cartoons on church bulletins to pass among the pews.

Although she struggled to pay attention in church,

Carol says the Lord ignited a catalyst for creation within her over the years as she honed her artistic talents. After graduating from Vestavia Hills High School, Carol attended Birmingham-Southern College, majoring in art education.

She began teaching art at 21 years old at Homewood High School–the place, she says, that instilled in her a desire to share how therapeutic art can be.

“It was so much fun to watch people’s progression–just watching anybody be proud of something that they made,” Carol says. “I was just so thankful to be able to teach at such a great school.”

When Carol welcomed her three sons into the world, she took a step back from teaching and prioritized her time with her children; yet, when her sons became elementary age, Carol felt called to help teach art workshops at her sons’ school and began helping out with the fine arts program.

“I think students need a chance to express

themselves through art to make them more well rounded, so they can feel good about themselves,” Carol says. “The main reason I teach is to give back because I feel like others took their time to teach me to paint. It’s wonderful to see people progress and be proud.”

No matter her age or stage in life, Carol says creating art has always been her outlet for expression and means of connecting to other people, helping foster friendships. One such friend, Margie Phelps,

is who Carol credits with teaching her how to paint loosely–the hallmark of her art.

Although she studied art in college, Carol says she never grasped the technique of painting loosely until years after her children were in grade school, and she could spend her newfound time painting. Painting loosely–the tight walk between realism and impressionism–is an artistic style grounded in spontaneity and self-expression, utilizing broad brush strokes, bright colors and simplified

depictions.

This style of painting focuses on wrangling light, capturing the essence of a subject, not replicating every detail. “Loose” painters are free to defy the confines of color theory and form, enabling them to embrace unpredictability and create their heart’s physical manifestation of colorful, imaginative vitality on the canvas.

Such an aesthetic often portrays a balance of “soft” edges pressed into the canvas through bold,

ART ON THE RUN

Check out Carol Carmichael’s list of upcoming shows around the Southeast.

SEPT. 21-22: Monte Sano Art Festival Huntsville, Alabama

OCT. 4-6: St. James Court Art Festival Louisville, Kentucky

OCT. 19-20: The Kentuck Festival of the Arts Tuscaloosa, Alabama

NOV. 1-3: Greater Gulf Coast Arts Festival Pensacola, Florida

NOV. 9-10: Three Rivers Art Festival Covington, Louisiana

MARCH 14-16: Fairhope Arts & Crafts Festival Fairhope, Alabama

MAY 3: Art in the Village Mountain Brook, Alabama

wiley brush strokes. Where realists may see inconsistencies, loose painters see creative expressions of the harmonious fusion between light and color.

The best light, Carol says, will be found outdoors in picturesque sceneries. Glancing around her studio, one will see landscapes of the beach and ocean; portraits of cows, horses and roosters outdoors on farms; and even beautiful depictions of people enjoying nature.

“When we travel [if we see cows], my husband will pull off the road, let me jump out and take some pictures,” Carol says, chuckling. “That is one thing I probably never get tired of painting is cows because they’re just fun to look at.”

While she can paint from photographs, Carol often enjoys spending time painting still-life or straight from memory of some of her favorite moments with her family and friends. Carol’s signature “figurative” series depicts many people enjoying one another’s company–often outdoors at

the beach.

“Katie’s Twins’’ portrays two sweet sisters sitting in shallow water as they gently sway back and forth with the push and pull of the tide. From afar, the painting is a simple but beautiful presentation of fun on the beach; however, the intricate details such as the subtle hues of brown overlapping each other down the girls’ hair lines–showing their wet French braids–give the painting much more depth beyond one’s first glance.

As cameras have advanced stylistically,

photographs have become more life-like, but Carol says she is not a photorealist. Painting loosely, in her mind, is a dynamic strategy, allowing her to compose life on the canvas with such vibrant authenticity.

“I prefer oil paints because of the thickness and flexibility,” Carol says. “I prefer to work ‘wet on wet,’ and oil paints dry slower, enabling me to blend paints and correct mistakes. Oil paint is more forgiving than other paints.”

While oil paints take hours–if not days–to dry, Carol says oil paints are the most generous because they are not only the easiest to use in correcting mistakes, but they also yield a shimmery finish, illuminating her work in natural light.

One of Carol’s landscapes, “Wild Beauty,” cleverly blends muted Earth tones hovering over the marsh water like mist humming in an autumn breeze. Hues of burnt orange fading into bundles of mossy-green strokes allude to the cattails bending beneath the gusts of wind bellowing through the marshes.

“My Mama Told Me” depicts two little lambs–whose fluffy coats render the light from the Northwestern rays–resting in a sun-dappled pasture extending past the rolling, pastel-colored hills. Open to interpretation, Carol says her art serves not as

“ ” I think students need a chance to express themselves through art to make them more well rounded, so they can feel good about themselves. The main reason I teach is to give back because I feel like others took their time to teach me to paint.

- Carol Carmichael

exact replicas of her psyche but of how her favorite memories make her feel.

By viewing loose painting as a soul’s conversation with reality, this technique is often referred to as the most “honest” type of painting because it embraces the artistic process, celebrating imperfections as ingenuity–an artist’s authorship in physical form. The real beauty, Carol says, is that it is a technique that can be mastered at any age.

“I’m excited to think that even at my age, I can continue painting and get better and my style may even change,” Carol says. “Art is something that I can leave behind in this world. It’s a little way I can leave a little piece of me.”

While Carol did not master loose painting until she was an adult, she says creating art–no matter the style–is the heart’s way of expressing what words sometimes cannot convey. Everyone has a story to tell.

If art is one of the most meaningful gifts one can pass onto future generations, then Carol’s legacy will carry on in the hearts of all her students, inspiring them to paint the beauty in a broken world.

To view and purchase Carol’s work or inquire about commissions, visit carolcarmichaelfineart. com.

READ THIS BOOK

Summer Reads for Kids

Recommendations from Lauren Headrick

Children’s Librarian

Katie the Catsitter (Book One)

Lauren is a graduate from the University of Montevallo. She is a Birmingham native and loves reading, animals, camping and the “Golden Girls.” She currently works in the children’s department of the Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest. With summer approaching, Lauren is eager to share her love of reading with the community—especially the littlest readers. Here, she recommends her top five reading selections children will love this summer.

By Colleen AF Venable | Middle-Grade Fiction/Graphic Novel

We read “Katie the Catsitter” for our Tween Graphic Novel Book Club, and it was easily an all-around winner. It’s funny. How could it not be when it involves cat sitting 217 cats? It follows Katie, who experiences the woes of friendship, growing up, cats with super abilities and of course, superheroes (and villains). Katie is attempting to find odd jobs to help pay for summer camp, which leads to a great mix of realistic problems and goofiness with great side characters and fun antics.

Mama’s Home

By Shay Youngblood | Picture Book

Mama’s Home is one of my favorite all-time reads. It takes you on a journey with the main character. Her mom is a single, working mother, and her job takes her away from home a lot. The main character spends different days of the week with different family members. With each family member, she learns a new task or skill, and we learn more about what her loving family looks like. The book ends with a large family gathering for Sunday dinner. This book is so kind and comforting. The illustrator, Lo Harris, is also a Birmingham native, so it’s a fun way to read and support a local artist at the same time.

The Amazing Life of Azaleah Lane

By Nikki Shannon Smith | Chapter Book Series

Oh, how I love Azaleah Lane. She is so smart, funny and full of great ideas. I also love how she has a wonderful family full of supportive and communicative parents and siblings. In her many adventures, Azaleah always faces a problem. No matter what the problem is, she is empathetic and asks the great adults around her for advice. She is a wonderful peace-maker and always tries to help her friends shine.

Love in the Library

By Maggie Tokuda-Hall | Picture Book

Told amid the harsh environment of a Japanese internment camp, and based on the author’s grandparents, this story describes how love will find a way. It also allows us a glimpse into a part of U.S. history that is not always told and can sometimes be difficult to digest, but is important, nonetheless. I love the unconventional start to the love story that is told and the representation that this book provides. Not surprisingly, the setting of love beginning in a library is also one that is near and dear. It’s so encouraging to read about how a bright spot can be found in dark times. It also includes an author’s note about her grandparents and their experience that is interesting to read.

A History of Underwear

By Hannah Holt | Nonfiction

Where in the world would we be without underwear? Well, “A History of Underwear” doesn’t answer that question for you. However, it does give you a hilarious and thrilling history on how classic favorites such as underwear, bloomers, briefs, boxers, knickers and “Long Johns” all came to be. This is a fun readaloud for the whole family.

SCHOOL SPORTS&

IGNITING PASSION

Kira Aaron is named the Alabama Department of Education’s Alternate Teacher of the Year.

BY ANNA GRACE

MOORE

PHOTOS BY BLAIR RAMSEY

TThe best teachers are the ones who champion learning as the cure to all of the world’s problems, utilizing reading and knowledge as the best weapon for trailblazers to wield. In Vestavia Hills, many of these future wavemakers are being inspired from within the walls of a freshman English classroom.

On Wednesday, May 8 at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival’s Globe Theatre, Kira Aaron was named the Alabama Department of Education’s Alternate Teacher of the Year. Kira, who teaches ninth grade honors English at the Vestavia Hills Freshman Campus, was previously named the 2024-25 District III Teacher of the Year and was considered for Alabama State Teacher of the Year out of 16 finalists.

“It is not ever something I expected at all, but it is truly an honor to get to do what I love and share that with others,” Kira says.

Before being chosen as the District III Teacher of the Year, Kira was named Vestavia Hills City Schools’ Secondary Teacher of the Year. This achievement comes after her 15 years in education, following in her parents’ footsteps.

Hailing from Dadeville, Alabama, Kira grew up watching her parents inspire their students, igniting a passion in each of them and a yearning for learning. Kira’s father, Dr. Chuck Ledbetter–now the Superintendent of Pelham City Schools–started out teaching history and coaching football.

Kira’s mother, Kim Ledbetter, taught an unconventional pairing–math and French. After providing full-time care for a family member, Kim returned to the classroom and taught at a small school where she was the only math teacher for seventh grade through 12th grade.

Kira remembers Kim staying up for hours each night and waking up at dawn each morning, practicing math problems to make sure she was prepared to answer any question from fractions to calculus.

“[My parents] were good teachers,” Kira says. “They knew in order to reach kids, you had to have a relationship with them first. Nobody is going to learn from someone they don’t trust. They had a passion for people, which certainly rubbed off on me.”

After graduating from Dadeville High School, Kira attended Auburn University, majoring in secondary English education. Becoming a teacher was a no-brainer for her, she says.

“

” Reading allows so many opportunities for creativity and to form relationships with people. I believe that people were made for relationships, and the English language arts classroom lends itself to relationships with peers and exploration of the world around them.

-Kira Aaron

“I spent years teaching stuffed animals in my playroom, even teaching my two younger sisters when they didn’t want to be taught,” Kira says, chuckling. “They were pretty much always privy to ‘my classroom.’”

Kira, who says she has always had a passion for learning, was one of the most involved students in her graduating class. Not only was she a member of the Auburn University College of Education’s student council, but she was also a student ambassador, a student recruiter and a member of Alpha Gamma Delta.

After graduating from Auburn, Kira got her first role in education as an English teacher at Wacoochee Junior High School, where she taught seventh grade language arts. Although she only taught there for a year, Kira says that year opened her eyes to how influential educators can be. Following that school year, Kira and her love, Oliver Aaron, tied the knot, and she followed him to Troy–where he worked and she later received her Master’s Degree in Secondary Education.

During this time, Kira started teaching at Elba High School, where she was only one of three English teachers for seventh grade through 12th grade.

“They taught me that the teacher’s relationships with her peers is really the biggest indicator of her students’ success because her peers make her better,” Kira says.

Kira taught at Elba for two years, and in that time period, she became the yearbook sponsor, the journalism sponsor, the prom sponsor and the junior varsity cheer sponsor–by the way, she did

not have any cheer experience.

Kira, smiling, recalls tackling responsibilities to her students outside of the classroom not as a chore, but as an opportunity to provide as many outlets as she could for her students to grow in their crafts. To her, encouraging students–no matter the subject, sport or hobby–is the most impactful resource in creating positive generational change.

After welcoming her firstborn into the world, Kira took a job teaching 10th grade English at Charles Henderson High School, where she taught for three years. In her time teaching there, Kira welcomed her second born and received the news that Oliver got a job as the college counselor at Vestavia Hills High School in 2013.

After moving to Vestavia Hills, Kira welcomed her third child and was able to take some time off to spend with her family. In 2016, an English teacher position opened at the high school, and Kira made her debut back in the classroom.

“I taught 11th grade and moved down to ninth grade when the school system announced its plan to open the freshman campus, which was exciting,” Kira says. “As a mom of students in the school system and a teacher, I thought it’d be really fun to help create the climate and culture of a new school.”

In 2019, Kira began her journey to pursue

every child takes center stage.

At Children’s of Alabama, kids are the center of our world and our mission is to provide the very best care available to every child. It’s why we are here.

1600

National Board Certification and even started a cohort of fellow educators working to achieve the same goal. Kira received National Board Certification in 2021, and in 2022, she went back to school and earned her Ed.S. from the University of Alabama.

In January 2024, Kira started her PhD program back where she started–Auburn University.

“I hope that my students see me as a learner and that they leave my room excited to learn, wanting to continue to learn no matter where they are or what their interests are,” Kira says. “I love to learn. I hope

my kids see that in me.”

Looking back over the years, Kira says she knows she made the right career choice, and the proof is in her students’ smiling faces each time they enter her classroom. In fact, one of Kira’s favorite books to teach, “Lord of the Flies,” also happens to accompany some of her students’ favorite learning activities all year long.

Written by William Golding, “Lord of the Flies,” teaches about the dangers surrounding group conformity–to an extent, mob mentality. After several of the characters get spooked, thinking they’re being hunted by beasts–they make the mistake of killing one of their own.

Such an act seems at first incomprehensible, but Kira, every year, walks her students through such a mentality and why it’s important to think and act through reason, not fear.

Kira gathers her students together, marching with them around the classroom, chanting. At first, many of the students feel silly, but as their peers become more enthusiastic, they start to feel the rush of adrenaline propelling them to whoop and holler.

Before long, many of the students are dancing and chanting with all their might–at which point Kira settles the class and asks questions as to why they feel so invigorated. Through open discussion, Kira’s students learn how slippery of a slope excitement can turn into fear, and they also learn how this shared experience can translate to why people act the way they do at pep rallies, protests and more.

“I believe that literature connects people to each other and to the world around them,” Kira says. “It opens up our eyes to things we may not have understanding or awareness of.”

It’s not a surprise to anyone that Kira was honored as the Alternate Teacher of the Year. As much as she dedicates to her students and fellow educators, it’s easy to see how much of an impact Kira is creating by believing in her students, igniting a passion in each of them to follow their dreams.

While waking up to shape the minds of America’s youth may seem to some like an insurmountable task, to Kira, that’s just Monday–the best day of the week and the first chance she has to remind her students how special they all are.

“I love what I do,” Kira says. “It’s my joy to teach here in Vestavia Hills.”

Jennifer Greer

Vestavia Hills City Schools

2023 Hall of Fame Inductee

PHOTO BY BETH HONTZAS

In 2020, Vestavia Hills City Schools (VHCS) established the school system’s “Hall of Fame,” in order to honor retired school employees who positively impacted the lives of their fellow educators and students. Only five inductees are chosen each year. Jennifer Greer, who taught special education for 25 years, was one of the 2023 inductees. Here, she offers her gratitude for her induction.

Tell our readers about yourself.

I am happily married to Ben Greer, and together, we are blessed with five children: Erin, Kaitlyn, Cade, Megan and Garret. We adopted Garret when he was 11 years old, following the passing of both his parents. Garret, who has Down syndrome, has brought an abundance of love and joy into our family. We are actively involved in serving our church community at Church of the Highlands. Personally, I lead a women’s small group, providing support and guidance for other mothers of adult children with disabilities. Professionally, I am privileged to serve as the Director of Post Place–a campus of Unless U.

Why did you choose to teach special education?

During high school, I had the opportunity to volunteer at a center for children with disabilities, where I worked closely with a little girl with Down syndrome. During my first couple of days, I spent time pushing her on the swing. Then, I decided to sit down next to her and teach her to swing herself. I vividly remember the joy and pride she

expressed when she learned to swing independently. At that moment, I realized that I wanted to dedicate my life to helping children with disabilities become more independent and reach their fullest potential.

How did you hope to inspire or impact your students from within the walls of your classroom?

Focusing on my students’ abilities rather than their disabilities was a fundamental approach in my classroom. My main focus was to first form relationships with my students, making sure they felt loved and celebrated. I believe that a strong foundation of trust and respect is essential for effective teaching and learning.

What moments from your career solidified your purpose as an educator?

When I first started teaching, my students were all self-contained into one classroom. Witnessing the isolation my students faced saddened me deeply. I sought permission from school administration and fellow teachers to gradually integrate my students into the general education classroom setting,

starting with physical education. We progressed to elective classes and other school activities. Additionally, I initiated the Pizitz Pirate Partner program, pairing students with unique abilities with their peers and helping foster friendships and inclusion. Over time, I watched my students become cheerleaders, dance team members, part of the football and wrestling teams and even school ambassadors. One of the most rewarding moments in my teaching career was witnessing three of my students graduate high school and attend college. Seeing Jake Pratt at Clemson University, Davis Spain at the University of Alabama and Grace Davis at Auburn University thrive in college environments was immensely gratifying.

What did it feel like being inducted into the VHCS 2023 Hall of Fame?

I was completely overwhelmed with emotion and gratitude. To be chosen among such incredible and outstanding colleagues and teachers in Vestavia Hills was truly humbling. It was an honor that I will always cherish.

FOOD DRINK&

DELICIOUS DONE

BY ANNA GRACE MOORE

PHOTOS BY UNTOLD IMAGERY

TThe ways in which the Lord brings people together often play out like puzzle pieces being placed in a pattern larger than one can initially see. Young and Kookie Shin’s journey started when they met state-side, thousands of miles away from their hometowns in Korea.

Young immigrated from Korea to the U.S. when he was 16 years old. While in school, he began working at Kobe Japanese Steakhouse, learning the ins and outs of running a restaurant as he progressed through the ranks from busboy to hibachi chef.

In 1998, Young ventured into entrepreneurship and opened Wings and Teriyaki in Birmingham and later on, Wings and Stuff in Fairfield. As Young’s restaurants garnered success, he sold them in 2010 and 2012 before opening his third restaurant concept, Pho Pho Vietnamese and

Sushi Bar, in 2015 in Five Points South.

Kookie, however, did not get her start in the food industry.

After graduating from college in the U.S., Kookie moved back to her home country–Korea–and began working for Far East Broadcasting Company (FEBC), which broadcasts radio shows sharing Christian messages into countries with little-to-no knowledge of the Gospel. Kookie, who is bilingual, would conduct Christian radio shows for children in English, so those listening could learn English and learn about Jesus, too.

Kookie also did telecounseling, listening and offering advice to callers phoning in about their daily struggles. At the end of every call, she always offered to pray for them, too.

“I worked there for four years,” Kookie says. “Now, [the FEBC] has close to 15 stations.

Sometimes, we would get letters from underground churches, so that’s how we knew someone was hearing Christ. It makes me more appreciative where I am right now that I can worship God.”

In the early 2000s, Kookie decided to pursue her master’s degree in public administration and returned to the U.S. She attended Belhaven University in Jackson, Mississippi, where she reunited with one of her friends in ministry from the FEBC.

He was working at Southeastern Bible College in Inverness at the time, and one Thanksgiving break, he invited Kookie to stay and celebrate the holiday with his family in Birmingham. While in town, Kookie says she learned about Briarwood Presbyterian Church’s Korean ministry and

attended one of the ministry’s community picnics.

It was there that Kookie met Young’s parents, who introduced her to him. The two quickly fell in love and tied the knot in 2012, and in 2016, they welcomed their pride and joy into the world–their daughter, Esther.

Not long after did the Shins–now a dynamic duo–make the decision to close the Five Points South location of Pho Pho Vietnamese and Sushi Bar in 2019 before opening another location in the Pizitz Food Hall that same year. The following year, Young and Kookie also opened Pho Pho Asian Cuisine in 2020 in the Hoover Village shopping center.

With their hard-earned success, it was no surprise when chef Matt Ralph–the mastermind who created The Standard–approached his next-

door-neighbor restaurateurs in the Pizitz Food Hall about whether they would be interested in purchasing The Standard from him as he was moving states.

“Matt thought we could carry on the menu and ingredients the way he designed it,” Kookie says.

“That’s how we got the name, ‘The Standard.’”

If there is one thing both Young and Kookie have learned in the food industry, it is that every level of the business must be held to a high standard in order for it to be successful. When taking over The Standard in the Pizitz Food Hall, Kookie says she and Young wanted to pay homage to Matt and decided not to change the menu or the aesthetic because The Standard was already a popular destination for all foods “Birmingham.”

It was not until 2020, however, that a customer

“

” We wanted to open in the Vestavia City Center because customers would enjoy the open space and the kidfriendly atmosphere.

- Kookie Shin

CHEF PICKS

THE BIRMINGHAM DOG

Sauerkraut, onion and beef sauce on a hotdog

THE CHICKEN SANDWICH

Hand-breaded chicken breast, American cheese, Standard Sauce and pickles

THE DOUBLE BACON CHEESEBURGER

Two grilled hamburger patties, lettuce, tomato, pickles, American cheese and Standard Sauce

presented the Shins with the opportunity to expand into the Vestavia City Center. In April 2023, Young and Kookie opened The Standard in Vestavia Hills, and they feel so excited about being a part of the community.

“We wanted to open in the Vestavia City Center because customers would enjoy the open space and the kid-friendly atmosphere,” Kookie says.

Glancing at The Standard’s menu, the retro diner sports a small but tasty variety of some of the best burgers, hotdogs, philly cheesesteaks, fries and milkshakes in town. Kookie’s favorite–the chicken philly–has chargrilled chicken, grilled onions, white American cheese and garlic aioli.

Another fan favorite–the patty melt–combines two grilled hamburger patties, pimento cheese, mayonnaise and pickled onions on a crisp potato bun. These delectable delights yield a plethora of flavor in every bite.

No matter one’s taste palate, he is sure to find something he will love on the menu. Vegetarians will love the black bean veggie burger, which layers lettuce, tomato, avocado, chipotle mayo and white American cheese together between two potato buns.

Not sure what to try first? Kookie recommends ordering either The Standard burger with Standard Sauce or the double bacon cheeseburger. One can even custom order toppings including fried eggs, grilled onions or smashed avocado.

“Our burgers have always had the same taste: ‘fresh-made every morning,’” Kookie says. “The taste explains how our food is made.”

Young believes that the best restaurants serve the best food, and that begins by utilizing the freshest ingredients, making food in-house, fresh, daily. Whenever a customer takes a bite out of his fried bologna sandwich, he can rest assured, knowing it was made that day–just for him.

The Shins believe they have been able to provide a wonderful life here in Vestavia Hills for their family, but their journey may never have been as successful without the support of their loyal customers. Looking forward, Young and Kookie say they will continue to serve both the Birmingham and Vestavia Hills communities through their businesses, prioritizing customer satisfaction–evident in every bite.

To their customers, they say, “Thank you, and we look forward to seeing you again soon.”

The Standard is located at 700 Montgomery Highway, Suite 164. It is open every day from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. For more information, visit thestandardbhm.com.

DINING GUIDE

Davenport’s Pizza Palace Visit us in the Vestavia City Center or at our original Mountain Brook location for award-winning pizza, a fresh garden salad and the coldest beer in town! Our dough and sauce are made from scratch, using the same family recipes for 60 years. Our party room is available for birthday parties, family celebrations, sports team events and more. Our Vestavia Hills location features a bar (try our cocktails), TVs to watch your favorite sports and outdoor seating. We are proud to be family-owned and operated since 1964.

Casual Pint The Casual Pint at the Grove is your one-stop shop for beer, wine and your favorite American foods with a bit of a cultural twist. With 35 craft beers on tap, numerous wines from across the globe and a plethora of cold drinks, we’re sure to find you a drink that you love. Come in for drinks, but stay for our giant pretzel wurst platter and classic cheeseburger. Visit our website for more.

Biscuit Belly Nestled into the heart of The Village at Brock’s Gap and located just minutes down the road from the Met and the Finley Center, Biscuit Belly will get your taste buds watering and your bellies ready for the ultimate brunch experience with scratch-made biscuits baked fresh every day. Join the Biscuit Belly loyalty program and earn rewards every time you order online or in-person. Plus, enjoy free “bonuts” just for signing up.

Hoover + Vestavia Hills

Saw’s BBQ At Saw’s we understand that you can’t rush greatness. Bar-B-Q is a slow craft. Low temperatures and delicate smoke render swine sublime. Come by our Riverchase Village location and see for yourself why we were voted Hoover’s Best Barbecue! Visit our website to find out about catering for your next event.

The

Craft Burger The Craft Burger was founded in 2017 with a simple idea – an honest burger for an honest buck. We use simple, fresh ingredients cooked with care just the way you like it. We offer more than just burgers to tempt even the pickiest of eaters: turkey burgers, hot dogs and more! Catering, delivery and private party hosting is also available. Visit us today in Valleydale Village or our location coming soon to HWY 280!

Mudtown Here at Mudtown, we’re as local as it gets. Join us for lunch and dinner seven days a week, plus brunch on the weekends from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Our menu is fantastic, fresh and fun. Enjoy the laid back, inviting atmosphere, and grab a cold drink. We can’t wait to see you!

Whiskey Foxtrot Burger Dive

Whiskey Foxtrot

Burger Dive is a locally-owned burger joint, specializing in gourmet hamburgers and hot dogs made from American Wagyu Beef. We serve several local craft beers and a selection of top-shelf bourbons and whiskeys. Whiskey Foxtrot offers a casual, family-friendly dining experience and aims to be your go-to when you’re craving a burger, hotdog and/or a cold beverage. Visit our Hoover or Homewood locations and see why we were voted Hoover’s Best Burger!

Jarrard Ray Co-Owner of Sunshine Creamery

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Husband and wife duo Jarrard and Casey Ray were inspired to open an ice cream shop in the Rocky Ridge community by their two children, who were adamant that ice cream brings people together. With the spirit of fostering fellowship in mind, Jarrard and Casey opened the ice cream parlor in the former Continental Florist space in 2023. Open seven days a week, Sunshine Creamery offers a plethora of 36 different ice cream flavors, ice cream cakes, milkshakes, sundaes and flavors of the month. Here, co-owner Jarrard Ray offers his insight on ice cream entrepreneurship.

Tell our readers about the founding of Sunshine Creamery. How did this business come to be and open up shop in Vestavia Hills?

This area of Vestavia Hills really needed an ice cream shop. Our kids were a big factor in our decision to open Sunshine Creamery, too. Before we opened, we would drive them to neighboring suburbs anytime they had ice cream cravings. They are students at Dolly Ridge Elementary School, and we are active members of the community. There was a definite need for a sit-down, family-friendly ice cream shop in the Rocky Ridge-Dolly Ridge community, which is why we chose this location.

What drew you to this industry?

Casey and I have never actually owned a business before and really have no background in the culinary arts. Casey

has a background in pharmacy, and I have a background in retail and wholesale sales. At the end of the day, the community needed an ice cream shop, where families could come and sit down and enjoy some time together. We knew if we did it right, it would be a success.

As an insider in the ice cream business, what’s the “scoop” on the best flavors newcomers should try?

Try all of them. We have 36 flavors of ice cream, several Italian Ice options and we are a Sno Biz location. We have something for everyone.

What is your favorite menu item?

We have many favorites. Depending on your mood, we have several chocolate options, savory caramel choices and kidfriendly flavors such as blue panda, cotton candy and superman. Salty

caramel truffle and brookie dough blast are fan favorites for sure.

What is your favorite part of not just being in the ice cream business, but also being a business owner in Vestavia Hills?

We really enjoy the interaction with our customers. We have a loyal customer base and are active members of the community. It brings a smile to our faces when we see families come in excitedly and happily spending one-on-one time together. We foster fellowship with every scoop.

Sunshine Creamery is located at 3390 Morgan Drive in Vestavia Hills. It is open Sunday-Thursday from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. and Friday-Saturday from 11 a.m.9 p.m. To learn more information or check out the newest flavors, visit inperson or call 205-601-0230.

HOME STYLE&

UPSCALE BEAUTY

The Ridgway family’s home is the perfect hallmark of classic Vestavia Hills residential design.

BY ANNA GRACE MOORE

PHOTOS BY BLAIR RAMSEY

AA lifelong resident of Vestavia Hills, Amy Ridgway and her husband, Chris, have always loved the Vestavia Hills community. Between the friendly, walkable neighborhoods, thriving school system and picturesque views, settling down and raising their family in the community has been a blessing to them.

Amy’s family moved into her parents’ home after her father’s passing in 2021. The gorgeous, ranchstyle home–first built in 1960–had never been updated until 2005, when Amy’s parents’ first purchased the home. In June 2022, Amy and Chris partnered with Allison Hallman of Willow Interiors to renovate their new home into what would be their forever home.

Allison, whose brother owns Willow Homes, worked with her brother’s team to redesign the home

without building much up or out–paying homage to the house’s traditional design. The only square footage the team expanded was the back deck, which is one of the house’s most beautiful renovations.

The Willow Homes and Willow Interiors teams tore down and rebuilt the deck, expanding it out to 15 by 15 feet. They chose to vault the ceiling to add more height to the space and opted out of including windows or closed-in fences surrounding the deck.

This way, one sitting outside on the deck can see straight through and above the cast-iron railings, taking in the beauty of the Vestavia Country Club’s golf course behind the Ridgways’ backyard. They also added a fully functional cook station on the patio below, allowing Amy and Chris to have cookouts and entertain the family.

Another interesting feature is the deck’s outdoor

fireplace, which extends from the deck’s floor to ceiling and is a completely new addition. While the back deck’s renovation is stunning, the rest of the home is also a hallmark of Vestavia Hills residential design–traditional, Southern-style beauty at its finest.

To view more of Willow Homes and Willow Interiors’s projects, visit gowillowhomes.com and gowillowinteriors.com.

The Entryway

At Amy’s request, Willow Homes expanded the entryway by removing the hallway’s coat closet, allowing one’s line of vision to be directed from the front door through the house to the backyard.

Dining Room

What is now the dining room used to be a formal living room, which was closed off so as to include room for Amy’s home office, which rests at the front of the home and boasts a beautiful view of the neighborhood.

The Hall Bathroom

While Amy loved the textured wallpaper in the hall bathroom, she didn’t want the room to be engulfed in pattern. Allison incorporated wainscoting for a subtle balance, bringing out the hues in the wallpaper’s design. The vanity’s countertop is Taj Mahal Quartzite and pairs nicely with the satin-brass finishes.

Kitchen

The kitchen used to be shaped like a peninsula, so Willow Homes opened up the room, allowing it to pour into the open concept. Chris, who loves to cook, requested a large island so as to entertain family and friends. The kitchen’s backsplash is a marble mosaic–compliments of Triton Stone.

The Wet Bar

The closed-off pantry was opened up to create a wet bar, connecting the dining room to the kitchen and den. To contrast the home’s light and airy color palette, Amy chose Black Mist Granite for the countertops.

Living Room

While not pictured, the living room’s fireplace is made of Alabama limestone. The herringbone pattern on the inside walls were painted black for depth.

Sunroom

Where the screened-in sunroom used to be is now a part of the living room. Willow Homes removed this area’s plantation shutters and tile flooring and added hardwood flooring. Amy says she requested to remove the window coverings, in order to incorporate more natural light into the open concept.

The Back Deck

The now 15-by-15-foot deck was expanded to allow the Ridgways more room to enjoy entertaining outside. Willow Homes vaulted the ceiling, utilizing a tongue and groove cedar beam design. Even the corbels were made to match those on the face of the home. With an outdoor fireplace, TV, seating and dining area and cook station, this space provides ample opportunities for fellowship.

The Station

In all of the houses that Amy grew up in, her father had a “train room.” Amy’s father loved trains, and he built this entire train station, which spans the entirety of Amy’s basement. Amy’s father constructed all of the train tracks, which extend more than 25 feet. He even utilized paper mache to build the scenery surrounding the tracks, hand painting many of the details.

Anna’s Bedroom

The pencil post bed is from Amy’s parents, and the linens and pillows are from King Cotton and Three Sheets. The green love seat is from At Home Furnishings.

Pictured from left to right, Amy and Allison actually met during their freshman year of college at the University of Alabama. They were both in Chi Omega. Years later, they reconnected as their children began attending the same elementary school. When Amy and Chris decided to renovate their home, they had no question as to who would be the right fit for the job–Willow Homes and Willow Interiors.

THE BOND OF A BROTHERHOOD

THANKS TO A FELLOW BROTHER IN BLUE, CPL. JERRY HUGHES IS ALIVE AND THRIVING, EAGER TO SHARE THE GOODNESS IN HUMANITY.

BY ASHLEY TIEDT

SCHAFER & CONTRIBUTED

PHOTOS BY KELSEA

Eleven years ago, Corporal Jerry Hughes’s wife Tiffany Hughes decided it was time for a career change.

“This is how far the Lord went back—He knew that I was going to need a nurse at home, and he laid it on her heart to become a nurse,” Cpl. Hughes says.

Tiffany currently works as a nurse at St. Vincent’s Hospital.

Tiffany’s career change sparked a thought in Cpl. Hughes’s mind, but he never followed through, until a lunch meeting with a friend.

“I rarely get to have lunch with this friend, which was another way the Lord worked in this situation,” Cpl. Hughes says. “He got a phone call while we were eating. The caller asked if he knew anyone interested in a job with the Vestavia Hills Police Department. I didn’t know it then, but that phone call saved my life.”

Cpl. Hughes decided to apply for the job in Vestavia Hills. As a part of that process, the department required each of its officers to undergo a physical, which was not a requirement at Cpl. Hughes’s previous department. Roughly a week after the physical, he received a phone call from the doctor.

“The doctor said that my GFR number was at 12-percent, and a normal GFR is 60-percent,” he says.

The National Kidney Foundation defines GFR (Glomerular Filtration Rate) as “a kidney’s ability to filter blood by removing waste and extra water to make urine.” The GFR percentage shows how well the kidneys are filtering.

“THIS IS NOT A DEATH SENTENCE.”

Cpl. Hughes immediately began treatment for kidney failure. He met with Dr. Azita Takeshian at the University of Alabama at Birmingham hospital.

“She walked in and said, ‘Well, you pass the eyeball test, but your numbers are a train wreck.’ She’s very blunt but spent two hours with us explaining everything,” Cpl. Hughes says.

During the appointment, Dr. Takeshian discussed dialysis with Cpl. Hughes and Tiffany.

“She explained everything it entailed, and Jerry was worried about being unable to work,” Tiffany says. “At that moment, I realized that God was continuing to show us His provision. Because I was a nurse, I could provide dialysis to Jerry in the

evening while he slept instead of spending 10 hours a day at the hospital. This allowed him to keep working.”

Tiffany was not Cpl. Hughes’s only blessing when it came to being able to continue to work. The Vestavia Hills Police Department was also committed to keeping him on the force.

“I’ve been a patrol cop my entire career, but my stamina was much lower because of the treatment,” Cpl. Hughes says. “Instead of letting me go, the city moved me into the evidence room, so that I was able to keep my job, my pension and my health insurance.”

Working in the evidence room also allowed Cpl. Hughes the ability to attend doctor’s appointments and rest when he needed to. He and Tiffany quickly learned from these doctor’s appointments that a kidney transplant was their only hope of beating this kidney disease. As they would soon learn, getting on the list was only the beginning of the journey.

THE JOURNEY TOWARD A KIDNEY TRANSPLANT

To be placed on any transplant list, there is a litany of tests that have to be run and milestones reached. In running these tests, doctors discovered that Cpl. Hughes’s heart was not strong enough to allow him to make the list. The first step in this long process would be getting his heart healthy.

There were trips to the ER and talks of potential treatments that if elected, would not allow for Cpl. Hughes to receive a transplant. Thankfully, Dr. Takeshian was there to make sure every measure was taken to avoid any treatment that would prevent him from making it onto the transplant list.

Once Cpl. Hughes made it onto the transplant list, it was time to get a kidney. His daughter Danielle Hughes took recruiting one as a personal challenge. Danielle contacted the media and made a plea on Facebook to find her

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF KIDNEY DISEASE

More than 37 million Americans are living with kidney disease, but many probably do not know it, according to kidney.org. Here are some signs and symptoms of kidney disease to look for:

• Trouble sleeping

• Dry, itchy skin

• Urge to urinate more frequently

• Foamy urine

• Ongoing puffiness around the eyes

• Swollen ankles and feet

• Consistent muscle cramps

Additionally, those with high blood pressure, diabetes, family history of kidney disease and those who are 60 years old or older are more likely to develop kidney disease. Ask your doctor if you may be at risk and how often you should get tested. Early diagnoses save lives.

dad a kidney. Several family members who have Cpl. Hughes’s blood type were tested as a match. To their dismay, one by one it was determined that something prevented them from being his donor.

HOW DO KIDNEYS WORK?

According to kidney.org, the human body has two, adult fist-size kidneys—one on the left and another on the right of the spine below the rib cage. Kidneys are responsible for filtering toxic waste out of the bloodstream. This happens when blood enters the kidneys and is cleansed by the kidney’s blood filters. Next, waste is transported to the bladder. New, clean blood is then returned to the body through one’s veins. The kidneys filter around 200 quarts of fluid every 24 hours.

While all this was happening, God was preparing the heart of Cpl. Hughes’s donor, Lieutenant Mike House, who felt a tug on his heart. Also a law enforcement officer, Lt. House needed to drop weight to get on the list.

It took some time, but after a lot of hard work, Lt. House was finally eligible to donate. Once he made it on the list, his donor coordinator asked what he wanted to do next, to which he replied, “The Lord hasn’t told me that yet.”

Lt. House waited to hear what the Lord had planned for him next. Soon after, he saw a story on Cpl. Hughes and his need for a kidney. At that point, Lt. House called his donor coordinator and told her he was ready for the next steps.

It was an exciting day for the Hughes and the House families. They didn’t know each other that morning, but by the end of the day, they would be family.

Tiffany sat in the hospital waiting room while her husband was being prepped for the surgery. Each time the sliding glass doors opened, she wondered, “That person could be my husband’s donor.”

“

Lt. House and Cpl. Hughes’s wives received nearsimultaneous updates about the status of their respective surgeries. Both surgeries were a success, and the two men finally met each other face-to-face on the day of Lt. House’s release.

” I was finally able to tell him how thankful I was for him, and his willingness to give me a new lease on life.

“Each time the front desk would call out a name, we’d Google them,” Tiffany says. “We knew that the donor was in law enforcement, so we were searching to see where each person worked.”

- Cpl. Jerry Hughes

After giving up, Tiffany and her best friend were approached by Lt. House.

“Mike introduced himself to us, and we were able to meet his family,” Tiffany says. “We were so grateful to Mike and to the opportunity to thank him before the surgery.”

“I was finally able to tell him how thankful I was for him, and his willingness to give me a new lease on life,” Cpl. Hughes says. It has been about a year since the kidney transplant, and Cpl. Hughes is looking toward coming off restrictive duty, meaning he can return to patrolling if he chooses. He has also been elected the 2024 chairperson for the National Kidney Foundation Alabama chapter.

The journey toward a new life was long for Cpl. Hughes, but thanks to his brother in blue and the “God winks” that brought them together, he is thriving in this new life and raising awareness about a disease that almost took it.

To learn more about kidney disease visit kidney. org.

VESTAVIA HILLS’ BEST WINNERS 2024

Who’s the best? We asked, and you answered. Thousands of votes were cast in our annual Vestavia Hills’ Best contest. Read on to find out our readers’ favorites in Vestavia Hills.

Photos by Anna Grace Moore & Contributed

FOOD & DRINK

BEST BAKERY

Cookie Fix 3152 Heights Village Vestavia Hills, AL 35243 205-848-8001

Runners Up: Everything Iz, Rolls Bakery

BEST BARBECUE

Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint 3029 Pumphouse Rd. Vestavia Hills, AL 35243 205-715-8999

Runners Up: Moe’s Original BBQ, Miss Myra’s Pit Bar B Q

BEST BARTENDER

Taco Mama

700 Montgomery Hwy, Suite 194A Vestavia Hills, AL 35216 205-941-8226

Runners Up: FoodBar, Mudtown Eat & Drink

BEST BEER SELECTION

Taco Mama

700 Montgomery Hwy, Suite 194A Vestavia Hills, AL 35216 205-941-8226

Runners Up: The Ridge Eat & Drink, Mudtown Eat & Drink

BEST BARBECUE

Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint

BEST BRUNCH

The Fig 3160 Cahaba Heights Rd. Vestavia Hills, AL 35243 205-969-6711

Runners Up: Biscuit Love Cahaba Heights, Rolls Bakery

BEST BURGER

Mudtown Eat & Drink 3144 Green Valley Rd. Vestavia Hills, AL 35243 205-967-3300

Runners Up: The Ridge Eat & Drink, Snapper Grabber’s Land & Sea

BEST CASUAL RESTAURANT

Taco Mama

700 Montgomery Hwy, Suite 194A Vestavia Hills, AL 35216 205-941-8226

Runners Up: Snapper Grabber’s Land & Sea, Troup’s Pizza

BEST CATERER

Taco Mama

700 Montgomery Hwy, Suite 194A Vestavia Hills, AL 35216 205-941-8226

Runners Up: Everything Iz, Troup’s Pizza

BEST CHEF

Bistro V 521 Montgomery Hwy. Vestavia Hills, AL 35216 205-823-1505

Runners Up: Foodbar, Snapper Grabber’s Land & Sea

BEST COCKTAILS

Bistro V 521 Montgomery Hwy. Vestavia Hills, AL 35216 205-823-1505

Runners Up: FoodBar, Mudtown Eat & Drink

BEST COFFEE

O.Henry’s Coffee 3066 Healthy Way, Suite 100 Vestavia Hills, AL 35243 205-582-8577

Runners Up: Cala Coffee, Santos Coffee

BEST DATE NIGHT RESTAURANT

Bistro V 521 Montgomery Hwy. Vestavia Hills, AL 35216 205-823-1505

Runners Up: FoodBar, Samurai Japan

BEST ETHNIC DINING

Samurai Japan

700 Montgomery Hwy, Suite 178 Vestavia Hills, AL 35216 205-978-7775

Runners Up: The Olive Branch Mediterranean Cuisine, Masaman Thai Kitchen

BEST KID-FRIENDLY DINING

Taco Mama

700 Montgomery Hwy, Suite 194A Vestavia Hills, AL 35216 205-941-8226

Runners Up: Davenport’s Pizza Palace, Troup’s Pizza

BEST LUNCH SPOT

Taco Mama

700 Montgomery Hwy, Suite 194A Vestavia Hills, AL 35216 205-941-8226

Runners Up: Snapper Grabber’s Land & Sea, Troup’s Pizza

Taco Mama

700 Montgomery Hwy, Suite 194A

Vestavia Hills, AL 35216 205-941-8226

Runners UP: El ZunZun, Tecate Bar and Grill

BEST PATIO DINING

Taco Mama

700 Montgomery Hwy, Suite 194A

Vestavia Hills, AL 35216 205-941-8226

Runners Up: Snapper Grabber’s Land & Sea, Troup’s Pizza

BEST PIZZA

Davenport’s Pizza Palace

700 Montgomery Hwy, Suite 193 Vestavia Hills, AL 35216 205-407-4747

Runners Up: Troup’s Pizza, Slice Pizza & Brewhouse

Bistro

BEST NEW BUSINESS (OPEN ONE YEAR OR LESS) AND BEST CAR WASH

New Day Dar Wash

BEST SWEET TREATS

Cookie Fix

3152 Heights Village Vestavia Hills, AL 35243 205-848-8001

Runners Up: Sunshine Creamery, Rolls Bakery

BEST UPSCALE RESTAURANT

Bistro V 521 Montgomery Hwy. Vestavia Hills, AL 35216 205-823-1505

Runners Up: Satterfield’s Restaurant, FoodBar

BEST WINE SELECTION

Bistro V 521 Montgomery Hwy. Vestavia Hills, AL 35216 205-823-1505

Runners Up: FoodBar, Snapper Grabber’s Land & Sea

SHOPPING & SERVICES

BEST NEW BUSINESS (OPEN ONE YEAR OR LESS)

New Day Dar Wash 4752 Cahaba River Rd. Vestavia Hills, AL 35243 205-669-8700

Runners Up: Rolls Bakery, Manon Green Esthetics

BEST ANIMAL CLINIC

Cahaba Mountain Brook Animal Clinic 3190 Cahaba Heights Rd. Birmingham, AL 35243 205-967-6759

Runners Up: Advanced Veterinary Care of Vestavia, Vestavia Animal Clinic

BEST BANK OR CREDIT UNION

AmFirst 1112 Montgomery Hwy. Vestavia Hills, AL 35216 205-582-5295

Runners Up: Regions Bank, Wells Fargo

BEST BARBER SHOP

Vestavia Barber Shop 1400 Montgomery Hwy. Birmingham, AL 35216 205-823-1974

Runners Up: Plaza Barber Shop, Men’s Room

BEST BOUTIQUE

La Bella Skin & Wellness 4510 Overton Rd., Suite 110 Birmingham, AL 35210 205-994-8906

Runners Up: Fun Stuff, Mia Moda Boutique

BEST CAR WASH

New Day Dar Wash 4752 Cahaba River Rd. Vestavia Hills, AL 35243 205-669-8700

Runners Up: Anthony’s Full Service & Express Car Wash Vestavia, Mister Car Wash

BEST CHILDCARE

Ardent Preschool & Daycare –Patchwork Farms 3030 Healthy Way Vestavia Hills, AL 35243 205-834-9190

Runners Up: Vestavia Day School, Primrose School at Liberty Park

BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE

La Bella Skin & Wellness 4510 Overton Rd., Suite 110 Birmingham, AL 35210 205-994-8906

Runners Up: Andy’s Creekside Nursery, Fleet Feet Birmingham

BEST DANCE/ GYMNASTICS STUDIO

Encore Performance Company 2122 Columbiana Rd. Vestavia Hills, AL 35216 205-824-9466

Runners Up: Vestavia Dance, NS Dance Studio

BEST DRY CLEANER

Champion Cleaners

2548 Rocky Ridge Rd. Birmingham, AL 35243 205-824-7737

Runners Up: Watkins Cleaners, Dry Clean City

BEST ELECTRICAL SERVICE

Sentry Heating, Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical 2400 Rocky Ridge Rd. Vestavia Hills, AL 35243 205-979-9864

Runners Up: OnTime Service, ELI Services

BEST FINANCIAL ADVISOR

Vision Financial Group, Inc. 4505 Pine Tre Circle Vestavia Hills, AL 35243 205-970-4909

Runners Up: Tidewater Advisory, Meld Financial, Inc.

La Bella Skin & Wellness and Maegan Eason

BEST FLORIST OR GARDEN SHOP

Andy’s Creekside Nursery

3551 Morgan Dr. Vestavia Hills, AL 35216 205-824-0233

Runners Up: Leaf & Petal, In Bloom Bham

BEST GIFT SHOP

Fun Stuff

3370 Morgan Dr. Vestavia Hills, AL 35216 205-823-3688

Runners Up: La Bella Skin & Wellness, Monograms Plus

BEST HVAC SERVICE

Sentry Heating, Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical

2400 Rocky Ridge Rd. Vestavia Hills, AL 35243 205-979-9864

Runners Up: Standard Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, Iron City Heating and Air, Inc.

(Rocky Ridge Plaza next to Publix) Vestavia Hills, AL 35216 205-823-3688

BEST HAIR SALON

Muse Salon 4851 Cahaba River Rd., Suite 111 Birmingham, AL 35243 205-977-9889

Runners Up: Tangles Vestavia, GLAM Beauty Boutique

BEST HAIR STYLIST

Danielle Brand of Muse Salon 4851 Cahaba River Rd., Suite 111 Birmingham, AL 35243 205-977-9889

Runners Up: Kim Laslo of Hair by Kim Alternative Hair Solutions, Joana Thomas of Muse Salon

BEST HOME FURNISHINGS/ DECOR STORE (TIE)

Birmingham Design House 700 Chestnut St. Vestavia Hills, Al 35216 205-960-6101

Monograms Plus 1360 Montgomery Hwy. Vestavia Hills, Al 35216 205-738-8604

Runner Up: King Cotton

BEST INTERIOR DESIGNER

Leanne Cates Interiors, LLC Vestavia Hills, AL 205-585-3876

Runners Up: A.Logan Designs, Birmingham Design House

BEST JEWELRY STORE

Cummings Jewelry Design 3166 Heights Village Birmingham, AL 35243 205-298-9144

Runners Up: Steed’s Jeweler’s Inc., Alan & Co. Fine Jewelers

BEST KIDS’ CLOTHING STORE

Dear Emmaline 2017 Canyon Rd., Suite 121 Vestavia Hills, AL 35216 205-842-1544

Runners Up: Fun Stuff, The Lili Pad

BEST LAW FIRM

McLeod & Associates 1980 Braddock Dr. Hoover, AL 35226 205-930-1774

Runners Up: Pepper & Odom, P.C., Ruth Robinson Law

BEST LOCAL INSURANCE AGENCY

Greenhalgh Insurance Agency

3148 Cahaba Heights Rd. Vestavia Hills, AL 35243 205-967-8800

Runners Up: Michael O’Neal State Farm Insurance, John Henley State Farm Insurance

BEST LOCAL INSURANCE AGENT

Walter Crye of Greenhalgh Insurance Agency 3148 Cahaba Heights Rd. Vestavia Hills, AL 35243 205-967-8800

Runners Up: Michael O’Neal State Farm Insurance, John Henley State Farm Insurance

BEST LOCAL PHOTOGRAPHER

Southern Intrigue Photography 3918 Firewood Dr. Birmingham, AL 35243 205-329-1846

Runners Up: Kim Eriksson Studios, Kenzie Tipton Photography

BEST HAIR SALON AND BEST HAIR STYLIST Muse Salon and Danielle Brand

BEST LOCAL REAL ESTATE AGENCY

ARC Realty

4274 Cahaba Heights Ct. Birmingham, AL 35243 205-441-0333

Runners Up: RealtySouth, Keller Williams

BEST LOCAL REAL ESTATE AGENT

Donna Gaskins of ARC Realty 4274 Cahaba Heights Ct. Birmingham, AL 35243 205-441-0333

Runners Up: Josh Ehmke of ARC Realty, Manda Luccasen of ARC Realty

BEST LOCAL REAL ESTATE TEAM

Omni House Realty Group 5220 Peridot Pl. Suite 124 Hoover, AL 35244 205-218-6510

Runners Up: Donna Gaskins of The Pinnacle Group with ARC Realty, Josh Ehmke of ARC Realty

BEST MORTGAGE GROUP

Method Mortgage 601 Vestavia Pkwy., Suite 300 Vestavia Hills, AL 35216 205-705-1650

Runners Up: Union Home Mortgage, Birmingham Mortgage Group, LLC.

BEST NAIL SALON

NX Nail & Spa 2409 Acton Rd., Suite 121 Vestavia Hills, AL 35243 205-824-1335

Runners Up: Vestavia Nails, Nails by Amber Boyd

BEST PET BOARDER/ TRAINING

Night & Day Dog Training Vestavia Hills, AL 205-413-3562

Runners Up: Dog U Birmingham, The Pawms Pet Resort

BEST PET BOARDER/TRAINING Night & Day Dog Training

BEST PET GROOMER

Cahaba Mountain Brook Animal Clinic 3190 Cahaba Heights Rd. Birmingham, AL 35243 205-967-6759

Runners Up: Happy Dog Baths & Grooming, The Dog House

BEST PLUMBING SERVICE

Sentry Heating, Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical 2400 Rocky Ridge Rd. Vestavia Hills, AL 35243 205-979-9864

Runners Up: Pink Plumbing LLC, Standard Heating, Cooling & Plumbing

BEST REMODELER

Elm Construction LLC 4100 Autumn Ln., Suite 104 Vestavia Hills, AL 35243 205-273-2773

Runners Up: Taylor Burton Company, R&R Construction, LLC.

BEST SPECIALTY STORE

La Bella Skin & Wellness 4510 Overton Rd., Suite 110 Birmingham, AL 35210 205-994-8906

Runners Up: Fun Stuff, Andy’s Creekside Nursery

COMMUNITY

BEST COMMUNITY EVENT

Vestavia Hills High School Rise Day 2235 Lime Rock Rd. Vestavia Hills, AL 35216 205-402-5250

Runners Up: Amanda Pair Foundation’s Legacy Run, Heights Hangout

BEST LOCAL CAUSE

Unless U 737 Chestnut St. Vestavia Hills, AL 35216 205-460-1550

Runners Up: Libby’s Friends, Amanda Pair Foundation

BEST LOCAL PERSONALITY

Becky Boykin, Louis Pizitz Middle School 2826 Columbiana Rd. Vestavia Hills, AL 35216 205-402-5350

Runners Up: Clare Huddleston WBRC FOX 6 News, Josh Ehmke ARC Realty

BEST OUTDOOR SPOT

Taco Mama

700 Montgomery Hwy, Suite 194A Vestavia Hills, AL 35216 205-941-8226

Runners Up: Vestavia Hills Parks & Rec, Troup’s Pizza

BEST PASTOR

Bill Brunson of Vestavia Hills

Methodist Church 2061 Kentucky Ave. Vestavia Hills, AL 35216 205-822-9631

Runners Up: George Wright of Shades Mountain Baptist Church, Carter McInnis of Mountaintop Church

BEST PLACE OF WORSHIP

Vestavia Hills Methodist Church

2061 Kentucky Ave. Vestavia Hills, AL 35216

205-822-9631

Runners Up: Shades Mountain Baptist Church, Mountaintop Church

BEST PLACE FOR A FAMILY OUTING

Taco Mama

700 Montgomery Hwy, Suite 194A Vestavia Hills, AL 35216 205-941-8226

Runners Up: Troup’s Pizza, Waldo’s Chicken & Beer

BEST PLACE FOR A KID’S BIRTHDAY

Davenport’s Pizza Palace

700 Montgomery Hwy, Suite 193 Vestavia Hills, AL 35216 205-407-4747

Runners Up: Taco Mama, Vestavia Hills Parks & Rec

BEST TEACHER

Ashley Harper of Vestavia Hills Elementary East 2108 Tyson Dr. Vestavia Hills, AL 35216 205-402-5200

Runners Up: Becky Boykin of Louis Pizitz Middle School, Andrew Burris of Vestavia Hills High School

SENIOR LIVING FACILITY

Longleaf Liberty Park 451 Liberty Pkwy. Birmingham, AL 35242 205-259-7149

Runners Up: Morningside of Vestavia Hills, Town Village Vestavia Hills

HEALTH & FITNESS

BEST CHIROPRACTIC PRACTICE

Balance Chiropractic

– Dr. Nicole Ussery 1070 Montgomery Hwy. Vestavia Hills, AL 35216 205-823-7890

Runners Up: Voyage Family Chiropractic, Vestavia Spine & Rehabilitation Center

BEST DERMATOLOGY PRACTICE

The Dermatology & Skin Care Center of Birmingham, P.C. 2470 Rocky Ridge Rd., Suite 100 Vestavia Hills, AL 35243 205-978-3336

Runners Up: Brookwood Dermatology, Surgical Dermatology Group Birmingham

BEST DOCTOR

Dr. Mark Yanosky of Yanosky Orthodontics 1651 Independence Ct., Suite 141 Birmingham, AL 35209 205-870-1444

Runners Up: Dr. Sean Gunnels of Summit Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Katie Moore of Cahaba Concierge Medicine

BEST ESTHETICIAN

Maegan Eason of La Bella Skin & Wellness 4510 Overton Rd., Suite 110 Birmingham, AL 35210 205-994-8906

Runners Up: Abbey Crump of Simply Abbey Esthetics, Brittany Leigh of Brittany Leigh Lash & Skin

BEST FAMILY MEDICINE PRACTICE

Cahaba Concierge Medicine 8011 Liberty Pkwy., Suite 100 Vestavia Hills, AL 35242 205-255-4024

Runners Up: Ascension St. Vincent’s Primary Care, Grandview Medical Group

BEST FITNESS CENTER

Anytime Fitness 11971 Liberty Pkwy. Vestavia Hills, AL 35242 205-957-2525

Runners Up: BODYBAR Pilates, Hotworx

BEST PERSONAL TRAINER

Stuart Browning of Essential MVMT + Pilates

3394 Morgan Dr. Vestavia Hills, AL 35216 205-718-0837

Runners Up: Jaiquan Crook of Life Time Fitness, Sarah Detwiler of Anytime Fitness

BEST OPTOMETRY PRACTICE

Magic City Eyecare 8011 Liberty Pkwy., Suite 103 Vestavia Hills, AL 35242 205-506-2200

Runners Up: Vestavia Eye Care, EyeCare Associates

BEST DENTAL PRACTICE

Fulton Dental 1000 Chestnut St., Suite 100 Vestavia Hills, AL 35216 205-822-3838

BEST FITNESS CENTER

Anytime Fitness

Runners Up: Wood, Spooner & Mills Cosmetic and General Dentistry, Highlands Dental Arts

BEST ORTHODONTICS PRACTICE

Yanosky Orthodontics 1651 Independence Ct., Suite 141 Birmingham, AL 35209 205-870-1444

Runners Up: Sarver Orthodontics, Norris Orthodontics

BEST PEDIATRIC DENTAL PRACTICE AND BEST PEDIATRIC PRACTICE

Summit Smiles Pediatric Dentistry

BEST PEDIATRIC DENTAL PRACTICE

Summit Smiles

Pediatric Dentistry

4213 Dolly Ridge Rd. Vestavia Hills, AL 35243 205-490-6850

Runners Up: Vestavia Hills Pediatric Dentistry, Liberty Park Children’s Dentistry

BEST PEDIATRIC PRACTICE

Summit Smiles

Pediatric Dentistry 4213 Dolly Ridge Rd. Vestavia Hills, AL 35243 205-490-6850

Runners Up: Vestavia Pediatrics, Cahaba Concierge Medicine

BEST PHARMACY

Rocky Ridge Drug Co. 3346 Morgan Dr. Vestavia Hills, AL 35216 205-259-7100

Runners Up: Cahaba Pharmacy, Liberty Pharmacy

BEST SPA

La Bella Skin & Wellness 4510 Overton Rd., Suite 110 Birmingham, AL 35210 205-994-8906

Runners Up: Spa Works and Wellness, Brittany Leigh Lash and Skin

BEST SPRAY TAN

La Bella Skin & Wellness 4510 Overton Rd., Suite 110 Birmingham, AL 35210 205-994-8906

Runners Up: Spa Works and Wellness, Beauty by Audrie Klavas

BEST WEIGHT LOSS CLINIC

Vulcan Wellness & Aesthetics 2015 Kentucky Ave. Vestavia Hills, 35216 205-438-6009

Runners Up: Spa Works and Wellness, Weigh to Wellness

HIGH ON BUENA VISTA

By Christiana Roussel | Photos Contributed

Photo

by

Scott Peterson

Make tracks this summer for someplace a little off-the-beaten path: Buena Vista, Colorado.

Pack your sense of adventure and prepare to have fun exploring all this area has to offer.

Just a two-plus-hour drive from Denver is the small, charming mountain town of Buena Vista, Colorado. You’ll soon learn how picturesque and engaging this town is. First, let’s start by discussing the pronunciation. Locals say, “BEW-na VIS-ta,” “Bewnie” or “BV” for short. Legend has it that the townspeople adopted this moniker because of the “bew” sound in ‘beautiful.’ To be sure, whatever nickname you give the place, we know you’ll have a fantastic Western adventure here.

Where to Eat & Drink

House Rock Kitchen—This spot boasts some of the best lunches, salads and creative bowls.

houserockkitchen.com

IG: @houserockkitchenbv

Wesley & Rose Lobby Bar (at The Surf Hotel)—Think upscale dinner options that are served Western casual. Wesley & Rose Lobby Bar is open evenings and Sundays for brunch. surfhotel.com/wesley-rose/ IG: @wesleyandrose

Eddyline Taproom & Brewery—Come here to hang with locals and enjoy some amazing area brews. eddylinebrewing.com

IG: @eddylinebrewing

Deerhammer Distillery— Riffing on traditional whiskey distilling, the team at Deerhammer puts their own twist on the process, producing single malts, four-grain bourbons and limited-run single barrel spirits. deerhammer.com

IG: @deerhammer

The Lariat—Refuel here after a morning hike, or come for dinner and stay for the live music. thelariatbv.com

IG: @thelariatbv

Cool River—Start your day here for hearty breakfast options that will fuel you for the day. coolriverbv.com

IG: @coolriverbv

Buena Viking—In their newly revamped brickand-mortar spot, the Viking offers up some of the best burgers in town. buenaviking.com

IG: @thebuenaviking

Where to Stay

The Inn: Railroad + Main—Located in the heart of downtown Buena Vista, the nine-room inn has been lovingly updated with all the modern amenities we appreciate in travel. The well-maintained exposed brick and reclaimed hardwood floors give this place charm on top of charm. High ceilings and fantastic views of the mountains are a total bonus.

theinnbv.com

IG: @theinnbv

The Surf Hotel & Surf Chateau—Wraparound balconies line this four-star boutique hotel, which is located in the South Main part of town on the banks of the Arkansas River. surfhotel.com

IG: @surfhotelbv

Mt. Princeton Resort—Just outside of downtown Buena Vista, Mt. Princeton Resort is home to some of the area’s famed hot springs. Guests can stay in resort rooms, suites and private cabins to enjoy full access to the variety of hot springs options on site.

mtprinceton.com

IG: @mtprinceton

Camping—There are plenty of sites available in the Chaffee County area; Cottonwood Lake is closest to town. Check out colorado.com/ articles/your-guide-to-camping-in-buena-vistasalida for the entire list to find your backcountry, RV or camp site.

IG: @visitcolorado

Even Keel Lodge—If you’re keen to stay in the heart of it all, check out one of the three “Hygge-Centric apartments” Buena Viking restaurant owners Evan and Anna Winger have outfitted above their new location. evenkeelbv.com

IG: @evenkeelbv

The Surf Hotel & Surf Chateau

Mt. Princeton Resort

Wesley & Rose Lobby Bar

Deerhammer Distillery

What Locals Love about Buena Vista

A quick poll of local residents turned up a long list of their favorite things they’d recommend visitors not miss while in town.

Here are just a few:

• Don’t miss Gold Rush Days (Aug. 10-11, 2024) and the annual Gem & Mineral Show.

• Swing by Crooked Cauldron Company for handcrafted teas— we’re partial to the ones with Blue Lotus, which some say helps with relaxation, muscle pain and anxiety.

• Make plans to be a part of the Land Rover National Rally (Aug. 19-23, 2024), when the group traverses mountain passes and visits old mining towns. Last year’s event had vehicles from more than 20 states.

• Pop in to Buena Vista Shell/ Stedman’s Sodas, Sweets & Treats for house-made fudge and popcorn, Blue Bell ice cream and more.

• A favorite easy hike in the Arkansas Valley is Clinton’s Gulch, just past the Climax Mine—hike around the lake for spectacular views.

• Little Engine Eatery—This 501©(3) social enterprise food truck operation provides paid work experience and job training for neurodivergent people.

• Check out the Drone Training Park by the Rodeo Grounds: mountainwestuas.org

• Chocolatte is a must visit—There is a play area for kids, while the adults can relax with a cappuccino. Everyone will want one of their milkshakes or sundaes.

• We love visitors but really want everyone to respect the natural beauty of this area by following the Leave No Trace guidelines posted lnt.org (several residents mentioned this one)!

WHAT TO DO

Hiking/Biking/Rafting—Summer in Colorado is synonymous with being outside.

For a complete list of area trails, stop in to The Trailhead downtown and chat with a local, or check out alltrails.com/us/colorado/buena-vista to plan your trip in advance. thetrailheadco.com IG: @thetrailheadco

Rent a bike from BV Bikes (bvebikes.com), and hit the trails. Want to off-road even more? Check out BV Jeeps to rent a jeep, ATV or Razor (bvjeeps.com). IG: @BV_jeeps and @biv.bike.co

Go whitewater rafting with one of the local outfitters such as The Adventure Company (theadventurecompany.com) or Noah’s Ark Rafting. IG: @adventurecompany and @noahsarkrafting

Buena Vista Whitewater Park—This phenomenal public park area boasts water features for everyone from beginner to expert. You just need a SUP or small kayak to ride the waves. outdoorproject.com/united-states/colorado/buena-vistawhitewater-park

Other Things to Do

Pack Burro Racing—In 2012, Colorado designated pack burro racing as the official state Summer Heritage Sport. To the uninitiated, these events feature runners competing in races with a donkey on a lead rope. Thousands of runners from across the state participate in these events with the top three races taking place in Leadville, Fair Play and Buena Vista. This year’s 13.1 miles-race takes place on Aug. 11, 2024, but to be sure, there will be people training for the event all summer long. buenavistapackburrorace.itsyourrace.com

Comanche Drive-In—Movies start at dusk at the highest elevation drive-in in the United States, which is one of only 305 drive-in movie theaters left in the country! comanchedrivein.com

Hot springs—Yes, hot springs are a must-do, even in summer as the temps here are cool in mornings and afternoons. The Mt. Princeton Hot Springs were first visited by Native Americans who relished the healing warm waters. Miners chasing gold in the area soon discovered these springs, and in 1879, a group of them built a three-story hotel. The resort thrived until mining operations dried up and the Great Depression hit. However, the allure of these natural springs remains, and the newest iteration of the resort is an ideal spot to spend an afternoon and take in a spa treatment and dinner. mtprinceton.com

Historic St. Elmo—One of the best-preserved ghost towns in the West, this former mining town has stories to tell. Pack a lunch and tack on a hike in the area to make a day of it.

IG: @stelmocolorado

Mt. Princeton Hot Springs

travel tips

At almost 8,000 feet in elevation, it is important to remember that your body may react differently to the change in environment. To avoid any discomfort, you are encouraged to follow these few guidelines:

• Drink lots of water —Don’t wait until you are thirsty before you hydrate. Consider adding sports drinks with extra electrolytes to your daily fluid consumption.

• Take your time —If your schedule allows, spend a night in Denver to start

Shop Downtown Buena Vista

Sundog Colorado—Some of the best vintage and new-to-you Western finds (think Native American artifacts, clothes, books, boots and more).

The Mercantile—A bit of everything from home décor to candles, art, frames and inspired gifts.

Little Elk Trading Company—A curated collection of Western furniture, Pendleton blankets, art and more.

Peace Love Dirt—Handcrafted, feel-good gifts imbued with the healing spirits of the area. Jewelry-making classes offered here by River Wilding.

BV Art & Photo—Showcases the work of local artists and photographers and is the perfect place to bring home a memory from your time in Buena Vista.

your acclimation process. This one step can reduce your chances of altitude sickness by 50-percent. Don’t want to wait to get to BV? Spend your first day doing something leisurely, such as taking in the shops downtown and enjoying the stunning vistas.

• Monitor your alcohol intake —It is easy to get tipsy quickly at higher elevations. While you are enjoying local breweries, distilleries and wineries, just be aware of how your body is reacting.

• Sunscreen & Layers —You are closer to the sun at this altitude, and the weather can change in an instant. Use plenty of sunscreen, reapply often and pack clothes you can layer easily.

Peace Love Dirt

Little Elk Trading Company

VIVA VESTAVIA HILLS

PHOTOS

BY

ANNA GRACE MOORE

On Tuesday, Jan. 23 at the Vestavia Hills Civic Center, the Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce hosted Viva Vestavia Hills, which featured food and beverage samples from some of the best eateries in the city. Samurai Japan won best food of the evening.

1. Timothy Rutley, Molli Register and Jenna Hosemann with Katie and Pat Hollingsworth

2. Jon Holland and Katherine McRee

3. Richard Danner, Bernie Spidle and Nancy Riley

4. Daniel Gonzalez

5. Sandy Ballard, Drew-Michael Roedel and Beth Jackson

6. Chad Slade and Joseph Shorter

7. Samurai Japan

8. Sasha Elhaiga with Lillian and Jeana Tuttle

9. Brian Von Hagel

10. Bridgett Glasgow and Janie Woods

11. Ann McIntosh and Elizabeth Ann Cooper

12. Robbie Dyson, Alex Bouloukos, Sherita Gunter and Vassilli Bouloukos

13. Carla McEwen, Jessie Pate, Laura Gallups, Robert Richardson and John Snoddy

14. Mark Correll and Jamie Pursell

15. Coy and Adrienne Macoy

16. Sam Fonte

17. Mandy Maples and Kimberly Bauman

VIVA VESTAVIA HILLS

CONT.

18. Allie Dickey

19. Chandler and Molly Kate Hudson

20. Michael Gaddy

21. Saeed Algahtany, Kayla Vo, Dave Horn and McCall Harwell

22. Joi Travis

23. Michelle Hawkins and Tracy Thornton

24. Judy Pittman and Abby Roberts

25. Dylan Rice and Darby Hines

26. John Cisco

27. Jim Sharp and Joe Perez

28. Amy and Keith Hager

29. Michelle Hawkins, Clabe Dobbs and Tracy Thornton

30. Javon Daniels, David Hicks and Steven McIntyre

PHOTOS BY ANNA GRACE MOORE

KIDS DAY

On Saturday, Feb. 24 at Vestavia Hills High School, RISE students hosted their annual Kids Day event, featuring family-friendly games and activities including photo opportunities with some fun movie characters.

1. Laurie, Mallory Dean, Lilliana, Madelyn and Brittany

2. India Watkins with Ellison and Kennedy Vincent

3. Finn and Wyatt

4. Ben, Andrew, Claire, Caroline and JoJo Adams

5. Maggie and Keeton Keener with Juniper and Jodie Shirah alongside Addie

6. Mary Frances, Emily, Haleigh and Wyatt

7. Ellie, Alani, Mary, Elizabeth and Molly

8. Mary Cecilia and Gibson

9. Evy, Kohen and Townes

10. Baker

11. Brenden and Ivy

12. Blakely, Hadley, Teagan, Grace and Tucker

13. Mary Getty and Lillie Armstrong

14. Callie and Wynn

15. Gigi, Aliza, Adam and Sophia Bodner

16. Eileen D’Alessandro and Evan

17. Ellie, Piper, Anna, Ainsley and Cece

18. Ellie, Layden, Nate and Cece

PHOTOS BY KELSEA SCHAFER

SUPERHERO FUN RUN

On Saturday, March 2 at Vestavia Hills High School, RISE students hosted their annual “superhero fun run” to raise money and awareness for cancer research.

1. Camille Davidson and Laden Falls

2. Betsy Whitson, Bailey Kopecky and Faith Wood

3. The Hebert family

4. The Wells family

5. Bianca and Ryan

6. Ellis Stricklen

7. Luke and Jordan Flanagan

8. Kellyn and Hank Garrison

9. Leighton and Collier Venhuizen

10. Miller Bates and Barcley Gerndt

11. The Skochko family

12. The Golson family

13. Madeline Rooks, Finley Becker, Angela Zhang and Riley Shadrick

14. The Zhao family

PHOTOS BY KELSEA SCHAFER

REBEL 5K COLOR RUN

On Saturday, March 2 at Vestavia Hills High School, RISE students hosted the Rebel 5K Color Run, whose race course winded through scenic Vestavia Hills neighborhoods. Proceeds benefited the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB.

1. Gwen Nelson and Aleena Fraooqui

2. Addie Wright and Elizabeth Cooper

3. Lisa Carroll and Shannon Rockwell

4. AJ, Livie, Kennison, Isa and Isabella

5. Ella, Chloe and Maddie

6. Katie Llewellyn and Mary Elizabeth Cain

7. Kathy Finch, Dawn Cannon and Merryl Cooper

8. Helen Claire, Savannah Grace and Olivia

9. Lisa and Lila Johnson

10. Kaitlyn Wende, Kelly Chen, Sabrina Mukhtar, Ana Zapata and Colbie Holley

11. Kathy Finch and Dawn Cannon

12. Sam, Matt, Wood and Charlie

13. The Singletary family

14. Sarah Gordon, Wynn Stoffregn and Emma Gordon

15. Karen and Kennison Heard

16. Sophia Smith with Cole and Sadie Hendon

PHOTOS BY KELSEA SCHAFER

TASTE OF BIRMINGHAM

PHOTOS

BY

ANNA GRACE MOORE

On Tuesday, March 5 at The Club, the Birmingham Boys Choir held its annual Taste of Birmingham fundraiser. Between the silent auction, the restaurants’ participation and the choir’s performances, this fundraiser showcased some of the best local talent in town.

1. Allen and Katie Groves

2. Burt Patrick and Paige Blake

3. Patrick, Sam and Hannah Friday

4. Christy Campbell with Donna and Marc Ayers

5. Luther and Jodi Creel

6. Kristal and Jon Bryant

7. Shelley Gentle, John Hosmer and Elizabeth Riddle

8. Eddy and Kathy Simpson

9. Kelly and Kathryn Baker with Lindsay Gill

10. Lee and Key Yeilding

11. Charlotte Rumore and Erin Evans

12. Ken Berg, Watson Riddle and James Blackstone

13. Steven and Mary Gornik

14. Andrew Rumore, Abby Dipiazza and Sarah Loftus

15. David and Paige Adkison

WING DING

PHOTOS BY JAMES AND RACHEL CULVER

Leadership Vestavia Hills hosted the 2024 Wing Ding wings cookoff, featuring 20 cook teams battling for the gold. Elite Orthopedics and Spine won the people’s choice award and first place for their fried wings. The event proceeds benefited the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and college scholarships for local students.

1. Carson Jane Schornack, Ella Bush and Alani Ramirez

2. Birdie and Ashley Bates

3. Madison and Davis Williamson

4. The Kent family

5. Jacob Batson and Michael Garber

6. Cale Buhler, Conley McCormick and Sara Pennino

7. Christopher Rubin and Mallory Wilson

8. Ruth Sanchez and Avery Allen

9. Garrett and Dawn Williams

10. Elizabeth Spikings, Martha Rose Browne and Hannah Carlson

11. Maisie Liles and Stacey Bouchillon

12. Alina and Dara Arbuthnot

13. Keeandre Minter, Nick Leo and Anthony Robinson

RISE DAY

This school year, RISE students raised $227,164 for the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, closing out the season with their annual RISE Day festival.

1. Xanthe and Zara McKelvey

2. Harper Snowden, Evie Dikis, Myra Nunnelley and Addison Goetz

3. Nola Mitchell and Lucy Bazemore with Amelia and Peyton Davis alongside Claire Rikard and Meredith Robinson

4. Blake Krablin, James Colvin, Noah Kusibab and Kendall Glenn

5. Sarah and Emma Gordon with Jill Gaylard and Julia Rose

6. Peyton Davis and Meredith Robison

7. Molly Hagler, Ava McCleary, Madeline Douglas, Bailey O’Neill and Selah Coleman

8. Kaylee Zhao, Abigail Wang and Rishika Chakravarty

PHOTOS BY ANNA GRACE MOORE

Marketplace

HOST AN EXCHANGE STUDENT TODAY! (for 3,5, 0r 10 months) Make a lifelong friend from abroad.

Enrich your family with another culture. Select an exchange student from over 70 different countries. All families are welcome to apply. CALL PAMELA AT (205)577-9323 host.asse.com or email info@ asse.com

Automation Personnel Services Hiring

IMMEDIATELY For:

Automotive Assembly, General Labor, Production, Clerical, Machine Operator, Quality, Carpentry, Welder, Foundry. Positions In: Calera, Clanton, Pelham, Bessemer, McCalla. Walk-in applications accepted. Clanton (205)280-0002. Pelham (205)444-9774.

B&B FARM/FLEA MARKET

$5 Set Up Fee 7am-3pm 41981 HWY 25 Vincent, AL 35178 FIRST & THIRD SATURDAY OF EACH MONTH

Animals, baked goods, food trucks, boiled peanuts, and more!! Bring whatever you want to sale and come hang out!!

Bama Concrete Now Hiring: Diesel Mechanic 4 Years Minimum Experience. CDL Preferred. Competitive Pay. Great Benefits. Apply in person: 2180 Hwy 87 Alabaster, 35007

Now Hiring For Utility

Positions Starting pay $15.14/ hour Must be able to pass background screen. Please apply at: www.bc.com

BRIAN’S TREE

SERVICE•TREES CUT FROM THE TOP DOWN!•SAFE TREE REMOVAL IN CONFINED AREAS!•STUMP GRINDING!•GENERAL LIABILITY•WORKERS COMP WWW.BRIANSTREE.COM 205281-2427

Central Alabma Wellness Mental Health Services Office locations in Calera, Clanton, Pelham, and 280! 205-6510077 Visit our website to learn more centralalbamawellness. org

$$$ WANTED $$$ PRIVATE COLLECTOR Buying Watchmaker Items! Buying Parts, Tools, Broken Watches and All Related Items! 30 Yr Member NAWCC Please

Call Dave 314-779-7380

References Available Upon Request

DONAVAN LAKES FISHING CLUB & INN Marion, Perry Co. AL 2131 Eagle Grove Church Rd. Marion, Alabama 36756 •8 Lakes •17 Piers

•Bass, Bream, Crappie, Catfish. •Camping, Nature Trails, Birding. Membership $1000 for 2024

Contact Thomas Wilson 334-247-2101 wils5789@bellsouth.net www.donavanlakes.org

Outstanding adventure for the entire family!

SENIOR L2/L3

AUTOMATION SPECIALIST

Danieli Taranis LLC (Chelsea, AL) to be rspnsbl for anlzng user needs & sftwr reqs. to dtrmne fsibilty of dsgn w/ in time & cost constraints, dscssng & evltng potential situations that can arise insde the plant & correlating them w/fnctnlts of the MES or flat prdct cntrl app. to produce fnctnl reqs. for each prjct, obtnng & evltng info on factors such as rprting frmts req., costs, or secrity needs to dtrmne hrdwr cnfgrtn. HS diploma w/3 yrs of prior work exp. in the pos. off. or rel. dvlpng, tstng & comsng Lvl 2 Automation Systms & Lvl 3 MES Syst. Send resumes to r.woods@danieli.com

Property Real Estate Manager (live out). Sought by commercial real estate company. Worksite: Birmingham, AL. 36 months exp. req. in same job or, Private Household Management or, any other closely related. Supervise other service workers $28.82 per. hour. 40 hrs. weekly. No walk in’s. Mail resume with cover letter to: The Founder. The Hazelrig Companies. 3535 Grandview Parkway, Suite # 315, Birmingham, AL 34243.

AUTOMATION L1 PLC DEVELOPER

Danieli Taranis (Chelsea, AL) to be rspnsble for dvlpng sftwr prjct for autmtn sys.; intnl tstng of sftwr app on autmtn sys; drawing up ad prep. of oprtr manuals; field check, assurance that all field elctrcl eqpmnt is cnctd to autmtn sys; motor mvments accrdng to data sheet; mach. automatic

mvmnts according to cycle diagram; monitor plant prdctvt. Bachelor’s in Cmptr Scnce or IT w/5 yrs of progress resp. prior wrk exp in the pstn offrd. or reltd. Mst knw (thru acad training or wrk exp) dvlpng MES autmtn sftwre using DELPHI XE2 & SQL ORACLE PL/SQL for bcknd dvlpmnt; dvlpng autmtn sftwre for steel indstry; SQL dtbse, Vsl Stdio Cde, Delphi 2005, Orcle dtbse, incl. Orcle ADF, Orcle SOA, & Orcle BPM. Resumes to r.woods@danieli. com.

Marble Valley Manor. Affordable 1 and 2 Bedroom Apartments for Elderly & Disabled. Many on-site services! 2115 Motes Rd, Sylacauga. 256-245-6500

•TDD#s: 800-548-2547(V) •800-548-2546(T/A). Office Hours: Mon-Fri, 8am-4pm. Equal Opportunity Provider/ Employer

O-FLEX METAL FINISHING

Production Supervisor

$50,000.00-$70,000.00/ year 10hr shifts Mon-Thurs Oversees production operations. Sets objectives, organizes workflow, prepares schedules, assigns responsibilities, trains employees, ensures safety, schedules maintenance, submits performance reports. Skills:-Automotive Plant Experience -Experience as Production Supervisor or similar role -Experience with manufacturing machinery and tools -Advanced skills in MS Office -High School Diploma; Degree in a technical, engineering or relevant field will be an advantage Benefits: PTO, 401k w/match, Health/ Dental/Vision insurance, employee assistance, referral program, tuition reimbursement 725 Keystone Drive Clanton, Al 35044

O-FLEX METAL FINISHING

2nd Shift Supervisor

$50,000.00-$70,000.00

2nd shift 2:30p.m.1:00a.m. Monday–Thursday Responsibilities: •Be an effective Supervisor in a participative work environment •Ensure all Finishing Dept. goals and improvement objectives are accomplished per our commitments •Ability to optimize utilization of personnel, equipment, material, and space to meet OMF’s daily, monthly

and annual targets. Will be evaluated regularly on ability to continuously improve in all areas of responsibility. 725 Keystone Drive Clanton, Al 35044

O-FLEX METAL FINISHING

Maintenance Technicians: Friday–Sunday 12 hour shifts 6:00a.m.-6:00p.m. Responsible for maintenance of O-Flex facilities & equipment across all lines & departments. Oversight of preventative maintenance programs. Coordinates continuous improvement activities with Maintenance Team Leader. Starting pay $19-$28 BOE 725 Keystone Drive Clanton, Al 35044

Quantum Logistics Hiring

Class A Driver. Montgomery, AL. Full or part time. $.48-$.55 per mile. Paid weekly. BCBS Insurance. Home weekend EZ Pass and prepass. Safety & Fuel Bonus. Apply online www.qtmlog.com Call (334)2888106.

Nursing Assistant to help care for an elderly gentleman in Jemison requiring total assistance. PT-FT. To apply, call Ms. Peoples (205)688-1992 or (205)447-3005

Security Guard for Gated Community in North Shelby County Full-time or Part-time. Must have pistol permit. Call Brittany 205-991-4653

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

Tax Advisor, International Tax and Transaction Tax Services (International Corporate Tax Advisory) (Senior) (Multiple Positions), Ernst & Young U.S. LLP, Birmingham, AL. Apply online, go to:ey.com/ en_us/careers and click on “Careers - Job Search”, then “SearchJobs”(Job Number1472113).

Caliza LLC d/b/a Landing seeks a Senior Software Engineer in Birmingham, AL to contribute to the company’s core product platforms, building APIs and systems. Req. MS + 2 yrs exp or BS + 5 yrs exp. Salary range for

position: $170,000.00 - $200,000.00. 100% telecommuting role. Reports to company headquarters in Birmingham, AL. Can work remotely or telecommute. To apply, mail resume to:Caliza LLC d/b/a Landing, Attn: HR, 17 20TH Street North, Suite 100, Birmingham, AL 35203. Must Reference Job Title: & Code: 000012. EOE.

LEAD ELECTRICAL

ENGINEER Danieli Taranis LLC (Chelsea, AL) to be rspnsble for dsgng, dvlpng, & tsting automtn sys for y steel mnfctrng eqpmnt & mchnry, Q-HEAT, Q-DRIVE, & Q-ONE tech, & dvlpng logic & parmetrs; inspctng exstng hrdwre w/in the plnt to prpre for installtn of drives & automtn sftwre; creatng elctrcl diagrms of autmtn sys, motor/ sensr lsts for plnts, autmtn blck diagrms of plnt ntwrks, motor wrkng cycls sensr or transltr data sheets, plnt lyout & dtails of areas in AutoCAD frmt; creatng I/O lst for hrdwre dsgn & dvlpng autmtn sftwre; creatng opertor mnuals. Master’s in Elctrcl Engnrng or rel field w/2 yrs prev wrk exp in pos off or rel. Mst know (thru acdmc trainng or wrk exp) Ethrnet Confgurator & Profibus/Profinet; Codesys; Target Monitor; Q-Drive Configurator parmtrztion; & indction heatng & Q-One tech. Wrks at clients’ manfctrng wrksites acrss contnntl U.S. Resumes to C.Hegarty@ danieli.com

South Pointe Development

203 Shiloh Creek Drive Calera, AL 35040Updating Waiting List:3 BDR 2 Bath Mon-Fri 8:30-5:30 Multi-Family No Pets Allowed 205-6681196.

Experienced Termite

Technician or someone experienced in route-service work and wants to learn new profession. Work-vehicle/ equipment provided. Must drive straight-shift, have clean driving record/be 21/pass background/drug test. Training provided. Insurance/401K offered. M-F 7:00-4:30 + 1 Saturday/month. Pay $13hr. Send resume to facsmith@ charter.net

MY VESTAVIA HILLS

CINNAMON MCCULLEY

Assistant City Manager, City of Vestavia Hills

Fellowship in Community Heights Hangout

& I Love America Night Heights Hangout and I Love America Night are my favorites. Both events are a lot of work for the organizers, but it is obvious that they are planned with the community in mind. The community shows up in a big way to support both of these events! I love that they are fun for everybody–from the very young to the young at heart.

Eat Local Off the Menu

There are lots of great places to eat and drink in Vestavia Hills, but sushi at Samurai Japan, crispy grit cake at Bistro V and the burger at FoodBar are some of my favorites. (The burger isn’t on the menu, but if you are craving a delicious burger, just ask for it. You won’t be disappointed)!

Humble Servitude

Becoming Assistant City Manager

Sentimental Spots

The Ridge

My go-to night out with friends almost always involves The Ridge. It is truly a neighborhood gem! The food is great, and the drinks are awesome, too. The Pama Martini is my favorite. But the real draw is the staff–they know my name, my favorite meal and even remember the fact that I like a lot of lemons with my water (more like a lemon with water instead of water with lemon)! Pictured is my family, who loves to go to The Ridge for any occasion.

Get Outdoors

Vestavia Hills City Parks & Vestavia City Center

Now that the community spaces’ renovations are complete, our city parks and green spaces are the best places to spend time outdoors. They are always a hub of activity, and knowing that I played a part in the creation of these spaces makes it even better. It is an amazing feeling to see these projects come to fruition and to be able to watch people enjoy the spaces to their fullest.

My husband, Kirk, and I moved to Vestavia Hills shortly after we married and have raised our boys in this amazing community. We have so many memories of raising our children here, especially Friday night football games. I also am proud to work for the city I live in. I love experiencing the positive energy first-hand and knowing that my friends and neighbors are living and loving life in a great community.