280 Living March 2015 by Starnes Media

280 Living

March 2015 | Volume 8 | Issue 7

neighborly news & entertainment

Wild debate

Summer fun

Inside, find 280 Living’s guide to the best summer camps for kids. From cooking to sports to outdoor adventures, we break down the basics of area programs.

See page C1

Community awards

C OMMUNITY

OF THE YEAR

M EMBER Every community has a person and organization that stand out and make a difference. This issue includes a ballot for our cause and community member of the year. Cast your vote by March 8.

See page B20

C AUSE

Oak Mountain development sparks disagreement

By SYDNEY CROMWELL Quiet forest trails, peaceful lakes and a bustling hotel. To Rita Jablonski-Jaudon, one of

(Left) Area residents use Oak Mountain State Park’s recreational areas and picnic pavilions. Photos by John Michael Simpson. (Right) Girls participate in a recent Keep Oak Mountain Wild event. Photo by Karim Shamsi-Basha.

these things just does not belong in Oak Mountain State Park. Jablonski-Jaudon’s family frequently visits the park to fish, ride horses and bicycle amid

acres of wilderness. She is also the president of Keep Oak Mountain Wild, a group opposing the

See OAK MOUNTAIN | page A22

INSIDE Sponsors ............. A4 280 News ............ A6 Business...........A12 Community.........B3 Sports ................B12

Camp Guide..........C1 School House .. .C8 Faith.................C14 Opinion.............C15 Calendar.............C16

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Rockin’ Shamrock

Mt Laurel event delivers live music, inside and outside By JESSA PEASE Last February, Kay Dailey found herself marooned in Mt Laurel during a snowstorm. As the owner of The Red Shamrock Pub, it wasn’t the worst place to be, but she was still without a change of

See SHAMROCK | page A19

Shamfest in Mt Laurel will feature several live music acts on stage. Photo courtesy of Kay Dailey.

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Photo of the month

Participants in the annual Polar Plunge event at the Oak Mountain State Park Beach came dressed in costumes ready to endure the ice-cold water of the lake and to win the costume contest. Photo by John Michael Simpson.

Editor’s Note By JESSA PEASE Growing up with a father who thrived in the outdoors, I was no stranger to state parks, hiking opportunities and mountain climbing. From Colorado’s Garden of the Gods to Georgia’s Amicalola Falls and Stone Mountain state parks, I’ve covered a lot of ground (pun intended). The Rocky Mountains and the Red Rocks are beautiful, and I’ve always enjoyed picnicking on the stone cliffs overlooking Amicalola Falls. I definitely recommend adding these spots to your bucket list. After reading our cover story this month, which discusses the controversial debate over the proposed hotel and convention center at Oak Mountain State Park, I started to think about all the places I’ve been. Sure, ski resorts

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with lodges and cabins on mountaintops are exciting and there’s a lot to learn from Stone Mountain’s convention center, but those aren’t the places I remember most. I remember making my first summit on top of Blood Mountain in Georgia when I was 10 years old. I remember running through the winding trails at Amicalola with the roar of the rushing falls as the only sound to guide us to the water. Both moments were peaceful. They truly made me feel small in the whole scheme of things, and looking back, the most awe-provoking sights were never accompanied by a hotel or convention center. I have to admit that I haven’t spent much time at Oak Mountain State Park. I’ve lost that sense of adventure I had

Dan Starnes Keith McCoy Madoline Markham Jessa Pease David Knox Katie Turpen Sydney Cromwell Madison Miller Matthew Allen Rhonda Smith Warren Caldwell Michelle Salem Haynes Don Harris Emily VanderMey Rick Watson Kari Kampakis Karim Shamsi-Basha

For advertising contact: dan@280living.com

when I was young. Still, the times I do visit remind me of the good memories I had growing up. As the unbiased journalist, I cannot take sides on whether or not this hotel and convention center should be built. As that 10-year-old girl standing at the top of a mountain, I think things should be left alone. There aren’t enough places in Birmingham that can make you feel “at one with nature” as the cliché goes. That’s my soapbox for the month, and I encourage you to share your opinions about the project, for or against. As always I welcome questions, comments or concerns. Email me at jessa@starnespublishing.com. Have a great month, 280 family!

280 Living neighborly news & entertainment

Contact Information: 280 Living PO Box 530341 Birmingham, AL 35253 (205) 313-1780 dan@280living.com

Please submit all articles, information and photos to: editor@280living.com P.O. Box 530341 Birmingham, AL 35253

Published by : Starnes Publishing LLC Legals: 280 Living is published monthly. Reproduction or use of editorial

or graphic content without prior permission is prohibited. 280 Living is designed to inform the 280 community of area school, family and community events. Information in 280 Living is gathered from sources considered reliable but the accuracy cannot be guaranteed. All articles/photos submitted become the property of 280 Living. We reserve the right to edit articles/photos as deemed necessary and are under no obligation to publish or return photos submitted. Inaccuracies or errors should be brought to the attention of the publisher at (205) 313-1780 or by email.

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Alabama Allergy & Asthma Center (B2) Alabama Outdoors (A12) Alabama Power (C13) ARC Realty (A6) At Home Furnishings (A13) Avadian Credit Union (C17) Avenir Realty-Amanda Hardin (C16) Batts’ Chimney Services (A8) Bay Leaf Indian Cuisine (B17) Bedzzz Express (B24) Bellini’s (C8) Birmingham Botanical Gardens (C9) Birmingham Speech and Hearing Associates (C14) Bruno Montessori Academy (C6) Cabinet Cures of Birmingham (A15) Cabinetry Refinishing & Restoration (A1) Cahaba Glass (B10) Case Remodeling (B5) Chelsea Soccer Club (C6) Children’s of Alabama (B16) Chiropractic Today (A18) Classic Gardens (B18) Cottontails Village (B15) Cowboys (B5) Danberry at Inverness (B2) Decorating Dens Interiors (A16) Diana Holladay (A15) Dreamscape Landscape Development, LLC (A3) Drew Taylor Remax (B21) Encore Rehabilitation (B17) ENT for Kids Alabama (A23) Everly’s Boutique (B11) Expedia CruisShipCenters (A7, C19) Faith Presbyterian Church (B12) Fancy Fur- Paws and Claws (A17) Fi-Plan Partners (A5) Fitness Zone (C16) GeGe’s Salon (A19) Granite Transformations (A10) Great Smiles Orthodontics (B19) Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce (C8) Growing Up Pediatrics (B4) Healthy Smiles of Birmingham (B21) Henderson & Walton (B10) Hendrick Hoover Auto Mall (B12, C14) Hollywood Feed (B4) In Shape MD Wellness Clinic (A13) Issis & Sons (B13) Kirkwood by the River (B19) Lawncrafters (B15) Leaf & Petal (A11) M&M Jewelers (A20) Maid Pro (C18) mc2 realty (A11) Melanye Morris Esthetics (A8) MVP Training (B23) NAPA Auto Parts (A18) Narrows Family Eyecare (C9) Odyssey Early Schools (C4) Outdoor Living Areas (B23) Over the Mountain Glass (C12) Pak Mail (B15) Pars Gallery of Fine Oriental Rugs (C10) Pastry Art (B14) Plain Jane Children & Gift Shop (A17) Planet Fitness (B1) Pure Barre 280 (B18) Re/MAX Advantage - Terry Crutchfield (A20) RealtySouth Marketing (C15) Red Mountain Theatre Company (C2) Retreat at Greystone Apartments (A5) Revitalize at Greystone (B14) Royal Automotive (C20) Salon M2 (B3) Sew Sheri Designs (A22) Somerby at St. Vincent’s One Nineteen (A9) Southeastern Jewelers and Engravers (B16) Sports Blast (C4) St. Vincent’s Health Systems (A24, B19, C5) The Altamont School (C2) The ARC of Jefferson County (B7) The clothes tree (C11) The Cuckoo’s Nest (A23) The Ditsy Daisy (A22) The Goddard School (B7) The Lice Place (A14) The Maids (A1) The Neighborhood Plumber (A14) The UPS Store - Cahaba Heights (A19) The Urban Barn (A14) Therapy South Greystone (B6) Trinity Medical Center (B13) Tutoring Club Inverness (C1) Uptown Nail Spa (A12) Urban Home Market (A2) Vinnie Alonzo - Re/Max Advantage South (B9) Vitalogy Wellness Center (A10, B9, C11) Water Drainage Solutions (A17) Wee Peat Boutique (C12) Weigh To Wellness (A21) YMCA Camp Cosby (C3) YMCA of Greater Birmingham (C7) Your Good Neighbor (C18)

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280 News Oak Mountain’s projects for 2015 Shelby County Manager Alex Dudchock recently released a list of projects that are currently under development, review or evaluation for 2015. Funding for these projects comes from the county lodging tax and promotional account funds from fiscal years 2008 to 2014. The total amount collected in that seven-year period is $621,619.50, according to Dudchock. He said the county expects to spend $400,000 in fiscal year 2015, and they currently foresee spending $1.5 million to $2 million over the next five years. The current projects are: }} Building two restroom structures, one at the North Trailhead parking lot and another at the Peavine Falls parking lot. }} Building a restroom, storage and picnic pavilion at the archery range. }} Looking into changing playground structures and the potential development of an upper/main lake water recreation feature. }} Looking into changing the electrical service infrastructure at the main campground. }} Working with the Back Country Horsemen of Alabama – OM Chapter for a horseback riding infrastructure. }} Development with the Alabama Wildlife Center. }} Looking into actions with the Birmingham Urban Mountain Pedalers. }} Developing miscellaneous assistance with maintenance and improvements to existing facilities and infrastructure. }} Continuing development of the Master Plan.

County Manager Alex Dudchock intends to see projects develop from Oak Mountain State Park’s Master Plan. Photo by Jessa Pease.

}} Continuing evaluation of the feasibility for a hotel (lodge with cottages), restaurant and conference facility within the park. }} Continuing evaluation of another project on Findlay Drive dealing with the interior bike

lane and resurfacing. Looking forward to fiscal year 2016 and even further out, Dudchock said the specifics of projects and maintenance actions will arise out of the park’s master planning process.

Community center moves forward Tile and paint colors were selected for the new Chelsea Community Center off Highway 47. Bob Wanninger, the architect for the center, shared samples of the colors with the Chelsea City Council Jan. 20. The community center is scheduled for completion in May and Wanninger said they are on track for that date. Construction began in May 2013 for the $3.68 million, 29,000-square-foot building. Roofing has been added to the project and work is beginning in the interior. Once complete, there will be a full gymnasium, which will also be used as a multi-purpose room, with a walking track above it. A senior wing, complete with a kitchen, eating area, game room, arts and crafts area and large gathering room for large group activities, will provide meeting places for seniors and the entire community. “We’re bringing a facility to Chelsea that gives senior adults more activities and provides more basketball courts, a walking track and exercise areas for light exercise,” Chelsea Mayor Earl Niven said.

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Hoover Board of education reports on rezoning status

Hoover City Schools clerk Louise White and board of education president Donna Frazier. Photo by Jessa Pease.

By JESSA PEASE The board of education’s attorney, Donald Sweeney, gave a report on the rezoning issue and Hoover City Schools’ unitary status at the board meeting Feb. 9. Although Hoover City Schools never operated as a segregated school district, the NAACP and the Justice Department requires all current and future school districts to achieve unitary status. Before any schools can be rezoned within Hoover, the must investigate the racial composition of the student body, faculty and staff. Along with these items, the transportation of students, the condition and opportunities of the schools and the extracurricular activities must also be analyzed. Sweeney reported that the NAACP has reviewed nine of the schools within the city of Hoover, and that an expert will review all the data. Once the information has been reviewed, the NAACP can alert the board of education on any changes that need to be implemented. According to the information reported to the Department of Justice, Hoover City Schools declared no plans to curtail transportation for the 2015-2016 school year. Student transportation will be provided with no cost to the

students. A status conference has been scheduled for Feb. 20 to determine what additional information would be needed for Hoover City Schools to obtain unitary status. “While this process is ongoing, no changes in the current student attendance zones will take place,” Sweeney said. “For planning purposes, it is my opinion, that student attendance zones for Hoover schools will not be changed for the 2015-2016 years. I want to emphasize that the Justice Department and the NAACP have worked cooperatively with us in every respect.” Many Trace Crossings teachers and administrators were present to voice their concern with the rezoning issue. They claimed that Trace Crossings has the most to lose by not rezoning as the school is at the lowest capacity it has been in a long time. Furthermore, one teacher asked the board for help in reversing the negative opinions that have been directed toward Trace Crossings. She stated that everyday, she and students at the school feel the need to defend their reasons for being at Trace Crossings. She asked that the board further communicate with Trace Crossings administrators and to “think outside the box” in order to combat these views.

Danberry at Inverness adding Alzheimer’s care

Danberry at Inverness will offer new programs for patients with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Photo by John Michael Simpson.

By SYDNEY CROMWELL The Danberry at Inverness retirement community will soon introduce new care options for patients with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. The center, located at 235 Inverness Center Drive, has received the necessary certificate of need to replace 24 assisted living beds with a specialized memory care unit. Executive Director Jaclyn Gardner said the memory care unit was part of the “original intent” when Danberry was under construction, so renovations and costs will be minimal. Existing apartments will be given access control doors and other features suited to the care

of patients with dementia. The State Health Planning and Development Agency must approve the certificate before Danberry can begin the conversion. Gardner said the state will survey the facility again before they can advertise or begin admitting residents. She hopes the facility will be ready for that survey in June and provide good quality of life for dementia patients in the community. “We hope to provide top quality care,” Gardner said. “We’re going to develop a program that’s developed to meet the needs of those suffering from cognitive impairments.” For more information, visit danberryatinverness.com.

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Hoover council honors Kiwanis Club, discusses proposed gas station By KATIE TURPEN During a February meeting, the Hoover City Council proclaimed Monday, Feb. 16 as Kiwanis International Day. Kiwanis International is a global organization of members dedicated to serving the world’s children. Kiwanis and its family of clubs annually raise more than $100 million for communities. Members attend regular meetings, experience fellowship, raise funds for various causes and participate in service projects. Also during the meeting, the City Council gave conditional use approval for a proposed gas station to be located on the property of the existing Walmart at 5335 U.S. 280. In other news, the council: }} Reappointed Roger Varner to the Personnel Review Board }} Held a public hearing to consider the request of Ryan A. Hallmark, Hallmark Holdings, LLC d/b/a Rock-N-Roll Sushi for conditional use approval for the sale of 020-Restaurant Retail Liquor at Rock-N-Roll Sushi located at 4441 Creekside Avenue, Suite 133.

The Hoover City Council proclaimed Feb, 16 as Kiwanis International Day at its February meeting. Photo by Katie Turpen.

}} Held a public hearing to consider the request of Fred Gustin, Slice of the Pie, LLC for Conditional Use approval for the sale of 040Retail Beer at Pie Five Pizza Co. located at 4741 Chace Circle, Suite 113.

}} Held a public hearing to consider the request of Pastor Chris Peters, Cross Creek Church,for conditional use approval to construct their new church at 5225 Ross Bridge Parkway. This property is owned by Mr. Charles Diggs

and Deer Valley Partners, LLC. The property is zoned C-2 (Community Business District) and C-P Preferred Commercial Office District. PZ Case #C-0115-02 Motion to approve.

Shell station to donate to Chelsea Business Alliance scholarship fund By SYDNEY CROMWELL Through the month of March, Chelsea drivers can help fund a college scholarship every time they fill up their gas tank. Steve Sewani, the owner of the Shell gas station at 62 Griffin Corporation Drive, has

partnered with the Chelsea Business Alliance to give a scholarship to an FBLA student at Chelsea High School. This month, a penny from every gallon of gas he sells will be given to the scholarship fund. “Whatever goes toward the school, I’m for it,” Sewani said.

Sewani said he came up with the idea while talking to City Clerk Becky Landers about the CBA’s fundraising efforts. The CBA held a flapjack fundraiser in January, but Sewani said he wanted a way to get involved besides giving gift cards. If the March fundraiser goes well, Sewani said

he may talk to the CBA and the city of Chelsea about doing another penny-per-gallon event in November. “Just buy gas and I’ll give the profits to the scholarship,” Sewani said. “It doesn’t get simpler than that.”

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SHELBY COUNTY

CRIME REPORT Domestic violence - Jan. 28, 1 p.m. - 600 block, Stonecrest Drive Domestic investigation - Jan. 28, 8 p.m. - 800 block, Highway 335 Public intoxication - Jan. 29, 3:25 p.m. - 2300 block, Highway 39 Property damage - Jan. 30, 10 p.m. - U.S. 280 and Eagle Point Domestic investigation - Jan. 30, 10:20 p.m. 3400 block, Heatherbrooke Road Domestic investigation - Jan. 31, noon - 2000 block, Chelsea Park Bend Animal cruelty second degree - Jan. 31, 10:40 p.m. - 2200 block, Highway 39 Death investigation - Feb. 1, 7:20 a.m. - 1200 block, Portobello Road Property damage - Feb. 3, 4:30 a.m. - 5200 block, Highway 280 Domestic investigation - Feb. 4, 2 p.m. - 7300 block, Cahaba Valley Road Property damage - Feb. 4, 7:30 p.m. - 4300 block, Lakeshore Cove Identity theft - Feb. 5, 7 p.m. - 45100 block, Portobello Road Recovered property - Feb. 6, 9 a.m. - 4600 block, U.S. 280 Civil dispute - Feb. 6, 8:15 p.m. - 2000 block, Chelsea Park Bend Domestic investigation - Feb. 7, 10:30 a.m. Domestic violence/harassment - Feb. 8, 12:24 a.m. - 4900 block, Keith Drive Domestic violence/harassment - Feb. 8, 9 a.m. - 300 block, Lake Chelsea Court Receiving stolen property second degree Feb. 9, 2:30 a.m. - Grandview Parkway Identity Theft (4 counts) - Feb. 9, 12:01 a.m. Grandview Parkway Harassing Communications - Feb. 9, 3:20 p.m. - 500 block Cahaba Park Circle

Domestic Investigation - Feb. 9, 6:15 p.m. 400 block Foothills Parkway Unlawful Possession of Marijuana/2nd degree - Feb. 10, 12:50 a.m. - Bent River Road and Old Rocky Ridge Road

Use of Drug Paraphernalia - Feb. 10, 2:50 a.m. - 7100 block Cahaba Valley Road Receiving Stolen Property/2nd degree- Feb. 10, 2:25 p.m. - 4600 block Highway 280 Recovered Property - Feb. 10, 2:25 p.m. 4600 block U.S. 280

Domestic Violence/3rd degree: MenacingFeb. 10, 6:55 p.m. - 1900 block Inverness Cliffs Identity Theft - Feb. 10, noon - 1 block

Woodbury Drive Public Intoxication - Feb. 12, 2 a.m. Buckhead Cove Domestic Investigation - Feb. 12, 2 a.m. Buckhead Cove Burglary of Vehicle - Feb. 11, noon - 400 block Boat Launch Way Theft - Feb. 12, 2:20 p.m. - Liberty Park Lane Domestic Investigation - Feb. 12, 5 p.m. 5000 block Cameron Road Domestic Investigation - Feb. 12, 6 p.m. - 400 block Foothills Parkway Domestic Investigation - Feb. 12, 6:15 p.m. 5000 block Cameron Road Property Damage - Feb. 13, 6:50 a.m. - Post House Lane and Woodbridge Drive

The most important thing my Dad did was care. Now he deserves the same. “My first baseball game. Tuning up my car. Helping me frame my house. Every day of my life, my father showed how much he cared. Now he deserves the same from me. That’s why we chose Somerby at St. Vincent’s One Nineteen for my Dad. Somerby provides help with the activities of daily living, and all the comforts and care he needs to live as independently as possible. Now our time together is all quality time — and Dad still has that spark in his eye.” At Somerby, we inspire and nurture successful aging among our residents each and every day in a warm and caring environment with an emphasis on wellness. Call 1-888-214-6487 for more information or to schedule your personal visit.

Domestic Investigation - Feb. 13, 8:15 a.m. 1 block Salser Lane Domestic Investigation - Feb. 13, 2:30 p.m. 3700 block Heatherbrooke Road Missing Person - Feb. 13, 5:30 p.m. - 500 block Kinnebrew Drive Use/Possession of Drug Paraphernalia/1st Offense - Feb. 13, 9:20 p.m. - 4500 block Valleydale Road Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance - Feb. 13, 9:20 p.m. - 4500 block Valleydale Road Domestic Violence/Harassment - Feb. 13, 10 p.m. - 100 block Two Lakes Trail Death Investigation - Feb. 14, 2:20 a.m. - 100 block Cliff Road

Independent Living Assisted Living Memory Care Respite Care 200 One nineteen BOulevard HOOver, al 35242 www.SOmerByatStvincentS.cOm

Domestic Investigation - Feb. 14, 6 p.m. 3400 block Inverness Lane Burglary of Auto - Feb. 14, 5:30 p.m. - 4000 block Forest Lakes Road Burglary of Auto - Feb. 14, 8:30 p.m. - 4000 block Forest Lakes Road Burglary of Auto (2 counts) - Feb. 14, 9 p.m. 4000 block Forest Lakes Road Death Investigation - Feb. 15, 5:15 p.m. 6200 block Cahaba Valley Road Domestic Investigation - Feb. 13, 8 p.m. 2100 block Forest Lakes Lane Harassment - Feb. 14, 6:30 p.m. - 16000 block U.S. 280 Domestic Investigation - Feb. 15, 10:45 a.m. 4600 block Chesapeake Cove Domestic Violence/Harassment - Feb. 16, 5:10 p.m. - 100 block Brook Highland Lane Property Damage (2 counts) - Feb. 16, 7:30 p.m. - Cahaba Valley Road and Retreat Drive Property Damage - Feb. 16, 8 p.m. - 5000 block Caldwell Mill Road Domestic Violence/Harassment - Feb. 18, 12:01 a.m. - 5400 block Highway 280

Highland Shoe Company opens in Lee Branch By JESSA PEASE The Village at Lee Branch welcomed a new boutique the last week of February when Highland Shoe Company opened. This mid-to-high end shoe boutique features many designer brands including Antelope, Chocolat Blu, Sacha London and Jack Rogers. Along with high-quality footwear, Highland will sell designer dresses like Britt Ryan, Jude Connally and Tyler Boe. “I’m trying to bring things to this part of town that are unique to the area or unique to Birmingham,” said owner Angie Navarre. “For

example, one of my perfumes, only one other retail store sells it and that’s out of Mountain Brook.” Shelley Kyle fragrances will be part of her inventory along with handmade jewelry, and handmade, hand-poured candles by The Green Bottle Candle Company and The South Candle. Sondra Roberts and Hobo handbags will also be available. Local artist Ginger Thomas’ creations will adorn the walls and can be purchases. For more information, visit facebook.com/ highlandshoecompany.

Join us on Tuesday, March 24th at 11:30 a.m. for a special Irish-themed Chef ’s Demonstration followed by a complimentary lunch — seating is limited and reservations required so call today!

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A10 • March 2015

Chamber

Preview of

February Luncheon

Lisa McMahon, 2015 Greater Shelby Chamber chair, presents Bill Keller, the 2014 chair, with a crystal memento commending his positive leadership. Photos by Jessa Pease.

Bill Keller presented former Shelby County Sheriff Chris Curry with an award for a life of great service and for his continued relationship with the chamber.

Passing the torch Greater Shelby Chamber presents 2015 chair, annual report By JESSA PEASE Bill Keller, the 2014 chair for the Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce, passed his gavel to Lisa McMahon at the chamber luncheon Jan. 28. Before doing so, however, he presented members with the chamber’s annual report and some key moments that “moved the ball down the ﬁeld” in 2014. He discussed the launch of a business support center, entrepreneur roundtables and the 18 business networking opportunities the chamber was able to provide. “We were excited last year with the progress that we had made with regard to business support and development and community workforce development,” Keller said. “I’m excited to report to you today that we have continued, in the last 12 months, that effort.”

One of the most impressive feats was the growth of the “Keeping It Real” program, which is held to give area ninth-graders real-world knowledge. In 2013, the program reached 984 students, and 2014 more than doubled that, reaching 2,376 students. “I think once you review the annual report, you will see that we have worked together as a group to make your investment in ShelbyOne and the chamber of commerce a worthwhile investment,” Keller said. ShelbyOne is the ﬁve-year initiative of the chamber that plans to unite all of the county’s corporate and public leaders in order to guide and stimulate economic and community development. The gavel was then given to McMahon of Warren Averett LLC. “As you know, 2014 was our second full

year of our ShelbyOne initiative, and under Bill’s leadership, your chamber has made tremendous progress in all four of the main areas of that plan and set the table for 2015 to be the best ever,” she said. “I look forward, as your 2015 chamber chair, to continue building on our past year’s achievements and will do that by working through the chamber’s 2015 business plan.” The chamber staff and group leaders developed the 2015 Business Plan to provide the investors and partners in Shelby County with speciﬁc, measureable goals. McMahon also mentioned wanting to focus on such items as quarterly tours of area companies, the promotion of chamber members and community events on social media, the continuation of the “Keeping It Real” program and the addition of a career fair for 10th graders.

Alex Dudchock

The Feb. 25 Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce luncheon will feature a “State of the County” presentation by Shelby County Manager Alex Dudchock. He will speak on the progress made in Shelby County in 2014 and share what’s in store for 2015. Networking begins at 11 a.m. at the Pelham Civic Center and the program will begin at 11:30 a.m.

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Eliminate choices, make life simpler Productivity expert addresses South Shelby Chamber By JESSA PEASE Even though everyone knows there are only 24 hours in a day, there are many people who wish there were more. According to Lisa Phillips, a representative with Simple Work and Mary Kay, it’s because people have forgotten to set boundaries and they’re working most of those hours a day. So as she addressed the South Shelby Chamber of Commerce Feb. 5, she explained where this trend comes from and how people can minimize that number. “Technology was invented to speed the completion of a task,” Phillips said. “It was not to change the behavior of humans, and what has happened? It’s changed how we think, how we relate, how we talk and how we converse. It’s changed everything in our lives.” Looking back about five years, she said the trend was finding out how to balance work and life, but smart phones have caused a shift. Now she’s found that people feel like they do a lot and they don’t see the result they want. This constant ability to check email after 10 p.m. is the cause, according to Phillips. She said a person’s phone can be their enemy, and just because you can have email on your phone, doesn’t mean you should. “We know that we live in a society of instant gratification, and that we

At the March luncheon The March 5 luncheon will feature Dr. Joe Sumners, the director economic development institute at Auburn University. He is the author of numerous publications on the topic of rural economic and community development. Sumners has over 20 years of outreach experience working with communities and local governments in Alabama, with extensive experience assisting communities with strategic planning and civic engagement initiatives. The luncheon begins at 11:30 a.m. at Columbiana First United Methodist Church, 200 North Main Street. The Feb. 5 luncheon spotlighted the city of Chelsea. Photo by Jessa Pease.

need things right now,” she said. “It’s a microwave society.” Phillips said that people spend 23 percent of their day trying to connect with someone, and that there are more than 22 ways to reach out to someone including Facebook, voicemail, twitter, email and text messages. So how do you minimize your inbox? Phillips said telling people the

very best way to reach you, whether it be email or a phone call, is how you can help save yourself and other people time. “Help people be more productive with their time and yours with just that simple thing,” she said. “It’s different for everyone, too.” She also said that people should find ways to eliminate options. If you

don’t check your Facebook or listen to your voicemail, let people know or don’t give them the option. Technology is one of the four ways to distract yourself along with other people and your environment. Phillips stressed that in the 24 hours you have a day, you are in charge of what you do with it. It’s also up to you to communicate that.

“That’s what I love is that every one of us in this room, we’re so different,” she said. “We’re either on this edge of the spectrum or we are over here. What works for one, doesn’t work for the other, so it really has to be personalized for you.”

280 Living

A12 • March 2015

Get to know the new Chick-fil-A guy Brent Fielder talks about his new Greystone location By JESSA PEASE With construction wrapping up at the new Chick-fil-A location in Greystone, 280 Living met up with the branch operator, Brent Fielder, to get an inside look at the restaurant. The Inverness resident said the branch will open to the public on March 12. That day the first 100 customers will receive free Chick-fil-A for a year.

Q A

When did your passion for Chick-fil-A begin? My Chick-fil-A experience was all as a customer. I grew up in Atlanta, the birthplace of Chick-fil-A, and I have all these memories in my childhood that were in a Chick-fil-A dining room. It was playing on the playground…but I never worked at Chick-fil-A. I actually, like most people, vowed to never work fast food. I was eating at a Chick-fil-A one day before high school. I looked over and I saw a sign that said they were now hiring summer camp counselors at a place called WinShape Camps. I went online did a lot of research, and it looked like a lot of fun. I found out that WinShape Camp was actually founded by Truett Cathy, who

was the founder of Chick-ﬁl-A. I applied, had the summer of a lifetime, met Truett for the first time that summer and was like, “This is a really great guy.”

Q A

When did you decide to open your own branch? All throughout the time [I was in college] I was working with Chickfil-A owners, just like what I’m doing now, and for me, these were business leaders that showed me how to run a business that cared about people. They were more than bosses to me. They were more like mentors and coaches, and during that time I thought, “This is something I could do with my life. I’d really enjoy that.” So I got my business degree and started pursing that. The timing seemed right about a year and a half ago, so I started pursuing being an owner and operator of Chick-fil-A.

fell in love with the city when we were here. So when the opportunity for Birmingham came up, for sure we were excited about it.

Q A

Why did you choose this location? Although we are independent business owners, Chick-fil-A picks the locations and builds the buildings. Then after they select the location, they select the operators. Birmingham is a place that we love. I went to Samford and literally

Brent Fielder’s Greystone Chick-fil-A will open March 12 on the corner of U.S. 280 and Highway 119. Photo by Jessa Pease.

What is your favorite part of your job? People come to Chick-fil-A for the food, but I think they also come for something else. I love to make a positive influence in my community. I think I do that through my community involvement… but

also with our team members. I’ll have about 80 team members or so who will work for me here, so I’m passionate about investing in them. I want to take the time that I have with them to pour into them some great life and leadership lessons and then launch them out into whatever they want to do with their lives. So, for me, it’s all about people.

What is your go-to order?

It depends on the day, but I do love our new grilled chicken. I’m a raving fan of our new grilled chicken.

Q A

Do you really eat more chicken? I do eat more chicken. I love chicken and I love Chick-fil-A. It’s not the only thing that I eat, but I do love it.

280Living.com

March 2015 â&#x20AC;˘ A13

280 Living

A14 • March 2015

The right kind of training Chelsea resident opens instruction facility for athletes By JESSA PEASE In 13 years of teaching and coaching in Alabama high schools, Brooks Barron saw a lot of permanent injuries that could have easily been avoided. About 5 million youth injuries happen every year, and a simple lack of education and understanding in the weight room are to blame, he said. “That’s a lot, and the sad part about it is that over half of them can be prevented with the right kind of training and movement skills,” Barron said. “They just don’t have that anymore because they don’t go out and play three different sports.” Kids’ sports have changed in the past five years, according to the Chelsea resident. While children used to play a variety of sports such as baseball, football and soccer, now kids often stick to one specialization from age 5 all the way up to high school. This leads to the overuse of muscles and often the need for surgery by the ninth grade. But to Barron, it’s not supposed to be like that. His passion led to starting his own coaching program, MVP Training. MVP works to build the foundational habits for athletes such as how to move, squat and hold their own body weight. He said athletes nowadays aren’t taught those skills early, which can lead to injuries later. For years, Barron saw these injuries happening, but he didn’t know why. It wasn’t until he left teaching

Brooks Barron runs drills with athletes from Oak Mountain, Chelsea and John Carroll high schools. Photos courtesy of Brooks Barron.

and coaching in high schools that his eyes were opened. He signed on to help form a different training company that researched the problem for

a year. Although that company failed after about six months, Barron used that knowledge to form a mobile training program for high school teams.

In the beginning he would visit area coaches and offer to take over their strength conditioning training program year-round for a small cost.

He knew all the coaches in the area, and most of them were on board with the idea. “It seems to be growing,” Barron said. “We’ve only had one team say no to us, so we know this is a need for coaches and teachers.” What began with only three teams has grown to more than 15 in a year. MVP trains about 300 athletes in the area and the sports teams within Oak Mountain, Chelsea and John Carroll high schools. Barron offers a longterm program so coaches can benefits and the athletes will keep them as well. “My favorite part is going to watch athletes actually compete and seeing what we do in its process,” Barron said. “I like seeing athletes that don’t have surgery. I like seeing athletes that don’t miss games because of injuries. That’s my passion.” He describes a program at John Carroll as the essence of what MVP does. They teamed up with UAB orthopedics and its trainers, and the groups share all the injuries and surgeries they are performing. So far they have cut the number of injuries in half compared to last year’s numbers. “It helps us to prove that what we do actually works,” Barron said. While one of Barron’s goals is to expand his mobile training into Briarwood Christian School and Spain Park High School, he is currently working to open a physical location for MVP Training so that individual athletes can

280Living.com

March 2015 • A15

Dixie Fish reopens with new menu By KATIE TURPEN AND JESSA PEASE

The basic foundations of movement such as squats or how to use your body are the skills that MVP Training focuses on with its athletes.

sign up for programs. It’s scheduled to open March 14 at the U.S. 280-Highway 119 intersection in the previous McAlister’s Deli location. “We’ve done some really good things in the past one to two years, so I’m proud of that,” Barron said. “Hopefully the place will be just as good. There’s a lot to do before then, but it’s exciting.” Barron will continue to train middle and high school students, which remain the majority of his athletes. He won’t turn anyone away, though. He believes his knowledge, combined with his three physical education and health degrees and various certifications, will help develop MVP Training. Barron said MVP Training is unlike anything in the area, and it’s a

niche that needed to be filled. “It’s been a leap of faith in a lot of respects because if you leave teaching and coaching, you leave a good retirement system and you leave good health insurance,” Barron said. “If you leave all that behind, you better have something to replace it with. [We’re] just relying on God to show us the path in what we’ve been trying to do. It’s worked so far, so let’s see what the future has in store for us.”

MVP Training 5406 U.S. 280 538-2687 mvptraining.net

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Dixie Fish Company on U.S. 280 reopened Feb. 3 with improvements to its menu. Owners Paul and Deborah Primeaux, who also own Primeaux Cheese & Vino at The Summit, said their original vision for the restaurant when it opened in September 2013 was all things Southern, Alabama and Birmingham. “People here have such a connection to the Gulf Coast and all of the wonderful things it has to offer,” Deborah said. “We wanted people to come and feel like they were eating at Grandma’s house but with an updated feel. Unfortunately, our vision was not executed, and it showed in our food and our service.” To revamp the menu and bring back the restaurant’s original vision, the company has brought on Chef Ric Trent, an Oak Mountain High School graduate with experience at local restaurants Ocean, 26 and Primeaux Cheese and Vino. “Ric is super passionate about food, and it’s contagious,” Deborah said. “We asked him ‘What would you do if you were going to redo Dixie Fish?’ And what he said was what we wanted.” Examples of new menu items include a Shrimp and Grits Bomb, homemade pork rinds and

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a black-eyed pea hummus appetizer. Fresh Gulf fish will be a menu mainstay, and Deborah said a pastry chef will be making desserts that include fun offerings for children. Area resident Craig Majer said he thought the revamp was a good idea. He said the menu never developed like he had hoped when the restaurant first opened. He and his wife Natalie visited Dixie Fish after it reopened, and he said he was impressed with the changes. “I have since gone back and thoroughly enjoyed the fresh grilled fish over vegetables,” Craig

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A16 â&#x20AC;˘ March 2015

280 Business Happenings

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280Living.com

March 2015 • A17

Now Open ARCpoint Labs, 5510 U.S. 280, Suite 215, opened in November. The company offers drug, alcohol, DNA and steroid testing, as well as employment/background and wellness screening and corporate wellness programs. 582-4055, birmingham-al-greystone. arcpointlabs.com

Bay Leaf Authentic Indian Cuisine is now open at 5426 U.S. 280, Suite 14, in the space formerly occupied by Mughal Indian Cuisine. The restaurant is new and not afﬁliated with the previous tenant. 518-0208, facebook.com/ bayleafauthenticindiancuisine

Shoe Company is a new 3 Highland boutique in the Village at Lee Branch that was scheduled to open by the end of February. It is owned by Barry and Angie Navarre and located at 250 Doug Baker Blvd., Suite 200. 999-8849 MVP Training, 5406 U.S. 280 East, Suite D-106, will open March 16 at the Crossroads at Greystone shopping center at the intersection of Highways 119 and 280. The facility offers strength training and conditioning for a variety of ages. 538-2687, mvptraining.net

Catering by Bellinis, 5511 U.S. 280, 5 Suite 109, is now open. In addition to catering, they offer healthy meals to go in their café. 502-7272, cateringbybellinis.com

Coming Soon Pathway Pediatrics in Sylacauga 6 has announced that it will open a satellite ofﬁce at 398 Chesser Drive, Suite 7, in Chelsea. Dr. Leslie Sawyer will operate the

clinic and anticipates being open by April. (256) 208-0060

Cookie Pops, which feature a gluten-free chocolate chip cookie or brownie frozen inside of a traditional pop. Flavors include Vanilla Chocolate Chip, Vanilla Brownie, Chocolate Brownie and Coffee Brownie. 969-8770, steelcitypops.com

Pizza will open soon in 7 Marco’s the Colonnade at 3419 Colonnade Parkway, Suite 400. 968-1213, marcospizza.com

Relocations and Renovations Banana Republic at The Summit has moved to a new location in the shopping center between Chuy’s and The Cheesecake Factory. The store has a “revolution” design with a boulevard down the center and small, boutique-like rooms with their own themes. Trader Joe’s will move into Banana Republic’s former space between Belk and Barnes & Noble. 298-0260, bananarepublic.com

New Ownership The Stewart Organization, 4000 Colonnade Parkway, has been acquired by Xerox-owned Global Imaging Systems. The company provides ofﬁce equipment, including copiers and printers, to businesses and will now be able to service clients with Xerox products. 969-3000, stewartal.com

The Abbey at Inverness, formerly known as the Lakes at Inverness, 1000 Hunt Cliff Road, has been sold to Abbey Residential. The company plans to make several upgrades to the apartment complex. 823-4791, abbeyresidential.com

News and Accomplishments 11

Alabama Telco Credit Union has changed its name to Avadian Credit Union. The name change is the culmination of a process to rebrand the credit union and reﬂect its growing and diversiﬁed client base. Avadian has branches at 15660 U.S. 280, Chelsea; 3439 Colonnade Parkway, Suite 100; and 420 Old Highway 280 in Greystone.

985-2800, avadiancu.com

Hirings and Promotions Education Corporation of America (ECA) welcomed a new CEO, Stu Reed, in January. Formerly in the role of president and chief operating ofﬁcer at ECA, Reed replaced Tom Moore, who became vice chairman of the ECA board of directors. ECA’s holdings include Virginia College and others in the post-secondary career school market. Its ofﬁces are located at 3660 Grandview Parkway, Suite 300. 329-7900, ecacolleges.com

National WMU has hired three new staff members. Amy Boone and Lena Plunk joined the team as ministry consultants on WMU’s adult resource team, and Jennifer Dodd will serve as the new senior marketing strategist. WMU is located at 100 Missionary Ridge Drive. 991-8100, wmu.com

991-8100, newhopedigital.com Gresham, Smith and Partners, 3595 Grandview Parkway, Suite 300, has hired J. Robert Murphy Jr. to lead its Birmingham ofﬁce in the position of senior vice president. 298-9200, greshamsmith.com

RealtySouth’s Inverness ofﬁce, 109 Inverness Plaza, has welcomed Nick Higdon as a new Realtor. 991-6565, realtysouth.com

Growing Up Pediatrics, 200 Riverhills Business Park, Suite 250, has hired Tamara A. Mason, MD, as a new pediatrician. Dr. Mason is now accepting new patients. 995-0899, growinguppediatrics.net

Anniversaries Pure Barre 280, 5426 Highway 280 East, Suite 6, is celebrating its fourth anniversary this month. 991-5224, purebarre.com

The FARM: Functional Athletic Rehabilitation and Medicine, 13521 Old Highway 280, Suite 125, celebrated its ﬁrst anniversary in February. 419-1595, chirofarm.com

Logan Deen, State Farm agent, 5479 U.S. 280, Suite 120, is celebrating its ﬁrst anniversary this month. 582-2030, logandeen.com

New Hope Publishers welcomed Judy Patterson as the leader of WMU’s product development center and Mark Bethea as the digital and acquistions editor. The ofﬁce is located at 100 Missionary Ridge Drive.

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280 Living

A18 • March 2015

Your Health Today By Dr. Irma Leon Palmer

Allergies are a common part of life. Spring rolls around and the world is covered in a blanket of yellow, with sneezing, sniffling and coughing. No one is ever puzzled by these symptoms. Over-the-counter allergies drugs, nasal sprays and decongestants are the most common weapon use to counteract these pesky symptoms. However, what if I told you that both seasonal and food allergies were avoidable without the use of these potential harmful medications? The Center for Disease Control states allergy cases rose fifty percent from 1997 to 2011, and is expected to continue to rise. Allergens enter the blood stream through three avenues; absorption through the skin, inhalation and ingestion. Once an allergen has entered the blood your immune system kicks in. Mast cells are cells in your blood responsible for detecting these pathogens. They work together with other parts of the immune system to protect against disease and play an important part in healing wounds. When mast cells run into an allergen, they release hormones called histamines. Histamines signal the blood vessels to become inflamed, which prevent harmful materials like pathogens to enter the body’s various systems. The mast cells are a crucial first line of defense against

MARCH 31

viruses and bacteria, but when they react to harmless material, like the proteins from certain foods or pollen in the air, the symptoms can be annoying and even dangerous. Allergy symptoms vary from stuffy noses and sore throats to more serious reactions such as anaphylaxis, which is when the body’s reaction to an allergen is so strong that the throat swells shut. Commonly, people with allergies will treat their symptoms with over the counter antihistamines or decongestants because these medications stop the body from reacting to allergens by inhibiting its ability to produce histamines. However, if histamines are the body’s way to alert all systems that a potentially harmful material has entered the body, wouldn’t an antihistamine actually weaken the immune system? Without histamine production, bacteria and viruses can more easily pass through the lining of your blood vessels and wreak havoc. Mast cells have other responsibilities besides the inflammatory response, like healing wounds and recognizing potential threats in the blood. Treating allergies with over the counter medication does not cure allergies, and with heavy use over a long period of time has been shown to make allergies worse by weakening the defense system.

A spring without allergies !?! So, what to do? If avoiding allergens is nearly impossible, and treating the symptoms with drugs can make matters worse, there must be other solutions. A 2013 study conducted by Harvard Medical showed that people who exercised regularly and ate a balanced diet reacted less often and less intensely to allergies. Exercise strengthens the immune system as well as supporting it with a healthy, colorful diet full of plants and lean proteins. Other studies have shown that wheat, dairy and sugar can cause inflammation and by extension, more intense allergic reactions. Alongside sound nutrition, immune and respiratory system strength depends largely on proper communication between the brain, spinal cord, and the human body. Any interruption in this communication compromises immune system strength and can produce allergic and asthmatic symptoms. Through chiropractic care, Dr. Palmer can help restore alignment, release nervous system flow and re–establish your immune system. Also, chiropractic adjustments may help regulate the heightened histamine and cortisol production during allergy season. Maintaining that balance of allergy-fighting hormones through chiropractic adjustments can help allergy sufferers find alternative relief.

As allergy season approaches you can help prevent severe reactions by making positive lifestyle changes. Weaken allergic reactions by strengthening your immune system. Chiropractic care helps to restore neural pathways and keep your body functioning properly. Children under chiropractic care develop more natural immunities and are sick less often than children not under chiropractic care. With all of the good Chiropractic care can do for your immune and other systems, why not take advantage? At Chiropractic Today, we go a step beyond traditional chiropractic care by offering exercise and nutritional advice. If you have issues with allergies or other symptoms, Dr. Palmer will listen and develop a personal care plan to help you reach a state of ease and wellness. Also, Dr. Palmer recommends Standard Process supplements, which are natural, plant-based alternatives to over the counter options. Give our office a call to schedule a free consultation and learn more about the specific Standard Process products targeted to provide allergy and immune system support. Be sure to check out our website for information and tips on how to build and maintain your health.

280Living.com

March 2015 • A19

SHAMROCK

CONTINUED from page A1 clothes and a toothbrush for about three days. The Greystone resident kept her pub open as a refuge for the surrounding office workers who had been sleeping under their desks, and the experience turned into one big party. Inspired by the experience, Dailey chose to give the proceeds from Red Shamrock’s annual Shamfest to the Cahaba Valley Fire Department. The department put her donation toward a fourwheel drive UTV, which Cahaba Valley will now be able to use during future snowstorms. Grant Wilkinson, Cahaba Valley Fire Department public information officer, said Dailey approached him last year after the department had determined a need for the utility terrain vehicle. “We utilized this donation and other funding to purchase and equip our Kubota UTV,” he said. “We have had the UTV in service for approximately six months. During this time it has been utilized at several public events for display purposes and to act as a patient care unit if needed.” The unit has been outfitted to be equipped with two different skids, one setup for wild land fire fighting capability with 50 gallons of water and a small pump and the other for patient care. “Shamfest has been going for several years,” Wilkinson said. “It is a great community event in Mt Laurel that is open to the public, and we have been very happy in supporting and participating in the event...I would anticipate Cahaba Valley continuing its support of and participation in Shamfest for as long as the organizers have it.” This year, the proceeds of the annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration will go toward the Autism Society of Alabama. Shamfest was originally created by its founders, the Griffin family, as a fundraising event for the Hope for Gabe Foundation, but when Dailey purchased The Red Shamrock in December 2013, she took a different path. “I’m a mom, and I love kids and animals,” Dailey said. “If you are making money, bringing people up here and you can give to charity, then why not? I think you should. I wish I could help every one of them.”

Shamfest 2015 The Red Shamrock, Mt Laurel March 14, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Tickets $12

Shamfest Band List Brandon Stephens and Lee Burt OutShine MissUsed The Turn Deputy 5 Kevin Harrison DJ Burger Decked out in full St. Patrick’s Day green, guests celebrate Shamfest.

Dailey plans to help a different organization each year while also providing a fun day for everyone involved. Shamfest is basically “one big party” ﬁlled with live music hand-picked by Dailey, family fun and green beer. Last year, the event was spread over two days. This year, Shamfest will be March 14 with bands playing from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. Headliner Deputy 5 starts at 7 p.m. Acoustic musicians Brandon Stephens and Lee Burt will kick off the event beforehand. The Turn, MissUsed and OutShine will also play outside, and Kevin Harrison will play inside

The Red Shamrock starting at 6 p.m. A DJ will emcee the event and play in between sets. “It’s just a big party. People dance and bring their kids. The kids’ dancing… is so cute,” Dailey said. “You can’t move inside [the pub]. It’s wall-to-wall, it’s crazy, and everyone’s dancing and drinking.” The surrounding streets will be blocked off to make room for the Guinness truck, the Budweiser truck and Bud Girls and the Kids Zone. Kids are free to enjoy the rides, bouncy houses and treats while their parents partake in Irishthemed libations. Merchants such as Edgar’s and

the Humidor Room will also be selling products for guests. For her ﬁrst Shamfest last year, Dailey was focused on everyone enjoying themselves, not making money. The DJ, who had participated in the event in years past, told Dailey that there were more people at the event than he had ever seen at a Shamfest before. To Dailey, that was all she wanted. “It made me feel so good, seeing how many people were out there on Saturday,” she said. “I was like, ‘Yes!’”

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280 Living

A20 • March 2015

‘Get your hands dirty’ Remembering the life of John Crisp By JESSA PEASE

“Get your hands dirty” was always John Crisp’s motto when he was out working missions. Photos courtesy of Mary Crisp.

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Being a quarter Cherokee, John Crisp had always felt a calling on his life to help Native Americans. When he died on Nov. 13, 2014 at age 67, “Papa John” was the father of one and the adopted grandfather to 12 or more children. After his death, his wife, Mary, received multiple phone calls from people at the reservations in New Mexico and Arizona where they had spent time. One little girl even sent a pink Native American blanket to the Crisps while John was in the hospital. His wife, Mary, said he touched many lives around him that she had never known about. “I found out a lot of things after he passed away, that I didn’t know,” she said. “Complete strangers have come up to me and said, ‘This is what he’s done for me,’ and that has been such a comfort.” Mary said John had a wake-up call in October 2012 when he was diagnosed with cancer. He beat it and afterward was determined not to waste another day. He continued to work up until a stroke took his life, and he and Mary were even able to take one last mission trip to New Mexico the month before. “I was so grateful that he got to do that again,” Mary said. “Of course, he was planning on going back with me in April and staying an extra week. So we don’t get

280Living.com

March 2015 • A21

John Crisp works on a roof in Tohatchi, New Mexico on a recent mission trip.

to finish what we started, but I think God has used his death in ways that I could never have even imagined. Everyone that took part in his service loved him and was part of his life.” Mary and John married in 1965when they were both 18 years old. Mary laughed remembering that John had to have his mother sign the papers to give him permission. They both worked in engineering in many different states. John loved photography, reading and writing, NASCAR, USC Women’s College Basketball and his extensive collection of shot glasses, but his strongest passion was ministering to Native Americans. When he and Mary started attending The Church at Brook Hills, they met JT and Sheryl

John and Mary Crisp.

Turner with OneWay Ministries and together began taking mission trips several times a year. “It was his passion, but after I went with him a few times and got involved, it became my passion too,” Mary said. “It’s funny how that happens — what you spend your time doing. That was his focus.” John’s philosophy had always been, “You have to get your hands dirty,” and the had always hoped people from their churches, Double Oak Community and Grace Point Church, would get out and experience the mission trips. She said people in churches are often eager to write a check to help out, but going out on a trip is life changing.

“God just opens doors and puts you where you need to be a lot of times — if you listen to Him — and He did with John,” Mary said. “He just made Native American missions his life’s work after he got back in church.” The only thing John ever regretted in his life, Mary said, was the time he spent away from the church. From his personal testimony, John writes, “I spent 30 years outside the will of God. I will not leave this time. I will not let anything come between me and the joy, peace, hope and contentment of belonging to Christ Jesus.” John’s complete testimony was read at his funeral, and Mary said it touched many people and even brought some back to the church. She

plans to continue the work she and John started. She’ll be taking another trip to New Mexico the first week of April, and she feels like he’ll be there with her. “It was just another level that you could share with each other,” Mary said. “It made us more united because we were doing that together… Whatever God has put on our plate, we have tried to deal with. He blessed us so much that I even feel guilty saying, ‘Well God you could have given us another 20 years.’ It’s an amazing way of life when you let Him take control.”

280 Living

A22 • March 2015 OAK MOUNTAIN

CONTINUED from page A1 possible construction of a hotel and convention center in the park. Based on the 2,400 signatures on the Keep Oak Mountain Wild online petition, many residents agree that the park is no place for new development. The plan The idea of a hotel and convention center in the park first appeared as part of an update to the Oak Mountain master plan. The city of Pelham, Indian Springs, Shelby County and the state parks division of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources have worked together for months to survey the current park resources and get feedback from park visitors. Chad Scroggins, the Shelby County development services manager, said the master plan is an in-depth evaluation of everything down to the swing sets and sinks in the park bathrooms. As part of this discussion, Key Advisors Hospitality Consultants was hired to perform a feasibility study for a hotel and convention center within the park. “That’s part of master planning — to see if something has a viable use and to see how it would fit,” Scroggins said. “It’s just one part of the process.” The feasibility study was concerned only with economic impact and potential demand. The consultants looked at the park’s visitor traffic, occupancy rates at nearby hotels, market opportunities and several other factors as part of their study. The finished study said that current hotel occupancy could make the new construction difficult, but it would be possible with the right size and location. The study, released in January, recommends a 175-room lodge-style

One of the main concerns of the Keep Oak Mountain Wild group is the impact these new facilities would have on the ecosystem. Photo by Karim Shamsi-Basha.

hotel with adjacent cottages, 20,000 square feet of meeting space and a 10,000-square-foot ballroom. The estimated construction cost for the project is $35 million. If built, the project would join the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex as the only major convention spaces in the metro area. However, the Oak Mountain project would be far smaller than the BJCC’s 100,000 square feet of meeting space, 220,000-square-foot exhibition hall and 770 rooms at the adjoining Sheraton Birmingham hotel. Greg Lein, the state parks division director for the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, said that the hotel and convention center have previously been considered in 1970 and 2002. Both times, the proposed location for the hotel was a plot of land overlooking the golf course

and adjacent to the marina and lake on Terrace Drive. This is a likely spot again, Lein said, but formal consideration of locations has not yet begun. Right now, this is as far as the plan has progressed. Scroggins said the master plan has focused on resident surveys, which ended Feb. 28, and there are months of evaluation ahead before the master plan is complete. No location has been chosen, no architectural plans have been made and the hotel and convention center are far from a certainty. “Just because you have a study, does not mean it’s a reality,” Shelby County District 7 Commissioner Lindsey Allison said. “That’s why we’re having the survey. We want to see what people want.” The opponents Despite this, Jablonski-Jaudon and

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other members of Keep Oak Mountain Wild want to stop the project before it gets beyond speculation. Their main worry is that the project will damage the park’s ecosystem with chemical runoff into nearby lakes, disrupt wildlife habitats and increase noise and light pollution. “If you start developing that state park, you lose the quiet and tranquility to enjoy,” Jablonski-Jaudon said. Greystone resident Lew Wagner is at the park at least once a week to hike the trails. He doesn’t support development of the park because he fears it would ruin the solitude of his hikes and create trafﬁc jams without a real economic beneﬁt. He said that he’s seen Yellowstone National Park and the Rocky Mountains become more commercialized and does not want a similar outcome at Oak Mountain. “God’s country is basically the way

I view it,” Wagner said. “You really should keep this as pristine as it is right now because you do have enough money going into the park. You don’t need to go after additional money.” Donna Cobb, another regular park visitor and former employee at Oak Mountain’s Alabama Wildlife Rescue Center, described the potential project as “horrifying.” While she would be supportive of individual cabins, Cobb thinks a hotel and convention center would have too large of an impact. She also believes that residents should be given a vote since the project would be located in a state-owned park. “I don’t quite understand who in the world’s come up with this idea that Oak Mountain’s going to become this world-class destination,” Cobb said. “I’ve got probably about 500 other friends who feel the same way. I’ve not talked to a single person who is for this.” Keep Oak Mountain Wild also has economic opposition to the park, which it discussed in a community meeting in January. The group released its own analysis of the feasibility study, which members believe is incorrect and misleading. The analysis took issue with some assumptions in the study, such as the hotel being permitted to sell alcohol on Sunday and relying on weddings or other events as a steady revenue source. The group also pointed out that the area hotels mentioned in the feasibility study had an average occupancy rate of 52 percent in 2013 and 58 percent in 2014. “It’s not like we’re in great need of rooms,” said Kathryn Harrington, Keep Oak Mountain Wild legal counsel and Indian Springs city council member. “We think that development is not a good ﬁt for Oak Mountain State Park.” The group’s analysis noted that the similar 2002 proposal had an

March 2015 • A23

280Living.com

see if any existing trails or amenities will be disrupted. While a hotel may not be everyone’s idea of a nature experience, Lein said the development could entice more people to experience the park’s existing natural beauty. “The outdoor experience is unique for each individual and when we have an array of amenities for our guests, we’re widening our net,” Lein said.

estimated construction cost of $43 million. With cost increases over the past decade, Keep Oak Mountain Wild believes the cost of the project will be closer to $59.9 million instead of $35 million. Instead of this development, the group wants to see more park activities with a low ecological impact, like hiking, canoeing and bicycling. “We want to support recreational activities that are compatible with the park’s ecosystem,” Jablonski-Jaudon said. The supporters While the voices against the hotel and convention center have come out in force, there are supporters of the development. Two unlikely proponents are Renea Roper and Michael Roberts, the managers of Best Western Oak Mountain Inn and Oak Mountain Lodge Inverness, respectively. While a new hotel would technically be a competitor, both managers said the convention center could potentially bring enough business to the area to increase their own hotels’ occupancy rates. “I think it’s going to be great for the area, and really I believe it would bring more business to my business,” Roper said. The feasibility study places expected occupancy rates for the hotel at 59 percent in 2017 and 65 percent by 2021. The firm also projected 211 jobs and an economic impact of around $21 million from construction alone. Additionally, the study estimated that by its third year in operation, the hotel would be producing $11 million in annual revenue and $7.4 million in local spending. Lein pointed out the success that the Department of Conservation has had with the six other state park lodging facilities. Except for years with

Rita Jablonski-Jaudon presents Keep Oak Mountain Wild’s response to the feasibility study, noting many inconsistencies she and her fellow members found with the information. Photo by Jessa Pease.

unusual inclement weather, he said the lodges are almost always profitable. “They absolutely help carry the park financially,” Lein said. “I’m confident that if we do this at Oak Mountain we’d be equally successful.” The environmental fears about the development are also misplaced, Lein said, because the Department of Conservation is concerned with ecological health first and foremost. A biologist by training, Lein said the state park

studies environmental impact for every trail and bench they install, so a hotel would be given even greater scrutiny. “It’s just inherent in our thinking. The last thing we want to do is put a facility in the park that will be negative to the environment,” Lein said. “I think we’ve got a fantastic track record of taking care of the resources in our park.” He also noted that the average state

park lodging facility takes up about 20 acres in total, which is about 0.2 percent of Oak Mountain’s acreage. Keep Oak Mountain Wild has criticized the feasibility study for leaving out environmental impact, but Scroggins said that such a study is impossible when there is no definite location or architectural plans. If the project moves forward, he said all the necessary environmental assessments will be completed, as well as studies to

The future The master plan is far from being complete, and Scroggins said the project won’t move into further consideration until the planners have assessed their options and evaluated the feedback they received in online resident surveys. Those surveys, which were collected through Feb. 28, will weigh heavily in the park’s decisions on the hotel and other possible amenities. Keep Oak Mountain Wild is continuing its petition and efforts to campaign against the hotel and convention center before the project takes another step forward. “If you don’t stop this kind of stuff in its track fast, then you’re in real trouble,” Cobb said. “It’s going to be a long, long process fighting this.” Shelby County manager Alex Dudchock said he plans to hold a meeting on the development and entire master plan in March or early April. “Much more analysis, meetings and actions are required before the parties can determine the project’s feasibility,” Dudchock said. Residents with comments or concerns about the Oak Mountain development can attend a public meeting on March 2 at 6 p.m. at the Pelham Civic Complex. To learn more about Keep Oak Mountain Wild, visit komw.org. The entire feasibility study and more master plan information is available at discovershelby.com.

280 Living neighborly news & entertainment

SECTION

Events B5 Sports B12 Real Estate B18 Community Awards B20

Crimson Tide’s Mikey White back on home turf By DAVID KNOX University of Alabama shortstop Mikey White is one of 50 players on the preseason watch list for the Golden Spikes Award given to the country’s top amateur baseball player. Fitting, then, that when he laces up his spikes this season, the former Spain Park star will be playing on home turf. Alabama is playing the majority of its home baseball games at the Hoover Met as the Crimson Tide’s Sewell-Thomas Stadium undergoes a $42.6 million renovation and expansion. White, who was named Mr. Baseball by the Alabama Sports Writers Association after his senior year at Spain Park, is looking forward to the season at the Met. “I’m really excited about it, getting to see my

old high school coaches and all the people from around Spain Park that I know being able to come to my games, my dad not having to make that trip down to Tuscaloosa four or five times a week. “The Hoover Met was pretty much in my back yard all through high school. Used to go there to see SEC Tournament games all the time, go to Barons games, so it’s pretty cool making that our home field this year.” White had an outstanding sophomore season for the Tide. He batted .300 for the season, led the team in runs scored with 50, was second on the team in home runs with seven and third on the team in RBIs with 34. He started all 61

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Mikey White, former Spain Park star, is one of 50 players on the preseason watch list for the Golden Spikes Award. Photo Courtesy of UA Atheletics.

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March 2015 • B3

Community Adoption Day at The Summit

Cats and Dogs from the Greater Birmingham Humane Society will be available for adoption March 17 at The Summit. Photo courtesy of The Summit.

The Greater Birmingham Humane Society is holding an adoption day March 7 at The Summit from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Its mobile adoption unit will be located near Belk. There will be many dogs and cats available for adoption, and donations can also be

made at that time. All the animals at the December adoption day at The Summit found forever homes, and the humane society hopes for just as much success in March.

Nordlund receives top Samford University teaching award

Samford professors Moya Nordlund and Steven Epley received top university awards Jan. 27. Photo courtesy of Samford University.

Samford University professor Moya Nordlund of North Shelby County received a top university award during the 2015 spring semester opening convocation on Jan. 27. She and fellow recipient Steven Epley of Crestwood have taught at the school for more than 20 years. Nordlund, chair of academic studies in the School of the Arts’ Division of Music, received the George Macon Memorial Award for outstanding performance as a teacher, counselor and friend who inspires greatness in students.

She also received a $1,000 cash prize presented by Samford provost J. Bradley Creed. “Nordlund fulfills every aspect of the criteria for the Macon Award, which celebrates the enduring influence that a teacher can have on students and encourages an appreciation of the profound significance of being called to teach,” Creed said. “She demonstrates extraordinary commitment to her students as she sets rigorous standards and expects that the students will be able to meet and exceed these standards.”

280 Living

B4 • March 2015

Conquer Cancer Run returns to One Nineteen After surviving a three-year fight with breast cancer, Hoover resident and news anchor Brenda Ladun decided to create something fun and encouraging for cancer survivors and their families. She wanted to give them hope, and in 2004 she found a way. “When you go through cancer, it can be hard and depressing,” Ladun said. “But we wanted then just as we do now for this race to be the opposite.” Her event, the Conquer Cancer Run, celebrates its 11th anniversary this year. The event features free food, games and activities for

children, free health checks, low cost mammograms and important information about many different types of cancers. This year the run will take place March 7 at St. Vincent’s One Nineteen. Participants may also take advantage of the many health screenings provided by St. Vincent’s One Nineteen that day, consisting of free blood pressure screenings, free skin cancer screenings, free vision screenings, free massages for runners, free physical therapy consultations and $99 mammograms. For more, visit conquercancerrun.org.

Day of Race Schedule 7:00 a.m. Packet Pick Up and Day of Registration opens 7:45 a.m. Welcome and Warm Up 8:00 a.m. 5K Race start 9:00 a.m. 1 Mile Fun Run start 9:30 a.m. Post Race Party and Awards Ceremony 9:45 a.m. Survivor Celebration & Balloon Release ABC 33/40 news anchor Brenda Ladun. Photo courtesy of Brenda Ladun.

Henze achieves Eagle Scout rank with Troop 69

Erik Henze. Photo courtesy of Diana Henze.

Erik Henze, a member of Troop 69 at Mount Chapel United Methodist Church in Vestavia Hills and under the leadership of Angelo Della Manna, recently made the rank of Eagle Scout. He was honored for his accomplishment during his Eagle Court of Honor. Henze is the son of David and Diana Henze of Hoover. He joined Troop 69 in 2008 after earning his Arrow of Light award in Cub Scout Pack 69. He has held various leadership positions with Troop 69 including senior patrol leader, assistant

senior patrol leader and quartermaster. While in scouting, he has attended National Youth Leadership Training and participated in two high-adventure Sea Base outings. He has earned the National Outdoors Leadership Award for Camping and 36 merit badges. For his Eagle Scout project, Henze, along with his fellow troop members and friends, reconstructed and added to the outdoor classroom for Rocky Ridge Elementary in Hoover. They re-enforced and repaired the damaged deck flooring,

reconstructed the deck railings, added steps to the outdoor theatre seating and pressure-washed the concrete tables, benches and sidewalks around the outdoor classroom. Henze is a senior at Spain Park High School where he is a member of the National Honor Society and team captain of the boys’ varsity soccer team. He is also co-captain of the Briarwood Ambassador’s 97 Gold Region III soccer team.

280Living.com

March 2015 • B5

Colors for a cure OMHS hosts second annual color run supporting cancer research By MADISON MILLER Colors will fly on March 14 at the second annual Oak Mountain Color Run. The event started last year when a group of Oak Mountain High School students wanted to recognize their families who had battled cancer and to help raise funds to find a cure. OMHS graduates Mandy Kelly and Mollie Shealy started the run last year to honor their grandparents. The race is held in memory of Donald R. Ellison and Susan A. Powers. Ellison was an electrical engineering graduate from the University of Alabama. He was a father of four, grandfather of nine and a great-grandfather of three. At the age of 83, Ellison was still an active member in his community and continued to perform engineering work. Though active, Ellison was diagnosed with lung cancer in June of 2010 after 70 years of smoking. Doctors performed surgery, but Ellison passed away eight weeks later from complications and COPD. Powers attended Plattsburgh State in New York and went on to receive her master’s degree from the College of Saint Rose. She taught first and third-grade and later became a substitute teacher. Powers was a mother of three and a grandmother of six. At age 38, Powers had been sick for several months when she went to the eye doctor. She was admitted to the ER and soon diagnosed with a rare form

Runners celebrate at the finish line of last year’s Oak Mountain Color Run. Photos courtesy of John Milton.

of leukemia. Powers died 10 days later from a cerebral hemorrhage. In an effort to prevent cancer from taking more inspirational lives, Kelly and Shealy organized the first annual Oak Mountain Color Run last year. This year, OMHS students Emily Lyons, Julia Buckner and Claire Kendrick have taken over as organizers of the event. In keeping with the tradition

of the first annual race, all proceeds will go to American Cancer Society: Relay for Life and UAB: Cancer Research. “We all have a person to fight for,” Emily said. “If the community comes together to fight against this horrible disease, then we can find a cure.” The run will start at 9 a.m. at Oak Mountain State Park. Survivors of six

different types of cancer will speak before the race begins. The families of Ellison and Powers will speak and signal the start of the race. Various paint stations will be set up along the course with different colors representing several types of cancers. After the race, a tailgate, food vendors, activities for all age groups and more paint throwing will be available.

Anyone from the community can participate. Online registration is $40 and includes a T-shirt, goodie bag and race expenses. Walk up registration is $35 and covers race expenses. For more information or to register, visit omsga.com.

280 Living

B6 • March 2015

Events aim to end hunger in Central Alabama Full Belly 5K Mt Laurel Feb. 28, 8 a.m.

Banquet and Silent Auction Birmingham Marriott 3590 Grandview Parkway March 5, 6 p.m.

By JESSA PEASE There are 14,100 food insecure children in Shelby, Coosa and Talladega counties, and Alabama Childhood Food Solutions is setting out to feed as many of those children as it possibly can. Through fundraising events such as the Full Belly 5K on Feb. 28 and the organization’s three-year anniversary banquet, co-directors Jim and Linda Jones are determined to deliver food to those who need it most. “The run is a fun thing mostly, but any time that people will get out and work together to try and put funds together for a general purpose, it can be very effective,” Jim said. “We found that runs, motorcycle rides and other small events will bring in help so that we can accomplish what we need to.” The race will take place in Mt Laurel and is also sponsored by Double Oak Community Church,

In Shelby, Coosa and Talladega counties there are about 14,100 food insecure children, and it is the mission of the Alabama Childhood Food Solutions group to feed as many as it can. Photo courtesy of Jim Jones.

which is also located in Mt Laurel. The 5K will begin at 8 a.m. with a 1-mile fun run beginning at 9 a.m. Linda said this event is not just for runners but also for families who want to support the cause by walking. Although this is the first Full Belly 5K, Jim hopes it will be one of many fundraising runs to benefit Alabama Childhood Food Solutions. Each week the organization sends weekend food snacks to more than 1,250 children,

and they provide about 15,000 pounds of food and toiletries once per month to more than 300 local families. The money earned at the races will be used to help provide those items. On March 5, Alabama Childhood Food Solutions will hold its annual silent auction and banquet to celebrate its three years of service. The event will begin at 6 p.m. at the Birmingham Marriott located off U.S. 280. Linda said there will be hundreds of items

being auctioned off. “This will be an event of the year for the Birmingham area,” Jim said. “[We want] to invite anyone who is willing to join us.” Auburn University Director of Athletics Jay Jacobs will be speaking at the banquet, and Harriet Giles, the director of End Child Hunger in Alabama, will also be in attendance. Country-western singer Roger Vines will perform original songs produced

Hands on Care, Close to Home.

specifically for this event along with other musical entertainment. “We always have a great time with music and food,” Linda said. To register for the Full Belly 5K, visit runsignup.com/Race/AL/Birmingham/FullBelly5K. To purchase tickets for the Alabama Childhood Food Solutions banquet and silent auction, visit alabamachildhoodfoodsolutions.com or call (256) 245-6115.

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280Living.com

March 2015 • B7

For the 27,000 Lupus walk aims to raise money, awareness, education Lupus is an autoimmune disease that affects about 27,000 people in Alabama. Photo courtesy of the Lupus Foundation of America.

By JESSA PEASE More than 1.5 million Americans suffer from an autoimmune disease called lupus. There is a lot of unfamiliarity related to lupus even though this disease is gaining more understanding around the nation as celebrities speak out about it. “The reason I think it is so hard to understand is because the symptoms are so common it’s hard to tell someone and [them] not think it’s allergies or a seasonal cold,” said Katelyn Slaughter, development coordinator at Lupus Foundation of America, Mid-South Chapter. “It’s actually

chronic, so it’s not just something that comes through the seasons or weather change.” As a chronic disease, its signs and symptoms tend to last longer than six weeks and often for many years. Lupus can affect the skin or joints, and some people have problems with their gastrointestinal system or vision. Slaughter said many people go through “lupus flares,” or a period of time such as a day, week or year when they suffer severe fatigue, anemia and muscle and joint swelling. The disease can affect anyone, but it is most commonly found in women of color during their reproductive years, about ages 18-54.

The Walk to End Lupus Now is the only nationally certified lupus fundraising charity walk, and there are walks all across the United States. The second-largest walk is the one held right here in Birmingham at Veterans Park. It draws between 800 and 900 people from all over the state. “It invites an opportunity for the 27,000 people suffering with lupus to all come together on one day to celebrate life and supporting one another as we raise money for research, education and support for lupus and its entities in the area,” Slaughter said. This year’s walk will take place March 28, with registration starting at 8 a.m. and the 1-mile walk starting

at 10 a.m. It’s a free event with no registration fee, but it is a fundraising walk with door prizes, a photo booth, games for kids, face painting, a dance competition, T-shirt contest and other prizes. “The biggest importance is everyone coming together,” Slaughter said. “It’s kind of that new awareness. We have some people that return every year that we know their families, we know them by name and we know their story. Then we have people who come out as their first time, and they are so excited to be there to finally find a community where they can feel someone understands what they are going through.”

For more information about lupus, visit lupus.org. For more information about or to register for the Walk to End Lupus Now, visit kintera.org/faf/ home/default.asp?ievent=1126892.

Walk to End Lupus Now Veterans Park Saturday, March 28 8 a.m.-noon Free admission

280 Living

B8 â&#x20AC;˘ March 2015

Pelham deputies and fire fighters braved the icy-cold water during the plunge at the park.

Take the

plunge

The cold water wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t enough to stop participants from completely emerging themselves in the lake water.

The annual Polar Plunge at Oak Mountain State Park is a fundraiser to help raise money for the Special Olympics.

Oak Mountain State Park hosts annual Polar Plunge Photos By JOHN MICHAEL SIMPSON Participants clad in superhero capes, sombreros and lumberjack flannels took on the Polar Plunge at Oak Mountain State Park Jan. 31. The Alabama Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics hosted its annual Polar Plunge event at the Oak Mountain State Park Beach. Guests 12 and older came dressed in costumes ready to endure the ice-cold water of the lake and to win the costume contest. All plungers received a T-Shirt, but the more money participants raised, the cooler the swag they received such as the Polar Plunge Water Shoes, Toboggan or blanket. All the money raised supports Special Olympics Alabama, devoted to sports training and competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

This polar plunger came dressed in an old-fashioned bathing suit, complete with a curled, fake mustache.

Participants in all sorts of costumes run full-speed at the water, ready for the cold.

280Living.com

March 2015 â&#x20AC;˘ B9

280 Living

B10 • March 2015

Author donates books to children’s hospitals By SYDNEY CROMWELL Jan Peine remembers the struggle to come up with her latest book idea: three days of constant prayer and sticky notes with possible titles on every surface in her house. Just when she was ready to give up, Peine said a phrase seemed to appear in front of her eyes: “Nothing’s too hard for me.” “I knew instantly that was the name of the book, and the rest of it just rolled down,” Peine said. She spent all night writing the rhymes and designing the book. By the next morning, she had a dummy version of Nothing’s Too Hard for Me, a book that would find its way to children’s hospital rooms across the country. Peine has written several children’s books and said that God has been the guiding force through all her writing, giving her the ideas and connecting her with the right people. One of those right people was Gary Parisher, the owner of Cheeriodicals, a Mt Laurel-based company that gives boxes of books, food and other gifts to hospital patients.

Parisher was the one who initially asked Peine to write a book that could be included in the children’s Cheeriodicals. That request led to the creation of Nothing’s Too Hard for Me, which Peine gives to Cheeriodicals for free. She describes it as mission work. Published in 2013, Nothing’s Too Hard for Me features a young kangaroo taking on everything from climbing and running to a hospital stay and getting a shot. It includes other allusions to children’s hospitals, including the kangaroo’s rabbit friend, who uses crutches, and the red wagons that are common in pediatric wards. Peine said her favorite page is the illustration of the kangaroo “fighting” a stuffed dragon, which reminds her of her 10-year-old grandson, Holden. Peine hopes the rhyming book provides comfort and smiles to both children and their parents. She’s familiar with the anxiety of long hospital stays and believes her book can bring a small amount of relief. “It’s my way of making the world a little better, just one little sick child’s heart at a time,” Peine said. “I can’t take away people’s sorrow. I can’t make babies not have cancer or diseases,

Jan Peine holds a copy of her latest book, Nothing’s Too Hard for Me. Through her partnership with Cheeriodicals, Peine’s book gets shipped to children in hospitals across the country. Photo by Sydney Cromwell.

but I can do my part.” Despite the five books under her belt, Peine said she doesn’t enjoy the writing process itself. Instead, she gains satisfaction from being obedient to the divine call in her life. “It’s a soul thing,” Peine said. “You know,

you’ve been waiting your whole life for somebody to tell you why you’re here, and suddenly, this is it.” To learn more about Peine’s book, visit givingmeaway.com.

280Living.com

March 2015 • B11

This season’s Christian women’s leadership luncheons begin By JESSA PEASE National WMU (Women’s Missionary Union) kicked-off this semester’s Christian Women’s Leadership luncheons Feb. 4 with guest speaker Toni Robinson. Robinson shared her passion for inclusive language with attendees of the luncheon by speaking on The Power of Words: Speaking Inclusively. She began with the common saying, “Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me.” She added that the phrase is incorrect, and that everyone knows that words can hurt. Through examples of exclusive language and scenarios based on race, age and weight, Robinson explained the difference between low and highrisk language. She also made the distinction between intentions and results, stating that sometimes we say hurtful things without realizing it. Jargon can even be considered exclusive language for those who don’t understand it. “Living in a culture of inclusion is our goal, it’s my goal,” Robinson said. “We want to except that there are differences, and differences in perspective about language.” The Christian Women’s Leadership Center luncheons were developed as a way to explore characteristics of leadership while networking with other

The Christian Women’s Leadership Center luncheons give ladies in the Birmingham area an opportunity to network while exploring the characteristics of leadership. Photo by Jessa Pease.

Christian leaders in the Birmingham area. The next luncheon, Can We All Get Along, will be March 4 and will focus on understanding generational differences. The April 1 luncheon’s

theme is Been There, Done That: Learning from Experienced Leaders, and the May 6 luncheon It’s Kind of Fun to Do the Impossible focused on lessons of leadership and creativity

from the American icon Walt Disney. Luncheons start at 11:30 a.m. at the National MMU building, 100 Missionary Ridge. Cost is $7. For more information or to register, visit wmu.

com/cwlc or call 991-4064. Register by noon the Tuesday before the luncheon.

280 Living

B12 • March 2015

Sports

Olympics in mind Spain Park student prepares for junior national meet, Olympic trials By JESSA PEASE Five years of swimming might not sound like a lot, but Birmingham Swim League’s Rachel Cunningham is “the real deal” as far as her coach is concerned. The 15-year-old Spain Park student’s record is one that proves it, too. She qualified for finals in the 100 breaststroke at the Irvine Junior Nationals meet, and she’s competed in other top meets including the Grand Prix Arena USA Swimming event in Minnesota and the National Championships in Greensboro. For her age group, Cunningham was named No. 3 in the nation in the 100 breaststroke, an event she favors and swims with confidence. Her next challenge is the upcoming NCSA Junior Nationals meet in Orlando, taking place March 17-21. “She’s really talented,” coach Mike Davidson said. “She can be top 8. She’s got the ability, but USA swimming has gotten so fast and there’s so much depth. Everything has to go right, but she should make top 8.” Cunningham will be swimming the 100 and 200 breaststroke at the meet,

During a practice with Birmingham Swim League, Rachel Cunningham swims individual medleys to work on each stroke. Photo by Jessa Pease.

which are the events she primarily trains for. She swims an impressive 1:03.55 100 breast versus the 1:06.39

qualifying time, and her 200 stands at 2:15.89 against the 2:23.29 qualifying time. With times like these, it’s

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no wonder the Olympic trials are on her mind. “Olympic trials are coming up in

two years, so everything we are doing right now is in preparation for that meet — to make finals at that and to make the Olympics,” Cunningham said. “That’s good preparation for college and it looks really good on applications.” On top of her workouts with BSL at the Birmingham CrossPlex, she participates in CrossFit, runs and performs exercises to get her body acclimated to swimming. She does anything she can to build strength and endurance. “I’m very competitive,” she said. “It helps when you are into swimming because it’s a very competitive sport.” The junior national meet is one of the top 25 meets in the country for swimmers 18 years and under. Athletes from all over the country will participate in the meet, but Davidson said his swimmers have a great shot at finals. “It’s fun because where we are now, we’ve got a lot progress that can be made,” Davidson said. “For me it’s fun because I know we can get there. We can become a lot better and place a lot higher. To me it’s exciting because there’s really only one way to go, and that’s up.”

280Living.com

March 2015 â&#x20AC;˘ B13

280 Living

B14 • March 2015

Signing Day 2015 Several students at Briarwood Christian School, Chelsea High School, Spain Park High School and Oak Mountain High School accepted athletic scholarships for their school’s national signing day ceremony on Feb. 4 and Feb. 5.

Briarwood Christian

Madison Chambers- Southern Union State Community College (Softball)

Nelson Salem- BirminghamSouthern College (Lacrosse)

Dylan Rizzo- Southeastern College (Football)

John Hayden- University of Alabama at Birmingham (Golf)

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280Living.com

March 2015 • B15

Spain Park

DHL

Mary Kathryn Bonamy- Notre Dame (Softball)

Mason Duke - Shelton Sate Community College (Baseball)

Erik Henze- University of Alabama at Birmingham (Soccer)

Benjamin Lapinski- Young Harris College (Lacrosse)

Patrick Martin- Vanderbilt University (Golf)

Mallory McCarty- Alabama Southern Community College (Softball)

Colton Nall- University of Alabama at Huntsville (Lacrosse)

Trent Harper- United States Air Force Academy (Lacrosse)

Rondaius Johnson- Mississippi College (Football)

Sam Prater- Troy University (Golf)

A.J. Smiley-Troy University (Football)

Karilyn White- University of West Alabama (Softball)

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280 Living

B16 • March 2015

Oak Mountain High School

Katie Denney- Illinois Wesleyan University (Soccer)

Ansley Neely- University of Alabama (Soccer)

Hunter Ratliff- Oglethorpe University (Soccer)

Chelsea High School

Trigg Langner- University of West Alabama (Soccer)

Clay McDonald- University of Alabama at Birmingham (Soccer)

Josh Pugh- Miles College (Football)

Caiti Davis- Andrew College (Softball)

BASEBALL

CONTINUED from page B1 games at shortstop — in fact, he’s started every game in his Crimson Tide career. He was an All-Star selection in the Cape Cod League this past summer, and he worked on being a more consistent hitter, he said. He also hopes he will bring something else to the team this year. “I think I’ve just improved on my maturity as a player and my leadership,” White said. “Knowing how to help guys out when they’re struggling, especially the younger guys, helping them through slumps and stuff. Doing the things the older guys did for me.” Coach Mitch Gaspard’s Alabama (37-24 in 2014) team was ranked No. 20 in the country in the preseason. The Crimson Tide has been a young team the past two seasons. White believes the growing pains will now pay off with experience. “I think that we’ll be a more experienced group … but I also think our freshmen are going to help us out. The older guys just need to help them through everything.” Although many Alabama fans who don’t normally get to make it to Tuscaloosa very often will benefit from the Tide playing at the Met, it creates a bit of a logistical issue for the team. “It’s going to be a little bit of a struggle, having to travel to our home games,” White said. “Go through the grind of playing 56 road games.” For the Southeastern Conference weekend series, the Crimson Tide will bus up on Friday mornings for that night’s game and stay in a hotel over the weekend, heading back after the Sunday afternoon games. For the single weekday games, they’ll bus up and back the same day. “I think this team is really talented, and we have our goals locked in our minds,” which White said are to win the SEC, get into postseason play and get to Omaha for

Mikey White

the College World Series. “I think we feel like we’re not going to be denied, keep working hard and then I think we’ll end up where we want to be in the end.” White said the starting pitching — which should include Hoover High product Geoffrey Bramblett — has been an early surprise. Taylor Guilbeau and Will Carter are also slated to be starters. “They’re not those guys people really know about because we lost (Spencer) Turnbull, (Justin) Kamplain, (Jon) Keller, but I think our weekend rotation is going to surprise some people because they’ve been throwing the ball really well this fall and this spring. I think those pitchers are really going to surprise some people.” Turnbull and Kamplain signed pro contracts. Keller, who played at Thompson, will miss the entire season after having surgery to repair a torn biceps tendon, a partial ulnar collateral ligament and bone spurs and chips in his arm. If the starters do come through, at the back end is Thomas Burrows, who was named to the National College Baseball Writers Association’s preseason watch list for Stopper of the Year, awarded to the nation’s top relief pitcher.

Pediatric

ENT

Associates

From left: Brian Kulbersh, MD; Audie L. Woolley, MD, FACS; Brian J. Wiatrak, MD, FACS, FAAP; J. Scott Hill, MD, FACS, FAAP; and Nicholas Smith, MD

Our five physicians have more than 60 years of combined Pediatric ENT experience with additional fellowship training in Pediatric ENT surgery. We provide assessment, treatment and management for children with conditions such as: o Complex sinus problems o Ear infections (ear tubes) o Hearing loss o Tonsil and adenoid problems o Facial and neck masses o Sinus infections o Airway obstruction and breathing disorders o Cosmetic issues such as prominent ears (otoplasty) and birthmarks of the face and neck

Appointments 205.638.4949

FAX 205.638.4983

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March 2015 â&#x20AC;˘ B17

280 Living

B18 • March 2015

280

Real Estate Listings

400 Sunset Lake Circle

MLS #

Zip

Address

Status

Price

622180

35043

400 Sunset Lake Circle

New

$229,900

622096

35043

111 Chesser Reserve Drive, Unit 138

New

$124,900

622118

35043

420 Tuscany Circle

New

$549,900

622058

35043

2144 Chelsea Park Bend

New

$179,900

621999

35045

104 Brynhurst Drive

New

$147,000

622215

35043

168 Hackberry Circle

New

$229,900

621963

35242

4556 Eagle Point Drive

New

$359,900

622022

35242

138 Belvedere Drive

New

$242,000

621657

35242

8015 Castlehill Road

New

$1,290,000

621800

35242

5051 English Turn

New

$259,900

622099

35242

5421 Caldwell Mill Road

New

$199,900

622242

35242

3304 Birdsong Lane

New

$229,900

622135

35242

904 Barristers Court, Unit 904

New

$183,900

622241

35242

1024 Sandhurst Circle

New

$409,900

622126

35242

119 Ashford Circle

New

$475,000

622459

35242

3004 Shandwick Court

New

$459,900

622483

35242

1399 Highland Lakes Trail

New

$499,900

Real estate listings sent to 280 Living by Vinnie Alonzo of RE/MAX Advantage South on Feb. 17. Agents and agency vary by property.

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280Living.com

March 2015 â&#x20AC;˘ B19

Call us to schedule a complimentary initial exam!

280 Living

B20 • March 2015

E T O V by

ch r a M

C OMMUNITY

M EMBER

The 280 corridor is full of people making a difference ourM community, OinM U N I Tand Ywe need your help to give them the recognition they deserve.

C AUSE

OF THE YEAR

Go online to cast your vote 280’s Community OF for THE YEAR Member of the Year.

Nominees

280living.com/award Chris George

Toni Hill

Shelby County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy

President of Freedom Financial Group

Chris George has dedicated his life to the citizens of Shelby County and has made it his goal to protect those residents. His story is very motivating and has been openly shared many community groups. He sets an example for young men to follow.

Toni is the 2014 Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) Woman of the Year, raising the most money ever for the LLS Gulf Coast Chapter. Outside of campaigning for LLS, she has taken the time to sponsor a Make-A-Wish child, conduct a Thanksgiving Day meal delivery and organize a successful canned food drive for Oak Mountain Missions among other outreach projects.

Paul Hughes

Scottie Jackson

Director of Kingdom Forerunners/Birmingham Prayer Furnace

Director of Education and Outreach at Alabama Wildlife Center

Paul has been a catalyst for social change on the 280 corridor. He has worked to build interdenominational unity among the Birmingham Christian community in the name of addressing the issues of social and racial injustice in our day. Paul has a heart for seeing the youth of our community strengthened in faith.

Scottie works tirelessly organizing and leading the educational programs of the Alabama Wildlife Center, and caring for the “educational ambassador” raptors that are part of AWC. In 2014 she directed the Alabama Wildlife Center’s outreach efforts, reaching more than 25,000 people with AWC’s conservation education programs.

John Lankford

Keith Richards

Director of Urban Avenues

Founder of Taziki’s

John has started mentoring group and business opportunities for young men in the Fairfield community. This enterprise has giving young men hope for a career and does so in a way that honors each person’s story.

Keith, a Meadow Brook resident, founded his first Taziki’s restaurant along the U.S. 280 corridor in 1997. This local entrepreneur continues to give back. Keith hires employees with special needs at all his restaurants and created HOPE, a program that works with Shelby County school students to grow herbs used by Taziki’s restaurants.

Katie Stubblefield

Myrah Taylor

Director of Clinic and Animal Care at Alabama Wildlife Center

Oak Mountain High School Alumna

Katie is amazingly committed to ensuring that all of the patients at the Alabama Wildlife Center receive the best possible care. She directs the care of almost 2000 patients every year. She supervises and directs all medical care, housing and feeding of AWC patients from intake through their rehabilitation to release back into the wild.

Myrah Taylor created a brochure titled “Neglected and Abused Children” as a part of her Miss Oak Mountain High School and Miss Outstanding Teen platform. Her fight to protect children took a step abroad to include children’s ministries in Nicaragua. Myrah to translate her brochure into Spanish, so she could share it with the teachers there.

Gabe Thomas

Della Pender

Leader of the Grace Klein Community

Mt Laurel sales manager

Gabe is a true friend, committed husband/father and faithful member of the 280 community. Through his servant leadership at Grace Klein, they have been able to resource underprivileged families in the area. They also have a global impact beyond the Birmingham area. Gabe’s leadership is to be commended as an example for others in our community.

Della impacts lives of strangers every day. Through her nonprofit, God’s Outreach Center, Della is able to help those who need it most with clothing, food, supplies and more. In an almost anonymous fashion, and with no expectation of anything in return, Della has helped many of those who need it most in our community.

Winners will be announced in our April issue with a feature story. Nominee descriptions were submitted by community members.

280Living.com

March 2015 â&#x20AC;˘ B21

280 Living

B22 • March 2015

E C T O M EMBER V by

ch r a M

8O M M U N I T Y

C OMMUNITY

C AUSE

OF THE YEAR

The 280 corridor is full of people making a difference in our community, and we need your help to give them the recognition they deserve. Go online to cast your vote for 280’s Community Cause of the Year.

280living.com/award Alabama Wildlife Center

Birmingham Prayer Furnace

The Alabama Wildlife Center is Alabama’s oldest and largest wildlife rehabilitation and education center. In 2014 AWC provided educational programming for more than 25,000 Alabamians, raising awareness of its unique biodiversity, and the need to preserve and protect our wildlife resources. awrc.org

The Birmingham Prayer Furnace (BPF) seeks to transform the 280 corridor and all of Birmingham by coupling prayer and worship with a desire to bring social change to the area. BPF seeks to address racial and social issues with an approach based on Christian faith and an attitude of love.

Cheeriodicals

HOPE - Herbs Offering Personal Enrichment

Gary and Mary Martha Parisher’s Mt Laurel office is packed with children’s toys, snack foods, magazines and piles of bright green boxes. Cheeriodicals works with children’s hospitals across the country to delivery gift boxes. cheeriodicals.com

Nominees

Laura Langley Memorial Blood Drive This annual blood drive is held in memory of an young woman who attended Oak Mountain High and then was tragically killed in an auto accident just six months after graduating. Laura dedicated her life to making a difference for others. redcross.org/news/event/alabama/ Laura-Langley-Memorial-Blood-Drive-2014

Taziki’s restaurants have an outreach program called HOPE — Herbs Offering Personal Enrichment. This project gives children with special needs the opportunity to gain experience with Taziki’s. tazikiscafe.com/hope

LIFE Ministries LIFE Ministries is a local organization committed to restoring the hearts of men and women in the U.S. 280 corridor and beyond. One of its primary initiatives is to help couples in crisis, which is making an impact on families and business in the community. lifeministriesnow.com

Neverthirst

Recovery at the Creek

Neverthirst is a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing clean and living water to developing countries. Its office is located off of U.S. 280 in the Edenton subdivision. To date they have completed more than 2,500 projects that serve more than 325,000 people.

Recovery at the Creek supports men and women in their effort to recover from addictions and unhealthy relationships without charging any fees. It is based out of Chelsea Creek Community Church. chelseacreekcc.org/adults/recovery

Shelby County Humane Society

St. Vincent’s One Nineteen

The society takes thousands of owner-surrendered animals in each year, and provides medical attention and a safe home for abused and neglected animals. Shelby Humane Society works constantly to educate the public about the importance of animal population control. shelbyhumane.org

The Butterfly Project 365 After her diagnosis with osteosarcoma in 2012, 12-year-old Ally Nelson and her family were surrounded and supported by their church and the Chelsea community. That October, Ally, her mother Christina started the Butterfly Project 365, a nonprofit based on the idea of doing an act of kindness every day of the year.

St. Vincent’s One Nineteen has served 280 area for more than 10 years through a variety of community outreach efforts, including the Annual Heart Day and Mammography screenings. It also hosts the Brenda Ladun Conquer Cancer Run for the American Cancer Society, community wellness classes and its annual Block Party. onenineteen.com

UAB Football Foundation 280 resident Justin Craft runs the UAB Football Foundation, which is dedicated to bringing back UAB’s football program. The program provides scholarship opportunities for many high school football players, cheerleaders and band members from the 280 corridor. justin_craft24@yahoo.com

The Animal League of Birmingham

The Leukemia&Lymphoma Society

The Animal League of Birmingham raises money for local animals and has given about $30,000 of that amount donated to Shelby Humane Society. The organization also hosts the annual Paws for the Cause fundraising event at Veterans Park. theanimalleagueofbirmingham.com

With a major chairperson residing in Brook Highland, this locally based society holds seven monthly support groups, awards co-pay assistance and travel assistance grants to patients in the Birmingham and Alabama area. lls.org

Winners will be announced in our April issue with a feature story. The winning cause will also receive a cash prize donation. Nominee descriptions were submitted by community members.

280Living.com

March 2015 • B23

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School House C8 Faith C14 Opinion C15 Calendar C16

Summer Camp Guide

As days turn warmer, it’s time to start thinking about summertime at last, and no summer is complete without a camp experience. Whether your child likes to swim, dance, act, paint, play or learn, opportunities abound in our area and beyond for daytime and overnight camps. Peruse our guide to learn more about which programs best fit your child’s personality, interest, age and availability. No matter which you choose, it’s time to jump in for fun and adventure this summer!

Tutoring Club offers summer learning program

The Tutoring Club at Greystone is offering a remedy to the summer slump. It is now registering for its summer learning program, which engages students with individualized programs and one-on-one instruction. The New York Times reports average that the summer learning loss in math and reading for American students equates to one month or more per year. Tutoring Club’s summer learning program is the perfect opportunity for children to avoid boredom during the summer while maintaining knowledge learned in the classroom. Parents can chose between different programs for their children, including Amazing Math, Rx Reading, The Write Way, Tutorup, Study Skills and College Prep. The programs are offered for most age groups, with Rx Reading offered for all children from pre-kindergarten to high school.

Tutoring Club 5479 U.S. 280, Suite 112 981-7155 tutoringclub.com The Tutoring Club gives one-on-one instruction combined with an individualized program for children. The summer learning programs are designed to prevent loss of knowledge from lack of studying in students. The Tutoring Club makes learning fun for students and makes time most likely spent at the computer or TV more productive. Most teachers highly recommend students review school materials regularly over the summer, and the summer learning program does just that and more.

Summer Camp Guide

C2 • March 2015

280 Living

Special Advertising Section

Play a part

For kids who feel like all the world’s a stage, Red Mountain Theatre Company’s Broadway Bootcamp provides the opportunity to hone singing, dancing and acting skills. With five different levels, this camp is not just for the experienced actors. The Basic and Blast Bootcamps are non-auditioned. Basic Bootcamp is geared toward children age 4-6 for the development of their creative skills. Each week, students will use music, crafts, dance and drama to explore a different theme such as oceans, superheroes or fairytales. The other non-audition type camp is Blast Bootcamp, which teaches kids and teens age 7-18 all the basic skills of musical theatre through music, dance and acting. Students can audition for the Recruit, Intermediate and Advanced Bootcamps on March 14 and 15. Recruits, age 7-18, will learn specialized skills like improvisational comedy, jazz dance and choral singing. This camp focuses on enhancing the performance skills of all young artists. Intermediate Bootcamp is for students, age 9-15, who are ready to take

Academics, sports and music enrichment at Altamont

Broadway Bootcamp June 1-19 Red Mountain Theatre Company redmountaintheatre.org/broadwaybootcamp.html education@redmountaintheatre.org 324-2424 their theatre training to the next level. Students will gain skills in intermediate dance steps and song interpretation. Advanced Bootcamp is for students, age 13-18, who will focus on learning complex production numbers straight from the Broadway stage. Students train for three weeks to become triple-threat performers, becoming experts in singing, dancing and acting. This elite camp is for those who want to be the best of the best.

The Altamont School offers a variety of enriching and entertaining experiences for students each summer. Summer programs are a great way for prospective families to learn about Altamont and current students to get ahead for the upcoming year. High school students can take a variety of credit courses. Standard classes such as such as Geometry and Health are offered in addition to more unique subjects such as Speech, Lab Techniques, and Ancient and Medieval Cultures. Noncredit review classes in Algebra are also available. Day camps for third through eighth-graders offer grade-level appropriate enrichment. Among other offerings, fifth through eighthgrade students can register for a three-week afternoon course that teaches outdoor photography as well as a week of dramatic study focused on Shakespeare. For kids with athletic interests, a basketball camp is offered June 8-11 or June 22-25, and a

Altamont School High School Credit Courses Day Camps for Grades 3-8 Sports Camps 4801 Altamont Road South June 1-July 10 altamontschool.org/summer soccer camp will run May 26-29. And for kids who prefer music, Band Camps offer fifth to eighth-graders an opportunity to learn to play an instrument, and sixth through eighth-graders who have completed a year of band wanting to improve their playing to the next level. Whether a child participates in an academic or athletic experience, they will experience acceleration and enrichment at Altamont.

280Living.com

Summer Camp Guide

March 2015 • C3

Special Advertising Section

Embark on a summer adventure at Camp Cosby

Children always come back with a story to tell after their summer adventure at YMCA’s Camp Cosby. From zip lines to time on the lake, the camp offers something for everyone. YMCA Camp Cosby offers a oneweek, co-ed safe experience for kids ages 6-15 on the shores of Logan Martin Lake. The camp gives kids a chance to play hard, make new friends, and have the adventure of a lifetime in a safe, fun,

and structured environment. “My summer at Camp Cosby was so much fun,” said one camper about the summer experience. “I jumped off the blob and got soaking wet, I got to ride the zip line and splash in the lake, and I made a ton of new friends.” The camp’s 93rd season will open on Sunday, June 7, and camp gates will open at 3 p.m. Children can choose from eight week-long camp experiences. Each

camp week concludes at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday. The camp’s cost is $595 a week with a $50 discount for YMCA members. For 5 and 6 year olds, a three-day program called Buckaroos is offered. Its cost is $275 for YMCA members and $325 for nonmembers. For registration information, email cosby@ymcabham.org or visit campcosby.org.

YMCA Camp Cosby Camp Dates:

2290 Paul Bear Bryant Road

June 7-13, 14-20, 21-27,

Alpine, Alabama

June 28-July 4, July 5-11, 12-

256-268-2007

18, 19-25, July 26- Aug 1

campcosby.org

Summer Camp Guide

C4 • March 2015

280 Living

Special Advertising Section

Fundamentally fun

If you’re seeking a summer camp focused on providing your child with both fun and academic enrichment, your journey will begin and end at Odyssey Early Schools. From Odyssey’s inception, its curriculum and emphasis on age-appropriate learning has set Odyssey apart from other childcare companies serving children from six weeks through 5 years old. It has taken a cross-section of early learning curricula to develop a comprehensive program that will provide the best learning environment for all of young students and will have them prepared to enter Elementary School. Odyssey’s Summer Camp extends that approach to serve children through the third grade. Odyssey’s Summer Camp Program includes an average of four terrific field trips around Birmingham each week. Your child definitely will have fun experiencing everything that Birmingham has to offer to its youth. The Summer Camp has also been designed to continue their learning from the school year in order to keep your child engaged during the

Birmingham’s Premier Daycare, Preschool and Summer Camp Inverness Campus 104 Heatherbrooke Park Drive 991-0039 annie@odysseyearlyschool.com summer. Just like with its full-time childcare programs for younger children, if you want a summer camp experience for your child that will have them excited about their day each morning and will have them prepared to return to school too, then Odyssey is the place for your family. Please call either of Odyssey’s two campuses today to learn more about how great your child’s summer can be!

Have a blast at Sports Blast

For a fun-packed summer or activities camp, look no further than Sports Blast summer camps. Sports Blast camps have been around for16 years, offering different kinds of soccer and summer fun camps. For Soccer Camps they offer The Mighty Mites Camp, ages 5 and 6. This is an opportunity for younger campers to learn and perfect the fundamentals of soccer, featuring fun games, basic skills and a positive introduction to the game. The Soccer Day Camp, ages 7-16, focuses on developing confidence with a soccer ball and improving technical and tactical skills. All soccer camps are trained with Coerver Coaching, which is the world’s #1 soccer skills program. The Tykes Activity Camp and Full Activities Camp provide something different to do each day. Tykes Activity Camp gives 3 and 4 year olds a taste of a real camp. It combines with the Activities Camp from 9:30-11:30 a.m. The Full Activities Camp, ages 5-8, offers exciting games for kids, story time, coloring/craft time and movie time. It’s designed for kids to ‘act

Sports Blast Summer Camps June-August Sports Blast Shelby County 19220 U.S. 280 980-1701 info@sportsblastsc.com sportsblastsc.com like kids.” The weather is always perfect at Sports Blast – it is Alabama’s largest indoor sports complex. All camp instructors are licensed and insured. There are special prizes weekly for all camps along with extended care options for early drop-off and late pick-up. Sports Blast makes it easy to enjoy the summer while providing world-class instruction. Get out of the Heat and have a Blast!

Summer Camps Soccer Camps

Day Camp

Ages 7-14 • 9am-4pm

Mighty Mites Camp Ages 5&6 • 9am-1pm

Craft & Activity Camps

Kids FUN Camp

Ages 5-8 • 8:30-11:30am

Tykes FUN Camp

Ages 3&4 • 10-11:30am

All camps are for boys and girls and run Monday-Friday

For more information: (205) 980-1701

www.sportsblastsc.com

280Living.com

Summer Camp Guide

March 2015 • C5

Special Advertising Section

Camp, learn, grow

Through St. Vincent’s One Nineteen’s Camp 119, Thyme to Cook Camp and Sports Performance Program, the facility has a camp theme to fit every child. At Camp 119, kids ages 6-12 will spend their summer days enjoying exciting activities and making memories to last a lifetime. Days will be filled with fun and adventure as children enjoy activities such as swimming, game playing, craft making and learning how to cook. This camp has a variety of day and weeklong camps to fit every schedule. Thyme To Cook Camp makes learning fun and tasty. This class will dare kids to discover new ways to cook old favorites, investigate new foods and explore healthy cooking options. Children will prepare, and eat, made-fromscratch recipes each day. Favorite recipes from the past include Alabama “fried” green tomatoes, shrimp and grits, homemade chips and salsa, grilled corn on the cob and bananas foster. Kids will experience

food in a new way by gathering ingredients, smelling the aroma, hearing the sound of food cooking and then tasting new foods that they have created. In addition, each child will learn where food comes from and how to prepare it in a healthy way. Through cooking, children will develop science and mathematical skills, sharpen their reading comprehension and listening skills and learn to follow direction. Cooking programs are offered for a variety of age groups: 6-9 years, 10-12 years and 13-16 years. Finally, St. Vincent’s One Nineteen’s Sports Performance Program will help athletes, ages 7-18, excel in all sports. Participants will learn strength and power development, linear speed, change of direction, foot speed, plyometrics and flexibility from a highly skilled team of coaches. This camp offers Foundation Training (ages 11-14) and Specific Development (ages 15-18) year-round, as well as Speed School (ages 7-11) in June. Speed School introduces the Sports

Performance principles to young athletes this summer. Class will focus on a wide range of drills, including stance and start, foot quickness, and form running. Foundation Training offers the next level of physical preparedness for the young athlete. Athletes will be taught the proper form and technique for resistance training and strength building exercises. The Specific Development program equips the motivated athlete with the strength and speed to gain an edge in his or her sport. It emphasizes proper form and technique with heavier weights and repetitions with strength, power and Olympic-lifting exercises. This group will also receive a full athletic assessment, which includes body composition, a functional mobility assessment, nutrition education, a weekly diet analysis and individual specific post-work out recovery drinks. Costs and dates/times for Sports Performance vary based on the selected program. Athletes

St. Vincent’s One Nineteen Summer Camps 7191 Cahaba Valley Road 408-6600 Onenineteen.com

should bring cleats, athletic shoes, shorts, a t-shirt and a water bottle. St. Vincent’s One Nineteen is also offering a Camp Open House on March 14 at its campus from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. for interested parties to explore the variety of camps. From cooking to sports training to fun, camps at One Nineteen have opportunities for everyone.

Summer Camp Guide

C6 • March 2015

280 Living

Special Advertising Section

Enhancing education

Joseph Bruno Montessori Academy offers a vast array of summer programs that will enhance your child’s education in the arts, science, nature and sports. Camp types range from the Making History Art Camp where children can enjoy hands on art projects each day, learning new techniques, art history fact and stories, to It’s a Bugs Life Camp where campers can explore the wonderful outdoors and look for creatures that crawl. Other camp themes include Calling All Cooks!, Countries Around the World, Lego, Birds/Flight and Art/Animals. Whether students are throwing on an apron in the kitchen, exploring people and cultures from around the world or studying lions, tigers and bears, Bruno Montessori’s summer camps treat a child’s curiosity and creativity with great care. It allows students to explore their interests from an early age with Montessori Academy providing the kinds of lessons, even the most challenging ones, which make learning exciting. The focus of the academy is to provide

Joseph Bruno Montessori Academy June-July 995-8709 rebecca@jbma.education jbma.education

cognitive education for students. The academy also studies the best practices in education and in technological advances to develop a successful curriculum. Joseph Bruno Montessori Academy hopes that you and your child will find a program that peaks their interest and will engage their learning. It encourages all potential students or interested families to check out our summer programs because they are a great way to get to know its beautiful campus and wonderful faculty.

Summer of soccer, fun and development

At Chelsea City Soccer Organization, coaches and staff want their players to learn more than the basics of soccer. “[We want them to] develop soccer skills including dribbling, passing, receiving, shooting and crossing and to increase their game awareness. [We also want them] to become a better person,” Coach Jason Woodall said. Chelsea City Soccer Organization is a nonprofit organization in Chelsea established to promote soccer for children ages 4-19. The new Chelsea Soccer organization offers spring break and summer soccer camps focusing on fundamental through advanced techniques of soccer as well as developing personal and life skills. Several camps offered at different skill levels give any player the chance to learn something new! Chelsea City Soccer offers several camps throughout the spring and summer seasons including a Spring Break Camp, Got Skillz Summer Camp, Pre-Tryout Camp, Keeper-Striker Camp and University of Soccer Camp for any level of soccer player. The Spring Break Camp and the Got Skillz Summer Camp

Chelsea City Soccer Organization Spring Break Camp: March 30 April 2 Summer Camps: July-August Location: Sicard Hollow Athletic Complex chelseacitysoccer.com offers training techniques for all skill levels age 4-14 while the Pre-Tryout, Keeper-Striker and University of Soccer camps provide training for competitive level players. Chelsea City Soccer Organization provides the best coaches and staff possible throughout its teams and camps. Players of all camps will have plenty of water breaks and snacks. Camps will have a low ratio of coaches to players and players will be split into small groups for training. Blue Cross Blue Shield is the official sponsor for Chelsea City Soccer Organization camps.

Summer Camp Guide

280Living.com

March 2015 • C7

Special Advertising Section

Enjoy fun all summer long with the Y

At the YMCA of Greater Birmingham, children are invited to participate in a variety of summer day camps at each of nine YMCA locations. The YMCA believes that education is important for every child, and has combined learning and fun together for its summer programs. Examples of specialty camps offered include Lego Camp, Drawing Camp, Photography Camp, Future Inventors Camp, Outdoor Adventure Camp, Super Hero Science Camp, Sports

Camp and Clowning Around Camp. The YMCA Hargis Retreat, located on 200 scenic wooded acres complete with hiking trails, a pool, fields for games and lake, is an ideal backdrop for traditional camp activities. Day Camp activities at Hargis Retreat include swimming, archery, arts and crafts, chapel, canoeing, hiking, field games, fishing, rock climbing, inflatable toys, mountain biking, outdoor survival and fishing. Weekly sessions are from May 26-Aug. 1. There will

also be open houses on site on March 29, April 11 and April 26 from 2-5 p.m. each day. Register online for camps at ymcabham.org/summerdaycamp2015 or ymcabham.org/hargisretreat. Note that parents will still be required to complete all required paperwork when registering online. There is a $25 per child registration fee due at time of registration.

YMCA of Greater Birmingham Summer Day Camps and Hargis Retreat Camps will be offered at Hargis Retreat and the following YMCA locations: Alabaster, Greystone, Hargis Retreat, Hoover, Northeast, Pelham, Shades Valley,

Trussville,Western Area, Youth Center Visit ymcabham.org/ summerdaycamp2015 for specific dates for each location.

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C8 • March 2015

School House Olivia Beland wins OLV spelling bee

Mt Laurel hosts Winter Book Fair

Samuel Dieguez-Marino, OLV Principal Katie Zielinski and Olivia Beland celebrate victory at the OLV School Spelling Bee. Photo courtesy of Darrell Cartwright.

Our Lady of the Valley Catholic School sixth-grader Olivia Beland recently won the OLV School Spelling Bee for the second year in a row. Samuel Dieguez-Marino, an OLV seventh-grader, ﬁnished second overall. The OLV School Spelling Bee lasted an hour and included words taken from the Latin, Arabic, Asian and French languages. Olivia correctly spelled the word “egalitarian,” meaning

of, relating to, or believing in the principle that all people are equal and deserve equal rights and opportunities. This spelling was followed by the word “menu,” which ended up being the winning word. Winning the OLV School Spelling Bee qualiﬁed Olivia to compete in the Shelby County Bee, which was held at the Columbiana Board of Education on Jan. 23.

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Library aide Viann Jackson and librarian Natasha Hanna helped out with the Mt Laurel Winter Book Fair. Photo courtesy of Denise Scroggins.

Mt Laurel Elementary had its annual Winter Book Fair through Scholastic. The theme was Under the Sea: An Ocean Full of Books. They also had grandparents attend the fair with their grandchild.

All the money from the book fair fundraiser allowed Mt Laurel to purchase more e-books, a high yield student printer and more hardcover titles for the library.

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Table tennis competitors hold exhibition at Berry Middle School By JESSA PEASE

Students at Berry Middle School played matches against Joe Xie, the National Collegiate Doubles Semifinalist. Photo by Jessa Pease.

Berry Middle School students were in for a treat Jan. 30 when two Chinese table tennis players visited their gym classes. Mississippi College players Cheng Li, the current National Collegiate Champion in table tennis, and Joe Xie, the National Collegiate Doubles Semifinalist, were in town for a tournament at UAB Jan. 31. The players agreed to share their talent and sport with the students at Berry. Xie also serves as the athletic director for Bumpernets at the Riverchase Galleria where he coaches table tennis himself. Bumpernets owner and president, Homer Brown, was there to emcee the event along with his operations manager and six-time senior Olympic gold medalist, Duke Stogner. Li, Xie and Bumpernets’ sponsored player Barnabas Gonzalez all performed the tricks of table tennis and went head-to-head in a few matches with students.

Oak Mountain student to attend journalism conference Morgan Hundley Keller, an Oak Mountain High School student, has been selected to represent Birmingham as a National Youth Correspondent to the 2015 Washington Journalism and Media Conference at George Mason University. Keller will join a select group of students from all over the country for an intensive study of journalism and media. She was chosen based on academic accomplishments and a demonstrated interest and excellence in journalism and media studies.

National Youth Correspondents participate in hands-on, experiential learning through decision-making simulations that challenge them to solve problems and explore the creative, practical and ethical tensions in journalism. Well-known leaders in the media community will contribute to the experiential portion of the program. Presenters include prominent journalists, CEOs of major media outlets, researchers and recent college graduates who successfully entered the field. Last year’s

conference included NBC’s Hoda Kotb, C-SPAN’s Brian Lamb, The Washington Post’s Carol Guzy and Fox News’ Peter Doocy. The Washington Journalism and Media Conference will be held July 12-July 17.

Morgan Hundley Keller will attend the Washington Journalism and Media Conference in Washington D.C. Photo courtesy of Brooke Hundley.

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C10 • March 2015

A first, a farce

Dorante meets Clarice and Lucrece Tuileries in Paris and decides to court Clarice, mistakenly confusing her name with that of her friend.

By JESSA PEASE As the cast of Spain Park High School’s The Liar sat at Johnny

Rockets, pumped after a successful performance at the district one-act competition, they found themselves mulling over some possibilities.

The Liar was chosen to move on to the state level, but student director Cecelia Crick said the cast wasn’t sure if they wanted to participate in

the Southeastern Theatre Conference (SETC). “I was sitting in a booth next to our lead [actor], Conor [Mahoney],”

Crick said. “We were eating, and halfway through he leans over and goes, ‘We’re going to SETC.’ That was a great moment.”

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Dark of the Moon Spain Park High School Feb. 25-28, 7:30 p.m. *May not be suitable for kids under 8

The Liar Spain Park High School March 3, 7 p.m.

La Place Royale is centered between Clarice and Lucrece’s homes. Dorante meets them and mixes up their names. Photos courtesy of Eric St. John.

As it would happen, the actor was also correct. Spain Park’s show won the state level, and the crew will be performing their one-act at the regional level on March 6, along with schools from nine other states. The competition will consist of 20 plays over a two-day period. Spain Park is no stranger to winning at state. Theatre director Eric St. John said that in Spain Park’s 15

years of existence, it has won the state competition seven times. This year, in addition to winning best in show, five cast members were named to the allstar cast. Spain Park had more cast members named than any other show. In the individual events, five students took first place and one took third. The Liar was originally a 17th century French farce, or a comic dramatic work that uses buffoonery

and typically crude characterization and improbable situations, written by Pierre Corneille. American playwright David Ives created a modern adaptation of the play, which was written in iambic pentameter to match the style of Shakespeare’s plays. “It’s really fun. It’s easy to understand,” Crick said. “The little things in the show that you catch are so funny because every line has something to

it. There’s no filler space, I love that.” The show is usually a two-act play with the first act running more than 50 minutes, but the rules of the one-act competition allot only 45 minutes for the show. Six days after Spain Park Theatre’s final performance of the show on Oct. 26, they shortened it for the district competition. “They had a busy week,” St. John said. “They had a really fun show at

the district competition, and then we were afforded the chance to polish it even more for the state competition.” The Liar’s success was especially fulfilling to student-director and senior Crick. It was her first stab at directing, and she said it felt amazing that “her baby” came in first. St. John was there to help her with blocking and any questions she had, but he said Crick really developed her own ideas about how the show should look and feel. Crick’s role is telling of the way St. John runs the theater program. He puts the students in charge of everything, including costumes, stage management and directing, and he supervises or offers advice when it’s needed. “I think it’s just amazing starting from people not really knowing what their character is to getting first place at state,” Crick said. “It’s interesting because some of these people that I’m working with have been in shows most of their high school career, and this is my first stab at working with them. They have what they are used to with how the rehearsal process goes.” Now the students’ challenge is moving on to the regional competition in March while also preparing for the school’s February show, Dark of the Moon, which Crick is also directing. It will open Wednesday, Feb. 25, and will run through Feb. 28. Soon after Dark of the Moon ends, they will perform The Liar one last time at Spain Park before SETC on March 3 at 7 p.m. The pressure of SETC, however, isn’t as bad as the previous competitions, according to St. John and Crick. “I love SETC because it is much more laid back,” Crick said. “I think at district and at state we are more worried about winning stuff because that’s always really fun, but at SETC it’s about putting on a good show. It’s not about winning.”

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C12 â&#x20AC;˘ March 2015

Beholding the beautiful Local hiking enthusiast shares insights from writing area hiking guide By MADOLINE MARKHAM Tom Spencer grew up hiking at Oak Mountain State Park but recently came to see it in new light in his newly published guide to hiking in and around Birmingham. We talked with him about Five-Star Trails: Birmingham and the hiking research behind it. How did you come to author this book? For a dozen years I was a reporter at The Birmingham News, and in the last part of that I covered the environment and the outdoors. I reported on a lot of the development of green spaces and preservation of public lands, and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s something I have always been interested in, having grown up hiking, backpacking and camping in Alabama. When I was leaving The Birmingham News, I was approached by Menasha Ridge Press. They were conscious of the establishment of Red Mountain Park and expansions at Ruffner Park and Railroad Park and wanted an updated guide. They had previously published 60 Hikes Within 60 Miles guidebooks across the country. Now they are moving to more Five-Star Trails guides and did not have one yet for Birmingham.

Author Tom Spencer has been hiking to Peavine Falls at Oak Mountain State Park since he was a child.

How did you decide which hikes would make the book? Part of the process was narrowing down regional hikes in Cheaha and Little River Canyon, but the primary

Tom Spencer and his children prepare to hike Shackleford High Points at Oak Mountain State Park.

focus was the main hiking attractions here in Birmingham: Ruffner, Red Mountain, Moss Rock, Oak Mountain, etc. In-town hikes are easy for the spur of the moment. Some were chosen because they were integrated in the fabric of the community and others because they tell aspects of the stories of the community. What was your research process like?

The hiking took close to a year with writing interspersed. I tried to get aspects of all the seasons in there, starting in early summer hitting Cahaba lilies and hitting Cheaha and Sipsey in the fall. The research was fun, and I dragged my kids out a lot, and my wife is an outdoors woman. I accumulated notes and pictures and then had to get serious about writing it during spring and summer.

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March 2015 • C13 the top of an Appalachian mountain peak and feel remote and in the wilderness. It’s particularly pretty after it rains out there and there is water running down the mountain. It’s a great place to quickly get away and experience the varied terrains. When you are up on the way to Peavine Falls, you can look out at the valley between Oak Mountain and Shades Mountain, and you see the Galleria pop up, but for the most part you still see a great canopy of trees. For as much development as we have had, the southern forest is resilient in abundance, which is part of what makes our native landscape special.

Author Tom Spencer overlooks the view from King’s Chair at Oak Mountain State Park. Photos courtesy of Tom Spencer.

What have you learned about hiking with kids? One of the most rewarding parts of the whole experience was taking my kids along and getting them to see some of these places. You almost always run into resistance from kids about going. They would complain, but once we got them there, they were almost immediately running and jumping on rocks and eager to see what was around the bend. Having some sort of destination, a scenic overlook or body of water, is key to enticing them along and firing the imagination. You want to push them some, but not too hard. My daughter Anna has gotten into taking pictures, so she often was my chief photographer. It was great to see her budding interest in that field.

What were some of your favorite hikes? The epic adventure of getting to the big tree in the Sipsey Wilderness is the marquee. Cheaha’s Chinnabee Silent Trail is a beautiful walk with a few waterfalls, Devil’s Den and Cheaha Falls. I was involved early on in Friends of Red Mountain Park, so it’s been a real pleasure to go out there and watch it develop and watch it grow into a full-fledged park. The Ruffner hike out to Hawk’s View is always a favorite. I took my wife there on our first date, and it helped convince her that Birmingham might be someplace she would like to settle. The subtitle of your book is “Your Guide to the Area’s Most Beautiful Hikes.” How does the beauty of the area compare to other places you

have hiked? I have hiked out West in the Rockies and some in Tennessee and Virginia, and I went to school at UVA. I think what’s amazing is that from Birmingham, in a short distance you can go to very varied terrain. A place like the Sipsey preserves a different kind of forest than you find most anywhere else, with coves and canyons with these prehistoric trees and big poplar trees. And then you can go around Cheaha and you’d swear you had driven into North Carolina and the Blue Ridge Parkway with its dramatic peaks and overlooks. Little River Canyon is just up the road, and you find yourself in the grand canyon in the east. Going along the Cahaba, there is nothing more beautiful than when the lilies are in bloom. In town we have developed sidewalks, Red

Mountain, the Ruffner expansion, urban walks downtown; we are beginning to rediscover walking as a pastime and important part of living. What has been your relationship with Oak Mountain State Park over the years? Like a lot of people, my first hike was down to Peavine Falls, and I remember that vividly. I camped out as a Scout at Oak Mountain State Park, and we went so often that eventually I felt like I had really done that park. When I moved back to Birmingham, I didn’t tend to go out that direction. Going back for this project, though, I learned they have done such a great job at expanding and maintaining the trail system there. It’s amazing to think that 15 minutes from the Galleria, you can be at

Where do you like to hike at Oak Mountain? Peavine Falls is always a classic, but I love getting up on the blue trail. It goes straight up from the north trailhead and climbs the mountain rapidly and gives views in the remote backcountry of the park. That’s my trail of choice. There is a little bit of a challenge and the reward of great scenery at the top, and solitude too. Is there anything else you want to say about hikes around town? I think it’s important that everyone realize that these parks don’t succeed without citizen involvement and private support. We don’t have a lot of local tax dollars that go to funding some of these venues, so it’s important that anyone who cares about these places gets involved as a volunteer and support them, and that we make it a public priority. Five-Star Trails: Birmingham is available at Little Professor Book Center, Church Street Coffee and Books, Books-A-Million and Mountain High Outfitters.

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C14 • March 2015

Faith Life Actually By Kari Kampakis

Helping your kids build a thick skin Some of the best advice I ever received came after my first big job promotion. I was 23 and the newly tapped executive speechwriter for a large company. My primary responsibility was to prepare notes for the CEO’s speaking engagements. Because he was a terrific speaker, he often spoke off-the-cuff. What this meant for me was that I might spend three weeks working diligently on a speech only to have him use a sentence or two. As my boss prepared me for what would come, he mentioned this: “You need a thick skin if you don’t have one already because he might use all of your speech or none of it, and you can’t take it personally.” He was talking about the job, of course, but what I’ve realized in the years since is how relevant this advice is to life. You see, I’m sensitive by nature, and while I’ve come to appreciate this about myself, I’ve also come to see how important it is to have a thick skin when living in a broken, unpredictable world. When you’re sensitive, life affects you deeply. While your highs can be really high, your lows can be really low. Since you empathize well, you tend to be a good friend. You can recognize when someone’s hurting and

know when to offer encouragement. In terms of handling life’s hard or unexpected knocks, however, being sensitive can be a liability. It can amplify your disappointments and make rejection more painful. You might want to retreat (or worse yet, quit) over minor setbacks. Even constructive criticism can be hard to take. Instead of seeing a growth opportunity, you might take it as a personal attack. You might turn small slights into big deals because you’re so emotionally invested. Truth be told, our world isn’t made for sensitive people. It’s made for survivors. It’s made for people who can adapt, roll with the punches and handle challenges without falling to pieces. The tricky part is learning to build a thick skin while keeping a tender heart. That’s my hope for me and my family, that we can be resilient on the outside yet soft inside, able to handle any hard realities without letting them seep under our skin to harden us. Among my daughters, I have one who’s especially sensitive like me. And one thing we work on is letting things roll off her shoulders. There was a time when she’d get upset over someone calling her Barbie too pink. She’d cry and run to her room if her

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sister critiqued her cartwheel. As I consoled her in her meltdowns, I’d share stories about how easily I got my feelings hurt while growing up. I’d reassure her that it’s good to be sensitive because it means she has extra love and compassion to share, but building a thick skin would keep things from going straight to her heart. Without some protection, the world might crush her. “When you get your feelings hurt, see if you can let it roll off your shoulders,” I’d say, illustrating by placing my hands on her shoulders and sliding them down her arms. “Don’t let the words stick. Let them roll off your shoulders.” We’d repeat this several times with my hands over hers. By the fourth or fifth try, her demeanor would change. She’d quit crying, sit up straight and say with confidence as she did the hand motions alone, “I’m letting it roll off my shoulders, I’m letting it roll off my shoulders!” Her voice grew loud and bold as the words came out. She smiled and looked relieved instead of sad. These little sessions helped toughened her up a bit, and while I know there will be bigger breakdowns ahead, at least we have groundwork in place. She’s starting to understand how to cope with

frustration. We can’t always control how people treat us. We can’t predict what cards we’ll be dealt or make our boss use the speech that we labored over for weeks. But we can control our response. We can keep our moods independent of others so that no matter what they say, do, or decide, we are okay. Certainly, we all should be more kind and gentle. At the same time, we need a thick skin to handle potentially hurtful situations. Being tender yet tough isn’t easy, but it’s important to find the right balance. By keeping our heart in the right place and right condition, we ensure that regardless of what the world gives us, we continue to give our best: our best love, our best performance and our best foot forward. Kari Kubiszyn Kampakis is a Birmingham mom of four girls, columnist, and blogger for The Huffington Post. Her first book, 10 Ultimate Truths Girls Should Know, is now available on Amazon and everywhere books are sold. Join her Facebook community at “Kari Kampakis, Writer,” visit her blog at karikampakis.com or contact her at kari@ karikampakis.com.

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Opinion My South By Rick Watson

Inconsiderate As I’ve gotten older, I’ve growing up. In fact, if my found that I’m slow to anger, mother had seen me being but as I was standing in line at unkind or inconsiderate, she a fast-food restaurant recently, would have blazed my bottom. an inconsiderate young woman She simply would not have in front of the line pushed me allowed it. over the edge. But even then in the late ’50s She was chatting on her cell and early ’60s, there were selfphone while the order-taker ish, inconsiderate people. stood waiting to take her order. They were the ones who Instead of telling the person cheated, bullied, cut in front of you in the lunch line and made on the phone to hold while she ordered, she held up her index sure you got the short end of Watson the stick in any dealings you finger, which apparently was a sign to the cashier to wait while she finished had with them. You learned to acknowledge them for what chatting with her friend. It was lunchtime, and the place was packed. they were, and you gave them a wide berth. I’m sure the blood pressure of the five people Life is too short to have someone like that too standing with me behind the woman surged to close. dangerous levels. One of the benefits of getting older is that I could have had a stroke standing right I’ve developed a kind of antenna and filter there, and I’m sure she would have been system. I have the ability to recognize people unmoved until the sirens of the rescue squad who grate like squeaking chalk on the blackbecame so loud that she could no longer hear board of my psyche, and I can simply avoid about her friend’s date last night. them as if they had whooping cough. The cashier finally said, “Next in line, I guess it was serendipity that my young please.” This got the woman’s attention, and friend Laken Laird sent me a link to a song by she told her friend she’d have to call back The Alternate Routes that she thought I’d like. and then dropped her phone into her purse. I actually love the song, but I doubt our She was obviously annoyed at the cashier’s inconsiderate talker would understand it. lack of patience. I felt like clapping, though We are Love I’m not sure where that sense of entitlement We are One comes from. We are how we treat each other when the It’s like when there’s been a wreck on day is done. the highway, and some yahoo drives down We are Peace the emergency lane to get ahead of drivers We are War who are patiently waiting to get around the We are how we treat each other and Nothaccident. ing More. Apparently, the inconsiderate driver thinks his or her time is more important than yours. Rick Watson is a columnist and author. His I don’t get it. Where did that idea come latest book, Life Happens, is available on from? Is that something they learned at home? Amazon.com. You can contact him at rick@ I can promise you it’s not a trait I learned rickwatsonmedia.com.

Spring is upon us By Madison Miller Spring is my favorite time of incomparable Julie Andrews the year. Flowers are blooming, in The Sound of Music. Will birds are chirping, and I’m willI actually do all of those ing to ignore my terrible spring things? My tiny apartment allergies because I finally don’t will prevent me from adopthave to leave the house bundled ing animals, but I’ll give the in 13 layers of clothes every other ones a shot. day. You win some, you lose All of those impulses some. probably mean that spring is Most importantly, spring a time of year that inspires allows me to breathe again, me to make changes and maybe not physically, but be a better person. It could emotionally. I look forward to also mean that I have seafall and winter after a gruelsonal affective disorder, but ing Alabama summer, but it’s either way, my renewed good Miller a love-hate relationship. Like mood is usually obvious to any Southerner, I marvel at the cold when it my friends and family as I make apologies for arrives, and then almost as quickly, I long for my attitude over the past four months. comfortable temperatures and longer days. By We might still have some chilly days ahead the end of February, I get angry every time I of us before it truly feels like spring, but when have to leave my house and step into a cold, it comes, I encourage everyone to use the cloudy darkness. warmer weather and those extra daylight hours Spring is my true new year. Once daylight to get inspired and better yourself in some saving time starts, I have a whole new out- way. If you see a strange woman spinning look on life. I suddenly want to jog, adopt around on a hillside while singing “The Hills every animal from an animal shelter and sing are Alive” through a stuffy nose, it’s probably while twirling on the top of a hill like the me. Happy spring.

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Calendar 280 Events March 4: Nature Story Time. 10-11 a.m. Oak Mountain State Park. Park Naturalist Mrs. Emily will tell a story. Visit alapark.com.

Society Adoption Day. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. The Summit. Visit all of the dogs and cats for make a donation to the GBHS. Visit thesummitonline.com.

March 14: OMHS Color Run 2015. 8 a.m.noon Oak Mountain State Park. Proceeds will benefit cancer research at UAB. Visit omsga.com.

March 28: Walk to End Lupus Now. 8 a.m. Veteran’s Park. Proceeds will raise funds for the Lupus Foundation of America. Visit kintera.org.

March 7: Brenda Ladun Conquer Cancer Run. 8 a.m. St. Vincent’s One Nineteen. Visit conquercancerrun.org.

March 13: American Red Cross Blood Drive. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. The Summit. The bloodmobile will be parked near Belk. First 25 donors will receive a gift bag. Visit thesummitonline.com.

March 28: Oak Mountain 50K. 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Oak Mountain State Park. Course runs through forested hills on mostly single track trail with two climbs up to the top of Double Oak Mountain. Visit oakmtn50k.com.

April 4: Easter Egg Hunt. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Age 5 and under 11 a.m., Age 6 and up 1 p.m. Oak Mountain State Park. Face painting, hayrides, moonwalk, visits from the Easter bunny and more. Visit alapark.com.

March 7: Greater Birmingham Humane

North Shelby Library Events 5521 Cahaba Valley Road 439-5500

Adults March 1: Meet Hunter Murphy. 2-3 p.m. Meet local author Hunter Murphy, author of Imogene in New Orleans. No registration required.

March 15: Local Author Book Signing. 2 p.m. Recent Oak Mountain graduate and author Anny Kathryn David will be at the library to talk about and sign her newest book, The Claimed.

Monday 6 p.m., Wednesday 1 p.m. Talk about Newbery books and eat some delicious pie. All ages. Registration required.

Children

March 10: Pete the Cat book Club. 4 p.m. Stories, games, groovy crafts and snacks. All ages. Registration required.

All month: Spring Craft. Stop by the Children’s Department in March to pick up a craft to take home or make in the department. All ages. Supplies limited.

March 18: Homeschool Hangout: Hoop for Fitness. 1 p.m. Get up and move with Hoop for Fitness. Age 7-13. Registration required.

March 6, 13, 20: Gaming. 3:30-5:45 p.m. Play a game on the Wii or Xbox One and with board and card games.

March 7: Lego Club. 10-11:30 a.m. Library provides Legos, kids provide the imagination and creativity. All ages. No registration required.

March 31: Spring Break Craft Day. Drop by the Children’s Department anytime today to put together spring craft.

March 9: Anime Night. 6 p.m. The teen department will have an evening of anime.

March 9, 11: Newbery Pie Book Club.

Story times

March 16: Vegetable Gardening 101. 10:30 a.m.- noon. Learn the basics of growing your own vegetables. $5. Registration required.

Teens

Inverness Village Shopping Center

Mondays: Toddler Tales. 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. Stories, songs, fingerplays and crafts make up 30-minute program. Age 19-36 months. Registration required. March 3, 17: Baby Tales. 9:30 a.m. A story time designed especially for babies and their caregivers. Age birth to 18 months. Registration required. Wednesdays: Mr. Mac Storyteller Extraordinaire. 10:45 a.m. Stories, puppets and lots of music for every member of the family. All ages. No registration required. Thursdays: PJ Story time. 6:30 p.m. Come in PJs, have milk and cookies and hear bedtime tales. All ages. No registration required.

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Calendar Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Events 1301 County Services Drive March 4: Small Business Work Group. 4-5 p.m. Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce. Call 663-4542, ext. 105. March 5: Business After Hours at Shelby Arts Council. 5:30-7 p.m. Shelby County Arts Council, 104 Mildred Street. $10 members, $20 non-members. March 10: Entrepreneur and Small Business Mentorship Program. 8-11 a.m. Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce. Call 663-4542, ext. 105. March 10: Entrepreneur Roundtable I. 8-10 a.m. Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce. Call 663-4542, ext. 205. March 10: Go and Grow Workshop: Creating Messages That Work. 11:30 a.m.- 2 p.m. Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce. Call 663-4542, ext. 105. March 11: Existing Business and Industry Work Group. 8:30-9:30 p.m. Barge, Waggoner, Sumner and Cannon, Inc. 3535

Grandview Parkway. Call 663-4542, ext. 105. March 13: Healthy Services Work Group. 8:30-9:30 a.m. Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce. Call 663-4542, ext. 106. March 17: Education Work Group. 8:30-9:30 a.m. Shelby County Instructional Services Center, 601 First Street South, Alabaster. Call 663-4542, ext. 106. March 19: SpeedNetworking Times Four Chambers. 8:30-10 a.m. Rolling Hills Camp and Retreat Center, 521 Highway 304. Greater Shelby, Calera, Montevallo and South Shelby Chambers of Commerce will come together to network. Visit shelbychamber.org. March 20: Entrepreneur Roundtable II. 8:30-10:30 a.m. Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce. Call 663-4542, ext. 105. March 26: Governmental Affairs Work Group. 8:30-9:30 a.m. Sain Associates, Inc. Two Perimeter Park South, Suite 500 East. Call 940-6420.

St. Vincent’s One Nineteen Events 7191 Cahaba Valley Road 408-6600 Mondays: Next Chapter Book Club/ Greystone Chapter. 4:30-5:30 p.m. The Next Chapter Book Club offers weekly opportunities for people with developmental disabilities to read and learn together, talk about books and make friends in a relaxed, community setting. Currently discussing Divergent by Veronica Roth.

will hold a meeting to inform customers about senior products.

Wednesdays: Breastfeeding Support Group. 10 a.m.-noon. Moms will have the opportunity to meet with a lactation consultant as well as network with other breastfeeding moms.

March 17: Healthy Cooking in a Bag. 6-8 p.m. Prepare seven healthy meals for your freezer. $25 per person plus the cost of groceries. Call 408-6550.

Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays: Diabetes Management Program. 8:309 a.m. A personal trainer will lead a 30-minute exercise class twice a week and a health professional will lead you in a class to teach you a skill. $200 for eight weeks. Call 408-6550.

March 18: Exploring the New Sprouts. 10 a.m. or 6 p.m. Join a registered dietician at the new Sprouts in Brook Highland Shopping Center to help you navigate the store and select the healthiest items. $5. Limited to 10 participants.

March 2: Food as Fuel. 7:15-7:45 a.m. or noon-12:30 p.m. Learn why fueling your body for fitness is key to having the best workout possible. March 3, 11, 19, 23, 31: Ask the R.D. Times vary. Ask your nutrition questions to the experts. March 7: Lupus Support Group. 10 a.m.-noon. Group supports lupus patients and their families. Free. Call 1-877-865-8787. March 10: LifeSouth Blood Drive. 9 a.m.- 3p.m. LifeSouth will be set up in the parking lot of One Nineteen. March 10: Blood Pressure/Body Mass Index Screening. 8-11:30 a.m. A representative from St. Vincent’s Wellness Services will be screening for blood pressure and BMI in the front entrance. Free. March 10: Taming the Sweet Tooth. 7:15-7:45 a.m. or noon-12:30 p.m. Learn how you can enjoy sweets without compromising your health. Free. Call 480-6550. March 11: Medicare Educational Meeting. 10 a.m.-noon. Blue Cross/Blue Shield

March 14: Camp Open House. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Learn about the wide range of camps available for your kids at St. Vincent’s One Nineteen.

March 23: Breakfast with the Doc: See, Hear and Feel How Diabetes Can Change Your Life. 8-9 a.m. John Farley, M.D., Price Kloess M.D. and Britiany Pierson, Aud. to learn the simple steps to preserve your vision and overall healt. March 23-26: Water Safety Instruction Certification Course. 1-9 p.m. This American Red Cross certification authorizes you to teach swim lessons and water safety courses. $350. March 26: Eat This, Not That Part Two. 7:15-7:45 a.m. or noon-12:30 p.m. This class will reveal additional high calorie foods that can keep you from meeting your weight loss goals. Free, but registration required. March 27: Wellness Screenings. 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Cholesterol, blood glucose, blood pressure, BMI and waist circumference screenings by appointment. Free for members, $20 for nonmembers and repeat visits. March 27: Comprehensive Diabetes Education. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Physician’s referral is required and pre-assessments given preceding the class date. Call 939-7248.

280 Living

C18 • March 2015

Calendar Mt Laurel Library Events 111 Olmstead Street, 991-1660

quality pet care & home sitting Insured. Bonded Based out of Highland Lakes

Story times

Special programming

March 6, 20: Toddler Tales. 10 a.m. Stories, songs, ﬁngerplays and crafts make up 30-minute program. Age 36 months and younger. Registration required.

March 5: Mt Laurel Book Club. 7 p.m. Will discuss The Lowland by Jhumpa Lahiri.

March 6, 20: Storytime with Ms. Kristy. 11 a.m. Stories, music and more for every member of the family. All ages. No registration required.

ph: 205.408.0349 cell:910.280.3067

March 12, 19, 26: Real to Reel. 12:30 p.m. Mt Laurel premieres its documentary ﬁlm series with a three-part look behind the scenes at Windsor Castle. Bring lunch. Library will provide lemonade, coffee and dessert.

March 14: Craft Saturday. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Drop in to make a craft at the library. All ages with a parent’s help. March 30-April 4: Spring Break Craft. Stop by the library to make a craft. All ages with a parent’s help. March 31: Spring Break Movie. 2 p.m. Kids of all ages welcome to enjoy a recently released family ﬁlm. Snacks served.

Heardmont Senior Center Events 5452 Cahaba Valley Road, 991-5742 Mondays: Tai Chi. 9:30-10:30 a.m.

Board Games. 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Tuesdays: Bible Study. 11 a.m.

Wednesdays: Bridge. 9 a.m.-noon.

Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays: Lunch. Noon. Tuesdays and Thursdays: Aerobics. 10 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. on Tuesdays, 10:15 a.m. and 11:10 a.m. on Thursdays.

March 19: Becky with Harrison Regional Library.

March 9, 16, 23, 30: Mah Jongg. 9:30 a.m.-noon.

March 19: March Birthday Celebration.

Fridays: Zumba Gold. 9-10 a.m. Fridays: Intermediate Line Dancing. 1011 a.m.

March 9, 16, 23, 30: Canasta. 10:30 a.m.2:30 p.m.

Fridays: Beginning Line Dancing. 11 a.m.noon.

March 12: Biscuit Bash.

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Tuesdays and Thursdays: Bingo and

March 3: Jinnie Lacey with Healthsouth. Lacey will discuss heart health.

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March 17: Lunch at Jeff State Bistro.

March 25: AARP Drivers Class. March 27: Heardmont Dance. 6:30-9 p.m.

280Living.com

March 2015 • C19

Calendar Area Events

Contact

Cathedral Church of the Advent members Fontaine Pope, The Rev. Canon Deborah R. Leighton, Lynn Cassady, The Rev. Andrew C. Pearson, Jr. and Marcus Cassimus. The church will host Lenten lunches and a lecture series in March. Photo courtesy of Jennifer Lyles Dowdle.

March 1-April 2: Cathedral Church of the Advent Lenten Lunches. Full service line 12:05-1 p.m. Express line 12:30-1 p.m. 2017 Sixth Ave. N., Downtown Birmingham. Lunches will be served weekdays from Ash Wednesday to Maundy Thursday. Visit adventbirmingham.org.

day of show. Visit workplay.com.

March 2-April 3: Cathedral Church of the Advent Lenten Preaching Series. 12:05 p.m. Cathedral Church of the Advent. Series will feature preachers from all over the world. Visit adventbirmingham.org.

March 14: Renew Our Rivers-Cahaba Cleanup 2015. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Amphitheatre Park, 816 County Road 52. Call 874-5623.

March 2- 4: Roller Derby Recruitment Workshop with the Tragic City Rollers. Monday 7-10 p.m., Wednesday 8-10 p.m. Free. Skates available for rental for $3. Visit tragiccityrollers.com. March 3: Samford University Orchestra. 7:30-8:30 p.m. Brock Recital Hall, Samford University. Free. Visit samford.edu. March 3: Shpongletron 3.1. 8 p.m. Iron City. Music performed by Simon Posford and Raja Ram. $20 in advance, $24 on the day of the show. All ages. Call 202-5483. March 5: Birmingham Art Crawl. 5-9 p.m. Birmingham Historic Loft District. Monthly showcase of local artists. Free. Visit birminghamartcrawl.com.

March 13, 15: La Bohème. Friday 7:30 p.m., Sunday 2:30 p.m. Wright Center, Samford University. Presented by Opera Birmingham. Visit operabirmingham.org or call 322-6737.

March 14: Oh, Happy Day Spring Market. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Wynfrey Hotel. Shop for one-of-a-kind Easter, Mother’s Day, bridal shower and graduation gifts. Call 588-8962 ext. 705. March 14: Guild Gala. 6 p.m. The Club. Black tie event with a cocktail reception, formal seated dinner, live auction emceed by JOX Roundtable and provided by 4 Barrel Funk. Visit theserviceguild.org. March 14: Arc of Jefferson County Shamrock Shindig. 6 p.m. Avondale Brewery. Food by Rusty’s BBQ, music by DJ Mark Goldstein. All proceeds benefit the Arc of Jefferson County. $30 per person, $50 per couple. Visit arcofjeff.org. March 15: Santana. 8 p.m.-midnight. Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex. $58$148.50 plus fees and service charges. Call 800745-3000.

March 9-March 14: Theatre UAB’s 12th Annual Festival of 10-Minute Plays. Monday-Friday 7:30-9:45 p.m., Saturday 2-4:15 p.m. Alys Robinson Stephens Performing Arts Center. Visit alysstephens.org.

March 20-21: Lysa TerKeurst: Your Best Yes: What Happens When Women Say Yes to God. Friday 7-8:15 p.m., Saturday 9:30-10:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.-noon. Canterbury United Methodist Church. Adults $30, students $20. Visit canterburyumc.org.

March 10: University of Alabama Baseball vs. Alabama A&M. 2 p.m. Hoover Metropolitan Stadium. $8 adults, $5 ages 18 and under. Visit secticketoffice.com.

March 21: 5K for Kids. 9 a.m. Regions Field. Take small steps to end childhood obesity. $30. Visit jlbonline.com/5kforkids.

March 10: The Lone Bellow with Odessa. 8 p.m. Workplay. $16 in advance, $18

March 31: Sarah McLachlan. 8-11 p.m. Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex. $45$85. Call 800-745-3000.

COME BACK NEW WITH PRINCESS