280 Living
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December 2012December | Volume 6 2012 | Issue 4
neighborly news & entertainment
A table for all
280 Sound Off
Celebrating the season with those who have no one else
Before area residents attended a public hearing on Nov. 19 where the Alabama Department of Transportation revealed its $15 million plan to decrease travel time down U.S. Highway 280, several voiced opinions about proposed intersection changes. Find out what they said inside.
280 News page 8
Santa’s coming Marlene Lee, far right, welcomes guests like Lana Thompson and Linda West, above, to her table for Christmas dinner each year. Photos courtesy Marlene Lee.
‘Friends don’t happen by accident. They have to be earned.’ Pre-Sort Standard U.S. Postage PAID Birmingham, AL Permit #656
– Donna Francavilla, quoting Marlene Lee
By JEFF THOMPSON Every Christmas season, guests gather around Marlene Lee’s long dining room table for turkey and trimmings. The members of the group change each year – as do the date and desserts – but one constant always remains. Nothing is ever asked of them, except that they leave happy. Her only hope for the meal is that those who are alone at Christmas have somewhere – and someone – to be with. “Christmas is a time of the year when everybody is supposed to be happy, but many people are very unhappy,” Lee said, her European accent striking the consonants of each word. “It’s a time of depression; it’s the dark time of the year. People say, ‘Oh, I am so lonely.’ I say, ‘If you are lonely invite someone.’ It doesn’t take much.” So Lee opens her Meadow Brook home to 20 or more guests each year. She may not know them all, but she treats them like family. They talk until midnight sometimes, celebrating the birth of Christ with good wine and a traditional Christmas menu.
Lee has held this custom since she came to America 36 years ago. At 31, she had left her home nation of Austria and the sunlit mountains she adored for an American professor who “enticed” her away. Now 67, Lee lives in a large house she and her husband built together. Her basement acts as a warehouse for a mess of religious educational literature from their publishing company. She hasn’t sold the business, she said, because her husband asked her not to before he died in 2004. Like many of her guests, Lee is a widow, but the annual crowd of 20 also includes people with different stories of loneliness. She’s hosted a woman who lost her home in Hurricane Katrina, a NASA scientist with no other family in Birmingham and an exchange student from Germany, among many others. But Lee’s hospitality manifests in more than just this traditional, annual burst. Her door never closes, her smile always invites and she refuses to turn her back on those who ask.
See LEE | page 29
Mark your calendars for Saturday, Dec. 22 because St. Nick is coming to a street near you. Find the full schedule for his route with the Cahaba Valley Fire Department inside.
Community page 15
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Photo of the Month
Chelsea High School Hornet Josh Carpenter kicks off during one of the final games of the season. The Hornets finished the 2012 season, their first in Division 6A, with a 4-6 record. Photo courtesy Cari Dean.
Editor’s Note By Madoline Markham
Reclaiming childlike anticipation and joy Christmas has lost its to reclaim a childlike glisten for me. I no longer Christmas anticipation but with a head and heart lay in bed on Christmas Eve for hours on end in that process things more deeply with age. And anticipation of what the next morning will hold. lucky for me, putting Annual rituals of family together this issue has been a great first step in pageants, readings and, yes, even musical performances getting there. Writing about the by any cousin who played an instrument all parades in Chelsea and disappeared as my family Liberty Park, Santa’s stops Madoline grew up. Holiday parties on the Cahaba Valley Fire Department truck (my have become just another gathering, not an occasion that I favorite!), church musical programs and daydream about all year. other community celebrations that you And so this year I am on a quest will find in this issue have all given me a
280 Living neighborly news & entertainment
Contact Information: 280 Living #3 Office Park Circle, Suite 316 Birmingham, AL 35223 313-1780 dan@hooversun.com Please submit all articles, information and photos to: jeff@280living.com P.O. Box 530341 Birmingham, AL 35253
taste of the wonder, joy, hope, adoration and rejoicing I want to be filled with as I enter this holiday season. The hearts the Sleepers (page 6) and Marlene Lee (cover) have for others have made me step back and think about what it means to give of myself, and our story on Kim Ledbetter being given a car on The Ellen DeGeneres Show (page 20) reminded me of all the ways we can help brighten one another’s day. May you and your family treasure what is meaningful to you this season!
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Dan Starnes Keith McCoy Jeff Thompson Madoline Markham Rhonda Smith Warren Caldwell Matthew Allen Rick Watson Kari Kampakis Dannelly Farrow Kevin Morris Kaitlin Seeholtz 280 Living LLC
For advertising contact: dan@280living.com Legals: The Hoover Sun is published monthly. Reproduction or use of editorial or graphic content without prior permission is prohibited. The Hoover Sun is designed to inform the Hoover community of area school, family and community events. Information in the Hoover Sun is gathered from sources considered reliable but the accuracy cannot be guaranteed. All articles/photos submitted become the property of the Hoover Sun. 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 (6) Alabama Ballet (17) Alabama Youth Ballet Company, Inc. (8) Aldridge Gardens (19) Andrea Lucas Studios (15) Annalyce’s Bake Shop (2) Azia Medical Spa (28 Bellini’s (8) Birmingham Bake & Cook Co. (21) Birmingham Zoo (30) Bromberg & Company, Inc. (17) Brookwood Medical Center (2) Chiropractic Today (14) Comfort Keepers (26) Cousins Insurance Agency (28) Cutting Edge Salon (16) Danberry at Inverness (5) Diana Holladay (8) Encore Rehabilitation (24) English Ivy (20) Fancy Fur (26) Food Studio B (26) GeGe’s Salon (11) Greystone Antiques & Marketplace (27) Hair 280 (10) Hollydazzle Craft & Gift Market (10) iJump280 (30) Isbell Jewelers (6) Kobe Japanese Steakhouse (14) Leaf & Petal (7) M&F Bank (13) MedHelp (22) Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce (12) North Shelby Library (18) Oak Mountain Lodge (28) Pak Mail (18) Pastry Art (23) Plastic Surgery Specialists (20) RealtySouth (29) Red Mountain Theatre Company (10) Renaissance Consignment and Marketplace (15) Richard Joseph Salon and Spa (1) Royal Automotive (3) Salon M2 (21) Second Hand Rose (23) Sew Sheri Designs (22 Shay’s Jewelers (1) Skin Wellness Center of Alabama (18) Smart Skin Med Spa (12) Southeastern Jewelers and Engravers (11) St. Vincent’s One Nineteen (32) The Blue Willow (16) The Cook Store (20) The Ditsy Daisy (25) The Lingerie Shoppe (14) The Urban Barn (16) Total Care 280 (9) Varicosity Vein Center (31) Varsity Sports (24) Village Dermatology (5) Walton and Tower Real Estate (24) Which Wich (7) Your Good Neighbor (21)
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Discover Christmas Here
The Best Kept Secret on Highway 280 • Decorating services available.
q Greystone Antiques & Marketplace r (205) 995-4773 • 5475 Highway 280 (Across from Jim & Nicks) Hours: Mon-Sat 10-6, Sun 1-5
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December 2012
Sleepers in Swaziland By MADOLINE MARKHAM
When they first visited Swaziland in 2011, Brooke and Ben Sleeper were struck as much by what they didn’t see as what they did. They said they witnessed almost no one between the ages of 20 and 40, and those who were in that age range were sickly and unable to do much. They estimated there are 200,000 orphans in a country of just under 1 million; this means that one-fifth of the population has lost its parents. In addition, they said Swaziland suffers the highest HIV/AIDS rate in the world: 42 percent of the population. And the evidence of its death toll was more than evident to the Sleepers. “There is so much need there,” Ben said. “It may not be a country in 20-30 years.” A few years ago the Sleepers had never heard of Swaziland, which is located to the north of South Africa’s eastern coast, but as of last month, they have moved there to serve up to three years with Heart of Africa, an organization that has been in the country for 10 years. Brooke grew up in Shelby County seeing medicine up close. In high school, she shadowed her dad, Pason Daughterty, who owns Narrows Health and Wellness and Chelsea Urgent Care clinics on Highway 280, in the emergency room. While in
college at Samford University, she spent a summer in Peru and Belize in college working in mobile medical clinics and later spent a week at an orphanage in Honduras while in nursing school at Auburn University, where Ben also attended for business school. The Sleepers have strong roots in Birmingham, but now they feel called to spread seeds with organizations working for change in Swaziland. After working for several years to support orphanages in the country, Heart for Africa bought 2500 acres for Project Canaan, designed to be a holistic solution to the complex set of issues in the area. They built a farm, then the El Roi home for abandoned babies to be cared for by Swazi nationals. A clinic will open next followed by more homes and schools for the now-babies as they grow up and are educated to become the leaders of their generation Brooke, a nurse practitioner, will work at a new clinic at Project Canaan, scheduled to open in early 2013. It will serve 4,000 people within walking distance who do not have access to health care. One of the focuses of the clinic will be on AIDS education for women and children. “There are so many misunderstandings about how AIDS is spread, and there is a lot of stigma and bad information about how medicines make you feel,” Brooke
280 Living
Brooke and Ben Sleeper on Project Canaan grounds in Swaziland, where they have moved to provide and train Swazi nationals in medical care and business development. Photos courtesy of Brooke and Ben Sleeper.
Brooke Sleeper visits a homestead in Swaziland.
said. Ben will work with business development for Project Canaan’s commercial farm that supports its baby home and clinic. Right now Project Canaan depends on fundraising, but the goal is for it to be self-sustaining one day. The farm currently employs Kenyan-trained farmers fulltime and, during harvest, about 100 people who live in the area around Project Canaan. The Sleepers said the organization hopes to eventually employ around 600 people who live in the area. Project Canaan is now partnering with largest egg distributor in Swaziland to buy eggs from their new chicken coops and plans to have three coops of 10,000 chickens each, which will be able to lay about 20,000 eggs
a day. They also have future plans for fisheries and a dairy. Now Swaziland imports 100 percent of its dairy from South Africa, so they anticipate providing a more local source. Project Canaan partners with local churches in Swaziland and has a Swazi pastor on staff who can communicate with those who live there in a culturally relevant way. But still, the Sleepers see their mission as not purely humanitarian. “They recently reunited a dad sick with HIV with his baby in the clinic and were able to share that the baby was still alive because God saw his son and cares about him,” Ben said. “As we are for physical needs, we make it clear that we are there because of our faith and because God cares about them and is using all of
us to do so.” Although the Sleepers have been living in San Diego for a few years, they returned to Birmingham, where they met and where their families live, to make final preparations to leave for Swaziland. Both of their parents go to Shades Mountain Independent Church, where the couple has many friends and supporters. “Project Canaan knows the problems there are complex and they cannot solve them all, but we can make small changes where we can,” Ben said. “We will watch these kids grow up and see things beginning to change in a country with little hope.” To keep up with the Sleepers or to support their work, visit sleepersinswazi.com and heartforafrica.org find them on Facebook.
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280 News
Emergency service workers honored at chamber luncheon
Shelby County Sheriff Chris Curry and Officer of the Year Sam Talton.
North Shelby Fire and EMS Department award recipient William “Rusty” Johnson with Chief Eugene “Buddy” Tyler.
Chelsea Fire Department Chief Wayne Shirley and Chris Kizziah, Firefighter of the Year.
Chelsea COP Deputy Director Matt Mellen and Citizen Observer Patrol Officer (COP) of the Year Patricia Hipps.
Photos courtesy of Lisa Shapiro / Greater Shelby Chamber of Commerce.
By JEFF THOMPSON The Greater Shelby Chamber of Commerce held its 2012 Safety Awards program during its monthly luncheon on Oct. 31 at the Pelham Civic Complex. During the event, the City of Chelsea recognized Patricia Hipps as Citizen Observer Patrol Officer (COP) of the Year and Chris Kizziah as Firefighter of the Year. From the North Shelby Fire and EMS Department, William “Rusty” Johnson received the organization’s award, and Sam Talton was named Officer of the Year by the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office. Shelby County Sheriff Chris Curry said the department selected Talton for his dedication to the case of Carrie Elaine Gentry, a 64-year-old Chelsea woman who went missing in March. Thanks to Talton’s perseverance in his efforts as manager of that case, Gentry’s body was found after two weeks of searching in a quarry in Leeds, and the investigation was modified from a missing person to a homicide.
“We found the vehicle with the missing lady inside in 40 feet of water in another county, and nobody told us it was there,” Curry said. “It was found by hard investigative work.” After locating her body, Talton, a 27-year service veteran who joined the department in 2008, continued on with the case, identified a suspect and obtained arrest warrants. The case is now awaiting trial, Curry said. For Chelsea, Hipps’ award was presented by Chelsea COP Deputy Director Matt Mellen, who commended her for volunteer work in the city as well as her attention to the case of a missing man. Mellen said Hipps headed the search and rescue team that eventually located an elderly gentleman who had allegedly wandered into the woods. The team returned him to his family without injury. In presenting his department’s award, Chelsea Fire Department Chief Wayne Shirley commended Kizziah for his energy and ambition. Kizzah, who joined the department in 2009 assists the department in grant writing.
He is also an advisor with the department’s Explorer post and dedicates his off time to educating students using that role. Shirley also said Kizzah was one of the lead medics who assisted in the search and rescue organized by COP Hipps, adding that the department has received several compliments on his demeanor and ability when providing medical treatment on calls. For North Shelby Fire and EMS, the award going to Battalion Chief “Rusty” Johnson was given for his presence as a leader in the department for 27 years, said presenter Chief Eugene “Buddy” Tyler. For the second time, other members of his department voted Johnson, who is slated to retire from the department on Dec. 1, to receive the award. “Lt. Johnson exemplifies all the traits of a great firefighter,” Tyler said. “He is well educated, with extensive training and experience in firefighting and EMS. Throughout his career, he has always been respected by his peers for his leadership, great attitude and work ethic.”
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December 2012
280 Living
280 sound off
Crosswalk a must
Submitted by Lena Shimomura I feel that spending $12-15 million on a temporary fix for Highway 280 is a total waste of money; it’s like putting the cart before the horse! Why put these millions to improve a few intersections when they will all eventually have to be torn down for the permanent solution? Another thing that is needed now is a pedestrian crosswalk over Highway 280 for all the people who live on one side while all the businesses are on the other – not to mention Max bus stops. People get killed walking across this highway, and there is not one crosswalk anywhere to get across. If this is not addressed, I will personally get a petition going to present for one.
Focus on worst intersections
Submitted by Paula Roland, Chelsea My mind cannot comprehend the spending of over $12 million to “save three to five minutes” off a commute for drivers so that they can say, “I’m better off because I saved four or five minutes.” What happens to that plan when you throw a couple of accidents into the mix? This kind of waste for a temporary solution is just mindboggling. I am no traffic engineer, but this plan from Mr. Brian Davis just doesn’t make sense to me, especially when the two worst intersections (Valleydale and 119) are not included. This just borders on stupid!
Sounds like a plan
Submitted by Ron Clifton, Hoover Living off Valleydale requires driving on 280 quite often. It does not
take someone with a doctorate in traffic engineering to figure out the problem is too many traffic lights, not enough frontage or service roads, and too many allowable left turns. Hopefully this latest new plan will address some of these issues.
Massive change a necessity
Submitted by Ken Mardick I appreciate the work ALDOT is doing; however, it’s a bit late given at least 10 years of no improvements. Also, directly dealing with the Summit, I-459 and the Colonnade is very necessary and would change drive times much more. Flyover and massive interchange change is necessary now, and the state has not done it. We have studied – which is a word for delayed – this road beyond all that is needed. We need major action from the state for taxpayers that live on this road.
Suggestions for improvement without elevating road
Submitted by Hollis Black First, thanks to you and the rest of the ALDOT team for working on solutions and communicating with the public. We moved to Brook Highland Trace three years ago from Huntsville, and my grown daughter literally shed tears over the 20-minute drive from her home in Vestavia out the “280-killer highway” to our home. Public officials have no idea how stressful, angering and dividing 280 traffic is to all of us. Second, we in Huntsville are amazed at the nearsightedness of the teams that manage 280. The $12-15 million you want to spend on lights could be spent
in much better ways, and there are lowcost solutions at your fingertips. The simplest way to cut 280 traffic mess is to teach the police and wrecker services to get stalled cars off the road immediately! We’re amazed that the police will leave stalled/wrecked cars in a line of traffic and, worse, park their car selfishly in a line of traffic. Police need to be trained and then salarydocked if they don’t get the cars off 280 within a set limit of time. The next way to cut 280 traffic mess is to cut down the stop lights – why do we need 12 lights between Brook Highland Parkway and The Summit? Close off some of the lights and route traffic onto the frontage roads. Next is a computer that will sequence traffic and keep it rolling so that stoplights are sequenced, not at an absurd 55 miles per hour but something more reasonable and safe, say 45 miles per hour or even 40. Finally, and this is the big idea, Huntsville solved the 280 mess 30 years ago on Memorial Parkway, the major highway that runs north-south through 250,000 people. Over-under ramps cost (Huntsville) perhaps $1 million each, and keep major through traffic flowing at 50-55 miles per hour without a slowdown or stop. Off ramps are every half mile. Cross traffic is neatly handled in two-way, four-lane strips. Perhaps it was the extra smart NASA and Army missile engineers who came up with this idea, but it’s cheap, fast and speedy. It amazes us newcomers to Birmingham that anyone would want to spend billions of dollars America
Drivers respond to news of the Alabama Department of Transportation’s proposed plan to reduce commute times down Highway 280 doesn’t have on an elevated highway. That’s a fantasy boondoggle of underemployed engineers who have their ego tied up in building something to impress future generations. It’s about as intelligent as building another pyramid to impress. In summary, train and penalize the police and wreckers who don’t move stalled cars immediately off 280, cut down red lights between The Summit and Brook Highland Parkway, computer-sequence the lights at 45 miles per hour and install under-over ramps at every intersection from 119 to The Summit.
Synching signals could provide easy solution
Submitted by Priscilla Hall I have lived in MeadowBrook on 280 between Valleydale Road and 119 for 28 years. I am so frustrated with the traffic when trying to get to and from work and the continued failure by the “powers that be” to do anything about it. I understand there are a lot of details and a lot of money that go into major changes of the traffic system, but the simple, obvious solution continues to be ignored. Just change the timing of the traffic lights. A few years ago when the big Eddleman golf tournament was held at Greystone every year, it poured hundreds – if not thousands – of additional cars into the 280 traffic flow. But a few days before the tournament started, workers were up in cherry pickers changing the timing of the traffic lights all down 280. As a result, the traffic during the week of
the tournament was completely clear with no backup at all, even with all the extra cars on the road. But as soon as the tournament was over, they were up there changing the timing back again to the ridiculous settings of before. And of course the very next day, traffic was at a standstill ,and we were back to wasting an hour every evening trying to get home. This happened year after year. It doesn’t take a genius to figure out whatever they did during those weeks would drastically improve the traffic flow on a daily basis. We don’t have to have millions of dollars and complete construction upheaval to solve this problem. The problem isn’t the number of seconds the lights stay green, as you stated in your article in the paper. As they are set now, one light will be green, but the next light just a few yards away is red — so even though the light you are at is green, no one can go anywhere because the next light is red. We don’t need to block side road access to 280; we just need to set all the lights to be green at the same time so the hundreds of cars can go more than a few yards at a time before having to stop at another red light. Come on guys; it’s not rocket science! It was promised last Spring that the timing on the lights would be changed over the summer and by this fall, traffic would be moving more smoothly. Sitting in backed-up traffic an extra unnecessary 30 minutes a day, five days a week, for another 12 months equals 130 hours of my life wasted!!!!! Please take this seriously and just adjust the traffic light timing so we can get home.
What’s new, hi lights for the Holidays! Diana Holladay Hair 280 175 Inverness Plaza
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December 2012 9
280Living.com
280 intersection improvements revealed By JEFF THOMPSON The Alabama Department of Transportation revealed its $15 million improvement plan for U.S. Highway 280 on Nov. 19 at the Cahaba Grand Conference Center. There, area residents studied proposed changes to 26 intersections between Hollywood Blvd. and Doug Baker Blvd. and provided commentary to ALDOT Division 3 engineers. In a public hearing during the event, ALDOT consultant Darrell Skipper of Skipper Consulting Inc. in Birmingham briefly explained the proposed plan to an audience of more than 100. He said the proposal was designed to work within limited resources, be implemented quickly and present minimal impedance to the thousands of commuters who use the road. “The concepts developed use proven tools to make changes within the rights-of-way, maintain access to all properties down 280, improve traffic flow and increase safety.” The proposal’s main objective is to increase the time traffic signals are green for 280 travelers. It does so by adding turn capacity at nine intersections, adding three areas where one direction of traffic does not stop,
removing two signals and relocating another. The two removed signals – one from the intersection at Cherokee Road and the other from in front of the Kovac Center and Hampton Inn – were the most troubling to attendees at the hearing. Engineers heard from both Homewood City Council President Bruce Limbaugh and Mountain Brook Police Chief Ted Cook about their displeasure with the proposal. Limbaugh suggested the light at Hampton Inn remain but be programmed to operate only during high volume, as forcing traffic to U-turn using Hollywood Blvd. could impact the city’s plans to add a walking bridge over U.S. 280. Skipper said the proposal could increase the average speed increase on 280 by four to five miles per hour, which would lead to a 20 percent increase in fuel efficiency for commuters. He added that work would be performed during non-peak hours and no lane closures would be required during the project’s implementation. The project could tentatively be let for bidding by April 2013, and construction could begin in June. The projected completion date is November 2013.
Tips for a happy and safe holiday Submitted by Hoover Police Department During the year-end holidays, people are often busy, excited and sometimes a little bit careless. Follow these important tips from the Hoover Police Department to ensure you’re doing everything you can to provide a happy and safe holiday for your family. At Home · Be extra cautious about locking doors and windows when you leave your house or apartment, even for a few minutes. · Don’t display holiday gifts where they can be seen from a window or doorway. Store gifts before you go away on a holiday trip. · If you go out for the evening, turn on lights and a radio or television so the house or apartment appears to be occupied. · If you take a holiday trip away from your home, have some interior lights activated by an automatic timer. Have a neighbor or family member watch your house, shovel new snow, pick up the mail and newspaper and park his or her motor vehicle in your driveway from time to time. · Participate in Operation Identification and mark your valuables with a unique identification number. · Be wary of strangers soliciting for charitable donations. They may attempt to take advantage of people’s generosity during the holidays. Ask for identification, how donated funds are used, if contributions are tax deductible, etc. If you aren’t satisfied with the answers, don’t give. · Immediately after the holidays, mark new gifts with an identification number and record new serial numbers. · Test your smoke detectors. · Use only fire resistant ornaments on a holiday tree and make sure electric lights are
in good working order. Don’t leave the lights on overnight or when you are away from home. · If you have house guests, advise them of your security precautions and make sure they follow them. · Avoid leaving boxes from purchases (especially electronics) out on the curb for trash pickup. Shopping · Shop before dark if possible. Possibly coordinate shopping trips with a friend. Never park in an unlit lot or area, no matter how convenient it is. · Lock your packages and gifts in your vehicle’s trunk. Keep you vehicle’s doors locked and windows closed. · Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Pay for purchases with a check, credit card or debit card when possible. · To discourage purse-snatchers, don’t overburden yourself with packages. Have your purchases delivered whenever practical. · Be extra careful with purses and wallets. Carry a purse under your arm. Keep a wallet in an inside jacket pocket, not a back trouser pocket. · Teach children to go to a store clerk or security guard and ask for help if you become separated. They should never go into a parking lot alone. Holiday Party Safety · Have non-alcoholic beverages available for party guests. · Serve something to eat before serving alcoholic beverages. High protein foods stay in the stomach longer and slow absorption of alcohol into the system. · Have alternative transportation for intoxicated persons. Don’t let guests drink and drive.
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280 Living
Food
Pies for the holidays By LISA C. JOHNSEY Which do you prefer, cake or pie? This holiday season, I choose pie. Did you know that pies actually date back to the era before Christ? In those days, they referred to pie as a vessel or a “coffin.” The dough was used to contain and protect the contents during cooking and was not edible. Pies prepared in European countries in the 1600s and 1700s mainly contained meat. For example, Shepherd’s Pie contains lamb and vegetables, while Cottage Pie contains beef and vegetables. Finally, during the 1800s and 1900s, pie as we think of it today was born. My mother loves to bake pies. She taught me how to make crust from scratch and fill my pies with delightful treasures all year long. During the holiday season, we enjoy having several pie choices adorning our tables. Here I have highlighted a few of our favorites such as Pecan, Sweet Potato and an Apple Cranberry Crisp. This year, I thought it would be fun to make individual pies as well as the traditional kind. All are delicious served with ice cream or just whipped cream. I hope you enjoy your holidays with family and friends by adding one of these pies to your repertoire. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from our table to yours!
RECIPE Apple-Cranberry Crisp 4-5 Granny Smith apples, cored and thinly sliced 1 bag fresh cranberries, washed 1 lemon, juiced and zested ½ -3/4 cup sugar ¼ cup all purpose flour Topping: 1 cup flour 1/3 cup sugar ¼ cup brown sugar ¼ teaspoon cinnamon 1 stick unsalted butter, diced Coat an 11x7-inch dish or 8 ramekins with butter or cooking spray. Core and thinly slice the apples into bite size pieces. Add the rest of the ingredients and stir until blended. Fill the baking dish or ramekins with the fruit mixture.
RECIPE My Pie Crust 2 ½ cups all purpose flour 1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon salt 1 ½ sticks cold unsalted butter, cubed 5 tablespoons shortening Small glass of cold water 1-9-inch pie pan or 4 individual pie pans Put the flour, sugar and salt into the bowl of a food processor fitted with the metal blade. Pulse a few times to combine the ingredients. Add the butter and shortening and pulse again, about five or six times or until the mixture forms into pea-sized pieces. Remove mixture from processor and put into a bowl. Sprinkle about 4 tablespoons of ice water over the dough. Using your hands, bring the dough together quickly so that it is no longer wet and sticks together. Press dough into a disk and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Roll dough out and place in pie pan. Yields dough for one 9-inch pie or about three 4-inch individual pies.
RECIPE
Mom’s Sweet Potato Pie
5 small sweet potatoes ¼ teaspoon salt ½ cup evaporate milk 3 eggs, slightly beaten 1 cup sugar To make the topping, combine the flour, sugars, salt and cinnamon in a mixing bowl. Stir to combine. Cut in butter and mix until the butter becomes the size of peas. Sprinkle over the fruit and bake at 350 degrees for 45-55 minutes or until bubbly and the top is golden.
½ teaspoon cinnamon ¼ teaspoon nutmeg 2 tablespoons butter 1 teaspoon vanilla 1-9-inch pie crust
Peel and dice sweet potatoes. Boil and drain them. Mash them very well. Mix the rest of the ingredients together and pour into pie crust. Bake at 375 degrees for 50-60 minutes. Pie consistency should be thick and not watery. To double the recipe use 8 sweet potatoes, increase sugar from 1 ½ to 1 2/3 cup and use an extra pie crust.
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280Living.com Read all the past Restaurant Showcases at 280Living.com
Restaurant Showcase
Tony’s Spaghetti House By MADOLINE MARKHAM Vestavia’s longtime Italian staple Leonardo’s was perhaps best known for one thing: rolls served warm covered in garlic butter, cheese and spices. Now the same man who baked them there for 13 years is making them daily in Brook Highland Plaza at the new venture of Leonardo’s’ owners. “On a really busy day, we will go through 100 pounds of flour to make the rolls,” said Tony Falletta III, who owns the new Tony’s Spaghetti House with his son, Tony IV. “Our problem is people eat too many rolls and have to take half of their meal home.” For longtime Mexicali customers, the new restaurant space feels familiar but has obviously had a classy facelift. The owners painted the walls red, brought in new black booths, removed, the thatched roof on the bar and added a funky, multicolored chandelier over the piano in the front room. There, like at Leondardo’s, a pianist and accordion player perform live on Friday and Saturday nights. The Fallettas closed Leonardo’s in June and opened here at the first of November, where they felt they would have more traffic. They also streamlined the menu selections and cut prices. “We are trying to establish a family-friendly place that has good food for your money,” Falletta said. Customers will find the most
Tony’s Spaghetti House Manager Will Kirk and Owner Tony Falletta.
popular dishes from Leonardo’s — Spaghetti ($9.99), Ravioli ($11.95), Eggplant Parmesan ($11.95), Chicken Piccata ($12.99), Chicken Pesto ($13.99), to name a few — on the menu at Tony’s. Higher priced menu items from Leonardo’s like lobster tails and filet mignon are not on the regular menu but will rotate through as specials. Other specials will include more labor-intensive items like Stuffed Artichokes, steaks chargrilled and then broiled with a seasoned breadcrumb crust and New Orleans Bread Pudding with Jack Daniels Whiskey Sauce. Pizzas and calzones are baked in a new stone pizza oven in any variety including favorites Tony’s Last Supper (pepperoni, sausage,
mushroom, onion, bell pepper, black olives, banana peppers and fresh basil) and SPO (sausage, peppers and onions). A new Jumbo Pretzel appetizer, made with bread dough and then served salted, with garlic Parmesan or with cinnamon sugar, is already popular only a few weeks into business. Other new menu items include a crab cakes appetizer and Italian salad with grilled marinated chicken or shrimp. In the pasta realm, there is penne with marinara, grilled eggplant, roast beef and shaved Parmesan as well as a primavera with chicken or shrimp, vegetables and alfredo sauce. For dessert, Manager Will Kirk said JoAnn’s Chocolate Cake, made
e 1/2 pric ys a d n o M color & e color 1/2 pric ys Saturda 6 from 2-
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Tony’s Spaghetti with meatballs (top) and tiramisu (left).
by the owner’s wife, is a must-try. The Sicilian chocolate bundt cake is studded with Ghirardelli chocolate chips and served warm with vanilla ice cream and chocolate syrup. Italian favorites cannoli and tiramisu are also on the menu. The owners hope to continue other Leonardo’s traditions like special opera nights and wine tasting dinners. They also offer catering; to learn more about their options, call the restaurant. Falletta is proud of the black and white photos of his family around the restaurant. His favorite is a picture on the back wall of his grandmother, Josephnie Cefalu, in a white dress for her first communion at St. Paul’s Cathedral downtown. Moving to the left, he points out photos of
his and his wife’s parents on their wedding days as he talks about how his mom and grandmother were the cooks for his first restaurant, the namesake for the new restaurant. The original Tony’s Spaghetti House opened in the 1970s near Eastwood Mall and served the same family recipes from Sicily that the new Tony’s serves. And those recipes were served by Falletta’s father, who ran a restaurant while he also worked as a photographer for The Birmingham News for 40 years. He would also cook spaghetti for up to 500-1,000 people for fundraisers for various organizations. The family sauce is made Sicilian style with sweet basil and sugar, a version more sweet than those from other regions of Italy.
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280 Living
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Business Happenings Nordstrom to open first Alabama store in River Ridge Colonnade
Asian Rim offers ocean of flavors
Asian Rim Sushi Company, a full-service restaurant featuring a diverse menu, opened Nov. 4 in the Colonnade. Owner Roy Hockman, a former franchisee of 14 Outback Steakhouse restaurants, said high quality, exciting food is the epicenter of Asian Rim. “I consulted dozen culinary teams across country and selected a team of ‘cuisine wizards’ from Seattle,” he said. “The team came to Birmingham three weeks ago and knocked it out of park.” Hockman said Asian Rim was also able to capture and perfect other dimensions of the dining experience. He said the location is a “cut above in hospitality” and includes an upscale theme developed to give off a “wow factor” for new guests. Since its opening, Hockman said items from the sushi menu have been the best sellers, with guests gravitating toward the Lotus Roll, which includes crab, spicy tuna and crispy Lotus Root, and the Toomer’s Corner and Roll Tide rolls. Each roll comes with a signature dipping sauce designed to complement specific flavors, he said, but guests shouldn’t overlook other flavorful dishes like Certified Angus steaks and Singapore Pork Ribs. Catering is available at Asian Rim, as well as a “Grab and Go” cooler for self serve and self pay sushi, salads and sandwiches. The restaurant is located at 3419 Colonnade Parkway. For more, or to place an order, call 490-1444 or visit AsianRim.com. Greystone
Crossfit 280 now catering to all levels of conditioning
Crossfit 280, the latest Birmingham branch to offer the Crossfit workout program, is now open in Greystone Park. The site holds regular classes on weekdays that can be personalized to fit any level of physical conditioning, said owner Kevin Williams. Williams said workouts at Crossfit 280 are comprised of various functional movements at varying intensity meant to achieve fast results for those dedicated to the program. Workouts are set in a sport atmosphere with a coach. Williams said he was a testament to the effectiveness of the Crossfit program. Before he began, he was a cyclist who could ride 100 miles at a time, he said. Then, in 2008, he stumbled into a Crossfit gym. “I thought I was in shape, but that first workout exposed a lot of weaknesses in my physical capacity,” he said. “Since then, I’ve trained in the Crossfit modality and last year I was certified to be an instructor.” Williams said classes include about eight to 10 people and one coach, and are held MondayFriday at 5:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m., noon and 6:30 p.m. The gym is also open Saturday from 8 a.m.9 a.m. Crossfit 280 is located at 5511 Highway 280, Suite 122. To sign up for free session or learn more, visit crossfit280.com, or call 202-1FIT (202-1348). River Ridge
Nordstrom Rack coming in 2013
Upscale retailer Nordstrom will open its first store in Alabama on Highway 280. The location will be a Nordstrom Rack store and feature the company’s variety of high-end merchandise at discount prices. According to the company’s website, Nordstrom. com, the store is scheduled to open in spring 2013. It will be located in the River Ridge Shopping Center, which is anchored by a SuperTarget, in the former site of Linens ‘n Things. Inverness Corners
The Urban Barn offering boutique brands
The Urban Barn is now open in Inverness Corners and is designed to cater to boutique shoppers in the Highway 280 area. The store features country style
clothing with an urban appeal, as well as jewelry, handbags, boots and other gifts. Owner Colleen Burback said The Urban Barn carries sizes for teens through 3x, and will soon be expanding its selection of clothing for ‘tweens. The store is located at 830 Inverness Corners, and is open Monday-Thursday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. and Sunday from noon-5 p.m. For more, call 451-8888 or find the store on Facebook. Chelsea/ Westover
The Cuckoo’s Nest now open
Brook Highland resident Angela Tenbarge has opened The Cuckoo’s Nest, a gift and home store, in Westover. The store held its grand opening on Nov. 10. The Cuckoo’s Nest sells gifts, baby gifts and home accessories. For the holidays, it has nutcrackers, ornaments, holiday dishes, table clothes, wine bottle covers, nativity scenes and other seasonal items stocked. Year round it sells lamps, coffee tables, candles potpourri, cards, clocks, jewelry, journals, frames, afghans, pillows, dog beds and more. The Cuckoo’s Nest is located at 4222 Old Highway 280 and can be reached at 678-7220. Store hours are Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The Summit
Seasons 52 to open next year Seasons 52, a fresh grill and wine bar, announced plans last month to open its first Alabama store on the former site of Sweet Bones in The Summit in Spring 2013. The restaurant, according to a release, will bring approximately 100 jobs to the area. “We are excited to bring Seasons 52 to Birmingham. This is an ideal setting for our guests – people who celebrate living well while enjoying upscale dining, shopping and entertainment,” said Stephen Judge, president of Seasons 52, in a prepared statement. Menus at Seasons 52 change four times a year to capture the flavors of each season. Nothing on the menu is more than 475 calories, and the wine list features more than 100 wines. Seasons 52 offers notable menu selections such as Steak and Cremini Mushroom Flatbread, Cedar Plank Salmon, Caramelized Sea Scallops and Maui Tuna Crunch Salad. The Summit location will feature a warm ambiance, a custom-built wine cellar, a large outdoor patio and piano bar featuring live music nightly. Additionally, the restaurant will offer three private dining rooms and an exclusive chef’s table. “The addition of Seasons 52 will provide shoppers with a unique, new dining experience that fits in perfectly with the exciting retail environment here at The Summit,” said Jeffrey Bayer, CEO of Bayer Properties. “Birmingham is a great place to live and work and I believe that Seasons 52 promotes the same positive lifestyle benefits that are valued in the region.” To learn more, visit seasons52.com.
Upscale kitchenware retailer comes to The Summit
Seattle-based Kitchenware retail chain Sur La Table opened its 6,200-square-foot store in The Summit in November. The store, designed to be attractive to cooks of all experience levels, features a multitude of both upscale and affordable kitchen items and includes in-store demonstrations and cooking classes as part of its model. Upcoming classes at The Summit location include “Date Night: Surf & Turf” and “Holiday Macarons” among many others. To register for classes, call 298-6382 or email cooking119@ surlatable.com. Holiday store hours are Monday-Saturday from 9 a.m.-9 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m.9p.m. To learn more, call 968-7664 or email slt119@surlatable.com.
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Your Health Today By Dr. Irma Palmer
It’s that time of year again…we get busy with the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, preparing to usher in a new year. And we start thinking about all of the positive changes we are going to make. How many times has YOUR new year’s resolution sounded something like this: “I’m going to eat better, lose weight, and exercise more.” I’m willing to bet the majority of us have made a resolution like that on more than one occasion! But how many times have you had an actual plan for how you’re going to get there? Many times it’s “I’m joining a gym” or “I’m signing up for such-and-such weight loss program.” This time, I’m suggesting that you stop the insanity of gimmicks and the same old/same old and finally get a return on your investment. “How” you ask? Come in to Chiropractic Today and participate in our Health Recovery System. Our office isn’t just another chiropractic office. Of course we believe in the importance of a clear neurological connection which is only possible through chiropractic care, but we also recognize that there’s a bigger picture…designing the life you want and going after it, and that picture includes planning your eating, moving,
and thinking as well. As it nears time to make those new year’s resolutions, you’ll hear a lot about “toxicity,” “weight loss/nutrition,” “exercise” and “vitamin and mineral deficiency”. There’s a huge market for products to address these! How many times have you spoken with a friend and learned he was taking Vitamin D3 and self-diagnosed your need to do the same? Or spoken with a complete stranger in a store’s vitamin section and been convinced that you need to try the latest and greatest fad? How do you weed through the hype to do what’s best for YOU? First, stop doing the same old things while expecting different results… that’s the definition of insanity! Second, consider this: the standard American diet and lifestyle is not healthy! Most of us are toxic and/or deficient. Think of your body as a walking plant, and of the cells in your body as the soil. If the “soil” gets too much of what it doesn’t need or not enough of what it does need, what’s going to happen? That’s right – eventually the plant will wither and die. What you need is a game plan…a way to determine what nutrients YOUR body is deficient in…a legitimate analysis of your needs, with
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a custom-made plan for how to address those deficiencies. Traditionally, the medical community suggests a blood and/or urine test to evaluate your state of health. But although blood does contain minerals, it may not be completely representative of the body’s mineral storage. And minerals found in urine indicate what is being removed from the body. Instead, at Chiropractic Today, we use tissue mineral analysis, using your hair, which gives us a 90-day rear-view look at your health. Mineral content of the hair reflects the mineral content of the body’s tissues, and indicates deficiencies or excesses within the body. Never before has there been available a metabolic blueprint with such a degree of applicable scientific accuracy. We send your hair away to an independent laboratory which is able to determine exactly where you are deficient and/or toxic. But the best part? They then provide a recommended regimen of vitamins and minerals customized to your specific needs. No more taking certain vitamins just because your neighbor does, or because your multi-vitamin from the grocery store includes 500 milligrams of it…instead, you are able to put in
only what YOUR body needs, without overloading it with what it doesn’t! If this sounds intriguing, and surely it does, I hope you’ll call my office at 205991-3511. Schedule a time to come in and have a hair analysis done. Within a couple of weeks of taking your hair sample, we will have a very detailed report complete with a list of where you are deficient and an explanation of what it means to be deficient in those areas, as well as a plan for correcting those deficiencies! After six months on your new regimen of specific supplements (combined with recommended eating and moving lifestyle changes), you’ll be feeling better, and we’ll re-do the hair analysis and you’ll see for yourself the quantifiable difference in your health. Next month, be sure to read about the best way to jump-start the process… participating in our 21-day Purification Cleanse. You can also join us on January 8 at our office at 6:15 p.m. if you’d like to learn more. Reservations are essential. Food and drinks will be provided. I hope you’ll join us and let us help you with a new way to a new you! And finally, a very Merry Christmas and happy new year to you and yours.
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Santa’s stopping by
Community
The big man trades red-nose reindeer for bright red ride to tour 280 community In keeping with its annual Christmas tradition, the Cahaba Valley Fire Department will provide transportation for Santa Claus throughout its distric on Saturday, Dec. 22. Through the magic of Christmas that only Santa can create, Santa will take two different routes to be sure he visits all the children he can, no matter their age. Members of the department will bring Santa to the locations listed below. The
department notes that the schedule may be affected by traffic and the times are approximate. If there is an emergency, Santa has kindly consented to release his “reindeer” for that purpose and will attempt to complete his route as best he can. For more information, view the parade route at cahabavalleyfire.org or contact the Department at 991-5267.
Route #1
Kenley Way, 8 a.m. Colonial Village Inverness Rental Info Center, 8:20 a.m. Colonial Village Inverness Mail Boxes 8:30 a.m. Cahaba Beach Road, 8:40 a.m. Beach Circle, 8:55 a.m. Edenton Street/Portabella Road, 9:10 a.m. Lenox Lane/Lenox Drive, 9:25 a.m. Cahaba Lakes Clubhouse, 9:40 a.m. Eagle Ridge Lane (The Hills of Brook Highland), 9:55 a.m. Eagle Ridge Drive (Eagle Ridge Apartments), 10:05 a.m. Eagle Ridge Drive (Eagle Ridge Townes), 10:20 a.m. Meadow Drive (Club House), 10:35 a.m. Brook Highland Lane (Mail Station), 10:50 a.m. Stone Brook (All Streets), 11:05 a.m. Magnolia Place, 11:25 a.m. Calumet Drive, 11:45 a.m. Reindeer Rest, noon Brook Highland (All Streets), 12:45 p.m. The Narrows (All Streets), 2:20 p.m. Forest Parks 280, 4:15 p.m.
Route #2
Turtle Lake Apartments, 8 a.m. Stone Crest Apartments, 8:20 a.m. Eagle Point , 8:40 a.m. Highland Lakes, 10:15 a.m. Reindeer Rest Break, 1:15 p.m. Aaronvale Circle, 1:45 p.m. Villa Belvedere/Belvedere Cove, 2 p.m. Regent Park, 2:20 p.m. Highland Village Trail, 2:35 p.m. Mt. Laurel, 2:50 p.m. Mt. Laurel Ave./Olmsted St/Mt. Laurel Park, 3:30 p.m. Old Dunnavant Valley Road, 3:50 p.m. Dunnavant Place/Birch Creek II, 4:05 p.m. Birch Creek, 4:35 p.m.
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Christmas Village to follow annual Chelsea parade
Photo courtesy Cari Dean.
This year, Chelsea Christmas Parade festivities are being expanded to include the Chelsea Christmas Village, a market that will feature holiday sweets, stocking stuffers and gifts at the end of the parade route. The parade begins Dec. 15 at 10 a.m. at Chelsea Intermediate School and ends at Winn Dixie, where the Christmas Village will be operate from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. in the acreage behind the shopping center. The Village, sponsored by the Yellowleaf Ridge Estates Homeowner Association, is serving as a fundraiser to build a new park in the neighborhood. For the parade, amateur floats are
encouraged, and a limited number of professional floats can also be purchased. For safety concerns, motorcycles and ATVs may not be entered in the parade. Additionally, parade placement will not be available until arrival at the school. In order to reduce traffic congestion in the lineup area, all groups must meet at an alternate location and come to the parade line-up as a single group. For more on the parade or in the event of inclement weather, visit cityofchelsea.com. For more on the Christmas Village, call Brenda Mellen at 678-2437 or email mellen_brenda@ yahoo.com.
Chelsea Christmas Parade
Dec. 15, 10 a.m. Register by Dec. 7 at cityofchelsea.com/paradeform.html
Chelsea Christmas Village
Dec. 15, 9 a.m.-2p.m. Register by Nov. 30 at yellowleafhoa.com/Christmas-Village.html
Meadow Brook Runs returns with prizes galore Meadow Brook Runs will return for its 18th year on Saturday, Dec. 15. The race boasts itself as having more prizes than any other race with gift certificates from more than 120 restaurants in the Highway 280 area — from Amoré Ristorante Italiano and Annlyce’s Bake Shop to Dale’s Southern Grill and Daylight Donuts, from Fish Market and Fresh Market to Mellow Mushroom and Momma Goldberg’s, from Savage’s and Satterfield’s to Zoe’s and Zaxby’s. After-race Taste of 280 offerings will include food from Zaxby’s, The Fresh Market, Papa John’s, Publix, Golden Flake, Bogue’s, Bud’s Best Cookies, The Melting Pot, Buffalo Rock, Smoothie King and Starbucks.
The annual Meadow Brook Runs course begins at Aliant Bank off Highway 280. Photo courtesy of Dean Speers.
Race participants will receive swag bags, and souvenir patriotic T-shirts will be provided by Aliant Bank, which will again use its 1100 Corporate Parkway location to serve as registration headquarters. The 5K starts at 9 a.m. and the Fun Run at 10 a.m. Race day late
registration will begin Saturday morning at 7:30 a.m. on the patio behind the Aliant Bank. Walkers and pets on leash are welcome. For more information and to register, visit meadowbrookruns.org and find Meadow Brook Runs on Facebook.
Watson to sign books at North Shelby Library Rick Watson, columnist and writer for 280 Living, will hold a signing for his book, Life Happens, Dec. 19 from 3-5:30 p.m. at the North Shelby County Library. Joining him will be Carroll Dale Short and Karl Strick, also local writers with new books. The event is open to the public. Refreshments will be served. Life Happens is a compilation of
columns and stories Watson has written through the years. One of the columns that ran in 280 Living won first place in the Alabama Media Professional’s annual communication contest. Life Happens is available on Amazon.com or slosshollerscholar.com. Watson lives on a small farm in rural Alabama with Jilda, his wife of 38 years, and a yard full of dogs.
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Ally Nelson: cancer free
Chelsea Library showcases local photographers’ work
Brenda Miller Madelyn Bonnett
This quarter Chelsea Public Library’s walls are filled with the work of local photographers Madelyn Bonnett and Brenda R. Miller. The exhibit will be on display through the end of January. Bonnett is a nature photographer
Ally Nelson. Photo courtesy of Christina Nelson.
Chelsea Middle School student Ally Nelson received her last chemotherapy treatment in early November and has received the news that she is cancer free. 280 Living wrote about Ally and her fight against Osteosarcoma, a form of bone cancer, in our July issue. “She even has some hair growing,” her mom, Christina Nelson, said. “We are praising God for his blessings!”
Ally will still have monthly doctor visits and will homeschool for the rest of this year. She hopes to return to school in January. In six months, she will have her port removed. For more updates on her journey, visit facebook.com/ PrayersForAllyNelson. In celebration of Ally, her friends and neighbors organized a walk at Chelsea Intermediate School on Nov. 10.
who focuses her lens on the wonders found in the great outdoors. Her work captures the idyllic charm of the “concrete” world that man rushes past. She most recently exhibited at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Miller specializes in photography
of architectural structures. The library is located at 41 Weldon Drive, just off Highway 47 behind the Chelsea City Hall. Local artists are welcome to contact the library at 669-0044 about displaying their work there in the future.
Help needed to brighten Christmas for area children Oak Mountain Missions Ministries, a non-profit organization that provides food, clothing, furniture and financial assistance to those in need in Shelby County and the Greater Birmingham area, is turning to the community again this year to support its Christmas
donation program. Last year, the ministry and its network of more than 400 volunteers donated Christmas gifts to more than 450 children in the area. Individuals from the community are encouraged to sponsor children or donate gift cards
and other unwrapped new toys to the ministry. Oak Mountain Missions is located at 2699 Pelham Parkway and is open Monday-Thursday from 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. For more, call 685-5757 or visit oakmtnmissions.com.
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Inverness boy encourages others to believe
Caleb Taylor
Instead of sticking his letter to Santa in the mailbox outside of his home in Inverness, five-year-old Caleb Taylor will be hand delivering it to Macy’s at Colonial Brookwood Village. Caleb is encouraging his friends and neighbors to participate in the fifth year of Macy’s Believe Holiday Campaign benefiting the Make-AWish Foundation’s Alabama office. “No one likes to be sick,” said Taylor. “I want to help make wishes come true for kids who want to do something special.”
Macy’s invites kids all across the country to drop off a letter for Santa at a local Macy’s Santa Mail letterbox. For each and every stamped letter dropped off through Christmas Eve, Macy’s will donate $1 to Make-AWish, up to $1 million, to help grant wishes for children who have lifethreatening diseases. “This year marks a milestone as we celebrate the fifth anniversary of our popular Believe campaign,” said Pam Jones, Chief Executive Officer of Make-A-Wish’s Alabama Office.
Veterans Day celebration at Sombery
“The money raised will go specifically to grant wishes of children here in Alabama.” Also as a part of the campaign, Birmingham has been chosen as one of the 26 cities where Macy’s Santa will make a stop. Both adults and children are invited to visit the Macy’s location at Colonial Brookwood Village at 6 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 17 to meet Santa and deliver their holiday wish list to him in person. Make-A-Wish has granted wishes
for children with life-threatening conditions since 1980, making over 200,000 wishes become a reality, from meeting a celebrity role model, to becoming a rock star for a day, starring in a Broadway play, swimming with dolphins, visiting Disneyland and more. Want to help? Just bring a stamped Santa wish letter to the Colonial Brookwood Mall Macy’s location, addressed to Santa at the North Pole, and drop it into the Macy’s Santa Mail Letterbox.
Liberty Park Christmas Parade and Celebration Liberty Park’s annual Christmas Parade will be held Dec. 9 at 2 p.m. The parade, led by the Vestavia High School Band, will start at the Sports Complex and proceed down Liberty Parkway to Alston Meadows Park. The 11th Annual Christmas Celebration will be held in the park immediately following the parade. The event will feature free food, kids’
games, ornament making and performances by the Vestavia Hills Rockettes. Santa Clause and winners of the Dogwood Beauty Pageant will also be present for the event. Parade participants must park at the Sports Complex. For more information, contact Carol Adkins, 441-5561 or carol@adkinsontime. com.
Hollydazzle Market returns Thirty-five veterans who live at Somerby at St Vincent’s One Nineteen, includin Horace Thomason, Monroe Smith and Jefferson King, were honored with a pinning ceremony and placement of their names on a special Wall of Honor on Veteran’s Day. A brass band from the 313 Army Reserve performed as a part of the event. Photo courtesy of Marianne Sharbel.
The Third Annual Hollydazzle Craft and Gift Christmas Market will take place in Brook Highland Plaza Dec. 7-8 from 9 a.m.-7 p.m. The Market, located next door to Ulta Beauty and across from HomeGoods, hosts
more than 80 vendors selling gifts, arts and crafts. Santa will also make an appearance. Admission is free to the public. More than 8,000 attended the event last year. Admission is free to the public. For more, visit hollydazzlemarket.com.
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December 2012 19
280Living.com
December library happenings for kids and teens The libraries will be closed Dec. 24, 25 and 31 and Jan 1.
North Shelby Library Special Programming Saturday, Dec. 8 – 9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Breakfast with Santa Join us for a great time of food, fun, and pictures with Santa. Breakfast will be from 9 – 9:30 a.m. Pictures with Santa and a Christmas craft will be 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. Registration required. A $5 fee per person is due at the time of registration. All ages are welcome. Wednesday, Dec. 12 – 1 p.m. Homeschool Hangout: Holiday Party and Crafts Join us to celebrate the holidays with yummy food and fun crafts. Ages 8-12. Registration required. Hobbit Party Thursday, Dec. 13, 4 p.m. You are invited to celebrate the Hobbit at the library. We will have costume contests, games, riddles and, of course, food. The celebration will take place in the Children’s and Teen departments. The original cartoon will be shown in the teen department at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 14 – 4 p.m. Snowman Craft Come make a super cute snowman craft! All ages. Registration required. Friday, Dec. 21 – 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Christmas Movie Marathon Drop by to see a great Christmas movie and have some yummy snacks. No registration required.
Story-Time Programming Mondays, Dec. 3, 10, and 17 – 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. Toddler Tales Stories, songs, fingerplays and crafts make up a lively 30-minute program designed especially for short attention spans. Registration will begin one week prior to each storytime. Ages 19-36 months. Registration required. Tuesdays, Dec. 4, 11, and 18 – 9:30 – 10 a.m. Baby Tales Story Time A story time designed especially for babies and their caregivers. Stories and music provide interaction for the babies and time for caregivers to talk and share with each other. Ages birth to 18 months. Registration required. Registration will begin one week prior to program date. Wednesdays, Dec. 5, 12, and 19 – 10:45 a.m. Mr. Mac (Storyteller Extraordinaire!) Stories, puppets, and lots of music for every member of the family. All ages. No registration. Thursdays, Dec. 6, 13, and 20 – 7 p.m. P. J. Story Time Come in your PJs, have milk and cookies, and hear some wonderful bedtime tales. All ages. No registration required. For more information or to register for any of our programs or storytimes, call or email the Children’s Department at 205-439-5504 or northshelbyyouth@gmail.com or visit nothshelbylibrary.org. Teens Anime Night
Thursday, Dec. 6 – 6 p.m. Join us in the teen department for an evening of anime. The audience will pick what we watch. Treats will be served and costumes are welcome! We will also fold origami – show us what you can do or learn a new technique. Gaming Fridays, Dec. 7, 14, 21, & 28 – 3:30-5:45 p.m. Come to the teen department each Friday afternoon for open gaming on the Wii and board and card games. Local Author Book Release Sunday, Dec. 9 – 3 p.m. The Friends of North Shelby Library are proud to host Birmingham author Anne Riley at a holiday tea in celebration of her new young adult book, Shadows of the Hidden. Light refreshments will be served. Teen Advisory Council Monday, Dec. 10 – 6 p.m. Interested in helping the Teen Department be even better than it is now? The Teen Advisory Council is the place for you! Bring your ideas and your appetite! Snacks served and community service hours earned. Call to sign up. Hobbit Party Thursday, Dec. 13 – 4 p.m. You are invited to celebrate the Hobbit at the library. We will have costume contests, games, riddles, and, of course, food. The celebration will take place in the Children’s and Teen departments. The original cartoon will be shown in the teen department at 6 p.m. Teen Book Club Monday, Dec. 17 – 6 p.m. In Dec., the club will talk about The Hobbit and books similar to it. To participate, start reading! See the display in the Teen Department or the reading list on the Teen page at www.northshelbylibrary.org for recommended books. Snacks Served. Craft Thursday, Dec. 20 – 6 p.m. Come make chocolate spoons. Perfect as a tasty gift or to enjoy yourself. Register online. Contact Kate or Daniel at 439-5512 or nsyouth@shelbycounty-al.org for more information.
Mt Laurel Library Storytime Programming Toddler Tales Wednesdays, Dec. 5 & 19 – 10 a.m. Stories, songs, fingerplays and more make up a lively 30-minute program designed especially for short attention spans and their caregiver. Registration begins two weeks prior to each storytime. Ages 36 months and younger. Registration required. Storytime with Ms Kristy Wednesdays, Dec. 5 & 19 – 11 a.m. Stories, music and more for every member of the family. All ages. No registration required.
Special Programming Crafty Saturday Saturday, Dec. 15 – 11 am to 1 p.m. Drop in to make a craft at the library. All ages with parent help. Contact the Mt Laurel Library at 991-1660 or mtlaurellibrary@gmail.com for more
20 December 2012
280 Living
Appearance on ‘Ellen’ betters life for Greystone family By JEFF THOMPSON The year and a half since Kim Ledbetter lost her job has been a demanding time, but one visit to California changed everything for the single mother. Ledbetter, a Greystone Farms resident, was given $20,000 and a new car during an episode of The Ellen DeGeneres Show taped in Los Angeles on Nov. 6. Difficulties at home prompted Ledbetter’s daughter, Alex Ledbetter, 21, to write into The Ellen DeGeneres Show over the summer. The family had numerous repairs that needed to be made to their house and car, and Kim had an additional mouth to feed since taking in her granddaughter, Madison Hall. The weight was oppressive, Kim said, but she never expected her daughter to reach out to Ellen for help. “I decided to write into Ellen over the summer the day that our microwave broke and I saw my mom break down about it,” Alex said in an interview that aired on the program. “We had already had a broken grill. Our refrigerator was leaking all over the floor. Our roof was leaking, and water was coming from the ceiling down onto the floor.” So, the show called the family, and all three put
Hoover resident Kim Ledbetter received $20,000 and a new car on The Ellen DeGeneres Show on Nov. 6. From left are Ledbetter’s granddaughter Madison Hall, her daughter Alex Ledbetter, Ledbetter and Ellen DeGeneres.
off obligations to fly out to California on Nov. 5. On the program the following day, the first item Ellen gave Ledbetter was a microwave. Inside it was $20,000 cash, and behind the curtain was a new Hyundai Elantra.
“It was amazing,” she said. “My daughter told them I’d cry the whole time. I did.” Long before appearing on TV, Ledbetter said Ellen was a bonding instrument for her family. Ledbetter took in Hall five years ago because
Hall’s mother – Ledbetter’s oldest daughter – was having health issues. She said she thought when her own daughter Alex graduated high school, she could sell her home in Greystone and move to an apartment. But with Madison now part of the family, she couldn’t stand the thought of relocating her again. Hall attends Spain Park High School and Alex attends Samford University, but every evening the family sits on the couch for an episode or two of the show. “The one time I see my mom smile is when she’s watching people’s lives being changed on the Ellen Show,” Alex said in her aired interview. “And I just thought how big her smile would be if it was her whose life was being changed.” Ledbetter said the trip was an incredible experience, but of everything she received, including the chance to meet her favorite TV personality, she valued the help in the job market the most. “If I had to weigh it, I’d have to say the job exposure is number one,” Ledbetter said. “I could walk to work if I had to, but I just have to have some income.” Approximately a week after the show aired, Ledbetter said she had received numerous job offers but had not begun working.
Chelsea theatre advances in Trombauer competition By KAITLIN SEEHOLTZ At the District Trumbauer competition on Nov. 3, Chelsea High School’s theatre department won best in show, best in technical production and best scenery for their production of one act play The Forgotten Door. Francie Gardner, head of the
theater department, said the students chose The Forgotten Door because they wanted “a lighter production.” The Forgotten Door also provided an opportunity for a large number of students to participate. “Having a show that needed so many participants helps the actors and the program develop,”
Gardner said. “The students enjoyed Trumbauer because they learned more about themselves as a group and individually as performers.” The team is now preparing for state competition. The technical department is preparing and adding final touches to their set. The actors are also using the notes the judges
gave them at Trumbauer to add more excitement to The Forgotten Door. “I am improving my character and making him character have more depth,” senior Christian Emmerke said. Christian plays a war veteran who is seen as a fatherly figure. Senior Brandi Batton, who acts as a farmer, said she is looking forward
to branching out and meeting more people from different schools at the competition. In addition to the performance of The Forgotten Door, students performed 82 acts individually and in pairs. Fifty-seven of the 62 students who attended Trumbauer are eligible to go to State.
280Living.com
December 2012 21
School House
Vivid livery flourishes on vocab day
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Nov. 23RD – Dec. 24TH Monday - Friday 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
(Left) Chelsae Intermediate School fifth graders Carson Rich and Ty Adema showcase their words electric and effervescent.
On Oct. 25, Chelsea Intermediate School hosted Vocabulary Day. The event was based on the book Miss Alaineus: A Vocabulary Disaster by Debra Frasier. Students selected an interesting word and designed a costume to represent the word. The students included the definition of the word and used the word in a sentence. Students demonstrated the meaning and usage of a variety of words, exposing the entire school to a plethora of new vocabulary terms. The purpose of the day was to expand students’ word knowledge in an exciting and memorable way, hopefully strengthening students’ vocabulary in their writing, reading and speaking. Teachers and staff also participated in the fun day.
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Fourth graders Kelsey Wood and Joshua Walker exhibiting their vocabulary words condiment and luminous.
New Liberty Park SGA inducted
Vestavia Hills High School Student Government Association President Marilyn Gray swears in Britton Copeland, 2012-2013 Liberty Park Middle School SGA president.
Members of the Vestavia Hills High School Student Government Association visited Liberty Park Middle School recently to be part of its SGA induction ceremony. New student officers were sworn into their positions by high school students, and each new officer received the book Seven Habits of Highly Effective Teens by Sean Covey.
Saturday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
The 2012-2013 Liberty Park Middle School SGA officers are: president Britton Copeland, boy’s vice president Michael Schroeder, girls vice president Lily Rumbley, secretary Olivia Westfall, treasurer Egypt Pettway, parliamentarian Carl Nesbitt, chaplain Katie Larson, historian Sophia Rosene and sergeant of arms Daryl Wilson.
22 December 2012
280 Living
Buy books, give Nooks Students at Mt Laurel Elementary use Nooks in the school’s library.
Mt Laurel Elementary will hold a Book Fair on Dec. 7 at Barnes and Noble at The Summit from 5-7 p.m. to support the purchase of additional wireless devices for use in classrooms. The school recently installed a wireless network, and during the book fair, students, teachers and administration will lead activities using Barnes and Noble Nook tablets to demonstrate how they are being used in classrooms. After the fair, Barnes and Noble employees will read Polar Express at 7 p.m. Children who attend are encouraged to wear their pajamas. Mt Laurel’s own Center Stage Show Choir will put on a special holiday performance at 5:30. Mt Laurel encourages those who cannot make the instore book fair to shop Barnes and Noble online (BN. com/bookfairs) Dec. 7-9. Mention Mt Laurel Elementary or use voucher ID number 10925006 to ensure the school receives support from purchases.
Munger named LPMS Teacher of the Year Shelly Munger, seventh and eighth grade inclusion teacher and majorette sponsor, has been named Liberty Park Middle School’s representative for Alabama Teacher of the Year. Munger has spent the past 14 years teaching in Lee County Schools, Auburn City Schools, Talapoosa County Schools and Vestavia Hills City Schools. She graduated from Auburn University, earning a bachelor of science degree in family and child development and a master Shelly Munger of education degree in special education. Munger said she loves working with kids who need unique ways to learn academic material. She also believes in treating her students the way she would like her own children to be treated. Before she became a teacher, Munger was a foster care social worker at Lee County Department of Human Resources. She said she loves spending time with the children but didn’t get to see them much due to paperwork and other aspects of her job. She decided to become a teacher so she could spend all day working directly with children. In her spare time, Munger enjoys spending time with her family, listening to music and reading.
Chelsea Intermediate Sock Drive The Student Council at Chelsea Intermediate School recently partnered with the King’s Home for a Sock Drive. During the first two weeks of October, students and faculty at CIS were asked to bring in new socks for children of all ages. King’s Home representative Angela
Riggins received the donations. The Sock Drive is just one of the community projects being sponsored by CIS Student Council this fall. The council is also sponsoring the Ronald McDonald House Pop Tabs Program, which encourages students and faculty
to collect aluminum can pop tops/tabs. The tabs will be collected over a period of three months then taken to a recycling center where they will be weighed and sold. The proceeds will be sent to the Ronald McDonald House Charities to support families of hospitalized children.
Electric lesson for Greystone students
Amy Williams’ fifth grade class at the Gaston Steam Plant.
Students Tamer Habach, Nicolas Obregon, Justin Hughes and James Haywood.
Ever wondered where your electricity comes from? Fifth graders at Greystone Elementary did, so they visited the Gaston Steam Plant run by Alabama Power to answer the question. There, students saw first-hand the process of using coal to run the generators to create electricity. They also learned the plant is going to use natural gas instead of coal in the near future.
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280Living.com
December 2012 23
Spain Park softball ranks nationally in academics
The Spain Park High School Varsity Softball Team has been ranked 14th in the nation for grade point average (GPA) by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA). The team’s average GPA is 3.817. Pictured are team members Brittany Anderson, Mary Beth Glass, Amanda Ballew, Madi Gipson, Coach C.J. Hawkins, Mary Kathryn Bonamy, Haleigh Sisson and Julie Knight. Not pictured is DeKayla Sankey.
Fire dog visits Mt Laurel
Sparky the Fire Dog and the Cahaba Valley Fire Department recently visited Mrs. Butler’s Kindergarten Class at Mt Laurel Elementary to talk about the importance of fire safety. Photo courtesy of Sarah Rhodes, Mt Laurel PTO.
BYOD at Liberty Park This year, four Liberty Park Middle School teachers are piloting BYOD: Bring Your Own Device classes. Students are allowed to bring tablets, laptops, iPods, smart phones and e-readers and have special Internet access in these particular classes. The teachers are: Jennifer Isbell, sixth grade social studies; Brooke Izurieta, sixth, seventh and eighth grade Spanish; Baylor Knott, eighth grade language arts; and Anne Carter Finch, eighth grade language arts. Students in these classes use their devices for note taking, research and creating projects. If they have questions, they can look up words or find more information on
subjects. All teachers are focusing on a layered curriculum approach to learning. Layered curriculum is a way to differentiate instruction for all learners. Students are given a choice of assignments and may choose to use their devices to complete the assignments. Also by submitting assignments digitally, students are cutting down on paper use. In all of these classes, some students choose not to bring devices. If a student does not have a device, he or she receives a copy of notes on paper and assignments on paper as well. If these teachers are doing projects that require research, they will check out the mobile computer
labs, the stationary labs or the Apple iPad labs for these students to use. For students who have availability to apps, Isbell has introduced two that she says are convenient for social studies. The first is “Notability,” which allows students to import notes from her website. The other app is “Flashcards,” which allows students to create flashcards as a study aid for upcoming tests. In Izurieta’s class, students use the devices to take notes, complete assignment or access their Edmodo accounts. In Knott and Finch’s classes, students have access to online documents and activities such as Webquests.
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Students at Liberty Park Middle School use electronic devices in class as part of the school’s BYOD: Bring Your Own Device program. Photo courtesy of Linda Rummell.
24 December 2012
280 Living
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205-981-0291 match, she leads warm-ups and stretching, decides what jersey the team will wear, makes sure players are where they need to be on time and leads a team prayer. After a match begins, Reiser mediates between coaches and referees during play. She also discusses strategies to use against Briarwood’s opponents and ensures the team is meeting its goals for each game. Off the court, Reiser acts as the mediator between teammates, as well as between players and their coaches.
Adeline Reiser
Volleyball Briarwood Christian School Senior Our December Athlete of the Month is Adeline Reiser, a captain for the Briarwood Lions Volleyball Team who is academically ranked number two in her class. As captain, Reiser is responsible numerous aspects of team preparation and in-game coordination. Before each
How long have you been involved in volleyball? I have played for Briarwood since seventh grade (six years), and I played for Birmingham Volleyball Club my sophomore and junior years. What is the best thing about being part of Briarwood’s teams? The relationships I have made with my teammates and coaches over the years. Who has been your biggest inspiration? Both of my coaches at Briarwood, Tien Le and Wendy Bivins.
What other activities are you involved in at Briarwood? National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta and Math Team. What cause are you passionate about? Putting an end to human trafficking. What are your future college/career aspirations? I am considering Vanderbilt, Furman and Samford Universities as college choices. I am currently undecided about the career path I want to take. Tell us about your family. Do you have siblings involved with sports? I have two sisters. One is a junior at Duke University who played volleyball, basketball and soccer in high school. The other is a freshman at Briarwood, and she plays JV volleyball and soccer. My parents are very supportive of us and love being involved with our teams. What do you like to do in your spare time? I enjoy playing the piano, reading and spending time with friends. Photos courtesy of Pam Hard Photography.
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280Living.com
December 2012 25
Cheer squad tops at UCA
OMHS players sign baseball scholarships Oak Mountain High School held early signing ceremony for National Signing Day for baseball on Nov. 14. Three baseball players signed  Barrett Gossett signed NLI for Jacksonville State University and received a baseball scholarship. Heath Quinn signed NLI for Samford University and received a baseball scholarship. Justin Hoyt participated in the signing and is a preferred walk on for Jacksonville State University.
Oak Mountain fourth grade cheer squad
In November, the Oak Mountain fourth grade cheer squad won first place at Vestavia High School in the Universal Cheerleading Association Competition. Squad members areLauren
Sports
Wedgworth, Hannah Honeywell, Caiti Phillips, Raney Collins, Katie Killian, Ally Engleman, Ella Grace Mills, Elise Stockli, Meagan Fondren, Hannah Holzer and Coach Kendall Frazier.
Barrett Gossett, Justin Hoyt and Heath Quinn.
Westminster cross country teams place in Sectionals Last month, the Westminster School at Oak Mountain Knights Varsity Cross Country Teams both placed in the 1A/2A Cross Country Sectional meet at Gateway Park in Montgomery. The Varsity Girls Team took
home second place, while the Varsity Boys finished in third. In the Boys race, sophomores Carter Lemons (ninth place, 18:13) and Logan Richburg (10th place, 18:17) led the Knights, who finished with eight runners in the top 25.
Scott Landers, Nathan Deen, Malcolm Messer, Noah Thompson, Ethan Shaw and Jared Keeler all turned in outstanding performances for the day. The Boys team missed Second place by only two points. The Lady Knights finished with
48 points, led by eighth Grader Maddie Hoaglund (third place), who finished with a time of 19:56 and standout seventh graders Sarah Kate Lipperd (fifth place, 20:24) and Camilla Lemons (seventh place, 20:31).
Lauren Hoaglund, Olivia Brookins, and Morgan Reynolds, who suffered an ankle injury during the race and finished (incredibly) with one shoe, all finished in the top 25 for the Lady Knights.
26 December 2012
Cross country team makes school history
280 Living
Call for 2013 Nominations
BEST OF OMMS student Carson Park was recently recognized by his Cross Country coaches for sacrificing his own finishing time at the Jesse Owens Invitational meet in order to help a fellow competitor cross the finish line.
The Oak Mountain Middle School Cross Country team, under Coaches Anthony Marino and Kristie Turner, made history at the Shelby County Championships on Oct. 9. For the first time in the 20-year history of the school, the boys’ team earned a perfect score of 15. This score is earned when the top five overall runners are on the same team. Contributing to this historical event were Cole Stidfole, Ben Goode, Caleb Kennedy, Clay Holstad and Matthew Hazelwood. Both the boys’ and girls’ teams took first place overall in this county-wide event held at Veteran’s Park in Alabaster, which featured approximately 200 competitors. Other runners placing in the boys’ top 20 were Austin Bowman, Jonathan Clower, Jacob McGill, Redding Tipton and Jordan Paugh. Eight members of the girls’ team placing in the overall top twenty were Julia Pack, Mallory Staubach, Anna McGowan, Andi Schramek, Brooke Saradpon, Meisi Jacobs, Celia Brand and Grace Campbell. The coaches also recently gave special recognition to team member, Carson Park, who sacrificed his finishing time at the Jesse Owens Invitational on Oct. 6 to help a competitor. Upon viewing a fellow runner falling down and then trying to crawl to the finish line, Carson picked up the runner and helped carry him across.
280 Living will be holding its first ever Best of 280 competition in the coming months.
280
December: Nominations taken online January: Voting—check print issue or go online March: Winners announced To nominate for the 2013 categories, visit 280living.com or email jeff@280living.com by December 10, 2012. All businesses must be located in the geographic footprint of Highway 280.
280 Living 2013 Categories: Food and Drink Most Friendly Service Most Kid Friendly Restaurant Best Happy Hour Best Brunch Best Ladies’ Lunch Spot Best Date Night Best Casual Dining Best Asian Food Best Italian Food Best Mediterranean Food Best Mexican Food Best New Restaurant Best Pizza Best Coffee Best Bakery Best Restaurant Dessert
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280Living.com
December 2012 27
Opinion Lost
My South By Rick Watson
When my wife Jilda’s Sonoma store a few doors parents retired, they kept down, and when I finished, the roads hot. They owned I joined her. a 1974 Pinto station After browsing for a wagon, and when they new coffee maker, we went shopping the first headed to where our car of every month, the back should have been, but it bumper of that old Pinto wasn’t there. We walked a almost dragged pavement few aisles over and nada. on their way home. Like the Pinto, I couldn’t Watson They didn’t have a truck imagine anyone stealing a when they remodeled their house, but 1996 Volvo with a quarter-million miles not to worry, the old Pinto doubled as a on it, but the Ingrid still looks good. The pickup. They hauled lumber, plywood, longer we looked, the more plausible it paint and sheetrock from discount seemed that Ingrid had fallen victim to salvage and home improvement stores grand-theft auto. all across central Alabama. I’ve had a car stolen before, and I can Once when I was down there helping tell you from experience it’s not fun. unload some wood, I noticed a red and A few months before I got drafted into white fishing cork as big as a golf ball the Army, I was downtown Birmingham on the antenna.When I asked my father- in Sears looking at tools. I’d driven my in-law, Sharky, about it, he laughed and 1965 Chevy Impala SS and parked it by said that on a recent shopping excursion the doors at the front of the store. they’d misplaced the Pinto and had I was in the aisles between ratchet sets walked the parking lot from end to end and screwdrivers when I heard the old without finding the car. beast crank up. Just before they were about to go I ran for the door, but when I got to the inside and call the police to report the car street, all I saw were taillights. It broke stolen (who would have stolen a 1974 my heart. Pinto?), a van backed out of a parking Ingrid means as much to Jilda as my space, and there it sat. old Chevy did to me. As I stood there The Pinto had a curiously long scratching my head, and trying to figure antenna, and when extended to its full out our next move, a big, old SUV the length, the cork was like a beacon. You size of a mobile home backed out, and could spot the vehicle from 30 yards there she was. away. I laughed and started to speak, but Fast forward to today: Jilda and I Jilda beat me to the punch. went to her sister Pat’s retirement party, “We need a fishing cork for our and afterward we drove to the nearby antenna, she said.” Apple Store at The Summit to buy a We both howled, and I knew car charger for my new iPhone. Jilda immediately what my column would be decided to check out the Williams and about this holiday season.
Financial 360 By Kevin Morris
Christmas spending, the smart way Christmas is a wonderful time of Try to avoid using credit cards year meant for celebrating with family whenever possible when Christmas and friends, and part of that celebration shopping, unless you know you will be includes shopping. I can remember able to pay them off quickly. It doesn’t do vividly going shopping with my parents any good to find a great sale if you end up as a child. The excitement of looking for paying all the money you saved in finance presents and seeing the decorations and charges. According to financial advisor lights was only topped by the moments Dave Ramsey, more than 50 percent in Santa’s lap. As a parent of three young of all Christmas shoppers will spend boys, I love to spend this time together as more than they planned and incur debt. a family, making memories that will last Christmas shopping should be enjoyable Kevin a lifetime. Although shopping can be a rather than a frustrating experience due to joyful experience, it can also get expensive. As you begin concerns that you’ll spend the rest of the year paying off searching for the perfect gifts for everyone, keep a few your purchases. things in mind to help you avoid overspending while Finally, start early and shop for the best deals. A quick Christmas shopping. way to do this is by comparing online. You may be First, make a list before you start your Christmas surprised at how much some goods like electronics have shopping and then stick to it. This is not only so you’ll fallen in price locally when compared to online retailers. remember what you want to buy, but also so you won’t Also, you may want to use your online price quote to see be tempted to pick up every interesting item you see. if a local retailer will match it. And remember, if you plan You will likely come across “must haves” for a family to haggle, bring the online price with you. Some local member or friend, but instead of just adding another item, retailers might be willing to bargain. Plus, buying local it’s better to remove something from the list. can help keep jobs local. Next, set up a budget. Regardless of how much you Another great way to start early is to open a Christmas spend on Christmas presents, this extra expense can Club savings account. Although it may be too late for this cause a financial hardship if you are not prepared for it. year’s purchases, you will be getting ready for next year. Write down your purchases and total them as soon as you You can use past years’ budgets to determine how much bring them home so you can keep track of how much you should anticipate spending. You can then set aside you’re spending. Most banks offer products and services funds each month in preparation of the December date. to help you in the process. Debit Alert and online banking As final point to ponder, if you find yourself swept up are quick tools that can help you track your expenditures. in the rush of the season and feel overwhelmed by the You get real time “alerts” to notify you of balances and expense, stop! Remember that Christmas is about God’s purchases as they occur. This could help curb some grace and abundant gifts to humanity — the gifts of life, of your impulse buys. If you find that you are getting close to going over your budget, consider making some the love of family and friends, good food, wonderful carols and the greatest of all, His Son, Jesus. changes to your list.
28 December 2012
Faith It’s a boy!
280 Living
Life Actually By Kari Kampakis
My baby, Camille, turns one on December 23. home and seeing my beautiful kids, I’d see the When I consider where I am now versus this time flaws of my house, the mess of too many toys. No, last year, I’m a little bit ashamed. I wasn’t ready to jump off a bridge like George, but The thing is, I never dreamed of having a I was slightly disillusioned about my life—and the fourth child. Although I was the fourth in my blessings under my nose. family, I decided long ago that three was my chaos As Camille’s birth day approached, I kept my threshold. Like a fish needs water, I need order, and expectations low. I braced for a seismic shift and playing Chief Organization Officer to a family of plastered a smile on my face for my kids—who five—while squeezing in time to write—already were, by the way, elated. From the moment they first had me running on fumes. saw Camille’s pea-sized body in a sonogram, they Kampakis Besides, I was just starting to see the light beyond talked about it non-stop. the tunnel of toddlerhood. With Marie Claire— Ella, Sophie, and Marie Claire met their new sister my baby at the time—nearly two and a half, I’d reached a shortly after delivery. From my hospital bed, I watched Ella milestone. I’d graduated from Fischer-Price toys and written start crying. The pride and joy on her face and Sophie’s as off the baby stage. Yes, after six years of paying motherhood’s the nurse enlisted help for Camille’s first bath was priceless. I initiation dues, I was enjoying my kids as little people. I was grabbed my camera and snapped away. getting my life—and my groove—back at last. As I reflect on this past year—and coming home Christmas Then I got pregnant. day with a new baby—I remember the moment in It’s a I didn’t cry when I found out, but I certainly wasn’t happy. Wonderful Life when Clarence the Angel tells George Bailey, It felt weird not to be excited. Upon news of my other three “Strange, isn’t it? Each man’s life touches so many others. pregnancies, my heart soared, but this time was different. My When he isn’t around he leaves an awful hole.” When I think emotions ranged from shock to denial to guilt. God had granted about life without Camille—and the happiness I would have me the three babies I prayed for; who was I to complain about missed because I didn’t have the foresight to pray for her—I one more? How many thousands of women would have taken want to cry. my pregnancy and run with it? I tend to think of pregnancy from a selfish standpoint—how The biggest irony was that my two oldest daughters were will this impact my life?—but through Camille, I’m reminded the result of fertility treatments. I’d known the fear of never that a baby redefines an entire family. Camille’s birth was a being able to have a child—and the disappointment of two bonding experience, because one thing we all have in common early miscarriages. So why couldn’t I wrap my head and heart is love and awe for her. I thought our club was complete before. around a fourth baby? Little did I know, we needed a mascot to rally around, an I’ll tell you why: Because it seemed like a major setback. adhesive force to strengthen the unit. All the dreams I’d put on the back burner now had to simmer This holiday season, as you count your blessings—or longer. In the meantime, I had to learn how to handle four kids perhaps the unanswered prayers of a tough year—I hope you’ll when I could barely manage three. remember the “Camilles” in your life, the unexpected gifts With that said, it was a stressful pregnancy. Although my that fell on your doorstep as you awaited other packages. In attitude improved, I had several meltdowns regarding the twelve short months, my baby has changed my heart. She’s also future. How would we swing four weddings, four college inspired my belief that what’s left off a wish list is often the tuitions, four ongoing soap operas? Who would be scarred by a present we wind up most grateful for. lack of attention? Would I ever be free again? Kari Kubiszyn Kampakis is a Birmingham mom of four girls I’ve always loved the Christmas classic It’s a Wonderful with a background in PR, writing, and photography. Visit her Life, and though I think everyone has some George Bailey in online at www.karikampakis.com or email her at kampakis@ them, I really related to him during this time. Instead of coming charter.net.
Church events Asbury United Methodist Church 6690 Cahaba Valley Road asburyonline.org 995-1700 Dec. 9 – The Music of Christmas. 8:30 a.m., 11 a.m. Featuring the Chancel Choir and Asbury Worship Orchestra. Dec. 12 – “The Best Christmas Present Ever.” Children’s musical. 6:15 p.m. Dec. 16 – Service of contemporary Christmas music. 9:45 a.m. Featuring Praise Team and Band. Dec. 24 – Candlelight and Communion Services. 3 p.m., 6 p.m., 8:30 p.m. and 11 p.m. Childcare will be provided at all services. Chelsea Creek Community Church: 48 Chesser Crane Road, Suite K, Chelsea 678-2406 chelseacreekcc.org Dec. 24 – Christmas Eve Candlelight service. 5 p.m. Christ Church United Methodist 5091 Caldwell Mill Road 991-5065 christchurchtv.org
Dec. 16- A service of music and worship featuring Agnus Dei Lamb of God by Michael W. Smith, presented by the Chancel Choir and Orchestra of Christ Church. 6 p.m. Dec. 24- Christmas Eve Services. 4 & 5:30 p.m. Cross Bridge Church 3039 Brook Highland Parkway 991-1978 crossbridgechurch.org Dec. 24 – Candlelight Service. 6 p.m. Double Oak Community Church 115 Olmsted Street 995-9752 doubleoakcc.org Dec. 1-16 – Adopt-a-Child Gift Program. Dec. 5-9 – Mission Trip to Tegucigalpa, Honduras. Dec. 24 – Christmas Eve Communion and Candlelight. 3 p.m., 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. Inverness Vineyard Church 4733 Valleydale Road 980-1690 invernessvineyard.org Dec. 16 – A Very Merry Vineyard Christmas. 6 p.m. Original production
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December 2012 29
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and holiday services with singing, drama and dancing. Liberty Crossings United Methodist Church 5125 Sicard Hollow Road 951-7707 libertycrossingsumc.org Dec. 16 – Caroling and Supper with Santa. 4 p.m. Dec. 24 – Christmas Eve Services. 4 p.m., 6 p.m. Meadow Brook Baptist Church 4984 Meadow Brook Road 991-8384 meadowbrookbaptist.org Dec. 16 – “Hope is Born,” A Christmas Worship Experience. 6 p.m. Featuring the choirs and orchestra of Meadow Brook Baptist Church. Dec. 23 – Live Nativity. 5:30-7 p.m. Dec. 24 – Christmas Eve Candle light Service. 5 p.m. Morningstar United Methodist Church 11072 Highway 11, Chelsea 678-2572 morningstarumc.co Dec. 2, 9, 16, 23 – Finding The Spirit Of Christmas. 9 a.m., 11 a.m. A New Life Series. Childcare provided. Dec. 24 – Christmas Surprises! 5 p.m. A Candlelight Christmas Eve Experience.
service. Dec. 24 – Christmas Eve Communion. 5 p.m. North Shelby Baptist Church 4100 Belcher Drive 995-9056 northshelbybaptist.org
677-8642 oursaviorbirmingham.com Dec. 23 – Sunday service. 10:15 a.m. Dec. 24 – Lessons and Carols. 5:30 p.m. Dec. 25 – Christmas service/ 10:15
Dec. 2 – Family Christmas Showcase. 6 p.m. Individuals or family groups present Christmas music in song or with musical instruments. Dec. 9 – Christmas Concert, with Power and Glory. 6 p.m. A large band with jazz sound presenting Christmas music. Dec. 15-16 – Christmas Dessert Theater. 6:30 p.m. Drama and musical presented in the church dining room, with the Church Choir, children’s choirs and teens involved in the cast. Reservations requested. Dec. 24 – Candles, Carols, and Communion to celebrate Christmas. 5 p.m.
St. Catherine’s Episcopal Church 4163 Hwy. 39, Chelsea 205-618-8367 StCatherinesAL.com
Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church 5514 Double Oak Lane 991-5488 OLVbirmingham.com
Dec. 24 – Children’s Christmas Pageant and Mass. 4:30 p.m. Dec. 24 – Evening Mass. 8 p.m. Dec 25 – Mass. 10:30 a.m.
New Hope Cumberland Presbyterian Church 5521 Double Oak Lane 991-5252 newhopecpc.org
Dec. 8 – Choir Christmas Concert. 6 p.m. Dec. 24 – Children’s Mass. 4 p.m. Dec. 24 – Christmas Masses. 6:30 p.m., 10 p.m. Dec. 25 – Christmas Mass. 10 a.m. *There will be 30 minutes of Christmas carols/hymns before each Mass.
Dec. 19 – Church Christmas Party. 6 p.m. Dec. 23 – Choir Cantata. 9 a.m. Held during worship
Our Savior Lutheran Church 1074 Dunnavant Valley Road
Dec. 15 – Rice & Beans Pantry Dec. 2, 9, 16, 23 – Holy Communion. 10:30 a.m. Dec. 24 – Christmas Eve Service. 4:30 p.m. Christmas story told through the voices of children. Dec. 24 – Christmas Eve Midnight Mass. 10:30 p.m. St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church 7340 Cahaba Valley Road 980-1810 stmarkrc.org
Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church 4887 Valleydale Road 995-9673 sothl.org Dec. 5, 12 and 19 – Advent Vesper services. 7 p.m. Soup supper offered at 6 p.m. Dec. 24 – Christmas Eve Family Service. 5 p.m. Dec. 24 – Traditional Christmas Eve Service. 7:30 p.m.
LEE
CONTINUED from page 1 “If she can take a burden away, she will do it” said Donna Francavilla, a reporter for CBS and close friend of Lee. Francavilla, who has attended Christmas dinners at Lee’s home, said having Lee as a friend has been more than a positive force, thanks to her generosity. Not that she’s thankful for the material things Lee has given her, but rather for the time and knowledge. Francavilla said having Lee in her life has taught her to learn to love what truly matters – herself and others. “She always says, ‘You have to be a friend to have friends. Friends don’t happen by accident. They have to be earned,’” Francavilla said of Lee. And Lee has earned many friends over her years of reaching out by not only giving away possessions, but also to share her wisdom. As Francavilla suggests, it is difficult to spend time with Lee and not be changed. Everyone who comes to dinner is also presented with Lee’s outside-the-box ideas — ideas that challenge the way her guests
think. Lee is Catholic and celebrates the birth of Christ, but also believes all religions are tools to encourage humans to love one another. Curiously, she blames herself for contracting the breast cancer three times. More curiously, she has no trouble explaining why. “If I don’t do the right thing, I am punished,” she said. “We make our own beds. But if you are a giving person, you don’t look for a reward, and it comes automatically. And sometimes it comes faster than you think. Conversation is as much of a staple at Lee’s table as the turkey and dressing. She is quick to assert her opinions and philosophies. But everyone around the table will also agree that the Christmas Spirit lives in Marlene Lee, and she’s willing to share it year round. “I don’t seek fame and I don’t seek fortune. All I want is to be living my life the best that I can in order to improve other people’s fortune. That’s it.”
30 December 2012
280 Living
280 Live Music Listings
Courtyard Oyster
HOGANS Irish Pub & Grill
507 Cahaba Park Circle • 995-0533
Bar & Grill 280 Band and dj schedule
Every Wednesday / Thursday 8 p.m. Live Music by Razz Ma Tazz Every Friday / Saturday 9 p.m. - Until Live Music by Razz Ma Tazz
CAFE FIRENZE
110 Inverness Plaza • 980-1315 Call for this month’s music listings.
Pablo’s
Restaurant and Cantina
3439 Colonnade Parkway • 969-1411
Live music Wednesday and Thursday, 6 – 9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 6 – 10:30 p.m.
Village Tavern
The Summit, Lower Level • 970-1640
Every Wednesday and Thursday, 6:30 - 9 p.m. Artist Jeff Tyler performs. Fridays, 9 -11:30 p.m., Various live music.
City Vineyard Arbor Place, 5479 Highway 280, Suite 102 437-3360 • cityvineyard.net Every Friday Night live music, 7-10 p.m. on the patio. Inside, they have a wine tasting, 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Mondays and Tuesdays – Dj Kop Dec. 1 – Neon Samuri Dec. 2 – Jager Muffin / Old Time Relvery Dec. 5 – Matt Hill & David Koonce / Matt Hill & Sean Bunn Dec. 6 – Erica & Eric Dec. 7 – Sexy Tractor / Matt Hill band Dec. 8 – Summerville / Old Time Relvery Dec. 9 – Sam Foster / Kyle & Josh Dec. 12 – Matt Hill & Sean Bunn / Matt Barnes & David Koonce Dec. 13 – Huck & Boss Dec. 14 – Buddy Love band / Jager Muffin Dec. 15 – Who Shot Lizzy? Dec. 16 – Kyle & Josh Dec. 19 – Matt Barnes & David Koonce / Matt Hill & Sean Bunn Dec. 20 – Erica & Eric Dec. 21 – The Mauders / Matt Hill band Dec. 22 – Shake the Kitty Dec. 23 – Kyle & Josh Dec. 25 – Erica’s Playhouse Dec. 26 – Matt Hill & Sean Bunn / Matt Barnes & David Koonce Dec. 27 – Huck & Boss Dec. 28 – Gentleman Zero / Sk5 Dec. 29 – Voodoo Jones Dec. 30 – Jager Muffin Dec. 31 – Smear
The Fish Market Restaurant
BILLY’S BAR & GRILL 4520 Overton Road, Suite 104
GREYSTONE, 5407 Highway 280 980-8600
Call for this month’s music listings.
Every Thursday night live music with Jeff Taylor. All Parrotheads are invited.
Liberty Park • 956-2323
Birmingham’s Largest Indoor Children’s Facility! 157 Resource Center Parkway • 205.981.2696
Gift cards available Perfect for the holidays!
Safety is our 1st Concern! Birthday Parties! Indoor Go-Karts Rock Climbing • Arcade Party Rooms • Indoor Inflatables • Snack Bar Parent’s Lounge with Big Screen TV & Recliners! *Socks are required
Our New Website: www.ijump280.com Monday-Thursday 10am - 7pm • Friday & Saturday 10am - 9pm Sunday 12pm - 6pm
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buy one get one FREE open play admission
good at Crestwood or Highway 280 Expires 12-31-12
Classifieds Help Wanted
Counter person for retail business. Must enjoy contact with people. Point-of-sale experience preferred. 20-25 hours per week. Fax resume/job history to: 205.980.8346
Ashley Mac’s
is now hiring for full-time and part-time shifts at our Inverness and Cahaba Heights locations. Several positions available. Compensation is based on experience. Trial period applies to all positions. To fill out an application, stop by our Cahaba Heights Café today, or you can download it at www.ashleymacs.com and e-mail it to cnilsen@ashleymacs.com
Comfort Keepers
is currently hiring quality caregivers. 205-981-1800
HELP WANTED
FULL OR PART TIME SALES ASSOCIATE. HOURS AVAIL: 12-6: SUN-SAT Apply Rogers Trading Company, Hwy. 280, resource center parkway: send resume or application to jenrtc@aol. com No phone inquiries accepted
280 Medical Supply is looking for part time help: Candidate will be responsible for making deliveries and repairing DME. Please send resume to info@BhamMed.com, fax to 888-611-8229 or call 205-678-8755.
PIANO LESSONS
Piano teacher with 20+ years of experience accepting beginner students of all ages. Hoover, North Shelby County, 280 Area. For more information contact BETTE HANEY - (205) 980-1721
December 2012 31
280Living.com
Calendar 280 Events
Special Events
Dec. 4: Chelsea City Council Meeting. 6 a.m. City Hall.
Dec. 1: Andrea Lucas Studios Open House. 1-4 p.m. 104 Hunset Mill Lane, Pelham. Large and small stained glass windows, jewelry and hand-made holiday gifts will be available for purchase. No toddlers please. Visit alabamastainedglass. com.
Dec. 5-7: Briarwood Walk Through Nativity. 6:45 p.m. Briarwood Presbyterian Church. Over 850 church members participate, creating more 13 scenes depicting Jesus’ life and birth. Live animals will also be included. Children’s petting zoo and refreshments will also be available. Event is free to the public. Call 7765200. Dec. 7-8: Hollydazzle Craft and Gift Christmas Market. Brook Highland Plaza next door to Ulta Beauty. 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Visit hollydazzlemarket.com. Dec. 7: Mt Laurel Elementary Book Fair. 5-7 p.m. Barnes and Noble at the Summit. Proceeds will go to purchase additional wireless devices for classroom use. Mt Laurel Center Stage Choir will perform at 5:30 p.m. and The Polar Express will be read by Barnes and Noble employees at 7 p.m. Children are encouraged to wear pajamas. Dec. 7: Kerry Grinkmeyer, The Christmas Web. 7 p.m., 9 p.m. Barnes & Noble, The Summit. Birmingham native Grinkmeyer presents his new book for signing while trying to help families establish a new Christmas tradition. For more information, visit christmasweb.com. Dec. 8: Kerry Grinkmeyer, The Christmas Web. 2 p.m., 4 p.m. Books-A-Million, Brook Highland Plaza. Birmingham native Grinkmeyer presents his new book for signing while trying to help families establish a new Christmas tradition. For more information, visit christmasweb.com. Dec. 9: 11th Annual Liberty Park Christmas Celebration. 2 p.m. Liberty Park. Free food, children’s activities, ornament making and a performance by the Vestavia Hills Rockettes. Santa Claus will also be making an appearance. Call Carol Adkins, 441-5561. Dec. 11: Christmas at Oak Mountain. Presented by the Oak Mountain High School Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band. 6 p.m. $5 admission includes hot chocolate and a sweet treat. OMHS Performing Arts Center. Dec. 13: American Red Cross and Shelby Humane Society Partnership. Caldwell Trace Donor Center. All participating blood donors will be eligible to adopt pet. Adoption fees are waived and pets are spayed/neutered, vaccinated and microchipped. Call DeNita Young, 577-3477. Dec. 15: Legacy for Good Foundation Holiday 5K and Kid’s Fun Run. 8 a.m. Heardmont Park. 5K helps support Christmas Blessing Program which provides holiday meals to those in need. Fun Run benefits Toys for Tots. Register at active.com. Email Gina Cannady, gcannady@legacycreditunion.com. Dec. 15: Meadow Brook Run. 9 a.m. Aliant Bank. 5K and Fun Run. For more information, visit meadowbrookruns.org. Dec. 19: Rick Watson Book Signing with Carroll Dale Short and Karl Strick. North Shelby Library. 2-5:30 p.m. Dec. 18: City Council Meeting. 6 a.m. City Hall. Dec. 22: Santa’s Annual 280 Route. See page A20 for times and places.
Dec. 1-2: 7 Annual Holiday Craft Bazaar. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Noon – 5 p.m. 41st Street South. This event is free to the public. Call 595-0562. th
Dec. 1-2: Enchanted Moments: Stories Told on Ice. 7 p.m. on Saturday, 3 p.m. on Sunday. Pelham Civic Complex. Adult tickets are $10, children’s tickets are $7 and children three and under are free. Visit pelhamciviccomplex.com. Dec. 4-6: Gingerbread White House Christmas. 10:30 a.m., noon. American Village. A Christmas Village and train will also be available. Lunch will also be served. Tickets are $25. Call 665-3535. Dec. 5: Red Mountain Garden Club Greenery Sale. 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Call Kathryn Corey, 960-2963. Dec. 7: American Cancer Society Junior Executive Board’s 3rd Annual Tacky Holiday Cocktail Party. 8 p.m. Steel’s 1st & 23. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Visit jebbirmingham.org. Dec. 8: Breakfast in Santa’s Workshop. 8:30 a.m. – 10 a.m. McWane Center. Reservations are required. Adult tickets are $20, children’s tickets are $15. Call 7148414. Dec. 8: Jingle Bell Run 5K and Fun Run. 9:30 a.m. Underwood Park. Holiday themed outfits are encouraged. Proceeds benefit the Arthritis Foundation. For more information, visit jinglebellbham. com. Dec. 8, 15, 22, 23: Polar Express Pajama Party. 4:30 p.m. – 6 p.m. McWane Center. Adult tickets are $11, children’s tickets are $10. Reservations required. Call 7148414. Dec. 8-9: The Blue Light Special Art Show. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Cahaba Clayworks and Earthborn Studios. Work from over 50 artists sold at discount prices due to small imperfections. Visit earthbornpottery. net. Dec. 8-9: Stevan Grebel’s The Nutcracker. 2:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 7 p.m. Saturday. Pelham High School Theater. $10 for general admission, $15 for orchestra seating. Visit grebeldance.com. Dec. 8, 15, 22: Breakfast with Santa. 8 a.m., 9:15 a.m., 10:30 a.m. Birmingham Zoo. For members, admission is $14 for adults, $9 for children. For nonmembers, admission is $19 for adults, $15 for children. Visit birminghamzoo.com. Dec. 9: Southern Tales at the Gardens. 2 – 4 p.m. Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Dolores Hydock and Bobby Horton will present holiday stories and songs. $20 a person. Visit bbgardens.org. Dec. 14-15: Snowed in Sleepover. 6 p.m. to 9 a.m. Santa vs. the Snowman in IMAX and various activities. Reservations are required. Tickets for children are $40.00. Tickets for adults are $20. Call 714-8414. Dec. 16: Briarwood 24th Annual Community Christmas Festival. 6:30 p.m. Briarwood Presbyterian Church. The adult choir, Briarwood Ballet and Alabama Philharmonic Orchestra will all perform. This event is free to the public. Call 776-5200.
Dec. 22: Breakfast in Santa’s Workshop. 8:30 a.m. – 10 a.m. McWane Center. Breakfast will be offered along with crafts, a chance to explore the Winter Wonderland exhibit and the chance to visit with Santa. Reservations are required. Adult tickets are $20, children’s tickets are $15. Call 714-8414. Weekends: Zoolight Safari. 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. Birmingham Zoo. Admission is free for members and $8 for nonmembers. Rides will be priced at $3.50 each. $12 wristband will grant unlimited access to rides. Visit birminghamzoo.com.
Music and Art Dec. 1, 2, 8, 9: Ho, Ho, Ho…A Merry Mouse Christmas. Birmingham Children’s Theatre. Children’s tickets are $8, adult tickets are $10. Visit birmingham365.org. Dec. 1, 2, 8, 9: Peter Pan. 2 p.m. Birmingham Children’s Theatre. Children’s tickets are $10, adult tickets are $12. Visit birmingham365. org. Dec. 2: Birmingham Girl’s Choir Christmas Concert. 3 p.m. Shades Crest Baptist Church. Free to the public. Visit birminghamchildrenschoir.org. Dec. 4: Sum 41’s “Does This Look Infected?” 10th Anniversary Tour. 8 p.m. Workplay. Concert. Show is 18+ and an extra $3 will be added on to tickets sold to people under 21. Tickets are $17 in advance and $20 at the door. Call 879-4773. Dec. 6: Matt Wertz. 8 p.m. Workplay. Concert. Show is 18+ and an additional $3 will be added to tickets sold to people under 21. Tickets are $20. Call 879-4773. Dec. 6-21: Holidaze. 7:30 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday. Red Mountain Theatre Company. A fresh take on the holiday season that includes many holiday classics. Tickets run from $30 to $35. Call 324-2424. Dec. 7: The Mutt-Cracker. 7:30 p.m. BJCC. Tickets for children are $20. Tickets for adults range from $25 to $45. Performance benefits Greater Birmingham Humane Society. Call 458-8449. Dec. 7: Drew Holcombe and the Neighbors. 8 p.m. Workplay. Concert. Show is 18+ and an additional $3 will be added to tickets sold to people under $21. Tickets are $15. Call 879-4773. Dec. 8: Holiday Cirque de la Symphonie. 8 p.m. Leslie S. Wright Fine Arts Center. Student tickets are $12. Tickets for the public range from $14 - $62. Call 975-2787. Dec. 8-9: Birmingham Ballet’s The Nutcracker. 2:30 and 7:30 Saturday, 2:30 Sunday. BJCC. Children’s tickets are $20. Adult tickets range from $25 to $45. Call 458-8449. Dec. 9: SuperJazz Concert. 3 p.m. Brock Recital Hall, Samford University. 20 of Birmingham’s top jazz musicians will do a collaborative performance. Student tickets are $3, public tickets are $5. Call 335-2961. Dec. 12: Trans-Siberian Orchestra. 7:30 p.m. BJCC. Performing “The Lost Christmas Eve”. Tickets range from $29 to $59. Call 745-3000. Dec. 14: Scotty McCreery. 8 p.m. BJCC. Concert. Tickets range from $20 to $35. Call 800-745-3000. Dec. 14-16, 21-23. George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker. 2:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m. Presented by Alabama Ballet. Tickets range from $20 to $55. Call 975-2787.
December 2012
280 Living