Shelby Living October 2013

SHELBY Living All in the

family Meet the family who started their own publishing company

of the

best best Shelby County

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Take flight Local pilots share their love of flying

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FROM THE EDITOR

W

ho’s the best in Shelby County?

We have the answers for you in this month’s issue of Shelby Living. Thousands of readers voted for their favorite local foods, businesses and events when our contest launched in June.

This year’s winners include some old favorites — Jim N’ Nick’s, which won Best Barbecue for the third year in a row — and some new faces — Renaissance Consignment, which won Best Consignment Store and Best Women’s Clothing Store. This contest is a great way to support local businesses, and we appreciate your participation.

If you have any suggestions for new categories, feel free to email those to me.

This issue of Shelby Living is full of other interesting and inspiring stories.

Here are a few of my favorites: • Lorie Johnson was a Chelsea resident who lost her battle against breast cancer in 2009. Four years later, her story is still inspiring others through the Lorie Johnson Foundation, which we chose to

feature in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October.

• You love your family, right? Do you love them enough to start a business together? That’s what the Strickland family of Pelham did with Matter Deep Publishing, an independent publishing company. Each family member contributes — through writing, illustrating, marketing and financial advice.

• Football season is in full swing! Make sure you’re prepared to cheer on your favorite team, whether it’s the Montevallo Bulldogs or the Auburn Tigers, with clothing, accessories and décor that show off your school spirit. Check out our favorite items — all from local stores!

• The name is the Shelby County Experimental Aircraft Association, but there’s nothing experimental about this group of pilots. They have tons of experience, both flying and building their own planes.

As always, feel free to share any comments, questions or story ideas with me. l

SHELBY Living EDITORIAL Katie McDowell Stephanie Brumfield Drew Granthum Amy Jones Neal Wagner CONTRIBUTORS Grace Thornton Laura Brookhart Lauren Heartsill Dowdle Linda Long Lisa Phillips Clarke Stackhouse PRODUCTION Amy Baldis Jamie Dawkins Daniel Holmes Jon Goering MARKETING Alan Brown Jill Harvell Nicole Loggins Rhett McCreight Meagan Mims Kim McCulla Mary Strehle Kari Yoder ADMINISTRATION Tim Prince Jan Griffey Mary Jo Eskridge Annie McGilvray Hailey Dolbare Christine Roberts Laurel Cousins

Katie McDowell, Editor

Katie.McDowell@ShelbyLiving.com ON THE COVER Shelby County Experimental Aircraft Association member Ed Wood shows off his aircraft at the Shelby County Airport.

Cover design: Jamie Dawkins Photography: Jon Goering

Shelby Living is published monthly by Shelby County Newspapers Inc., P.O. Box 947, Columbiana, AL 35051.

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

Shelby Living is mailed to select households throughout Shelby County, and a limited number of free copies are available at local businesses. Please visit Shelbyliving.com for a list of those locations. Subscriptions are available at a rate of $12 for one year by emailing subscribe@shelbyliving. com, or calling (205) 669-3131, ext. 21.

Advertising inquiries may be made by emailing advertise@ shelbyliving.com, or by calling (205) 669-3131, ext. 11.

4 | ShelbyLiving.com

WHAT’S INSIDE

Home & food 44

THE POWER OF PINK This Mt Laurel home features color, pattern and funky décor

54

FRESH FAMILY FOOD Tony’s Spaghetti House brings Sicilian tradition to Hoover

44 October 2013 | 5

WHAT’S INSIDE

24 in every issue 7

THE SIMPLE LIFE

8

SHORT STORIES

60

SHELBY SPOTTED

80

OUT & ABOUT

82

WHY I LOVE SHELBY COUNTY

38

30

best of the best features 18

WHO’S THE BEST? Find out the winners of our 2013 contest

art & culture

24

HELPING HANDS Local student spends summer doing mission work in Africa

26

LASTING LEGACY Mt Laurel group supports women with cancer after seeing needs firsthand

30

UP IN THE AIR Shelby County pilots share their love of flying

10

AN ARTIST’S TOOLBOX DeAnne Thorn has spent her life creating and teaching art

38

CUSTOM CREATIVITY Pelham company offers unique smartphone cases

12

EYE OF SUMMER Montevallo teen wins photography contest, trip to San Diego

40

GAME DAY GEAR Cheer on your favorite college or high school

13

STRANGE ALABAMA Birmingham author shares the state’s spookiest tales

14

ALL IN THE FAMILY The Stricklands launched their own publishing company

6 | ShelbyLiving.com

40

Show your school spirit with game day gear

THE SIMPLE LIFE

Some Things Never Change

“O

h, the good ole days!”

Depending on your age, your “good ole days” might be someone else’s yesteryears. Your teenager thinks you are talking about when they were in Little League, Grandma may consider that to be before you Lisa Phillips, owner of SimpleWorks, were ever born, and you fondly Simpleworksmtsp.com remember life before a 3-year-old lisa@simpleworksmtsp.com had his own iPhone. The world is 205.981.7733 changing at such a fast pace that technology is updating every nine months. However fast things are changing around us, some things never change.

Activity doesn’t mean productivity. You fill each minute of your day with people to see and things to do. How do you respond when asked, “What did you do today?” Now that you think about it, did anything get accomplished that you planned to do today?

Just because you were non-stop doesn’t mean you tackled the right things. Don’t confuse busyness with being productive.

RSVP. When did it become okay to ignore a request if you were attending (or not attending) an event? Let’s go back to when you responded to an invitation and teach our children to do the same.

Text. Building relationships takes energy, time, lunch dates, tears, giggles and celebrations. Texting has its place and purpose; however, building a lifelong relationship takes more than just a few characters and a smiley face. Do you remember being taught that you had two ears and one mouth for a reason?

Time. Pay attention to your time. You can lose time when surfing websites that never end, like Facebook and Pinterest.

Because it’s a rolling feed without a stopping point, before you know it, you have been immersed in new ways to clean carpet with vinegar and have looked at all 182 pictures of Susie’s vacation to Grand Rapids, Michigan. Could this be the reason for the above activity/productivity issue?

Curiosity. High blood pressure used to be the “silent killer.”

Pretty sure it has slid to #2 and curiosity has taken over the #1 spot It used to be that if the phone rang past 9 p.m., you heart stopped because you knew it couldn’t be good. Now you never look at the clock, you look to see who is still up and what you might be missing. Could the cure for curiosity be willpower and the “power off” switch?

Who wants to return to the “good ole days?” In some ways, it might not be too bad. After all, children today are still being born with two ears and one mouth, and for good reason. It’s that simple. l

Don’t confuse busyness with being productive.

October 2013 | 7

SHORT STORIES

USA Today names OMSP a top cycling destination

UM on Main building opens University of Montevallo on Main celebrated its opening on Aug. 23 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The building is intended to create a University of Montevallo presence in the downtown area.

“It’s a beautiful day,” Montevallo Mayor Hollie Cost. “This is the day when lines are blurred between the university and the city … and that’s as it should be.”

The building’s construction was completed in a period of about eight months, according to County Manager Alex Dudchock.”

“A successful and growing University of

Montevallo equates to economic success in our county,” Dudchock said.

The building was a joint project among several groups, including the Montevallo Development Cooperative District, the Montevallo City Council, the Shelby County Commission and the University of Montevallo Board of Trustees.

Montevallo on Main is scheduled to hold 55 classes in the building this fall, as well as most office spaces for the department of behavioral and social sciences. About 4,000 students are expected to make trips to the facility weekly.

— Stephanie Brumfield

Shelby Humane Society gets upgraded facilities Pelham Home Depot employees recently built a new storage facility at the Shelby Humane Society.

The new facility will provide muchneeded space for the Humane Society’s overflowing amount of supplies.

As part of Team Depot, Home Depot’s associate-led volunteer program, Adrianne Chesnutt, Kelli Haas and James Davis volunteered their time on their day off to paint the new facility, which was partially funded by a $1,500 grant from the Home Depot 8 | ShelbyLiving.com

Foundation.

The grant also helped fund another structure Humane Society employees say is invaluable — a large, covered structure at the back of the main building that provides shade for animals when they need to be outside.

In addition to painting, Chesnutt also assisted the Humane Society in facilitating the grant process, helping them get a materials list together and apply for the grant.

— Stephanie Brumfield

USA Today named Oak Mountain State Park one of the “10 great places to take on mountain bike trails” in August.

Oak Mountain’s mountain biking trail system was one of the only destinations in the southeastern United States to be included on the list, which also included Death Valley, Calif., and Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia.

“Alabama’s largest state park, south of Birmingham, gives cyclists plenty of room to crank up the fun — and adrenaline,” read Oak Mountain State Park’s entry on the list. “A network of trails laces the preserve’s ridges and valleys.”

OMSP contains dozens of miles of mountain biking and hiking trails snaking throughout the nearly 10,000acre park in Pelham, and its trail system is one of 52 named to the International Mountain Bike Association’s “Epic” list.

“Another accolade for a great park with a great bike trail,” read a post on the OMSP Facebook page.

“Thanks to BUMP (Birmingham Urban Mountain Peddlers) for their hard work maintaining the trails.”

— Neal Wagner

TownHouse Tea Shoppe 205-529-0081 thetownhouseatmtlaurel.com • thetownhouseteashoppe@gmail.com

Project SEARCH welcomes new class of interns Project SEARCH recently welcomed a new group of interns to Shelby Baptist Medical Center.

Ten special needs high school students from Chelsea High, Montevallo High, Thompson High and Oak Mountain High are participating in the program.

Project SEARCH is a national program designed to help special needs high school students transition to the work force through a series of internships with a community partner. Locally, the program is made possible through a partnership between a handful of local and state groups, including the ARC of Shelby County and Shelby Baptist Medical Center.

The program offers a combination of classroom instruction and internships. Students rotate through three 10-week internships at Shelby Baptist Medical Center, where they work at different departments, including physical therapy and the diagnostic center.

Most of the interns who participated in the program’s pilot year last year have gone on to find paid jobs at TJ Maxx, Shelby Baptist Medical Center and several restaurants.

Project SEARCH information sessions will be held on Nov. 21 at 6:30 p.m. and Feb. 20 at the Shelby Baptist Medical Center Physicians’ Center.

To participate in the program, students must be between the ages of 18-21 and in their final year of eligibility at Shelby County Schools or Alabaster City Schools.

— Katie McDowell October 2013 | 9

ARTS & CULTURE

An artist’s toolbox

DeAnne Thorn has spent her life creating and teaching art Story and photographs by LAURA BROOKHART

S

helby County resident DeAnne Thorn has many titles … artist, teacher, grandmother.

Often, those titles overlap, like when she teaches art classes at the Alabaster Senior Center through the Shelby County Arts Council.

A Missouri native, Thorn received a bachelor’s degree from Washington University School of Fine Arts, then, in order to teach, returned for her master’s of arts and aesthetics education.

“My older brothers gave me (a hard time) about studying art and I almost quit in my junior year,” she said. “Fortunately, I received excellent advice from the dean, who told me, ‘I understand you wanting to teach, but if you finish your fine art degree, you’ll be a much better teacher.’”

This, Thorn says, proved true. Her main teaching passion is drawing and studio classes, and she taught elementary, middle and high school classes, some including special needs students, in the St. Louis County School district.

Throughout her life, Thorn also found time to create her own art outside of the classroom. The subject of two of Thorn’s major works is trains, where she selectively focused in on specific portions, enlarging those shapes toward abstraction. The St. Louis Transportation Museum was a site she frequented with her senior high school students.

“I grew up with trains in my brain, being from Missouri and when I retired, I remembered the projects I did with my students and thought, ‘Now, I want to do that!’”

During this time, she worked with a group of women artists “who all fed off each other” for ideas and inspiration. Thorn went to a nearby junkyard and collected the rusted bailing wire used to frame the 10 | ShelbyLiving.com

small canvases.

Thorn also is known for her portrayals of sheep and rhinoceros. She paints animal portraits on commission, such as a recent depiction of a pet golden retriever.

Thorn moved to Shelby County to be closer to her daughter and granddaugthers. After moving here, she became involved with the Shelby County Arts Council.

Her paintings have won acclaim in past SCAC shows, including Best of Show in 2011 for her work, “Industrial Strength.”

“I was surprised,” she admits, “I didn’t see that coming. The industrial strength in reality is Velcro, as each of the nine small canvases that compose the whole and are mounted within the larger frame, can be moved to different positions, if the viewer so desires.”

“It’s certainly makes for a conversation piece,” she said with a smile.

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: A painting by DeAnne Thorn.

Thorn teaches painting at the Alabaster Senior Center through the Shelby County Arts Council. “Industrial Strength” won Best in Show in the Shelby County Arts Council’s 2011 Juried Art Show.

We’re here for the few they can’t.

A favorite mixed media technique is to begin with a sprayed background that she then draws on top of with pencil and pastels.

In the accompanying photo, Thorn was completing her submission for the upcoming annual SCAC show.

She often turns the canvas upside down, which forces the brain to let go of the known expected image and allows it to see just the shapes and values that compose it. She works from the grid method, as she was formally taught.

Thorn teaches at the Alabaster Senior Center through the Shelby County Arts Council, and she is bringing along her group with instruction in the grid method.

“I would say to everyone, don’t buy into that ‘I can’t draw thing.’

After all, you didn’t learn to ride a bike in a day — you practiced,” she said. “You had to learn the keys on the piano to play.”

“Once you learn the basics in art, you take up your box full of tools, which are forever the same, no matter what level you are,” she added. “You use the principles of design and the elements of art — line, texture, shape, space, value — and you put them all together as if assembling a puzzle.” l

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October 2013 | 11

ARTS & CULTURE

Eye of Summer Montevallo teen wins photography contest with the sun coming right through the tree,” Shivers said. “I think it’s great because of the way the light comes through, you get the emphasis on the tree.” an Shivers, a 17-year-old senior at The title is a metaphor, she said.

Montevallo High School and a member of “Some people consider God’s eye the sun, so I think the Boys & Girls Club of Central that’s a good metaphor,” she said.

Alabama, received the opportunity of Xan’s mother, Freda, also the director of the Boys a lifetime this summer after being one of 18 teens to & Girls Club in Montevallo, said Xan was treated like win the ImageMakers National Photography Contest, royalty while in San Diego. earning her an all-expenses-paid trip to the Sony At the awards dinner, the first event, Freda Shivers Electronics Headquarters in San Diego. said Sony put stars on the floor like the Hollywood Shivers traveled to San Diego in July, but she is still Hall of Fame and stopped the kids at the door to sign basking in the experience. a star.

“I was really kind of in shock,” says Shivers, who Other highlights included a trip to the Sony made it to the regional stage of the contest last year. “I ImageMakers studio, where Xan said she got to see didn’t think I would win because I wasn’t really sure how animated characters come alive in movies like what they were looking for and wasn’t really sure what “The Smurfs,” a behind-the-scenes look at movie sets was a great picture. and move studios, and a trip to the San Diego Zoo “I just never imagined something so big happening Safari Park. to me,” she added.

“They were really generous, and (we got) all these The annual contest, open to kids ages 6-18 who are opportunities that normally we wouldn’t have if we members of Boys & Girls Clubs across the country, hadn’t won the contest,” Xan Shivers said. “Besides all is sponsored by Sony and invites submissions in four the cool places we were able to go to, the thing I got categories. Shivers won for her photograph “Eye of mostly out of it was meeting the people from Sony and Summer.” listening to them talk about how they got there and “It’s a little tree in the summertime in front of a pier listening to what they do.” l Story by STEPHANIE BRUMFIELD Photograph CONTRIBUTED

X

12 | ShelbyLiving.com

ABOVE: Montevallo teen Xan Shivers’ photograph “Eye of Summer” was one of the winners of the ImageMakers National Photography Contest.

ARTS COUNCIL CORNER

Sharing the state’s spookiest tales gives a detailed written tour of each, Beverly said.

“Birmingham has many notable historic landmarks alloween will come today,” she said. “But so many a few days early at more are all but forgotten.” the Columbiana Beverly said she and Kyle Public Library. began a Facebook page On Oct. 24 the Shelby five years ago that County Arts Council focused on Alabama and the library will folklore history and welcome Beverly unusual places and Crider, the author of decided to call it the Strange Alabama Strange Alabama. blog and Facebook “’Strange’ does page, as part of their not mean bad around visiting writer series. here,” Beverly said.

Beverly and her “It’s just a fun name husband, Kyle Crider, Beverly Crider for the page.” will visit the library Beverly said she loves the and tell spooky tales of Alabama strange stories around the ghosts and legends. Their talk state and currently travels the will cover many haunted topics, back roads of Alabama for new including the St. James Hotel in Selma, considered to be the most material for Strange Alabama.

She said she is also working haunted location in the state. one her second book “Legends Beverly is the author of “Lost and Lore of Birmingham and Birmingham” and currently Central Alabama,” scheduled for writes the Al.com and Facebook release next year. blog, Strange Alabama.

The program will be Oct. 24 “Lost Birmingham” at 6 p.m. at the Columbiana chronicles the history of the Public Library, 50 Lester Street, Magic City’s lost landmarks, and Story by CLARKE STACKHOUSE Photographs CONTRIBUTED

H

Columbiana. Call the library at 205-669-512 for details. For more information on Strange Alabama and Beverly Crider, visit Facebook.com/StrangeAlabama. l

ABOVE: Beverly Crider examines Birmingham’s lost landmarks in “Lost Birmingham.” Crider will speak at the Columbiana Public Library on Oct. 24.

October 2013 | 13

ARTS & CULTURE

ABOVE: Matter Deep Publishing prints fine-art books, children’s books and more.

14 | ShelbyLiving.com

All in the

family

The Stricklands launched their own publishing company

The quick, easy way to make deposits. ◆ Deposit cash or checks anytime day or night ◆ Most ATM deposits made by 9 pm weeknights are credited that same day ◆ Images of your checks on every receipt

Story by LINDA LONG Photographs by JON GOERING

And now I will unclasp a secret book, and to your quick-conceiving discontents I’ll read you matter deep and dangerous, as full of peril and adventurous spirit as to o’er-walk a current roaring loud, on the unsteadfast footing of a spear.

N

— “Henry IV” by William Shakespeare.

ot every company can claim to have its mission statement straight from the words of William Shakespeare, but then, Matter Deep is not just any company. The Pelhambased publishing company, which took its name straight from the Bard’s words in “The Tempest,” has a portfolio which includes myth, magic, vampires and Mother Goose on a spaceship, and with titles like “Kissing Corpses,” and “The Incognito Project.”

Works of matter deep, dangerous and adventurous spirit? Seems to be a fitting description.

“We really liked the sound of it,” said Amy Leigh Strickland, company chief web officer. “It has a Shakespeare connection to literature and some of our work is deep with a super power kind of connection.”

Matter Deep is owned and operated by three branches of the Shelby County Strickland family — CEO Terry Strickland, her husband, Dan,

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parents to daughter Carly, son Kyle and his wife Amy Leigh Strickland.

According to Terry, the idea of actually starting a family run business began one night during conversation around the supper table.

“It seemed we had all the parts and some fun inspiration to start a publishing company.

I’m an artist and I had a portrait series, ‘The Incognito Project,’ that I wanted to document in a book,” she said. “As we talked, we realized that Kyle had written a series of short stories, Amy had written a young adult book, Carly had written and illustrated a children’s book and was just (finishing) an illustration degree, and Kyle had a professional writing degree. They were both graduates of Savannah College of Art and Design.”

The Stricklands wasted no time. That casual conversation over a family dinner, just two years ago, sparked an independent, family owned publishing company that was originally conceived as an outlet to publish fine art books. That notion quickly evolved to include picture books and traditional prose fiction.

Those family dinners continue to be a weekly tradition in the Strickland clan, except that these days “they usually turn into business brainstorming sessions,” Terry said.

“Somebody might say, ‘I have an idea for a children’s book.’

Somebody else says, ‘Wouldn’t it be funny if…’ What makes this company work is that as a family we all really do like each other,” she said. “Love is there, that’s an obvious thing, but we all genuinely like and support each other. Nobody is afraid to voice their ideas. We share an attitude, of ‘You have an idea? How can I 16 | ShelbyLiving.com

help make it happen?’”

Carly, who serves as the company’s art director, has her own theory on why Matter Deep works as a family run venture.

“Mom’s the queen. It’s really that simple,” she laughed. “Her title is CEO but actually she is the queen, but seriously we’re not really much of a hierarchy. We operate more as a group effort.”

Carly said another contributing factor to the company’s success is that “Dad made us talk to each other when we were kids.”

“Dad” is Dan Strickland, a retired engineer from AT&T who brings his own brand of creativity to the table having been involved for years in community theater. He is now writing a novel slated for publication within the next year.

“As chief financial officer, Dan is also the practical link in the creative process and sometimes has to rein us back in,” Terry said. “He is always on hand when we have our regular Matter Deep meetings to discuss financial decisions and marketing ideas and where best to next put our energies.”

The company decided to first put its energies into a collaborative effort with Carly doing the illustrations for her brother Kyle’s series of short vampire stories in 2011. Dubbed “Bite-Sized Fiction,” the first title in the series was “Jeremy’s Mother is a Vampire.”

According to Kyle, he and his sister have always been close.

“Our parents encouraged us to talk it out if we were having

ABOVE: The Strickland family: Dan, Terry, Amy Leigh, Carly and Kyle. The Stricklands handle all aspects of Matter Deep Publishing from writing and illustrating the stories to marketing the products.

disagreements,” he said.

“One thing I love about my family is that we all talk to each other really well. A lot of families aren’t lucky enough to have that. That level of communication helps especially when you are taking a family dynamic and turning it into a business.”

Kyle also has accolades for his wife, Amy Leigh, whose skills in website design, online marketing and publishing “helped bring it all together.”

“She was the final piece we needed to help make it all successful,” he said.

The company portfolio includes a series of children’s books called Matter Deep Kids!

“Our picture books tend to focus on well-illustrated animals,” Amy Leigh said.

“We love our pets, but I don’t really think that theme was conscious; they’re just fun to

draw. ‘Sunshine’s Night Out’ is for a preschool age. It hardly has any words. It’s about a hamster who escapes her cage and explores the house, but eventually returns to the safety of her home.”

The latest offering from Matter Deep Kids is “Mothership Goose,” a collection of classic Mother Goose tales with vintage scifi illustrations. “There isn’t so much as a moral,” said Amy, “as we wanted to do a fun update on the rhymes and apply them to a different setting.”

Despite its successful forays into science fiction and children’s literature, the company has not forgotten its roots — the goal to publish Terry Strickland’s art book, “The Incognito Project.” The series of portraits of models in the roles of their alter egos is

set to be released in November.

“We did a 500-copy print run of this beautiful hardcover art book,” said Amy Leigh, marking the first stocked product for Matter Deep Publishing.

The company will print and stock only a few special limited-edition books. It uses Amazon’s Create Space service to produce and distribute most of its printed media products.

The philosophy at Matter Deep is “that electronic media is the way of the future,” Amy Leigh said. “Matter Deep is dedicated to making its print content available in the digital medium for the sake of progress, convenience and the environment.”

However, having said that, she added, “I think that some types of paper books will never be replaced. There’s nothing that beats holding a beautifully

illustrated comic or picture book in your hand, but I also think that there are so many opportunities opened up by digitally publishing novels and disposable media like newspapers.”

Matter Deep books are available at Amazon.com and through some expanded distribution channels such as Barnes and Noble online.

Also look for the Matter Deep creative team at upcoming conventions such as Sci-Fi gatherings and an upcoming young author’s convention for women writers.

“The biggest problem with independent publishing is connecting with people,” Terry said. “You make a great product, then it’s up to you to let everybody know about it.”

A complete list of Matter Deep books can be found at Matterdeeppublishing.com. l

The University of Montevallo invites you and your family to

ART STALK

the Montevallo Artwalk

with Halloween-themed street party

October 26, 2013 3-7 p.m.

Main Street, Montevallo

Event includes: More than 50 artists & vendors Costume contest for all ages

(show your creativity with original costumes)

Drawing to win ghost sculpture

by Andy Cummings

Campus Ghostwalk

presented by The Alabamian

and so much more!

For more details and vendor information, visit:

www.montevalloartwalk.com Montevallo Artwalk is a cooperative effort by the City of Montevallo & the University of Montevallo with support by the Montevallo Arts Council.

October 2013 | 17

Margarita Grill, Best Margarita and Best Patio Dining

Area 41, Best Pizza

of the

best best Shelby County

brought to you by:

Morgan Creek Vineyards and Winery, Best Winery

18 | ShelbyLiving.com

Helena Depot Deli and Grill, Best Burger

SHELBY Living

Alabaster Jim ‘N Nick’s, Best Barbeque

Papa Saia’s, Best Bar

We asked. You answered.

Thousands of votes were cast in Shelby Living’s third annual Best of the Best contest.

Read on to find out the best businesses, restaurants and festivals Shelby County has to offer. Thank you for your support!

Dining and Nightlife Best Coffee

Highland Gourmet Scone Company

Best Pizza

Area 41

Best Patio Dining

Alabaster Starbucks

Best Margarita

Margarita Grill

Best Barbecue

Margarita Grill Best Italian Cuisine

Alabaster Jim ‘N Nick’s Best Burger

Best Bakery

Best Bar

Papa Saia’s

Helena Depot Deli and Grill Joe’s Italian, Best Italian Cuisine

Joe’s Italian

Best Mexican Cuisine

Cozumel Grill

Highland Gourmet Scone Company, Best Bakery

October 2013 | 19

2 Blu and the Lucky Stiffs, Best Local Musicians

Best Asian Cuisine

Mizu

Arts and Culture

Bruce Andrews, Best Local Artist

Best Museum

Shelby County Museum and Archives

Attractions

Best Annual Festival

Alabaster CityFest

Best Local Musicians

2 Blu and the Lucky Stiffs Dr. Robert Snyder, Best Family Doctor

20 | ShelbyLiving.com

Columbiana Inn Best Golf Course

Timberline Golf Club and Ballantrae Golf Club

Best Park

Veterans Park, Alabaster

Best Local Artist

Bruce Andrews

Best Bed and Breakfast

Best Wedding Venue

Douglas Manor

Best Winery

Morgan Creek Vineyards and Winery

Shelby County Museum and Archives, Best Museum

Best Farmers Market

Helena Market Days

Dr. Tim Nettles, Best Dentist

Alabaster CityFest, Best Annual Festival

Health and Beauty Best Family Doctor

Dr. Robert Snyder Best Pharamcy

Snider’s Pharmacy Best Dentist

Dr. Tim Nettles Best Dermatologist

Inverness Dermatology Alabaster, Pelham and Greystone YMCA, Best Fitness Center

Best Orthodontist

Best Spa

Best Fitness Center

Business

Birmingham Orthodontics, Greystone Alabaster, Pelham and Greystone YMCA

Spa One Nineteen and Santa Fe Day Spa

Best Boutique

Gifted

Best Hair Salon

Salon 5

Best Jewelry Store

Paul’s Diamond Center

Best Nail Salon

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October 2013 | 21

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Timberline Golf Club, Best Golf Course

Best Dry Cleaners

Best Sporting Goods Store

Best Auto Service

Best Veterinarian

Best Furniture Store

Best New Car Dealer

Best Pet Supply Store

Best Consignment Store

Best Used Car Dealer

Best Florist

Best Children’s Clothing Store

Best Daycare

Best Realtor

Best Women’s Clothing Store

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Main Street Florist Melanie Siow

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October 2013 | 23

Helping hands Student spends summer doing mission work in Africa Story by STEPHANIE BRUMFIELD Photograph CONTRIBUTED

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eventeen-year-old Laurel Davis spent almost seven weeks in Africa this summer, and unlike many teenagers who go on mission trips overseas, she paid for nearly the entire cost of the trip herself.

Davis, a senior at Cornerstone Christian School, left the U.S. June 15 and returned Aug. 1, spending about three weeks at an orphanage in Zambia and four weeks at a refugee camp in South Africa.

She raised $5,200 in a little less than two years, babysitting five days a week during the summer and working at her church’s nursery on Sundays.

Near the end, when the cost of plane tickets and other fees started mounting, she says she “gave in and wrote letters.”

She received the rest of the cost of her trip, $800, in donations, with a large amount of support coming from her school.

While missions have always been on her heart, Davis said this particular trip was a perfect fit for her because it allowed her to follow her passions.

“I love kids, and I want to be a teacher.

I would love to teach in other countries as a missionary,” she said.

ZAMBIA In Zambia, Davis camped in tents with about 30 other missionaries at an orphanage called Camp Hope, which is part of the organization Every Orphan’s Hope.

Located in a fenced-in compound, Davis said the orphanage is unique in that it tries to recreate family units and doesn’t adopt out. Four boys and four girls are paired with a “Mama,” or a widow in the 24 | ShelbyLiving.com

ABOVE: Cornerstone Christian senior Laurel Davis traveled to Zambia and South Africa for a mission trip this summer, where she taught a summer camp for kids and visited with refugees.

community, and they live together like a family.

Although Davis and her comrades stayed at the orphanage, she said the summer camp they hosted was intended for kids outside the orphanage and kids without support systems. About 150-200 kids attended the camp and ranged in age from 5 to 19.

Davis worked with a group of 5-yearolds, and she the most difficult part was learning to communicate.

“They couldn’t understand a word I said. It’s difficult to show love to someone who’s not loved without using words,” she said.

Although each group was given a translator to translate daily lessons, Davis

said she found communicating easiest through tickling and playing games.

She also washed their feet.

“They were really quiet the whole time. After, even more then before, they wanted to be close to me,” she said. “It felt so gratifying but it also broke my heart. It was the best experience ever.”

SOUTH AFRICA Only about half of the original 30 missionaries continued with Davis to South Africa, where the group met another group of about 10 missionaries.

There, they went to refugee camps and started conversations with people by asking if they needed help.

In between sweeping and washing clothes and dishes, they talked.

“Some conversations lasted five minutes, while other conversations lasted two days,” she said. “It taught me a lot about being bold.”

Most of the refugees she met were from Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Botswana, and most moved to South Africa because it has more jobs.

FUTURE PLANS Davis will graduate from Cornerstone Christian in December. She hopes to spend the spring semester working as a nanny in Italy, the summer interning with Every Orphan’s Hope and the next year going to school, she said.

“I want to get a teaching degree so that I can be a humanitarian teacher even in countries that don’t allow missionaries,” she said.

Since she’s returned, Davis said people keep asking her if she’s sad for the people she met. She said she is, but she’s “more sad for the people here.”

“Yes, (in Africa) they don’t have as much as us, but they have so much more faith and hope,” she said.

“Although, yes, in a way we’re more privileged than them — but definitely not better than them — it doesn’t mean you should feel guilty. It does mean you should use your resources to help people who don’t have as much as you.” l

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October 2013 | 25

Lasting legacy Mt Laurel group supports women with cancer after seeing needs firsthand Story by LAUREN HEARTSILL DOWDLE Photograph CONTRIBUTED

A

mother, daughter, wife and friend to many, Lorie Johnson and her story give hope to women battling cancer — even though Johnson lost her own fight against the disease three years ago.

Johnson, a Chelsea resident, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007 when she was six months pregnant with her second son. To complete her chemotherapy, mastectomy and radiation, she gave birth to a healthy baby boy at 35 weeks. After her treatments, she found out she was cancer free.

But unfortunately, the cancer came back — and this time it was in her lungs and deemed incurable.

26 | ShelbyLiving.com

“I do not accept this as an answer,” Johnson wrote in a blog she maintained during her treatment. “God has not carried me this far only to leave me now.

He is the only one who can tell me when it’s my time, and I know He will walk me through this fire.”

Johnson’s church, Double Oak Community Church in Mt Laurel, rallied around her after the diagnosis and created the Lorie Johnson Foundation in 2008. The non-profit organization raised funds to help pay for Johnson’s financial needs.

But after fighting the cancer for 19 months, Johnson passed away in 2009.

Jay Mullaly, chairman of her foundation, and his wife, Jenny, were friends with Johnson.

“The thing I most admired and what stood out to me was that she didn’t fear death,” he says. “Of course, Lorie got

frustrated and was hugely saddened that she was going to leave this earth, her husband and two sons. When everyone else was sad about her situation, she was positive and the leading light in the room.

“She had an incredible perspective,” Mullaly adds. “I believe it was because she knew where she was going, and her faith carried her through until the end.”

Those involved with the foundation didn’t think they would carry on once Johnson was gone, but Mullaly says they saw other women who needed their help — and Johnson had wanted the group to keep the mission going.

Instead of directly supporting cancer research, the organization focuses on meeting more day-to-day needs for women with cancer. This includes providing things such as gas cards and paying power bills, mortgage payments

ABOVE: Lorie Johnson lost her battle against breast cancer in 2009.

October 2013 | 27

and rent. “The most personal needs are groceries in the refrigerator and having the lights on,” Mullaly says.

To receive support, the women must first fill out a grant application on the foundation’s website. The organization’s board then validates all of the information and medical backgrounds and decides if the candidate is a good fit for the program.

In the past five years, the foundation has helped a range of women, including Beverly Guthrie, who was diagnosed with nonHodgkin’s lymphoma in 2009.

“You feel like your world has ended when they say you have cancer,” she says. “All you can do is try to take it one day at a time.”

Guthrie called several places for assistance with her medical bills, and after weeks of hearing “no,” someone told her about the Lorie Johnson Foundation.

“It gives you peace of mind to know there’s someone out there who cares about your well being,” she says.

Guthrie’s cancer went into remission at the end of 2011, and she says she has been blessed to know Mullaly and the other members of the foundation.

“It gives you peace of mind to know there’s someone out there who cares about your well being.”

— Beverly Guthrie “They are in a desperate situation, but they are the ones lifting us up. They are so positive,” Mullaly says of the women helped by the foundation. “It’s changed me tremendously.”

The group hosts fundraisers, such as a yearly golf tournament at the Riverchase Country Club, dinners and silent auctions.

“Everybody, at some point, has been touched by cancer, whether it’s a family member or friend,” he says. “But, I’m not sure people understand the financial liability of someone ending up in this situation. It’s been very eye-opening for me to know how much medicines and procedures cost on a weekly, monthly and

yearly level.

“It’s enough for them to be dealing with their cancer,” he continues. “We try to take some of that load off of them in other areas, and that’s what we are here for.”

No matter how many women the foundation helps, the one who started everything is still on the minds of those involved.

“It’s important to me personally to keep Lorie’s legacy alive,” Mullaly says. “Her name is very much a part of every dollar we give back.”

To donate, volunteer or learn more about the foundation, visit Loriejohnsonfoundation.com. l

Signature Communities -“where your family calls home.” e-signaturehomes.com 28 | ShelbyLiving.com

October 2013 | 29

Up in the air Shelby County group shares its love of flying Story by LINDA LONG Photographs by JON GOERING

30 | ShelbyLiving.com

October 2013 | 31

T

he group is called the Shelby County Experimental Aircraft Association, but make no mistake, there’s nothing speculative or untried about these airplanes.

“That’s one thing we want to dispel — the image that these planes aren’t safe, because they are,” said Johnny Ward, Shelby County EAA president.

The actual planes in question are often as diverse as the EAA membership itself. Sitting on the Shelby County airport tarmac on this hot summer day are a couple of representative models. Ward’s plane is the vintage green and gold two-seater, circa 1947, sporting a handpainted figure reminiscent of those shapely girls that adorned World War II bombers.

Across the way, sitting at an almost jaunty angle, is a much newer model, shiny and silver, showing off its black and white checkerboard tail. Retired commercial airline pilot and EAA member Ed Wood is both its owner and builder. Wood flew for Pan Am and Delta for a combined 36 years. When he retired he decided to build an airplane … in his garage.

He said the building kit arrived in two big cartons in December of 2004. Armed with a book, a set of plans and an unquestioned love of flying, Wood spent the next three years and four months in his garage hammering out an airplane.

The entire project took 1,500 hours, and it had to be documented for the Federal Aviation Administration. In fact, according to Wood, amateur builders must adhere to strict battery of FAA guidelines throughout the building PAGE 30: Ed Wood and Johnny Ward, two members of the Shelby County Experimental Aircraft Association, stand beside their planes at the Shelby County Airport.

ABOVE: Johnny Ward’s plane sits ready for action on the tarmac of the airport.

32 | ShelbyLiving.com

October 2013 | 33

ABOVE: Passengers get ready for takeoff during a flight as part of Young Eagles Day at the airport. TOP RIGHT: Jim Cawthon owns a Cessna 172 and is a EAA member and aviation enthusiast. BOTTOM RIGHT: Children get the chance to explore the planes up close during Young Eagles Day at the airport.

“We just want to share our passion for flying and to promote aviation and for future pilots.”

process.

“Experimental actually refers to a category of airplanes, not the fear you might not make it,” he said.

More FAA guidelines came into play the first time Wood got his shiny new flying machine off the ground taking off from the Shelby County Airport.

“I had to fly alone for the first 40 hours,” he said. “The weather had to be good and I had to stay within a certain area. “ “Despite the restrictions, Wood said “it felt really good” to get his plane off the ground. He admits, however, “Sometimes, when I get up around 10,000 feet I look around and say ‘God, this thing used to be in my garage.’”

34 | ShelbyLiving.com

The whole project cost Wood a total of around $70,000, a price he says can’t be compared to buying a plane off the airline used car lot, so to speak. With unabashed pride, Wood says his home built plane “has a lot more maneuverability and speed” than the bigger planes.

“Guess you could call this one the sports model or the hot rod,” he said with a laugh.

If Wood’s plane is a hot rod, then Jim Cawthon’s — Johnny Ward Cessna 172 is what he wryly calls a Taurus.

“Not all of our guys build and restore planes,” Cawthon said of the EAA’s Shelby County members. “Our biggest mission is to promote aviation. Personally, I don’t

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October 2013 | 35

have the patience for it. I’d say ‘Hey, we have a seat. We have a wing. Let’s go fly.’”

Cawthon, a self-proclaimed “airport junkie,” is a retired executive with IMAX Corporation, a job which took him all over the country on commercial airplanes.

“I flew a lot in business. It kept me in the back seat of a 737 forever,” he said. “But, I just wanted to know where we were going. I always wanted to see out. You can’t do that from a big jet.”

His wife thought she solved that problem when she gave him a gift certificate to “go fly around for an hour,” but, in actuality she created what Cawthon calls a monster.

“When I left that day, I had all the maps and charts and all the books,” he said. “I was hooked. That was 20 years ago, and I have been here ever since having the best old time.”

Cawthon is involved in one of the organization’s star programs called the Young Eagles, one of the most effective ways the Shelby County EAA is spreading its love of flying. The program is designed to to give kids ages 8 to 17 a chance fly in an airplane. Local EAA members offer the program twice a year, in the summer and in the fall. The flights are all free and are made possible through EAA member volunteers.

Ward is passionate about flying and the Young Eagles program. The Air Force veteran has been flying for more than 50 years and was recently awarded the FAA’s Wright Brothers Master Pilot award. He is serving his second year as president of the Shelby County EAA, which boasts 35 members, a roster that has doubled during his tenure.

“We just want to share our passion for flying and to promote aviation and for future pilots. There’s a shortage of pilots right now,” he said. “We’re hoping to change that by creating a love of aviation in young people and giving those who are interested a chance they might not otherwise get. Not everybody has access to a plane, and that’s where we come in.” l RIGHT: A plane takes to the skies for a tour of Shelby County. PAGE 37: Young Eagles Day provides a unique opportunity for the participants to see what the Experimental Aircraft Association is all about.

36 | ShelbyLiving.com

October 2013 | 37

Custom creativity

Pelham company offers unique smartphone cases Story by GRACE THORNTON Photographs by JON GOERING

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any people in Shelby County could agree with Emily Flack that their mobile phone is their “most beloved accessory.”

That’s why Flack, co-founder and chief creative officer of CaseStreet, said she started a company that is taking that accessory’s personalization to a whole new level. The Pelhambased company — found online at Casestreet.com — offers unique, customizable cases for iPhone users, from monograms 38 | ShelbyLiving.com

to sports teams to photos of your baby or pet.

“The designs are adorable,” Flack said. “People connect to something unique because it belongs to them. It brings a sense of pride as well as ownership.”

Flack and Rick Peyton, CaseStreet co-founder and chief technology officer, both work in the custom stationery business and wanted another way to get the artists’ designs in people’s hands, Peyton said.

So after some planning and dreaming, CaseStreet was born in summer 2012.

“Emily and I have built

relationships with excellent designers and have learned to identify what styles have mass appeal,” he said. “We were also both swept up in the smartphone craze of the past few years and took notice that the iPhone accessory business has exploded into an estimated $3 billion industry.”

They both love Apple products, Peyton said, so they hoped to “disrupt the norm with our eye-catching, one-ofa-kind iPhone cases.”

The cases, which retail for $29, feature the work of wellknown artists, are customizable with photos and monograms

CLOCKWISE FROM FAR LEFT: CaseStreet offers a range of customizable smartphone cases. Rick Peyton and Emily Flack are the co-founders of CaseStreet. The cases can include monograms, photos and more. Flack works on a smartphone case design at her office in Pelham.

and allow buyers to choose their own colors and lettering styles.

“We try to add new ones as often as we can,” Flack said, noting that with all the customization options, CaseStreet currently offers 382 design possibilities.

Peyton said the designs are unique, but “beyond that I think our personalization tool is a difference maker.”

When iPhone owners personalize their cases and upload their photos, they instantly get a visual proof of their custom case.

And CaseStreet’s products

“aren’t just pretty — they are protective, too,” Peyton said.

Each case has a hard personalized case on the outside and a protective sleeve on the inside for durability, he said.

The cases sell nationwide, Flack said, because “they’re great, they’re durable and people love them.”

CaseStreet even offers cases specifically designed for brides to be, moms to be and graduates.

“They’re great as gifts. It’s a niche market that has sold very well,” she said. l October 2013 | 39

Even small dogs can make a strong fashion statement while tailgating. Auburn dog dress, Fancy Fur, 5291 Valleydale Road, Birmingham.

Show your school spirit with one of these soft V-necked shirts.

Shirts come in a variety of local schools’ names. $21.99 each, Podos Ink and Thread, 56 Marketplace Circle, Calera.

Game day gear Cheer on your favorite college or high school team in style Show your school spirit everywhere you go with these chevron key chains.

Key chain, $12 each, Chelsea Lane.

This pillow makes the perfect tailgating accessory for a day on the Quad. Pillow, $36, Chelsea Lane, 16700 U.S. 280, Chelsea.

40 | ShelbyLiving.com

Display your favorite game day memory in this charming picture frame.

Frame, $21, Chelsea Lane.

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Bringing Fido to the game? Make sure he sports your team’s colors on his leash. Leashes, $17 each, Fancy Fur.

Display your Auburn pride with this rustic sign. Sign, $15, Podos.

October 2013 | 41

Carry your pet to watch Bama in this stylish houndstooth carrier. Animal carrier, $48.99, Fancy Fur.

These gloves allow you to use your smartphone without removing them. $17 a pair, Chelsea Lane.

These insulated cups come in a variety of school colors and styles. Cups, $22-$24, Chelsea Lane.

This cushioned seat will keep you comfortable while you cheer on the Thompson Warriors.

It’s also available in other local schools’ colors. Seat, $31.95, Podos.

These dog bags hold plastic bags for easy cleanup during walks. These cute fabric bags are handmade locally and 10 percent of sales benefit Hand in Paw. Dog bags, $15, Fancy Fur. 42 | ShelbyLiving.com

Show your pride in the Crimson Tide with this outfit. Houndstooth dress, $36, and stretch knit belt, $17.95, both from Podos.

These brightly patterned coozies are perfect for tailgating. Can coozie, $13 each. Bottle coozie, $18 each. All from Chelsea Lane.

This reversible purse features a red and white elephant print on side and houndstooth on the other. Purse, $38.95, Podos.

October 2013 | 43

HOME & FOOD

44 | ShelbyLiving.com

The power of pink This Mt Laurel home features color, pattern and funky décor Story by KATIE MCDOWELL Photographs by JON GOERING

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ynn Watts does not shy away from color.

Luckily for her, neither does her husband, David.

Two years ago, while deciding what color to paint the interior of their new Mt Laurel home, she came across a House Beautiful cover that featured a pink living room.

“It said pink is the new neutral, and I said, ‘That’s it,’” Lynn recalled.

Although they had been considering gray for the interior, Lynn quickly convinced David to get on board with their new color palette.

Soon, the walls were painted pink.

While Mt Laurel is known for its craftsman-style homes in natureinspired hues, Lynn, who describes her style as funky, whimsical and eclectic, said she did not feel limited in her decorating options. She filled

the home with crystal chandeliers, a jukebox, colorful Dez Ryan lamps and animal hide rugs — and that’s only in the main living area.

“You don’t have to have a particular color or style,” she said. “You can do whatever you want with it.”

While Lynn’s style is whimsical, it’s also practical.

“It’s very comfortable,” she said.

“You cannot hurt anything in my house.”

The home features an open floor plan, and the front door opens into the main living space — a great room, dining area, kitchen and sitting area combination. The travertine tile floor serves as a neutral counterpoint to the walls and provides easy cleanup when the David and Lynn entertain.

The dining area features a small round table surrounded by October 2013 | 45

PAGE 44: The sitting room has a funky vibe with a neon jukebox, Dez Ryan lamp and zebra chairs. CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Ruched bedding and neutral colors give the guest bedroom a relaxed feel. Lynn Watts painted the interior of the home pink after seeing the color in a House Beautiful article in 2011. A painted chest in a guest bedroom provides plenty of storage space. A convex mirror hangs on the wall in the sitting room.

46 | ShelbyLiving.com

October 2013 | 47

upholstered chairs. A sculpture stands on a pedestal in one corner, and a lighted cabinet showcases other art objects.

A large chocolate brown L-shaped sofa provides plenty of space for lounging in the great room.

The sofa is oriented toward a fireplace featuring mosaic glass tiles in greens, browns and neutrals.

The mantel is decorated with glass candlesticks, mirrored vases and wall décor.

The kitchen features a large island, granite counters, glass tile backsplash and white cabinetry.

Bar stools on one side of the island provide extra seating for meals.

A small sitting room located off the kitchen leads back to a bar and the master suite.

The sitting room features more of Lynn’s funky style with a pair of zebra-print chairs, a working jukebox and a convex mirror topped off with an ornate chandelier, one of several located throughout the home.

The room is also home to a Dez Ryan lamp, which Lynn also collects. The art-based lamps, which are no longer in production, are one-of-kind, and feature patterned shades and colorful bases.

“I love my Dez Ryan lamps,” she said. “They’re all funky and have different-colored shades.”

The master suite is decorated in whites and neutrals with gold and black accents. A crystal and wrought-iron chandelier illuminates the room.

Gold scrolls feature prominently, on the bed’s headboard and footboard and above the windows.

Texture also plays a big role in the bedroom, including a linen headboard, ruched duvet, fur pillow and an animal hide rug layered over a natural fiber rug.

The two guest bedrooms, which are located off the great room at the front of the house, also feature a neutral color palette.

While the Lynn and David love their home, it’s the outdoors that really drew them to Mt Laurel.

They moved into their new home in the fall of 2011, but they’ve been Mt Laurel residents for about 10 years.

They visited the neighborhood about a decade ago and fell in love with its natural beauty and walkability, not to mention the friendly neighbors.

“We can walk anywhere we want to go,” she said.

They moved to their new home in the fall of

CLOCKWISE FROM RIGHT: The master bedroom is decorated in shades of white with black and gold accents. A animalprint stool sits beside a clawfoot bathtub in the master bedroom. The master bathroom features animal prints and ornate wall sconces.

48 | ShelbyLiving.com

October 2013 | 49

50 | ShelbyLiving.com

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2011, partly because they wanted a one-level home.

At that point, they were well-acquainted with Mt Laurel’s natural beauty, and they made the most of it in their new home.

The home itself is brick and stone and covered in moss. Lynn wanted it to blend in with the landscape.

“I wanted it to look like it’s always been here,” she said.

The home has a patio and a lushly landscaped backyard. The patio is located at the center of the house and features several rocking chairs and a fireplace. The backyard is home to several water features, sculptures, a fire pit and outdoor dining area.

For Lynn, the porches are the best locations in the house. In the mornings, she sits on the porch with their miniature Schnauzer Bella and enjoys a cup of coffee while taking in the view.

“I look at the beauty we have out here, the woods and the trees,” she said. “I enjoy the tranquility." l PAGE 50: The backyard patio features a table for eight, lush greenery and funky accents. PAGE 51, TOP: A stone fireplace on the terrace provides the perfect spot to relax in the fall and winter. PAGE 51, BOTTOM: A fire pit is located in the backyard. RIGHT: Lynn and Bella, her miniature Schnauzer, take a break on the front porch.

52 | ShelbyLiving.com

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October 2013 | 53

HOME & FOOD

Fresh family food Tony’s Spaghetti House brings Sicilian tradition to North Shelby Story by STEPHANIE BRUMFIELD Photographs by JON GOERING

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aving dinner at Tony’s Spaghetti House is, in some ways, like traveling to the Italian island of Sicily.

Owner Tony Falletta III, also known as “Big Tony,” comes from a Sicilian family 54 | ShelbyLiving.com

and has been using his grandmother’s traditional Sicilian recipes for the last 40 years. The recipes have been passed down in his family for generations and are hundreds of years old, he says.

Falletta opened the first Tony’s Spaghetti House in Irondale in the 1970s when he was also working as an attorney.

Back then, his mother and grandmother

were his cooks. He eventually closed the original location but opened another restaurant when he retired, only this time with another name and in another location. He opened Leonardo’s in Vestavia in 1998, where he stayed for about 12 years.

Falletta opened his current location and the second Tony’s Spaghetti House on Nov. 1, 2012 with his son, Tony Falletta IV,

PAGE 54: Tony’s Spaghetti House offers family prices in an inviting atmosphere. ABOVE: Lasagna is one of the restaurant’s most popular dishes. Falletta makes the dish by layering noodles with sauce, ground beef, mozzarella and ricotta cheese and baking it in the restaurant’s stone oven.

or “Little Tony.” Despite the name change, he says he still uses the exact same recipes as he did at Leonardo’s, and he’s still getting the word out that it’s the same place.

“People will come in here and see the way we do our garlic rolls (and recognize us as Leonardo’s),” Falletta says. “They’ll ask, and that’s how they know it’s us. When we changed our name, a lot of people who were followers of Leonardo’s didn’t know that we were the same people out here at Tony’s Spaghetti House, so we’ve had kind of a difficult time letting people know.”

The rolls recipe is an old, Italian recipe for bread that Falletta says has been in his family for years.

“We put spices and olive oil and garlic butter on the bread when it comes out of the oven, and it’s just real tasty,” he says.

And taste is important to Falletta, for “Italian food is next to breathing,” he says. “(Food) is the most important thing for us,” he says.

To achieve great taste, he uses quality ingredients that you can taste, including high-quality cheeses, high-grade flour and fresh vegetables.

October 2013 | 55

“Everything we serve is fresh,” he says, noting nothing is served frozen.

“And we have certain specialties that nobody else has because they come from our family,” he says.

“We did things that none of the other restaurants did.”

The restaurant is a family place in more ways than one. Not only does the food have family history, but so does the décor. Falletta has hung large, family photographs along the walls, including a photograph of his wife’s father before leaving for the Battle of the Bulge in Belgium as well as a photograph of his wife’s grandfather, who was the Messina Police Chief before moving to the United States in 1905. He also has a photograph of his mother and father in Pearl Harbor when they got married.

Falletta also thinks of families when he makes his dishes.

“We keep our prices as low as possible to where families and come in and eat and not feel like they’ve been robbed,” says Falletta, who charges around $12 per entrée. “We’re basically a family place. We give big portions of food to where everybody takes leftovers home and has another meal.”

Falletta says the restaurant’s lasagna is by far the most popular dish, but the veal and children marsala are also very popular. Falletta layers his lasagna with noodles, sauce, ground beef, mozzarella and ricotta cheese, which he then bakes in a stone oven.

He also says dishes made with their signature Alfredo sauce are also popular, as the sauce is made with pure cream, and there are several dishes made with the Alfredo sauce, he says.

On the weekends, the restaurant serves specials such as stuffed artichokes and stuffed eggplant with shrimp, which come from different Sicilian villages.

The stuffed eggplant comes from the Sicilian village of Cefalu, he says.

Falletta’s favorite dish is one that he made himself and isn’t on the menu.

He takes one of his most popular appetizers, fried zucchini sticks, and he cooks them in some sauce in a skillet. Then, he puts Romano and mozzarella cheeses on top of them, bakes it in the oven to melt the cheese and lays it over pasta.

“It’s like a zucchini parmesan,” he says. “It’s not on our menu yet, but people really love that dish.”

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP RIGHT: The walls of Tony’s Spaghetti House are decorated with large, family photographs. Big Tony, left, stands next to the restaurant’s piano, which comes alive with entertainers on weekends. The Italian sausage, onions and peppers is another popular dish. Falletta makes it with Asagio-Romano cheese that is aged for five years and served shaved on top of the dish.

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October 2013 | 57

Other appetizers that are popular with customers include fried artichoke hearts, calamari and a new dish involving a potato stuffed with spices and mozzarella and dipped in egg, rolled in bread crumbs and fried. Falletta says it can be eaten by itself or with marsala wine gravy.

“It’s out of this world,” he says.

The restaurant is also known for its desserts. In addition to classic desserts such as tiramisu and cannoli, Falletta makes a different bread pudding every week, including ones made with Limoncello and others made with amaretto.

His wife also makes a triple chocolate cake with Ghirardelli chocolates, which is served heated with chocolate syrup and ice cream. The restaurant also offers an assortment of cakes, such as spiced tea cake and blackberry wine cake.

Tony’s Spaghetti House is located at 5287 U.S. 280 in Birmingham. Hours are Monday, 5 p.m.-9 p.m., Tuesday-Thursday 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5 p.m.-9 p.m., Friday 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5 p.m.-10 p.m., Saturday 5 p.m.-10 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m.-2 p.m. For more information call 783-1388 or visit Facebook. com/TonysSpaghettiHouse. l RIGHT: Tony’s Spaghetti House is known for its Limoncello, an Italian lemon liqueur often served as an after-dinner cocktail.

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High Tea

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Somerby at St. Vincent’s One Nineteen held a High Tea for residents Aug. 15.

1. Elizabeth Swafford, Martha Ashbaugh, Saralyn Millwee and Barbara Barbee 2. Joan Shivers, Ann McRight and Jeanne Barks 3. Bertha Battles and Ruby Tiller 4. Kitty Strassner, Sylvia Masslen, Jackie Polak, Anna Lee Schneider and Trudie Edwards 5. Tommie Covert and Judy Green 6. Catherine Saab, Jonny Clendenon and Madeline Salathe 7. Joan Shivers, Sarah Hill and Betty Scheu 8. Catherine Smith and Doris Turner

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Eleemosynary

The Shelby County Arts Council presented Eleemosynary on June 22.

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1. Charlie Tidwell, Christine Frederick, Margaret Moreland and Ed Moreland 2. April Grayson, Kevin Grayson, Tammy Watts and Terri Sullivan 3. Patsy Ellis, Nancy Dauis, Christy Edmundson and Chavis Bauer 4. Corley Ellis and Diane Ellis 5. Diane Moore and Beth Strickland 6. Michazz Cosky and Glynda Cosky 7. Marrene Wilson, Betty Holcombe, Jennifer Browning, Graham Browning and Betty Broome 8. Kenneth Walker, Clara Walker, Lynn Hightower and Bill Hightower 9. Kelby Frazier, Emily Yundt and Rachel Ruehmer

October 2013 | 61

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Locals turned out for Free Friday Flicks at Veterans Park in Hoover on July 26.

1. Ricasha Conwell, Riana Conwell, Ricquel Conwell, Kristina Bell and Jimitri Cockrell 2. Gina Sherman, Carter Gustin and Cecilia Crego 3. Ada Fitts and Karen Self 4. Mary McDaniel, Keandra Unger and Eva-Claire Riley 5. Addison, John and Kristen Praytor 6. Steve, Sherry, Cameron and Kayla English 7. Holly Alvendia, Emily Lyons and Claire Brantley 8. Avery Essman, Abigail Essman and Anderson Hendrickson 9. Amy Bailey, Myles Dunn and Brad Bailey 10. Hailey Hutzel, Michael Devore, Aubrey Devore, Colton Hutzel, Mackenzie Devore and Erica Hutzel 62 | ShelbyLiving.com

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11. Michelle Gann and Justin Booth 12. Taylor Williams and Alicia Mardis 13. Mary Kyle Kilgore, Caroline Sunday, Kylie Watson and Reilly Stephens 14. Matt Williamson, Ethan Shanks and Ginny Arledge 15. Mary Claire Pugh, Marcie Marinelli, Jared Bullock, Jack Bishop and Jim Cline

Get spotted in

SHELBY Living

Contact us if you’d like to have your event featured in the Spotted section of Shelby Living! Whether it’s a community event, parties or meetings — we'd love to get photos for our Spotted pages! Email katie.mcdowell@shelbyliving.com with event details.

Azia Skin Cancer Fundraiser

Relay fo

r Life

Specia Equestrl Gala ians

October 2013 | 63

SHELBY SPOTTED

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Spirit of the Arts

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St. Andrews Episcopal hosted Spirit of the Arts on July 13.

1. Scot Rhodes and Randy Jackson 2. Susan Howard Finch, Justin Finch and Cindy McDonald 3. Marylyn Pettit and Judy Quick 4. Kelly Mills and Lauren Woolley 5. Joanne Fogle, Hannah Stephens and Mary Adeline Ragland 6. Joanne Fogle, Suzanne Stephens and Lillie Stephens 7. Rev. John Wesley and Sandie Wesley 8. Beckey Tutwiler and Susan Tedford 9. Mary Ann Gray and Sally Smith

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Shelby County Women’s Connection brunch

The Shelby County Women’s Connection held a brunch on July 12 at the Riverchase Country Club.

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1. Patsy Smalley and Bobbie Keith 2. Memory Cummis, Billie Holleman, Connie Thomas, Shelley Boockholdt, Edwina Chappell and Darlene Higginbotham 3. Karen and Barbara Czeskleba 4. Linda Lanzarotta and Mandy Houska 5. Paula Stephens and Cathy Bearden

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SHELBY SPOTTED

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Miss Shelby County Pageant

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The Miss Shelby County Pageant was held at Shelby County High School July 19.

1. Ashley Carden, Amanda Carden, Angela Beasley, Lora Gowers and Haleigh Gowers 2. Buzz Williams, Carol Williams, Lillie Gaston, Amy Bolt and Jeff Bolt 3. Portia Miller and Cierra Belser 4. Karen Thompson and Rebecca Thompson 5. Amber Key, Stacy Key and Scott Key 6. Tanya Lusco, Pat Byerly and Shelli Chapin 7. Dianne Sharpe and Gene Sharpe 8. Angel Killian, Anna-Katherine Killian and Donna Bagwell 9. Rebecca Linder and Abigail Reynolds

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Big Kaboom Big Kaboom was held at Chelsea Park on July 3.

1. Holly Marbut, Ben Prater, Kinsley Christian and Drew Cox 2. Mark Odom, Chad Beasley, Heather Odom, Jennifer Beasley, Jack McDonald, Halle Beasley, Peggy McDonald and Ken McDonald 3. Melissa Hagood and Tasha Heinze 4. Jama Esco, Butch Henderson and Aidan Esco 5. Truman, Caleb, Eli and Cory Talley

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SHELBY SPOTTED

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Songs of Broadway

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Emily Kay Herring lit up the stage with her “Songs of Broadway” performance July 21 at the Shelby County Arts Council’s performance space in Columbiana.

1. J. Mark and Mandy Frey 2. Mary Louise Jones, Johnny Jones and Emily Kay Herring 3. Barb and Walley Borrles 4. Corley Ellis, Beth Blanton and Julie Ellis 5. Christina Frederick and Charlie Tidwell 6. Jon Connor, Kelly and Jessie Davis 7. Bue Hightower, Margaret T Mooreland, Kristen Fuller and Ed Mooreland 8. Van and Susan Barringer 9. Elaine, Rebecca and Sarah Ethridge 10. Pam and Bill Gandy

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narrows FA M I LY E Y E C A R E

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11. Brittani Elison, Patsy Robertson and Mollie Smelley 12. Arthur Bosarge and Emily Kay Herring 13. Ouida Mayfield, Lenoyre Glaegoul, Debbie Horton, Peg Hill, Freddie Akridge and Norma Loftin 14. Helen Gibson and Gail McCord 15. Maria and Abby Kennedy

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Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Networking

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The Greater Shelby, Homewood, Hoover Area, Mountain Brook and Vestavia Hills chambers of commerce joined together to offer a SpeedNetworking for Professionals event at The Hyatt Regency Birmingham — The Wynfrey Hotel on July 30.

(Photos by Keyla Handley) 1. Taylor Hammond and Dustin Welborn 2. Molly Wickstrom, Allison Naylor and Katie Woodruff 3. Jim McIntosh and Michael Smith 4. Michel Coleman and Glyna Humm 5. Kristina Young, Holley Frings and Chris Causey 6. Dale McWhorter and Jerry Nolan 7. Bruce McMellon, Thomas Stroud and Bill Powell 8. Kelli Holmes and Andy Graffio 9. Steve Ruffner and Damian J. Carson 10. Elise Hearn and Jordan Gilliam 70 | ShelbyLiving.com

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21 Weatherly Club Drive Alabaster, AL 35007 205-663-4111 • Fax: 205-663-4134 www.joesitalianonline.com

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11. Aubri McClendon and Keyla Handley 12. Gus Pappas and Suzan Doidge 13. Darlene Raughton, Susan Lehman, Jill Williams and Greg Williams 14. Jason Dill and TraMarcus Jones 15. Ira Levine, Jim Curtis and Kim Bullock

PE

T GROOMING

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OUTIQUE

To Celebrate

11 years in business we are offering

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Distinguished Young Women

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The 2014 Distinguished Young Woman Shelby County Program was held at Oak Mountain High School on July 27.

1. Katherine Wright, Lauren Thrasher and Sherri Thrasher 2. Elizabeth Wesson, Brends Carter Taylor and Barry Sublett 3. Maddie Hall and Catherine Milling 4. Kim Skoneki, Annie Skoneki and Jerry Bagwell 5. Briana Kinsey and Brooklyn Holt 6. Carol Andrews, Erin Autrey, Shelley Carruba and Shelby Andrews 7. Madeline Causley, Caitlin Owens, Katie Jenkins and Mary Grace Sanford 8. Alexandra and Melinda Renfroe 9. Shannon Denney, Morgan York and Briana Kinsey 10. Debbie Gray, Katie Gray, Katie Mattox and Jennifer Mattox

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Music on Main

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A big crowd turned out for “gospel night” at Columbiana’s Music on Main on July 19.

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1. Lindsay Handley, Keyla Handley and Hope Finley 2. Ocie Speer, Jadyn Buff and Wanda Speer 3. Brianna Wakefield, Dawn Alexander and Taylor Wakefield 4. Johnie and Brenda Farmer 5. Nancy Jones and Bert Thaxton

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University of Montevallo commencement ceremonies

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The University of Montevallo held its summer commencement ceremonies Aug. 2.

1. Tom Grainger, Charlotte Siegel and John and Marian Grainger 2. Richard Roberts, Shirley Roberts, Penny Bostick, Bill Bostick and Robby Roberts 3. Jana Hoffman and Abigail Bradley 4. Tomeka Horne, Sharekia Wainwright, Braeden Wainwright and Bradley Wainwright 5. Dr. and Mrs. Peck Mallory and Peck III 6. Robert McLeroy, Celene Hall, Lohner McLeroy and Angela Hall 7. Dylan McEuen, Matthew Moyers and Trevor McEuen 8. Jan and Kyle Roberts 9. Joyce Marion, Vic Marion, Lynn Marion, Judson Stewart and Ronnie Stewart 74 | ShelbyLiving.com

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Unscripted Photography Exhibit

Unscripted Photography Exhibit reception was held at the Gretchen B Gallery in Helena on Aug. 4.

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1. Brad, Cooper and Buddy Birdwell 2. Barry Altmark, Gretchen Birdwell, Jerrod Brown and Mike McGary 3. Mike and Karen McGary 4. Hiltrud and Robert Hollibugh 5. Jonathan and Elizabeth Sanders

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SHELBY SPOTTED

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Coffee and Contacts

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The Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce held Coffee and Contacts at Danbury at Inverness on Aug. 8. (Photos

by Clarke Stackhouse) 1. Randy Gorman and Daryl Hutchins 2. John Buck, Amanda Smith, Joe Thomas, Whitt Smith and Phillip Gargis 3. Sue Ruffing and Amy Smith 4. Verona Petite and Joe DiBenedetto 5. Kevin Roberts and Tonya Wallace 6. Jaclyn Gardner and Phil Storie 7. Roht Boudillon, Geoff Langdon and Lori Heinemann 8. Bill Powell and Mike Lewallen 9. Anojeb Netik, Triston Burrows and Lori Krueger 10. Amanda Smith, Bill Godfree and Newt Godfree

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Field of Angels Baseball League

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The Field of Angels Baseball League, which serves special needs kids, held its opening day on Aug. 9 at Orr Park in Calera.

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1. Margie Posey, Kristi Bunn and Richard Posey 2. Carmeuse Community Relations Team from left: Cory McCready, Todd Sheffer, Dawn Haden, Ginger Sharman, Phil Caudill and Rodney Bunn 3. Caleb Kline, Lance Kline, Cassidy Fortenberry and Clay Wood 4. Field of Angels buddies Connor Bush, John Wade Killingsworth, Wesley Posey, Noah Seiger and Tyler Ferguson

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SHELBY SPOTTED

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Kids Fest

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Kids walked the runway at Alabaster Belk’s Kids Fest on Aug. 10.

1. Kyle Halsey, Madison Raine and Morgan Richardson 2. Noa and Nya Parker 3. Alisha and Anna Kate Duncan 4. Lauren and Ava Claire Baker 5. Brooke and Valerie Sanner 6. Erin Dukes, Mari Dukes and Eboni Bennett 7. Seth, Caroline and Abigail Belscher 8. Courtni and Kellis Hale 9. Lillie and Brayden Crawley 10. Lowen, Julie, Mario and Keeley Flores

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11. Kourtney and Kim Benson 12. Daisy and Joe Middleton 13. Jayla, Krystian and Devon Nix 14. Jill Littleton, Kayla, Olivia and Emily Tortorici 15. Ashley Mizzell, Aylissa Truss, Jamie Roberson, JaCarrie Miller and Aaliyah Millerz

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OUT & ABOUT Bark in the Park

Monster Walk

History Hike

Oct. 3

Special Equestrians Golf Tournament: Special Equestrians’ annual celebrity golf tournament will be Thursday, Oct. 3 at Timberline Golf Club in Calera. Former Bama standout Bobby Humphrey is the celebrity host.

Registration is 8 a.m. with a shotgun start at 9 a.m. Lunch and awards presentations will be held in clubhouse following the tournament.

For more information, visit Specialequest.org.

SSCC Luncheon: The South Shelby Chamber of Commerce will host its monthly luncheon Thursday, Oct. 3 at 11 a.m. at Columbiana’s First United Methodist Church, 200 North Main Street. Luncheon spotlight is on Wilsonville, and speaker Ryan Nast of Regions Bank will present “Financial Planning for Small Business.”

Cost is $10 per person.

Photography Exhibit: An opening reception for “Civil Rights Leaders — Then and Now: Photographs by Spider Martin and Jonathan Purvis” will be Oct. 3 from 4:30-6 p.m. at The Gallery in Bloch Hall at the University of Montevallo.

The exhibit will run Oct. 3-24.

Visit Montevallo.edu.

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Oct. 5

Chelsea Day: Celebrate the arts at this year’s Chelsea Day at Chelsea City Hall on Oct. 5 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. The event will feature vendors and local entertainment from schools and churches. For more information, contact Scarlet Walker at 205-529-3750 or Chelseahighband@yahoo.com.

Orphan Run: Orphan Run will be Oct. 5 from 8 a.m.-noon at Hoover’s Veterans Park, 4500 Jaguar Drive, Valleydale Road.

The race has been designed to support orphans around the world.

Bark in the Park: Bring out your pup to Bark in the Park Oct. 5 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at Alabaster’s Veterans Park. Free admission. The event features a Mutt Strut and benefits the Shelby Humane Society.

For more information, visit Shelbyhumane.org or call 6693916.

OMSP Fall Festival: Oak Mountain State Park’s third annual Fall Festival will be Oct. 5 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Activities include hayrides, face painting, cake walk and bobbing for apples. Some activites cost $1. The event will take place at the Dogwood and

Lakeside pavilions on Terrace Drive. Visit Alapark.com/ Oakmountain.

Oct. 6

Hearts for Hasberry 5k: The Heart for Hasberry 5k will be Oct. 6 from 8 a.m.noon at Hoover’s Veterans Park. The run will raise funds for Greg Hasberry, who has kidney failure and is searching for a new kidney. For more information, visit Hooveral. org.

Oct. 8

CCC Luncheon: The Calera Chamber of Commerce’s monthly luncheon will be Tuesday, Oct. 8 at 11:30 a.m. at the Calera Community Center. For more information, contact 205-668-3023 or Info@ calerachamber.org.

Taste of Pelham: The inaugural Taste of Pelham will be Tuesday, Oct. 8 from 6-8 p.m. at the Pelham Civic Complex, 500 Amphitheatre Road. The fundraiser is presented by the Pelham Library Guild and will feature more than 25 vendors from caterers to local restaurants.

All proceeds will benefit the Pelham Library Building Fund.

Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door.

Oct. 10

Founders’ Day: The University of Montevallo’s Founders’ Day will be Tuesday, Oct. 10.

Founders’ Day celebrates the founding of the university and is the day seniors receive their caps and gowns.

Oct. 12

Painting Workshop: The Shelby County Arts Council will host a palette knife painting workshop with Ahmad Austin on Oct 12.

Austin is a Birmingham native who attended the Alabama School of Fine Arts and currently teaches at South Shades Crest Elementary.

For more information, visit Shelbycountyartscouncil.com.

Cowboy Day: Old Baker Farm’s Cowboy Day will be Saturday, Oct. 12 from 9 a.m.dark and Sunday, Oct. 13 from 1 p.m.-dark. The event features shootouts, Western music, hayrides, wagon rides, hay mountain, pumpkin patch and more. Cost is $10 per person. Admission fee includes pumpkin and all events except food, arts and crafts and horseback rides. Old Baker Farm is located at 1041 Farmingdale Road in Harpersville. Visit Oldbakerfarm.com.

WOOFstock: WOOFstock will be Oct. 12 from 9 a.m.2 p.m. at Veterans Park in Hoover. The free event , which is hosted by Hoover Parks and Recreation Foundation, draws thousands of families and their pets of all shapes and sizes to Veterans Park on Valleydale for a fun day at the park. Activities include Bama Air Dogs, contests, adoptions, micro chipping, children’s fun zone and vendors with petrelated items and food.

History Hike: Come learn about the history of Oak Mountain State Park on Oct. 12 from 9 a.m.-noon. Meet at the entrance to Group Camp Road (on the right past Terrace Drive) on John Findley Drive. Visit Alapark. com/Oakmountain.

Oct. 19

Run Away from Domestic Violence: The 2013 Run Away from Domestic Violence is the seventh annual walk/run to benefit the King’s Home (formerly Hannah Home Shelby). King’s Home Shelby is a 13,000-square-foot Christcentered home that serves the needs of abused women and their children. The run includes an 8k and one-mile fun run will be Saturday, Oct. 19 at 8 a.m. at St. Vincent’s One Nineteen, 7191 Cahaba Valley Road, Birmingham.

Oct. 20

Calera Goes Pink!: The third annual “Calera Goes Pink” Golf Tournament will be Sunday, Oct. 20 at Timberline Golf Club. Shotgun start at 1 p.m. Individuals and foursomes welcome. Prizes awarded for top net and top gross. For more information, contact Joe Kruse at Jkruse@ timberlinegc.com or 205-6687888.

Hoover Hayride: The Hoover Hayride and Family Night

will be Oct. 25 from 5-8 p.m. at Veterans Park in Hoover.

This free family-friendly event featuring hayrides around the park and large exhibitor area where Hoover Area Chamber members distribute candy and givaways to children dressed in their favorite costumes.

Oct. 26-27

Cotton Pickin’ Celebration: Old Baker Farm’s 2013 Cotton Pickin’ Celebration will be Oct. 26-27 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

This annual event features living history and exhibitors from across the South, including Native American arts and crafts, blacksmith, basket makers, broom makers and more. Admission is $10 per person. Old Baker Farm is located at 1041 Farmingdale Road in Harpersville. Visit Oldbakerfarm.com.

Oct. 27

Critters by the Creek: Critters by the Creek will be Oct. 27 from 2-4 p.m. at Orr Park in Montevallo. The event will include vendors, petrelated arts and crafts and more.

Oct. 31

Monster Walk: Columbiana’s Monster Walk will be Oct 31 on Main Street. Trick-or-treaters will visit local businesses in the afternoon to collect goodies.

Hometown Halloween: Montevallo’s Hometown Halloween will be Oct. 31 from 3-5 p.m. The event includes trick-or-treating on Main Street, live music and seasonal snacks. For more information, call 205-665-1519.

Shelby Living is happy to feature community events in its monthly calendar. The event must take place in Shelby County or be sponsored by a Shelby Countybased group. Email details to Katie.mcdowell@shelbyliving. com. l October 2013 | 81

WHY I LOVE SHELBY COUNTY

Kirk Mancer:

‘The quality of life is second to none’ provide information on our communities and our member firms — and to carry out a program of work that helps make Shelby County an even better place to live and do business.

Story by KATIE MCDOWELL Photograph CONTRIBUTED

K

irk Mancer is the president and CEO of the Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce.

Previously he worked at the Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce and the former Birmingham Regional Chamber of Commerce. The Philadelphia native received dual bachelor of arts degrees in politics and sociology from Washington and Lee University. He and his wife, Jennifer, have a set of twins who are sophomores in college, son Evan at Ole Miss and daughter Hannah at the University of Alabama.

You’ve worked with several chambers of commerce in Alabama. What attracted you to this type of work?

Well, I’m not sure, I think it’s more that Chamber work “found” me! After graduating from college in 1984 and working on Capitol Hill up in Washington from 1984-1988, I ended up moving to Alabama after George H. W. Bush was elected president that November. My first full-time “employment” was serving as Finance Director for Bill Cabaniss who ran against Howell Heflin in the 1990 U. S. Senate race. Unfortunately, that didn’t end the way we’d hoped, and I went to talk with Don Newton who was the President of the then Birmingham Area Chamber of Commerce. It was just supposed to be an information interview, but after 30 minutes, he was taking me down to meet with Tom Cosby, who was the VP of Membership & Marketing at the time, and asking Tom to meet with me about a position that was available.

Within a couple of days I was a part of the Chamber “team.”

What do you enjoy most about serving as the president and CEO of the Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce?

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What’s the most unusual job you’ve held?

I’ve learned a lot in all of the opportunities I’ve been given, but probably the most “unusual” was working as a “chef” while I was still in college at a Denny’s Restaurant one summer in Philadelphia. I was given the 11 p.m. – 7 a.m. shift. I remember the manager telling me during my two-week evaluation that the only thing “holding me back” was my over-easy eggs.

The opportunity to work with a tremendous group of business and community leaders — as well as my colleagues on our staff — who are committed to producing a program of work that provides our membership with a positive return on their investment and strives to make Shelby County an even better place to live and do business.

What are the benefits of chamber membership?

Well, the benefits vary depending upon the type of organization that is considering membership in the GSCCC. On the one hand, there are tangible, or direct, benefits — increased visibility, access to business information and business networking — a member receives. But just as valuable is the notion that a company has “hired” the GSCCC to carry out our program of work. A lot of companies don’t have the time to answer the thousands of phone calls we receive about Shelby County. By joining the chamber, a company is “hiring” the chamber to answer those questions,

If you could meet any three people, dead or alive, who would it be and why?

• Robert E. Lee — for establishing the Honor System at Washington & Lee University during his tenure as President of the school. The Honor System, still in place today, stipulates that a student would not lie, steal or cheat. President Lee expected civility and integrity among students at the school, and the system creates the conditions for mutual trust, resulting in a rich, frank exchange of ideas.

• Sir Winston Churchill — for his leadership and inspiration skills, especially during the difficult early days of the War when Britain stood alone among European countries in its active opposition to Adolf Hitler and Nazi Germany.

• Pat Summitt, Head Coach Emeritus, University of Tennessee — for her leadership skills and commitment to excellence. While her success on the court is unmatched, her true legacy is that every player who completed her eligibility at Tennessee under her graduated with a degree or is in the process of doing so. l

October 2013 | 83

Bring in Any Competitor’s Ad and We Will Simply Beat it by

10%

Does not include beds with Manufacturer’s Minimum Advertised Pricing

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