February 2022 | Volume 15 | Issue 6
280LIVING.COM
THE 280 CORRIDOR’S COMMUNITY NEWS SOURCE
BACK TO THE START
Doug Adair holds a great horned owl in September 2020 at the Alabama Wildlife Center at Oak Mountain State Park. Adair died Dec. 6. Photo by Erin Nelson.
AWC Director Doug Adair remembered as a true public servant By LEAH INGRAM EAGLE Doug Adair spent his life in service to others. From a young age in Boy Scouts, to serving as class president in high school and being named a Truman Scholar, to his work in the federal government and as a lawyer, he lived an extraordinary, but humble, life. Adair, the executive director of the Alabama Wildlife Center for the past eight years, passed away Dec. 6. An avid runner since high school, he called his sister, Linda Kyle, following a run the day before Thanksgiving and told her he was having chest pains. “He walked home and waited a while and thought it would get better,” Kyle said. “He thought it was indigestion but decided it wasn’t, so he left to go to the hospital.” As he was en route to the hospital, Adair suffered a massive heart attack and went into cardiac arrest, all while his sister was still on the phone. Kyle said the paramedics were able to revive him, but his brain had gone too long without oxygen. Adair spent over a week in Shelby Baptist Medical Center before passing. “It was a blessing we were on the phone with
Guy Dill looks over Pearl Harbor, where he served during World War II as a Navy pilot. He went back for the 80th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor in December. Photos courtesy of Butch Dill.
99-year-old veteran Guy Dill returns to Pearl Harbor for 80th anniversary of attack By LEAH INGRAM EAGLE
G
uy Dill describes himself as a 1942 Tom Cruise in “Top Gun.” He enlisted in the military as a U.S. Navy fighter pilot Jan. 1, 1942, less than a month after the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor during World War II. He was only 19 years old. In December, Dill made the trip back to Hawaii for the 80th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor and shared his story with 280 Living.
JOINING THE NAVY
Dill graduated from high school just seven months before
See DILL | page A22
A group of World War II veterans salute during the Dec. 7 commemorative ceremony in Pearl Harbor.
See ADAIR | page A23
INSIDE
Sponsors............... A4 280 News.............. A6
Chamber..............A10 Business................ A11
Schoolhouse........A14 Community.......... A17
Opinion................A20 Sports.................... B4
Spring Medical Guide................. B9 facebook.com/280living
Lifesaving Ministry
Jags’ Big Finish
Megan’s Fund awards its first grants to The Crisis Center and Restoration Academy.
As basketball season reaches the final stretch, Chris Laatsch believes his team will keep improving.
See page A19
See page B4
A2 • February 2022
280 Living
How to secure your finances for inflation One of the most talked about topics in recent months has been inflation. Inflation can be sneaky, acting as an “invisible tax” that you might not notice in your small, daily purchases but which adds up quickly at the register during your weekly grocery trip. It will impact your finances from routine day-to-day expenses to major purchases like a new vehicle. Since it’s unlikely that many peoples’ income will rise as fast as the inflation rate, the best way to prepare for inflation is to be proactive in knowing and assessing your long-term financial plans. Conducting monthly self-checkups to evaluate your finances is one of the most important financial habits you can put in place to prepare for life’s uncertainties and opportunities. Below are some of the key areas to pay attention to when evaluating your finances. • Address your debt – Start by minimizing the amount of high-interest-rate debt you have. Consider transferring balances to lower interest rate cards wherever possible. If you have equity in your home, another option would be to refinance with the currently reasonable mortgage interest rates and take out a home equity loan to pay off your high-interest debt. • Increase your revenue streams – To counteract rising costs, look into exploring additional ways to make more money. Start by examining what you already have: If you have a second home or spare room, it might be time to rent them out. Industrial equipment or extra warehouse space would also be something you could rent or lease out. If time is what you can spare, there may even be a side hustle you can earn extra income from. • Construction plans – We all know the cost of construction has significantly increased over the last 18 months. If you are planning to build or add on to your home, consider whether your current and future income is enough to justify today’s increased costs. If not, talk with your lender to understand what available financing options you may be able to afford and utilize. And don’t forget to work with your contractor to value engineer your project accordingly. • Examine wants vs. needs – With the costs of just about everything going up, it’s a good time to reevaluate your reoccurring expenditures. If you’re paying more for groceries and utilities, are there other places you can cut back on spending to offset the increases? Screen your purchases by establishing whether they are a true need. Bypassing pricier name brands or even delaying larger purchases that aren’t urgently needed could make up the difference on necessary items. • Meet with your banker – I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to have honest and open conversations with your banker. If you’re pondering a project or expecting a major life event, it’s an ideal time to discuss these with your banker. Lean on them for their expertise before you decide to make a major purchase or financial decision. And don’t feel bad asking for advice, this is their job. • Reexamine your investments – Speak with a wealth advisor to be sure you have an investment portfolio with a mix of assets and income that will allow you to meet your goals. Don’t be risk-adverse. I’m not suggesting taking your money to the casino, but make sure you focus on the upside of the market.
Joe Taunton is a Market Manager for Valley Bank based out of the Meadowbrook branch off Highway 280. He has been in the banking industry for 10 years and enjoys helping people and small businesses progress in their financial journeys.
©2022 Valley National Bank. Member FDIC. Equal Opportunity Lender. Equal Housing Lender. All Rights Reserved.
280Living.com
February 2022 • A3
A4 • February 2022
280 Living
About Us Editor’s Note By Leah Ingram Eagle Happy February! We’ve made it through the first month of 2022. If I still wrote checks (which I actually do on a rare occasion) I’m sure I’d still not be used to writing the new year yet. It’s the month of love. I guess most people either hate it or love it. I love it, but my husband says it’s a made up holiday and prices on greeting cards and flowers are jacked up to make money for companies. The holiday is actually named for Valentine, a bishop in Terni, Italy, who performed weddings for couples who were not allowed to get married and was beheaded Feb. 14, 269 A.D., because of his Christian faith. Yikes! This month’s cover stories focus on two men who have made a big difference both locally and nationally. Guy Dill is a World War II veteran and former Indian Springs resident of 50 years. He recently
attended a ceremony for the 80th anniversary of Pearl Harbor along with other veterans. He shared his story with me, and I’m excited to share it with you. His son, Butch, a photographer for the Associated Press, made the trip to Hawaii with him and captured some amazing images. Also featured is Doug Adair, the former executive director of
the Alabama Wildlife Center. Doug passed away unexpectedly in November after living an incredible life. He and I were in the Leadership Shelby Class of 2020 and became not only colleagues, but also friends. I knew it would be fitting to honor Doug’s life with a tribute story. New in this month’s issue is a column by Alana Smith. This local mom who lives on the 280 corridor has been writing for several years on her Holy Mother Motherhood Facebook page and website. She will now be sharing her columns on relationships, motherhood and more in a column every month in 280 Living. Happy Valentine’s Day, and happy reading!
PHOTO OF THE MONTH
Spain Park cheerleaders lead the Jags onto the court for the start of a boys basketball game against Pelham on Jan. 5 at Spain Park High School. Photo by Erin Nelson.
Publisher: Dan Starnes Managing Editor: Nick Patterson Community Editors: Leah Ingram Eagle Jon Anderson Jesse Chambers Neal Embry Sports Editor: Kyle Parmley Community Reporter: Eric Taunton Design Editor: Melanie Viering Photo Editor: Erin Nelson Page Designers: Kristin Williams Ted Perry Contributing Writers: Alana Smith Sean Dietrich Client Success Specialist: Anna Bain Content Marketing Manager: Ingrid Schnader Graphic Designer: Emily VanderMey Advertising: Michelle Salem Haynes Don Harris Jarrett Tyus Warren Caldwell Bob Willard Administrator: Anna Jackson
Please Support Our Community Partners Alabama Ballet (A16) America’s Thrift Store (B5) Bank of England Mortgage - Magic City (A16) Bedzzz Express (A24, B1) Bellini’s Ristorante (B6) Birmingham Braces (B15) Bromberg’s & Company (A18) Brookwood Baptist Health (A13) Budget Blinds (A20) Cabinetry Refinishing & Restoration (A1) Cahaba Glass (A21) Cardinal Roofing (A21) Carpet Warehouse Galleria (A9) Children’s of Alabama (B12) Chiropractic Today (B2) Clearview Strategy Partners (B3) Compact2020 (B4) Cool Breeze Inc. (A19) CPAP Plus - O’Neal Medical (B19) Danberry at Inverness (B18) ENT Associates of Alabama (B18) Etc. (A15) Fancy Fur- Paws and Claws (A8) French Drains Pro (A11) Gardner Landscaping (A6) Grandview Medical Group (A3, B13) Hearing Solutions (B19) Kete Cannon, ARC Realty (A11) Luckie’s Pinestraw (A1) Magic City Eyecare (B9) Max Transit (B7) Medicare Advisors of Alabama (B17) MiBella Wellness Center (B16) NAI Chase Commercial (A7) Oak Highland Design/Decorating Den (A10) Pak Mail (A7) Patti Henderson, Flat Fee Real Estate (A12) Piggly Wiggly (A5) Proveer at Grande View (B14) Ray & Poynor (A5) Red Mountain Associates Thrivent Financial (A14) Rockett’s Bug Juice Gardens (A14) Royal Automotive (B20) Sewing Machine Mart (A6) Shelby County Chamber of Commerce (A18) Southeastern Jewelers and Engravers (B4) Southern Air - Skeltons (A8) Southern Blood Services (A12) Southern Home Structural Repair Specialists (B6) Space Cadets (B1) Studio Abear (A13) TherapySouth Greystone (B10) TrustCare Urgent Care (A17) Valley Bank (A2) Vulcan Termite & Pest Control (A10) Window World of Central Alabama (B2)
For advertising contact: dan@starnesmedia.com Contact Information: 280 Living P.O. Box 530341 Birmingham, AL 35253 (205) 313-1780 dan@starnesmedia.com
Please submit all articles, information and photos to: leagle@starnesmedia.com P.O. Box 530341 Birmingham, AL 35253
Published by: Starnes Publishing LLC Legals: 280 Living is published monthly. Reproduction or use of
editorial or graphic content without prior permission is prohibited. 280 Living is designed to inform the 280 community of area school, family and community events. Information in 280 Living is gathered from sources considered reliable but the accuracy cannot be guaranteed. All articles/photos submitted become the property of 280 Living. We reserve the right to edit articles/photos as deemed necessary and are under no obligation to publish or return photos submitted. Inaccuracies or errors should be brought to the attention of the publisher at (205) 313-1780 or by email.
Please recycle this paper.
Find Us Pick up the latest issue of 280 Living at the following locations: ► Alabama Outdoors ► Cahaba Ridge ► Chiropractic Today ► Chelsea High School ► Chelsea Library ► Cowboy’s ► Danberry ► Edgar’s Bakery ► Edward’s Chevrolet ► Ground Up Coffee & Smoothies/ Snider’s Pharmacy ► Lloyd’s Restaurant ► Mt Laurel Library
► North Shelby Library ► Oak Mountain High School ► Spain Park High School ► St. Vincent’s 119 ► Somerby at St. Vincent’s ► Winn-Dixie Chelsea ► Winn-Dixie Inverness Want to join this list or get 280 Living mailed to your home? Contact Anna Jackson at ajackson@ starnesmedia.com.
280Living.com
February 2022 • A5
GUIDING YOU HOME
Are you looking to buy or sell a home this spring? Don’t get overwhelmed by the process! Ray & Poynor’s realtors are highly knowledgeable and can help you along the way. As a locally owned and operated company, we know the Over The Mountain market and are invested in our clients and our community. Whatever your real
raypoynor.com | 205.879.3036
estate needs may be, we’ll guide you home.
A6 • February 2022
280 Living
280 News County restructures voting precincts, polling sites By LEAH INGRAM EAGLE Some voting precinct boundary lines and voting center designations around Shelby County will soon be seeing changes. The Shelby County Commission voted to approve these changes to make the election process more convenient for voters and to facilitate the administration of the election process during its Jan. 10 meeting. “What we are proposing is going from 43 districts to 37, merging some together,” County Manager Chad Scroggins said. “Most of these district changes are because in the last presidential election, we had conflicts, traffic closures, issues that would come from different areas based on access to the buildings, handicap access, traffic issues. Some of them have been going on for years in other elections, so it’s the time to address some of those right now.” Here are the designations for voters in the 280 Living coverage area: ► Precinct 7: Chelsea Church of God, 2020 Shelby County 39, Chelsea, 35043 ► Precinct 8: North Shelby Baptist Church, 4100 Belcher Drive, Birmingham, 35242 ► Precinct 9: Asbury United Methodist Church, 6690 Cahaba Valley Road, Birmingham, 35242 ► Precinct 10: Shelby County Services Building, 19220 U.S. 280, Birmingham, 35242 ► Precinct 11: Shoal Creek Town Hall, 100 New Williamsburg Road, Birmingham, 35242 ► Precinct 12: Greystone Farms Clubhouse, 1000 Farmhouse Road, Birmingham, 35242 ► Precinct 13: Founders Clubhouse - Greystone Golf & Country Club, 4100 Greystone Drive, Birmingham, 35242 ► Precinct 14: The Church at Brook Hills, 3145 Brook Highland Parkway, Birmingham, 35242
Shelby County Manager Chad Scroggins talks during the Jan. 10 Shelby County Commission meeting, during which the body voted to change the number of voting districts in the county from 43 to 37. Photo by Leah Ingram Eagle.
► Precinct 15: MeadowBrook Baptist Church, 4984 MeadowBrook Road, Birmingham, 35242 ► Precinct 16: New Hope Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 5521 Double Oak Lane, Birmingham, 35242 ► Precinct 17: First Christian Church, 4954 Valleydale Road, Birmingham, 35242 ► Precinct 18: Valleydale Baptist Church, 2324 Valleydale Road, Birmingham, 35244 ► Precinct 28: Chelsea Community Center, 11101 Chelsea Road, Chelsea, 35043 ► Precinct 29: Faith Presbyterian Church, 4601 Valleydale Road, Birmingham, 35242 ► Precinct 33: Christ Church United
Methodist, 5091 Caldwell Mill Road, Birmingham, 35244 Only absentee voting will take place at the Shelby County Courthouse in Columbiana. Commissioner Lindsey Allison said the biggest issues are voting security and helping those who are elderly or disabled. “I know that was a huge issue in the last election. What ended up happening is the county had to provide golf carts and additional resources, so we’re trying to find a way for them to vote in a very comfortable way,” she said. Sheriff John Samaniego said his department has already upped its security within polling
places and reducing the number of sites gives him more manpower to cover them, as well as having staff who can float among them. “We will be able to put the same amount of manpower in place and get a lot better coverage and security, as well as bringing the necessary things back to the courthouse at the end of the voting day,” Samaniego said. “ I think this is a big plus for Shelby County.” Scroggins added that he would love to have 10 megasites for voting throughout the county, but there are not enough facilities in the county to do something of that nature. Any resident affected by the changes will receive a notification in the mail, whether their precinct location number changes, or the facility itself has a name change. During the meeting, the commission also approved: ► A transfer application for a retail beer and wine license off-premises-only for Casper Quick Mart, 49700 Shelby County 25, Sterrett. Scroggins warned the owner that the county has received many complaints about the location, including people consuming on the premises, and reminded him that if this happens, sheriff’s deputies will be dispatched. “We’ve wasted so much of our staff time on your facility that we do not plan on doing that in the future,” Scroggins said. Samaniego added that if they fail to abide by the license or there is any violation, it will be brought back before the commission. ► The Rebuild Alabama Annual Report for FY 2020-21. The project included 10.29 miles of Shelby County 47 at a cost of $2,440,482. ► An Alabama Department of Transportation contract for a resurfacing project on Interstate 65 from the Chilton County line to the north end of the bridge over Shelby County 23 and CSX railroad.
GRAND OPENING
visit our new location Sewing Machine Mart 300 Springville Station Blvd, Suite 800 Springville, AL 35164
Providing High Quality Service and Customer Satisfaction
Best Price for Large Trees, Shrubs, and Privacy Screens
Since 1950
Keep up with our latest news, like us on Facebook @Sewingmachinemart
At Gardner Landscaping our goal is to exceed your expectations in creating and maintaining beautiful landscapes, hardscapes, and lawns. We also work to minimize drainage and erosion issues.
Your Large Tree, Shrub and Drainage Experts CALL: 205-401-3347 EMAIL: GardnerLandscaping@gmail.com www.GardnerLandscapingLLC.com
205.870.1931 | sewingmachinemart.com Open Tuesday through Friday, 9:30 am - 5:30 pm, Saturday 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
280Living.com
February 2022 • A7
From left: Chief Joe Lee, Capt. Billy Rickets, Lt. Zach Lee and Deputy Chief Jeff Russell at the Jan. 18 Chelsea City Council meeting. Photo courtesy of Wayne Morris.
Chelsea firefighters receive promotions By LEAH INGRAM EAGLE Chelsea Deputy Fire Chief Jeff Russell announced two officer promotions during the Jan. 18 Chelsea City Council meeting. Billy Rickets was promoted to captain and Zack Lee was promoted to lieutenant. Russell said the promotions were made Jan. 3. Rickets began career as a firefighter in October 2010 and previously worked for the city of Selma and the city of Irondale before joining the Chelsea Fire and Rescue Department in December 2017. Rickets currently works at Station 31 on C shift and serves as the department training officer, as well as other duties and responsibilities as station captain. Zack Lee began his career as a firefighter in July 2015 and previously worked for Concord Fire and McCalla Fire. He joined the Chelsea Fire and Rescue Department in December 2015. He works at Station 31 on A shift. His responsibilities include department, vehicle and apparatus maintenance, tools and equipment and fire hose as well as his normal duties of being a company officer which include emergency response and mitigation. Russell said both men are assets to the department and offered them some words of wisdom. “I’d like to say to both of you that not every day is going to offer us an opportunity to save a life, but what every day will offer us is an opportunity to affect one,” Russell said. “That was told to me a long time ago and I hope you
Important Dates ► Feb 1: City Council meeting. Pre-council at 5 p.m.; council at 6 ► Feb. 15: City Council meeting. Pre-council at 5 p.m. council at 6 ► Feb 15: Business license renewal deadline ► Feb 25-27: Severe weather preparedness sales tax holiday ► Feb 26: Arbor Day celebration at Weldon Pavilion
take it to heart.” Russell also thanked the wives of Rickets and Lee who were in attendance for their support, saying that without them, their husbands’ success wouldn’t be possible. “I know you’re both going to do well,” he said. “These guys are go-getters. When you make assignments to them, you don’t have to follow up because it gets done. That’s certainly satisfying for [Chief] Joe [Lee] and I.” Mayor Pro Tem Scott Weygand sat in for Mayor Tony Picklesimer, who was not in attendance at the meeting. Weygand gave his congratulations to Rickets and Lee and thanked them on behalf of the city. The only resolutions on the meeting agenda was to declare property from the community center a surplus and the authorization of its disposal and approval to pay the city’s bills.
A8 • February 2022
280 Living
Mayor, council weigh in on potential school system By LEAH INGRAM EAGLE The Chelsea mayor and five Chelsea City Council members gave their individual opinions on the potential formation of a city school system during the Jan. 4 council meeting. Three were in favor, one undecided and two against. Mayor Tony Picklesiemer said a new high school has been something he has wanted to see since he took office and added that he is also in favor of a 30-mil property tax. “This is not my decision. It’s the decision of the citizens of Chelsea,” he said. “What you elected me to do is represent you and what you want to happen.” Here is a recap of the opinions of each of the council members:
CODY SUMNERS
Sumners said most people know he has been against the city of Chelsea forming a school system. He said he feels that, right now, the city isn’t in a financial position to take on such an expense. “I don’t see burdening the city with that type of debt right now, especially when none of that will come back to the city to fund programs we need,” Sumners said. “We will need things in the future as we grow, and I’d have a problem coming back to the citizens to fund basic services we’re supposed to provide.”
SCOTT WEYGAND
Weygand said when he was sworn in in 2016 that he would never be for a property tax unless it was for a school system. He added that he is not for maxing out a property tax, and he is not for the rates that have been shown in the studies. However, he believes something definitely needs to be done and that something has needed to be done for 10 years. “We’ve got a high school that the students have to eat on the lunchroom floor because it’s too small for them to eat lunch. The high school
Among the mayor and council members, three are in favor, one is undecided and two are against the formation of a city school system. Each shared their personal thoughts at the Jan. 4 Chelsea City Council meeting. Photo by Leah Ingram Eagle.
needed a second gym at least 10 years ago. I’m not sure where I’m at on the tax number yet, but I’m certainly for a school system.”
“The quality of our schools is a direct mark of the quality of life in our community,” he said.
CHRIS GRACE
Bittner said the school facilities are inadequate and embarrassing, particularly with Chelsea being reclassified by the Alabama High School Athletic Association into Class 7A next year. “We are at a crossroads now, where we can make decisions for the future of our city and the future of our students to provide them with better facilities. We have the opportunity now, and we’ve got to do something with that.”
Grace said there has probably not been a bigger decision by this council since the formation of the city. He added that he is concerned about needs that will arise in the years to come and would not vote for a property tax as a citizen. While he has not completely made up his mind, he said taking no action is not an option and that action must be taken in some form.
IT’S COLD OUTSIDE!
TIFFANY BITTNER
CASEY MORRIS
Morris said he was excited about the opportunity from the get-go and said he would love to have a city school system and the best facility possible. However, he is also wary of what that would cost and the impacts of that cost on the other amenities around Chelsea. “At the end of day if it comes down to a facilities issue, I believe we need to investigate further instead of just breaking away,” he said. “I didn’t see the study as favorable — I saw it as feasible — but financially, it does not make sense to extend ourselves so far in debt services that we can’t allocate money anywhere else.”
SPRING ITEMS HAVE SPRUNG
WHAT IS YOUR IDEA OF
COMFORT? New AC and Heating system install as low as $72 a month OR 0% for up to 72 months.
HELP US CLEAR THE WAY FOR NEW PRODUCTS WINTER CLEARANCE
30% OFF
One Full Priced Winter Item*
Some exclusions apply. See store for details. Offer expires 2/29/22
prior sale. See service center for details. Restrictions apply. within the 72 months or customer will be responsible for all interest accrued for the life of the loan. Restrictions apply.
Walk In Services
Nail Trimming, Face Trimming, Ear Cleaning & Anal Gland Expressing Available Monday-Friday
Want to be the first to know when new pet products come in?
Join our e-newsletter at fancyfurpets.com
205-289-7121 I WWW.SKELETONSAIR.COM
5291 Valleydale Rd • 408-1693
280Living.com
February 2022 • A9
CARPET WAREHOUSE S 25 YEAR STRONG!
Lew Burdette, president of King’s Home in Chelsea, announced his bid for Alabama governor Jan. 4. Photo by Leah Ingram Eagle.
King’s Home president Burdette announces run for governor By LEAH INGRAM EAGLE Lew Burdette announced his candidacy for governor of Alabama on Jan. 4. Qualifying as a Republican, he made his announcement at 2:22 p.m., a nod to his campaign slogan “Lew in ‘22.” The event was at King’s Home in Chelsea, where Burdette, who lives in Liberty Park, has served as president of the nonprofit for the past 18 years. Prior to that, he was the executive vice president and chief operating officer at Books-A-Million. Susie Burdette, Lew’s wife of 34 years, took the stage first and introduced herself and their three children along with their two spouses. She said being on the King’s Home campus reminded her of transformation. “Under my husband’s leadership, it’s a different place than it was when we got here,” she said. “It was not reaching its full potential, then Lew went to work and gave King’s Home what it needed: a leader and a fighter, and now it is thriving. It has reached new levels under his leadership and has made a difference in the lives of thousands of women and children.” Susie described her husband as a leader with a servant’s heart who puts God at the center of every decision, a hard worker and fighter and a man of transformation. “Alabama is not living up to its potential,” she said. “We have so much more to offer in this state, and Alabama needs a fighter. I believe my husband is the leader to take Alabama to the next level, just as he has here.” Burdette then took the stage and said he was honored and thrilled to announce his candidacy to be Alabama’s next governor. “I’m running for governor because our state is hungry for fresh, strong, proven, common-sense leadership to see how things are done in Montgomery,” Burdette said. “Hungry for a leader who has a career and experience in the real world, not another lifetime politician. Hungry for someone who loves this state and will relentlessly fight to improve the lives of all Alabamians, and that is my heart.” He said he has been told that running for governor as a political unknown is a mountain too tall to climb for him, but he said there’s not any mountain too tall to climb. He asked, “Where has voting for lifelong politicians gotten us in this state, except the bottom of education and health care and prisons,” and said, “Where we rank at the top is corruption. Alabama is the fourth most politically corrupt state in the country.” “I’ve been told it will take a miracle for me to win this race. Read my story, and you’ll believe why I know our God is a miracle worker,” he said. At the age of 15, Burdette was a victim of a violent crime. He was kidnapped, shot, stabbed and thrown in a well and left for dead. “Battling for my life, I learned an invaluable lesson to never give up and believe that with God all things are possible,” Burdette said. “God gave me the will to fight in the bottom of that well, and I will fight for all Alabamians to do what’s right.” Burdette said his message for small business
“ ”
Waterproof Flooring
BIRMINGHAM’S NEW COREtec HEADQUARTERS
We Pay the Sales Tax! • Home Stores • Fancy Stores • Chain Stores
2022 will be the year that starts a new upward trajectory for our state.
LEW BURDETTE
owners in Alabama is that no one will fight harder for them than he will. He started his own small business, Kindred, in 1998 and knows what it’s like to lose one, after having to close it in 2001. “Unlike many politicians, I trust you to make the best decisions for your family,” Burdette said. “Only you know how to best take care of yourself and your family, not the government. Small business owners have a friend in me, and they will never be shut down again.” For the past 18 years, Burdette said he has been fighting for abused youth, mothers and children fleeing domestic violence and said it’s been an honor of a lifetime to serve the kids at King’s Home. He believes all kids deserve fighting for, and he has seen how families are under attack. “Today, I’m expanding my fight to stand up for all Alabamians against attacks from any who would want to steal our freedoms and corrupt our state,” he said. Burdette said he wants a complete overhaul of the way campaign contributions are made and that he would stop unlimited campaign contributions and not accept any donations to his campaign over $10,000. “We need complete transparency with all campaign donations, not hiding behind some PACs we’ve never heard of,” Burdette said. “That’s what happens every election, and it keeps lifetime politicians in office, and it’s a rigged system, and the deck is stacked against candidates like me running for political office. “Being elected to public services was not meant to be a lifelong career,” he said. Burdette said he believes: ► Alabama residents need less government and less taxes out of Montgomery, not more; ► Health care and education need much improvement in the state, and; ► Alabama needs to get more higher-paying jobs. Describing himself as a “true conservative” and Republican, Burdette said it’s time to stop picking sides and dividing people. He believes both parties should work together and treat each other with respect. “I will defend 25 amendments because I believe in our Constitution;” he said. “You can count on me to be a strong leader and defend our rights and always do what it takes to keep our state strong and safe. 2022 will be the year that starts a new upward trajectory for our state. We will not accept being at the bottom any longer.” As of press time, there were two Democrats and five other Republican candidates on the ballot for the 2022 governor’s race besides incumbent Gov. Kay Ivey.
We Beat Them All!
Lowest Prices in Town GUARANTEED!
Beautiful WATERPROOF Flooring Starting at $2.99 square foot installed!
SPECIAL PURCHASE: Carpets Purchase 3 Rooms - $699 Based on 12x12
THAT’S CARPET 8# PREMIUM PAD AND INSTALLATION ALL FOR $1.74 PER SQ FT!!!
FREE INSTALLATION* • WE ARE COVID-19 COMPLIANT
TRIEXTA $1.99 sq.ft. FOREVER CLEAN
Lifetime
Stain & Soil Warranty
FREE Whole House Carpet Installation
Lifetime
Stain & Soil Warranty
20
Year
Quality Warranty
with purchase of carpet and pad. Minimum purchase required. Basic installation. CARPET WAREHOUSE 205-989-5678 Not valid with any other offer. Expires 2-28-22.
HOURS: MON - SAT 9am-5pm CLOSED SUN & EVERY 2nd & 4th MON EACH MONTH
2711 HWY 150, Hoover • 205-989-5678 • carpetwhse.com *Basic labor only on free installation. **Same exact product with written veritiable proof. Must present coupon at time of purchase. ***Sales tax paid on installed items only. Not valid with any other offer or prior sales. Unless otherwise specified, all prices are for materials only. We cannot be held liable for typographical errors, manufacturer’s changes or misprints.
A10 • February 2022
280 Living
Chelsea High School track and cross-country coach Clifford Lee addresses the mayor and Chelsea City Council during their Dec. 21 meeting. Photo by Leah Ingram Eagle.
Let us help you make your home truly yours.
OAK HIGHLAND DESIGN DECORATING DEN INTERIORS®
love not
BUGS
Call The Best to Fight The Pest Call us 205-663-4200 vulcantermite.com
Track project approved for Chelsea High School By LEAH INGRAM EAGLE Plans for a new track at Chelsea High School are moving forward. A memorandum of agreement with Shelby County and the city of Westover for a turf and competition track project at Chelsea High School was approved during the Dec. 21 Chelsea City Council meeting. The $1.3 million project will include a track, turf and fencing. Chelsea Mayor Tony Picklesimer said the project has been in the works for a long time and thanked County Manager Chad Scroggins for his help on the project. Chelsea High School track and cross-country coach Clifford Lee and some of his team
attended the meeting. He addressed the mayor and council, thanking them for their work on the project. “We have state champions, school record-holders, state and national qualifiers who don’t have a track to practice on that have made it basically on determination and hard work,” Lee said. A track of their own will not only help the track and cross-country athletes, but also the other sports programs on campus. Following the Alabama High School Athletic Association’s realignment announced in December, Chelsea High School will move up to Class 7A next year and face an increase in competition.
Chamber Shelby County’s Barzegari chosen for national foundation program The U.S. Chamber and association leaders to participate in the sixth of Commerce Foundation recently announced class of this program. that Pari Barzegari, vice The yearlong virtual president of community program, which conand career development cludes with an in-person at The Shelby County meeting, will cover the Chamber, was selected entire talent pipeline, to participate in the including early childU.S. Chamber Founhood education, K-12, dation Education and postsecondary eduWorkforce Fellowship cation and workforce Program. development. The Business Leads This will be the sixth Fellowship Program group since the prowas created in response gram’s inception. The to the needs of state and Business Leads Fellowship Program trains local chamber partners, and equips leaders with said Cheryl Oldham, resources, access to senior vice president of experts, and a network Pari Barzegari was selected to the Center for Education of peers to build their participate in the U.S. Chamber and Workforce. capacity to address Foundation Education and Workforce “They, better than the most pressing edu- Fellowship Program. Photo courtesy of anyone, see the critical Pam Barzegari. cation and workforce link between education challenges. and economic develop“I hope to learn how to better establish pro- ment, and we are glad to be able to support gramming to benefit the ever-changing work- them as they take on this critical leadership role force development climate for our community,” in their community,” Oldham said. Barzegari said. “The more I can glean from the Upon completion, Business Leads Fellows workshops on policy and history specific to the will join the U.S. Chamber of Commerce education pipeline, [the more] I will be poised Foundation’s dedicated network of over 200 to implement change locally.” chambers of commerce and statewide assoFollowing a competitive application and ciations from around the nation who regselection process, Barzegari was selected along ularly engage on education and workforce with 34 other state and local chamber execu- initiatives. tives, economic development professionals, – Submitted by The Shelby County Chamber.
280Living.com
February 2022 • A11
Business Knight shares plan to save Hargis Retreat in Chelsea By LEAH INGRAM EAGLE Aaron Knight shared his journey to save Hargis Retreat while speaking to the Chelsea Business Alliance during its Jan. 5 meeting. Hargis Retreat is a 179-acre campground and retreat center that was created on property owned by Estes and Florence Hargis. The campground was first established by the First Christian Church of Birmingham and was then purchased by the YMCA in 1999 and used for its day camp and summer camp programs for 20 years until it was sold to Eddelman Properties in 2019. Knight’s family has a long history in Chelsea, beginning when his uncle came to Chelsea in 1936 and bought 200 acres near Hargis Retreat. Knight moved here in 1975 at the age of 2. His uncle helped start the water company in Chelsea and also owned a store on Old U.S. 280, and his cousin has owned an excavating company for several years, so his family has had a business in Chelsea for almost 100 years. Knight shared how he went down the wrong path as a teenager and by the time he was 16, he found himself without a house, staying in 25 different places his last two years at Chelsea High School and going to jail eight times before
Aaron Knight speaks to the audience during the Jan. 5 Chelsea Business Alliance meeting about his plan to save Hargis Retreat. Photo by Leah Ingram Eagle.
he turned 18. He graduated from Chelsea High School in 1991 and left the city to start over in the Hueytown area, but instead continued to consume and deal drugs. When he was 30 years old, he said he felt prompted by the Holy Spirit to change his life. Three months after a car accident, Knight was preaching at Bessemer City Jail where he ministered each Sunday for about six years.
French Drains Pro
Drains Installed | Erosion Control
205-244-1114 for your project estimate
AL. License Number 43737
After a divorce at age 38, Knight moved back to Chelsea in 2010 to start over. He met his wife, Kelly, in 2021, and she steered him back to God. She encouraged him to attend a local Bible college, and he began filling in at a local church to keep it going. After a merger with another church didn’t work out, he was asked to consider pastoring at what is now Redemption Church. After almost
six years, the church has grown from 40 people to around 300. Growing up near Hargis Retreat, it has always been a place dear to Knight’s heart. When he found out the camp was going up for sale in 2019, he figured it would be developed and hoped to get a small parcel of the land to build a house, but instead God told him to instead save the camp, he said. “I fought it a little bit at first and finally told the Lord, ‘I’ll walk this thing out if You open some doors and help out and show me You’re there,’” he said. He decided to reach out to Doug Eddleman of Eddleman Properties via email in April 2019 but didn’t get a response. In July, he drove to his office in hopes of meeting with him, but left feeling dejected after he wasn’t able to. Knight continued to go to Eddleman’s office every other week for the next 11 months, and Eddleman reached out to him in May 2020. After a discussion, he found out the price for the camp was $2.2 million. After several more months, Knight learned that a $195,000 payment was needed by Dec. 31, so he began to reach out to Chelsea business owners with a handwritten letter. Donations began coming in, and on Dec. 31, Knight took Eddleman a check for $196,000 — $1,000 over the needed amount. “We actually raised $235,000 in 30 days, but that’s just the beginning,” he said. “We still have to raise $1 million in 2022 and $1 million in 2023, but I don’t worry about it a bit. I know God’s in it, and He’s going to do it.” To help raise the money, they will be applying for grants and selling a large parcel of property. His wife is working on summer camp plans. A fundraising campaign for 2022 called Save the Camp will be up and running soon, along with other plans including a silent auction, polar plunge and other things to bring awareness to the camp. For more information or to donate, visit hargischristiancamp.org
A12 • February 2022
280 Living
2 new restaurants readying to open in Chelsea By LEAH INGRAM EAGLE Nine months after announcing the coming of two new restaurants to Chelsea, Arby’s and Buffalo Wild Wings are nearing completion. The initial goal was for the restaurants to be open in fall 2021, but target opening dates for both were pushed back several months due to material and construction delays. Owners Tim Spencer and Sterling Barbour of Southern Wings Inc. Group both live near Chelsea and have operated several Buffalo Wild Wings locations in central Alabama since 2002. Chelsea will be their ninth or 10th store, depending on when their Oxford location opens. The Arby’s location will be their first. Spencer and Barbour said they chose Chelsea because it has been the fastest growing city in the state and continues to expand at a rapid pace. “With the population growth, it’s a smart move to move some of these stores further out,” Spencer said. “What we are really liking is that the land behind it was sold to a hotel developer, and we saw Tony’s [Picklesimer] master plan with what would happen with that little area.” The 2,500-square-foot Arby’s location was scheduled to open Jan. 31, and Matt Wilks will serve as the regional director. Buffalo Wild Wings is set to open in late February or early March and will be led by Chelsea resident Joseph Palladino as the regional manager. “As a resident of Chelsea, I can’t tell you how excited we are to get on the ground and get involved in this community,” Palladino said during
13,791 13,025 9,770 7,582 3,872 13,025 14,425 6,340 9,385 6,025 5,500 8,576 10,600 10,075 4,800 13,725 5,995 13,750 8,750 8,160 7,110 6,025 7,596 10,575 13,676 4,100
Two new restaurants are opening in Chelsea over the next several weeks. Arby’s was expected to open Jan. 31, followed by Buffalo Wild Wings in late February or early March. Photo by Leah Ingram Eagle.
the groundbreaking event. The Chelsea site will be the first Buffalo Wild Wings location in the country based on a new corporate prototype size and layout. Featuring new design fixtures and updated finishes, it will be around 5,300 square feet and seat around 240, including a hybrid year-round patio with garage doors. Spencer said he likes that it’s not
right off U.S. 280 and will prevent traffic from backing up on U.S. 280. “It’s easier to get in and out because it has an access road,” he said. Arby’s will employ around 25 staff, while Buffalo Wild Wings will have around 100. Spencer said the restaurants are bringing a buzz of excitement from the community.
SAVED ACTUAL $AMOUNTS
BY MY CLIENTS IN 2021
“I’ve been in the area a little bit with the construction, and people are coming by every day asking when we are going to open,” he said. “It is sort of mirroring when we opened our store in Alabaster at the Promenade. It opened in 2006 when the city was smaller at that time and was growing about like Chelsea is.” Spencer said the community is excited about a national sports
restaurant coming in that will be locally owned. He said their main goal is to make it a local-feeling place, with local sports star jerseys on display. He added that Palladino is ingrained in Chelsea sports and will have displays in all the right places for community tie-ins. “We’re excited about it,” Spencer said. “It’s going according to plan, but just a little later.”
Mothers Needed Do you have a negative blood type? You may qualify to produce life-saving medicine and be compensated $700+ per month.
Are you ready for...
REAL ESTATE THE SMART WAY
Have you had two or more pregnancies? OR a blood transfusion? OR told you have an antibody?
patti HENDERSON
To find out more information CALL US TODAY.
(205) 5 8 5 - 0 2 3 3
2870 Old Rocky Ridge Road, Suite 130 email: patti@flatfeebirmingham.com website: FlatFeeBirmingham.com Note: Flat listing fee does not include commission due buyer’s agent.
FULL SERVICE!
HELPING BUYERS & SELLERS • LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED
(205) 967-8189 southernbloodservices.com
3800 Colonnade Parkway, Suite 200, Birmingham
280Living.com
February 2022 • A13
Business Happenings I’m back! NOW OPEN Grand Ticino by Amore is now open at 5511 U.S. 280, Suite 109, across U.S. 280 from its parent restaurant, Amore Ristorante Italiano. The new dining spot is open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. The market is open the same days from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and offers takeaway meals. Grand Ticino will host special events and plans on opening for dinner in the future. 205-437-1005, letsamore.com
COMING SOON Jeremiah's Italian Ice plans to open a new location in Chelsea at 16383 Old Highway 280 in the former KFC fast-food restaurant later this year. The frozen dessert franchise offers gelati, Italian ice and soft ice cream. It began in 1988 in Philadelphia in an ice cream truck, and the first brick-and-mortar location opened in Florida in 1996. jeremiahsice.com
NEWS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS Pari Barzegari, vice president of Community and Career Development at The Shelby County Chamber, 1301 County Services Drive, was selected to participate in the U.S. Chamber Foundation Education and Workforce Fellowship Program. The program trains and equips leaders with access to experts and a network of peers to build their capacity to address the most pressing education and workforce challenges. 205-663-4542, shelbychamber.org Warren Averett, 2500 Acton Road, Suite
200, one of the Southeast’s largest accounting and consulting firms, was listed on two of Forbes’ annual lists: America’s Best Tax Firms and America’s Best Accounting Firms for 2022. 205-979-4100, warrenaverett.com/offices/birmingham The Hoover Planning and Zoning Commission on Dec. 13 agreed to vacate a portion of a cul-de-sac on Adena Lane between the Cavender’s western wear store and the Dunkin’ doughnut and coffee shop to allow more usable land for a planned retail development that has yet to be named. The property is owned by Dantract and CWD. 205-879-0902
PERSONNEL MOVES Dr. Selwyn Vickers assumed the role of CEO of the UAB Health System and CEO of the UAB/Ascension St. Vincent’s Alliance on Jan. 1, while also continuing to serve as dean of the UAB Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine. Following the recent retirement of former CEO Will Ferniany, UAB Health System strategically chose to adopt the CEO/dean model that several academic medical centers have implemented, including Emory University School of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Johns Hopkins Medicine and University of Michigan Medical School. The UAB Health System includes numerous locations such as the UAB Medicine Inverness Clinic at 1250 Inverness Corners and the UAB Medicine
Neurology at Greystone clinic at 7500 Hugh Daniel Drive, Suite 200. uabmedicine.org
ANNIVERSARIES Amped Fitness, 3427 Colonnade Parkway, recently celebrated its 1-year anniversary at the Colonnade location. The fitness center offers classes, personal training, massage and tanning. 205-407-4784, ampedfitness.com Taco Bell, 6806 Tattersall Way, recently celebrated the second anniversary of its Tattersall Park location. The Mexican fast food restaurant is open daily from 7 a.m. to midnight and offers online ordering and delivery options. 205-538-0339, locations.tacobell.com/al/birmingham Pinspiration Birmingham, 201 Cahaba Park Circle, Suite 500/600, is celebrating its second anniversary this month. The craft studio offers classes, parties, kid's camps and pickup kits. 205-874-6193, pinspiration.com/locations/birmingham
‘
Ann Abear PREVIOUS OWNER OF STUDIO RED SALON
FULL SERVICE HAIR CARE FOR MEN & WOMEN VALENTINE’S SPECIAL _ $10.00 ANY SERVICE
Yum Yai Thai Takeout, 5246 U.S. 280, Suite 9, in Greystone, recently celebrated its second anniversary. It offers delivery and curbside pickup and is open Tuesday through Sunday from 4-8:30 p.m. 205-637-6352, yumyaithaitakeout.com
CLOSINGS Books-A-Million, 5287 U.S. 280, Suite 221, has permanently closed. The store had been in business at that location for 27 years. Other nearby stores include Alabaster and Trussville.
NEXT TO WINN-DIXIE AnnAbear.GlossGenius.com
A14 • February 2022
280 Living
Schoolhouse Have a schoolhouse announcement? Email Leah Ingram Eagle at leagle@starnesmedia.com to be considered for inclusion in an upcoming issue.
SCS students to get additional help with reading By LEAH INGRAM EAGLE Debbie Horton, elementary coordinator for Shelby County Schools, shared an update with what’s being done in the schools to assist students with reading. She said the schools system is trying to make sure that the new necessary instruction is being provided for students each day, as some are in need of intervention in this area. “With our wonderful leadership of our district and the support of our board, we were able to put interventionists into each one of our elementary schools,” Horton said. “They are providing instruction in a program called Spire, a specialized program with individualizing reading excellence.” Spire is designed to build reading success through an intensive structure program that incorporates phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension that is done through a systematic approach in a 10-step lesson, Horton said. All of the interventionists were trained during the first week of January while the students were doing remote learning and are now in the classrooms actively working with the students. Horton also discussed the iReady platform, on which students take three diagnostic tests each year in ELA and math that monitors their progress and growth towards proficiency. “At the end of the diagnostic, it pushes out an instructional path that is worked on in the classroom and the teachers are able to monitor [students’] progression and make sure they are staying on track. Teachers in K-5 are participating in a two year cohort called LETRS (Language Essentials
Forest Oaks Elementary kindergartners read books on couches and beanbag chairs during their free-play period of school. Staff photo.
for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) in which they will learn eight units that focus on the science of reading. It also teaches phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension along with language and writing. “In addition, all of the administrative instructional team and the administrators at the elementary schools are participating in LETRS for administrators so we learn how to support our teachers so they can support our students,” Horton said. “We are very excited about these
ROCKETT’S
Bug Juice Gardens ™
Where Flowers Will Brighten Your Day!
™
INC
A Wine, Garden & Gift Shoppe LOCAL GROWN FLOWERS • HAND POURED CANDLES FULL SERVICE LANDSCAPING & LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE
BRING IN THIS AD FOR 10% OFF YOUR PURCHASE
*Excludes Landscape Services • Limit 1 Per Customer • Expires 2/28/22
BUGJUICEGARDENS.COM | 205.981.1151 1402 Dunnavant Valley Road, Birmingham, AL 35242 Near The Town Of Mt Laurel
initiatives that are going to help us keep our kids on track and close some of those learning gaps moving forward. Lynn Caroll spoke on behalf of Lewis Brooks for the superintendent’s report and thanked each of the board members, as January is Board Member Appreciation Month. “I just want to thank you for your continued support of the quest of great education for our students in our district … and for giving your time and energy and your dedication to Shelby County Schools,” Carroll said. We’re
very fortunate to have such a great board with great leadership and we just really appreciate each of you.” In the architect and construction report, Barbara Snyder said the duct cleaning project going on in the system has been completed at six of the Shelby County Schools that includes Wilsonville, Vincent Elementary, Vincent High, Columbiana Middle, Elvin Hill and CTEC. The project at Shelby County Elementary and Shelby County High School started today. Items approved by the board include: ► Approval of out-of-state field trips. Both were for Helena High School for fine arts and music trips. ► Approval of a bid for the CNP department at Oak Mountain Intermediate School to replace a walk-in freezer/cooler to Bresco for $85,682. Due to supply chain issues, the wait time is 270 days, but Gwin said they hope to get it in before the next school year begins. ► No bids for the sale of a stagecoach from the Oak Mountain High School band program were received, but it will be put back out for bid and any proceeds will go back to the band program. ► Approval of personnel actions and bus subs and aides. ► Approval for a construction project for Calera Elementary School. It’s part of the capital campaign for schools across the county that includes a 10 classroom addition. The lowest bid was from Williford Orman Construction for $3,479,228. The next Shelby County Board of Education meeting will be 5 p.m. Feb. 17 at Shelby County Instructional Services Center in Alabaster.
280Living.com
February 2022 • A15
Mercedes donates 2022 sport utility test vehicle to CTEC Students at the Shelby County Career and Technical Educational Center now have the latest in automotive technology to practice their skills thanks to a donation of a new 2022 Mercedes sport utility test vehicle from Mercedes Benz US International. CTEC students and instructors will get to work on and learn everything about the new car, which also happens to be right-side driving, like cars in Europe. As students walked around admiring the car after its delivery to the school Dec. 10, their excitement was obvious. “This is amazing,” said Caleb Taylor, a senior from Chelsea High School. “We have never had a brand-spanking-new vehicle to work on. I am going to enjoy every last minute of my last semester being able to learn about this car.” Shelby County Schools’ Career and Technical Education Supervisor Julie Godfrey said the donation is one of 15 vehicles that were donated to secondary and post-secondary schools by the Mercedes plant in Tuscaloosa. Thirteen of the new cars were donated to secondary schools across the state, while the other two were donated to local community colleges. The SUVs were used for testing and to ensure quality standards. According to Mercedes, once quality tests have been completed, the vehicles can’t be sold for customer use or driven on public roads, but they can be used for training in a classroom, rather than being destroyed. Godfrey said the new car will be used by students in the automotive technology, collision repair, and robotics and automated manufacturing programs at CTEC. The new car will enable students to learn about the newest electrical and computerized technology used in auto manufacturing. Automotive technology instructor Robert Irwin said the program has a total of 24 vehicles that have been donated to the program for instructional purposes; however, the Mercedes
CTEC’s Mercedes is one of 15 vehicles that were donated to secondary and postsecondary schools by the Mercedes plant in Tuscaloosa. Thirteen of the new cars were donated to secondary schools across the state, while the other two were donated to local community colleges. Photo courtesy of Cindy Warner, Shelby County Schools.
donation is the first brand-new vehicle to be given to the program. The Mercedes car is also the first to feature a diesel engine, which will give students another new learning opportunity. “I am really excited about my students being able to put their hands on a 2022 vehicle with the newest and most advanced computer technology,” Irwin said. “Normally, my students are not able to be exposed to this newer type of technology unless they go on to a post-secondary automotive program. And our No. 1 goal is to see our students employed.”
Steve Colburn, from Mercedes human resources, said exposing students to those career opportunities is why the auto manufacturer is making this type of investment at the local secondary and post-secondary school level. “Anytime we can support the technical education career path and encourage students to get involved in careers in the automotive tech industry, that is also a win for us,” Colburn said. “We have to get more students into our pipeline. We need this skill set at our plant.” CTEC Principal Daniel Richards said
community partnerships are so important to career technical education programs and added that he is thrilled to have Mercedes as one of those partners. “I am glad that Mercedes has trust in us and our students and instructors to be given this opportunity as one of the 13 secondary schools to receive this donation,” Richards said. “It isn’t every day that we can celebrate a $75,000 car being donated.” – Submitted by Cindy Warner, Shelby County Schools.
A16 • February 2022
280 Living
47 OMIS students become published authors After anxiously waiting for several weeks, 47 newly published student-authors finally got to see the inside of their book for the first time and show it off to their proud parents during a publishing party in December at Oak Mountain Intermediate School. Fifth grade students in Chaney Klein and Jennifer Colburn’s classes worked on a sixweek project during the first semester called “The Kleinburn Museum.” The cross-curricular English language arts project involved research, reading, creative writing, social studies, fine arts and technology, including lessons on internet safety and which sites were appropriate ones to conduct their research. Klein said students began researching famous works of art and picked one that they thought spoke to them or they connected with in some way. Next, students researched the time period during which the painting was created and what was going on in the world that might have affected the subject or character of the painting. “Students created names for the subjects in their paintings and wrote about what they might do on a typical day,” Klein said. “In a lesson on inference, students inferred what might have been going on in the mind of the person being painted in the stories.” After extensive research and learning about the writing process and dialogue, the students drafted stories in which the character would either learn or teach a lesson, Klein said. “A few examples of the morals in these stories are ‘You can find strength in nature,’ ‘Don’t judge a book by its cover,’ ‘Give yourself time,’ and ‘Never give up on your dreams,” she said. Klein said the project required a lot of work leading up to the writing process. The students filled out graphic organizers and did research before creating a story on the person in the painting. “Essentially, we began by choosing a piece to recreate, researching the time period and historical events going on, placing ourselves into the
Approximately 47 newly published student-authors at Oak Mountain Intermediate School show off their works during a publishing party in December at OMIS. Photo courtesy of Cindy Warner.
minds of our subjects, and creating an inference on what they might have been thinking. The stories came after all of this,” Klein said. Klein said she published a book with a previous group of students and feels that the project helps with their writing stamina. “It is easier for them to want to write when they see themselves as published authors,” she said. “I feel like the secret to teaching is to get
the students really engaged. Once you get them excited, you can really see the learning start to take place.” The students also did a recreation of the famous piece of art, replacing the subject of the painting with themselves. The photos of the art recreations are included on each student’s page of the published book, along with their story.
This part of the project is what impressed Jennifer Colburn, the other teacher helping to lead the project. “What was amazing was that they were able to take a picture and interpret it into their own vision,” Colburn said. “It was awesome to see them take their learning to this next level.” – Submitted by Cindy Warner, Shelby County Schools.
ALABAMA BALLET PRESENTS
NEW YEAR
NEW HOME
BLUE SUEDE SHOES FEB. 25-27 BJCC CONCERT HALL
Don’t worry, we’ve got your home loan on ready, set, approve. Enjoy your time planning how you’re going to make your new home a beautiful representation of you. BOEMagicCity.com • (205) 807-1877 3535 Grandview Parkway, Suite 345 Birmingham, AL 35243 Matthew Laird, Branch Manager, NMLS# 1040852
TICKETS & INFORMATION: ALABAMABALLET.ORG
Tayler Bisignani, Sales Manager, NMLS# 305383
SPONSORED BY Bank of England Mortgage is a division of Bank of England. NMLS 418481. Bank of England Mortgage is not affiliated with any government agency. Member FDIC.
280Living.com
February 2022 • A17
Community Have a community announcement? Email Leah Ingram Eagle at leagle@starnesmedia.com to be considered for inclusion in an upcoming issue.
King’s Home opens new barn at King’s Stables By LEAH INGRAM EAGLE Chelsea-based King’s Home recently dedicated a new barn which will allow an expansion of equine therapy programs. It was named The Morton Family Barn in honor of its donors, Barry and Catherine Morton, along with their adult children, Lynn Morton Schrago, Bill Morton, Katherine Morton Gurley, Mary Dorothy Morton, and Catherine’s parents, Mary and Bob Byrd of Mobile. King’s Stables is a fully operational farm located in Wilsonville, with an equine therapy program offering hope and healing through bonding with horses. Founded in 2021, the program has more than 100 participants, and averages 80 sessions per month. Led by Callie Smelley and Kelly Bloomfield, it includes therapeutic riding, equestrian education, camps and more. The goal of equine therapy is to help King’s Home residents and other participants develop needed skills and character traits, such as accountability, responsibility, self-confidence, problem-solving skills and self-control. Through learning real horsemanship skills, residents are able to walk away with life lessons that stretch far beyond their time at King’s Stables. “The Morton family’s generous gift is a lasting legacy that God will use to transform lives of abused youth, moms and kids at King’s Home, plus many others for decades to come,” King’s Home President Lew Burdette said. The new blue and tan barn features a 120foot long welcoming front porch with ceiling fans and benches. Inside, there are 12 horse stalls, (including one birthing stall) each with
The Morton Family Barn was dedicated at King’s Stables — a part of King’s Home — on Dec. 1 and makes possible the expansion of the King’s Home’s equine therapy program. Photos courtesy of The Lollar Group.
an automatic watering bowl, rubber floor mats and access to a feed pan and hay rack. The tack room and feed room have a working sink and counter, and the wash stall has both hot and cold water. The barn also features a climate-controlled office and classroom with kitchenette, two ADA-accessible bathrooms and 20 parking bays, including one ADA-accessible spot for a van. “Our family has always had a heart for
ministry groups working with children, and it’s always a blessing when we visit a King’s Home facility,” Catherine Morton said. “We’re so thankful for the faithful leadership of John Hall as the project manager and the beautiful woodwork by Chris Waldren. We know that spending time with God’s creation in a beautiful setting is the greatest therapy, and this barn will make a great impact on many lives at King’s Home.”
Modern Spaces Caring Team URGENT CARE COVID TESTING COVID VACCINES DIGITAL X-RAYS WELLNESS EXAMS
TOP NOTCH
KIDS PHYSICALS
HEALTH CARE
DIRECT PRIMARY CARE (SELECT LOCATIONS)
Our compassionate team is here when you need us. No appointment needed.
1337 MONTCLAIR ROAD | BIRMINGHAM | 205-203-8226 708 MONTGOMERY HIGHWAY | VESTAVIA HILLS | 205-203-8282 3965 CROSSHAVEN DRIVE | CAHABA HEIGHTS | 205-582-1222
trustcarehealth.com
OPENING IN 2022 MONDAY – FRIDAY: 8 AM - 8 PM | SATURDAY: 9 AM - 5 PM | SUNDAY: 1 PM - 7 PM
A18 • February 2022
280 Living
Briarwood founding pastor Frank Barker leaves lasting legacy By LEAH INGRAM EAGLE
Frank Barker Jr. founded Briarwood Presbyterian Church in 1960 and served as pastor for 39 years before retiring in 1998. He served as pastor emeritus for 23 more years. Photos courtesy of Frank Barker III.
Briarwood Presbyterian Church’s founding pastor, Frank M. Barker Jr., passed away Dec. 27 at the age of 89. After graduating from Ramsey High School in 1949, Barker attended Auburn University where Barker he earned a degree in engineering. He later became a Navy jet fighter pilot and flew during the Korean War. After a few close calls flying off air carriers, Barker believed that God was trying to get his attention. He decided to attend seminary and pastored a church in Oxford, Alabama. He said his life was transformed when an Air Force chaplain told him that salvation came by grace through faith in Christ. It was the summer of 1960 when Barker agreed to help the Birmingham Presbytery begin a church in Cahaba Heights. Briarwood Presbyterian Church began with its first service in a storefront in the Cahaba Heights Shopping Center on June 5, 1960. Barker would go on to serve as a pastor, shepherd, preacher and leader for the next 39 years. He oversaw the founding of Briarwood Christian School, Birmingham Theological Seminary, Campus Outreach, Briarwood Camp and Briarwood Ballet (his wife Barbara serving as the director
and now his daughter, Peggy fills that role.) After his retirement from the pulpit in October 1998, Harry L. Reeder III took over as the new senior pastor in May 1999. Barker continued to serve as pastor emeritus for the past 23 years. Barker’s memorial was Jan. 8 at Briarwood Presbyterian Church and featured traditional hymns and several speakers. He was later laid to rest in the Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo. His wife Barbara passed away just 16 days after her husband. In addition to an incredible legacy, the couple leave behind three children: daughter Anita and her husband Billy Barnes; daughter Peggy and her husband Tim Townes; and son, Frank M. Barker III, his wife Pam; along with 14 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and two more on the way. His son, Frank Barker III, said he is thankful that his family has been able to spend so many years at Briarwood. He serves on the media team at the church and his sister Peggy is the director of Briarwood Ballet. Barker III said his father will be most remembered for his humility and always putting others before himself. “He didn’t seek glory, he sought to do God’s will through everything. He was a great man of God and I wouldn’t trade him for the world.”
How My Chamber Investment Works for Me As a new business owner, making new business contacts and building relationships is essential to the growth of my business. The wide array of business people I’ve had the opportunity to meet at the different Shelby County Chamber events has been extremely beneficial to me. Whether it’s a CoffeeNET, a Chamber Luncheon or an After Hours program the diverse businesses and people, I’ve connected formed relationships with have meant a positive return on my annual investment.
Eric Coleman Owner Coleman Financial Solutions, LLC 205-490-8346
For more information on how your business can benefit by investing in The Shelby County Chamber, contact Chris Williams at chris@shelbychamber.org – 205-663-4542 ext. 103 1301 County Services Drive Pelham, AL 35124
205-663-4542
shelbychamber.org
“
280Living.com
February 2022 • A19
Megan’s Fund awards 1st grants to 2 nonprofits
We are thrilled to provide our first grants to The Crisis Center and Restoration Academy, with more nonprofits in the works. We are determined to overcome evil with good.
By LEAH INGRAM EAGLE Two local organizations were recently awarded funds from the first donations of Megan’s Fund. Just two years after Megan Montgomery was killed at the hands of her ex-husband, the fund set up by her mom and stepfather is blessing others. When Megan’s husband was found guilty of murder March 31, 2021, her mother, Susann Montgomery-Clark, and step-father, Rod Clark, announced the formation of a charitable fund to fulfill Megan’s vision to stop domestic violence before it happens. They didn’t realize interest in the cause would grow so fast. “When we first gave the seed funding, we hoped others would join our fight to prevent domestic violence, so we went out speaking to Rotaries, civic clubs and nonprofits in Birmingham, Trussville, Shelby County, Vestavia, Gadsden, Florence and Montgomery,” Rod Clark said. “Now, we are seeing the results of those countless meetings and presentations. Nonprofits are learning that Megan’s Fund exists solely to help them deliver prevention services, and they are contacting us to discuss how we can help them with funding.” Megan’s sister, Meredith Montgomery, serves as an adviser with the couple on Megan’s Fund. She said Megan’s Fund grants will help educate young people on the warning signs of potentially dangerous relationships. “We are thrilled to provide our first grants
”
MEREDITH MONTGOMERY
Counselors Lauree Blair and Jeanna Gregory from The Crisis Center in Birmingham, which received a grant for its Bystander Intervention Program from Megan’s Fund. Photo courtesy of Susann Montgomery.
to The Crisis Center and Restoration Academy, with more nonprofits in the works. We are determined to overcome evil with good,” Meredith Montgomery said. Ty Williams, director of Development and Community Affairs at Restoration Academy, a private Christian school in Fairfield, said they were honored to be a recipient of Megan’s Fund. Their newly developed Healthy U Program will help equip students with conflict resolution and identifying unhealthy relationships.
The Crisis Center also received a grant for its Bystander Intervention Program. Hosted by manager John Fife at Cahaba Brewing Company on Nov. 29, counselors Lauree Blair and Jeanna Gregory trained bar staff on how to recognize signs of potential drug-facilitated sexual assault and become empowered to intervene. Five more sessions sponsored by Megan’s Fund are scheduled in 2022. The Crisis Center staff also provides training for a variety of audiences throughout the year, including colleges
and universities. Susann Montgomery-Clark said that on behalf of all the young people who will benefit from this life-saving education, their family sends their deepest gratitude to the hundreds of people from across the community, state and country who have given to Megan’s Fund since its founding. The first fundraiser that benefited Megan’s Fund was a 5K in Homewood in October. The race and walk was organized by ERA King Real Estate in Megan’s memory. “We are so grateful to our daughter, Meredith Montgomery, and Johnny and Liz Montgomery for working so hard on the race and to the King family for devoting so many resources to making the race such a huge success,” Susann Montgomery-Clark said. Cher Dulaney, business development director at ERA King Real Estate, said: “We are truly humbled by the outpouring of support that we received from the community with the 5K event. Megan’s family is an inspiration to us all. They have turned a horrible tragedy of death into a true lifesaving ministry.” For information on how to give to Megan’s Fund or to apply for a grant for your school or nonprofit, contact cfbham.org/megans-fund. For more about Megan’s story, read our article on her in the October issue of 280 Living at 280living. com/people/honoring-megans-memory/.
A20 • February 2022
280 Living
Opinion Sean of the South By Sean Dietrich
Leaning on Aunt Irma at a wedding of ‘friends’ A few years ago, I went to a friend’s wedding. I arrived at the chapel early. I sat in the front pew while the piano played. It was the best seat in the house. I wanted to see my buddy’s expression when he stumbled over the words “I do.” The chapel was adorned with white flowers and greenery. The woman seated beside me was the elderly aunt of the bride. “My name’s Irma,” she said, presenting her white-gloved hand. “How do you know the groom?” “We grew up fishing together,” I said. She looked at me like I had cockroaches crawling out of my eye sockets. “Really? I thought he hated fishing.” That’s when I had a feeling something was wrong. And I was correct. When the young groom took the altar, I realized I’d never seen him before in my life. I started having chest pains. I was at the right church on the wrong weekend. Soon, the pianist played the familiar chords of matrimony, and the congregation stood. I was going to sneak out the back, but I was too late. The rear doors swung open. The bride walked the aisle, wearing a gown that was elegant enough to break your heart. Beside me, Aunt Irma was becoming emotional. “Doesn’t she look just radiant?” “Does she ever,” I said. “I hardly even recognize her.”
We took our seats. The I was so moved to hear a crowd gently murmuring minister asked who gave the bride away. A white-haired these lyrics, that I started to get leaky eyes. man said, “Her mama and I!” But when the old man sat Aunt Irma seemed genualone in his pew, I began to inely concerned about me. wonder where the mama of “I’ll be fine,” I told her. the bride was. I almost asked “It’s just allergies.” Aunt Irma about it, but I “There now,” she said, squeezing my hand. “What didn’t want to pry. Anyway, it was a beautiyou need is a real woman to hold you tight.” ful ceremony. The bride and Help. groom recited vows they’d Dietrich written themselves. The reception was in the The groom read a sonnet fellowship hall. I almost left so eloquent it made most women in the audi- without attending, but I suddenly felt bad ence disgusted with their own husbands. for intruding on a personal ceremony then When the girl read her vows, they were bolting. It seemed rude, somehow. so sweet and heart-wrenching, half the conSo, I made a brief appearance. Aunt Irma gregation was dehydrated afterward. got me a glass of tea that was sweet enough Aunt Irma was sniffing so hard that I to melt paint off a fire hydrant. handed her a Kleenex. She hooked arms I was just in time for the father-daughter with me and said, “You know, you’re very dance. The white-haired man slow-danced cute.” with his best girl. And if there’s anything I started looking for fire exits. more beautiful than a father-daughter dance, When the preacher announced the young I don’t care to know what it is. When the dance floor opened, Aunt Irma couple, the people applauded. The newlyweds left the chapel accompanied by the asked if I wanted to cut a rug. I declined, and told her that I had a titanium hip I was song, “Lean on Me.” I’ve never heard this song at a wedding still making payments on. But she wouldn’t accept my answer. before or since, but it works. So, old Irma and I danced the “Cha Cha The people in the pews actually started singing softly. Aunt Irma began humming. Slide” together. And when the DJ played “I Can’t Help Falling in Love,” I had to warn And even I started swaying a little.
Irma to watch where she placed her hands. Before I left the reception, I clipped a $20 bill to the money tree beside the bridal cake. I was almost to the door when I was stopped by the bride and groom. “You look familiar,” the bride said. “Who’d you come with?” I choked. “He’s all mine,” said Aunt Irma, grabbing my arm. “I’m divorcing your uncle Edward, deal with it.” Before the couple could say anything else, I hugged the bride, then shook the groom’s hand. And in the young man’s eyes, I saw the same boyish face I used to see in the mirror. He looked like I did on the day of my wedding. Naive, hopeful, innocent. It’s the beautiful ignorance of a young man who has no idea how magnificent his own life will turn out to be. I wish I could’ve explained it to him, but I couldn’t. As it happens, I’m still learning about it myself. “If you ever wanna go fishing,” I said. “Call me.” Then, for no reason at all, Aunt Irma slapped my behind. Sean Dietrich is a columnist and novelist known for his commentary on life in the American South. He has authored nine books and is the creator of the “Sean of the South” blog and podcast.
Schedule your FREE in-home consultation today! 2130 Columbiana Road, Vestavia AL 35216 (Next to Charter Communications)
BUDGET BLINDS OFFERS A WIDE VARIETY OF ENERGY-SAVING WINDOW TREATMENTS. 30% OFF SELECTED SIGNATURE SERIES WINDOW TREATMENTS, EXCLUDING PLANTATION SHUTTERS.
205-824-3300 | BudgetBlinds.com
280Living.com
February 2022 • A21
Holy Moly Motherhood By Alana Smith
A new kind of Valentine Valentine’s Day. keep this place afloat without Sheesh, those words might you,” sentiment. And paying give you the cold sweats. attention to the little details It’s probably the most conis key. troversial of holidays, with Does she like to read? Don’t most folks either loving it or buy her a hardback book if hating it. Either you’re all in, you always see her with paperor you’re yelling, “Don’t come backs. Don’t buy her jewelry at me Cupid!” if she rarely wears it. Does It doesn’t help that the she love coffee? Nothing feels moment the new year rings in, better than ordering a $7 latte stores are bursting with teddy and it being free, so stick a gift bears and Sweethearts, begging card in with her candy. Does Smith for lovers everywhere to buy. she really just want some time It’s a lot, I know. alone, away from the kids and And if you don’t have a Valentine, all of the dishes? Give her that. the heart-shaped chocolate boxes and diaMy kids are my favorite part of Valentine’s mond commercials probably make your stom- Day. I love seeing their faces light up over a few ach turn. Maybe your last relationship went balloons and treats. I have two young boys, and down in flames faster than a California wild- I think it’s so important to remember that I’m fire. Maybe you’ve sworn off relationships all really raising future men — how I approach together because they are so darn complicated. holidays will likely be how they approach them. I should capitalize “complicated.” Maybe you Even if I’m not feeling it, I hope they do. I just aren’t feeling the love this year. I don’t hope to leave them with the warm fuzzies about blame you. this day, that they will pass on in their future Even if you do have a Valentine to cele- relationships. brate with, you might not want to. Maybe your So if Feb. 14 is not your favorite day, then spouse has been a prickly pain in the rear lately. I hope you’ll make it better, with a new kind Maybe you just flat out don’t like flowers and of Valentine. Love your dog? Valentine him candy. Maybe your husband forgot Valentine’s up. Send your neighbor — who always gets Day last year, and you wanted to give him a your mail — a box of candy. Go out to dinner knuckle sandwich. Maybe you just don’t want with your girlfriends and give those stickyto face the crowds and the overpriced steak sweet couples the side eye. Heck, be your own Valentine. You do you, and make it your best dinner. I don’t blame you one bit. I’m not really a flower girl myself. I like Valentine’s Day ever. sunflowers and would rather have a few of those than $70 roses. I also don’t want to cut Alana is a nurse anesthetist, writer and boy the stems, pour the flower food and arrange mom (ages 7 and 2), who lives in north Shelby the whole deal — that spells work, and it’s not County with her husband, kids and Boxer, Sam. really my love language. When she’s not writing or chasing little humans, I think that is a big part of where spouses she can usually be found in the aisles of Target. tend to go wrong with gifting. I know for me, She shares her writings at Holy Moly MotherI really just want to be seen and appreciated, hood (on Facebook and Instagram), where she as a wife and a mother. I want the, “We can’t takes on all things motherhood and marriage.
Your Locally-Owned Neighborhood Roofer. Find out why THOUSANDS have trusted us with their homes.
LY LOCAL D OWNE ! NY COMPA Cardinal Roofing owner, Adam Winger, with his wife, Casey, and their three children.
Call for your FREE estimate
15 YEARS OF RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL EXPERIENCE
205.621.7355 LOC ATED IN P ELH AM, AL
ALABAMA’S HIGHEST-RATED ROOFER
FREE ROOF INSPECTIONS
Proudly serving Shelby and Jefferson counties since 2008!
WE SPECIALIZE IN... Shower Enclosures | Glass Shelving & Table Tops Mirrors | Automotive | Heavy Equipment | Commercial cahabaglassco.com
205.621.7355
205-900-ROOF CARDINALROOF.COM
A22 • February 2022
280 Living Guy Dill speaks to members of the Young Marines program Dec. 5 during a tour of the U.S.S. Missouri — the site of the official Japanese surrender of WWII in 1945 — in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Photos courtesy of Butch Dill.
“
DILL
CONTINUED from page A1 the attack on Pearl Harbor. “It was either go in or be drafted, so I joined the Navy Air Corps,” he said. “I asked if I could be a pilot, so they put me into a flight training program in Pensacola, and that’s where I started. I told my sergeant the war would be over when I got my training.” But it wasn’t. During the latter part of 1942, Dill was assigned to a squadron in the South Pacific. By the time he arrived, there were still sunken ships in the canal at Pearl Harbor, so his squadron was based in the Hawaiian island of Maui. He was stationed aboard the USS Manilla Bay, a Casablanca-class escort naval carrier. “I did a lot of flying in those fighter planes with the Navy. I landed and took off that carrier many times — I don’t see how I did it when I look back on it now,” Dill said. “We didn’t have jets then; we had prop planes, and there were about 12 wires of cables there to catch us with a hook when we landed [on the carrier]. We took off and flew that way if the wind was good. If not, they shot us off a catapult. It was quite an experience.” Dill spent most of his time in the air, completing his training and flying reconnaissance missions over Pearl Harbor, protecting the skies and the land. His main job was to provide air cover and bomb support for U.S. Marines retaking the islands that were occupied by Japanese forces, including Okinawa, Midway and the Guadalupe Islands. Dill would fly over and bomb the islands to clear a path. “If they got bogged down, they’d call for air support, and that’s when they’d send the fighters in so they could advance on the island.” Dill stayed on his assignment from 194245. The United States was two days away from bombing Japan when the treaty was signed to end the war. Dill said the Lord was with him and kept him safe through the war, allowing him to come back home.
LIFE AFTER MILITARY
After five years of active duty, Dill transferred to active reserve and worked for L&N Railroad, where his grandfather was an engineer. “I worked for them for about six months before I went into the service, and they kept my job open until I came back from the war,” Dill said. “I worked for them again for about five years.” Dill thought all the freight would soon be moving to truck lines, so he went to work for Malone Freight Lines. The company set
I did a lot of flying in those fighter planes with the Navy. I landed and took off that carrier many times — I don’t see how I did it when I look back on it now.
Guy Dill stands in front of a Douglas SBD Dauntless — similar to the plane he flew during WWII — during the “liberty laua” Dec. 3 at the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum.
up a sales department and asked Dill to take it over. He hired about 15 salesmen from all over the country and made the company over $30 million the first year. He said he enjoyed the job and added that the best thing he could do was talk to people. He retired as vice president of sales after 16 years with the company. He also retired from active reserve with the U.S. Navy as a lieutenant commander after 23 years of service. The Dill family made their home in Indian Springs for over 40 years, where Dill served on the Indian Springs council. He stayed there until his wife passed away over five years ago, and he now lives at the Colonel Robert L. Howard State Veterans Home in Pell City.
RETURNING TO PEARL HARBOR
Dill was one of 62 veterans who recently made the trip to Pearl Harbor for the 80th anniversary of the attack Dec. 7. The trip was organized by the Best Defense Foundation, which was founded in 2018 by former NFL linebacker Donnie Edwards. The nonprofit celebrates veterans from past conflicts — including WWII, Korea, Vietnam and those who have recently retired — with a goal of “taking care of the ones who took care of us.” The foundation also takes WWII veterans back to the battlefields where they served. Dill and his son Butch, also a veteran and an Associated Press photographer, made the trip to Hawaii together. All of the veterans flew into Dallas on Dec. 2, where they were greeted with a hero’s
welcome. That evening, they enjoyed dinner prepared by Food Network chef Robert Irvine and dancing to big band music. The next morning, they boarded an American Airlines 787 plane for their private flight to Hawaii. American Airlines provided the flight at no cost, and the pilots and crew donated their time for the trip. “When we got on the plane, there were letters and posters from kids all over the country, and in every seat was a welcome letter written by an elementary school student,” Butch Dill said. Upon their arrival in Hawaii, the group headed to Ford Island for a “liberty luau” at the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum. During their second day in Hawaii, they toured Schofield Barracks and Wheeler Airfield, which was the primary target and site of the first Japanese attack on Dec. 7, 1941. They had lunch with active duty U.S. Army soldiers and had a block party in Honolulu that evening. During their third day, the group had lunch on the deck of the USS Missouri, the site of the official Japanese surrender of WWII. Many of the veterans had spent time on the ship years ago. While aboard, Butch Dill said he was hit with a realization. “It wasn’t until then did it dawn on me that the ship fought in WWII in the South Pacific, and my dad’s carrier fought alongside the ship during his battles,” Butch Dill said. “It was also the ship where the treaty was signed to end the war. They brought it back to fight
” GUY DILL
in the Desert Storm, and it was in my battle group where I was fighting. My dad and I both got to see it in action, fighting in two different wars in two different parts of the world.” The next morning, the veterans split up into three groups and visited a grade school, middle school and high school on the island before meeting with the 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines on Kaneohe that afternoon. On Dec. 7, the 80th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, the veterans were taken to a commemoration event where they were recognized, honored and celebrated for their service and sacrifice. The Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade took place that evening, and the streets were lined with thousands who came out to pay their respects to the group. “We walked about 2 miles down the road, and it was 20-30 people deep on both sides of the road,” Butch Dill said. “Everyone was waving American flags. It was packed.” Butch Dill said he asked his father what he remembered about his time there in the 1940s, and Guy Dill shared his experiences of flying over the island and taking the ferry to the base at Ford Island. “Mostly, he remembers it from the air, seeing damaged ships in the harbor,” Butch Dill said. “Looking at it from above and seeing all the sunken ships.” It was a special trip for the father-and-son duo. Butch Dill said it was the first time he’s seen his father at length since the pandemic began. Also being in the military, they were able to experience this special event together. Guy Dill called the trip wonderful and said he appreciated the people who made it happen. “They had a banquet every night for us,” Guy Dill said. “They were wonderful to us. They went all out for us and really honored the WWII veterans.” Guy Dill, who will turn 100 in May, said of his experience: “I wouldn’t take a million dollars for it, but I would take a million to do it again.”
280Living.com
February 2022 • A23
ADAIR
CONTINUED from page A1 him,” Kyle said. “He told us that if he didn’t make it, he wanted us to know ‘I’m going to be happy and joyful in heaven, and I don’t want you to be sad.’ To hear him say that and to know he felt confident and secure — it was a blessing.”
LEARNING TO LEAD
Along with running, Adair also loved Scouting. He began Boy Scouts at a young age and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. Kyle said Scouting opened a lot of opportunities for him, especially for leadership. Adair was president of his senior class at W.A. Berry, along with running track and cross-country, and was a member of the debate team. He presented many speeches and participated in oratorical contests. In high school, he was selected for the American Academy of Achievement, which brings young leaders face-to-face with the extraordinary visionaries and pioneers who have helped shape the world. While there, he met Nobel Peace Prize winner Linus Pauling; Dr. Patrick Steptoe, who helped in the development of in-vitro fertilization; Louis L’Amour, an American novelist and short-story writer; celebrities Ed Asner and Cloris Leachman; and baseball star Hank Aaron. “I think that helped make him want to be the best he could be, too,” Kyle said. His athletic skills garnered him a scholarship to Samford University. Also on the debate team, Adair was awarded the Harry S. Truman Scholarship for the state of Alabama in 1981. The award is given to those who demonstrate outstanding potential for and who plan to pursue a career in public service, which Adair did.
Doug Adair with President George H.W. Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush. Adair’s sister, Linda Kyle, recently found letters to him from George H.W. Bush thanking him for his support. Photos courtesy of Linda Kyle. Left: Adair with President Ronald Reagan. Adair served in several important political positions, including executive director for George H.W. Bush for president, office of the Vice President and associate director of the White House Office of Cabinet Affairs.
GOVERNMENT ROLES
He had started his first year of law school at the University of Alabama when he was asked to work for the advance team for then-Vice President George H.W. Bush and traveled to the Hague and Mali, West Africa. Soon after, Guy Hunt was running for governor of Alabama, and he called Adair and asked him to plan his inauguration, making him the youngest executive director for the Republican Party for the state of Alabama. After the inauguration, Adair returned to Washington, D.C., where he served in several important political positions, including executive director for George H.W. Bush for president, Office of the Vice President and associate director of the White House Office of Cabinet Affairs. “He would be in the cabinet meetings for securities, war, commerce, housing and urban development and get their notes every week to compile them and send them to President [H.W.] Bush, and then he would send them back to Doug with his notes to the cabinet,” Kyle said. Kyle said she recently found the most incredible letters from former President Bush to Adair thanking him for his support. “He traveled the world with Bush, everywhere but Antarctica, rode on Air Force One and Two,” Kyle said. “He loved the Bushes and respected them so much.” He was serving as the associate director for the Office of Cabinet Affairs in the White House when Bill Clinton assumed the presidency, and Adair transitioned to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. There, he served as deputy director of the Office of Public Liaison, deputy director of public affairs and deputy press secretary. Adair returned home to Birmingham to complete law school at the University of Alabama when he was in his early-to-mid 30s. After graduating, he worked as a lawyer in Huntsville and Birmingham, practicing for more than 20 years. Kyle said Adair was a great lawyer, but that he just didn’t find fulfillment and knew there was something more.
FINDING FULFILLMENT
Adair began working as the executive director of the AWC in 2013, spreading awareness about the organization and its mission to be a place where animals were rehabilitated and the public was educated about the animals and how to protect them in their natural environments. “When the job at the Alabama Wildlife Center came open, it was such a blessing for him because he got to do what he loved,” Kyle said. “He got to take the center forward and
Left: Adair was a lifelong member of the Boy Scouts and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. Right: Adair during his graduation ceremony from the University of Alabama School of Law.
use his skills to network and raise money for the center.” Andrew Arnold, director of education and outreach at the AWC, said Adair’s experience in Scouts at a young age gave him a true passion for the outdoors. “After he lived his first full life and career, he got to move on to something huge for him: nature, outdoors and wildlife,” Arnold said. Arnold joined the AWC staff right after the arrival of Shelby, a bald eagle. He said he believes the enclosure built for Shelby will be Adair’s biggest lasting legacy with the AWC. Arnold said he learned from Adair the ins and outs of how to manage a nonprofit, including soliciting funds and grants, at which he said Adair was amazing. He said building the
camaraderie and intimate connection with the volunteers and staff and maintaining those relationships was an important building block in his career. “I have a lot of different things to owe to him; [I’m] grateful for all the time I got with him,” Arnold said. Former Shelby County Manager Alex Dudchock said it was a pleasure to work with Adair in developing the new infrastructure at the Wildlife Center at Oak Mountain State Park. “He was very consistent, thorough and timely in responding to county requests for conservation programming and provided excellent services both onsite and throughout our county,” Dudchock said. “I consistently heard very positive comments from state leaders and
state park officials about his professionalism in delivering expanded conservation services throughout Alabama. Shelby County directly benefited from Doug’s leadership at the AWC. He was a very humble civic leader.” Shelby County Commissioner Lindsey Allison said she had known Adair for many years. He was an Eagle Scout with her brother, and their children participated with his children in activities. “Doug served in many functions throughout the county,” Allison said. “One word that keeps coming to mind is selfless. Doug was an exceptionally kind and hard worker, and our county was so much better because of Doug. He was very smart and very accomplished, from Washington, D.C., to Montgomery, yet he focused on his passion with wildlife and Shelby County. Doug could have done anything anywhere, but he chose Shelby County to make it better. As Shelby County residents, we owe Doug a lot of appreciation.” Adair was an active member in The Shelby County Chamber. He became a member of the Governmental Affairs Work Group in 2014 and served as the work group’s chair from Jan 2019 until his passing. During his time on the Governmental Affairs Work Group, he assisted in creating the chamber’s public policy agenda, helped with all of the events hosted by the chamber each year. He was also part of the group that helped establish the Chamber’s Tourism & Recreation Work Group in April 2017 and served as the work group’s first chair. During his time on the Tourism & Recreation Work Group, he assisted in creating the Shelby County Tourism & Recreation All Star Awards program which recognizes excellence in the tourism and recreation industry here in Shelby County; a tearoff attractions map for lodging, restaurant and attractions to share with tourists and visitors and the weekly “What is there to do while I’m in Shelby County” email distributed to lodging, restaurant and attractions to share with tourists and visitors. A blue and gold officer for the U.S. Naval Academy, Adair worked locally with U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer to recruit candidates for the program. He continued to be active with the Scouts, serving on boards and councils and was a member of the Kiwanis Club. “I think he was growing stronger in his faith every day, and that was so important to him,” Kyle said. “Everything he was involved in with naval recruits, the AWC and Scouts, all those things were just pieces of him trying to be the best he could and do for others what he could do.” Mike McDevitt is now serving as the AWC’s interim executive director. He was the board chairman of the nonprofit prior to Adair’s passing. Arnold said they are looking for someone to help try to fill Adair’s enormous shoes. “Doug helped to keep us on solid ground enough that we will be able to continue functioning as normal,” Arnold said. “The role he played in the community and with us is going to be impossible to fill.”
TEMPUR-PEDIC • BEAUTYREST • SEALY • NECTAR • STEARNS & FOSTER WE NOW CARRY PURPLE.
Easyas 1-2-3 1 YEAR YEAR 1
LOWEST PRICE PRICE LOWEST GUARANTEE GUARANTEE
2 YEAR YEAR 2
EXTENDED EXTENDED WARRANTY WARRANTY
3 YEAR YEAR 3
COMFORT COMFORT GUARANTEE GUARANTEE
Seventeen Birmingham Area Locations to Serve You bedzzzexpress.com
SECTION
B FEBRUARY 2022
Sports B4 Spring Medical Guide B9
Easyas 1-2-3 1 YEAR
LOWEST PRICE GUARANTEE
2 YEAR
EXTENDED WARRANTY
3 YEAR
COMFORT GUARANTEE
bedzzzexpress.com
Jags honored in many ways after winning title By KYLE PARMLEY A special season for the Spain Park High School season has culminated in several different honors for the people involved in the program. Kellye Bowen was named one of the American Volleyball Coaches Association’s High School Coaches of the Year after leading the Jaguars to the program’s first state championship in 2021. Bowen was named out of Region 3 and was one of 38 high school coaches nationwide to receive the award. She was recognized at the AVCA Convention in December, surrounding the college volleyball championships in Columbus, Ohio. “It’s a very humbling experience,” Bowen said. “To sit back and think about it, it’s a very humbling experience, and I’m very grateful for the opportunity to do that.” The whole Jags coaching staff made the trip to the Final Four to celebrate the season’s success. Bowen said she feels “a whole lot of gratitude” when reflecting on the years she’s spent building things at Spain Park. “We had to go through some bad moments and learning moments to get where we are,” she said. “I couldn’t have done it without my assistants and the girls who really bought into what we were doing.” Star player Audrey Rothman has
Spain Park volleyball head coach Kellye Bowen during a Class 7A North Regional match Oct. 21 at Von Braun Center in Huntsville. Photo by Kyle Parmley.
won seemingly every award out there, including the Starnes Media All-South Metro Player of the Year honor (Bowen shared the Coach of the Year award and libero Brooklyn Allison was named Defensive Player
of the Year as well). In addition to local honors, Rothman was named the Alabama Gatorade Player of the Year, a first-team MaxPreps All-American and firstteam AVCA All-American.
Spain Park advanced to the Class 7A final in 2020 but fell to crosstown rival Hoover, which put together one of the best seasons in state history. But in 2021, the Jags would not be denied. They posted a 47-4 record
and finished as the No. 5 team in the nation according to MaxPreps. “It’s very rare,” Bowen said of having a team that special. “When you get a team like that, you have to soak it in.” Spain Park lost its fourth match of the season against Thompson on Sept. 14, in a five-set battle. That would be the last defeat the Jags suffered all season, capping things off by winning their final 28 matches. “I thought there would be a couple more hiccups down the road and there never was,” Bowen said. “It’s rare to have a team that puts out that much energy and effort every day.” Bowen said another reason that made the 2021 season so special was the support she and the staff received from administration and parents. “That’s why we were so successful on top of everything else this year,” she added. In true coach’s fashion, though, Bowen has already dived headfirst into preparing for the 2022 campaign. After graduating five key seniors, including Rothman, the program’s most decorated player ever, the Jags will have eight seniors next fall. “They’re anxious to see what they can do,” Bowen said. “One of the biggest reasons for success this year was role clarity. Everybody knew their role. That’s going to be an interesting thing to see these eight seniors and their roles.”
B2 • February 2022
280 Living
280Living.com
February 2022 • B3
B4 • February 2022
280 Living
Sports
Jags aim for big finish after ‘special’ tournament By KYLE PARMLEY The Spain Park High School boys basketball team is nowhere near its peak, and that’s a great sign for head coach Chris Laatsch. Through mid-January, the Jaguars boasted a 19-5 record, with a schedule featuring impressive wins and a few tough losses. “I like where we are,” Laatsch said. “Maybe we’re a little ahead in some areas than I thought we’d be but still have a lot of room to grow and improve.” So far, the Jags have wins over defending state champion Oak Mountain, Chelsea, Homewood, Thompson, Tuscaloosa County, Wenonah, Ramsay, McAdory and Pelham, among others. They lost to Grissom at the start of the season, but the Tigers have turned out to be one of the state’s top teams. Spain Park lost a close one to Hoover in early December but had played pretty well until a 21-point loss to Area 6 foe Vestavia Hills on Jan. 14. “There’s some years you peak and you try to hold on,” Laatsch said. “This team is not that. I don’t think we’ve peaked by any stretch. We’ve had moments that look really good, but we’re fighting for consistency.” As the season reaches the final stretch, Laatsch believes his team will keep improving. “They want to be pushed, and that’s good, so I think we’ll be close to reaching our potential, whatever that is, because these are hungry to get better every day,” he said. Over the Christmas break, the Spain Park boys and girls teams went to Panama City, Florida, for a tournament. The tournament was put on by Arnold High School, where Laatsch’s son Josh is the boys basketball coach. On Dec. 27, the Jags dominated Chipley 71-30. Two days later, father and son faced off
Spain Park High School boys basketball coach Chris Laatsch coached against his son, Josh, in the Marlin Christmas Classic in Florida in December. Photo courtesy of Leigh Laatsch.
in the semifinals of the tournament, with Spain Park taking a 71-39 win. It was the first opportunity Laatsch has had to coach against one of his own in charge on the opposite bench. “I wish I would’ve enjoyed it more probably,” Laatsch said of the game. “I think he [Josh] did a better job of having perspective than I did. It was hard for me. I hurt when my kids lose.” At the same time, Laatsch said he could tell his players wanted to ensure that they won the matchup for their coach. “Our kids were awesome. They wanted to
make sure that I had the bragging rights, and they took care of me,” he said. “They came out on fire, shot it great, guarded great and played with a lot of energy. The kids had my back, and that meant a lot.” Josh is not the only other Laatsch still involved in sports. Jason is the director of basketball operations at Lipscomb University, Allison is a volleyball graduate assistant at Belhaven University, and Mary Elizabeth is a basketball grad assistant at the University of Alabama in Huntsville. William has coached in previous years, Catherine is an elementary school teacher,
and Austin is currently playing at Delta State but hopes to coach one day as well. Chris Laatsch said he was proud of how Josh ran the tournament. After reflecting on the tournament, he realizes how unique and rewarding the game was for him and his wife, Leigh. “It was a neat thing for me and my family,” he said. “It was special for sure.” As for the remainder of the season, the Jags have a long way to go to return to the state final four like they did a year ago. But their coach is a believer. “I’m so excited, because I think this team’s got some potential to do some things.”
Teen Stress & Anxiety While COVID has been difficult for adults we can’t let ourselves forget about the affect it has on young adults, teens, and youths. If you and your teen need help managing their Stress & Anxiety, call Compact.
Parent Talk Line: 205-605-1827 Teen Talk Line: 205-605-1830
www.compact2020.com
5299 Valleydale Road Suite 111 Birmingham, AL 35242 (two blocks from 280)
980-9030
www.southeasternjewelers.net
280Living.com
February 2022 • B5
Tim Vakakes takes reins of Jags football program By KYLE PARMLEY Spain Park High School has found its new football coach. At the Hoover City Schools board meeting Dec. 14, Tim Vakakes was introduced as the new head coach of the Jaguars’ football program. Vakakes spent the past nine years as the head coach at Jackson-Olin, where he compiled a 49-45 overall record and three playoff appearances, reviving a program that was largely dormant over the previous 15 years. “I wasn’t going to just up and leave J-O just to go anywhere,” Vakakes said. “When you get a chance to work with [Spain Park principal] Larry Giangrosso and [athletic director] Patrick Kellogg, guys that share the same beliefs and are going to give you everything you need, it’s hard to say no to that.” He takes over at Spain Park following the resignation of Shawn Raney, who was the head coach there for nine years. Raney compiled a 54-43 overall record, leading Spain Park to the playoffs in four of his first five seasons. During Raney’s time at Spain Park, the program saw some of its best days. He led the Jags to the Class 7A state championship game in 2015, finishing that year with a 12-2 record and to date the program’s only two victories over crosstown rival Hoover. But over the past four seasons, the Jags were unable to achieve another winning record, slipping to a 2-8 mark this fall. “Spain Park is a place that has shown it can win and win big and compete for championships at the biggest classification of football,” Vakakes said. Vakakes’ priorities for his program begin with the weight room, where he hopes to build toughness and discipline with his team. “That’s where the culture of a football program is created,” he said. “I don’t think you can base a culture off anything but that. That’s where you buy in. That’s where you work. It hurts. It’s not fun. But the results give them a sense of ownership.”
Tim Vakakes was named the new Spain Park football head coach in December following the resignation of former coach Shawn Raney. Photo by Todd Lester.
During his nine seasons at Jackson-Olin, Vakakes led the Mustangs to the state playoffs three times. Jackson-Olin advanced to the second round of the Class 6A playoffs this fall, winning a postseason game for the first time since 1997. Jackson-Olin was no stranger to the playoffs in the 1980s and 1990s, but the Mustangs had not achieved a winning season or postseason berth since 1999 when Vakakes took over in
2013. After winning eight total games in his first three seasons, he led the Mustangs to an 8-3 season and a playoff appearance in 2016. The Mustangs posted a perfect 10-0 regular season in 2018 and won the program’s fourth region title. After consecutive seasons without a playoff berth, Jackson-Olin won nine games in 2021 and made it to the second round. “Nine years later, I feel like we did it the right way,” Vakakes said. “I can lay my head
down at night knowing we gave our best to those kids and loved them and did it right. It was hard leaving.” Prior to Jackson-Olin, Vakakes was an assistant for one season at McAdory following 11 years as an assistant to his father, Jim, at Fairfield. Vakakes played for Bob Newton at Homewood and was on the 1995 state championship team. He graduated from Homewood in 1998 and from Auburn University in 2002.
B6 • February 2022
280 Living
3 Lions, 3 Eagles land on all-state football team By KYLE PARMLEY Following the 2021 high school football season, three players each from Briarwood and Oak Mountain were selected to the Alabama Sports Writers Association’s all-state team. Oak Mountain quarterback Evan Smith capped off a brilliant high school career with a first-team selection to the Class 7A list. Alex Moorer and Haddon Stubbs from Briarwood were named to the second team of the 6A list, while Briarwood’s Christopher Vizzina and Oak Mountain’s Gavin Nelson and Corbitt Grundhoefer were all named honorable mention. Smith was named to the first team as an athlete, thanks to his contributions to all three phases of the game for Oak Mountain this season. He has been primarily used as a quarterback, but also played cornerback and returned kickoffs this fall. Smith passed and rushed for more than 1,000 yards. He rushed for 1,110 yards and 17 touchdowns on the ground, while completing 83-of 153 passes for 1,184 yards and 11 touchdowns. He also returned five kicks and made 7 tackles on defense. Smith helped propel the Oak Mountain program to the second round of the playoffs for the second straight year, as the Eagles notched a 7-5 record in back-to-back seasons. Moorer was the top offensive lineman for a Briarwood team that put together a spectacular season. The Lions went 10-2, winning a playoff game for the seventh straight year. Moorer started at center for three years and paved the way for a Briarwood rushing attack that gained nearly 2,000 yards. He also registered 45 pancakes for the year. Stubbs made the team as a second-team punter, but also made plenty of contributions as a linebacker. He combined for 99 tackles on the year, with 9 tackles for loss and a pair of sacks. He forced four fumbles and broke up
Oak Mountain quarterback Evan Smith (9) runs the football during a game against Tuscaloosa County on Oct. 8 at Heardmont Park in Birmingham. Smith capped off a brilliant high school career with a first-team selection to the Class 7A all-state football team, compiled by the Alabama Sports Writers Association. Photo by Todd Lester.
two passes as well. As a punter, he averaged 36 yards over 26 punts. Oak Mountain’s defense was led in part by Nelson and Grundhoefer this season. The Eagles played some of the top offenses in the state down the stretch, but over the first half of the season, they held four of their first seven
opponents to single digits. Nelson racked up 96 total tackles on the year, with a whopping 15 tackles for loss and 6 sacks. Grundhoefer finished with 84 tackles and 4 tackles for loss. He also had an exceptional game against Spain Park, as he intercepted three passes in a single contest.
Vizzina, one of the fastest rising quarterback prospects in the country, had a strong junior year as a dual-threat player. He racked up 34 touchdowns on the season, 16 of them on the ground and 18 through the air. He rushed for 649 yards and completed 147-of-209 passes for 2,247 yards.
FOUNDATION PROBLEMS? WE HAVE THE SOLUTION.
FOUNDATION REPAIR BASEMENT WALL REPAIR FLOOR LEVELING CRAWLSPACE ENCAPSULATION
REQUEST A FREE QUOTE TODAY
205-520-9777
foundationsunlimited.com
Our Passion is Your Food and Your Service 6801 Cahaba Valley Road - Suite 106 Birmingham, AL 35242 205-981-5380 • www.ourbellinis.com
Family-Owned and Operated Since 1996
Monday 5-9 p.m. Tuesday - Thursday 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. & 5-9 p.m. Friday - Saturday 11 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. Bellinis_Quarter_1021_280_2021_238_10_1_1025_977615_SP__P_J64_V1a
4.79x7.59
6 Jan 2022
280Living.com
February 2022 • B7
Left: The seventh grade middle school football Metro South Players of the Year. Right: The eighth grade middle school football Metro South Players of the Year. Photos courtesy of Barry Stephenson.
Metro South middle school football players of year named By KYLE PARMLEY The 2021 Metro South Players of the Year for the local seventh and eighth grade football seasons were recently announced. ► From Berry: Seventh graders Joseph Hall, C.J. Cowley, Isaac Eaker and Hudson Hibbard; eighth graders Aubrey Walker, Brock Bradley, Logan Bradford and Carter Holloway. ► From Bragg: Seventh graders Cam Roberts, Ashton Vice, Josh Bailey, Jude Wright; eighth graders Carson Ellis, Brandon Woodall, Cam Blackmon and Milaki Handy. ► From Bumpus: Seventh graders Andrew Renfroe, Colton Redmond, Darion
Moseley and Dorian Waluyn; eighth graders Max Crowder, Kobe Boleware, Jake Fridley and Keilan Jefferson. ► From Clay-Chalkville: Seventh graders Aaron Robinson, Josh Ivy, Cayden Farris and Jamario Yadao; eighth graders TK Slaughter, Kylon Stewart, Deon Callins and Artarius Robinson. ► From Hewitt-Trussville: Seventh graders Jayden Berry, Jake Lowery, Harrison Malone and Wes Hardy; eighth graders Parker Floyd, Delvecchio Alston II, Joshia Moore and James Kelly. ► From Homewood: Seventh graders Chappy Chapleau, Major Moorer, Jack Myers
Business news to share? If you are in a brick-and-mortar business along the 280 corridor and you are... Now open Coming soon Relocating or renovating Announcing a new owner Celebrating an anniversary Hiring or promoting an employee Announcing other news or accomplishments
and Davis Lee; eighth graders Kaleb Carson, Tomon Felton, Darren Stitt and Luke Eldridge. ► From Liberty Park: Seventh graders Zachary Laws, Luke Stubbs, Charles Taaffe and Garrett White; eighth graders Hayes Hudson, Ryder Brooks, Layton Osborn and Charles Dedmon. ► From Mountain Brook: Seventh graders Archie Andrews, Luke Waldrop, William Russ and Graham Ward; eighth graders Cayden Hofbauer, Meagher Teague, Hayes Windle and Stuart Andrews. ► From Oak Mountain: Seventh graders Baroc Willis, William Yoder, Peyton Gamble and Luke Kelly; eighth graders Le’Kamren Meadows, Joey Carbonie, Joey Lewis and
JC Schwender. ► From Pizitz: Seventh graders Nicholas Williams, Jackson Martin, Grayson Harper and Haines Bridges; eighth graders Carson Prudy, Cross Tonsmeire, Owen Wilbanks and Lincoln GoForth. ► From Simmons: Seventh graders Jordan Williams, KJ Wright, Jovon Pulliam and Ashtyn King; eighth graders Jonah Winston, Tre Sanders, Will Adams and Justyn Hartley. ► From Thompson: Seventh graders Trent McCorvey, Tyler White, Guilherme Pires and Brodie Campbell; eighth graders Chance Strown, Noah Streeter, Dylan Reese and Jackson Hughes.
Don't just work a job.
Make a difference!
Public transportation employees are ESSENTIAL to our community. MAX Transit is hiring: Fixed - Route Bus Operators Paratransit Bus Operators Diesel Mechanics General Service Attendants
MAX Transit offers: Medical, dental, and vision benefits Tuition Reimbursement Paid Time Off
Let us know! Share your news with us at 280living.com/about-us
Visit www.maxtransit.org to apply online today!
B8 • February 2022
280 Living
Chelsea moves to 7A after AHSAA reclassification By KYLE PARMLEY The Alabama High School Athletic Association announced new classifications Dec. 14 effective for the 2022-23 and 2023-24 school years. The AHSAA reclassifies every two years based on school enrollment numbers. The top 32 schools are placed in Class 7A, with Classes 1A-6A holding roughly 64 schools. Among schools in the Birmingham area, the most significant change in class was Chelsea, which moved up from 6A to 7A. Briarwood remained in 6A, while Oak Mountain and Spain Park stayed in 7A. Region and area alignments for fall sports (football, volleyball, cross-country and swimming and diving) were also released. In football, Chelsea transitions into arguably the toughest region in the state, regardless of
classification. Alongside Oak Mountain and Spain Park, the Hornets will now compete on the gridiron against the likes of Hewitt-Trussville, Hoover, Thompson, Tuscaloosa County and Vestavia Hills. The only change in Region 3 is Chelsea, essentially replacing Gadsden City, which fell to 6A. Briarwood will gain nearly an entire new set of region opponents in the 6A version of Region 3. The Lions are now in competition with Benjamin Russell, Calera, Chilton County, Helena, Homewood and Pelham. In volleyball, Chelsea, Oak Mountain, Spain Park and Hewitt-Trussville will make up 7A’s Area 6. Briarwood will now be in 6A’s Area 8, with Helena, John Carroll and Pelham. In cross-country, Briarwood will be in 6A, Section 4, while Chelsea, Oak Mountain and Spain Park are all in 7A, Section 3.
New football regions Class 7A, Region 3 ► Chelsea ► Hewitt-Trussville ► Hoover ► Oak Mountain ► Spain Park ► Thompson ► Tuscaloosa County ► Vestavia Hills
Chelsea’s team captains walk out to the 50yard line before the start of a game against Oak Mountain in August. The Hornets move up to Class 7A for the 2022-23 school year. Photo by Erin Nelson.
Class 6A, Region 3 ► Briarwood ► Benjamin Russell ► Calera ► Chilton County ► Helena ► Homewood ► Pelham
Varsity Sports Calendar BASKETBALL
CHELSEA
OAK MOUNTAIN
BRIARWOOD
Feb. 17: vs. Thompson. 6:30 p.m.
Feb. 22: vs. Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa. 4:30 p.m.
Feb. 1: @ Benjamin Russell. Girls at 6 p.m., boys at 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 19: vs. Gulf Shores, HillcrestTuscaloosa. Hillcrest High School. 1:30 p.m., 4 p.m.
Feb. 24: vs. Mountain Brook. 5 p.m.
Feb. 3: vs. Sylacauga. Girls at 6 p.m., boys at 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 21: vs. Helena. 6:30 p.m.
SPAIN PARK
Feb. 24: @ Pell City. 6:30 p.m.
Feb. 18-19: Thompson Round Robin. Veterans Park.
Feb. 4: vs. Chilton County. Girls at 6 p.m., boys at 7:30 p.m. CHELSEA Feb. 1: vs. Oak Mountain. Girls at 6 p.m., boys at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 3: @ Calera. Girls at 6 p.m., boys at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 4: @ Tuscaloosa County. Girls at 5:30 p.m., boys at 7 p.m. OAK MOUNTAIN Feb. 1: @ Chelsea. Girls at 6 p.m., boys at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 4: vs. Helena. Girls at 5:30 p.m., boys at 7 p.m. SPAIN PARK Feb. 1: Boys vs. McAdory. 7 p.m. Feb. 4: vs. Hoover. Girls at 6 p.m., boys at 7:30 p.m.
BASEBALL BRIARWOOD
Feb. 26: vs. Calera, Oak Mountain. 11 a.m., 4 p.m.
Feb. 22: @ Thompson. 5 p.m.
OAK MOUNTAIN
Feb. 25-26: Tournament. TBD.
Feb. 18: vs. Russell County. 7 p.m. Hoover High School.
SOCCER
Feb. 19: vs. Cullman, Hartselle. Noon. Vestavia Hills High School. Feb. 22: vs. Brookwood. 4:30 p.m. Feb. 24: vs. Pell City. 4:30 p.m. Feb. 26: vs. Chelsea, Calera. 1:30 p.m. Chelsea High School.
Feb. 21: Boys @ Northridge. 7 p.m. Feb. 24: Boys @ Park Crossing. 6 p.m. Feb. 26: Boys vs. Oak Mountain. 3 p.m. OAK MOUNTAIN Feb. 3: Girls @ Chelsea. 7 p.m. Feb. 4-5: Boys at Lakeshore Shootout. TBD. Feb. 7: Girls @ Huntsville. 7 p.m.
BRIARWOOD
Feb. 10-12: Boys at Southern Shootout. Foley.
Feb. 3-5: Boys at Lakeshore Shootout. TBD.
Feb. 17: Boys @ Spain Park. 7 p.m.
Feb. 10-12: Southern Shootout. Foley.
Feb. 22: @ Tuscaloosa County. Girls at 5 p.m., boys at 6:30 p.m.
Feb. 15: Girls vs. Helena. 5 p.m. Feb. 17: Girls @ Thompson. 5 p.m.
Feb. 25: @ Thompson. Girls at 5 p.m., boys at 7 p.m.
Feb. 28: Doubleheader vs. Gadsden City. 4:30 p.m.
Feb. 18: vs. Fort Payne. 7 p.m.
Feb. 26: Boys @ Chelsea. 3 p.m.
SPAIN PARK
Feb. 25: vs. Pell City. Girls at 5 p.m., boys at 7 p.m.
SPAIN PARK
Feb. 19: vs. Tuscaloosa County. 1:30 p.m.
CHELSEA
Feb. 4-5: Boys at Lakeshore Shootout. TBD.
Feb. 21: vs. Calera. 11 a.m.
Feb. 3: Girls vs. Oak Mountain. 7 p.m.
Feb. 8: Girls @ Thompson. 7 p.m.
Feb. 22: @ Pelham. 6:30 p.m.
Feb. 3-5: Boys at Lakeshore Tournament. TBD.
Feb. 10-12: Boys at Southern Shootout. Foley.
Feb. 25-26: Troy. TBD.
Feb. 17: @ Talladega. 4:30 p.m.
SOFTBALL
Feb. 18: vs. Talladega. 4:30 p.m.
BRIARWOOD
Feb. 19: @ Huffman. 2 p.m.
Feb. 21: St. Clair County Round Robin. St. Clair County High School.
Feb. 21: vs. John Carroll. 3:30 p.m.
Feb. 28: @ Chilton County. 6:30 p.m.
Feb. 21: Girls vs. Southside-Gadsden. 6 p.m.
Feb. 4: Girls @ Clay-Chalkville. 6 p.m. Feb. 8: Girls @ Hewitt-Trussville. 6:30 p.m. Feb. 10-12: Boys at Melrose Cup. Chelsea High School.
Feb. 15: Boys @ John Carroll. 7 p.m. Feb. 17: Boys vs. Oak Mountain. 7 p.m. Feb. 18-19: Girls at Lakeshore Shootout. TBD.
Feb. 11-12: Girls at Montgomery Tournament. TBD.
Feb. 23: Girls vs. Huntsville. 5 p.m.
Feb. 15: Girls @ John Carroll. 5:30 p.m.
Feb. 23: Boys vs. Helena. 7 p.m. Feb. 25: Boys vs. Hoover. 6 p.m.
Feb. 24: @ John Carroll. 6:30 p.m.
Feb. 25-26: John Carroll Kickoff Classic. Hoover Central.
Feb. 25: @ Leeds. 6:30 p.m.
CHELSEA
Feb. 26: vs. Leeds. 3:30 p.m.
Feb. 17: @ Vestavia Hills. 4:30 p.m.
Feb. 18-19: Girls at Lakeshore Tournament. TBD.
Feb. 28: @ Pelham. 6:30 p.m.
Feb. 24: vs. Helena. 4:30 p.m.
Feb. 19: Boys vs. Clay-Chalkville. 1 p.m.
Feb. 25: Girls @ Mountain Brook. 6:30 p.m.
280Living.com
2022 Spring Medical Guide
Special Advertising Section
February 2022 • B9
2022 Spring Medical Guide SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
NOW OPEN IN LIBERTY PARK!
This brand-new eyecare office has the latest and greatest in tech Magic City Eyecare 205-506-2200
8011 Liberty Parkway, Suite 103 magiccityeyecare.com
When it comes to your eyecare, don’t take a one-size-fits-all approach. At Magic City Eyecare, owner and operator Kacey Cilimberg offers a customized experience. She thoroughly enjoys getting to know each one of her patients. “The best way for me to help take care of my patients’ eyes is to understand how they use them each day,” she said. “The way our practice is set up, I have sufficient time to spend with each patient and discuss their visual needs. This allows me to tailor glasses or contact lenses to enhance their individual lifestyle.” Dr. Cilimberg said comprehensive eye exams are important for everyone, and even if you’re not experiencing blurry vision, you should come in for a routine eye exam. Millions of Americans struggle with undiagnosed or untreated vision impairments that a comprehensive exam could have detected. “These conditions can include dry eye, cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, retinal detachment, and
even brain tumors,” Dr. Cilimberg said. “These conditions can be present without symptoms, especially in the beginning. Early intervention is crucial to protect the longevity of a patient’s eyesight.” For adults, Dr. Cilimberg recommends annual eye examinations to assess their vision as well as any medical issues that may arise from year to year. For children, it is recommended to have an exam prior to turning one year old. After that, it is recommended once between 3 and 5 years of age, and annually thereafter. Children’s visual needs can change quickly, she said, and monitoring their care yearly is highly recommended. The Magic City Eyecare office, located in Liberty Park, is brand new with the latest and greatest in technology. “Patients love the atmosphere of our office,” Dr. Cilimberg said. “It’s not the traditional medical feel. It’s very warm and inviting.” For more information or to request an appointment, visit magiccityeyecare.com.
KACEY C. CILIMBERG, O.D. Owner and Optometrist
CALL OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT!
205-506-2200 | magiccityeyecare.com 8011 Liberty Parkway, Suite 103, Vestavia, AL 35242
B10 • February 2022
2022 Spring Medical Guide
280 Living
Special Advertising Section
Get back to the activities you enjoy most TherapySouth Greystone TherapySouth Chelsea
2823 Greystone Commercial Blvd., Birmingham 100 Chelsea Corners Way, Suite 100, Chelsea
TherapySouth Patchwork Farms
205-408-1713 205-678-7272
3056 Healthy Way, Suite 116, Vestavia Hills
Q: What is TherapySouth and how can they help me? A: TherapySouth provides physical therapy and hand therapy services in the outpatient clinic setting. Our focus is to provide personalized, hands-on care. Our goal is to help our patients get back to the activities they enjoy most, such as sports, hobbies, family time, work and more. Q: What would you like potential patients to know about your practice? A: We take our core values very seriously. We are a company based on faith that believes in family, integrity, service, compassion, fitness, perseverance, and giving. We try to instill these values in all of our employees and encourage them to live them out not only at work as professionals, but also in their personal lives. Q: What separates TherapySouth from other companies in the industry? A: The patient-focused approach of all our staff, our community involvement, core values, clinical excellence and training of our therapists is what makes TherapySouth unique.
therapysouth.com therapysouth.com
205-783-5270
therapysouth.com
appointment without a physician’s referral. Your therapist will perform and initial evaluation to determine if therapy is appropriate for you and communicate with your primary care physician, or physician specialist, to obtain approval for ongoing treatment. You can also receive wellness services depending on the nature of your problem. To schedule an appointment, patients can call the clinic directly or visit our website to check appointment availability and set up an initial visit. Q: What type of services does TherapySouth provide? A: TherapySouth provides services for after-surgery rehabilitation, work or sports injuries, sprains and strains, back pain, neck pain, pelvic health therapy, headaches and TMJ/ TMD dysfunction, industrial safety and wellness, vertigo, balance strengthening and more. We treat many other musculoskeletal conditions. Feel free to call us or visit a local clinic to discuss your needs. We encourage an annual screening to determine if your body is moving to its fullest capabilities.
Q: What does a first visit look like at TherapySouth? A: During the initial evaluation, your therapist will take a thorough history of your condition or injury and review past medical history that may influence your case. Appropriate baseline objective measures will be recorded to evaluate throughout your treatment, such as range of motion and strength. Together, you and your therapist will discuss and set goals to help you achieve maximum function. Your therapist will determine a treatment plan and prescribe a home exercise program for you to perform independently. Typically, some hands-on treatment will be given at the first appointment, if time permits. Your therapist will communicate and coordinate with other health care professionals as needed to provide optimal care.
Q: Who benefits from the services that you provide at TherapySouth? A: We treat patients of all ages who are looking to create a healthier lifestyle, recover from an injury, prevent future injuries, or who suffer from chronic pain conditions.
Q: Do I need a doctor’s referral to schedule an appointment at TherapySouth? A: Patients are welcome to schedule an initial evaluation
Q: How long have you been in business or practicing? A: TherapySouth has been serving the greater Birmingham community for 15 years!
Q: What is your approach or philosophy to customer service? A: Our patients and their outcomes are the key to our success. They are at the center of our practice and are treated like family. We are thankful to have many returning patients and new patient referrals though word of mouth.
280Living.com
2022 Spring Medical Guide
Special Advertising Section
February 2022 • B11
step into the new year! You don’t have to face your fitness resolutions alone! Our team of movement experts will work with you to develop an individualized exercise program to help you feel stronger and reduce pain. Make PT part of your routine. When you are making your plans for annual medical appointments, don’t forget PT! We can assess your mobility and strength to help you face all that this new year will bring. Scan this code to schedule an appointment and start a healthy New Year.
www.therapysouth.com
PATCHWORK FARMS/ALTADENA
CHELSEA
GREYSTONE
3056 Healthy Way, Suite 116 205.783.5270 Ryan Hunt, Clinic Director
100 Chelsea Corners Way, Suite 100 205.678.7272 Robby Head, Clinic Director
2823 Greystone Commercial Blvd 205.408.1713 Cathie Bonner, Clinic Director
B12 • February 2022
2022 Spring Medical Guide
280 Living
Special Advertising Section
Olivia Tetralogy of Fallot Patient
Dr. Erinn Schmit
How to ensure your baby is sleeping safely Children’s of Alabama
The path to
MENDING HER
HEART was actually through her leg.
Olivia was born with a congenital heart defect requiring open heart surgery at 3 months old. She also required a second surgery as a teen to replace her pulmonary valve – but this time they went through a vein in her leg to insert the Harmony Transcatheter Pulmonary Valve in her heart. This less-invasive path to replacement shortened her recovery time, and she went home the next day. Olivia was the first pediatric patient in the southeast to receive the Harmony valve, and it was here at Children’s of Alabama.
To learn more visit ChildrensAL.org/heart
205-638-9100 Dr. Erinn Schmit is a physician at Children’s Hospital with an interest in safe sleep for infants. Q: Dr. Erinn Schmit, tell me about safe sleep and why it's one of your interests. A: I’ve always been passionate about it because it affects so many babies in the country and Alabama specifically. 3,500 babies in the United States die every year from a sleep-related death such as sudden infant death syndrome or strangulation. This is disproportionately high in Alabama. The tragedy is that lots of cases would be preventable if all babies slept in a safe environment. This gets a lot of attention early on after birth, but then parents tend to forget after leaving the nursery. So I’m working to emphasize safe sleep to all parents with kids under one year of age. Q: What's the biggest safe sleep takeaway you hope parents get from this article? A: I like to teach parents ABCs: Alone, Back and Crib. All babies under 1 year should be sleeping by themselves, in an empty sleep space without pillows, blankets or bumpers. They should be put on their back because this greatly decreases instances of death. Babies should be sleeping in a crib, pack and play or bassinet — something approved for babies. It's dangerous for babies to sleep in adult bed, and it’s more dangerous for babies to sleep on the couch or armchair. Q: Why do you think so many parents ignore this advice? A: It's really common that parents want to keep babies close to them, and they feel like they keep them safer when they're close. But there’s the possibility of rolling over onto the baby, and a mattress is way too soft, so there is a higher risk of suffocation. We recommend babies sleep in the same room, just not the same sleep surface. So maybe you can have them sleep in a pack and play or bassinet next to you, and then you can pull them toward you in the middle of the night if you need to feed, for example.
1600 7th Ave. S.
childrensal.org
Q: Why did you choose to work at Children’s? A: I’ve been at Children’s since 2012, when I started my pediatrics residency there. I joined the faculty in 2018. It's a really awesome institution, and it’s the only freestanding Children's hospital in the state. This means it’s a great opportunity for the patients to have a full suite of pediatric services. I’ve wanted to be a pediatrician since I was a little girl, and that never changed through my school and my residency. I’ve always felt most at home working with kids. I enjoy seeing things through their eyes. Q: Why do you feel passionate about your job? A: It's one of the greatest privileges in the world to work with kids and have parents trust us with their kids. Kids are a parent’s greatest possession, so it's an honor when they bring in their kids and trust us with their care. Q: Is there anything else you’d like to include? A: I’d like to mention other safe sleep related things. We recommend that parents and caregivers avoid any tobacco use, because exposure to secondhand smoke increases SIDS. There’s also a risk of strangulation with cords, such as the cord of a video monitor. Video monitors should be mounted to the wall, and the baby should not be able to get his or her hand on the cord. Babies can get a cord wrapped around their neck when they’re sleeping too close to the cord for the baby monitor or even the cord to adjust window blinds. We recommend babies are put to sleep in just a sleep garment such as pajamas and a wearable blanket — no loose or fluffy blankets because those are a suffocation risk. Younger babies can sleep in a swaddle, but when they are old enough to roll over, we recommend parents stop swaddling but put their babies in a wearable blanket. Parents can always talk to their baby’s pediatrician for advice and to ask questions. We know that regular visits to the pediatrician and regular vaccinations are protective measures parents can take for their babies.
280Living.com
2022 Spring Medical Guide
February 2022 • B13
Special Advertising Section
Abnormal periods? This could be a symptom of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Grandview OB/GYN
Dr. Erin Showalter with Grandview OB/ GYN said she sees more and more women with abnormal periods. If you’re a woman with abnormal periods, though, Dr. Showalter wants you to know that you don’t need to just accept your fate. Instead, there are many treatment options available. You may have polycystic ovary syndrome, which is common among women and has many different symptoms. To diagnose PCOS, Dr. Showalter said she uses the Rotterdam criteria, which requires at least two of the three symptoms for a diagnosis of PCOS: ► Abnormal periods ► Hyperandrogenism, which in this case is a high presence of testosterone in women. This can look like hair on a woman’s chin or balding. ► Polycystic ovaries that are large or have more than 12 follicles “Patients may have one or many of the symptoms, so treatment is geared toward what they present with,” Dr. Showalter said. “Most have abnormal uterine bleeding. I also see a lot of patients with oligomenorrhea, which means they've had periods in the past and have gone months without periods. Most women who come in with abnormal periods may have experienced spotting or heavy bleeding.” When managing PCOS, the most important question Dr. Showalter asks is “Do you want to become pregnant?” A lot of the options affect a woman’s ability to become pregnant while undergoing treatment. For example, Dr. Showalter may
3686 Grandview Parkway
205-971-5499
grandviewmedicalgroup.com
recommend birth control pills to balance out the hormones and limit the testosterone. But if a woman is trying to become pregnant, there are other options. PCOS presents often in women who are obese, so many of these women have insulin resistance. “Most won’t have overt diabetes, they’re obese but young,” she said. “What you’ll see is just elevated hemoglobin, which means they’re pre-diabetic. These women specifically need to treat that. They’re given a drug that will increase sensitivity of insulin, metformin. Specifically in women who want to become pregnant, if you treat insulin, pregnancy rates go up 50%.” Another important part of treatment is treating the male patterns. Having hair on the chin, for example, can be mentally damaging for someone who identifies as a female. If birth control pills aren't an option, they can use testosterone blockers. “Typically when we treat certain symptoms, periods will regulate within three to six months, and this helps the patient’s lifestyle,” Dr. Showalter said. “Mental health is another thing that improves with treatment for these women. It can be hard on them mentally when they’re obese, can’t get pregnant, or have period problems.” Dr. Showalter is an OB/GYN with an interest in PCOS. She said she sees PCOS in her patients more and more often, which can be attributed to the rise in obesity rates. “It’s important for women to realize that if you have an abnormal period, don't just live with it,” she said. “There are management options. These are things you should talk about with your OB/GYN.”
Dr. Erin Showalter
We’ll help your new family get off to a beautiful start. If you’re pregnant or trying to become pregnant, we know you have questions. The physicians at Grandview OB/GYN are here to help answer them – and with three new providers, it’s easier than ever to make an appointment. From nutrition and exercise to birth plans and post-delivery support, we are trained and focused on giving you personalized maternity care. And, we’re proud to deliver at The Birthing Center at Grandview Medical Center. To schedule an appointment, call 205-433-0991 or visit GrandviewOBGYNCare.com.
Margot Potter, M.D. OBGYN
Erin Showalter, D.O. OBGYN
Cynthia Poore, CRNP
Members of the Medical and Allied Health Staffs at Grandview Medical Center.
3686 Grandview Parkway Suite 320 Birmingham, AL
Grandview OB/GYN also includes Drs. J.C. Brock, Emily Craner, Dale Greene, Natalie Reddington and Lewis Schulman
B14 • February 2022
2022 Spring Medical Guide
Special Advertising Section
280 Living
Coming Soon: Proveer at Grande View provides peace of mind Proveer at Grande View
700 Corporate Ridge, Birmingham, AL 35242
Coming soon to Hoover is a vibrant, upscale and modern senior living community overlooking Double Oak Mountain. The word “proveer” means to provide. With Proveer at Grande View, that is their purpose. “Providing peace of mind is our promise to you,” said Jennifer Nesbitt, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Proveer at Grande View. “In choosing Proveer at Grande View, you can rest easy knowing that our team is focused on catering to your lifestyle and your interests. We want you to live your best life!” The staff at Proveer have dedicated themselves to understanding the needs of seniors who call their community home, the desires of their adult children who call their team extended family, and the expectations of associates who call Proveer partners. “Grande View” isn’t just in the name. Proveer is located on top of a ridge just off U.S. 280, and this community has stunning views of Double Oak Mountain. When the activities of daily living get to be a burden, that’s when Proveer at Grande View can help. They provide extensive care for their residents, including: ► On-site rehabilitation services ► Medication management ► Activities of daily living assistance ► Pharmacy services ► Individualized service plans ► Home health hospice coordination ► Personal pendant for assistance ► Proveer offers assisted living, which means the staff will provide as much or as little support as you need. “Our care partners love to help and get to know our residents!” Nesbitt said. Through the memory care program, Proveer provides the care needed for individuals living with dementia and their families.
“Cherish is a comprehensive philosophy that creates opportunities for an engaged lifestyle, respects and celebrates individuality, and supports residents’ wellbeing,” Nesbitt said. “We provide exceptional care that centers on the individual while showing genuine love for residents and their families as they navigate memory loss.” In addition to receiving passionate care every day,
205-307-5500
proveersl.com
residents can also enjoy making friends, pursuing their hobbies and eating heart-healthy meals. The layout is easy to navigate, and there are various floor plans to fit all residents’ lifestyles. “Proveer at Grande View is ready to welcome you home. We can’t wait to show you how fulfilling life is here!” For additional information, please contact Jennifer at 205-307-5500.
Assisted Living and Memory Care centered around the senior experience. Contact us today at (205) 307-5500. Be among the first to call Proveer at Grande View home.
280Living.com
2022 Spring Medical Guide
February 2022 • B15
Special Advertising Section
Is it time to get braces? Birmingham Braces 2022 is a great year for you to quit worrying about your teeth. When you look in the mirror, are you in love with your smile? Maybe your teeth are crooked or your jaw doesn’t close properly. Or maybe you’re looking at your children’s mouth and wondering if they’re old enough for their first orthodontist appointment. Dr. Mark King, a dentist of more than 32 years who currently practices at Birmingham Braces, said that children as young as 6 years old visit this familyowned-and-operated orthodontist office. For adults, the decision to get braces in someone’s later years is becoming more and more common. Here are the top reasons someone might come in for braces: ► Teeth are too crowded or too far apart ► To fix an overbite or underbite ► Crooked teeth ► Having trouble flossing between teeth Many people put off getting braces because they think it’s an unaffordable luxury. But the team at Birmingham Braces has found a way to make orthodontic treatment available for just $99/month. “Everyone pays a flat $99,” said Dr. King. “Whether the customer is an adult or a child, this applies to all.” Birmingham Braces honors the late Dr. James P. Bloom, who died in 2018. His son, James P Bloom Jr., is the office manager at Birmingham Braces. Some of the other members of the Bloom family also got their careers in teeth. Bonnie Bloom is a successful
2224 Cahaba Valley Drive
veterinary dentist in Dallas, where she also does charity work for the Dallas/Fort Worth Zoo, including root canals on lions, monkeys, tigers and giraffes. Casey Bloom and Helen Bloom Smith are practicing dentists in the Birmingham area. Joy Bloom Wright is an industrial psychologist
205-956-4277
birminghambraces.net
living in Los Angeles, California. To stay in keeping with the family atmosphere, Birmingham Braces treats patients of all ages and has a family-friendly environment. They offer same-day treatment to accommodate a family’s busy schedule.
The office also uses high-tech, state-of-the-art technology, such as their 3D Cone Beam X-ray. If you’re looking for your perfect smile, give Birmingham Braces a call. “Just bring your smile, we’ll do the rest!”
new
A WAY TO DO Braces $99/ month for all Our staff has 80 yrs combined Clinical Experience Family Owned State-of-the-art orthodontic technology
CALL (205) 825-8503 TO SCHEDULE YOUR FREE CONSULTATION Same Day Braces Available! BIRMINGHAM BRACES | birminghambraces.net 2224 Cahaba Valley Drive | Birmingham, AL 35242
BIRMINGHAM BRACES
B16 • February 2022
2022 Spring Medical Guide
280 Living
Special Advertising Section
Bring the spark back to your bedroom this Valentine’s Day with MiBella Wellness Center MiBella Wellness Center
If you experience sexual dissatisfaction, you’re not alone. As men and women age, hormone levels decline and many report a decrease in libido, as well as vaginal dryness, erectile dissatisfaction and more. Dr. Mia Cowan, the founder of MiBella Wellness Center, teaches women and men to “Live Well, Age Well and Experience Everlasting Intimacy.” She said many patients don’t realize that though these changes associated with aging are natural, they can be treated. Many of her patients have been told by other doctors that sexual dissatisfaction is just part of growing older. “It’s a new conversation, and nobody has ever really focused on sexual health, for the aging man and woman, including sexual satisfaction,” she said. “But people need to know, you live longer when you engage in intimacy, like 5 years longer. Women and men who engage in intimacy that they enjoy are healthier and happier.” Dr. Cowan works with her husband, Joseph W. Brown Jr., who is the CEO and Male Intimacy Consultant at MiBella. Together, they focus on total wellness and its relationship
3000 Meadow Lake Drive, Suite 101
to intimacy. “You can’t have everlasting intimacy without total wellness,” she said. She starts by getting lab work done for her patients and looking at hormone levels, as well as getting a thorough history of all symptoms. “As you grow older, your hormone levels decrease,” she
said. “Sexual dissatisfaction can also be caused by decreased blood flow to the genitals which can cause pain with intercourse for women and erectile dissatisfaction for men.” Once she has received lab work, and performed a thorough history and exam, she comes up with a customized treatment plan to
855-642-3552
mibellawellness.com
improve hormone balance, total wellness and sexual function. This customized plan includes hormone pellet therapy, weight management, supplements, and other intimacy solutions. Our intimacy solutions include vaginal rejuvenation, the O-wave and P-wave, as well as stem cell, the P-shot and the O-shot. By
combining all of these solutions into a total wellness system our patients notice an improvement in sexual function, energy, focus, libido, mood and weight management. “We also recommend supplements, and proper screenings for both men and women, to prevent and treat disease. It is necessary to also focus on healthy weight management to improve overall health. We understand that to truly improve your health and sexual function we must focus on teaching our patients to live a lifestyle of total wellness.” Many people come in looking for a miracle pill, but unfortunately there is not a magic pill, however, we can teach you to live a lifestyle of total wellness and help you get back to your younger self. Dr. Mia and Joseph also have a free, downloadable e-book on their website called “25 Secrets to Everlasting Intimacy.” You can download this book at mibellawellness.com/25-secretsto-everlasting-intimacy. For more information on how to take charge of your intimacy and total wellness, contact MiBella Wellness Center today to arrange a consultation.
NEW BOOK WRITTEN BY
GET YOUR FREE E-BOOK
Dr. Mia Cowan & Joseph Brown Jr.
Everlasting Intimacy Till Death Do Us Part MiBella offers a stem cell service through Method: ED17
EXPERIENCE
Everlasting Intimacy
This process helps to regenerate sexual function and restore intimacy for both men and women through a number of benefits: For women, this treatment increases lubrication, orgasms, and sensitivity.
For men, this treatment improves penis sensitivity and circulation while also increasing size and girth.
Continue the conversation with us mibellawellness.com/services 1-855-MIBELLA Mia Cowan MD | MiBella Wellness Center 2807 Greystone Commercial Blvd, Unit 38, Hoover
info@mibellawellness.com
280Living.com
2022 Spring Medical Guide
Special Advertising Section
February 2022 • B17
Medicare doesn’t have to be stressful — let Medicare Advisors of Alabama help you Medicare Advisors of Alabama
Q: Who is Medicare Advisors of Alabama? A: We are a locally owned insurance agency that specializes in helping Alabamians better understand Medicare. Medicare is overwhelming, but once someone with patience and knowledge teaches you the questions to ask and then guides you through the process, the whole thing becomes much less stressful. That’s what we provide: a stress-free Medicare experience. Q: What does your service cost? A: Our service is absolutely free. We’re only paid by insurance companies if we help you enroll in a plan. Our reputation has been built on word of mouth and living the Golden Rule. Let us prove it to you. Q: Why does someone need a broker/ adviser? A: There are so many advertisements and plans available that it’s becoming almost impossible to sort everything out on your own. A good broker will help you see the positives and negatives of the plans and will work to find the best solution for their client and not the insurance company. Q: When does someone need to help me with Medicare? A: If you’re turning 65 years of age, you have a seven-month window to enroll in Medicare. It's also when our team can really help you understand your options. However, if you are still working, you may not want or need to enroll. Deciding when to enroll and what to
2116 Columbiana Road
205-704-9020
medicareadvisorsofalabama.org
enroll in are our two most asked questions, and our team can help you make an informed decision. Q: What if I keep working past age 65? A: Many people think they’ll face penalties if they don’t sign up for Medicare at 65. That can be true, but not always. You can postpone enrollment beyond age 65 if you or your spouse are still working and you have health insurance under an employer plan. Q: The Annual Enrollment Period ended Dec. 7. Is it too late to make changes? A: There are several different enrollment periods throughout the year. One overlooked enrollment period (Open Enrollment Period) runs from Jan. 1 through March 31. This period is for a person who needs to change their Medicare Advantage Plan or someone on a Medicare Advantage Plan but would like to return to Original Medicare. There are also many Special Enrollment Periods (SEP) throughout the year as well. Q: Where can I get help with Medicare? A: You can schedule a consultation with someone on our team. We can talk over the phone, meet virtually via Zoom, in-person at our local office, at your home, your business or even out at a coffee shop. Once a month we teach a class called “Prepare for Medicare” at our local office. We have lots of fun, and it’s very educational. No specific products are discussed, but it’s a great way to learn the basics of Medicare and get your questions answered.
CLASSES DESIGNED FOR YOU
MEDICARE EDUCATION LEARN THE BASICS, ENROLL IN THE RIGHT PLAN
MedicareAdvice.org
2116 Columbiana Road Birmingham, AL 35216
ONEONONE & GROUP MEETINGS | KNOWLEDGEABLE AGENTS | LOCAL OFFICE & CONFERENCE CENTER
VIEW MORE @ MEDICAREADVICE.ORG/SERVICES/PRODUCTS
B18 • February 2022
2022 Spring Medical Guide
280 Living
Special Advertising Section
People say this senior living community is ‘like checking into a resort’ Danberry at Inverness 205-443-9500
ENT Associates celebrates over 50 years ENT Associates
888-368-5020
In July of 1971, ENT Associates of Alabama, P.C. started out with 2 physicians, including Dr. Morton Goldfarb, who just retired in December after practicing medicine for more than 5 decades. Over the past 50 years, the practice has grown substantially, from a single office with eight employees to 10 convenient locations across Central Alabama and close to 100 employees. “We are now the largest ear, nose, and throat specialty practice in Alabama; however, one thing has not changed, and that is the way we care for our patients,” said Dianne Williams, CEO of ENTAA. “We provide the best, most up-to-date care; that has always been and will remain our top priority at ENTAA.” One of the main reasons ENTAA has been so successful is because of its staff. Over two dozen of its employees have been with the company for more than 20 years, and Dianne said they treat each other like family. Most of the patients at ENTAA are
entalabama.com
referrals from friends, family and other providers in the community who have come to know and trust that whomever they refer will receive the best care possible at ENTAA. “Additionally, we are always investing in ongoing education and state-of-theart technology,” Dianne said. “We have close relationships with many large and small ENT practices all over the United States, and we are heavily involved with global ENT organizations on the physician and administrative levels. Being involved nationally and globally allows us to stay on top of the most current procedures, treatments, and recommendations, and provide all of the necessary services that our patients require.” The physicians of ENTAA believe that a positive experience is important to both patients and staff. Dianne said they do their best to create a balance that includes excellent care in a fun, familyfriendly atmosphere. Visit entalabama.com to request an appointment.
When It Comes To Your Health
Experience Matters
235 Inverness Center Drive
danberryatinverness.com
Q: What levels of supportive care do you offer at Danberry at Inverness? A: Independent living provides a carefree, modern lifestyle of leisure, comfort and wellness support, as well as the peace of mind of on-site health care if needed. Assisted living offers freedom and flexibility with a helping hand. And leading-edge programming in memory care helps residents enjoy a rich and rewarding lifestyle and gives families the confidence their loved one is safe and happy. Q: What amenities are available? A: Hospitality, staff and amenities are second to none. Residents enjoy an on-site wellness center, heated indoor saltwater pool, beautiful walking trails, movie theater, spa, library, fitness center and more. Many say living at Danberry is like checking into a resort … a wonderful resort of wellness and hospitality. Q: What sets Danberry at Inverness apart from other area senior living communities? A: We focus on residents’ quality of life, from maintenance-free living to extensive amenities and packed monthly calendar of activities (Pinot & Paint,
Karaoke & Cookies and happy hours are just a few examples). Overall wellness is a big passion of ours. Emphasizing all eight dimensions — physical, emotional, intellectual, social, vocational, environmental, health and spiritual — means residents can enjoy a happier, healthier and more purposedriven retirement. Q: What’s the staff like at Danberry at Inverness? A: We’re proud of our dedicated staff, all of whom have a passion for serving seniors. Many of our team members have been with us since we opened in 2009. Our low employee turnover means team members value our culture and believe in our mission of serving residents. The advantage of a long-tenured staff is better quality care, provided by people who know and love each resident like family.
Join the waitlist!
Get more out of life at Danberry at Inverness ENT Associates of Alabama, P.C. is the largest Otolaryngology practice in Alabama with 10 locations,15 physicians, and over 600 years of combined staff and physician experience. Our practice includes general ear, nose, and throat, head and neck diseases and surgeries, cosmetic surgery, robotic procedures, in-office balloon sinuplasty, allergy treatment, and hearing solutions. We concentrate our training and experience in these areas to provide the best possible medical care for our patients.
Even more than larger floor plans, gorgeous architecture, and outstanding amenities— Danberry at Inverness frees you to create a lifestyle all your own, with Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care all right here. More peace of mind. And a lot more fun!
Call 205-443-9500.
At ENT Associates of Alabama, P.C. the patient’s experience matters. We treat each patient as a person, not just another case. We pride ourselves in delivering a positive personal experience along with a positive outcome.
Residents enjoy: • Flexible dining options • Transportation • Housekeeping • Fitness Center • Wellness Clinic • 24-hour nursing • Indoor resort-style pool • Full-service salon & spa • Card & billiard rooms • Creative arts studio
Birmingham - Princeton - Hoover - Cullman - Gardendale Alabaster - Jasper - Pell City - Trussville - Valleydale Rd.
www.entalabama.com or call toll free 888-368-5020
235 Inverness Center Drive Hoover, AL 35242
DanberryAtInverness.com
• Movie theater • And much more!
7/21
280Living.com
2022 Spring Medical Guide
February 2022 • B19
Special Advertising Section
Don’t settle for a bad night’s sleep — visit this new CPAP storefront on 280 CPAP Plus
4647 U.S. 280 West, Suite W
ONeal Medical recently opened CPAP Plus on U.S. 280, and anyone can come visit and see their innovative line of CPAP devices. CPAP, which stands for continuous positive airway pressure, is the most effective way to reverse the effects of obstructive sleep apnea. This is the most common sleeprelated breathing disorder, and symptoms typically include unexplained daytime sleepiness, fatigue, and heavy snoring with periods where you stop breathing only to wake up gasping for air. Unlike some of their competitors, this business is locally owned and operated with over 30 years of experience. “So you will be dealing with the folks that make decisions, and we think that lends itself to the best customer service,” said Woody ONeal. CPAP Plus currently offers the Lumin Brand CPAP Sanitizer for 10% off. Using ultraviolet light, the Lumin is a simple, fast, and effective solution to CPAP cleaning without ozone, harsh chemicals or water. This company also carries the very popular Inogen brand portable oxygen concentrators. “Inogen is the
205-855-2808
onealmed.com
Melissa Richardson, Au.D., CCC/A, F/AAA
Abby Ryan, Au.D., CCC/A, F/AAA
Dana Walchek, Au.D., F/AAA
When should you have your hearing tested? Hearing Solutions
3000 Meadow Lake Drive, Suite 108
205-739-2242 hearingsolutionsalabama.com
leader in portable oxygen technology and we have machines in stock every day!” Woody said. There are also small machines for travel use for sale in the store. The staff at CPAP Plus are experts at processing your insurance claim, and CPAP Plus is in network for most insurance plans. “If you have a high deductible, you’ll find our self pay prices to be the most competitive around,” Woody said. “Our prices for nasal masks start at $89, and this includes a personalized fitting session to make sure you have just the right mask for your needs!” Come see the friendly faces of the staff of CPAP Plus when you visit their 280 location today. You can also visit them at ONeal Medical in Pelham.
CPAP Plus NOW OPEN on Hwy 280 in INVERNESS (next to Jimmy Johns)
Q: Are there any common signs of hearing loss that parents or family members should be aware of? A: People experiencing hearing loss often have to ask for people to repeat things. They may turn the volume of the television up to a point that is too loud for others in the room. It’s also common for people experiencing hearing loss to start avoiding social interaction. Another thing that is commonly experienced alongside hearing loss is tinnitus. Any noise that you are hearing that isn’t actually in the environment is typically tinnitus, which usually presents as a low ringing noise or a buzz in one or both ears. The noises may be intermittent or constant, and it can cause irritability, headaches and even prevent people from falling asleep. Q: When should children be tested for hearing loss? A: Most children are checked at birth and then again during pre-school,
but if you ever suspect that your child is not responding correctly and may be suffering from hearing loss, you should have them tested immediately. Early intervention is the absolute key to success. If they do have hearing loss, we don’t want them to get behind in their speech production or in school. Q: How often should adults be tested for hearing loss? A: Adults should make an appointment as soon as hearing loss is suspected as well. Sudden hearing loss can be a sign of something more serious happening in the body and should never be ignored. Mother Nature is going to start reducing your ability to hear by the age of 50 due to the sounds and noises that you’ve been exposed to throughout your life. So, if no hearing loss is suspected, you should have your first adult test at the age of 50 and schedule an annual check-up every year afterward.
Did you hear? There are new hearing aid benefits through insurance.
Let the experts at Hearing Solutions guide you through the new year with new hearing.
CLEANS WITHOUT OZONE
We truly believe that better hearing leads to a better life.
Mention this ad for
10%
CPAP and supplies CPAP cleaners
OFF
Inogen brand portable oxygen
(reg $269.00)
Nebulizers
Lumin CPAP cleaners
Dr. Melissa Richardson
Dr. Dana Walchek
Dr. Abby Ryan
Curbside Drop Off / Pick Up Hearing Aid Service Available
OnealMed.com/CPAPplus
4647 Hwy 280 West Inverness (205) 855-2808
hearingsolutionsalabama.com | 205.739.2242 3000 Meadow Lake Drive #108, Birmingham, AL 35242 | By Appointment Only
Carlee Petro with her brand new 2022 Volkswagen Taos SE
For every family moment. For every ride they’ve needed in the decades we’ve known them, the Petro family has turned to Royal. We’re proud to say Carlee and her new Volkswagen Taos are the latest to continue the family tradition!
More about the Volkswagen Taos The 2022 VW Taos comes standard with the crisp display of the Volkswagen digital cockpit. An available 12V power outlet and up to 65.9 cubic feet of cargo space deliver peak functionality. Test drive yours at Royal VW.
For every ride, there’s Royal. Royal Volkswagen (205) 823-3100 GoToRoyalVW.com
At the Corner of I-65 and Highway 31 | 3010 Columbiana Road, Vestavia Hills