280 vol 7 iss 3 november 2013 by Starnes Media

280 Living

280Living.com

November • A1 November 2013 | Volume2013 7 | Issue 3

neighborly news & entertainment

New heights

The gravity of grocery With Winn-Dixie expected to open this month, Inverness Corners is seeing an increase in new tenants

By JEFF THOMPSON

This month’s Race to the Heights 5K will see hundreds join in the fight against human trafficking. See inside for more.

Community page B6

Walk to remember

Olean Kenny has seen the Georgia hills and the dense Maine forest — and everything between. Read the story of her decades-long conquest of the Appalachian Trail inside.

Community page B1

INSIDE Sponsors ...... A4 280 News ..... A5 Business ....... A8 Food .............. A13 Sports ........... A18

Opinion ............. A22 Community ...... B1 School House ... B17 Calendar ........... B21

Gayle Davison’s retirement came and went, and it left her with an important question. For 31 years she served as a math teacher, her final 10 with Shelby County Schools. After leaving the classroom, she relaxed and traveled for a brief period before deciding that life had more work for her to do. “So what’s next?” Davison said she thought to herself. She loves shoes, so she considered selling them. And she loves flowers, so she thought about selling those as well. But after mulling it over, she decided doing either would be a fast track to falling out of love. Her next venture turned out to be on the radio. She heard an advertisement for a tutoring business called Mathnasium and decided that starting a franchise on the U.S. 280 corridor was the answer. Then, deciding where to put it turned out to be the easiest decision she made. “The reason I came to Inverness Corners was because Winn-Dixie signed a lease there,” Davison said of her Mathnasium location that opened in October. “When I found this building, I felt really good. But as time has gone by, that green

Gayle Davison launched her business, Mathnasium, in Inverness Corners in October. She said she selected the location when she heard Winn-Dixie signed a lease to occupy the former Bruno’s Supermarket spot in the shopping center. Photo by Jeff Thompson.

light that led me here has just gotten bigger and bigger.” Representatives with WinnDixie said the store in Inverness Corners could be open by the end of November, filling a general grocery gap in the market along the corridor. The store is anticipated to

be a flagship store for the company and should include a host of features to serve 280 residents. “The amenities in our new Birmingham store offer a onestop shopping experience unlike any other,” said Tim Flavin, Montgomery Region vice president

of Winn-Dixie Stores, in a statement. “We’ve fine-tuned our store to reflect the needs and preferences of the local community, providing our customers with exceptional service and the freshest products at the

See GROCERY | page A20

From Spain Park to Carnegie Hall By REBECCA WALDEN When Charles Henry first walked the halls of Spain Park High, the school choir hardly had a pulse. The newly minted choir director knew he had his work cut out for him, especially when he realized his freshman membership numbered all of six singers. For Henry, though, passion meant a lot more than having an impressive head count. “Really my job is to teach

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Spain Park choral students Morgan Whetstone, Blaise Brackett, Patrick Ritchey and Adam Baroody prepare for their upcoming performance at Carnegie Hall in New York. Photo courtesy of Charles Henry.

See CARNEGIE | page A21

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November 2013

280 Living

About Us Photo of the month

Spain Park students Kalique Mallard, Alex Tyson, Mary Katherine Crowder, Harrison Kirkland and JD Drake examine a large scale replica of Picasso’s “Night Fishing at Antibes” while listening to bilingual audio guides created by Spain Park’s upper level Spanish classes. The activity was part of Hispanic Heritage Month celebrated at Spain Park High School from Sept. 15-Oct. 15. Replicas of Pablo Picasso’s work were on display in the school library as part of a student-led exhibit on the artist’s contribution to Hispanic culture and art in general. Photo courtesy of Hoover City Schools.

Editor’s Note By Madoline Markham

Catering to the new 280 the void of an anchor store at the corner When my family first moved out 280 in the early ’90s, Inverness Corners was pretty of Valleydale and U.S. 280 has remained, but I couldn’t be more excited that that is much the last piece of civilization before you got to Chelsea, except for Lloyd’s (an changing this month — with a stack-stone exterior and granite countertops, a fancy institution in its own right) of course. We cheese selection, a barbecue bar and sushi cultivated our Beanie Baby collection at County Fair, got treated to TCBY back inside. The food landscape on 280 is many steps up from what it used to be, and Winnwhen there was only one frozen yogurt chain around, stocked up on school and Dixie seems to be catering to that. garden supplies at K-mart before there was Beyond grocery store walls, the prospect of filling the empty storefronts in the a Walmart, rented VHS tapes from Movie Gallery, and got our Italian fix at Salvatore’s shopping center is also exciting, especially Madoline Markham for those of us that pass by that corner of after ball games and swim meets. Inverness daily. And, of course, we did our grocery shopping at Bruno’s. It and the Food World across the Welcome back to life, old friend. street were the only options in the area then. Two decades later, a million more strip centers between Valleydale Road and Double Oak Mountain fill every suburban need we never knew we had. For several years,

280 Living neighborly news & entertainment

Publisher : Creative Director : Executive Editor : Managing Editor : Advertising Manager: Sales and Distribution : Contributing Writers :

Interns:

Dan Starnes Keith McCoy Jeff Thompson Madoline Markham Matthew Allen Rhonda Smith Warren Caldwell Michelle Salem Haynes Katie Turpen Jenny Clark Lisa Johnsey Rick Watson Kari Kampakis Intisar Seraaj-Sabree Sydney Cromwell Lauren Moriarty

For advertising contact: dan@280living.com

Contact Information: 280 Living PO Box 530341 Birmingham, AL 35253 (205)-313-1780 dan@280living.com Please submit all articles, information and photos to: jeff@280living.com P.O. Box 530341 Birmingham, AL 35253 Published by : Starnes Publishing LLC

Legals: 280 Living is published monthly. Reproduction or use of editorial or graphic

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

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280Living.com

November 2013 • A5

280 News Supreme Court clears Brookwood to begin building freestanding ER on 280 By JEFF THOMPSON

Renderings of Chelsea’s planned community center. Image courtesy of the City of Chelsea.

Chelsea eyes spring 2014 to start construction on community center By JEFF THOMPSON Chelsea’s planned community and senior center is moving ahead, and according to Mayor Earl Niven could be open before the end of 2015. In October, the Chelsea City Council got its first look at the plans for the proposed $3 million center, designed by architect and former city clerk Bob Wanninger. Niven said engineering plans for the facility are currently being finalized. Construction is expected to begin in spring 2014 and require 16-18 months to complete. The new community center will be located on County Road 47 across from Liberty Baptist Church. Niven said the facility will be approximately 29,000 square feet and house multiple new features for Chelsea residents. “We’re bringing a facility to Chelsea that gives senior adults more activities, provides youth with more basketball courts, a walking track for young and old and places for light exercise,” he said.

The community center is one of several current projects for the City, which borrowed $6 million earlier this year to kick them off. It also increased sales tax by 1 percent in 2013 to cover the cost of the loan and fund additional needs. Other projects include the purchase of 105 acres behind Chelsea High School and constructing a sports complex. Niven said up first at the site will be the addition of baseball and softball fields and six tennis courts. The City is also paving multiple roads and is constructing a new road leading to Forest Oaks Elementary, which Niven said is expected to open during Christmas break. “So, we’ve got a lot going on,” Niven said. “This is still a growing community. Last year the City issued 170 building permits, and this year we’re on pace for more than 200. Chelsea is just attracting people because of the quality of life out here, and these projects show our desire to provide for the people.”

Right now, the U.S. 280 corridor is void of emergency medical care, but by the end of 2015 the public could have options. In October, Brookwood Medical Center was cleared to proceed with its plans to construct a freestanding emergency medical department (FED) at the intersection of Alabama Highway 119 and U.S. 280 East. According to Stephen Preston, vice president of external affairs at Brookwood, the Alabama Supreme Court denied a petition by Trinity Medical Center to overturn Brookwood’s Certificate of Need (CON) for the freestanding ER. This marked the third victory in court for the facility over opposition from Trinity. Since receiving its CON in 2010, Preston said two lower courts have ruled in favor of Brookwood. The Supreme Court chose to uphold those rulings. “That exhausts [Trinity Medical’s] legal challenges,” Preston said. “It means we’re free and clear, and we’re moving forward as soon as possible.” Preston said Brookwood’s freestanding ER will be a 19,600-square-foot facility with 12 exam rooms and will cost approximately $19 million. The facility will offer 24-hour care and laboratory services, along with pharmacy and diagnostic services.

Brookwood Medical Center’s freestanding emergency room facility would be built at the intersection of Highway 119 and U.S. 280. Rendering courtesy of Brookwood Medical Center.

According to a previous release, the freestanding ER is proposed to have triage protocols in place for stabilization and immediate transfer of patients requiring care from existing acute care hospitals in the Birmingham area. A helipad would also be available for emergency air transfer. Preston said Brookwood’s FED would offer the public the same care and service found in emergency facilities attached to hospitals. “There are rules in place for these facilities through the Department of Public Health,” Preston said. “They set a very high bar for the level of care to be provided at freestanding ERs.” Brookwood intends to break ground as soon as it can, and the facility is expected to be operational by the end of 2014.

Earlier this year, Trinity Medical was also cleared to construct a hospital on U.S. 280. Approved to relocate from its facility on Montclair Road to the unfinished HealthSouth Corp. building in the Cahaba Center at Grandview, Trinity anticipates the facility, which will be named Grandview Medical Center, will be operational around the close of 2015. Trinity won a four-year court battle with Brookwood and St. Vincent’s Hospital regarding its CON for the facility. “Though we are disappointed that a broader state health planning discussion about the impact of FEDs will not take place, we respect the court’s decision and appreciate their consideration of our request,” Trinity Medical Center CEO Keith Granger said in a statement.

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280 Living

Passing the torch

Curry entering final year as Shelby County sheriff

By JEFF THOMPSON In 1979, Chris Curry was defining himself as a businessman. He had moved to Shelby County from Tennessee seven years prior with his work, but he’d spent that seven years letting an absence grow in his heart. That year he’d discover how to fill it. On a visit to the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, Curry noticed a call for reserve deputies at the department. Though the position was unpaid, it carried many of the same responsibilities as those given to department employees. Trained reserves even shared the front seat with patrol officers as they covered the county’s more than 800 square miles. “Back then, the department was very small, as the county was just easing into its dramatic growth period,” Curry said. “There were very few employees. Vehicles with 250,000 to 300,000 miles were not unusual. At most there were no more than three or four regular deputies out on patrol at any time.” And thanks to that posting, Curry found what he was missing. “I’ve always been driven by a desire to give something back to my community, and up to that point I felt like I wasn’t giving anything,” Curry said. “That was when I discovered what my motivation was.” He completed his training in 1980 and spent the next 10 years as a reserve deputy. Curry was eventually asked to lead the program, and during his time in charge he watched the number of reserve deputies grow to equal the number of those paid. He went on to join the Sheriff’s Office full time, and in 2002 began his first term as Shelby County sheriff. In January, Curry will enter his final year of service as the head of the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office. In October, he announced he will not seek a fourth term, and when he leaves office in January 2015, Curry will have 35

Shelby County Sheriff Chris Curry announced last month he will not seek a fourth term in office. His current term expires in January 2015.

years of service to the citizens of Shelby County. He’ll leave behind a department starkly different from the one he volunteered with years ago. Under his watch, the Sheriff’s Office has grown to 210 employees — 130 of whom have college degrees, three with law degrees and seven who have graduated from the FBI

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Academy in Quantico, Va. With the help of these men and women, much has been accomplished under Curry’s leadership. The Office’s Drug Task Force program has expanded, as has the Reserve Deputy program. It now has three members who are fully trained to the same level as paid

on kids!

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deputies, and several others who have more than 20 years of service as volunteers. “So many projects and programs have been implemented I’d have to get a piece of paper and think them through,” Curry said. “But I don’t want to make any appearance I’m patting myself on back. The one single thing I’m proudest of is the people.” And Curry said they’re one of the main reasons he’s stepping down — to allow another individual to step in and continue the progression. “I think every good leader had better be developing the people around them, because anyone can leave in the blink of an eye,” Curry said. “I’ve seen it happen so many times. Part of leadership is giving the people around you the opportunity to reach beyond and excel.” But beyond his desire to pass the torch, Curry said he’s also leaving for personal reasons. Curry, who will turn 67 in December, is looking forward to spending more time with his wife, Pam, two sons and granddaughters. “My wife and I rarely travel,” he said. “Since I became sheriff, we’ve been to plenty of conventions, and while I was in classes she did whatever she could find to do in hotels or shopping centers. We’re overdue for a real vacation.” Overall, Curry said the residents of Shelby County have been more than gracious and generous during his time as sheriff, and he hopes the person who steps into the role after his departure is both capable of caring for the public he’s served and desiring of the work. For him, his journey in service to Shelby County has been one that taught him a great deal about himself, namely his mission in life. “I have been blessed,” Curry said. “My family has been blessed by this community. Its citizens have given me friendship, moral support and ethical direction. The good thing is, I don’t leave office until 2015, and I’m not the kind of person to say, ‘I’m done. Mail my check to the house.’”

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280Living.com

November 2013 • A7

Chamber to host clay shoot this month

Dell and Carolyn Hill opened Alabama’s first sporting clay range in 1990. Photo courtesy of Selwood Farm.

Greater Shelby Chamber’s Fourth Annual Sporting Clay Shoot Wednesday, Nov. 13, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Selwood Farm Team-$400, Individual-$100 Price includes course, two meals and two drink tickets per person. *The Cotton Drop Contest is an additional $10 per shooter, sold at the tournament. Shelbychamber.org

By KATIE TURPEN The Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce invites sporting clay enthusiasts, both beginners and experts, to the Fourth Annual Sporting Clay Shoot on Nov. 13 at Selwood Farm. The shoot will begin at 9 a.m. following registration and a light breakfast. Lunch will be served after the shoot. This year, there will be an additional contest called the Cotton Drop, where $10 gives one the opportunity for a share of the Cotton Drop pot. More details will be revealed the day of the shoot. “The Chamber’s Fourth Annual Sporting Clay Shoot allows for our members and their guests to enjoy an outdoor sporting event at a prestigious facility in Selwood Farm, and provides for some excellent business networking opportunities where people can build on their current business relationships

and make new contacts,” said Chamber Director Kirk Mancer said. Selwood Farm, owned and operated by Dell and Carolyn Hill, received a five-star rating from the National Shooting Sports Foundation. Located in East-Central Alabama between Talladega and Sylacauga, the farm includes a covered five-stand for warm-up and training and a 100-target course. Dell Hill explained that clay shooting is a recreational sport involving clay targets with varying degrees of shooting difficulty. Hill said he is proud the chamber has chosen his farm to host the event. “We were the first sporting clay range in the state when we opened in 1990,” Hill said. “We’ve worked to improve and expand since then. We’ve hosted a number of nonprofits.” Sponsorships for the shooting event are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Contact the Chamber office at 663-4542 for more information.

Start your Christmas shopping early at Briarwood Christian Briarwood Christmas Shop, a community holiday tradition for more than 20 years, will once again offer a shopping experience for a good cause. The free event is hosted by Briarwood Christian High School. Proceeds will benefit a variety of needs throughout of the school that are not covered by the budget. The 2013 shop will feature gifts, local artwork, jewelry and accessories, home décor, wood crafts, monogrammed clothing, and collegiate and holiday items. There will be several out-of-state vendors participating

again this year and boutiques for women’s fine clothing. Stationery and paper products can be customized while you wait. Christmas music, door prizes and fun surprises await you as you shop in a festive atmosphere. This year’s committee members for the shop are Jennifer James, Jeed Houston, Patty Crauswell and Lena Davis. The event takes place Thursday, Nov. 7 from noon-6 p.m. and Friday, Nov. 8 from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Fellowship Hall at Briarwood Presbyterian Church, located at I-459 on Acton Road.

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November 2013 • A9

Now Open 1

Kiki’s Kickin’ Cakes has opened in the former location of Annalyce’s Bake Shop, 5479 U.S. 280, Suite 122, following renovations to the space. The bakery designs specialty cakes and cupcakes as well as cookies, pies and other pastries. Hours are Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 991-5006. Tacos El Paisano is now open at the corner of County Road 11 and County Road 36, 50 Griffin Corporate Drive. The restaurant is open seven days a week from 7 am.-9 p.m. and offers patio dining. 617-8521.

Relocation / Renovation 10

Tai Chi Acupressure recently opened at 3431 Colonnade Parkway, Suite 450, next to Johnny Ray’s BBQ. It offers acupressure massages, full body table acupressure and other services. 515-0220. Lizard Juice is now open at 4673 Highway 280, Suite 8, next to Bailey Brothers Music. It offer e-cigarettes, a nontobacco alternative to cigarettes. 874-9010. Mathnasium, a math learning center, opened last month in Inverness Corners. The center offers instructional services to second- through 12th-grade students in the afternoons, Monday through Friday and Sunday. 437-3322 • mathnasium.com/invernesscorners.

Coming Soon 6

A new ALFA Insurance office will open at 16712 Highway 280, Suite F, on Nov. 1 next door to Donut Chef. Agent Ryan Grace was previously located in Columbiana. alfains.com. John Currence, a chef from Oxford, Miss., plans to open Big Bad Breakfast at the corner of U.S. 280 and Highway 119 during the first quarter of 2013. citygroceryonline.com. The former Ralph & Kacoo’s restaurant was torn down to make way for Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen at 3500 Grandview Parkway. The restaurant has yet to announce an opening date. pappadeaux.com. Applebee’s is opening a restaurant on Chesser Plantation Lane in Chelsea in 2014. No opening date has been set. applebees.com.

Birmingham Internal Medicine along with the Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Nov. 13 at its office at 7191 Cahaba Valley Road, Suite 300. Following the ribbon-cutting, BIMA will host an open house from 2-6 p.m. Doctors Rebecca Lockhart and Edward Alderson will join the location in St. Vincent’s One Nineteen and are showing off the renovations and new build out. 995-9909. bimapc.com. PharmSouth will move down the street in Mt Laurel to 34 Manning Place, the former Gravlee Fitness Center location, under the new name PharmSouth Pharmacy and Wellness Center. The business offers therapeutic massage, dietary and nutritional consults, success/life/stress management coaching, yoga and reiki, and guest speakers and practitioners. 991-5265. 280 Medical Supply has moved to the former Mountain View Lumber building, 11600 Old Highway 280, Chelsea. This building has been empty since the mid-1990s. 678-8755. 280medicalsupply.com.

News and Accomplishments 15

Dentist Dr. Lisa Wilson is offering a Halloween candy buyback program. Trick-or-treaters will receive $1 per pound of unopened candy turned in as well as a goody bag. All candy collected will be given to U.S. military stationed overseas through Operation Gratitude. Candy will be collected at the office, 5470 Caldwell Mill Road, on Nov. 4 from 3:30-5:30 p.m. 995-8084. drlisawilson.com. Johnny Ray’s BBQ, 10569 Old Highway 280, Suite 3, in Chelsea, will serve breakfast beginning Nov. 8. New breakfast hours will be Friday-Sunday from 7-11 a.m. 678-8418. johnnyraysbbq.com.

Andrea Bowens, DPT, and Tim Sirmon, DPT, physical therapists at Encore Sports Medicine, recently passed exams to become board-certified clinical specialists in orthopaedics. Encore is located at 5291 Valleydale Road, Suite 113. 408-4123. encorerehab.com. Urban Cookhouse received the 2013 Birmingham Business Alliance (BBA) award for Retailer of the Year. Last year the business received the Emerging Retailer of the Year award, also from the BBA. urbancookhouse.com.

Holiday Open Houses

M&M Jewelers, currently located at 4851 Cahaba River Road, Suite 105, is moving to 440 Inverness Corners next to the new Winn-Dixie and will be open by Nov. 11. 970-0570. Dieguez Smiles Orthodontics, 2800 Greystone Commercial Blvd., is moving to the former site of PT Orthodontics at 5660 Cahaba Valley Road, adjacent to Oak Mountain Middle School. Dr. Bertha Dieguez-Marino is the owner/orthodontist. 980-4744. dieguezsmiles.com.

280 Medical Care, 2800 Greystone Commercial Blvd, Suite 2B, has made two new hires. Eddah Muya joins the staff as a Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner, and Bill King joins the staff as patient concierge. 547-2323.

Renaissance Consignment & Marketplace will hold an event Nov. 7 from noon-6 p.m. It will feature light refreshments, live music and hors d’oeurvues. That day the store will debut its “Tree of Smiles” as a way to pay forward an expression of love this holiday season. Customers can choose a child with a Christmas wish/need from their tree and help Renaissance give a child the gift of a Christmas smile. 980-4471. renaissanceconsignment.com. The Cuckoo’s Nest has new holiday hours: TuesdaySaturday 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. They will be closed Nov. 3-8 to prepare for their open house, which will be Saturday, Nov. 9 from 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Greystone Antiques and Marketplace, 5475 U.S. 280, is holding a Christmas open house on Nov. 7 from 5-9 p.m. 995-4773. Baker Lamps & Linens and dwellings – furniture and design studio will hold Open Houses on Friday, Nov. 15 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and on Saturday, Nov. 16 from 10 a.m.3 p.m. Drawings will be held to win up to 40 percent off total purchases. The stores are located at 5299 Valleydale Road. 981-3330. bakerlampsandlinens.com.

Closing 24

Izzo’s Illegal Burrito closed its location at The Summit, 300 Summit Boulevard, Suite 104. It was owned by Mason Jambon, who recently opened Dixie Fish Co.

A10 • November 2013

280 Living

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Read past Business Spotlights at 280Living.com

5291 Valleydale Road 930-3661 Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. bakeandcookco.com

By CHANDLER JONES Susan Green walks into Birmingham Bake & Cook Co. daily to make coffee, but that’s where her routine ends. “The store is like a house,” Green said. “There are walls and furniture and different rooms. Depending on who rings your front door, the vibe in your house changes. Priorities change all the time.” For the past five years, Green has built a community gathering place based around food. Gadgets such as a cutting board that doubles as a food scraper hang among whisks and spatulas. Best-selling items like the garlic twist blend in with the pots and pans surrounding them. Cutting-edge Charles Viancin silicone snowflake lids catch shoppers’ attention next to the cash register. “We are very nuts and bolts,” Green said. “You can see we don’t do a lot of tabletop or serve ware.” Green also sells the Birmingham 100, featuring products made by businesses within a 100-mile radius of the city, and enough cookie cutters to have become the self-proclaimed cookie-cutter capital of Alabama. The store’s imports are from all over. She buys from Market in Atlanta and relies heavily on her customers for what she picks out. She said they’re great about letting her know what does and does not work. “The product mix has changed quite a bit since I opened,” Green said. “Then, I didn’t know what you guys would want. Now I think I have a pretty good handle on what may work.” The bright and intriguing store moonlights

(above) Birmingham Bake and Cook owner Susan Green’s favorite dish is pie. (right) The store hosts a selection of cooking classes and events each month.

as a classroom, inviting the community in for classes about twice a week. Past classes have covered everything from cookie decorating to cooking with beer and wine. Green teaches about half the classes and recruits community members and cookbook authors from as far away as California to teach the rest. Green is as qualified as any to teach. She attended the Culinary Institute of America

in New York and worked for more than two decades with a national restaurant-opening business based in San Francisco. “I think I am very technique driven, but I think having the proper technique affords me a lot of creativity,” Green said. It was after 22 years with her San Francisco business that Green was ready for a change, which brought her to Birmingham. “It’s really about being awake, I think, and it was just the right time,” she said. “It was time to

do something I’ve never done before.” Now five years into the venture, she’s as much in love with it as ever. “When you think about the pragmatic side of opening a business, you think, ‘Well, I’ll love doing this or that or I’m for this or that,’ ” Green said. “But you never think, ‘Oh, my God. I love my customers so much.’ That’s just not something you think about, but it’s definitely the best part.”

280Living.com

November 2013 • A11

A new kind of Market Junior League rebrands annual shopping event Shoppers can kick off the holiday shopping season the weekend before Thanksgiving with a new take on a longstanding tradition. The Junior League of Birmingham (JLB) has christened a new name and logo for its annual holiday market — Market Noel. The event will welcome more than 100 local and national merchants to set up shop in the conveniently located Cahaba Grand Conference Center as familiar strains of Christmas music play. “The rebrand has attracted a lot of new vendors,” said Mary Evans, Market Noel chair. “Our hope is to keep old favorites while bringing in fresh, new merchandise from around the country.” A hometown favorite, My Messy Monkeys, will be back for the third year. My Messy Monkeys is made up of Shelby County resident Jan Padalino and her daughters, Meredith Haughton and Lauren Nichols, both of whom are JLB members. They carry girls clothing in sizes from newborn to 14 and boys clothing ranging from newborn to 4T. Some of the designer brands offered include Isobella and Chloe, Royal Child, Luigi, Beehave, Rosalina, Petit Ami, Vive La Fete, Molly and Millie, and Mom & Me, which range from $20 to $60. Haughton said they look forward to the event because this is their hometown, and they always enjoy seeing their loyal customers face-to-face. Returning to the Cahaba Grand Conference Center for the fifth consecutive year, the festivities begin Wednesday, Nov. 20, at 7 p.m. with a merry Sneak Peek party with hors d’oeuvres, wine and beer tastings, and the chance to win

Market Noel Cahaba Grand Conference Center Nov. 21-22, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Nov. 23, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. $12 general admission marketnoel.net

Birmingham-based My Messy Monkeys will sell a variety of children’s clothing at Market Noel Nov. 21-23. Pictured are owners Lauren Padalino Nichols, Jan Padalino and Meredith Padalino Haughton.

a one-carat diamond with purchase of a glass of champagne. General admission shopping runs Nov. 2123 from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. on Thursday and Friday

and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday. Highlights of the week include Market Morning, featuring country music singer Sara Evans, and a book signing by Homewood’s

own Father Goose, Charles Ghigna, and his wife, Debra. Ghigna, a nationally renowned poet and author, recently cowrote a children’s book with his wife, titled Christmas is Coming! Both authors will be on hand to sign copies. On Friday, John Croyle of the Big Oak Ranch will be signing copies of his book, The Two-Minute Drill to Manhood: A Proven Game Plan for Raising Sons, a holiday gift for any father on your list. On Saturday, families can enjoy free photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Visit marketnoel.net to purchase tickets and to review a complete listing of participating merchants and event details. Tickets are also available at the door, and all special event tickets include admission for shopping. You can also find Market Noel at facebook.com/MarketNoel, JLBirmingham Pinterest or #jlbmarketnoel on Twitter. -Submitted by the Junior League of Birmingham

A12 • November 2013

280 Living

Your Health Today By Dr. Irma Palmer

Among the many recommendations I suggest when starting a health recovery program in my ofﬁce, is eliminating the consumption of wheat to assist in the overall objective of regaining ones health. The immediate response is the ‘deer in the headlights’ facial expression! I can assure you, the greatest challenge is not ﬁguring out what to eat, it’s surviving the wheat withdrawals. Consider reviewing the 280 Living June article “Ditch the Wheat” found on my web page www.ChiropracticToday.com under our 280 Living tab. For now understand eliminating wheat from our diets is essential, if not critical to regaining our health. The enormity of the harmful effects eating “healthy whole grain” has on our health is beyond one’s ability to imagine and comprehend. It is global across all economic and ethnic boundaries. I encourage you to visit Dr. William Davis MD, cardiologist and author website www.wheatbellyblog.com to review the list of health issues linked directly to wheat or go to my website under Patient Resources, Click Docs Favs for his site plus many “clean” wheat free cooking sites. Beyond developing a new eating routine for yourself and family, there is the immediate issue of handling the wheat withdrawals. Crazy as it seems, many “experience physical and emotional turmoil” as the withdrawal

effects occur according to Dr. Davis MD. Of course, symptoms will vary from person to person. Some report feeling awful, foggy brained, nauseated, experience headaches, constipation, bloated, depressed, ache all over like flu symptoms as the effects of regaining their normal state returns. Seems these are stunning side effects for giving up something that is supposedly “good” for you. The unfortunate reason for these unpleasant side effects are the phenomena “caused by withdrawal from the gliadin-derived opiates in wheat that increase appetite and cause addictive eating behaviors”. In his book, Wheat Belly, Dr. Davis discusses a study where opiate blocking medications were prescribed to reduce the wheat withdrawal symptoms for individuals who were addictive and significantly toxic from eating an abundance of “healthy whole grains. There are proactive strategies one can use to reduce the unpleasantness of the withdrawal effects. The following are recommendations to consider. 1. Hydrate- Ridding yourself of wheat involves fluid loss. Due to the loss of the gliadin protein that causes sodium retention, as well as resolving inflammation. Your urine should always be nearly clear, not a dark, concentrated yellow. 2. Use some salt- sea salt or other mineral

Chiropractic Today Total Natural Health

Surviving Wheat Withdrawals containing salt to compensate for loss of urinary salt. Salt, along with water, addresses the common lightheadedness symptoms. 3. Take a Probiotic- 50 billion CFUs or more per day accelerates the conversion to healthy bowel flora off the disruptive effects of this potent bowel toxin called wheat. Probiotics address the common bloating and constipation, usually within 24 hours of initiation. Among the best: Standard Process Prosynbiotic, Garden Of Life, and Renew Life brands. 4. Supplement Magnesium- Magnesium deficiency is widespread and is associated with osteoporosis, hypertension, higher blood sugar, muscle cramps, and heart rhythm disorders. For unclear reasons, these phenomena are magnified during wheat withdrawal. Magnesium supplementation can thereby have some dramatic benefits during wheat withdrawals. 5. Supplement Omega-3 fatty acids- During wheat withdrawal, weight loss proceeds at a rapid clip for most people, a process that involves massive mobilization of fatty acids into the bloodstream. Omega-3 fatty acids partially protect us from the adverse effects of this flood of fatty acids, as it activates the enzyme, lipoprotein lipase that helps clear them from the bloodstream.

6. Supplement Iodine- The average person is marginally deficient iodine, particularly in people who avoid use of iodized salt. Avid exercisers are even more iodine deficient than average, given the loss of sweat. Even a modest lack of iodine leads to lower output of thyroid hormone resulting in mild hypothyroidism that impairs weight loss, can make fatigue worse, increase LDL cholesterol and triglyceride values, and even increase cardiovascular risk. Iodine is an essential trace mineral: everyone needs it. “These supplements have proven tried and true in reducing at least some of most common struggles with wheat withdrawal” according to Dr. Davis MD. Ultimately, we need to realize there is no short cut to regain our health. However, the good news is it’s a round trip ticket with the right effort, intention and guidance. At our office, we provide the strategy to recover and regain your health. The purpose is to move individuals away from illness and sickness toward health, wellness and wide open living. Bottom line, after 20 years in practice the message is the same. You get in return what you give your body. Choose life enhancing choices and you’ll be grateful for years to come. Contact us for help and or questions.

420 Inverness Corners Birmingham, AL 35242

(205) 991-3511

www.ChiropracticToday.com

280Living.com

November 2013 • A13

Food Bake up a pie for the season By LISA JOHNSEY I love pies of all types. Sweet, savory, individual, single- or double-crusted — they are all wonderful. Below is a sampling of some of my favorite pies, just in time for harvest parties or Thanksgiving dinner. My first offering that I am sharing with you is an apple pie with a crumble top. This pie is so easy and yummy that I don’t bother with a lattice top anymore. A friend of our family shared this recipe many years ago when we lived in West Palm Beach. You will need to get a paper bag from the grocery store for what might seem like a very unusual way of baking, but I promise it works every time. Just make sure the bag does not

touch the element in your oven. Next up is a three-generation recipe for sweet potato pie my mother has been making since I could barely see over the counter to help. My grandmother made it before her, and now I make it for our family. Finally, I am sharing a different twist on a chess pie — vinegar pie. A friend of ours made it for us while were visiting them in North Carolina, and now it’s a family favorite. I encourage you to try it. Don’t be turned off by its name. All three recipes make a simple yet deliciously perfect ending to any meal. I hope all of you have a blessed Thanksgiving, and happy baking!

Brown Bag Apple Pie 7 cups apples, diced ½ cup sugar 1 tsp. cinnamon 1/8 tsp. nutmeg Dash salt 1 Tbsp. lemon juice ½ cup sugar ¾ cup flour 1/3 cup butter, diced 1 single pie crust (prepared or homemade)

Stir together apples through lemon juice in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, combine sugar, flour and butter with a fork until crumbly. Place pie crust in pie plate add the apple mixture. Sprinkle with crumb mixture. Put pie in a paper grocery bag. Staple shut. Put bag on a baking sheet and put in oven. Bake for 1 hour at 425 degrees. Cool in bag for 5 minutes.

My Mother’s Famous Sweet Potato Pie 5-6 small sweet potatoes 3 eggs 1 cup evaporated milk 1 cup sugar ½ tsp. + a dash cinnamon ¼ tsp. + a dash nutmeg 2 Tbsp. butter 1 tsp. vanilla 1 single pie crust (prepared or homemade) Dice sweet potatoes and boil until tender. Drain and mash them well. Beat eggs and add remaining ingredients. Mix until blended. Pour mixture into a prepared pie plate and bake at 375 degrees for 50-55 minutes or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.

Vinegar Pie 1 stick margarine, melted and cooled 1 ½ cups sugar 2 Tbsp. flour 1 Tbsp. vanilla 2 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar

3 eggs 1 9-inch pie crust (prepared or homemade) Combine first six ingredients and pour into pie shell. Bake at 300 degrees for 45 minutes or until firm.

A14 • November 2013

280 Living

Restaurant Showcase

Saigon Noodle House

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Read past Restaurant Showcases at 280Living.com

4606 U.S. 280, Suite 108 408-1800 saigonnoodlehouse.wordpress.com Tuesday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.

280

By INTISAR SERAAJ-SABREE Noodle soup has been a big part of Thao “Syndy” and Oanh “Kim” Vu’s diet since their parents sold sandwiches and noodle soup bowls from a cart in Vietnam. Now, sisters Syndy and Kim co-own Saigon Noodle House in the Target shopping center on U.S. 280. “What we serve [at Saigon Noodle House] is what we eat at home,” Syndy said. Eventually, their diet became their business. Syndy had planned to open a gas station when she moved to Birmingham in 2005, but she changed her mind after Hurricane Katrina. Kim and her husband had lost their grocery store of eight years, Gene and John’s Grocery Store, in the destruction of the hurricane and moved to Birmingham. Feeling lost, empty and devastated, the couple decided to rebuild their lives by opening a restaurant with Syndy. With family support and recipes from their native country, they started Saigon Noodle House in 2009. The Vu sisters took a big risk by opening the restaurant during economic turmoil, Syndy said. But with nothing else to lose, they took a chance. “We started out empty-handed with loans,” Syndy said. With many family memories from Vietnam, the Vus named their restaurant after the largest city in the

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(above) Sisters Syndy and Kim Vu opened Saigon Noodle House in 2009. (right) The restaurant serves authentic Vietnamese cuisine including noodle bowls.

country, which is now called Ho Chi Minh City. Staying true to their roots, the sisters decided to serve traditional Vietnamese dishes such as egg noodles with stir-fried vegetables, quail eggs, and chicken topped with cilantro, onion, black pepper and bacon bits. The exotic cuisine requires customers with adventurous taste buds. “Vietnamese noodle soup [might] contain tripe or tendon,” Syndy said.

“That’s not something everyone might try. You have to be open-minded.” Any of the restaurant’s dishes, including popular noodle soups called pho, can take a diner’s palate on a journey to Vietnam. But for customers who prefer something more familiar, there are options like chicken noodle soup with slices of chicken and shredded ginger or a Vietnamese pork meatball sandwich with a variety of

tasty toppings. The sisters revealed that the main ingredients in many of their dishes are lemongrass, fish sauce and five-spice powder, containing of wild pepper, fennel, cassia peel and aniseed. Saigon Noodle House’s unusual flavors have inspired loyal customers over the years. One unknown fan even created an unofficial website for the restaurant on WordPress

without the sisters’ knowledge. Other customers travel from all over Alabama and the Southeast to get a taste of the restaurant’s food. Though the flavor brings customers back, the main ingredient at Saigon Noodle House is family. “It’s having enough income to support my family and my sister’s family,” Syndy said. “That’s the main thing we’re working for.”

280Living.com

November 2013 • A15

The Cahaba River Bridge Boys Roots of the 1963 16th Street Church bombing can be traced back to a familiar landmark

By MADOLINE MARKHAM When four girls walked into 16th Street Baptist Church in downtown Birmingham on Sept. 15, 1963, their fate had already been decided in a secret meeting south of town. It was under a bridge crossing the Cahaba River — the bridge that is now an access road that runs parallel to U.S. 280 near Target — that Ku Klux Klansmen plotted an act of violence that would propel civil rights legislation in the months and years to come. In the early 1960s, the selfproclaimed “Cahaba River Bridge Boys” knew that the FBI had bugged their houses, their cars and their Klavern meeting space, so they fled in secret to a graveled spot on the river to meet. They were all members of the Eastview #13 Klavern in East Birmingham, but with FBI informants supposedly within the Klan, they didn’t know whom they could trust. So again, they escaped to the remote spot on the river. Robert “Dynamite Bob” Chambliss, who would be convicted for the bombing in 1977, served as the primary organizer of the group, and only men he knew and trusted would gather there. They felt the Klavern wasn’t acting strongly enough with violence to stop desegregation and integration, so they took their hatred of blacks, Jews and Catholics into

A group known as the “Cahaba River Boys” met under the Cahaba River Bridge on U.S. 280 to plan the bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church in 1963. Photo by Madoline Markham.

their own hands. “It’s an open question whether they were secretly blessed by the Klavern,” said T.K. Thorne, who spent four years researching and writing the newly released book Last Chance for Justice about the conviction of the church bombers. “It could have been a way to have a group go out and do dirty business. Back in the 1960s, the Klan was a

respected organization. Many people — including lawyers, judges, police officers, and even Supreme Court Justice [Hugo] Black — belonged to it. It was a matter of social climbing.” Thorne also noted that the privacy of the location was psychologically in line with the Klan’s use of rituals and secret symbols. From under the bridge, the group allegedly plotted beatings and acts of

Birmingham Police Department Sergeant Ben Herren served as an FBI analyst when the 1963 church bombing case was reopened for investigation in the 1990s. His work ultimately helped convict Thomas Blanton and Bobby Frank Cherry. Photo courtesy of T.K. Thorne.

intimidation they called “missionary missions” and ultimately a bomb to be planted in the church that served as the hub of civil rights activity in Birmingham. The explosion came mid-morning on Youth Sunday, Sept. 15, and killed Denise McNair, 11, and Cynthia Wesley, Carole Robertson and Addie Mae Collins, all 14. When the FBI investigation of

the bombing began, it turned to the Cahaba River group. The originally targeted suspects for the bombing listed nine Cahaba Boys. For years, only Chambliss would face a conviction, and he remained silent about his co-conspirators until his death in 1985. It wasn’t until 2001 and 2002 that Thomas Blanton and Bobby Frank Cherry were at long last convicted for the crime following a five-year investigation by FBI and local police. In fact, the key piece of evidence that convicted Blanton and Cherry involved the spot under the bridge. The FBI had bugged Blanton’s duplex in 1963 and tape recorded a conversation between him and his wife, Jean, where he talked about going to the river and planning to make a bomb at the Modern Sign Shop. Fifty years later, the bombers are all behind bars or deceased. Cherry died in prison in 2004, and Blanton is serving a life sentence in St. Clair Correctional Facility. But the bridge and the roots of what transpired under it remain alive. “This is an important story to remember and to not forget,” Thorne said. “The Klan is still with us and they are not dead, and we need to remember that and teach our children about it so they do not fall prey to the same sort of thing.” Editor’s Note: Thanks to T.K. Thorne and her research in Last Chance for Justice for providing the basis for this article.

A16 • November 2013

Happy Thanksgiving

280 Living

What are you thankful for? With Thanksgiving coming this month, 280 Living asked third-grade students at Oak Mountain Elementary to share what they were thankful for. Here’s what they said. Submitted by Rebekah Austin

Weston Keith Ellison There are many things someone can be thankful for, but I am most grateful for a wonderful family. I’m grateful for my family, because they are nice and do many things for me. I love my family. I am also grateful for a great life. I have lots of friends and fun stuff to do. I love my school and all of the people there. I learn a lot and get to have fun doing it. I am grateful for the Lord. I know that he is always there and watching over me. Without him nothing would exist.

Marrie Cannon Ivey I’m thankful for a lot of things. Here are some of them. I am thankful for family, friends and church. I am also thankful for school, GRC and our free country. I am thankful for Christopher Columbus for finding America. I am also thankful for food. Last but not least, I am thankful for water. Those are some things I am thankful for!

Kate Murray I’m thankful to have a family. I’m also thankful for friends. I’m thankful for a free country. I’m also thankful to have a home. I’m very thankful to go to school. I’m thankful to move to Birmingham. I’m also thankful to play soccer. I’m very thankful to go to church. I’m thankful to go to GRC.

Varsha Reddy What I’m thankful for is my family, good food, nice friends and a good school. I am thankful for my family because they love me. I’m thankful for good food because it helps me live. I’m thankful for good friends because they are always there for me. I am thankful for a good school because I love my school. I am thankful for a lot of things. I think that’s good. What are you thankful for?

280Living.com

November 2013 • A17

Jake Dean

Hannah Easterling

My name is Jake Dean, and these are the things I am thankful for. I am thankful to live in a free country. I am thankful for all of my needs, and that I have a family that loves me. I am thankful for all of my games and electronics. I am thankful for God and Jesus. I am thankful for the activities I do and for all the money my parents spend for my games, electronics, needs and activities I do. Now you know why I am thankful. I’ll probably see you around!

There are many things I am thankful for. I’m thankful for having a brother that is caring, loving and very nice. I’m thankful for him, because he loves me, cares about me and is very nice to me. Sometimes we have a big fight every now and then, but we always work it out together. I am also thankful for him because we like playing games and having contests together. I am thankful for a mom and a dad because some children don’t have a mom or a dad. When they were little, their parents died or they were put in an adoption house or an orphanage. I am also thankful for a mom and dad because they are very caring and loving. They usually give me what I want. I’m thankful for shelter, because some families don’t have shelter or homes to live under when there’s a storm that’s bad or weak like a little raindrop falling from the sky. I’m also thankful for shelter because we can eat and drink under it and live a sweet, safe and awesome life. And now, I’d like to sum up my thoughts by saying… I am thankful for being blessed with so many great things to be thankful for because that is just a great life to live!

Abby O’Dell Do you want to know what I am thankful for? Well, I am thankful for a lot of things, but these are my top four. I am thankful for families. You can play board games with them on game night, and you can laugh and joke around with them. You can also go on fun family trips, such as sunny boating trips. Family trips are really exciting. I am also thankful for America’s freedom. We can worship the God we want to worship, and we can live out our dreams. We can also own our property instead of other people sharing it. We can also travel from state to state freely. I love America’s freedom. I am also thankful for nice and giving people. I think a lot of other people are thankful for this, too. They can be anybody. It doesn’t matter what they look like, it matters how he or she acts. When you’re around somebody that is all gloomy and never grins or smiles or waves, you don’t feel comfortable around that person. When you’re around someone that smiles and waves, you usually feel comfortable. I can live without this, but I am also thankful for sugar cookies. They are SO, SO, SO good! When you bite into it, the sugar taste goes around in your mouth like a professional runner in a marathon carrying a sack of sugar and dropping loads of it. That’s how much I love sugar cookies! I hope that you are thankful for families, America’s freedom, and nice and giving people.

Kierson McDonald I am grateful for my grandparents. I am grateful for my Paw-Paw because he is sweet and kind. I feel this way, because he always brags about me to his friends at Waffle House. Every time he sees me he says, “Give me a big hug,” then he smiles. Whether I am playing soccer or just playing in the living room being silly, I can never do wrong in his eyes. I am grateful for my Nonie because she is like a second-mom to me! She makes me shirts and bakes me a special kind of mac-ncheese — just the way I like it, and I don’t even have to ask her! Anytime my parents need her to take or pick me up, she is there. She also comes to many of my sporting events ... and there are A LOT!!! I am grateful for my Pa-Pa because he is funny and tricky. When I sing, he always asks me “What did you do with the money your mom gave you for singing lessons?” which makes us both laugh. Sometimes he comes up with tricks to scare my Nonie. I have fun tricking him, too. These are the reasons I am grateful for my grandparents.

A18 • November 2013

Sports

280 Living

Basketball is back

Oak Mountain High November Basketball Schedule Varsity Girls Nov. 8 – @Thompson, 6 p.m. Nov. 12 – Vestavia Hills, 6 p.m. Nov. 15 – @Northridge, 6 p.m. Nov. 19 – Gardendale, 6 p.m. Nov. 22 – @Ramsay, 6 p.m. Dec. 2 – @Pell City, 6 p.m. Dec. 5 – Tuscaloosa County, 5:30 p.m. Varsity Boys Nov. 8 – @Thompson, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 12 – Vestavia Hills, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 15 – Homewood, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 19 – Gardendale, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 23-26 – Hewitt-Trussville Tournament, TBA Dec. 2 – @Pell City, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5 – Tuscaloosa County, 7 p.m. JV Girls Nov. 8 – @Thompson, 4:30 p.m. Nov. 11 – Vestavia Hills, 6:15 p.m. Nov. 15 – @Northridge, 4:30 p.m. Nov. 18 – Gardendale, 6:15 p.m. Nov. 22 – @Ramsay, 4:30 p.m. Dec. 2 – @Pell City, 4:30 p.m. Dec. 6 – Vestavia Hills, 4:30 p.m.

Briarwood Christian Varsity Boys. Photos courtesy of Briarwood.

Briarwood Christian November Basketball Schedule Varsity Boys Nov. 12 – @Sylacauga, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 14 – @Locust Fork, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 15 – Moody, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 19 – @Pelham, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 21 – @McAdory, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 23-27 – North Shelby Tip Off Tourney, TBA Dec. 3 – @Vincent, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5 – @Moody, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6 – Pelham, 7:30 p.m.

Varsity Girls Nov. 5 – @Hoover, TBA Nov. 12 – @Prattville, 6 p.m. Nov. 16 – Oxford (@ Gadsden State CC), 1 p.m. Nov. 19 – Minor, 6 p.m. Nov. 22 – @Wetumpka, 6 p.m. Nov. 29 – Wenonah Thanksgiving Classic (@Wenonah), TBA Nov. 30 – Wenonah Thanksgiving Classic (@Wenonah), TBA Dec. 3 – Vestavia Hills, 6 p.m. Dec. 6 – @Mountain Brook, 6 p.m. Varsity Boys Nov. 7 – Sacred Heart, 6:30 p.m. Nov. 12 – @Prattville, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 16 – Oxford (@ Gadsden State CC), 3 p.m. Nov. 19 – Minor, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 22 – @Wetumpka, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 27 – Rebel Classic (@Vestavia Hills), TBA Nov. 29 – Rebel Classic (@Vestavia Hills), TBA Dec. 3 – Vestavia Hills, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6 – @Mountain Brook, 7:30 p.m. JV Girls Nov. 5 – @Hoover, TBA Nov. 7 – Tip Off Tournament (@Vestavia Hills), TBA Nov. 9 – Tip Off Tournament (@Vestavia Hills), TBA Nov. 19 – Minor, 4:30 p.m. Nov. 27 – Gadsden JV Tournament (@Gadsden), TBA Nov. 29 – Gadsden JV Tournament (@Gadsden), TBA Dec. 3 – Vestavia Hills, 4:30 p.m. Dec. 6 – @Mountain Brook, 4:30 p.m JV Boys Nov. 7 – Mountain Brook, 6 p.m. Nov. 12 – @Prattville, 4:30 p.m. Nov. 16 – Oxford (@ Gadsden State CC),11:30 a.m. Nov. 19 – Minor, 6 p.m. Nov. 22 – @Wetumpka, 4:30 p.m. Dec. 3 – Vestavia Hills, 6 p.m. Dec. 6 – @Mountain Brook, 4:30 p.m.

JV Boys Nov. 8 – @Thompson, 6 p.m. Nov. 12 – Vestavia Hills, 4:30 p.m. Nov. 15 – Homewood, 6 p.m. Nov. 19 – Gardendale, 4:30 p.m. Dec. 2 – @Pell City, 6 p.m. Dec. 5 – Tuscaloosa County, 4 p.m. Freshman Boys Nov. 8 – @Thompson, 4:30 p.m. Nov. 11 – Vestavia Hills, 5 p.m. Nov. 15 – Homewood, 4:30 p.m. Nov. 18 – Gardendale, 5 p.m. Dec. 2 – @Pell City, 4:30 p.m.

Spain Park High November Basketball Schedule

Briarwood Christian Varsity Girls.

Freshman Boys Nov. 7 – Mountain Brook, 4:30 p.m. Nov. 16 – Oxford (@ Gadsden State CC),10 a.m. Nov. 19 – Minor, 4:30 p.m. Dec. 3 – Vestavia Hills, 4:30 p.m. Dec. 6 – @Mountain Brook, 6 p.m.

YOUR SKIN AWAITS

DERMATOLOGY Medical • Pediatric • Surgical • Cosmetic 1920 Huntington Road • Homewood, AL 35209 398 Chesser Drive, Suite 3 • Chelsea, AL 35043 205.871.7332 • WWW.SKINWELLNESSAL.COM

280Living.com

November 2013 • A19

2013FOOTBALLSCHEDULES Visit 280living.com for weekly coverage of your team

Spain Park Jaguars

Chelsea Fighting Hornets Date 8/29 9/6 9/13 9/20 9/27 10/4 10/11 10/18 10/25 11/1

Opponent John Carroll Thompson* Spain Park* Stanhope Elmore* Tarrant Oak Mountain* Wetumpka* Pelham* Prattville* Shelby County

Location Home Home Away Away Home Home Away Away Home Away

Result 62-14 (W) 25-23 (L) 14-0 (L) 48-26 (L) 51-18 (W) 31-21 (L) 48-45 (L) 55-34 (W) 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

Date 8/30 9/6 9/13 9/20 9/27 10/4 10/11 10/18 10/25 11/1

*Region game

Opponent Shades Valley Wetumpka* Stanhope Elmore* Pelham* Pell City Chelsea* Spain Park* Prattville* Thompson* Clay-Chalkville *Region game

Location Home Away Home Away Away Home Away Home Away Away

Result 23-14 (W) 19-16 (W) 14-0 (W) 24-13 (W) 20-14 (W) 28-17 (W) 21-17 (W) 34-13 (W) 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

*Region game

Briarwood Christian Lions

Oak Mountain Eagles Date 8/30 9/6 9/13 9/20 9/27 10/4 10/11 10/18 10/25 11/1

Opponent Austin Prattville* Chelsea* Wetumpka* Lee Montgomery Thompson* Oak Mountain* Stanhope Elmore* Pelham* Oxford

Location Away Away Away Home Home Away Home Away Home Away

Result 38-15 (L) 28-6 (L) 35-21 (W) 42-41 (L) 22-15 (W) 31-21 (W) 21-17 (L) 28-21 (L) 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

Date 8/30 9/6 9/13 9/20 9/27 10/4 10/11 10/17 10/25 11/1

Opponent Eagles’ Landing, GA Sylacauga* Homewood* Shelby County* Gardendale Talladega* Chilton County* Ramsay* John Carroll* Pinson Valley *Region game

Location Away Home Away Home Away Away Home Away Home Home

Result 27-7 (L) 26-15 (W) 38-14 (L) 29-0 (W) 24-22 (W) 23-0 (W) 22-0 (W) 32-14 (W) 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

A20 • November 2013

280 Living GROCERY

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According to a Winn-Dixie representative, the new store in Inverness Corners will include features like those seen above. Pictured are a cheese bar and an expanded selection of fresh produce and seafood. Photos courtesy of Winn-Dixie.

right price.” Flavin said the store would offer an array of custom-prepared, chef-inspired meals, a selection of organic fruits and vegetables and an expanded assortment of gluten-free, allergen-free, organic and natural products. In addition, the company is installing a carving station, butcher shop, cheese shop, barbecue bar and pharmacy and will offer an extensive wine selection, fresh seafood and sushi. With the opening of the Inverness Corners store, Winn-Dixie plans to close its location at 2653 Valleydale Road. Winn-Dixie representative Michelle Lisotto confirmed the closing but was unable to specify the date operations would cease at that location or the date the Inverness Corners store would open. However, when it does, Davison expects a dramatic increase in traffic past her storefront, and a sizable spike in business overall. “Most of my students have parents who drop them off, and now they’ll have the opportunity to go right next door to do their grocery shopping with that hour instead of waiting in the parking lot,” she said. Her line of thinking isn’t uncommon. Bayer Properties, the company responsible for managing Inverness Corners, is planning to advertise the shopping center’s empty spaces to service-based companies like hers. According to Bayer representative Sam Heide, restaurants, salons, spas and other similar businesses are likely to follow WinnDixie’s lead. “They’re the perfect tenants for this type of center,” Heide said. “When somebody comes to do their grocery shopping, they can also get a manicure and have a bite for lunch.” Heide wasn’t able to provide an exact number of vacancies in Inverness Corners, but currently, according to Bayer’s website, there are 15 retail openings. Heide said some spaces will be combined and used by a single tenant, some are already in negotiation for leasing and some contracts have been signed. He said a clothing alterations company has agreed to come in, and Bayer has been in discussions

with a local restaurant company for another space in the center. In the space right next to Winn-Dixie, M&M Jewelers intends to open its new location by mid-November. The store, started by Laura Robinson nearly 25 years ago, has been located on Cahaba River Road for the past six years. She said she selected her new site because Winn-Dixie was moving in. “I’m happy with it,” Robinson said of her new location. “I’m looking forward to the move. I think it’s going to be a better location, and traffic will only increase more when [Grandview Medical Center] opens.” Heide added he expects all spaces to be filled following the addition of Winn-Dixie, and that the grocery store’s presence would boost sales across the center. But not all tenants were happy with Winn-Dixie coming in. Colleen Burback, owner of clothing boutique The Urban Barn, said she moved her store from Inverness Corners to Lee Branch when Winn-Dixie signed its lease. She said she did so because Bayer presented her with a non-negotiable rent increase of more than 300 percent. Burback said she was also concerned about a reduction in traffic through the center due to the Alabama Department of Transportation’s Intersection Improvement Plan on U.S. 280. She said she believes the installation of a “Michigan Left” at Valleydale Road will push drivers south to Walmart or Publix. “People will get frustrated and keep going,” she said. But Heide said he believes ALDOT’s changes will bring more cars into the center, especially on the east side where Mathnasium is located. Davison agreed. “The way the lights are timed, it’s pretty easy to make that turn in,” Davison said of the southern entrance to Inverness Corners, which isn’t regulated by a traffic signal. “People may think they’re taking their lives in their hands, but I always see plenty of gaps.” Heide also said data shows the number

Commitment to community Comment by Tim Flavin Montgomery Region Vice President of Winn-Dixie Stores

We are known for our deep heritage, strong neighborhood ties and a proud history of giving back. Giving back to the community is part of Winn-Dixie’s culture. It’s a natural extension of our core business and has been the heart of our mission for more than 80 years. We look forward to continuing our strong presence in the Birmingham community for years to come. of vehicles that pass Inverness Corners is projected to continue to increase, and that visibility has always been an asset for the center. “With traffic counts there — and I think the Valleydale intersection sees more than 100,000 cars a day — it just increases the probability drivers will pull in on more frequent basis,” Heide said. “Maybe somebody doesn’t even know On Tap is there, but they see it on a grocery run and come back to watch football games.” New and returning customers will also see dramatic changes to the look of the center, as its owners have made a substantial investment in improvements to the exterior. Gone are forest green rooftops and blanket brick facades, replaced by bright stucco storefronts, elegant stonework and wood ceilings. “Millions have been invested in that center to create what you’re seeing there today,” Heide said. In addition, the center’s owners have repaved the parking lot and installed a new lighting system. “It’s certainly a warm welcome for WinnDixie,” Davison said.

280Living.com

November 2013 • A21

CARNEGIE

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Spain Park singers Alex Slocum, Elizabeth McGehee, Katie Chunn, Eleanor Watson, Madeline Ussery, Juliet Jackson, Marie Baroody and Dani Justice. Photo courtesy of Charles Henry.

these students how to be better young men and women,” he said. “It’s through music that I am able to do that. These kids are learning about responsibility, time management, working with other people and having to do something extra. Choir is considered an extracurricular. My feeling about it is, if you are choosing to do more than you have to do already, do the best you can.” And they are. The choir has come a long way since 2009, Henry’s first year on the job, when he and his students were working to rebuild the choir for the sheer love of it. Today, when members spontaneously burst into song in the hallways, they are rewarded with appreciative applause from their peers. Now more than 100 members strong, the group has hit its stride and gained regional acclaim through impressive appearances at area competitions. That visibility, combined with the achievements of the three classes of Spain Park alumni who have graduated under Henry, led to what is considered to be the ultimate invitation for the musically inclined — a chance to perform at Carnegie Hall. On Sunday evening, Nov. 17, Spain Park choir members will take center stage in the Stern Auditorium of the famed music hall to participate in the New England Symphonic Ensemble. By way of invitation from John Ratledge, director of choral activities at The University of Alabama, who also is co-conducting the performance, Spain Park choir members will join other regional invitees from Alabama, Georgia and Texas in a mass choir ensemble of Morten Lauridsen’s Lux Aeterna, presented by MidAmerica Productions. “An invitation like this validates what we’ve been doing, and how we’ve been working to present ourselves as an ensemble,” said Henry. Spain Park Principal Ken Jarnagin is not surprised. “Several Spain Park choral alumni are currently studying music at Alabama, where they are also in Dr. Ratledge’s choir,” Jarnagin said. “He’s expressed his appreciation of our Spain Park singers on several occasions, having heard them sing at concerts and choral music festivals. Based on that, he recommended our choir for this prestigious honor, where selection is based upon the quality of literature, quality of student, and the high level of our musical presentations.” To keep delivering on that reputation, Jarnagin, a former band director and avid supporter of the arts, commended participating students, both for the honor and for the extra preparation it demands. “The students traveling to New York will be preparing the music outside of the regular school day,” he said. “While this trip is extracurricular, there are additional

requirements of a singer above and beyond what is already expected from those in the music program at Spain Park.” That preparation is considerable. The work, Lux Aeterna (“eternal light” in Latin) is a five-movement piece composed for a choir and orchestra that runs 30 minutes in length. “Every piece has something to do with light or light shining down, where Christ is the light of the world,” Henry said. “It’s pretty deep. We’ve gotten into what the text is saying but also what the music is saying.” Much of that work happened this past summer after Henry got his hands on 60 donated copies of the work, courtesy of a colleague at The University of North Alabama, and began to host sectional rehearsals. “I was impressed that these kids were willing to come up to the school in the summer, not for a grade but because this is something they know we need to do to make this performance the best it can be,” Henry said. On their own time, students also have been using cyberbass.com to learn notes and rhythm. “When they are with me, we can focus on text, pronunciation and interpretation,” he said. “It’s a more informal setting than a classroom. We can really explore what is happening and get to know each other and the music better rather than the pressure of, ‘This is just for a grade.’” For Emily Saab, a choir member since 2009, summer rehearsals were a reward, reflective of four years of resolve and hard work to build the choir and even have a chance at such accolades. “Even though the choir was struggling to regroup in the earlier of my years at Spain Park, I never thought of doing anything else,” she said. “What I’ve found in my experience with choir is that it has a sense of community for support but also gives people the chance to be individuals. So whether the choir was struggling or excelling didn’t really matter to me because it was home. “Still, to be where we are now, having been invited to perform at Carnegie Hall, is a great validation of all the work we put into being a great choir,” she said. Selections from the choir’s November performance will be presented at Spain Park’s Winter Concert. Henry and Jarnagin are also working on a schedule of 2014 events to help showcase the group to the greater community. “I think people will be really surprised to hear what we can do,” Saab said. “Spain Park has a reason to be proud of its choir again.” 280 Living will include information about upcoming choir performances as they are scheduled.

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280 Living

Opinion Life Actually By Kari Kampakis

A silver linings mindset

*Pictures, photographs, floor plans, elevations, features, colors and sizes are approximate for illustration purposes only and will vary from the home as built. **Home and community information, including pricing, included features, terms, availability and amenities are subject to change and prior sale at any time without notice or obligation. Copyright DR Horton® 2013.

Every morning when we wake up, we have a choice. We can choose to be grateful for what’s right in our life or grumpy for what’s wrong. Nobody is born grateful. We learn gratitude by practicing it. This is good news because it means gratitude is within everyone’s reach. In any and all circumstances it works. Even if we’re skeptical or pessimistic by nature, there’s hope. Even if we’ve been beaten down by life, there’s hope. Learning to be grateful is a matter of noticing what’s already there. It’s getting over ourselves and what we think life owes us. It’s comparing ourselves to those who have less — not more — and would kill to be in our shoes. It’s training our mind to see the good in every situation. By applying a new filter, we develop a silver linings mindset that can turn any negative into a positive. Sound impractical? Let’s put the idea to use by thinking of everyday irritations that dampen our mood. Let’s take what would normally get under our skin and let it roll off our shoulders using gratitude. Whatever is bothering us, whatever we’re taking for granted, someone else is praying to have our problem. Keeping this reality in mind can change our outlook completely. Consider for a moment the following:

The noise and chaos that awakes us each morning because our kids are wild bucks — an infertile couple prays to wake up to that music. The leak in our roof that comes back with every hard rain — a family prays for a home of their own, leaky roof and all. The check-out line at the grocery that tortures us because we’re impatient — someone prays for money to buy food and a reason to wait in line. The date night with our spouse we’re tempted to call off because we’re tired — someone prays for a spouse who loves them and wants to spend time together. The toddler who drives us mad because they never quit running — a mother prays her child will walk one day and enjoy life like other kids. The job we dread going to day in and day out — someone prays to find a job today because the stress of employment is far better than the stress of unemployment. The child who constantly calls for us and asks for help — someone is praying their child in college will call them because it’s been five days since they’ve heard their beloved voice. The car ride home from the beach that should take five hours but instead takes seven — a father prays for the means to take his family on vacation, even if it means sitting in traffic.

The bad hair day that makes us want to stay home — a woman who’s lost her hair to chemo prays her hair will grow back, even if it’s wild. Life is stressful. Life is hard. Life annoys the heck out of us sometimes. But when we focus on silver linings, little blessings inside every situation, we realize how blessed we are. Abundantly, richly blessed. Every day we have a choice: the choice to dwell on what’s wrong or give thanks for what’s right. By making thanks our habit, our instinctive response to both joy and frustration, a silver linings mindset kicks in. Once we have that, life appears better at every turn. Whatever we’re taking for granted, someone else is praying for. The only shortcut to happiness is being happy where we are. Gratitude is free and available to all. Once we catch on to the wonder of that, we can give a heartfelt thanks that something so easy can make such a difference. Kari Kubiszyn Kampakis is a Birmingham mom of four with a background in PR, writing and photography. For more inspiration, join her Facebook community at “Kari Kampakis, Writer” or find her on Twitter. Visit karikampakis.com or contact her at kari@karikampakis.com.

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November 2013 • A23

Opinion My South By Rick Watson

Simpler times A front moved through last night. I off to sleep, I could hear the slapping fell asleep listening to the rattle of rain sound of a beaver’s tail on the water on my metal roof. It’s a soothing sound. as he swam downstream: kerplunk, The roof wasn’t cheap to install, but kerplunk. on nights like last night, I am thankful It’s interesting how the aroma of they didn’t charge what it’s worth. wood smoke could serve as a time The rain brought cooler temperatures machine and send me back more that created a perfect afternoon to build than 40 years, but it does. a fire in our fire pit in the backyard. The fire pit wasn’t cheap, but it Watson I recently stopped by the store and was well worth the money. stocked up on Hershey’s bars, graham Maybe the reason I love my crackers and marshmallows. If there’s a better metal roof and fire pit so much is because they autumn treat than s’mores, I need for someone remind me of my youth. Most of the houses to share it with me because I can eat s’mores we lived in when I was a child had roofs that until the cows play backgammon. sounded like kettledrums when it rained. The fire pit is perfect for contemplation. The There is a reason that the Beverly Hillbillies, gentle flames dancing on hickory, oak, and Andy Griffith and Green Acres are still popular apple wood are hypnotic. today 50 years since they first appeared on our We built the pit on Saturday, and that black and white televisions. evening we built our first fire. The aroma of People long for simpler times, before 9/11, wood smoke permeated my clothes, and the Iraq and Afghanistan, where the choices were morning after when I tossed my shirt into the simpler and the world wasn’t driven by fear. laundry hamper, I got a whiff of wood smoke Those days weren’t Nirvana because every mixed with cotton. The scent sent my mind on generation has its problems, but it seems the a detour down memory lane. speed of communications these days has I remembered a camping trip with my dad brought the problems into sharper focus. when I was 15 years old. Nowhere is this more apparent than on We spent the night on the banks of the Black Facebook, the online community that has Warrior River. somehow become woven into the fabric of our Most of the time my dad didn’t talk a lot, lives. but the campfire (and probably a few swigs During election years, the fear is palatable. of moonshine) loosened his tongue. He The voice of reason, for the most part, does not talked into the night about his childhood, his play to the masses. successes, failures, and lost dreams. I don’t want to think about that now because I was mesmerized by his words and the I’m building a hickory fire in the pit, and I’m crackling sound of dying embers. As I drifted going to roast some s’mores.

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At trail’s end

Chelsea resident completes 29-year mission to walk the Appalachian Trail By JEFF THOMPSON Olean Kenny had scrapes across her knees and elbows from her fall, but it was her foot that hurt the most. One miscalculation among the millions of steps she’d taken in the Northeastern wilderness had suddenly altered her summer, stopping her in her tracks somewhere in the dense Maine forest. Last summer, Kenny, a Chelsea resident, drove all the way from Alabama to the top of the country to hike. Her friends, Lynn Odom and Dale South, came along because, for Kenny, this was the last leg. Their planned path from inner Maine across the New Hampshire state line represented the only 51 miles of the Appalachian Trail Kenny had yet to conquer. But last summer, they only made it 10 miles. Kenny fell while fording a creek, and although her knee was injured she kept going. But on this trip, when it rained, it poured. Another fall soon after pulled her Achilles tendon. Still, she pressed on. The trio climbed a mountain as dusk neared, and at the top, Kenny finally called it off. Looking west, she still had 41 miles to go. It was 41 miles of unspeakably rugged terrain,

(Left) Chelsea’s Olean Kenny atop Maine’s Mount Katahdin, the highest peak in the state and the northernmost point of the Appalachian Trail. Photo courtesy of Dale South. (Above) Olean Kenny receives a plaque from Chelsea Mayor Earl Niven recognizing her accomplishment. Photo by Jeff Thompson.

notorious for its three-story rebar ladders, bog bridges and 45-degree rock faces, but it was the last 41 miles. And despite everything that

urged her to keep moving, she knew she couldn’t do it. “We were going to hang our hammocks, and I decided then I

couldn’t walk anymore,” she said. “So I limped out to the road and cried like a baby to think that we all drove up here and that I couldn’t finish.”

At that point in 2012, Kenny had spent nearly three decades of vacations from her nearly 42-year career at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport in the wild. She’d used it to traverse 2,150 miles of the Trail. 2012 was her year to finish, but instead she spent five weeks in a walking boot. But when she healed, she got back in shape. And in August, at 59 years old, Kenny got on a plane. “I realized that the more I stayed away from it, the easier it was to stay away from it,” Kenny said. “I said to myself, ‘I’ve got to make a move this year, I’m not getting any younger.’ So, I got a ticket, flew up to Maine and got dropped off on the side of the road.” Kenny faced her final 41 miles by herself, conquering some of the most rugged hiking terrain anywhere on the Appalachian Trail. And on Sept. 10, she finished by crossing the Androscoggin River via a bridge next to a power plant, entering the town of Gorham, N.H. “I was so beat up when I reached Gorham,” she said. “I raised my hands in the air and thanked God for letting me finish without getting hurt.” She had hiked 12 miles that

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280 Living

Unaware that her friends and family had gathered in her honor, Kenny is honored as she enters her September celebration at Chelsea Church of God.

Many of Olean Kenny’s trail mates over the past 29 years convened in Chelsea in September to celebrate Kenny’s completion of the Appalachian Trail. Pictured, Kenny is joined by Dale South, Jim Austin, Alan Sprague, Lynn Odom, Tina Isabella, Tom Coffield, Helen Andrews, Patty Hackett, Mason Foster, Steve Christian and Sally Hall. Photo by Jeff Thompson.

TRAIL CONTINUED from page B1 day, nearly doubling her average, and in doing so completed a project she started 29 years before. Georgia to Maine — 2,200 miles — about two weeks at a time. She caught a ride to the airport in Portland, Maine, for her flight out and hobbled onto the plane, refusing an offer to use a wheelchair. Her legs were swollen and her hips ached. And when she got back to town, she retired. “I decided it was through God’s blessing that I hiked it, and I can check it off my bucket list,” she said. “Then, I decided I didn’t want to work any more.” Kenny’s journey on the Trail started in 1984. Motivated by substantial health problems in her family including obesity and heart disease, she decided she wanted to take on a physically demanding project that would keep her in shape for years to come.

She thought back to the 1960s, when two reporters from her local paper hiked the trail and printed the stories from their trek. She decided she would too, and she joined the Appalachian Trail Club of Alabama. The club, now dissolved, put her on the Pinhoti Trail, which begins southeast of Birmingham at Flagg Mountain and runs northeast for 146 miles into Georgia. She performed maintenance on the Pinhoti and met many of her future hiking partners in the process. As a “section hiker” — one who completes the trail in pieces as opposed to a “through hiker” who completes it in one excursion — Kenny was afforded the opportunity to take on each part with whomever she chose. She started the trail in Springer Mountain, Ga., with Foster Parsons, and up through Virginia they were joined by Tina Isabella, Sally Hall and Tom

Coffield among many others. Kenny fought her way to New Hampshire with Parsons, joined for parts by more hikers including Theresa Huckabee and Lynn Odom. Kenny’s trail mates fondly remembered her reluctance to slow down. “You just want to make that next mile,” Kenny said several times when describing the Trail, and her friends were familiar with the mindset. Odom said she got sick once on the Trail and Kenny left her. Parsons spent 41 hours in his hammock riding out a storm while Kenny pressed on. In the wild, everyone had a trail name. Odom was “Tuck and Roll” courtesy of her clumsy nature. It was Odom’s water bottle Kenny was chasing when she hurt her knee in 2012. Kenny was “Chigger Red” for her Alabama roots, and Dale South, a Tuscaloosa resident and notorious “ultralighter,” was “Loner Husband.” South not only taught Kenny how to lighten her pack, but he also joined her on multiple hikes in the Northeast — including the Trail’s top point. Mount Katahdin, the tallest mountain in Maine, is 5,300 feet of rock face, and at its summit is something seen only once along the Trail, the words, “Northern Terminus.” South convinced Kenny to skip to Katadhin and return later to finish the rest.

She was thankful. The five-mile hike to the summit took her 14 hours round-trip, and when she came off the rock, she crashed. Her hiking partners all said the same things of Kenny — that she was a friend to everyone and a constant source of encouragement on the Trail. They’d spent weeks together talking about their lives at first, but often finding common ground in discussing the terrain they crossed. Last month, two weeks after Kenny finished her final leg, they shared a trail again. Most of them found their way to Chelsea Church of God on a Sunday afternoon, where they joined her family and friends to celebrate the accomplishments of “Chigger Red” and recount the miles they’d spent together. Even Chelsea Mayor Earl Niven attended to present Kenny with a plaque recognizing her accomplishment. “The City of Chelsea has bought property over behind the high school for a recreation facility and we do plan to have a walking trail. I might just invite you to come for the ribbon-cutting when we get to that,” Niven said, garnering applause from the audience. Kenny hugged them and cried like they had all been there Sept. 10, watching her limp across the bridge into Gorham.

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280Living.com

Veterans Week Celebration Nov. 3-11 • Hoover Public Library

American Legion Riders make a donation to the Alabama Veterans Memorial Park.

Veterans Memorial Foundation to recognize 100th anniversary of WWI

Boy Scouts perform the flag folding ceremony at the 2012 Veterans Week Celebration. Photo courtesy of Hoover Public Library.

By KATIE TURPEN The Hoover Public Library, in conjunction with the City of Hoover, will hold a weeklong celebration for those serving our country from Nov. 3-11. The celebration kicks off Nov. 3 with a reception featuring live music. On Nov. 4, refreshments will be served at 9:45 a.m. followed by a special program at 10 a.m. That afternoon, a featured movie will be shown in the Library Theatre at 2 p.m. and again at 6:30 p.m. On Nov. 5, a seminar for veterans and their families will be held at 10 a.m. To

make reservations, please call 444-7816. All day Nov. 6 at the nonfiction desk, the American Red Cross will collect holiday cards as part of the Holiday Mail for Heroes program. The organization will send the cards to military installations, veterans hospitals and other locations. At 12:30 p.m., Catherine Heinzerling will lead a lecture on the Library Plaza titled “The Girls of Atomic City: The Untold Story of the Women Who Helped Win World War II.” Every afternoon at 4:45 p.m., local Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts will lead a flag folding ceremony.

The Alabama Veterans Memorial Foundation will host its sixth annual Patriotic Tribute on Sunday, Nov. 10 from 1:30-4 p.m. at the Alabama Veterans Memorial Park The park is located off I-459 at the Liberty Parkway Exit 23, and the Patriotic Ceremony will begin at 1:30 p.m. in the Memorial Plaza. In honor of the 100th anniversary of the beginning of World War I (1914), this ceremony will focus on Alabama’s involvement in the war. Descendants of WWI veterans will be recognized. Park founder Della Fancher will give a presentation on the history of the Park and its inspirational components. Col. Robert Lewis Howard will be honored posthumously with a Medal of Honor plaque designed to be placed on the columns in the Memorial Plaza. During a brief intermission, visitors are encouraged to read the veterans’ letters and citations of Alabama’s 24 Medal of Honor recipients that are on the Regiment of Columns in the Memorial Plaza as well as artwork from 55 Alabama artists also displayed on the columns. In the Hall of Honor, visitors can view the names

of more than 11,000 Alabamians who lost their lives in service to their country in the 20th and 21st Centuries. After intermission, visitors will reassemble at 2:45 p.m. in the American Flag Plaza for the StepStone Ceremony. The Foundation Board Members will dedicate StepStones to honored veterans. Family and friends of these veterans will be given an opportunity to briefly talk about their honored veteran’s service to our country. Each StepStone is a 4x8-inch brick paver that has been engraved with the veteran’s name, rank and branch of service and has been installed for permanent viewing under the American Flag. This event has no admission fee. Golf carts are available for transportation down the Memorial Trail for both events. Handicap parking is close to the entrance. For more, call 912-2019, email avstepstone@gmail.com or visit alabamaveterans.org. The Alabama Veterans Memorial Park was created and is maintained by the Alabama Veterans Memorial Foundation, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization.

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280 Living

Community Hilltop Montessori to hold celebratory dinner

Basketball, cheerleading registration open at Asbury Methodist Church Registration for Upward Basketball and Cheerleading at Asbury United Methodist Church (UMC) is now open to the community. The basketball league is open to boys and girls ages 5 through fourth grade. Cheerleading is open to girls ages 4 through fourth grade. All practices and games are held at Asbury UMC. Practices will be in the late afternoons

or early evenings and start the week of Nov. 11. The season includes eight games, all played on Saturday mornings beginning Dec. 7. Games are not scheduled for Dec. 21. Registration forms are available in the church office at 6690 Cahaba Valley Road or at asburyonline. org/upward. For more, contact Ellen Dean at 271-9919.

Shelby Scouts hold Fishing Rodeo Cindi Stehr, founder of Hilltop Montessori School, and students Dalton Ellis and Kellum Rankin work in the school garden in preparation for the dinner.

Hilltop Montessori School in the Town of Mt Laurel is hosting a “Deep Roots Gardening Dinner” at Stone’s Throw Bar and Grill on Thursday, Nov. 14, at 5:30 p.m. The dinner will include fresh produce directly from the Hilltop Montessori School gardens that will be prepared by Chef Chris Harrigan of Stone’s Throw. This will be an opportunity for parents and other stakeholders to gather and celebrate the school’s success. The evening will begin with a cocktail hour enhanced by dinner and dessert and will end with a live auction by Jack Granger of Granger, Thagard and Associates. Live auction items include a personal chef for the evening donated by Iron Chef winner and local celebrity chef Chris Hastings of Hot and Hot Fish Club and a dinner party at Stone’s Throw in Mt Laurel. Other items include student artwork, jewelry, dining packages, spas and vacations. With a commitment to environmental education, the Montessori philosophy and nutritious eating, the

community gardening dinner is a natural extension of the school’s mission, to “provide a quality, Montessori education in an environment which fosters a child’s love of learning and a respect for self, others, community and the world.” Teaching the children to respect their community and world is foremost in planning the event and in choosing the menu, as well as the decorations. Chairing the event are Michele Wilensky and Melanie Morrison. Sponsors of the event include Pilates on the Highland, Mind Matters, P.C., Alabama Furniture Market, The Morrison Family, EBSCO Industries, Extreme Fit, Newsome Law LLC and Cardiology PC. All proceeds will benefit the school’s environmental education programming. For more information regarding tickets and sponsorships, contact the school at 437-9343 or visit hilltopmontessori. com. - Submitted by Michele Wilensky

Shelby County Boy Scouts participate in the annual Fishing Rodeo at Oak Mountain.

The Shelby County District of the Boy Scouts of America recently held its annual Fishing Rodeo at Oak Mountain State Park. More than 300 Cub Scouts and their families attended the event. Professional fisherman Barry Wilson was also on hand to support the event. Scouts competed for the

largest fish, the smallest fish and even the ugliest fish. Nov. 1-3, the Shelby District will hold its 2013 Fall Camporee at the University of Montevallo. For more on Scouting in Shelby County, contact Senior District Executive Terri Gregson at tgregson@1bsa.org.

280Living.com

November 2013 • A29 B5

Trading a birthday for a cure Student organizes team to raise funds, awareness for diabetes research By JEFF THOMPSON Elizabeth Bailey didn’t understand what she was looking at. Medical supplies, notably a collection of syringes and needles, were spread out across her kitchen table. Eight-year-old Elizabeth could only listen and try to understand as her family discussed what the scene represented. Their lives had been forever altered by her brother’s diagnosis. “Am I going to die, too?” Elizabeth asked her mother, Suzanne Bailey. Chris Bailey, Elizabeth’s brother, was 13 when he received news he had Type 1 diabetes. The diagnosis came during a checkup to discover why Chris had lost so much weight over Christmas break. “The doctor came in and had this look on his face. The Lord already prepped my heart for what he was going to say next,” Suzanne said. “‘You need to go to the hospital. You need to go now.”’ For Elizabeth, it meant changing overnight from a little sister to a member of a caretaking team. According to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which a person’s pancreas stops producing insulin, a hormone essential for the body to get energy from food. The condition cannot be prevented, and researchers have yet to find a cure. To manage the disease and stay alive, according to the JDRF, people suffering from Type 1 diabetes must pay careful attention to diet, exercise, sleep, stress and other factors that can upset the balance between dangerous blood sugar lows and highs. Chris requires five to six injections a day and had to check his blood sugar levels every two to three hours — even if he was sleeping.

Eighth-grade Briarwood Christian student Elizabeth Bailey honored her brother and his fight with Type 1 diabetes at this year’s JDRF Walk to Cure in September. Her team, Chris’ Crazy Train, was made of many classmates and raised $1,720 to go toward research. Photo courtesy of Suzanne Bailey.

Thankfully, Chris’s diagnosis came early. But even if everything is managed properly, the JDRF states the risks of life-threatening complications such as blindness, nerve damage, high blood pressure, stroke and organ damage are a constant threat. The Baileys, Greystone residents, chose to pull together and face the challenge of a merciless cycle of testing and injections head on. “When I first found out, I was really confused

about what Type 1 diabetes was and what we had to do every day,” Elizabeth said. “I actually got really mad at God, asking him why would he do this — why did he have to pick my family? But over the years, I’ve come to see it as a blessing in disguise. All the hardships that came our way made us so much stronger.” Now, five years later, Elizabeth is the same age her brother was when he received the diagnosis. So, with her 14th birthday coming up

this month, she chose to forgo a personal party and honor her family, their struggles and their successes over the last five years. Elizabeth invited her classmates from Briarwood Christian School to join a walk team called Chris’ Crazy Train and participate in the JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes. The event was held in September at Veterans Park, and more than 40 came out to help her cause. “I sent out a birthday invitation to a lot of my friends that asked them to join and, if they felt love, to donate,” Elizabeth said. “I wanted this birthday to be all about my brother and everyone else who has diabetes.” Chris’ Crazy Train, according to the team page on the JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes site, raised $1,720 as of early October. Elizabeth collected much of that herself, even going doorto-door in her community, but during the event many more donated to her team. “I felt incredibly honored the moment I was told my sister and family were going to do this, that she was sacrificing her own personal day, a day she should devote to herself, to doing something that would help all these people who have been diagnosed with this disease,” said Chris, now 18 and a student at Samford University. Elizabeth presented the gift during the walk, but she isn’t finished yet. She said her plan is to continue her efforts through November and present a final gift in December. Approximately 90 percent of the money donated to JDRF goes toward finding a cure for Type 1 diabetes. “It was an outpouring of love and support,” Suzanne said. “By reaching out, raising awareness and helping all these other little kids who have it, she showed she has a heart for people. It’s such a blessing.” To keep up with Chris’ Crazy Train as Elizabeth works toward her final donation in December, search for the team at jdrf.org.

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280 Living

Race to the Heights 5K Saturday, Nov. 23, 8 a.m. Church of the Highlands, Grants Mill Campus Register at active.com

Participation in the Race to the Heights 5K supports the fight against human trafficking.

By KATIE TURPEN An estimated 27 million people are held in bondage across the world today, according to the A21 Campaign. This month, local residents will have the opportunity to support an antitrafficking campaign and work toward ending injustice worldwide. On Saturday, Nov. 23, Church of the Highlands will host the annual Race to the Heights 5K at the Grants Mill Campus. The race offers two courses, an advanced scenic trail and a road course that is stroller and pet friendly. Prizes will be awarded for

overall winners and winners of each age group. Preregistration is $30 on or before November 16 and $35 on race day. The event benefits the A21 Campaign, an organization that prevents trafficking, through the IMPACT United Appeal Fund. “Human trafficking is a terrible industry that exists in today’s world and is devastating to those directly and indirectly involved,” said Lauren Globe, a Church of the Highlands small group co-leader. The A21 campaign actively works to stop the illegal trading of human beings through

Runners take in a scenic view at the 2012 Race to the Heights 5K hosted by Church of the Highlands.

prevention, protection, community education and partnership in six different countries. Money for the campaign goes toward educating potential victims of human trafficking in orphanages and schools, building shelters and transition homes for victims, strengthening the legal response to human trafficking and partnering with law enforcement and service providers to meet needs of those rescued from bondage. In addition to the 5K race, Church of the Highlands hosts a weekly small group called “Human Trafficking: Be the Solution!” where attendees can learn facts, statistics and tips

on how to get involved to prevent trafficking. Globe said more than 10,000 women and children are trafficked through Birmingham each year. “Our small group exists to educate people about human trafficking so they are equipped and empowered to make an impact against human trafficking by taking action through awareness and prevention efforts,” Globe said. For more information on the A21 campaign, visit thea21campaign.org. To register for the race, visit active.com and search “Race to the Heights 5K.”

DIANA HOLLADAY at Hair 280

Book Early for the Holidays 175 Inverness Plaza

(Next to Planet Fitness)

For appointments please call or text 205.601.9414

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Tide or Tigers?

City of Hoover employees talk about this year’s Iron Bowl

By JEFF THOMPSON

2013 Iron Bowl prediction: Alabama

Where will you be for the game? Either tailgating in Auburn or watching on the TV in North Carolina with family.

he University of Alabama and Auburn University are inching closer to the 2013 Iron Bowl, and this year’s game is shaping up to be another of the rivalry’s many memorable contests. 280 Living went to the city of Hoover to find out on which side of the fence some are sitting, and what they think about this year’s matchup.

What will you do when your team wins? Our celebrations always involve lots of cheering and lots of food!

BRITTANY TOOLE Age: 28 Title: Events Assistant

MELINDA JAMES LOPEZ

Tide or Tigers: Tide

Age: 43

2013 Iron Bowl prediction: Alabama 34-14

Position: Director of Information Management and Reporting

Number of Iron Bowls attended: One

Tide or Tigers: Tigers Number of Iron Bowls attended: I have not attended many – because it always falls around Thanksgiving and I am usually in Kentucky with family. Favorite memory: Three games stand out. First is the first Iron Bowl played in Auburn in 1989. I was a freshman at Auburn and I sold my tickets to go home and do something with a friend of mine. What was I thinking? Next was in 2007. My father passed away later that night from an unexpected illness the day after Thanksgiving. It put the game into perspective, and for that it is a favorite memory – but I do still love Auburn football! Finally, when Auburn was down at the half in 2010, I never doubted we’d get a win to continue on for the National Championship! Other great

Favorite memory: Beating Auburn 36-0 in the 2008 Iron Bowl. Roll Tide!

RODNEY LONG Auburn fans Rod Long and Melinda Lopez and Alabama fans Kim Marlin and Brittany Toole.

memories are all of the Iron Bowl food gatherings we have held at the City where employees wear their colors and bring a dish. 2013 Iron Bowl prediction: Auburn Tigers. We will get better each week, and I am always confident in an Auburn win. And I hope Alabama is undefeated when it happens. Where will you be for the game? Probably 158 Happy Ridge Spur, Pleasureville, Ky., which means I will

sell my four tickets.

eight

What will you do when your team wins? Realize my prediction was right and eat some pumpkin pie. There is a reason why pumpkins are orange!

Favorite memory: My favorite Iron Bowl memory was watching Van Tiffin make "The Kick" at Legion Field. The fans went crazy! My favorite all time memory was attending the National Championship game in New Orleans. After spending several days amid overly confident LSU fans, the Tide didn't even allow them to score! It was awesome! Roll Tide!

KIM MARLIN Age: 49 Position: Horticulturist Tide or Tigers: Tide Number of Iron Bowls attended:

Age: 61 Title: City Engineer Tide or Tigers: Tigers 2013 Iron Bowl prediction: Alabama is ranked No. 1 in the country for a good reason. They are the best team at this point. Auburn continues to improve and should be able to compete on Nov. 30. Auburn 34-31. Number of Iron Bowls attended: Approximately 25 Favorite memory: The first Iron Bowl played on home turf in 1989.

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280 Living

Enjoy a ‘life on the farm’ By KATIE TURPEN As the leaves change and the air cools, a weekend getaway in the great outdoors sounds increasingly tempting. And down U.S. 280 in Harpersville, about a 25-minute drive from Inverness Corners, the beautiful Stone Hollow Farmstead offers just the experience. During weekends on the farm, families are invited to sample fresh ingredients and experience rare farm delights such as feeding a two-dayold baby goat. “I never planned to have a dairy, never planned to have a cannery,” Farm Owner Deborah Stone said. “But after 9-11, it became all about being sustainable.” Stone, who grew up on a farm in Trussville, spent 30 years in the aesthetic, cosmetic and spa industry before founding Stone Hollow Farmstead in 1999 with her husband and two children. What started out as a European horse breeding facility has now blossomed into the home of a variety of farm animals, herb and vegetable garden, cannery, creamery and skin care line. Stone said she incorporates her knowledge of longevity and beauty into her farming practices. “If you want to be sustainable, there’s always a learning curve,” Stone said. “My family has been a great resource.” Inside the creamery, a chef whips up a fresh creation such as butter infused with Parmesan and garlic.

During “life on the farm Saturdays,” children have the opportunity to play with the goats at Stone Hollow Farmstead. Photo by Katie Turpen.

The cannery offers handmade jams, syrups and honey made from on-site honeybees. Additionally, Stone grows and harvests her own ingredients for her line of skin care products. She sells

her farm products at The Pantry in Crestline Village. Unique treats include blackberry wine butter, strawberry jalapeño jam, lemon verbena lemonade, fresh cheese and honey.

“We make all our butter and yogurt from the cow’s milk,” Stone said. This fall, the farm is offering a variety of new classes including farm schools, which are designed to introduce both children and adults

to sustainable farming practices and animal welfare. They are held the first three Saturdays of each month, increasing in advancement levels each week. Farm School 101 is $30 while Farm School 102 and 103 are

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weekend getaway

“Life on the farm Saturdays” allow children to play with farm animals at Stone Hollow Farmstead. Photo by Katie Turpen.

Farm school offers unique learning experience for children and adults $55 each. During these “life on the farm Saturdays,” children have the opportunity to play with baby goats, retrieve chicken eggs, learn about herbs and vegetables in the garden and visit with all the farm animals. “We have anywhere between

30 and 75 baby goats being born a year,” Stone said. “It’s an exciting thing to watch.” Children and their families are also invited to the tasting station, where they can sample crackers with fresh cheese, honey, dolce de leche caramel sauce, goat’s milk, and homemade jams and syrups.

Adult classes on Sundays offer a more in-depth look at the process behind farming technology. These sessions are $200 per session. In addition to the classes, Stone said the farm plans to hold cooking classes throughout November featuring different speakers and fancy herbal

cocktails, a salt bar, appetizers, juicing, smoothies, and tips for pairing beers, wines and cheeses. “We personally develop all the recipes here,” Stone said. For more information about the farm and class offerings, visit stonehollowfarmstead.com.

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280 Living

Local DAR chapter promotes Constitution Week

Make room for Christmas while supporting a good cause

Members of the Lily of the Cahaba Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, were presented with a proclamation designating Sept. 17-23 as Constitution Week. Pictured are Susan Moore, Tracy Pflaum and Bunny Rittenour.

In observance of Constitution Week in September, the Lily of the Cahaba Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) received a proclamation from Hoover Mayor Gary Ivey, designating Sept. 17-23 as Constitution Week in the City of Hoover. The chapter organized a bell-ringing ceremony at Hoover Fire Station No. 4 in conjunction with the national program, Bells Across America, to mark the event. During the week, Hoover, Vestavia and North Shelby Public Libraries displayed information about the U.S. Constitution to create awareness of one of the nation’s most

important documents. In appreciation of the nation’s military forces in protecting and defending the U.S. Constitution, the Lily of the Cahaba Chapter also hosted an Ice Cream Social at Three Hots and a Cot, a residence for veterans in Hoover. Known as the largest women’s patriotic organization in the world, DAR has more than 175,000 members. For information about DAR and its programs, visit dar.org. The Lily of the Cahaba Chapter, NSDAR, with more than 100 members meets in Hoover. For more, email robert_bailey1@ yahoo.com.

Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church members prepare to take goods for Oak Mountain Missions Ministries on Saturday, Nov. 9

Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church is giving residents a way to help those in need while preparing their homes for holiday spillover. The church will host a donation drive to benefit Oak Mountain Missions Ministries, Inc. on Saturday, Nov. 9, from 7 a.m.-noon. Drop off canned goods and gently used clothes, toys and other items in the church’s narthex. Donors will receive a thank you gift

and a chance to register for a raffle. Rev. Darryl Kiehl, Ph.D, is the pastor at Shepherd of the Hills, located at 4887 Valleydale Road in Hoover. Oak Mountain Missions Ministry, Inc. at 2699 Pelham Parkway in Pelham is a non-profit organization that provides to those in need in Shelby County and the greater Birmingham area. For more, email sothchurch@bellsouth.net. – Submitted by Nancy Dorman-Hickson

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Oak Mountain offers active way to enjoy fall weather

The rest of the park Not into trail running or mountain biking? Oak Mountain still has plenty to offer this fall.

By LAUREN MORIARTY

 Biking. Ride the mountain bike trails, road

Those who run or run and bike can immerse themselves in 51 winding miles of fall color during Dirty Spokes’ XTERRA Trail Run and Duathlon on Nov. 10. For the fourth year in a row, Dirty Spokes’ Alabama Off Road Duathlon will take place at Oak Mountain State Park. The race, which starts at 9 a.m., consists of a 3.1-mile run and 11-mile bike ride through the park’s winding trails. If you are hoping to tackle the race with your friends, take advantage of the team registration option. Medals and prizes will be awarded to the overall top three male and female finishers and the top three male and female finishers in each age group. For those who prefer to take in the sights of Oak Mountain on foot, the Trail Run begins at 8:30 a.m. Runners can choose from either the 21K, 10K or 5K trail runs. Dirty Spokes will hand out medals and prizes to the overall top three male and female finishers in each mileage category. Runners 14 and up are also eligible to win medals for the top three place finishers in individual age groups. Walkers are encouraged to participate in the various runs as well. A portion of the proceeds from all the events go towards BUMP (Birmingham Urban Mountain Pedalers), which maintains Oak Mountain’s trails. Packet pickup for both the Trail Run and Duathlon is from 7-8 a.m. on race day.

 Hiking. Choose from six trails of varying

trails or bicycle pump track. difficulty.

 Picnicking. Picnic tables and grills       

Dirty Spokes’ XTERRA Trail Run and Duathlon Oak Mountain State Park 200 Terrace Drive Nov. 10, 7 a.m. dirtyspokes.com/oak-mountainstate-park/

The Nov. 10 Dirty Spokes offers both duathlon and trail running events.

  

throughout the park. Pavilions are available for rent. Call 620-2524. Treetop Nature Trail. Walk the elevated boardwalk and see recovering birds of prey. Petting Farm. Visit friendly animals such as goats, sheep, peacocks and ducks. Open 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday-Friday and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Interpretive Center. Learn about Alabama’s biodiversity through interactive exhibits. 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. 5 days a week, 1 p.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Golf. Public, 18-hole championship course, driving range and snack bar. Reserve your tee time five days in advance. Call 620-2522. Geocaching. Make sure to submit a signed permit before hiding your geocaches. For more information visit alapark.com/ oakmountain/Geocaching/. Fishing. Three lakes stocked with largemouth bass, bream, catfish and crappie. BMX Track. Open to the public except during race weekends. Check availability at oakmountainbmx.com or call 680-5827. Alabama Wildlife Center. Visit orphaned or injured animals being cared for at the shelter. Call 663-7930. Cabin Rentals. Ten private cabins available for rental. Make reservations at 620-2524. Camping. RV friendly campground including primitive sites, equestrian campground and backcountry campsites offered. Make a reservation at 620-2527.

Park hours are 7 a.m.-sundown. Day use fees are $3 for adults and $1 for children ages 6-11 or seniors ages 62 and up. For more call 6202520 or visit alapark.com/oakmountain/.

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280 Living

What adoptive families wish you knew By JENNY CLARK Many 280-area families are growing through adoption. It is a difficult, costly and often heartwrenching process, but for those of us who believe that God has called us to adopt, it is worth every tear, every penny and every bit of the wait. Because November is Adoption Awareness month, we decided to talk to three local families to find out what they wish other families knew about the process of adoption and how it affects us all.

The Reeves Family

of her old friends and relatives and for them to realize that although she is deaf, she is worthy and valuable. She wasn’t worthy when she lived in Uganda. She wasn’t valuable in Uganda.

do you wish more people in our Q What community understood about adoption? A

Our family spent many years in disobedience to God, chasing after the

things the world would expect families at our life stage to pursue. People say things like, “It is so amazing what you have done. You have saved these kids’ lives.” But the truth is that they saved our lives. When people see our family, we hope they don’t see black, white, deaf, special needs — we don’t want them to see us at all. We want them to see Jesus.

The Prince Family

Todd and Amiee Reeves have five children and live in Eagle Point. Laurel, 17, and Coleman, 16, are their biological children. Shamira, 13, Joan, 10, and Derrick, 8, were adopted from Uganda at ages 12, 8 and 6.

your family always feel called to A Q Did adopt? A No. Adoption had literally never crossed our minds. Having been married for 20 years and having a healthy son and daughter in their teens, we were so close to being empty nesters. But God used our adoptions as a way to refine us as a family in spite of all of our flaws.

Has your experience been different because you adopted older children as well as kids with special needs?

It has been such a joy to adopt older children who remember the suffering and poverty in which they lived. They appreciate everything and recognize the little things that the rest of us take for granted. They are thankful to go to school because in Uganda finding funds to attend school is very difficult, and even with funds very few go past sixth grade. We’ve already taken one child back to visit Uganda. It was amazing for her to get to see some

Tal and Teresa Prince adopted their daughters Bethany, 11, and JoHannah, 9, from China as infants. They are currently building a new home in Eagle Point.

Q How was your family led to adoption? A

I found out when I was 16 that to be a mom I would have to choose surrogacy or adoption. Adoption was my heart’s desire from the moment I heard the news, and we

went into marriage knowing this as we planned for parenthood. In many ways, we were spared a lot of the financial and emotional pressures of infertility. Adoption was always our dream.

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280Living.com you supported by your family and Q Were A friends in your choice to adopt? A Most people were very supportive and eager to meet the child God had planned for us. However, there were many who had good intentions but still felt like it would be better if we tried for a biological child. They would assure us that after we started the adoption process and stopped stressing out about children that we would get pregnant and have “our own.” We knew that this was not possible because of my medical diagnosis. They meant well but the undertone was that adoption was Plan B, our second best.

do you wish more people in our Q What community understood about adoption?

Our daughters are Plan A. There are no other children of our dreams. To have strangers meet our children and then ask if we have children of “our own” is offensive to us, but most importantly it is damaging to our precious daughters who are very much our own. We do not want them growing up hearing the subtle message that there are other children that could have been more ours than they are. We are overwhelmed and grateful for the privilege of being Bethany and JoHannah’s parents. Adoption is a gift that has changed all four of us. Many say how blessed the girls are to have us, but we feel that it is mutual. We are equally blessed to have them!

The Scholl Family

David and Tracey Scholl live in Cahaba Heights. They have been blessed with Izzie, 7, and Sophie and Sam, 2-year-old twins, all adopted domestically as infants.

made Q What adoption? A

you

chose

domestic

At the time there was a dire need for Christian couples to adopt AfricanAmerican/biracial children, so we went that route because we thought it would be the shortest wait as we were older parents. We were also told that most couples adopting were Caucasian couples wanting to adopt Caucasian children. We didn’t care about whether or not the child “looked” like us. We just wanted to love, nurture and bring up children to love God.

racism been an issue with your family? Q Has A

A book could be written regarding racism in and around our extended family. Prior to having children, we lived in the Northeast, out West and now here in the Southeast. There was and is no shortage of racism in any part of our country, and it is easy to see that it is prevalent throughout the world. Because of

our conversion to Christ, we love the fact that our children are all trans-racial. Every child is created in the image of God and is to be loved and esteemed. Every single day we get to show the love of Christ to our children and the watching world.

do you wish more people in our community understood about adoption? Q What A

Growing up, adoption seemed an oddity and often kept quiet. That is no longer the case as more couples are adopting and more media attention seems to be given to it. Adoption indeed has its unique challenges, and questions and issues are raised that are not naturally brought up in strictly biologically related families. We wish more non-adoptive families understood that our adopted children are no less ours and no less loved than biological ones. In fact, adoption into God’s family through belief in his Son is the only way into His family!

Jenny Clark is a single mom to biological children Aidan, 9, and Ella Mae, 6, and Jojo, 4 months, adopted domestically. Check out her blog at mojennymo.blogspot.com.

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B14 A38 â&#x20AC;˘ November 2013

280 Living

Preparing for service Chelsea student looking forward to career with U.S. Navy

Chelsea High senior Colby Sisco is pinned chief petty officer, the highest rank in the U.S. Naval Sea Cadets Corps. In September. Photos courtesy of Teresa Sisco.

By JEFF THOMPSON This Veterans Day, 280 Living encourages readers to not only honor those who served in the U.S. Military but also those who are preparing to serve. Chelsea resident Colby Forrest Sisco is a chief petty officer with the U.S. Naval Sea Cadets Corps, an educational training program for teens to learn about the U.S. Navy, Marines, Coast Guard and Merchant Marines. The 17-year-old Chelsea High School senior has been in the program for nearly

four years in preparation for a career as a Naval Special Operations Diver. In September, Colby was pinned chief petty officer, the highest rank in the Sea Cadets Corps. Only 1 percent of Sea Cadets achieve this rank. Since completing his recruiting training, he has graduated from 10 more advanced trainings and has perfect attendance at monthly drills since enrolling in the program in April 2010. Training programs he has attended include Master-at-Arms, Petty Officer Leadership Academy, Submarine Seminar,

Following his completion of recruiting training, Colby graduated from 10 more advanced trainings.

Homeland Security and Scuba Diving, and he has staffed three recruit trainings. In order to achieve the rank of chief petty officer, Colby was required to complete seven U.S. Navy courses and serve six months each as first-, second- and thirdclass petty officer. He is currently the Navy Flag bearer in the Valor Division Color Guard His future plans include being a Naval Special Operations Diver. In his free time, he enjoys running, swimming and scuba diving, watching The Walking Dead and Breaking Bad, and

studying science, his favorite subject. For those who might not know, what is the U.S. Naval Sea Cadets Corps? It is a military program for youth from ages 13 to 17 who have the desire to learn about the Navy. Cadets drill at their local units monthly throughout the year. The Sea Cadet program teaches naval life along with pride, patriotism, courage and self-reliance.

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Why did you join the program? I had a firm interest in joining the military starting at the age of 13. My parents found out about this program from a friend who was in the military and told me about it. I told my parents that I would give it a try, and I haven’t looked back since. What is required to be a member of the Corps? You only have to be 13-17 years old, have good grades in school, be a citizen of the U.S. and attain 75 percent attendance of the drills. What did your training entail? There are many training programs you can go to in the Sea Cadet Corps. They vary from a Sea Cadet recruit training to Sea Cadet version SEAL training. I have attended 11 trainings total in my career as a Sea Cadet — too many to name. What was the most memorable or exciting moment from your training? I have attended trainings that last anywhere from nine to 21 days. The best moment I experienced was at Basic Diving, where I found my passion and decided what I wanted to do in the military, particularly in the Navy. What are the most valuable things you’ve learned as a member? Honor, courage and commitment. What goals have you set for your life? To enlist in the United States Navy and become a Navy diver. How will your involvement with

Colby is preparing for a career as a Naval Special Operations Diver.

the Corps help you attain that goal? It enabled me to learn discipline, leadership and increased my knowledge of the military — mainly the Navy. Also, if I join the any of the military branches, I can earn a paygrade head start because I participated in the program. Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Being a Navy diver and diving the world over.

How has your experience changed the way you look at U.S. veterans? Being in the Sea Cadet Program has allowed me to meet many U.S. veterans, and I have gained a greater appreciation of their service to our country. What message do you have for cadets just starting the program? You will get out of the Sea Cadet program what you put into it. It’s as simple as that.

NOVEMBER 21 - 23, 2013

CAHABA GRAND CONFERENCE CENTER U.S. HWY. 280 FREE PARKING

Thursday, November 21 Friday, November 22 Saturday, November 23 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.

. Special Events . 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.

9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Sneak Peek Party

Wednesday, November 20 7 - 10 p.m.

Market Morning with Sara Evans Thursday, November 21 9:30 - 11 a.m.

Snaps with Santa

Saturday, November 23 9 - 11 a.m.

Tickets

$12 General Admission $24 Market Morning $10 Group Ticket

$36 Sneak Peek Party $12 Snaps with Santa $24 Three Day Must-Have Pass

Changing Spaces Moving EBSCO Media Good People Brewing Company Millie Ray’s Rolls Leon Loard Rare Transportation

A40 B16 • November 2013

Haskins, Day selected as Chelsea Homecoming King and Queen

280 Living

Chelsea High celebrated its homecoming in September with a win over Tarrant, 5118. During the accompanying celebration, the school crowned seniors Robby Haskins and Katie Day Homecoming King and Queen. Also during Homecoming Week at the school, students and residents were encouraged to give back to their community by donating canned food and non-perishable goods. This year, the school collected 650 cans, which were donated to the Food Bank of Alabama.

2013 Chelsea High School Homecoming King Robbie Haskins was crowned during the school pep rally. Photos courtesy of Cari Dean.

Chelsea High School Homecoming Queen Katie Day is crowned during the Chelsea Hornets’ win over Tarrant.

Emily Acton, a member of the Chelsea High Dance Team, during the homecoming pep rally.

Chelsea cheerleader Marleigh Shoemaker during the pep rally.

Chelsea Hornet Taylor Martindale.

Christmas Open House

Nov. 7th • Doors open at 3pm Refreshments, Music & Door-Prizes! 5-9 pm 5475 Highway 280 Birmingham, AL • 205-995-4773 Open: Monday - Saturday 10 - 6 and Sundays 1 - 5.

280Living.com

November 2013 • A41 B17

School House Indian Springs seniors to compete for national scholarships

Indian Springs School seniors Kenechi Ijemere, Annabelle Neville and Angela Robinson have been named semifinalists in the 50th annual National Achievement Scholarship Program. Photo courtesy of Indian Springs School.

Three Indian Springs School seniors have been named semifinalists in the 50th annual National Achievement Scholarship Program recognizing academically promising Black American high school students nationwide. Kenechi Ijemere, Annabelle Neville and Angela Robinson will have the opportunity to compete for about 800 Achievement Scholarship awards worth $2.5 million next spring. About 80 percent of semifinalists are expected to be chosen as finalists, and more than half of finalists will win an Achievement Scholarship award. Conducted by the

National Merit Scholarship Corporation, the National Achievement Scholarship Program was started in 1964. “Kenechi, Angela and Annabelle are dedicated students, and we believe this recognition is a testament both to their outstanding abilities and to their great potential,” Indian Springs School Director Gareth Vaughan said. “They ask much of themselves, and we look forward to seeing what the future holds for these bright young people.” For more, visit indiansprings.org.

OVER 700 BOOTHS! November 7-10, 2013 Public Shopping Convention Complex

(205) 836-7173 Call for Ticket Info or visit www.christmasvillagefestival.com

The Constitution comes alive at LPMS Liberty Park Middle School celebrated Constitution Day in September with many events throughout campus. The Lily of the Cahaba Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) sponsored many of the activities that were held. Ethan Vice, field representative for Rep. Spencer Bachus, spoke to sixth -grade students about the Constitution and the history of Washington, D.C. Daniel Tackett, teen director of the Library in the Forest, and Jean Deal, librarian at LPMS, dressed in colonial attire and represented James Madison, father of the Constitution, and his wife, Dolly. All students were given pocket Constitutions compliments of the DAR. A special display in the library held an American flag that had flown over an Army base in Afghanistan. Art students designed their own representations of the American flags and students announced facts about the Constitution every day over the school broadcast. Also, as a part of this special day, students in Kirk Spence’s seventh-grade social studies classes role-played the Constitutional Convention and debated whether or not a more diverse group of individuals would have changed some of the topics and how the Constitution would have read. Some discussion topics included: Would slavery have been abolished? Would women have the right to vote? Would there have been a Civil War? At the end, students compared and contrasted the Articles of Confederation and the U.S. Constitution.

LPMS Librarian Jean Deal dressed as Dolly Madison, and Library in the Forest Teen Director Daniel Tackett dressed as James Madison as part of Liberty Park Middle School’s Constitution Day celebration.

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Inverness Elementary’s scariest scarecrows

Special guests help Inverness Elementary dedicate new track

In October, parents, students and faculty participated in Fall Fitness Fun Day at Inverness Elementary School. Special guests for the dedication of the school’s track and ribbon-cutting ceremony

included North Shelby firefighters and Sheriff Chris Curry. Fitness stations included activities such as an obstacle course, sit-ups and ball toss, and healthy snacks were donated by Walmart on U.S. 280.

OMIS celebrates Constitution Week

Students in Jamie Cox’s first-grade class pose with their winning scarecrow.

One sign that fall is here is the appearance of the “scarecrows” outside Inverness Elementary. Each year students at IES create scarecrows that are displayed on the hill in front of the school and are then transported to the Birmingham Zoo to be used as part of Boo at the Zoo. Each kindergarten through third-grade class comes up with a theme for its scarecrow, and with the help and creativity of devoted parents, the many different ideas take shape. Local businesses sponsor a class scarecrow and the money raised is used to purchase items needed at IES that fall outside the regular budget.

Jamie Cox’s first-grade class was this year’s winner. The class was sponsored by The Brian Campbell Allstate Agency (briancampbellallstate.com). The theme was “Cox’s Colorful Crayons” and was represented by a pumpkin-headed scarecrow with hay hair popping out of a large Crayola-crayon box. The scarecrow’s different colored crayons represented the children in the class. Scarecrows were moved to the Zoo in October, and IES kindergarten classes took a field trip to view them near the end of the month. – Submitted by Karly Field

OMIS Principal Dr. Patricia LeQuier with fourth-graders Ean Gove and Olivia Herring and fifthgrader Connor Adams.

Oak Mountain Intermediate School celebrated Constitution Week in September. During the week, Constitution Minutes were read each morning during announcements, and

more than 700 students signed a birthday card for the Constitution on a display provided by the Lily of the Cahaba Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

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A special homecoming at OMIS In September, Oak Mountain Intermediate School witnessed a special homecoming. During a school pep rally, student Serene Sims was reunited with her father, Sgt. William Sims, who returned that day from his fifth — and final — deployment to Afghanistan. The reunion was arranged by teacher Tara Schultz, who received an email from Serene’s mother notifying her that Sgt. Sims was returning. “I wanted it to not only be a special moment for my sweet, outgoing student and her family, but a hero’s welcome too,” Schultz said. “The willingness and support of her family, excitement of my principal and school coaches and the timing of Sgt. Sims’ arrival at school — right at the beginning of a school -wide pep rally — made a little girl’s dream come true. Our students, along with teachers and staff members, witnessed an unexpected and joyful reuniting of a little girl and her daddy!” After father and daughter were reunited, coach Mike Goodwin, who was leading the assembly, explained the significance of the event just witnessed. On behalf of the school he thanked Sgt. Sims for his service and then shared, “Boys and girls, if you ever wonder what a real hero looks like, this is it.” -Submitted by Dana Thrasher

New SGA officers sworn in at Liberty Park

Liberty Park Middle School SGA officers for 2013-2014.

Members of the Vestavia Hills High School Student Government Association visited Liberty Park Middle School recently to participate in the middle school’s SGA induction ceremony. New LPMS student officers were sworn into their positions by the high school students, and each new officer received a copy of the book The Positive Dog by Jon Gordon.

Kate Strange is the Liberty Park Middle School SGA president, Harrison Wood is boys’ vice president and Carlee Beth Yarbrough is girls’ vice president. Other officers are: Sloan Zieverink, secretary; Ellen Simmons, treasurer; Merritt Cahoon, parliamentarian; Sophia Rosene, chaplain; Jordan Stevens, historian; and Ashleigh Patterson, sergeant-at-arms.

Grant helps Mt Laurel fund Lunch Book Clubs OMIS student Serene Sims was reunited with her father, Sgt. William Sims, on the day he returned from his fifth tour of duty in Afghanistan.

Heather Braswell, reading coach at Mt Laurel Elementary, recently received a $2,000 grant from Target to help fund the school’s Lunch Book Clubs. Lunch Book Clubs is an organization open to third- through fifth-grade students. Beginning in October, grade level groups of three to five students meet during lunch to discuss their current book selection. Members are required to read the selection on their own and be prepared to discuss the book during their designated meeting day. After the book is finished, students make book trailers that will be posted to Braswell’s blog so others can preview the

book and decide if it is something they would like to read. With the grant MLES received from Target, book club selections can be purchased in advance, and copies can be added to the school’s library. “We are always looking for funding support because we would like to grow the book clubs with the 21st Century standards,” Braswell said. “We would also like to provide students with iPads and a large computer to produce book trailers, as well as have a sidewalk film festival promoting books.” –Submitted by Mt Laurel Elementary School

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OLV elects student council

Members of the 2013-2014 OLV Student Council.

The Our Lady of the Valley Catholic School student body elected its student council members for 2013-14 school year. In September, each member expressed his or her dedication and commitment to the school. They said they were looking forward to helping and serving the school by providing strong leadership. This year’s class representatives: • Mrs. Hobbs – John Daniel Rose • Ms. Yack- Anna Parmer • Mrs. Dascher – Hall Welborn • Mrs. Steele – Olivia Beland

• Mrs. Besch- Lizzie Ballinger • Ms. Hicks – Chandler Norman • Mrs. Hagelskamp – Olivia Fant • Ms. Krueger – Jackson Shields • Mrs. Keelin- Anne Sherman • Mrs. Stevens- Christina Till This year’s ofﬁcers: • Chaplain – Peyton Miller • Historian – Alyce Voisin • Secretary – Danielle Russell • Vice President – CJ Romano • Treasurer – Cooper Gray • President – Nick Buttrey

Liberty Park students compete in Special Olympics Several Liberty Park Middle School students participated in the recent 2013 Special Olympics of Alabama held at Jack Wood’s stadium in Trussville. Before competing, each athlete recited the SO pledge, “Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.” Participating students included Phillip Trawick, Wilson Taylor, Virginia Strong and Andrew Woods. Andrew placed second in the tennis ball throw, Virginia placed third in the 50-meter

dash, Wilson placed first in the 50-meter dash, and Phillip placed first in the 100-meter dash. Liberty Park Middle School Student Government representatives accompanied the athletes and offered help and encouragement. Before the athletes left the school, a mini pep rally send off was held by band members, cheerleaders, majorettes, dance team members, students, teachers and administrators.

Oak Mountain High band takes home superior ratings from Lake Martin Invitational In October, the OMHS “Spirit of Cahaba” Marching Band competed in the Lake Martin Invitational Marching Competition at the Charles E. Bailey Sportplex in Alexander City. Competing in the Open Class division, the band received the Superior Rating of all “1’s” in the categories of Drum Major, Feature Twirler, Dance, Color Guard, Percussion and Band. In addition, OMHS received “Best in Class” recognition for Feature Twirler,

Leaders of the OMHS Band pose with their awards following the Lake Martin Invitational Marching Competition last month.

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Color Guard, Percussion and Band. Additionally, the band was recognized in special areas with a “Best Overall” in the categories of Best High Brass, Best Pit Percussion, Best Low Brass, Highest Marching Score and Highest Music Score. The band earned these achievements through their hard work, perseverance and dedication to many hours of practice.

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Community Calendar 280 Area Events Nov. 1: Briarwood Christian vs. Pinson Valley Football Game. 7 p.m. Briarwood Christian High School. Nov. 1: Greater Shelby Chamber of Commerce 24th Annual Golf Classic. 7:30 a.m. Eagle Point Golf Club. Golf FORE Education event to benefit workforce development and education initiatives. Fourperson scramble, with prizes for longest drive, closest to the pin, putting contest and others. Cost is $150 per player or $600 per team. Call 663-4542 or visit shelbychamber.org for more. Nov. 4-11: Veterans Week Celebration. City of Hoover. Nov. 6: Holiday Shopping. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. St. Vincent’s One Nineteen Conference Center. Holiday merchandise from Spa One Nineteen will be available, and vendors from Silpada, Pampered Chef, Thirty-One and Mary Kay will be present as well. Proceeds benefit the American Diabetes Association. Nov. 7: Cooking Class for Kids with Diabetes. 5-7 p.m. St. Vincent’s One Nineteen. Join registered dietitian Donna Sibley in preparing a diabetic-friendly meal and a snack-to-go with your child. Tips for eating will be discussed throughout the class. $25 for one parent/one child; $5 extra for additional family members. Call 408-6550 for reservations. Nov. 10: 4th Annual Dirty Spokes Alabama Duathlon. 9 a.m. Oak Mountain State Park. Part of Dirty Spokes Georgia Off-Road Duathlon Series. Consists of a 3.1-mile run and 11.0-mile bike. Prizes for overall top-three male and female finishers. Cost for individual entry after Nov. 1 is $40-$50. Cost for relay team entry after Nov. 1 is $65-$75. For more or to register, visit active.com. Nov. 10: XTERRA Trail Run. 8:30 a.m. Oak Mountain State Park. Races can choose

to compete in a trail half marathon, 10K or 5K. Prizes for overall top-three male and female finishers in each race. Cost for early registration is $25-$35. Registration between Oct. 29 and Nov. 8 is $30-$40. To register, visit active.com. For more, email tim@dirtyspokes.com. Nov. 11: Veteran’s Day. Hoover and Shelby County schools, Cities of Hoover and Chelsea closed in observance. Nov. 11: Medicare Educational Meetings. 1-3 p.m. St. Vincent’s One Nineteen. Blue Cross/Blue Shield will conduct a meeting to inform customers of upcoming changes in Medicare benefits. Open to the public and free of charge, but please register at 1-888222-6165. Nov. 13: Greater Shelby Chamber of Commerce 4th Annual Sporting Clay Shoot. 9 a.m. Selwood Farm, Alpine, Ala. Cost is $100 per player or $600 per team. Call 6634542 or visit shelbychamber.org.

Nov. 21: Breakfast With the Doc: Common Gastrointestinal Issues. 8-9 a.m. St. Vincent’s One Nineteen. Join Owen McLean, MD, with Birmingham Gastroenterology Associates, as he talks about gallbladder, constipation and reﬂux issues and how to treat them. A registered dietitian will also be on hand to discuss dietary recommendations for various digestive disorders. Nov. 23: Race to the Heights 5K. 8 a.m. Church of the Highlands, Grants Mill Campus. Hosted for IMPACT United Appeal Fund to benefit The A21 Campaign. Race features a scenic trail course for advanced runners and a road course friendly for every running level. Cost is $30-$35. For more or to register, visit active.com. For more on The A21 Campaign, visit thea21campaign.org. Nov. 25-29: Thanksgiving Holiday, Briarwood Christian. School closed in observance.

Nov. 13: CPR for Family and Friends. 6-8:30 p.m. St. Vincent’s One Nineteen. Join us for a classroom-based, practice-while-you-watch DVD and instructor-facilitated program on how to perform the basic skills of CPR on adults, children, and infants and how to help an adult, child or infant who is choking. For age 11 years and older, who want to learn CPR but do not need a course certification card. $20. Call 9397878 to register.

Nov. 27-29: Thanksgiving Holiday, Shelby County Schools. Schools and offices closed in observance.

Nov. 16: 7th Annual Turkey Trot 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk. 9 a.m. Mt Laurel Elementary School. $12 for entry and T-shirt, $5 for entry online. Contact Lisa Bagley or Allison Gulock at Mt Laurel Elementary, 682-7230, with inquiries.

Dec. 2: Mt Laurel Elementary School Holiday Concert “Holiday Music From the Movies.” 5:15 p.m. doors open, 6 p.m. program. Samford University Wright Center. $3. Family and friends are encouraged to attend the show and sing along to their favorite holiday tunes. Contact Haley Spates, Mt Laurel music director, at hspates@shelbyed.k12.al.us for ticket inquiries.

Nov. 20-23: Market Noel. Cahaba Grand Conference Center. Sponsored by the Junior League of Birmingham. Visit jlbonline.com.

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Nov. 27-29: Thanksgiving Holiday, Hoover City Schools. Schools and offices closed beginning at 11:45 a.m. on Nov. 27 in observance. Nov. 28-29: Thanksgiving Holiday, Cities of Hoover and Chelsea. Offices closed in observance.

Greater Shelby Chamber of Commerce Visit shelbychamber.org for more. Nov. 1: Golf FORE! Education. 7:15 a.m. registration and breakfast. 8 a.m. shotgun start. Eagle Point Golf Club, 4500 Eagle Point Drive. Nov. 6: Ambassadors Work Group. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Greater Shelby Chamber, 1301 County Services Drive, Pelham. Nov. 6: Small Business Work Group. 4-5 p.m. Greater Shelby Chamber, 1301 County Services Drive, Pelham. Nov. 8: Health Services Work Group. 8:30-9:30 a.m. Cardiovascular Associates, 3890 Colonnade Parkway. Nov. 12: Education Work Group. 8:30-9:30 a.m. Shelby County Instructional Services Center, 601 First Street South, Alabaster. Nov. 12: Existing Business & Industry Work Group. 9-10 a.m. Barge, Waggoner, Sumner & Cannon, Inc., 3535 Grandview Parkway, Suite 500. Nov. 12: Membership Reception. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Greater Shelby Chamber, 1301 County Services Drive, Pelham. Nov. 14: Governmental Affairs Work Group. 9-10 a.m. Sain Associates, Two Perimeter Park South, Suite 500 East. Nov. 19: SpeedNetworking Times Four Chambers. 8:30-10 a.m. Shelby County Instructional Services Center, 601 1st Street North, Alabaster. RSVP required by Nov. 18 at noon. No cost. Nov. 20: Board of Directors Meeting. 8:15-9:30 a.m. Greater Shelby Chamber, 1301 County Services Drive, Pelham. Nov. 26: Annual Prayer Breakfast. 7:30-9 a.m. Pelham Civic Complex, 500 Amphitheater Road, Pelham. Program by The Jeremiah Castille Foundation. RSVP required by Nov. 22 at noon. $17 members, $25 future members.

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Community Calendar Library Events

Childcare Worker:

Sunday and Wednesday. References and background check are required. St. Catherine’s Episcopal Church, Hwy 39, Chelsea, AL. • 205-618-8367 or rector@StCatherinesAL.com

Comfort Keepers is currently hiring quality caregivers. 205-981-1800

Antique Dealers and Designers One Giant Sale

Upscale French and English Antiques & Accessories along with Vintage items. French Buffet, English Sideboard, Dining Table, Rugs, Sconce, Picture Frames, Mirrors, Chandeliers, Settee, Chests, Chairs, Tables, Lamps, Art, Transferware, Garden Items and Much Much More! Thurs., Fri. & Sat. Oct. 10, 11 & 12 9 am until 3 pm 5366 Meadow Brook Road Birmingham, Al 35242

Part-time Help Needed

Sales and Merchandising Computer knowledge needed. Some Saturdays Plain Jane’s Women & Children Shop Lee Branch Shopping Center 205-991-1995

North Shelby Library *The library will be closed Nov. 27-29 in observance of Thanksgiving.

he attempts to throw together a Thanksgiving dinner. No registration required. All ages are welcome with a caregiver.

Children

Story-Time Programming

For more information or to register for any of our programs or story times, call the Children’s Department at 4395504, email northshelbyyouth@gmail. com or visit northshelbylibrary.org.

Mondays, 9:30 and 10:30 a.m., Toddler Tales: A 30-minute program for ages 19-36 months. Registration required.

Nov. 2: Lego Club. 10-11:30 a.m. The library provides the Legos, the kids provide the imagination and creativity. Families are welcome to drop in to build spectacular creations that will then go on display in the Children’s Department. All ages welcome. No registration is required. Nov. 5: Thanksgiving Craft. 4 p.m. Get ready for Thanksgiving Day with a whimsical turkey craft. Registration is required. All ages welcome. Nov. 20: Homeschool Hangout. 1 p.m. Local author B.H. Parker is a former homeschooler whose first novel, Mark of the Corripian, is being published this November. Join us to hear about her experiences through the novel-writing and publishing process. Registration is required. Ages 8-12 welcome. Nov. 23: Family Movie Day: A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving. 10:30 a.m. Peppermint Patty invites herself and her friends over to Charlie Brown’s for Thanksgiving, and with Linus, Snoopy and Woodstock,

Birmingham Bake & Cook Visit bakeandcookco.com or call 980-3661 for details. Nov. 5: 5th Annual Holiday Cookie Swap. 6:30-8:30 p.m. No charge. Nov. 9: Day of Culinary Wishes and Le Creuset Dreams. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Enjoy an open house with seasonal hors d’oeuvres while creating your personal Birmingham Bake & Cook Company holiday wish list. Nov. 16: National Bundt Day. 10 a.m.-noon. Bring your favorite Bundt cake and the recipe. Nordicware giveaways, games and drawings for other prizes. Coffee will also be served. Nov. 23: Annual Holiday Open House. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sweets and treats of the season and festivities that include drawings and giveaways, product demonstrations, a wonderful selection of house-made holiday hors d’oeuvres, bakery goods, hot apple cider and eggnog. Nov. 30: Small Business Saturday. A day to rally around small businesses nationwide.

Tuesday, Nov. 5 and 19, 9:30 a.m., Baby Tales: A story time designed especially for babies up to 18 months and their caregivers. Registration required. Wednesdays, 10:45 a.m., Mr. Mac (Storyteller Extraordinaire!) All ages. No registration required. Thursdays, 7 p.m. P. J. Story Time: No registration required.

Teens Contact Kate at 439-5512 or nsyouth@shelbycounty-al.org for more information. Fridays: Gaming. 3:30-5:45 p.m. Come to the teen department each Friday afternoon for open gaming on the Wii and with board and card games. Nov. 14: Anime Night. 6 p.m. The audience will pick what we watch. Treats will be served, and costumes are welcome! Nov. 20: Homeschool Hangout: Teen Edition. 1 p.m. An opportunity for homeschoolers in sixth to 12th grades to get together

Nov. 1: James Farmer Book Signing. 11 a.m. Gus Mayer, 214 Summit Blvd. Farmer will sign his best-selling books A Time to Plant, Sip & Savor, Porch Living, Wreaths for All Seasons and A Time to Cook. Call 910-6393. Nov. 2: Drug Prevention Walk. 8 a.m. Jefferson State Community College Shelby/Hoover Campus. Walk to prevent drug abuse against teens. Admission free with donation of a canned food item, school supply item or personal hygiene item. Call 874-8498. Nov. 2-3: Moss Rock Festival. Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The Preserve, 616 Preserve Parkway. Explore nature, eco ideas, art and design at Alabama’s premier eco-creative festival, now in its eighth year. Call 595-6306.

ph: 205.408.0349 cell:910.280.3067

Nov. 21: Young Adult Writing Group. 4:30 p.m. North Shelby Library is looking for teen authors who want to build their writing skills and respectfully discuss and provide feedback on each other’s work. You can come with a piece of writing complete or half-done, or with no writing at all. Snacks served.

Nov. 21: Bluestockings Book Club. 10:30 a.m.-noon. Join the group upstairs for a discussion of In the Heart of the Sea: The Tragedy of the Whaleship Essex by Nathaniel Philbrick. Refreshments served. For more information, call 439-5511 or email nsref@shelbycounty-al.org. The full schedule of books can be found by clicking on the Adult tab at northshelbylibrary.org.

Adults Nov. 2-3: Giant Book Sale. Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday 1-5 p.m. Hardbacks will be $3 for two, and paperbacks will be $1 for four. Nov. 7: Annual Medicare Benefit Check-Up. 10:30 a.m.1:30 p.m. The State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) counselors will help you understand your Medicare benefits and assist you with finding the best insurance plan for 2014. Please bring a list of your current prescription medications with you. For more information, call the Middle Alabama Area Agency on Aging (M4A) at 1-866570-2998. Nov. 12: Retirement Living and Financial Options Luncheon. 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Tim Meehan from Somerby at St. Vincent’s 119 and Douglas Cooper from Northwestern Mutual will discuss retirement living and memory care for you or your loved ones and the financial

Mt Laurel Library Contact the Mt Laurel Library at 9911660 or mtlaurellibrary@gmail.com for more information or to register. Register online using the Calendar on mtlaurellibrary.org. The library will be closed Nov. 27-28 in observance of Thanksgiving. Nov. 6 & 20: Toddler Tales. 10 a.m. A 30-minute program for ages 36 months and younger. Registration required. Nov. 6 & 20: Storytime with Ms. Kristy. 11 a.m. All ages. No registration required. Nov. 16: Crafty Saturday. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Drop in to make a craft at the library. All ages welcome with parent help. Registration is not required, but supplies are limited.

Anoushka Shankar. 7 p.m. Alys Stephen Center, 1200 10th Avenue South. Call 975-2787. Nov. 7: Reel Paddling Film Festival. 6-9 p.m. Avondale Brewing Company. $10 in advance, $15 at the door. Rapid Media’s 8th annual Reel Paddling Film Festival showcases the world’s best paddling films. Presenting by Birmngham Canoe Club. Call 907-3374. Nov. 7-17: Jesus Christ Superstar. Virginia Samford Theatre, 1116 26th Street South. $30-35. Visit virginiasamfordtheatre.org. Nov. 8: ASO Red Diamond SuperPOPS! Series: The Music of Ella Fitzgerald with Patti Austin. 7:30 p.m. Wright Center, Samford University. Visit samford.edu/wrightcenter.

be present. Event benefits projects of the AlabasterPelham Rotary Club. Visit rotarysouthernchristmas. com or call 414-3672. Nov. 18: Bela Fleck with Brooklyn Rider. 7:30 p.m. Wright Center, Samford University. Visit samford.edu/wrightcenter. Nov. 19-20: Briarwood Christmas at the Caroline House. 9:30 a.m., 6:30 p.m. Briarwood Presbyterian Church. A holiday decorator’s show house. Briarwood Ballet will perform, and Anita Barker Barnes will speak. $10. Call 776-5311. Nov. 21-23: Bridge Tournament. Morning, afternoon, and evening at Birmingham Duplicate Bridge Club, 144 Business Center Drive, 35244. Visit bridgewebs.com/Birmingham.

Nov. 2-3: St. Nicholas Russian/Slavic Food Festival. Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday noon-5 p.m. St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church, Park and Pastor Streets, Brookside. Call 285-9648.

Nov. 8: David Sedaris. 8 p.m. Alys Stephens Center Jemison Concert Hall, 1200 10th Ave. South. The humorist will celebrate the release of his ninth book, Let’s Explore Diabetes with Owls. $41.50$61.50. Visit www.alysstephens.org or call 975-2787.

Nov. 3: Rain: A Tribute to the Beatles. 7 p.m. BJCC Concert Hall. Call 1-800-745-3000.

Nov. 9: Phi Mu Children’s Miracle Run. 8 a.m. Homewood Park. Proceeds go to Children’s Hospital of Alabama. Visit helpmakemiracles.org/ event/phimu5k2013.

Nov. 22: Fall FestivAle. 7 p.m. Old Car Heaven, 115 South 35th Street. Presented by Free the Hops and featuring seasonal and unique bears from Alabama breweries. $27 in advance, $37 at the door. Call 531-5085.

Nov. 9-10: Alabama Designer Craftsmen’s Annual Fine Crafts Show. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Visit alabamadesignercraftsmen.com.

Nov. 24: Service of Choral Evensong. 4 p.m. Independent Presbyterian Church, 3100 Highland Avenue. IPC Camerata will provide the service music of this Christ the King Evensong.

Nov. 9: Harvest Festival. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Crestwood Festival, 7001 Crestwood Blvd.

Nov. 24: Handel’s Messiah. 3 p.m. Riverchase United Methodist Church. Alabama Civic Chorale will present their 66th annual performance with professional soloists and members of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra. Free. Visit alabamacivicchorale.com.

Nov. 5: Ring of Fire – The Music of Johnny Cash. 7:30 p.m. Wright Center, Samford University. Visit samford.edu/wrightcenter.

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aspects of growing older. Lunch will be provided to those who register before Nov. 11. Call 439-5540 or email nsref@shelbycounty-al.org for more information or to register.

Birmingham Area Events

Nov. 5: Christy Jordan Book Signing. 7 p.m. Books-A-Million, Colonial Brookwood Village. Jordan, blogger at southernplate.com, will speak and sign copies of her new book, Come Home to Supper.

quality pet care & home sitting

for fun and educational activities. This month we’ll do a 60-second book club and make bookmarks. Everyone has one minute to plug a book they’ve loved recently.

Nov. 6-10: Disney on Ice: Princesses & Heroes. BJCC. Call 1-800-745-3000. Nov. 6-10: Christmas Village Festival. BJCC. Arts, crafts and gifts festival with more than 700 booths. $10 adults, $4 children 6-12. Visit christmasvillagefestival.com. Nov. 7: UAB’s Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center Presents:

Nov. 10: Choral Evensong. 3 p.m. Cathedral Church of the Advent, 2017 Sixth Avenue North. A service of prayers, lessons and anthems. Nov. 12: Tap Dancer Savion Glover STePz. 7:30 p.m. Wright Center, Samford University. Visit samford.edu/wrightcenter. Nov. 15-16: A Southern Christmas Bazaar. Friday 2-8 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Pelham Civic Center. More than 50 merchants will

Nov. 22: Civil War Voices. 7:30 p.m. Wright Center, Samford University. Visit samford.edu/ wrightcenter.

Nov. 24-Dec. 20: Santa’s Adventure at the Merrywood Mega Mall. Wee Folks Series. Birmingham Children’s Theatre. Visit bct123.org.

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