280 Living February 2012 by Starnes Media

280 Living

www.280living.com

neighborly news & entertainment

February Features

Volume 5 | Issue 2012 6 | February 2012 | February |

Now Open at the Narrows on Hwy 280 Dr. Jenny Sobera & Dr. Kristy Curl, Board Certified Dermatologists, Shelley Winzeler, PA-C

Specializing in Medical, Surgical, and Cosmetic Dermatology Call 877-9773 or visit www.villagedermatology.net

And then there were nine A story of love & mended hearts By MADOLINE MARKHAM

National Champ. Photos

People You Should Know

School House

Sports

Barclay Simmons first noticed Shawn Campbell and her five children at Valleydale Church in 2006. A single parent with two kids, he noted that she was both attractive and had no wedding ring on her finger. Barclay began to look for her every Sunday and hope for an opportunity to talk to her. He wrote his phone number on a business card and carried it in his Bible for months, just in case they were to meet. Little did Barclay know that Shawn lived a few streets over from him in Brook Highland or that her husband had left her the same month in 2004 that his wife had passed away. Little did he know that he would marry her five years later. Shawn was not interested in dating and was determined to tell Barclay no when he finally found a

High School Correspondents 18

See LOVE | page 24

Brenda Ladun Run- pg. 6 Editor’s note

Local events

Date night recipes

Ministry Spotlight

Restaurant Showcase

Business Spotlight

280 Business Happenings

Kari Kampakis

Library Happenings

Paul Johnson

Rick Watson

Calendar of Events

Music Listings/Classiﬁeds

Like us WIN PRIZES

Pre-Sort Standard U.S. Postage PAID Birmingham, AL Permit #656

www.280Living.com

In December Brook Highland residents Barclay and Shawn Simmons married, bringing all seven of their children to live together under one roof. Photo by Madoline Markham.

Remembering Fire Chief O’Connor

The one that didn’t get away: 280 area lands B.A.S.S. By KATHRYN ACREE

By BROOKE BOUCEK Michael O’Connor was the “epitome of health and wellness,” according to North Shelby County Batallion Chief Mark Turner. The 56-year-old North Shelby Fire Chief loved to exercise and ran or swam nearly every day. He ran 11 marathons and was proud to complete three Ironman triathlons. Yet on Jan. 2, O’Connor passed away from a sudden stroke caused by a brain aneurism, leaving behind the fire department as well as his wife, Nelle, and daughter, Laura. “Mike took care of us,” Batallion Chief Bart Wilkerson said. “His demeanor and positive influence will be remembered at the fire department.” O’Connor grew up on Long Island in New York and played goalie on the varsity

See FIRE CHIEF | page 9

Fire chief Michael O’Connor at an Ironman Competition in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Photo courtesy of Nelle O’Connor.

B.A.S.S., the largest membership organization of bass anglers in the country, moved their corporate headquarters from Orlando to the Highway 280 area in recent months. Their headquarters at Colonial Center Blue Lake on Blue Lake Drive is a stone’s throw from the Colonnade and the Summit. The relocation brought approximately 50 jobs to the area, and the company plans to continue to hire more people. Oak Mountain High School alum Helen Northcutt began working as an editorial assistant with B.A.S.S. on Nov. 1. After writing for AU’s student newspaper, The Plainsman, for four years, Northcutt interned with National Geographic in Washington, D.C. When starting her job search, Northcutt hoped to stay in her hometown. “I really wanted to find something in Birmingham, but since I was hunting my first job, I didn’t know if that would

See BASS | page 25

| February 2012

| 280 Living

For when you’re ready to start a family and your spirit is willing… but your body needs a little help.

Birmingham’s award-winning home for women’s services: “Best Fertility Specialist”

UAB Fertility specialists know that connecting with patients in a warm, caring environment is just as important as the science we employ to help them. Winner of the Parent’s Choice award for the Best Fertility Specialist and a U.S.News & World Report top 20 nationally ranked Gynecology specialty means award-winning care offered in a comfortable, private practice setting where we help struggling couples become families.

Watch a video about infertility treatment at UAB

UAB INFERTILITY SERVICES

800.822.8816 | uabmedicine.org/infertility Connect with us on Facebook Get the free mobile app at www.gettag.mobi

11-UAH-386_WICInfertility_HmwoodStr280_10x15.25_ƒ.indd 1

1/18/12 2:09 PM

www.280living.com

280 Living

| February 2012

Our Biggest, Baddest

Blowout Sale Ever! We are Alabama’s largest selection of consigned designer fashions. We feature two loft-style stories of over 6,000 sq. ft. of fabulous clothing, shoes, purses, and accessories that will take you from everyday to that special formal event.

Discount taken off original consigned price on all items with tag colors of: PINK • ORANGE • DARK BLUE • TAN • GRAY • MINT GREEN • PURPLE • YELLOW

Bring this slip for early 9:00 am Admission

6801 Cahaba Valley Road (Hwy 119) 1/4 South of Hwy 280, Along with Bellini’s, Cantina, and Edgars Bakery Opened 10-6 daily with extended hours on Thursday until 9 pm. Closed on Sundays.

205-980-4471

www.RenaissanceConsignment.com

| February 2012

Welcome Friends

280 Living neighborly news & entertainment

Editor’s Note

Beware: I could go on for hours about how entrancing I find the love stories in Pride and Prejudice or Downton Abbey. Being female, I ever-so delight in a quality romance like I do chocolate icing-laden marble cake baby bites from Pastry Art Bake Shoppe in Inverness. But what strikes me even more than fictional romance is a real life story of love. When I interviewed the Simmons for our cover story, Barclay Simmons beamed when he told me about eying his now-wife Shawn in church. The glimmer remained when I asked him about what the best thing she makes to eat is and when he so tried to put into words how he admires how she possesses both modern style and oldfashioned values—so sweet. I also loved hearing about how after more than 30 years of marriage, Donna and Sam Hendrickson rediscovered one another in a newlywed sort of way through Celebrate Recovery ministry at Asbury United Methodist (9). As touching as these stories are, I often have to remind myself to step back into my real life and look for ways to make the ordinary a little extraordinary with the people right around me. I am a fan of using this slower time of year to make special plans with not just Valentines but also your friends or kids or parents—sign up to run (or walk) in the Brenda Ladun Conquer

Meet our intern

Chelsea K/1 Competition Cheer Team placed first in the UCA competition held at Vestavia High School. Front row: Savannah Daniels, Chloe Nelson, Lucy Wheeler. Second row: Ella Hillman, Ann Thomas Crawford, Mattie Jackson, Brylee Powers, Lily DiGiovanna and Nicole Cannon. Third row: Cameron Roberts, Madi Murphy, Abbie Johns and Valaaja Woodruff. Back row: Madilyn Gilliam, Ella Sciara, Maia Harris.

Brooke Boucek Brooke Boucek is from Memphis, Tenn., and is a junior at Birmingham-Southern College. While studying English, she spends much of her time reading books and writing countless papers. Apart from her studies, Brooke enjoys cooking, going to the lake or beach, watching movies, reading a good book or laughing with friends.

Staff & Friends Contributing Writers

Paul Johnson | Lisa Culotta Johnsey | Krysti Shallenbeger Patrick Thomas | Rick Watson | Kari Kampakis

High School Correspondents

Scott McClure | Collier Kauffman Tabitha Fulton | Becky Brickerhoff

Contributing Photographers

Publisher

Editor at Large Joe Samuel Starnes

Creative Director

Intern

Keith McCoy

Brooke Boucek

Managing Editor Madoline Markham

Please submit all articles, information and photos to: madoline@280living.com

For advertising contact: dan@280living.com

Legals:

Congratulations to the winner of the February Facebook fan giveaway:

Lisa Phillips

This month’s winner will receive:

$25 to Birmingham Bake & Cook Thanks for reading and being fans of 280 Living.

Please Support Our Sponsors

Dan Starnes

Kathryn Acree

Fan Giveaway

Remember only Fans who “like” our Facebook page are eligible for the monthly giveaway.

You must e-mail dan@280living.com to claim your prize.

Cari Dean | Barry Clemons

Community Editor

Cancer Run (6) together, go see local artists’ work now up at the Chelsea Library (6), try a new-to-you restaurant like Hartley’s in Chelsea (21) or the newly opened Five Guys or Marco’s Pizza at Lee Branch (23), or even just go for a walk around your neighborhood or somewhere like Veteran’s Park’s trails. But as Rick Watson so comically reminds us (27), make sure you give careful thought to what you plan for your special someone too. If you have yet to make Valentine’s plans, consider making a fancy dinner at home with Lisa Johnsey‘s recipes (8), creating a custom piece of jewelry at Southeastern Jewelers (22), or planning a future date night at the Arts and Lectures Club of Shelby County’s upcoming event (6). If a nice dinner out is more your style, don’t go far. My favorites for specialoccasion dining are Amore in Greystone and Stones Throw in Mt Laurel; you can find our reviews on these restaurants from past months on www.280living.com. Thanks as always for reading. We always welcome your feedback and ideas. Email me at madoline@280living.com.

Sales and Distribution Dan Starnes | Angela Morris

Published by Starnes Publishing LLC

Contact Information: 280 Living P.O. Box 530341 Birmingham, AL 35253 (205)-370-0732

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 communities along Highway 280 of area school, faith, 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. Inaccuracies or errors should be brought to the attention of the publisher at (205) 370-0732 or by email. Please recycle this paper

280 Medical Supply (20) Beaumont Pharmacy (8) Ben Crew (15) Betz Tree Service (22) Beyond Wellness (14) Birmingham United Soccer (17) Brentwood Properties (12) Capelli Hair Salon (19) Case Remodeling (27) Chiropractic Today (20) Chop Suey Inn (24) Comfort Keepers (24) Cutting Edge Salon (25) Danberry at Inverness (18) Diana Holladay, Hair 280 (11) Diana’s Organic Greenscapes (27) Dugald McMillan (10) Encore Rehabilitation (16) Family Connection Inc. (26) Fancy Fur (27) GeGe’s Salon (20) Homewood Chamber of Commerce (29) Iron Tribe Fitness (7) Isbell Jewelers (21) Medhelp (13)

Monkey Toes (24) Mughal Indian Cuisine (19) Outdoor Living Areas (5) Pak Mail (11) Pastry Art (14) Plain Jane (19) Pure Barre (22) Renaissance Consignment (3) Richard Joseph Salon (1) Rogers Trading Company (17) Sew Sheri (11) Skin Wellness Center of Alabama (15) Southeastern Jewelers (13) Spring Valley School (16) St. Vincent’s Health Systems (31) St. Vincent’s OneNineteen (21, 32) Studio Zen (25) The UPS Store (23) Total Care 280 (9) Treetop (5) UAB Medicine (2) Varsity Sports (16) Village Dermatology (1) Village Tavern (23) Walton and Tower (25)

www.280living.com

280 Living | February 2012

inc.

• Patios & Walls • Outdoor Kitchens • Outdoor Fireplaces & Fire pits • Arbors and Pergolas

“Your rock and stone experts”

View hundreds of additional photos of our past work on our website:

www.OutdoorLivingAreas.net

402-2110 Alabama G C L #43737

| February 2012

280 Living

Conquer Cancer Run set for March 3

ABC 33/40’s Brenda Ladun hosts the Brenda Ladun Conquer Cancer Run on March 3 at St. Vincent’s One Nineteen. Photo courtesy of the American Cancer Society.

The eighth annual Brenda Ladun Conquer Cancer 5K and 1-mile runs are set for Saturday, March 3 at St. Vincent’s One Nineteen starting at 8 a.m. The event is hosted by the American Cancer Society’s Junior Executive Board and is presented by ABC 33/40, St. Vincent’s One Nineteen and M&B Hangers. It raises much-needed funds for cancer research and patient support groups and services. Runners can pre-register by picking up a form from the American Cancer Society or logging onto www.active.com and searching under the phrase “Brenda Ladun.” Participants will also be able to register at the run. ABC 33/40’s Brenda Ladun hosts the event each year. The two-time breast cancer survivor makes it her goal to encourage

others who are battling the disease. There are other ways to support the Conquer Cancer Run, if you can’t actually take part. For a donation, you can have someone’s name printed on the back of the T-shirt worn at the event. This is a great way to remember or honor a loved one or friend who has battled cancer. The Brenda Ladun Conquer Cancer Run has nearly tripled in size in the last four years, causing volunteers to move the race to bigger locations. The race’s route will include the Greystone community, specifically wrapping around the Greystone Country Club. For more information or to sponsor the event, contact Mary Frances Colley at the American Cancer Society at 205-930-8893.

Chelsea Library to exhibit work by local artists Beginning in late January, members of the Shelby County Arts Council will be showing artwork at the Chelsea Public Library. Members will be displaying a rotating quarterly exhibit. Artwork will be carefully selected based on each quarter’s theme. In addition to purchasing the artwork at the library, it will also be available online through the Shelby County Arts Council. The winter quarter artists are Scott Owen, Chelsea resident DeAnne Thorn and Oak Mountain resident Karen Ingram. This exhibit runs Jan. 31 through March 30 at Chelsea Public Library, 16623 Highway 280, 678-8455. For more information or if you are a local artist

Shelby celebrates 194 years with Creek Indian guests The public is invited to celebrate the 194th birthday of Shelby County on Feb. 5 in Columbiana. A special event highlighting the founding of the county will begin at 2 p.m. at the Shelby County Museum and Archives located at the 1854 Old Courthouse in Columbiana. Special guests include Robert G. Thrower, Jr., a Poarch Creek and the Cultural Director for the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. Thrower will begin the event with an opening prayer in the Creek language and follow it with a prayer in English. Come early for pre-program entertainment including Creek Indian cultural demonstrations. Other special guests will be Dr. Edwin C. Bridges from the Alabama Department of Archives and History and Alabama Tourism Director Lee Sentell. Robert G. Thrower, Jr., the cultural director for the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, will be a special guest speaker at Shelby County’s 194th birthday celebration in Columbiana on Feb. 5. Photo courtesy of the Shelby County Historical Society.

OMHS PTO to host Eagle Vision Dinner and Silent Auction Oak Mountain High School’s PTO will host their Eagle Vision Dinner and Silent Auction on Feb. 25 at the high school’s cafeteria. The family-friendly, casual event will feature OMHS student entertainment, a silent auction and a delicious meal from Joe’s Italian. Proceeds benefit OMHS teacher grants, student recognition, technology purchases, operational needs, classroom supplies and safety enhancements. Dinner items from Joe’s Italian include lasagna, chicken fettuccine, salad, bread,

Joe’s famous strawberry cake and drinks. Child’s meals of spaghetti and meatballs are also available. Tickets are $12 for adults and $5 for children. Adult dinner tickets are entered in a drawing for an Apple iPod Touch 8G courtesy of the Hoover Walmart on Highway 280. Evening events are scheduled for 4:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. with dinner served from 5 – 7 p.m. For additional information and ticket order forms, visit www.omhspto.com.

Senior center needs driver volunteers Heardmont Park Senior Center is in need of Meals on Wheels driver volunteers. Drivers are needed one day a month for about two hours a day. Volunteers pick up the meals from Heardmont Park Senior Center and deliver

to selected homebound locations, requiring about eight delivery stops. Interested volunteers can call Kay at 991-2015 or Frances at 991-5742. Heardmont Senior Center is located at 5452 Cahaba Valley Road.

Shop for children’s items at Asbury’s Giggles and Grace consignment sale Karen Ingram’s work, including “Fishwatching,” will be on display at the Chelsea Library this quarter.

interested in participating, contact the Shelby County Arts Council at 669-0044.

Asbury Methodist Church will host their Giggles and Grace consignment sale Feb. 17-18. Sale hours are Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Many gently used children’s clothes, youth clothes, toys, books, shoes, baby furniture, and more items will be available for purchase. Consignors receive 75 percent of the

sale price, and Asbury Children’s Ministries and Missions will receive the remaining 25 percent. For more information on the Giggles and Grace sale, visit www. asburygigglesandgrace.com. Asbury Methodist Church is located at 6690 Cahaba Valley Road.

The Alabama Wildlife Center, located in Oak Mountain State Park, will host their annual benefit gala, Wild About Chocolate, on Feb. 11 at The Harbert Center, 2019 4th Ave North. This elegant and philanthropic evening will feature a lavish chocolate dessert buffet provided by many of Birmingham’s finest restaurants, bakeries and confectioners. Featured chocolate desserts, savory appetizers and beverages are available

from Hot and Hot Fish Club, Pastry Art Bake Shoppe, Louise’s Cakes and Things, Little Savannah, The J. Clyde, Ocean and 26, daniel george and many more. The event begins at 6 p.m. Individual tickets are $75 in advance or $100 at the door. Advance ticket sales end Feb. 10 at 5 p.m. For additional information, contact the Alabama Wildlife Center at 663-7930.

Arts & Lectures Club to host Broadway event for Symphony Wild About Chocolate Gala to benefit AL Wildlife Center The Arts & Lectures Club of Shelby County (ALSC) recently expanded in order to reach out to more people. The organization originally started to bring the Alabama Symphony Orchestra to Greystone to play a POPS concert. The club is planning two events in the 280 area in upcoming weeks to celebrate the arts. On Feb. 25, the organization is holding a Cocktail Supper in honor of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra’s invitation to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York this spring. The event will include a 40-minute Broadway Revue performed by local entertainers Four for Times. Awards will

be presented to the 2011 winners of the Arts Executive of the Year and Patron of the Year. The event will take place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Cahaba Grand Conference Center. Tickets are $50 per person. To purchase tickets, mail a check to Sue Nuby, 3581 Shandwick Place, Birmingham, AL 35242. Checks may be made payable to Arts and Lectures Club of Shelby Co. with event name on check. Reservations for For more information on ALSC events, visit www.artsandlecturesclubofshelbyco. com.

www.280living.com

280 Living | February 2012

| February 2012

280 Living

Romantic date night at home By LISA CULOTTA JOHNSEY

Sautéed Shrimp and Lemon Pasta

Valentine’s Day is a day set aside to tell everyone how much we love them. My husband and I celebrate each year by cooking a romantic meal at home. A tradition we started many years ago, we generally prepare the meal together, and to make it extra special, we get dressed up and eat in the dining room. Sometimes we invite another couple or two to enjoy the meal with us. Our children eat early and retire upstairs for a movie while we proceed with our dinner. Our menu is extra special since it is just the two of us. It varies from lamb to fish or beef. This year, we are preparing a beef tenderloin served with a gorgonzola sauce along with sautéed shrimp and linguini and a simple salad. For dessert, we’re having my famous crème brulee with berries and chocolate dipped strawberries. My husband puts on some music and we linger over dinner and try to focus on the emphasis of the night. Our conversation is not about the kids. We concentrate on the two of us and make it as romantic as possible. Last year, as we celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary, we began making plans to renew our vows while enjoying the Valentine’s Day dinner. I wonder what this year’s dinner will bring! Having a romantic dinner at home is a fun way to get reacquainted with one another. I hope you try some of these recipes for a very special meal from my table to yours. Happy Valentine’s Day!

4 lemons (2 zested; 4 juiced, divided) 3-4 tablespoons olive oil ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated ½ teaspoon pepper Combine ingredients and set aside.

Beef Tenderloin 1 tablespoon Sea Salt 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon onion powder 2 teaspoon paprika

2- 3 tablespoons butter 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined, with tails Red pepper flakes, to taste 1-2 tablespoons olive oil Parsley, chopped 2 lemons, zested and juiced Combine juice of two lemons, olive oil, Parmesan and pepper; set aside.

Lisa Johnsey with her husband, Wayne.

1 teaspoon pepper 3-5 pounds beef tenderloin Heat oven to 425 degrees. Mix seasonings together in a bowl. Line a roasting pan with foil; leave some extra to cover the roast when done. Sprinkle roast with rub. Roast 45-55 minutes, depending on how you like it done (140 degrees for rare and 155 for medium). Gorgonzola Sauce 1 ½ cups heavy cream 3 ounces gorgonzola cheese, crumbled Salt and pepper to taste Chives (chopped) to taste Bring heavy cream to boil. Cook on a low boil for about 20 minutes until thick, stirring occasionally. Remove pan from heat and add the rest of the ingredients. Stir until the cheese melts.

Melt butter in a skillet; add red pepper flakes and shrimp, sauté until just pink. Then add lemon zest and remaining juice. In the meantime, boil water for pasta; reserve some pasta water to thin out sauce if needed. When pasta is done to your taste, add it to the shrimp along with lemon sauce, parsley, salt and pepper to taste. Stir to combine shrimp and pasta, if too thick add some pasta water to thin it out. Crème Brulee 1 egg + 4 egg yolks (room temperature) ½ cup sugar + some for the top 3 cups heavy cream 1 teaspoon vanilla Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Heat cream to scalding hot (not boiling). Beat eggs and add sugar slowly, beating until just mixed and a little frothy. Add cream to eggs, slowly, so the eggs do not curdle. Add vanilla. Fill custard cups or ramekins until almost full. Place in a baking

Lisa Johnsey’s homemade crème brulee.

pan and fill ½ way up with boiling water. Bake for about 30 minutes until custards are firm. Cool to room temperature and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. When ready to serve sprinkle each cup with sugar (enough to cover the top completely). Heat a kitchen blowtorch and caramelize the tops until brown. Let cool briefly. If you do not have a blowtorch, you can put them under the broiler to brown. Serve with sliced berries. Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries 1 cup heavy cream 1 12-ounce package chocolate chips (your favorite) Strawberries Heat cream in a pot to the scalding point. Put chocolate chips in a bowl, pour cream over chips and stir vigorously until well combined and chocolate is melted. Dip strawberries in chocolate, place on a dish and allow to dry. Chocolate will set but not harden.

BEAUMONT PHARMACY

& Gift Boutique

Come see our new Valentine’s Day inventory!

• Prescription transfers are easy and quick - ask our Pharmacist! • Beaumont Pharmacy accepts most insurance plans including Express Scripts • Beaumont Pharmacy offers compounding and delivery • Large selection of gift items and we gift wrap • Visit our ice cream shoppe and enjoy free wi-f i

Open 7 days a week

264 Inverness I rness C Ctr. Dr. (Inverness Area On Valleydale Rd.)

205-991-7171

WWW.BEAUMONTPHARMACY.COM

280 Living | February 2012

www.280living.com

Ministry Spotlight Celebrate Recovery

Inverness residents Sam and Donna Hendrickson help lead the Celebrate Recovery ministry at Asbury United Methodist Church. Photo by Krysti Shallenberger

By KRYSTI SHALLENBERGER Celebrate Recovery at Asbury United Methodist Church is not just another AA or help group. “A common misconception that a lot of people have is that Celebrate Recovery only helps people with drug and alcohol problems,” said Sam Hendrickson, one of its leaders, “but it goes way beyond that.” Inverness resident Sam Hendrickson and his wife, Donna, started participating in Celebrate Recovery to support some of their friends going in the group but soon found themselves confronting their own issues regarding co-dependency and past sexual abuse. “We’ve been married 37 years and co-existed for 30,” said Sam Hendrickson, “For the past seven, we’ve rediscovered each other. We’re like newlyweds now.” Today, they lead the program to help others. Celebrate Recovery, which was started by the Saddleback Church in California, helps people dealing with issues ranging from troubled environments to anger management to food-related issues. Of course drug, alcohol, and sexual abuse are covered as well. “The vast majority of people in Celebrate Recovery are not members of Asbury, but come all the way from Gardendale, Trussville and even Bessemer,” said Hendrickson.

Each Tuesday night meeting starts with a worship service, and they then move into share groups followed by fellowship time over refreshments. Every other week, a participant shares a testimony. “We divide the testimony in three parts: the old me, changes through Christ, new me,” said Hendrickson. “I can relate to the old me all the time.” A few weeks after starting, a share group becomes a new step-study group. These are yearlong, gender-specific sharing groups that implement a twelve-step process of healing. “My main issue was anger from a divorce, but I’d also struggled with memories of being sexually abused,” said one participant. “Being vulnerable? What was the reward in being that? A relationship with Jesus Christ.” Celebrate Recovery stresses confidentiality because of the intense personal experience participants share. “One thing we have to remember is that sometimes we get so caught up in the recovery process, we don’t see the progress in our lives,” said Hendrickson. “That’s where the celebrating comes in.” Celebrate Recovery is open to interested individuals over age 18. For more information, visit asburyonline.org or visit www.saddleback. com.

FIRE CHIEF

CONTINUED from page 1

soccer team at Hampton Bays High School, earning him a scholarship to Virginia Wesleyan College. In 2005 he graduated from Birmingham-Southern College with a Bachelor of Arts degree. Since 1982, O’Connor has been a dedicated firefighter and paramedic for the North Shelby County Fire and Emergency Medical District. “His ever present vigilance over the department and his guise as a fire chief will be missed most,” said Turner, who knew O’Connor for 30 years. “He was hard working and always gave 110 percent to the fire service and its personnel.” Over his 33-year career as a firefighter, O’Connor developed as a leader. In 1995 he was promoted to fire chief. “He truly stepped up and made some positive changes in the department and the community,” Turner said. O’Connor frequently won over the Alabama legislature for improved state fire building codes. He spent much of his time in Montgomery trying to get fire safety bills passed including one for residential sprinklers. Before O’Connor became chief, the fire

department had only one computer in the offices. In order to keep statistical data, he had more computers installed and used the data to improve the fire safety and other factors in the department. And that’s just a small piece of how he contributed to the North Shelby County community. O’Connor was a leader in implementing improved processes and introducing advanced fire equipment to improve safety and fire services. He also served a two-year term as president of the Alabama Association of Fire Chiefs. After O’Connor’s sudden death, the North Shelby Fire Board of Trustees set up an emergency meeting and appointed Wilkerson to serve as interim chief. Wilkerson, who had known O’Connor for 32 years, said O’Connor was his boss but also his friend: “Michael had an optimistic outlook on life, the kind that rubbed off on everyone. This positive attitude will be missed.” The O’Connor family requests that memorial contributions be made to Shelby Humane Society, 381 McDow Road, Columbiana, AL 35051.

Mon-Fri 7:30 am–5:45 pm Sat 8am–2 pm, Sun closed Extended Hours Available by Appointment

Flu shots now available!

Look for us at our new location at Lee Branch this Spring

| February 2012

| 280 Living

National Championship Game 280 Living readers submitted their photos from the Alabama-LSU National Championship game.

Rest and recovery in youth athletics By MARC BERNIER, MPT CSCS

Joey, Rosalie, Marena and Mary Catherine Molay. Photo courtesy of Rosalie Molay.

Katie and Evans Dunn inside the Superdome after the game. Photo courtesy of Lisa Beard.

Jeff and Steven Beard at the Superdome. Photo courtesy of Lisa Beard.

Today youth are sustaining more injuries, and their injuries are more severe than they have been in the past. According to medical professionals, overtraining is one potential cause of such increase in injuries. In today’s competitive climate of youth athletics, many kids specialize in one sport earlier in childhood, playing a sport such as soccer up to 11 months of the year, and fail to adequately recover from the physical stress of the season. Ideally, youth athletes should be encouraged to compete in multiple sports until their freshman or sophomore year in high school, at which time specialization is more appropriate. By participating in the same sport throughout the year, the same repetitive physical stresses are placed on the relatively fragile growth plates and soft tissue structures (muscles, tendons, ligaments), resulting in overuse injuries. Also, participation in a single sport can limit the overall athletic development of kids. All sports have unique skills and movements that require the development and utilization of different muscle groups in vastly different ways. This is especially true for the core and trunk muscles; participation in “upper extremity” sports such as baseball, tennis and basketball will train the core in a much different manner than “lower extremity” sports such as soccer. It has been theorized that playing in multiple sports may actually increase kids’ overall athleticism and make them “better” athletes. Simply put, we do not provide our kids

enough time to rest, nor allow their joints enough time to recover from the physical stress their bodies endure during a season (not to mention the fact that kids today typically train harder and more frequently than current adults did in their childhood). Recovery time is an absolute essential for athletic growth; without it, the structures of the body are continually broken down, inhibiting strength and endurance potential. In an ideal scenario, children should have a two-week period after the season of minimal activity. After that has passed, participation in a different sport is acceptable, as that sport will not have the same physical stresses and will be less traumatic to the joints of kids. If a child does not participate in another sport, some form of cross training should be performed to maintain baseline fitness levels. Some recommended activities include cardio workouts on stationary bikes, stairsteppers or elliptical machines; swimming; pick up basketball; or simple jogging. Kids should be encouraged to take a break from sports. Having a free weekend every once in a while is a good thing! Marc Bernier is the Clinical Director of Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation for Encore Rehab at Spain Park High School. Marc has served as an international sports medicine consultant specializing in the field of rehabilitation and conditioning for Europeanbased professional soccer clubs and is a national lecturer on the management of youth sports injuries. He can be contacted for any questions at soccerphysio@mindspring.com.

Family & C�metic Dentistry Gentle Care is Our Specialty!

FREE WHITENING After New Patient Exam, Cleaning & X-Rays (Value $400)

Digital X-rays, Intra-oral cameras, Nitrous, HDTV’s in each room

Dr. Dugald McMillan IV

5291 Valleydale Road • 995-3989 (Located In Inverness Village)

McMillanCosmeticDentistry.com

We accept the following insurances: Southland • Humana • United Concordia • Aetna Cigna • BCBS • MetLife • Delta • Guardian

THE ALABAMA DENTAL PRACTICE ACT REQUIRES THE FOLLOWING DISCLAIMER BY ALL DENTAL ADS: NO REPRESENTATION IS MADE THAT THE QUALITY OF DENTAL SERVICES TO BE PERFORMED IS GREATER THAN THE QUALITY OF DENTAL SERVICES PERFORMED BY OTHER DENTISTS.

www.280living.com

280 Living

People you should know Beth Chapman Alabama’s Secretary of State BY KATHRYN ACREE North Shelby resident Beth Chapman is in her second term as Alabama’s 51st secretary of state after serving one term as state auditor. The role of secretary of state includes more than 1,000 different duties involving processing and filing documents that are public records. In addition, the Secretary of State is the “Chief Election Official.” We met recently with Chapman to discuss her passions and how she became interested in a life of public service. When did you first call Shelby County home? I received my bachelor’s degree from the University of Montevallo, so I came to the county in 1980. Since that time I’ve lived here now nearly 24 years. When my husband, James, and I settled here, it was a growing area with exciting things going on in education, great schools, low crime, and a great family environment for our two sons, Taylor and Thatcher. Shelby County was and still is everything you could want. How do you split your time up between here and Montgomery? Well, since I-65 and 280 are so accessible, there were times I could leave our house here and make it to Montgomery before James could make it downtown for his job! Actually, I’ve maintained two residences; I have a home in Montgomery. What first led you to go into politics? I grew up in Greenville, Ala., and had a cousin who was a city councilman but was also paraplegic. He could not go doorto-door to meet people in the community because this was the time before the American Disabilities Act and there were no wheelchair ramps. He would drive me around in a vehicle he had equipped with a gear-shift. I would go door-to-door when I was as young as the third grade and debate with people why he should be a city councilman. The service part of his role in his community really impressed me even with all the sacrifices he made to make positive things happen. His influence to be a part of making things better stuck with me. Why did you feel compelled to bring awareness to problems in our election system with military voting? Military voting is a major passion of mine, not just here in our state but something I’ve spoken on nationally and internationally with regard to expediting the process that our military men and women go through. With all the important issues we vote on, our law said the only way you could transmit a ballot was through the United States Postal Service. When you’re trying to get something to

The force for the cure Kaeden Ezekial celebrated his seventh birthday by raising support for the American Cancer Society. He and his family and friends rode in a Star Wars-themed float in the Chelsea Christmas Parade with the message: ”The Force Needs You to Fight for a Cure!” He also asked for $5 donations to the ACS instead of gifts and raised $235. Photo courtesy of Sheila Ezekial.

| February 2012

Diana has closed her location at Inverness and you can now find her at Hair 280 Hair 280 175 Inverness Plaza

(Next to Planet Fitness)

For appointments please call

995.7147 or text 601.9414

Diana’s Organic Greenscapes LLC Show Your Yard How Much You Really Care Let Diana help with your Spring pruning and landscaping. Alabama’s Secretary of State, Beth Chapman, calls North Shelby home. Photo by Kathryn Acree.

Turkey, Afghanistan, Iraq, sometimes that ballot arrives 6 to 8 weeks later and sometimes a military person has moved again by that time. The new law passed by the legislature says you can use UPS, FedEx, any commercial carrier to get those ballots back. A ballot can be transmitted now through the Internet, downloaded, printed, marked and then sent back to be included. The problem for so many years had been that ballots came in after-the-fact. The upcoming presidential election will be the first election to use the new system and I’m so proud of that.

• 100% Organic Compost Tea • Landscape Design • Landscape curb appeal

205.601.9414

You may have problem areas you don't know what to do with ,I can help. Diana can help with your landscape whether your space is small or large. Call Diana or visit our website for more information.

www.DianasOrganicGreenscapes.com

You’ve written four books on varying topics including a book of humor. At one time you even did stand-up comedy. Is humor an essential component of getting through the tough times in life? It’s funny that I’m asked so often about once being a comedian. I still speak to groups in my spare time, not in my official capacity of course, but I love doing it. People talk about the real spiritual fruits— love, patience, kindness—but I always say that a sense of humor is a spiritual fruit for me. I think God gives people different things to prepare them throughout their lives for what He knows is ahead of them. I lost my husband of nearly 23 years to Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome last April. When I wrote about humor being important in life, I included a chapter about James, about how funny he was, not knowing, of course, I would lose him just two or three years later. His death was absolutely devastating and the book lets me look back and treasure his humor.

Sidewalk Sale March 2 and 3 Hours 10am-4pm

Fabric marked down starting at 30% OFF Collegiate Accessories discounted

2832 Culver Rd • 879.8278

New Spring/Summer Hours Mon.-Sat. 10am-4pm Beginning March 1st

| February 2012

280 Living

Firehouse subs donates life-saving equipment By KATHRYN ACREE The Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation awarded more than $17,000 worth of life-saving equipment and tools to the Cahaba Valley Fire Department and Emergency Medical Rescue during a ceremony on Jan. 6 at the fire station off Highway 280. Equipment donated included ventilation fans, lighted generators, K12 and vent saws, lockout kits, pickhead axes, hose rollers, helmets and many other items. “Sometimes the biggest needs are the smaller items used all the time by fire departments,” said David Conklin, area representative with Firehouse Subs. “This is the second donation made to this fire department through

the foundation,” said Brook Highland Firehouse Subs owner John Porter. “It’s a wonderful feeling knowing life-saving equipment is going where it’s needed.” After the April 27 tornadoes across our state, the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation launched a national fundraiser allowing diners to “round up” their bill to the nearest dollar. Funds raised through the program replace outdated and worn equipment, increasing the department’s operational safety. Since 2005, Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation has donated more than $335,000 to public safety entities in Alabama. Representatives from Firehouse Subs and firefighters at the Cahaba Valley Fire Department are shown in front of an engine at the Hwy 280 station across from Lee Branch. The Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation donated more than $17,000 worth of life-saving tools to the fire department in January. Photo by Kathryn Acree.

Harrison and Joseph McGaha check out life-saving equipment donated to the Cahaba Valley Fire Department by the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation. Photo by Kathryn Acree.

Firefighter David Smetek shows a group of area homeschool students some of the equipment donated to the Cahaba Valley Fire Department by the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation. Photo by Kathryn Acree.

Top Professional Location! GREYSTONE CENTRE 5510 Highway 280, Birmingham, AL 35242 (Shelby County)

Premier Retail Shopping!

Greystone Centre Directory G r e y s t o n e C l e a n e r s ..........................................9 9 1 - 3 4 1 1 O r e c k Va c u u m s ..................................................9 8 1 - 1 5 5 9 E d w a r d J o n e s ......................................................4 3 7 - 2 8 6 6 H u n a n C u i s i n e .....................................................4 3 7 - 1 0 0 0 M o n i c a ’s A l t e r a t i o n s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 8 0 - 8 5 6 5 A m o r e R i s t o r a n t e I t a l i a n o .............................4 3 7 - 1 0 0 5 I n f i n i t y M e d - I - S p a ............................................9 9 1 - 3 2 0 0 G r e y s t o n e O r t h o d o n t i c s .................................4 0 8 - 0 8 9 4 B o d y L o g i c We l l n e s s C e n t e r .........................9 9 1 - 8 0 8 3 S t a t e Fa r m – D e a n Pa p p a s ..............................9 9 5 - 9 4 1 3 T h o m p s o n ’s F r a m e F a c t o r y . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 8 1 - 6 7 2 3 E y e c a r e A s s o c i a t e s , I n c .................................9 8 1 - 0 1 0 3 Tr u e C o l o r s S a l o n . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 0 8 - 1 8 6 9 G r e y s t o n e A D H D C l i n i c ....................................4 3 7 - 1 9 8 2 Fa m i l y Wo r s h i p C e n t e r ....................................6 1 6 - 3 2 7 8 G o l d B u y e r s o f A l a b a m a ...............................

Come Join us! Spaces Available

THIS MONTH’S FEATURED BUSINESS:

Eyecare

Associates

Suite #113 • 437-1000 • 437-0037

Call Today For Competitive Quotes Phone: 870.4157

5% Sales Tax • Convenient, High Visibility • Best Lease Rates on Hwy 280 • Broker Incentives • 58,700 Cars / Day

280 Living

www.280living.com

| February 2012

Bice signs softball scholarship with Samford Chelsea High School Senior Caitlin Bice signed a softball scholarship with Samford University on Nov. 10. Caitlin has been a previous Athlete of the Month for 280 Living in addition to being named Shelby County Player of the Year. She helped lead Chelsea’s softball team to the state playoffs three out of the last four years. Photo courtesy of Sandy Bice

Fike brothers make waves Hayden and Hunter Fike, wakeboarding competitors, recently competed at the Championship Finals wakeboarding event in Little Rock. Hunter, an eighth grader at Berry Middle School, elevated his game and moved into the junior novice division, placing sixth overall this year.He is a member of the Berry Middle wrestling team, plays lacrosse and is a member of the middle school band and honorary member of the Spain Park High School Marching Band. Hayden, a freshman at Spain Park, moved up multiple levels from last year’s junior intermediate division and competed in this year’s top amateur men’s expert division. Hayden entered as the youngest competitor in his division and rode away with the first place championship trophy. Hayden is also an outside linebacker on the Spain Park High School ninth grade team.

Spain Park High School’s Hayden Fike took home a first place trophy at a Little Rock wakeboarding event. Photo courtesy of Gregory Fike.

5299 Valleydale Road Suite 111 Birmingham, AL 35242 (two blocks from 280) www.southeasternjewelers.net • 980-9030

Edwards places first in state meet The Doctor will see you Now!

Josie Edwards, age 9, won first place in Level 5 All Around at the 2011 Alabama State gymnastics meet. Josie also placed 1st on bars, vault, and floor. Josie is a member of the Legacy Gymnastics team and a fourth grade student at Chelsea Intermediate School.

Miss OMHS crowned

NOW without an appointment... NOW when you need it... NOW with the latest technology.

Services provided at MedHelp Urgent Care Family Practice Special Dermatology

Weight Loss Alternative Medicine Diagnostic & Lab Services

Hours of Service

Monday - Friday 8am-8pm Saturday 8am-6pm • Sunday 1pm - 6pm MedHelp 280 Inverness area In front of Target Center 4600 Highway 280 East (205) 408.1231 2011 graduate Courtney Maddox crowns Senior Mi’a Callens Miss Oak Mountain High School on Jan. 21. The 11th grade princess was Kristen Lusco, 10th grade princess was Myrah Taylor and 9th grade princess was Caroline Canon. Photo courtesy of the Oak Mountain High School yearbook.

MedHelp Lakeshore Homewood area, Just off I-65 @ Lakeshore Drive exit One West Lakeshore Drive (205) 930.2950

| February 2012

School House

Shelby Co. announces Teachers of the Year Shelby County School’s very best elementary, middle, and high school teachers were honored at the Teacher of the Year reception held Dec. 1 at Oak Mountain High School. The reception was sponsored by the Greater Shelby County Education Foundation. Honored at the reception were the 39 school “Teacher of the Year” recipients. From that list of 39 candidates, three top winners were named from the three grade level categories of elementary, middle, and high. Jeff Norris from Chelsea Intermediate was named Elementary Teacher of the Year. Norris has been teaching for six years, with the last four as a gifted education teacher. He also teaches gifted education at Shelby Elementary. Other Teacher of the Year candidates who were honored from our area included: Tracie Davis, Chelsea Park Elementary; Ginger Wright Evans, Inverness Elementary; Joy Watts, Mt Laurel Elementary; Kim Polson, Oak Mountain Elementary; Tammi Carr, Oak Mountain Intermediate; Sandy Evers, Chelsea Middle; Stephen M. Dearwent, Oak Mountain Middle; Jennifer Bailey, Chelsea High; and Pam Pugh, Oak Mountain High. Also honored were 16 Shelby County teachers who recently earned National Board certification, the highest level of certification a teacher can earn. Those honored for achieving National Board certification from our area include Jeff Norris, Chelsea Intermediate/Shelby Elementary; Brooke Dunham , Chelsea Park Elementary; Kelly Stewart, Chelsea Park Elementary; LaTonya Borden-Hudson, Mt Laurel Elementary; Kelli Abbott Hayn, Mt Laurel Elementary; Ellen Moon, Oak Mountain Elementary; Sheri Humphrey, Oak Mountain High; Misty Miller, Oak Mountain High; and Ashli Polizos, Oak Mountain Middle.

Shelby County Schools Elementary Teacher of the Year is Chelsea Intermediate’s Jeff Norris.

Oak Mountain Elementary’s Kim Polson, Oak Mountain Intermediate’s Tammi Carr, Inverness Elementary’s Ginger Wright Edwards, Chelsea Park Elementary’s Tracie Davis, and Mt Laurel Elementary’s Joy Watts.

Chelsea High School’s Jennifer Bailey.

Oak Mountain Middle School’s Stephen Dearwent and Chelsea Middle School’s Sandy Evers.

Oak Mountain High School’s Pam Pugh.

Been Baby Bitten?

WALK INTO WELLNESS THIS YEAR

B eyond Wellness

SPECIALIZING IN INTEGRATIVE AND PREVENTIVE MEDICINE New for 2012... Weight Management, Bio-Identical Hormone, Thyroid, Cholesterol, Nutrient and Anti-Aging Programs

Call Today To Schedule Your Appointment 408-2889 Visit us on

If you’ve never been “baby bitten”, then drop by Pastry Art Bake Shoppe today to experience the melt-in-your-mouth goodness of one of our original Baby Bites. Once “bitten”, we know you’ll be back to try all 20 flavors. NEW LOCATION! 940 Inverness Corners

205.995.5855

4898 Valleydale Road Suite A-3, Birmingham, AL 205-408-2889 • www.beyondwellnesstoday.com

1927 29th Ave S | Homewood

205.877.3852

C R E AT I V E B A K E D G O O D S

www.280living.com

School House

MLES Precious Paws collects for animal shelter

Treat

| February 2012

love

THE ONE YOU

- introducing -

EXILIS

MLES students and staff members stand with the Greater Birmingham Humane Society’s Jacque Meyer. Students collected much needed items for the shelter.

Mt Laurel Elementary School recently participated in “Precious Paws,” a charity created by third grade student Kiersten David that benefits the Greater Birmingham Humane Society. The student council and Castle Crew, sponsored by Principal Angela Walker and Guidance Counselor Tracy Evans, put

together a weeklong school campaign to collect much needed items for the shelter. GBHS Director Jacque Meyer presented the school with a certificate of appreciation. Meyer thanked students and teachers for their outstanding charity work while speaking to the students about the shelter.

Revolutionary, non-invasive technology that can smooth and reshape problem areas in minutes. Schedule your consultation for the Exilis treatment today.

IES students collect items for Animal League The spirit of caring and sharing was alive in December at Inverness Elementary School. Students participated in a “Howliiday” pet food and shelter supplies drive organized by The Animal League Of Birmingham. Items collected helped several area shelters and rescues. The top three classes in the collection competition were treated to an ice cream party donated by Blue Bell. The Animal League of Birmingham is a 501(c)(3) organization raising funds for nonprofit rescues and shelters in Birmingham and the surrounding area who support the health, welfare and general well being of animals in need. For more information, go to theanimalleagueofbirmingham.com. Inverness Elementary students recently collected pet food and shelter supplies in a drive organized by the Animal League of Birmingham.

Marching Jags appear at Fresh From Florida Parade

2908 CENTRAL AVENUE, SUITE 150 • HOMEWOOD, AL 35209 205.871.7332 • WWW.SKINWELLNESSAL.COM

SWCA_HomewoodStar_feb.indd 1

1/11/12 8:27 PM

Buying a new home? Refinance your home? Are you looking to strengthen your financial plan? 3 Tips to cut your cost

Refinance your mortgage to a Low Rate Get rid of Private Mortgage Insurance Stop Paying Rent

Contact Your Hometown Mortgage Professional Today!

Call a Crew You Can Depend On!

Ben Crew

Certified Loan Officer

205-795-3842

The Spain Park High School Marching Jags played in Orlando’s Fresh From Florida Parade. Held on New Year’s Eve, the parade is formerly known as the Citrus Parade and celebrated the Capital One Bowl and the Champs Sports Bowl. Photo courtesy of Hoover City Schools.

ben.crew@htmortgage.net NMLS# 395911

| February 2012

| Sports

157 Resource Center Parkway, Suite 102 Behind Logan’s Roadhouse on 280 Your source for teams sports

205-981-0291

had to wait until first grade. I have played every year since. What is the best thing about being part of the Briarwood team? The best part of being on Briarwood’s team is the people. I have a great coach and amazing teammates! I love everybody on my team, and I am so thankful I get to spend a lot of time with them. It is so much fun to be around them and definitely the best part of Briarwood basketball. I will really miss them next year.

Cara Medders Senior

Briarwood Christian High School Varsity Basketball Cara Medders’ noteworthy performances on the court have helped the Lions in recent victories over Shelby County, Chelsea and Talladega. How long have you been involved in basketball? I started playing basketball in first grade. I begged to play in kindergarten, but the age requirement meant that I

Give us your overall thoughts on this year’s basketball season. I have been really happy and proud of how my team has done this season. We have definitely had our high and lows, but the good thing is that we have gotten through all of it as a team. I love playing with this team and have been proud of our accomplishments so far. I am really excited for the rest of the season and to see how it’s going to play out. What other activities are you involved in at Briarwood? I am involved in Mu Alpha Theta. Also, I have been involved in the honors program at school. Outside of school, I am involved in an inner city ministry that my family participates in. I’m also preparing for a missions trip to Nicaragua in the

spring. What are your future college/career aspirations? I plan to attend the University of Alabama. In college, I plan to study business, possibly with a minor in communications. I hope to be involved in the business world after college. Tell us about your family. Do you have siblings involved with sports? I have two parents and a sister. My dad played baseball and football in high school, and my mom was a cheerleader and participated in track activities. Both of my parents love sports. My sister played basketball and softball for a while. She loved horseback riding more than school sports. My family is supportive of me in my academics and athletics. What do you like to do in your spare time? In my spare time, I enjoy being active. I love playing just about any sport for fun. I am very competitive and enjoy any type of games. I also enjoy hanging out with friends, whether it’s going to a movie, or going to someone’s house, or getting something to eat together. I have also enjoyed reading The Hunger Games series in my free time.

Briarwood’s Cara Medders. Photo by Pam Hard Photography.

I am SMART. I am CREATIVE. I am DYSLEXIC.

I won’t let that stop ME.

Spring Valley School “Educating bright children with learning differences”

Claire Barabash, PhD, JD Executive Director

205.423. 8660

www.springvalleyschool.org

www.280living.com

Sports | February 2012

A leap in his grandfather’s footsteps By PATRICK THOMAS Many great athletes start a legacy when they commit to a university or college. Seldom is a legacy already awaiting them. For Spain Park’s Colton Freeman, signing to play baseball at the University of Alabama in November is a new beginning intertwined with a storied past. The senior pitcher/outfielder who committed to Alabama in January 2010 is not the first in his family to play for the University. His grandfather, football great Wayne Freeman of Fort Payne, began the journey. “I have bragging rights with my buddies,” said Wayne, smiling. “It means a lot when you talk to people but truly, he has a foundation there waiting for him with open arms.” Coach Bear Bryant called him “the finest guard I ever coached.” Wayne Freeman was a member of Bryant’s first national championship team in 1964 as well as the NEA All-American team that year. “My grandfather never stayed on me to go to Alabama,” said Colton. “But it was a huge factor in my decision.” Entering his senior year, Colton has become a highly touted prospect not only in Alabama and the South but around the nation. Before his junior season, he was selected to play in the 2010 ESPN Area Code Baseball games in Long Beach, Cali. His team was selected by the Oakland A’s, and he was invited to play for a team selected by Washington Nationals the following summer. Many of the baseball players in this prestigious experience go on to professional careers. This past junior season in 2011 at Spain Park, Colton was 7-1 as a pitcher while averaging double digit strikeouts per inning (84 K’s in 42.2 innings) with a fastball that has been clocked at upwards of

Spain Park’s left handed hurler Colton Freeman winds up for another pitch. His dominance on the mound led him to a 7-1 record and 84 strikeouts on the year. Photo courtesy of Freeman family.

93 MPH. His stellar year earned him a spot on the 2011 All-State Baseball team and a preseason All-American nomination for the 2012 season. He was also nominated as an Under Armour All-American before his junior and senior year seasons.

When asked what his preferences are in the field, Colton leaned towards pitching. “Everything depends on me,” said Colton. “I enjoy that.” Starting with teeball at the age of four, Colton has displayed a workmanlike

approach to baseball, but it’s not all work for him. “Every day I look forward to it,” Colton said. “I just love that release I get from school.” Routinely, he works out with a trainer on Tuesdays and Thursdays while spending long hours throwing and hitting the other days of the week. If there are any doubts, he uses weekends too. “Colton has a lot of work ethic that he has displayed since he was a child,” said his father, Aaron Freeman. Last summer he played more than 100 baseball games with the number one ranked travel ball team in the nation, the Marucci Elite. The team was made up of players throughout the Southeast who have committed to programs such as LSU, Ole Miss, and California State-Fullerton. On another occasion, Colton competed at the weeklong East Coast Pro, an experience like a minor league training camp put on by the Kansas City Royals in Lakeland, Fla. Invited players shared one huge room of bunk beds and competed in front of scouts on a daily basis. “That was a cool experience but it was rough,” said Colton. “It definitely introduced me to what pro-life is like.” To say Colton Freeman is your average teenager heading into his senior year of baseball would be a stretch. Fortunately, Colton realizes how blessed he is. “It kind of humbles you when you know that other kids my age are not getting these same opportunities,” said Colton. “I just want to take advantage of the talent we have on the team and win state.” Wayne Freeman summed it up best when describing how Colton can reach success: “Never lose sight of your dreams. Keep that inner fire.” Sounds like great advice.

| February 2012

| 280 Living

Books for Baskets at MLES

Spain Park High School Spain Park Theatre feels like family By BECKY BRINKERHOFF

Mt Laurel Elementary students participating in Books for Baskets were Connor Ball, Blake Floyd, Joshua Bass, Avery Thrasher, Austin Dillon and Jenna Grossman with athletes from the UAB women’s basketball team. Photo courtesy of Sheila Alaniz. Mt Laurel Elementary School recently participated in the UAB Women’s Basketball Books for Baskets program. Second grade student Kimberly Brown won an essay contest on her favorite hobby or future career, golf, and received a $500 gift card to Barnes and Noble for the

purchase of books. In addition, players from the UAB Women’s Basketball team spoke to third graders about working hard and making good choices and participated in a Basketball Shootout (Level 1) with some MLES third graders and three teachers.

Area mayors meet educators

Chelsea Mayor Earl Niven, Vincent Elementary (VES) fourth grade teacher Paula Tolbert, VES Principal Beverly Miller, VES fifth grade teacher Angela Mitchell, Vincent Mayor Ray McAllister, Harpersville Mayor Theo Perkins, and Wilsonville Mayor Rosemary Liveoak at a coffee social hosted by Allister. Photo courtesy of Paula Tolbert.

Can VA Benefits Help You With Retirement Living? Join us and learn more.

The award winning Spain Park High School Theatre Department functions like a family. Photo courtesy of Becky Brinkerhoff.

If you walk in the B-building of Spain Park High School, you will stumble upon an energetic, eclectic group of fireballs. Seventy boisterous kids can be found in this department on any given day practicing for competitions, building beautiful sets, designing costumes or just enjoying each other’s company. The melting pot of singers, writers, scholars, missionaries, dancers, artists and athletes has won the Alabama Conference of Theatre’s state competition four times. The students have countless individual events to their names and are dedicated not only to achieving a perfect performance, but also to growing closer to one another. Spain Park Theatre is far more than a state-winning department. For many of the students involved, it is a family. The accepting and inclusive bond that the students share allows this department to be exceedingly different. Most students are involved in activities outside of the theatre, ranging from student government to the scholars bowl team. This diversity

of interests lends itself to the need of an accepting department. Michael Ciulla, a senior leader also involved in choir, finds this unique sense of family a beautiful necessity for a successful theatre department. Theatre requires chemistry. The closer a department is, the easier it is to perform. “The closer we are to one another, the better we are able to play off each other’s strengths and set each other up for success,” Ciulla said. He, like many other students, finds the department a support system and a refuge. “We are all by each other 100 percent when it all comes down to it, no matter how weird we are,” Ciulla said. Becky Brinkerhoff is a senior at Spain Park High School and is involved in Amnesty International, SPHS Advanced Theatre and National Honor Society. Outside of school, she volunteers with the Red Barn, takes vocal training from The Amy Murphy Studio and works at Tea Party Castle as Princess Collette.

Veterans Benefits: Do You Qualify? Presented by Greg Lawrence, Veterans Administration Accredited Claims Agent

Thursday, February 16, 2012 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Distinctively Different Retirement Living 235 Inverness Center Drive, Hoover, AL 35242

Please RSVP to (205) 443-9500 by February 15th.

Danberry Discussions SEMINAR SERIES

If you are a wartime Veteran or the spouse of a Veteran, you may be entitled to a significant benefit…up to $2,020 tax-free per month from the Veterans Administration. Even if you have been told you do not qualify for Aid and Attendance in the past, there may be strategies to help you get the benefits you have earned. Learn how the benefits have changed in 2012, who qualifies and how to apply.

www.DanberryAtInverness.com

Investment Advisor Representative of Investment Advisors, a Registered Investment Advisor and a Division of ProEquities, Inc, Securities offered through ProEquities, Inc., a Registered Broker/Dealer, Member FINRA/SIPC. Alliance Wealth Management Group d/b/a ALLIANCE is independent of ProEquities, Inc.

www.280living.com

280 Living

| February 2012

Chelsea High School Hoops for Hope benefits Relay for Life By TABITHA FULTON The Chelsea High School girls Talladega and Thompson high schools. basketball program sponsored Hoops The winner of the tournament for Hope in December. This basketball was Pleasant Grove, but winning the tournament involves teams from tournament wasn’t one of the main throughout the state of Alabama with goals for the Chelsea High Schools girls funds raised benefitting The American basketball program. Rather it was to raise Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. money and recognize survivors of cancer. The goal for this year’s tournament Over the past three years, the Chelsea was to raise $5,000, High School Hoops for Chelsea High School but the tournament Hope program has donated more than $10,000 for Hoops for Hope program only raised about $2,500. The girls cancer research. During the has donated more tournament, fans and players basketball program than $10,000 for cancer hosted another “pink honor cancer survivors as research. day” in January with well as celebrate those who the proceeds also have lost the struggle with going towards Relay for Life. Students cancer. Signs located all over the lobby before contributing to the fundraiser were able to entering the gym read “In Memory Of…” be excused from class to attend a special where fans could add the name of someone basketball game. Chelsea’s Relay for Life event is who lost their battle with cancer. Participants this season included scheduled for May. For more information teams from Calera, Chelsea, Childersburg, or to become a sponsor, please contact Cordova, Fort Payne, John Carroll Catholic, Coach Wayne Trucks at wtrucks@shelbyed. Montevallo, Pelham, Pleasant Grove, k12.al.us.

Indian Cuisine

Dinner for 2 $30 Enjoy Soup, 3 Entrees, Rice, Naan Bread, and Dessert. Not valid with any other offer. Expires 2/29/12

Lunch Buffet Every Day

408-1008 5426 Hwy 280 E.

Located up on the hill by the YMCA & Regions Bank

The Westminster School at Oak Mountain Westminster prefers different approach to discussions By SCOTT McCLURE At Westminster, we take a little events and to look past what is happening bit different approach to history and to why it is happening and what effect it literature. Our classes are based on the has on other events and people. Socratic method, a discussion rather than Through the humanities curriculum a one-sided lecture. Beginning in the we also gain an appreciation for tenth grade, students take a humanities philosophy. Previously, I found philosophy class. In this class, we learn about history completely boring. But I now understand combined with the literature that philosophy is much of the time period that we more than someone with “We study the are studying. The course nothing to do writing overarching movements down their thoughts on is based off the classics of western literature – Homer, and philosophies and the life. It is the connecting Aristotle, Shakespeare, etc. ways in which they drive force that binds history Rather than memorizing the history and literature together. In our lists of dates and studying humanities courses we of the time period. “ events in isolation, we study see how the prevalent the overarching movements philosophy of a culture and philosophies and the ways in which or time period influences the literature, art, they drive the history and literature of the and actions of the people. Although I still time period. do not prefer to pick up a copy of Aristotle For example, when we studied or Cicero in my spare time, I have a much Napoleon, we did not just study how he deeper appreciation for philosophy. Mr. rose to power, his victories, his defeat and Roberts’ humanities classes have drastically his exile. We did study these things, but we changed the way I see history and the way I spent the majority of our time discussing think through events as I see them play out. whether Napoleon was an extension of the Scott McClure is a senior at Westminster. values of the French Revolution, whether He is a member of the tennis team and a National he was good for France, and the effect Merit Semi-finalist. Scott enjoys hunting and he had on Europe as a whole. This class fishing and plans to attend Auburn University teaches us to look for connections between in the School of Forestry and Wildlife Science.

Briarwood Christian High School Big year for Briarwood Fine Arts By COLLIER KAUFFMAN Students at Briarwood who take performed The Wizard of Oz as a musical. In drama are busy year round. While some January, students performed a series of onepeople might have a difficult time learning act plays: Death Cake and Shoeﬂy, Still Alarm, one performance within Final Dress Rehearsal,\ and “Acting in a play is several months, the The Odd Couple. This spring Briarwood Drama the students are putting on exciting because of the Department has a fall, thrill of the live audience two shows: Cinderella and The Lion, the Witch, and the winter, and spring play and being able to become Wardrobe. each year. a totally different Drama students “Acting in a play is often practice for several exciting because of the person.” hours after school, thrill of the live audience sometimes until midnight. Despite the and being able to become a totally different hectic practicing hours, drama students person,” sophomore Charlotte Claire display enormous effort in every show and Wickersham said. ”You get into the mind never disappoint. of another character.” This past fall, the drama class

270 Doug Baker Blvd, Lee Branch • 991-1995 www.plainjanegifts.com • Mon - Fri 10am - 6pm, Sat 10am - 5pm

Have No Fear Spring is Near

New You -New Year Highlights - Spray Tan Hair Extentions $50 OFF permanent Make up Buy 2 products get the third 1/2 OFF

5% sales tax

4647 Highway 280 (next to Momma Goldberg’s)

408-0303

| February 2012

| 280 Living

Your Health Today By Dr. Irma Palmer

You may already know that February is American Heart Month. Sadly, heart disease is still the leading cause of death in the United States. Luckily, there are steps you can take to minimize your risk of developing heart disease. In our office, we call living a happy, healthy life Living the Big 5, and doing so is good for heart health! In case you’re not a patient of mine or a regular reader of my column, let me quickly explain what the Big 5 is…five keys to living a happy, healthy life. They are Faith, Eating, Moving, Thinking and Neurological Connection. The Big 5 always begins with Faith first. Proverbs 14:30 (NIV) tells us, “A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.” There’s no denying that a peaceful heart is one free of disease. I believe that planting a firm foundation in your faith will help your heart’s strength. Eating is the second part of the Big 5, and a key factor in minimizing your risk of developing heart disease. It’s extremely important that you follow a healthy diet. In my office, we are making strides daily to increase our patients’ knowledge of eating real foods (foods that come directly from nature with no processing). If you follow

a real food diet, you’re on the fast track to minimizing your risk of developing heart disease! We even sell a cookbook called The Real Food Diet Cookbook by wellness physician and radio show host Dr. Josh Axe. Making recipes from this cookbook is a great place to start! Taking the right supplements can also support cardiovascular health, such as the Omega-3 fatty acids found in cod liver oil. We are proud to carry Garden of Life supplements including Oceans 3 Beyond Omega-3 Cod Liver Oil. This is just one of several Garden of Life products we’ve begun carrying after researching the best products for our patients. These products are raw and are a natural complement to eating a real food diet! Moving is the next part of the Big 5 and the next step for minimizing your risk of heart disease. Exercise is a key component to any wellness-oriented lifestyle, and for those specifically interested in heart health, it’s especially important. You may recall from high school health or science classes that the heart is a muscle, and we all know that if muscles aren’t exercised, they get soft and flabby…and who wants a flabby heart?!?! Exercising (particularly aerobic

Want a healthy heart? Give Chiropractic a try!

exercise) strengthens the heart and over time can help decrease your heart rate and blood pressure and improve your breathing. Thinking positive is the next component of the Big 5 and again, important for heart health. A study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine reported that hospitalized patients diagnosed with coronary artery disease who had a positive outlook about their recovery were less likely to die over the next 15 years and had better physical functioning after one year. It’s just one more example of how your attitude affects your health. The biggest surprise for some people, however, may be learning that the final component of the Big 5, Neurological Connection, is hugely important to heart health. Many people are unaware that chiropractic treatment can also be used as a tool in the fight against heart disease. Research shows that specific chiropractic adjustments of the upper cervical spine can have a positive effect on blood pressure, lowering both the systolic and diastolic pressure. Other studies have shown that adjustment of the vertebrae in the neck and lower back can activate specific nervous system reflexes, leading to a decrease in

overall heart rate and blood pressure. Suffering from stiffness and tightness in the neck can be a determining factor for high blood pressure, which is one of the most common risk factors for heart disease. Understanding how the spine works makes this relatively easy to understand. At the base of the brain are two centers that control all the muscles of the body. If the atlas or C-1 vertebra gets out of alignment, it can create pressure, which in turn can result in high blood pressure readings. Chiropractic care keeps your spine in line. In my ofﬁce, we focus on your overall wellness, including your heart health and health overall. We want you to be the best you possible. We believe that Living the Big 5 and following the wellness-oriented lifestyle that it represents is your best tool for living life wide open, which is my wish for each of you. Come in for a complimentary consultation and learn more about the Big 5 and how chiropractic care can get you on the road to healthy living. If not for yourself, do it for someone you love…it would make a great Valentine’s gift.

Thank You to all our guests for our successful Second Year!

Ask us how to receive a FREE Talking Embrace Diabetic Testing Meter

Aids to Daily Living & So Much More!

Lift Chairs • Knee Walkers Hospital Beds • Orthotic Braces Compression Hose • Syringes Diabetic Testing Supplies • Shoes Wheelchairs • Scooters • Walkers Canes • Crutches • Patient Lifts Alternating Pressure Mattresses CPAP • Nebulizers • TENS • Ostomy Urostomy • Wound Care Incontinence • Supplements • Herbs Yoder’s Good Health Recipe

We are happy to bill most insurance plans & WC Preferred Provider for BCBS & Blue Advantage Humana . Medicare . Medicaid . Viva

1/2 price color mondays

Baptist Health Center Chelsea 15582 Hwy 280 Chelsea

If you have not come in, We invite you to come in for a consultation with our talented staff.

Owner: Georgia Lay

5426 Hwy 280 East • 980-7444

205-678-8755

www.280living.com

Restaurant Spotlight

280 Living

| February 2012

Hartley’s Down-Home Kitchen |

By MADOLINE MARKHAM

150 Chelsea Corners Way 678-4990 Sunday-Friday, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesday-Friday, 5-7:30 p.m.

Portions of fried chicken, mac ‘n cheese, turnip greens and cornbread are far from small at Hartley’s in Chelsea. “You will not leave Hartley’s hungry,” said owner Amy Hartley. “We give you a home-cooked meal without the cooking.” One man said their food is “like mama’s, but better.” Customers will come on a specific day of the week for their fried chicken, fried catfish or fried green tomatoes. People say they can taste that their mashed potatoes are real, too. Kids love the creamy, cheddar-topped macaroni and cheese. Different selections of homemade cakes and pies are served daily along with the peach cobbler, which counts as a “side” and sells out every day. As the only cafeteria-style meat and three in the Birmingham area of Highway 280, Hartley’s draws hungry customers from the Summit or Harpersville as well as nearby businesses for lunch. They recently opened for dinner on Wednesdays in addition to Thursday and Friday. The restaurant is located behind the Chevron station and Frontier Bank in Chelsea Corners on Highway 280. You are guaranteed to find mashed potatoes, green beans, macaroni and cheese, and collard or turnip greens at Hartley’s any time they are open. The rest of the menu rotates daily with fried okra, country fried steak, meat loaf, beef tips and rice, hamburger steaks, black-eyed peas and more. There is always a meat of the day, vegetable of the day and casserole of the day. Because everything is served cafeteria-

Hartley’s owners Caldwell and Amy Hartley hold a plate of their favorites: fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, greens and cornbread.

style, a meal can be quick if you are on a lunch break or passing through Chelsea on the way to Auburn or Lake Martin. It’s all available for carry out, call-in or catering as well. Owners Amy and Caldwell Hartley have tons of customers they see every day of the week. “It’s fun because you know them and they know you,” Amy said. “And they always ask about our kids, especially Brady, our 15 month old.” The couple chose a location for Hartley’s just a few miles from their home

Breakfast with the Doc The ABCs of Ovarian Cancer Friday, February 17 8:00-9:00 a.m. Join us for breakfast as Mack Barnes, MD, with St. Vincent’s Bruno Cancer Center discusses the modern approaches to ovarian cancer treatment with an additional focus on the relationship to inherited breast cancer. Dr. Barnes will also discuss genetic testing to check for the mutation of genes that have been linked to the development of breast and ovarian cancer.

Please call 408-6550 to register for this free seminar.

7191 Cahaba Valley Road, Birmingham, Alabama 35242 onenineteen.com

so they could still keep their family close. A restaurant had always been a dream on the backburner as Caldwell pursued a real estate career and Amy taught art at Chelsea Park Elementary until they decided to take a leap of faith in October 2009. “We had all our mothers’ and grandmothers’ recipes and were making them for dinner already,” Amy said. “We wanted everything to be fresh and homemade.” More than two years later, they have found their niche in “down-home” cooking and even still have most of the wait staff

from when they opened. The Hartleys’ kids go to Chelsea schools, and they have made the restaurant part of the schools as well. During football season, the high school football team comes to eat at the restaurant before the games, and they bring food to the middle school before their games. While Amy works the front, Caldwell is mostly behind the scenes in the kitchen, but he is very concerned with making people happy. “Everyday he asks me, ‘Did anyone say anything today?’” Amy said.

| February 2012

Business Spotlight

| Business Spotlight

Southeastern Jewelers |

BY BROOKE BOUCEK

5299 Valleydale Road, Suite 111 980-9030 www.southeasternjewelers.net Monday–Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

You’ll find three generations of the Steed family at work at Southeastern Jewelers in Inverness. Louis Steed started the business in 1952 and still does jewelry repairs. His sons, Mike and David, work for the business today. Mike’s daughter, Jessica Steed Landmon, thought she’d never work in the family business, but after graduating from UAB, she was drawn back to where her heart was—the jewelry business. “Being a part of people’s lives in all different periods from engagement rings to anniversary and first baby pieces is the best part of working in the business,” Landmon said.

Mike Steed, Jessica Steed Landmon, Louis Steed and David Steed—all family members who work at Southeastern. Photo by Brooke Boucek.

Southeastern Jewelers completes most repairs like this loose diamond on-site. Photo by Brooke Boucek.

Although not blood-related, even the other staff are very much a part of this family business. Many of them have been working for the business since the 1980s and even earlier. Together the staff has around 300 years of combined experience. Behind counters of sparkling diamond rings, necklaces and earrings is a large workshop space for repairs and designing original pieces. It is there that 90 percent of jewelry brought in for repair is completed in-store. Many other jewelry stores send their work out to be repaired for customers. “When someone gives us a piece of jewelry, it stays in our hands,” Mike Steed said. They also offer hand engraving, which Mike Steed calls a “lost art” in the jewelry business.

And that’s the way things have always been at Southeastern. Louis Steed’s fatherin-law taught him the jewelry repair business, and he soon became known as “the jeweler’s jeweler” throughout the Southeast before opening his own store in downtown Birmingham almost 60 years ago. “It’s a retail business with wholesale roots,” said Mike Steed. The store later moved to the 280 Station shopping center and then to their current location on Valleydale Road in 2005. While buying new jewelry became less popular during the recent economic downturn, Southeastern has completed many repairs and created new settings for older pieces. Thanks to their on-site workshop, the jewelry store has been able

to maintain a steady flow of profit while still maintaining the ethics it was founded upon. “Our business is based on integrity, honesty and always putting the customer first,” Mike Steed said. One woman living in Arizona called the store after her wedding ring was stolen. Southeastern had made the ring in 1976 and was able to pull the woman’s file from that date in order to remake the piece just like the original. Any member of the extended Steed family will happily offer this same level of service to you and help select a gift for your special someone. For Valentine’s Day, Mike Steed recommends something classic like pearls, diamond studs, a simple diamond pendant or a tennis bracelet.

Now offering Pure Barre lite! Experts in Tree Removal, Tree and Shrub Pruning, and Storm Cleanup Licensed and Insured

Quality Workmanship. Safe. Affordable.

Call or email today for a FREE ESTIMATE! Owner: Josh Betz 186 Ashton Woods Drive, Chelsea, AL (205) 603-4640 josh.betztree@gmail.com www.betztree.com

Mention this ad and get

a 10% discount on any service!

lift • tone • burn

call, go online, or stop by for more info.

NEW CLIENT PROMO 30 DAYS | $100 UNLIMITED

5426 hwy 280 east • suite 6 (located in the terrace at greystone shopping center next to Greybar and Chuck’s Fish) 991.5224 • www.purebarre.com

280 Living

www.280living.com

280 Business Happenings Stylist moves locations Stylist Diana Holloway has moved to Hair 280, and her former salon, Diana’s Salon in Inverness, is closed. Hair 280

is located at 175 Inverness Plaza next to Planet Fitness. Holloway can be reached at 995-7147.

Five Guys at Lee Branch A new location of Five Guys Burgers and Fries is opening at the Village at Lee Branch to the right of Publix. The DC-based chain is known for its hand-formed burgers and fresh-cut fries.

Their hours will be 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Five Guys is located at 300 Doug Baker Blvd, Unit 300. For more information, visit fiveguys.com.

Marco’s Pizza opening Marco’s Pizza at the Village at Lee Barnch is now open. The restaurant offers classic and thin crust pizzas, subs salads, cheesy bread, Cinna Squares, chicken wings, boneless wings and more, all for dine-in, carry out or delivery.

Marco’s is open Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m. -10 p.m. and Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-midnight. They are located to the right of Hobby Lobby at 1401 Doug Baker Boulvard, Suite 112, and can be reached at 991-1900. To learn more about their menu offerings, visit marcos.com.

New Chelsea cleaners Highlands Cleaners is now open in Chelsea. The dry cleaning business is owned by

Richard McCurdy. They are located at 180 Chelsea Corners Way and can be reached at 678-8607.

Bringing people together, Village Tavern celebrates classic American food.

| February 2012

12/8- Chamber Holiday Tea. 2-5 p.m. Greater Shelby Chamber, 1301 County Services Dr., Pelham. No RSVP required. No cost. 12/13- Chamber Works. 8:3010 a.m. Greater Shelby Chamber, 1301 County Services Dr., Pelham. RSVP required by noon, Monday, Dec. 12. No cost. 12/15- Social 280. 4 - 6 p.m. Hampton Inn & Suites Eagle Point, 6220 Farley Court. No RSVP required. No cost 2/2- AT&T Digital Direct Marketing Seminar. 8 a.m. – noon. Cahaba Grand Conference Center, 1 HealthSouth Pkwy So. Breakfast and materials included. No cost. RSVP required by noon, Thursday, Jan. 27. 1/9- SpeedNetworking Times Three! 8:30-10 a.m. Greater Shelby, Hoover, and Vestavia Hills Chambers of Commerce join

together for their members to enjoy expanded networking. The Wynfrey Hotel, 1000 Riverchase Galleria. RSVP required by Feb. 7. No cost. 1/14- Chamber Works (new member orientation). 8:3010 a.m. Chamber, 1301 County Services Dr., Pelham. No cost. RSVP required by noon, Monday, Feb. 13. 1/16- Grow & Go Workshop “8 Red Flags – Warning Signs for Businesses.” 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Chamber, 1301 County Services Dr., Pelham. Lunch and materials included. RSVP required by noon, Tuesday, Feb. 14. Investment: $10. 1/29 - Mayoral Luncheon. 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Pelham Civic Complex, 500 Amphitheater Dr., Pelham.RSVP required by noon, Monday, Feb. 27. Investment: Members $17, non-members $25.

280 Living neighborly news & entertainment

For information about Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce events, go online to: www.shelbychamber.org or call 663-4542.

We Promise.

It’s the Pack & Ship Promise. You’ll not only be reimbursed for your item’s value,* but also for the cost of packing and shipping.

The Village at Lee Branch (near Academy Sports)

205.408.9399 Tel email (store4648@theupsstore.com)

Inverness Plaza (behind Compass Bank)

205.991.9999 Tel Lower Level at The Summit 101 Summit Boulevard Birmingham AL 35243 205.970.1640 villagetavern.com

February Events for the 280 Area

Our Certified Packing Experts pack your gifts right. In fact we’re so confident, that if your package is damaged or lost we promise you’ll be reimbursed 100%.*

Come and enjoy one of Birmingham’s most beautiful restaurants and the friendliest service anywhere!

email (store0255@theupsstore.com) * Subject to the lesser of actual value, replacement or repair cost for items packed and shipped via UPS® by The UPS Store associates. See store for details or visit www.theupsstore.com. At participating locations. Restrictions and limitations apply. Copyright © 2007 Mail Boxes Etc., Inc. 7BDG261791 11.07

The UPS Store

2 OFF PACKING $ OFF PACKING 5 $ 10 OFF PACKING $

when we pack 1 package

when we pack 2 packages

when we pack 3 packages

Limit one coupon per customer. Not valid with other offers. Restrictions apply. Valid at participating locations only. The UPS Store centers are independently owned and operated. Copyright © 2007 Mail Boxes Etc., Inc Expires 2/29/12

2 OFF

UPS® GROUND SHIPPING (one package) Limit one coupon per customer. Not valid with other offers. Restrictions apply. Valid at participating locations only. The UPS Store centers are independently owned and operated. Copyright © 2007 Mail Boxes Etc., Inc Expires 2/29/12

2 OFF

ALL PRODUCTS & SERVICES (excludes shipping)

| February 2012

| 280 Living

LOVE

CONTINUED from page 1 mutual acquaintance to introduce them. Little did she know that he was the man in her neighborhood she had been praying for after she heard his wife had passed away, or that he was the answer to her children’s nightly prayer for a new dad for themselves and husband for their mom. “They knew better than I did,” Shawn said. “Their prayers really changed my heart. God was planning this all along. We just had to wait on his timing.” Finally, Shawn’s oldest daughter, Kayla, convinced her to go to lunch with Barclay. Kayla even picked out her outfit and coached her in what to say. On their first lunch date at Prairie Fire Grille, both Shawn and Barclay say they were shy. Neither had been on a date in years. Still, conversation flowed smoothly. So struck was Barclay by Shawn’s engaging and compelling personality that he sent her a thank you note for lunch in the mail. “I was really impressed by that,” Shawn said. Still, they had their differences. He is an engineer. She was a teacher. He had no pets. She had two dogs, two cats and two rabbits. He had always encouraged his children to read and appreciate art and culture. Her kids were always outside hanging in the trees. “He colors inside the lines,” Shawn said. “My kids and I have always colored outside the lines. It’s a funny mixture, but we bring out a different side of each other. We combined two worlds, but the neat thing is it works.” Barclay and Shawn dated on and off for several years. Each time they took a break, the kids would prod their respective parent to see the other again. At last, the two married this Christmas Eve. The ceremony was simple with their kids standing around them after Valleydale’s candlelight service. Then all nine of them returned home together to eat

Shawn and Barclay Simmons on their wedding day, Christmas Eve 2011. Photo courtesy of the Simmons family.

a meal as a new family. “Our story is a great testimony that God can take two broken hearts and mend them,” Shawn said. On any given day, there are 10-12 kids

Now A Women’s and Children’s Store

Designer clothing without the designer price tag Teens and Women Clothing Sizes Small -Large Children’s Sizes 7-16

Hwy 280 - Greystone next to Driver’s Way Hours: 10-6 Monday-Saturday follow us on

- facebook.com/mymonkeytoes

437-9387

$30 OFF

your ﬁrst visit with us! No Contract, No Obligation, Just Genuine Care.

“Keeping You in the Independence & Comfort of Your Own Home” 13521 Old Hwy 280, Suite 153 Birmingham, AL. 35242

981-1800

www.comfortkeepers.com

Email: centralalabama@comfortkeepers.com

at the Simmons house jumping on the trampoline or riding bikes. Some nights Barclay and the kids have spontaneous hip hop parties in the kitchen while Shawn cooks dinner. They

all eat dinner together most nights. Shawn doubles her recipes, wowing Barclay with her Gouda Cheese Grits and her Chicken and Rice, but there are never any leftovers. The couple added onto Barclay’s house before Shawn and her kids moved in. Still, most of the time they all end up in the same room. It’s the home Shawn has always dreamed of, a house full of love and laughter. And it’s certainly never boring. “Even the small things, like getting ice cream with everyone, are exciting,” Shawn said. “It’s like an instant party.” Barclay’s kids, Katherine (16) and Jack (12), consider Shawn their mom, and Shawn’s kids, Kayla (21), Sarah Wesleigh (17), Grace (14), Hallie (10) and Collin (9), consider Barclay their dad. All the kids argue like brothers and sisters and defend one another like brothers and sisters. “It’s been much easier (combining our families) than you would think,” Shawn said. “A huge part of us has always been with the kids. If it wasn’t going to work for them, it wasn’t going to work for us.” Shawn said it’s a blessing for her kids to see a man be so kind-hearted, and Barclay said it’s a blessing for his son and daughter to have such a stylish yet grounded woman as an example. Seven years ago when Shawn turned 40, she made a list of all the things she wanted to do in life before she died. She wanted to love and be loved, to laugh more, to go on picnics and to go camping more. When she found this list years later, she realized she had already done all of these things with Barclay. “Now we have to start a new list,” she said. First on the list, before the home on the water and the trip to Napa Valley, is a spring honeymoon and decorating the den they built to spend together, without kids. “We’ll see how long that lasts,” they said with a laugh.

We Deliver February Dinner Specials!

Dinner for two Your choice of 2 entrees,

egg roll, soup & drink.

$2195

(excludes Ribeye steak dinners)

Ribeye Steak, Shrimp & Scallops

Daily Lunch Specials

served with Rice and Soup

$1995

Famous “Joy Young” recipes Egg foo Young • Chicken Chow Mein Egg Rolls

5511 Highway 280 • Greystone Park Open 7 Days a Week, Monday-Saturday 11-9 • Sunday 11-3

205-995-4007

280 Living

www.280living.com

LifeActually By Kari Kampakis

Love & marriage When my friend Greta got engaged many years ago, a man she knew from work shared a story that I’ll always remember. In essence, he told her that the key to marriage is to love your spouse even when you don’t feel like it. Using his own life to explain, he described a period in which he and his wife hit a wall. They were fighting constantly and very disconnected. Their marriage hung by a thread. Her birthday was coming up, and though he wasn’t in the mood to act kindly, he planned a surprise party. He forced himself to show love that he didn’t feel, and it took every bone in his body to follow through. As you can imagine, a surprise party was the last gift his wife expected. When she walked in the room and saw what he’d done, she looked at him dumbfounded. She’d been thrown for a major loop. This man went on to tell Greta that the party turned his marriage around. By treating his wife differently, she treated him differently in return, and with every inch one of them gave, the other gave an inch back. Before long they set in motion a new dynamic that helped rebuild their marriage. No matter how happily married you are, or whether you’ve experienced your own rough patch, you probably can relate to this story. Every relationship has ups and downs, and when you consider all the things married couples share—money, bills, kids, duties, decisions, a bed and bedroom—it’s clear how much room there is for conflict. Even the best marriages have healthy debates, and while that’s normal, trouble can arise when unresolved issues dig under our skin and fester. Over time, they can do real damage. Marriage takes effort, but just as important as effort is a long-term commitment to each other. When we meet our soul mate, it’s all passion and fireworks. Our emotions take over, creating an intoxicating high. We start riding on cloud nine, a fanciful place we never want

to leave. But sooner or later reality kicks in, and as we gravitate down to earth, we realize that passion and fireworks can ignite love but they can’t sustain it. What starts as an emotion becomes a decision because we can’t always rely on our feelings. Some days we don’t feel like loving our spouse. We feel like wringing their neck, or shaking sense into them, and they feel like doing the same thing back. And this is where love becomes a choice. This is where we put our head over our heart and choose to love our spouse, hoping our emotions might follow. As C.S. Lewis said, “Love is not affectionate feeling, but a steady wish for the loved person’s ultimate good as far as it can be obtained.” In regards to marriage, this means putting our spouse’s needs before our own. When both parties do this, a beautiful love manifests. Marriage is a sacrament that often gets taken lightly in today’s culture. While some marriages aren’t meant to endure— or be saved by a surprise party—we all can learn a lesson from the olive branch Greta’s friend extended. Doing the right thing can lead to miraculous surprises sometimes, even with the people closest and most familiar to us. But in order to find out, we must take the first step. In closing, I’d like to wish my husband—Harry Kampakis—a happy Valentine’s Day. Harry is my best friend, and when I think of his love, the word “agape” comes to mind. Agape is a Greek word that describes the selfless, unconditional love described in the Bible, the highest level of love known to humanity. To experience this kind of love is a blessing I wish for everyone, and I thank God for bringing Harry into my life. Thanks to him, I’ve learned that love and marriage can indeed go hand in hand. Kari Kubiszyn Kampakis is a Birmingham mom of four with a background in PR, writing and photography. Read her blog at www. karikampakis.com or find her on Facebook and Twitter. Email her at kari@karikampakis.com.

| February 2012

Need to rent your home? Let us make it easy for you!

205-538-0462 2409 Acton Rd., Ste. 137 waltonandtower.com Rent@waltontower.com

New Salon in Inverness

Salon

Featuring: Bobbi Boone Michelle Smith Angela Brown-Haslem Jamie Price Cindy Tucker

205-991-7771

5291 Valleydale Road #137 Next to Fancy Fur

Mind body and a way of life

Celebrate Calm event planned for February Coach Kirk Martin and his son Casey will host “Celebrate Calm,” a free event focusing on stopping defiance, yelling and sibling fights. Events are scheduled for Feb. 9 at Oak Mountain High School from 7 – 9 p.m. and Feb. 10 at Meadow Brook Baptist Church from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

The event centers on power struggles; eliminating defiance, disrespect, and sibling fights; and improving focus, attention, and behavior in school. For more information, contact Brett at 888-506-1871 or Brett@CelebrateCalm.com.

Try us o for FRE ut E!

BASS

CONTINUED from page 1 happen,” Northcutt said. “I love that I found a great job here. I’m so excited to be a part of this company.” The move came under the leadership of co-owner Don Logan, a Birmingham resident and former Time, Inc. executive who also co-owns the Birmingham Barons and Seek Publishing. For more than 40 years, B.A.S.S. has served as the authority on bass fishing. The organization advances the sport through advocacy, outreach and an expansive tournament structure while connecting directly with the passionate community of bass anglers through its Bassmaster media vehicles. The Bassmaster brand and its multimedia platforms are guided by a

mission to serve all fishing fans. Through its industry-leading publications — Bassmaster Magazine and B.A.S.S. Times — comprehensive website Bassmaster.com, ESPN2 and Outdoor Channel television programming, Bassmaster provides rich, leading-edge content true to the lifestyle. The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the Bassmaster Elite Series, Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Open Series, B.A.S.S. Federation Nation events presented by Yamaha and Skeeter Boats, and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Bassmaster Classic. B.A.S.S. offers an array of services to more than 500,000 members and remains focused on issues related to conservation and water access.

Studio Zen Fitness specializes in a total cardio-driven core workout The studio offers classes in Piloxing • Beyond Barre • Pilates • Yoga

First month only $99 Visit our website to ﬁnd a class that meets your ﬁtness goal

5291 Valleydale Road • 980-7797 www.studiozenﬁtness.com

| February 2012

280 Living

Library Happenings North Shelby, Mt Laurel and Chelsea Public Library February Happenings North Shelby Library

Story-Time Programming

Special Programming Monday, Jan. 23 – Friday, Feb. 10-Valentine Cards for Children’s Hospital. The library is collecting Valentine Cards for kids in Children’s Hospital. You can stop by the Children’s Department to make a card, or bring by a store bought card. No candy please. Cards must be turned in by Friday, Feb. 10. Saturday, Feb. 4, 10 – 11:30 a.m.-Lego Club. The library will provide the Legos and snacks, the kids will provide the imagination and creativity. Families are welcome to drop in anytime between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. to build spectacular creations. Creations will then go on display in the Children’s Department. Snacks Served. All ages welcome. Registration is required. Friday, Feb. 10 at 4 – 5:30 p.m., Valentine Party. Join us to celebrate Valentines with a special craft, sweet treats and a movie. Registration is required. Wednesday, Feb. 15- 1 p.m., Homeschool Hangout: Mardi Gras. Join us for a discussion of Mardi Gras’ history and traditions. We will also be eating some awesome king cake and making a Mardi Gras mask! Ages 8-12. Registration required. Thursday, Feb. 23, 4 p.m., B’Tween the Pages Book Club. Join us to discuss great books that have become movies and create book reviews. Snacks served. Ages 8-12. Registration required.

Mondays, Feb. 6, 13, and 20 at 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. Toddler Tales Stories, songs, fingerplays and crafts make up a lively 30-minute program designed especially for short attention spans. Registration will begin one week prior to each storytime. Ages 19-36 months. Registration required. Tuesdays, Feb. 7, 14, 21, and 28 from 9:30 – 10 a.m. Baby Tales Story Time A story time designed especially for babies and their caregivers. Stories and music provide interaction for the babies and time for caregivers to talk and share with each other. Ages: Birth to 18 months. Registration required. Registration will begin one week prior to program date. Wednesdays, Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29 at 10:45 a.m. Mr. Mac (Storyteller Extraordinaire!) Stories, puppets, and lots of music for every member of the family. All ages. No registration. Thursdays, Feb. 2, 9, 16, and 23 at 7 p.m. P. J. Story Time Come in your PJs, have milk and cookies, and hear some wonderful bedtime tales. All ages. No registration required. * For more information or to register for any of our programs or storytimes, call or email the Children’s Department at 439-5504 or northshelbyyouth@gmail. com or visit www.northshelbylibrary.org/ children.html

Teen Happenings Gaming Fridays, Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24 – 3:30 - 6 p.m. Can you Just Dance better than the librarians? Are you the month’s top scorer in Super Mario Bros? Can you hold your own in the Brawl? Join us each Friday afternoon for open gaming and minitournaments on the Wii. Call or email Kate or Daniel at 439-5512 or nsyouth@ shelbycounty-al.com for more information. Anime Night Thursday, Feb. 9, 6 p.m. Join us in the teen department for an evening of anime. The audience will pick what we watch. Exotic treats will be served and cosplay welcome! Call or email Kate or Daniel at 439-5512 or nsyouth@ shelbycounty-al.com for more information. Teen Advisory Council Monday, Feb. 13, 6 p.m. Interested in helping the Teen Department be even better than it is now? The Teen Advisory Council is the place for you! The TAC meets the second Monday of each month to work on projects for the library. Bring your ideas and your appetite! Snacks served and community service hours earned. Call 205-439-5512 or email Kate or Daniel at nsyouth@shelbycountyal.org for more information or to sign up. Teen Book Club Monday, Feb. 20, 6 p.m. The Teen Book Club will meet to discuss A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness. “Thirteenyear-old Conor awakens one night to find a monster outside his bedroom window, but not the one from the recurring nightmare that began when his mother became ill--an ancient, wild creature that wants him to face truth and loss.” Grab the book and start reading and then stop by to let us know your opinion! Snacks Served. Call or email Kate or Daniel at 439-5512 or nsyouth@shelbycounty-al.com for more information.

Craft Thursday, Feb. 23, 6 p.m. Use extra Legos to make cool jewelry or a keychain. Call or email Kate or Daniel at 439-5512 or nsyouth@shelbycounty-al.com to register.

Mt Laurel Public Library Toddler Tales Wednesdays, Feb. 1 and 15 – 10 a.m.: Stories, songs, fingerplays and more make up a lively 30 minute program designed especially for short attention spans and their caregiver. Registration begins two weeks prior to each storytime. Ages 36 months and younger. Registration required. Call or email the Mt Laurel Library at 991-1660 or mtlaurellibrary@ gmail.com for more information or to register. Storytime with Ms Kristy Wednesdays, Feb. 1 and 15 – 11 a.m.: Stories, music and more for every member of the family. All ages. No registration required. Crafty Saturday Saturday, Feb. 11: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.: Join us to make Valentines. All ages with parent help. Registration not required but supplies are limited. Call or email the Mt Laurel Library at 991-1660 or mtlaurellibrary@gmail.com for more information.

Chelsea Public Library BYOC (Bring Your Own Craft) meetsF ridaysat 10a.m . Bring your portable craft (crochet, knit, needlepoint, etc.) and craft with new friends. Tot Spot every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. Reading program for 2’s, 3’s and 4’s.

You are cordially invited to our ﬁrst annual

sip,* shop and drive event

Your Community, Your 280 Living 280 Living

Family Connection, Inc.

In your mailbox each month. Always online.

Tom Williams BMW 1000 Tom Williams Way, Irondale, Alabama

suppor�ing

Tuesday, Febr�ar� 21st

neighborly news & entertainment

6 to 8 o’clock in the evening

RSVP Only kindly respond to

www.280living.com

BearandBeanSkincare.com (click RSVP: Sip Shop & Drive)

Bill Ramsey

this complimentar� event is brought to you by:

Beyond-Photog�aphy.com St�dio Belle Femme

Tom Williams BMW

To inquire about advertising, contact Dan Starnes, publisher, 370-0732 or dan@280living.com.

Bear and Bean Skincare in par��ership with Rodan + Fields Der�atologists

Bir�ingham Christian Family Magazine

Vicky Braun

in par��ership with Vault Denim

Ashley Mac’s 280 Living

280 Living | February 2012

www.280living.com

My South By RICK WATSON

Valentine’s Day It’s almost Valentine’s Day, and guys, if you haven’t already gotten your honey something sweet, you still have some time. One word of advice – be mindful of what you get! As I’ve written before, I’ve bought some unfortunate gifts for my spouse on Valentine’s Day, so I feel qualified to speak on the topic and indeed obligated to my peeps to share what I’ve learned through the years. There’s commercials, o-plenty to tell you what to buy. My mission today is to tell you what not to buy. An umbrella is one of handiest tools ever invented. It’s the first thing I reach for on rainy days, but I’m here to tell you that they are unsuitable as Valentine’s gifts. I don’t care if it’s red and smells like roses, step away from the umbrella! I had a friend who got this wacky idea to give his wife some bricks as a gift. It was his way of telling his lovely bride that he was building a new house for her. After years of living in a rental that was a dump, he thought the bricks on Valentine’s Day were symbolic. He believed in his heart that this gesture was perfect and that she’d be moved to tears. But she didn’t get it. In fact she came up with some new creative uses of bricks that he had never heard before. Had he followed through with her instructions of where he could put the bricks, it would have made sitting very uncomfortable for him. He stayed in the doghouse so long he started to enjoy the taste of Milk Bones. I’ve also learned in my 37 years of marriage that kitchen utensils can be

problematic gifts on anniversaries or Valentine’s Day, so don’t fall into that trap. Other gifts you may also want to steer clear of are exercise DVDs, gym memberships or workout clothes. You may think it’s a practical gift but to a woman it screams, “You’re fat!” This can send you down a slippery path, my friend, and you could wind up so bruised that your mama won’t recognize you. Years of valuable experience at work here. Listen to what I say: step away from the weight loss section of the store! Here’s another shocker for men. Most women don’t want lingerie for Valentine’s Day. I know that some of you guys out there think I’m out of my mind, but it’s true—not that I’m out of my mind, but most women don’t want underwear for V-Day. You may think the gift is for her, but women understand the gift is really for you. It took me years and truck loads of frozen TV dinners to figure this out. You get this info free just by reading this paper. A good Valentine’s Day gift doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. I made a gift for Jilda one year when we were strapped for cash. It was a book of coupons good for a free car wash, a free meal at Rick’s Diner (she never actually cashed this one in, probably because I can’t cook), a back massage and other favors that would be imprudent to discuss in a family paper. The point is, it didn’t cost anything except a little thought and some creativity. I hope you all have a Happy Valentine’s Day.

Don’t forget your pet this Valentine’s

Fancy Fur Valentine’s outﬁts, treats, toys, and ﬂeece harnesses. Beds • Bowls • Picture Frames • Treats •Jewelry Collars • Harnesses • and More!

5291 Valleydale Rd • 408-1693 • www.fancyfurpets.com

That’s Life

By Paul Johnson, Samaritan Counseling Center

“Absence grows fondness?”

I took my oldest son to breakfast this morning. It is a regular occurrence for us to leave the house a little early one morning a week for a breakfast together. It’s a little crazy to me because we just spent a loooooong holiday weekend together. Me, by myself, with my three all-under-theage-of-seven sons. Now here I am in my office, missing them. Crazy. You have heard it said, “Absence makes the heart grow fonder.” Why would that be? On some days, I just beg for absence (of course, I am an introvert, and that should signal something to me—but sometimes, I miss the signal). Internally, I am screaming, “Get away from me! You are driving me crazy!” I never say anything, though, and so slowly boil until I do blow up and the day ends in a good-ole-blowthe-roof-off-the-house-like-a-volcanowith-lava-spewing-on-everyone tirade. Makes for a lovely evening. We really feel close as a family on those nights. When children get snippy with one another, often one child is called upon to take a time-out. They get to go sit by themselves for an “attitude adjustment” period. Or they must go take a nap (which, as an adult, sounds very appealing). Either way, they are called upon to separate themselves from the group for a period of time. This happens a lot in my house, and not always by the kids. Did I say a lot? A lot. And so it was a loooooong weekend, and here I sit at my desk, (dare I say this?) missing my kids. Unbelievable. Ok, so there are times in our lives when we behave like children. We get snippy because of various stresses, and our spouse and/or kids seem to further the irritation and we lash out and are in sore need of a time-out, for someone to send us to our room for an attitude adjustment period. It

happens. Over time, the monotony of the day-in, day-out routine of our lives and relationships settles in, and we take each other for granted. Things rarely change, and we are rarely challenged to see our families in a different light. We lose a bit of interest in one another, and we simply exist. But then something happens; either we are separated for a period of time, or worse, a tragedy happens, and we instantly long for the days when life was boring and wish that we had relished those days more. And in those moments, something happens in us that rekindles the fondness and appreciation and love in our hearts for one another. So I sit here at my desk, relishing our breakfast together, my son’s little voice telling me about the kids that are walking by our table. Remembering that he was eating something with powdered sugar, I immediately feel compassion for his teacher. I also think about his two brothers who won’t let us leave the house until we do our goodbye routine of kisses/hugs/ high-fives/knuckle-bumps. Something has stirred within me that causes me to appreciate them anew. I reconsider their incredible uniqueness and what they mean to me. I fall in love with them all over again. And I can’t wait to see them. How is it that 24 hours ago I was ready to crawl in a hole, yet now I don’t know what my life would be like without them? I guess I should send myself to my room for an attitude adjustment more often. Paul Johnson is the executive director as well as a professionally licensed marriage and family therapist and an associate licensed counselor at the Samaritan Counseling Center. You may reach him at 967-3660 or visit www. samaritancc.org.

Good design makes all the difference when remodeling. Make sure Our award-winning team of designers and craftspeople are committed to exceeding your expectations. Our initial consultations are free and our advice is priceless, so call today to learn about the CASE Design/Build process.

Attend our popular, free seminar: SECRETS TO A GREAT KITCHEN OR BATH REMODEL Saturday, February 25th 10:00 A.M. to Noon

Seating is free but limited Register by calling 968-6000 or online at Birmingham.CaseRemodeling.com

| February 2012

| 280 Living

280 Events 2/7 - Daddy and Me Tea. Tea Party Castle. 6 p.m. This daddy daughter date night is a great way for fathers to share a special night with their daughter. Admission: $35, girls age 4 and up; $15, adults. More information: 529-0081 or www. TeaPartyCastle.com/Alabama. 2/7 - Red Mountain Reading Series Presents Daniel Wallace. Jeff State Shelby Campus. Author of Big Fish and The Watermelon King Daniel Wallace will lead a workshop for local writers and give a reading of his works. The event includes a reception and book signing. Workshop, 3 p.m. in room 213GSB; Reading, 7-9 p.m. in Health and Sciences Bldg. multipurpose room. Free and open to anyone interested. More information: contact lovinguth@ jeffstateonline.com 2/9-2/10 - Stop Defiance, Yelling & Sibling Fights. Thursday at Oak Mountain High School Performing Arts Center 7-9p.m.; Friday at Meadow Brook Baptist Church 10 a.m.-12 p.m. More information: Brett at 88-506-1871 or Brett@ CelebrateCalm.com. 2/15 - Claire Datnow Book Signing. Join Greystone author Claire Datnow as she launches her historical novel, The Nine Inheritors: The Extraordinary Odyssey of a Family and their Ancient Torah Scroll. The author will be signing copies and reading an excerpt. Come early and enjoy lunch at Crape Myrtle’s Café. 1-3 p.m. Little Professor Book Center, 2717 S. 18th Street. More information: 870-7461. 2/18- St. Vincent’s Heart Day. 6 a.m. to 11 a.m. St. Vincent’s Health System is offering four heart tests for $40 (a $350 value!) at all five of its facilities, including St. Vincent’s One Nineteen. Participants will receive an EKG, a Lipid Profile, a Blood Pressure Screening, a Basic Metabolic Profile, and a T-shirt. $40. Register: Call Dial-A-Nurse at 939-7878 or 800-331-6777 by Feb. 10. More information: www.stvhs.com/heartday. 2/21 - Organization and Time Management Workshop. Make You New! 8:30-10:30 am. Call Andrea Lewis to register at 434-0627 or visit MakeYouNew. com. Admission: $10, members; $12, nonmembers. More information: soshelby@ bellsouth.net or 669-9075. 2/22 - Ash Wednesday Worship. Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, 4887 Valleydale Road. 12 p.m. and 7 p.m. Imposition of Ashes. More information: 995-9673 or sothchurch@bellsouth.net. 2/24 – Birmingham Purity Ball. CarrawayDavie House in the Liberty Park area. 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. The Purity Ball is hosted by 4:8 Fathers, which calls fathers and daughters to live faithfully in their relationship with Christ by encouraging and promoting purity in heart, mind and behavior as a response to Christ’s love for us. Emcee and speaker will be Rick Burgess. Attire: semi-formal or formal. Cost is $50 per person. For more information go to Birminghampurityball. eventbrite.com. 2/25 - 2/26 - Ovarian Cycle 2012. 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Ride to Change the Future as you help support ovarian cancer research in this city wide indoor cycling event. Feb. 25 at The Gardendale Civic Center and St. Vincent’s 119; Feb. 26 at the Levite Jewish Community Center. Admission: $40 registration fee. Each participant must raise a minimum of $100 for every hour they ride. More information: Susan Greene at susan@nlovca.org. 2/29 - CPR For Family and Friends. St. Vincent’s One Nineteen. 6-8:30 p.m. The class will include a DVD viewing and instructor-facilitated program on how to perform basic CPR skills in adults, children and infants. This is designed for parents, siblings, babysitters and anyone age 11 and older who wants to learn CPR but does not need a course certification card. Class size is limited. Cost: $20. More information or to register: 939-7878.

February Calendar of Events email your events to calendar@280living.com

Special Events 2/4 - Beaker Bash 2012: Expeditions Through Science. McWane Science Center. 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Admission: $30 for Kids; $50, Adults; $150, Family Four Package; $500, Explorer Package (6 tickets and V.I.P. lounge). More information: www.mcwane. org/events. 2/9 - Legacy League Meeting. This event will feature national civil rights and social justice speaker Carolyn McKinstry. Samford University’s Hodges Chapel. 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. More information: 726-2247 or www.samford.edu/legacyleague. 2/10 - Meet Author of A Good American, Alex George and Editor Amy Einhorn. Doubletree Hotel. 7 p.m. Admission: $35 for show; $100, reception. All proceeds benefit The Literacy Council of Alabama. More information: www. alabamabooksmith.com/event/. 2/11 - The Early Bird African Violet Society Meeting. Birmingham Botanical Garden’s Main Level Meeting Room. 10 a.m. More information: Martha Coleman 378-7398 or www.ebafricanvioletclub.com. 2/11 - ROAR James Bond Gala to Fund Cancer Research. The Club, 5 p.m.; VIP reception and seated dinner, 6p.m.The ladies of Regional Oncology Active Research are hosting its 2nd annual James Bond Gala, The Spy Who Cured Me. Tickets: $150 per person. More information: 967-9488. 2/11 - Baseball and Sports Memorabilia Exhibition and Sale. Historic Rickwood Field. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Field will be open for guided tours and photo opportunities. Vintage bats, gloves, publications, and more. Exhibitions and items for sale or trade. More information: glwatkinsjr@ yahoo.com. 2/15 - Understanding Botanical Names. Birmingham Botanical Gardens. 12:30 p.m. Admission: $40, Members; $45, Non-Members. More information: www. bbgardens.org. 2/16 - 2/19 - Birmingham Home and Garden Show. BJCC. 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Feb. 19. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission: $10 for adults; $3, child ages 6-12; free, child 5 and under. More information: www.bjcc.org. 2/16 - Wine Down with the Arc. The Wine Loft, 220 1st Avenue North. 5:307 p.m. Join the Arc of Shelby’s Junior Council for wine specials, give-a-ways and music. Purchase wine by the glass and 10 percent of proceeds will benefit The Arc of Shelby County, a non-profit organization that serves children and adults with developmental disabilities. For more information: 667-9313 or www. thearcofshelby.org. 2/18 - Big Machines Day. McWane Science Center. Learn the science of simple machines. Explore how big machines really work by viewing this interactive exhibit with backhoes, excavators, dump trucks, loaders, dozers and cranes. Admission: included in cost; free, members. More information: www. mcwane.org/events. 2/19 - “Awake the Harp”: Over the Mountain Festival of Sacred Music Chorus. Mountain Brook Baptist Church. 4 p.m. More information: http// otmfestivals.org/festival12.htm. 2/21 - His & Her Modern Night of Luxury. Tom Williams BMW, 1000 Tom Williams Way. Sip, shop and drive for a cause. Supporting Family Connection, Inc. RSVP only to BearandBeanSkincare.com. 2/23 - 2012 Annual Taste of Homewood. 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. 30 vendors will be showcasing their cuisine. Admission: $30, in advance; $35, at door. More information: 871-5631 or www.homewoodchamber. com. 2/24 - The 24 Annual Knights of Columbus Run. Crestline Elementary School, 3785 Jackson Boulevard. 5 K, 8 a.m.; 1 mile fun run/walk, 8:45 a.m. The event benefits children and adults with

intellectual disabilities “Remembering ‘911.’” Admission: $15, pre-registration; $20, late. More information: Mike and Ann Pender 854-4005.

Music and Arts 2/1 - 2/24 - African American History Makers: An Exhibit of Art Quilts. Birmingham Public Library - Central Branch. Aisha Lumumba’s beautifully crafted quilts represent her African heritage and historical experiences of her race. Her quilts are among collections of President Barack Obama. 2/1 - 2/17 - BCT Presents: Sacagawea. BJCC. 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Admission: $10, Adult; $8, Kids. More information: www.bct123.org. 2/1 - 3/17 - BCT Presents: The Little Engine That Could. BJCC. 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Admission: Adults, $10; children, $8. More information: More information: www. bct123.org. 2/6 - 2/20 - Beads, Beads, Beads Jewelry Design. Shelby County Arts Council Gallery. 4:30 p.m. - 6 p.m. Learn basic jewelry making skills as you create your own designs for bracelet and earring sets. Admission: $80, 3-week session. Price includes beads for projects. More information: 669-0044 or www. shelbycountyartscouncil.com. 2/8 - 2/29 - LEARN TO DRAW! Drawing 102. Shelby County Arts Council Gallery. 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Experience recommended. Admission: $60/month, Regular price; $54/month, Contributor Level Member. Annual registration fee required $25 per student. More information: 669-0044 or www. shelbycountyartscouncil.com. 2/9 - Thursday Club Cinema Film Series: Almost Famous. The Alabama Theatre. Social hour in lobby, 7 p.m. Movie, 8 p.m. Screening includes 40 minutes of “Bootleg Cut” not seen in the original theatrical version. Be a rock star/groupie and bring favorite vinyl album, ticket stubs and autographed items. Wear vintage t-shirt and rock-star apparel to be eligible for prizes. Tickets: $9 at door; $10 Ticketmaster.com. More information: www.thursdayclubcinema.com or thursdayclubcinema@readbw.com. 2/10 - Rascal Flats - Thaw Out 2012. BJCC. 7:30 p.m. Admission: ranges from $34.75 to $72.90. More information: www.bjcc.org. 2/11 - Takes Two To Tango. Children’s Dance Foundation. 7 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Learn how to tango as you help benefit the Children’s Dance Foundation at this event. Admission: $75 Couple. More information: 870-0073. 2/11 - Robert Cray In Concert. Alys Stephens Center. 8 p.m. Five time Grammy winner and nominated for eleven more, Cray is admired for his popular soulful music. Admission: $29.50 - $55.50. More information: 975-ARTS or http:// alysstephens.uab.edu/. 2/15 - 3/4 - Broadway in Birmingham: Wicked. BJCC. Admission: $37.50 $132.50. More information: www.bjcc.org. 2/18 - Jazz Cat Ball. WorkPlay. 7 p.m. - 12 a.m. The first Annual Greater Birmingham Humane Society Jazz Cat Ball is a Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball. Admission: $75. More information: 942-1211 or www.gbhs. org. 2/24 - 2/26 - Alabama Ballet Presents: Swan Lake. Samford University’s Wright Center Concert Hall. Feb. 24, 7:30 p.m.; Feb. 25, 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Feb 26, 2:30 p.m. Admission: $20 - $55. More Information: 975-2787 or www. alabamaballet.org.

Food 2/7, 14, 21, 28 - Quick and Healthy Meals. St. Vincent’s One Nineteen. 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Join Donna Sibley, R.D. as she leads you

through a month of menus. Y Cost: $130. More information or to register: 408-6550. 2/13 - Sweets for your Sweetie. St. Vincent’s One Nineteen. 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Culinary experts will help you create a delicious dessert for your sweetheart(s). Admission: $10. More information or register: 408-6550. 2/21 - 3rd Annual National Pie Day Amatuer Pie Contest and Fundraiser. Birmingham Bake & Cook Co. 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Honor National Pie Month with Birmingham Baking & Co. as you help. Birmingham’s Ronald McDonald House at this fundraising event. Admission: $10 cash only. More information: 980-3661 or info@bakecookco.com.

Save the Date 3/3 - Chili Cook-off Presented by Regions Bank. 10:30 a.m.-3p.m. Northwestern Mutual of Alabama presents its annual Chili Cook-Off featuring Sweetwater Road. Admission: $10, in advance; $15, at gate; Free, children 12 and under. 1616 Oxmoor Road. www. exceptionalfoundation.org. 3/3 - Conquer Cancer Run. St. Vincent’s One Nineteen. This is the 8th Annual Brenda Ladun Conquer Cancer Run in Hoover. The event is open to all ages and will have food and fun after the run. More information: 930-8893 or mary.frances. colley@cancer.org. 3/3 - Cajun Cabaret. Rooftop penthouse of Wiggins, Childs, Quinn & Pantazis Law Office. 4 p.m. Admission: $15 with raffle ticket; $5 for additional raffle tickets. More information: 324-2424. 3/3 - Casino Night Gala. This event will raise money for the nonprofit programs of Assistance League of Birmingham. More information: 870-5555.

February 2012

HEARDMONT PARK SENIOR CENTER CALENDAR SPECIAL EVENTS 2/2- New Beacon Blood Pressure and Sugar Testing, 11:15 a.m. 2/10- Heardmont Dance 2/14- Valentine’s Pary 2/16- Harrison Regional Library, 11 a.m. 2/29- Lunch Bunch outing, 10 a.m. NOTE: Please reserve meals in advance. Outings are limited to 12 people, so sign up early.

Center Manager: Theresa Green Hours: Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Phone: 991-5742 Fax: 991-5657 Email: heardmontpark@hotmail.com MONDAYS

9:30 -10:30 a.m. – Tai Chi 9:30 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.- Mah Jongg 10:30 a.m.- 3 p.m.- Canasta

TUESDAYS

10-11 a.m.- Aerobic Workouts 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.- Bingo & Board Games 11 a.m. 12 p.m.- Bible Study 12 p.m. - Lunch

WEDNESDAYS

9 a.m.- 12 p.m.- Bridge Club 11:30 a.m.- 3 p.m.- Rummikub 12 p.m.- Lunch 1-2p.m. Ballroom Dancing with Kurt

THURSDAYS

10-11 a.m.- Aerobic Workouts 10 a.m.- 2 p.m.- Bingo & Board Games 12 p.m.- Lunch

FRIDAYS

9-10 a.m.- Zumba Gold 10-11 a.m.- Intermediate Line Dancing 11 a.m.-12 p.m.- Beginning Line Dancing

www.280living.com

280 Living

| February 2012

11th Annual

Homewood Chamber of Commerce

Taste the best food & beverages Homewood has to offer! Thursday, February 23, 2012 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Rosewood Hall at SoHo Tickets are available online at www.homewoodchamber.com, at the Chamber office or BB&T $30 in advance â&#x20AC;˘ $35 at the door for more information call 205-871-5631

Title Sponsor:

Supporting Sponsors:

| February 2012

280 Living

280 Live Music Listings HOGANS Irish City Vineyard The Fish Market Arbor Place Restaurant Pub & Grill 507 Cahaba Park Circle 995-0533

Every Wednesday / Thursday 8 p.m. Live Music by Razz Ma Tazz Every Friday / Saturday 9 p.m. - Until Live Music by Razz Ma Tazz

CAFE FIRENZE 110 Inverness Plaza 980-1315

Call for this month’s music listings.

Pablo’s

Restaurant and Cantina 3439 Colonnade Parkway 969-1411

Live music Wednesday and Thursday, 6 – 9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 6 – 10:30 p.m.

Village Tavern The Summit, Lower Level 970-1640

Every Wednesday and Thursday, 6:30 - 9 p.m. Artist Jeff Tyler performs. Fridays, 9 -11:30 p.m., Various live music.

5479 Highway 280, Suite 102 437-3360 cityvineyard.net Every Friday Night live music, 7-10 p.m. on the patio. Inside, they have a wine tasting, 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

GREYSTONE 5407 Highway 280 980-8600

Every Thursday night live music with Jeff Taylor. All Parrotheads are invited.

Courtyard Oyster

bar & grill 280 band and dj schedule Mondays- DJ Kop Wednesdays -Matt Hill and Sean Bunn / Matt Barnes and David Koonce 2/2-Will and Bobby 2/3-Matt Ritchie Band / Matt Hill band 2/4-The Wheelers 2/5-4th & 1 2/7-DJ Quack 2/9-Huck and Boss 2/10-After the Crash / SK5 2/11-Red Mountain 2/12-Calling Station / Will and Bobby

2/14-DJ Kop / Phase 2 2/16-Heath Shoemaker 2/17-Gentleman Zero / Matt Hill band 2/18-Who Shot Lizzy? 2/19-Spoonful / Will and Bobby 2/21-DJ Quack 2/23-Huck and Boss 2/24-Lazy Cadance / SK5 2/25-Erica’s Playhouse 2/26-Calling Station / Banditos 2/28-DJ Quack

BILLY’S BAR & GRILL

2/1 - Goodfellas 2/3 - Lasers Edge 2/8 - goodfellas 2/10 - The Haulers (unplugged) 2/17 - Bobby Legg 2/22 - Goodfellas 2/24 - Zippy D 2/29 - Goodfellas

4520 Overton Road, Suite 104 Liberty Park 956-2323

Classifieds

Office Condo For sale in The Narrows $183,475 194 Narrows Drive, Suite 102 Birmingham, AL 35242 • 895± Sq. Ft. ($209.68 psf) • Contains open area/reception, storage, work room, break room & bathroom • Less then a minute from Highway 280, Old Highway 280 & Highway 41 • Minutes from Chelsea, Greystone, Inverness & I-459 Contact Owner, Georgia Lay @ 205-266-1100

Community Contributors Wanted 280 Living is looking for people in the area to contribute news and write stories. Email madoline@280living.com

“A Company You Can Trust”

TERMITES • ROACHES • FLEAS • ANTS

3 MONTHS

FREE

PEST CONTROL (CALL FOR DETAILS)

941-9882 SUB GARD

A TERMITE MONITORING SYSTEM

397 West Oxmoor Road • www.genpest.com

280 Living | February 2012

www.280living.com

February’s Real Heart Day 4 Heart Tests for $40

8 1

(a $350 value)

St. Vincent’s Heart Day February 18 6:00 - 11:00 a.m.

EKG Lipid Profile Blood Pressure Screening Basic Metabolic Profile T-shirt

Symptoms of heart disease can be difficult to detect. That’s why getting screened is so important.

To register, call Dial-A-Nurse at 939-7878 or 800-331-6777. Register by February 10!

HEALTH SYSTEM Birmingham

Blount

East

One Nineteen

The data derived from these screenings is to be considered preliminary only and does not constitute a final diagnosis.

St. Clair

stvhs.com

| February 2012

School House

OUR GIFT TO YOU!

Purchase a $150 gift card and receive a free paraffin treatment. Hurry! This offer ends February 29, 2012.

Treat your special Valentine with a St. Vincent’s Spa One Nineteen gift card. Spa One Nineteen combines a soothing and luxurious environment with a highly trained and friendly staff to ensure a memorable and enjoyable spa experience. We offer a comprehensive range of spa services providing the utmost in relaxation and rejuvenation, along with the latest developments in massage, skincare, and Medi-Spa services.

408-6510 • onenineteen.com 7191 Cahaba Valley Road

Make Your

FITNESS

Resolutions a Reality

Al E q Ja u l-N nu ip ew ar me y nt 20 12 !

FITNESS 408-6544 • onenineteen.com 7191 Cahaba Valley Road

Join St. Vincent’s Fitness One Nineteen now through February 29, 2012 for FREE with No Contract and pay only the monthly dues.