Cahaba Sun March 2017

TAKING TRUSSVILLE BY STORM Pickleball gaining popularity, tournament set. 10

Vol 2 | Issue 5 | March 2017 As Trussville As It Gets

NOT THROWING AWAY HIS

Shotts ef i h c e r fi e l l i v s 5 s 1 u . r e T l o w r o Ne t n i s n io transit

THE LOVE OF A LIFETIME

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL

Meet Trussville couple Jean and Edward Roper, who are celebrating their 74th wedding anniversary. 6

See what’s in store this season for Hewitt-Trussville, Clay-Chalkville and Pinson Valley. 16

Sometimes you can be your own worst enemy.

And that’s when you need a teammate like Andrews Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center. Because our experts aggressively pursue victory over every injury.

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PHOTO OF THE MONTH EDITOR’S NOTE | SYDNEY CROMWELL At this paper, we get the privilege of telling some amazing stories about the people we meet in Trussville. When I first started at our publishing company as an intern, I recall wondering how the other reporters never ran out of stories to write. Now as the managing editor, I’m pretty confident we’re never going to have a shortage of Trussville stories worth sharing.

Inside every home and business in the city, somewhere there’s a story to tell. This month, those stories include a profile of the city’s new fire chief, a group of athletes in the unusual sport of pickleball and an innovative school garden for some of Trussville’s youngest residents.

Our March issue also includes coverage of the baseball season and guides to some of the medical experts and summer camps in the community. It may seem like winter’s barely over, but registration for summer camps is already underway.

There’s a lot more inside this issue that I hope you’ll enjoy. If you want to share a story you think we should tell, email me at sydney@starnespublishing.com.

Please Support Our Community Partners Alabama Allergy & Asthma Center (21) Alabama Hospice Care of Birmingham (8) Alabama Orthopaedic Surgeons (5) Andrews Sports Medicine (2) Anthony McPherson, Keller Williams (7) ARC Realty (32) Argo Power Equipment (16) Batts’ Chimney Services (17) Bedzzz Express (13) Birmingham Speech and Hearing Associates (16) Brandino Brass (18) Budget Blinds (7) Case Remodeling (14) Chalkville Ace Hardware (8) Children’s of Alabama (24) Closets by Design (31) Cottontails Village (25) First Community Mortgage (14) Guide Insurance Agency (18)

Hitchcox Maddox Financial Partners (17) Huntington Learning Center (27) KADCO Homes (3) Katie Boswell, Keller Williams Realty (14) Kirkwood by the River (25) Lee Marlow, RealtySouth (29) Neuralife (22) Orthodontics East (5) Peachtree Assisted Living (30) Phoenix Builders Group (20) Pilot Medical Weight Loss Center (24) RealtySouth Marketing (19) Spotless, LLC (20) The Altamont School (26) The Maids (1) Tower Homes (9) Trussville Gas and Water (3) Virginia Samford Theatre (26) Weigh To Wellness (23) WPS Printing (11) YMCA of Greater Birmingham (28)

Anna Grace Deale and Brian Faircloth enjoy a stroll down the red carpet at Trussville’s “A Night to Shine,” sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation and held at the Trussville Civic Center on Feb. 10. Photo by Ron Burkett.

Publishers: Dan Starnes Scott Buttram General Manager: Matthew Allen Managing Editor: Sydney Cromwell Design Editor: Kristin Williams Director of Photography: Sarah Finnegan Digital Editor: Alyx Chandler Page Designer: Cameron Tipton Copy Editor: Louisa Jeffries Contributing Writers: Bethany Adams Chris Megginson Saige Leopard Megan Miller David Knox Rick Watson Sales and Distribution: Warren Caldwell Don Harris Michelle Salem Haynes Rhonda Smith James Plunkett Jon Harrison Gail King Eric Clements Contributing Photographer: Ron Burkett

For advertising contact: dan@starnespublishing.com Contact Information: The Cahaba Sun PO Box 530341 Birmingham, AL 35253 (205) 313-1780 dan@ starnespublishing.com

Please submit all articles, information and photos to: sydney@ starnespublishing.com P.O. Box 530341 Birmingham, AL 35253

Published by: Cahaba Sun LLC Legals: The Cahaba Sun is published monthly. Reproduction or

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

Please recycle this paper.

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MARCH 2017

love A LIFELONG

E

By BETHANY ADAMS

dward and Jean Roper live on top of a hill on the outskirts of Trussville in the house they built nearly 50 years ago. Over time, the landscape has changed, allowing more houses and fewer trees. But for them, the view remains breathtaking.

In March, the Ropers will celebrate their 74th wedding anniversary.

The couple met 76 years ago, when they were introduced at a Future Farmers of America meeting.

“I was introduced to him … and we went to Leeds, and we had a hamburger and a Coke,” said Jean Roper, who will turn 92 in June. “That’s all you did back then.”

They were married in the home of Jean Roper’s

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Jean and Edward Roper will celebrate their 74th wedding anniversary this month. Throughout their many full years together, the couple has shared happiness and hardships. Photo by Ron Burkett.

minister in 1943, which Edward Roper described as a “big year.” It was in that same year he graduated high school and joined the military, where he served for three years. Edward Roper, now 93, retired from the Southern Research Institute after 27 years as a machinist.

Now he and Jean Roper, a retired beautician, spend their days in the house on the hill, recalling their happiest — and hardest — moments.

“I just love children, and I would have loved to have had a houseful, but it just didn’t work out that way,” Jean Roper said, adding that raising her three sons was the happiest part of her life.

Now, she and Edward Roper have seven grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren.

They credit both their long marriage and their long lives to God and the good examples set by their parents.

In addition to being long, their lives have been full.

Edward Roper, who grew up in Trussville, recalls plenty of memories of the area’s golden days.

“My daddy was the mail carrier, and he carried the mail about 40 years,” he said. “He used to carry the mail in that horse and buggy, and then on Sunday when he’d go to church, that horse would stop at every mailbox.”

Edward Roper also recalls the days he spent traveling, going on mission trips to South America and taking Jean Roper all over the United States.

“We’ve been to Miami; I’ve been to the Holy Land [Israel] twice,” he said. “She went with me once.”

The two actively attend Sulphur Springs Baptist Church, where Jean Roper served as the organist for 62 years and still plays for offertory on occasion.

“We’re probably the oldest … active members of the church Sulphur Springs,” Edward Roper said. “I’ll probably go to church there tomorrow.”

Over the past seven decades, Edward and Jean Roper have gone through a number of trials, including the death of their son, Dennis. But they never once considered doing it without each other.

“We’re just simple people living together, and we love each other, and we tell each other we still love each other,” Jean Roper said. “I don’t know what I’d do up here on this big hill by myself.”

Edward and Jean Roper said they don’t intend to do anything particularly special for their anniversary.

“We’ll probably go out and eat,” Jean Roper said, adding that her favorite restaurant is Red Lobster. “That’s what we usually do now.”

And for their 75th next year? Again, they have no plans for a party, nor intentions of a large celebration.

Instead, they are happy to stay in their house on the top of the hill, watching the world change and enjoying the view.

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CHAMBER Sarah Patterson to headline Trussville Leadership Conference

By CHRIS MEGGINSON The sixth annual Trussville Leadership Conference is March 9 at the Trussville Civic Center. The event, presented by the Trussville Area Chamber of Commerce, will take the place of the chamber’s monthly luncheon in March.

Former University of Alabama women’s gymnastics head coach Sarah Patterson will serve as the keynote speaker. Patterson led UA to six NCAA national titles, 1,006 wins and 43 total postseason championships during her 36-year career. Her success in building champions, both on and off the mat, has gained her several speaking engagements at leadership events since her retirement in 2015.

“Sarah Patterson had tremendous success as a gymnastics coach at UA because of her leadership skills. She will have great insights to share with our conference attendees,” said Diane Poole, director of the Trussville Area Chamber of Commerce.

The one-day event, which begins with

Sarah Patterson. Photo courtesy of University of Alabama.

registration from 9-10 a.m. and concludes at 2 p.m., is an opportunity for leaders in the Trussville community to hear from fellow

leaders across central Alabama. Attendees can design their own agenda by choosing from multiple sessions while networking

with business professionals from the surrounding communities. The main expo hall will be set up for vendors.

Breakout sessions will be led by Gary Fenton, senior advancement officer at Samford University; Alabama State Rep. Danny Garrett (R-Trussville), Donna Gilliland, founder and president of MOSTraining; Andrew Gnann, president and COO of St. Vincent’s East; Pattie Neill, superintendent of Trussville City Schools; and Michael Ray Newman, CEO of Zig Ziglar International.

Additional breakout sessions may be added prior to the event.

The breakout sessions will range in topics from Neill’s “Social Media Fire Prevention,” focused on educating leaders to the purpose and importance of a social media policy, to Fenton’s session, which he says focuses on “leading people to work hard instead of telling them to work hard.”

Registration is open through March 3.

Cost is $65 for individuals and $475 to reserve a table. For more information or to register, email melissa.walker@trussvillechamber.com or call 655-7535.

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Trussville-area 75

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NOW OPEN

ComfortCare Home Health is now open at 1930 Edwards Lake Road, Suite 126.

655-1151, comfortcarehomehealth.com

1

Classical School is now 2 Covenant open at 6590 Husky Parkway. The school offers daycare and school for infancy through kindergarten.

508-7044, covenantclassical.com Edible Arrangements is now open at 1477 Gadsden Highway, Suite 110.

605-8400, ediblearrangements.com

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Settlement Solutions is now 4 Reli open at 1976 Gadsden Highway, Suite 105.

262-2480, reli.us

COMING SOON

Vincent’s Health System plans 5 St. to build an outpatient and diagnostic clinic at 7201 Happy Hollow Road. The facility will break ground in the next few months and is scheduled to open in fall 2017. stvhs.com

RELOCATIONS AND RENOVATIONS

Courtyard by Marriott, 3665 Roosevelt Blvd., recently renovated their hotel and celebrated with a ribbon-cutting on Feb. 7.

661-2280, marriott.com

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NEWS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS

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The Trussville Area Chamber of Commerce recognized Sarah Mc-

Cown of Parish Seafood & Oyster House, 1911 Gadsden Highway, as their Customer Service Award winner for January.

655-4117, parishoysterhouse.com Birmingham Heart Clinic’s Vein Center, 100 Pilot Medical Drive, Suite 185, was recently recognized as a Venaseal™ Center of Excellence for the closure system. This means that BHC is now being utilized as a training site for professionals from several surrounding states.

815-4800, birminghamheart.com

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HIRINGS AND PROMOTIONS

Urology Centers of Alabama, 48 Medical Park Drive East, Suite 350, has hired Eric Westerlund, CRNP, to manage patient care at the newly opened testosterone clinic at their offices in Homewood, Trussville and Alabaster. They have also hired Marcie Prescott as director of marketing. Additionally, Dr. Austin Lutiz has joined the practice. Dr. Lutiz specializes in robotic/laparoscopic surgery, male infertility, erectile dysfunction, kidney stones, BPH, and microsurgery.

930-0920, urologycentersalabama.com

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ANNIVERSARIES

J Boutique, 183 Main St., is 10 Tula celebrating its fourth anniversary on March 6.

655-5333 Parish Seafood & Oyster House, 1911 Gadsden Highway, celebrated its fourth anniversary on February 10.

655-4117, parishoysterhouse.com

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Jodi Krayer, Brian Harris, Jordan McNeal, Erica McNeal and Jarick Rager. Photos by Ron Burkett.

Trussville Pickleball Charity Classic set for March 17-19

By CHRIS MEGGINSON Enjoy tennis? Try an underhanded serve, requiring the ball to bounce once after a serve and return serve, and imagine only being able to slam a shot when more than seven feet away from the net. Now, shorten the racquet, shrink the court and substitute the ball with a Wiffle-type ball. That, in short, is pickleball, an action-packed sport taking the Trussville community by storm.

“It’s like playing ping pong standing on the table,” said Jarick Rager, who hosts TrussvillePickleball.org, a website that serves Trussville’s four pickleball locations. “Within Birmingham, it’s beginning to catch on and grow, and pretty soon it’s going to take off in a big way, and we’re kind of at the forefront of it all.”

Pickleball is offered six days a week, eight different times at four locations: CrossPoint Church, First Baptist Church Trussville, Trussville YMCA and Trussville Civic Center.

Rager is one of four tournament co-directors from Trussville, along with Forrest Bender, Jodi Krayer and Erica McNeal, who are organizing the community’s first tournament, the 2017 Trussville Pickleball Charity Classic, March 17-19 at CrossPoint Church. The charity event aims to help grow the sport while benefiting two local charities — Trussville-based Faith Like a Child and Special Equestrians in Indian Springs.

“The organizations are doing really incredible things,” Rager said. “It’s a blessing for us to help them.”

Bender says those who have not played pickleball before should try it out.

“From the first time we stepped on the court and played, it hooked me from a family standpoint,” Bender said, who had not

heard of the sport before buying a net in December 2015. “It’s kind of unique in that within the rules of the game there’s some leveling influences. It’s the type of game that even if you’re not athletic, you can play and have fun. You can play it socially, or you can play it competitively.”

Similar to most racquet sports, pickleball provides men’s and women’s singles and doubles play and mixed doubles.

Players are rated by their skill level from 1.0 to 5.0. Rager says a 1.0 would be those who know how to spell pickleball and 5.0 would be a pro. The tournament will feature opportunities for skill levels from 2.5 (beginner to intermediate) to 5.0 as well as senior divisions for 60-plus and 70-plus.

Rager is expecting at least 150 participants from all over the Southeast.

“Sixty percent of the people will be from out of town,” he said. “I think there’s going to be a huge economic impact on the community.”

The seven-court, double-elimination tournament will in some ways serve as a kickoff to the competitive pickleball schedule in the Southeast, which begins in March and April. It is the only tournament scheduled in Alabama prior to the National Senior Games in Birmingham this June.

“This is a great opportunity for us to house something in Alabama that is not a regional tournament where members have to be members of the USAPA,” said Rager, a USA Pickleball Association (USAPA) ambassador.

For more information about the tournament, go to TrussvillePickleball.org/events/2017-trussville-pickleball-charity-classic. Deadline for registration is March 3 and is available online only at PickleballTournaments.com. Cost is $40.

Jarick Rager, above, and Erica McNeal, below, play pickleball.

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CAHABASUN.COM From left, Candi Jones, Marcia Segers, Angela Shorter and Audrey Shannon pose with pieces of a trellis that will be featured in the new garden at Cahaba Elementary.

Photo by Ron Burkett.

Cahaba teachers plant ideas for outdoor classroom

By SAIGE LEOPARD

I

n the coming months there will likely be many kindergartner noses pressed to the glass of classrooms at Cahaba Elementary. Students will be studying the birds flying freely in their newly created sanctuary, right outside the kindergarten wing.

The vision is to build an outdoor classroom for K-5 classes — one kids will design and help construct themselves. It will include a pollinator garden and bird sanctuary, observatory and a community vegetable garden.

The project is funded through one of Trussville City Schools Foundation’s new MUSH (Motivational, Unique, Strategic and Helpful) grants, which recently were awarded to teachers throughout the school system. The goal of the program is to fund teachers who submit proposals that include innovative teaching ideas.

Cahaba kindergarten teachers Angela Shorter, Audrey Shannon, Candi Jones and Marcia Segers, who previously taught at Paine Primary, wrote the grant — which had a cap of $1,000.

They have previous experience gardening with their students since they also had a pollinator garden at Paine.

“We are very excited about this project,” Shorter said. “We already

know the learning that students will gain from this.”

Initially, the goal will be to attract birds and then they will expand on that. The bird sanctuary and pollinator garden will include window feeders, feeders on shepherd hooks, suet feeders, native plants to attract hungry bees and butterflies, a bird bath and a motion-sensor camera.

The camera enables them to record bird movements, so students don’t miss out at any time.

Birmingham’s Audubon Society has been especially helpful in the planning stages, Shorter said, helping them get the motion-sensor camera and providing important contacts for guidance. The Audubon Society also recently contributed $400 specifically earmarked for getting the bird sanctuary up and running, Shorter said.

“The kids will probably enjoy seeing the birds the most at first,” said Shorter. “They will get excited about being able to identify different birds after their research.”

“The Cahaba Project is the best place for this,” Shannon said.

“Kids will see the birds right outside our classroom and then also right in their own backyards.”

When it’s established, the outdoor classroom will build a bond between the community and the school.

“My favorite part is that parents will be able to access it,” Jones said. “There will be no gate; it will be open 24 hours, and parents are welcome to harvest anything.”

“We want to train our teachers as well,” Shorter said. “Everybody can get something out of the garden.”

The schedule for classes will vary, she said, and time spent in the outdoor classroom will be directly tied to course curriculum.

They also hope students’ time spent in the outdoor classroom at such a young age will lead to a strong investment in nature and conservation at an older age.

“We are hoping the excitement will grow as the kids grow older,” said Segers.

The teachers hope to have the bird sanctuary completed by midApril, and though it will probably take about two school years to complete the outdoor classroom overall, it will always be a work in progress.

Challenges will be funding and manpower, and donations will be greatly appreciated, Shorter said.

“Birds eat a lot,” Shorter said.

“It will be expensive, and we plan to contact local nurseries and seek out donations for things like soil, because it’s going to need some leveling. Right now, it’s on a slope, and it will be hard for the students to work.”

TCSF begins grant program for teachers For the first time, the Trussville City Schools Foundation has awarded 11 grants to teachers throughout the school system – a total of $7,500 awarded to teachers.

The grant program, titled MUSH ( Motivational, Unique, Strategic and Helpful) aims to help fund certain projects that are considered innovative teaching ideas, according to a press release by the foundation. Teachers submitted proposals for their projects with a maximum ask of $1,000.

The grant recipients represented each of the elementary schools (Paine, Cahaba and Magnolia) and the middle school. The foundation hopes to have two funding opportunity cycles each school year.

Some of the grant projects include an elementary robotics program, a learning garden, a workout lab, alternative/flexible seating in kindergarten classrooms, and a marvelous

marble panel, which will be used as a calming tool for students of all ages in a sensory room.

There were 71 applications submitted during this funding cycle.

In the elementary robotics program project, students will be exposed to the challenges of authentic problem-solving and cultivate an interest in STEM education. The workout lab project will allow the school to start building an exercise workout lab with five stationary bicycles and five elliptical machines for PE classes and faculty. The alternative/flexible seating project will provide flexible seating in kindergarten classrooms to increase student engagement, improve focus and decrease distracting behaviors. The marvelous marble panel project will help build the sensory room, will encourage calming, and support students’ return to classroom learning.

– Saige Leopard

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COMMUNITY Living to learn, learning to live Several days each week, a group of local Birmingham area seniors can be found in a classroom enjoying the opportunity to learn new skills or gain knowledge on a particular topic.

They are members of the The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) of Greater Birmingham, which was started more than three years ago. It is one of about 120 OLLI chapters that span all 50 states, as well as the District of Columbia. Each of the chapters is affiliated with a university.

OLLI of Greater Birmingham, with approximately 200 members, is under the College of Continuing Studies at the University of Alabama. The University supports chapters in Tuscaloosa and Gadsden, as well as Greensboro and Pickens County, with approximately 1,300 total members. In addition, Auburn University also supports an OLLI chapter in the state.

The OLLI chapters strive to provide members the opportunity to learn, travel and embrace life in a fun and engaging manner — no tests, no grades, no stress, just learning for the joy of learning.

Just like college, each semester brings the opportunity for members to enroll in new courses that each individual is interested in. Some courses from the Birmingham chapter include: What Archaeology Teaches Us About Our Religions and Ourselves; American Policies on Economics, Tax, Budget, and Social Welfare; Chefs and Foods From Other Nations; Hands-on Training in Smartphone and Tablet Use; and The Rise and Fall of Napoleon Bonaparte.

In addition to courses, each semester offers new opportunities for single session “bonus” programs. There are 14 of these programs offered in Birmingham for the spring. Some of the topics are Tuskegee Airmen, Ask a Vet About Your Pet, Go Wild for Native Plants and Liver Eating Jeremiah Johnson.

Field trip opportunities are also part of the OLLI offerings for members. These can be half-day trips (Backstage Tour of the Alabama Theater) or overnight (Birds, Beach, and Bellingrath), with more than 20 trips available in the spring semester.

The OLLI educational courses and bonus

programs are taught by individuals highly knowledgeable on the topic, and many OLLI members end up volunteering to teach based on their work experience or personal interests.

OLLI is a member-driven program, led by volunteer members, and provides opportunities for learning and rich collaboration with other adults.

Because of the financial support from the Bernard Osher Foundation, annual OLLI membership is only $25, which includes participation in any or all of the bonus programs and socials offered throughout the year. For OLLI chapters of UA, the single semester fee also allows a member to register for courses at the other chapters, including Tuscaloosa, where there are 80 courses offered in the spring semester.

OLLI of GB cordially invites and welcomes any interested senior adult in the area to come and participate in a bonus program or a class session. Visit olli.ua.edu for a complete list of bonus programs and classes, including locations and times.

– Submitted by Glenn Morgan, OLLI.

Trussville’s Got Talent held Feb. 4 The winners of this year’s show:

ELEMENTARY GRADES K-2ND:

► 1st Place: Caroline Lombardo ► 2nd Place: Jessica Glidewell ► 3rd Place: Isabella Nero ► Honorable Mention: Ava Davis and Malie Kate Miller

GRADES 3RD–5TH:

► 1st Place: Ruth Gregory ► 2nd Place: Virginia Glidewell ► 3rd Place: Mary Kate Dimler

HTMS:

► 1st Place: Noah Weber ► 2nd Place: Kaitlyn Hardy ► 3rd Place: Ginny Waid

HTHS:

► 1st Place: Kent Glover ► 2nd Place: Harmonia (Kara Cargile, Anna Cunningham, Odi Oziligbo and Abbie Self) ► 3rd Place: Noah Graham – Submitted by Tracey Jackson.

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COVER STORY: New Trussville fire chief steps into role Fire Chief Tim Shotts.

Photo by Ron Burkett.

NOT THROWING AWAY HIS

Shotts

By MEGAN MILLER

A

fter a personnel matter within the Trussville Fire Department, everyone began looking toward the man they knew they could count on: Assistant Fire Chief Tim Shotts.

Shotts was previously interim chief at the department, but he transitioned into the chief role in September. As of Feb. 1, his title is official.

As assistant chief, Shotts was responsible mostly for operations.

“Operations is where the rubber meets the road,” Shotts said. “Putting out fires, running the calls, taking care of sick people.”

Shotts would oversee operations staff and make sure they had all necessary resources to do their jobs in the most efficient manner possible. Now, he has shifted to take charge of administration.

“Administration is budgeting, scheduling, hiring, promotions,” Shotts said. “It’s more of a support function.”

Shotts was like many children growing up, dreaming of being a firefighter as a career, but he is one of the few who actively pursued that career path from a young age. Shotts began working as a volunteer firefighter in Trussville in March 1994, and then went through paramedic school and was hired full time at the department in June 1996.

He worked his way up through lieutenant, captain and battalion chief to assistant chief.

The family atmosphere is what Shotts said he most enjoys about working at a fire department.

“Living in Trussville allows me to be close to what I do on a day-to-day basis, but the fire department is like a big family,” Shotts said. “They live together for 24 hours at a time, and sometimes they’re with their fire department family as much as they’re with their real family. It’s nice to be able to be close if they need something.”

In the transition from assistant chief to chief, Shotts said he’s most excited about partnership with the community, which the fire department already has in abundance.

“I would like to see us grow with the community, and grow as the community grows,” Shotts said.

While Shotts has an impressive personal tenure at the Trussville Fire Department, his focus is always spotlighting those who protect the Trussville community on a daily basis.

Shotts said firefighters make a trip to the senior building every Monday to offer complimentary blood pressure checks. They routinely go to elementary schools to read to the students and also help parents install car seats. This includes installation, checking an already installed car seat for safety and showing parents how to take the car seat out and reinstall it properly.

“One of the neat things is they have the latitude to do

things like that as they see a need for it,” Shotts said.

“We’re not limited.”

Shotts said this is also unique because the department has a heart for doing these things of their own accord, rather than it being encouraged to get out and do good.

Additionally, the fire department supports local Boy Scout troops and the Fire Explorer program, which allows teens interested in becoming firefighters to train and get real-life experience, as well as the opportunity to get their volunteer firefighter certification.

Students at Hewitt-Trussville High School interested in participating can apply and are chosen based on physical standing, GPA, attendance and discipline records. They go through a combination of classroom study, drill field practice and training evaluations. Students also are able to shadow firefighters with the Trussville Fire Department.

Shotts said he and the department are also proud they ran more than 3,000 calls during 2016.

“Not that they’re excited about that, because when we have a busy day that means that other people had a bad day,” Shotts said. “But they’re proud of their accomplishments and they should be.”

Shotts has been married for 18 years, and he and his wife have two boys, 12 and 10 years old. In his spare time, he and his family like to spend time at the lake fishing and boating.

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SPORTS

Recipe for SUCCESS

By KYLE PARMLEY It is far too early to tell, but Shane Chappell sees many of the same ingredients with this year’s Pinson Valley High School baseball team as his two most successful teams to date, the 2013 and 2015 squads.

“This is the type of team that could make a run,” he said, “but if they don’t buy into the process and stay goal-oriented and detail-oriented with what we’re trying to do, we won’t.”

The 2013 team was his first at Pinson, a senior-laden team determined to make a run. That group of Indians advanced to the Class 5A semifinals. The 2015 group advanced to the 6A semifinals after a growing year in 2014. The same process seems to have repeated itself in preparation for

the 2017 season.

“Last year, we were very inexperienced from a playing standpoint,” Chappell said.

“We lost a lot of guys from the year before and were replacing a lot of guys with good players that just didn’t have the experience and innings logged.”

Three ingredients that Chappell saw in the 2013 and 2015 teams are experience, chemistry and talent. Those three things could present themselves once again.

“Last year, we were very underclassmen-dominant and had two seniors, and this year, we’re senior-heavy. They get along, and they hang out outside the field,” Chappell said.

Designated hitter Jody Graves and second baseman Jacob Ingram are the only two starters the Indians are forced to replace this spring, and they have a wealth of talent returning.

On the mound, left-handed pitcher Shelton Clevenger and righty Ben Miller will be the one-two punch for Pinson Valley.

“For us to be what we need to be, we’ve got to have that feeling that we’re going to win the game,” Chappell said. “Both of them can be that.”

When not on the mound, Miller will play a bevy of other positions, depending on need

Blake Sisson has been a mainstay behind the plate for Pinson for the last two years. Photo by Kyle Parmley.

and thanks to his versatility. He also will be one of the team’s top hitters, along with the likes of Blake Sisson, Rudd Mauldin and Jakob Box. “Box is a guy I’m expecting to have a

big year,” Chappell said. “Last year, about halfway through, he found his groove, and it carried over to the summer. I’m expecting him to be a guy in the middle of the lineup.”

Sisson will handle the majority of the innings behind the plate as the catcher, and Mauldin will move to shortstop this year, after moving around the infield in previous years. Marshal Tanner stepped up at first base last year and should hold that spot once again. C.J. Rudolph is expected to man left field, with Box patrolling center.

All of those positions are expected but never guaranteed.

“No position is ever locked. You’ve got to earn it every day,” Chappell said, who also noted there are several sophomores and juniors in the program who have added to the team’s depth.

Chappell also likes his team’s speed, an asset that will allow the Indians to be more aggressive on the base paths and create more opportunities bunting and with other aspects of the short game.

Five of the 10 seniors on the Indians already have signed to play college baseball somewhere, affirming the talent aspect of the Indians. A few others also will get the chance to play somewhere.

MARCH 2017

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17

It’s a new year for 2017 Huskies

By KYLE PARMLEY Every team starts each season at the same point. There are no wins to celebrate. There are no losses to fill up the wrong side of the ledger.

Even coming off the first state championship in Hewitt-Trussville High School’s baseball history, the 2017 version of the Huskies has no advantage over any other program.

“It’s a new team. It’s a new year,” said head coach Jeff Mauldin.

The Huskies took home a blue map by sweeping Auburn in the 2016 state championship series with a pair of shutout victories. That series capped off a tremendous playoff run and gave Mauldin his second state title. His first came at Clay-Chalkville in 2003.

Hewitt-Trussville is moving ahead to spring with high goals once again, but it will not be an easy road. Mauldin said this year’s team has its most difficult schedule since he has been in Trussville.

Do-everything player Tyler Tolbert has no more high school eligibility and is now at UAB. Center fielder Keegan Morrow, catcher Justin Booker and third baseman Jamison Stennis have also graduated, leaving the Huskies with a few holes to plug.

Caden Kirk is likely to slide into Booker’s spot behind the plate. Kirk earned a spot on the varsity team as a freshman last year and maintained that place the entire season, playing a role as Booker’s backup.

“The sky is the limit for him,” Mauldin said. “If you’re going to be a sophomore playing (Class) 7A baseball, you’re pretty good.”

Davis Burgin is likely to take over the primary role at third base. Burgin was one of Hewitt’s top bullpen arms last year and should figure into the pitching plans once again when needed.

Dylan Cook is going to move from right field to center to offset the departure of Morrow. Cook already has signed to play college baseball at Snead State Community College.

Mauldin said there was still an ongoing battle for the second base spot, the “monster to fill,” since Tolbert brought so much to the table for the Huskies. Senior Jordan Long and freshman Tyler Mauldin are set to compete for the job throughout the spring and into the early portions of the season.

“Both of those guys, we feel OK with either one, but they’re going to battle it out,” Mauldin said.

One place where the Huskies do not have to replace anyone is on the mound, as top starters Carson Skipper and Cameron Furr will assume their roles in the rotation once again. Flame-throwing Cameron Moore will serve as the team’s primary closer but is expected to start a handful of games as well. Bradley Huffstutler, Burgin and Ben Vetters all pitched important innings last spring and are expected to do so again.

“That’s the positive thing about this team, is we lost no pitching,” Mauldin said.

Around the rest of the diamond, Skipper will assume the

Cameron Furr is shown in last year’s state championship series. He returns this spring as one of the Huskies’ top pitchers once again. Photo by Ron Burkett.

first base position when he is not pitching. Auburn commit Ed Johnson is a steadying force at shortstop. UAB football signee Grayson Cash will be a three-year starter in left field. Josh Morgan will see time in right field and at first base. Gavin Garner is also expected to make a case for playing time.

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Playoff trip instills confidence in Cougars Blake Petty is the top pitcher for ClayChalkville and will be relied on heavily once again in 2017.

Photo courtesy of Todd Kwarcinski.

By KYLE PARMLEY Chris Tinsley was given the opportunity to guide the Clay-Chalkville High School baseball program in 2016, and he wanted to raise expectations.

Tinsley played for the Cougars during his high school days in the late 1990s and early 2000s and was part of a program competing for trophies on a regular basis.

Although he was gone by the time ClayChalkville won the state title in 2003, Tinsley’s aim was to take the program closer to the top of the mountain than the bottom of the valley.

After a few tough years under previous coaches, Tinsley guided Clay-Chalkville to a playoff berth last spring. When the Cougars knocked off Gardendale in the first game of the series, he took a moment to reflect.

“I’m thinking, ‘Oh, my gosh, we won a playoff game,’” he said.

The Cougars suffered a brutal 16-0 defeat at the hands of Gardendale in the second game of the series, setting up a winner-takeall third game.

“I challenged those guys. It was win or go home,” Tinsley said. “They came back in Game 3, and the way they played in that game, it gave those guys confidence they could do it.”

The Cougars won that first-round playoff series and took Walker to three games in the following series before suffering a defeat in extra innings in the rubber game, a down moment to cap off an otherwise successful initial season under Tinsley’s guidance.

Last year’s momentum has carried into the mindset of this spring’s squad.

“They finally expect to win,” Tinsley said.

“They go in with a little bit of confidence about themselves knowing we’ve got a shot to win. They know we’ve raised the bar on what we expect from them.”

On the field, the team returns its top pitcher from a year ago, southpaw Blake Petty.

“It’s big,” Tinsley said. “Having him back is huge, because it gives us a senior, a guy on

the mound that’s a three-year starter. Having his confidence about him and his swag that he takes to the mound is going to be big for us. When he’s on the mound, our guys know that he’s going to throw strikes, so our defense is going to be on their toes.”

The loss of Andrew Blount and Dayne Edwards to graduation will be a blow for the Cougars, but Tinsley feels confident the arms will emerge to pick up some of that slack.

When he is not on the mound, Petty could see time at first base and in right field, depending on the situation. Kameron Gilham is a player the Cougars will rely on heavily, as the senior is expected to pitch his share of innings and is transitioning to catcher after playing first base last year. Gilham also is expected to be one of Clay-Chalkville’s top hitters.

Jeremy Rhodes’ bat will be key for the Cougars as well, and Clay returns D’Markes Davis, a third baseman who missed all of last year with an injury. Connor Miles, Logan Pruett and Michael Kilgore are other players to watch to have big roles for the Cougars in 2017.

Tinsley emphasized pitching and defense above all else, and if the Cougars play up to their capabilities, he said he believes they could end up right back in the playoff mix once again.

MARCH 2017

Patrick Nix takes over Pinson Valley football program

By DAVID KNOX New Pinson Valley football coach Patrick Nix met with his new team for the first time Jan. 27.

“How many of y’all are nervous? Raise your hands,” Nix asked his players in a meeting in the school auditorium. He raised his own hand. “If you don’t have some nerves, something’s wrong with you.”

That’s how Nix began addressing his players, none of whom he’d met before that day.

He emphasized he wanted the players to shake his hand and repeat their names every time they met. One player he knows for sure is one coming with him from Scottsboro, fourstar quarterback Bo Nix, his son. He also has a son, Caleb, who’ll be an eighth-grader.

He said after the meeting that he wasn’t looking to leave Scottsboro, which he led to a 12-1 season last year. He said he was contacted about the position.

Nix said the Birmingham area, job opportunities for his wife, who is a nurse, and simply a chance to have an impact on a new school and new community all went into his decision.

“It had a lot more to do with the off-thefield stuff than on-the-field about the job,” he said.

CAHABA SUN

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OPINION My South By Rick Watson — Fishing My work took me to West Alabama this past week. he’d trapped something unexpected. We’d tethered the The schedule was loose, and the day was the warmest baskets to the bank with a length of wire and when he yet of 2017, so naturally I chose to take the back roads started pulling in to check the contents, he realized where there’s always something interesting to see. there was something in it much heavier than minnows.

When we got it to the top of the water, we saw someThe route I chose ran by the old house where I was thing writhing and thrashing inside. born. At one point, I came to a piece of property that Once on the bank, we discovered it was thick with once belonged to my Aunt Willodean. These days, all snakes. There were six cottonmouths in there, and they that’s there is a grove of privets as thick as thatch. I’m not sure who owns that property now. were not happy. We couldn’t figure out how to free My aunt bought the house and property from the them without getting bit, so the next few minutes did Warren family, who lived there when I was in grade not go well for these venomous pit vipers. school. The land was on the edge of a small creek, and That was the summer I refined my fishing techit often turned into a swamp when it rained. niques. I didn’t have the money for fancy rods and Watson A clip of memory played through my mind like an reels or store-bought rigging, but I did OK. old movie, and it helped melt away the miles of my trip.

I must have looked like Opie from “The Andy Griffith Show” Cane pole fishing was a big part of my young life. I spent hours walking to the creek bank, a bamboo pole with the line wrapped catching crickets, digging red worms and looking for the perfect around it like stripes on a candy cane. About 18 inches from the hook fishing spot. The perfect fishing spot was one with plenty of shade was a small section of dried corncob that served as a fishing cork. and a place to take an afternoon nap if the notion struck me.

The rig was perfect for the brush-gnarled banks of that little creek, My brother Neil loved to fish, too, but he took bait collection to the and through the years of my youth, I pulled my share of bream and next level when he fashioned an old window screen into a minnow bluegill out of those waters. basket trap. It was cylinder shaped with a cone mouth, and he used I hadn’t thought of these stories in years, but you can always find pieces of loaf bread to tempt them inside. The minnows would swim interesting things when you take the back roads. in through the cone to get to the bread. Once inside, they couldn’t find the small opening to escape. It was an ingenious design for catching Rick Watson is a columnist and author. His latest book, “Life minnows and crawfish.

Changes,” is available on Amazon.com. You can contact him via One day when I went with him to “run the baskets,” we discovered email at rick@homefolkmedia.com.

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MEDICAL SERVICES DIRECTORY SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

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MEDICAL SERVICES DIRECTORY • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

21

ALABAMA ALLERGY & ASTHMA CENTER 7274 Gadsden Highway, Suite 100, Trussville Q: What is an allergist?

A: Many people don’t know when to see an allergist or what conditions they specifically treat. A boardcertified allergist/immunologist is a doctor who specializes in allergy, asthma and immunology. Allergists treat both pediatric and adult patients and specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of allergies — environmental, food, drug, insect — asthma, chronic cough, hay fever, skin disorders — eczema and hives — chronic infections and immunologic disorders.

Q: Why should I see an allergist instead of my primary physician or another specialist?

A: There can be confusion about when to see an allergist versus a primary care physician, ENT, pulmonologist, dermatologist or gastroenterologist. An allergist offers non-surgical treatment options. Their goal is to identify the

underlying cause of your symptoms or abnormal immune response. All of our allergists/immunologists are certified by the American Board of Allergy and Immunology (ABAI) and have completed at least nine years of medical training, including their fellowship in allergy and immunology.

Allergists are the only type of providers who receive the specialized training to perform and interpret allergy testing, treat complex allergic diseases, asthma and prescribe allergen immunotherapy (allergy shots).

Always talk to your primary care physician about your symptoms. If your symptoms are severe or persist after initial treatment, you may be referred to a specialist.

Q: When should I see an allergist?

A: Consult an allergist/immunologist: ► If you have an allergic reaction to a food, insect bite or sting ► If you need accurate testing and

205-871-9661

alabamaallergy.com

need to find out what you are, and are not, allergic to ► If your asthma causes frequent symptoms, affects school/ work/sleep/exercise, or leads to frequent doctor or emergency room visits, or if an asthma attack has led to hospitalization ► If you have allergy symptoms that affect your lifestyle or lead to recurrent sinus infections ► If your medications (over-thecounter or prescribed) are not helpful in treating allergic rhinitis, asthma or cause unwanted side effects ► If you have hives (urticaria) or swelling (angioedema) ► If you have moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (especially if an infant or child)

► If you desire to reduce your medications or wish to improve, and possibly cure, your allergic rhinitis or asthma through allergy shots ► If you need antibiotics at least once a year or you have sinus infections, recurrent colds or chronic bronchitis ► If you want the most up-to-date and individualized treatment options for your immunological condition.

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MEDICAL SERVICES DIRECTORY • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

MARCH 2017

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NEURALIFE NEUROPATHY & PAIN CENTER 1849 Data Drive, Suite 1, Hoover

205-549-4899

Q: What do you treat?

A: The NeuraLife treatment effectively treats neuropathy and chronic nerve conditions.

It is effective regardless of the origin of the neuropathy. We successfully treat symptoms resulting from disease and illness as well as from accidents and injury.

Common symptoms include: ► Numbness/burning pain; ► Leg cramping; ► Sharp, electrical-like pain; ► Pain when you walk; ► Difficulty sleeping due to leg and foot discomfort; ► Prickling or tingling feeling in the hands and feet Bottom line: If you have pain because of nerve issues, we can help.

A: No, we are nonpharmaceutical.

Q: Will I have more medications?

Q: Is a medical doctor involved?

NeuraLifeCenters.com

Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m. to noon medication costs; ► Potentially returning a disabled patient to daily living; ► Patients able to perform activities of daily living with minimal pain.

Q: Is surgery involved?

A: No. Q: Is therapy involved?

A: No, we are a non-light therapy, non-physical therapy, non-chiropractic and non-laser practice.

Q: Is it safe?

A: NeuraLife treatment involves physical science and not chemistry. Therefore, it is considerably more natural and physiological to the human body. This technology is extremely safe, noninvasive, effective and virtually free of undesired side effects.

A: Yes, NeuraLife offices are staffed by medically degreed personnel, and each office has a medical doctor (MD) as its medical director.

Q: What are some longterm advantages to these treatments?

A: NeuraLife offers safe and effective medically-directed

nerve pain treatments to reduce the hyper-irritated state of the nerves. The long-term advantages of this treatment regimen include: ► Avoiding surgery; ► Avoiding the probability of chronic pain; ► Dramatic cost savings in both treatment and subsequent (lifelong)

Q: How will I know I am getting better?

A: Patients typically feel improvement as sensation and coordination return, plus a reduction in pain. It’s important to note that in the initial stages — as damaged nerves begins to heal — the return of sensation can sometimes be experienced as pain of varying degrees.

This is a normal part of the restorative process and is usually limited in duration, disappearing as treatment progresses and sensation more fully recovers.

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MEDICAL SERVICES DIRECTORY • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

23

WEIGH TO WELLNESS 4704 Cahaba River Road

994-2393

aplanforme.com

Q: What is Weigh to Wellness?

A: A medically supervised weight loss clinic offering a customized approach with various options including nutritional guidance, protein supplements/ meal replacements, prescription medications and injections among many other tools. Whether a patient is looking to lose 10 pounds or 100 pounds, we have a plan for you!

Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

A: Patients typically lose an average of 2-5 pounds weekly. It keeps them motivated and focused! Since opening in June of 2014 we have celebrated over 15,000 pounds lost!

Q: Who is on the Weigh to Wellness staff?

A: Owner Leslie Ellison has acquired a wealth of knowledge with over 21 years of experience in the industry. Dr. Timothy H. Real is the medical director and is board certified by the American Board of Obesity Medicine. We also have full-time registered dietitians and nutritionists.

Q: How much does the program cost?

A: A medical evaluation which includes an EKG, lab tests, body composition analysis and a physical with Dr. Real is required to start any program — the fee for the medical evaluation is $130. Programs can range from $13-$100 weekly. Costs vary depending on if the patient chooses to use any meal replacements, protein snacks, prescription medication (if applicable) or injections that may enhance weight loss. Everything is a la carte! There are NO CONTRACTS and NO SIGN UP FEES.

Q: What results do patients typically have?

Q: Does the program have one-on-one counseling that will

help develop healthier habits?

A: Yes. Patients are typically seen on a weekly or biweekly basis for one-on-one counseling and behavior modification.

Accountability and structure is key to every patient’s success.

Q: Do I have to buy special meals or supplements?

A: No, but Weigh to Wellness does offer convenient meal replacements and protein snacks. Most patients love these healthy options because they are great for grab and go!

Q: Does the program include a plan to help me keep the weight off once I’ve lost weight?

A: Yes, we offer a FREE lifetime maintenance program and it is the most important part of the program.

Patients can continue to come weekly, biweekly or monthly for maintenance and there is no charge!

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MEDICAL SERVICES DIRECTORY • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

PILOT MEDICAL WEIGHT LOSS CENTER 100 Pilot Medical Drive, Suite 200

856-1117, Ext. 4

drlaurahorne.com

Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Q: What sets your office apart from other Birmingham area weight loss centers?

A: We help each patient achieve a complete lifestyle change, guiding them to a healthier routine. We offer tips for grocery shopping, eating out, workplace challenges and more to help make their weight loss permanent.

Q: What should patients expect at their appointments?

A: At their first visit, patients have a consultation with Weight Loss Coordinator Dianne Adkins and Dr. Horne, a health work-up, program counseling, body composition analysis, a weight loss packet and one month of appetite suppressant along with four lipo injections. We teach healthy eating along with detailed exercise regimens.

After that, patients have weigh-ins monthly, and appetite suppressant and injections are redistributed if needed.

Q: What injections do you offer?

A: B-12 injections are offered, along with “fat burner” injections consisting of choline, methione, and inositol, in addition to the lipotropic Injections, which are a combination of the B-12 and fat burners.

Q: What medications are prescribed?

A: Phentermine (Adipex) and phendimetrazine (Bontril) are dispensed in office and used for appetite suppression. When used with diet, exercise and behavior therapy, they may help you lose weight while you are learning new ways to eat and exercise.

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CAHABASUN.COM

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G U I D E special advertising section

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s days turn warmer, it’s time to start thinking about summertime at last, and no summer is complete without a camp experience. Peruse our guide to learn more about which programs best fit your child’s personality, interest, age and availability. No matter which you choose, it’s time to jump in for fun and adventure this summer.

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SUMMER CAMP GUIDE • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

THE ALTAMONT SCHOOL

MARCH 2017

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VIRGINIA SAMFORD THEATRE

Keep learning in a variety of classes Summer is the perfect time to try something new, dive deeper into a current interest, fine tune math and English skills or fulfill required courses in a more relaxed environment.

Altamont offers a wide array of quality classes that are educational and fun.

Altamont’s six-week program is open to rising 1st-12th graders. It includes three separate sections of two-week classes: June 5-16, June 19-30 and July 5-14. Registration opens February 1.

Credit courses: High school credit courses for rising 9th-12th graders include Altamont-required half-credit courses in Speech, Laboratory Technology and Health. Full-credit courses are offered in Honors Geometry and ninth grade Honors Ancient and Medieval Civilizations.

Elective classes for rising 3rd-8th grade students include photography, theater, cooking, astronomy and gaming, as well as enrichment classes in math and English. One of our exciting new offerings this summer is a creative writing/gaming course with Lou

Spend the summer on stage Anders, award-winning author of the Thrones & Bones books and game.

Sports and music camps: Our popular basketball and soccer day camps are open to players of all skill levels in rising 1st-12th grades. Music offerings include rock band camp, band camp and string camp.

Whether it’s enrichment, enlightenment or entertainment, Altamont has what your child needs most this summer — something constructive to do.

Registration and course information at altamont.recdesk.com. Contact Dr. Josh Barnard, Summer Program Director, at jbarnard@altamontschool.org.

From singing and improv to stage combat and makeup, the Virginia Samford Theatre’s summer camp introduces children to the wide world of theater before the final curtain closes.

Summer camp at VST is meant for beginning and intermediate theater students ages 7 to 17. Education coordinator Jennifer Spiegelman said the camp staff enjoys introducing children to their craft and tailors the lessons to their students’ abilities.

All camps include lessons in acting, dancing, singing, improvisation, stage combat, Shakespeare and

stage makeup taught by Birmingham drama teachers, actors and directors.

The two-week summer session explores these topics in more depth and closes with a showcase for campers’ parents.

The one-week sessions are June 5-9 and June 12-16, while the twoweek session runs June 19-30. All sessions are Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Registration fees are $295 for one-week sessions and $550 for the two-week session, with full payment due by May 22.

For more information go to virginiasamfordtheatre.org.

MARCH 2017

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SUMMER CAMP GUIDE • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

27

YMCA OF GREATER BIRMINGHAM HUNTINGTON LEARNING CENTER

Huntington offers summer tutoring sessions Huntington Learning Center is offering summer tutoring sessions so your student can catch up or get ahead for the coming year.

“We give personalized attention and tailor make the program for the student,” said Marty Lively, owner of Huntington Learning Center in Vestavia. “We focus on more than homework help. We figure out where their struggle is and work from there at the student’s pace, not ours.”

Huntington is the tutoring and test prep leader. Its certified tutors provide individualized instruction in reading, phonics, writing, study skills, elementary and middle school math, algebra through calculus, chemistry and other sciences. It preps for the ACT and SAT, as well as state and standardized exams. Huntington programs develop the skills, confidence, and motivation to help students succeed and meet the needs of state standards.

For most students, study skills are not inherent. These aptitudes take

time to learn and consistent practice to be most effective. Whether your child is a successful student or struggling with one or more subjects, there are certain essential skills that will build a foundation for his or her success in school and life.

Huntington Learning Center focuses on something called executive functions.

Executive functions are neurologically based skills that require self-regulation or mental processing.

Put simply, they help children focus, prioritize tasks, set goals and work toward them, and stay attentive when studying.

These functions include organization, time management, planning and retention.

Organization will help the student to keep workspaces tidy and put supplies in places where they can be found easily combined with the ability to stay on top of homework and supplies needed in class and at home. Time

management will teach students to organize one’s time with the aid of a planner/calendar in order to maximize work time and deter procrastination. Planning teaches the ability to manage short-term and long-term to-dos. Retention will teach the ability to retain information and retrieve it later when completing a task.

Students will also learn note-taking skills at the summer sessions.

“Students need to develop a reliable method of taking notes and make sure their notes record key points covered both in textbook and in the class,” said Lively.

The learning center focuses on test-taking skills, as well.

“A solid study plan is the core of a good test-taking strategy,” said Lively. “Children who embrace reliable learning methods and stick to a study schedule are best equipped to perform well on exams, but most need guidance

to fine tune their test-taking skills.”

Huntington also offers tutoring geared toward standardized testing and college entrance exams.

“We also have ACT prep,” said Lively.

“This is one on one instruction dynamic because the focus is usually scholarship dollars or entrance into a college or university.”

Huntington Learning Center is located at 790 Montgomery Highway, Suite 112, Vestavia Hills, AL. We are in the Vestavia Hills City Center, next to Publix.

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YMCA OF GREATER BIRMINGHAM

YMCA summer day camp focuses on youth development Youth development is the social, emotional, cognitive, and physical processes that all youth uniquely experience from birth to career. A successful developmental process fulfills children and teens’ innate need to be loved, spiritually grounded, educated, competent and healthy.

Trading stories and sharing a favorite book or song with a new friend. Being greeted with smiles and high-fives from staff and teammates after scoring the winning point. Always fitting in, just for being you. This is what Summer Day Camp at the YMCA of Greater Birmingham is all about — ensuring kids get more out of their summer break: more friendships, more achievement, and more belonging.

The Y is a place where kids feel safe, welcomed and can express their individuality in an environment that provides positive relationships, encourages parent engagement, and helps children realize their passions and

talents. It’s also loads of fun!

To learn more or to register, go online to ymcabham.org/best-summer.

Other YMCA summer opportunities: ► YMCA Camp Cosby The YMCA of Greater Birmingham’s sleepaway camp, Camp Cosby, offers a one-week, co-ed, safe and structured experience for children ages 6 to 16 on the shores of Logan Martin Lake.

YMCA Camp Cosby gives children a chance to play hard, make new friends, and have the adventure of a lifetime in a safe, fun and structured environment. Your camper will develop new skills, gain confidence, make friends and have an amazing experience. campcosby.org ► YMCA Hargis Retreat Unlike other day camp programs, Summer Day Camp at Hargis is really camp! Located on 200+ wooded acres complete with swimming pool, hiking trails, fields for games, rock face for

climbing, and our own private lake, it is the perfect backdrop for the traditional camp activities that we offer.

Activities include: • Hiking • Fishing • Canoeing • Lake swimming • Archery • Rock climbing ymcabham.org/hargisretreat ► Summer Adventures In Learning (S.A.I.L.) The Summer Adventures In Learning program works with struggling students in grades 3-5 who need extra help. Summer Adventures In Learning is designed to help prevent learning loss, offer chances to explore new interests and skills and close the achievement gap for children from lower income communities. ymcabham.org/sail

► THINGAMAJIG® Invention Convention July 2017 THINGAMAJIG® is a daylong event that combines STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math), active fitness and play, creative eco-art and team challenges into one child-focused festival.

Learn more online at ymcabham. org/thingamajig.

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Trussville

4727 Granite Run

Real Estate Listings MLS #

Zip

Address

Status

Price

772963

35173

4727 Granite Run

New

$245,000

773856

35173

770 Cahaba Springs Drive

New

$489,000

773799

35173

3916 Red Oak Drive

New

$264,900

773791

35173

6620 Hemlock Street

New

$327,900

773755

35173

5214 Jones Cove

New

$367,500

773738

35173

4324 Maplewood Drive

New

$399,000

773698

35173

5040 Trussville Clay Road

New

$269,875

773645

35173

128 Wimberly Drive

New

$379,900

773455

35173

6455 Happy Hollow Road

New

$339,900

773454

35173

8182 Cypress Way

New

$334,900

773411

35173

824 Vanessa Drive

New

$399,900

773140

35173

9282 Highway 79

New

$209,000

773124

35173

5264 Old Mill Run

New

$309,900

773120

35173

560 Lakeridge Drive

New

$314,900

773037

35173

202 Oak Drive W.

New

$200,000

824 Vanessa Drive

Real estate listings provided by the Birmingham Association of Realtors on Feb. 13.

Visit birminghamrealtors.com.

As

Trussville as it gets.

Advertise with us, and tell your story to all of Trussville. matthew@starnespublishing.com | 205-313-1780

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CALENDAR TRUSSVILLE EVENTS March 1: Ash Wednesday.

March 2: Trussville Rec Runners in-person registration. 5-8 p.m. Trussville Athletic Center.

Running program for ages 6-14. $75 per child.

March 5: The Birmingham Boys Choir and Three on a String. 4 p.m. First Baptist Church Trussville. Tickets on eventbrite or call 767-9219.

March 7: All About Medicare. 1 p.m. Trussville Public Library.

March 9: Teen Pottery Program. Call 6552022 for info & registration. (2-part program, started 2/23.) Trussville Public Library.

March 12: Daylight Savings begins.

March 12: Registration closes for Spring Flag Football. Trussville Athletic Center. Call 661-3777 or email zachmanning@hotmail.com.

March 13: Lego Night. 4:30-6:30 p.m. Trussville Public Library. Call 655-2022 to sign up.

March 13: Trussville Baseball regular season games begin.

March 13: Trussville Rec Runners season begins. HTHS Football Stadium. Runners ages 6-14.

March 13: Planning and Zoning Meeting. 6 p.m. City Hall.

March 13-16: Spring Flag Football evaluations. Times vary by grade. Trussville Athletic Center Field. Call 661-3777 or email zachmanning@hotmail.com.

March 14: Intro to Chess. 6 p.m. Join Coach Charles Smith for free introductory lessons.

Contact kpdavis@bham.lib.al.us; 655-2022.

March 14: City Council. 6 p.m. City Hall.

March 16: Chips and Chapters. 4:30-5:30 p.m. Trussville Public Library. Book club for 4th6th grade. This month’s theme is fantasy. Snacks will be served.

March 17: St. Patrick’s Day. March 18: Trussville Baseball opening day.

March 18: Trussville Softball opening day.

March 19: Gardening Program - Get Ready for Spring! 2 p.m. Trussville Public Library.

March 20: Men’s Basketball League season begins. Trussville Athletic Center.

March 21: Dudes and Doughnuts. 4:30-5:30 p.m. Trussville Public Library. Book club for 1st-3rd grade boys. This month’s theme is St. Patrick’s Day. Snacks will be served.

March 22: Homeschool Book Club (age 1315). 11 a.m. Trussville Public Library. Call Ms. Laura for information. 655-2022 March 23: Adult Spring Flag Football League begins. Trussville Athletic Center.

March 23: Trussville Baseball Coaches Educa-

tion Class. 6-8:30 p.m. Civic Center. Required for coaches, assistant coaches and parents helping on the field.

March 26: Spring Flag Football season games begin. Trussville Athletic Center.

March 27: American Girl Club. 6:30 p.m.

Trussville Public Library. This month’s characters are Rebecca and Samantha. Crafts and refreshments included in this club for K5 to 5th grade girls. Please register in advance.

March 28: Intro to Chess. 6 p.m. Join Coach Charles Smith for free introductory lessons.

Contact kpdavis@bham.lib.al.us; 655-2022.

March 28: City Council. 6 p.m. City Hall.

Thursdays: Homeschool Physical Education Classes. 1-2:30 p.m. Trussville Athletic Center.

Children participate in various physical activities; such as basketball, shuffleboard, football and/ or hiking.

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TRUSSVILLE CITY SCHOOLS March 2: Read Across America Kick-off.

Elementary schools.

March 2: HTMS Pre-MPA Concert. 5-9 p.m.

HTHS Performing Arts Center.

March 2, 4: AHSAA Boys Basketball Final Four.

March 9: HTMS Parent Night. 6 p.m. HTMS. The program is titled “Queen bees, Wannabe’s and the Nobody’s: Helping your child navigate the world of social status and relational aggression.”

March 11: Color Guard Tryouts. 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

HTHS PA Center.

March 5: Alabama Youth Symphony Orchestra.

HTHS Performing Arts Wing.

March 12: Hewitt-Trussville Student Athlete Foundation Meeting. 3-5 p.m., HTHS Stadium Husky Room.

March 6-10: Book Fair. 8:45 a.m.-3 p.m.

Cahaba Elementary.

March 13-16: Highstepper Clinic. 4-9 p.m.

HTHS Performing Arts Wing.

March 6-9: Alabama Bandmasters MPA Festival. 5-9 p.m. Monday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday. HTHS fine arts, band, auditorium and choir rooms.

March 13: Spring Band Meeting. 6-8 p.m.

HTHS Competition Gym.

March 7-10: Color Guard Clinic. 4-9 p.m.

HTHS Performing Arts Center.

March 13: Cahaba PTO Meeting. 6:30 p.m.

March 7: Incoming Freshmen Parent Meeting.

6-7 p.m. HTHS Competition Gym. March 7: HTMS PTO Meeting. 8:30 a.m.

March 9: Trussville Seven-Way Meet. 2-8 p.m.

HTHS Stadium.

March 9: Family Night. 4-7 p.m. Cahaba Elementary. Celebrate Read Across America days with art, music, classroom presentations, a book fair and Chick-fil-A dinner.

March 9: United States of Numb: Drug Trends in Adolescents. 5:30 p.m. HTHS Lecture Hall. A parents-only seminar on the signs and symptoms of substance abuse, as well as current drug trends.

March 13: Magnolia PTO Meeting. 10 a.m.

March 13: Paine PTO Meeting.

March 14: Marching Band Informational Meeting. 7-8 p.m. HTHS Band Rooms.

March 17: 5th Grade Music Program. Paine Elementary North Gym. March 17: Highstepper Tryouts. 4-9 p.m.

HTHS Performing Arts Wing.

March 21: HTHS PTSO Meeting. 12:30 p.m.

March 22-26: HTHS Band and Choir Trip to Orlando.

March 23: Parent Cheer Meeting (New Team).

6-7 p.m. HTHS Lecture Hall.

March 27-31: Spring Break.

AREA EVENTS March 3: Norah Jones. 8 p.m. BJCC Concert Hall. $40-$108. Visit ticketmaster.com. March 3: The Black Jacket Symphony. 8 p.m. Alabama Theatre. Performing “Queen: A Night at the Opera.” $25-$115. Visit alabamatheatre.com/ events.

March 3-5: Cottontails Arts & Crafts Show.

BJCC Exhibition Halls. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday, Noon-5 p.m. Sunday. $6 adults, $3 children 6-12. Visit christmasvillagefestival.org/conttontails.

March 17: Winter Jam 2017. 7 p.m. Legacy Arena at the BJCC. $10 general admission. Visit 2017.jamtour.com.

March 19: Alabama Wildlife Center & Audubon Teaches Nature- Mysteries of Bird Migration.

2 p.m. Alabama Wildlife Center, Oak Mountain State Park. Visit awrc.org.

March 24: Chris Rock- Total Blackout Tour.

8 p.m. BJCC Concert Hall. $49.50-$125. Visit chrisrock.com.

March 25: Rumpshaker 5K and 1M fun run.

8 a.m. Regions Field. Fundraiser for colorectal cancer. Visit rumpshaker5k.com.

March 25-26: Repticon Birmingham. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. $12 adult, $5 ages 5-12, under 4, free. Visit repticon.com.

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