Cahaba Sun April 2017

BACK ON THE FIELD Trussville Soccer Club adding new programs. 12

Vol 2 | Issue 6 | April 2017 As Trussville As It Gets

Mike Ennis, Tyrell Williams and Tommy Trimm.

RESTORING hope

Community lends Restoration Academy a helping hand. 16 HOOD RETIRES AS HEAD COACH

SPRING HOME & GARDEN GUIDE

Clay-Chalkville football coach Jerry Hood is embracing his shift from coach to “Dad.” 20

Spring is in bloom, and it’s the perfect time for new projects. Find tips from area businesses in our guide. 23

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 Two months ago, I was talking about getting ready for my wedding day in this Editor’s Note. Now, my husband and I are on the hunt to buy our first home.

I’m just a dog and a white picket fence away from the classic picture of the “American dream.”

For me, buying a home is a stretch in more than just the financial sense. I could generously be described as “overly cautious,” and I hate making any decision without knowing every possible outcome, particularly the disastrous ones. That doesn’t really work in home buying.

Last week, we sent our real estate agent a list of six homes we’d like to visit. By the time she had made calls to set up visits, four were already under contract.

That snapped me to the realization that my standard decision-making procedure would need a major shift.

It’s time to stop analyzing every decision to death, and start putting a little more faith in gut decisions.

If you’re also the type of person who gets paralyzed by decisions, I’d encourage you to try the same. It doesn’t matter if it’s trying a new hobby, taking a trip somewhere you don’t speak the language or that DIY home project you’ve got your eye on. Take a step, and see what it feels like to trust your gut.

Spring’s here, with all its flowers, birds and that feeling of fresh new possibilities in tow. It’s time to live a little.

Please Support Our Community Partners Alabama Hospice Care of Birmingham (7) Alabama Orthopaedic Surgeons (17) Alabama Outdoors (17) Andrews Sports Medicine (3) Anthony McPherson, Keller Williams (15) ARC Realty (10) Argo Power Equipment (23) Assistance League of Birmingham (22) Batts’ Chimney Services (27) Bedzzz Express (2) Birmingham Aero Club (6) Birmingham Broadway Theatre League (6) Cahaba Springs Presbyterian Church (14) Chalkville Ace Hardware Inc. (21) Children’s of Alabama (21) Closets by Design (25) Decorators’ Showhouse (32)

EZ Roof & EZ Restoration (26) First Community Mortgage (28) Guide Insurance Agency (14) Hitchcock Maddox Financial Partners (19) Kirkwood by the River (18) Lee Marlow, RealtySouth (19) Mountain Brook Art Association (28) Orthodontics East (13) Over the Mountain Glass (7) Peachtree Assisted Living (11) Phoenix Builders Group (24) Pitts & Associates Mental Health Professionals (28) RealtySouth Marketing (13) Spotless, LLC (27) Magic City Art Connection (5) The Maids (1, 18) Trussville Gas and Water (9) Virginia Samford Theatre (31) Weigh To Wellness (9)

Members of the Trussville Chamber of Commerce enjoy a banquet and live music Feb. 25 at the Trussville Civic Center. 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 David Knox Rick Watson Sales and Distribution: Warren Caldwell Don Harris Michelle Salem Haynes Rhonda Smith James Plunkett 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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BOOSTING

BUSINESS Trussville merchants association dedicated to growing district

By BETHANY ADAMS

Trussville Downtown Merchants Association board members, from left: Treasurer Sandy Malchus, President Greg Carroll, Secretary Debra McCarley and Vice President Donnette Plant. Photos by Ron Burkett.

In December 2015, a group of business owners from Trussville decided to come together to promote the city’s business district. The result was the Trussville Downtown Merchants Association, a group dedicated to drawing in new business and showing people what the area has to offer.

“We want to work with our members, promote our members [and] help grow their business,” said Greg Carroll, who owns Carroll Pharmacy and who serves as president of the group.

The association is now a nonprofit that claims 30 members and was responsible for events such as the Downtown Block Party in 2016. Featuring live music, classic cars and food trucks, the event drew an estimated 4,000-5,000 guests.

“Whenever we’re talking about an event, not only do we want to just draw people downtown, but our main goal is to draw

APRIL 5-16 • 800.745.3000 • BroadwayInBirmingham.com

Tickets available online and at the BJCC Centr al Ticket Office • Group 15+ 205.919.3721

APRIL 2017 people into our actual businesses,” said Donnette Plant, vice president and event coordinator. Donnette Plant, whose husband, Brian Plant, has a downtown law office and whose parents own Plant’s Framed Art, knows the importance of supporting local business.

This summer’s events are designed to do just that, kicking off with a scavenger-hunt style event April 8. On June 17, the association is planning a music festival to echo last year’s block party.

“So we’re going to try to have all types of music,” Donnette Plant said. “We’re going to have a nice stage and, of course, food trucks.”

On July 15, in partnership with the Historical Society, the association will also present a classic car show that will highlight the history of Trussville.

“We’re going to focus on kind of looking at our past and looking at our future,” Donnette Plant said. “What downtown can be.”

The last event of the summer, on Aug. 19, was proposed to the association by local artist Laura Reichert. The event will feature a focus on local folk art, offering opportunities for members of the community to view, purchase and participate in the creation of art.

“This is a big year for the merchants association,” Carroll said.

He emphasized the association’s desire to work with groups like the Trussville Downtown Redevelopment Authority, which is currently offering grants to business owners

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7 Trussville Downtown Merchants Association President Greg Carroll, owner of Carroll Pharmacy.

to update their building facades.

“We want to see it grow and prosper,” Carroll said of the downtown area. “So the main thing is working together for one common goal — to improve the business district — which helps us all.”

While the group is focused on the downtown area, membership is open to anyone with an interest in the prosperity of Trussville.

“So you can be a merchant or a business anywhere, but if you want to network with

downtown businesses and be involved … you can participate,” Carroll said.

For more information about membership and events, go to the Trussville Downtown Merchants Association on Facebook or send an email to trussvilledowntown@gmail.com.

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Alan “Big Al” Nichols is giving new life to a beloved Birmingham staple. Photo by Ron Burkett.

New owner takes over Pasquale’s location in Clay

By BETHANY ADAMS When Alan “Big Al” Nichols received the offer to buy the Pasquale’s in Clay, he saw an opportunity to breathe new life into a Birmingham tradition.

The restaurant was once part of a popular chain that covered the Birmingham area in the ’60s and ’70s.

“The corporation Pasquale’s has been gone since the early ’90s,” Nichols said, whose parents ran one of the establishments when he was growing up.

When the previous owner of the location in Clay, at 5180 Old Springville Road, decided to retire, she gave Nichols a call.

“She’s 80 years old; she wanted to sell it,” he said. “So she called me and talked to me about it, and I decided to give it a shot again.”

“Giving it a shot” first meant getting the building back up to code — something which turned out to be more difficult than Nichols had anticipated.

“So I just decided to gut it and start all over,” he said. From

full kitchen and bathroom renovations to a fresh paint job and new flat screen televisions, nothing was left untouched.

Despite the many changes, Nichols’ goal was to return the establishment to its glory days. He kept the original menu items, going so far as to track down the company that once provided the chain’s famous “yellow bread.”

“Pasquale’s was a fixture in Birmingham in the ’70s,” he said. “Everybody knew about Pasquale’s.”

But that didn’t mean the menu went without its own makeover.

“When my dad got out of Pasquale’s, he started his own restaurant called Nick’s Italian,” Nichols said. “And he did that for 20 years.”

In addition to the original menu options, the new owner came to the business with a number of his father’s recipes.

On Dec. 20, the establishment opened its doors once again, offering everything from pizza and pasta to salad and Stromboli. The response was nothing short of overwhelming.

“When I opened up the doors the first day, there were probably 40 people waiting on the sidewalk,” Nichols said.

“It was unbelievable.”

Although Nichols had to hire more help in order to keep up with the demand, he said the staff has gotten into the swing of things.

“Everything’s running smooth,” he said.

Now, they’re serving guests from as far as Hoover and Troy. “[We] had a man and lady drive over from Atlanta,” Nichols said. “So it’s pretty cool.”

And according to Nichols, people are enjoying themselves.

“I’ve probably had four or five people a day tell me they love the atmosphere,” he said. “They say it even makes the food taste better.”

In light of the recent success, Nichols is looking for ways to expand the business, both in the near and distant future. He plans to have online ordering available as soon as possible and is researching the possibility of delivery.

Within the next few years, he said he hopes to explore the possibility of opening additional locations. One dish at a time, he wants to prove that Pasquale’s still has something to bring to the table.

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Business Happenings

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HHGregg has announced that its store at 3679 Roosevelt Blvd. will close as part of a plan for the company to file for bankruptcy protection.

661-1050, hhgregg.com

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Millington Dentistry, 5800 4 J.R. Valley Road, celebrated its fifth anniversary in February.

655-7774, jrmillington.com

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Birmingham Academy of Martial Arts recently completed extensive renovations of its studio, located at 1110 North Chalkville Road, Suite 136. The business opened in 2005 and moved to their its location in 2007, later expanding into adjacent space in 2008.

909-3720, bhammartialarts.com

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The Trussville Area Chamber of Commerce recognized Joe West of Complete Cleaners, 3586 Cedar Creek Circle, as its Customer Service Award winner for February.

655-1516, complete-cleaners.com

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CHAMBER UAB’s Bill Clark to speak at April Trussville Area Chamber luncheon

By CHRIS MEGGINSON UAB head football coach Bill Clark will return to Trussville April 20 to be the featured speaker at the Trussville Area Chamber of Commerce monthly luncheon. The luncheon, sponsored by Prestige Alarm and Specialty Products, is at 11:30 a.m. at the Trussville Civic Center.

‘With all the excitement about the return of UAB football this fall, I know many of our chamber members will be excited to hear from coach Clark,” said Diane Poole, Chamber director. “He spoke to our members about three years ago, and he’s a very interesting speaker. We have some Hewitt seniors who will be playing for him this fall, too, so that will add some local interest to his talk.”

In May 2014, Clark stood in front of Trussville community and business leaders as the excited new head football coach of the Blazers. What he didn’t know is that a few months later, he would be told he was the last head football coach. UAB President Ray Watts announced the cancellation of the

football program in December 2014, despite Clark’s efforts to turn a 2-10 program into a bowl-eligible 6-6 team in one season. The community, UAB alumni and others rallied around Clark and the Blazers team to have the program reinstated.

Prior to UAB, Clark compiled a 107-11 (90.7 percent) overall record as head coach at Prattville High School, leading the Lions to two AHSAA 6A state titles and a No. 2 national ranking. He began his college career as defensive coordinator at South Alabama in 2008 before being named head coach at his alma mater, Jacksonville State University, in 2013. He led JSU to an 11-4 record in his only season before taking the UAB job.

He and his wife, Jennifer, have a daughter, Katie, and son, Jacob.

“The Return” to competition for UAB is this fall, beginning Sept. 2 against Alabama A&M at Legion Field. The Blazers’ spring game is scheduled for 1 p.m. April 1 at Legion Field.

Three former Hewitt-Trussville Huskies are expected to be part of “The Return,” including

2017 signees David Acfalle and Grayson Cash who helped HTHS to an 11-1 record this past fall. Former Clay-Chalkville lineman Greg Fecanin and kicker TJ McGettigan, a 2015 HTHS grad, are on the UAB spring roster.

The April luncheon will begin with a 30-minute network development time during which members and guests can network and exchange business cards with the estimated 80-100 individuals expected to attend. Prior to the lunch, the Chamber will honor its monthly Custom Service Award winners.

Door prizes will also be given away.

To register, go to trussvillechamber.com or contact June Mathews at 665-7535 or june. mathews@trussvillechamber.com.

Cost is $17 (cash or check) or $17.34 if paying by credit or debit card (2 percent processing fee). Online registration is closed at midnight April 17, but the Chamber office will accept registration by phone until noon April 18. All nonmembers must pay in advance.

The Trussville Civic Center is located at 5381 Trussville-Clay Road.

UAB head football coach Bill Clark. Photo

by Sarah Finnegan.

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Trussville United Soccer Club director of coaching Jeremy McLane.

The club is adding two new programs this season.

Photos

by Ron Burkett.

Trussville soccer club adds 2 new programs

By SAIGE LEOPARD It’s the time of year when colorful lightweight jerseys and baggy shorts will once again decorate Trussville soccer fields.

Since spring registration has officially closed, Trussville United Soccer Club is gearing up for its 11th spring season and has added two new programs for its players.

The first program is for all 8- and 9-year-old recreational players who are considering playing for the academy, which provides competitive training. While in the academy program, basic principles are introduced to players that are required at the next level — competitive soccer.

“Basically, this first program means we are bringing in a new skills trainer for our pre-academy players,” said Jeremy McLane, director of coaching. “They will be in a competitive and academy coaches training environment.”

Training is on six Friday nights, and players will work for one hour with an academy and competitive coach.

“It’s very similar to the academy training,” McLane said.

“That way, when it comes time to decide if they want to do the academy, they have had a chance to see the benefits and see if it’s for them.”

The second new program involves strength and agility training for players age 9 and up, and it is hoped it will keep parents’ extra soccer spending in Trussville. Surrounding cities with strong soccer clubs also offer programs such as these, McLane said.

“We wanted to make it more convenient for parents, in case they were driving elsewhere to get programs like these,” he said.

Both new programs are considered separate from the traditional soccer leagues and will cost additional fees, but they are optional, McLane said.

The leagues for kids interested in soccer in the area are juniors, kids ages 3-5; intramurals, ages 6-8; recreational, ages 9-18; academy, ages 9-10; and competitive, ages 11-14.

“Our goals are always different for each program,” McLane said. “For juniors and intramurals, we want them to have a good experience, to develop a love for the game and to increase the amount of people playing the game.”

For competitive groups, and for the 9- and 10-year-old academy players, the main goal is to develop each individual player, he said.

“The goal is to develop overall soccer players,” McLane said. “And there are lots of technical training, lots of skills for those competitive players. Our main goal is to make every player better, and to try to get them ready for the next progression — ready for success at the highest level. We want to keep every kid in soccer in Trussville playing.”

In 2006, Trussville United was formed to promote the betterment of youth soccer in Trussville. It is a member of Alabama Soccer Association, and the players have access to teams competing at an elite level in Alabama and the Southeast region.

There are four soccer fields and about 18 coaches in the spring season, he said.

McLane is in his second spring season with Trussville United Soccer.

“What I think is very important for parents to know is that no matter what your age is, it’s never too late to give soccer a try,” he said. “We visited all the elementary schools to tell kids that. Our program encompasses so many ages and levels.

There’s a team and a level for everyone.”

For questions or more information about Trussville United Soccer, go to trussvilleunitedsoccer.com. For more information about the academy, contact David Palmore at dpalmore@trussvilleunitedsoccer.com.

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Lynn Porter, staff receive Ned and Goldie Paine group award Rhonda Rhudy, Stacy Frazier, Chris Coleman, Lynn Porter, Jenny Shipp, Mayor Buddy Choat, Cathy Jensen and Winnie Payne.

Photo by Ron Burkett.

By CHRIS MEGGINSON For nearly 35 years, Lynn Porter has been an integral member of the city of Trussville’s government, issuing business licenses, collecting taxes and helping support nearly all factions of the city’s day-to-day operation.

On Feb. 25, Porter and the Trussville City Clerk’s office were recognized for their behind-the-scenes work in City Hall as recipients of the Ned and Goldie Paine Memorial Gatekeeper group award, as selected by the three previous years’ recipients. The award was presented at the annual Trussville Area Chamber of Commerce Banquet.

“We were really excited. How often do a bunch of revenuers get selected?” Porter said. “Sometimes ours is a thankless job, although occasionally we do have citizens that come in and thank us.”

Porter first moved into the Clerk’s Office in 1982 when she was hired for the newly created role of assistant city clerk. It was her first job since returning to the workforce after taking time off when her first child was born. It was a two-person office at the time. In 1986, she was promoted to city clerk and has since served as an officer in both the Jefferson County Clerks’ Association and State Clerk’s Association,

including state president in 2013. In 2014, she was honored as Clerk of the Year in Alabama.

Over the years, the city has grown rapidly and so has the size of the City Clerk’s Office.

In addition to Porter, the City Clerk’s Office now includes Cathy Jensen (human resources and payroll), Winifred Payne (business license and sales tax), Jenny Shipp (accounts receivable), Christopher Coleman (revenue officer and rental taxes) and Rhonda Rhudy (accounts payable).

Until recently, Porter was assisted by Bob

Christmas, former Clay city clerk, who came to Trussville as an administrative assistant and backed Porter up in meetings. Christmas retired earlier this year. Helping to fill his void at times is newly hired mayor’s assistant Stacy Frazier.

“We’re just all-around good people … I can’t say enough about my staff. They all know what their job is; they all do their job without being told, and they know when their deadlines are,” Porter said. “I like to think my staff is courteous to the public when they come in and make every effort to assist

when we can, refer to somewhere or listen to them when it’s something we have no control over.”

Mayor Buddy Choat has worked alongside Porter and her office as a city councilman and now the newly elected mayor.

“From Day 1, Lynn and her staff have been such a pleasure to work with. They walked me through the different processes that are required to run the city each day,” Choat said. “Lynn, Winnie, Bob, Rhonda, Cathy and now Jenny are the faces of City Hall … Our city is very fortunate to have this staff every day looking out for us and ‘taking care of business.’”

Porter, who has worked every job in the clerk’s office at one time or another, is ready to step in at a moment’s notice to assist the community and her staff. In addition to serving the government and public, she said the office prides itself in watching how it spends every penny of the taxpayers’ money, which includes reusing every paper clip and piece of office supply possible.

“I think each of these individuals are very conscientious, not only of their own job, but others,” she said. “We’re the penny-pinching department in City Hall. We try to be good stewards of the public funds and of the public confidence.”

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Donna Griffith receives Gatekeeper individual award Front row: Donna Griffith and Rebecca.

Back row: David, Matthew and Andy.

Photo

by Ron Burkett.

By CHRIS MEGGINSON Where there’s a need, there’s Donna Griffith.

“If somebody needs something done, and it gets to me, I’m on it,” she said. “I love it if I can do something to make somebody’s day better. I was brought up to give what we could back to our communities whenever we could. I just have a passion for it.”

Donna Griffith was presented the Ned and Goldie Paine Memorial Gatekeeper individual award by the Trussville Area Chamber of Commerce Feb. 25, publicly recognizing her more than 30 years of volunteer service in the Trussville community.

“Trussville is an awesome town to live in,” Donna Griffith said. “I’m totally honored to be amongst the ranks that have won it before me.”

Since her husband, David, became a volunteer firefighter in the early 1980s, Donna Griffith has been helping provide chairs, snacks, coolers of drinks and towels to help Trussville’s firefighters rehab on calls. She later became a volunteer firefighter and first responder herself to help teach the Explorers program. One of her cherished roles was helping with the Trussville Fire Department’s Christmas for Kids Program.

When her oldest son, Andy, started school in the early ’90s, she began volunteering her time as a teacher’s aide in Trussville’s schools.

Her service work expanded as her children grew — giving her time as a Boy Scouts den mother and becoming the uniform lady for the Husky Marching Band when her middle child, Matthew, joined the band.

In each role, her years of service continued after her children moved on. With the band, she can be seen in the fall fluffing the plumes on a band member’s hat — now five seasons since her youngest, Rebecca, graduated from HTHS. She is also a board member at TEAM (Trussville Ecumenical Assistive Ministry), representing First Baptist Church of Trussville,

and she works in her “spare time” as a library instructional aide at Paine Elementary School.

Donna Griffith’s passion to serve dates back to growing up in Ensley as an elementary student at Saint Joseph Catholic School, where she used to seek out those who were playing by themselves at recess or spend her play time teaching younger children to read. She also sometimes played the organ for weekday mass.

Serving is ingrained in the Griffith family, with each of her three children working as firefighters or first responders.

“We haven’t ever known not servicing,” Andy Griffith said. “It’s the way we were brought up and have always been helping other people. It’s second nature.”

When the Chamber announced it was accepting nominations for the Gatekeeper awards, Andy Griffith knew he needed to nominate his mother.

“It’s rewarding that she’s been recognized for the things she’s done all along. It’s everyday things for us, but to the people she helps with TEAM and the high school kids that she gives her attention to, she’s always seeing the underdogs and puts attention where it needs to be,” Andy Griffith said.

He wrote in the nomination: “I find it amazing that 25 years of kids know who my mom is in Trussville. Any time I come in contact with a juvenile on a call that has gone to Paine, when they see my name tag or I tell them who my mom is, they have an instant trust with me, which helps facilitate resolving the incident we were called for.”

Donna Griffith said she was told her face was priceless when the award was announced.

Finding out it was her own children who nominated her made the honor even more special.

“I am so honored to have been nominated by them. It really made my heart smile,” she said.

“It was the best kept secret. When my children choose to surprise me, they do it well.”

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COVER STORY: Community lends Restoration Academy a helping hand

RESTORING hope

From left: Cameron Cole, Holt Davis (baseball coach) and Jacob Okorley. The students are seniors and play on the baseball team. Photo and cover by Ron Burkett.

By BETHANY ADAMS

E

very athlete knows players working together are the key to winning the game. But for the Trussville Daybreak Rotary Club and Restoration Academy, working together is important both on and off the field.

On Jan. 8, a group of roughly 100 people came together for a Serve Day, where they began renovations on the Fairfield City baseball field on behalf of Restoration Academy. The school, a private Christian institution, contains a student body largely made up of at-risk kids from the community. Despite the statistics often assigned to these kids, the school is in its 11th year of having 100 percent of its graduating seniors accepted into college, according to Ty Williams, director of development and community affairs.

In an effort to expose students to a wide variety of experiences, the school started a baseball program three years ago for students in grades 7 through 12. But training boys who have never played the game to compete with other teams is no easy task.

“Baseball has traditionally always been a father-son sport, and so having that issue of fatherlessness in our communities has really been rough,” Williams said. “And so, being able to have volunteers come alongside us and help in this way is really huge.”

The Serve Day was arranged after Mike Ennis, Rotary Club member and executive pastor at Faith Community Fellowship in Trussville, saw the condition of the field and brought the need to the Trussville Rotary Club.

That was when the club’s president — and owner of Trimm Design Build — stepped in.

“There was glass in the field; it was holding a lot of water … grass was encroaching into the playing area,” Tommy Trimm said. “We came out there and reestablished the lines of the field, and then we graded the field down and brought in new material so we can level out the field.”

In addition to those from the Rotary Club and Trimm Design, volunteers from the Mountain Brook High School baseball team and Mountain Brook Baptist Church joined Restoration’s own team members and coaches in the efforts.

“So it was just a beautiful picture of having everybody coming together to work,” Williams said.

Seniors Jacob Okorley and Cameron Cole have been part of Restoration’s baseball program from the beginning, and they said they are excited to play at least one game on the new field.

“It will really mean something to me to be able to finish out my senior year on that field,” Okorley said.

“When you work with something and work at something, it’s better to partake in something that you worked for,” Cole said. “And we worked for that field and worked on it, so it’ll be great to play on it.”

In addition to the restoration, the Rotary Club also is working to raise about $250 for each of the 18 athletes in order to provide bats, gloves and shoes. The club is more than twothirds of the way to meeting the goal, according to Trimm.

Williams said the equipment will be a blessing to the team, which has shown significant improvement since its first season.

“What’s been so eye-opening and enjoyable about it is their hearts’ in it,” Coach Holt Davis said. “They know they don’t know a whole lot about the game, but their eagerness to learn is incredible.”

Davis and the rest of the coaching team said they hope to create an atmosphere of family for the boys, rather than just that of a team.

“I think for these kids, we’re trying to create this safe haven, so to speak,” he said. “And a lot of time, sports can just be that avenue where they can come out, compete and just be kids for a while.”

For Ennis, the partnership is all about people coming together to continue good work.

“You know, these are exceptional young men that are involved in this baseball program, and so I think our goal was not so much a hand-out as a hand-up,” he said. “We’re kind of just giving them an opportunity, a chance to have a successful program.”

In the end, it’s that act of coming together that Ennis believes is key.

“We feel like we can do more together than we can do separate, so as we come together with Rotary and come together with other businesses, there’s a lot more that we can do when we put all of our resources and our assets together, and I think that was really the power of that day,” he said.

For the students, being part of a team is an invaluable experience not just on the field, but in every aspect of life.

“It’s more than just baseball,” Cole said. “It’s us coming together as a family and growing together in Christ.”

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COMMUNITY

Trussville resident named YMCA Volunteer of the Year

Karen Lehr was awarded the YMCA Volunteer of the Year award at the recent Greater Birmingham YMCA annual meeting held at the Harbert Center on January 26.

Lehr is a member of the Trussville YMCA Advisory Board, serves as the 2017 campaign

chair, and is chairing the second annual tennis tournament. The Y is currently planning four fundraising events including a golf tournament scheduled for April 26 and a tennis tournament slated for April 22. A 5K run and a plant sale are also being planned for this spring. All the

proceeds from these events stay in Trussville and are used to support area youth in programs including swim lessons, day camp, after-school care, cancer survivorship programs and diabetes prevention programs.

– Submitted by Karen Lehr.

Shelly Mitchell, healthy lifestyles director for the Trussville YMCA, with Karen Lehr at the Harbert Center. Photo courtesy of Karen Lehr.

Air rifle team earns regional, national rankings Team One of the Magic City Gun Club Kats is ranked number one out of 16 teams in the Southeast region after a recent nationwide postal match. The team is currently ranked number two out of 77 teams in the nation. The team is a precision air rifle team from Trussville made up of four shooters: Anna Scheer (16), Ryan McAndrews (17), Jordan Blankenship (16) and Tommy Loring (15).

The team shot a combined 1,167 out of 1,200 points possible. They were only three points behind the national leaders.

Team member Anna Scheer is placed number one individually in the Southeast region. The team next competed for the Regional Championship on March 31 and April 1 at the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) in Anniston. The top teams will then be invited to compete in the National

Precision Air Competition at Camp Perry in Ohio at the end of June.

Teams two and three of the MCGC Kats also qualified in the Southeast region and will compete in the Regional Championship. Those team members are Blake Wingard, Douglas (Clark) McWhorter, Garrett Boggan, Chloe Pluckett, Daniel Pluckett, Lacey McWhorter, Gabriel Bianca and Cady Thomas. The teams are coached by Perry Mitchell and Don Trawick. The Kats practice air rifle at the Parks and Recreation gym in Trussville and small-bore at the Magic City Gun Range in Pinson. The Kats are sponsored by the Jefferson County 4-H and the Magic City Gun Club.

To be a member of the MCGC Kats, shooters must have completed a 10-week Basic Rifle Safety Course and be

Team One of the Magic City Gun Club Kats. Photo courtesy of Hope Blankenship.

between the ages of 12 and 18. For more information, contact Perry Mitchell at perrymitchell@att.net.

– Submitted by Hope Blankenship.

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SPORTS

Lady Indians learning how to win

By KYLE PARMLEY Pinson Valley High School softball players are no longer simply playing for the sake of playing.

Third-year head coach Laurin Watts has taught them how to win.

“The foundation’s been laid,” said Watts, who leads the Lady Indians after back-to-back regional berths in her first two seasons at the helm. “Now it’s just picking up where we left off.”

Consecutive Class 6A, Area 12 championships sent the Lady Indians to the North Central Regional, where they were “happy to be there” in 2015 and “aiming a little higher” in 2016.

“We’ve gotten our feet wet, and now that they’ve gotten a taste of what it’s like to be successful in the postseason, especially my senior class, they’re hungry; they’re ready to get back there,” Watts said.

Watts has been around plenty of winning in her days around high school softball, having won three state championships in high school while at Tuscaloosa Academy. She assisted briefly at Mortimer Jordan and Hoover — both perennially solid programs — before arriving at Pinson.

She has two key ingredients for a successful program at Pinson Valley: buy-in from players and talent.

“This is the best group of girls, character wise, player wise, attitude wise. Everybody is on board and has the same mission,

same mindset, same goals. It’s really exciting,” Watts said.

Good players are needed as well to make all of that work.

“I was blessed when I came into it that I had the talent pool that I had,” she said.

Watts has the rest of this season with ace pitcher Lauren Keplinger, who has thrown the majority of innings the last two years for Pinson Valley. Sophomore Hope Cole and freshman Jordan Walker have varsity experience, and the two of them have helped spell the team’s top arm when needed, as Keplinger was susceptible to fatigue down the stretch in the previous two seasons.

“I’m really hoping this year to really split those innings between Hope and Jordan,” Watts said.

Two seniors have departed in each of Watts’ first two seasons, speaking to just how young the team she inherited was.

The Lady Indians are replacing their starting center fielder and catcher from the 2016 squad.

Hana Presley is now the team’s primary catcher, as the senior has played primarily corner infield spots in years past.

Watts is also pleased with the progress of Maison Tanner, who is the Lady Indians’ new center fielder.

“She’s been a starter since ninth grade, and is someone who flies under the radar but gets the job done.” Watts said of Tanner.

Gracie Graves and Destinee Cole work together in the middle infield slots, as the duo turned roughly 75 percent of

Gracie Graves is a sophomore, but the shortstop is in her third season on the varsity team. Photo by Kyle Parmley.

the Lady Indians’ double plays in 2016.

“Gracie and Destinee play off of each other really well,” Watts said. “If you have a shortstop and second baseman that are athletic, you can go a long way.”

Junior third baseman Madison Pliscofsky is a player Watts lauds as one of the best clutch hitters on the team.

If Watts has done anything, she has raised the goals for the Lady Indians’ program. Incomers into the program have begun to understand what is expected every season.

“When these freshmen came in, they already knew what the expectation level was,” Watts said. “The underclassmen know that, and the upperclassmen expect that from them.”

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Hood steps up from coach to ‘Dad’ Jerry Hood resigned as head football coach at ClayChalkville on March 1, to spend more time with his family. Hood accumulated an on-field record of 84-17 in eight years at ClayChalkville.

Photo by Ron Burkett.

By DAVID KNOX Clay-Chalkville High School head football coach Jerry Hood said it wasn’t a day of endings but one of beginnings.

That’s how he approached the resignation of his post as football coach as he transitions to a position he calls “Dad.” Hood, the winningest coach in school history who led the Cougars to the 2015 Class 6A State Championship and to the state finals in 2016, met with his team the morning of March 1 and then with members of the media that afternoon.

Hood said he’d been thinking about it for a couple of years.

Although still young, his family isn’t waiting for him. He has four children, all of whom are in school and play sports, and he wants to be able to be part of that.

As of this year, he hit the milestone of 25 years in the Teachers’ Retirement System, which he said has afforded him the economic opportunity to do some things.

The 48-year-old coach didn’t announce his retirement from coaching yet.

“I’ll let you know June the first,” he said.

Some coaches take those 25 years and retire; some start a new career; some go to another state and coach another number of years and accumulate more retirement benefits.

He said even he doesn’t know what he might do in a few years, but for now he’s certain it’s time to be with his wife, Amanda, who is principal at Mountain Brook High School, and their four children — Olivia, Christian, Daniel and Vica.

The couple married in 2005 and became a family in 2008 when the couple adopted the four biological siblings from

the Ukraine.

It’s also a good time for Clay-Chalkville’s football program, Hood said, to step away in March for them to adjust amply to have success. Timing-wise, Hood said, “That’s what is most important.”

“Luckily, God has made it where I’ve got the eligible number of years, so I have some options, and I’m thrilled to be able to do this,” he said.

“It’s an opportunity for me to be a dad on a full-time basis, and it’s as simple as that. There’s no unhappiness here at Clay,” Hood said, who just completed his eighth season as head coach at CCHS. “We’ve had an incredible experience, but I am looking forward to being a great dad and being available a little bit more.”

Hood has a record of 75-26 by the AHSAA at Clay, but that doesn’t count his on-field record of 84-17. Nine wins were forfeited in 2011. His official career record is 103-52 overall (112-43).

He helped start the Clay-Chalkville program in 1996-1997 as Toney Pugh’s assistant, watched Clay win its first state championship in 1999 while he was Pugh’s assistant at Oak Mountain, then returned in 2009 to reboot a program that had slipped few notches.

His Cougars won eight, nine, 10, 12 and 10 games again on the field in a run that was crowned by a 29-1 two-year dominance. The 2014 team was 15-0 and 6A state champions, the 2015 team 14-1 and runners-up.

2016 was a retooling year, with plenty of underclassmen who fought a hard schedule to 6-5 and a playoff spot.

With talent aplenty, roots planted, was it hard to walk away?

Surprisingly, “It’s not hard at all,” Hood said. “I love my family, and I love my kids. I’ve poured into other people’s children for 26 years and had the time of my life doing it, but now it’s time for me to just be a regular guy and a regular dad, so I’m excited about it.

“And I’m excited for what’s going to happen here at Clay.

We have an incredibly qualified amount of guys here who are ready to lead this program, and I hope they will be strongly considered. I’m excited about these next three years at ClayChalkville; it has the ability to do some special things.”

He said he told the team a few things he wouldn’t share with the media, but as always he tried to make it a learning session for them.

“I explained it to them, to hopefully teach a life lesson, and what I want them to learn from this is: Football is an outstanding sport, and I love it, I really do love it. And who knows? One day I may be back in it. But if there’s a time you can enhance your role as a father, you need to do that.

And I said I hope you do it for your kids and your family.

“I’m just blessed that I’m in this position, and I can do it.

I am excited to watch all of my kids play all of their sports and give full time to that.”

He said he was in “pregame speech mode” when he talked to the team and managed to keep his emotions pretty well in check. “It was like it should be. This is not an ending; this is a celebration, and we’re moving forward, and I expect great things from you.”

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SCHOOL HOUSE 3 students named principal, assistant principals for the day at Paine Elementary

Paine Principal Tygar Evans with Brooks and Banks Lowery. Photo courtesy of Trussville City Schools.

Paine Elementary School had three students, Brooks Lowery (principal), Banks Lowery (assistant principal) and Jackson Sims (assistant principal), who were the principal and assistant principals for the day.

These students helped with announcements, conducted walk-throughs, ate lunch with the principal/assistant principal and passed out Husky Bucks to students showing great character traits.

These students were the winners of the Fall Festival Auction.

– Submitted by Trussville City Schools.

Cahaba Elementary coach receives SHAPE America grant Coach Jaime Giangrosso at Cahaba Elementary was selected as a 2017 SHAPE America JRFH/HFH Grant recipient. The grant committee selected Coach G for her passion and commitment to physical education and the Jump Rope For Heart and Hoops For Heart programs.

As a 2017 grant recipient, she received: ► A $1,300 professional development stipend to attend the 2017 SHAPE America National Convention & Expo in Boston from March 14-18, 2017 ► One-year SHAPE America professional level membership ► One copy of the 2014 National

Standards & Grade-Level Outcomes for K-12 Physical Education ►A $1,200 US Games gift certificate redeemable Giangrosso for equipment to enhance the school’s physical education program.

– Submitted by Trussville City Schools.

Multimedia students earn Adobe certification

HTHS teacher receives Limbaugh Toyota award

The HTHS Multimedia Academy students recently earned their Adobe Certified Associate credential first semester.

Students who passed Adobe certification: Candice Belcher, Tiffany Krolikowski, Chase Hicks,

HTHS English teacher and debate coach Tonya Capps was recently awarded the Pat Patrick Productions/Limbaugh Toyota’s 2016-2017 The Best in High School Football Teacher of the Year Award.

Julia Gallagher, Ethan Hagan, Emma Williamson, Dawson Lee, Cade Russell, Megan McMahon, Tim Tidwell, Clay Zielke, Adam Baldridge and Zander Wallace.

– Submitted by Trussville City Schools.

The award was given in appreciation for her dedication, hard work, and bringing out the best in academics to athletes and non-athletes.

– Submitted by Trussville City Schools.

Tonya Capps. Photo courtesy of Trussville City Schools.

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High school students experience work-based learning HTHS is proud to offer students the opportunity for work-based learning either through paid positions or unpaid internships. Over 70 HTHS students

participate in work-based learning. Last semester, the students worked a total of 17,080 hours and earned $136,078.

Their workplaces include the UPS

Store, Faith Community Fellowship and positions at Paine Elementary.

– Submitted by Trussville City Schools.

HTHS students’ workplaces included the UPS Store, Faith Community Fellowship and Paine Elementary. Photo courtesy of Trussville City Schools.

2017 HTMS archery team named

UAB professor visits HTHS AP art students UAB drawing professor Doug Baulos recently visited HTHS as a guest AP Art instructor. He taught AP Art students Abbey McAnally and Jessica Gagliano the Japanese Suminagashi techniques.

– Submitted by Trussville City Schools.

• • • • • • • •

This year’s middle school archery team includes: ► Sixth grade: Layla Bradshaw, Skyler Carrillo, Ian Fantroy, Ethan Finnegan, Molly Kate Green, Max Herring, Sydney Humphries, Hadley Knowlton, James Lovin, Cody McDaniel, Lane Nolte, Brodie Payne, Riley Rigg, Erik Shelton, Kyle Tarleton, Victoria Terraza, Noah Walls, Noah Weber and Sawyer White. ► Seventh grade: Wil Edwards, Trevor Hicks, Laura Phillips, Syed Raza and Bryton Allbritton. ► Eighth grade: Grace Bellew, Luke Curtis, Garrett Dunn, Seth Hall, Stephen Horsley, Brent Lee, Will Mueller, Stone Owens, Anna Russell, Skylar Smith and Alexander Tarassoli.

– Submitted by Trussville City Schools.

HTMS archery team members. Photo courtesy of Trussville City Schools.

Celebrate our gala - One Starry Night Thursday, April 27th @ The Club Dance to the music of Total A$$et$ Live auction performed by Jack Granger (License #873) of Granger, Thagard, & Associates Honoree Darwin Metcalf, President/COO of Western Markets Benefits children and seniors through our 3 philanthropic programs For tickets go to www.assistanceleaguebham.org/fundraising/gala or visit Shops of Assistance League found at

1755 Oxmoor Road, Homewood

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Spring is in bloom, and it’s the perfect time to plant a garden, do some cleaning or start a home renovation. Find tips and tricks from area businesses to jump-start any project in our guide.

Home & Garden Guide special advertising section

INDEX Argo Power Equipment ...................... 23 Phoenix Builders Group ..................... 24 Closets by Design ............................... 25 EZ Roof & EZ Restoration ................. 26 Batts’ Chimney Services ................... 27 Spotless, LLC ....................................... 27

ARGO POWER EQUIPMENT

Take care of your lawn this spring Spring is in full bloom, and Argo Power Equipment is here to help you get ready to take care of your home and lawn all spring and summer long.

Anthony Dickey at Argo Power Equipment said now is the time to invest in a quality lawnmower, weed eater, blower and more to maintain your yard. It’s also the right time to repair and service the lawn equipment you already own so you can handle heavier summer use.

“We have all the commercial and residential outdoor power equipment you need for leaf cleanup, mowing and pressure washing,” Dickey said.

Argo Power Equipment sells Cub Cadet, STIHL, Honda and Exmark equipment, among a lot of other well-known brands. One of their newest lines for spring is the STIHL Lightning battery-operated set of tools, including cordless trimmers, blowers and chainsaws.

Mowers and weed eaters may be the big spring sellers, but Dickey said Argo Power Equipment also sells generators, aerators, seeders, lawn vacuums, brush cutters, wood chippers, edgers, tillers and utility vehicles, as well as engines and other parts.

Argo Power Equipment also offers factory maintenance interval checks, warranty repairs and financing.

“It makes it affordable for just about anybody to buy if they’ve got good credit,” Dickey said.

Argo Power Equipment is located at 750 US-11, Suite 1. For more information, call 467-3300 or visit argopoweronline.com.

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Spring Home Guide | Special Advertising Section

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PHOENIX BUILDERS GROUP

Helping to make your house a home Have you outgrown your home or are you ready to update the design?

Call Phoenix Builders, and let them transform your house back into your home through small projects or extensive structural changes for a new, luxurious master bathroom or the perfect kitchen space.

Stephen Boehme founded Phoenix Builders Group in 2015. He has 20 years of construction industry experience. His company works on everything from brand-new homes and additions to renovations and remodeling throughout the house.

Brian Hart has recently joined the staff of Phoenix Builders. He brings many years of construction experience.

Starting as a carpenter and working his way up to project manager, Hart has a wealth of experience with all phases of construction.

Hart likes to say that nothing is more rewarding than giving someone the kitchen, bathroom, master addition or sometimes the complete new home they have worked so hard to achieve.

Hart and Boehme have been friends since meeting in fourth grade at HallKent Elementary in Homewood.

With the return of warm weather, Boehme said homeowners are spending more time outdoors.

His team is building new decks, screened-in porches and more across Birmingham to give homeowners the backyard space that’s perfect to relax, entertain or play. One trend this spring, Boehme said, is custom outdoor fireplaces and fire pits.

“We do things right the first time.

We want our customers to be satisfied with the job that we do for them and the budget,” Boehme said.

There’s no need to feel like your home is dated or doesn’t fit your family’s needs. The team at Phoenix Builders will meet with you to discuss your tastes and lifestyle to create a remodel that shows off what’s best about your house and make it fit your unique tastes. As their website says, “you can truly feel at home every time you walk in the door.”

No matter the size of a project, Boehme said he enjoys working with homeowners to take their unique vision from paper to reality.

“Every house is different, every homeowner is different,” he said.

Phoenix Builders Group serves all areas of greater Birmingham.

Boehme’s two decades of industry experience also means he can find the best architects and sub-contractors in the area to bring a project to life.

Boehme said Phoenix Builders’ experience, including in renovation or preservation of historic homes, enables them to give homeowners a cost estimate with confidence.

“We give the customers one price that is realistic,” Boehme said. “We know what we are doing, so we can give people good estimates with no surprises.

We know what they need and we know what to look for when we approach a job and can assess it realistically.”

He is committed to providing customers with quality work and honest communication.

“We treat everyone the way we want to be treated,” Boehme said.

For more information, visit phoenixgroups.net or call Stephen Boehme at 966-0543.

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CLOSETS BY DESIGN

Simplify your home and get organized

Closets by Design is all about simplifying, and there’s no better time than spring to begin truly simplifying and getting your closet, house and garage organized. Let Closets by Design help you set the right tone for the year to come.

“We are here to help simplify our clients’ lives by giving them a quick, hassle-free design consultation to help them maximize their space,” Aly Harris, the Closets by Design office manager, said.

Closets by Design specializes in designing, building and installing custom closets, garage cabinets, home offices, laundries, pantries and much more. With a wide selection of finishes, accessories and hardware, Closets

by Design makes sure that you can get the customized look you always wanted.

Customers can choose from three types of closet systems. Although the styles differ, each aim to maximize space and create a closet or area that helps organize not only your clothes or supplies, but also your life. This way, you can dedicate more time to focusing on the things and people you love.

“We build each closet with you in mind,” Harris said. “Our products simply offer the best value in the industry.”

Closets by Design was started in California in 1982 and has since grown to be a national company with 51 locations. Even though the company is new to Alabama, they have already helped hundreds of clients design and build their dream closets and storage

spaces. With a no-obligation, inhome consultation, Closets by Design continues to create custom-tailored designs with the highest quality product construction. Simplification and ease are key.

Closets by Design is also a floorbased system, unlike most of their competitors, which makes their systems stronger and more stable. “We bring a fresh perspective on getting organized to Alabama,” Harris said.

Part of the appeal of Closets

by Design is that they spend time understanding and prioritizing the necessity of home office space.

They’ve created a line of innovative and effective office systems in a variety of styles and finishes to match your unique needs. Attractive pantries are developed to streamline cooking and cleaning with easy-to-reach and easy-to-organize shelves. They also can help customers take their garages a step further and transform it into a workshop, garden center or arts and crafts room. Closets by Design makes sure plenty of storage space is key.

“At Closets by Design, we make sure that the client has a true consulting experience, giving the customer the control over the design and the cost,” Harris said.

For more information about Closets

by Design in Central Alabama, go to closetsbydesign.com and click on “Central Alabama,” or call 7774000 to schedule an in-home design consultation. The Birmingham office and showroom is located at 3806 First Ave. N.

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EZ ROOF

What you need to know about roofing We asked roofing specialist Gerry Rotter of EZ Roof what homeowners should be aware of regarding roofs.

Here’s what he had to say: Q: What advice would you give to homeowners thinking about replacing their roof?

A: Talk to a professional. Find someone who is fully licensed and insured, with experience and a good reputation. Always use a company that is rated A+ with the Better Business Bureau. Remember, if you have any warranty issues that arise, you want a company that will be around — one that you can find years down the road.

Look up the address of the business using Google Earth. Choose a company with a brick-and-mortar business versus one operating out of a basement. Find reviews and ask for references.

The biggest thing is to ask questions.

Your roofing contractor should be knowledgeable about products and solutions for your individual project.

Also, ask about warranties. What

extended warranties does the company provide? What is the warranty?

Q: What are some signs that it’s time for a new roof?

A: If you notice your shingles are curled, cracked or missing, or you find shingles on the ground, it’s time for an inspection. Age is also a big factor. If your roof is at least 20 years old, you may need a new roof.

Are your neighbors getting new roofs? Homes built around the same time period and in the same location will experience the same types of weather conditions and natural wear.

Did your neighborhood experience a hailstorm or high winds? You may have damage that is covered under your homeowner’s insurance.

When in doubt, call a professional roofer for a free consultation. A professional can tell you how much life is left in your roof, if there is storm damage worthy of a filing a claim, and what action is recommended. Be careful, though. There are groups that I refer to as “storm chasers” that exclusively

pursue insurance claims.

These groups will encourage you to file a claim, whether there is one or not, which can increase your insurance rates. Make sure you are talking to someone that has your best interest in mind.

Q: Why should homeowners choose EZ Roof as their roofing contractor?

A: EZ Roof is locally owned and operated, and has been in business for over 20 years. We are fully licensed and insured, and have worker’s compensation and general liability insurance. EZ Roof has an office and showroom located on Valleydale Road in Hoover. You can visit us in person and view real samples of the products we use. You can always put a face to the name. EZ Roof has a full-time staff, which means we do not subcontract out our work. You will always be getting someone reliable, professional and experienced on your job.

We also make payment easy. We do

not collect anything up front, but rather upon completion and satisfaction of the job. Financing is also offered to help with the upfront expense of a new roof — including borrower-friendly plans like 12 months with no interest or payments*.

We pride ourselves on our reputation and treating our customers like we would our own family. EZ Roof is top rated on professional roofing sites, has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, and A rating with Angie’s List.

I encourage you to read our reviews or even visit us in person to learn more.

EZ Roof & EZ Restoration is located at 2078 Valleydale Road. For more information, call 968-1034 or visit ez-roofer.com.

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Spring Home Guide | Special Advertising Section SPOTLESS CLEANING SERVICES

BATTS’ CHIMNEY SERVICES

The perfect time for chimney repairs Why is it smart to have your chimney checked/serviced in the spring?

If the chimney is checked/cleaned/ repaired at the close of season: ►The soot is cleaned out, reducing the acrid smell that lingers throughout the humid summer. ►The fireplace will be ready for the first cold spell with no waiting for an appointment. ►If repairs are needed, spring/ summer time is the best time to do masonry and chimney repairs as opposed to cold weather, and they can be done without the worrying about the impending cold weather needs of the fireplace.

“Time is critical to everyone,” Phillip Batts said. “Do what is necessary when it can be done conveniently and with low stress.

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How unnerving is it when James Spann tells us it is going to be cold?

You call and find that the next appointment is so far off that it makes using your fireplace not so attractive, or you finally get an appointment to find something is structurally wrong and you can’t use it until repairs need to be done next spring.”

Tell us a little bit about Batts’ Chimney.

We are are a small business that will only send out certified technicians. We refuse to send out “flue-jockeys” that only clean and have no knowledge of safety inspection/remediation.

We know our customers want their service when they want it, but we cannot compromise prudent practices.

To learn more about Batts’ Chimney Services, visit battschimneyservices. com or call 956-8207.

Make your spring clean Spotless Spring is a time where many people look to deep-clean their homes, and Jennifer Burr hopes they seek a Spotless clean.

“This is an ideal time for cleaning, because the warming weather makes us want to throw the windows open and banish the winter blues from our homes,” said Burr, owner of Spotless Cleaning Services, LLC. “It feels like our families have been shut up indoors for such a long time, and this leads to all kinds of things that need some extra attention when cleaned.”

Spotless is a locally owned company that offers a variety of cleaning services, including one-time deep cleanings, regular cleanings such as dustings and cleaning bathrooms, maid services and steam cleaning. Because Spotless is locally owned, Burr said customers receive better pricing — none of the passed-along costs that can come with a franchise — and better customer service.

“Trussville is our community, too, which means our clients are our neighbors,” Burr said.

Spotless begins with a free consultation with customers, where the customer can point out any problem areas and explain what they need. The services Spotless offers means customers can completely customize their maid experience.

“We charge an hourly rate which allows the client to not only get the exact chores they want done, but also to stay within their desired budget,” Burr said. “We’re a small local business, not a franchise. We’re also fully insured and bonded, with employees background checked. By hiring Spotless, our clients receive attention to detail and professionalism — the best of both worlds.”

For more information, call 937-1153 or visit spotlesstrussville.com.

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OPINION My South By Rick Watson

Beauty sometimes left in storms’ wake The other day when we walked, the air felt as thick as grits. Halfway up the hill on our return lap, both Jilda and I were huffing.

It should have come as no surprise because thunderstorms were moving in. Even though they were still one day and two states away, I could feel their power.

When I was in Panama in 1972, a tropical storm swept southward over Cuba and into the Caribbean Sea. Sleep was difficult the evening before the storm made landfall because it felt as though I had a weight sitting on my chest.

The wind and rain swept through during the night on Friday leaving an angry surf and clouds the color of mourning doves.

Several of us ventured down to the shore in swimsuits on Saturday for a first-hand look at the ocean. Ten-foot waves drove inland, and I tried a time or two to body surf, but the force of the water slammed me down hard. For days afterward, I dug sand from

my hair, ears and other places. always look for seashells but usually only find picked-over Once I realized body surfing was unwise, I found a pieces. palm tree that had washed up But once when we spent with the tide and sat for a long New Year’s with our friends while. Off in the distance, Kaye and Ron at their new I could see cloud-to-cloud house in Blue Mountain, lightning, but it was imposFlorida, our luck was much sible to hear thunder over the different.

A tropical depression had roar of the sea. I’d never felt formed in the Gulf and was so small before. moving toward the PanhanAfter breakfast on Sunday, dle, but we didn’t let the storm the guys in my barracks went Watson back out for another look. The dampen our spirits. We feasted tide had taken the palm tree away to some on lobster, crab claws and some mighty rad other shore. gumbo as the storm raged outside. Through The force of the pounding waves had the south-facing windows, you could see dredged up long buried shells with exotic lightning jabbing the ocean offshore. names like Gaudy Natica and Fighting The next morning, the clouds had moved Conch. It was beautiful, but also a humbling off to the east leaving blue skies and a warm experience. sun.

When we go to the ocean these days, I The temperatures were in the low 50s, but

we put on our sweatpants and headed to the beach. I walked a little ahead of the others and spotted a Horse Conch, which is a beautiful shell. It was in perfect condition. Soon I heard Jilda squeal as she found a shell as big as a saucer.

Even though it was too chilly to swim, all four of us were in the waist-deep surf snatching shells from the sand. By the time we headed back for lunch, we had a treasure trove.

We shared shells with friends and family, but we still have baskets filled with the shells we picked up the day after that storm.

We live in a strange and wonderful world.

Storms can sweep through, leaving a path of death and destruction, but sometimes they leave a trail of beauty in their wake.

Rick Watson is a columnist and author. His latest book, “Life Changes,” is available on Amazon.com. You can contact him via email at rick@homefolkmedia.com.

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Trussville

17 Waterford Place

Real Estate Listings MLS #

Zip

Address

Status

Price

777269

35173

17 Waterford Place

New

$311,065

777584

35173

102 Chestnut Oak Lane

New

$299,900

777439

35173

7510 Mountain Top Circle

New

$489,000

777424

35173

5211 Jones Cove

New

$325,000

777387

35173

6217 Jonathans Way

New

$334,900

777363

35173

6601 Hemlock Street

New

$294,500

777322

35173

607 Oak Drive E.

New

$234,900

777316

35173

6108 Longmeadow Circle

New

$239,900

777264

35173

8749 Highlands Drive

New

$259,900

777242

35173

6309 Bluegill Cove

New

$329,900

777042

35173

6064 Enclave Place

New

$400,150

777226

35173

2690 Smith Sims Road

New

$314,900

777217

35173

6434 Trussville Clay Road

New

$249,000

777090

35173

7625 Azalea Circle

New

$264,900

777019

35173

6501 Richmar Drive

New

$239,900

776990

35173

8582 Herring Lane

New

$395,000

776987

35173

6020 Enclave Place

New

$384,604

776859

35173

400 Edgeview Avenue

New

$394,900

776806

35173

3618 Merlin Circle

New

$225,000

776789

35173

636 Brandy Drive

New

$172,500

776777

35173

109 Twin Lakes Road

New

$120,000

777499

35173

8149 Caldwell Drive

New

$379,000

776697

35173

527 Glen Cross Cove

New

$219,900

776656

35173

5088 Spruce Circle

New

$325,000

776653

35173

3858 Black Oak Lane

New

$319,900

776605

35173

4304 Windsong Circle

New

$185,000

776534

35173

78 Greenleaf Lane

New

$168,000

776487

35173

8137 Carrington Drive

New

$360,000

776445

35173

5929 Longview Lane

New

$232,000

776426

35173

6768 Rivercrest Drive

New

$459,000

777021

35173

6113 Amy Lane

New

$189,900

776321

35173

3420 Ashford Lane

New

$322,900

776315

35173

205 Woodward Road

New

$324,900

776293

35173

6001 Hidden Way Lane

New

$205,000

776253

35173

460 Lakeridge Drive

New

$307,545

Real estate listings provided by the Birmingham Association of Realtors on March 20.

Visit birminghamrealtors.com.

6064 Enclave Place

8149 Caldwell Drive

6113 Amy Lane

29

30

APRIL 2017

CAHABA SUN

CAHABASUN.COM

CALENDAR TRUSSVILLE EVENTS April 1: Flashlight Easter Egg Hunt. 6:30 p.m. Trussville Civic Center soccer field. Bring your own basket and flashlight to hunt down 6,000 eggs filled with candy and toys. The event also includes the chance to explore a fire truck, Sparky the fire dog, cotton candy, popcorn, lemonade, a cupcake walk and more. Open to ages 2-8.

April 10: Lego Night. 4:30-6:30 p.m. Trussville Public Library. Call 655-2022 to register.

April 10: Planning and Zoning. 6 p.m. City Hall.

April 11: City Council. 6 p.m. City Hall.

April 11: Intro to Chess. 6 p.m. Join Coach Charles Smith for free introductory lessons.

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

April 14: Good Friday.

April 16: Easter Sunday.

April 18: Dudes and Doughnuts. 4:30-5:30 p.m. Trussville Public Library. Book club for 1st3rd grade boys. This month’s theme is Easter.

Snacks will be served.

April 20: Chamber of Commerce Luncheon.

11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Trussville Civic Center. UAB football coach Bill Clark will speak. $17 per person.

April 20: Chips and Chapters. 4:30-5:30 p.m.

Trussville Public Library. Book club for 4th-6th grade. This month’s theme is “you choose.”

Snacks will be served.

April 22: Earth Day. April 22: Community Shred Day. 10 a.m.-noon.

Ridgecrest Baptist Church. Bring up to three

containers of documents to securely shred. They will also accept computers, cell phones, fax machines and printers for recycling. Call 661-3722.

April 24: American Girl Club. 6:30 p.m. Trussville Public Library. This month’s character is Kit. Crafts and refreshments included in this club for K5 to 5th grade girls. Please register in advance.

April 25: Intro to Chess. 6 p.m. Join Coach Charles Smith for free introductory lessons.

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

April 25: City Council. 6 p.m. City Hall.

TRUSSVILLE CITY SCHOOLS April 8: ACT Testing. HTHS.

ing. 7-8 p.m. HTHS Band Rooms.

April 20-22: JV Track/Field Championships.

HTHS Stadium.

April 25: Debate Team Match. 12:30-6:30 p.m. Samford University.

April 9: Hewitt-Trussville Student Athlete Foundation. 3-5 p.m. Stadium Husky Room.

April 18: Metro Track Meet. 3-10 p.m. HTHS Track.

April 20-23: Spring Musical. HTHS Performing Arts Center.

April 28: Senior Awards Day. 8:15 a.m. Competition Gym.

April 11: Marching Band Informational Meet-

April 19: ACT Testing for Grade 11. HTHS.

April 3: UAB Music’s Jazz Ensemble Concert.

7 p.m. Alys Stephens Center. Free. Visit uab.edu/ news.

April 5-16: The Phantom of the Opera. BJCC Concert Hall. $35-$146. Visit theatreleague.com/ Birmingham.

children 14 and under are free. Visit alabamaautoshow.com.

April 5: Southeastern Kayak and Canoe TripSipsey Fork River. Depart 8 a.m. from Kmart Green Springs or 9:30 a.m. from Jacks in Double Springs. Reservations required. Email seoutings@bellsouth.net.

April 6: Drink & Drop- Inaugural Adult Egg Drop Competition. 5:30 p.m. Vulcan Park. Visit visitvulcan.com.

April 6-9: Ovation. Dorothy Jamison Day Theatre. Presented by the Alabama Ballet. $20-$50.

7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 2:30 p.m. Sunday.

Visit alabamaballet.com/ovation.

April 6: Birmingham Art Crawl. 5 p.m.-9 p.m.

113 22nd St. N. Meet local artists and performers and buy their work. Visit birminghamartcrawl. com.

April 7: Chamber Music @ AEIVA. Abroms-Engel Institute for the Visual Arts. 5 p.m. gallery viewing and reception, 5:30 p.m. concert. Free.

Uab.edu/events.

April 6: UAB Music’s Guitar Ensemble and Jazz Combos. 7:30 p.m. Mary Culp Hulsey Recital Hall. Free. Visit uab.edu/news.

April 7: UAB Computer Music Ensemble in Concert. 7:30 p.m. Mary Culp Hulsey Recital Hall.

Free. Visit uab.edu/news.

April 6: Live at the Lyric- Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors. 8 p.m. Lyric Theatre. $20-$39.50.

Visit lyricbham.com.

April 8: Spring Walking Tour: First Avenue South/Rotary Trail. 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Registration required. $10 members, $12 non-members. Visitvulcan.com.

AREA EVENTS April 1: Pepper Place Winter Market. 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Visit pepperplacemarket.com.

April 1: 2017 Alabama Asian Cultures & Food Festival. 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Zamora Shrine Temple. Food tokens $4, drink tickets $2. Visit facebook.com/alabamafestival.

April 1: Alabama Symphony Orchestra EBSCO Masterworks Series. 7:30 p.m. $25-$74. Visit alabamasymphony.org.

April 2: UAB Music Faculty recital. 4 p.m. Alys Stephens Center. Featuring bass Won Cho and pianist Chris Steele. Free. Visit uab.edu/news.

April 2: UAB Music presents Danielle Gilliam.

7:30 p.m. Mary Culp Hulsey Recital Hall. Senior piano recital. Free.

April 3: BAO Bingo. 7 p.m. Birmingham AIDS Outreach. $15-$25. Visit birminghamaidsoutreach.org.

April 5: UAB Music Student Recital: Advanced Students. 12:20 p.m. Mary Culp Hulsey Recital Hall. Free. Visit uab.edu/news.

April 5: UAB Brass Chamber Ensemble Concert. 7:30 p.m. Mary Culp Hulsey Recital Hall.

Free. Visit uab.edu/news.

April 5-9: A Little Night Music. Alys Stephens Center. 7:30 p.m. nightly, 2 p.m. Sunday. Presented by Theatre UAB. $15-$20, $6 students, $10 UAB employees and senior citizens. Visit alysstephens.org.

April 6-9: Alabama Auto Show. BJCC Exhibition Halls. 12 p.m.-9 p.m. Thursday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday. $8,

April 8: Walk MS Birmingham. 9 a.m. Regions Field. Free. Visit nationalmssociety.org.

APRIL 2017

CAHABA SUN

April 8: Cajun Cook-off. 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Railroad Park. $25 adults, children 12 and under, free. Visit bhamcajuncookoff.com.

April 8: CahabaQue BBQ Cook-off. 12 p.m.-5 p.m. Cahaba Brewing Company. Supporting breast cancer research in Alabama. $20 general admission 21 and up, $15 under 21, $5 ages 12 and under, kids under 6 are free. Visit crowdrise. com/cahabaque.

April 9: Southeastern Outings Second Sunday Dayhike. Oak Mountain State Park. Depart 1 p.m. from Oak Mountain Park office parking lot Contact Edd Spencer 205-317-5868.

April 9: Anoushka Shankar. 7 p.m. Alys Stephens Center. -$38-$62. Visit alysstephens.org.

April 9: UAB Gospel Choir Spring Concert. 7 p.m. UAB Campus. Free. Visit uab.edu/news.

April 9: Spring Food Truck Rally. More than 20 trucks, live entertainment, kids activities and more. $5 advance, $10 at gate, $2 kids, under 5 are free. Visit foodtruckrally.instagift.com.

April 10: UAB Music presents a Russian/American faculty recital. 7 p.m. Alys Stephens Center.

Free. Visit uab.edu/news.

April 11: UAB Piano Recital/Ensembles. 7:30 p.m. Mary Culp Hulsey Recital Hall. Free. Visit uab.edu/news.

April 13: Southeastern Outings Weekday Hike.

8:30 a.m. Tannehill State Park. Depart 8:30 a.m. parking lot behind McDonald’s Galleria. Contact Christine Heckemeyer at 205-979-5730.

April 13: Lalah Hathaway. Alys Stephens Center. 7 p.m. $39-$59. Visit alysstephens.org.

April 15-16: Tannehill Trade Days. 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park. $3-$5. Visit tannehill.org.

April 15: Southeastern Outings Canoe and Kayak Trip. Locust Fork River. Depart 9 a.m. from Cleveland Chevron Station. Reservations required. Contact Dan Frederick at seoutings@ bellsouth.net.

April 17: UAB Music presents the 2nd Annual Concert Band Invitational Festival. 12 p.m. Alys Stephens Center. 12 p.m. Free. Visit uab.edu/ news.

April 18: UAB Honors Recital. Alys Stephens Center. 7 p.m. Free. Visit uab.edu/news.

April 19: Birmingham Revealed- A Talk with Frank Stitt and Friends. 5:30 p.m. Vulcan Park & Museum. Chefs Frank Stitt, George Reis, Jerry Hartley and Harinam Khalsa. Members $8, non-members, $10. Visit visitvulcan.com.

April 20: Niyaz featuring Azam Ali. 7 p.m. Alys Stephens Center. $42.50. Visit alysstephens.org.

April 20: UAB Music presents Aleksandra Kasman. 7:30 p.m. Mary Culp Hulsey Recital

CAHABASUN.COM

31

Hall. Free. Visit uab.edu/news.

April 21: Enchantment Theatre Company’s Peter Rabbit Tales. 7 p.m. Alys Stephens Center.

Visit alysstephenscenter.org.

April 21: Soul2Soul Tour: Tim McGraw & Faith Hill. Legacy Arena at the BJCC. 8 p.m. Tickets $69.50-$109.50. Visit soultosoultour.com.

April 21: Live at the Lyric: The Story Tour- An Acoustic Evening with Brandi Carlile. 8 p.m. Lyric Theatre. Tickets $39.50-$59.50. Visit lyricbham. com.

April 21: UAB Music Steel Band in concert.

6:30 p.m. Mary Culp Hulsey Recital Hall. Free.

Visit uab.edu/news.

April 21-22: 19th Annual Lebanese Food & Cultural Festival. St. Elias Maronite Church.

Featuring food, self-guided tours, silent auctions and 5K and fun run. Visit stelias.org.

April 21-23: Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama. 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Barber Motorsports Park.

Tickets $15-$39, three-day general admission $69. Visit barbermotorsports.com.

April 21-30: School of Rock. RMTC Cabaret Theatre. Tickets start at $19. 7:30 p.m.

Thurs-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday. Visit redmountaintheatre.org.

April 22: 12th Annual Gumbo Gala. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Sloss Furnaces. Food, music, kid’s activities and more. Benefiting Episcopal Place Visit gumbogala.com.

April 22: 11th Annual Crawfish Boil Benefiting a Cure for Clara. 2-10 p.m. Oak Mountain Amphitheatre. Jubileejoescrawfishboil.com April 23: Jeremy Denk. 7 p.m. Alys Stephens Center. Tickets $42-$78. Visit alysstephens.org.

April 24: Alton Brown Live: Eat Your Science.

7:30 p.m. BJCC Concert Hall. Tickets $27-$102.

Visit ticketmaster.com.

As

Trussville as it gets.

April 26: Birmingham Revealed- Alvin Vogtle Escapes. 6 p.m. Birmingham Botanical Gardens.

Newest one-man play commissioned by Vulcan Park and Museum. Members $8, Non-members $10. Visit visitvulcan.com.

April 29: Spring Walking Tour: Crestline Village, Walkable Town Center. Vulcan Park and Museum.

9 a.m.-12 p.m. $10 members, $12 non-members Visit visitvulcan.com.

April 29: Feast of St. Mark Italian Festival. 3 p.m. St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church. $25 adults, $10 children. Visit feastofstmark. com.

April 30: Alabama Wildlife Center and Audubon Teaches Nature- Alabama Birding Trails. 1:30 p.m. Alabama Wildlife Center, Oak Mountain State Park. Free after paid park admission. Visit awrc.org.

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

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