Vestavia Voice October 2014

Volume 2 | Issue 6 | October 2014

Vestavia Hills High School football coach Buddy Anderson gets doused in water after the Rebels defeated Hewitt-Trussville 14-3 on Sept. 12, giving the veteran coach his 310th win. Photo by Dan Starnes.

Oh, Buddy!

By DAVID KNOX Buddy Anderson is the winningest coach in Alabama high school football.

Anderson’s Vestavia Hills High

Rebels defeated Hewitt-Trussville 14-3 at Jack Wood Stadium in Trussville on Sept. 12 to give the veteran coach his 310th win. Every one of those wins has come as coach at

INSIDE

Rebels’ Anderson is state all-time wins leader

Vestavia Hills, where he is in the midst of his 37th season.

And that very first win, Sept. 15, 1978, was a 14-0 win over Hewitt-Trussville on the very same field.

Sponsors .......... A2 City...................... A4

Talk about full circle.

“I can’t describe this,” Anderson said after a celebratory Gatorade bath and the Rebels’ customary reciting of the Lord’s Prayer. “A lot of memories

Business.......... A8 Food .................A10

Community ...... B12 School House ... B8

just came out. I’m just thankful for all my former players and the coaches. I love them all. I’m a very blessed man.”

See BUDDY | page A14

Sports ............... B11 Calendar ........... B13 facebook.com/vestaviavoice

Pre-Sort Standard U.S. Postage PAID Memphis, TN Permit #830

Taste of the town Viva Vestavia is back for its 12th year, giving residents the chance to sample fine food from local restaurants. Find event details inside this issue.

See page A5

Fall Home Guide Check out our fall home guide for advice, tips and resources for every aspect of home improvement.

See page A16

A2 • October 2014

Vestavia Voice

About Us Photo of the Month

Please Support our Sponsors

In September, the communities of Vestavia Hills, Mountain Brook and Homewood gathered together for a 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony and Patriot’s Day Celebration at the Vestavia City Center. Photo by Dan Starnes.

Send your submissions for Photo of the Month to

katie@starnespublishing.com

Editor’s Note By Rebecca Walden extra 30 minutes of sleep “We are just so busy!”

I’d lost the night before, as It’s an innocent enough I’d glance back at the clock statement, legitimately driven and think to myself, “Just by real obligations and comone more chapter.” mitments. But there is a point That refreshed mindwhen “so busy!” becomes a set continues to work its state of mind, and ultimately, magic. an excuse.

Since that evening, I’ve A cousin phrase is one started carving out new I’m guilty of saying daily: “I pockets of time that before don’t have time.” didn’t seem to exist: You know it’s a tired line Walden }} I’ve returned to my when you get annoyed hearweekly couponing efforts, making ing yourself say it. each trip to Publix a competitive solo That led me to ponder: Do I really not game of “beat your last receipt.” have time like I had convinced myself, or had it turned into a self-fulfilling }} When Ella asks me to play Barbies, I do it, without thinking, “let’s hurry up prophecy? and get this over with.”

I wasn’t sure. What I did know for certain was that I wasn’t fond of the crankier }} When Rett talks about his day, I actively listen, instead of halfway me bemoaning my lack of leisure. paying attention while my mind wanSo I picked up a book – chick lit at ders elsewhere. that – that had been sitting on my nightstand for months. And I started to read }} I’ve also found the time to fly through that 322-page book, leaving me vora– for fun. cious for another.

The next morning, I woke up with a I’ve always been an avid reader. As spring in my step.

I even thought about the characters as I a tween, my closet bookshelves were brushed my teeth. Not once did I miss the lined with copies of The Babysitter’s

Club and Sweet Valley Twins. In middle school and beyond, Dad and I would discuss a wide swath of authors, from O. Henry to Harper Lee. At least twice in our marriage, Rett has found me reading in tears, so moved was I from an author’s words. For the record, those titles were The Kite Runner, by Khaled Housseni, and Marley & Me by John Grogan. (If you’ve ever loved a dog, I dare you to read it dry-eyed).

I’m so happy that I’ve fallen back in love with reading for fun, and for how it makes me feel. It’s a pleasure I’ll work hard to hold onto as we enter the home stretch of 2014, and all its chaotic bliss.

Amid the costumes, the candy, the pumpkins and general fall festival-ing that will soon surround us, do what you can to avoid the trap of “I don’t have time.”

Sometimes, all it takes to get you there is a good story.

All hail the restorative powers of reading!

Contact Information: Publisher : Creative Director : Graphic Designer: Editor: Managing Editor : Sports Editor : Staff Writers : Editorial Assistant: Advertising Manager: Sales and Distribution :

Contributing Photographer: Copy Editor: Published by:

Dan Starnes Keith McCoy Emily VanderMey Rebecca Walden Madoline Markham David Knox Katie Turpen Jessa Pease Sydney Cromwell Madison Miller Matthew Allen Rhonda Smith Warren Caldwell Michelle Salem Haynes Nathan Pearman Morgan Robinson Karim Shamsi-Basha Louisa Jeffries Vestavia Voice LLC

Vestavia Voice #3 Office Park Circle Suite 316 Birmingham, AL 35223 313-1780 dan@vestaviavoice.com

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

For advertising contact: dan@vestaviavoice.com Legals: Vestavia Voice is published monthly. Reproduction or use of edi-

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

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A Little Something (A4) Achieve Clinical Research (A3) Alabama Allergy & Asthma Center (A9) Alabama Gaslight & Grill (A4) Alabama Outdoors (A11) Andy On Call (A18) ARC Realty (B2) BAM Sports Grill (A8) Batts’ Chimney Services (A23) Bedzzz Express (B16) Birmingham Bake & Cook Co. (A13) Birmingham Heart Clinic (A3) Bistro V (A7) Brandino Brass (A17) Bromberg & Company, Inc. (B12) Bruster’s Real Ice Cream (B10) Cabinetry Refinishing & Restoration (A1) Case Remodeling (A9) Children’s of Alabama (B9) Conour Insurance Inc. (B10) Construx (A22) Donatos (B5) Everly’s Boutique (B15) Fancy Goods Variety (A7) flip-flops & what nots (A5) Fred Smith Group (A8) Granite Transformations (A23) Hendrick Hoover Auto Mall (A14, B10) Hollywood Pools Outdoor Finishings & Spas (A18) Home Care Associates (B8) Indian Springs School (A5) Issis & Sons (A19) Iz Cafe (B8) Klinglers Cafe & Catering (A15) Masterpiece Education (A14) Mike Hale for Sheriff (B14) Moran’s Rocky Ridge Hardware (B11) Moran’s Rocky Ridge Hardware (A20) Morningside at Riverchase (B13) Mr. Chen’s Authentic Chinese (B9) Nancy Callahan Remax Advantage (A21) On Time Service (B12) Pappas’ Grill (A14) Remax Southern Homes - Becky Hicks (B7) Rocky Ridge Learning Center (B5) Royal Automotive (A24) Serendipity Sweets (B7) State Farm Insurance (B7) Summit Express Urgent Care (B6) The Jewel Source (A15) The Maids (A21) The Pit Crew (B14) The Ridge Eat & Drink (B4) The UPS Store - Cahaba Heights (B3) Therapy South Vestavia (A10) UAB Callahan Eye Hospital (A13) Uptown Nail Spa (B4) Vestavia Bowl (B3) Vestavia Hills Lutheran Church (A15) Vision Gymnastics (A11) Vitalogy Wellness Center (A6, A12) Weigh To Wellness (B1) Wolf Camera (A1)

VestaviaVoice.com

October 2014 • A3

Cardiovascular Care Close to Home

Michael Simpson, MD

Van Reeder, MD

Brian Snoddy, MD

Robert Foster, MD

Harold Settle, MD

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Birmingham Heart Clinic 100 Pilot Medical Drive • Suite 300 • Trussville

Michael Bailey, MD

Jason Thompson, MD

Jacob Townsend, MD

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Northside Medical Associates 70 Plaza Drive Pell City

St. Vincent’s St. Clair 7063 Veterans Parkway Pell City

St. Vincent’s Blount 150 Gilbreath Drive Oneonta

Trinity-Montclair 880 Montclair Road • Suite 270 Birmingham

(205) 856-2284

www.birminghamheart.com

A4 • October 2014

Vestavia Voice

City Mayor’s Minute

By Alberto “Butch” Zaragoza I hope this message finds you well, and enjoying the early fall season in our beautiful Vestavia Hills.

W have begun the new fiscal year, and I am pleased to report the City Council approved the budget, as presented by City Manager Jeff Downes in early August. That budget includes a 2 percent cost of living raise for the city’s 260 workers. Approximately 128 individuals who have not yet tapped out the maximum level of their pay grade also received merit increases. We are proud to be in a position to reward the city’s staff in this manner. They are major assets to the City of Vestavia Hills; we depend on them to make the city run efficiently.

I also want to update you on the state of the city’s fleet. Across all departments, we have continuously worked over the last two years to systematically update our fleet inventory. It’s been a successful effort. The police department is receiving five new vehicles per year as part of its replacement program. The fire department will add one additional engine this year, which will allow the city to have all new equipment at each one of the stations. Within our Public Service Department, we are in the process of upgrading landscaping equipment. This will be used for right of way maintenance and for upkeep of field conditions at all Vestavia Hills athletic complexes.

From a communications standpoint, we are also working towards the development of a new website. Please check the Mayor’s Minute in future issues and/or your Community News for updates on the status of this project. We also are evaluating a new email service to replace our existing in-house program, which limits us on

capacity. To be added to the distribution list, please contact City Clerk Rebecca Leavings at rleavings@ vhal.org. In addition, we are in the process of rolling out new programs in several departments to enhance the departmental operation of these units. I will be sharing the details of these efforts with you as plans are finalized.

One other vital communication matter that I would like to address concerns the misuse of handicap parking spaces. I want to ask our citizens to remember that the handicap parking within shopping centers and other buildings are strictly for individuals who have a handicap hang tag or permit. If you do not meet these requirements, please do not use the designated handicapped parking spots.

I will conclude by encouraging those of you who are available to attend the Oct. 14 Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce Monthly Luncheon.

During this event, I will be delivering the annual State of the City address. Your opinions about the affairs of our city matter to me. I hope you will attend this event and look forward to hearing from you in the meantime. Vestavia Hills is the wonderful place that it is because of your commitment and your involvement.

Your Mayor,

Butch C. Zaragoza

Library parking lot construction moving forward

By KATIE TURPEN

Vestavia Hills Library Foundation.

Patrons can continue to look forward to not having to fight for a parking spot at their local library. They can also expect traffic on Round House Road to flow more smoothly.

During a September meeting, the City Council approved a resolution concerning site testing for a new parking lot adjacent to Library in the Forest.

The resolution authorized an agreement for construction materials testing and also authorized additional expenditures associated with the construction of a parking lot adjacent to the library.

“Our engineers have recommended this additional testing to ensure the longterm viability of the site,” said City Manager Jeff Downes.

When the private residence located at 1421 Round House Road directly beside the library became available last summer, the Vestavia Hills Library Foundation began working with the City to make plans to use the property.

The council bought the former private residence in December, which will be used to build an additional 46 parking spaces.

In January, the council authorized an agreement with Walter Schoel Engineering Co. to construct the additional parking.

The city plans to build a privacy wall between the parking area and residential area. ““We are forever grateful to the city for their hard work on this project that has been a long time in the making,” said Lauren Daniel, Executive Director of the

In other news: } The council authorized a resolution delivering an agreement with Goodwyn Mills and Cawood for planning and design services on the “school site” portion of Patchwork Farms. Downes said this agreement allows the city to move forward rapidly with necessary site work. } City Engineer Christopher Brady announced that the city will be reviewing the timing of the traffic lights on U.S. 31 as part of the U.S. 31 repaving project occurring in October. } Councilman Steve Ammons encouraged everyone to mark their calendars for National Night Out, which will be held on Tuesday Oct. 7 at Shades Mountain Baptist Church from 5:30 to 8 p.m.

This year’s theme is drug awareness in the Vestavia Hills community. } The council approved a resolution electing to provide a one-time bonus to city retirees pursuant to Alabama. It will pay the bonuses to retirees in October 2015 and allow cities to pay back the employer contribution throughout the next fiscal year. The estimated cost for the city is $57,646. } The council approved a resolution for a 2 percent increase in salary and wages for employees effective Oct. 1, 2014. } The council approved a resolution authorizing the mayor and city manager to execute and deliver an agreement for insurance brokerage services.

VestaviaVoice.com

October 2014 • A5

Viva Vestavia XII A taste of local restaurant fare and fine wines

Annual National Night Out to focus on drug awareness

National Night Out Tuesday, Oct. 7, 5:30- 8 p.m.

Shades Mountain Baptist Church

By KATIE TURPEN

Sol Azteca was one of 26 restaurants that participated in last year’s Viva Vestavia. Photo by Katie Turpen.

By KATIE TURPEN The 12th annual Viva Vestavia will take at Hollywood Pools on Oct. 30. This event will give residents the chance to sample food and wine from Vestavia restaurants.

Tickets are $40 per person (85 percent tax deductible) and include a Viva Vestavia XII commemorative etched wine glass.

All proceeds benefit the Chamber Foundation scholarship fund and the Chamber Foundation capital fund, which encourages local economic development and offers a scholarship to a Vestavia Hills

Viva Vestavia XII Oct. 30, 6:30-9 p.m.

Hollywood Pools Tickets: $40 (85 percent tax deductible)

Vestaviahills.org High School senior.

The event will also feature a silent auction and each vendor will compete for best food and display.

For more, visit vestaviahills. org or call 823-5011.

On Oct. 7, the community is invited to the Vestavia Hills Police and Fire Departments’ National Night Out. The event will run from 5:30-8 p.m. at Shades Mountain Baptist Church.

Attendees will have a chance to enjoy free barbecue by Moe’s Original BBQ, hot dogs prepared by members of the Vestavia Hills Sunrise Rotary Club, ice cream by Bruster’s Real Ice Cream. Bring chairs and blankets and watch the event kick off with the arrival of the Children’s CAREFlight helicopter. There will be a designated kids’ area with inflatables, a hot air balloon sponsored by Bama Breeze, GameTruck, live music and an assortment of public safety equipment, apparatuses and U.S. Military vehicles.

Each year, volunteers organize the event and choose a different issue in the community to address. This year’s theme is drug awareness. The event coincides with other drug awareness events across the community such as Leadership Vestavia Hills’ initiative, Help the Hills, and the Vestavia Hills High School volunteer drug program.

At the event, the police department will officially launch this year’s Project 365 called “All for One,” a program that will bring together the community, schools and VHPD and VHFD to bring drug prevention and education to the community and surrounding areas. Through community support and sponsors such as Two Men and a Truck and Sunoco, the Vestavia Hill Police Department has purchased

On Oct. 7, the community is invited to the Vestavia Hills Police and Fire Departments’ National Night Out.

drug boxes that will be placed at local area police departments. There will be a drug box dedication at the event.

In addition, the community is asked to contribute pictures, letters, mementos, etc for a Remembrance Wall honoring those who have passed due to drug use, those who continue to struggle, and for all the families and friends whose lives are touched by addiction.

“The police have had great success with drug collection boxes and working in collaboration with The Addiction Prevention Coalition, Help the Hills and Leadership Vestavia.

National Night Out will kick off this project that will include 365 days of efforts to educate and bring awareness to a growing problem in our city

and provide some tangible solutions to getting drugs out of the hands of our children,” said Vestavia Hills resident, Heather Pike.

Leading up to the event, the Sybil Temple will be lit up blue to honor those who have passed away.

“We try to do the event in different places in the city each year,” Pike said. “It’s really just a great time for everyone to come together as a community.”

Full details about the project will be available at the event. Businesses that would like to participate, sponsor or interested in more details can visit vestaviahillspolice.com or call Joel Gastin at 978-0137.

A6 • October 2014

Vestavia Voice

City moves forward with Patchwork Farms development

By REBECCA WALDEN Less than one year after the planning charette he helped organize, City Manager Jeff Downes has delivered what he considers to be a big economic development win for Vestavia Hills.

“During the charette, we established a vision for what Patchwork Farms could, and should, become,” said Downes. “Fast-forward to the fourth quarter of 2014, and it’s very likely that the vision laid out from the charette will indeed be achieved.”

That vision includes three approved agreements, according to a press release issued by Downes’ office 48 hours after the August 25 City Council real estate agreement approval action.

The agreements are as follows: } Strategic exchange of property between the city and Northport Holding (NHS). The city will exchange part of its acreage (under contract from the Vestavia Hills Board of Education) with NHS to relocate and redesign the planned rehabilitation facility within the development. The exchange is estimated to cost the city $1.5 million, attributed to redesign and construction expenses. At a simultaneous close, the city also will purchase the school property for $3.4 million. } Sale of property, at $2.2 million, to Resort Lifestyle Communities (Cameron Development). The

This rendering shows the grand entrance to Patchwork Farms at Cahaba River Road. Photo courtesy of City of Vestavia Hills.

project will be upscale senior living to be situated on property under contract from the Vestavia Hills Board of Education. } Daniel Corporation to purchase, for $4.3 million, the remaining 14 acres of undeveloped Patchwork Farms property. Daniel Corporation will assume responsibility for furthering the mixed-use village development plan.

The remainder of 2014 will be spent in due diligence (rezoning, geotechnical engineering work, etc.), with final sale of the above agreements expected to close prior to December 31, with

construction anticipated in early 2015.

“Through all of this, Patchwork Farms took another giant leap forward,” said Downes. “As a result, Vestavians can look forward to a thoughtfully, consistently designed mixed-use business district.”

Downes said the projected fiscal benefits of the project, including sale of the property, sales tax, property tax and other related fees, including building permits, amount to $23 million, benefiting both the city and the Board of Education over the next five years.

“If you look at the payback period for the investment the city has, in being able to relocate Northport, and

the investment and cost of purchasing school board property, including infrastructure improvements, that is at a cost of just over $6 million,” said Downes. “Our payback period is less than a year.”

While Downes and others are focused on Patchwork Farms and other key areas ripe for economic development, they also are investing resources in bolstering the city’s brand and image.

Earlier this year, Downes signed a $200,000 contract with Tatum Design (principal, Travis Tatum) for branding work.

“This is part of our economic

development strategy,” said Downes.

“You’ve got to focus on retaining business as well as creating business.”

“The city is 64 years old,” said Tatum, whose wife and business partner, Wendy Patterson Tatum, is a native of the area. “The time is long overdue to communicate to the kinds of businesses we want to attract about what life is like here. As the city is working hard to make inroads with site selectors and others, we are working hand in hand with them to develop and execute a comprehensive brand strategy that epitomizes what this city stands for — prosperity, unity and family.”

VestaviaVoice.com

October 2014 • A7

Chamber

Preview of

October Luncheon

Mayor Butch Zaragoza Blaine House of Murray Building Company and Shaina McCombs of RealtySouth.

Keynote speaker and 9/11 survivor Sunel Merchant with Mayor Butch Zaragoza. Photos by Rebecca Walden.

Sunel Merchant shares personal account of 9/11

By REBECCA WALDEN It is hard to imagine, even 13 years later, that Sunel Merchant can revisit his experience on the 49th floor of World Trade Center One in such vivid detail while maintaining his composure.

As many in the audience at the Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce luncheon wiped their eyes and shook their heads in disbelief, they remembered the actions that seared the nation that unforgettable morning. Merchant described, floor by floor, his safe descent from the building, and the harrowing moments that followed as he came to grips with the fact that his country was, in fact, under attack.

While Merchant has healed in many ways

since that devastating day, he said he still experiences nightmares to this day.

Showing the audience a series of slides from the day’s chaos and its immediate aftermath, Merchant said he finds great symbolism and peace from a key observance he made that day – the sight of an American bald eagle – that he saw flying between the two burning buildings.

“We are the Americans,” Merchant said.

“We stand back up. We get better. We get bigger. We get stronger. We don’t run and hide.”

As he has done every consecutive year since 2006, when Merchant opened the Philly Connection in Auburn, he and his wife will devote this year’s 9/11 anniversary to

honoring those who work in public service, including firefighters and other emergency response personnel.

The Vestavia Hills’ location of Philly Connection will do the same on Sept. 10.

As Merchant concluded his remarks, he urged audience members to give these people not what they ask for, but what they deserve.

“They are our real superheroes,” Merchant said. “When you see them, please, go up to them, shake their hand and thank them for the wonderful service they provide.”

The next Chamber luncheon will take place Tuesday, Oct. 14, from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at Vestavia Country Club. Mayor Butch Zaragoza will deliver the State of the City address during this event.

Mayor Butch Zaragoza will deliver the State of the City Address at the October Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce luncheon.

Prior to becoming Mayor, Alberto C. “Butch” Zaragoza spent a nearly 40 year tenure with the Vestavia Hills Fire Department, the last ten of which he served as Fire Chief. During that time, he also attained a number of leadership roles within the state and region, several of which he continues to perform. He has been with the City during most of its 60-year history and has been actively involved during the expansion of municipal facilities and programs. He has strong working relationships with State and U.S. representatives, several who have been residents of Vestavia Hills.

The luncheon will be Tuesday, Oct. 14 from 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. at the Vestavia Country Club. Reservations must be received by 4 p.m. the Friday before the luncheon and the cost is $18. Late reservations cost $25. For more, visit vestaviahills.org.

A8 • October 2014

Vestavia Voice

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VestaviaVoice.com

October 2014 • A9

Coming Soon Cahaba Heights Pediatric Dentistry, 4213 Dolly Ridge Road, will be opening soon. The practice is owned by Dr. Andrew Richardson.

490-6850. cahabaheightspediatricdentistry.com.

1

New Ownership Town Village Vestavia Hills, an assisted living community at 2385 Dolly Ridge Road, has been sold to a joint venture between Focus Healthcare Partners and Garrison Street Partners.

1-877-878-8234. brookdaleliving.com/communities/town-village-vestavia-hills.

2

News and Accomplishments Cahaba Cycles, 3179 Cahaba Heights Road, has been named to a list of America’s Best Bike Shops for 2014 created by the National Bicycle Dealers Association.

967-2003. cahabacycles.com.

3

First Partners Bank, 1360 Montgomery Highway, Suite 100, has been named Community Bank of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Alabama district office.

705-1500. firstpartnersbank.com.

4

Hirings and Promotions Lifelong Vestavia resident Guy Outland is now a master technician at Pit Crew Vestavia, 2498 Rocky Ridge Road.

593-4170. pitcrewtfs.com.

5

RealtySouth, 2409 Acton Road, Suite 137, has hired Stephen Skipper as a Realtor for its Over the Mountain-Acton Road office.

978-9000. realtysouth.com.

6

ARC Realty, 5291 Valleydale Road, has hired several new agents, including Stacy Flippen, Ross Blaising, Jennifer Maier, Cindy Myrex and Karl Dover. It has also hired Kristie Goodyear as marketing and communications manager.

969-8910. arcrealtyco.com.

7

Anniversaries Agile Physical Therapy, 4851 Cahaba River Road, Suite 137, celebrated its sixth anniversary in August.

969-7887. myagilept.com.

8

Flip-flops & what nots, 4137 White Oak Drive, is celebrating nine years in business.

967-7429. flipflopsandwhatnots.com.

9

Closings 10

Island Tan, 2531 Rocky Ridge Road, Suite 117, has closed.

Business news Business news

to share? to share?

Now Open Coming Soon Coming Soon

Relocation Expansion Expansion Anniversary

If you are in a brick and mortar business in Vestavia Hills and to business share If you are in a brick and want mortar your event with the community, in Vestavia Hills and want to share us know. your eventletwith the community, let us know.

Email dan@vestaviavoice.com Email dan@vestaviavoice.com

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Vestavia Voice

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A10 • October 2014

Restaurant Showcase

Read past Restaurant Showcases at VestaviaVoice.com

Overton R

969-7482 3908 Cross Haven Drive Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

Friday, Saturday, 11 a.m.- 10 p.m.

Sunday, 11-9 p.m. thepitastop.com

Crosshaven Dr

The Pita Stop

d

Green Valley Rd

By KATIE TURPEN For some people, cooking memorable dishes comes natural. Local restaurant owner Nadim Shunnarah has been crafting the art of Mediterranean cuisine for 38 years and counting.

He opened the original Pita Stop in 1977 in the Southside neighborhood of Birmingham. In 2010, he and his business partner, Jamal Abu-Sued, opened The Pita Stop in Cahaba Heights, giving Vestavia Hills a taste of the Mediterranean.

The restaurant has now become a neighborhood favorite.

“We really were the first of our kind,” Shunnarah said. “We are the flagship of Mediterranean cuisine in the Birmingham area.”

The Pita Stop prides itself as the “House of the Shish Kabob,” serving a variety of Lebanese-American specialties.

For appetizers, try Mediterranean classics such as the Hummus Dip, Rolled Grape Leaves, or the Combination Appetizer, which includes a sample platter of babaghanouj (an eggplant dip), hummus dip, pita bread, falafel, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, pepperoncini and feta cheese.

(above) The Pita Stop in Cahaba Heights features a variety of cuisines including the chicken lunch plate served with pita brad, hummus dip, fresh fruit and a house salad. (right) Owner Nadim Shunnarah (second from left) stands with his employees at the restaurant’s Cahaba Heights location.

Photos by Katie Turpen.

The restaurant also offers a variety of omelets including a Beirut Omelette, which has kafta, feta cheese, sautéed onions and black olives or the Seafood Omelette with shrimp, grouper, scallops and feta cheese. All omelets are served with fresh fruit and a Pita Stop special, date nut bread with cream cheese.

For the special entrees, forget your average-sized plate. The Pita Stop

serves several of their entrees in a large casserole dish. Signature dishes include the Kabab Plates such as the Lamb Kabob or the Kafta Kabob, which is Lebanese style meatballs topped with melted provolone cheese.

All specialty entrees are served with fresh fruit, a garden-house salad, wild rice, pita bread and hummus dip.

Shunnarah is proud to offer a

special dining experience to repeat customers.

“We want people to know that we are a nice restaurant offering fine dining,” Shunnarah said.

The restaurant’s Happy Hour is offered from 3-6 p.m. daily. The Pita Stop offers both takeout and delivery and catering to special parties.

Since the building is a converted fast

Hands on Care, Close to Home.

food-restaurant, customers can pick up from the former drive-through window.

Shunnarah hopes to continue to serve the Cahaba Heights community for years to come in the best way he knows how.

“We are all about middle eastern hospitality,” said Shunnarah. “We really enjoy catering to the community.”

! k or w d

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TherapySouth is an outpatient physical therapy practice specializing in personalized, hands on care.

We are also proud to offer a Women’s Health Program specializing in rehabilitation related to issues in obstetrics, urogynecology, oncology and orthopedics.

PELVIC FLOOR DYSFUNCTION • • • •

Eliminate pelvic girdle pain Correct incontinence issues Provide pelvic floor reconstruction therapy Relieve perinatal musculoskeletal issues

BREAST CANCER REHABILITATION

• Restore arm strength, motion and normal function • Restore posture • Manage lymphedema

ORTHOPEDICS

• Sacroiliac joint dysfunction • Leg length discrepancy • Lumbo-pelvic and sports related pain

VESTAVIA Nikki Woods PT, PRPC

Amanda Peterson DPT, CLT

Ruth Ann Gilson PT

1944 Canyon Road | Suite 100 Vestavia Hills, AL 35216

205.822.7607

In celebration of Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October), bring this ad to the Vestavia Hills clinic to receive a complimentary TherapySouth pink t-shirt and meet your PTs! www.therapysouth.com

VestaviaVoice.com

October 2014 • A11

Business Spotlight

978-7550 1360 Montgomery Highway Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

Saturday, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

Sunday, 1 p.m.-6 p.m. summitexpress.net

m Colu a bian Rd

65

31

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Summit Express Urgent Care

Read past Business Spotlights at VestaviaVoice.com

By KATIE TURPEN

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Tips for preventing the flu } Wash your hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub.

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While driving down U.S. 31 one day, Dr. Nicol Pettway glanced up at the Vestridge Commons shopping center. She immediately envisioned a spot for her medical practice.

“I was very excited when the spot became available,” Pettway said.

Pettway opened Summit Express Urgent Care in Vestridge Commons on May 19. Pettway, a Vestavia Hills resident, describes her practice as a one-stop shop for minor injuries and procedures and a place intended for patients who need attention that does not warrant an emergency room visit.

In-house lab services include flu, strep and mono screens, blood counts, cholesterol screens, pregnancy tests and more. In-house minor surgical procedures include foreign body removals, knee and elbow joint aspirations, ingrown toenail treatment, small joint reductions and more.

Additionally, school and sports physicals and digital X-rays are performed on-site. Pettway said that on the first day of school for Vestavia Hills City Schools, their office was extremely busy. The 48,000 square feet contain eight exam rooms and a spacious waiting room and children’s play area.

} Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way. } Try to avoid close contact with people who are sick.

} Practice good health habits. Get plenty of sleep and exercise, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids and eat healthy food. } Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. } If you are sick with a flu-like illness, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone without the use of fever-reducing medicine.

Dr. Nicol Pettway was a full-time emergency physician for 15 years before opening her urgent care practice in Vestavia Hills. Photo by Katie Turpen.

The practice is open seven days a week. While the office does accept walk-ins only, people can register early using ZipPass, an online registration system.

Pettway has practiced emergency medicine for more than 15 years and urgent care for three years. She earned a degree in biochemical sciences from Harvard University and received her

doctorate of medicine from the UAB School of Medicine. She became board certified in internal medicine after completing a residency at Baptist Health Systems in 1997. Her certifications include advanced cardiac life support, advanced trauma life support and pediatric advanced life support.

She believes she can offer accurate referral judgment to her patients because

of her wealth of medical experience.

“My background in emergency medicine qualifies me to make the decision whether we need to refer you to the hospital or not,” Pettway said.

Summit Express regularly shares health and wellness articles on their Facebook page to educate the community on a variety of issues. Topics include tips to lower cholesterol, flu

prevention, Medicare, information on vaccinations and more.

Pettway hopes to continue to serve the Vestavia Hills community for a long time to come.

“As a doctor, I really just enjoy helping people,” Pettway said.

A12 • October 2014

Vestavia Voice

Community Local Boy Scouts trek through New Mexico wilderness

Merchants Diplomat Deli, Mia Moda and Steeds Jewelers are all participating in Shop Save & Share.

Members of Boy Scout Troop 4 hiked more than 10 days through the Sangre de Cristo Mountains at Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, N.M.

Shopping discount card to support Junior League

A crew of teenage Scouts and their leaders went on a life-changing summer trek through the Sangre de Cristo Mountains at Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, N.M. Philmont covers 214 square miles of vast wilderness with trails that climb from 6,500 feet to as high as 12,441 feet. During their trek, which began on July 19 and ended August 2, high school sophomores and freshmen from Boy Scout Troop 4, based at Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church, hiked more than 67 miles over 10 days in the rugged but beautiful terrain.

Scouts on the trip were Alec Albright, Davis Edwards, Jackson Freeland, Colin Harris, Robert Hill, Konnor Knoph, Stephen Mim, William Parker, Connor Ridgway, Colby Shealy and Thomas Sturdivant. Adult

Starting this month you can find discounts at area shops and restaurants through the Junior League of Birmingham’s Shop, Save & Share program.

When you purchase a Shop, Save & Share card for $40, you receive a 20 percent discount on merchandise and food at more than 530 participating stores and restaurants. Meanwhile, your $40 goes directly to support the League’s 34 community projects. This year’s Shop Save & Share program will run from Oct. 22-Nov. 2.

“It makes shopping even more fun, knowing that it is for such a great purpose,” said Junior League of Birmingham volunteer and Vestavia Hills resident Lydia Arnoult Hollett, who is chairing the

fundraiser this year. “It’s important to support retail businesses in Birmingham, especially those in our Vestavia backyard, and it’s important to support the work of the Junior League in our community projects. This is a way for one person to do both, and see some tangible benefits for themselves at the same time.”

Participating Vestavia Hills merchants include Diplomat Deli, Steed’s Jewelry, Mia Moda, Collage Designer Consignment, Monograms Plus, Western Supermarket Wine Market and The Lili Pad. Visit shopsaveshare.net for a complete retailer listing, to purchase a card and for more information.

supervisors were Andrew Edwards, Jeff Albright, Quint Harris, Jim Sturdivant and Jim Hill.

The group of Scouts and their advisors carried everything they needed to survive during the trek on their backs while hiking from camp to camp. They participated in backcountry programs along the way, including mountain biking, land navigation, black powder rifle and single action revolver shooting. The trek included a conservation project where the Scouts learned and participated in the upkeep of Philmont’s ecosystem. Along the trek, Scouts endured tough challenges including backpacking in bear and mountain lion territory, steep climbs and often-inclement weather. They also climbed Mt. Baldy, Philmont’s highest peak at 12,441 feet above sea level.

VestaviaVoice.com

October 2014 • A13

Saint Mark United Methodist launches kindness campaign

By WALTER BRYANT

Follow us on

Kindness has been the key ingredient in a summer outreach program of Saint Mark United Methodist Church.

At the beginning of the program church members were asked to write their favorite scripture passage on a card to be given away to friends and strangers. The more visible expression has been the acts of kindness, either through a series of organized events or spontaneous actions that members have listed on large posters at the church.

The series of organized events have included handing out frozen treats at nearby Wald Park to promote a series of sermons using clips from the movie Frozen, giving away more than 90 fullsize pizzas at a Hoover daycare center as parents picked up their children in the late afternoon and handing out 150 bottles of chilled water out to parents parked in the afternoon carpool line at Vestavia Hills West Elementary school.

Scott Perry, co-chair of the church’s Evangelism Committee, recalled a teacher’s surprise.

“I’ve worked all day and am stressed out. I’ve had a million things to do, and you’ve taken this (meal preparation) off me.”

Chilled water bottles seemed timely at the hot afternoon carpool line at Vestavia Hills Elementary School West. The pizza boxes had small fliers attached with the church’s name, street address and website. Water bottles had similar labels and a scripture verse: “But whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst.”

Church members also had the option of writing acts of kindness they had seen or had offered.

Examples included helping a neighbor with groceries and visiting a shut-in member. One member wrote of having received an encouraging devotion from another member. Writing the

The kindness outreach that began on in late July concluded in August with a drivethrough breakfast served in the church parking lot for residents of nearby apartments.

Photo by Walter Bryant.

acts of kindness on large posters was to give members ideas for things they could do.

The outreach that began on in late July concluded around Labor Day with a drive-through breakfast served in the church parking lot for

residents of nearby apartments.

“Acts of unexpected kindness put a smile on their face,” said Perry. “We are not asking for anything. It’s what we are called to do.”

A14 • October 2014

Vestavia Voice

The weather and sloppy conditions played a part in the Hewitt-Trussville game, but mostly it was trademark Buddy Anderson punishing running game and physical defense. Photo by Karim Shamsi-Basha.

BUDDY

CONTINUED from page A1 Anderson passed Waldon Tucker, who recorded 309 wins while coach at Demopolis Academy, Gordo and Fayette County. Tucker retired after the 2010 season, which was his 27th at Fayette County. All told, Tucker posted a 309-126-3 record in 37 seasons.

Anderson is now 310-126.

Did he ever think on that night as a teenager he felt called to be a high school coach that he would be the winningest?

“I never had a clue. I just knew He had a plan,” he said.

The plan seemed that Anderson would set the record the week before, but Oak Mountain upset the Rebels in overtime in ironic fashion. That night the son of former Rebels quarterback Danny Salchert, who led VH to the 1980 state title, caught the game-tying touchdown pass for the Eagles. Friday

night, it was delayed as a ferocious pregame thunderstorm moved kickoff an hour later.

The weather and sloppy conditions played a part in the game, but mostly it was trademark Buddy Anderson punishing running game and physical defense. Each team missed out on one good scoring opportunity in the scoreless first half.

But in the second half, Rebels quarterback Landon Crowder scored both Vestavia Hills touchdowns, a 3-yard run with 4:52 left in the third quarter

Vestavia Hills’ Landon Crowder scored two touchdowns in the win over Hewitt-Trussville. Photo by Keith McCoy.

and a 2-yard run with 4:23 left in the fourth. Each of those scores came at the end of drives keyed by Crowder passes. In the first drive, Crowder hit Sam Harvey for a 40-yard gain and on the second drive he hit Remington Patterson for a 37-yard pickup.

Hewitt-Trussville managed a T.J. McGettigan field goal early in the fourth quarter.

Crowder sealed it with a 22-yard scamper deep into Hewitt territory in the final two minutes, and the clock trickled down to Anderson’s Gatorade shower,

which also drenched Linda Anderson, who was arm-in-arm with her husband.

Anderson said he thought his players had begun to feel the pressure of the record chase. “I think they have, and I don’t want them to ever feel any pressure. I’m just glad it’s over and we can go on to the next one.”

Crowder agreed. “I think last week I got caught up in the situation, and tonight I was relaxed, I was myself.

I’ve spent as much time with Coach Anderson as anybody, and it’s so great to get this win for him.”

VestaviaVoice.com

October 2014 • A15

Coach Buddy Anderson pauses for a moment of prayer with his team. The Rebels defeated Hewitt-Trussville 14-3. Photo by Karim Shamsi-Basha.

“I know in his heart he wanted this win, it was a big game for him,” the senior quarterback said. “He may not show it to us but he’s excited.”

Anderson’s story is one of calling, perseverance and loyalty.

In the fall of 1972, Thompson “Mutt” Reynolds hired a young assistant football coach to help him with

the fledgling Vestavia Hills High football program.

Reynolds, who coached the Rebels just that one season before stepping into the role of athletic director, likely never expected to see his name on the school’s football stadium. And that young assistant coach, Dovey Ralph “Buddy” Anderson, said for sure he

never thought his name would adorn the school’s playing field.

How he was led to coach at Vestavia Hills in the first place is an amazing story.

“God called me to be a high school coach. I’ve been faithful to Him and He’s been faithful to me,” Anderson said. He knew the place and date that

call came, too — sitting in his dad’s pickup truck on Jan. 12, 1968, in his hometown of Thomasville.

But when he graduated from college after a football career at Samford University, nobody wanted him as an assistant coach.

“I had applied for several jobs in the area, but I kept hitting dead ends,”

Anderson recalled. Frustrated and unsure about what he would do, one hot August afternoon he headed to see if financial aid might be available for graduate studies at Samford. He bumped into a former teammate at the financial aid office who suggested he consider contacting Vestavia Hills about a position. The new school’s football program had suffered a tragic blow in the summer of 1971 when a car driven by Reynolds and carrying four assistant coaches was rammed on U.S. 31 by an 18-wheeler whose brakes had failed going down the hill. All three assistants in the back seat were killed.

John Lee Armstrong, the coach who’d signed Anderson at Samford, knew Vestavia Hills Principal Johnny Howell and arranged an interview.

Anderson said Reynolds didn’t ask him any football questions. “He asked, ‘Why are you coaching?’ And I said God called me to be a high school coach, on Jan. 12, 1968. He asked me if I loved kids and some other things, but nothing about offense or defense or anything football. Coach Reynolds had a way of asking the same question a different way, and he got back around to it. ‘Well, Coach, you think you’re going to coach here four or five years and feel like you can make more money doing something else, what do you plan on doing?’

“I said ‘No, sir, God called me to be a coach, and I plan on being a coach my whole career.’ He looked at me and said, ‘Then you’re the person I want to hire.’”

Anderson did his student teaching at Vestavia that spring and was hired full time that fall to fill the spot of one of the coaches killed in the car crash.

Six years later, he stepped up to the head coaching position and was on his way to induction into the Alabama High School Sports Hall of Fame and the all-time wins mark.

A16 • October 2014

Vestavia Voice

Fall Home Guide Special Advertising Section

O

ctober is the time to take on a project or two.

Whether you are looking to redesign a room, revamp your summer garden or prepare your home for winter, we’ve got you covered. Browse through our fall home guide for advice, tips and resources for every aspect of home improvement.

Resolve your household issues with Rocky Ridge Hardware see page A20

INDEX

Try a furniture store with more at Issis & Sons, see page A25

Revamp your countertops with Granite Transformations see page A23

Andy OnCall.................A18 Batts’ Chimney...........A23 Brandino Brass...........A21

Construx.....................A22 Granite Transform.....A23 Greystone Antiques..A27

Get your house clean with help from The Maids see page A21

Hollywood Pools.........A18 Issis & Sons................ A19 Remax Advantage......A21

RR Hardware....... A20 The Maids..............A21

Fall

VestaviaVoice.com

Special Adversiting Section

Decorative architectural hardware

The walls of the Brandino Brass showroom are lined with brass, bronze and pewter. You are greeted with new products including copper mailboxes, lighting and fireplace accessories to warm your home. Brandino Brass specializes in door and cabinetry hardware, kitchen and bath accessories, lighting, and more to meet the needs of any new construction or remodeling project.

What is Brandino Brass’ business philosophy?

Buster’ father and Eric’s grandfather, Tony Brandino, started the business in 1948. It was founded on the principles of taking care of people and treating both the customers and employees as family. Along with daily customers, we work closely with architects, designers and contractors throughout the country, as well as generations of homeowners.

What products does Brandino Brass offer?

We showcase and supply the finest home design products from around the world with

October 2014 • A17

Home Guide

What to know about fabric trends

architectural hardware and lighting. Brandino Brass also offers some of the highest quality brands made in the U.S.A. Brands such as Sun Valley Bronze, Colonial Bronze, Rocky Mountain Hardware, Class Grills, Reveal and Coastal Bronze supply fine bronze hardware.

14th Colony and Hubbardton Forge supply decorative light fixtures. Our newest vendors include Rasmussen for fireplace accessories and Copper Sculptures mailboxes, address numbers and plaques.

What services do you provide?

We offer a wide range of services through personalized, one-on-one consultations with our experienced and knowledgeable staff. We provide specific project estimates, on-site project analysis and architectural plan reviews. The showroom is open weekdays from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and afterhours by appointment.

Brandino Brass is located at 2824 Central Ave. in Homewood. For more information, visit brandinobrass.com or call 978-8900.

Shew Sheri features an assortment of contemporary fabric and a sewing essentials showroom. Photo by Keith McCoy.

Sew Sheri is not just a warehouse lined with bolts of fabric.

It is a contemporary fabric, notions, hardware, trim and sewing essentials showroom with an open workroom, which also features Dorm Suite Dorm’s custom dorm bedding.

Clients can choose or custom order fabrics for their home design projects. They may also schedule a consultation with a designer who can build on their design ideas and help them create exclusive pieces from our trend setting fabrics.

The store works with clients at every stage of designing. Some are very savvy and already have specific ideas about their projects when they come in, and others are home design novices and feel more intimidated by the process. Sew Sheri’s designers get to know the client, their personality and their specific project needs.

Owner Sheri Corey just returned from the WCAA (Window Covering Association of America) Color Theory Lecture in Atlanta.

Here are some trends in home fabrics she learned about: } Moody shades are out, and happy patterns, colors. and prints are in. } Blue, blue, blue! Rich, saturated blues are everywhere. } Lush fabrics such velvet, suede and corduroy are a must for warm fall and winter décor. } Modern versions of florals with bold colors and patterns are popular. } Metallics are making a bold statement in home fabrics, furnishings and accents. } Outdoor fabrics are coming inside for their unique patterns, longevity and durability. } Home style follows fashion trends and mixing patterns is big, so if you are feeling unsure, start with an easy stripe/floral or plaid/color block.

Sew Sheri is located at 2832 Culver Road.

For more information, visit sewsheri.com or call 879-8278.

We are excited to introduce two new designers!

Decorative Hardware and Lighting Showroom

Danielle Palladino

Reb Baker,

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Come in today for your free consultation.

Uncompromising Quality and Service 205.978.8900 Monday-Friday 8am-5pm Saturday by Appointment

2824 Central Avenue Suite 100 Birmingham, AL 35209 www.brandinobrass.com

15% OFF with this ad

VV

YOUR LOCAL FABRIC RETAILER

2832 Culver Rd • 879.8278 • Mon. - Sat

A18 • October 2014

Handy home tips from Andy

In October the leaves start to fall, and the home projects can pile up just as quickly.

Because we cannot all be handy like Adam Bidner and his Andy OnCall staff, Bidner offered some advice as the seasons shift into winter.

How do you know when to update your home’s exterior paint?

One of the first signs that a home needs to be repainted is the paint beginning to peel or crack. This is an invitation for moisture to penetrate your wood framing and foundation.

Do you have any tips on maintaining an outdoor deck?

Maintaining a deck should be done annually. Give your deck an annual inspection.

Check for nails popping out and replace them with treated deck screws, and check for any wood-related issues. Make sure you pressure wash your deck every year and stain and/or seal it every two years.

Fall

What are some tips on working with ceramic tile?

Make sure your sub-floor is level. Add a self-leveling compound if necessary. For cutting tile, use a wet saw with the correct blade. The space between tiles depends on what type of trowel to use. Grout it diagonally instead of straight to make sure it covers cracks evenly. Add tile/grout sealant if applicable.

What are the perks of having a handyman help?

We provide peace of mind. Everyone’s schedule is hectic, and we’re here to help lighten your workload. Our craftsmen have at least 10 years of experience and are qualified to tackle your honey-do list.

To learn more about Andy OnCall, visit andyoncall.com/birmingham-al or call 403-0600.

Home Guide

Vestavia Voice

Special Adversiting Section

Creating a ‘backyard oasis’

It may be the off-season for pools, but Hollywood Pool and Spa has plenty of other services to offer. Co-owner Billy Branch shares a little about the business.

How did Hollywood Pool and Spa get its start?

Hollywood Pools began in 1986 as a pool service and repair business with a small retail location on Hollywood Boulevard in Homewood. As the company grew, it became necessary to relocate to our current location on Montgomery Highway in Vestavia Hills.

What is Hollywood Pool and Spa’s business philosophy?

With our current product selection, we offer our customers anything they need to create a “backyard oasis.”

What services do you specialize in?

We offer a wide variety of pool services, including weekly cleaning and equipment

repair. We specialize in all pool renovations, including replastering, replacing pool tile and coping, and installing new vinyl liners.

With summer being over and pools being used less frequently, what are some ways you continue to help customers?

As our busy summer pool season winds down, we begin emphasizing sales of Sundance Spas, Big Green Egg and Weber Grills, and Crimson Casual and Lloyd Flanders patio furniture.

Are you offering any specials during the fall and winter seasons?

Whether it is the Fall Home & Garden Show, our annual Sundance Spas Truckload Sale or our huge Holiday Sale for Big Green Eggs, fall and winter are a great time to take advantage of discounted pricing on spas, grills and outdoor furniture.

To learn more about Hollywood Pool and Spa, visit hollywoodpoolandspas.com.

VestaviaVoice.com

Fall

Home Guide

October 2014 • A19

Special Adversiting Section

Taking care of the customer

Issis started in Pelham, Ala. in only a 2000 square foot showroom offering carpet and rugs.

From the beginning in 1984 to today the philosophy is the same, “always take care of the customer,” as stated firmly by owner Steve Issis.

The foundation of this business is founded on that simple, yet strong principle. With that in the foundation, Issis has grown leaps and bounds to

expand the main showroom to 100,000 square feet.

The showroom on Highway 280 was opened in 1999 and is 20,000 square feet. The location is a full service store offering beautiful carpets, rugs, tiles, stone and hardwoods.

A wonderful and exciting addition was added in 2007 to help our customers even more. That

addition was Issis & Sons Furniture Gallery in Pelham with a 22,000 square foot showroom.

Managed by Nancy Gowens and a staff of talented professional decorators, the showroom offers all of the above plus a full line of quality fine furniture along with custom bedding & drapery services, accessories and lighting.

This led to the opening of Issis at Greenbrier

in 2013 that is managed by the Gary Hughes and Moeen Chadury, again offering service and quality. The ultimate goal of all Issis stores is to make our customers happy by providing excellent service, amazing selections and quality products at affordable prices.

To learn more about Issis & Sons, visit issisandsons.com.

Fall

A20 • October 2014

Vestavia Voice

Home Guide Special Adversiting Section

Is your home ready for fall?

Rocky Ridge Hardware has served its community for almost 30 years.

It’s one of those rare places that still believes in the “old-fashioned” customer service more typical of days gone by, yet they still stock everything needed for today’s home care and maintenance.

“We focus on serving the home owner, the do-it-yourselfer and resolving any household issues they may be facing,” owner Dan Moran said. “We really do treat our customers like a member of the family. Our service is what sets us apart. Regardless of what you need, chances are we have it without the hassle of navigating a big box store.”

One example of how they go the extra mile is the way they cut keys.

Moran said they choose to hand cut keys to provide a more accurate result than with a machine-cut key.

You will find their store well stocked with a wide variety of light bulbs, air filters, Auburn and Alabama collegiate gear, and items you will need to get your lawn or garden ready for the next season.

The store’s plumbing and electrical sections have most anything a homeowner will need without having to wade through aisles of contractor and commercial materials.

Rocky Ridge also repairs most household appliances or engines.

In fact, Moran said if electricity runs through it they can fix it, which includes gas and electric engine repair. The store is the perfect place

to take everything from grandma’s lamp to your lawnmower and to know you will be treated honestly and fairly.

On their Facebook page, Rocky Ridge Hardware features regular tips, ideas and resources specifically for the homeowner, from creative uses for chalk paint to ways to tips for weatherproofing. We asked Moran to share with us ways that homeowners can prepare their home for the colder months.

Fall Readiness Checklist }} Find and block air leaks. Use an incense stick or match to identify the source of the leak. Then use a plastic kit on the window and add caulk to the outside. }} Make sure your chimney is clean and your damper is open. }} Reverse your ceiling fans to push warm air down. }} Clean your furnace and have a service check done by a reputable

company. }} Install faucet covers on all outside faucets and turn off the outside water connections if you are not using regularly. }} To prevent freezing damage, seal the cracks in your driveways, sidewalks and patios. }} Before you use your gas log fireplace, make sure it is working correctly.

}} Make sure to change your furnace filter in your unit on a regular basis. }} After our leaves fall, it’s a good time to clean out your gutters.

For more tips or information, call Rocky Ridge Hardware at 9795444 or visit 3354 Morgan Drive next to Western Supermarket. You can also find them at facebook.com/ RRHardware.

Fall

VestaviaVoice.com

Smart tips for home buyers and sellers

Sarah Caiola and Nancy Callahan are native Birmingham Realtors with a wealth of experience in home buying and selling.

Callahan has been in the real estate business since 1990, and Caiola has been in the business since 1984. They know the local area well and feel hopeful about the future of its real estate market.

“Values are coming back to homes in Vestavia Hills,” Caiola said.

Below, these real estate agents share their advice for buyers and sellers in today’s market.

Make a good first impression “You only get one chance for a first impression,” said Callahan. “It’s important to be show-ready at all times.”

Since a driveway is the first thing a buyer will see, these agents suggest using a high-powered liquid drain cleaner to sweep oil stains away. Other tips for making the best first impression possible include painting the front door and entryway, filling the house with a pleasant scent, buying potted flowers

October 2014 • A21

Home Guide Special Adversiting Section

How to love cleaning day — call The Maids

and watering the lawn.

Understand the loan process “From our experience, working with local lenders for your loan is usually a much better experience,” said Caiola. “Communication is the key for all parties involved. Buyers need to do their homework upfront.”

Doing the homework beforehand means gathering all the necessary paperwork for the lender and understanding the loan you’re seeking to qualify for. This includes interest rate, terms, down payment and monthly payment. Buyers must have a pre-approval letter from the lender and be ready to buy. This makes a win-win situation for both buyers and sellers.

Communicate with your real estate agent “It’s important to be clear on what to expect from your Realtor and know what your Realtor expects from you,” Caiola said.

“That way it is a happy experience for all and a smooth transition for the buyers and sellers.”

The Maids began cleaning homes in the metro Birmingham area in 1987. With our 22-step Healthy Touch Cleaning System, we give you the healthiest, most thorough housecleaning ever! The Maids offers thorough and dependable cleaning, utilizing the three-tofour-person team concept and environmentally preferable products.

The Maids insures and bonds our employees and pays all employment taxes. Our success is a result of our commitment to our employees and customers. We have an unconditional 100 percent satisfaction guarantee. Our goal is always satisfied customers!

The Maids has a commitment to give back to the community. Those we support include the Bell Center/Service Guild, Exceptional Foundation, Junior League, Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, Alabama Symphony and

many of our local schools. The Maids is a sponsor of the Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama, and all of The Maids yellow company cars proudly display their license plates. The Maids is a member of the local chamber of commerce and the Better Business Bureau.

Most of our clients say, “I love it when it’s cleaning day…Coming home to a spotless house is something our entire family looks forward to.”

Weekly or every other week cleaning gives our clients time to spend doing the things they really enjoy. We also offer move-in/ move-out cleanings and other frequencies of service. Call today to enjoy the benefits of a cleaner and healthier home.

For more information, call 623-4752 or visit maids.com.

TREAT yourself to a clean home with no TRICKS attached.

AV

Proudly keeping homes cleaner and healthier since 1987

205-871-9338 www.MAIDS.com

Referred for a reason.

Fall

A22 • October 2014

Home Guide

Vestavia Voice

Special Adversiting Section

Trending with the times Are you thinking about building or remodeling your home? Take the next step and call the experts at Construx to assist you. Whether it be a specific vison for your home or just ideas floating around, they can make it happen.

Free consultations are just a phone call away.

“Many people are choosing to remodel their current home at a time where the economic situation is working in their favor. Doing it now allows you to enjoy those upgrades while adding to the value of your home,” said owner/partner Kent Irwin.

trendy and beautiful. } New stainless steel appliances give your kitchen an entire new look. } Enhance your countertops with copper.

Home Automation trends } Key fobs will unlock your door with just a click } Did you remember to shut the garage door? Check it from your phone app and close it remotely. } Turn on/off your lights, lock and unlock your doors – all remotely from your phone.

The Construx Staff Martha Hunter brings friendly customer service and follows through with your job. From the beginning, she helps get your vision onto paper, helps with your product selections, and makes the experience fun and pleasurable. She has strong interests in energy efficiency and helping people age in place.

Kent Irwin brings many skills to the table as a retired engineer. He is poised to handle all drawings necessary to capture and convey your vision and follow through with project management.

Anthony Munroe is a schedule driven builder with 30 years of experience in the residential and light commercial field, having built more than 300 homes and remodeling projects.

Anthony is also a Certified VA builder with expertise in ADA handicap and specifically adaptive housing.

} Smart Thermostats save while you are home and control while you are away.

Outdoor trends

Martha Hunter and Kent Irwin of Construx, located in the Rocky Ridge Plaza Shopping Center.

Home improvement ideas to watch Bathroom trends

} Air baths (versus older style jet tubs)

} Getting rid of the tub/shower combo and replacing it with a separate walk-in shower

} Big plank tiles for floors and walls

} Rimless glass shower walls

Kitchen trends

} Handheld shower heads for tubs and shower } Free-standing bathtubs

“Open floor plans are all the trend now. By opening up your kitchen to an adjoining room, it creates a dramatic effect and a great update to

your home,” said Martha. } Hardwood flooring in the kitchen gives it more flow with the rest of the house and feels warm and inviting. } Kitchen islands are a good break between the kitchen and living space. The trend is to make these look more like furniture. } Granite and quartz countertops are

} Front doors and entry ways make a first impression and increase curb appeal. } Wood decks or screened in porch for extra outdoor living space. } Outdoor fire pits and cooking areas can be added.

The Construx showroom is located in the Rocky Ridge Plaza Shopping Center. Call for an appointment and free estimate. For more info, call 5332668, email info@construxhome.com or visit construxhome.com

VestaviaVoice.com

Fall

A sweep is as lucky as lucky can be

Home Guide

October 2014 • A23

Special Adversiting Section

A low-maintenance, low-worry countertop

When the weather gets frightful outside, a fireplace can be delightful. To ensure your chimney is in tip-top shape, the experts at Batts’ Chimney Services answered a couple questions concerning the safety and upkeep of your fireplace.

Batts’ Chimney Services is a local family owned and operated, full service chimney company. Owner Phillip Batts said residents have been relying on Batts’ for its professionalism and knowledge to handle their entire chimney needs for 36 years.

“Our goal is to provide the highest quality work at a reasonable price!” Batts said.

How often should I have my chimney cleaned?

The National Fire Protection Association Standard 211 says, “Chimneys, fireplaces and vents shall be inspected at least once a year for soundness, freedom from deposits and correct clearances. Cleaning, maintenance and repairs shall be done if necessary.”

My fireplace stinks, what can I do?

A good cleaning will help, and during this process we can determine if there are other contributing factors that need to be addressed.

I have water leaking into my fireplace and water stains on the ceiling and wall.

Can your company fix my problem?

We will complete a thorough inspection to determine where the water is coming from and help in the prevention of further leaks. Sometimes the problem is not chimney related. A roof problem can show up at

the chimney and deceive us.

To learn more about Batts’ Chimney Services, visit battschimneyservices.com or call 956-8207. Visit csia.org/Homeowner-Resources/index.aspx for more FAQs on chimney service.

Countertops from Granite Transformations may look like an ordinary granite, quartz or recycled glass surface. But upon closer inspection, you’ll quickly learn how premium countertops from Granite Transformations will make your life easier.

The company’s products are created by grinding up granite, quartz or recycled glass, then cooking it to create a new solid material.

The end result is thinner but stronger than traditional granite and quartz. Instead of being porous, it’s solid and sturdy—not to mention that it can withstand heat up to 500 degrees.

Best of all, Granite Transformations countertops are scratch and stain resistant and backed by a lifetime warranty.

The thin design also allows the product to be installed easily on top of existing countertops with no demolition required. To clean it, you simply wipe it with soap and warm

water. There’s no maintenance thanks to Forever Seal!

The experts at Granite Transformations provide a quick turnaround. Ninety percent of installs are completed in one day, but that won’t be the first time they visit a customer’s home. Instead of visiting a show room with staged commercial lighting, a design consultant brings samples to the home, allowing the customer to select the product in the natural light of the kitchen or bathroom where it will be installed.

Birmingham native Brandon Plowden recently acquired a local franchise of Granite Transformations, one of 95 across North America with products manufactured in Sebring, Fla. To learn more about Granite Transformations, visit gtalabama.com or call 789-9771.

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SECTION B School House B8 Sports B11 Calendar B13

A miracle mark

Local resident celebrates five years cancer free

By KATIE TURPEN Five years ago, Suzanne Moore’s life was right on track.

The Vestavia resident and mother of two had recently taken on a marketing job for physical therapy practice TherapySouth. Whether she was looking after clients or her own children, Moore lived an active life, staying true to her passion for helping others.

“I was just being a normal mom, driving carpool and taking care of my kids,” Moore said. “I really thought, ‘This is it, my life is set.’”

One day, during a self examination, she found a lump in her breast. Moore’s mother had breast cancer in her 40s, so Moore knew she needed to take the situation seriously and immediately made a doctor’s appointment.

At 36 years old, Moore was diagnosed with HER2-positive, an aggressive form of breast cancer. One week after the visit to the doctor, she had a double mastectomy.

In a matter of three weeks, Moore saw her life change 180 degrees.

“I went from taking care of everyone to being bedridden for months,” Moore said. “It really put things in perspective for me.”

During those difficult months, Moore was overwhelmed with support from family and friends.

She became part of a support group at Shades Mountain Baptist Church.

“When I was having a bad day for whatever reason, these people really understood what I was feeling,” Moore said.

According to the National Cancer Institute,

Breast Cancer Awareness Events Komen Race for the Cure Linn Park Saturday, Oct. 11 Visit komenNCalabama.org

Key to the Cure Pink Party Saks Fifth Avenue Birmingham Saturday, Oct. 16, 5-8 p.m.

Contact Elizabeth Worrell, 298-8550

Vestavia Hills resident Suzanne Moore is celebrating five years cancer free. Photo

by Karim Shamsi-Basha.

when breast cancer is detected early, in the localized stage, the five-year survival rate is 98 percent.

Moore credits her faith for carrying her through the experience.

“I solely relied on God,” Moore said. “My faith was what kept me going.”

Five years later, Moore is using her experience to give back to the community in a variety of ways. She is involved with the Young Breast Cancer Survivorship Network, an initiative of

the UAB School of Nursing. Their focus is to improve the quality of life for young breast cancer survivors as well as their loved ones through education, support and networking.

Moore is also helping launch a new breast cancer rehabilitation program at TherapySouth’s Vestavia location.

“I’ve been able to help people that have gone through it,” Moore said. “I am thankful that I’m here, trying my best to live in the present.”

Moore’s son is starting middle school and her daughter is now starting high school. She feels her experience has made her family stronger, and her priorities are focused on what matters.

“There was a point when I didn’t think I was going to be here to watch them grow up,” Moore said. “Five years is a big mark. Life is uncertain.

Now, I’m really trying to just enjoy every day.”

For more information about the Young Breast Cancer Survivorship Network, visit youngsurvivorsbhm.org.

B2 • October 2014

Vestavia Voice

Creative community leadership Leadership Vestavia Hills introduces 2014-2015 class LVH Member Spotlights Jeff Downes Vestavia Hills City Manager

The 2014-2015 Leadership Vestavia Hills Class. Front row: Karol Leggett, Michelle Belcher, Shannon Stewart, Martha Cook, Wendy Johnson, Rebekah Parker and Noelle Ward. Back row: TJ Clark, Drayton Cosby, Jeff Downes, Chris Cain, Bill Brunson, Scott Selman, Mike Vercher, Roddy Taylor, Chris Eckroate, Brooks Harris, Adam Pierce, Erik Heninger and Rob Stone. Photo by Katie Turpen.

By KATIE TURPEN A group of adults form a circle and at first glance, it appears they are playing a simple get-to-know-you game.

In reality, they are brainstorming ideas for the future of the city as the newest class of Leadership Vestavia Hills (LVH).

“The program is designed to provide a foundation of knowledge whereby potential leaders can enhance the economic growth and the quality of life of Vestavia Hills,” said LVH President Brian Wolfe. “Stated simply, we want to equip and prepare future leaders for service in our community.”

Leadership Vestavia Hills is a nonprofit organization that empowers graduates to make a positive difference within the community through networking

relationships and educational experiences. On Sept. 4, the organization had their first class for the year. During the day, the class learned the history of Vestavia Hills and how the city has grown through the years. They also participated in numerous group exercises.

“These exercises helped them to get to know each other and learn how to work as a team,” said LVH Class Coordinator Ann Hamiter.

Upcoming classes include Leadership Boot Camp, Team Building Day, Quality of Life Day, Government Day, Economic Development Day and Education Day. “During our July board planning session we took a hard look at some areas we could improve within our organization,” said LVH President Brian Wolfe. “Each class works to implement projects that

are assigned to them during the annual program. More recent projects that have been implemented include the annual Wing Ding chicken wing cook off, Help the Hills and Vestavia Hills Keep America Beautiful chapter implementation.”

LVH meets once a month from September to April. Projects are determined and selected by the class in October.

Graduation will be on April 7.

“Our board is a working board and it’s exciting to see the positive impact our organization has had on our community through our leadership program, through community events that we sponsor and issues we work to resolve through our class projects,” said Wolfe.

For more, visit leadershipvestaviahills. com.

“To really know a community requires engaging in a diverse set of activities within the community to give one a sense of the real culture. Engagement means actually working with others to improve or reinforce areas of the city that need attention.

Leadership Vestavia Hills will give me that opportunity.”

Martha Reeves Cook Attorney, McCallum Hoaglund Cook & Irby, LLP “The things I look forward to the most about LVH are learning more about the history of our city, our city’s employees and the internal governmental process, and our schools and getting to know my fellow LVH classmates.

The best thing about living in Vestavia Hills is

hands down, the people.

We are passionate about our city, diverse, caring, and helpful.”

VestaviaVoice.com

October 2014 • B3

Long live learning Flexible, inexpensive courses offered locally through OLLI

Upcoming OLLI Courses Alabama State and Local History Oct. 7, 14, 21 and 18 10:30 a.m.-Noon Sessions on Alabama history, the Jefferson County Dilemma, The Alabama Constitution, and Vestavia Hills History and Government Your Money, Your Life Oct. 7, 14, 21, 29 1:45-3 p.m.

Taught by private wealth advisor Lyle Aitken

OLLI’s executive committee meets to plan upcoming course sessions. OLLI is designed for people who want to be lifelong learners. The national program’s affiliates offer a variety of courses based on what interests its membership, from local history to travel.

Photo courtesy of OLLI.

By MADOLINE MARKHAM Diane Wheeler attends class without any homework or any tests.

After a 40-year career, she was looking a new cause to which to devote her time. She found the answer in the Osher Lifetime Learning Institute’s (OLLI) Vestavia affiliate.

“There’s a crowd of us done with things we have to do who are getting to do things we want to do,” she said.

As it name suggests, OLLI is designed for people who want to be lifelong learners. The national program’s affiliates offer a variety of courses based on what interests its membership, from local history to travel.

The Vestavia affiliate began last year through

the University of Alabama system and quickly grew to more than 200 members who were interested in programs with increasing depth. Classes meet at the Vestavia Library in the Forest and Vestavia Senior Center.

“It took off like wildfire,” Wheeler said. “It’s something you can experience and enjoy to expand your worldview.”

This fall semester OLLI is offering 17 individual sessions. Participants can attend as many or as few as interest them, all for $20 total. In addition to the regular OLLI sessions, weekly bonus sections on subjects such as How to Buy a Lightbulb and The Human Body Through the Eyes of a Medical Illustrator are held on select Thursdays afternoons at the library. There is no fee for the bonus sessions. OLLI also offers field

trips to places such as Columbiana and Oak Hill Cemetery and is offering a trip to Italy this year.

“It’s not about the meetings, it’s about the curriculum and discovering more about what you are interested in — history, nutrition, art, dance, etc.,” Wheeler said.

Each OLLI group is managed by its all-volunteer membership, who seeks out what others want to learn and create courses around that.

Serving as co-chair of curriculum and recruitment committee for OLLI and attending classes on all sorts of subjects are just how Wheeler wants to be spending her new-found time.

“You don’t have to become an expert and take it up for life,” Wheeler said. “It’s just fun to know.”

Technology/Conservations: Solar Energy Nov. 4 10:30 a.m.-noon Taught by Robert Kloar Armchair Travel Nov. 4, 11, 18 and 25 1-2 p.m.

Sessions on Paris; India Memphis, Tenn.; and Spain Under the Covers Nov. 6, 11, 18 and 25 10:30 a.m.-Noon Sessions by Alabama authors Bill Fitts, Delbert Reed and Donald Brown, as well as TV series producer and Paul W. Bryant Museum curator Taylor Watson

Weekly Bonus Sessions Bicycling Across America Oct. 2, 1:30-3 p.m.

Janet Halloway My Lifetime Railroad Odyssey Jack Norris Oct. 16, 1:30-3 p.m.

Weekly Bonus Sessions are free, and admission for all other sessions is covered in a $20 per semester course fee. For more visit olli.ua.edu or ollivestavia.blogspot.com.

B4 • October 2014

Vestavia Voice

Balancing act

Working both sides of the stage

By JESSA PEASE Talia Pepke didn’t choose theatre — she was tricked into it.

She was a freshman, only 14, and it was the first day of school at Shades Valley High in 2001. When she missed the bus home, she unknowingly walked into auditions taking place in the theatre.

“I walked in and realized there were people on stage, and he (Roy Hudson) was like ‘What do you want?’” Talia laughed. “I was like ‘I’m lost. I need to call my mom. Can you tell me where the phone is?’ He said, ‘I’ll tell you where the phone is if you audition.’”

Hudson, now the artistic director at the Virginia Samford Theatre, roped Pepke into auditioning for The Miracle Worker. It was her first show, and he was her first director.

“He was a mentor to me,” Pepke said. “He helped me choose — I ended up pursing theatre in college. While I was really passionate about the arts, and I loved performing, I needed a little bit more.”

She worked some odd jobs until she ended up at the Virginia Samford Theatre. Pepke was hired on as the marketing and event manager, and she was eventually joined by Hudson when the Virginia Samford hired him as the artistic director about a year ago.

“I tell everyone that our relationship is pretty much exactly the same except now I win half of the arguments,” Pepke said.

As the marketing and event

Talia Pepke’s latest role was Deirdre McDavey in I Hate Hamlet, which was directed by her high school director Roy Hudson. Photo by Steven Ross.

manager, Pepke said she has a marketing plan for all the emails, digital marketing, ad plans and social media posts to promote the shows. The perk of her job: she has the flexibility in her schedule to audition for shows.

In her last performance, Pepke

played Deirdre McDavey in I Hate Hamlet under her old director Hudson, but she said it can sometimes be difficult to wear both the marketing and acting hat.

“I’m still kind of finding a balance,” Pepke said. “Usually when we have

a production, I’m also running the house, I’m in the lobby and I’m working with patrons who are there. I can’t do that when I am backstage preparing for a show. Fortunately, I have the best substitute ever, and I rope my husband into coming back in.”

When she is in a show, Pepke said she really sets aside her marketing side to focus on just being an actress.

She knows when she is at rehearsal, she is there to work the script with the rest of the cast, and she said it helps that she is able to work with other professional people.

Being involved in both sides of the theatre is actually helpful for Pepke as well. She said being in a show gives her better insight on how market it because she knows the show backward and forward. That makes it easier than when she steps into a musical halfway through the process in order to figure out how to promote it.

Her next role: Lucy in Dracula.

“I love the musicals, but I’m not a singer or a dancer,” Pepke said.

“Straight theatre has always been my comfort zone. I was really excited about auditioning for Dracula because most of the training that I received, when I really was actively pursuing acting and theatre, was dramatic work.

I was always cast as the girl who was very dramatic.”

She said her upcoming role is really going to give her the opportunity to practice what she studied, and she is excited to see this darker, more dramatic show at the Virginia Samford in time for Halloween.

Talia Pepke will be appearing in the Virginia Samford Theatre’s upcoming production of Dracula, which will be showing from Oct. 30 to Nov. 9. For more information, call 251-1206 or visit virginiasamfordtheatre.org.

VestaviaVoice.com

October 2014 • B5

A tale of star-crossed lovers VHHS Theatre puts modern twist on classic play The VHHS Theatre Department presents Romeo and Juliet Nov. 6 and 7, 7 p.m.

Nov. 8, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

VHHS Auditorium Admission: $8

By KATIE TURPEN Since becoming the VHHS theater director, Alan Gardner has been known to direct performances with a mix of classic and modern flair.

Last year’s fall play, Night of the Living Dead, incorporated multimedia elements and stemmed from Gardner’s research on out-of-the-ordinary characters and settings.

For this year’s performance, Gardner stepped aside and let the students take the lead.

“I spoke with students about what kind of play they wanted to do,” Gardner said. “They said they wanted to do something people had heard of but also keep the focus on youthful energy.”

Theater students are hard at work rehearsing for this year’s fall performance. On Nov. 6, 7 and 8, the VHHS Theatre will present Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.

The tragedy was written by William Shakespeare early in his career and follows the journey of two star-crossed lovers whose deaths ultimately reconcile their feuding families. Believed to have been written between 1591 and 1595, the play was first published in a quarto version in 1597. It was among Shakespeare’s most popular plays during his lifetime and is one of his most frequently performed plays.

However, don’t expect a run-of-the-mill performance from these students.

Cast members participate in a rehearsal for the VHHS fall play, Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Photo by Alan Gardner.

From the scene where Romeo first sees Juliet to the famous final act, audiences can expect the fun and interesting theater elements that Gardner is known for. He said some scenes will take place in a New York club atmosphere in what he describes as a progressive setting.

“We’re not changing the play, we are just modernizing it,” Gardner said. “We’ll have a mix of modern music and interesting costume

choices.”

Gardner is heavily aware of the way costumes will represent the characters’ societal status of the time.

“Weather and affluence was really reflected in the characters’ fashion choices and the world around them,” Gardner said.

In addition to the costumes and dancing, Gardner said the set will reflect the modern theme.

“We will have platforms all over the stage that represent balconies and a variety of lighting schemes throughout the stage,” Gardner said.

He makes it clear that despite a more modern feel, the central elements of the play will remain true to the classic Shakespeare.

“I think it will be very appealing to the audience and something they can appreciate,” Gardner said.

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B6 • October 2014

Vestavia Voice

Giving with a grateful heart Local church hosts series of events for Imagine No Malaria campaign

By REBECCA WALDEN Area songstress and community activist Kiley Watson is already a well-known talent to many in Vestavia Hills. This month, she will lend her commanding vocal presence and contagious joy to the Imagine No Malaria campaign, a massive outreach effort undertaken by the North Alabama Conference of the United Methodist Church.

The Oct. 17 event, titled “You May Say I’m a Dreamer: An Evening of Song with Kiley Watson,” will be held at 6 p.m. at Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church (VHUMC) and will include a seated dinner, concert and silent auction featuring donated works from many area artists. Tickets are $40 each.

The history of the United Methodist Church has been closely entwined with the operation of hospitals and clinics throughout Africa for nearly 200 years. To date, malaria remains one of the hardest diseases to conquer.

According to the World Health Organization, the disease now claims a life every 60 seconds. VHUMC has made the commitment to save 10,000 lives in 2014, including a tithe of $100,000 toward the Imagine No Malaria effort.

“When we were brainstorming ideas for activities and ways to educate the congregation about malaria, one of the ideas was for me to sing in a benefit concert held at the church following a sit-down dinner and silent

You May Say I’m a Dreamer: An Evening of Song with Kiley Watson Oct. 17, 6 p.m.

Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church (VHUMC) The event will include a seated dinner, concert and silent auction featuring donated works from many area artists. Tickets are $40 each.

In March, Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church hosted a Fat Tuesday Celebration, complete with Dixieland Jazz and a pancake supper. Photos courtesy of Denise Williams.

art auction,” said Watson. “I loved the idea and immediately started crafting a program with songs that reflected my musical journey. My hopes are that the audience will be inspired to give generously to help the church meet its fundraising goal and help eradicate malaria in our lifetime.”

To date, VHUMC has already hosted 10 events toward the cause. For member Suzanne Scott-Trammell, the entire campaign has proven to be a meaningful way to involve her young children.

After watching a screening of “Mary and Martha,” a film about malaria featuring Hilary Swank, Scott-Trammell said she was moved into action.

“As a mother, the fact that children under the age of five are dying from malaria just tears at my heart,” she said.

“The guy I serve clearly tells me these are my children who are dying. These are my sisters who are losing their precious children. When we share our gifts and resources, He multiplies — it’s not

about how much we give; it’s about giving with a grateful heart.”

To that end, Scott-Trammell tapped into the resources immediately available to her. She started by picking and selling blueberries from her father’s land in Clanton. After that humble effort raised $200, Scott-Trammell’s 9-year-old daughter, Meg, realized she could take part, too, and made Rainbow Loom bracelets for the cause, resulting in an additional $20.

The family also came up with a

solution to tap into everyday purchases people in the community make already.

“Most of us receive more gifts than we know what to do with,” she said.

“Instead of buying more ‘stuff’ for your loved ones, who probably don’t need or want it anyway, why not purchase a card where your donation can literally save the life of another?”

Those interested in purchasing a card are encouraged to contact Denise Williams at dwilliams@vhmc.org

VestaviaVoice.com

October 2014 • B7

Get to Know

Whit McGhee Communications specialist for Vestavia City Schools

By REBECCA WALDEN

Q A

What led you to Vestavia Hills?

My work background prior to joining this school system was in journalism for a daily newspaper, The Anniston Star, and admissions marketing for two universities, Jacksonville State University (my alma mater) and The University of Alabama in Huntsville. From my experience, journalism’s goal is telling the truth, and marketing is promoting positives about an organization. I feel like both of those concepts are married in this job.

Q

What are some tangible results that parents of school age children can expect to see as a result of your efforts?

The main thing I’ve been focused on through these first

A

few months is reaching out to Vestavia residents where they are. We’ve had a lot of change over the past few months, and we don’t want to assume that people will just manage on their own to hear about it. That’s why we’re expanding our news sharing and publicity through local media, newsletters, blogs, social networks, and videos.

Q

What are you doing to make sure the achievements, and areas for improvement, across all schools in our system, are being made visible?

We need to be doing more to celebrate our achievements. One of the ways we’re going to do that is through the creation of a district-wide annual report, which will highlight accomplishments, awards, and data from each of our schools. We’re going to publicize the report city-wide when it’s completed, because we’ve got a lot

A

to be proud of. We also need to take a critical look at our opportunities for improvement, and that’s why we’re in the midst of a yearlong strategics program with The Cambrian Group.

Q

When you look back on the communications accomplishments of the school system after the 2014-15 school year, what is the number one goal you look forward to saying you helped achieve?

I want to do my part to build community pride in the new leadership we have and the new direction we’re going to be taking as a school system. I feel like I’m getting in on the ground floor of a new era for this district that’s all about transparency, accountability and fulfilling the needs of every child in our classrooms. That’s a lot to be proud of. If I’ve done anything by the end of the year to help people become more

A

Whit McGhee is the new communications and media specialist for Vestavia Hills City Schools. Photo courtesy of Whit McGhee.

invested in these schools, I’d count it as a successful year.

Q A

you?

What might Vestavia residents be surprised to learn about

I’m a native of Anniston, and I’m a newlywed. I’ve been married to my wife, Lauren, for six months (as of October). We relocated here from the tiny town of Arab, Alabama, and so far Vestavia has been wonderful to us. We don’t have any

kids or pets yet, but we do have a great collection of Beatles and Four Seasons LPs. It was a dream of mine for the last ten years to move to this area. I felt called to be here with my wife because of the opportunities we’d have for growth as well as its location near so many of our friends and family. Now that we’re here, I’m still amazed and humbled that Vestavia Hills has welcomed us with open arms. It’s an even better place than I had hoped.

B8• October 2014

Vestavia Voice

School House Vestavia schools raise money through ALS Ice Bucket Challenge

By KATIE TURPEN On Monday, Aug. 25, Vestavia Hills High School hosted the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge at the VHHS football stadium.

This event was sponsored by the Vestavia Hills LEO Club.

The high school’s event raised $4,500 and had more than 200 participants and

used over 1,500 pounds of ice. During the event, the high school challenged Hoover, Homewood, and Mountain Brook.

Pizitz Middle School also hosted the Ice Bucket Challenge in August and chipped in more than $1,500. Liberty Park Middle School donated more than $2,200. Total donations across all schools totaled more than $8,200.

The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge is an activity involving dumping a bucket of ice water on someone’s head to promote awareness of the disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and encourage donations to research. It went viral throughout social media earlier this year and has raised more than $50 million in donations nationwide.

More than 200 people participated in the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge at the VHHS football stadium in August. Photos by Keith McCoy.

VestaviaVoice.com

October 2014 • B9

VHEW students learn “The West Way”

Each student received a West Way bookmark so that “The West Way” is easily remembered throughout the school year.

From the moment they enter the school, visitors to Vestavia Hills Elementary West see the phrase that guides students’ behavior: a display explaining “The West Way.” They also see it throughout the halls and classrooms of the school as students demonstrate the motto, which sums up how West students are expected to behave. Courtesy, respect, and responsibility make up “The West Way,” and every year, students learn about these good character traits during West Way Week. This year, students kicked off the school year by celebrating West Way Week Aug. 25 - 29.

Students started the week by receiving a bookmark to help them remember “The West Way.” Classes spent a day on each trait, discussing it in depth and talking about how children and teachers could demonstrate each one. Students in each class then signed a “West Way Pledge,” which is displayed throughout the school year. The week wrapped up with “Team Up at West” day, as students, faculty, and staff wore their favorite team shirts to remind everyone that together, they are a team.

-Submitted by Alice Elmore

Back to school at Cahaba Heights Elementary

Fourth and fifth grade student leaders at Vestavia Hills Elementary Cahaba Heights welcomed kindergarteners and new students back to school. Students were on hand to walk new students to class and help returning students find their way in the new and improved school building after undergoing significant summer construction. Photo courtesy of Lauren K. Tucker.

Offer Expires 10/31/2014

B10 • October 2014

Vestavia Voice

Q&A with Lynne McCain

Featured artist at Artists Incorporated Artists Incorporated Art Gallery, located in the “Little Red Barn” on Morgan Drive in Vestavia Hills, displays work from more than 50 local artists. On the first Friday of each month, the public is invited to a Featured Artist reception to enjoy refreshments and meet the artists. This month’s featured artist is Lynne McCain.

Q A

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I’m a Birmingham native. I graduated from Auburn University and majored in math and science. A friend encouraged me to join her in an art class, and I was hooked from then on.

Several years of “hobby level” classes created a hunger for more formal instruction so I went back to school and earned an art degree from the University of Montevallo. I’ve been painting and showing my work in the Birmingham area ever since. In 1999, I helped found Artists Incorporated Gallery, where I serve on the Board of Directors. My work may be seen at the gallery.

Q A

Describe the type of art you do.

My work is non-representational in style, primarily acrylic on canvas.

Unencumbered by subject matter, I concentrate on design elements — line, shape, color. Layering techniques, textural effects, scraping, incising and calligraphic lines add movement, depth and playfulness to the strength of the composition.

Q A

Where does your inspiration come from?

Colors and shapes in nature and everyday life inspire me. I find inspiration in the spontaneous behavior of the pigments as they

Artist Incorporated Artist Lynne McCain stands with one of her paintings. Photo courtesy of Lynne McCain.

interact on the canvas; I attempt to exploit the serendipitous, while maintaining artistic control.

Q A

What do you enjoy most about creating your art?

I like the analytical “problem solving” aspect. I continually critique as I paint

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— adding here, taking away there — with the goal of producing the strongest and most meaningful painting. This is fascinating to me; I’ve been told that this is a result of my math/ science background.

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work?

The fact that people choose to live with my art and be enriched by it on a daily basis. I’m especially pleased when patrons purchase repeatedly.

A

VestaviaVoice.com

October 2014 • B11

Sports

Vestavia Hills Football Recap Homewood 17 - 7 With running back Christian Palmer injured, Walker Minor stepped in to rack up 140 yards on 23 carries and two touchdowns to lead the Rebels and seal coach Buddy Anderson’s 309th win. Jack Hatchett’s 45-yard field goal in the third quarter broke a 7-7 tie. Anderson tied the record for most wins by a coach in the state of Alabama.

Oak Mountain 7 - 14 The Eagles’ Harold Shader’s scored the winning points in overtime, denying Vestavia Hills coach Buddy Anderson of his 310th win. Landon Crowder scored the Rebels’ touchdown on a 2-yard run.

Hewitt-Trussville 14 - 3 Buddy Anderson got his record-setting 310th win as Landon Crowder scored on two short runs set up by his only two pass completions of the night, long tosses to Sam Harvey and Remington Patterson. The Rebels improved to 2-1, 1-1 in the region.

For updates on the Rebels’ Sept. 19 game against Mountain Brook, visit vestaviavoice.com.

Quarterback Landon Crowder called the signals as Vestavia Hills prepared to snap the ball against Oak Mountain. Photo by Karim Shamsi-Basha.

Remaining schedule 9-26 10-3 10-10 10-17 10-24 10-31

Oxford Thompson Spain Park Hoover Tuscaloosa County Shades Valley

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B12 • October 2014

Vestavia Voice

Vestavia Hills Real Estate Listings MLS #

Zip

Address

Status

Price

608690

35243

3234 Valley Park Place

New

$275,000

608575

35226

1209 Edinborough Lane

New

$219,900

608504

35242

4016 Alston Way

New

$339,000

608736

35216

1820 Montclaire Drive

New

$359,900

608659

35243

2612 Alta Vista Circle

New

$169,900

608535

35243

3108 Starview Circle

New

$329,000

608733

35216

1647 Woodridge Place

New

$950,000

608739

35216

3038 Massey Road Unit# A406

New

$209,000

609450

35242

1008 Lake Colony Lane

New

$485,000

608488

35243

2205 Longleaf Blvd.

New

$899,900

608435

35216

2313 Crossgate Trail

New

$269,900

608720

35216

3260 Brashford Road

New

$259,900

608910

35216

1312 Badham Drive

New

$289,900

608681

35242

7433 Ashland Lane

New

$819,800

608705

35143

4056 White Oak Drive

New

$243,000

609111

35216

2505 Glendmere Place

New

$339,900

607709

35223

3505 Oakdale Drive

New

$219,000

608287

35226

652 Paden Drive

New

$300,000

607874

35216

1512 Blind Brook Lane

New

$349,900

608116

35242

4904 Provence Circle

New

$485,000

609369

35243

3171 Overton Cove Unit# 5

New

$849,900

609165

35243

3901 Nazha Lane

New

$199,000

607937

35242

4210 Paxton Place

New

$459,500

Real estate listings sent to Vestavia Voice by Vinnie Alonzo of RE/MAX Advantage South between Sept. 2 and Sept. 16. Agents and agency vary by property.

3234 Valley Park Place

1312 Badham Drive

VestaviaVoice.com

October 2014 • B13

Calendar Vestavia Hills Events Saint Mark United Methodist Church Pumpkin Patch. Monday-Friday, 12:30 a.m.-7 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Sunday, 12 a.m.-7 p.m..

Oct. 1: First Annual Wine Showcase to Benefit The Daniel Project. 6-8:30 p.m. Vestavia Country Club. With $50 donation, enjoy complimentary wines and local craft beers as well as appetizers from Alabama vendors. Visit paulmyersfoundation.com.

Oct. 3: First Friday Reception.

4:30-8:30 p.m. Artists Incorporated, 3365 Morgan Drive. Call 979-8990.

Oct. 7: National Night Out. 5:308 p.m. Shades Mountain Baptist Church.

Oct. 12: Baby Shower for Birmingham. 9:30-11:15 a.m.

Mountaintop Community Church. Guests are encouraged to bring diapers, wipes or other items needed by newborns. Visit mountaintopchurch.com.

Oct. 13: Hunter Collier Memorial Classic. 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. Altadena Valley Country Club, 2651 Alta Vista Drive. The tournament will raise money for an endowed scholarship fund in memory of Hunter Collier, a 2006 Briarwood Christian School graduate and a 2011 Auburn University graduate. $100 per golfer, $350 for four-person team, $25 for silent auction tickets. Email jennycheadley@gmail.com.

Oct. 19: Vestavia Hills Pumpkin Patch and Hallowen Carnival.

1-4 p.m. Alston Meadows in Liberty Park.

Proceeds benefit Vestavia Hills Civitan Club.

Oct. 26: Punk Your Trunk. 4:306:30 p.m. Mountaintop Community Church. Cost of Admission is one canned good to help support Oak Mountain Missions. Booths and trunks are free. Food available for purchase will include hotdogs ($1) and chips, popcorn and drinks (50 cents). Visit mountaintopchurch.com.

Oct. 29: Fall Fest. 7 p.m. Vestavia Hills Baptist Church. Live music and entertainment. There will be a grilled hot dog supper, fun games and prizes.

Costumes and trunk decorations are welcome. Visit vhbc.com or call 9795920.

Oct. 29: Shades Mountain Baptist Church’s Carnival. 5-8 p.m. Shades Mountain Baptist Church.

Carnival games, candy, prizes, inflatables food trucks and more. Call 822-1670 or visit shades.org.

Oct. 30. Viva Vestavia XII. 6:30-9 p.m. Hollywood Pools, 1441 Montgomery Highway. A taste of Vestavia Hills Restaurants and fine wines. $40 per person. Call 823-5011.

Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce Oct. 8: ROI (Homewood) Professional Networking Meeting. 7:30-8:30 a.m. Drury Inn & Suites Southeast. 3510 State Farm Road, Homewood. Email betsyfrombham@gmail.com.

Oct. 13: Senior Citizen Luncheon. 11:30 a.m.12:30 p.m. Vestavia Hills Civic Center. Call 978-0166.

Oct. 14: Chamber Luncheon. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Vestavia Country Club. Network with other Chamber

members and hear speakers on a wide variety of topics.

Reservations must be received by 4 p.m. on the Friday before the luncheon. $18. Visit business.vestaviahills.org.

Oct. 16: Friend of the Library. 10-11 a.m. Vestavia Hills Library in the Foresr. Call 978-0155.

Oct. 21: Business Development Committee Meeting. 8-9 a.m. Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce, 1975 Merryvale Road. Visit business.vestaviahills.org.

Vestavia Hills City Council Oct. 9: Planning and Zoning Commission. 6-7 p.m. 513 Montgomery Highway. Call 978-0184.

513 Montgomery Highway. Call 978-0184.

Oct. 13: City Council Meeting. 5 p.m. City Hall.

Oct. 21: Park and Recreation Board. 7-8 a.m.

1973 Merryvale Road. Call 978-0166.

Oct. 16: Board of Zoning Adjustment. 6-7 p.m.

Oct. 27: City Council Meeting. 5 p.m. City Hall.

Library in the Forest Events Contact Eden Pfaff at epfaff@bham.lib.al.us or 978-4678 or visit vestavialibrary.org

Children

Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Skit-torytime. 3:30 p.m.

Kindergarten and up.

Oct. 1, 8, 22, 29: Story Friends with Mrs. Lisa.

10:30 a.m. Ages 3 and up.

Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: L.I.F.T. 9:30 a.m.-noon. We put special play equipment in the program room for preschoolers and their caregivers, so you can meet your old friends or make some new ones in our social play program.

978-0158

B14 • October 2014

Vestavia Voice

Calendar Library Events (continued)

Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Book Babies.

9:30 a.m. (birth-12 months), 10:30 a.m. (1318 months). A new program just for our babies, with small classes limited to 12 each, where we begin the journey toward a lifelong love of books.

Registration required.

use our extensive Lego collection to create a unique structure based on the month’s theme. Top three creations win a prize each month.

for teens to get us in the mood for this Friday. You’ll decide what we watch, and we’ll see who has the guts to eat our daring snacks.

Oct. 28: PJ Storytime with Ms. April.

6:30 p.m. Pumpkin Panic. All ages welcome.

Oct. 3: Preschool Pals: Fun on the Farm. 10:30 a.m. T&N Acres will bring cuddly farm animals. All preschoolers invited.

Oct. 29: Writing Group. 4-5:30 p.m. In a rare third meeting of the month, the Teen Writing Group will continue to build teenagers’ writing skills.

Teens

Oct. 6, 13, 20, 27: Tween Scene. 3:304:30 p.m. Grades two to six.

Oct. 1: Teen Advisory Board. 4:30-5:30 p.m. We’ll be teaching you how to make short films and promotional videos for the Teen Department.

Snacks will be served.

Oct. 7, 17, 21, 28: Together with Twos. 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. Ages 18 months to 35 months.

Oct. 7: Radio Classics for October: The Adventures of Superman: Origin Retold. 6:30 p.m. Program held in the Treehouse. Refreshments will be served.

Oct. 14: Radio Classics for October: War of the Worlds with Orson Welles.

6:30 p.m. The original 1-hour broadcast. Program held in the Treehouse. Refreshments will be served.

978-3683

Oct. 3: Open Gaming. 4-5:30 p.m. Come to the library and enjoy awesome video games on the Wii, Wii U and Xbox 360. We will also have board games to play with fellow teens.

Oct. 8: Writing Group. 4-5:30 p.m. The Teen Department is offering a writing group where teens can build writing skills and provide feedback to one another.

Oct. 10: Open Gaming. 4-5:30 p.m. Come to the library and enjoy video games on the Wii, Wii U and Xbox 360. We will also have board games to play with fellow teens.

Oct. 24: Spooky Tales on the Spooky Trail. 6:30 p.m. Join us for the third annual spooky tradition that starts out mild and ends up wild.

Oct. 11: Minecraft in the Forest. 1-3 p.m.

See if you can make it through the library’s dungeon or if you will fall to the variety of traps that we have set. Registration begins on Oct. 1.

Oct. 25: Lego Wars. 11 a.m.-noon. Come

Oct. 14: Anime Night. 4-6 p.m. Join us for an evening of anime.

Oct. 15: Studio 1221. 4-5:30 p.m. Come to the library as we make our own ghouly creations and eat Halloween themed snacks. Pumpkins provided.

Oct. 17: Open Gaming. 4-5:30 p.m. Come to the library and enjoy video games on the Wii, Wii U and Xbox 360. We will also have board games to play with fellow teens.

Oct. 22: Writing Group. 4-5:30 p.m. Come to this month’s second meeting of the Teen Writing Group to build writing skills and receive feedback on your work.

When I was elected Sheriff of Jefferson County, I made one basic promise: to keep your neighborhoods and schools safe. I am doing that.

You can be proud of the job your Jefferson County Sheriff ’s Office is doing for you.

Oct. 24: Retro Open Gaming. 4-5:30 p.m.

This week Open Gaming goes old school with a selection of classic console games.

Oct. 28: Scary Movie Night. 4-6 p.m. This afternoon we’ll be screening some scary movies

General Election Nov. 4th

Oct. 31: Mario Kart 8 Tournament.

4-5:30 p.m. Test your Wii U skill in out Mario Kart 8 tournament. Come, dominate the competition, and fight to win a Gamestop gift card.

Adults 978-4678

Oct. 2: OLLI Presents: Bicycling Across America. 1:30-3 p.m. At age 61, Janet Holloway cycled from Washington all the way to Maine - over 4500 miles! She’ll share details of her amazing journey with photographs and journal entries.

Oct. 3: NeedleWorks 1-2 p.m. Love to knit, cross-stitch, or crochet? All levels of expertise are welcome - learn from and inspire each other! Bring your own supplies and we supply the snacks.

Oct. 7: Lit Lunch Bunch Book Group.

Noon-1 p.m. Discussing Orange is the New Black by Piper Kerman.

Oct. 9: Taziki’s @ Liberty Park Book Group. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Discussing Life After Life

by Kate Atkinson.

Oct. 12: Shades Mountain Air Concert.

3:30-4:30 p.m. SMA is an acoustic band that mixes modern, traditional and gospel bluegrass styles.

Free. All ages welcome.

Oct. 14: Ms. Olivia’s Evening Reads. 6 p.m. Discussing Dear Life: Stories by Alice Munro.

Oct. 16: OLLI Presents: My Lifetime Railroad Odyssey. 1:30-3 p.m. Speaker Jack Norris interned on the “Pennsy” Railroad in 1957 and kept a diary of his journey. Come ride the rails with Jack and learn all about our country’s fascinating railroad history.

Oct. 23: Friends of the Library: Tom Vizzina, Owner of Vizzini Farms Winery.

10-11:30 a.m. Vizzini Farms is one of the oldest wineries in the Southeast, founded by a secondgeneration Italian family.

Oct. 31: Walking Dead in the Forest: Halloween Blowout. 8-10 p.m. Where’s Carl?

Find him at our Halloween Blowout at one of the

Take us with you.

Award-winning community journalism on your mobile phone.

VestaviaVoice.com

VestaviaVoice.com

October 2014 • B15

Calendar Library Events (continued)

coolest venues in town! D.J./Dancing, zombie costume contest, WD Trivia, wine & beer. Must be 21 to attend.

Technology Department Classes 978-0164

Oct. 2: Mac 101. 6 p.m.

Oct. 16: Downloading Free Library eBooks and Audio Books with your iPad, Kindle or Nook. Please call for an appointment.

Oct. 17: iPad 101. 6 p.m.

Oct. 18: Basic Computer Skills. Please call for an appointment.

Oct. 4: Microsoft Excel Part 1. 1 p.m. Beginner’s training.

Oct. 20: Internet 101. 6 p.m.

Oct. 4: Microsoft Excel Part 2. 4 p.m. Advance training.

Oct 21: Windows 8. 5:30 p.m.

Learn your way around the Microsoft Windows 8 operating system.

Oct. 6: Resume 101. 6 p.m.

Learn how to properly format a job resume.

Oct. 7: Introduction to Microsoft PowerPoint. 6 p.m.

Oct. 9: Downloading Free Library eBooks and Audio Books with your iPad, Kindle or Nook. Please call for an appointment.

Oct. 11: Basic Computer Skills. Please call for an appointment.

Oct. 14: Facebook 101. 5 p.m.

Oct. 15: Introduction to Microsoft Publisher. 6 p.m.

Oct. 23: Downloading Free Library eBooks and Audio Books with your iPad, Kindle or Nook. Please call for an appointment.

Oct. 28: Facebook 101. 5 p.m.

Oct. 29: Microsoft Word. 5:30 p.m.

Oct. 30: Downloading Free Library eBooks and Audio Books with your iPad, Kindle or Nook. Please call for an appointment. ‘

Area Events Oct. 2: Birmingham Art Crawl. 5-9 p.m.

Birmingham Historic Loft District. 2300 1st Ave N. Visit birminghamartcrawl.com.

Oct. 2-5: Marvel Universe Live! Times Vary. BJCC. Ticket prices start at $40. Call 800-745-3000 or visit marveluniverselive.com.

Oct. 3-4: Alabama Butterbean Festival. Friday 6-10 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Downtown Pinson, Ala. Butterbeans, live music, carnival rides, fair food, petting zoo, pony rides and arts and crafts vendors. Call 390-1952 or visit albutterbeanfestival.org.

Oct. 3-Nov. 1: Sloss Fright Furnace Haunted Tour. 5 p.m. Sloss Furnaces. Weeknights: $17 furnace tour, $20 combo ticket. Weekends: $19 furnace tour, $22 combo tickets. Visit frightfurnace.com.

Oct. 3-Nov. 1: Atrox Factory Haunted Tour.

6:30 p.m. Atrox Factory. $18 during the week, $23 on weekends. Call 458-1393 or visit atroxfactory.com.

Oct. 3-Nov. 1: Warehouse 31 Haunted House.

6:30 p.m. Pelham Event Center, 3050 Lee Street. Visit warehouse31.com.

Oct. 4-26: Ride the Pumpkin Patch Express.

Saturdays 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.; Sundays 1 pm. and 3 p.m. Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum, 1919 9th Street, Calera. $17 adults ages 12 and up, $12 children ages 2-11, $12, Free for children under 2.

Oct. 5: Cheap Trick. 8 p.m.-midnight. Iron City. $45 general admission, $250 the meet and greet package. Call 202-5483 or visit ironcitybham.com.

Oct. 8: The Head and The Heart with special guest Rayland Baxter. 8 p.m.-midnight. Iron City. $27.50 in advance, $30 day-of-show. Call 202-5483 or visit

ironcitybham.com.

Oct. 10-11: Kathryn Tucker Windham Tale Tellin’ Festival. Swappin’ Ground at 4:30 p.m. Stories start at 6:30 p.m. 3 Church Street, Selma. $15 per night, $25 for both nights, $10 for students 12 and under per night, $15 for both nights. Call 334-878-2787 or visit artsrevive.com.

Oct. 11: Cask + Drum Music Festival. All day. Lakeview district. $30-$35 general admission. Visit caskanddrum.com.

Oct. 12: Vulcan AfterTunes. 3 p.m. Vulcan Park and Museum. Live music by Dumpstaphunk. $15 adults, $8 members and children 5-12, free for children 4 and under.

Visit visitvulcan.com.

Oct. 16: Key To The Cure Pink Party. 5-8 p.m.

Saks Fifth Avenue. A celebration during the Key To The Cure Charity Shopping Weekend. Saks Fifth Avenue and Saturday Night Live will partner to raise money for St. Vincent’s Birmingham Bruno Cancer Center. Call 298-8550, ext. 204.

Oct. 18: Annual Heritage Festival. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Jefferson Christian Academy. Families can enjoy a variety of entertainment such as carnival rides, inflatables, live music, and other attractions. Visit facebook.com/ JeffersonChristianAcademy.

Oct. 28: Carrie. 7 p.m. Alabama Theatre. A young, abused and timid 17-year-old girl discovers she has telekinesis, and gets pushed to the limit on the night of her school’s prom by a humiliating prank. 98 min. R. $8. Call 252-2262 or visit alabamatheatre.com.

Oct. 31: The Black Jacket Symphony: Michael Jackson’s Thriller. 8 p.m. Alabama Theatre. Tickets start at $51.70. Call 800-745-3000 or visit alabamatheatre.com.

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