a b o u t t o w n . io
Who’s Ready for Some Good News?
HOMEnS Sectio Page 16
I’ve Fallen For Someone On a Zoom Call Dr. Misty Answers Your Questions
The
Bham Rises Our Favorite Places A Tribute to the Local Restaurant Scene
COMPLIMENTARY
Special
We’ve Got It !
Uplifting Stories From the Pandemic
July/Aug 2020
Issue
Brooke Donald Wahl REALTORÂŽ, ARC Realty
A fourth generation Realtor and lifelong Birmingham resident, Brooke Donald Wahl has spent her entire life studying the housing market. With such a unique long term insight, Brooke is able to effectively navigate short term markets, including those brought about by outside forces such as the Covid-19 pandemic. By sticking to her principles and relying on data, experience, and exceptional service, it is no surprise that Brooke was the #1 Realtor in Alabama during May of 2020. * data collected from GALMLS Res Sold Data May 2020
Brooke Donald Wahl 205-447-1704 brooke@brookewahl.com
July/Aug
Visit our redesigned website at abouttown.io
INSIDE 14 Getting Back On Track - How to Get Back is Shape After the Lockdown 16 Most Expensive Homes - Currently For Sale 20 Historic Forest Park Renovation - Inside Will Casey’s Home 26 Rebuilding in the Heart of the City - The Humphries Home 30 Cut the Clutter - 8 Quick Tips 32 Bham Rises - Uplifting Stories from the Pandemic 43 Our Favorite Places - Sponsored by Redmont Vodka 51 The Old School - Retro Party Pics
ABOUT
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Benton Nissan of Hoover General Manager, Matt Rodgers and wife Brooke
W E ’ R E CO M M I T T E D TO YO U & K E E P I N G BIRMINGHAM HAPPY
Your friends in the car business!
A B O U T TO W N R E A D E R E X C LU S I V E O F F E R S : ∙ CO N C I E R G E T E S T D R I V E S E R V I C E ∙ CO M P L I M E N TA R Y B E N TO N B E N E F I T S P R O G R A M ∙ LIFETIME WARRANTY ∙ T H U R S D AY L A D I E S D AY I N S E R V I C E
OF HOOVER
W W W. B e n t o n N i s s a n o f H o o v e r.co m 205-979-5420 Plus doc fee, tax, title and dealer installed options.
or UNDERRATED OVERRATED
Quarantine Quiz
We asked our followers what they thought about popular trends. Here are some of their responses.
We asked over 100 people how they faired during the COVID-19 quarantine. Here are their responses.
Did you gain weight, lose weight, or stay the same? - Gained weight: 38% - Lost weight: 22% - Stayed the same: 40%
What did you do about your hair? - Didn’t cut it: 80% - Cut it yourself: 9% - Had a friend cut it: 11%
High-Waisted Swimsuits UNDERRATED: 72% Overrated: 28%
How did you feel about e-learning? On Zoom calls, what percent of the time did you look at yourself? - 90+%: 18% - 50%: 33% - 25%: 29% - Never: 19%
How much more did you spend on groceries?
- 10%: 14% - 25%: 32% - 50%: 38% -100%: 15%
- Just as good as regular school: 8% - Not quite as good as regular school: 27% - Just helped the kids not fall behind: 37% - Was a joke: 28% Tiger King
What regular hygiene practice did you do significantly less?
Underrated: 45% OVERRATED: 55%
- Wash hair: 41% - Brush teeth: 9% - Use deodorant: 11% - Shave: 41% - All of the above: 18% Quarantine Memes
Did you drink more, less, or the same? - Drank more: 56% - Drank less: 17% - Drank the same: 30%
How many TV shows did you binge? - 0: 20% - 2-4: 56% - 5-10: 15% - 10+: 8%
SUMMER READING
Did you buy anything you may not normally have bought?
Overrated: 26%
- Exercise equipment: 13% - Something significant for the yard: 28% - Furniture/decor: 25% - I did not buy anything: 45%
Moving forward in the future, will you shake hands/hug more, less, or the same?
Baking Your Own Bread UNDERRATED: 91% Overrated: 9%
- More: 7% - Less: 59% - Same: 36%
The Hot Zone
Little Fires Everywhere
- RICHARD PRESTON
Stephen King called The Hot Zone, “one of the most horrifying things I’ve read in my whole life.” This is a collection of terrifying true stories related to the most dangerous viruses in the world–Ebola and Marburg. Not only an entertaining read, it’s a great quick study on the nature of viruses. Taking place predominantly outside of Washington, D.C. and Africa, it begins and ends with a curious mystery: is something secretly lurking in Kitum Cave in Kenya?
UNDERRATED: 74%
- CELESTE NG
The inspiration behind the miniseries now on Hulu, the show’s star and producer Reese Witherspoon said, “To say I love this book is an understatement. It’s a deep psychological mystery about the power of motherhood, the intensity of teenage love, and the danger of perfection. It moved me to tears.” Little Fires Everywhere is a captivating novel that tells the story of a seemingly perfect family turned upside down by a single mother and her daughter who come into their lives. ABOUT
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Gender Reveal Confetti Cannons Underrated: 15%
OVERRATED: 85%
High-Waisted Jeans Underrated: 22%
OVERRATED: 78%
"It’s not about the 20 pounds I’ve lost.. it’s not about the way I look... it’s all about the way I feel. These women accepted me, unconditionally, enthusiastically." - Julie B.
224 29th street south • ignitebhm.com • (205) 639-6908 • @ignitecyclebhm
Note from the Publisher
I T’S A N AT T I T U D E
Believe it or not, I’m incredibly optimistic. Like most businesses in our community, About Town has been punched in the gut with the pandemic. About Town turns 15 this fall, and we’ve been through tough times before, but I have no doubt great days are ahead. And, I can’t think of a better time to say ‘Thank you!’ to our advertisers. The greatest compliment anyone could ever give About Town is to frequent our advertisers. As things begin to get back to normal, we hope you’ll visit these businesses first. They are the lifeblood of our community, and have made it possible for us to bring About Town to you for free for the last 15 years. There’s no shortage of bad news and cynicism out there. Instead, we want About Town to be what it’s always been–a diversion from the negativity. Something that’s entertaining, and an escape from the problems of the day. About Town was founded on celebrating the charities that make the city magic. These charities have obviously had to put their fundraising events on hold. Please don’t forget about them! Now is the time they need us most. With no current event galleries to showcase, we’re dedicating this issue to nothing but good news. As About Town is set to become the city’s only general interest magazine left, we want to make it even better. If you’d like to see anything particular from About Town, or have any suggestions, please feel free to let me know at hunt@abouttown.io.
Hunt Gillespie 271 RELE STREET AT LANE PARKE MOUNTAIN BROOK
205-871-1965 shopbprince.com
P.S. We’re excited to have just launched our brand new website at abouttown.io. We’ve added a ton of new content. Please visit us there anytime.
Instagram: b.princebham Facebook: B.Prince
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™
alabama-made premium vodka
Distilled locally in Birmingham
8x Distilled Gluten-Free Non-GMO
Enjoy responsibly
Ask Dr. Misty
PROMOTION Writer, Speaker, Radio & Television Contributor, Dr. Misty Smith is the Founder and Managing Director of the Birmingham, Alabama-based Mind, Body & Heart Wellness Clinic. She is an ASSECT nationally recognized Certified Sex Therapist (CST), as well as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) of more than 15 years, who focuses on assisting individuals and couples to achieve their optimal emotional, relational, and sexual health through a results-oriented counseling process tailored to the needs of the individual or couple. In addition to being ASSECT Certified, Dr. Misty has a PhD in Counselor Education from Mississippi State University and her EdS in Counseling from the University of Alabama. She can be reached by email at mistysmithphd@mbhwellnessclinic.com or mbhwellnessclinic.com.
REASONS TO LOVE AMERICA OOOOOOOOOOOO
Mind, Body & Heart Wellness
I’ve Fallen For Someone On A Zoom Call. >>> Like a lot of people, I’ve been doing a ton of video conferencing with work. And through it, I’ve met a lot of people in other offices. One of my coworkers is in a different city and I’ve fallen for him big time. I know this is crazy. I don’t really know him. But I think about him all the time! I think of ways to communicate with him and want to make plans to see him. (He has no idea of my feelings). Is the quarantine affecting my judgement? Am I just desperate? How do I proceed?
Let’s start by saying that quarantine is probably affecting the judgement of most everyone. A large part of the population isn’t accustomed to being home all of the time with no social outlet. Are you seeing other people in any way during the quarantine? Have you maintained friendships or dating relationships? I don’t necessarily think you are desperate, though you might truly be desperate for socialization like many of us are at this point. That doesn’t have to mean your interest in this coworker isn’t real. This quarantine could have just been the opportunity you needed to meet someone you otherwise wouldn’t have met. How to proceed... Could you possibly have a conversation with him about something other than work? I would highly recommend you get to know him on a slightly less professional level before putting too much stock
into this potential love interest. Are you willing to make the first move? If he has no clue about your feelings, you WILL be the one to do this. I applaud women who take control and make that first move, but make sure you are prepared for all possible outcomes. Have you considered the intricacies of a long-distance relationship if he reciprocates your feelings? These are very important aspects to consider given the situation. If he doesn’t reciprocate your feelings, can you keep things professional, and not let emotions get in the way of the working relationship? The complications of dating a coworker can sometimes be more trouble than they are worth. Sometimes crushes are meant to be just that and nothing more. All of these are things to consider before you decide on making that first move!
AMERICA THE GENEROUS
“There is a reason the world always looks to America,” Australian P.M. Julia Gillard said. When disaster strikes, the world turns to America. Whether it’s starvation, disease, or natural disasters, there has never been a country as compassionate and generous as the U.S.
The father of the blues: W.C. Handy
EVERYTHING YOU LISTEN TO COMES FROM AMERICA
No matter what genre of music you prefer–Pop, Rock, Rap, R&B, Country, Alt. or Jazz, it’s roots are in America. Even cooler, is that those roots can be traced to a tiny part of the country in the American South.
A SHINING CITY OF EXCEPTIONAL IMMIGRANTS
“You can move to Japan, but you’ll never be Japanese. You can move to France, but you’ll never be French. But no matter who you are, or where you’re from, when you come to America, you’re an American.” Part of 1988 Ronald Reagan speech quoting from a letter he received.
A NATION OF FIRSTS
The first in flight, the invention of the light bulb, the internet, the phone, etc. etc. In only 250 years, no country can come close to matching our patents and inventions that have changed the entire world for the better.
If you’d like to ask Dr. Misty an anonymous question, please write info@abouttown.io.
The advice offered in this column is intended for informational purposes only. Use of this column not intended to replace or substitute for any professional, financial, medical, or legal advice. If you have specific concerns or situations requiring professional, psychological or medical help, you should consult with an appropriately qualified individual. The opinions or views expressed in this column are not intended to treat, diagnose, or replace the treatment and care that you may be receiving from another licensed professional. This column, its author, and the publisher are not responsible for the outcome or results of following any advice in any given situation addressed. You, and only you, are completely responsible for your actions. ABOUT
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REGIONAL FOODS
Buffalo wings, Texas toast, Chicago pizza, Key lime pie, Philly cheesesteaks, Maryland crab cakes, New England clam chowder. America has 7 different kinds of BBQ!!! No where on earth can you find a more diverse menu.
David Cox, MD • Barry Rayburn, MD • Benjamin Plaisance, MD Michael Wilensky, MD • Munish Goyal, MD • Alain Bouchard, MD
Your heart health shouldn’t wait, even now Don’t delay the important care you need, even at this time When it comes to caring for your heart, Cardiology Specialists of Birmingham at Ascension St. Vincent’s is right here, delivering the care you need. We’re making sure our offices are safe and ready for you when you need care. And we have more appointment options — both in-person and virtual visits. Work with our team to choose the option that’s right for you, and have confidence knowing our doctors and care teams are connected to an integrated network sharing best practices and advanced treatment options.
Get the heart care that’s right for you at ascension.org/STVHSheart
Specialized heart care near you Appointments are now available 205-660-4174 St. Vincent’s Birmingham 2700 10th Ave. S., POB 2, Suite 305 Birmingham, AL 35205 St. Vincent’s One Nineteen 7191 Cahaba Valley Road, Building 1, Suite 106 Birmingham, AL 35242
© Ascension 2020. All rights reserved.
Name: India
Name:
Bailey
What Was Your First Impression of Hunter?
What Was Your First Impression of India? This girl is not only so much fun but also genuine and easy to hang out with. We became best friends the second we met, and will be forever.
He was the MOST fun, very honest and very genuine. We were immediate best friends.
In 3 Words Describe Hunter: Hilarious,
(Devastatingly) Handsome War Eagle of Roll Tide?
Brilliant
Roll Tide, Baby
Hunter Williams
In 3 Words Describe India: Life
of the Party (I know that’s not three words) War Eagle or Roll Tide?
Bama
Name: Tommie
Name:
L. Watkins, Jr.
What Was Your First Impression of Jack?
He was engaging and inquisitive, and was interested in hearing my story.
In 3 Words Describe Tommie: Insightful, War Eagle of Roll Tide?
funny, witty
Roll Tide
Jack Alvey
What Was Your First Impression of Tommie? He was full of contagious energy when I first met him. He was friendly and had a great smile. In 3 Words Describe Tommie:
Courageous, fun, and faithful
War Eagle or Roll Tide?
Roll Tide!
Profiles in Friendship
“Friendship is the hardest thing in the world to explain. It’s not something you learn in school. But if you haven’t learned the meaning of friendship, you really haven’t learned anything.” - Muhammad Ali
PROMOTION
GETTING BACK ON TRACK HOW TO GET BACK IN SHAPE AFTER THE LOCKDOWN ORANGE THEORY’S CAMARI PRINCEWELL, GIVES HIS ADVICE.
With the pandemic, most people have gotten out of their exercise routine. What would you say to anyone trying to be more consistent again?
Start small. An antagonist of creating or recreating a habit is taking on too much too soon. Focus on building up in smaller increments and appreciating the success of small gradual improvements. Gradual improvements are more likely to be maintained and last for a longer period of time. One meal at a time, one workout at a time, one day at a time. How do you recommend people get motivated?
Again, set smaller attainable goals first. The confidence you gain from minor successes will further your confidence and motivate you to take greater steps. The voice of motivation becomes louder when we can reflect on past successes and it’s only logical to increase your inventory of successes to reflect upon. Being successful at the little things enhances your overall motivation to go further. I find it helpful listening to intense motivational speakers on YouTube. Your favorite pump-up song also can be pretty helpful. There’s a debate: cardio vs. weights. What do you think?
Diet vs Exercise. Most people want to lose weight and build a toned/strong physique. Where is nutrition in the equation? And, what’s realistic advice to people with hectic, busy lives who don’t have celebrity fitness budgets?
As the cliche goes, you can’t out exercise a bad diet. Don’t get me wrong, you can obtain a certain degree of fitness if you’re exercising only, but if you’re looking for visible results, eating properly is mandatory. There are a million get-it-done quick diets out there. Some of them are great and some of them, not so great. I don’t buy it that anyone is so busy, that they can’t make time to take care of themselves. What makes it seem hectic is the desire to do it as quickly as possible, also known as The microwave-weight-loss-get-quick-muscle generation. More than nutrition, there is more evidence that regular exercise slows down aging on a cellular level. Obviously, that’s a benefit I assume most people would want. In 2008, a study showed that a quarter of Americans who are not overweight have high cholesterol. Optimal Wellness isn’t limited to simply being a certain weight. So like the weights vs. cardio debate, there’s actually is no debate. Both are absolutely necessary to build and maintain a strong toned physique and healthy body. Anyone Camari Princewill, N.A.S.M CPT, FNS, WLS, PES, is the Head Coach at Orangetheory who’s denies this is probably just trying to sell you Fitness in Vestavia and is a Former Trainer and something. Fitness Educator at Befittoday.co.uk. in London.
It depends on what you mean. In terms of aesthetic benefits, what you are attempting to look like is a factor to consider in how these two aspects of fitness training are balanced. Without a doubt, they have both been proven to be necessary in the overall process of health and wellness for various reasons and generally complement each other. For instance, briskly walking with your dog is more of an aerobic activity that cardio would make easier. Carrying boxes up the stairs is more of a strength activity, which will be enhanced by weight training. The simple answer is there is no debate in terms of the benefits in overall quality of life. The question of balancing the two, ultimately depends on what your overall objectives are. So, in the weights vs. cardio debate, there’s actually is no debate. Both are absolutely necessary to build and maintain a strong toned physique and healthy body. Anyone who denies this is probably just trying to sell you something.
ABOUT
Some people say their body responds to different exercises better than others? What might work for one person may not work as well for other people. Is there truth to this? Or does everyone benefit from a similar regimen?
Apart from medical concerns like thyroid issues, the science does say that people have different physical responses to exercise. But more in the sense of genetic makeup, thus different aesthetic muscle shaping. This is why when you look at bodybuilders, the shape of their muscles differ from bodybuilder to bodybuilder. However, at the end of the day, calories are king. If you are at a safe calorie deficit in comparison to the daily calories you burn, weight loss will occur. Again, it all ultimately depends on what your physically trying to achieve. 12 T O W N
PROMOTION
IS NOW THE TIME TO BUY AT THE BEACH? A lot has changed in the last few months, but now could be the best opportunity in years. We Asked LAH’s Charley Criswell what trends he’s seeing this year at the beach.
Charley Criswell Sales Manager - Florida Office cell 850-842-1481 ccriswell@lahrealestate.com
The beaches are back open. As someone who lives down there, how has the area adapted to the re-opening? Tourists were back in full force as soon as the short term rentals were opened up. In addition, the real estate market slowed a little during the shutdown, but activity has picked up dramatically with buyers coming into town. The economy down there was on fire just a few months ago. What’s the difference between the market now compared to earlier this year? The local economy as a whole is doing great now that we are opened back up, but the hospitality industry took a pretty good hit over the spring. Construction and development continued to expand during this period and show no signs of slowing down. If a buyer is dependent on the rental market, what advice would you give them? Now is a great time to buy. The combination of low mortgage rates and the increase in price of short-term rentals have made investing in a condo or beach house possible. Short-term rental fees are at an all-time high, and can generate significant rental income all year long.
Where are you seeing most of the buyers coming from? The majority of buyers are coming from the big cities in the South. We see the most from Nashville, Atlanta, Birmingham, New Orleans, Dallas, and Houston. The Emerald Coast is certainly not a secret anymore. What’s your advise for someone looking at a single detached house vs. a condo? The single detached house is a different experience than a condominium for sure. Determining the buyer’s needs and preferences will typically make the decision for them. Condos have more traffic and certainly more rules and regulations, but you can’t beat those gulf views. Has financing been altered since the pandemic? The biggest difference has been the lack of funding for jumbo loans. Investors have pulled out since the beginning of the pandemic, so it has been a slow climb back. You can still find jumbo loans offered through some financial institutions, but they are requiring as much as 30% down.
2421 W COUNTY HWY 30A > $749,900
Unit Number F303, Santa Rosa beach • ##837954
IN THE HEART OF 30-A BEDS: 3 BATHS: 3 SQ. FT.: 1,792 This three bedroom, poolside condo at Adagio has a view of the Gulf of Mexico from its covered balcony. **New interior paint throughout, including all cabinets.** This luxurious unit features ten foot ceilings accented by crown molding, granite counters, stainless steel kitchen appliances that include a gas range, gorgeous travertine floors, and so much more. The spacious balcony offers room to relax while overlooking the pools and enjoying the sea breeze, and is accessed from both the living area and master suite. Adagio is an 11-acre gated complex that boasts wonderful amenities including a gym, meeting room, grills, additional Gulf-front pool, and 600 feet of private beach. The perfect paradise! 2019 Rentals: $42,364.72
< ONE WATER PLACE AT KELLY PLANTATION $1,129,000
Unit Number 1108, Destin, FL • #846667
RARE FIND - GREAT VIEWS 3 BED/3.5 BATH Stunning ‘Castleton’ unit in the exclusive One Water Place in Kelly Plantation. This popular floor plan offers expansive views of the Choctawhatchee Bay and Kelly Plantation’s signature Fred Couples designed golf course all from the wrap around terrace and main living areas. In addition, this beautiful residence has panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico and the city of Destin. Luxurious living at it’s finest in Unit 1108, boasting hardwood and travertine flooring throughout, extensive crown molding, 10-ft ceilings, fireplace and more. The expansive kitchen is a chef’s delight, with gorgeous cabinetry, a large island and Viking appliances. This unit also has two assigned parking spaces in the garage near the elevator, as well as a large, climate-controlled storage unit located right outside.
WANT THE BEST DEAL AT THE BEACH?
DEAL WITH SOMEONE FROM BIRMINGHAM.
BUY THE BEACH. SUPPORT LOCAL! Highway 30-A is unlike any part of the country. Each town has characteristics and distinguishing features that separate it from the next. Architecture, nature, city design and landscape all combine to give each area its own unique feeing. From planned communities to older residential towns, 30-A presents a multitude of experiences. However, despite these differences, 30-A is a tight-knit community. The energy and the locals flow from town to town. After all, they are all connected by one simple road.
LAH REAL ESTATE, headquartered in Birmingham, has an office on 30A. Unlike the faceless international behemoths in the area, LAH offers its local family feel with a genuine interst and knowledge of the area. LAH at the Beach 3648 County Rd 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 LAHRealEstate.com
10
Most Expensive Homes For Sale in Bham Take a look inside the highest priced homes in the local market.
1
$5,499,000
Ridgeview Drive
6 Bedrooms, 7 Full, 2 Half Baths
What to Know: The incomparable design, construction and execution combined with the rare setting make this one of the most exceptional offerings in Mountain Brook. The great room has 30 foot vaulted beamed ceilings, herringbone pattern hardwoods, a massive limestone fireplace, and impeccable views. The walk-out basement includes a home theater with stadium seating, full wet bar with all the bells and whistles, a rec room, and two additional bedrooms.
St Charles Drive
2
6 Bedrooms, 6 Full, 6 Half Baths
$4,350,000
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What to Know: In addition to the main house, hit up the outdoor space with a pool, floating rock wall, hot tub, diving board, outdoor kitchen. The club level includes a basketball court, gym, sauna, custom wine cellar, and a 12 person theater with raised seating.
3 $3,985,000
High Court Circle 6 Bedrooms, 6 Full, 2 Half Baths
5 $3,299,000
Fairway Drive
4 Bedrooms, 4 Full,1 Half Baths
What to Know: One of the original Mountain Brook Estates homes built in 1929, this house is a historic treasure. It lies nestled upon roughly three acres central to all three villages and a short walk to English Village. With its fortress-like construction, this house is full of artistry and craftsmansip which can’t be found or replicated today. It has long been admired, written about, and regarded as the jewel among Birmingham’s hostiric homes.
Canongate Lane
4 $3,592,500
Abingdon Road
4 Bedrooms, 5 Full, 1 Half Baths What to Know: Built in 1982, this house has been totally renovated, custom designed, and added onto from 2002 to 2019. It has ample square footage yet still has the homey feel. The beautiful leaded glass windows let in natural light all over the house. There are three fire pits, a lighted sport court, an over-sized and heated pool. Marble is layed throughout the house as well as solid mahogany on the front doors.
6 $2,950,000
5 Bedrooms, 5 Full, 2 Half Baths What to Know: 11,000 sqft+/- Greystone Estate. This home is a showcase, new inside & out with a new addition of appx 1000sf. Soaring 18-24 ft ceilings & breathtaking lake views. Marble foyer, dining room & library with leather tufted ceiling. The master bath has heated floors with a 32ft steam shower. There is a Ralph Lauren inspired custom closet and a lighted jewlery cabinet. Outside has a 2000 sq. ft soft covered patio with a heated/cooled infinity saltwater pool and hot tub.
Greystone Crest
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What to Know: Only the finest materials step foot in this house. From the exquisite vualted ceilings, Venetian plastered walls, European carved mantels, to the flame welded copper kitchen counters, this house has it all, including an elevator that serves all floors. Each bedroom has a sitting parlor & ensuite baths. There is a full apartment downstairs flanked by a European paneled study as well as multiple patios overlooking a grand saltwater pool.
Overhill Road 5 Bedrooms, 6 Full, 2 Half Baths What to Know: Incredible 1925 historic estate in old Mountain Brook. The foyer is centered in the living and dining rooms and has marble floors with an open stairwell. There is a gourmet kitchen with limestone floor, custom cabinetry, marble counters, high-end stainless appliances, an island, and a breakfast/keeping room. To the side there is an attached guesthouse. The daylight basement has a full bath, media room, gym, playroom, laundry, and attatched 3-car garage.
7 $2,950,000 8 $2,799,000
9 $2,740,000
1 South Oak
Cahaba Valley Road
5 Bedrooms, 5 Full, 3 Half Baths
4 Bedrooms, 4 Full, 1 Half Baths
What to Know: This lakefront home sits on 500 secluded acres with views of the lake from the kitchen, great room, bedroom, and even under the covered terrace. This is the perfect home for entertaining and features more than 8,700 sq ft with five fireplaces, five garages, 200 year old imported Italian tile, 20 ft soaring cilings, elegant outdoor dining, a pool, a slate roof, and beautiful parking courtyard with designer fountains. There is even a secret room to store your valuables and “security glass” surrounding the brick house.
What to Know: The 2-story French Country custom is designed with contemporary modern elements. 12.37 acres in Indian Springs with endless views from every angle on Bishops Creek, there’s plenty of room and lots of privacy. It has an open-floor plan, making the inside feel bigger than the outside. Amenities include a true master suite, surround sound, laundry room on each floor, library, whole house AV, award-winning architecture, and more.
What to Know: A 72+/- acre equestrian farm built in 1998. The barn has 5 stalls. There are fans at each stall. There is heating and A/C in the lounge and tack room. The outdoor arena is chock full of amenities including a sprinkler, five stalls, tack room, lounge, laundry, feeding room, two wash stalls, a lean-to metal building for hay/equipment storage and a full bath in the lounge.
Bent Tree Acres 5 Bedrooms, 6 Full, 1 Half Baths
10 $2,495,000 ABOUT
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JUST PERFECT
A luxury apartment community leasing in Late Summer of 2020, minutes from the world’s most beautiful beaches. Wa t ersound O riginsCr ossings.com | 1.86 6.563.0 070
Watersound, Florida
Historic Forest Park Restoration When Will Casey walked in the front door of this historic Forest Park home for the first time, he immediately knew it was the one. BY JUNE CL ARK
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DINING ROOM
“Most older homes are designed so that each room serves a singular purpose. However, I wanted the space to be comfortable and versatile. Through two arched entrances, my dining room is a connector between the living room and kitchen where friends can gather to play cards or sit and share a meal.�
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“This is my first home in Forest Park. I have been fond of the area for many years and have been eagerly on the lookout to purchase in the historic neighborhood. The previous homeowners kept the house in great condition, but I saw the potential for unique updates and specific renovation projects I could pursue to make it my own.” Casey, an Albertville, Alabama native, had no qualms about taking on a home that needed updating. He has completely renovated four other homes in the Birmingham area and he heads up sales at Cottage Supply & Synergy Stone’s downtown location. He helps clients select countertops, tile and stone and then works with builders and fabricators to manage and install those parts of building projects.
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One glance around Casey’s impeccably-designed interior spaces assures that he is an expert in his field with a keen sense of how to flawlessly incorporate bold choices to create stunning interiors. Built in 1923, the two-story Bratton-Hamilton House was first owned by S.C. Bratton. The second owner, Mr. Hamilton, sought the home’s designation as a historic structure by the Jefferson County Historical Commission. Over the decades, subsequent homeowners undertook a variety of renovations, some in keeping with the home’s original era and others that were not. Casey’s love for local art is apparent in every corner of the home. At the front door, guests are greeted by a unique portrait of “Little Edie” from the 1975 documentary “Grey Gardens” by Hank Hudson. The dots that make up Hudson’s piece represent a 21st century take on pointillism and join together to form a clear image when framed in a camera. Other pieces around the well-appointed room include a modern black and white painting by William McLure and photography by local artist Virginia Jones.
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Jones captured a close-up shot of a wall at the Pizitz Building before it was renovated that hangs above Casey’s fireplace. The slab hearth is a piece of Calacatta Gold marble specially selected by Casey. A quaint den off the main living area is Casey’s favorite room in the home. It provides the perfect spot to relax, read, watch TV and spend time with his eight-year-old cavalier King Charles, Amos, after a long day at work. Casey enjoys sourcing items for his home from local stores like Patina, Paige Albright Orientals and Fixtures & Finishes. A set of roe deer antlers from Lolo’s French Antiques stands out beautifully against the wall’s dark backdrop. “The walls were already covered in grass cloth, but the color was a tad drab,” Casey recalls. “We selected a deep hunter green to paint the cloth for a more subdued and refined feel. I eat dinner nearly every night in this room. It’s wonderfully relaxing.” Behind the den is the home’s beautiful kitchen, which is a stylish departure from the typical neutral surfaces of many contemporary homes. Casey showcased his expertise in selecting solid surface stone for interiors by incorporating an artistic black marble called Montmartre that’s streaked with veins of gold on the countertops and backsplash of the kitchen. “I tackled the kitchen renovation straight away once I moved in last summer. It had been over two decades since the kitchen had any updates. The former owner added wonderful custom cabinetry that stood the test of time, so I kept the main lower cabinets intact. For an impactful visual update, I removed the upper cabinets and replaced them with a stone shelf and full slab backsplash.” Casey chose a thin brick paver underfoot to give the feeling of traditional brick without raising the height of the floor. The material carries through to a delightful nook featuring a round table for two across from a small, well-stocked bar.
< Hank Hudson’s work employs a modern approach to the late 19th century pointillistic technique.
> Casey, an expert in tile and stone, chose Montmartre black marble for a bold and unique statement in the home’s kitchen.
ABOUT
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The dining room is casual and elegant, with a simple table from CB2 and an eclectic mix of chairs and stools. The focal point of the room is an oversized oil and mixed media work by Casey’s Brooklynbased college friend Whitney Wood Bailey. A show-stopping art installation surrounds the window on the landing halfway up the home’s original staircase. The mural was inspired by the Thibaut “Fishing Village” wallpaper hung in the powder room at the bottom of the steps. Accenting the walls on both sides are brass leaf sconces by Visual Comfort.
Atlanta artist Hayden Gregg painted a striking mural inspired by Thibaut wallpaper that clads the powder room walls.
“I met Hayden Gregg at Antiques at the Gardens through a mutual friend. He is a tremendously talented artist from Atlanta and, after seeing more of his work, I commissioned him to paint the mural. We decided to base the mural with a burlap wallcovering to give the scene an additional layer of interest and texture.”
Casey says he loves the challenge of restoring beauty to an elegant old home, while enhancing it with modern touches. He enjoys the neighborhood’s proximity to his favorite restaurants, Bottega Café and Automatic Seafood & Oysters. He frequently catches shows at nearby Red Mountain Theatre and Virginia Samford Theatre and picks up gifts at Shoppe, the garden and gift store around the corner owned by his lifelong friends, Mark Thompson and Jay Draper. “I have always had an affinity for historic homes. Forest Park checked all the boxes of everything I was looking for. Walkability to cute shops, nearby friends and I love seeing people walking their dogs every morning. It’s the little things, right?” •
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Luxury townhomes with high end finishes in the walkable Overton Village neighborhood, starting in the $600’s.
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Photos shown are from previously built homes and prices are subject to change.
Jason Kessler 205-369-5187 jason@kadcohomes.com
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Rebuilding in the Heart of the City The Humphries’ Home Journey After Heartbreaking Loss
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n August 10, 2015, Marian Humphries went to work excited for the beginning of a new school year at Vestavia Hills Elementary School Central, where she served as principal before retiring. She was gathered with school staff in preparation for students returning three days later when she received a devastating call from her husband, Maurice. The Liberty Park home they had built together was on fire. Marian and their two adult children—also educators—rushed home as firefighters fought to extinguish the flames. “We all felt so blessed when we saw that my husband, their dad, was OK. After all, material things are not what makes life worthwhile.” Officials allowed the Humphries to survey the damage outside. Everything was covered in soot and ash, but amidst the destruction, they saw a huge philodendron toppled on its side. The plant had been given to their daughter by a family friend named John Wiley nearly 30 years prior. ABOUT
“The inside was still burning,” shares Marian. “They made us put on boots and full gear and we walked down the side and around the back of the house with the firemen. I yelled out, ‘John Wiley!’ They thought it was a person, they didn’t understand it was a plant! We were so glad to see something we could save. I told them John Wiley’s a survivor like us.” The Humphries home of seven years was deemed a total loss. They moved into a hotel for six weeks and then to an apartment in downtown Homewood as they determined where to live permanently. While they had enjoyed raising their two children in the suburbs, their temporary residence introduced them to the joys of living in a more central location within walking distance of restaurants and shops. “We had such a good experience building in Liberty Park, but we didn’t want to build there again because of the memories of the fire,” says Marian. “We started looking and looking for the right place.”
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BEFORE
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• Home staging will make it easier for you to market and sell your listing because your MLS photos will be 100% more enticing, and once visiting a property, home buyers are more likely to make an offer on a home that shows well. • With 70% (US) to 90% (Canada) home buyers searching online before ever calling a real estate agent, you will attract more buyers with better photos.
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• On average, staged homes sell 88% faster and for 20% more than nonstaged homes. This house sold for over $50,000 above list price with multiple offers!
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The Jamie Goff Team is excited to welcome Mackenzie Wolnski. A Nashville native and daughter of a real estate developer, Mackenzie has spent most of her life interested in real estate. After attending Samford University, Mackenzie stayed in Birmingham and worked at a marketing agency as an executive assistant until deciding to take her passion for serving people to the real estate industry. Mackenzie and her husband, David, reside in Highland Park and absolutely love living in such a historic part of town and being so close to everything happening downtown! Mackenzie has always been passionate about serving people and she does just that for every client she works with, attending to the smallest of details to make sure her clients are well taken care of. Follow on Instagram: MackenzieWolnski_Realtor
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As Co-Founder, President and C.O.O. of LAH Real Estate, Maurice had plenty of experience and lots of friends helping search for their perfect home. They were at a company holiday party when a friend told them about a home he was building in Birmingham’s historic Redmont neighborhood near English Village that he worried would be too much space for him. The Humphries went to see the construction in progress and, after three years of searching, knew they had found the place to call home. “The house was 75 percent finished,” Marian recalls. “We came in at just the right time and got to pick out the jewelry, the fun part—the paint colors, the chandeliers and light fixtures, the hardwood floors. We had inherited so many things from family over the years. It was hard to lose so much, but we decided to take our time and pick out the items we really wanted.”
The true gems of the property are the outdoor spaces. The Humphries had long admired the courtyard gardens of England but could never achieve the feeling in spacious Liberty Park. Their new home is tucked into its surroundings with privacy walls and gated courtyards that encompass soothing fountains and lovely garden areas. The stone walls feature unusual elements like glass balls, old tools and hidden stone faces.
The Humphries were able to save several pieces of furniture—a leather-covered desk, two console tables, a pair of antique chests, a beloved mirror, pieces of art—and a few other items like a crystal vase that somehow survived unscathed. They were amazed to see the transformation brought by restoration specialists to pieces heavily damaged by fire, smoke and water. The Humphries have enjoyed sourcing furniture and accessories from local shops and picking out art pieces during their travels. The home was built by Gip Plott, who specializes in commercial real estate projects. He expertly planned the home to sit on the footprint of the original house, making it seem as though the home has always been part of the historic surroundings. “The bones of the house were here,” says Maurice. “The builder preserved as much of the brick as possible. Instead of bringing in new brick, he salvaged it from old buildings like the Waites downtown.” The couple’s favorite feature is their new neighborhood. “It’s a really convenient location,” says Maurice. “It’s five minutes to Homewood, five minutes to downtown, five minutes to Crestline.”
Marian took a hands-on approach to selecting design elements with artistic flair throughout the home. She commissioned a designer in California to create an eclectic ceiling fixture for the powder room that ties in to the carefully selected tile floor and she worked with a local craftsman to bring her ideas to life in the stairwell’s iron bannister.
“We have wonderful neighbors,” Marian shares. “We love walking the sidewalks. The English Village Garden Club is a caring and entertaining group who really cares about the best interests of our neighborhood and the city. We like to walk to Vino and Chez Lulu to eat or have a glass of wine. And the grandkids love to walk down to Continental Bakery to get cookies when they visit. We just love living in English Village.” •
ABOUT
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2020
>
Cut the Clutter BY CINDY TYUS AND KIM LYON Is your guest room piled so high with papers and boxes, no one could sleep there? Can’t find anything in your garage because there’s junk in every corner? Cindy Tyus and Kim Lyon promise they’ve seen worse. Tyus, a trained interior designer, and Lyon, an organization specialist, make up the Birmingham-based team Cat & Lyon. They help clients transform their homes into organized, functional and beautiful spaces.
> Tip #1: MAKE A PLAN Look around each room of your home to determine which areas need organizing the most and prioritize. It’s a good idea to start small so you can finish what you start. A kitchen drawer is a lot easier to accomplish than an entire basement. Organizing a space properly usually involves removing everything, deciding how you want the space to look and function, then putting back the items you need. > Tip #2: DECLUTTER BEFORE ORGANIZING Managing your stuff becomes much easier when you edit your items down, so you are not carving out valuable space for things you should get rid of anyway. Sentimental items can be a challenge for many people. Rather than hanging on to every piece of your child’s artwork, photograph each one and keep them in an album. Consider repurposing Grandma’s antique dresser into an updated media cabinet that serves a better purpose and can still be treasured. > Tip #3: STORE LIKE THINGS TOGETHER. Determine the place where you want each item to live and commit to keeping things in their designated places. Limit items like light bulbs, extension cords, and batteries to the laundry room or a nearby place in the garage. This practice makes finding and replacing like items a speedier and simpler process. Reach out to Cat & Lyon with questions or to schedule a consultation at catandlyon@gmail.com or 205.427.8447. ABOUT
> Tip #4: NOT ALL STORAGE BINS ARE CREATED EQUALLY Open containers such as baskets are better suited to items you reach for regularly, whereas bins with lids are better for items used less frequently. The fabulous pantries pictured in magazines with glass jars filled with pastas, cereals and snacks may look lovely, but every trip home from the grocery store requires that extra step. Think carefully before committing to that lifestyle! > Tip #5: KEEP A JUNK DRAWER AND A TASK BASKET Not every corner of your home has to be perfect. Every home needs a ‘catch all’ drawer to house random items like birthday candles, pens, scissors, and extra house keys. We recommend keeping a task basket handy to collect items that you aren’t ready to deal with yet (think kids’ school papers, mail, bills and the like). > Tip #6: THINK VERTICAL Maximize your storage space by adding an extra shelf higher up in your closet for items that need to be accessible, but don’t get used every day. It may be necessary to reevaluate your existing closet systems and other storage areas to get the most out of your homes’ storage potential. Changing up some shelving can be life-changing! > Tip #7: FIND A SOLUTION THAT WORKS FOR YOU There’s no one organizational system that works for everyone. You have to find the right process that can be customized to fit your lifestyle. Staying organized begins with finding a system that you can stick to…kind of like a diet! > Tip #8: KNOW WHEN YOU’RE IN OVER YOUR HEAD! Don’t put off projects because are were too daunting or because you can’t separate yourself from the emotional attachment to items. Don’t be afraid to reach out for professional help if you need it.
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205-835-9787
sboudreaux@lahrealestate.com
F R O M T H E PA N D E M I C Presented by:
The COVID-19 pandemic changed daily life for people around the world
quickly and dramatically. Overnight, parents became teachers when schools shut their doors. Professionals set up home offices in their bedrooms and at kitchen tables. Essential workers confronted the dangers of a mysterious new illness with bravery, determination and countless new safety measures. People found themselves unemployed, furloughed and racked with worry about what the future might hold. Throughout the country, ordinary people responded to the unprecedented challenge in extraordinary ways—pivoting to meet the needs of others in continually evolving circumstances. Many of those heroes live and work in the Magic City and, through their efforts big and small, we saw Birmingham rise. We’re excited to tell their stories. ABOUT
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Pay It Forward
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ay it forward. This may sound like a simple phrase, but to Redmont Distilling Company, it’s a part of who they are. Proudly located in Birmingham, Redmont Distilling focuses on being there for the community, through both the good and challenging times. Almost all industries have been hit hard by COVID-19, but with yearly sales down nearly 80%, the restaurant and hospitality industry and workers felt the pandemic more than most. Though affected themselves, Redmont Distilling chose this moment to step in and support local businesses and workers; the only way through this is together. After needing to close their doors, many businesses were forced to rethink their current strategy and brainstorm solutions to survive; many pivoting to curbside pickup, delivery, and selling more gift cards to stay afloat. Understanding this challenge, Redmont Distilling chose to partner with the Alabama Restaurant and Hospitality Association to provide resources for hospitality workers affected by these sudden changes. Together they launched the Alabama Hospitality Workers Relief Fund, which focuses on giving financial assistance to hospitality workers facing financial hardship. This collaborative fund was built to help workers with a variety of expenses such as rent, mortgage, transportation, utilities and funeral expenses (including travel). Collectively, the relief fund raised over $100,000, including a personal donation of $25,000 from Charles Barkley, Redmont Distilling’s majority owner and Alabama native.
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The support didn’t stop there. It’s challenging to close your doors, but it’s also challenging to open back up after months of slow sales. Redmont Distilling participated in the discount program organized by AL ABC and has offered Redmont Vodka at a 25% discount to all restaurants in June, July and August to help ease the challenge of reopening. So far, many Alabama restaurants and bars have taken advantage of this offer to ease into filling their businesses again.
The relief fund raised over $100,000, including a personal donation of $25,000 from Charles Barkley, Redmont Distilling’s majority owner and Alabama native.
In addition to supporting industry employees and business owners, Redmont Distilling identified another opportunity to support the larger Birmingham community. Since the beginning of COVID-19, hand sanitizer began disappearing off store shelves, creating a large gap in the market for desperate consumers. Understanding this challenge, Redmont Distilling was in a special position to serve others by pivoting distilling equipment to produce hand sanitizer in addition to Redmont Vodka. Being able to quickly act and serve its community is nothing new to Redmont. The pandemic allowed the company to join a movement that truly reflects the core value of paying it forward. Redmont Distilling hand sanitizer has been donated to hospitals, restaurants and local stores to aid in a safe reopening. The hand sanitizer is also available for purchase and pick up at redmontdistilling.com.
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Helping Pets in a Crisis
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As soon as Birmingham and surrounding areas started implementing shelter in place orders, Greater Birmingham Humane Society (GBHS) employees undertook a massive pivot of operations. On March 12, 2020, GBHS began increasing efforts to find foster homes for all the pets housed at the Snow Drive Adoption, Transport & Education Center. By March 25, the facility was completely empty for the first time since it opened.
“When everything started falling apart with Covid and there were so many needs, we were looking for a way for us to do something to help,” says Rebecca Hartsough. “Unless you had a medical degree or a frontline job, you felt helpless.” Hartsough says they saw GBHS’ calls for foster families on social media and immediately knew that was the way they could help. “This was a good fit for us. We had never fostered before, but we like dogs, we knew we weren’t going anywhere, and so we decided to try it and see how it went. We’re so busy usually during the school year, it would be hard for us to care for a dog that needs a whole lot and balance with the kids activities. This made us feel a lot less helpless.”
“All animals were placed in foster or adopted out,” says Allison Black Cornelius, GBHS CEO. “Moving animals into foster care helps lessen the load on staff and allow pets to acclimate to living in a home environment.” GBHS reports over 200 families volunteered to provide a temporary or permanent home for a pet in need.
The Hartsoughs adopted their own dog, Maddie, from GBHS and have participated in multiple service and fundraising opportunities. They are also quick to volunteer when a friend needs a pet sitter.
“We are thankful for the hundreds of families who have welcomed a GBHS pet into their home,” says Cornelius. “These foster families have truly lightened the load for our staff during this time.” Once the facility was cleared, GBHS began filling the building with pet food, medications and other supplies to provide assistance for people in the community struggling to afford necessities for their pets as well as those serving as foster families during the pandemic. Supporters donated funds and purchased items from an Amazon Wishlist while pet stores and suppliers brought items by the truckload to fill the COVID-19 Regional Pet Pantry. The pet pantry operated for nearly a month with tremendous success. “We know that the COVID-19 pandemic left many families are struggling financially. It was our hope that the GBHS COVID-19 Regional Pet Pantry helped alleviate a little of their stress and ensure that our community’s pets are not forgotten.” Family Answers Call for GBHS Foster Families When schools and work places shut their doors, the Hartsough family suddenly found themselves working from home, online learning at home and spending all their time at home. They wanted to find a way to serve the community and safely engage their 13-year-old son and 11-year-old daughter. ABOUT
“We ended up having three different dogs,” says Rebecca. “The first one was a black lab/border colley mix named Bailey. We had her about a week and it was really emotional letting her go. They reached out to us a day or two later with a Jack Russel mix puppy named Miles. We kept him for about a week and a half and a friend adopted him.” After caring for the puppy, the Hartsoughs took a break for a week. But they realized they missed the important diversion that fostering provided. “Our third dog was Max, a rat terrier. He was probably our favorite because he needed the most work and came the furthest of all of them in the two weeks we had him.” The Hartsoughs say it’s been really rewarding to receive follow-ups from all the families who adopted. They’ve been excited to get calls letting them know the dogs are doing well and growing and improving. “Not all dogs come in perfectly ready to be adopted, some of them need a little work. It felt really good to be able to do that. I don’t think we would have been able to foster if it hadn’t been for the situation produced by C-19. It was really rewarding for us. It took our minds of things. We were able to show our kids how they could help in a time of need. We were able to give animals something they needed—a loving a place to stay for a week.”
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St. Vincent’s Employee Comforts Covid Patients Presented by:
H
ayden native Amanda Doust’s work days begin early. She says goodbye to her husband and two young children and pulls out of her driveway at 5:15 a.m. to go to work as a Patient Care Assistant at St. Vincent’s East Hospital in Birmingham. She normally provides support for the doctors and nurses: checking patients’ vitals, helping them bathe and brush their teeth, making sure their linens are clean. But “normal” shifted dramatically in March, when the hospital began seeing patients test positive for COVID-19.
You can only prepare for so much and the task list can get long once a nurse gets into the room. We were having to get items from all over the hospital.” As the staff adapted to the daily challenges of treating COVID-19 patients. She became a shining light for people on some of their hardest days, walking the halls to share encouraging messages for the patients and nurses and inspiring employees to engage patients in games through the glass walls. “We received a patient on our unit who was very scared, very upset,” Doust recalls. “She thought she had the flu and then they were testing her for the virus. I knocked on the door and welcomed her and I started a game of tic-tac-toe with her. I had seen an employee playing with another patient, so I did it too. By the end she was laughing and smiling. It was a very humbling experience to be that change in someone else’s day.”
“When we opened up the COVID unit, one of the ladies asked if I would like to work in the unit in a different position,” says Doust. “I chose to work the unit because I wanted to make a difference. I wanted to do what the firefighters do and run toward the fire.” Doust quickly found that her role, while different, was integral. The nurses who come into the unit change into scrubs and start tending to sick patients. They take care of as many tasks as possible on each visit to a patient’s room to conserve Personal Protective Equipment and are not allowed to leave the unit without showering and changing clothes. Amanda became a runner because she could no longer interact with patients, but she was able to leave the unit and bring items directly to the patient’s door.
Working in healthcare has always presented challenges, but I have never in my career witnessed so many selfless acts as I have during this COVID-19 pandemic. Our nurses and hospital staff come to work daily, knowing that they are putting themselves and loved ones at a higher risk by doing so, but they choose selflessness over self preservation daily.” - MEGAN LOTERO, Director of Nursing “I would go get all the things the nurses needed,” says Doust. “We had so many ICU patients, but our unit wasn’t an ICU unit, so I would have to get whatever the nurse needed while they were in the room.
ABOUT
“When I first met Amanda, I saw a lot of myself in her and I knew that I had to hire her,” says Director of Nursing Megan Lotero. “She had such a drive to make an impact in people’s lives, and said she felt a calling to do that in healthcare. She has such a passion for patient care.” “I don’t want anyone to think that the patients are in their rooms isolated because we’re doing as much as we can to make them as comfortable as possible,” Doust says. “I had a lot of respect for nurses before this, now I am just amazed at how strong they are and how amazing they are. They have inspired me to become a nurse.” Doust says she has not worried about her own health and safety because she’s used all the precautions. At the end of each shift, she goes home, changes out of her clothes and gets straight in the shower. Her three- and five-year-old kids have learned to wait patiently for a hug from mom. “They’ve gotten used to my husband sitting them down on the couch,” she says. “I put my pajamas on and they come running. They understand.” Doust begins classes at Wallace State Community College in the fall and will continue working while she earns her degree. “I feel proud to be doing this. I can’t wait to be working with the nurses, alongside them in a different way. Taking care of people and helping is what I always wanted to do.” 36 T O W N
Birmingham Face Masks
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n mid-March, as cases of COVID-19 began springing up across the country, reports surfaced about critical shortages of PPE—the personal protective equipment healthcare professionals and first responders use to protect themselves from disease transmission. Local seamstress Christine McLean was anxious to find a way to help and immediately recognized that she could put her sewing talents to use making face masks.
JULIE HARRIS Congratulations to my Sellers! Congratulations to my Buyers!
“I reached out Kathy Green who had started a Facebook group asking people to make masks for local healthcare workers,” says McLean. “She was hoping to get 500 masks initially.” The organizers quickly connected hundreds of volunteers with a Facebook group called Bham Face Masks, and set up a website to field an astounding number of requests. They distributed patterns and tutorials for volunteers to follow, sourced materials, coordinated pickup and distribution of products.
To date, the group has distributed over 114,000 masks into the community. They partnered with hospitals and doctor’s offices across the state and with the Jefferson County Unified Command to make masks for first responders. The establishment of 501(c)3 status, grants and donations allowed the operation to expand to employ a production team of 17 women in addition to 6 members of the BhamStrong workforce. “We basically created a whole company. We are able to employ women who started out as members of our volunteer sewing community. We are contributing to the Alabama economy.” As the demand for PPE has been met with increased available supply, the team has shifted focus toward providing face masks for rural and marginalized communities. “I think people need to do something positive in times of uncertainty. It feels good to be part of something bigger. In the end, we all want to help.” To learn more, visit bhamfacemasks.com.
NEW LISTING 1109 58TH ST S
NEW LISTING
2824 MONTEVALLO RD
SOLD
3792 POE DR
SOLD
2926 VIRGINIA RD
JULIE HARRIS
NEW LISTING
234 DEARMANVILLE DR N
SOLD
3821 RIVER RUN TRL
SOLD
3517 BELLE MEADE WAY
SOLD
3607 OAKDALE DR
jharris@raypoynor.com c: 205-563-5049 o: 205-879-3036 soldybyjulieharris.com
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Finding a Way Home in Challenging Times
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sk Brooke Wahl what she dreamed of becoming when she was a child and she’ll tell you she couldn’t imagine working in any field but the family business. Brooke is a fourth-generation realtor, following in the footsteps of her great-grandfather, grandfather, grandmother, and mother. She grew up hearing the stories of selling homes following World War II, through the Great Recession, during booms and challenging times over the generations. These narratives give Brooke a wide perspective of the ebbs and flows, that come in real estate and shape the hands-on approach she brings to every interaction she has with clients as one of ARC Realty’s most successful agents. More than ever, people are asking Brooke how the market is doing. They want to know if COVID-19 has affected the value of their home or their ability to sell.
“It was a very strange and humbling feeling to be deemed ‘essential’ during COVID. My husband is a surgeon at UAB, so I saw firsthand how hard it was for workers on the front lines. While selling real estate is a very different atmosphere, it felt great to know that I could still help people and push the economy during trying times.”
Wahl says people realized their homes were more important than ever while sheltering in place and spending more time than ever inside. The need for people to move did not disappear despite the challenging circumstances. “The reality is that a lot of the time people need to move more than they want to. New jobs, new home situations, and new cities arise, and they need to be able to find a space that will work for them.”
“The good news is that in Birmingham, the real estate market has stayed extremely strong and home values are at an all-time high,” says Wahl. “Right now is a great time to live in a mid-sized city like Birmingham where there is so much confidence in homeownership. That, plus the record-low interest rates have created an incredibly strong market.” Experts across the country have pointed to real estate as one of the primary drivers to pull the economy out of recession. The home market has long been considered a catalyst for positive growth. Since most of us either own or aspire to own real estate, many people are interested, but few truly understand the real estate market. This is where experts like Wahl play an essential role, even in a time when workers in many industries had to shut down.
ABOUT
Most evolutions in industries happen over generations, but the pandemic caused business and customers to adapt overnight and continue to make changes as new information became available. Wahl says realtors rose to the occasion to make clients feel comfortable and meet their needs. “People are less comfortable having face-to-face meetings, having strangers in their homes, and going in strangers’ houses for showings. We are now better equipped to meet virtually, have no-contact showings, provide masks, and sanitize. Really, if someone were so inclined, they could go through the whole process without being more than six feet from someone outside of their household.” Wahl says the most important aspect of her job has not changed. She continues to communicate with people in the same way, to provide constant updates, and to be heavily involved in the process. It’s this commitment to service that helped Wahl achieve the highest volume of any agent in the state of Alabama during the month of May. 38 T O W N
Your Dental Health During COVID by: Dr Celia Davenport D.D.S.
Infection control has been top of mind for everyone lately. While our office has always met or exceeded OSHA and CDC standards, we’ve redoubled our efforts and invested heavily in alternative forms of infection control including UV lights, air purification systems, and isolation rooms among many other enhancements. The health and well being of my patients and staff is paramount, and if you’d like to learn more about our commitment to maintaining the safest dental office in Birmingham, please visit our website: davenportdentalandwellness.com. I have completed many hours of continuing education and achieved professional level status with the American Academy of Oral Systemic Health. I continue to focus on the links between oral health and overall systemic health. Secondary pneumonia is a major concern with the current pandemic. The bacteria in the majority of bacterial pneumonia cases comes from the oral cavity. Good oral health is always important and especially important during these times. DAVENPORT DENTAL is conveniently
located in the Lakeview district on Clairmont Avenue South. We also have on-site parking, which is a rare commodity in our neighborhood. Just look for the big tooth in our front yard! Some of my patients are pleasantly surprised to learn that we offer Botox treatments. But, c’mon, nothing makes a bright smile look better than smooth skin surrounding it, right?!? Our goal is to help you feel and look your best, and for some of us that means giving Father Time a gentle nudge backward.
2940 Clairmont Ave • 205 277-2297 • davenportdentalandwellness.com
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Sidewalk Flips the Screen
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Our City Proves We’re #BhamStrong
n early March, the City of Birmingham worked alongside public and private partners to launch Birmingham Strong, an organization aimed at strengthening the city’s COVID-19 response by promoting public health and economic resilience. Birmingham Strong is a response to two challenges brought on by the COVID crisis: Birmingham residents need support to meet basic needs and Birmingham workers need to be empowered to build a resilient post-COVID economy.
On a typical summer Saturday night, the Sidewalk Film Center + Cinema would be buzzing with activity. People would be choosing their seats in one of Sidewalk’s two brand-new theatres. Others might be gathered at the bar, catching a free screening on the lobby televisions.
Birmingham Strong’s central program, the Birmingham Service Corps, meets these challenges by hiring recently unemployed or underemployed workers to address critical community needs through paid service opportunities. The program supplies workers with short-term supplemental income, while also providing a pathway to stable future employment through professional training.
But when COVID-19 caused Sidewalk to close in mid-March, the team immediately began brainstorming ways to stay relevant in a socially distant era. Sidewalk transplanted moviegoing excitement to The Summit with the Sidewalk Starlite pop-up drive-in. The drive-in, which hosted 75 cars at a time, sold out for all five showings, with movies including Spiderman: Into the Spiderverse and Pretty in Pink. Sidewalk employees even offered concessions like movie theater candy and fresh popcorn that are available curbside on weekends at Sidewalk’s downtown cinema.
“Our vision is that the city’s small businesses and workers are empowered to build a resilient, inclusive community that overcomes COVID-19,” Executive Director, Suzanna Frizberg says. The Birmingham Service Corps has placed over 300 Birmingham residents in paid volunteer positions across the community. The projects support public health and economic resilience, with participants setting up and staffing testing sites, staffing public sites for safe re-opening, processing small business loan applications, and supporting local nonprofits in their work to combat COVID-19.
“We had to adjust from screening in our cinema, which is really intimate, to huge lots of people,” Chloe Cook, Sidewalk’s Executive Director, said. “Obviously, it’s unexpected, but we’re just glad we figured out a way to keep serving moviegoers in Birmingham.” Sidewalk also connected customers to recommended indie films to rent online. The nonprofit is also continuing their typically robust lineup of educational programs—like Sidewalk Salon and Technology and Technique workshops—online. Sidewalk EDU, the organization’s new umbrella for online classes and workshops, features topics ranging from film editing to performance and screenwriting. Sidewalk has even kept on with their monthly events like Book + Film Club; and Screentalks via Zoom and Facebook Live.
“We’re grateful for the support we’ve received from generous local donors, “Our goal is to make the Birmingham Service Corps a permanent part of the Birmingham Community.” To find out more about how you or your organization can partner with #BhamStrong, visit bhamstrong.com. “Being able to help people in a time of uncertainty like this has been very humbling and gratifying.” - Rusty, Birmingham Service Corps member
Sidewalk’s staff is optimistic about organizing their annual festival scheduled for August 24-30, even if things look a little different this year. Visit sidewalkfestfest.com for a full lineup of events. ABOUT
40 T O W N
We Need To Be As Healthy As Possible, Now, More Than Ever!
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ALABAMA MOLD & WATER
(205) 901-6725 susanw@lahrealestate.com
Restoring Peace of Mind
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(205) 901-0049 betsywall@lahrealestate.com
BHMcares Connects Restaurants to Healthcare Workers
r. Brandon White loves the food scene in Birmingham. White is a hospitalist who eats almost every meal out and has formed relationships with many restaurant owners, and staff. When COVID-19 brought quarantine orders to Birmingham, White grew concerned about the restaurants being able to stay in business, while realizing his fellow medical professionals were finding it harder to fit in meals. “I spoke to a lot of my friends and they were looking to rapidly get set up for curbside delivery and other options. So, I thought, how could I help? At the same time, it was getting even harder than usual to find time to try to eat with hospital cafeterias closed to the public and operating only during narrow windows.” White saw an opportunity to solve both issues simultaneously with an initiative called BHMcares. The idea was to schedule a restaurant for each day of the week and provide a website where people could make online donations or call the restaurant directly to contribute funds. Initially he planned to work with seven restaurants, one for each day of the week, and they would use the money donated to prepare as many meals as possible within the budget. BHMCares volunteers would pick up the food and deliver it to a local hospital. ABOUT
“After the first couple days, the response was overwhelming both from a monetary and an interest in participating standpoint and it quickly became more than I can do on my own as I was still working at the hospital and serving, as a director of Alabama Hospice Care of Birmingham.” White brought in friends to help and says the response has been astounding. “The whole thing has been so overwhelmingly positive. It started off as such a small idea and exploded into a huge thing over just a couple days as the word got out. This is a wonderful city and it’s really shown over these past few months.”
- BHMcares has accepted donations exceeding $67,000 - Over 50 Birmingham restaurants have taken part - Over 4,800 meals so far - Food has been delivered to workers at 15 healthcare centers 41 T O W N
SOLD IN OVER THE MOUNTAIN AVIA! SOLD IN VESTWa y Winterberry
SOLD IN HOMEWOOD! Rockaway Rd
SOLD IN HOOVER!
SOLD IN VESTAVIA! Sheridan Lane
“Angela is an awesome realtor and adviser. I entrusted the sale of my home to her, including helping oversee and connect me with someone to perform the necessary renovations so that I could get top dollar for my home. Angela did just that, she connected me with a local contractor/designer to help with the renovations and get the home ready and desirable for sale. Within 4 days of being on the market, we had a high volume of showings and got 3 offers on the house. Angela managed the process to perfection and helped me get the best offer. This process has been smooth, low stress and successful. Thank you Angela, you are #1 in my book” Todd R. , Home Seller.”
Angela Stevens 205-907-8915 #realtysouth #expertsathome
SOLD IN MTN BROOK!
SOLD IN HOMEWOOD!
Our PLACES After getting years of much-deserved accolades, our local restaurants have been hit hard by the lockdown. So we thought it’d be a great time to do our part to help some of them through these tough times, and look forward to when they’ll be back at full strength.
sponsored by:
™
ABOUT
43 T O W N
Our PLACES
EL BARRIO
TAJ INDIA
2211 2nd Ave N, Downtown
2226 Highland Ave, Southside
elbarriobirmingham.com
tajindia.net
Navneet Judge
Neville Baay
“The highest compliments have to be about the authenticity of our food.”
“We want you to feel like a regular.” What’s the first impression you want guests to have when they walk into your place?
Despite the busy and seemingly chaotic nature of El Barrio, especially when you first walk in, we want you to feel welcomed, cared for and, ultimately, like one of our regulars.
What’s the first impression you want guests to have when they walk into your place?
We want individuals to be engrossed in culture as they walk in the front door. The desired first impression is to make people feel welcomed into a world of Indian heritage. However, we hope the ambiance makes them feel at home as they explore a new world.
What’s something people don’t know about running a restaurant?
No two days are ever the same; between guests, staff, deliveries and that one thing you thought could never happen but just did, it’s always an opportunity to enjoy new things.
What’s something people don’t know about running a restaurant?
What’s the greatest compliment a customer can give you?
That we exceeded their expectations. With the awesome staff, the great local producers and a never-ending desire to try to be better every day, we hope our guests enjoy every visit a little more than they expected.
Running the day-to-day operations is like making sure a train runs on time. Small delays can make for larger hiccups down the line. Yet the thrill is in ensuring that you beat the schedule. However nerve-racking running the business may be, there is nothing we would rather be doing.
What’s the most important thing you have to do to ensure a happy customer?
What’s the greatest compliment a customer can give you?
Have great staff! We are blessed to have a truly amazing group of people at El Barrio. Everyone, front and back, are here because they love what they do and have fun doing it.
Compliments are such a beautiful thing that the more there are, the happier we are. I must say the compliments that make all the hustle and bustle worth it are the compliments about the food.
What’s your favorite dish?
What’s your favorite dish?
That really depends on the day. I have a soft spot for all our food, obviously! (A quick and not very scientific survey of the staff deemed the spicy chicken tostada as the winner).
A current favorite would have to be the Lamb Badami. It brings so many flavors into your mouth, mixing the exquisite taste of cashews, almonds, poppy seeds, and coconut all into one. ™
Our PLACES
RED PEARL
NABEEL’S
243 W Valley Ave., Homewood
1706 Oxmoor Rd., Homewood
superorientalmkt.com
nabeels.com
Ramsey Duck
Mei Zhen Lin
“Most people don’t understand how time consuming running a restaurant is.”
“Hospitality is about anticipating the guests’ needs and meeting those needs before they’re expressed.”
What’s the first impression you want guests to have when they walk into your place?
What’s the first impression you want guests to have when they walk into your place?
We hope every guest—whether they are visiting Red Pearl Restaurant or our Super Oriental Market next door—enjoys the atmosphere and the friendly service we provide.
I want people to feel connected to the community and neighborhood. Nabeel’s is one of Homewood’s oldest businesses and we’ve had the privilege of serving generations of families, so whether you’re part of that tradition or eating with us for the first time, you’re part of the story.
What’s something people don’t know about running a restaurant?
The main thing people do not understand about running a restaurant is that it is very time-consuming and it’s hard to please everyone.
What’s something people don’t know about running a restaurant?
What’s the most important thing you have to do to ensure a happy customer?
There is no down time. If you’re relaxed as an owner or general manager, then you’re probably losing money.
Great service and high-quality food.
What’s the greatest compliment a customer can give you?
What’s your favorite dish?
That a member of my team took great care of them. I’m just one person and cannot possibly meet every customer’s needs and expectations. At the end of the day, it’s my job to build a team of people who can meet those needs and expectations. When someone recognizes the job done by someone on my team, then I leave smiling ear to ear.
The Salty Crispy Peel Shrimp. What’s your favorite place (besides your own) in Birmingham?
Bonefish Grill and Saigon Noodle House.
™
Our PLACES
RODNEY SCOTT’S BBQ
BAY LEAF
3719 3rd Ave S, Avondale and coming soon to Trussville.
1024 20th St. S, Southside & 5426 Hwy 280
rodneyscottsbbq.com
bayleafbham.com
Rodney Scott
Pritam Zarapkar
“The food is the brain, and the service is the backbone of a successful restaurant.”
“I want guests to feel like they just walked into a party.” What’s the first impression you want guests to have when they walk into your place?
I want them to feel like they just walked into a party. They are in a place where everything is laid back and fun.
What’s the first impression you want guests to have when they walk into your place?
We are introducing modern Indian food concepts to Birmingham in a casually upscale setting, and we want customers to have a rich and flavorful experience, one to remember.
What’s something people don’t know about running a restaurant?
It’s not always as smooth or easy as it appears. We try hard to not let our guests know when we experience hiccups like a late delivery that might upset the schedule.
What’s something people don’t know about running a restaurant?
What’s the greatest compliment a customer can give you?
The food is the brain and the service is the backbone of a successful restaurant. More often than not, if one of these is not optimal, the restaurant doesn’t work. I have carefully addressed both of these issues as we start this new venture in Birmingham.
I’ll be back.
What’s the most important thing you have to do to ensure a happy customer?
Distribute a positive vibe—a smile, the best quality food, and deliver an unforgettable experience. You have to set the tone.
What’s the greatest compliment a customer can give you?
If a customer likes what we offer, the greatest compliment would be for them to tell their friends and return to dine with us again.
What’s your favorite dish?
Seafood! (Believe it or not) Shrimp and lobster are my favorites.
What’s your favorite dish?
What’s your favorite place (besides your own) in Birmingham?
Although I love almost everything on our new menu, I have a soft spot for the tandoori chicken. We slow-cook the whole chicken in clay after marinating it overnight.
Hero Doughnuts. I love the strawberry doughnuts and the bologna sandwich there. ™
Our PLACES
SOL Y LUNA
SLICE
920 Lane Parke Court, Mountain Brook
Lakeview & Vestavia
solylunabham.com
slicebirmingham.com
Aimee and Jorge Castro
Chris Bajalieh
“Our guests are our family.”
“It takes consistently great service and consistently great food.”
What’s the first impression you want guests to have when they walk into your place?
What’s the first impression you want guests to have when they walk into your place?
It is important that guests feel welcomed and appreciated as soon as they walk in the door. At Sol Y Luna, our guests are our family.
We want our guests to feel recognized, welcomed, and comfortable, as if they were dining in our home or their own.
What’s something people don’t know about running a restaurant?
What’s something people don’t know about running a restaurant?
Most people don’t really understand that a restaurant is a constant job. It never ends. It is a labor of love, for sure, but it is a labor that cannot not be neglected for one second.
The day-to-day moving parts that go into the operations and administration side of the business along with the importance of surrounding yourself with a good, reliable team. I hear it all the time with folks. In my conversations about running restaurants, it tends always to be overlooked and overshadowed by the cooking aspect of the business. They think if there’s one excellent chef in the building, then after that, everything else happens on its own. Not the case, both sides of the business are equally as important and vital to a restaurant’s success and survival.
What’s the greatest compliment a customer can give you?
The greatest compliment a guest can give is that we have given them not only good but excellent service. We want our guests to feel they are taken care of. What’s the most important thing you have to do to ensure a happy customer?
Guests need to be cared for and heard. I think that guests appreciate it when they feel valued and that’s what makes them happy and returning time and time again.
What’s the greatest compliment a customer can give you?
That is the best dish I have ever eaten in my life, and our server was excellent.
What’s your favorite dish?
What’s your favorite dish?
Lobster soft tacos
White shadow pizza, with added braised chicken.
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Our PLACES
TACO MAMA
FIG TREE CAFÉ
Multiple Locations
3160 Cahaba Heights Rd., Cahaba Heights
tacomamaonline.com
thebirminghamfigtree.com
Will Haver
John Holland
“It’s casual, like an old southern porch.”
“It’s a labor of love” What’s the first impression you want guests to have when they walk into your place?
That they feel its genuine spirit, and it’s lively and fun.
What’s the first impression you want guests to have when they walk into your place?
What’s something people don’t know about running a restaurant?
I want them to feel like they’re walking into my living room. It’s casual, like an old southern porch. We’re in the back of an old house, that’s what we’re going for.
Goodness, great question. There are a lot of moving parts that are orchestrated in harmony by a collective group of talented people who complement each other and funnel their passion to deliver a great performance every day, night, and weekends too. It’s a labor of love.
What’s something people don’t know about running a restaurant?
How much time and all the effort that goes into engineering a perfect guest experience—from the heart of the house to the front. It’s a lot.
What’s the greatest compliment a customer can give you?
They enjoyed it! The people, the food, the drink, and the atmosphere.
What’s the greatest compliment a customer can give you?
Seeing the customers who keep coming back, from first dates, to getting engaged to having kids. I love watching it all go down and knowing they stuck with us.
What’s the most important thing you have to do to ensure a happy customer?
Talented people, planning, prepping, communicating, anticipating, executing and having fun. The guests feel that effort and positive energy.
What’s your favorite dish?
Right now I’m digging on the butter beans we’re serving on our meat and two. I could nosh on them all day.
What’s your favorite dish?
I can’t answer that. I love too much food. If I had to go with my favorite protein, it’s barbacoa.
What’s your favorite place (besides your own) in Birmingham?
Ask any chef, we love ethnic food. My favorite restaurant is Seoul on Greensprings. That’s where I go for my comfort food like soondubu, a really spicy seafood stew served in your own bubbling pot.
What’s your favorite place (besides your own) in Birmingham?
In Birmingham, it’s too long of a list, and I hope people don’t take for granted the food and entertainment scene we have here. It’s unique and special. ™
Now Open for Classical Pilates
Private Lessons & 4 - 5 Person Small Group Classes!
NEW VIRTUAL OPTIONS ALSO AVAILABLE 3,000 sq ft Studio Ample Space for Safely Distanced Training!
Peck’s Points!
3 pointers for selling your current home ... and finding the next one. 1. Get Right on Price. It’s very easy to over price your home. Spending too much time on the Internet can walk you down that path quickly. Leaving,“wiggle room” or “room to negotiate” is detrimental to your sale and only helps other sellers in the area. 2. Clutter Less, Show More. I use the “Half & Half”
rule. Look at flat surfaces of your home and remove half of the items. Next, remove half of those items. Same goes for pillows, clothes, pictures and books. You want to show the space of your home and allow the buyer to imagine their belongings in it; not how many figurines you can fit on a hallway table.
3. Visit Neighborhoods, Not Websites. The Internet
offers an amazing array of choices for the home buyer and gives tons of very practical and useful information. However, home buying is a Process of Elimination rather than a Shopping Spree. This is where we will make a plan based on your wants and needs for your new home. Next, we will tour neighborhoods that have the most listings that meet your needs. Websites can help narrow down options, but spending time in a house is the only way to feel right at home.
MOTIVATED. PROFESSIONAL. AUTHENTIC.
Motivated to accomplish your goals. Striving to be authentic in every deal.
Est. 2012 Aero Joe Pilates Studio (Pepper Place) 2805 2nd Ave S - Suite 100 aerojoepilates.com 205.202.5758 info@aerojoepilates.com
PECK BARHAM, REALTOR RE/MAX Southern Homes | 205.529.1220 Peck.Barham@Remax.net | www.TeamBarham.com
2020
SHE ONCE BUILT A FORT SO LARGE, THAT IT UTILIZED EVERY BLANKET, TOWEL, AND CHAIR IN THE WHOLE HOUSE.
CHILDREN A M A Z E U S E V E R Y D AY
and at Children’s of Alabama, we want to see every child grow up and live to their fullest potential. 1600 7TH AVENUE SOUTH BIRMINGHAM, AL 35233 (205) 638-9100 ChildrensAL.org
photo: Melissa Dooley Photography
SPECIALISTS
2020
THANK YOU BIRMINGHAM For Voting Us The Best! PLASTIC SURGERY SPECIALISTS
205-298-8660 birminghamspecialists.com
Dr. Robert Oliver Jr. & Dr. Jason Jack
ABOUT
51 T O W N
2005 What WE were doing in 2005
- Hurricane Katrina hit -YouTube wasfounded in February. The creatorswere inspired when they couldn’t find a video of Janet Jackson’s‘waredrobe malfuntion’ at the Super Bowl -There wasa select team at Apple working on a top secret project called “purple” which wasto become the iPhone -Daniel Craig wascast asthe next JamesBond under a ton of criticism for being too short and too blonde - Lance Armstrong won his7th straight Tour de France top: Victoria Daddario, Laura Kessler, Stella McCormick at Sidewalk Film Fest
Mary Fitts. Stephanie Newman @ Art on the Rocks Mila Sanderson,Jason Toranto, Lindsey Ryan @ 20s YP Sherri Jackson, Jahaad Jackson @ Autism Gala
Jill Ivins, Pooja Aggarwal @ Art on the Rocks Lindley Praytor, Chrissy Richey, Lauren Rast @ Sidewalk Film Fest Teresa Baggett, Heath Edwards @ Art on the Rocks
Chris Cholston, Tara August @ UAB Gala Sallie Johnson, Frank Stitt @ Gourmet Garden Party Craig and Sherrie Fleming @ Gourmet Garden Party Kelli Jetmundsen, Bruce Rogers @ Gourmet Garden Party
ABOUT
52 T O W N
The Old SCHOOL
The Old SCHOOL
top Jonathan Johnson, Nadria Tucker, Dennis Deavours, Barbara Ann Moore @ 20s YP Melissa Bush, James McCracken @ Sidewalk Film Fest
Tara Stewart, Blake Dickert, Carrie Beth Taylor @ 20s YP Adrianne Adams,Charles Barkley, Denise Poe @ UAB Gala
Sally and Slade Blackwell @Zoo Gala Sharman Ringland, Darrell Sanders @ Art on the Rocks
Elizabeth Jackson, Margaret Dumas, Sara Schilleci, @20s YP Shane and Danette Buggay, Mike Martin @Autism Gala
ABOUT
53 T O W N
‘06 What WE were doing in 2006
-Google purchased YouTube for 1.65 billion in stock -The Blu-Ray Disc format wasfirst released -Steve Irwin wasstung by a sting ray and killed off the coast of Australia
-First tweet ever wassent by co-founder Jack Dorsey who said “just setting up my twitter” top: Brittney White, Angela Porter, Amber Lewis @ Beaker Bash Jill Cain, Betsy Blakely @Beaker Bash Bethany Powell, Whitney Craig, Betsy Smith @ Whoville Leslie Cooper, Kwani Dickerson @ Pointe Ball
Cyrondys Jackson, Stacey Diltz @ Pointe Ball Shanika Major, Shannon Andrews, Sheena Robinson @ Children’s Gala Beth & Murphy McMillan @ Pointe Ball
Martha Thompson, Brent Thompson @ Denim & Diamonds Ashley Morrison, Candace Ingalls @ Poinsettia Ball Meredith Hardegree, Adam English @ Poinsettia Ball Leigh Leak, Katie Taylor @ Luck Be a Lawyer
ABOUT
54 T O W N
The Old SCHOOL
The Old SCHOOL
top: Doug Black, Richie Robichaux, Nordan Dembitsky, Brian Conley, Tyler Healey, Hope Parks, Shannon Goff @ ADDY Awards Hayley Kisiel, Kyle Seguin @ Pointe Ball Kerry Stubblefield, Jeff Parson, Hunter Barrow @ ADDY Awards Frances Corbin, Ginny Temple, Jessica Hall @ YP Kellie Griffin, Jess Mizerany @ First Service
Jennifer & Daniel Bolongaro @ Beaker Bash Katherine Thompson, Mary Katherine Williams, Megan DeWitt @ Pointe Ball
Melody Mallet, Jennifer Hatchett @ Whoville Chris Culanas, Summer Culanas @ Luck Be a Lawyer Chloe Collins, Krista Conlin, Bridget Officer @ Lakeshore Foundation
ABOUT
55 T O W N
‘07 What WE were doing in 2007
- First IPhone released in January -Brit Brit went cray cray -Barry Bondsbroke Hank Aaron’shomersrecord by hitting his756th home run -Bob Barker hosted hislast episode of The Price isRight top: Melissa Criswell, Andrea Zarichnak @ Art on the Rocks
Brittney Edwards, Ashton Edwards @ Wild About Chocolate Emily & Karen Eddleman @ Ball of Roses Mary Lauren Griffin, Sarah Beinhardt @ Sinatra Soiree
Devon Walsh, Meg McGlamery @ Raise the Voice Melissa Jordan, Ashley Jordan @ ADDY Awards Rachael McGehee, Leann Bohannon @ Beat the Odds Caroline Gidiere, Ashley Blomeyer @ Museum Ball
Breanna Blakeney, Virginia Pinter @ Museum Ball Brad Stripling, Katie Walls @ Big Top Crystal Tennyson, Jessie Williams @ Crawfest Rebecca Elgin-Council, Brian Council @ Addy Awards
The Old SCHOOL
The Old SCHOOL
top: Katherine Rice, John Hutchinson @ Ball of Roses Drew Cater, Lauren Mabry @ Dress Up, Get Down Betsy Smith, Emily Payne, Rachel VanNortwick @ Dress Up, Get Down Mike Mahon, Zandy Mono @ Dress Up, Get Down
Andi Nix, Tonya Beverly @ Mardi Gras Ball
Leah Gall, Jason Toranto @ Wild About Chocolate Sumner and John Rives @ Wild About Chocolate Liz Hanson, Sara Catherine Anderson @ Sinatra Soiree
2 00
The Old SCHOOL
Beverly Long, Nicole Shevin, Jennifer Micahelson @ Art on the Rocks
8
What WE were doing in
Marcus Fowler, Brooke Rogers @ Art on the Rocks
Jenny Nelson, Kerri Bunn, Rachel Pemberton @ Mudbugs & Music A.J. Thompson, Britt Wolfe @ Picasso Pets
Kiersten Engel, Rachel Stupay @ Pointe Ball Joy Turner, Mary Welden @ Pink Palace
2008
- Heath Ledger died in NYC. - Stock marketsplunged around the world amid growing fearsof the U.S. recession
Shadi Atchison, Fariba Amirpour, @ Manhattan South Trunk Show Marjorie James, Mallie Bromberg @ Lord Wedgwood
- Amy Winehouse wasthe big winner at the Grammyswith the record of the year“Rehab” -NASA’sPhoenix Spacecraft landed on the northern polar region of Mars
Wade Mincher, Kate Wood @ Exceptional Foundation Candace Gray, Natalie Burke @ Eleganza Emily Brown, Jennifer Stephens @ Art on the Rocks
The Old SCHOOL
top: Kris Macon, Brian Vonhagel, Mischa Patel, Matthew Kilpatrick, Tara Piper, Amy Musick, Kimberly Franklin @ Art on the Rocks Casey Coleman, Jonathan Vines @ Bone Bash
Nate VanDerVeer, Kendall Nichols @ Art on the Rocks Rachel Tresch, Lauren Cater, Kelsey Powell @ Art on the Rocks
Kristin McDonald, Sloan Schmidtke @ Poinsettia Ball Kristin McPherson, Missy Barze, Kendall Eagan, Michelle Williams @ Zoo Gala
Lindsey Barber, Chenatsu Owada, Callie Robson @ Pointe Ball Holly Daugherty, Yvette Talsma, Molly Nickoles @ Pink Palace
‘09 ‘09
What WE were doing in
2009
- Michael Jackson died at 50 after cardiac arrest - A US Airwaysplane with 155 people on board ditched into a chilly Hudson River with all passengerssurviving - Over 7 million jobslost in Great Recession. unemployment rate soared to over 10 percent-its highest rate in over 25 years - Oprah Winfrey announced after 25 yearsher show would end top: Lindsey Lancaster, Perrin Robinson, Danielle Davis, @ Your Best You
Lauren Rast, Lacey Dunn @ Picture of Health Amber Kessler, Virgina Willingham, Hannah Killough, @ Rotaract Gala Julie Wall, Brooks Wall @ ArtBLINK
Caroline Smith, Lauren Jacoway @ Ball of Roses Krista Conlin, Stacy Spears, Natalie Fry Horn @ Spring Fling Rebecca Williams, Jessica Knighten @ Blues Night
Megan Brennard, Lindsey Lancaster @ Your Best You Kelly Shannon, Dohn Dye @ Fashion Night Out Alussa Daniels, Stacey Willis @ Fiesta Ball Ivy Stephens, Cline Jones @ Hats & Horns
ABOUT
60 T O W N
The Old SCHOOL
The Old SCHOOL
top: Lisa Speak, Kathleen Bowers, Liz Huffman, Olivia Woodard @ Art on the Rocks Jerry Jordan, Dionne Waters, @ A Picture of Health Maggie King, Michelle Howard, Laura Hudspeth, Nancy Powers, @ Oyster Shuck John and Sarah Peinhardt, Anne-Marie Gianoudis @ IDIE
Eileen and Danny Markstein @ Museum Ball Mallory Cole, Carissa Rice @ No Place Like Ham
Joy Keith, Charlotte Thompson, Carrie Beth Champion @ Red Nose Ball Christina Tucker, Dohn Dye, Anna Donaldson @ Red Nose Ball
ABOUT
61 T O W N
When Times Are Good You Should Advertise. When Times Are Bad You MUST Advertise. These are tough times for a lot of businesses. But there are also huge opportunities. While most businesses are tempted to pull back and shrink during tough times, the advertisers that maintain or grow their ad spending in tough times not only increase sales and market share, they also grow much faster when the economy improves. “I simply can’t afford to advertise now.” Maybe in some outlets, but there’s no budget we can’t meet at About Town. We don’t have advertisers. We have partners. We handle each individually, and create custom packages that meet their budgets and unique needs. Custom mailings, digital, social, PR platforms, and everything in between. Like you, About Town is a locally-owned business. Our focus and expertise is in the Birmingham market. We’ve been in business for 15 years and seen too-many-tocount media outlets come and go with each new trend. Our strength lies in taking a personal hands-on approach to ensure our partners get results! We’re in the results business. Do you want to project your presence, your strength and your stability? Now is the time!
PUBLISHER Hunt Gillespie ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Amy Smith ASSOCIATE EDITOR June Clark CONTRIBUTING DESIGN Emily Pickens MARKETING Jennifer Lyles Dowdle PHOTOGRAPHERS Mary Catherine Fehr Emily Pickens ADVERTISING For advertising information please contact Hunt Gillespie at 205.323.1020 EVENTS To request your event to be featured, please send an e-mail at least one month prior to: info@abouttown.io WEB To see all the party pictures, visit: abouttown.io About Town is released 8 times a year. This issue has 15,000 copies. For a list of distribution points visit abouttown.io For detailed info on our readership contact hunt@abouttown.io
Contact me directly and I’ll guarantee you results. hunt@abouttown.io About Town is published by Gillespie, Inc. P.O. Box 130328 Birmingham, AL 35213
Copyright © 2020 Gillespie, Inc. ABOUT
62 T O W N
GOOD TASTE
PROMOTION
By: Scott Atkinson, Wine Manager at PIGGLY WIGGLY IN CRESTLINE
Wines to Make You Happy Wine is many things, or at least it can be, but it really has one main purpose. Wine should make one happy. The best wines bring a smile to the lips that just sipped them. These wines are wines that make us happy. You should buy more than bottle though, the best wines don’t last long.
Cleto Chiarli Lambrusco, Vecchia Modena -
Jean-Paul Thevenet
$14.99
Morgon 2018
There is a wine that we all keep coming back to. It is a great way to start a great evening. The Cleto Chiarli Lambrusco, Vecchia Modena is bright and happy and perfect for hot summer days. When I was introduced to this wine, I instantly fell in love with it! Pair it with charcuterie or pizza, and enjoy!” - LILLIAN MEARS
- $16.99
The annual release date of Fonsainte Rosé announces that summer is officially here! A beautiful rosé that’s perfect for sitting on the front porch, the back porch, even after mowing the lawn or just doing nothing. Summer in a Glass. - D. JEROME CRAWFORD
Kumeu Villages Chardonnay - $18.99
How often do you hear someone extol the virtues of a Chardonnay from New Zealand? Well, buckle up buttercup, because Kumeu Village is it. It has tremendous balance and structure. It is an absolute steal for $18.99. This wine would be at least twice the price if it were from California or France, and it marries the best of both of those places into a beautiful bottle. There are less than 400 Masters of Wine in the world. Winemaker Mark Brajkovich from Kumeu River is one of them. Mark is an underdog. Not only was he first Master of Wine in the Southern Hemisphere, he also makes delicious wines at great values. It was a hard journey to earn the Master of Wine. Mark overcame some obstacles. We all love a good underdog story. And we love this wine. - W. SCOTT ATKINSON
Jean Foillard
Beaujolais-Villages - $24.99
Jean Foillard is mostly known for his singlesite Cru Beaujolais, but the past couple vintages, they have released some stunning Beaujolais-Villages at almost half the price of their other offerings. I prefer to serve it slightly chilled on the patio with some light snacks. This pairs perfectly with a hammock and a sunny afternoon. - THOMAS WARREN Locally owned, The Pig has been named ‘Best Place to Buy Wine’ by the readers of About Town for 4 years in a row. Count on their expertise along with polite and prompt service when making your beverage & culinary choices.
1. The man in the orange shirt in the middle under the trees is gone. 2. The grey smokestack on the right has been lowered. 3. The billboard by the grey smokestack is now solid red. 4. The small cloud above the leftmost building is gone. 5. The bottom right flower in the front is now solid yellow. 6. The second to leftmost building next to the Regions building now has a green top. 7. The yellow top on the grey brickpile second from left is gone. 8. The white sign on the pole to the far left has been lowered to the bottom of the pole. 9. The reflection of the brown smokestack in the water is gone. 10. The Regions building has been raised above the Shipt building.
Can You Spot The Ten Differences?
10
See if you can spot the 10 differences in these two Railroad Park pictures!
Last Look
R E A D Y FOR A
N E W VIEW?
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