Two Eighty, AL December 2017

Two Eighty DECEMBER 2017

TwoEightyLifestyle.com

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Christmas Cookie Jar A STORY OF HOPE CHEERS TO THE NEW YEAR MEMORABLE HOLIDAY RITUALS

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Lifestyle Letter

A Season of Giving

A

s we turn the page of this year’s calendar to December, it seems like it was just yesterday we were singing carols, unwrapping gifts and toasting to 2017. Now—as unbelievable as it may seem—it’s time to do it all over again.

The holiday season and the end of the year always bring about a feeling of reflection and a feeling of closure. Whether we’re jumping head first into the spirit of the season, enjoying time with family—no matter if the distance is near or far—or reflecting on the past year while making plans and setting goals for the next, December always has a way of keeping us busy.

DECEMBER 2017 PUBLISHER

Glenn Frey | Glenn.Frey@LifestylePubs.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Victoria Perry | Tori.Perry@LifestylePubs.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Cathy Barnhardt, Julie Brown Patton, Charmella Williams CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Frank Carnaggio

While shopping for the perfect gift, prepping the perfect dinner or crafting the perfect toast can all become a little overwhelming, we encourage you to take a deep breath, take a step back and take in all the moments, memories and people that have made 2017 what it is.

When you’re reflecting on everything this year has brought, we also encourage you to reflect on those who haven’t had the benefit of people, memories and moments to make 2017 a year to remember. Those who are in need of a family to spend the holidays with, those who can’t afford to buy gifts and prep the perfect dinner, and those who may not even have a home to go back to.

Just as much as December is a time of reflection and closure, it is also a time of giving to those who haven’t been as fortunate. It’s a time to find ways to make the holiday season as special as it can be to those who haven’t seen 2017 as very special. Whether it’s volunteering your time at local shelters or donating your money to local charities, giving back to the Two Eighty community can help make this time of year special for everyone.

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EDITORIAL

Merry Christmas, happy holidays and happy New Year, Two Eighty.

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TwoEightyLifestyle.com ON THE COVER Pastry Art Bake Shoppe’s

perfect Christmas cookies PHOTOGRAPHY BY FRANK CARNAGGIO

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Two Eighty Lifestyle | December 2017

JOIN US

TALK TO US

| Randa Makeen

| Michael O’Connell

| Hanna Park, Scott Lavigne

514 W 26th St, Kansas City, MO 64108 Proverbs 3:5-6 Two Eighty Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of Two Eighty’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors.

Information in Two Eighty Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

WHAT DRIVES YOU? Alfa Romeo of Birmingham 1837 Grants Mill Road Birmingham Al. 35210 205-949-9200 www.withyoudowntheroad.com

700 Century Park South, Ste 112 Birmingham, AL 35226

205-578-7772 December 2017 | Two Eighty Lifestyle

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December 2017

Departments

34

8

Good Times

10

Around Town

14

Culinary Creations

24

Giving Back

28 DIY 30

Lifestyle Calendar

34

Local’s Choice

14 Inside Two Eighty Lifestyle's Cookie Jar

Cookie Recipes for the Holidays

24 Charit(able)

Back to Life University: A Story of Hope

34 Cheers to the New Year

Admiration of Hoover Region Runs Strong

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Good Times

The King's Home Shelby Auxiliary Pumpkin Bash & Chili Cook-Off

The King's Home Shelby Auxiliary Pumpkin Bash & Chili Cook-Off was held October 28Â at the home of auxiliary President Pam Bradford.

The event raised money for King's Home, a nonprofit that provides shelter to women and children who are victims of domestic violence.

Guests included former first lady Patsy Riley. Â

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Two Eighty Lifestyle | December 2017

The L ake Martin Experience™ 8404 County Road 34 Dadeville, AL 36853 ph) 256.929.3265 www.thelakemartinexperience.com

Who We Who We Are Are

Mindy Obrien, REALTOR®

Michael Langston, Broker/Owner

Michael has spent most of his life on Lake Martin. Growing up in Opelika in the 1960s, both his and his extended family bought second homes on the lake. He spent every summer weekend exploring every inch of Lake Martin - as only a child and then teenager can.

After selling his marketing company, he permanently moved to the lake in 2002 and went to work for Russell Lands Real Estate. He has grown to be one of Lake Martin’s premier REALTORS® and prominent leading the Russell Land’s Dadeville office in sales as their top producer.

He was also instrumental in the sales and marketing of many of the new numerous national and international awards for being a Top Marketing and Producing REALTOR®. He attributes much of his success to the many great REALTORS® and Brokers that were his mentors over the past 15 years, such as Mickey Phillips, Lee Lester, and John Margeson who have tools and knowledge that he still uses daily.

In 2016, Michael saw a need for a company strongly dedicated to promoting and selling property on the ‘Dadeville/Atlanta side’ of Lake Martin. He formed his own Real Estate Brokerage has grown to be THE top listing brokerage in our market – from Martin Dam to the Highway 280 Bridge.

Windy Carter, Associate Broker the past three years. Her attention to detail and in-depth knowledge of Lake Martin has allowed her to quickly rise to become our Top Producing REALTOR® for 2016.

She was born and raised in Dadeville and has called Lake Martin home her entire life. She and her husband, Michael Carter, have owned several retail businesses in Dadeville. While she is more than qualified and well versed on all of our Lake Martin developments, she specializes in selling lake property outside of these and has strong relationships with many of our area builders.

WE ARE LAKE MARTIN™

Originally from Alexander City, Mindy got her REALTOR® license in 2013 in Texas. She met Michael Langston when they were each asked to give a presentation on real estate marketing. In 2015, she finally answered her heart’s call to move back to Alabama and the Lake Martin area. She as Michael’s second-to-none approach to marketing. Mindy has been a very successful part of the LME team since then. She represents sales

Preserve at Stoney Ridge and our newest development concept for our area - Village West! Her love and knowledge of the lake and commitment to her clients helps her zero in on buyer’s and sellers’ specific needs, Martin Experience.

Michael Carter, REALTOR®

Michael has been a REALTOR® for over 25 years and is a life-long resident of Dadeville. He is the President of the Dadeville Chamber of Commerce and a member for the Tallapoosa Board of Education.

Michael and his wife, Windy Carter, have owned several commercial Experience. After growing up on Highway 49, Michael is particularly knowledgeable about the Stillwaters community. He started working there at fifteen years old when ground was broken on the neighborhood.

He and Windy have lived in Stillwaters for 25 years. Michael’s deep ties to our area give him a unique perspective on Lake Martin real estate.

Jenni Mims, REALTOR® Media Coordinator in 2016. She received her real estate license when she moved to Auburn over twenty years ago. After she and her husband had two children, she left real estate to start a retail establishment in Auburn.

In 2008, she and her husband bought their lake home. After spending every weekend on Lake Martin, they finally made it their full time home in 2014. Jenni has become relicensed as a full-time REALTOR® and now Martin Experience developments.

Welcome to the other way of life.

Around Town

AROUND TOWN

BIRMINGHAM RANKED 11TH FRIENDLIEST CITY IN U.S. BY TRAVEL + LEISURE READERS Travel + Leisure magazine readers ranked Birmingham the 11th friendliest city in the country in the magazine's America's Favorite Places survey. According to the magazine, the survey "asks Travel + Leisure readers to dish about their hometowns—the place they grew up or have lived in and know better than anywhere else on Earth." The magazine says "Locals say Birmingham is a true example of Southern hospitality. Residents will want to learn all about you—'especially if you know someone they might know,' one survey respondent noted."

The cities that finished ahead of Birmingham are Buffalo, New York; Norfolk, Virginia; Greenville, South Carolina; New Orleans; San Antonio; Indianapolis; Nashville, Tennessee; Louisville, Kentucky; Fort Worth, Texas; and Milwaukee.

COMMUNITY LEADERS CELEBRATE THE NEW HOPE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CENTER GRAND OPENING Birmingham City Councilor Sheila Tyson and citizens celebrated the grand opening of the New Hope Community Development Center, in the former New Hope Credit Union building at 1741 Jefferson Ave. Attendees had a chance to tour the new facility, enjoy free hot dogs, hamburgers, chips and soda, and take home some fall and winter essentials with a giveaway of socks, hats and scarves.

The New Hope Community Development Center (NHCDC) is a nonprofit organization formed on the western side of Birmingham.

The center’s mission is to inspire and empower individuals and families to live fulfilled lives through education, growth and development.

Make the SeasonSparkle

BIRMINGHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD HIRES FLOYD COUNCIL AS NEW LIBRARY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR During a special board meeting, the Birmingham Public Library Board voted to hire Floyd Council of Atlanta as the new executive director of the Birmingham Public Library. Council will oversee all operations of BPL’s 19 library locations and manage 285 employees.

Council, who is currently the central library administrator for the Atlanta Fulton Public Library System, took over the BPL System on Monday, November 13. A veteran of the U.S. Army, Council has three decades of public service, including 14 years at libraries across the country.

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He holds a master’s in library and information science from the Florida State University College of Information, a bachelor’s in media communication from American College, and studied as a J.D. candidate CONTINUED >

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Two Eighty Lifestyle | December 2017

7854 HWY. 11, Chelsea, Alabama 35043

205.678.2411 | www.MYDREAMSCAPELANDSCAPE.com Happy Holidays From The Dreamscape Team. We Are Grateful For Your Support

Around Town

(CON TI N UED)

at the Western Michigan University’s Thomas M. Cooley Law School before switching careers into the public library profession.

Council is a native of Shelby, Mississippi and the eldest son of Evelyn Council and the late Floyd Billings. Council enjoys technology, music, art, design and genealogy. He is the devoted father of two sons, 10-year-old Floyd Council Jr. and 5-year-old Jonathan Trevor Council.

BLUFF PARK ART SHOW ATTRACTS THOUSANDS The Bluff Park Art Association's annual show, held the first Saturday in October, attracted thousands of art lovers to this year's event, held October 7. This year, 145 artists in mediums including photography, woodworking, oil painting, pottery and more displayed and sold their work.

The show also offered several awards and cash prizes for artists. Winners were: • Bluff Park Art Association Permanent Collection Purchase Award ($3,500): Essie Ebrahimi, Montevallo, Alabama - Woodworking • President's Award ($1,750): Cathy Smart, Baton Rouge, Louisiana - Photography • Award in Honor of Don Everhart, Show Judge 2017 ($1,750): Peter Marken, Calera, Alabama - Woodworking • Bluff Park Art Association Board of Director's Award ($1,250): Felix Berroa, Marietta, Georgia - Painting • August A. Moore Memorial Purchase Award ($1,000): Vanessa Miller, Huntsville, Alabama - Painting • Award for Excellence in Glass ($500): John Evon Helena, Alabama - Glass • Hugh and Jackie Dye Award in Memory of Evelyn Allen ($500): Rick Plasters, Birmingham, Alabama - 2-D Mixed Media • First Commercial Bank/ Synovus Award ($500): Johnny Stephenson, East Point, Georgia - Photography • Hoover Arts Alliance Award ($500): Craig McMillin, Folsom, Louisiana • In Memory of Melinda Groover ($500): A. Denise Rollings-Martin, Bremen, Alabama - Jewelry • Mills Pharmacy Award ($500): David Self, Pelham, Alabama - Clay • Bluff Park Art Show Popular Vote Award ($300): Ahmad Austin, Alabaster, Alabama - Painting 12

Two Eighty Lifestyle | December 2017

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Culinary Creations

Inside Two Eighty Lifestyle's

Cookie Jar ARTICLE CHARMELLA WILLIAMS | PHOTOGRAPHY FRANK CARNAGGIO

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Two Eighty Lifestyle | December 2017

Chewy Chocolate-y Peppermint Cookies "Chocolate and peppermint always remind me of

the holidays," says Carol Gregg, owner of Pastry Art

Bake Shoppe, who provided us with the perfect festive

recipe, sure to represent the holiday spirit and embody one of the most classic flavors of Christmas.

Ingredients

1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/4 cups unsweetened cocoa 2 teaspoons baking soda

1 cup (2 sticks) salted butter 1 cup granulated sugar 3/4 cup packed brown sugar 2 eggs 1 teaspoon peppermint extract 1 1/2 cups crushed peppermint candy bits

Instructions 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees; line baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. Sift together flour, cocoa and baking soda; set aside.

3. With an electric mixer, mix butter with both sugars until light, creamy and fluffy, about 2 minutes.

4. Add eggs one at a time; mix well. Add peppermint extract; mix well.

5. With electric mixer on stir setting or with a large spoon, gradually add flour mixture until well-incorporated.

6. Add crushed peppermint bits; mix well.

7. Drop by scoops, using a 1 tablespoon-sized scoop, onto prepared pans, about 2 inches apart.

8. Bake for 8-10 minutes in preheated oven.

9. Let cookies cool on pan for 5-6 minutes before transferring to wire rack to cool completely.

CONTINUED >

December 2017 | Two Eighty Lifestyle

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Culinary Creations (CON TI N U ED)

Apple Cinnamon Pecan Cookies

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Two Eighty Lifestyle | December 2017

What A Girl Wants The inspiration for this recipe came from Carol’s mom and dad, who loved using apples in their holidays treats growing up. It’s always nice to bake something that tastes like home.

Ingredients 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 1 1/2 teaspoons salt 4 teaspoons cinnamon 1 cup sugar 1 1/4 cups dark brown sugar 3 eggs, beaten 3/4 cup canola oil 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 1 cup pecan bits

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1 cup chopped apples (Carol uses Honeycrisp.)

Instructions 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line pans with parchment paper.

2. Sift together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt

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and cinnamon; set aside.

3. In an electric mixer, mix sugars until blended. On stir setting, add eggs, oil and vanilla until combined.

4. With mixer still on stir setting, add flour mixture until well-blended. Do not overmix.

5. With a wooden spoon, fold in pecans and apples.

6. Drop by scoops onto prepared pans using a 1 1/2 tablespoon size cookie scoop.

7. Bake for 12 minutes.

8. Leave cookies on pans for 5 minutes before transferring to cooling rack to cool completely. Yields about 24 cookies.

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VISIT US AT TwoEightyLifestyle.com December 2017 | Two Eighty Lifestyle

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WINTER TRADITIONS IT'S TIME FOR MEMORABLE HOLIDAY RITUALS OR MAKING NEW ONES ARTICLE JULIE BROWN PATTON

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Two Eighty Lifestyle | December 2017

Hoover Mayor Frank Brocato reads to children at a public event.

T

here's plenty to do to celebrate the holiday season in the 280

2 behind the Aldridge House. In case of rain, the greeneries will be

area, so whether you're upholding a family tradition or looking to

offered under the pavilion.

start a new one, check out these beloved community events.

Many Hoover area families enjoy capturing an annual, com-

Aldridge Gardens' volunteer coordinator Phyllis Giles says they also may offer classes and kits for certain holiday decoration ideas.

memorative holiday photo in front of the 32-foot-tall Christmas

The Roots gift shop also will be open during the greeneries sale

tree at the Hoover City Hall, 100 Municipal Center. And, there's

with plants, pots, containers, books, home and garden accessories,

always the impressive, synced "Chick-mas" lights and music dis-

all of which make innovative, useful holiday gifts.

play to admire each evening from 5 p.m. to closing time at the

To get into an old-time festive spirit just as December starts,

Chick-fil-A, 1609 Montgomery Highway in the Hoover Commons

head to Christmas at Arlington December 1-3 as Arlington's staff

shopping center.

commemorates the mansion's 58th anniversary as Birmingham's

To finish off home trimmings and mailbox decorations, numerous

historic house museum. See how local floral designers transform the

people make a tradition of heading to the Greenery Sale at Roots,

interior of the house, 331 Cotton Ave SW, Birmingham, into replicas

the garden and gift shop of Aldridge Gardens, 3530 Lorna Road,

of Christmas past. There will be no admission charge, but donations

Birmingham. Offerings include ribbon tree toppers, pine cones and

are encouraged. The event includes entertainment, Santa Claus and

other outdoor decorations, too. This year's sale will be held December

refreshments. All ages are welcome.

CONTINUED >

December 2017 | Two Eighty Lifestyle

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WINTER TRADITIONS (CON TI N U ED)

Send music to your ears by celebrating the holidays with a spectacular display of favorite tunes of the season. Red Mountain Theatre

Christmas classics. The event is presented by the UAB College of Arts and Sciences' Department of Music.

Company Conservatory students perform alongside Birmingham's

"Sounds of the Season," an operatic concert on December 8,

best local artists this year from December 1-17 in matinee and eve-

features surprise guest artists as well as a variety of solo and

ning performances of the "Holiday Spectacular." Performances will

ensemble performances to set the perfect mood for the holiday

be held at RMTC Cabaret Theatre at the Historic Kress Building, 301

season. It will be held at Brock Recital Hall at Samford University,

19th St. N., Birmingham.

800 Lakeshore Drive, Birmingham. Opera Birmingham is teaming

Some don't feel they have truly experienced winter until they go

up with the U.S. Marine Corps to provide toys for less fortunate

to the outdoor ice skating rink at Railroad Park, 1600 First Ave. S.

children in the community this season through their Toys For Tots

in Birmingham.

program. To participate, take a new, unwrapped toy to "Sounds

Called “the most sung artist anywhere” by Time magazine, mul-

of the Season."

tiplatinum-selling artist Chris Tomlin will be conducting “Christmas

“Voices of the South Presents Christmas" will be presented at 7

Songs of Worship” on December 3 at the Alabama Theatre, 1817 Third

p.m. December 9 by Birmingham's premier men’s a capella chorus at

Ave. N. in Birmingham.

the historic Lyric theatre, 1800 Third Ave. N., Birmingham.

“I want these nights to feel warm and cozy," Chris says. "That’s

"Holiday Soul" is back by popular demand at 7 p.m. December

what I love about the beautiful, historic theaters—they provide the

10 at Jemison Concert Hall, 1200 10th Ave. S., Birmingham. This

perfect setting for a night to come together as a family, celebrating

harmonious holiday celebration features UAB artist-in-residence

the spirit of Christmas.”

Eric Essix along with musical friends Antonio Allen, Melvin Miller,

He says the concert is going to be "an incredible, intimate night

Leonard Julien III, Kelvin Wooten, Kim Scott, Belinda Peoples and

of remembering what this season is about, remembering what

Tamara Bodie. Following the success of the first "Holiday Soul,"

Christmas is about, remembering why we celebrate and why we wor-

Essix and friends will perform a handpicked collection of soulful

ship and remembering our savior together."

songs, along with holiday favorites.

"Christmas at the Alys," will be held beginning at 7 p.m. December

In “The Mutt-cracker,” Birmingham Ballet will perform a version

4 at Jemison Concert Hall, Alys Stephens Center, 1200 10th Ave.

of the holiday classic with help from canine friends at 7:30 p.m.

S. Choral singers from Birmingham join for holiday favorites and

December 15, at BJCC Concert Hall, 2100 Richard Arrington Junior

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Two Eighty Lifestyle | December 2017

Blvd. N., Birmingham. Dogs performing alongside the dancers make for a very interesting, uplifting presentation. A portion of each ticket to "The Mutt-cracker" benefits the Greater Birmingham Humane Society.

ZooLight Safari, located at the Birmingham Zoo, 2630 Cahaba Road, features more than a million lights, festive snowfalls and holiday music. A variety of rides also will be available for kids and kids at heart December 9-10, 15-18, 22-23 and 26-31, such as the Candy Cane Train, Jingle Bell Carousel, the 100+ foot Yuletide Slide and the Santa Rollers. Take in the beauty of a decorated tree reaching nearly 50 feet tall as visitors dance to special entertainment each night, including the singing Santa for meet-and-greets plus photos.

Photo courtesy of Alabama News Center.

Beer, wine and cocktails will be available for purchase. The new Henley Park Event Lawn at the zoo just opened this September and will provide more green space to weave into ZooLight Safari.

From

December

2-16,

the

Birmingham

Children's Theatre will present "Cinderella" at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex, 950 22nd St. N. with free Santa photos before each show.

For those who relish drive-thru events, the Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland team will offer a custom-made, 3.25-mile drive-thru holiday light show with synchronized music through January 7. It's at the Birmingham Race Course, 1000 John Rogers Drive. An all-new Santa's beach party theme features custom-built, giant, all-LED displays.

December 2017 | Two Eighty Lifestyle

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FOR A FREE ESTIMATE 8227 Parkway Drive Suite 101 Leeds, AL 35094 Office: 205-699-4331 Farry Cell: 205-369-4732

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Two Eighty Lifestyle | December 2017

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Giving Back

Charit(able) BACK TO LIFE UNIVERSITY: A STORY OF HOPE

ARTICLE CHARMELLA WILLIAMS | PHOTOGRAPHY FRANK CARNAGGIO

A

ccording to a study from the National Alliance to End

reputation preceded him, and he was not thought highly of in his

Homelessness, on a single night in January 2015, about

community. That is until somewhere along his journey, something

560,000 people were homeless, meaning they were “sleeping out-

happened. He found God and thus found a new way of life. He got

side or in an emergency shelter or transitional housing program.”

married and turned things around for himself, and soon got the

Research conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health

urge to help others do the same. So he started a small storefront

Services Administration showed substance abuse is more common

chapel in the same building he used to bartend in, and in 1944, the

among the homeless than the general population. Approximately 26

Jimmie Hale Mission was born.

percent of the homeless population in America abuses drugs and another 38 percent abuses alcohol.

However, decades of alcohol abuse reap unavoidable consequences, and eight months later, a worn out liver took Hale’s life. He

The latter certainly rang true for Jimmie Hale 73 years ago.

was survived by his newlywed wife, Jessie, who was 27 years old at

In the 1940s, well before the days of modern medicine and

the time and pregnant with their first child. Affectionately called “Miss

research, alcoholism was seen more as a characteristic of moral

Jessie,” she made it her duty to continue her husband’s legacy. For 10

deviancy and less as a mental or physical health issue. Jimmie's

years she worked alone, leading the ministry and men’s shelter.

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Two Eighty Lifestyle | December 2017

"She is really the matriarch that kept it all together,” Bonnie Hendrix, the mission’s director of advancement, says In 1954, Leo Shepura arrived, and he and Miss Jessie worked as co-laborers for 36 years until their retirement in 1990, when Tony Cooper took over.

Today, the mission is an enormous blessing to the area. It has expanded to include Jessie’s Place, a shelter for women and children, and Royal Pines, an intensive rehabilitation center for men located in rural Hayden, Alabama. It also offers a thrift store, an education remediation program and has recently partnered with the AIDT Ready to Work program to make residents appealing to Alabama’s largest employers. In 2007, the mission relocated to its current facility on Second Avenue North, just up the street from Sloss Furnace.

It’s deliberately set up to look like a school campus, which is why employees have nicknamed it “Back to Life University.” As opposed to the average homeless shelter, rather than giving a man a fish, their mission is to teach a man to fish.

“It’s hard to focus on changing your life when you’re hungry, and you don’t know where you’re going to sleep that night,” James Poe, the kitchen supervisor, says. “So if we can take those two basic needs out of the equation to start with, then we can start to get into the changing the life part because that’s the long-term goal.”

It’s impossible to know how many lives have been touched since the mission started 73 years ago, but one good story of triumph is all it takes to show what the Jimmie Hale Mission is all about.

James didn’t just walk in and become the head of the kitchen, responsible for overseeing more than 400 meals a day. His path took many dizzying twists and turns before landing him here today.

“I was never supposed to be here,” he says.

He grew up in the ‘60s and ‘70s in Pleasant Grove, Alabama.

Back then, it was picturesque and peaceful, with not a stranger around for miles.

“It was like Mayberry!” he remembers. “Everybody knew their neighbors, and we didn’t lock our doors, and everybody went to church. It was a great place to grow up.”

James' Christian, middle-class family had no history of abuse, poverty or addiction at any point. But at the age of 16, a rebellious spirit mixed with the desire to experiment and “be anywhere but Pleasant Grove, Alabama” threw him down a rabbit hole of various addictions and self-destruction that would take him decades to recover from.

At the age of 25, he decided getting married and settling down would solve all of his problems, so that’s what he did. For 8 1/2 years, he lived as a functional alcoholic, keeping his habit fairly well-hidden.

That is until his addiction eventually caught up with him, and he was fired from his job at Delta Airlines in 1995. His divorce shortly followed, and the next 10 years would be a continuous downward spiral, with one bad decision following the other.

“Finally, in 2005, I picked up the phone and called the only phone number that I knew by heart,” he says.

CONTINUED >

December 2017 | Two Eighty Lifestyle

25

(CON TI N U ED)

harit(able

Giving Back

He called home. After years of silence, not

knowing if his parents still lived in the same house or even if they still lived at all, he called home.

His father answered the phone, and the first

thing he told him was that his mom had died

26

seeing his son sober. Judging from his background, no one could have predicted he would have gone through all that he did, but none of that matters.

three years earlier and that he had suffered a

“People think about homeless people, and

stroke. Defeated, destitute and moments away

they think about the guy standing on the side

from sleeping on the streets, James asked his

of the road with signs,” he says. “I don’t care

father if he could come back home.

who you are, you’re really only about three

But old habits die hard, and even back in his

bad decisions and three bad circumstances

hometown, the drinking and drugs continued. In

away from needing to be somewhere like the

2008, James met a bartender who was also a for-

Jimmie Hale Mission.”

mer classmate. They began dating and eventually

To come to peace with his past, he says he

got married, enabling one another’s addictions until

had to come to terms with two undeniable facts:

2011 when his wife told him “I love you to death, but

there is a God, and he isn’t Him. The realization

I can’t live with you anymore.”

that he isn’t in control of his own life and that

It was then, after 30 years of alcoholism and drug

everything was a part of a divine plan brought a

abuse, that he decided to seek help. His wife would be

refreshing peace of mind. But the age-old ques-

the one to bring him to the Jimmie Hale Mission, and

tion still stands: can people change? According

in April 2011, he began taking steps toward recovery.

to James, they can, but not on their own. A

During his 10-month stay, he got involved with

changed mind is temporary, and can easily

New Faith Baptist Church in Pleasant Grove and

be changed back; a changed heart, however,

eventually became the ordained minister of music

requires forces outside of human ability.

and education. James and his wife gradually

“God is the only answer: that’s what we

started to reconnect, and on Valentine’s Day 2012

believe, that’s what we teach, and we don’t apol-

they renewed their vows. Shortly after, a position

ogize for it,” he says.

opened up for a kitchen supervisor at the mission.

While his journey may be far from over, his is a

James recalls a time when his father came to visit

tale of defeat, pain, faith and eventual triumph. It

him in the Bessemer County Jail, and still remembers

stands as a source of inspiration for all who hear

his words: “You just don’t ever give up.” His father

it, and James Poe is living proof that through

passed away two years ago, but not before finally

Christ, it is possible to come back to life.

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DIY

7.

6.

1.

2.

How to Make a Ribbon Wreath

3.

ARTICLE CATHY BARNHARDT

T

his is a great way to repurpose ribbons from past Christmases, making an elegant deco-

ration for your holiday celebration. Coordinate

colors with your Christmas theme or with your home’s interior design to create a festive and stylish seasonal design. Have fun and be creative!

5.

4.

YOU WILL NEED: • A 14” straw or Styrofoam wreath form found at floral and craft stores

Next, twist the chenille stem around the wreath to form a hanger (Fig. 3).

• Around 12 yards each of 4 different but coordinating ribbons of

Now, create several bows of various ribbons, with the loops being

varying widths and textures • A chenille stem to make the hanger, found at craft stores (looks like a pipe cleaner) • About 50 to 75 fern pins, found at floral and craft stores (looks like a long staple or hairpin)

INSTRUCTIONS:

about the same size. Leave the tie ends as single “tails” and cut the loose ends into a swallow tail. You may also create single loops and tails to fill in between bows (Fig. 4).

Pin the bows and loops and tails onto the covered wreath form with the fern pins, pushing the pins through the center point of the bow or end of the loop and tail (Fig. 5).

First wrap the entire wreath form with a wider and simpler length of

Continue adding bows and loops and tails until all but the back

ribbon. Attach one end of the ribbon to the back of the form with two

surface of the wreath form is covered. The closer the bows, the fuller

of the fern pins pushed at a slight angle through the ribbon and into

and fluffier the wreath will appear, but don’t crowd them so much that

the form to secure (Fig. 1). Then tightly spiral the ribbon, overlapping

the wreath looks stiff and tight (Fig. 6).

slightly, and continue to wrap the form to cover, attaching the end with two more of the fern pins, securing tightly (Fig. 2).

28

Two Eighty Lifestyle | December 2017

Be sure to hang your wreath indoors unless you have used weatherproof ribbons (Fig. 7).

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Lifestyle Calendar

December

DECEMBER 3

a handpicked collection of soulful songs along with all your holiday

“CHRIS TOMLIN CHRISTMAS: CHRISTMAS SONGS OF WORSHIP”

favorites! 7 p.m. AlysStephens.org

THE ALABAMA THEATRE Called “the most sung artist anywhere” by Time, multiplatinum-selling

DECEMBER 12-14

artist Chris Tomlin will bring the Songs of Worship” tour to Birmingham.

WACKY TACKY LIGHT TOUR

Unlike the arenas and large-scale venues of past tours often associat-

AVONDALE BREWING COMPANY

ed with Tomlin, Chris Tomlin Christmas will incorporate historic venues

Fresh Air Family Presents Wacky Tacky Christmas Light Tour, a

and an up-close and intimate night of worship. AlabamaTheatre.com

fundraiser for Gross Out camp scholarships. Join Fresh Air Family for this anti-Norman Rockwell Christmas tradition as we look at the

DECEMBER 9

best of the worst and the wackiest, funniest Christmas light displays.

JANET JACKSON “STATE OF THE WORLD TOUR” BJCC LEGACY ARENA

Tickets include a guided tour, dinner and a snack. WackyTacky.org

See global music icon, multiple Grammy Award-winner and multi-

DECEMBER 13

platinum-selling artist, the incomparable Janet Jackson. The tour is

TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA:

a continuation of the Unbreakable tour and will include fan favorites

“THE GHOSTS OF CHRISTMAS EVE”

from her chart-topping "Unbreakable’" album, an array of her social-

BJCC LEGACY ARENA

ly conscious music she’s released throughout her career, and other

Over the past 20-plus years, Trans-Siberian Orchestra has become a

smash hits and soon-to-be-released new tracks with a state-of-the-

critically-acclaimed, multiplatinum, musical powerhouse, and its annual

art live production! 8 p.m. BJCC.org

winter tours a beloved, multi-generational holiday tradition. 2017’s tour, a completely updated presentation of TSO’s unforgettable “The Ghosts of

DECEMBER 10

Christmas Eve,” will come to Legacy Arena. 7:30 p.m. BJCC.org

“HOLIDAY SOUL” WITH ERIC ESSIX AND FRIENDS ALYS STEPHENS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER JEMISON

DECEMBER 15

CONCERT HALL

"THE MUTT-CRACKER"

Holiday Soul is back by popular demand! This harmonious holiday

BJCC CONCERT HALL

celebration features UAB Artist-in-Residence Eric Essix, along with

“The Mutt-cracker” a new twist a “classic tail” is essentially

musical friends Antonio Allen, Melvin Miller, Leonard Julien III, Kelvin

"The Nutcracker" with the addition of dogs performing along-

Wooten, Kim Scott, Belinda Peoples and Tamara Bodie. Following the

side the dancers. The holiday favorite is brought to life with

success of the “Holiday Soul” series, Essix and friends will perform

CONTINUED >

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Two Eighty Lifestyle | December 2017

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Lifestyle Calendar

(CON TI N UED)

Residential/Commercial Planting / Drainage / Lighting Paver Patios & Walkways / Natural Stone Installation / Outdoor Kitchen/Fireplaces Retaining Walls / Monument Signage / Landscape Master Planning

masterful storytelling, exciting dancing, beautiful costumes, magical surprises and, of course, dogs! A portion of each ticket will benefit the Greater Birmingham Humane Society. BirminghamBallet.com

DECEMBER 16 & 17 "THE NUTCRACKER" BJCC CONCERT HALL Celebrate the holidays with Birmingham Ballet’s "The Nutcracker." This production features elaborate costumes and sets along with beautiful dancing by a cast of more than 100 dancers. Dramatic special effects are woven together with heartwarming moments to carry you along on the magical journey with Clara and her Nutcracker Prince. 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. BirminghamBallet.com

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Two Eighty Lifestyle | December 2017

DECEMBER 22 ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE VS. TEXAS LONGHORNS BJCC LEGACY ARENA The Alabama Crimson Tide men's basketball team will face off against the Texas Longhorns in the Vulcan Classic. The Texas contest will mark the third consecutive year the Crimson Tide will play an opponent in Birmingham. The game begins at 8 p.m. and will be televised on ESPN2.

DECEMBER 23 12TH ANNUAL BIRMINGHAM BOWL LEGION FIELD The 12th annual Birmingham Bowl game will kick off at 11 a.m. on ESPN, and will feature teams from the Southeastern Conference

JK TAYLOR

and the American Athletic Conference. Since the game’s inception in 2006, the Birmingham Bowl has generated more than $141 million in economic impact for the Birmingham community. General admission: $30; reserved seating: $50.

DECEMBER 30 CHATTANOOGA MOCS VS. SAMFORD BULLDOGS SAMFORD UNIVERSITY PETE HANNA CENTER The Samford Bulldogs men's basketball team will take on the Chattanooga Mocs in a game that tips off at 7 p.m. SamfordSports.com

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33

Local’s Choice

CHEERS TO

THE New Year ADMIRATION OF HOOVER REGION RUNS STRONG ARTICLE JULIE BROWN PATTON

ith Hoover recently being

"W

Chick-fil-A Greystone and for allow-

ranked as the 17th most liv-

ing us to be a part of this community.

able city in the United States, here's to

Wishing you all a very Happy New

continued growth and more businesses

Year. God bless." —Brent Fielder,

coming to our area, such as Whole

Chick-fil-A Greystone owner/operator

Foods. In 50 years, Hoover's popula-

"Hoover residents and the city itself

tion went from 400 to 85,000, so I also

reflect so many wonderful attributes;

toast Hoover residents, who are great

it's challenging to pick out only a few

people doing really great things in life."

to toast. I hope everyone gets much-

—Bill Powell, Hoover Area Chamber of

needed relaxation, peace and joy that

Commerce executive director

this season uniquely delivers. Here's

"Here’s to the magic of reading!

to Hoover's volunteers, and to all who

Whatever 2018 brings, count on books to

serve and protect this great community.

provide joy, laughter, knowledge, adven-

Wishing everyone blessings as we opti-

ture and a chance to escape the ordi-

mistically ring in a New Year." —Frank

nary. Travel to exotic, far-flung locales;

Brocato, Hoover mayor

fight on dusty, war-ridden battlefields;

"I know negotiating the traffic on

and solve age-old mysteries. Fall in love,

Highway 280 can be challenging,

slay dragons, ride broomsticks and see

particularly if you have to do so every

what the future looks like up-close and

single day. If you dread the morn-

personal. Books allow us all to live more

ing commute, I have a solution for

lives than just the one we’re given, and

you: Tune in to my radio show, 'The

for that, I'm raising my glass to the writ-

Opening Drive' on JOX 94.5. If you've

ten word! Join me." —Amanda Borden,

never listened to us, we talk about

Hoover Public Library director

sports (Roll Tide!), the news of the

"May the new year be filled with

day and have a lot of fun. So if you're a

peace and hope. May it be filled with

long-suffering 280 traveler, make your

family meals around the table, laugh-

morning a whole lot more fun by lock-

ter with friends and being intentional

ing that dial on 94.5 Here's to more

about the things that matter most.

enjoyable commutes in 2018!" —Jay

Thank you all for your support at

Barker, WJOX host of "Opening Drive"

34

Two Eighty Lifestyle | December 2017

MEMBERSHIPS AVAILABLE

Contact Ashley Devine at adevine@greystonecc.com or 205.986.5146

2017 | Two Eighty Lifestyle 35 4100 GREYSTONE DRIVE, BIRMINGHAM ALABAMA 35242 • December GREYSTONECC.COM

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