The Trussville Tribune – Nov. 29 - Dec. 5, 2023

The Tribune

TRUSSVILLE • ARGO • MOODY • PINSON • CLAY • CENTER POINT • SPRINGVILLE LEEDS • MOODY • TRUSSVILLE • PINSON • CLAY • CENTER POINT • ARGO SPRINGVILLE • TRUSSVILLE • LEEDS • MOODY • PINSON • CLAY • CENTER POINT • ARGO • SPRINGVILLE • TRUSSVILLE • LEEDS • MOODY • PINSON CLAY CENTER POINT • ARGO • SPRINGVILLE • LEEDS • MOODY • TRUSSVILLE PINSON • CLAY • CENTER POINT • ARGO • SPRINGVILLE • ARGO • SPRINGVILLE PINSON • CLAY • CENTER POINT • ARGO • SPRINGVILLE • LEEDS • MOODY TRUSSVILLE • PINSON • CLAY • CENTER POINT • ARGO • SPRINGVILLE • LEEDS MOODY • TRUSSVILLE • PINSON·CLAY • CENTER POINT • ARGO SPRINGVILLE • LEEDS • MOODY • TRUSSVILLE • PINSON • CLAY • CENTER POINT • ARGO SPRINGVILLE • LEEDS • MOODY • TRUSSVILLE • PINSON • CENTER POINT TRUSSVILLE • ARGO • MOODY • PINSON • CLAY • CENTER POINT • SPRINGVILLE

WED THU

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SUN MON

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57 32

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68 55

66 57

68 51

62 43

58 38

2%

8%

76%

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www.TrussvilleTribune.com

North Alabama teen killed in Thanksgiving Day crash

Grayson Pope announced as Grand Marshal for the Trussville Christmas Parade

LAWERENCE COUNTY — A single-vehicle Thanksgiving Day crash killed a north Alabama teenager, according to Corporal Reginal M. King of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.

The crash occurred at apSee CRASH, Page 4

5 HewittTrussville High School students selected to participate in UAB Healthcare Explorers Program From The Tribune staff reports

TRUSSVILLE — Five Hewitt-Trussville High School students were selectSee EXPLORERS, Page 5

Chalkville Elementary School students earn United States Champion status in 2023 CoderZ League Robotics Competition From The Tribune staff reports

CENTER POINT — Fifth grade students at Chalkville Elementary School took See ROBOTICS, Page 3

Rain or shine, Trade Days is coming to Pinson this Saturday

By Crystal McGough Editor

PINSON – Despite rain in the forecast, the businesses of historic Main Street in Pinson still plan to bring Trade Days to the community this first Saturday in December.

On Dec. 2, from 9 a.m. to See PINSON, Page 6

Inside the Tribune

2023

From The Tribune staff reports

TRUSSVILLE — The Trussville Area Chamber of Commerce has announced Grayson Pope as the Grand Marshal of the 2023 Christmas Parade on Tuesday, Nov. 21.

This past June, Pope was injured when a tree fell on him while golfing with friends.

Pope recently returned from rehab.

Pope is a Hewitt-Trussville High School junior, a member of the HTHS baseball team, a Tennessee baseball commit, and a recent recipient of the SFC Melvin Morris Courage award.

“We’re thrilled to have Grayson serve as our Grand Marshal,” said Melissa Walker of the Trussville chamber.

“He is a hometown inspiration to those who have followed his journey to recovery.”

The Honorary Grand Marshall is the 2023 State Softball Champions, the

Gardendale teen killed in ATV crash From The Tribune staff reports

SHELBY COUNTY — A single-vehicle crash involving an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) that occurred at approximately 1:20 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 25, has claimed the life of a Gardendale teen, according to Corporal Reginal M. King of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.

See GARDENDALE, Page 4

Grayson Pope (Credit: pray4grayfoundation.org)

Hewitt-Trussville Softball team. This marks the third time in four state championship series that the softball team has been State Champion in 7A softball.

The 2023 Christmas Parade is scheduled for Dec. 9 at 3 p.m. This year’s parade theme is “The Sights and Sounds of Christmas.”

Float competition priz-

Trussville Christmas Parade (Photo: Robert S. Donovan.)

es will be awarded for Best Interpretation of the Theme, Most Original, Most Innovative, and Best Overall. A prize will also be awarded to the Best Walking Group, and several Honorable Mentions will be awarded/ The parade will line up on Cherokee Drive near Cahaba Elementary and proceed

down Parkway Drive to Main Street, through Downtown Trussville to Chalkville Road and then North to Oak Street.

For more information of the parade, call the Trussville CoC office at (205) 655-3575 or email Melissa.walker@ trussvillechamber.com Information is also available on the chamber’s Facebook page.

Urban Air Trussville found in violation of child labor laws

By Chase Holmes News Reporter

TRUSSVILLE — Urban Air Trussville was found to be in violation of child labor laws according to the U.S. Department of Labor on Monday, Nov. 13.

According to the investigation, the indoor adventure park allowed 36 minor-aged employees, under 16 years old, to work after 7 p.m. on a school night, after 9 p.m. in the summer, more than 3 hours on school days and more than 18 hours a week during a school week, all violations of the child labor provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act. The adventure park list a Birmingham address but operates as Urban Air Trussville. It is located across from Belk at The Pinnacle shopping mall.

The adventure park was fined a civil money penalty of $28,476 to address the issues.

One worker was also owed $145 in back wages in violation of overtime provisions.

“The significant increase in child labor violations na-

Page 19

Page 8

Nov. 29 - Dec. 5

From The Tribune staff reports

Moody’s Smith signs with Bama

Embryo adoption

Moody Council recognizes cheerleader, football team for championship wins

By Nathan Prewett For the Tribune

MOODY – The Moody City Council recognized young local athletes in football and cheerleading during a meeting on Monday, Nov. 27.

See MOODY, Page 5

Springville HS Cheerleading wins 1st place in 5A Central Alabama Regional Game Day Cheer Competition From The Tribune staff reports

SPRINGVILLE — Springville High School Cheerleading took home first See SPRINGVILLE, Page 5

GBA Kids Acting Classes to bring ‘Christmas Shorts’ to Leeds on Dec. 9

By Crystal McGough Editor

File photo

tionwide is troubling,” said Wage and Hour Division District Director Kenneth Stripling in Birmingham.

“Here in the Southeast and across the nation, the Depart-

MARTY’S TRUSSVILLE

News - Pages 1-9 Opinion - Pages 10 Tree Talk - Page 11 Lifestyle - Page 12 Calendar - Page 15 Classified - Page 15 Obituary - Page 16 Sports - Pages 17-20

ment of Labor is committed to making sure young workers can experience the world of work without jeopardizing their safety or education by enforcing the laws that pro-

tect them.”

Urban Air Trussville was contacted about the findings but did not return our request for a comment in time for publication.

LEEDS – The Greater Birmingham Area Kids Acting Classes, formerly known as the Leeds-Moody Area Kids Acting Class, will be presenting a play titled “Christmas Shorts” at the Merch Event Center in See GBA, Page 6

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The Trussville Tribune

Page 2

The

Trussville Tribune

Latest Jefferson County Health Department food scores From The Tribune staff reports

JEFFERSON COUNTY — The Jefferson County Department of Health regularly inspects establishments in Jefferson County where food is prepared or sold for human consumption.

Two types of inspections, scored and alternative (non-scored), are performed throughout the year.

This information is presented by the Tribune in the spirit of public safety. These inspection scores are directly taken from the Jefferson County Department of Health.

The following is a list of the most recent scored inspections: Permit Score 22613 28350

190 Main Street Trussville, AL 35173 (205) 533-8664

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Scott Buttram, Publisher publisher@trussvilletribune.com

Nov. 29 - Dec. 5, 2023

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Crystal McGough, Editor news@trussvilletribune.com

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The Trussville Tribune

Local / Region

Page 3

Trussville Area Chamber of Commerce hosts 5th annual Community Caroling and Tree Lighting Ceremony From The Tribune staff reports

TRUSSVILLE – The Trussville Area Chamber of Commerce hosted its fifth annual Community Caroling and Tree Lighting Ceremony on the historic Trussville Mall on Sunday, November 26.

The free event kicked off with a performance from the Hewitt-Trussville High School Jazz Band and included over 30 booths with free giveaways and kids activities, as well as other musical entertainment throughout the night from local choirs and bands.

During the ceremony, children had the opportunity to take pictures with Santa and even enter a life-sized snowglobe. Artificial snow blew through the air and silver bells rang as Mayor Buddy Choat and the Trussville City Council lit the Christmas tree. City Councilor Alan Taylor served as Master of Ceremonies.

Robotics From front page

home United State Champion status in the 2023 CoderZ League Robotics Competition that lasted from August 2023 to November 2023.

The Fall 2023 CoderZ League Robotics Competition consisted of students solving over 40 missions by programming a cyber robot.

Only three schools took home the United States Champion distinction.

Chalkville Elementary’s

Credit: Matt McGough

Sponsors for the event included: • First Baptist Church of Trussville, presenting sponsor

• Foundations for Hope, stage sponsor • Bryant Bank, snow globe sponsor • Hitchcock Maddox Finan-

cial Partners, snow sponsor • Trinity Contractors, Santa Stop sponsor • Trussville Gas and Water,

power and lighting sponsor • AmFirst, silver bell sponsor • The Trussville Tribune, media sponsor The community is invited by the Chamber to return to the Mall on Dec. 9 for the city’s annual Christmas Parade. The parade will begin on Parkway Drive at 3 p.m.,

other team came in nineteenth place, outlasting about 50 school-teams.

“These young engineers demonstrated exceptional programming skills and teamwork by applying engineering and math concepts in real-world scenarios,” said Dr. Yuvraj Verma, Elementary School teacher at Chalkville Elementary.

“We are so excited for our amazing students! Thanks to Dr. Yuvraj Verma for bringing this to our scholars,” said Chalkville Elementary

School Principal Michael Bissell. “For some, the pathway to an education can be perilous. At Chalkville Elementary, the mission of every educator is to remove barriers and promote learning despite the circumstance. We do not accept excuses, we strive for excellence!”

Dr. Verma and his students appreciate and acknowledge the support from the Chalkville Elementary School Principal (Mr. Michael Bissell) and Assistant Principals (Mr. Martin Aus-

tin and Mrs. Yohna Mills) as well as the Jefferson County Schools Superintendent (Dr. Walter Gonsoulin), Deputy Superintendents (Dr. Laura Ware and Dr. Orletta Rush), Area Director (Dr. Angela Bush), Director of Elementary Curriculum and Instruction (Dr. Angela Watkins), the Board of Education (Mr. Eddie Brown, Mr. Ronnie Dixon, Ms. Stephanie Floyd, President Mrs. Carita Venable, and Vice President Mr. Oscar Mann), and the students’ families.

Back Row (L to R): Jeremiah Harris, Ladarius Simpson, Jayden Bibbs, and Adrien Turner Front Row (L to R): Cameron Allen, Teacher Dr. Yuvraj Verma, and Jalia Richardson

Credit: Matt McGough

turning right onto Gadsden Highway and right again onto Chalkville Mountain Road.

The parade will end after it passes by the Christmas tree at the Mall. This year’s theme is “The Sights and Sounds of Christmas.”

A Christmas festival will be held at First Baptist Church of Trussville immediately following the parade.

The Trussville Tribune

Page 4

Nov. 29 - Dec. 5, 2023

First Baptist honors veterans with photo display

By June Mathews

Gardendale From front page

“The 17-year-old was fatally injured when the 2021 Arctic Cat Tracker 800 SX ATV the youth was operating left the roadway, struck an embankment and overturned,” King said. “The youth was not using a seat belt at the time of the crash, was ejected and

Crash

From front page

proximately 2:09 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 23.

Wiliam A. Owens Jr., 19, of Decatur was fatally injured when the 2014 Dodge Challenger that he was driving left the roadway, overturned and struck a utility pole, according to King.

“Owens was not using

pronounced deceased at the scene.”

The teenage victim was not identified.

The crash occurred on Shelby County 62, approximately three miles east of Harpersville, in Shelby County.

No further information is available as troopers with the ALEA Highway Patrol Division continue to investigate.

a seat belt at the time of the crash and was pronounced deceased at the scene,” King said.

The crash occurred on Lawrence County 222, approximately three miles east of Trinity, in Lawrence County.

No further information is available as Troopers with ALEA Highway Patrol Division continue to investigate.

The phrase “God and country” always brings tears to Connie Horsley’s eyes. For a patriotic Christian like her, the words often spark an emotional response.

The longtime church librarian at First Baptist Church Trussville (FBCT), Horsley has several family members who served in the military and feels that honoring veterans’ contributions to our country’s wellbeing is the right thing to do.

“Our military personnel can never receive enough recognition for the sacrifices they make for our freedom to live in this great country and to worship our Lord Jesus Christ without fear,” she said.

So Horsley and her staff of volunteers assembled over 175 photos, plus other military memorabilia, for a Veterans Day exhibit throughout the library.

“It took us over a month to gather photographs and information on each person, i.e., branch of service, years of service, and if they served in any war or conflict,” Horsley said. “We also contacted several people in the church to see if they had any military memorabilia that we could

borrow.”

After that, it was a matter of spending a weekend of hard work to get the many items for the display identified and arranged.

The collection includes church members’ family photos of military personnel from present-day back to one of a Civil War veteran. Three of the photos are of World War I veterans; 36 of the photos depict veterans who served in World War II. Ed Smith, who served in the Marines during the Vietnam era, contributed photos of himself and family members to the display.

“I think it’s marvelous that the church is recognizing veterans,” he said. “From my perspective, it is a way to not only honor the people who served but to show young people what veterans volunteered to do to protect their country.

“My dad and my uncle were World War II veterans; my grandfather was a World War I veteran; I’m a Vietnam era veteran and my stepson is a War on Terror veteran.

My grandfather fought with the famous Rainbow Division and was gassed twice in France. He was in the Marines, so I have that common

bond with him and my dad.

My uncle was in the infantry and landed in the second wave of the Normandy invasion.

He was awarded 3 bronze stars, fought all the way to the Battle of the Bulge and was wounded three times.”

Reactions to the library display have ranged from tears to thank-yous to someone calling it “a first-rate display that rivals anything I have ever seen outside of a museum.”

Though the display doesn’t mark the first time the FBCT Library has honored church-related military personnel, this is the first photo display that includes not only

church members who served in the military but their veteran family members as well.

In 2004, the library “adopted” a local Army National Guard unit that deployed to Afghanistan, sending care packages, cards, and letters to the soldiers over the course of a year.

A Wall of Freedom display in 2014 turned into a Walls of Freedom project when on the first day a call went out for church members to provide the names of family members in the military, over 500 names were received. All told, over 1,000 names were displayed on every available wall in the library.

In 2018, the library honored 75 veterans who were members of FBCT. Open to church members, as well as anybody in the community who would like to view it, the FBCT Library’s military photo display will remain on display until the end of December. The library is open to the community on Tuesdays, 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., and Wednesday evenings from 4:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.

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The Trussville Tribune Explorers From front page

ed to participate in the UAB Healthcare Explorers Program, a program that allows high school students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience and knowledge in the medical field.

Page 5 HTHS senior class vice president Carter Lybrand, juniors Prina Patel and Inimfon Okon, and sophomores Noelani Beltran and Angelik Muniz Almaguer were chosen for this special opportunity.

As members of the Healthcare Explorers Pro-

gram, the students will be able to job shadow healthcare professionals, attend educational workshops and participate in clinical simulations.

The students will also learn various medical specialties and gain a deeper understanding of the medical field.

The Moody Parks and Recreation Junior Football Team won the North Central Football League Championship. (Credit: Nathan Prewett)

Moody From front page

Department heads gave their reports for the month of October. Police Chief Reece Smith reported 1,317 calls, 42 traffic accidents, 160 tickets, 162 reports written, 62 misdemeanors, 33 felonies, and $3,253.36 was spent on vehicle maintenance.

Fire Chief Larry Horton reported 180 calls, six fires (one residential, five woods grass or rubbish), 100 emergency medical incidents, 10 wrecks, 17 public services, 21 lift assists, 26 false alarms, and six mutual aids given.

There were 14 annual inspections, 13 re-inspections, and one fire pump inspection.

Afterwards, the council recognized a girl from the Moody Youth Cheerleaders Senior Squad. This was Ayla Smith, who won first place for her Senior III individual routine at the NJA Cheer Competition in Gardendale, which took place on Nov. 19.

Following this, the Moody Parks and Recreation Junior Football Team was recognized for their win against Southside in the 2023 North Central Football League Championship. Parks and Recreation Director Mike Staggs explained that it was a close game, being down to 6-0 in the second half before coming back for the win with

a final score of 15-8.

“This team did great,” Staggs said. “They get better and better each year. I’m real proud of them, I’m proud of the coaches.”

The team is headed by Head Coach Justin Reno, along with coaches Jeremy Coubert, Sloan Blackman, Kenneth Madden, Chase White, Jerry Davenport, Jordan Welch and Sean Adams.

The members of the team are: Connor White, Braylin Goodwin, Josh Rutledge, Maddox Reno, Brock Welch, Tre Miller-Gordon, Zayden Presswood, Blake Thompson, Mason MacLaughlin, J.J. Coubert, Aiden Deberry, Duece Moore, Titus Luitze, Andrew Wilson, Troy Machen, Wes Blackman, Fisher Hood, Kolton Keith, Austin Madden, Jackson Davenport, Nathan Hopper, Bradley Adams, Reid Smith, Grayson Bearden, Jonah Feltman, Brantley McClendon, M.J. Jagoe, Deacon Wilks, Evan Brasher and Ace Chapman.

Later in the meeting, it was announced that the first annual Christmas Tree Lighting is set for Dec. 5, across from the Civic Center on 300 Bookmark Circle. The Doris Stanley Memorial Library will have an open house from 4 p.m. to 5:45 p.m., followed by the lighting from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

In other business, the council: • Approved a request from Smith to send department employee Will Simpson to Firearms Instructor School for $685, • Approved Smith’s request to send department employee Mason Causey to basic SRO school for $550, • Approved Horton’s request to have a yearly pump test done in December for $950, • Approved Horton’s request to add their newest Life Pak to the yearly service contract for $2,204, • Approved Horton’s request to have work done to new radio straps so that names can be attached for $900, • Approved allowing Building Inspector David Crowe to attend the Certified Alabama Planning & Zoning Official Training Class at a cost not to exceed $696, and • Passed a resolution to the State of Alabama for the paving of Highway 411 from the Jefferson County line to Church Street.

Meetings are held on the second and fourth Monday of every month at 6 p.m. at Moody City Hall on 670 Park Ave. Nathan Prewett can be reached at nthomasp6@ gmail.com.

Left to right: Carter Lybrand, Prina Patel, Inimfon Okon, Noelani Beltran, and Angelik Muniz Almaguer

Springville From front page

place in the Central Alabama Regional Game Day Cheer Competition for class 5A on

Thursday, Nov. 9. The competition took place at Birmingham Crossplex.

Last year, the team made it to Nationals for the first time ever as a 5A team from

Springville High School.

Springville will compete in the State Competition in December, then the team will go to Nationals in February for the second year in a row.

Springville High School Cheer Team, AHSAA 5A Game Day Central Regional Champs

The Trussville Tribune

Page 6

Nov. 29 - Dec. 5, 2023

Pinson From front page

GBA

From front page

Leeds from Dec. 9-10.

The play consists of a series of short television-style scenes broadcast in the North Pole.

“It’s almost as if somebody is flipping channels at the North Pole,” Director Victoria Boyce said. “We’ve got a soap opera scene, a reindeer Olympic games scene, a news scene. There are a couple of commercials – one is like a used car salesman, but it’s used Christmas trees. Lots of fun stuff.”

There will be three performances, with two taking place on Saturday, Dec. 9, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and one on Sunday, Dec. 10, at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the door or in advance by calling Boyce at (205) 2857635. Seating availability is limited.

“This is a comedy, so come have fun with your family and have a bucket of laughs,” Boyce said. “Your sides are going to be hurting when you’re done. …. We have some really talented kids.

Some are first-timers who have never been on a stage before. Some have done a couple things, and then some have been with the class for a while.

But they’ve all worked really hard and been dedicated and I know it’s going to be great.”

Each performance will be about an hour long with a 15-minute intermission. Concessions will be available with a donation.

“No set prices,” Boyce said. “Just give a small donation and there will be sweet, salty and drinks.”

Boyce said the class’s name change came about as a result of the class extending beyond the Leeds and Moody communities, to include other areas in Birmingham. Not only has the name changed, but location for the acting classes will soon be changing, as well.

“We are so excited to announce that our class is going to be moving to the Moody Civic Center next semester,” Boyce said, adding that classes are $200 per semester for students from first through 12th grades. “We do offer payment plans of either $50/month or $20/week until it’s paid off and we also offer an intensive class for high schoolers and more advanced actors.”

For more information on the Greater Birmingham Area Kids Acting Classes, check them out on Facebook and Instagram at GBA Kids Acting Classes.

2 p.m., Pinson residents and those in surrounding communities are invited out to enjoy a vintage car cruise-in, local dining, and get some Christmas shopping done with local booth vendors.

“They’re saying it’s going to rain, but that’s not going to stop me,” said Patti, of Patti’s on Main Street Flea Market and Consignment Shop. “We already have all the vintage cars coming; we already have Hometown Bank bringing the ATM machine. … I’m not going to let it go.”

In addition to the booth vendors, the public is invited to shop local with the businesses of Main Street, including Price’s, Barking Bee, Celina’s Boutique, Love Life Naturals, Neixy Jewelry and more.

“I’ve already started advertising,” Patti said.

“Price’s is going to have all the antique vintage cars over there and the ATM will be

here for everybody’s convenience. The road is open; everybody loves having the road open.”

Next month marks the beginning of Pinson Trade

Days’ third year bringing the community together to support Pinson’s small businesses and historic district.

“I’m going to keep doing it. I’m going to do it every

single month,” Patti said. “I don’t care if it’s cold; I don’t care if it’s raining. I don’t care what it is, because we still have businesses on Main Street to pick it up.”

Nov. 29 - Dec. 5, 2023

The Trussville Tribune

Page 7

Maple Avenue Coffee House was built with the community in mind

By Chase Holmes News Reporter

TRUSSVILLE — Maple Avenue Coffee House opened last Thursday and has enjoyed the support of a community that welcomed it with open arms.

Tracy Delaney, owner and operator of Maple Avenue, said their first week has been better than she and her team ever expected. From the City of Trussville, to its residents, Delaney said she couldn’t be more appreciative of all the support.

“The overwhelming support, and encouragement and the kind words. Everybody who came in here had a kind word,” she said. “I was overwhelmed. I didn’t even have the words. I think it took me two days to process everything because I was so touched and humbled by the response of people’s kindness.”

Delaney first started the journey to open her coffee house over a year ago, and after much anticipation everything fell into place.

“I think the opening happened exactly when it was supposed to,” she said. “I would not have said this a couple months ago, but I could not be happier that it is happening right now. In this moment, at this time. It’s just perfect. This week has been fantastic.”

As happy as she is that Maple Avenue turned out the way it did, she wasn’t always sold on it. Delaney grew up in Trussville. She has family that lives here, and it was the town she choose to raise her own family. Starting her business in Trussville was a no-brainer, but the decision to build it on Maple Avenue came later. Before a cup of coffee was ever brewed inside

its walls, Maple Avenue was once an accountant’s office.

“We walked in and it was still set up like a house even though it was an accountant’s office,” she said. “There was two bedrooms and a bathroom. A living room and a kitchen. I had to really dig into my vision of ‘can this be it’ and I just knew I wanted it to be in a house. I did not want to do a cookie-cutter space. I did not want to do a strip mall or a little office building. I wanted to be in a house.”

Maple Avenue sits on the road it shares a name with and contains a large backyard lot that is still under construction. If there was no sign to tell patrons any different, they might be excused in thinking they were pulling into someone’s house. That is exactly how Delaney wanted it to feel.

“I want people to come in and feel kinda like you walked into your friend’s house. Comfortable and welcome,” she said. “People are doing exactly what I dreamed of. They are sitting together in these chairs and talking and having coffee. They’re getting their computers out.

They’re having work meetings. A group of 10 ladies came after playing tennis. I just thought, ‘oh my gosh, this is exactly my dream’.

They’re using this place for exactly what I wanted them to be able to get out of it.”

By taking the entire scope of the building into account it is apparent that there is something for everyone to be found in Maple Avenue.

Intimate, two chair tables for those any-time-of-day coffee break conversations sit near an extended bar for larger parties maybe less interested in eye contact while they chat. A Christmas tree and comfortable decor give

Credit: Tracy Delaney

it that homey feel Delaney was looking for. Around the corner, a comfortable and cozy-lit niche of several large arm chairs invite the two or three cup getters to sit and think about their day. Just past the armchairs, a back porch and the aforementioned in-progress backyard await. Round tables with umbrellas dot the decking boards. On the other side of the house that faces Highway 11, a screened in porch is available with several chairs and tables. Just outside of the porch, a seating area stretches the length of the building.

While this is plenty of room for most to enjoy their cup of coffee, Delaney isn’t stopping there. The backyard is near the length of a football field and she has vision in mind for its future.

“The vision is to be able to have people come and hear live music, play some bocce ball, cornhole, horseshoes.

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run around and play. Just a space where there is plenty of room. People can say, ‘I’d like to have a gathering here of some sort’ and just have all kinds of space. There will be food trucks here occasionally, hopefully regularly. Its just wide open. There is so much potential for it and we’re just going to have something for everybody to do,” she said. “I want to do a pumpkin patch, I want to do a Christmas tree farm, I want to do family nights where we have a movie on a blow up screen. Fun things like that. The possibilities are endless.”

Parking for golf carts is being added by recommendation from the city based off their growing popularity in Trussville.

Delaney said renovations will take a couple of months to wrap up but she hopes to have the outdoor area finished for when the weather warms up and people are ready to enjoy it. Once it is done, the

space will also be available to rent.

In the meantime, Maple Avenue has a wide variety of drinks on their menu to do the warming for them. Espresso galore in many forms are available, whether that be in a mocha, latte, or one of their special menu items like Sweater Weather which is made with cinnamon, honey, and vanilla. Delaney said she spent the past six months perfecting the recipe at home and it has become her personal favorite. “That by far has been the most popular,” she said.

Sweater Weather is available both hot and cold.

Their non-coffee menu items have also been a hit.

“The cider is very popular.

Maybe that’s because there are some people who don’t necessarily love cider, and so go with the cider option which is great,” she said. “Some hot teas have been pretty popular.

Those are probably the biggest sellers.”

For those looking to get their Christmas seasonal fix, Maple Avenue has you covered. A peppermint coffee drink is planned to release some time in the next two weeks and they have other flavors brewing for the holiday season.

Baked goods are also available to order. Just beside the order counter sits a bagel warming station. Maple Avenue orders their bagels daily from Cahaba Breads and Bagels.

“When I started this journey, I knew I wanted to support other small, local businesses. I knew I wanted to go local bakery, local coffee roaster,” Delaney said. “Everybody loves the pastries we’re selling. Everybody loves Cahaba Bread and Bagels.”

Maple Avenue uses Red Bike Coffee Roasters out of Irondale for their beans. Delaney said she tried out several different roasters and didn’t find one as good as Red Bike.

“I love that we’re supporting each other and their espresso is just good. I’m super happy to be a partner with them,” she said.

In the coming weeks, Maple Avenue plans expand their retail options. Delaney said she wants to host local artist and crafts. The syrups Maple Avenue use in their coffee will be available for sale in the future. Short sleeve shirts are available now but long sleeve shirts are on the way.

Gift cards will be available soon.

Maple Avenue is located at 110 Maple Ave and they are open Tuesday-Saturday from 7 a.m- 3 p.m. They plan to adjust their hours in the future.

To keep up with the latest news from Maple Avenue, follow them on Facebook or Instagram.

The Trussville Tribune

Page 8

Nov. 29 - Dec. 5, 2023

Birmingham family thankful for embryo adoption — ‘How sweet God has been’

By Erica Thomas, 1819News

BIRMINGHAM — “Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.” – Jeremiah 1:5 One Alabama family is especially grateful this Thanksgiving after receiving two little gifts from God almost a year ago.

Dalton and Mary Elizabeth Miller were born on one of the coldest days in Alabama history: December 23, 2022.

Their parents, Rodney and Mary Leah Miller, of Birmingham, had been waiting for that day for over ten years. Fertility challenges crushed their hearts frequently throughout that decade, but they knew God had a plan for them.

On that cold winter day, Mary Leah Miller said her heart was warmer than it had ever been.

“They were just so perfect and so cute and just amazing,” Miller said. “We couldn’t have asked for more perfect babies. It just makes me want to cry to think of how sweet God has been.”

That precious moment is now frozen in time. The birth of the twins was long-awaited, and the way it came to be was an option the Miller family had never heard of until recently — embryo adoption.

Embryo adoption gives hopeful parents the opportunity to become pregnant, carry their child and give birth.

Although there is no genetic connection to the parent, the process helps families who are unable to conceive, and it helps parents who were able to create embryos but were not able to use them in their

The Miller Twins (Photo: Angie Strit Photography) The Miller Family (Photo: Angie Strit Photography)

own pregnancies.

The Millers started out with conservative fertility treatments for about a year before starting the in vitro fertilization process (IVF). IVF can be difficult, and the Millers were never able to have a successful transfer. They were eventually diagnosed as “unexplained infertility.”

“So, that diagnosis itself was frustrating,” Miller said.

“You expect to go to the doctor and they find out what’s wrong then they fix it.”

After visiting a clinic specializing in difficult cases, they finally had a transfer on their sixth try, but Miller said the genetic material could not become viable.

“We never had a viable pregnancy,” Miller remembered. “I was hoping for a miracle so it was very disappointing.”

At the time, the Millers had already spent so much money and time trying to have a baby of their own. Although they looked into traditional adoption, Mary Leah said she

just knew God had a plan for her to become pregnant.

“It was in that season that I asked God, ‘If it is not supposed to be our journey then please Lord, take that desire away,’ because each month when the answer is, ‘no no, no,’ it’s really disappointing,” Miller said.

That’s when a friend told the Millers about embryo adoption through the Snowflake Embryo Adoption Program, made possible through Nightlight Christian Adoptions. The nationwide program pairs families who want to adopt an embryo with families who are unable to use their viable embryos.

“It really gave us a renewed sense of hope,” said Miller. “Not that we had lost hope but this really helped.

We loved our sweet time together and we were thankful for that but we wanted a family. We went to the Snowflakes website and we both just knew that this was supposed to be our next step.”

After speaking to a cou-

ple who had just given birth to their baby girl, the Millers started the process of finding the perfect match. Similar to traditional adoption, they had to fill out paperwork and have a home study. A difference was that Mary Leah Miller had to undergo a physical to ensure her body could carry a child.

There were options for what kind of adoption the family wanted to make: closed, open or semi-open.

They chose a semi-open adoption.

After speaking with their pastor about the opportunity, they decided to go forward with transferring viable embryos. They adopted them and eventually achieved pregnancy. Mary Leah Miller said while she knows all expectant moms are excited, she was overjoyed even on her bad days.

“Pregnancy was just an absolute joy for me,” she said.

“Even the sickness because that was just confirmation that I had everything going as it should be. I might be one of the only people that was like very excited they got sick on a daily basis.”

Miller said there was something special about carrying her children.

“While I adopted my chil-

dren, I can tell them that I carried them,” she said. “I think I first would say for people of faith, we hear the Jeremiah Bible verse, ‘I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb,’ and that fits just perfectly for us.”

When it came time to give birth, she said the moment was a precious one because her doctor, who had been by her side for so long, was finally able to help her deliver her babies.

Through it all, the Millers never forgot their placing family who made it all possible.

“I think it’s really hard to put into words,” Mary Leah Miller said in tears. “It’s just completely unexplainable but we have just absolute joy and thankfulness and just gratitude. There are many things that I have done in my life but I think the thing that I consider to be the highest honor is that a family looked at my husband and I and considered us worthy of their embryos and worthy to raise these children as our own and to create our own family because their family was not going to be able to do that. That is such a selfless act on their part.”

The Millers are in communication with their placement family.

“Our children will know their story and they will have the opportunity to meet their genetic parents,” Leah Miller added.

This Thanksgiving, Dalton and Mary Elizabeth will be 11 months old. The Millers say they have so much to be thankful for and want to help spread the word so that others know there are options.

“It was a difficult journey but we would not change a thing,” Miller continued. “For families that already filled their families or are unable to carry a baby, the embryos get a chance to become these tiny humans they are supposed to be.”

The Millers hope more people hear about the Snowflake Embryo Adoption Program. The cost of embryo adoption is typically less than traditional adoption, but prices vary with location.

Dalton was the 1,000th baby born through embryo adoption, and Mary Elizabeth was number 1,001.

To learn more about the Snowflake Embryo Adoption Program, visit https://nightlight.org/snowflakes-embryo-adoption-donation.

To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email erica.thomas@1819news.com.

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The Trussville Tribune

Nov. 29 - Dec. 5, 2023

Page 9

Moody announces dates, Argo police chief says he theme for Christmas cannot police Facebook parade, tree lighting

By Erica Thomas 1819News

From The Tribune staff reports

MOODY – The City of Moody invites the public to celebrate the Christmas season by coming out to the Moody Christmas Tree Lighting on Tuesday, Dec. 5, at 6 p.m., at the Moody Civic Center. There will be music, entertainment and a few special guests from the North Pole.

The Red Diamond “SweetRide” will be there to pass out free hot chocolate and coffee. Also, before the Christmas Tree Lighting, the Doris Stanley Memorial Library will host an open house

at 4 p.m. Light refreshments will be served and children visiting are welcome to build a gingerbread house.

The Moody Christmas Parade will be Saturday, Dec. 9, at 5 p.m. This year’s parade theme will be: “No Place Like Gnome for the Holidays.”

Anyone who would like to participate in the parade can download an application at www.moodyalabama.gov or email a request to mfraser@moodyalabama.gov.

“The Moody Christmas Parade is a true Christmas tradition,” Moody executive assistant Melissa Fraser said.

“So, bring your family and

make some wonderful holiday memories.”

Anyone who believes their house is the brightest on the block, or any businesses that are “decked out” for the holidays are invited to enter the City of Moody’s “Deck the Halls” decorating contest.

Contest forms can be found at www.moodyalabama.gov or mfraser@ moodyalabama.gov. Applications are due by Dec. 13, and winners are announced on Friday, Dec. 15.

“So, untangle those lights and trim the trees,” Fraser said. “We want to see the spirit of Christmas in Moody.”

52-year-old man shot and killed in Birmingham residence, police believe victim was targeted From The Tribune staff reports

BIRMINGHAM — A 52-year-old Birmingham man was killed in a targeted shooting on Monday, Nov. 27.

Just before 4 p.m., Birmingham Police Department (BPD) West Precinct officers were dispatched to a Shots Fired call in the 500 block of Closhire Lane.

Officers arrived on the scene and found the victim, Reginald Bryant, 52, of Birmingham, lying unresponsive in the back of a residence at 3:57 p.m. suffering from a gunshot wound.

Birmingham Fire and Rescue personnel arrived on the scene and pronounced the victim deceased at 6:21 p.m.

Investigators believe the victim was at the residence when he was approached by

multiple suspects. One or more of the suspects fired shots at the victim.

Officer Truman Fitzgerald said the BPD believes the victim was targeted.

There is no one in custody.

Anyone with information pertaining to the case can contact the BPD Homicide Unit at 205-254-1764 or Crime Stoppers at 205-2547777.

ARGO — Law enforcement agencies often use social media to share important news and details on situations such as missing or wanted persons and community safety information. In fact, around 91% of law enforcement agencies use social media as part of their public notification strategy, according to The Urban Institute.

However, one Alabama police chief says he is done policing social media after identifying a problem that could put citizens at risk.

Earlier this month, the Argo Police Department was working to track down a suspect and sought public help by posting information online. Before he knew it, Chief Alan Busler said people from the community were volunteering to take matters into their own hands.

“We had multiple people exit a vehicle after it hit on Flock cameras as a stolen vehicle,” Busler said. “Officers located the vehicle, and the occupants ran into the woods.

We are a department of six people so we don’t have all the resources. If we’re in the woods looking for someone, I’m in the woods looking. If we were a bigger department, we could probably have a member of command staff sitting in an office monitoring social media, which would be great. But I have to rely on my officers and what backup I can get from other agencies.”

Some of the comments on the social media post were from citizens who said they

Become an

would get out and look for the suspects. They said they would bring their guns and hunt down the suspects. There were also negative comments about the effectiveness of the police department, which is something Busler says he sees on a lot of posts.

“It’s mostly filled with anti-police, anti-Argo rhetoric that’s just a waste of time,” Busler told 1819 News. “I have a general disdain for my guys being out here trying to do their very best for the people of this community, and then that’s what they get in return. So, they’re seeing this after they are out there risking injury, their own lives, God knows what we’re walking into and when it’s all said and done, everyone is exhausted, sweating to death and we are already disheartened because we didn’t catch the people.

Then you see all of these people bashing you on social media.

“It all just started to culminate. I was frustrated with it, and it kind of hit me, struck a cord.”

The problems with social media started during the COVID-19 pandemic, Busler said, when many people were stuck inside their homes.

“People started posting on Facebook any time something would happen, whether we were looking for a car, looking for a person, and they posted things they heard on the scanner,” said Busler.

“Much of it was misinformation.

“I fully support everybody’s First Amendment right of free speech. I’ve got no problem with that. But

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when things get taken out of context, and false information starts getting put out there, it’s more detrimental than it is good.

“Social media is absolutely a good tool if it could just be that. But every time we attempt to post and keep people informed, it’s not enough, and we get bashed on for that,” said Busler. “Or the hecklers come in, and they take up our page with their spam of, ‘They don’t know how to do their job!”

The chief said he was also concerned about how the negativity from social media could impact his officers.

“Whichever direction the wind blows is what way the hate goes,” said Busler. “I love seeing the people that do stick up for us and know what a great job these guys do and how dedicated they are to the people of this city.

Because when I tell you these guys would put their lives on the line for the people of this community, they absolutely would.”

Busler said he cannot take the time to police Facebook.

He also wants citizens to know that Facebook Messenger or posts are not a replacement for calling 911 during emergencies.

“I’m not going to be policing Facebook anymore,” he said. “I am not going to scour the internet because I feel like I’m not doing my job if that’s what I’m doing. I believe in good old-fashioned police work.”

To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email erica.thomas@1819news.com.

The Trussville Tribune

Page 10

Nov. 29 - Dec. 5, 2023

Opinion

Problems around Phil Williams: Something for nothing the world remind us of Thanksgiving blessings right here in Alabama

By Phil Williams, 1819 News Commentary

By Paul DeMarco

The American tradition of Thanksgiving is special for a lot of reasons. The opportunity to celebrate our blessings with our family and friends may come to mind first. Yet, it is also a day that we are thankful for our Nation and the freedoms and liberties we enjoy as United States citizens.

With all of the challenges we face in the Nation and the world it would be easy to be cynical about the holiday this year. However, reflecting back on the origins of the original Thanksgiving enjoyed by the Pilgrims and Native Americans it should remind us how difficult they had it back in the fall of 1621.

When we look at the current headlines we may rightly question the future direction of our country. Crippling inflation, the crisis at the border, out of control violent crime and the threats to national security make it easy to want to look for other reasons to be thankful. Add to that, the wars that are being fought in Europe and the Middle East, it is enough to really question what to show gratitude for this year.

Sometimes it takes a child to help us really appreciate what we should be thankful for in our lives. My young son is studying Alabama history for the first time. With

a freshly drawn map of our state, he proudly rolled off all of the attributes that make our state such a good place to call home. From the Applachain mountains in the north to the beaches on the Gulf to Mexico, Alabama has beautiful topography and geography he reminded me.

He recounted to me from pine trees to iron ore all of the abundant natural resources our state has to share with our country and the world. However, what excited him the the most was talking about all of the famous people that have hailed from Alabama. Which made his point even more clear about our state: it is the people that live here that make it so special.

We live in a state where it is true that neighbors really do take care of each other and its citizens are proud to be American. Thus, as my son reminded me, when we look around at the place we call home, Alabama and its citizens really do shine as a state.

When we thank God at our meal table for the blessings this week for the country we live in, let us also say grace for having the privilege to live in our small part of the world, sweet home Alabama.

Paul DeMarco is a former member of the Alabama House of Representatives and can be found on X, formerly Twitter, at @Paul_DeMarco

I don’t want to brag or anything, but back in the day, I was one smooth operator. On one occasion I went to a local restaurant for a cup of coffee, dropped a $10 tip and headed for the door. The beautiful waitress actually ran out the door with that 10-spot in her hand asking, “What are you doing?”

My suave and debonair reply? “Leaving a good tip for my favorite waitress.”

We have now been married for 37 years. Like I said, one smooth operator.

Generally speaking, tips are important and designed to do two things: provide a little extra compensation for someone who has done a good job and bless them by showing appreciation.

But have you noticed that American culture is experiencing a strange phenomenon right now? At every turn, we are asked to give a tip for someone who has done nothing.

A hallmark of the free market is the matching of private sector success with customer satisfaction. In the service-related sector, tips can be an indication that people appreciate the effort to reach their approval.

But forced tipping creates a grudge match between the two.

Recently my wife and I stopped by a little self-serve yogurt shop. We picked up our cups, served ourselves and added our own toppings, all while the staff stood behind the counter and watched. As we checked out, the very nice lady said, “Please insert your card, and it will ask you a question.”

The question was whether I wanted to leave a tip that amounted to a percentage of the overall sale … um, no.

I literally did all the work and paid you for it, so why would you ask for a tip?

This new socio-cultural trend is referred to as “guilt tipping” or even “gratuity gouging.” The worst cases are those where you pay before you get the product, like the barista who charges you first, leaving you with a sudden sense of dread that she just saw that you did not leave a “guilt tip,” and now she’s reaching for the “special muffin.”

Reports indicate consumers are developing “tipping fatigue,” a weariness with the new demand that we must give something for nothing. I’m all for doing something to bless others, but sooner or later the market will begin to self-correct, and too many requests for the guilt tip will result in fewer tips overall. It’s becoming the retail version of panhandling, no different than the guy who walks up at the red light, spits on your window, rubs it with his dirty sleeve, and demands payment. It was something you didn’t ask for, he asked for payment he didn’t earn, and you are expected to comply.

People don’t like to be pressured into tipping. In fact, people in a free-market society don’t like to be forced into doing anything with their hard-earned dollars that they don’t already want to do on their own.

That’s part of what makes the free market free.

Half the free market is the producer of goods and services. The long-held

concept of building a better mousetrap means that your company will rise to the top in a “survival of the fittest” scenario. But the other half of the free market is the consumer. In a truly free market, consumers want what they want, not what they are told to want. If the product proves its value, consumers will spend their dollars. Supply will meet actual demand.

For example, in the early days of cell phones, they were considered novelties.

They were nice but cost a lot if you “exceeded your plan.”

Over time they became affordably convenient, even fitting in your pocket. Then texting became a thing, cameras were added, and then internet access. Now it is inconceivable that someone would be without a smartphone and many houses have done away with landlines.

The free market works when the private sector, left alone to do its work, builds successively better mousetraps, and consumers decide that those mousetraps are what they want. Don’t tell us to spend something for nothing.

But now we have the guilt-tipping of electric vehicles (EVs).

EV manufacturers could easily move through the same stages of market integration and expansion that I just described for the now ubiquitous smartphone.

Over time the private sector would invest its own dollars, grow its market share, and prove its worth.

But instead, the opposite is happening. The fake market is self-correcting as consumers are growing fatigued with the EV push.

Government has stepped

in, creating a false market and pushing a supply-and-demand narrative well ahead of its time. The EV is fast becoming the automotive version of “guilt tipping” – something for nothing, a technology with many merits and drawbacks.

Under normal market conditions, some will choose EVs, but many will not, because we are still accustomed to living in a free-market society.

But more and more the government is like the expectant barista who tells you to pay and wait for the card reader to ask you a question about tipping before you get what you really came for.

They will ask, they will cajole, and they will push their government-subsidized, notso-free market product and you and I will have to make a hard decision – do we look them in the eye and tell them they haven’t proven their worth yet and risk getting the “special muffin”?

Free-market economies only work when the consumer is actually free to choose what was actually freely developed and marketed. Otherwise, the market will self-correct as consumers get EV guilt-tipping fatigue.

Stop asking for something for nothing.

To contact Phil or request him for a speaking engagement, go to www.rightsideradio.org. The views and opinions expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of 1819 News. To comment, please send an email with your name and contact information to Commentary@1819News.com.

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Nov. 29 - Dec. 5, 2023

The Trussville Tribune

Page 11

Tree Talk

Hickories on the Cahaba River Tree Trail Trussville is home to many beautiful natural treasures including acres of beautiful

and towering Tulip-Poplars.

If you adventure uphill from the floodplain you will find White Oaks, Ash, and several species of Red Oak. In a few months, inquiring minds are going to have a new way to

with a supporting website containing a wealth of tree information.

Step one to laying out the trail was to identify the trees and plan the route, which would have been simple. But

forest in our parks and recreation complex. If you have ever wandered down the trails where the greenway ends you have walked through my favorite part of our little suburban forest. The banks of the Cahaba River in that area are lined with big fat Sycamores

learn about the trees in those woods. Friends of Pinchgut Creek has partnered with Alabama Scenic River Trail, The Cahaba River Society and others to create a beautiful educational experience, The Cahaba River Tree Trail. The trail will have signed trees

Hickory trees are all over those woods and they are a complicated family. While I’m no expert, I do consider myself fairly knowledgeable about trees and I’m pretty great at playing “Name that Tree”. But it didn’t take long for me to call for backup to

By Jean Cox, VP of Friends of Pinchgut Creek Commentary

help figure out all the different Hickories our trail.

Back in the Spring I called Katie Wiswall, our state Urban Forester and Henry Hughes, everyone’s favorite tree expert. Katie came out with a team of foresters and Henry came out on a different day with his tremendous patience and multiple books.

This dream team could still not positively determine the species of all these hickories.

We all spent what felt like an eternity counting leaflets until our necks were all stiff from staring at the sky. Without nuts on the ground, we were still stumped on a couple.

The problem is, we have over half of the Hickory species that live in Alabama on our ¾ mile trail. Shagbark are easy to spot as they live up to their name. However, trying to determine the difference between Butternut and a Water Hickory is a much different game that comes down to tiny details. I learned on those hikes that hickory trees can also breed with each other and produce mutts, hickory-57s,

or crossbreeds. So, some of them just simply can’t be positively identified.

I wanted to see if we could identify a couple more after the nuts fell. So, last week I headed out there again. This time with Katie, Henry and our new Jefferson County forester, Tim Roberts. It’s always fun hiking in the woods with super smart people. We were able to determine our biggest and most impressive Hickory is a Pignut, and with the help of our new forester we identified a Bitternut down in the floodplain. The nuts and leaflets of the Bitternut Hickory are similar to other varieties.

One discernible difference is Bitternut lives up to it’s name with a powerful bitter taste.

In the name of science, and without hesitation, our new forester bravely bit right into one of those hickory nuts, shell and all, like he was a chipmunk. It was clear from his facial expression and the speed at which he spat it out, that it was in-fact bitter. We carefully examined other details like the thickness of the

shell and ridges on the exterior of the nut. The taste test was by far the most entertaining of these examinations. At least it was for those of us not experiencing it first-hand. I admire our new forester’s dedication and sense of adventure, and I hope the state is providing him with good dental insurance.

I’m happy that we will now have several beautiful Hickory varieties marked on the tree trail when it is completed this Spring. I hope that one day you will enjoy hiking the trail we are working on. When you do, if you are tempted to forage for hickory nuts, you might want to steer clear of the hickories in the Bitternut grove on the floodplain. Stick to the Shagbark nuts up on the hillsides. They are actually really delicious, maybe even more so than their close cousin the pecan.

If you are trying to determine which tree the nuts fell from, follow this bit of wisdom from Henry Hughes: “Nuts always roll downhill, never uphill” .

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Page 12

The Trussville Tribune

Lifestyle

Nov. 29 - Dec. 5, 2023

My Life As A Hobby: Water Aerobics – H2 Oh – No!

By Joe Hobby

Since I had knee surgery earlier this year, I’ve been looking for a low impact method of exercise. Actually, my wife has been looking for me. My choice was no exercise – that’s low impact, right? Of course, she completely ignored my comments and promptly enrolled me in her water aerobics class at the YMCA. I should’ve reported her to the DHR. Whoever paired exercise with swimming pools should be forced to wear a Speedo that’s three sizes too small.

Pools are made for slothful activities like sunning on a lounge chair, or hanging on the side with an adult beverage in hand. Swimming laps or diving (unless it’s a cannon ball), should be against the law.

Nevertheless, I agreed to go to water aerobics because I could use this for leverage the next time I wanted to go on a guy’s golf trip. So in a couple of days, I walked in the Y, flashed my ID, and for the next hour, was SOL. I changed, went outside, and was greeted by a swimming pool chocked full of people. It looked like Gulf Shores on July 4th. But instead of girls in skimpy suits,

muscular guys, and kids splashing around, just about everyone had more wrinkles than a cotton shirt left in the dryer. I saw white hair, no hair, and even back hair (mostly on men). In addition, there were floppy hats, baseball caps, and lots of modest one-piece swimsuits covering up saggy skin. One of my fellows first-timers turned to me and said, “I thought they did this for exercise, but most everybody in here is fat.”

I gingerly stepped into the way-too-cold-for-me water and several of the ladies began laughing. “Just go under and get it over with!”, one of them shouted. “No thanks,” I replied. “You get hypothermia your way, I’ll get it mine.”

She grinned and said, “Oh, quit being a baby.”

I looked at her, waved my rubber ducky, and moved to the far end of the pool.

Our instructor for the class was Wendy – a young lady who obviously takes her fitness seriously. Wendy probably thinks cheeseburger is a four-letter word. On the other hand, I think they’re one of the basic food groups.

Everyone in the pool said she is a sweet girl who runs a tough class. Oh please.

How hard could she be on a

group of seasoned citizens?

Besides, before I set foot in the water, I vowed to work as hard as I could. So, bring it on sister!

The music boomed, and all of us began sloshing around. The tunes were perfect for this group – oldies for the oldies! Wendy was a fan of my kind of music, so we got a liberal dose of the Temptations, Aretha, Elvis, and The Beatles. Soon, “Ain’t To Proud To Beg”, and “Help” took on a whole new meaning as the workout got more intense. It was tough sledding. After each song, I gasped for air, while Wendy smiled and effortlessly moved to the next exercise.

They were right about her.

She could easily be a drill instructor on Paris Island. I began to think this was less an exercise session and more like elder abuse.

As the class progressed and I struggled to keep up, I noticed a curious phenomenon – quite a few of my aquatic classmates weren’t struggling at all. That’s because the only muscles they were working were their jaw muscles. A number of the women talked throughout the entire class. A couple of them even had their backs to the instructor!

Joe Hobby, Tribune Columnist

I couldn’t help but hear the group behind me. Their

conversation covered a wide range of topics, including mulching flowers, collectible figurines, how to fry chicken, and getting cysts cut off at the dermatologist.

If yapping in a pool was an Olympic sport, then I was surrounded by gold medalists.

It probably led to home conversations like, “No, I’m not doing any housework today. I’m exhausted! I did water aerobics, you know!”

Forty-five melodious, tor-

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tuous minutes later, it was over. My legs were quivering when I got out of the water – and it wasn’t because of the music. The next day, parts of me hurt that I didn’t even know I had. What are hip flexors anyway? Whatever they are, they were sore.

Thank you, Wendy.

I managed to keep attending the classes despite my aching muscles. Hey, I couldn’t let my wife one-up me. And after a couple of months, I noticed that I was going up stairs without any knee pain. Surely, it was the water aerobics.

Or it could be my new waterproof copper knee brace. I heard several of the women behind me in the pool recommend it highly.

DOCKERY HOLDINGS Commercial Rental Properties Trussville Area

205-508-3654 311 Main Street #101 Trussville, Al

205.601.51 16 DockeryHoldingsLLC@gmail.com

The City of Argo is having a Public Hearing for consideration of Zoning Ordinance #2023-007, set for the regular scheduled council meeting Monday December 11, 2023, at 5 p.m. Copies of the proposed ordinance can be found on the City's web site, Argo Alive, City Hall, Argo Animal Clinic, Argo Hardware, Fox's Pizza and Buckeye Grocery.

In Accordance with Chapter 1, Title 39, Code of Alabama, 1975, no ce is hereby given that Flowmotion Trail Builders LLC has completed the Contract to construct Forever Wild Big Canoe Creek Recreational Trails in Springville, AL for Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Owner, and have made request for final setlement of said Contract. All persons having any claim for labor, materials, or otherwise in connection with this project should immediately notify: STATE OF ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES 64 NORTH UNION STREET MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA 36130 Telephone 334-242-3165

Flowmotion Trail Builders LLC 75 Scarbrough Lane Anniston, AL 36207

Legal Notice In accordance with Chapter 1, Title 39, Code of Alabama, 1975, as amended, notice is hereby given that Norris Paving & Asphalt, Inc., Contractor, has completed the Contract for New Parking Lot at Turkey Creek Nature Preserve, ADCNR Project No 1-L-21, Jefferson County, Alabama for the State of Alabama, Owner(s), and have made request for final settlement of said Contract. All persons having any claim for labor, materials, or otherwise in connection with this project should immediately notify Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, State Lands Division, Folsom Administrative Building, Room 463, 64 N. Union Street, Montgomery, Alabama 36104.

Nov. 29 - Dec. 5, 2023

The Trussville Tribune

Page 13

The Trussville Tribune

Page 14

Nov. 29 - Dec. 5, 2023

“America is at a crossroads.

Extremism and authoritarianism are not acceptable. Independents are problem solvers, centrists, negotiators, and team builders.”

TOGETHER, LET’S MAKE AMERICA WORK FOR ALL CITIZENS! ✓ Tweaking SBA To Create 30 Million New Biz Owners

✓ Minimum Social Security Check of $3,000 Per Month

✓ 3 Tweaking FHA To Raise Homeownership To 90%

✓ Closed Southern Border 3 Quashing Modern Drug War

✓ 3 Returning Student Loans To Bankruptability Status

✓ Perpetrated By China

✓ Reforming Healthcare, Primary Healthcare, Pharmaceuticals aka QuigleyCare ✓ Building CO2 Scrubbers & DAC, Desalination Plants, Reforestation, Rewilding America, Electric Vehicles, Solar Homes, Wind Turbines

✓ Independent Taiwan & Fully Supports All Democracies ✓ Reshoring All Overseas Production, Re-establish ✓ National Cottage Industry, Expansion Of Family Farms & Sustainable Agriculture

✓ Term Limits, Supreme Court & Judicial Reform

✓ Reduced Taxation, Elimination Of Property Taxes & Free Utilities For All Citizens 55 And Over

✓ Wall Street Reform, Eliminate Speculation, Day Tradin

✓ Freedom Of Speech On All Digital Platforms And Universally

✓ Cannabis Legalization At Federal Level, Safe Banking, Criminal Conviction Expungement

✓ Mandating Media Organizations Give Equal Time To All Politicians & Parties In Same Time Blocks Free As Public Service For Federal License

✓ Strong Military ✓ Authoritarianism & Weak State’s Rights ✓ Higher Minimum Wage To $16/Hr ✓ Easier Ballot Access For All Federal Candidates, Public Funding For All Federal Candidates & Universal Voting Mandate

Scan to learn more!

Join Team America. Spread the word.

Visit RobertQuigleyForPresident.com and donate whatever you can afford.

DonorBox, CashApp, and donation flags are on the website.

Nov. 29 - Dec. 5, 2023

The Trussville Tribune

Calendar

SSG Michael W. Hosey American Legion Post 205 7257 Old Springville Road, Pinson, AL.

Post Service Officer on Duty every Monday, 1 – 5 PM. Meets the second Monday of each month at the Clay Community Center on Old Palmerdale Road at 6 PM. Call 205-317-0948 for information.

LBK Auditorium AGE GROUP: EARLY LEARNERS (BIRTH PRE-K) EVENT TYPE: STORYTIME, CHILDREN’S PROGRAM Join Ms. Alicia for stories, songs, bubble time, and lots of fun!

All ages. Every Thursday at 9:30 & 10:30 a.m.

Yarn Manglers Knit & crochet group Thursday, November 30: 2:00pm - 4:00pm Trussville Public Library Cahaba Room AGE GROUP: ADULT (AGES 18+) EVENT TYPE: DROP-IN, CRAFT, ADULT PROGRAM

Homeschool Hangout: Antarctica Wed Nov 29th 1:00pm - 3:00pm Pinson Public Library, 4509 Pinson Blvd, Pinson Knit & crochet meetup group (aka The Yarn Manglers). Bring any projects you are working on; join us for fellowship and creativity. This is a great way to check in, catch up, see what everyone is working on, and get help if you are stuck. Please join us newcomers are welcome!

Join our Facebook group: YARN MANGLERS ANONYMOUS (All ages) November 29th at 1 PM Join us for a community gathering of homeschool students on Wednesday, November 29th at 1 PM. This month’s theme is Antarctica! James Lowery will present ‘Antarctica: Personal Encounters with the White Continent’. His presentation will cover his voyages to the continent.

Homeschool Hangout is a monthly event for homeschool students to learn together, meet new friends, & use resources available at our library.

Red Cross Blood Drive Wednesday, November 29: 9:00am - 2:30pm Trussville Public Library LBK Auditorium

Every unit we donate at our blood drive can help save up to three lives.

If you are able, please consider donating with us! https://www.redcrossblood. org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=TrussvilleLib Teens can give at the age of 16 with a parental consent form, 17 with out a consent form. For more information about teen donation: https://www.redcrossblood. org/donate-blood/how-todonate/info-for-student-donors.html.

If you have never donated before and are nervous to try it we totally understand.

Some answers to concerns may be found here: https:// www.redcrossblood.org/ donate-blood/how-to-donate/common-concerns. html Children’s Storytime Thursday, November 30: 9:30am - 10:00am; 10:30am - 11:00am

Trussville Public Library -

Trussville Public Library Parkway Room,Cahaba Room AGE GROUP: TEEN (6TH - 12TH GRADE) EVENT TYPE: TEEN PROGRAM, CLASS Workshop utilizing VR technology and a classroom setting to learn about and experience new jobs.

Easterseals will be joining the Trussville Public Library on December 4th, 11th, and 18th for a virtual reality job program. The program is cumulative, and by signing up for one you sign up for all three events.

Half of the program is a classroom setting where students will learn about a variety of jobs. The other half of the session is using the VR headsets and getting to experience some of the jobs.

Santa’s Workshop Monday, December 04: 5:00pm - 7:00pm Trussville Public Library LBK Auditorium AGE GROUP: UPPER ELEMENTARY (3RD5TH) TWEEN (3RD-6TH) LOWER ELEMENTARY (K-2ND) ELEMENTARY (K-5TH) EARLY LEARNERS (BIRTH - PRE-K) EVENT TYPE: FAMILY EVENT, DROP-IN, CHILDREN’S PROGRAM

Cozy Cocoa Game Night Thu Nov 30th 5:00pm - 7:00pm Pinson Public Library, 4509 Pinson Blvd, Pinson, AL

(Adults) Thursday, November 30th from 5 to 7 PM Enjoy a game night with a splash of cozy cocoa! We’ll provide a variety of classic board games, some puzzles, & plenty of cocoa.

Meet new people or gather together with your friends.

Light refreshments will be served, but you are welcome to bring your own dinner.

Help Us Decorate Our Christmas Tree!

Fri Dec 1st - Sat 9th Pinson Public Library, 4509 Pinson Blvd, Pinson, AL

(All ages) December 1st - 9th We want your help decorating our tree for the holidays!

Drop by the library beginning December 1st to pick up a pinecone ornament to take home & decorate.

Return the decorated ornament to the library by December 9th & we’ll display it on our tree!

No registration is needed; just drop by the library to pick up an ornament!

VR Job Workshop Monday, December 04: 4:00pm - 5:00pm

Classified Call (205) 533-8664

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BATH & SHOWER UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Affordable prices - No payments for 18 months! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Senior & Military Discounts available.

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Trussville Christmas Parade The Trussville Area Chamber of Commerce December 9 @ 3:00 pm 4:00 pm Free The mall area in Historic Downtown Trussville The parade will begin on Parkway Drive. It will turn right onto Gadsden Highway and right again onto Chalkville Mountain Road.

The parade will end after it passes by the Christmas tree at the Mall.

We hope you will join us for the 2023 Christmas Parade as it passes through historic Downtown Trussville. This is a free event for the citizens of Trussville to enjoy. The parade will begin on Parkway Drive. It will turn right onto Highway 11 and right again onto Chalkville Mountain Road.

The parade will end after it passes by the Christmas tree at the Mall.

This year’s parade theme is “The Sights and Sounds of Christmas.” Entries are encouraged but not required to take part in the theme for the float competition. Prizes will be awarded to: Best Interpretation of Theme, Most Original, Most Innovative, Best Overall and Best Walking Group. Several honorable mentions will also be named. **Rain Date: Sunday, December 10 at 3pm

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METAL ROOFS Completely Installed $4750* Siding/Windows 40% Off. LIMITED TIME. Factory Warranty. Free Estimates Credit cards accepted. SR/Military discounts *1500 sq ft CALL NOW !! 800-664-4856

Jefferson Memorial Garden, Trussville, Alabama; Two (2) Burial Lots. 5-A, Spaces 1-2: located EAST in Garden of Trinity, with Opening and Closing paid; Certificate for both lots; with Paid Certificate of Bronze Memorialization all for $7,999.00.

Contact Stanley Dean via cell phone: 941-321-5123 DirecTV Satellite TV Service Starting at $59.99/month! Free Installation! 160+ channels available. Call Now to Get the Most Sports & Entertainment on TV! 844-594-7108 NEED NEW Flooring? Call Empire Today to schedule a Free in-home estimate on Carpeting and Flooring. Call Today! 1-888381-0916.

LONG DISTANCE MOVING: Call today for a FREE QUOTE from America’s Most Trusted Interstate Movers. Let us take the stress out of moving! Speak to a Relocation Specialist, call 844925-3534

UPDATE YOUR HOME with Beautiful New Blinds & Shades.

FREE in-home estimates make it convenient to shop from home.

Professional installation. Top quality - Made in the USA. Call for free consultation: 844-8099165. Ask about our specials!

EDUCATION

Eliminate gutter cleaning forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule a FREE LeafFilter estimate today. 20% off Entire Purchase. Plus 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-833-683-2005

ATTENTION ACTIVE Duty & Military Veterans! Begin a new career and earn your Degree at CTI! Online Computer & Medical training available for Veterans & Families! To learn more, call 866-475-1014 (M-F 8am6pm ET).

HEALTH/BEAUTY

Several craft stations will be set up around the library auditorium to help you get ready for the holiday season (while supplies last).

Santa will stop by for photos from 5:00pm - 7:00pm.

Please bring a camera to capture your family’s time with Santa. A staff member will be available to take photos if needed.

This event is open to all ages.

No Registration is Needed.

Page 15

ATTENTION OXYGEN THERAPY USERS! Inogen One G4 is capable of full 24/7 oxygen delivery. Only 2.8 pounds. FREE information kit. Call 844-3229935.

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GENERAC Standby Generators provide backup power during utility power outages, so your home and family stay safe and comfortable. Prepare now. Free 7-year extended warranty ($695 value!). Request a free quote today! Call for additional terms and conditions. 1-877-323-5516 Safe Step. North Americas #1 Walk-In Tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-theline installation and service.

Now featuring our FREE shower package and $1600 Off for a lim-

Jacuzzi Bath Remodel can install a new, custom bath or shower in as little as one day. For a limited time, we’re waiving all installation costs! (Additional terms apply. Subject to change and vary by dealer. Offer ends 12/31/23 Call 1-877-205-0836 Replace your roof with the best looking and longest lasting material steel from Erie Metal Roofs! Three styles and multiple colors available. Guaranteed to last a lifetime! Limited Time Offer up to 50% off installation + Additional 10% off install (for military, health workers & 1st responders.) Call Erie Metal Roofs: 1-833-955-3163 Add ToneKote® to dog & cat rations to treat dry, scaly skin, doggy odor &insure winter coat.

At Tractor Supply® (www.happyjackinc.com) AUTOMOTIVE SUPPORT THE BLIND! Donate a car to the American Council of the Blind. FAST FREE PICKUP. 24-hour response. Running or not. maximum tax deduction and no emission test required! Call 24/7: 844-601-1342.

AUTO INSURANCE from $29 month Free 2-minute Quote! We Compare all Insurance providers offers for you! Lowest Rates!

Call Now 866-450-0943 VEHICLE TITLE Problems? We have a solution! Call Jason Steward Enterprises, We’re Alabama’s #1 Vehicle Title Problem Experts! Free telephone consultation. North AL 1-256-850-0527, Central AL 1-205-267-5735, South AL 1-251-342-8538.

The Trussville Tribune

Page 16

O b i t u a ry

Jo Ann Frazier

june 13, 1938 — november 14, 2023

JoAnn Frazier (85) passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday November 14, 2023. The family will receive friends at Jefferson Memorial Trussville on Tuesday Nov. 21st from 11:00am to Noon with Chapel Service at 12:00 noon. JoAnn is survived by her Son, Chris Frazier (Melissa), Daughter, Genie Woodard (Jonathan), two Grandchildren, Christen Scott (Matthew), Justin Richey (Beth), and two Great-Grandchildren, Brooklynn & Bexley Richey.

JoAnn was a long-time resident of Clay, Alabama and graduated from Hewitt-Trussville High School. She had an especially long career in property management until her retirement at the age of 80 yeas old. She enjoyed tending the flowers in her yard, spending time with family and friends and cooking Sunday dinners. Her delicious home-made biscuits, fried okra and chicken salad will be sorely missed. She also enjoyed shopping and had many traveling adventures.

She knew how to have fun and her laughter will be remembered by all who knew her.

Sylvia Alldredge

april 4, 1938 — november 17, 2023

Sylvia Marie Alldredge of Trussville, AL passed away on Friday, November 17, 2023 at the age of 85. She was a loving and devoted Mother, sister, Grandmother, and Great Grandmother who was very loved and will be greatly missed. Sylvia was a member of Sulpher Springs Baptist church in Trussvile and loved serving the Lord. Sylvia is survived by her Daughter, Dona Alldredge; her Grandchildren, Sylvia Griffin, Heather Sims, Amber Alldredge, and Felecia Alldredge; and her Great Grandchildren, Richie Griffin, Kaylee Sims, Zander Sims, Gracie Alldredge, Sydney Alldredge, Matthew Alldredge, and Emma Mccombs. To know her was to love her.

Services will be held at Jefferson Memorial Gardens in Trussville on Friday, November 24th, 2023, starting at 12 pm. Visitation will be from 11 am to 12 pm. All are welcome.

Her family would like to say a special thank you to her neighbors and the care-giver team that gave their time and love to make her final weeks and days comfortable and peaceful.

Bobby Joe Newton

We know she was looking forward to a heavenly reunion with family and loved-ones that she has not seen in a while.

september 1, 1934 — november 26, 2023

She had a special place in her heart for her dogs, Jake, Sam, Charlie & Billy – all black Labrador Retrievers. Rather than flowers, she asked us to request donations be made to the Greater Birmingham Humane Society at https://gbhs.org

Bobby Joe Newton, age 89 of Trussville, AL passed away on November 26, 2023. He was a member of Trussville First Baptist Church and he graduated from Hewitt Trussville High School. He was very proud that his football team voted him Most Valuable Player. After he graduated he joined the United States Air Force and served his tour of duty at Weathers Field Air Force Base in England. After returning home he joined the Alabama Air National Guard where he worked for a long career. He continued his education and earned his Bachelor and Masters degree from UAB. He retired from the Alabama Air National Guard on September 1, 1989 on his 55th birthday.

Beverly Harris

january 17, 1948 — november 15, 2023 Beverly Helm Harris of Irondale died Wednesday, November 15, 2023. She was 75 years old.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Dora Newton, sisters, Ruby and Gloria Newton and Pauline (Bill) Dover, brother, Cecil (Geneva) Newton.

Ms. Harris was a resident of Irondale but had spent most of her life in Birmingham.

She was born on January 17, 1948, in Birmingham, AL. She married her high school sweetheart, James Edward Harris, on August 3, 1968. They were married for 48 years when Jim passed away in October 2015.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Gail Crouch Newton; daughters, Jo Ann (Mike) McLean and Susan (Dale) Dunn; grandchildren, Daniel and Drake (Krystal) Dormann, Brooks (Caroline) McLean and Liz (Matthew) Kowalski; great grandchildren, Jaxson and Rosie Dormann and Tripp McLean; sister-in-law, Kay Crouch; several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, by her parents, Waverly Bernard Helm and Margaret Louise Helm, and her sister Deborah Wilson, all of Birmingham.

Ms. Harris is survived by two children, daughter Summer Harris Hancock of Brentwood, Tennessee and son Joseph Nathaniel Harris of Irondale; two brothers Waverly Helm (Cindy) of Springville and Kevin Helm of Birmingham; and two grandchildren, Charles Hunter Hancock and Andrew James Hancock, both of Brentwood.

She worked at the Len Lowe Co., Ltd. in Birmingham for many years as a secretary.

For the past 30 years she worked two months of the year playing a vital part of helping the office of Christmas Village Festival and Cottontails Festival run smoothly. Working there with those ladies was her “happy place”. But it was her “job,” first as a Mom and in later years as “Granny B” to the grandsons, that she was most proud of. She was also a loving caregiver to “rescue” pups “Redd,” “Missy” and “Jackson.”

Ms. Harris graduated in 1966 from Shades Valley High School; afterward, she attended Birmingham-Southern College. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, November 21 at Jefferson Memorial Gardens in Trussville, with visitation from 1:00-2:00 p.m. A brief service will be held at 2:00 p.m., with burial to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorials be made to the Greater Birmingham Humane Society.

Arthur Gene “Bud” Shackelford march 12, 1944 — november 26, 2023

Arthur Gene (Bud) Shackelford, 79, of Margaret Alabama, passed away on November 26th, 2023.

Bud was born on March 12th, 1944 to A.T. and Joyce Shackelford in Birmingham, AL. During his early career, he worked as an insurance adjuster for Emmco Insurance and the Chrysler Corporation before starting and running his own claims service “Shackelford Claims Service” for 15 years. After which, he worked in sales and auto-salvage acquisitions for LKQ until his retirement.

In 1965, Bud met Judith Ray in Birmingham, AL where they shared their first date on New Years Eve and later married. They went on to raise 2 children, Keith and Kelly. Bud loved his family, and the Lord. He was a member and attended Bethel Baptist Church and was also a former deacon at his home church, Centercrest Baptist.

Bud had a passion for rebuilding cars, especially hot-rods. He loved to fish with Centercrest Bass Club, as well as his son and numerous friends. His son, Keith, nicknamed him “Lumberjack Shack” as you could find him and his grandsons cutting down trees on his property nearly every Saturday. In much of his free time, especially after retirement, he would be found out in his garage working on a project or making some repairs.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Judy. A daughter, Kelly Shackelford Payne and Daughter-in-law, Delina Rush Shackelford. Grandchildren Lee Blackwood(Yuria), Daniel Blackwood, Justin Payne(Kalyn), and Maddie Payne.

He is preceded in death by his son, Richard “Keith” Shackelford (Delina), father A.T. Shackelford, and mother Joyce Shackelford.

Services will be held at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home, with visitation at 11:00 A.M. and chapel service at 12:00 P.M., followed by graveside service at 1:00 P.M.

Ask Eddie

Jefferson Memorial is a full-service funeral home and perpetual care cemetery dedicated to serving our community with dignity and compassion.

We Make it Personal®, one family at a time.

Eddie Seal, General Manager

The holiday season often brings grief and contemplation of the belongings left behind by our departed loved ones. While some items hold sentimental value and serve as reminders, many can be donated to help those in need.

Preparing items for donation can be emotionally challenging as it involves revisiting your loved one’s life through their possessions.

Organizing and taking your time are essential coping strategies.

Seeking assistance from family members can help with decision-making. Friends can also provide support during this process.

Donating unneeded items can alleviate the physical burden of loss and benefit others. Furniture, clothing, electronics, and more can be given to charities like Goodwill or local religious organizations. Many organizations help with transporting donations and provide tax deductions.

Furthermore, when planning a service for a lost loved one, suggesting donations to a charity related to their interests can be a meaningful way to honor their memory and help those in similar situations. Giving during the holidays brightens the lives of those in need and aids in healing.

Please Scan for the Full Article!

205-322-0543

Birmingham, AL 35235

If you have any questions about funeral planning please email: askeddie@jmgardens.com

www.jmgardens.com

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to your favorite charity.

Jennie Ware

july 12, 1938 — november 21, 2023

In grateful and loving memory of Jennie Mary Ware On Tuesday, Nov. 21, Jennie Mary Ware joined her Lord and Savior in Heaven, after a long, well-lived life of 85 years.

Jennie loved God with her whole heart. She will be greatly missed by her husband Harvey T. Ware and her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and extended family: Donna Cope (Alan) and children Charles Webster, Victoria Thomas (Tyler), and Alexandra Gutierrez (Aaron) and great-grandson Leon; Wanda Roden (Roger) and children Micah and Makayla; and Thomas Cope (Robin) and children Rachel Carmona (Lesty) and Jonathan Cope (Caitlyn), and great-granddaughter Parker; along with Deana Ware Ott (Jeff) and children Suzie and Allen Ott (Karla), Harvey’s great-grandson Atticus; and Denise Ware and daughter Shelby (Cody) Ramsay.

Jennie was preceded in death by Charles Donald Cope; her parents Adolfo and Teresa Lavadie, as well as her brothers Robert and Charles Lavadie and her sister Dolores Lavadie Ailstock.

Jennie retired from the city of Birmingham after 21 years of service.

May her memory be a blessing forever.

Jan Lowery

june 7, 1943 — november 25, 2023 Janet (Jan) Cook Lowery of Birmingham, AL passed away peacefully at home on November 25, 2023. She was born in Birmingham, Al on June 7, 1943, to Evelyn and Wilburn I. Cook.

Jan was raised in East Lake and graduated from Banks High School, where she was the first Homecoming Queen.

Jan married the love her of life, James L (Jakie) Lowery in 1960. They were married for over 62 years. Jan was baptized at an early age at Ruhama Baptist Church. She was proud of her Christian faith and was a member of Lakeside Baptist Church.

While raising her children, Jan was on the executive board of the AFWA (Alabama Federation of Women’s Clubs) from 1973 through 1979. She later worked at Baptist Medical Center Montclair where she was the president at the BMC Montclair Auxiliary from 1993 to 1995.

After her husband’s job transfer, Jan lived in Powell, Ohio for a few years before moving back to Birmingham where she went to work for Stein Mart in a newly created position as their Boutique Manager. Jan loved to travel and had the opportunity to travel to several countries mostly with her husband, sister, and brother-in-law.

Jan was a beautiful, kind, and giving person, that always had a smile on her face and a positive word of encouragement to all.

She was a loving wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great grandmother, devoted friend, sister, and sister-in-law. Not only will she be missed by her family, but also the many friends she had.

Family, laughter, and music was a huge part of her life.

Charity During the Holiday Season

1591 Gadsden Hwy

Nov. 29 - Dec. 5, 2023

Jan was preceded in death by her husband, James L (Jakie) Lowery, her parents; father Wilburn Cook and stepmother, Jesse Cook, Her mother Evelyn Cook, and stepbrother Bill Clifton.

She is survived by sister, Judy Tarrant (Frank) of Birmingham; daughter, Leigh Ann Motley (Buddy) of Birmingham; son, Chris Lowery (Kim) of Birmingham; grandchildren, Jennifer Motley of Trussville, Kadie Motley (Doug) of Vincent, and Joseph Motley of Trussville; great grandchildren, Tyler Hayes of Trussville, and Brooklyn Albanese of Vincent.

The family will receive friends on Friday, December 1, 2023, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm with a service to follow at 2:00 pm at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home in Trussville. The family will have private burial to follow.

In lieu of flowers the family request memorial contributions to be made to Alzheimer’s Association 1-800-272-3900; www.Act.alz.org in memory of Jan.

Daniel Francis Hall Jr.

march 27, 1964 — november 17, 2023

Daniel Francis Hall Jr., age 59, of Leeds, Alabama passed away on November 17, 2023. Daniel was employed with the Birmingham Post Office, UAB, Children’s Hospital and enjoyed work in various construction jobs. He was a faithful member of Ashville Road Church of Christ in Leeds, Alabama.

Daniel is preceded in death by his father, Daniel Francis Hall Sr. He leaves behind to cherish his memory his mother, Ann Hall; sister, Dana Hall Harper; grandfather, James Marvin Alexander; grandmother, Erma Florence Alexander, aunt and uncle Al and Martha Alexander, and numerous other cousin and friends.

In lieu of flowers the family request memorials to be made to Ashville Road Church of Christ in Leeds, AL. A memorial service will be held on November 30, 2023 at 2:00 pm at Ashville Road Church of Christ in Leeds. Al.

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Page 17

sports Clay Chalkville Cougars vs Parker Thundering Herd, Prep Football, AHSAA A State Playoff Semi-Finals, Friday, Dec. 1, 2023.

Center Point Eagles vs McAdory Yellow Jackets, Boys and Girls Prep Basketball, Friday, Dec. 1, 2023.

Leeds Greenwave vs Saint Clair County Saints, Boys and Girls Prep Basketball, Monday, Dec. 4, 2023.

The Trussville Tribune Nov. 29 - Dec. 5, 2023

Cougars advance to face Parker

By John Goolsby Prep Sports Editor

Jaylen Mbakwe had a huge game Friday night.

The Alabama commit completed 21 of 27 passes for 316 yards and five touchdowns to lead the Clay-Chalkville Cougars (12-0) past the Muscle Shoals Trojans (12-1) 44-27.

Mbakwe was especially deadly in the second half. He completed 7-of-8 passes for 164 yards and four scores.

While Mbakwe was happy with the win, he is focused on what lies ahead. “It is simple,” he said. “Win the next two.”

Marlon Compton was Mbakwe’s favorite target catching seven passes for 94 yards and a touchdown.

Mario Craver had five receptions for 81 yards and two scores.

Clay-Chalkville got on the scoreboard first on a 2-yard Taurus Chambers run.

Muscle Shoals answered back and tied the game on a 4-yard scoring run later in the quarter.

Mbakwe hit Corey Barber with a 24-yard strike early in the second quarter to give the Cougars a 14-7 lead.

Clay kicker Antone Ellison drilled a 48-yard field goal as time expired in the first half to push the Cougars lead to 17-7.

Mbakwe hit Craver for a 22-yard score to give Clay a 23-7 lead to open the third quarter.

Cougar’s Mbakwe (File photo)

Muscle Shoals answered back on a one yard run to cut the Cougsr lead to 23-14.

Mbakwe went to work and hit Aaron Osley with a short

pass that resulted in a 61-yard touchdown to make the score 30-14.

Mbakwe wasn’t done and hit Craver for a 31-yard score

to push the lead to 37-14 late in the third period.

Muscle Shoals scored on three of their five second-half possessions but could not

close the gap.

Mbakwe closed out the scoring with a 43-yard touchdown pass to Compton to make the final score 44-27.

The Cougars head to the semifinals to take on Parker (12-1). The Herd eliminated the Cougars in the first round of the playoffs last year.

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The Trussville Tribune

Page 18

Nov. 29 - Dec. 5, 2023

Blue Devils fall to defending champs Ramsay

The Hewitt Trussville offense, led by quarterback Peyton Floyd, lines up against the Thompson Warriors. Photo by Bobby Mathews.

Hewitt falls to Thompson in Semifinals

By Zack Steele For the Tribune

The Hewitt Trussville Huskies deepest run in the AHSAA playoffs since 1996 came to an end Friday night in Alabaster at the hands of four-time-defending state champion Thompson Warriors.

The Huskies used a brilliant defensive game plan to stifle the potent Thompson offense for most of the game.

Hewitt’s defense was able to control Thompson’s running game with just three defensive lineman, allowing extra defensive backs to keep the Thompson passing game in check.

Hewitt’s offense slowed the pace of the game with a hard-nosed running game led

by Peyton Floyd and Jacqson Melton.

The plan worked to perfection for the most of the first half. Hewitt would go on a 14-play drive to start the game that stalled inside the 5. Tripp Ward would cash in with a 2-yard field goal.

Thompson would cough

it up on their first possession, and Parker Floyd would hop on the loose ball. Hewitt would punt the ball back to Thompson 3 plays later.

Thompson would give it back a few plays when they turned the ball over on downs at their own 43.

Hewitt would take advantage of the short field when Peyton Floyd scored the 100th touchdown of his career, easily a Hewitt Trussville record. Hewitt led 10-0 midway through the second quarter.

Thompson would finally get rolling with a big kickoff return and a 55-yard drive for a touchdown. AJ Green did the honors for the Warriors from 2 yards out.

Hewitt punted the ball back to Thompson, and the Warriors wasted little time with a short field as Trent Seaborn would score on a 9-yard touchdown run with 1:41 left in the half.

Thompson received the second-half kickoff and wasted little time scoring their 20th and 21st unanswered point with 8:34 left in the 3rd quar-

ter to lead 21-10.

Hewitt would drive into Thompson territory three more times but come up empty. Hewitt’s final drive ended with an Anquon Fegans intercepted Peyton Floyd.

Hewitt finishes the season at 9-4. Thompson advances to take on Central of Phenix City in Tuscaloosa in a week and a half.

Hewitt Coach Josh Floyd was disappointed in the result, but was extremely proud of his team’s effort.

“I thought our defense played well most of the night.

Our defensive line and linebackers did a good job against the run.”

With the loss, Floyd says goodbye to a special group of seniors, which includes his oldest son Peyton.

“This senior class is a special group. They’ve been together since you league ball and really developed into a great group. They’re winners that will be successful whatever they do in life one day. I hate that it’s over but I am super proud of them.”

The Moody football team running onto the field before their third-round playoff game against Ramsay. Photo by: Ron Burkett

By Johnny Sanders Sports Editor

MOODY – Moody welcomed the defending 5A state champions to The Bill on Friday night in a game that would determine who would move on to the semi-finals of the playoffs and earn the right to play against Guntersville, who surprised Pleasant Grove on Friday night. Ramsay walked into Moody and, despite “a great offensive scheme that had us confused all night,” per one of the Ram defenders, the defending champs walked away with a 40-27 victory and continued their trek to win back-to-back championships in 5A. Ramsay would get the ball first and drive the ball straight down the field for the opening touchdown of the game.

The PAT would be blocked, making the score 6-0 Ramsay with 9:29 to play in the first.

Moody would not be phased as the Blue Devils drove the ball down the field and, two minutes later, Charlie Johnston would find KD Barnes for a 16-yard touchdown. A

Junior Moreno PAT would make it 7-6 Moody.

After Moody held Ramsay to a punt, the Blue Devils would set up shop and look to put another touchdown on the board. Instead, Johnston would roll out and attempt to find Braden Wright, but a Ramsay defender would step in front of the short pass and intercept it, returning it for a touchdown. A failed two-point try would make it 12-7 Rams.

The Blue Devils would answer the score with 14 seconds left in the first when Johnston would find his favorite touchdown catcher in the end zone, giving the Johnston to Barnes connection their second score on the night and putting Moody up 14-12 to end the first quarter.

The second quarter would be a defensive struggle. A struggle that would see Ramsay drive the ball down to the Moody five-yard line where the Blue Devil defense would tighten and hold Ramsay on a fourth down to get the ball back with 6:57 to go in the half.

Still unable to score,

Moody gave the ball back to Ramsay and they would drive down and score again, this time on a long pass play, making it 18-14 Rams headed into the locker room.

Moody would get the ball first in the second half and on the kickoff, AJ Madison, who looked to be hurt at the end of the second quarter, would shake off any pain that he was feeling and return the kick 67 yards to the Ramsay 14-yard line. After a short run on first down, Jacob Hadaway would take the ball 12 yards to paydirt and put Moody up 21-18 with just a minute gone off of the third quarter clock.

Ramsay would be unphased by the success of Moody’s opening drive of the half as they simply drove the ball down the field, setting up shop on the Moody one and punching it in to go up 25-21 over the visitors.

Moody’s offense would be unable to find any footing on the next drive and Ramsay would capitalize, driving the ball down the field and scorSee BLUE DEVILS, Page 20

The Trussville Tribune

Nov. 29 - Dec. 5, 2023

Page 19

“Something only God could Seven Springville put together,” Moody’s Tigers sign to play Smith signs with Bama sports at the next level

By Johnny Sanders Sports Editor

MOODY – In the hustle and bustle of the fantastic season that the Moody football team is experienced this year, there was a young man who runs track for the Blue Devils who signed to run at the University of Alabama recently and the story behind it is rather impressive.

Talan Smith, who has Cerebral Palsy and runs for the Moody Track team as a para track star, and his father drove to Tuscaloosa just to “see what would happen.” Smith recalls, “We were standing outside of the adaptive athletic facility and we can’t get in.

So, my dad calls a lady who knows the head coach and next thing we know, he calls the head coach and he brings us in and we start talking. Alabama has only been focused on wheel chair athletes for the past year. We start talking and the director comes in and it turns out they were about to hire a sprints coach and it fell into place. They told me I have a spot on the team next year if I wanted to come there. It was perfect timing. I got to tour the facilities and everything and it was great.”

On the decision to just drive down one day, Smith said, “I didn’t have many opportunities leading into this so we were just like, ‘let’s drive up and see what we can do.’ Dad knew this was what I wanted to do and I wanted to further this past high school.

We just drove up there and it was something only God could put together. It was all God and I give all glory to God. There was nothing I could do to make that happen.

It was all Him.” The state of Alabama is

Moody's Talan Smith who has signed to run on the Para Track Team at the University of Alabama. Photo by: Saint Clair County Schools

one of the only states in the country that has a para-ambulatory division in track. I was able to run in that division. Often times Smith was the only one on the track. A lot of the time, it was just him running against time. Smith had to learn quite a bit about this largely unknown sport. “I had to learn throughout the season the qualifications for Paralympics and the times needed to meet for Team USA and I strove for that and worked on that. I jumped in halfway through the season and it was new. I was never a fan of running before joining tack and I fell in love with it very quick. I saw the potential in it. I realized this was something that I could do professionally for a career.”

Talan’s coach, Michael Graben, said the following about Smith, “Moody High School is lucky to have someone like Talan as one of its students. Talan is one of the hardest workers I have ever coached. He is a leader that is needed in the classroom and on the field and in the

community. He attacks every challenge refusing to not be successful. He really stands out as someone any coach would want to have.”

Moody strength and conditioning coach Cam Willis, who has helped train Talan, said the following of the Bama signee, “Most people hate fighting through adversity but Talan thrives off of it.

One of the hardest working kids I’ve been around since I came to Moody. H has an obvious disability but he does not use it as a crutch and gives you everything he’s got. Most of the time I just sit back and watch him find a way to get the job done and it is kind of neat to just watch. The kid has a relentless pursuit and deserves everything he gets.

He will get to Bama and crush it and it will not surprise me one bit. He will make everyone around him better. I know that because he makes everyone here better.”

“Talan is a dedicated and hard-working student-athlete, who always looks to improve.” says Moody Principal Dr. Chris Walters. “He wants to make Moody High School a better place, and he is one of the first students to volunteer for clubs like the 411 Network. But what allows Talan to stand out is his desire to not only push himself to be better, but help improve para sports.

He has grown into a student leader that continues to make Moody High School a better place.”

Talan is about one second “and some change” away from the 400 meter emerging mark for Team USA. “My year-one goal is to set that emerging mark. That will put me on Team USA’s develSee MOODY, Page 20

By Johnny Sanders Sports Editor

SPRINGVILLE – It has been a big week for the Springville Tigers in many phases. Football went to the playoffs for the first time in a very long time, boys and girls basketball both got started up and the Tigers also had some athletes sign to play sports at the next level.

On Monday, November 13, six young ladies signed their letters to play college softball (5) and basketball (1) and they added another signee, a young man, on Thursday from the Cross-Country team.

Isabella Bullington, a two-sport athlete (softball and basketball) signed to play softball at Mobile University.

“Mobile felt like home the first time I visited there. It’s nice knowing I don’t have to worry about recruitment because that is over now, but there is pressure to win this coming season. To the underclassmen coming behind me, I would say to push through the recruiting process. It’s not a lot of fun, but it is worth it.”

Kiley Christopher signed to play softball as a catcher at Montevallo. “The coaches and players really made it feel like home. I am looking forward to getting to play with the girls this year. We have a lot to prove and I think we are ready for it. To the underclassmen, I would tell them to keep working hard, contact coaches and don’t get down on yourself if it doesn’t go the way you want it to at first. It will eventually come if you work hard and do what it takes.”

Abby Byrd signed to play basketball at Huntingdon College. “The atmosphere

Springville had six girls sign to play sports at the next level.

Five softball and one basketball signee pictured left to right.

Layla Bradshaw-Softball-Shelton State Community College; Emmy Leopard-Softball-Northwest Shoals Community College; Abby Byrd-Basketball-Huntingdon College; Bella Bullington-Softball-The University of Mobile; Kiley ChristopherSoftball-The University of Montevallo; Lanie Otwell-SoftballMarion Military Institute.

and the girls there make it like no other. I look forward to winning area. We don’t have a county tournament anymore so we need to focus on winning the area tournament. Underclassmen, show the girls younger that yall that you can do what we are doing too. Just keep the momentum going.

Emmy Leopard signed to play softball at Northwest Soals Community College as a utility player. “I loved the environment when I went for my visit there. The school itself felt very homey like a small town and I liked that.

I’ve known and loved the coach there forever and some of my friends play there. This year my goal is to leave an impression on the younger players and tell them that the hard work is worth it and one of the most important things.

I want to leave a good example for them.”

Lanie Otwell signed to play softball at Marion Military Institute as a first-base/

outfielder. “I really fell in love with Marion because of the coach, Jeff Benson. I met him and he was really funny and welcoming and comforting. I loved how it felt. Then I went on my visit and it was amazing and felt like home. I am having shoulder surgery this year, so I won’t get to play, but I am really excited to be on the sidelines cheering my fellow teammates on. To the underclassmen, I would say just to continue to work hard. I know they all work hard and I would say just continue what you are doing and you will get where you want to be.”

Layla Bradshaw signed with Shelton State Community College to play softball. “I chose Shelton State because it felt like home instantly. I am most excited to see how well my team and I have grown together and to see what we can accomplish this year. I See TIGERS, Page 20

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The Trussville Tribune

Page 20

Moody From page 19

opment team and they will begin to send me places to train. Like a JV team. By the time I’m out, I want to be a Paralympian and compete on the biggest stage.”

Talan’s goals are not just for himself. He wants to make Paralympics more know.

“It’s funny because I’ve had the thought that this is not

Nov. 29 - Dec. 5, 2023 a big sport. It’s not because it doesn’t get advertised.

There was just a big event in Hoover. Nationals. And it was free, no paid parking, 400 athletes from all over the country. They worked their tails off to get there. It should be more publicized. In track, the crowd helps you. You feed off of it. You want to run faster.

In adaptive sports, we don’t have that crowd and we wish we did. We work just as hard

as anyone else. Just because we are disabled, we shouldn’t be looked at differently. My hope in the future is that I can be part of growing this sport and getting it more publicity and eventually help grow it to a larger stage.”

What better way to accomplish that than by signing with one of the most recognizable universities in the entire nation, the Alabama Crimson Tide?

Tigers Moody senior wide receiver KD Barnes celebrates with his teammates after his first touchdown of the night against Ramsay. Photo by: Ron Burkett

Blue Devils From page 18

ing another touchdown, making it 32-21 Rams heading into the fourth.

Much of the same would happen in the fourth as Ramsay would score on a 21-yard touchdown pass with 10:51 to go in the game to make it 4021 and the defending champions were rolling. After the offense stalled again, Ramsay got the ball but this time Amon Lane-Ganus would pick off a Ram pass and Moody would get the ball back with almost six minutes to play.

Johnston would throw his third touchdown of the night, this one to Aidan Robinson from 20 yards out with 2:49 to play. Moody would attempt an onside kick but Ramsay would recover. Moody would hold, but could not do anything on offense and the game would end as Ramsay took a knee to run out the clock and seal a 4027 victory over Moody.

“We work from January to now for this moment,” said Coach Jake Ganus. “It wasn’t too big. They found a way to make more plays than we did.

(KD) played good. We had a tough time. They blitzed and were very good up front. When we took some shots he did a good job. We just didn’t come

away with enough of them.

(Johnston) will continue to get better. He’s gotten better every game. That is the best defense we have seen. He took shots and got back up. I’m really proud of him. No loss is good.

I will take the Nick Saban advice and never waste a failure.

This was absolutely a failure and I won’t waste it. I want to win every game I coach in. I don’t believe in champions of life. I want to teach these kids to win.”

Talking about his seniors, Ganus said, “I appreciate these seniors a lot. They’ve done a lot for me. I met them when they were sophomores in December. To see them grow up and buy into the culture and help me lay this foundation…I cannot put into words what it means. Our juniors who will be seniors are going to continue this. There are things in our program that we have to fix if we want to go where we want to go.”

Senior Chase Jackson said, “I just have to keep my guys’ head up. It’s a hard time losing for the last time at home. I can’t show my emotions. I just have to help them. We set the standard. Those coming behind us just need to keep the standard and keep working.”

Senior Brady Dodd said, “I’m hurt. We gave it every-

thing we had and came up short. They will come back harder next year. We had two years with these coaches but we needed more. The guys coming up, I love them all.

My message to them is to keep grinding. Don’t be a ‘what if’ guy, be a ‘that was me’ guy.”

Senior Aidan Robinson said, “It sucks. I can’t play with my brothers anymore but I am blessed to have this journey. Got to keep God first. To underclassmen, work hard so you can go out winning and not feel like I do tonight.”

Junior quarterback Charlie Johnston spoke of the game, “I was proud of how we fought and stayed confident and kept the energy up. It was hard but we kept going and tried to keep the energy up. I love these seniors and I am going to miss them. They’ve helped me be a leader. I’m going to let this one sink in for tonight and it’s back to work and time to grow and see what I can improve on.”

Moody finishes 2023 with a 10-3 record after Friday’s loss. This is the first time in school history that the Blue Devils have won ten games in a season.

Ramsay will host Guntersville at Legion Field for the right to go to Tuscaloosa for the 5A state championship on Friday night.

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From page 19

would say to underclassmen to never give up and always trust in one another and don’t take time for granted because it flies by.”

Softball coach JP Taruc said the following about the girls who signed, “I am extremely proud of these young ladies for pursuing their dreams of playing at the next level. This is an awesome day for Springville High School Girls’ Athletic Program to have five student-athletes accepting softball scholarships and one student-athlete accepting a basketball scholarship. Each of these girls is a great representative for Springville High School.

They work hard on and off of the field and they are always willing to help when needed.

It has been a blessing getting to coach all six of them.”

Elliot Denard signed to run cross-country at Wallace State Community College. “I chose Wallace because it is a great option. To not have to pay for my first two years of college and they are also very competitive in cross-country.

So, to be able to run with other good runners was part of it.

I love just having teammates to work with in cross-country. I would like to thank coach Watson and Ford and Mahaffey for helping me and making me a better runner.

To underclassmen, just work toward running, you can do

Springville Cross Country runner Elliot Denard, who signed with Wallace State on Thursday, November 16, 2023, surrounded by his parents, coaches and principal.

Photo by: Johnny Sanders

anything. What you put in is what you are going to get.”

Former cross-country coach Watson, who coached Denard for 5 years, spoke of Elliot and his signing. “His work ethic is what got him here. He developed from a average runner to a very good runner and he pushed himself. He also had some older kids to help push and drive him. He is driven and doesn’t like to get beat. That’s why he has this opportunity. I hope to see him grow in his preparation and training. He tends to want to over-do it sometimes.

He wants to push himself.

He’s a great kid and a great runner and I am very proud of him.”

Coach Jonathan Ford, who took over for coach Watson and has served as a cross-country assistant for the past three years, said the following about Denard, “His inner drive got him to this point.

He’s quiet, reserved and you don’t hear much from him, but you see his work ethic and how hard he practices and you see the results. He also has some guys older than him who have had success and he saw that and made it a challenge for himself.”

Jaylen Mbakwe – Quarterback – Clay Chalkville Cougars

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