The Trussville Tribune | Home & Garden | March, 2021

2021

A Special Supplement to

The Trussville Tribune March 2021

Home & Garden | The Trussville Tribune

Page 2 (B)

March, 2021

Hilltop Farms brings hometown charm to shopping local

By Terry Schrimscher, sponsored content

Like a lot of people with an entrepreneurial spirit, Springville teacher TracyAnn Massey had always wanted to open her own shop but says she never imagined she’d be doing it in the midst of a pandemic when so many small businesses were struggling to stay alive.

Investing in your community can be an emotional experience but when her father, Corky Massey, ap-proached her about buying the former Williams Orchard in Argo, TracyAnn said she knew she had found her calling. She set out to reopen the popular store adding her own personal touches along the way.

“There weren’t any local places serving breakfast,” said Massey.

So, she transformed the former ice cream shop in the back of the building into a cafe that has become a popular morning destination in Argo. Massey says she expanded the kitchen area to increase capacity and is planning to begin serving lunch at the location during the week with daily specials, such as “Meatloaf Monday.”

Massey says she wants the

store to become a destination for customers in the area and she feels having a personal connection to the area will help her create that experience.

“If there is an item someone really wants, we’ll do our best to get it in the store for them,” she says.

One customer found out she was beginning a lunch

Being a lifelong resident of the community, Massey thought it was important to maintain many of the features of the business that local residents have come to expect. She will continue to carry fresh, local pro-duce and plants, grown on-site, and she’ll continue seasonal attractions like the pumpkin

A sense of history and community pride is important to her. Even the name of the store has a connection to the community. Massey says her father used to shop at the Hilltop Grocery store that was in the loca-tion when he was a child and that inspired the name Hilltop Farms for her store.

community without losing that local feel. She plans to expand the build-ing to add a full-time floral shop and a larger bakery—building upon the history of offering the location, which has been a favorite spot for home-baked pies and locally grown plants for many years.

Massey says she had to

menu and said he really liked a certain kind of bean with his meatloaf, so Massey said she’ll make sure they have them ready.

patch in the fall. The store will also stock many of the Amish goods that have brought in customers from near and far for years.

While she wants to maintain many of the local traditions, Massey says she wants to expand and grow the business to meet the needs of the

learn more about the best practices for planting when she started the business but she has one of the best teachers she could find.

“We have Mr. Kenneth, who was here when the Williams’ owned it,” said Massey.

“He has shown me how to pot the plants and root the plants.

He has taken me down to the market and shown me how to identify healthy plants.”

“People have come in and asked about plants for their garden,” said Massey. “But I tell them we don’t have a lot of things out yet because we’re due for another cold spell.”

She says she plans to stock a large variety of plants for home flower beds, but she doesn’t like the way big box stores put them out and sell them too early. She says when you care about the community you don’t sell someone a flower knowing it is going to die because you sold it too early.

Massey emphasized the point that she sees Hilltop Farms growing to be a destination spot for families to shop and enjoy extra attractions like hayrides, pumpkin patches, and more. She feels the key is caring about your neighbors and giving them more than they expect.

Hilltop Farms is located at 1028 U.S. Hwy 11 in Argo, Alabama. The number is 205452-2563.

Find everything you need for your Spring foilage, gardens, natural area, and home enhancements at Hilltop!

Fresh produce available, more arriving weekly.

Fresh baked pies, brownies, and other delicious homemade treats - including cookies as big as your face!

Beautiful plants for your garden like hibiscus and mandevilla. Bedding plants also available.

Mulch, gravel, dirt, and sand available; we even deliver!

The famous Mr. Kenneth planting tomato seeds with care.

Ferns of all varieties and sizes available.

Hilltop Farms 205-452-2563

1028 US HWY 11 Trussville, AL 35173

Follow us on Facebook for weekly updates and specials!

March, 2021

Home & Garden | The Trussville Tribune

Page 3 (B)

Vulcan Termite and Pest Control goes the extra mile with nearly 300 years combined experience

By Joshua Huff, sponsored content

As unsightly and frustrating as a weed-ridden lawn might be, the true threat to a residential or commercial business does not bask in the warmth of the sun, but instead lurks within the foundations of buildings and conducts its business in solitude, until the worst comes to pass.

Those threats take the form of pests, such as termites, small rodents and household insects. Termites alone are responsible for more than $1 billion to $2 billion in property damage per year in the United States.

The job of preventing those unwanted visitors falls to Vulcan Termite and Pest Control, which is locally owned and based out of Pelham, Alabama.

The company prides itself on a deft touch when it comes to protecting both residential and commercial buildings. With a staff of over 30 employees, which all told brings nearly 300 years of total pest control experience to the table, it is no wonder that Vulcan is one of the best pest control companies in the state.

“We are experienced, and we do care about our customers in a fashion that some folks don’t,” Vulcan Termite and Pest Control General Manager Fred Smith said. “We do believe in trying to build a relationship with those customers.

Not only do we offer termite control, but we also offer pest control services, mosquito services and wildlife

exclusion services.”

Vulcan, which was established in 1965, conducts its business within five counties surrounding the Birmingham metro area and has spent

oped we find that people forget about their termite control,” Smith said. “People really do need to maintain that. This time of year, when people are working on their

festations can wreak havoc on a residence or a commercial building. Termites can damage support beams, roof supports, ceiling joists, wall studs, posts and foundations,

in the top five states at the worst risk of termite damage.

That is why maintenance and constant supervision are needed.

quite a bit of time working within the Trussville area as new homes rise throughout the rapidly growing city.

“With a lot of new construction and a lot of new neighborhoods being devel-

taxes, people also need to be looking at their termite contract. See what it says and study that. If they have any questions, call us and we’ll be glad to help them.”

Unchecked, termite in-

if not discovered. Adding upon the misery is the fact that termites thrive in warmer weather, and as such, are most prevalent in the South, Southeast, West and Southwest, with Alabama residing

Knowledge, Smith said, is the best deterrent when combating pests and termites, which is why Vulcan does its best to educate its customers on termite control and the need to properly

maintain their business or home. As a bonus, Vulcan extends repair contracts, which few other pest control companies offer. Repair contracts, according to Smith, offer customers a guarantee of a repair should termites bypass defenses.

“We go the extra step and have a repair on about 90% of our contracts,” Smith said.

In addition to termite eradication, Vulcan does a lot of small animal exclusion, which includes raccoons, opossums, squirrels, and bats, among others. Vulcan will safely remove the animal and further inspect the home to shore up any possible entrances. Once an animal exclusion is conducted on a house, Vulcan will offer at least a two-year warranty on the work that was performed.

For further insight, Vulcan retains a board-certified entomologist, who updates the company’s training and keeps it abreast of best “termite and pest control strategies.”

“We work to be the best value for the money,” Smith said.

Vulcan is open Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. It can be reached at vulcantermite.com, through a contact form on the website or by calling the office at (205) 663-4200.

For more detailed information regarding pests and termite problems, you can visit Vulcan’s website and access the company’s pest blog, which dives into various topics such as education and prevention and seasonal pests.

PROTECT YOUR MOST VALUABLE ASSETS...

Call Vulcan to help protect your home, health & property!

D L I W ?

E LI F

Contact Us at 663-4200 or online at www.vulcantermite.com

TERMITE &

PEST CONTROL INC

Serving the State of Alabama Since 1965 Pelham, AL 35124

Page 4 (B)

Home & Garden | The Trussville Tribune

March, 2021

APS: Generations of professional services for your home, from the ground up Sponsored Content

Although Alabama Professional Services is well known to homeowners for a variety of things, resting on their laurels is not one of them. Their success and dedication come from a pledge to provide their customers with the peace of mind that comes from a safe, secure, and healthy home.

The company’s rich history in Trussville all started in 1977.

At the time, APS was a pest control company. It soon became evident that infestations and foundation issues went hand in hand. In their effort to fully serve their clients, they decided to address both concerns in 1988. Expanding their capabilities was another challenge these experts took on with confidence and a commitment to excellence.

Still needing more room to expand, APS moved to the Irondale location just outside of Birmingham in 2001. By spring 2018, a second Irondale location was opened. For 43 years, they have delivered the service and satisfaction that has made them a leader in the industry. Although the company is large, it has always been family-owned.

The owner, Craig Williams, grew up in Trussville.

His family moved to the Clay community in 1978 and his

grandfather and father started the business. He graduated from Hewitt-Trussville High School in 1984.

“I was the last class out of the old high school,” said Williams. “And we were the first graduating class out of the new school, which is now the middle school.”

Williams went to work for his grandfather, Charles Williams, and his father, Rod Williams out of high school.

Although he had been working with them throughout high school, he started fulltime as a pest control technician after graduation.

In 1987, he became the pest control department manager and in 1990, he became the termite management in sales.

In 2001, Williams’ grandfather passed away. He became Vice President of the company, a position he held until 2004 when his father retired, and he became owner and president of APS.

“We have been able to hire and maintain employees that help provide those services to our customers,” Williams added. “We have built a good, healthy culture for our employees.

The company recently completed an employee audit.

One of the main things Williams learned from the audit was that employees appreciate that healthy culture.

The family tradition of leading a successful company

“I do this with great pride,” said Williams. “The fact that we’ve been able to maintain excellence in customer service is probably the most appreciated thing.”

Another thing Williams appreciated is his employees.

is sure to continue. Williams’ son, Riley, is following in his father’s footsteps. After graduating from the University of Alabama with a business degree Riley began working for APS. “I just hope he continues

what we started,” Williams said. “For him to build on top of that and for him to explore and build on things that can take APS to the next level is what I hope.”

The company’s expertise has grown to include every aspect of residential and commercial owners’ properties. In addition to pest control and foundations, they provide lawn care and landscaping solutions. APS assists clients across Alabama from Huntsville to Gulf Shores, including the Mobile area. In addition to residential customers, their clientele includes restaurant owners, food processing centers, educational institutions, health care facilities, hotels and lodgings, manufacturing centers, office buildings and apartments, and universities.

But the APS experts felt they could do even more to help homeowners. In 2005, they joined the CleanSpace network of crawlspace repair professionals. Soon after, they added basement waterproofing and concrete repair to their list of skills.

“I started the venture of AFS, which was the founda-

tion repair and waterproofing division,” Williams remembered. “I was part owner of that until 2016, and a business partner bought me out.

In 2018, APS started its division of foundation repair and waterproofing. And now we do a gutter system with leaf protection. It’s called Gutter Shutter.”

Another immensely helpful (and fun) APS service is the Ask Roger program.

Roger is the team’s expert and he is waiting to answer your lawn, foundation, and pest questions. If your petunias don’t pop, ask Roger.

If you thought bugs hibernated in winter, but no one told the bugs, email Roger.

If your house has a failing foundation and looks like the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Roger can help. Email Roger at askroger@alabamaprofessional.com and he will reply quickly with the answer. Roger is also a TV celebrity. He has a weekly show on WBRC, Channel 6 every Tuesday at 9:27 a.m. The same show airs every Monday on Tribune Unscripted.

They are also involved in active corporate citizenship.

APS serves at the local soup kitchens and gives to the Shelby County Humane Society in partnership with Keller

APS is also known for something else- giving back to the state. They are annual contributors to Habitat For Humanity, ensuring that the homes built are free from infestations of termites, carpenter ants, and other pests.

APS, Alabama Professional Services has something for every part of your homepest control, including termite and mosquitoes, foundation repair, home improvement, waterproofing, and lawn care.

They are here for you.

Williams Realty. Partnering with local police and fire departments, they offer training and education for low-income families through the Tuscaloosa Housing Authority. The Irondale-based company is especially dedicated to supporting the Irondale police force and fire departments.

Alabama Professional Services is a proud sponsor of the annual “Boiling N’ Bragging” Rotary District 6860 football kickoff benefit party for the Critical Care Transport team at Children’s of Alabama.

Home & Garden | The Trussville Tribune

March, 2021

Page 5 (B)

JDog Junk Removal & Hauling Birmingham: Veteran owned and giving back

By Erica Thomas, sponsored content

Who doesn’t have junk?

We all have a little collection problem and sometimes we need a little help in the cleanup department. That is why one veteran and military family-owned junk removal business is standing by to help.

JDog Junk Removal & Hauling Birmingham serves residential and commercial properties, in Birmingham and surrounding areas. The national brand franchises to veterans as a way to help decrease the veteran unemployment rate nationwide.

It’s “the Military way – with Respect, Integrity and Trust.”

Jon Binzer and Greg Halfacre opened the Birmingham location in November of 2020. Binzer, a retired Marine Corps Reserve, left his job of 20 years as the General Manager of Jim N Nicks BBQ, in Trussville, to start the business he truly believes in.

“I just wanted to have my own business and found JDog

and just loved the branding and the mission and I fell in love with it and here we are,” said Binzer.

Halfacre, Binzer’s fatherin-law, also left his career in IT for the insurance industry, to start on the new path to helping people remove and haul off unwanted items.

The pair are more than family members. They have also been neighbors for 15 years.

And of course, Binzer couldn’t leave his own father out of the family business.

James Binzer also works with his son, making his business even more successful.

The full-service junk removal business is much more than what meets the eye. Every item that is picked up is examined for another purpose.

“We come in and take all of the unwanted stuff,” Binzer explained. “And we donate what we can. If we can’t donate it, we see if we can recycle it. We are very concentrated on not just throwing everything in the landfill. We donate what we

can repurpose what we can.”

JDog Junk Removal and Hauling Birmingham stands out from other junk removal businesses by focusing in on a local level. The business will help customers and give back. Any job, no matter how small or big, is important to the crews and the business owners.

“We can do a small job where we pick up an old refrigerator that broke,” said Binzer. “We can also do demolition, where we tear down decks, pools, sheds, or haul off hot tubs or pianos.”

So far, Binzer said his customer base has helped make jobs easier.

“They are just so helpful, and we just have some wonderful customers,” he explained.

JDog Junk Removal and Hauling Birmingham can help customer declutter.

Maybe your closets are a little too cramped or there are too many things in your attic.

Even the most severe clutter cases are no match for the crew and they are ready to help.

“We have done some hoarding situations,” said Binzer. “We can do homes that are filled from the floor to the ceiling with stuff, whether it’s trash or just random items.”

Even at the worst times, such as estate cleaning or foreclosure situations, the business is ready to respond.

That military way of never quitting ensures a successful junk removal process for anyone calling on JDog.

Potential customers can rest assured that JDog’s top-quality work will be seen in every job.

“We are a company that’s fully insured for our units and general liability,” Binzer added. “There are precautions that you have to take in any type of cleanout.”

Crews are trained to wear safety gear and to take extra precautions on structures that are in poor conditions.

You do not have to worry about surprise charges. The company charges by the volume of items removed. The guaranteed price includes labor, travel fees, transport, disposal and recycling. For items that are donated, JDog will send customers a tax-deductible receipt to credit for donations.

JDog has larger, more heavy-duty pickup trucks than competing companies and they use dump trailers that are lower to the ground and can hold more weight.

Binzer says the trucks are more versatile.

Above all, Binzer wants the Birmingham area and people in Jefferson and Shelby Counties to know that his company gives back.

“Our mission is to support veterans, hire veterans as we grow, support different organizations throughout town,” he said. “We are independently owned and operated, and we focus on donations and recycling.”

Call JDog Junk Removal & Hauling Birmingham for any of your industrial, commercial or residential needs.

CASTLE ENTRY DOORS Your home is your castle. Make it the talk of the neighborhood with a Castle Entry Door by Classic Iron Works.

Custom Castle Entry doors are available in many styles and finishes and are crafted to fit any home.

Classic Iron Works can also build Custom Railing · Fencing & Gates Security Doors & Window Guards Call us today for a free estimate!

(205) 322-6868 | Toll Free (800) 226-5194

ClassicIronWorks.com

3724 1st Avenue North · Birmingham, AL 35222

Home & Garden | The Trussville Tribune

Page 6 (B)

March, 2021

Preserving the View: Wilson Screening Solutions in Moody offers a variety of screening services

By Nathan Prewett, sponsored content

Wilson Screening Solutions is in high demand, said Jonathan Wilson, who runs the Moody-based business with this father, Joe. With a presence in Moody for 20 years, Wilson Screening Solutions has seen growth over time.

“My father has always been in Moody and then I moved back to the area in 2010 and we partnered up together in 2011 and business has grown steadily ever since,” he said.

Wilson primarily services residential customers but has serviced commercial customers before, namely restaurants. Specifically, Wilson does interior and exterior sunshades and specializes in retractable or motorized screening, as well as permanent screening and others.

“Our big goal is preserving the view,” Wilson said.

“We specialize in large spaces that you can’t typically screen

without extra structure holding the screen and blocking your view. The way houses are being built there are these nice, open patios, open decks and they’re trying to have unobstructed views and we try to provide that for them.

You still give them protection from insects and the sun that we need.”

Additionally, Wilson Screening Solutions specializes in retractable screen doors. A brand that Wilson has been a distributor for since 2004 is Phantom Screens, which provides these products. Wilson also uses Screeneze (their website is screeneze.com), which is a permanent screening product.

If your home doesn’t have screening, then it would probably behoove you to seriously consider it as the potential benefits may outweigh not having them.

Screens are able to save quite a bit on energy bills.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a portion

of heating energy in a home is lost when it comes through a window – about 30% to be exact – without some kind of window treatment.

In the cooler seasons, an estimated 76% of the sunlight that comes through standard double-pane windows becomes heat. When there’s a loss of heating energy this can cause bills to go up when home heating systems are used more often.

And when it gets hot us-

ing the ac system can keep the bills higher. Awnings can reduce summer heat by as much as 65% on south-facing windows and 77% on west-facing windows, the department’s website says. Solar shades function very similarly.

Wilson Screening’s solar shade mesh products can protect homes from up to 90% of UV rays. Wilson also offers Insolroll indoor shades that can be rolled up and down.

In addition to helping reduce

energy consumption, they can also increase the privacy of your home.

“We keep the bugs out, the sun out and provide privacy and occasionally the rain,” Wilson said, adding that he has a line of clear vinyl products on the motorized screens.

“So if you have a permanently screened porch we can provide you with a motorized, clear vinyl so you can hit the button and have basically like a sunroom that extends the life of your porch into the cooler months.”

Wilson said that clear vinyls can be good for keeping pollen off of porches and while you’ll have to clean the vinyl it can save you time on cleaning the interior space.

“Everything’s pretty custom-made, everything’s to their specific needs, so it’s not just something you pull off the shelf, we custom-fit everything,” he said.

Motorized screens have become very popular with customers, Wilson added.

“The reason that you go with motorized is because you don’t want to have screens all year long,” he said. “You don’t need screens all year long - the flexibility of having a nice, open area and of being able to close it off whether it’s an insect screen or a dense solar mesh or clear vinyl. It’s the flexibility of having an enclosed area versus an open area at the push of a button.”

“The service we provide,” he said when asked what he credits with the growth of Wilson Screening Solutions.

“Good customer service and being able to deliver on what we say we can do, and we don’t claim to do what we can’t do.”

Wilson Screening Solutions has a website that can be visited at wilsonscreeningsolutions.com. Additional information can be found there, and appointments can be made online at the site.

Wilson Screening can be reached by phone at 251-2280415.

Wilson Screening Solutions The Retractable Screen Experts Specializing in

Phantom Retractable Screens for

• Doors • Windows • Solar Shading • Screened Porches • Power Screens for Large Openings • Garage Screens

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Standard Phantom Legacy door screens.

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Standard Phantom Executive Power Screens.

Call today and ask about this special offer.

Facebook.com/wilsonscreeningsolutions www.wilsonwindow.com jawwindow@att.net • www.phantomscreens.com

March, 2021

Home & Garden | The Trussville Tribune

Page 7 (B)

Warren Family Garden Center: Blooming Spring Projects

Sponsored content

It's time to plan your garden! Bright blooms are popping up everywhere, telling us that Spring is near.

Here at Warren Family Garden Center and Nursery, we have everything you will need for that next project. We are spread out on 22 acres with the widest selection in

the area. We are here to help you build the garden and landscape of your dreams!

Wander through our greenhouses and grounds. Let our talented, experienced em-

ployees assist you!

Here are some Q&A’s that’ll help you get ready for Spring!

Q: Where in the world do I start with this vegetable gardening thing?

A: Gardening can be tough but once you follow these steps, you’ll be off to a good start.

Start by picking a sunny location. Make sure it’s an area with good drainage, if not you might want to look into raised beds. If it's your first year, start small and don’t overwhelm yourself.

You want to prep your beds by tilling and incorporating compost into your soil. If you're trying out raised beds, you’ll want to incorporate topsoil, soil conditioner, and compost. Once you’ve done that, you're ready to plant and then feed them with a Fertilome “tomato and vegetable food." Give them a good watering, then water accordingly from then on.

Q: Every year, this dang black stuff gets on my crape myrtles. What do I do?

A: The culprit would be Crape Myrtle Aphids. The mold is caused by the secretion of honeydew that comes from the aphids. So this year, to stay on top of this problem, we recommend using Fertilome “tree and shrub drench." Apply this once the leaves start coming out on your trees. This should take care of your problem and keep your crapes looking beautiful.

Q: I want the nicest grass in the neighborhood.

What’s my first step?

A: This can seem like a big undertaking but once you get on a lawn regimen, it

will be a piece of cake. If you haven’t put out a pre-emergent, you want to use our Fertilome product “all seasons lawn food and weed preventer”. This will prevent annual weeds from growing.

If you currently have weeds, you’ll need to put out our Fertilome product “Weed Free Zone.” Once you get control of your weeds, it becomes much easier to stay on top of your lawn. The next month, once you get control of your weeds, you can come back and put out a Lawn Food Plus Iron.

If you forget all these steps I have mentioned, stop

in and grab our lawn care program and we can go over it with you in-depth.

Q: When I plant my landscape, what do I need to do to be successful?

A: When planting, make sure you have picked the right location for each plant (light and soil), so they’re happy for years to come.

Now you will dig your hole, (rule of thumb - dig a hole twice as big as the root ball.)

Then you ALWAYS want to use a soil amendment (soil conditioner/black velvet planting soil). You will mix the native soil with your amendment and put that

back in the hole with the plant. Once it's nicely planted, we recommend Fertilome “Root Stimulator” and Fertilome “Start N Grow.”

Water everything good once you have finished and continue watering once needed. Apply your pine straw or mulch around your new planting and your good to go!

Have any other Questions? We’d be happy to assist you. Come in and let our knowledgeable staff help you. *All these products listed can be found here at our shop.

1009 Old Cedar Grove Rd- LEEDS

205-640-5891

WarrenFamilyGardenCenter.com

SPRING BLOOMS

are here!

LARGE SELECTION OF: • flowers, • shrubs & trees • potting media • fertilizer • pottery & tools • оutdoor FURNITURE

We provide materials for the impassioned gardener as well as the novice. Horticulturalists are available on staff to help answer your questions and our knowledgeable and friendly team desires to serve you in selecting plants and more. Come see our beautiful garden center and greenhouses!

Home & Garden | The Trussville Tribune

Page 8 (B)

March, 2021

Forever Home Realty brings personal touch to home buying process

“Dedicated to providing exceptional service and building lasting relationships” sellers alike.

“We have agents that can work in Gardendale, Kimberly, Pinson, Trussville, Chelsea, Springville, Moody, Odenville, Leeds, and all the surrounding areas,” said Ray. “We can go anywhere. Just tell us where to go and we’ll go.”

The going began in March of 2020 when Ray, along with her friend Stephanie

By Erik Harris, sponsored content

Moody is home to one of the up-and-coming reality companies in the state.

After just one year of operation, Holly Ray has built a top-tier group of agents at Forever Home Realty -- a team that is currently up to six agents and looking to grow.

“We are dedicated to providing the most up-to-date market data in the area,” said Ray. “Our team is made up of caring, knowledgeable professionals that work tirelessly to help you with the home buying and selling process.”

Whether the move is across the street or across the state, Forever Home Realty is committed to finding the right property for buyers and

Freeman, began their venture through the waters of real estate. Together, Ray and Freeman acquired their real estate licenses last September and opened their doors for the first time about six months later.

Facing the challenges of COVID-19, the pair flourished and the company grew.

One of their many recipes for success involves their com-

mitment to providing a personal touch to the real estate process.

“One of the things we feel is important for potential buyers and sellers to know is Forever Homes agents are parents, brothers, sisters, sons, daughters, and spouses,” said Ray. “We understand when buying a home, people are looking for different things outside of just a floorplan. People consider the community or neighborhood it's located in. They have many different items on their list that are important like if there are other children in the neighborhood, if it's quiet, what school system it's a part of, where the closest places to buy gas and groceries are, or will a train stuck on the tracks ever affect them getting in or out of their neighborhood?”

Ray and company take a similar approach to the selling process, reaching beyond their digital capabilities to find the right fit.

“Even when selling, we can relate to the memories they've made and shared in their current home,” said Ray. “We keep all these things in mind because, at the end of the day, we are people too. I still believe, even in this digital age, people still buy from people. You can go look at pictures of a home

on a website or the MLS, or you can drive by a home and look at it, but if you schedule a showing with a Forever Homes agent, you can take it to the bank that you'll be pleasantly surprised at our kind nature and how easy it is to relate to each other. We take a lot of pride in that.”

Since opening their doors last year, Forever Home realtors have mostly dealt with a market ripe for sellers. The 2021 “seller's market” offers more buyers than available properties, which means many buyers offer more than the asking price to land their home.

“Now is a good time to put your house on the market,” said Ray. Due to the busy market, Ray is currently taking applications. Forever Home Realty is hiring qualified, experienced agents and new agents who have passed the license requirements, or are currently studying for the real estate exam and are looking to get started.

For more information on how to join the growing team of professional agents at Forever Home Realty, contact an agent or visit the office at 2919 Moody Parkway in Moody.

MEET THE TEAM “Contact one of our agents today!”

• Holly Ray 205-422-9513 • Stephanie Freeman 205470-1671 • Jerry Hawley 205-5772398 • Neal Johnson 205-3052842 • Jenny Marty 205-5930574 • Diane Johnson 205-3052841

FREE Property Valuation Call an agent or use the property valuation tool on our website to get an estimated value for your property

We are dedicated to providing the most up-to-date market data in the area. Our team is made up of caring, knowledgable professionals that work tirelessly to help you with the home buying and selling process.

Jerry Hawley Broker/Realtor 205-577-2398

Holly Ray Realtor 205-422-9513

Stephanie Freeman Realtor 205-470-1671

Neal Johnson Realtor 205-305-2842

Contact us today to find out how we can be of assistance to you.

Jenny Marty Realtor 205-593-0574

Diane Johnson Realtor 205-305-2841

2919 Moody Pkwy Moody AL 35004 www.foreverhomerealtyinc.com

Home & Garden | The Trussville Tribune

March, 2021

Page 9 (B)

Metal Roofing Headquarters: Family-owned roofing company on the rise of metal roofing industry

Using the family's business philosophy that's worked for 60 years of metal roofing success

By Tanna M. Friday, sponsored content

Proper roofing is crucial in building any construction and cannot be understated.

The stability and quality of a roof provides construction, a certain level of integrity as it catches the brunt of wind effects and forces. When it comes to roofing, there is no better material more capable of protecting a structure from wind, rain, hail, fire, or rot than a durable and energy-efficient metal roof. Just ask the homeowners in the Trussville Cahaba Homestead Village and in the Gulf Coast who have been able to withstand the elements including hail, heavy rain and snow, and high winds, while holding on to its beautiful aesthetic value and architectural style.

“Without a doubt, metal roofs are cheaper in the long run,” says Metal Roofing Headquarters co-owner,

Stefan Boyer. “Many metal roofs will easily outlast any warranties that the company provides.”

Boyer explains that warranties up to 50 years are common, but it is definitely not unusual for metal roofing to last 100 years.

Metal Roofing Headquarters (aka Mr. HQ) is one of the top metal roofing companies in America and it is located in the outskirts of Trussville.

This family-owned business started in 1959, when Boyer’s grandfather, Bob Wells, started a small metal siding company in Ocala, FL. Known as Baywel, Inc., at the time the business quickly grew into one of the top metal roofing and siding companies in the Gulf Coast region. Four years later, the company expanded and moved its headquarters to Birmingham, which provided a more central location to manage metal roofing projects throughout Alabama.

Wells’ sons, Robert and Robin, followed his footsteps and focused on metal construction which pioneered the residential metal roofing industry in Alabama, Mississippi, and Florida. Today, the legacy continues, and Mr. HQ is owned by Wells’ two grandsons, Jonathan, and Stefan Boyer.

Boyer attributes its success to its customer service, experience, and workmanship in the industry for over six decades. In fact, their philosophy and mantra are the same as when the family business began, “Take great care of your customer and employees, and the business will take care of itself.”

Boyer shares that not only is Mr. HQ one of the most recognized residential organizations in North America, but it has also been featured on two different national television shows including HGTV, Roofing Contractor

A metal roof will do much more than protect you from the elements. A metal roof from Metal Roofing Headquarters will boost your property value, save you money on energy bills, and will look beautiful for decades to come.

Choose from a wide variety of Metal Roofing Panels OR Metal Roofing Shingles.

Call for a free Quote: 888-822-1015 2749 Crestwood Blvd, Irondale AL 35210

www.mrhqroofs.com

Magazine, and ranked by Remodeling Magazine as one of America’s “Top 100 Firms in Home Improvement”. An honor, Boyer shares, that is substantial in one year and to a small family business at heart.

Boyer recognizes the strengths within his team including the work of his brother, Jonathan, for his amazing talents in directing the operations of Mr. HQ. “He is truly amazing at what he does for this company,” says Boyers.

“You can call him and see for yourself.”

According to Boyer and Mr. HQ’s website, metal roofing has been a staple of highend residential architecture for thousands of years, and there are many compelling reasons why.

"From Gothic castles of Western Europe to Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, you can easily see why metal is one the most beautiful and

durable of all premium roofing materials.”

Throughout Alabama and the Southeast, there are historic homes with the original metal roofing systems still going strong after 100 years of service life including the

Trussville Cahaba Homestead Project.

“Metal roofs are applauded for their durability, performance in extreme weather, sustainability, and longevity,” says Boyer. “We look at three benefits to metal roofs when talking to homeowners: durability, beauty, and efficiency.

When it comes to durability, this has been the largest benefit of metal roofing. They not only hold up to extreme weather but also last 50 years or more.”

“Beauty,” Boyer adds.

“Whether you're looking for the sleek sophistication of standing seam metal roofing or the “old world charm,” you

living space,” says Boyer.

“Painting manufacturers have come up with good reflective properties for the coatings so that cooling bills can be reduced in the summer.”

In addition to these striking benefits of metal roofing, all Mr. HQ metal roofs are covered by the industry’s best Lifetime Warranty, which guarantees no leaking for 50 years and wind storms up to 140 MPH. “The initial cost to install may seem high,” says Boyer.

"But a metal roof is the least costly roof option over the life of the roof since it’s virtually maintenance-free and can last a lifetime.”

can find a style that is perfect for your home.”

Boyer says that metal roofs are also energy efficient.

“A metal roof can reflect the sun’s energy and block heat transmission from the roof to building members and

This family-owned, local business has been serving homeowners for over 60 years, while providing happy homeowners with top-of-theline materials, cutting-edge tools, extensive training, and highly skilled roofing craftsmen.

Mr. HQ is located at 2749 Crestwood Boulevard in Irondale. To contact Alabama’s most experienced metal roofing contractor, visit www. mrhqroofs.com or call (888) 822-1015. For more information, email sb@mrhqroofs. com.

Page 10 (B)

Home & Garden | The Trussville Tribune

March, 2021

Parrot Structural Services: A Woman-Owned Business

By Crystal McGough, sponsored content

When one thinks of foundation repair, one usually does not think of it as a “woman’s business.”

Parrot Structural Services, LLC is a Calera-based Foundation Repair and soil stabilization company that holds a Women-Owned Business certification. Vice President Mike Maas has over 40-years’ experience in the foundation repair business.

“My husband and I started Parrot as a woman-owned business in 2004,” Joan said.

“I was in the financial industry when the business first started. After 18 years in the financial industry, we decided that I would take over as president of the company.”

According to Joan, taking over the company gave her the opportunity to get a deeper knowledge and understanding of the business, as well as work with her husband.

Parrot provides services throughout the state of Ala-

bama, Florida and is licensed in Mississippi, as well. Some of the services they offer include basement and wall repair, concrete leveling and lifting, epoxy injection, helical piers, helical tiebacks, mine void stabilization, mudjacking, new foundation helical piers, polyfoam, pressure grouting, sinkhole remediation and soil stabilization.

“We provide foundation repair and soil stabilization for residential, commercial and industrial companies,” Joan said. “Our focus is on helical piers and grouting, which we use on existing structures that need repair.

We also install new construction piers. The new construction piers are used prior to the construction of the structure.

For example, if a customer is aware they are building on bad soil, we install the new construction piers prior to construction starting.”

Whether taking on a project for residential housing or as large as a hospital, Parrot remains focused on its mis-

sion and commitment to excellence.

“Our mission is to stabilize soils and structures with integrity and professionalism, and our commitment is ensuring our customers’ complete satisfaction,” Joan said. “I want to be sure our customers know we are thinking about their needs.”

So how would one know if they are in need of structural repair services?

Joan said some clues to look for include stairstep cracks in the bricks on the outside of the home, and doors and windows sticking.

“This usually calls for our helical products,” she said. “If your concrete slab, whether it is your patio, pool or driveway, seems to be unlevel, you may have a void underneath.

We can (most of the time) raise the unlevel portion back to its original height. Those are the major signs. We also repair brick steps and chimneys that may have cracks or seem to have pulled away from the house.”

SOLID SOLUTIONS TO STRUCTURAL PROBLEMS!!

Joan said that it is important to call a professional as soon as you notice any of these signs. These issues do not go away on their own.

The longer you wait, the more extensive the damage will become.

“The cracks or voids may get larger, and it will become more expensive to fix the longer you wait,” she said.

Joan and Mike Maas also recommend that property owners take preventative measures before problems occur.

“The main cause for a foundation to fail is water drainage,” Joan said. “If your drain is emptying close to your foundation, our suggestion is to move the drainage away from the foundation in order to redirect the water further away from the home.”

Parrot Structural Services offers free inspections, so if you think you have any cause for concern, do not hesitate to reach out.

“We are honest with our customers,” Joan said. “We will not try and sell you on a solution, we give you the facts and may suggest you contact a structural engineer to draw up a plan for us to work from.”

In addition to their Wom-

an-Owned Business certification, Parrot Structural Services, LLC is insured.

They have a home-builder’s license and are members of the Birmingham Better Business Bureau, Angie’s List, the American Society of Civil Engineers, Structural Engineer Association and the American Institute of Architects.

Having been serving Birmingham for over 30 years and in the foundation repair

care they take with their customer satisfaction, the majority of their referrals come from word-of-mouth.

“We just want people to know that our focus is on the satisfaction of our customers and the safety of our men,” Joan said. “We are committed to ensuring your complete satisfaction while providing the highest quality of service.”

You can contact Parrot Structural Services for your

and soil stabilization business for over 40 years, the Maas’ have built relationships with many architects, engineers and real estate agents. As a result of this and the special

free inspection through their website, www.parrotstructural.com. You can also call them at (205)668-2626 or email them at info@parrotstructural.com.

Parrot Structural Services LLC offers solid solutions to structural problems due to unstable soils or shifting foundation.

We service residential, commercial, and industrial properties all over Alabama.

No job is too small or too big for us to handle.

We are here to provide you with a professional solution for your foundational problems.

CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE ESTIMATE

40+ YEARS

EXPERIENCE!!

205-668-2626

www.parrotstructural.com Most all of our business is from referrals!

Transferable Lifetime Warranty on our Helical Pier Products *Insured*

March, 2021

Home & Garden | The Trussville Tribune

Page 11 (B)

For what it’s worth: Pierce Home Appraisals

By Joshua Huff, sponsored content

You are on the market for a new house. You find one that you love in a great neighborhood within a great school district. The fit seems perfect; however, you happen to have the misfortune of shopping for a house during an intense seller’s market.

The odds of you landing that house suddenly turns against you as a bidding war erupts.

The list price of the house is $250,000. You go in $10,000 over with an added concession that you are willing to go higher than any other offer. You want the house that bad.

It works.

You come out on top with

a winning bid of $260,000.

Yet is the house worth that price?

Cue the entrance of Pierce Home Appraisals. Helmed by Renee Pierce, the business has been in existence since 2009 and serves the greater Birmingham metro area.

Pierce’s expertise lies within the determination of a home’s fair market value. That process includes an on-site inspection and a deep dive into “comparables,” which simply compares the selling price of similar houses within the area.

“People can be very knowledgeable about their market; however, our job is to protect the public that you’re not overpaying for property and that the lenders aren’t lending too much money –

overextending themselves with their assets as loans,” Pierce said.

Houses tend to fly off the shelf within a seller’s market.

That is why understanding the appraisal market is so important. In essence, a bank will hire an appraisal company like Pierce Home Appraisals to get an accurate value of the property so that it matches what a buyer is willing to pay.

An appraisal does not just protect a lender. It also protects buyers. An appraiser can discover problems that were not found when looking through the home the first time. This is made easier as an appraiser is well versed in the area that the home is located in. If a house sits in a neighborhood downwind from a paper mill, the appraiser will know that and

adjust the house’s value to reflect that information, which is something that an appraiser unfamiliar with the area will not know.

Though licensed by the state, Pierce’s geographical competency is narrowed down to four counties: Jefferson, Shelby, St. Clair and Blount.

“I can’t do an appraisal in an area that I am not familiar with,” Pierce said. “I’ve always done those four counties. I’ve done more, but I don’t feel comfortable that I was able to produce a good report because I didn’t really know the area well.”

So, what do appraisers

look for in a home when determining a house’s true value?

The condition of the home is the number one thing, Pierce said. Though major issues are glaringly obvious, it is the minor problems such as rotting wood and peeling paint that can impact a home’s value.

In fact, Pierce added, those minor problems cause her to “start looking harder at everything.”

In addition to the condition of the home, location and size play a huge factor in the value of a house.

“The biggest thing is maintaining (the home),”

Pierce said. “Those little minor things all add up. If I am going to buy your house, I am not going to want to pay top dollar and have to pay all these little minor repairs, as well.”

A lender typically selects an appraiser to determine a home’s value, but the fee is covered by the buyer as part of the closing cost. Pierce Home Appraisals charges between $450 to $550 for an appraisal. The fee varies between the type of appraisal, the location and the size of the home.

For more information, you can contact Pierce at (205) 337-7244.

Inventory Reduction Sale!

March 31st - April 30th

• 40% to 60% off retail • All closeout items 70% off • Closeout specials on select ceiling fans

570 Simmons Drive Trussville, Al 35173 • 205.655.7285

Home & Garden | The Trussville Tribune

Page 12 (B)

Public health experts warn residents to test homes for radon From The Tribune staff reports

With many Alabamians spending more time inside these days, the Alabama Department of Public Health warns residents to monitor possible indoor air quality problems like radon.

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can cause lung cancer, according to the Alabama Department of Public Health. It is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and the leading cause of lung cancer in nonsmokers. Radon claims an estimated 21,000 lives in the U.S. a year, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

“The best time to test for radon is during the colder months when your home is closed and radon levels are likely to build to their highest concentrations,” David Turberville, director of the Office of Radiation Control, Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH), said. “We encourage you to test your home by ordering a radon test kit.”

Radon appears to occur most frequently in homes across the Tennessee Valley

March, 2021

Weed species that chokes out plants reported in Alabama

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Mississippi forestry officials are warning of an invasive weed that chokes out native plants.

Now, the weed is taking root in Mississippi, and the invasive species has also been found across parts of the southeastern U.S.

the north and west in the future.

Cogongrass has also been reported in several other southern states including

Cogongrass is among the world’s most invasive weed species, The Sun Herald reported. It has already infested large parts of Alabama.

Many of the cogongrass “hot spots” are concentrated in south Mississippi, state forestry officials said. Experts say it could spread to

Louisiana, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina and South Carolina, a website maintained by the University of Georgia shows.

Submitted photo

and in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains from Jefferson and Shelby counties through Cleburne County, according to public health experts.

Because radon is a colorless, odorless gas that occurs naturally in soil and rocks through the breakdown of uranium, testing is the only way to know the radon level in a home.

Radon test kits weigh only a few ounces and cost about $25. Experts say testing for radon should be done on the lowest level of the home on which the occupants spend time, so a finished basement or a basement containing a

workshop is a good place to test. Kitchens are not recommended testing areas.

“Testing directions are provided on the kit, and it only takes a few days to obtain a sample,” Turberville said. “It is easy to perform a radon test on your home.”

While radon test kits are available at many larger home improvement stores, Alabama homeowners can order kits online through the National Radon Program Services at https://sosradon.org/.

More information about protecting yourself and your family is available from https://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/radon/.

How to Get Rid of Carpenter Bees

From Home Depot

Carpenter bees are beneficial to the environment because they are excellent pollinators. Unfortunately, if they nest in or around your home, carpenter bees can cause extensive damage to softwoods such as pine and cedar. This guide will review how to get rid of carpenter bees around your property and prevent their return.

How Carpenter Bees Can Damage Wood Carpenter bees do not feed on wood, but bore into it to create nesting “galleries” where they lay eggs in the spring and take shelter in the winter. The holes carpenter bees create may seem small on the outside, but the galleries are much bigger and more damaging than meets the eye.

A carpenter bee nest opens into a tunnel that follows a straight path for a few inches, then turns sharply 90-degrees and can extend for several feet to their chambers. Because the tunnels take so long to construct, females prefer to return to already constructed tunnels every year and enlarge them as needed. This increases the damage to the wood.

If unchecked, the damage from carpenter bees can completely destabilize all the wood in the area they have colonized. In addition, the

presence of carpenter bees can attract woodpeckers who further burrow into the wood looking for larval stage bees to eat.

Tip: Male carpenters bees tend to be more active and aggressive but are incapable of stinging. Female carpenter bees sting only when provoked.

Signs of Carpenter Bee Infestation If you’re concerned about carpenter bee infestation, check for these warning signs: • 1/2- to 3/4-inch circular openings in wood • Sawdust or wood shavings around or near those openings • A yellow substance near or just inside the entrance • Threatening flight activity around the area, which is usually males defending the territory Carpenter Bee Pesticides A large bee infestation might require professional intervention. However, since carpenter bees are not social insects and tend to be more solitary bees, getting rid of carpenter bees usually does not involve dealing with a large hive. Pesticides offer an effective means to eliminate the pests.

Carpenter bee sprays can be applied on and around the holes in the wood and is effective on newer intrusions.

Spray insecticide more heavily in early spring to prevent infestation and then treat regularly throughout the summer.

Insecticidal dust can be applied more deeply into the wood and is ideal for longer-term infestations. It also prevents the larvae from reproducing. Use a hand duster to spray the dust directly into the hole.

Carpenter bees are pollinating insects, so you may want to learn how to get rid of carpenter bees naturally.

There are several non-lethal means of getting rid of them.

Carpenter bee traps are convenient to use and offer a non-toxic method of elimination. Buy or build a trap and hang it directly above the bee hole. Bees will enter the trap believing it to be a nest and

Loud noises and vibrations are known to repel bees, so play loud music with the speakers next to the area of infestation for 2-3 days. In this case, you’ll want to fill the holes as soon as they’ve left.

Tip: Professional pest exterminators may be able to relocate the bees without harming them, depending on the accessibility of the nest.

Tip: Whenever using insecticidal dust or sprays, wear protective clothes, gloves, safety eyewear and a dust mask while taking all other necessary precautions.

How to Get Rid of Carpenter Bees Naturally

be unable to escape.

Non-toxic liquids that repel bees include solutions of water with citrus oil or almond oil. Use a spray bottle to apply around the bee holes to encourage the bees to leave the nest.

How to Prevent Carpenter Bee Infestations Take measures to prevent the return of a carpenter bee problem.

• The early fall is the best time for preventative measures because the gal-

leries will most likely be empty: the young adult bees will have hatched and moved on, while the mature bees will not have settled in for winter.

• Plug up carpenter bee holes. Use plugs, putty or caulk to plug up the holes after the bees have vacated the gallery.

• Carpenter bees prefer weathered or unfinished wood. Paint or varnish exposed wood surfaces around your home to make them less attractive to the bees. The most vulnerable areas are windowsills, railings, decks, fences, doors, eaves and wooden lawn furniture.

• Cover exterior openings to your home with fine mesh screens or caulk for small crevices to prevent bee incursions.

• Hardwoods are less appealing to carpenter bees than softwoods.

Tip: Painted or varnished wood can be effective at repelling bees.

DIY pest control offers methods to control carpenter bees and protect your outdoor furniture, deck, wood trim, pergola and other outdoor structures. Ready to get the supplies you need for getting rid of carpenter bees? The Home Depot has free delivery on over one million online items.

March, 2021

Home & Garden | The Trussville Tribune

Page 13 (B)

How to Build a Raised Garden Bed

From Home Depot

Planters and flower pots are good introductions to gardening, but a great way to grow fresh edibles with limited space is with a DIY raised garden bed. Elevated garden beds are excellent for yards with poor or compacted soil.

This guide outlines different types of raised garden beds. It teaches the basics of how to build a raised garden bed and how to plant and maintain your vegetables and flowers.

Raised garden bed plans and kits come in different styles and sizes. These are great for growing herbs and your own ingredients for salsa or salad. Once you’ve mastered the gardening technique, you can make a raised garden bed to plant crowds of seasonal flowers to add color to your landscape.

Raised garden bed kits offer a simple and fast way to begin gardening with a small amount of effort. Using a kit requires no special tools or advanced skills to assemble the container. They are easy to install following the manufacturer’s instructions.

Kits are available in a range of sizes and materials.

Most types of garden beds are the open-bottom variety

that are placed directly on the ground. Some elevated raised garden beds are assembled on legs. These are great for small patios or decks and require even less bending or squatting to tend to the plants.

• Cedar raised garden beds from a kit can be used to create a thriving garden using untreated wood that naturally resists rot and insects. Left organic, the wood will weather nicely to a silver-gray color over time.

• Vinyl, plastic and composite raised garden beds are strong and durable containers that are built to last. These types of raised garden beds are designed to resist warping and can help ensure a long and maintenance-free life in outdoor conditions.

While wooden beds are available in kits, learning how to build a raised garden bed is

a straightforward project suitable for those with some experience using common tools.

For a simple raised garden bed: • Create a four-sided structure using 2- x 10-inch lumber that has been cut to length.

• The dimensions of your DIY raised garden bed can vary depending on your needs and available space.

• The garden bed should be four-feet-wide or less.

Anything wider than that can make it difficult to reach the center of the bed.

• Place the shorter walls flush to the longer walls to create a rectangle.

• Drill pilot holes and use 2-1/2-inch deck screws to fasten the short walls to the ends of the long walls.

Safety: Using pressure-treated lumber is an option. Today’s pressure-treated wood is designated safe to use around people, pets, plants and vegetables. If you are concerned about using treated wood, line the interior walls of the garden bed with sheet plastic before adding soil.

Raised Garden Bed Tips and Considerations It is crucial that the location you select for the garden has enough sun exposure.

Without the proper amount of

sunlight, your plants will not thrive.

• Choose a flat, sunny spot to build your raised garden bed.

• Use a shovel to remove ground that prevents the frame from resting in a level position.

• Don't worry about the condition of the soil in your chosen location since you will be adding your own quality soil.

• Some raised garden bed kits are stackable, so you can grow plants with long root stems. If building your own raised garden bed, add height to the walls by adding a second level of lumber when making the frame.

Line with Landscape Fabric Protect against pests by lining the bottom of the bed with weed block, builder's paper or landscape fabric.

This barrier between the soil in the bed and the soil in your yard helps keep weeds and grass from growing in the bed from below. At the same time, it is porous and will allow water to pass through for proper drainage.

Keep the weed barrier in place with landscape fabric pegs fastened around the interior edge of the raised garden bed.

Add Soil to the Raised Garden Bed One of the best advantages of using raised garden beds for your edibles is that the container rests on top of the ground. This allows you to control the soil and amendments to help sustain the plants you are growing.

• Choose the correct soil for the plants you intend to grow.

• For most applications, a good basic mix is made from 60-percent topsoil, 30-percent compost and 10-percent potting mix.

• Adjust the ratios of soil and amendments according to the needs of the plants you select.

• Add enough soil mix to fill the bed. Some settling will occur.

• Use the formula Length x Width x Depth to determine the amount of soil needed to fill the container. A raised garden bed that measures 8-feet by 4-feet by 10-inches will need about 27-cubic feet of soil.

Add Seeds or Plants Add plants or seeds to the soil mixture in the garden bed.

• Be sure they are planted

far enough apart and at a proper depth to allow them to have room to grow.

• Arrange the items so that taller plants will not block sunlight to their shorter neighbors.

• As they grow, support them as needed with plant stakes, props or tomato cages.

• Consider using bird netting to help keep unwanted critters from your garden.

• Water regularly if rainfall is scarce.

• Plants need about one inch of water a week once they are established and actively growing.

What to Grow in Your Raised Garden Bed What you grow in your garden depends on your appetite. Choose to grow a themed edible garden - one that has all the ingredients you need for a delicious meal, right in your back yard.

Salsa garden • In the front of your raised bed, plant one oregano

•

•

• • •

• • • •

plant, two cilantro and nine red onions.

In the middle of your raised bed, plant one serrano, fresno chili or chile de arbol pepper (staked), and one Roma tomato (caged).

In the back, plant two tomatillos. Tomatillos must be planted in pairs to cross pollinate.

Salad garden In the front of your raised bed, plant carrots, radishes and onions.

In the middle of your raised bed, plant lettuce and baby spinach.

In the back of your raised bed, plant peppers (staked) and tomatoes (caged).

Kitchen herb garden In the front of your raised bed, plant oregano, cilantro and parsley.

In the middle of your raised bed, thyme and sage and rosemary.

In the back of your raised bed, plant chives and basil.

Once your herbs are ma-

ture, be sure to harvest a little every few days to keep the plants producing.

Tip: Mint makes a great herb for a kitchen garden, but it is a “runner” plant and can take over a bed. It is best to plant mint in separate planters outside of the raised herb bed.

Building a raised garden bed also provides a place to hold flowers or bulbs. Try planting alternating rows of seasonal flowers so that you have something blooming all year round.

Once you have learned how to build a raised garden bed, keep your green thumb working by digging into other garden projects. Add another composite or wood raised garden bed, explore creative flower pot ideas, find the best planter for your garden or learn to build a hexagonal planter.

Shop online when you're ready to start building a raised garden bed. The Home Depot delivers online orders when and where you need them.

Page 14 (B)

Home & Garden | The Trussville Tribune

March, 2021

Deerfoot Insurance: The importance of a spring insurance check-up

By Terry Schrimscher, sponsored content

It’s always a good idea to get routine checkups on your insurance. This spring, it may be more important than ever to do a review and make sure your most valuable assets are covered.

Insurance is an essential tool in financial planning, but many people may not truly understand the real worth of their assets. For most families, the home is the most valuable investment they will ever make and it can be hard to keep track of everything that should be covered.

Due to the pandemic, more people worked from home last year than ever and many employees and busi-ness owners see the home office as a trend that will continue long term.

“The pandemic did change how customers viewed coverage,” said Deerfoot Insurance owner, Bill Stu-man.

The team at Deerfoot Insurance works to make sure each individual is covered correctly and given the best rate possible before a disaster strikes, so clients are not left scrambling in a stressful situation.

Working from home has its benefits such as more time with family and more flexible schedules. It can also require you to purchase expensive office equipment, supplies, or furniture. A home office might even require renovations or additions to create dedicated space. Make your insurance agent aware of these changes.

Another factor that makes an insurance review more important this year is real estate.

While millions of Americans spent more time at home than in previous years, they also invested more in their homes

with remodels, upgrades and additions. This has created a seller’s market and booming prices for homes. Each of these things increase the value of the home but also increase the replacement cost. Without a regular review, you could be underinsured on your most valuable asset.

The experts at Deerfoot Insurance, located in Trussville, offer some suggestions for homeowners looking to evaluate their policies this spring.

Property Insurance: Do an inventory. This can be time-consuming but having an accurate list of your valuables will help your agent find the best policy for you and your family. Simply taking photos of each room

and making a list of jewelry, electronics, and other items in the house is a great start to getting the best coverage.

Check your deductibles.

Are you paying what you expected? Insurance agents around the nation are mov-ing many customers to percentage-based deductibles which can help with your monthly premiums. Deer-foot Insurance can help you determine which plan is best for you.

Renters insurance is important for the renter and the property owner. Deerfoot Insurance offers plans designed to cover landlords, tenants, dwelling fires, vacant property and renovations.

Getting the right cov-erage for your business is also important and Deerfoot Insur-

ance can find you the best plan for commer-cial coverage ranging from general liability, professional liability, workers compensation, commercial auto and trucking for hire, or bonds covering your work done for clients.

Auto Insurance Check your deductibles.

Simply increasing your deductible can result in savings each month in premium payments. The experts at Deerfoot insurance can show you how a small change to your deductible—like increasing it from $500 to $1500—can add up to big savings throughout the year.

Check your liability limits. Basic liability coverage is a necessity when driving but are your limits high enough

to cover you if you cause an accident. If you have held the same auto policy for several years, there is a good chance you are underinsured.

Check for collision and coverage limits. These plans cover damage to your own vehicle. In many cases, drivers find their existing coverage only pays off the current value of the vehicle. Deerfoot Insurance can work with you to determine the best coverage for your vehicle.

A part of the community “I believe a local agent will always be important,” Stuman said. “We are always here to answer ques-tions.”

Relationships and a sense of community are important to the staff at Deerfoot Insurance and Stuman feels that makes a difference to his customers.

“I have a very knowledgeable staff,” Stuman added. “We get calls all the time about customers wanting to come back to our agency that have experienced the on-line purchase.”

Deerfoot Insurance Agency is an independent agency, established in 1999, which al-

lows it to work with some of the most respected insurance providers in the industry to craft a plan to fit your needs.

“We try to be insurance advisors instead of order takers,” Stuman said.

“As homeowner’s policies increase due to age, the best way to save on premium is to make sure you take advantage of all the discounts,” he added. Stuman says it is important to notify your agent of any updates such as alarm systems, new roofs, plumbing or HVAC systems. The periodic insurance review is a great way to stay informed when your insurance needs change.

“Customer service is the lifeline of our agency,” said Stuman. “We are committed to customer service and searching for the best policy to make sure that they’re always covered correctly.”

Deerfoot Insurance is located at 8170 Gadsden Highway in Trussville and is open on Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information, visit their website at www.deerfootins.com.

SAVE A BUNDLE WHEN YOU BUNDLE Your local Progressive Platinum agent can now exclusively offer annual policies when you bundle your home and auto with Progressive. Not only will you save time when you bundle, you’ll also save money. Find out how much you can save by contacting your local Progressive Platinum agent today for a free quote.

DEERFOOT INSURANCE AGENCY 8170 GADSDEN HWY 108 TRUSSVILLE, AL 35173

205-655-1020

www.deerfootins.com Auto insurance is provided by Progressive Casualty Ins. Co. & affiliates, Mayfield Village, Ohio, and in Texas by Progressive County Mutual Ins. Co. Progressive Home Advantage® insurance is provided by American Strategic Insurance Corp., another Progressive company. These companies may share information about you with each other. Home insurance not available in all states. Discounts not available in all states or situations. 16A00556.A1 5150768

Home & Garden | The Trussville Tribune

March, 2021

Page 15 (B)

Argo Hardware: Continuing a family tradition adding big plans for their small-town hardware store

By Tanna M. Friday, sponsored content

In the quiet city of Argo, one local business has been serving the small community for nearly a decade. In 2012, John and Ellen O’Rear purchased the store and five years later, they passed the torch to their daughter and son-in-law, Glen and Shea Waldrop, who took ownership of the 15,000 square foot hardware store, keeping the family tradition alive for many years to come.

“I was in construction for a while, and I just thought it was just time,” he said of his decision to purchase and run Argo Hardware. “Shea and I thought it would be good to carry on by keeping the business in the family.”

Being part of the community and making customers feel right at home is what Argo Hardware is all about.

As a true family operation,

Glen Waldrop can be seen daily throughout the store running the daily operations while Shea handles all the administrative duties. Together, they meet and greet customers every chance they get.

“Our number one focus is customer service,” says Waldrop. “When our customers walk in, we want them to feel at home in our store.”

Inside the warm, friendly doors of Argo Hardware, everyone is greeted. The convenience side of the store is stocked with a selection of local gifts ranging from candles to t-shirts, soft drinks, snacks, tobacco and beer.

The hardware side offers a variety of hardware, automotive, electrical, pumping, and feed ranging from poultry to dog treats.

With just a few years under their belts, the Waldrop’s are already hungry for more.

They are continuing to look

for ideas to will add value to the store and community. While all areas of Argo Hardware’s convenience help bring in regular customer traffic, Argo Hardware is primarily focused on serving the community with gasoline, hardware, and feed.

Even though having a small store can be limiting, the Waldrop’s know their hometown community store is a place where residents can get what they need.

“With all of the growth in the surrounding communities, Highway 11 has been filled with more traffic, we want to offer more convenience to surrounding areas,” says Glen.

Establishing Argo Hardware as a complete onestop-shop has been vitally important throughout the pandemic. “For our community, it’s been about taking care of customer’s basic needs while providing a safe

environment,” says Glen.

“This community is very special and supportive and we are extremely grateful.”

Argo Hardware supplies 24/7 gas for travelers, even after business hours. “When we are not open, customers can still purchase fuel using the pay-at-the-pump feature.

That’s just one of the services we wanted to do for our community. We have purchased new gas pumps to be installed soon to help better serve our customers.”

“Over the last few years we have tried to reinvent ourselves providing more products, while aiming to be something better for the community,” says Glen. We have added items such as spring plants, produce, and Christmas trees. We are excited to carry baby chicks and ducks in time for spring season. We thought it would add a fun touch to the business.”

In addition to the spring feathery friends, Argo Hardware offers ferns and tropicals, fishing bait, seasonal produce, and a cooler housing several freezer meals from Meals by Misty.

Although the largest part of Argo Hardware’s customer base is repeat business, they have seen more growth in the area with new friendly faces. “We take pride in ourselves as a family-owned

and operated business where we remember our customers’ names. We want everyone who enters our store to feel welcome while finding exactly what they need.”

Argo Hardware is located at 335 US Highway 11, Trussville, AL 35173. Call (205) 467-0294 for more information including hours.

Follow Argo Hardware on Facebook at www.Facebook. com/ArgoHardware.

ITEMS AVAILABLE THIS SPRING: Ferns, Tropicals, Potting Soil, Fertilizer, Pine Straw, Mulch, Vegetable Plants, Garden Seed, Gardening Supplies

And Happy Easter from your Argo Hardware Family!

35 US HWY 11 Trussville AL 35173

205-467-0294 www.argohardware.com

OFR DAILY POSTS ON NEW ARRIVALS AND OUR INVOLVEMENT IN THE COMMUNITY!

Home & Garden | The Trussville Tribune

Page 16 (B)

March, 2021

Robin’s Sewing Shoppe, proudly selling and servicing BERNINA sewing machines for 28 years

By Crystal McGough, sponsored content

Robin Parker founded Robin’s Sewing Shoppe 28 years ago after getting her start at Summers Sewing Center in Center Point. In February 2020, just before the COVID-19 pandemic hit America, Robin’s Sewing Shoppe opened a second location on Valleydale Road, off Highway 280.

“These two locations keep me really busy,” Parker said.

“I’ve had it for 28 years and it’s just gone strong ever since.

We’ve had our ups and downs, like everybody else, but the Lord put me in it and He’s kept me here so far. I’m also very blessed to have a great staff at both locations.”

When the nation shut down mere months after opening her second location, Parker didn’t know what to expect, but her business became more crucial than ever as demand for homesewn face masks was on the rise.

“I really didn’t know how we were going to survive to be honest, when the shutdown occurred, but we were able to hold onto the business,” she said. “We were almost forced to open our doors again.”

The 280 location did not reopen immediately, but reopening the Trussville store, which offers sewing machine repair and fabric, quickly became essential.

“People kept calling,” Parker said. “When we first closed, my technician, Ron, came to

work every day and took care of answering the phone and took orders while still repairing sewing machines. We had a note on the door saying if you have a repair, we’d be glad to meet you at the door and swap out because we had a lot of repairs in the store at that time.

So, people just started bringing machines constantly, needing them repaired because they were doing the masks and just needed them in the best working order. Then people started needing the fabric that was in the store, so I came back to work.”

pick up at the door. But we still followed the regulations.”

While Robin’s Sewing Shoppe does sell fabric, notions, threads, patterns, etc., Parker’s pride and joy are the BERNINA sewing machines.

“The main reason I got into the business was because of the product that I sell,” she said. “It’s BERNINA and it’s the only brand that is still family-owned. The fifth generation is working in different areas of BERNINA and will eventually run the company when their dad, Hans Peter Ueltschi, retires. BERNINA has been in

When the demands became too much for Parker to handle on her own, she reached out to her staff, who quickly answered the call.

“I had two of them that came back for about two weeks before the rest of them came back,” she said. “We were swamped. Every day we were swamped. We took all the precautions necessary.

We had the disposable masks, but a lot of people didn’t even come in. Many customers did phone orders and we usually mailed those out on the same day. Some would order and

production since 1893. It is an incredible machine, and an incredible family owns it. Being a woman in business as long as I have, I would not carry any other brand but BERNINA. I believe in it so firmly that I could sell to any man that walked in and questioned me on it, even an engineer, and not have any doubt that what I’m saying is truthful because BERNINA machines are worth their weight in gold.”

Robin’s Sewing Shoppe does not sell any other brand of sewing machine besides BERNINA, but they do repair

off-brand sewing machines if they are not under warranty with another company.

“We try to help the public in every way we can,” Parker said. “We sell all the sewing products a customer needs for their projects. We sell needles and bobbins for just about any brand sewing machine.”

Parker said that today’s sewing machines can range in price from $125 to thousands of dollars.

“You’re looking at a full computer when you start going into the top-of-the-line machines,” she said. “You connect a computer to them, and you’ve got everything you need to start your own business, as far as monogramming, embroidering for the public – they’ve got full capacity to do so many more things than they used to be able to do.

And the thing about BERNINA machines that I’ve always stressed: it’s the one machine on the market today that you can sew through nylon and go straight onto soft boot leather and have no adjustment in the tension. It’s awesome. It’s just an incredible machine and quality of stitch is there no matter if you purchase the bottom-of-the-line or the topof-the-line.”

When you purchase a BERNINA sewing machine from Robin’s Sewing Shoppe, you can be assured that Parker and her staff will make sure you are fully equipped to make the most of using your machine.

 BERNINA sewing machines, overlockers, embroidery machines, and quilting machines, frame, and tables  If you aren’t ready for the BERNINA line, we have bernette sewing machines, overlockers, and embroidery machines. This line is designed by BERNINA.  We repair all brands of sewing machines.  Embroidery supplies – threads, stabilizer, designs  Regular sewing and decorative threads  Financing available with the BERNINA credit card

www.robinshoppe.com

Trussville Location

Hoover Location

5886 Trussville Crossing Blvd Birmingham, AL 35235 Next to PetSmart 205-655-3388

5291 Valleydale Rd Birmingham, AL 35242 205-848-2302

“When we sell a product, our main concern is to make sure that we follow up and that the customer gets their full instructional guide classes,” Parker said. “We don’t charge for those. To make sure that person understands that sewing machine to the fullest, we’re always there to help them out, whether it’s a phone call or they pop in or we make appointments with them.”

Parker said that prior to Covid-19, she would teach instructional guide classes that would take approximately a year to complete. Now, she said, BERNINA educators have thorough instructional videos readily available to the public via YouTube on the BERNINA channel.

In addition to instructional guide classes, Robin’s Sewing Shoppe offers a wide variety of sewing classes that include quilt classes, heirloom classes, home décor classes and children’s sewing classes. Classes are available to both adults and children, as well.

“Quilt classes are a big deal right now in the South,” Parker said. “We teach a lot of quilt classes and carry a lot of

quilt fabric.”

Group classes are currently available through the 280 location. The Trussville store has not yet started back group classes but does offer one-onone instructional guide classes. They hope to begin group classes in May. Robin’s Sewing Shoppe also offers a sewing summer camp for kids ages 8-13. There is a limit of eight students per class, and a separate class can be arranged for any older teens who are interested in summer camp.

“Oh my gosh, I love my kids at camp!” Parker said.

“We were not able to have sewing camp last year due to COVID, but we plan to start it back this summer. If you’re interested to have your child to participate, please call the Trussville location and put your name on the list. It fills up really fast.”

You can visit Robin’s Sewing Shoppe online at www. robinshoppe.com or stop by either of their two locations: 5886 Trussville Crossing Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35235 (205-655-3388) 5291 Valleydale Road, Suite 121, Hoover, AL 35242 (205-848-2302) “I just love people and I know God gave me this business,” Robin Parker said.

“I care about my customers like they are my friends. It’s a Christian-based store and I treat people the way I would want to be treated. I absolutely love what I do.”

Home & Garden | The Trussville Tribune

March, 2021

Page 17 (B)

Hinkle Roofing provides exceptional service throughout central Alabama

By Crystal McGough, sponsored content Erik Harris contributed to this story

Hinkle Roofing has been a staple in the roofing industry in the Greater Birmingham metro area for 113 years. For more than a century, Hinkle Roofing has literally kept the roof over the heads of the people of central Alabama, reaching as far as Tuscaloosa, Cullman, Clanton and Pell City.

“Our overall goal is to be able to deliver an exceptional experience for each customer,” Marketing Director Jase Buttram said. “To meet their needs and leave them in a better place than when they called us the first time.”

Located in downtown Birmingham, Hinkle Roofing

offers customers a variety of services, from residential roofing and commercial roofing to siding, gutters, decks and windows.

“We’re striving to provide that excellent experience for all of our customers, whether it’s a roof repair or a full roof replacement,” Buttram said.

“It’s something that, if you call Hinkle Roofing, from the moment we get your information to the last time you speak to us, we want it to be positive. We want the customers to know that, if they purchase with Hinkle, it’s going to be somebody that’s going to take care of them.”

It would seem that Hinkle Roofing more than meets that goal, as the majority of its customer base is made up of either lifelong customers, or new customers who seek out

Hinkle Roofing after hearing of a friend or family member’s experience with them.

“I would say most of our customers are returning customers,” Buttram said. “A little bit further than that, it’s not uncommon to find somebody who says, ‘Well, you did my grandmother’s roof and my mother’s roof, so we wanted you to do ours as well.’”

As part of Hinkle Roofing’s standard of excellence, the company is a GAF Master Elite Certified Contractor, which means that their roofers have gone through advanced screening processes and training to make sure that they are up to the highest standards in the United States. According to gaf. com, only 2% of all roofing contractors have qualified as Master Elite.

As a GAF Master Elite contractor, Hinkle Roofing has the privilege of being able to offer its customers exceptional warranties.

“We pride ourselves on that,” Buttram said. “We’re able to provide some really great warranties in the industry that not a lot of other roofing companies can, because we have been in business so long.”

Per roof replacement, the first warranty option is a minimum of five years but can go as high as 25 years, depending on what the customer chooses. Hinkle Roofing offers Silver Pledge and Golden Pledge warranties.

Buttram said that his favorite part of working at Hinkle Roofing is getting opportunities to impact the people around him.

ROOFING EXPERTS

“You get to go out in the community and meet the needs of the people that you go to church with, or that you might meet along the way,” he said. “They see that you work for a roofing company and just ask for a card or ask that you come take a look at a roof leak that they have.”

One of Buttram’s favorite memories while working at Hinkle Roofing was an opportunity to help an elderly woman in Trussville who had hail damage.

“We went out and handled the entire replacement for her; she was a little old lady, 90 years old,” he said.

“We took care of the entire thing from start to finish, and she actually called me a couple weeks afterwards and had a couple of concerns about a pipe that was

removed. While I was out there, I noticed that she also had some light bulbs that were out in her garage. So, while I was up there checking the pipe, I replaced the light bulbs for her, just because she couldn’t reach them. It’s just one of those little experiences that you go out and you meet with the customers, and you want to take care of them; treat them like they’re your own family.”

It is that type of service that’s kept Hinkle Roofing going for more than a century.

For more information on how Hinkle Roofing can help keep you under your best roof, contact their office at (205) 324-8545 or look them up online at hinkleroofing. com.

WWW.HINKLEROOFING.COM

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$100 OFF BOLT GUTTER GUARD With this coupon. Minimum purchase required.

Not valid with other offers or on previous orders. Expires 5/31/21

205-324-8545

639 1st Court North Birmingham, Al 35203

Page 18 (B)

Home & Garden | The Trussville Tribune

March, 2021

Added Storage offers added value to Trussville and beyond

By Terry Schrimscher, sponsored content

For years, the self-storage industry has experienced consistent growth with a steady demand for storage space outside of the home. Added Storage, located at 3240 Veterans Circle in Trussville, has grown along with the demand to meet the needs of the community.

Part of the recent demand, according to manager Pat King, can be attributed to the recent real estate boom being experienced in much of the country. King says demand normally increases in the spring and sum-mer as people tend to use those times to clean out spare rooms and garages and want to keep their items off-site, but recent spikes in home sales during the pandemic have made the demand consistently higher for the past year or more.

“We have a number of people come in who are staging their houses or moving,” explains King. Many of them need a temporary place for a few weeks or months while they move or market their house. Others come to Added Storage for long-term solutions for storage for their existing home. King says their goal is to meet the needs of the people living in the community or moving to the area.

King says the 10x20 climate-controlled units are the most popular at the moment.

Added Storage has re-cently renovated to offer more units of that size and continues to offer a variety of other unit sizes.

Climate-controlled units are important to customers who may be storing furniture or electronic equipment, King added. The units maintain steady temperatures which limits exposure to moisture,

pests, and other environmental factors that can damage items stored over a long period of time.

“I always recommend climate-controlled storage,” said King. “People don’t want to subject their good furniture to cold temperatures or exceedingly hot temperatures,” she said.

When people store their belongings, they expect to maintain them in good condition, according to King.

Climate control or temperature control can offer better protection for a variety of items customers seek to store outside of the home, whether they are stored short-term during a move or long-term due to space needs within the existing home. Items like

wooden furniture or delicate upholstery benefit from the fea-ture but smaller items like family photos, artwork, wine collections, and media such as albums and elec-tronics benefit from the protection offered by steady temperature controls.

King says business owner, Joseph Tortorigi, works hard to meet the needs of the community and wants to provide the best service to the people of Trussville.

“We are home owned. He lives in Trussville and owns several businesses in Trussville,” King said. “We are not a conglomerate. We’re downhome folk and that is how we treat our customers.”

Since it opened in 2017, the company has grown

quickly due to its focus on the needs of the community, and, King added, the desire to treat people like neighbors has played a big part in its success.

Added Storage offers more than storage units to the community. The company offers parking for RVs, which has been a popular service for customers who like to travel but need a better place to store their camper or motor home when they are not on the road. The company offers competitive rates based on the size of the vehicle and has space available for sizes ranging from spare cars, pull-behind trailer units, or full-size motor homes.

Another important feature at Added Storage is access,

according to King. Customers are given a gate code when they rent a unit or parking space, allowing them 24-hour access to their belongings.

Being available and meeting the needs of the customers is what sets Added Storage apart from many other storage com-panies in the area.

Added storage is located at 3240 Veterans Cir in Trussville. The phone number is 205-661-8370 and the website is www.addedstorageinc. com. Reach out to Pat, Shelly, John and Peggy at Added Storage for a safe, locally owned and operated solution to meet your storage needs.

• 24/7 Access • Price match any Trussville Area Storage Facility • Conveniently located to Both 459 and 59 • Family friendly, down to earth staff

205-661-8370 www.addedstorageinc.com 3240 Veterans Circle Birmingham AL 35235

March, 2021

Home & Garden | The Trussville Tribune

Page 19 (B)

Trussville Realtor shares his greatest commission: a ministry of service - helping others invest in earthly and eternal homes

By Tanna M. Friday, sponsored content

Dave Ramsey, an American personal finance advisor, once shared, “Business is a ministry, and good ones prosper by serving people the way God wants them to.”

According to Chris Hicks, Realtor with eXp Realty, the marketplace is his ministry.

Hicks recently transitioned from a full-time associate pastor role at Church of the Highlands Greystone to starting a real estate business.

Hicks contributes this transition to his three young children and becoming a more present father in their lives.

“I chose real estate as a way of producing income for my family, allowing for more

flexibility with my schedule, while still being able to continue to serve people in meaningful and practical ways,” said Hicks.

Hicks knows the area well as a graduate of Moody High School, graduate of the University of Alabama, graduate of Highlands College, and serving at the Church of the Highlands Grants Mill and Greystone campuses. He also grew up on residential construction sites and spent years working closely with real estate agents in other capacities.

“I have an extensive sales and ministry background,” said Hicks. “Ministry and real estate really align in many areas because people are often anxious, confused, stressed, and unsure. Merging the two

together, I can be a guide in both realms, serving the community like never before, bringing peace and joy to the real estate transaction.”

With Hicks bringing sales and pastoral experience to the industry, he aspires to walk people through one of the largest financial transactions while having fun doing it.

“You can trust me to get the best deal, the most honest way while smiling through the entire process,” said Hicks.

“Everything I do, I want to be people-focused, building lifelong relationships.”

Hicks shares that he wants to point others toward the answers that will satisfy their needs while watching the excitement come as they make the choice and experience the

benefits of buying or selling real estate. Helping people go from where they are to where they want to be is what fills Hicks’ cup, especially when that step is closer to God. “I may not always be right or perfect (far from it) as a man in ministry or a realtor, but I can always be honest, supportive, and encouraging to people in their moment of need,” said Hicks.

“I view this transition as one of the great faith moments God has called me to.

He has blessed me beyond what I deserve and I believe He will continue to do so,” said Hicks. “My desire is to help people in defining moments that reach beyond church walls. Moments that

are as joyful as a young couple looking to buy their first home, moments that are as problematic as a job transfer forcing a family to uproot, and moments that close a chapter in one’s life like downsizing or selling the home of a lost loved one.”

Hicks points out that we all have times of transition where we need guidance in our investments, in our choices, and in our perspectives on life.

“I have found that this transition as a real estate agent broadens opportunities to minister in ways I could have never imagined,” said Hicks. “I want to honor that gift by serving with integrity, honesty, an excellent work

ethic, and always keeping Jesus in the center of it all.”

In many ways, Hicks has always had a heart for real estate. Previously, it had been helping others invest in eternal homes constructed by the Greatest Builder and now he is helping his clients invest in earthly homes. Either way, Hicks says it’s a pure privilege to do both in a way that serves God through serving people. He is excited to see how his ministry continues to grow in new and exciting ways.

List with Hicks, Realtor for eXp Realty by calling/texting (205) 352-8192, visiting www.listwithhicks.com, or messaging him on Instagram or Facebook @listwithHicks.

YOUR HOME COULD BE NEXT! The current market conditions are perfect for selling your home. Home values are on the rise and inventory is LOW! Get a FREE current market valuation of your home. Call/text me at the number below or simply scan the QR code to go directly to my online tool!

205-352-8192 chris@listwithhicks.com www.listwithhicks.com

Page 20 (B)

Home & Garden | The Trussville Tribune

March, 2021

Aqua Systems of Alabama: 22 years of quality water treatment in Birmingham

By Nathan Prewett, sponsored content

What sets Aqua Systems of Alabama apart from others, in owner Chris Sims’ opinion, is that his company is easier to deal with, operating on a policy of no pressure on customers and working with a friendly staff.

Aqua Systems is a water softening equipment supplier based in Birmingham that services not only this city but elsewhere throughout the state, including Huntsville and Montgomery.

“We lean on customers choosing us as we work real hard to be easy to do business with,” he said. “Like when people call us and ask us how much, we give the prices over the phone. We’ll come out and test their water for free, see what it needs. We have plumbing evaluation to see where it goes, and all that is free of charge and under no pressure at all.”

With this information provided, customers can make decisions about whether or not to use Aqua Systems’ services.

“We work on their timetable,” Sims said. “A lot of other water companies – just about all water companies – don’t

operate that way. Their salespeople are on commission.

We’re not that way at all.”

There is probably little to no doubt that pretty much everyone knows about filtered water and its benefits. But what is it exactly about filtered water that has an advantage over the tap water that you can get from the sink or the shower?

Well, it turns out that tap water, sometimes known as hard water, in many houses is not the healthiest of things

foundation of the house,” Sims said. “Once it gets inside the house, even in a toilet, it can eat up the flappers. The chlorine in the water can dissolve and make them weak, leave stains and rings in the bowl, fade your clothes. It has chlorine in it, just like a swimming pool.”

Hard water gets its name from the fact that there is dissolved rock in it. According to the United States Geological Survey, water hardness is the amount of calcium and

into a system that a technician will install before distributing it out to be used as shower water, drinking water, water used for cleaning clothes, and so on.

Filtration removes impurities from hard water, which can make it significantly easier on pipes. Hard water can also dry your skin out when you shower or bathe, so filtering it will help take care of that as well. And to top it all off, it can make water taste a lot better.

for customers to do business with the company.

With about 11 vehicles that carry equipment for installation in homes, Aqua Systems services around 10,000 customers currently.

In the last few years, Sims said that the customer service has doubled, especially in 2020 and now in 2021 with the COVID-19 pandemic, as people are using more water.

The company has several awards under its belt, including a top rating by HomeAd-

to be exposed to. This applies not only to one’s body but also to the home. This kind of water can cause problems for pipes and is not always good to drink.

“Tap water is not really made for anything past the

magnesium in water. This can also lead to stains on glasses and on other surfaces such as bathtubs and sinks.

“Our systems alleviate that problem and fix it,” Sims said.

The main water line inside of a building will feed water

Aqua Systems began in 1999, now going on for 22 years. In the beginning, Aqua Systems was selling different brands with salespeople on commission. Later, Sims began implementing changes, which he said made it easier

visor and it was rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau.

A new product that has become quite popular with customers is SmartChoice Water Conditioner, a filter system that incorporates a computerized aspect, namely WIFI that

will send notifications about service dates, among other functions. In fact, it has actually become the most popular product, Sims said.

Sims credits his employees with the progress of Aqua Systems, saying that he hires people based on good personalities before training them for the job.

“The people that we send out to homes, they’re just nice people,” he said. “They’re people that recognize that they’re not on a job site, they’re in a customer’s home. There are wives and kids and they have to be respectful. Even though someone has years of experience in the water treatment business, we wouldn’t even consider them if they weren’t good culturally and would represent us to the customers.”

Aqua Systems maintains a website at www.aquasystemsalabama.com where a great deal of information can be found on the company’s services as well as education on hard water versus filtered water. A blog can be found on the site that is regularly updated, providing tips and addresses questions that customers submit.

Aqua Systems is located at 2134 Pelham Parkway in Birmingham.

March, 2021

Home & Garden | The Trussville Tribune

Page 21 (B)

Fine Pools & Spas: Serving the greater Birmingham area

Family owned and operated specializing in swimming pool and hot tub chemicals, parts, maintenance, and water testing

By Tanna M. Friday, sponsored content

Fine Pools and Spas is the ultimate pool and spa headquarters offering a wide range of services and supplies designed to meet the needs of the greater Birmingham area with locations in Bessemer and Moody.

Fine Pools and Spas was founded in 1987 by Teresa and Mike Fine. With its original location on Moody Parkway, Teresa was the backbone of the business running the store alone for twelve years, while Mike remained in the foodservice industry.

In 1999, Mike joined her side opening another location in Bessemer, along with their daughter Courtney who now manages the store. Both locations service a 35-40 mile radius.

“How we got into the pool market was purely accidental,” said Mike. “We had just had a pool installed

and ran into a lot of issues.

A friend of mine connected me to a pool distributor and we apparently found a niche in the Birmingham market.

We have seen pool trucks come and go as well as stores open and close. We are just blessed to have been open for business 34 years.”

Fine Pools and Spas is a full-service pool store specializing in sales and service in the areas of pool services, pool cleaning and maintenance, hot tubs and service, above ground pool installation and service, and offers free water testing. The store is an authorized service center for numerous pool manufacturers using American-made pools.

Mike shares how last year’s sales skyrocketed due to customers’ splashed out coronavirus cocoons. People who were in lockdown, hot and desperate for a pool, caused the pools to be on a shortage which left manu-

facturers and distributors of swimming pools and hot tubs scrambling to meet a wave of demand as consumers were stuck at home, escaping the coronavirus pandemic.

“We’ve been in this industry for 34 years and have never seen anything like this,” said Mike. “Our service industry did not suffer.

Now is the time to purchase above-ground pools. They are now limited and once they sell there will not be any more available this year.”

Fine Pools and Spas share need-to-know information regarding COVID-19 and Pools & Hot Tubs According to the CDC, COVID-19 cannot survive in properly treated pool and hot tub water. In addition, the World Health Organization (WHO) states that controlling water quality is necessary to prevent the transmission of infectious diseases.

During this crisis, it is

important that pools and spas be properly maintained because: • The maintenance of properly sanitized swimming pools and other artificial bodies of water is necessary to prevent the transmission of infectious diseases and help maintain community health; • Without proper pool maintenance (which includes circulation and treatment of water) various germs which are present in feces - like e. Colli - can grow. It can also create a breeding ground for mosquitoes, other pests, and the diseases they may carry. This presents a risk not only to bathers but to the entire community-at-large.

• Additionally, it is critically important that active pool and spa projects be completed.

Unfinished projects pose significant public safety risks as

potential issues such as cave-ins and pool popping, as well as the dangers posed by an active construction site. And, the impact of long-term exposure to the elements may result in the community health issues noted above.

• As children and families across the country are being asked to reduce outside contact or even shelter at home, and gyms and other public facilities are closing, the backyard pool, spa or hot tub

provides a fun way for families to focus on their health and well-being.

These pools and hot tubs should be properly maintained by a service professional to ensure proper sanitation measures are taking place.

Contact Fine Pools and Spas in Moody off Moody Parkway at (205) 640-1840 or Bessemer located off 13th Avenue North (205) 4253463. Follow Fine Pools and Spas on Facebook at Fine Pools Moody and Fine Pools Bessemer.

In business 34 YEARS! We specialize in swimmming pool installation, repairs, & chemicals.

Make Your Home A

Above Ground Pools, Inground Pools, Pumps, Filters, Parts, Automatic Vacuums, Ladders, Slides, Toys, Chlorine, Frog Systems, Baquacil, Sand, Cartridges, Maintenance Equipment, & Hot Tubs!

Competitive Pricing!!!!!

2 Locations to serve you 2713 Moody Pkwy, Moody

205-640-1840

1831 13th Ave, Bessemer

205-425-3463

Page 22 (B)

Home & Garden | The Trussville Tribune

March, 2021

Twin brothers provide quality outdoor services with Twin Blades Lawn & Landscaping services multiple areas outside of the city. For their lawn care services, they will see customers north in the Springville area and east in Moody and Pell City, as well as elsewhere toward the Center Point, Mountain Brook, and Vestavia areas.

For landscaping, Twin Blades will service customers at a 10-mile radius towards Ashville, Pelham, and Gardendale. They serve both residential and commercial customers.

By Nathan Prewett, sponsored content

They started at 16 years old and are still going strong to this very day. Twin Blades owners Colby and Cliff McChesney, 33 now, derived the name of their lawn maintenance and landscaping business from the fact that they are twin brothers.

“We were 16, and we just started out doing families’ yards and friends of families and started growing from there pretty quick,” Cliff McChesney said, adding that word of mouth grew. “We’ve been getting new calls yearly from the commercial side, so we’ve been growing over the years and slowly getting bigger and bigger.”

They originally were called C and C Lawn Care based on their names but

changed the title later as they began taking off.

Twin Blades offers a variety of services related to the outdoor spaces of your home.

In addition to landscaping and lawn service, Twin Blades also does irrigation repairs, installation, and some lighting.

“We’re full-service pretty much around the board as far as all our outdoor needs goes,” Colby McChesney said.

Services also include lighting during the holiday season.

“We hang and do Christmas decorations in the winter,” Cliff McChesney said.

“It works pretty well for people. There’s quite a few of them that don’t want to get on the roof and hang Christmas lights or whatnot.”

The Trussville business

They said that they can transform a home’s outdoor space into something that is much improved, being able to also keep a yard in good shape by working with drain systems. Sometimes water is an issue that customers go to them to resolve.

“One we did a few years ago in Trussville Springs is where we transformed a lady’s back yard,” Colby McChesney said. “It was pretty shady, like a 10- or 12-foot area. It would stay shady and stay wet year-round, so we ended up doing a whole pathway through there and we ended up planting a bunch of plants she liked. And we fixed her drain, put a whole French drain system so it would keep

the water off her yard.”

There is a slew of plants and trees that Twin Blades can beautify a yard with.

Popular plants that customers commonly request are boxwoods, dogwoods, and cherry trees. Others are gardenias, camellias, Japanese maples, and others.

To make a home more private, Twin Blades offers shrubberies and trees that can fulfill this purpose such as emerald green arborvitaes.

Cliff McChesney credits

the growth of Twin Blades to hard work, having begun small and working their way to a reputable business now with a mindset of determination.

“We started working at McDonald’s when we were 14,” he said. “We worked there a year and a half. I know it’s a starter job for everybody, but I learned a little bit about teamwork and the customer service base.”

Colby McChesney added to Cliff’s opinion, saying that word of mouth has helped build a reputation for them in addition to working hard and having it pay off.

“That and also customer relations and the quality of the work we provide. And then

the word of mouth,” he said.

“We’re insured so people can feel peace of mind with that, knowing that we know what we’re doing.”

He said that the work of Twin Blades speaks for itself, with the reputation that they’ve made for themselves allowing them to take pride in what they do.

“We’re not just a random person just jumping into it just trying to make a quick dollar,” he said. “We’re actually doing this as a career and a living, so we put more pride and effort into our work. And we make sure our clients are satisfied.”

Currently, Twin Blades is in the process of building a new website, which will be www.twinbladesllc.com. And while there is not an exact date on when it will go live, they hope that it will be ready

in a month or two months’ time.

In the meantime, Twin Blades Lawn and Landscaping maintains a page on Facebook. They are located at 400 Cahaba Springs in Trussville.

To reach Twin Blades by phone you can call Colby at 205-478-7259 and Cliff at 205-478-7257.

FULL SCALE LAWN & LANDSCAPING SERVICES Serving Trussville and surrounding communities over 15 years!

"

My husband had just came home from the hospital and I needed help.

They did a wonderful job on our lawn. Trimmed around all flower beds.

Edging perfect. Very nice young men that don't mind hard work.

"

- Vicki Folse

LICENSED & INSURED • FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED 205-478-7257 • Find and follow us on Facebook!

Home & Garden | The Trussville Tribune

March, 2021

Page 23 (B)

How a HELOC is a great option for home improvements this spring.

By John Platt, Bryant Bank Vice President

My first home was an older house not built with modernday insulation standards. As winter approached, I used a home equity line of credit (HELOC) to insulate the walls and to purchase and install windows that were better insulated as well. The result was a much-reduced heating bill throughout the winter.

The option of taking out a line of credit that is secured by the equity in your home is a great choice for home improvements and repairs all year long. The example above is just one of many ways the funds can be used.

Why Use a HELOC for Your Spring Renovations?

Home renovations continue to be a top priority for many homeowners, many of which are done during the Spring season. From a total fixer-upper to replacing a roof, or adding a storage shed to store that new lawn mower,

it seems like there’s always a home project that needs attention. Oftentimes, these types of renovations can help increase the market value of your home as well, which is another big benefit.

Some solutions may be more inexpensive or fall into the DIY category, such as weather stripping and caulking. However, other tasks such as replacing windows or buying a new furnace are probably beyond the skill set of most homeowners, and often beyond savings account balances as well.

This is when a HELOC may be the best answer.

It’s important to note that there are significant differences between home equity loans and HELOCs. With most home equity loans, your funds are delivered in one lump sum, and you have a fixed interest rate and repayment plan for a specific period of time.

With a HELOC, you have a revolving line of credit,

similar to a credit card. You pull from it as needed, up to a specified amount. HELOCs also come with variable interest rates. You pay only on what you draw, but the rate may increase or decrease.

Many HELOCs come with specified draw periods that are followed by repayment periods.

How to Decide If a HELOC is Right for Your Home?

If you think there might be work to do when it comes to your home, start by asking some questions and making a list. Are there areas of your home you know are drafty?

Have you been thinking windows or insulation needs to be replaced? Don’t put these concerns off any longer, but look into what local resources may be available to help you make these decisions.

Many utility companies offer free energy audits and DIY improvement tips, which could be a great place to start.

There may be some small

tasks you can tackle yourself, but when you have large, labor-intensive, expensive projects that need to be done, you are probably going to need some help.

If you are interested in obtaining a HELOC for repairs and renovation,

contact one of our bankers at Bryant Bank. You won’t do this by dialing a 1-800 number that goes to a call center. You will make a local call and talk to local people.

We are proud to do business in the communities we serve, and our Bryant Bankers will

be able to assist you with the HELOC process from start to finish and will proudly deliver banking beyond expectations.

For more information, visit BryantBank.com/personallending or call our Trussville office at 205-661-5900.

Member FDIC.

Beyond a house.

You drove by it for years and now it’s up for sale. You made the offer and checked your phone every 15 minutes to see if it was accepted. And at Bryant Bank, we made sure you never had to worry about the homebuying process. We knew you had enough on your mind and were ready to put care into action for you.

Beyond expectations.

Banking Beyond Expectations

APPLY ONLINE TODAY AT BRYANTBANK.COM/MORTGAGE | 205-661-5900 MEMBER FDIC. EQUAL HOUSING LENDER. NMLS 582857

Page 24 (B)

Home & Garden | The Trussville Tribune

March, 2021

The Natural Gas Difference: Your key to awesome outdoor living

By June Mathews, Sponsored Content

More and more homeowners in Trussville and surrounding areas are rethinking their backyards. Instead of just a place for the kids to play, these formerly landscaped areas are becoming additional living space where family and friends gather to socialize, entertain, or simply relax.

Over the past decade, the movement to bring the indoors to the outdoors has consistently risen. A 2016 national survey of professional builders revealed that the availability of outdoor living space had become a significant factor in the sale of new

homes, as well as in the resale value of older homes, and that most of the respondents had either added or were considering adding outdoor rooms to their portfolios.

The outdoor rooms of today, however, are a far cry from the days when outdoor living meant a grill and por-

table lawn furniture on an open patio. These spaces have evolved to include full kitchen setups and eating areas, fireplaces, fire pits, patio heaters, gas lights, hot tubs, pools, and more. As a result, consumers are enjoying vacation-like luxury only a few steps away from their own back doors – and they’re finding that the ideal fuel for keeping their outdoor spaces functional is natural gas.

“Not only is natural gas affordable and clean, it’s dependable,” said Mike Strength, general manager of Trussville Gas & Water.

“Unlike a supply of wood or propane, natural gas doesn’t have to be periodically replenished, and when electri-

cal outages occur, natural gas is still available.”

Natural gas is also in bountiful supply. Recent studies revealed more than 100 years of natural gas availability in the U.S. alone, plus more gas reserves that haven’t even been touched.

Less costly compared to

other fossil fuel energy sources, natural gas also produces lower greenhouse gas emissions than other fuels while achieving higher levels of energy efficiency. As a result, natural gas has become an important tool in the suite of emission-reducing options in the United States and will

continue to benefit our nation as states move to further reduce carbon dioxide emission.

As you and your builder or contractor plan your outdoor space, consider these advantages to using natural gas appliances: • Natural gas outlets make installing and moving appliances almost as easy as plugging and unplugging electrical appliances.

And when you’re ready to shut down for the winter, disconnecting and storing your outdoor gas appliances takes little time and effort.

• Automatic shut-off valves for outlets prevent gas from flowing unless an appliance is correctly connected.

• Grills can be connected to your home’s existing natural gas line. They start

with the push of a button, are ready to cook in minutes, regulate heat easily, and allow you to cook at several temperatures at the same time. Grills can be permanently mounted, built into a surround or attached to a cart for ease of movement.

• Gas fireplaces are available in many sizes and styles and can be surrounded by a variety of materials, including granite, tile or stone. They’re easy to operate and can be built into a patio or deck.

• Similar to a campfire, a natural gas firepit radiates heat in a complete circle.

In addition to providing a realistic look without the hassle of chopping or carrying wood, firepits can also be equipped with cooking options.

• Patio heaters can radiate heat 20 to 25 feet in all directions and can be free-standing, installed in-ground, or mounted to a post, wall, ceiling or another suitable surface. They start with the push of a button and feature heat controls.

• Pool and spa heaters can heat water seven to ten times faster than an electric heater.

• Gaslights add style and ambiance to outdoor spaces, as do natural gas-fueled lanterns, torches and pathway lighting. During power outages, they add security to your property.

An added bonus: They don’t attract insects.

For more information about natural gas availability, call Trussville Gas & Water at (205) 655-3211 or visit www. trussville.com.