December 2020/January 2021 Vestavia Hills Magazine

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE • THE MAN BEHIND THE BOURBON ‘GRAM • TOUR A HAVEN OF A HOME

THE PANDEMIC CLASSROOM TEACHERS’ CHALLENGES & SILVER LININGS

A BRIGHTER DAY HOW MAKE-A-WISH ALABAMA IS BRINGING JOY TO CHILDREN

Variation

DECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021 VestaviaHillsMagazine.com Volume Four | Issue Six $4.95

EN HUE

EMPOWERING DANCERS TO EXPRESS THEMSELVES IN THEIR SKIN COLOR VestaviaHillsMagazine.com 1

add a dash of

magic

to your home

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2 December 2020/January 2021

2 9 2 1 18 T H S T , H O M E W O O D A L 3 5 2 0 9

ATHOME-FURN ISHINGS.COM

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4 December 2020/January 2021

Your health can’t wait.

Your Safe Care is Our #1 Priority At Brookwood Baptist Medical Center, we go above and beyond to help ensure that our hospital is safe for you. We’re here for emergencies 24/7 with the quality and expertise that makes us a community built on care. If you’re not feeling well, don’t ignore your symptoms or downplay your pain.

Taking care of your health now may prevent greater health risks in the future.

Social Distancing

Wear a Mask

Clean Environment

For more information, visit

Separate Covid-19 Areas

www.BrookwoodBaptistMedicalCenter.com

54

FEATURES

54

A BRIGHTER DAY Make-A-Wish Alabama is adding joy to the journeys of children facing critical illnesses statewide, and right down the road.

62

A HEALTHY START TO 2021 It might be wintertime in a pandemic, but that doesn’t mean you can’t start off the New Year with eating right in mind. Here’s what a weight loss and nutrition specialist had to say on the topic.

68

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

What should you buy for friends and loved ones this season?

Look no further than the shops right around you.

6 December 2020/January 2021

PHOTO BY MORGAN HUNT

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

43

PHOTO BY LAUREN USTAD

arts & culture

15 Variation en Hue: A Project from Ballerina Quincy Wilsons 24 Read This Book: Books for Non-Readers

schools & sports

25 Pandemic Classroom: A Heroic Year for Teachers 32 Five Questions For: The Rebels Helping Rebels Organizers

food

& drink

in every issue 6 Contributors 9 From the Editor 10 The Question 11 The Guide 74 Out & About 78 Marketplace 80 My Vestavia Hills

33 Meet Bourbon Man: Unmasking Who is Behind the ‘Gram 42 Five Questions For: Taco Mama Founder Will Haver

home

& style

43 A Restful Retreat: The Reynolds’ Haven of a Home

VestaviaHillsMagazine.com 7

contributors EDITORIAL

Alec Etheredge Madoline Markham Keith McCoy Scott Mims Emily Sparacino

CONTRIBUTORS

Aliza Baker James Culver Mary Fehr Sara Guven Morgan Hunt Sarah Cook McBride Emma Simmons Lauren Ustad Selah Vetter

DESIGN

Jamie Dawkins Connor Martin-Lively Kimberly Myers Briana Sansom

MARKETING

Darniqua Bowen Kristy Brown Jessica Caudill Kari George Caroline Hairston Rachel Henderson Rhett McCreight Viridiana Romero Lisa Shapiro Kerrie Thompson

ADMINISTRATION Hailey Dolbare Mary Jo Eskridge Daniel Holmes Stacey Meadows Tim Prince

Morgan Hunt, Photographer

Morgan recently finished her BS in art from the University of Montevallo.

With her business, Morgan Hunt Media, she works as a freelance commercial and wedding photographer in the Birmingham area while getting her MA in photography from Savannah College of Art and Design.

She believes that photographs have a very unique storytelling ability, and her work lives in a space between journalism and fine art.

Sarah Cook McBride, Writer

Sarah is a freelance writer living in Cullman with her husband, Sam, and rescue dog, Jacob. Since graduating from Auburn University with a journalism degree, she’s worked for several newspapers and magazines through the South. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her running on one of Alabama’s many beautiful trail systems—she recently completed her first ultra marathon, traversing more than 26.2 miles through the woods!

Emma Simmons, Writer & Photographer

As a wanderluster with a serious addiction to her parents’ cooking, Emma is thrilled to be in the ‘Ham, only a short drive away from their dinner table in Vestavia Hills. When she’s not plugging away as the digital executive producer at CBS 42, she’s probably scheming up ways to turn her black thumb green or make her dog Mazzy Insta-famous. Some of her favorite things include sunshine, long baths, fuzzy socks and conversations with strangers.

Selah Vetter, Intern

Selah was born and raised in Long Island, New York, but now splits her time between Knoxville, Tennessee and Birmingham where she attends Samford University. With a lifelong passion for writing, Selah loves being able to share other people’s stories with her words. In her free time, you can find her running, reading a book or hanging out with friends or family at a coffee shop.

Vestavia Hills Magazine is published bimonthly by Shelby County Newspapers Inc., P.O. Box 947, Columbiana, AL 35051. Vestavia Hills Magazine is a registered trademark. All contents herein are the sole property of Shelby County Newspapers Inc. [the Publisher]. No part of this periodical may be reproduced without written permission from the Publisher. Please address all correspondence (including but not limited to letters, story ideas and requests to reprint materials) to: Editor, Vestavia Hills Magazine, P.O. Box 947, Columbiana, AL 35051.

Vestavia Hills Magazine is mailed to select households throughout Vestavia Hills, and a limited number of free copies are available at local businesses. Please visit VestaviaHillsMagazine.com for a list of those locations. Subscriptions are available at a rate of $16.30 for one year by visiting VestaviaHillsMagazine.com or calling (205) 669-3131, ext. 532.

Advertising inquiries may be made by emailing advertise@vestaviahillsmagazine.com, or by calling (205) 669-3131, ext. 536.

8 December 2020/January 2021

VestaviaHillsMagazine.com 9

10 December 2020/January 2021

from the editor

Y

ON THE COVER

Variation en Hue

Quincy Wilson founded Variation en Hue to promote inclusivity in ballet by providing shoes, tights and costumes of different skin tones to colored dancers.

Photo by Mary Fehr Design by Jamie Dawkins

Y’all, we made it. Believe it or not, 2020 will have an end, and it’s just around the corner as we wrap up this issue. I certainly can’t recall a more tumultuous season or, ironically, one where I spent oh so much time slowing down and enjoying the simplicity of the everyday goodness.

And so as this year of mask wearing and social distancing comes to a close, it’s only fitting that we end it by looking at effects of COVID-19 itself in our interviews with teachers about what this school year has looked like with plexiglass barriers, virtual meetings, and lots of creativity and hard work. Be sure read what they had to share from their classrooms starting on page 25.

Speaking of schools, I was extra inspired by Vestavia Hill High School student Quincy Wilson’s journey not just as a ballerina but also to empower other dancers to express themselves in their skin color—as written by 2020 VHHS graduate Sara Guven. To be honest, as a white woman, I had never thought about how in the world of ballet pale, fleshcolored pink tights are the standard and about the conflict that creates for dancers whose skin tones are a different hue. I hope that reading about Quincy’s Variation en Hue project will open your eyes as it did mine and leave you wanting to support causes like hers.

Speaking of causes, with all that’s happened this year there’s perhaps no better time to gift that impossible-to-buy-for person in your life with a donation in their honor to a local nonprofit. While there are many in our community, in this issue we highlight the ways Make-A-Wish brings joy to children with chronic illnesses, from its Vestavia Hills office to families all over the state. In this particular story though we look at a sensory room “wish” that was granted to a girl who lives in our community.

On a very different note, another good gift for the impossible-to-buyfor in 2020, at least in my opinion, is a bottle of bourbon—a topic that Charles Murrell is much more qualified to speak to than myself. His wife Mandy emailed us to let us in on the fact that he’s behind both the @bourbon__man Instagram account and yet another way to give back through Bourbon Charity. Read more about all of that in the pages that lie ahead.

I don’t have room to say much more, but also be sure to check out the relaxing retreat of a home Candy Reynolds shared with us—including the pavilion that has been a place of hospitality amidst the pandemic—and a tips from a weight loss and nutrition specialist (who calls Vestavia Hills home) for how to have a healthy start to 2021.

2020—it’s been a wild ride we’re all ready to usher out, but we sure are glad we’ve lived out in the richness of community around us here in Vestavia Hills. Here’s to hoping your year ends with joyous memories amidst all the crazy!

madoline.markham@vestaviahillsmagazine.com VestaviaHillsMagazine.com 11

“ ” THE QUESTION

What has 2020 taught you?

That the world has never been in more need of more people willing to live compassionately in their thoughts and deeds— towards all people.

That 8 months really equals 8 years—simple math.

2020 has taught me that I’d rather poke my eyes out than homeschool my children.

That kids are actually a lot more resilient and flexible than we give them credit for.

-Sarah Monti

-Shelly Eustice Scheinler

-Donna Wade

-Patty Corbett Green

2020 has taught me to be grateful for life’s blessings, to cherish the opportunity to be present with my family, and to be ready to adjust to new realities with a growth mindset.

That my family and I don’t NEED to do half of what we were doing. My perception of what is needed has been enlightened a bit.

Don’t ever say, “Well, it can’t get any worse than this”...because it most certainly can.

That being back in my classroom and making art with my wonderful students at VHEW is good for my soul!

-Kira Fonteneau

-Ward Henneker

12 December 2020/January 2021

-Merryl Taylor Cooper

-Jamie Hyche Kolb

THE GUIDE

MAGIC CITY NUTCRACKER FIRST WEEK OF DECEMBER Streamed Virtually Travel to the land of mice soldiers and a Sugar Plum Fairy in this holiday favorite—put together with more than 90 local dancers based out of Vestavia Dance. The 2020 production will be filmed at iconic locations around Birmingham, including the Sibyl Temple in Vestavia Hills, and streamed free on Facebook the first week of December and will also be available for purchase in DVD format. Find more information visit magiccitynutcracker.org.

VestaviaHillsMagazine.com 13

THE GUIDE AROUND TOWN DEC. 10

Christmas Home Tour 10 A.M.-2 P.M. & 4-8 P.M. Tour homes in all their festive glory at this 10th annual event to benefit the Samford Legacy League’s scholarships to Samford University for students with significant financial need and challenging circumstances. Due to COVID-19, masks covering nose and mouth are required, guests are asked to follow social distancing guideline, and each guest will have temperature check and complete a symptom checklist prior to entry. For tickets visit samford.edu/legacyleague/.

DEC. 1

Tree Lighting Festival DEC. 18

The Reindeer Dash Pure Fitness, 1425 Montgomery Highway, Suite 115

6 P.M. Vestavia Hills City Hall 1032 Montgomery Highway Ring in the season with this annual celebration of holiday lights. We hear Santa will be there, too, and there will be merchant giveaways too.

JAN. 23

Pages & Pies Drive-Thru Event Celebrate National Pie Day with a free 14 December 2020/January 2021

DEC. 1-24 Christmas Tree Farm Old Baker Farm DEC. 4, 5, 11, 12, 18 & 19 Christmas at the Station with Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum Downtown Calera DEC. 5 Holiday Artist Market Shelby County Arts Center 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

DEC. 10 Samford Legacy League Christmas Home Tour samford.edu/legacyleague/.

DEC. 11 Taylor Hicks Performs The Allman Brothers Band The Lyric Theatre DEC. 11-13 70th Annual Independent Presbyterian Church Holiday House Tour Virtually DEC. 15 Memories with Santa Vestavia Hills Library 205-978-0158 for Reservations DEC. 17-29 Alabama Ballet’s The Nutcracker BJCC Concert Hall

Work off all that party food at this annual 5K and 1-mile fun run. Better yet, dress as favorite holiday character and bring your family when you come.

Register at runsignup.com.

2 P.M. Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest Parking Lot

DEC. 1-22 Christmas Movies The Alabama Theatre

book for adults and a piece of pie from the library. Supplies are limited; registration is required. Call 205-978-4678 or email Terri at terri.leslie@vestavialibrary. org to reserve your goodies.

DEC. 17, 19, 20 Holiday Spectacular Presented by Red Mountain Theatre Company Regions Field DEC. 18 Birmingham Boys Choir Annual Christmas Concert: Virtual Edition birminghamboyschoir.org 7 p.m.

THE GUIDE DEC. 19 Meadow Brook Runs Valley Bank, Meadow Brook Branch

DEC. 12

Breakfast with Santa

JAN. 9 Forging Families 5K & 1-Mile Fun Run Columbiana

7:30-10 A.M. Vestavia Hills City Center DEC. 13

JAN. 9 Brian Reagan The Alabama Theatre

Vestavia Hills Christmas Parade

JAN. 12 The Price is Right Live!

BJCC Concert Hall JAN. 14-31 Birmingham Restaurant Week: Winter Edition bhamrestaurantweek.com

Time to eat pancakes with Santa! Check business.vestaviahills.org for updates on how the event will work this year.

2-4 P.M. Liberty Park Sports Complex to Alston Meadows

JAN. 21-FEB. 7 1776: A Musical Comedy Virginia Samford Theatre

The tradition continues. Find a good spot along the route to watch the parade pass and get ready to watch holiday cheer in parade form.

celebrate

Christmas with

Homewood

Cahaba Heights

VestaviaHillsMagazine.com 15

16 December 2020/January 2021

&CULTURE

ARTS

VARIATION EN HUE How one ballerina is empowering others to express themselves in their skin color—and chase their dreams.

BY SARA GUVEN PHOTOS BY MARY FEHR VestaviaHillsMagazine.com 17

F

For many it’s a rite of passage for little girls to take ballet lessons. Mothers take their daughters to dance class every week, uncontrolled limbs striving towards grace, and after a year of practice, the big day comes. Tutus lined up in a row, small ballet shoes dancing around wildly in excitement for the stage, tights and leotards pulled on with much difficulty, wild hair tied up into a perfect bun, cheeks flushed with blush for the first time. Mothers wants to see their little girls succeed, and that first recital is a significant moment of joy in a mother’s story. But for mothers of dancers of color, that experience can be one of sadness as they watch their daughters, who should be gaining confidence and pride, learn about the disparity that exists between them and their friends.

The art of ballet originated in Renaissance Italy in the 15th century, and grew across the centuries and continents to become the formal, intentional and graceful style recognized today. However, ballet’s European origins still dominate the art, six centuries later. The pale, flesh-colored pink that tights and pointe shoes are typically colored is so synonymous with the art that the shade itself is named “ballet pink.” The intention is that dancers’ skin blends with their costumes and shoes in order to create an illusion of perfection and even longer, more limber legs.

But for dancers of color, the concept of ballet pink represents a challenge. Ballerinas are expected to perform with precision and conform to the vision of a piece as a whole. Part of that vision is coherence between every dancer’s appearance, meaning dancers of color are expected to wear the “nude” ballet pink that uncomfortably highlights the difference between their skin and the “right” color for ballet. Dancers of color around the world are starting to grapple with that experience and are asking: Why does ballet inherently exclude their skin color?

18 December 2020/January 2021

VHHS student Quincy Wilson founded Variation en Hue to provide shoes, tights and costumes of different skin tones to colored dancers.

VestaviaHillsMagazine.com 19

20 December 2020/January 2021

“(The tights and shoes) made me dance with a lot more confidence.

I was finally wearing something that matched me for once, and not everyone else.�

-Quincy Wilson Quincy Wilson is one of them. Now sophomore at Vestavia Hills High School, she’s been and a dancing since she was 3 in jazz, ballet, hip-hop, and contemporary styles and has been doing so competitively since age 6 or 7. A passion for dance simply runs in the family. Her grandmother, mother

and sister all danced into adulthood, and Quincy carries on the family legacy with Birmingham Dance Theatre, where she has competitively danced locally, regionally and nationally.

Despite her love for dance, though, as a young woman of color, she shares the experience of feeling

VestaviaHillsMagazine.com 21

Quincy collects costume donations as a part of Variation en Hue.

22 December 2020/January 2021

excluded. “I didn’t really think about it that much back then (when I was younger), but I had to had to color the straps or mesh on my costumes through a process called ‘pancaking,’ where foundation makeup is used to make these items match the color of my skin,” she recalls. “Why do I have to do this and none of my friends do?” she started to ask.

On the competition circuit, Quincy’s experiences have been mostly positive but describes a disappointing observation: “Over my eight years of doing competitive dance, on most competition circuits, especially the big ones, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a Black dance teacher who wasn’t a hip-hop dancer.” As a student whose dreams are to dance professionally in a variety of styles, she shares that it can be disheartening. “Seeing how I’ve never been able to look up to someone who’s doing exactly what I want to do and who looks like me, that has been something I’ve had to deal with.”

Her freshman year of high school, Wilson danced for the Vestavia Rebelettes. As part of the team, she recalls that for the first time, she

was able to wear tights and shoes that matched her skin color. “It was an amazing feeling,” she says. “It made me dance with a lot more confidence.

I was finally wearing something that matched me for once, and not everyone else.”

Although it was empowering to her, some people were alienated by it.

“Some of my classmates did make comments about it. They were like, ‘That looks so weird! Why are you doing that?’” Although those comments hurt, she was able to remain proud of her choice. “I was just like, ‘You know, I’m finally able to express myself in my skin color.’” That feeling of empowerment inspired her, and now she wants all dancers of color to be able to experience it.

To do so, this year she founded Variation en Hue, a project to promote inclusivity in ballet and spread awareness by providing shoes, tights and costumes of different skin tones to colored dancers. Partnering

VestaviaHillsMagazine.com 23

SUPPORT VARIATION EN HUE DONATE DANCE SUPPLIES

To donate new or gently used flesh tone tights, ballet or jazz shoes, or costumes, contact Quincy via direct on social media to schedule a pickup. Or, packages can be shipped to: Variation en Hue, P.O. Box 59748, Birmingham, AL 35259-9748.

MAKE A FINANCIAL DONATION

For monetary donations, checks can be sent to Quincy Wilson for Variation en Hue, P.O. Box 59748, Birmingham, AL 35259-9748, or you can give online at browngirlsdoballet.com (click “Donate” and specify “Variation en Hue” under the Additional Information step).

KEEP IN TOUCH

For more information on Variation en Hue, visit browngirlsdoballet.com/variation-en-hue, or follow them

on Instagram at @variationenhue or Quincy

Wilson @quincy.wils.

24 December 2020/January 2021

with Brown Girls Do Ballet, an organization that promotes inclusivity in ballet nationally, Quincy collects used costumes and donates them and flesh-tone tights and shoes to studios across the globe, and she also raises money for brown dancers to purchase darker-toned tights and shoes.

While it has been a challenge to handle Variation en Hue between four hours of dance a day during the week and staying on top of honors classes at school, Quincy is proud of the success she’s had so far. She has collected more than 400 costumes and is in the long process of cleaning and shipping to places in the United States as well as Guatemala and Kenya, and she can’t wait for the day that they finally get to their new owners. “I just want to get them out to people and see them on the dancers and know that they’ve found their home,” she says with a smile.

Down the road, Quincy dreams that her project will grow and continue on even after she moves on from Birmingham. She aims to continue growing the project and expanding its reach to a national initiative. As for her own future, Wilson dreams of a career in professional dance, either in Hollywood or on Broadway—and of a world where all dancers feel included and all little girls can chase their dreams without limits. “I don’t see myself ever stopping dancing,” she says.

IS PROUD TO WELCOME TO OUR EXPERT TEAM OF PHYSICIANS

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Call 205-605-8180

today to schedule your appointment.

Grandview Physicians Plaza 3686 Grandview Parkway Suite 430 Birmingham, Alabama 35243

Less Pain. More Living. www.SouthlakeOrthopaedics.com VestaviaHillsMagazine.com 25

ARTS & CULTURE

READ THIS BOOK

Books for Non-Readers Recommendations from

Jenni Walton

Vestavia Hills Elementary Liberty Park Library Media Specialist

I am a reader. I am a lover of books. Nothing makes me happier than breathing in the smell of a new book and feeling the crisp, unread pages in my hands. I realize, however, not everyone feels this way, especially my husband, who always remarks on the number of pages in my current read. So this list is dedicated to him and to all the other self-proclaimed non-readers who would rather be fishing or playing outside or tinkering with something other than a book.

The Terrible Two

by Mac Barnett & Jory John When master prankster Miles Murphy moves to sleepy Yawnee Valley, he challenges the local, mystery prankster in an epic battle of tricks, but soon the two join forces to pull off the biggest prank ever seen.

Cartoonish illustrations sprinkled throughout the book will capture readers’ attention and add interest to the story. Three more books in the series are available for those craving more jokes and pranks too.

Mister Shivers: Beneath the Bed and Other Scary Stories

by Max Brallier A collection of five moderately scary stories, each with a surprising twist. Not quite as scary as Alvin Schwartz’s Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, but definitely worthy of a sleepless night or two! Kids who love these scary stories can then try the other books in the series or Max Brallier’s other popular series, The Last Kids on Earth.

Rabbit and Robot: The Sleepover

by Cece Bell This beginning reader/beginning chapter book contains three delightful stories about Rabbit and Robot.

Rabbit is excited about the sleepover he has carefully planned for his friend Robot, but Robot has different ideas about how things should go. Readers can also enjoy the companion, Rabbit and Robot and Ribbit, as well as Cece Bell’s other series, Chick and Brain, and older readers will enjoy Bell’s autobiographical graphic novel, El Deafo.

Dory Fantasmagory Series

by Abby Hanlon Dory, the youngest in her family, is a girl with a very active imagination, and she spends the summer playing with her imaginary friend, pretending to be a dog, battling monsters and generally driving her family nuts. Hanlon has written four other books in the series, keeping readers laughing at Dory’s neverending antics.

Baby Monkey, Private Eye

by Brian Selznick and David Serlin Baby Monkey, Private Eye will investigate stolen jewels, missing pizzas and other mysteries—if he can only manage to figure out how to put his pants on! Readers itching to read chapter books will enjoy how thick the book feels, without struggling through too many words on a page.

26 December 2020/January 2021

SCHOOL

&SPORTS

PANDEMIC CLASSROOM With classes online or 6 feet apart, these teachers are still teaching their students in an A+ way.

BY SELAH VETTER & MADOLINE MARKHAM PHOTOS BY MORGAN HUNT VestaviaHillsMagazine.com 27

CARRIE CEARLOCK VESTAVIA HILLS ELEMENTARY EAST SECOND-GRADE VIRTUAL TEACHER

28 December 2020/January 2021

What has teaching virtually been like overall?

When they asked me to teach virtually it wasn’t on my radar, but I felt such peace about it and that these kids are supposed to be mine. I talk to these families constantly because we have to be such a team. I have four kids myself, so I have empathy for parents trying to do this at home.

What does your day look like with a virtual class?

I have my class split into two groups on Google Meet, and we do a read aloud and a number talk and daily oral language and catch up with each other. I pull a small group a day—we split into five groups—and we target a reading or math strategy. We do optional enrichment activities in the afternoon. For example we did an animal research project and a place value spreadsheet, and we are about to start some spider research.

What have been some silver linings in this experience?

As a teacher I feel like I have had a lot of opportunity to get to know my students’ families, and we have had more time to get a better picture of the child. For the parents, even though there are challenges, they are getting time with the children that they would have never had. When you calculate the days before they go to college, it’s a lot less than you think, and it goes by so fast.

For all your backyard playground needs!!

What’s been challenging?

When I can’t fix a problem my student is having because they are not in the physical space for me to help them. There are some things that are great learning experiences working with partners and groups that we can’t do virtually too.

You work on a team with virtual teachers in second grade in other Vestavia schools. What has that been like?

That has been amazing! You would feel very isolated without that. We bounce ideas off each other constantly and text throughout the day to solve problems. We can use each other’s strengths. Some of us are more comfortable videoing ourselves reading, and some are more skilled in technology. I have learned so much technology wise from other members of our team.

What lessons do you think you will take with you from this school year?

I am definitely more confident in technology and will use that more in my classroom. I want to be as connected with my families whether we are in person or virtual.

You get such a better picture of a child when you connect with your families.

CALL

205-408-4386 for more info!

NOW ALSO SELLING AY COMMERCIAL PLAY EQUIPMENT! CALL 205-408-4386 86 FOR MORE INFO!

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www.backyardalabama.com VestaviaHillsMagazine.com 29

RANDY PETTWAY VESTAVIA HILLS ELEMENTARY DOLLY RIDGE FIFTH-GRADE TRADITIONAL TEACHER

30 December 2020/January 2021

What does your classroom setup look like this year?

The teaching profession comes with challenges and triumphs, and right now we are in the middle of the challenges and working toward the triumph. So when you step into my classroom, the desks are configured similar to the ways they were last year, but the main differences you will see are the plexiglass screens that are dividing the student tables. Since I have a large classroom to begin with my tables have always had nice space between then, so that didn’t have to change that much since we were aiming for at least 6 feet apart.

What silver linings have you seen this year?

One thing I have seen magnified is the way students bring their hand sanitizer and wash their hands and sanitize their areas.

Those are nice life skills for us to have to begin with. I would also say they are holding each other accountable. For instance we might be working on an activity, and one student might see another not having their mask on properly. They have really stepped up and called each other on certain things that might arise.

You also say students are learning to make better use of technology. Why is that important?

It seems to be the direction our society is going in terms of how

to use technology and how to make sure you have the digital footprint and reputation out there.

How do you think the circumstances of this school year are shaping students?

I think many of them are learning the purest form of adaptability. They have a choice in front of them whether to accept the challenge and see to overcome it, or crumble underneath it. It’s been a pleasure to see them face those challenges head-on and seek to overcome them and help others to overcome them.

What has been challenging?

In a normal school year my students would be able to see my facial expressions when we get to a funny part of the school day.

However, these days they are having to listen more intently to hear my voice behind my mask and face shield. One thing I have implemented more is being more willing to repeat certain things.

What do you think will stick with you the most from this school year?

I’ll remember the resiliency it takes everyday to not only educate but also to give each student the quality of attention and character education they need in order to exist and thrive.

VestaviaHillsMagazine.com 31

AMY COOK LIBERTY PARK MIDDLE SCHOOL SIXTH-GRADE MATH TEACHER

What changes have you made to your classroom to adapt to the pandemic?

I have shifted completely to a paperless classroom.

Although this is not a new concept, it is uncommon for a math classroom. The students do have their composition notebooks, but we have eliminated making copies to reduce handoffs between people. This has been quite an adjustment, but the efficiency and convenience of having everything electronic have been wonderful.

How has the pandemic caused you to grow as a teacher?

My knowledge of digital resources and curriculums expanded tremendously throughout this process. If you had told me 27 years ago when I first started my career in education that I would be teaching students virtually with digital curriculums, I would have thought we were in a science fiction movie.

How have your students impressed you this school year?

I have witnessed patience, flexibility and partnership amongst students, parents, teachers and administration that is truly inspiring. We are so thankful to be in the school building everyday so that we can feel a sense of normalcy while maintaining education for today’s youth. Some days after I teach a class, I sit back and remind myself that the students I teach are only 11 and 12 years old. Their

BEN OSBORNE VESTAVIA HILLS HIGH SCHOOL FRESHMAN CAMPUS SOCIAL STUDIES TEACHER

What has been the most efficient thing you have done to teach during the pandemic?

I have begun a YouTube channel and film videos of myself teaching the lesson so we have less in class contact. It helps the kids since they can watch it again if they need to. I would like to spend some time next summer making better videos that I can use in the long run. A lot of us have also started using programs like Canva to give online creative assignments. That said, I look forward to returning to some things as well. Tests are a nightmare to give in this environment, and I am looking forward to an old-fashioned in-class test.

What has been the most difficult part of teaching during the pandemic?

Teachers are always changing and innovating our practice, but there are things that work well and are ready to go year to year. A lot of that is out the window. Almost every lesson has to be new and unique. I probably spend four hours a weekend minimum working on school. In the past it was a lot easier to separate home and work life. It is very hard now. It strains our lives in major ways.

32 December 2020/January 2021

determination and effort to have a safe environment at school so that we can continue working together in the building is amazing.

What has been the most difficult part of teaching during the pandemic?

The challenge of not having all of our students at school on a daily basis. We are a family at LPMS. It does not feel complete when we have a portion of our students in the classroom while others have opted for virtual learning. I am hoping many of my virtual students return in January.

I miss the high fives, the hugs and their sweet faces. I don’t think I will recognize my students when we eventually don’t have to wear face masks.

What new classroom methods will you keep after the pandemic is over?

I started making weekly videos called Weekly Updates with Mrs. Cook. It is a short 5- to 10-minute video I make every Monday to summarize our week ahead with parents and students. I share any classroom announcements, assessment dates and school activities with everyone. I have received so many emails thanking me for making these videos. The parents have communicated that it makes them feel connected to our classroom and reassured that their child’s education is continuing to grow and flourish during these unusual times.

How has teaching like this shaped you as a person and as a teacher?

This year of teaching has given me more of a willingness to help out the kids more. When you think more of the struggles people are going through, you give them more grace.

What do you think you will remember most from this time?

I’ll remember it being very stressful. I don’t want to think that teachers have it worse than everyone else, but the way teaching has been done over the years has been one kind of way, so for us to do a 180 has been stressful. I have heard a lot of teachers talking about how it is their first year all over again. It is very hard, but it also leads to new concepts that we might not have had otherwise.

How have your students impressed you?

They are so adaptable. This is always true of young people, but right now they are doing a really great job of dealing with all of the changes. While us adults are groaning over the new, but needed, change, the kids just don’t care. They have been pretty good about mask mandates and distancing as well.

VestaviaHillsMagazine.com 33

SCHOOL & SPORTS

5

FIVE QUESTIONS FOR

Rebels Helping Rebels Organizers PHOTO BY MADOLINE MARKHAM

Costs for a high school student can easily add up, with fees for clubs or sports, plus more for AP classes, graduation fees and dance costs. Families might not realize the “sticker price” of enrollment at Vestavia High School can be higher than it might appear. But the school also wants to make sure a student doesn’t decide not to participate in an activity due to financial concerns. That’s where a new program, Rebels Helping Rebels, comes into play. To learn more about it, we chatted with the school faculty and staff who have organized it: Michael Sinnott, Emily Bedgood, Faith Lenhart and Lisa Greer.

How did the idea for Rebels Helping Rebels come from?

Faith: It started from an equity and diversity committee two years ago, and we wanted to run with a financial assistance program. We did research about how much it costs to participate in activities here.

Emily: I looked at different fees, to go to prom and participate in different activities. We wanted to get an idea of how many students would need help with that cost and make sure they are participating without limits.

Michael: One thing we realized is a lot of the programs people are in, whether it’s choir or dance, already had mechanisms in place for financial support, but they weren’t always as transparent. This is a way to be transparent and say, “If you need something, we can help meet that need.”

The program launched this fall at student registration. How did that go?

Emily: We were fortunate we got a lot donated for this program at the beginning of the year when we released it; now the challenge is for people know how to request money and that it’s confidential.

34 December 2020/January 2021

We want the kids and families to understand that it’s out there.

Faith: Every month Lisa emails me a list of everyone who made a donation and the amount, and we send them a tax deduction letter. If they donate $100 or more, they get a car decal with our logo on them that we mail to them.

It started as a high school thing, and then I met with employees at the Central Office and our social worker. After our conversation, we realized need to start it at the middle school when all of this starts.

How have you seen financial generosity in the school?

Lisa: As a bookkeeper I see there are a lot of parents here who make anonymous donations. People are not here to be seen. I see the donation checks come in, and they say, “I don’t want anyone to know about this.” We have had an enormous amount of donations at the school this year in proportion to what we’ve had before because people know there is a need. It’s about the children and giving everyone the same opportunity.

Why do you think this program was important to start?

Emily: For me being involved with this was more personal. I graduated from here and grew up in Vestavia, but my parents were very lower middle class. We lived in a town house. My dad was an electrician, and my mom cleaned houses. Growing up I was very involved in choir and theatre and wanted to go on trips. I never went without, but I know my parents struggled.

I was one of those who could have benefitted from this program.

Where did the name come from?

Faith: The first name of it was the Grace Account, but I went to our principal Dr. Tyler Burgess’s office and said, “What do we call this?” And he said, “What about Rebels Helping Rebels?”

Lucy: Because that’s what it is. If you are not a Rebel when you come here, you will be before you leave.

To make a tax-deductible donation to Rebels Helping Rebels, visit vestaviahillsal. csiepay.com. To confidentially apply for funds through it, visit the school website to complete a Google form.

&DRINK

FOOD

MEET BOURBON MAN

Unmasking the man behind the bourbon ‘gram—and his passion for its infinite possibilities to explore.

PHOTOS & TEXT BY EMMA SIMMONS VestaviaHillsMagazine.com 35

Charles Murrell shares his bourbon knowledge on Instagram @bourbon__man (that’s two underscores).

36 December 2020/January 2021

T

Teeming with #shamelessselfies and “influencer” hopefuls, Instagram is the social media platform of choice for personal brand-building. As evidenced by an obscene 40 million Google hits on the topic, becoming Insta-famous is top-of-mind for many users. A rare feat, cracking into this upper echelon proved no difficult task for one Vestavia Hills bourbon buff.

Attention-seeking behavior may be strongly correlated with Instagram success, but Charles Murrell has amassed a significant following sans personal plugs. Apart from serving as the humanager for his chocolate lab Max’s ‘gram (@maxthedrover), Charles has been, until recently, light on the social media. But at the urging of his wife Mandy and daughter Madison, he caved and created a @bourbon__man Instagram account.

That’s two underscores, mind you.

Having taken notes on his father’s and uncle’s drinking habits at family gatherings, Charles’s been

sipping bourbon neat since his college days at Auburn University—an uncommonly sophisticated vice for a young fraternity brother.

“I enjoy it for the taste,” Charles clarifies. “What I love so much about bourbon is that under that classification there is such a wide range of offerings, tastes and flavor experiences. Bourbon isn’t one thing, like Coke or Sprite. There are almost infinite possibilities to explore.”

It was his wife Mandy’s talent for gifting, specifically during Christmas in 2015, that started Charles down the rabbit hole of collecting the original American spirit.

“I’m sort of an eternal student, which I believe comes from my dad,” says Charles, who was named after his father. “I’ve always felt like if I was going to have an opinion that was important enough for me to share with others, I needed to form it myself and truly understand what I was talking about.”

In the five short years Charles’s bourbon VestaviaHillsMagazine.com 37

Charles serves as the director of donor relations for Bourbon Charity, which gives donors a chance to win bottles in sweepstakes-style contest to support five nonprofit organizations.

38 December 2020/January 2021

collection proliferated, so did his lexicon. Behind each bottle is a story, which he’ll tell enthusiastically, if permitted. Charles could fill a book with his knowledge on distillation processes, the names of and uses for various glassware, how heat or barrel charring impacts flavor profiles, innovations in finishing methods, the history of bourbon’s big names, the rise of craft distilleries... just to name a few topics.

According to Charles, bourbon collectors choose to spend money or time in the chase for the taste.

Unwilling to squander a small fortune on $1,000 bottles in the secondary market, he opted to invest in the latter.

“This is the result of years and years of hunting,” says Charles, gesturing to his enviable stockpile of bourbon on display in his—for lack of a better term—man cave. “I love seeing people’s reaction when they walk into this room because obviously this is the fruit of a lot of effort.”

Charles’s painstakingly piecemeal collection, and the extent to which it’s been showcased, have received acclaim from friends, family and more recently, the online community of fellow bourbon enthusiasts. A clinical neurophysiologist turned healthcare business executive, Charles prioritized privacy when he launched the anonymous “Bourbon Man” Instagram handle in May of 2019.

He didn’t want his colleagues to get the wrong idea from his daily bourbon beauty shots.

“I don’t want to ruin the illusion, but I don’t have a drink every single day,” Charles admits.

Nor does Charles tout himself as a connoisseur.

Unfortunately, his busy work schedule hasn’t allowed for enough time off for him to become a certified bourbon steward, which is much like a sommelier or cicerone. Bourbon stewards attain their titles after completing the Stave and Thief Society bourbon certification program, the official bourbon education course of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association.

“I don’t do very detailed reviews, because I don’t want to present myself as an expert when I haven’t officially been recognized or trained as such,” says Charles.

For Charles’s 12,000 (and counting) Instagram followers, his lack of formal training is of no consequence. Bourbon Man can craft a winning post with a few simple ingredients: bourbon, the raw cedar wood coffee table he built, his leather chair and a discussion-worthy caption.

“I love a good polarizing bottle because that’s what starts the conversation,” Charles explains. “I don’t begrudge anyone for drinking anything.”

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It’s through Charles’s brazenly authentic approach to the ‘gram that he won the doubletapping hearts of his followers. His top advice for the bourbon novices that slide into his direct messages is: “Don’t chase names on bottles. Don’t waste the money. Figure out what you like first. It doesn’t have to be great for anyone else.”

Recognizing the subjectivity of taste, Bourbon Man isn’t a proponent of superlatives. Dismissing the notion of universally enjoyable bourbon, he is adept in matching his followers with bourbons that will satisfy their unique palates. But if he doesn’t think a new release is worth the hype, he’ll be honest.

“I’m never going to say anything negative about something that’s a free sample someone sent me; I just won’t review it,” he says . “But you’d be surprised by how many people, when I tell them that, won’t send anything.”

Not once has Charles posted a picture of an unopened bottle—an obvious hindrance to an honest, thoughtful review. His transparent posting practices have earned him the respect of fellow bourbon-heads of Insta-repute, many of whom he’s proud to call drinking buddies.

“I never thought when I was younger that I

40 December 2020/January 2021

Charles with his wife Mandy and their daughter

would have a bunch of virtual friends, but especially during a pandemic, it’s the most responsible and safest thing to do,” says Charles, who’s more than happy to cheers over Zoom.

It was through Charles’s Insta-friend Brandon Hunt that he developed a passion even greater than the one that prompted him to start his account. “Bourbon Man had 4,000 Instagram followers at that point, and I was thinking to myself, ‘This is crazy.’ If I’m going to have a following, I need to do something positive with it,’” he recalls.

Brandon, an Arizona native, had raised money for his father’s and his friend’s child’s cancer treatments by selling off his bourbon collection.

Following the fundraiser’s success, he launched the Bourbon Charity in January of 2019 so donors could drink for a change. Bourbon Charity fundraisers benefit five core organizations: Prostate Cancer Foundation, Children’s Tumor Foundation, Fisher House Foundation, Dare to Care and charity: water.

The nonprofit sources bourbon at list price and gives donors a chance to win the bottle via a sweepstakes-style contest. The more money a person donates, the more contest entries they’re

VestaviaHillsMagazine.com 41

allowed. (Entering once is free too!)

Unable to make a significant financial contribution, Charles reached out to Brandon in June of 2019 to offer up his most prized possession, his time, and became director of donor relations four months later. This coming March, Charles will join the charity’s board of directors. With over half a million dollars raised in Bourbon Charity’s first year as a nonprofit, it appears Charles’s talents are going to good use.

Charles plays a critical role in sourcing Bourbon Charity’s swag after developing relationships with manufacturers of high quality products. He negotiates prices with behemoths like Glencairn Crystal company, the Scottish maker and namesake of the iconic Glencairn whiskey glass, for custom merchandise. He also manages Bourbonhood, an exclusive club—with a snazzy logo to boot—for over 300 monthly patrons who support the backend operation via online platform Patreon. Ultimately, Charles says, Bourbonhood helps the charity get closer to their goal of sending 100 percent of public donations to the charities they support.

Charles’s Bourbon Charity affiliation may have helped him come to terms with his unexpected Insta-fame, but don’t expect to see much more of

42 December 2020/January 2021

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“I think I’m going to incorporate a little bit about me, but I don’t want the page to ever be a selfpromoting thing. I’m not directing people to me.

I’m directing people to a charity,” he says.

It may come as a surprise to some that more than once Charles himself has been on the receiving end of well-intentioned suggestions to check out the Bourbon Man Instagram page.

But he’s not offended. For Charles, it’s about the bourbon, not the man.

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FOOD & DRINK

5

FIVE QUESTIONS FOR

Will Haver

Taco Mama Founder PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

In recent months, Vestavia City Center’s courtyard has gained AstroTurf, Adirondack chairs, string lights, funky red swivel chairs and an Instagram account, and it’s started hosting tailgates and other events.

Its cool factor will ramp up all the more when Taco Mama opens in the spring too. To learn more about what the restaurant will be like and what’s new with the concept, we chatted with the man who first dreamed it up almost a decade ago.

How did you land on this location next to Zoes Kitchen in the Vestavia City Center?

Vestavia has always been on our radar because we have so many friends and family members from there. The right location never came up before, but when they redeveloped the city center, they did a fantastic space with the green area. With that and being around like-minded restaurants with Zoes and Panera, it was a great fit for us. It was pre-COVID when we signed up, and now that COVID is here, there is need for larger outside dining. We are going to put large picnic tables outside, and we’ll have a garage door in the front that we can use for open air.

margaritas I love the watermelon, blood orange and the Mercedes, our house margarita. With the build your own, I can eat as dirty as I want or as clean as I want.

To eat clean I put chicken, steak, tuna or shrimp on a bowl with romaine lettuce, How has Taco Mama grown since then? black beans, cilantro, fresh jalapeños and We thought, “Let’s try another,” and we the mild ranchero salsa. Sometimes I’ll do did it in Tuscaloosa. Then someone would chicken with cilantro lime rice and pico come up and say, “I have a location, and I too. want you to put one there.” And then you go and say, “I can relate to this place.” It What’s new or coming soon to Taco clicks when you know the area and you Mama?

This spring we will introduce street know the people. Those things have to present themselves. We are in Alabama, corn. We are shucking it in-house, grilling Tennessee and North Carolina now, but it and making a paste with chipotle we try to keep the local feel. It’s a labor of powder, queso fresco, cilantro and lime juice. We have a new sangria with a recipe love and passion by many. a friend of ours from Spain gave us: highRemind us of the back story on the end Spanish wine with fresh peaches, What do you like to order? start of Taco Mama. apples, grapes and oranges, and all those If I am going steak, the steak bowl is my In 2011 we started in Crestline Village. I juices come together. It is so refreshing. favorite.

If I am going barbacoa, I am had Otey’s Tavern in Crestline, and the drive to open Taco Mama was to support going barbacoa quesadilla. If I am going We are also doing a Double Hatton cocktail my young family. By the grace of God we pork, I am going pork tacos. If I am going with Campesino Rum and Bamamosa made it. We are all about relationships in ground beef, I am going burrito. And for from Back Forty atop of simple syrup that the community, and we have organically me always queso, queso, queso. For the we will push in the spring.

44 December 2020/January 2021

grown. We want it to be laid back and fun and funky. We work hard at recruiting people with positive energy and integrity.

With the music and atmosphere and colors and open air, it gets to be a lot of fun.

&STYLE

HOME

A RESTFUL RETREAT The Reynolds want their home to be a peaceful haven for anyone who walks inside.

BY MADOLINE MARKHAM PHOTOS BY LAUREN USTAD VestaviaHillsMagazine.com 45

W

When Candy and Dennis Reynolds first walked in their home, they felt like they were walking into the outdoors. It felt like the perfect space to fulfill the greater purpose they envisioned for their new space.

“I wanted to create an environment for the young women (I mentor) who are busy with their children and hectic lives to come in and take a breath,” Candy says. “I had prayed that the Lord would really have me open my home to be hospitable because I had primarily taught Bible studies that met at the church (before that point).”

And indeed since the couple moved in and made the Vestavia Hills home their own it’s been a haven for many who have spent time there to sit and stay a while.

The 1950s home had been renovated with a modern style by a previous homeowner, but above all Candy wanted its design to feel welcoming and comfortable but still keeping its existing style. To achieve that look, she enlisted the help of interior decorator Lauren Valentine, and they set to work shopping around Birmingham to create a calming color scheme for the interiors to complement the modern elements of the home.

Candy’s style had once been traditional, but Hurricane Ivan destroyed most of her heirloom furniture back in 2004 when her family was living in Gulf Breeze, Florida. “It gave me an open hand, so when we started to refurnish our home, I got this feeling in my heart that I didn’t want to be surrounded by a lot of stuff,” she says. “I wanted to have a more streamlined style.”

Not long after that she started to take painting lessons with the goal of creating “something beautiful so that people know that God loves them.” She began photographing birds on her back deck, painting them and adding scriptures to the art. Today you can find these pieces throughout her home along with landscapes she has painted and photos of her family.

But more than any specific item, Candy sees a bigger purpose for the space she calls home.

“I wanted to create a peaceful environment where Jesus was honored,” she says.

46 December 2020/January 2021

Dining Room Candy and Lauren designed this room around the light fixture that previous owners had left.

She added a table from At Home in Homewood and chairs that would coordinate with the living room adjacent to it.

VestaviaHillsMagazine.com 47

Kitchen This space shows off the sleek modern design of the renovation to this 1950s home.

48 December 2020/January 2021

Breakfast Nook Candy selected this settee and chairs from Urban Home Market to soften the modern kitchen design in this space where she and her husband often eat when it’s just the two of them present for meals.

Pavilion The Reynolds say that the pavilion they had built out back two years ago to match the architecture of the house has been a lifesaver in this year’s pandemic.

They’ve held family celebrations out there, and Candy’s discipleship groups with younger women have met there too.

VestaviaHillsMagazine.com 49

Living Room Candy and Lauren created a calming color scheme with pops of fun custom pillows to coordinate with the grey granite fireplace, with couches from Stock & Trade Design Co. and a coffee table from At Home.

50 December 2020/January 2021

Ask a child what he dreams of doing in the future. His answer brings everything into focus for us.

WE DO WHAT WE DO BECAUSE CHILDREN HAVE DREAMS.

Master Bathroom Candy’s husband bought this charcoal drawing of birds by Dawn Hargrove, an artist and friend, for Candy as a gift.

Plants add color to the classic marble and white design in the space.

Entryway More recently, Candy and Lauren added a geometric wallpaper to welcome guests as they walk inside the home.

The portrait is one Candy painted to represent her daughter— who has auburn hair—the year she got married.

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VestaviaHillsMagazine.com 51

Office Candy’s workspace off the dining room features tan grasscloth wallpaper and a “hidden” doorway on the right leading to a bathroom. She dressed up the modern feel of the space with a silver mirror from Urban Home Market to go with the room’s elegant chandelier.

BEHIND THE SCENES Interior Decorating: Lauren Valentine, Valentine Style and Design Landscape Contractors: Tommy Fish, Thomas Contractors, Inc. Landscape Architect: Charles Sowell

Pavilion Contractor: David Saunders, Canopy Building Company, LLC Outdoor Furniture: Summer Classics

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A Day Make-A-Wish Alabama is adding joy to the journeys of children facing critical illnesses statewide, and right down the road.

L

BY SARAH COOK MCBRIDE | PHOTOS BY MORGAN HUNT

Like many little girls, Luisa Morlandt loves bright colors, bubbles and butterflies. Most days when she comes home from school, Luisa goes straight to her room where she admires the neon glow of bubbles as they illuminate the walls—and the small paper butterflies that cast an imaginary flutter.

Sarah Morlandt, Luisa’s mother, says it’s these simple joys that make her daughter’s day a little brighter. Because Luisa has Rett Syndrome, a rare neurological disease that affects less than 1,000 children in the U.S., she experiences the world around her in a different way. Rett Syndrome, Sarah explains, is a spontaneous genetic mutation that affects brain development in young girls.

When Luisa started missing major motor milestones at 16 months, she began undergoing genetic testing to determine what was causing the delays. When she was 2 years old, she was

56 December 2020/January 2021

diagnosed with the rare syndrome.

A couple years ago, Sarah and her family began looking into Make-A-Wish to see what could be done to add a little extra joy to Luisa’s day-to-day life. “Luisa doesn’t travel very well because of sensory issues, so we knew we wanted to do something for her that would be special just for her,” Sarah says, “something she could enjoy and use through the years.”

After meeting with the Make-A-Wish Alabama team—whose chapter is conveniently located in Vestavia Hills just as their family’s home is— Luisa’s family determined a sensory room would be the perfect gift to give their daughter.

Vestavia Hills resident Tracy Bennett Smith, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish Alabama, says she and her team of 15 staff members meet many children like Luisa every year. Since MakeA-Wish Alabama was founded in 2012, the

Eight-year-old Luisa Morlandt, who has a neurological disease called Rett Syndrome, received her wish of a sensory room from Make-a-Wish Alabama earlier this year.

VestaviaHillsMagazine.com 57

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organization has made more than 1,000 wishes come true for Alabama children with critical illnesses. Currently, 250 children are waiting for their wish to come true.

“We really feel like a wish can be a part of the medical treatment process because it brings hope and joy to the child, and it gives them something to look forward to,” Tracy says. “And many times the kids who have wishes respond better to treatments and have less hospital stays.”

Although Make-A-Wish is a national organization, each chapter operates as an independent non-profit. “What that means is we are led by a board of people who live in Alabama, the funds we raise serve Alabama children and our employees are all within the state,” Tracy says.

Together with a medical advisory team, regional advisory council, board of advisors and countless volunteers, Make-A-Wish Alabama is able to grant wishes for children with critical illnesses throughout the state. Organizing wishes into four main categories—“to have,” “to be,” “to meet” and “to go”—the non-profit works to give unique wishes specific to the children they serve.

The process of giving wishes, Tracy says, starts with determining if a child is medically eligible for

VestaviaHillsMagazine.com 59

Luisa takes a picture with Make-a-Wish team members the day she first got to see her new sensory room.

60 December 2020/January 2021

a wish. Once eligibility is established, then MakeA-Wish Alabama is notified and a “wish discovery meeting” is scheduled. “That’s when we really get to know the family and the child,” Tracy says. “We ask exploratory questions like what the child likes to do, where they like to go, things they enjoy.

Through those conversations, something usually bubbles up and they realize what they want their wish to be.”

Once a wish is determined, the team goes into action. While some wishes are “rush wishes” (this happens when a child’s heath is rapidly deteriorating), others may take up to a year or more to come to fruition. For Luisa, the Make-AWish Alabama team planned out her sensory room for more than a year—making sure it reflected all the things Luisa loved most.

“It’s really become a big part of our day,” Sarah says of the time Luisa, who is now 8 years old, spends in her sensory room. “She has her sensory room time every day when she gets home from school and that gives her the chance to calm down.

We turn off all the lights and turn on the beautiful bubbles tubes and she just loves it. It’s been an amazing thing that has really enhanced her quality of life.”

Luisa with her parents and siblings

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Along with the bright colors and other sensory elements, Sarah says one detail of the room specifically tugs at her heartstrings. One of Luisa’s former respite care nurses, Amanda King, painted a large portrait of a butterfly for Luisa’s room. Pausing and admiring the artwork, Sarah says, always reminds her of the positivity that’s possible when people come together for a common cause.

“I think life is so much more than survival. It’s about thriving and having joy even when life is hard,” Sarah says. “I think Make-A-Wish really comes alongside families and helps them find joy in otherwise difficult journeys and reminds us what life is all about. Luisa has brought

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a lot of that richness to our life. She’s taught us how to look at people’s spirit.”

As the Make-A-Wish Alabama team continues to serve children throughout the state, Tracy says she looks forward to meeting and working with more families who are walking through similar journeys as Luisa’s.

While the work is a labor of love, Tracy says seeing the smiles on children’s faces when they see their wish come true makes all the hard times worth it.

“It’s our donors and volunteers who are making this happen,” Tracy adds, “it’s the community.”

For more information on Make-A-Wish Alabama, visit alabama.wish.org.

A SIMPLE (AND FREE!) WAY YOU CAN HELP MAKE-A-WISH ALABAMA Many non-profits, including Make-A-Wish Alabama, have been affected by the onset of COVID-19. While wishes that require travel or large gatherings are unavailable, the organization is still working with families to give wishes that don’t put children at risk. A simple (and free) way to help Make-A-Wish continue its critical work in Alabama is by participating in “Donate For Wishes,” an initiative spearheaded by America’s Thrift Store.

Any time residents donate used house goods and clothes to any of the store’s 20 Alabama locations, a portion of money is automatically given to Make-A-Wish Alabama. “If you can give a bag of stuff away, that truly can turn into wishes,” Tracy says.

If you’re not comfortable visiting a location, you can schedule a free at-home pick-up or find a local bin to drop off donations. For more information on America’s Thrift Store and its partnership with Make-A-Wish Alabama, visit americasthrift.com/donateforwishes.

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A HEALTHY START TO 2021 IT MIGHT BE WINTERTIME IN A PANDEMIC, BUT THAT DOESN’T MEAN YOU CAN’T START OFF THE NEW YEAR WITH EATING RIGHT IN MIND. HERE’S WHAT A WEIGHT LOSS AND NUTRITION SPECIALIST HAD TO SAY ON THE TOPIC.

BY ALIZA BAKER

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Healthier living. Let’s face it, that’s been a goal for all of us at some point in our lives, but maintaining that healthy lifestyle isn’t always easy. What makes it so difficult, and what can we do to be more successful in achieving our goals? We chatted with Vestavia Hills resident and UAB Weight Loss and Nutrition Specialist Dr. Gareth Dutton to find out as we start off 2021.

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What do you think most people generally struggle with the most about maintaining a healthy diet?

There are three major things that come into play that people struggle with the most.

1. First of all, there is the biology of it. When you try to cut back on your calories or change what you eat, sometimes that is unpleasant. You are hungry, so your body is telling you, “Hey, I’m hungry and I’m not getting the same amount of fuel that I am used to getting. I want more.” And in that way, the body is sort of fighting against the behavioral changes you’re trying to make.

2. Psychologically, it is hard because these behavioral changes are incredibly difficult. Something a lot of people relate to while trying to lose weight is that early on, they are really

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motivated, and it is super rewarding because they are noticing changes; they are losing a few pounds and clothes are fitting better. Over time, though, all the hard work maybe gets a little less rewarding. People are wired to focus more on the short-term benefits rather than the long-term benefits, but you have to really push through the short-term costs like fatigue and hunger to really benefit in the long term.

3. The third thing that makes it tricky is the environment. It has even been called a toxic environment that we live in. What I mean by that is we are surrounded by all of these really energy dense foods. They are convenient and accessible and all around us, but those convenient foods aren’t necessarily the healthiest options for us. Culture also comes into play here. We live in the South and we think that macaroni and cheese is a vegetable just because it’s a side dish. People laugh when I say that, but it’s kind of true. We can deep fry anything, so that environmental cultural piece makes it hard to stick with the healthier lifestyle changes.

What should people avoid when trying to have healthier eating habits?

I think that a lot of people are too rigid with themselves. For instance, when people are trying to

change their diets, they group their world into good foods and bad foods. They think: here are the things I can eat, and here are the things I can never have again.

This is really problematic, and it’s setting them up for failure because life is somewhere in the middle and not really in these extremes. Don’t worry so much about having a slip up; the bigger issue is how you respond to it.

How do you feel about counting calories and regularly weighing yourself? Do you think that helps, or does it create added stress?

With our programs, we encourage people to selfmonitor and keep journals on their phones to track their food and calorie intake while weighing themselves pretty regularly. I do try to practice what I preach, so I have a digital scale in my office at home and at work. I weigh myself every morning, and I also track all of my food. I know from our research that it’s a really important part for people that are trying to manage their weight—whether they are trying to lose it or gain it or maintain it. It’s a powerful tool and it is definitely something I have tried to incorporate into my routine as well.

Do you have any tips on how people can stay healthy and active while being at home more

than usual?

I think that we are all influenced by our physical environment: our routines, our schedules. For a lot of us, that has been totally thrown up into the air as COVID came onto the scene. During the weekdays, people can do really well because they have that schedule and routine. On the weekends, they struggle because they’re home more and have less of those scheduled activities. There are snacks readily available, and it is easier to be sedentary. And in some ways, right now, we are all living in this extended weekend.

However, being at home more has given people more time, and that can be a good thing. There’s more of an opportunity to exercise, take walks and maybe do physical activities with families.

So just taking advantage of the free time and staying active however you can is important.

As for healthier eating, a lot of it depends on what is available to you at home. If you have less healthy food options surrounding you and you’re around them all day,

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EAT OUT, EAT RIGHT Gareth says you can make better choices just about

anywhere you go, whether it’s a sit-down restaurant or

even a fast food restaurant. Here are his tips for how to eat healthy when eating out.

1. SKIP TEMPTING RESTAURANTS.

If it’s a place you think you are going to have a hard

time picking the healthier option, then maybe it’s not a

good place to go if you know that you’ll be tempted to order that deep fried or slathered-in-chocolate option.

2. CUT DOWN ON PORTIONS.

Wherever you go, the portion sizes that are served

are more than recommended. So, being mindful of the

portion sizes, some people instantly get a to-go box and cut that meal in half so that they can save the other half for later.

3. LOOK AT THE MENU IN ADVANCE.

Quality matters, so thinking and really planning ahead about what to order is something that I recommend

doing. Look at the online menus and at the nutrition information before going in to eat and decide in

advance what you are going to have, and then when you go in there, you don’t really even need to

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68 December 2020/January 2021

look at the menu. You aren’t tempted by the other items you see or smell, and you have already made an informed decision.

it’s hard to resist those. So just making that effort to surround yourself with health-conscious options can make a real difference.

So, what are the big takeaways? Any general advice that you can give the Vestavia community about maintaining a healthy lifestyle?

The mindset that healthy living is a marathon and not a sprint is so important. We often shoot ourselves in the foot by thinking of it as a diet rather than a lifestyle change. We all want to be healthy for the long term, not temporarily, so it’s a journey. One of the quotes we use sometimes with some of our programs is, “A path is made by walking on it.” and I think that is so true for these healthy lifestyle changes. Baby steps are okay— you just have to start. Put one foot in front of the other and decide that you want to make these healthy changes. And the more you do those things, the more that becomes your new habit and lifestyle.

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1. Let It Snow Gift Basket Send greetings for the holidays with this festive snowflake gift box filled with a collection of scrumptious favorites: buttery tea cookies, savory cheese straws, fresh roasted pecans, triple chocolate chip cookies, rich coffee and roasted pistachios. $49. Alabama Goods, 2933 18th Street South, Homewood, AL 35209. (205) 803-3900. alabamagoods.com.

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2. Alastin Skincare Tinted Sunscreen Use HydraTint Pro Mineral Broad Spectrum SPF 36 daily to protect skin from harmful UVA/UVB rays and provide a tint with a soft glow! The tinted sunscreen was developed for daily use and can be used immediately following skin treatments. $55. Cahaba Dermatology, 2279 Valleydale Road, #100, Birmingham, AL 35244. (205) 214-7546. cahabaderm.com.

3. Christopher Radko Ornament These annual ornaments are in! If you adore Christopher Radko ornaments as much as we do and want to support a wonderful cause, this Boarding By Two ornament is a must. $70. Bromberg’s, 131 Summit Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35243. (205) 969-1776. brombergs.com.

4. Tinsel & Spice Candle Capri Blue’s new holiday candle has hints of juniper berry and cinnamon clove with a twist of orange mandarin, vanilla and forest woods. It’s the perfect candle to make your home smell delicious for the Christmas season! $24. Cahaba Lilly, 5479 Highway 280 Suite 117, Birmingham, AL 35242. (205) 4906210. cahabalilysouth.com.

5. Swig Hot/Cold Beverage Cup This dreamy design is inspired by those who love to wander, swirled in euphoric hues of blues, pinks and a sprinkle of stardust. The 14-ounce stainless cup keeps drinks cold for hours. $27. The Sassy Shopper, 224 Kent Stone Way, Suite 200, Alabaster, AL 35007. (205) 624-4084. thesassyshopper. com.

6. Mail Carrier Bag The true definition of a trusted field companion, this Haversack is the most versatile bag in the collection. With a large overlapping leather bound flap and four interior compartments, it is built for hiking, traveling and everything in between. $385. Caliber, 2822 Central Avenue, Homewood, AL 35209. (205) 917-5800. caliberxl.com.

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING 8 7 7. Badfish Monarch Standup Paddleboard Badfish’s unique exoskeleton design allows the Monarch to be light without sacrificing rigidity. Everything you need fits in the included bag that you can check on your next flight or throw in the back of the car for a weekend at the lake. $899. The Yak Shak, 2649 Pelham Parkway, Pelham, AL 35124. (205) 767-3201. theyakshak.com.

8. Party Starter Kit Get ready to get your party started with this kit that comes with a flask, a funnel and two shop cups. $24. At Home, 2921 18th Street South, Birmingham, AL 35209. (205) 879-3510. athome-furnishings.com.

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9. Catherine’s Market Gift Basket Create your own custom gift basket from a varied selection of wines, craft beers, artisanal cheeses, snacks, savory sweets, locally poured candles and more. Any amount. Catherine’s Market, 17 Russell Farms Road, Alexander City, AL 35010.

(256) 329-0835. catherinesatcrossroads. com.

10. Bogg Bag

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The perfect tote for your next adventure, this one is roomy, versatile, stylish and washable—just right for the gal on the go.

Small $54.95, Large $74.95. Village Drug, 300 Carlow Lane, #116, Birmingham, AL 35242. (205) 713-8393. facebook.com/villagedrugco.

11. Swan Creek Candles These 100 percent American soybean wax candles are clean burning, leadfree and intensely fragrant. $8 to $20.

Vintage Interiors, 2838 Pelham Parkway, Pelham, AL 35124. (205) 620-1900. vintageinteriorsal.com

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING 12

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12. Leo and Zachary Blazers For the best dressed young man on your list! These jackets are stylish, classy and elegant, and they are made from top of the line fabrics. Starting at $90. Mon Ami, 40 Church Street, Birmingham, AL 35213. (205) 848-7800. monamibham.com.

13. Outdoor Wind Chimes These precision-tuned, weather-resistant outdoor wind chimes from Music of the Spheres are handcrafted in the USA and 30 inches tall. $96.95. DSLD AquaScapes, 5485 Highway 280, Birmingham, AL 35242. (205) 437-1012. dsldland.com

14. Nest Candle The aroma of a sparkling holiday season is created by blending pomegranate, Mandarin orange, pine, cloves and cinnamon with a hint of vanilla and amber. $49. Mantooth Interiors, 2813 18th Street South, Homewood, AL 35209. (205) 879-5474. mantoothinteriors.com

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15. Onward Seabreeze Special Edition Golf Cart Your ride around the block is about to get a lot more fun in this golf cart from Club Car with plenty of room for four. It is comfortable and practical yet fun and stylish. $14,999. Diamond Golf Cart, 160 Inverness Plaza, Birmingham, AL 35242.

(205) 769-6355. diamondgolfcars.com.

16. Joe’s Dipping Oil This custom blended oil boasts parsley, lemon and a special blend of spices perfect for dipping your favorite bread in. Small $10, Large $22.95. Joe’s Italian, 21 Weatherly Club Drive, Alabaster, AL 35007. (205) 663-4111. joesitalianonline. com.

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING 17

18 17. Freedom Soaps Gift Box Fill a box of your choosing with sustainably made soaps, scrubs, balms, bath salts and more based in the heart of Cahaba Heights. Freedom Soaps can customize the perfect gift set for you! Prices vary by custom box. Freedom Soaps, 3131 Bellwood Drive, Vestavia Hills, AL 35243. (205) 7831171. freedomsoaps.com.

18. Frozen Cookie Dough and Skillet Treat yourself to hot cookies whenever you like—or better yet, a skillet cookie. Each set of dough comes with 15 frozen balls, and the mini skillet is 5 inches in diameter and made by Lodge. Frozen Dough $20, Skillet $11.25. Cookie Fix, 2854 18th Street South, Homewood, AL 35209. (205) 582-2623. cookiefix.com.

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19. Alabama and Auburn Santa Clause Have Santa pull for your team with our custom Auburn and Alabama Santa Clause. Bring your handcrafted Santa to life by posing the arms, combing the hair or fluffing his beard. $29.99. Home Accents, 2750 Pelham Parkway, Pelham, AL 35214. (205) 621-2039. homeaccentsonline.com.

20. Wireless Table Lamp This rechargeable table lamp has a contact charging base, and its LED light is ideal indoors or outdoors. The matte painted aluminum fixture comes in different colors to match your décor. $160. Alkmy, 17 Dexter Avenue, Birmingham, AL 35213. (205) 492-6677. shopalkmy.com.

21. Ryu Sweater & Necklace This Ryu sweater in scarlet is perfect for holiday parties especially when you pair it with a fun necklace. You can shop them online and find updates on social media @dearprushops. Sweater $79, Necklace $19. Dear Prudence, 4441 Creekside Avenue Suite 125, Hoover, AL 35244. (205) 407-7523. dearprudence.com.

22. Silver and Gold Bracelets

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This 14KW flex bangle has 37 round diamonds with four prongs each, and the 14KW flexible diamond bangle bracelet features 34 diamonds prong set in single row half way round. Silver Bracelet $3,199, Gold Bracelet $4,299.

Shay’s Jewelers, 3301 Lorna Road, Suite 1, Hoover, AL 35216. (205) 978-5880. shaysjewelers.com.

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING 23. SpringHouse Gift Card Give the gift of a dining experience like no other.

Rising out of the hilltop, SpringHouse treats diners to a local Southern cuisine served in rustic, casual elegance. SpringHouse, 12 Benson Mill Road, Alexander City, AL 35010. (256) 329-0835. springhouseatcrossroads.com.

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24. Wrap This cozy wrap is as stylish as it is comfortable and goes with almost any outfit. $54. Serendipity, 3124 Heights Village, Vestavia Hills, AL 35243. (205) 970-2398. serendipityofbham.com.

25. Corksicle Wine Bucket Perfect for parties, this wine bucket is stainless and super insulated to keep beverages ice cold for up to 48 hours. Chill your favorite beverage or pile it high with ice for serving. $75. The Cook Store, 2841 Cahaba Road, Birmingham, AL 35223. (205) 879-5277. thecookstoremtnbrook.com.

26. The #UpsidedownChallange Game This game will keep your friends and family laughing out loud for hours. Compete to do simple tasks like writing your name, giving a high five and pouring water from one cup into another, all while your vision is flipped upside down. $24.99.

Homewood Toy & Hobby, 2830 18th Street South, Birmingham, AL 35209. (205) 879-3986. homewoodtoy-hobby.com.

27. Dog Tanks For the best dressed pup this holiday season, these tanks are sure to make a statement. The soft and comfortable stripe cotton has a baby rib knit and an appliquĂŠ graphic with attached dimensional bow tie. They are machine washable. $22. Fancy Fur, 5291 Valleydale Road, #139, Birmingham, AL 35242. (205) 408-1693. fancyfurpets.com.

28. Plants in Decorative Pots Elevate the look of your plants with these dipped clay and metal decorative planters. $35.98 or two for $64.98. plant Home & DĂŠcor, 10876 Highway 25, Calera, AL 35040. (205) 319-7071.

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING 29. Inflatable Stand-up Paddleboard The Tarpon inflatable stand-up paddleboard by HO Sports combines comfort and functionality in a highly portable, easy-to-store package. It includes a backpack for easy transport/storage, an adjustable three-piece paddle with rider height indicator and a high-pressure pump with PSI. $799. Russell Marine Boating & Outdoors, 19 Russell Marine Road, Alexander City, AL 35010. (256) 329-0835. russelllandsonlakemartin.com.

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30. Leopard Print Top & Leggings This leopard print woobie top is perfect with super comfy knit leggings. Find more updates on social media @sgtpeppersbydp. Leggings $59, Top $39. Sgt. Peppers by Dear Prudence, 4442 Creekside Avenue, Suite 126, Hoover, AL 35244.

(205) 407-7524. sgtpeppersbydp.com.

31. Luna 3 by Foreo Meet LUNA 3 from Foreo, the softest skincare device in the beauty world. Featuring 30 percent softer silicone touch points and T-Sonic technology, it lifts away dirt, oil and excess sebum with a one-minute cleansing with a targeted firming facial. $199. Woodhouse Day Spa, 125 Summit Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35243. (205) 905-7676. birmingham. woodhousespas.com.

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32. Handmade Stockings These stockings made from vintage Suzanni textiles with Uzbek trim are perfect for every fireplace. $75. Paige Albright Orientals, 2814 Petticoat Lane, #2320, Mountain Brook, AL 35223. (205) 877-3232. paigealbrightorientals.com.

33. Skin Drink Serum This pure, nourishing serum penetrates deep within the dermis to draw moisture in and hold it there to provide all-day moisture and skin barrier repair! $92. Gunn Dermatology, 32 Church Street, Mountain Brook, AL 35213. (205) 4157536. gunndermatology.com.

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OUT & ABOUT

1

VESTAVIA HILLS CITY SCHOOLS 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

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PHOTOS BY JAMES CULVER

Vestavia Hills City Schools celebrated its 50th anniversary with a ceremony on Oct. 5 and recognized the first five members of its new Hall of Fame: former VHHS math teacher Kay Tipton, VHE East and Liberty Park principal Helen Holley, VHHS football coach Buddy Anderson and Pizitz principal David Miles.

1. Inductee Helen Holley with Don Holley 2. Inductee Coach Buddy Anderson with Linda Anderson 3. Bill Mann, Tonya Roswell and Lauren Dressback 4. Michael and Cricket Justice 5. Valerie Duren and Jaclyn Hudson 6. The Boone Family 7. Dr. Chris and Cheryl Pennington 8. Diane and Arthur Whatley 9. Roger and Martha Dobnikar 10. Family of inductee Dr. J Carlton Smith 11. The Harvison Family 12. Representative David Wheeler, City Council Representative George Pierce, City Council Representative Kimberly Cook and Senator Jabo Waggoner 13. The Tipton Family 76 December 2020/January 2021

OUT & ABOUT

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VestaviaHillsMagazine.com 77

OUT & ABOUT

1

ALABAMA VS. GEORGIA TAILGATE

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PHOTOS BY JAMES CULVER

Vestavia City Center held a tailgate event for the University of Alabama vs.

University of Georgia football game on Oct. 17.

1. Rebecca Dickie and family 2. Carlee Petro, Jeneva Salter, Caroline Kennedy, April Godsey and Majorie Ward 3. Mandy Chou, Sara Chen, Karen Odle and Lt. Joel Gaston 4. Kari and Brayden Pate 5. The Bates Family 6. Lucy and Tricia Gilbert 7. VHPD officers Humphrey, Caffee and Cooper

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OUT & ABOUT

1

2

HALLOWEEN IN THE HEIGHTS PHOTOS BY SELAH VETTER

The shops of Cahaba Heights welcomed customers in costume for trick or treating on Oct. 31.

1. Kaitlyn Matheison and Kaitlin Ballard

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2. Caroline Hatley and Jennifer Owen Tidwell 3. Katherine McRee, Emily Grace Erwin and Shae Stephens 4. Shannon Bailey and Bryson Kessler

VestaviaHillsMagazine.com 79

MARKETPLACE

Marketplace Vestavia Hills Magazine • 205.669.3131

Need appliance or air conditioner parts? How about a water filter for your refrigerator? We have it all at A-1 Appliance Parts! Call 1-800-841-0312 www.A-1Appliance. com

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Part-time. Call Mr. Wilton Water and Gas Wilbanks Board HIRING WATER 205-908-3333 TECHNICIAN •Fulltime position available NEED A JOB???

•We offer BCBS health COME JOIN OUR insurance & state TEAM OF GREAT retirement •Starting PEOPLE!! Starting pay $12/hr depending Specializing in all your hair care needs SERENITY SALON Barber/Stylist Chairs Available for Rent 2 Convenient Locations •2005 Valleydale Rd. •Pelham •3000 Meadow Lake Dr. Suite 107 Call Nichole 205-240-5428

on experience Duties include but not limited to: •Reading Meters •Repair Leaks •Installing Water Lines •Repair & Replace Flush Plugs •Replace Gas/Water Meters •General Maintenance of Gas System •Cutting Grass •Maintain Town Properties and Main Buildings •Generally Available to Respond Within 30/min to Emergency Call-Outs, at Anytime of Day/ Night Year Round •Use of Variety of Hand Tools Requirements: •Valid AL DL •HSDiploma/GED Apply In Person or Contact Melissa with questions: 205-665-2021 Email resumes: melissa@ wilton-al.org Become a Dental Assistant in ONLY 8 WEEKS! Please visit our website capstone dentalassisting.com or call (205)561-8118 and get your career started!

Popeyes Seeking friendly, motivated, dependable Crew Members. OPEN INTERVIEWS DAILY 2:00pm-5:00pm 3300 Pelham Parkway.

Immediate Openings!

Start work this week!

Apply online: work4 popeyeskitchen.com Burger King is now hiring. Please apply online @ joinbkalabama.com GENERAL LAWN CARE Specialist in large yards 2+ acres.

Serving Chilton, Coosa & many more areas. Biweekly, weekly or onetime services available.

•Flower Beds •Pine Straw •Mulch •Shrub

Trimming CALL NOW FOR FALL SPECIALS! Call Alex today for details: 1-205-955-3439 ~Military & Senior Discounts~

Bertolone’s in Calera NOW HIRING. •Dishwasher (FT) •Kitchen Cook (FT) Apply in person at 209 Supercenter Dr. Calera, AL. 35040

Call 205-987-4840 or send work history/ contact information: generalmail@ budsbestcookies. com fayegoudy@ budsbestcookies.com

Little Caesars Now Hiring Management & Crew Members.

Calera, Greystone, & Chelsea Locations. To apply text “pizzacrew” to 85000.

Now hiring RN’s and LPN’s throughout Alabama! $250 community referral bonus for RN’s and LPN’s. Sign-on Bonuses available at select locations! For more information please contact: Paige Gandolfi Call/text: 724-6917474 pgandolfi@ wexfordhealth.com

SPRAY FINISHER NEEDED: HVLP, Gravity Gun, Conventional Cup, Air Assisted Airless Commercial Cabinet/ Millwork Company looking for experienced finishers in this field, or automotive finisher willing to change to this field. We offer very competitive pay. Call 334-264-5032

Come out of your comfort zone. Come join our Crossfit Family. Crossfit Inferis. Individual Unlimited Monthly Memeberships $125.

Couples Unlimited Monthly Membership $235. Active Military, Veteran, First Responder, Teacher & Student 15% Discount.

Address: 993 Yeager Parkway. Pelham, AL 35124. Contact Us. Jonathan Luna 205451-3095. Instagram: crossfit_Inferis.

Facebook: CrossFit Inferis

Home Instead Senior Care • CAREGiver / CNA Weekend Shifts Needed. Have you previously been a family caregiver? Do you want to make a difference in the life of a senior? Or do you simply have a special way of taking care of others? Expect to make a difference!!

Requirements: 21 years of age, current drivers license, reliable transportation, lift, push, pull 25 pounds, clean criminal history & drug screen. Please apply at homeinstead. com/bham

Burger King JOIN OUR TEAM NOW HIRING All Positions QUALIFICATIONS: ENERGETIC, HIGHLY MOTIVATED, FRIENDLY & A SMILING FACE. APPLY ONLINE: www.bkworker.com (EOE–DRUG FREE WORKPLACE) JOIN OUR ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT FOR A BURGER KING FRANCHISE Schuster Enterprises, Inc., a Franchisee of Burger King, is looking for a person with skills in HVAC & Refrigeration, Light Electrical & Plumbing. BENEFITS: •Competitive Wage Based on Skills & Experience, Annual Reviews.

•Health and Life Insurance •401K Profit Sharing Plan •Paid Vacations •Maintenance Vehicle and Tools Furnished FOR INTERVIEW CALL DAVID STEVENS: 706.563.3066 (EOE–DRUG FREE WORKPLACE)

Acceptance Loan Company, Inc. Personal loans! Let us pay off your title loans!

224 Cahaba Valley Rd, Pelham 205-663-5821 Bud’s Best Cookies Accepting applications for the following positions: •Packers •Mixers •Machine Operators •Sanitation Positions •Maintenance Positions Bud’s Best Cookies has been in business since 1991.

We are locally owned & operated family business.We offer our employees a great work environment and benefits.Benefits for full-time employment: •5 vacation days after 1yr •10 vacation days after 3yrs •15 vacation days after 10yrs •7 paid holidays •Health & Life Insurance paid by the company for each employee after 90 days of employment •Off every Saturday •$100 Check for your birthday •FMLA after 1yr or 1250/hrs If Interested

Experienced Termite Technician or someone experienced in routeservice work and wants to learn new profession. Workvehicle/equipment provided. Must drive straight-shift, have clean driving record/be 21/pass background/drug test.

Training provided.

Insurance/401K offered. M-F 7:00-4:30 + 1 Saturday/month.

Pay $13hr. Send resume to facsmith@ charter.net Servpro of Birmingham. We’re looking for quality people who want to work hard and make a difference. For this excellent career opportunity, email now! bmcrea@ servproofbirmingham. com

We Pay Cash For Used RV’s!!!

McCluskey Auto & RV Sales, LLC 205-833-4575 Journeyman Electrician Needed.

Experienced in industrial electrical work preferred. Call Brian at 205-337-2140.

Electromotor/Pump Mechanic Needed.

Experience preferred.

Call Brian at 205-337-2140 Caregiver Looking to sit with your loved ones •Retired RN •Dependable •Experienced •Shelby, Columbiana & Wilsonville Area Call: 205-470-8565

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MY VESTAVIA HILLS KYLIE BISIGNANI Lifestyle Blogger @KylieBisignani

Donut Decadence

Heavenly Donuts I go here for their maple bacon and chocolate glazed cream filled donuts. These were my pregnancy cravings this past year, and I went almost every Saturday and Sunday morning.

Love at First Bite

Blackwell’s Pub My husband and I met here in May 2015 at a crawfish boil. We’ve enjoyed going there together ever since and look forward to Tuesday night bingo night.

All Things Seasonal

Murphree’s This is my go-to for front porch holiday decor. I just stocked up on pumpkins and mums to give our front porch that extra fall feel.

Family Workouts

Lifetime Fitness I love working out with my trainer Kat. She kept me healthy through my pregnancy pre-Covid, and I’m so excited to start working out with her again soon. We are also excited to be able to take our daughter to the pool there next summer.

Pampered Paws

The Pawms Pet Resort Our mini goldendoodle Lola goes to daycare here once a week and is also boarded here if we are out of town.

She loves playing with everyone, and we love that they are so good to her.

82 December 2020/January 2021

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84 December 2020/January 2021