Shelby Living October 2012

SHELBY Living The local art scene

&

Front center UM’s opera students take the stage

Meet the movers and shakers of Shelby County

Olivia Charles Antiques

Who’s the

best?

October 2012 • $4.95

Find out the winners of our second annual contest

On the

trails

of Oak Mountain

2nd Annual

presented by

produced by

October 20, 2012 . Helena Amphitheater Old Town Helena . Doors open @ 1 pm BBQ Competition . Music until 8 pm . Food . Kids Games Tickets are $5 in advance . $10 at the gate . For more info call 205-663-4542

From the Editor

“A

rt is the only way to run away without leaving home.”

That statement, made by the dancer and choreographer Twlya Tharp, has always held true for me. As a child, I loved my family and had a wonderful life, but I also loved escaping into a new world offered by books. Luckily, I’ve never lost my love of reading, and it has never lost its ability to transport me to another reality.

In fact, as I grew up, I discovered there were other methods of escape: theater, music, photography and art.

I’ll admit I’m not the least bit talented at any of these arts, but I certainly appreciate the works of those who are.

Over the last year, I have realized that Shelby County is bursting at the seams with artists of all types. The county also offers a rich variety of artistic performances and activities, although it took me a while to discover that fact.

This month, the staff of Shelby Living wanted to make it easier for our readers to find ways to enjoy the arts at home. Whether you want to see a play, learn to paint or listen to an orchestra, it can be done within our county lines. We compiled a calendar of arts events for the next 12 months on page 18. Read on for a sampling of the other stories you’ll read in this month’s Shelby Living.

Shelby County is also home to several successful authors. Irene Latham is one of those authors, and she has a new children’s book out this month.

Turn to page 26 to learn more about Latham and to win one of her books.

Our second annual Best of the Best contest is finished! We had an amazing response from readers, and we’re happy to share our winners with you on page 32.

Now that the temperatures have finally cooled down, it’s the perfect time to go for a hike. Writer Neal Wagner shares the best trails for the fall on page 42.

Check back with us next month for a new issue that focuses on food. As always, feel free to call or email me with any questions, comments or story ideas. l

Katie McDowell, Editor

Katie.McDowell@ShelbyLiving.com

ON THE COVER Cannon and Kristin Prickett, the owners of Olivia Charles Antiques, enjoy an afternoon with their 5-year-old son, Parrish. The swing is available from their business Olivia Charles Antiques.

Cover design: Jamie Sparacino Photography: Jon Goering

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SHELBY Living editOrial Katie McDowell Amy Jones Wesley Hallman Neal Wagner Christine Boatwright COntributOrs Lisa Phillips David Butler Laura Brookhart Chianti C. Cleggett PrOduCtiOn Daniel Holmes Jamie Sparacino Amy Baldis Jon Goering marketing Alan Brown Sloane Hudson Thomas LaBoone Nicole Loggins Rhett McCreight Meagan Mims Barbara Buchanan Diane Fant LaShan Johnson Tracy Jones administratiOn Tim Prince Jan Griffey Mary Jo Eskridge Hailey Dolbare Annie McGilvray

Shelby Living is published monthly by Shelby County Newspapers Inc., P.O. Box 947, Columbiana, AL 35051. Shelby Living 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, Shelby Living, P.O. Box 947, Columbiana, AL 35051.

Shelby Living is mailed to select households throughout Shelby County, and a limited number of free copies are available at local businesses.

Please visit Shelbyliving.com for a list of those locations. Subscriptions are available at a rate of $12 for one year by emailing subscribe@shelbyliving.com, or calling (205) 669-3131, ext. 21.

Advertising inquiries may be made by emailing advertise@shelbyliving.com, or by calling (205) 669-3131, ext. 11.

in every issue 7

the simPle life Do you have it?

8

shOrt stOries Remy Fund announces $25,000 in grants

66

shelby sPOtted Leadership Shelby County, Fenders and Fireflies and more

88

Out & abOut Find out what’s going on in October

90

why i lOve shelby COunty Hunter Lawley shares his favorite memories

12 10

arts & culture 10

the divine insPiratiOn Of martha fulghum Alabaster artist shares her journey

12

reading rOOm Meet the new director of the Columbiana Public Library

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all abOut the arts Learn more about local arts organizations

18

2012-2013 arts Calendar Don’t miss local gallery receptions, plays and recitals

22

the students Of OPera The University of Montevallo’s program takes the stage

26

a writer unCaged Inverness author releases new children’s book

28

the lOCal art sCene Shelby County’s galleries offer paintings, pottery and more

26

90

13 22

October 2012

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58 64 50

features 30

Overcoming dyslexia Columbiana family helps son succeed

32

Best of the best Find out the winners of our 2012 contest

36

Olivia Charles Antiques A couple turns their loss into a light for others

38

The wild side Creatures of the fall

42

Hiking trails Plan a journey to Alabama’s largest state park

63 38

36

home & food

6

50

a soulful retreat This Greystone home is a mix of tradition and personality

58

Let the good times roll Papa Saia’s finds a home in Helena

63

Papa’s beach bliss Check out Papa Saia’s signature drink

64

the art of sweets The Pardos share their coconut macaroon recipe

ShelbyLiving.com

42

The Simple Life

Do you have it?

What is your “it?” You know, the inner peace that comes from juggling everything on your plate … career, spouse, children, hobbies, friendships, spiritual beliefs, health, etc. Do you call “it” having balance, harmony, happiness or maybe just livin’ the good life? We all know what we want “it” to feel like; we search for it daily. Yet how do we know if we ever find “it?” Whenever you’re feeling a little “misaligned,” check to see if these six things are getting your attention.

Faith. Bible study, Sunday sermons, quiet time. What do you need to fill your spiritual cup? You know when you are neglecting this area.

Family. Date night, turn the TV off, family dinner at a table with phones left in the other room. It’s not quantity but quality that is the most important aspect in reconnecting with your kids and spouse.

Fitness. Take a walk during your lunch hour, get up early and hit the gym, join a softball league. Exercise is important and you have time for anything that is a priority in your life.

Fun. Go to the movies, dinner with friends, take a vacation.

Whatever makes you smile, laugh and goes in your memory bank is what defines fun for you.

Finances. Financial worries, along with the death of a spouse and Lisa Phillips, moving, is one of the owner of SimpleWorks, top three stresses in our lives. Be proactive in lisa_phillips@bellsouth.net, knowing your accounts 981.7733 and balances, stay up on when bills are due and live within your budget.

Faculty. This area is dedicated to your career. Consider working an extra hour a week by staying at the office, bringing work home or hitting a Wi-Fi place and pushing through those loose ends. When you dedicate even 60 minutes to “cleaning up” all those little things you haven’t had time for, it won’t take long for you to feel back on top of things.

There are people in your life who seem to have it all together.

Or maybe others view you as the one who is having her cake and eating it, too.

No matter who seems to have their “it,” they all share these six fundamental cornerstones in one way or another.

It’s not quantity but When you focus on quality that is the most making sure you are touching all these important aspect in “F’s” each week, you will be saying, “I’ve reconnecting with got this!” your kids and spouse.

It’s that simple. l

October 2012

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Short Stories &

Remy Fund announces $25,000 in grants

Help rolls in When Alabaster residents Drew Ann and David Long rolled their orange shopping cart into Hoover’s new Belle Foods on Aug. 11, years of work started coming to fruition.

“Of course my dream is coming true, but it’s so much more than that,” Drew Ann Long said. “The dreams of thousands of parents all over the nation is also coming true. It’s great on so many levels.”

For the past several years, the Longs have been working to design Caroline’s Cart, a shopping cart for special-needs children.

The Longs’ daughter, Caroline, has Rett Syndrome and was named the Easter Seals

of Birmingham’s national child spokesperson earlier this year.

“Our goal is to have the carts at retailers across the country, but I am very excited that the first stores that will have them will be here in Birmingham because that’s where I shop,” Long said.

Long previously said she began working to design the carts after Caroline outgrew child seats in traditional shopping carts. Caroline’s Cart will allow older children with special needs to more easily go grocery shopping with their parents, Long said.

— Neal Wagner

LSC welcomes 18th class Alumni and board members of Leadership Shelby County welcomed 32 members of the incoming class of 2012-2013 on Aug. 15 on the Valleydale campus of Jeff State.

More than 125 alumni and board members attended the welcome ceremony, which was held at Jeff State’s Shelby County campus. The guests heard from LSC Board President David Bobo and Alabama State Sen. Cam Ward.

LSC is a non-partisan, nonprofit organization designed to develop Shelby County’s current and future leaders.

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Participants learn the dynamics of team building and experience the esteemed bonding that each class develops. Once a month from October through May, they attend a full day session on a specific highpriority topic.

— Staff Reports

The Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham has announced $25,000 in grants from the Remy Fund for Pets and Animal Services, established

by Shelby County resident Ken Jackson. The fund supports animalrelated programs that provide rescue/shelter services, spay/ neuter services and animal-assisted therapy.

Grants include Animal Shelter of Pell City, $5,000; Two By Two Rescue League, $5,000; Blount County Animal Shelter, $2,000; Adopt A Golden Birmingham, $2,000; Peace Love and Dog Paws Rescue, $2,000; Alabama Siberian Husky Rescue, $2,000; Momakat Rescue, $5,000; Red Barn Foundation, $2,000.

“Animals are my passion,” said Jackson, who named the fund in honor of his late dog Remy, a Jack Russell mix. “With these grants, the Remy Fund continues to support organizations that are doing such great work with traditional companion animals – cats, dogs and horses.”

The Remy Fund Committee conducts on-site reviews and makes grant recommendations. The next cycle of grants for the Remy Fund opens May 1, 2013.

The Remy Fund is open for donations from anyone who shares interests in these priority areas. Gifts can be made on-line gift through the DONATE NOW button on the Community Foundation website at www.foundationbirmingham. org or by check to the Community Foundation for the Remy Fund, 2100 First Avenue North, Birmingham, AL 35203.

— Staff Reports

Raising big dollars for breast cancer research The Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama (BCRFA), which includes many Shelby County residents, raised nearly $275,000 from two recent events. The Fifth Annual Pink Palace Casino Night was held

May 19 at Ted’s Garage. More than 400 guests reveled in the Big Apple-themed evening.

More than 100 golfers turned up at Old Overton Club for the 17th Annual Drive Out Breast Cancer LPGA Pro-Am on Monday,

May 21. Proceeds from the event benefited the BCRFA, which has donated $3.5 million toward the nationally recognized breast cancer research at UAB. — staff reports

Services

Plumbing • Heating • Cooling

October 2012

9

Arts & Culture

divine

The

inspiration

of Martha Fulghum Story and photographs by LAURA BROOKHART

M

artha Fulghum says she doodled her way through her early school years, honing her drawing skills in the margins of her notebooks.

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These were almost certainly betterthan-your-average doodles because others began to notice and her parents encouraged her ability.

“In high school, though, my dad made

me take typing and shorthand in case the art thing didn’t work out and that just made me more determined,” Fulghum smiles. “And it did work out. Really, it has been a God-led journey.”

LEFT: Martha Fulghum has won several local contests for her watercolors. ABOVE: Fulghum painted this watercolor titled “Lenten Rose.” RIGHT: Fulghum focuses her paitings on florals, including “Hosta.”

When her college years rolled around, she took the leap and majored in art at Auburn and UAB and soon thereafter found herself doing medical illustrations for a team of UAB research cardiologists.

She began painting in watercolor as a hobby and also took a job illustrating greeting cards for a man, whom she later discovered was a con man, as he eventually wrote her a bad paycheck and disappeared.

Her illustration skills, however, were welcomed at a Birmingham advertising agency, and there she further developed her graphic art techniques, eventually going freelance and working for Gillis, Townsend and Reilly.

After she and husband, Robert, became parents, Fulghum quit commercial art to stay home with their daughter, Audrey, but still painted in watercolor in her Alabaster home studio for her own enjoyment.

When Audrey started school, Fulghum and church friends Beverly

Stamps and Debbie Sullivan, also artists, began to paint murals for friends.

Murals and faux finishes were becoming popular, and the three found that their styles were very compatible and formed a successful business venture that, by word of mouth, kept them busy for the next 15 years.

Painting murals is very physical work and over time, various body parts rebelled to the point the women reluctantly chose to return to making art on smaller canvases.

Fulghum, who now works out of her home studio in Alabaster, created illustrations for Sheror Caton Moore’s book “Treasures in an Alabama Attic: The Adventures of a Doll From the Past.” Based on a true story, the poems tell the adventures of a doll named Fuzz and her human playmates, illustrated as paper dolls to be cut out and colored.

Fulghum says she is getting back into doing shows, participating in the Montevallo Orr Park Art Show for the

past two years and in Aldridge Botanical Gardens’ second annual Plein Air Show, Sale and Quick Draw, which was held in May. There, she won first prize for her watercolor of a snowflake hydrangea blossom.

Modest about the prizes she has won recently and in past shows, Fulghum says, “God has given me this gift, and I want all I do to be for his glory. I pray about my work before and while I paint, and I am guided. I have seen the Lord’s hand – sometimes I don’t even remember having the idea for what comes about in the finished work.”

Though once painting more commissioned portraits, Fulghum is now more at leisure to choose her subject and is drawn to botanicals and nature.

“As a gardener, I am fascinated by God’s creation,” she said. “My intent is just to enjoy and explore what he created.”

For more information, contact Fulghum at martyfulghum@gmail.com. l October 2012

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Arts & Culture Dutcha Lawson’s Reading Recommendations

Reading Room: Dutcha Lawson

D

Photograph by JOn gOering

utcha Lawson joined the Columbiana Public Library as director in July. She and her husband, Jeff, are Boaz natives with two children: Ansley, a junior in high school, and Davis, a sixth grader. q: share a little about yourself.

A: I graduated from the University of Alabama in 1994 with a business management degree. I stayed home with my children for several years while they were little. Later, I went back to school and got my master’s in library and information studies from Alabama in 2005. Prior to moving to Birmingham, we spent six years in Ocala, Fla., where I worked as a media specialist. q: what drew you to shelby County?

A: I just love the area! Columbiana is just beautiful! There is such a strong sense of community here and the citizens take such pride in it. The people here have been so welcoming and friendly. It reminds me of the small town and surrounding small towns where I grew up. q: why did you decide to pursue a literary career?

A: I have always loved to read and thought it would be a wonderful career. I understand the importance of all types of media literacy.

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I enjoy serving all ages of the community.

Also, it was a good fit for my family as well as with my management degree. q: why do you love to read?

A: Reading is just so important. My teachers and family always encouraged reading. Also, reading opens up so many adventures that otherwise we might not get to go on. q: what is the first book you remember loving?

A: I remember before I learned to read thinking, “There is no way I’ll ever learn to do that.” I could not figure out the process or how it was done. My mother, who was an elementary school teacher for 32 years, taught me to read with the Dick and Jane books. Once I got the hang of it and realized that I could do it, I just loved it. Years later, I taught my son to read using the same Dick and Jane books that I learned to read with. q: what are your favorite types of books?

A: I suppose I don’t have a favorite type as I truly enjoy all types. q: do you have any upcoming events you want to promote?

A: We have some exciting programs and events in the works for all ages. Please check with Columbiana Public Library for the most up-to-date programs and information. l

in the Company of Others

by Jan karon This is the second book by Jan Karon in the Father Tim novels. I just loved the Mitford Series that she wrote before this. All of her books make me happy and feel good. They are the perfect books to sit back with a cup of tea and just enjoy. She makes you feel like you are in Mitford, or wherever the setting, and personally know all the characters.

I always get so excited when she has a new book coming out. It is a treat and just I can’t wait to read it. killing lincoln: the shocking assassination that Changed america forever by bill O’reilly and martin dugard This is a great book for history buffs. My family and I went to Washington D.C. a couple of years ago. We toured Ford’s Theatre and stayed in Maryland and saw some of the historic places.

It is fascinating, even more so, if you have seen some of the things mentioned in the book. moon over manifest

by Clare vanderpool I love to read the Newbery Award winning books.

This book won that award in 2011. It is sweet, with a Southern feel. I enjoyed getting to know Abilene Tucker as she moves to Manifest, Kan., and goes on adventures.

art s

All about the

Drama, painting, music, ballet Meet some of the organizations that are making the arts available in Shelby County.

Written by katie mCdOwell Photographs COntributed

October 2012

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ARts and Lectures Club of Shelby County

B

allet, theater, opera, symphony, museums: Shelby County is located only miles away from a world of professional artistic and cultural organizations in Birmingham.

However, thanks to busy schedules and hair-pulling traffic, the distance can often seem much further.

The ARts and Lectures Club of Shelby County was founded about three years ago to help close the gap.

ALCSC Chair Mindy Boggs said the organization’s mission is twofold: To support the professional artists in the Birmingham area and to bring arts performances to Shelby County. “(Highway) 280 is such a barrier between the suburbs and downtown because of the traffic congestion,” she said.

Boggs said the organization was begun as a neighborhood association for Greystone in Hoover.

“The club started in 2009

The Alabama Ballet

when I was co-charing the Gryestone Symphony Committee,” she said. “I saw a need for an arts support group at that time.”

Eventually, the club was opened to everyone in the county, and Boggs said they are actively searching for new members.

The ALCSC sponsors about two big events each year. Previous events include “New York State of Mind” for the Alabama Symphony Orchestra, The Alabama Ballet at St. Vincent’s One Nineteen and a trip to Birmingham to visit the “Who Shot Rock n’Roll” exhibit at the Birmingham Museum of Art along with dinner at Café Dupont.

The ALCSC collaborates with the Alabama Symphony Orchestra, Alabama Ballet, Red Mountain Theater Company, Birmingham Museum of Art, Birmingham Children’s Theater, Opera Birmingham and the Virginia Samford Theater.

“Our focus is supporting the professional artists who live in our (area),” Boggs said. “If we don’t support them, they will move away.”

The ALCSC also recognizes an ARts Patron of the Year and an ARts Executive of the Year.

Annual household dues are $50, and membership is available to anyone over the age of 21. For more information about the ALCSC visit Artsandlecturesclubofshelbyco.com.

“The purpose of the ARts and Lectures Club of Shelby County is to foster community spirit through the support of the arts, civil discourse and lifelong learning.”

— ALCSC’s mission statement

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Montevallo Arts Council

T

he Montevallo Arts Council is a driving force behind the community’s support of the arts.

Founded about six years ago, the organization promotes the arts in a broad sense. Painting and photography play a big role in their events, but so too does literature and theater.

“We try to develop programs that support the arts in the community and we try to make the community more aware of the arts,” president Suzanne Hurst said.

The council’s biggest event is the annual Montevallo Arts Festival.

Traditionally, this was a week-long celebration of the arts, with concerts, plays, exhibits, readings and, as the culminating event each year, the Saturday Montevallo Art Show in Orr Park.

The Montevallo Art Show has featured 60 to 70 regional artists displaying and selling their visual art in booths along tree-lined Shoal Creek and the Orr Park walking trail. Previous events have attracted thousands of visitors to view the performances and exhibits.

In 2012, the Arts Council did not have a week-long event and instead focused on the Saturday art show, which also

The Montevallo Arts Council supports the Montevallo Main Street Players, which puts on performances several times a year.

included plein art artists capturing park scenes on their canvases.

In addition to sponsoring the spring art show, the council sponsors several other art walks in downtown Montevallo throughout the year. The non-profit also oversees the rotating exhibits in the Parnell Memorial Library Gallery.

Board members select and schedule exhibits, help install the art when artists want that assistance, publicize the exhibits, and plan special events to acquaint the public with the gallery

shows.

The Arts Council also promotes art education in the community by sponsoring workshops for artists. Troy Crisswell has led several watercolor workshops. In additional, a plein air workshop was held in 2012.

The Montevallo Arts Council is overseen by a 15-member board of directors.

Find the group online at Montevalloartscouncil.org or on Facebook. Membership in the Arts Council is open to the public.

“The council promotes and coordinates the arts in the Montevallo area, seeking to enrich the quality of life, to promote economic vitality and to advance arts education for the greater Montevallo community.”

— MAC’s mission statement October 2012

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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Robert Inman spoke at the Pelham Public Library as part of the SCAC’s Visiting Writers Series; Student artists participate in a studio art class; 2Blu and the Lucky Stiffs perform at the Shelby County Arts Council’s Regional Folk Art Exhibit in 2012.

Shelby County Arts Council

F

or seven years, the Shelby County Arts Council has waged a tireless campaign to promote the arts in the

county.

During that time, the SCAC has served more than 8,000 children, youth and adults in programs offered both at its gallery in Columbiana and in programs across the county.

The SCAC offers year-round lessons in the visual arts, including painting, drawing, watercolors, pottery, jewelry and photography. The organization has partnered with Red Mountain Theater Company and the University of Montevallo to offer music and theater lessons.

The SCAC has also offered outreach programs over the years, reaching out to underserved demographics, including students, the mentally disabled, senior citizens and at-risk youth.

The SCAC is focused on raising enough funds to build a Community Arts Center in Columbiana.

“I think the county needs it,” Terri

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“The mission of the Shelby County Arts Council is to support, nurture and promote the arts and cultural opportunities in Shelby County, Alabama.”

— SCAC’s mission statement Sullivan, founder and director of development, said in an interview earlier this year. “If you leave out Montevallo, you have no place to go for the performing arts … It’s very obvious we have a severe shortage of space to support performing arts.”

The proposed center is a 26,000-square-foot, two-story brick building with a vintage façade.

The plans, created by Keith Design Architecture, includes separate rooms for all of the SCAC’s existing classes – art, pottery, photography, music and dance, as well as a standing art gallery, youth orchestra rehearsal hall, office

space and a conference room.

The main attraction is a 450-seat black box theater that would host both local groups and touring performers.

The SCAC has already raised more than $2.5 million for the proposed center, and land was donated by the City of Columbiana. The SCAC hopes to raise a total of $8.5 million to cover both building the center and the first two years of operating costs.

The SCAC is overseen by a board of directors and a small paid staff.

For more information about the SCAC, visit Shelbycountyartscouncil. com. l

October 2012

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Arts & Culture

2012-2013 Arts Calendar sept. 27-Oct. 26 anna kell exhibit The University of Montevallo will exhibit Anna Kell’s paintings at The Gallery in Bloch Hall from Sept. 27-Oct. 26. Kell will give a lecture on Oct. 25 at 4:30 p.m. and a closing reception for the exhibit will be held Oct. 25 from 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Montevallo Art Walk

Oct. 1 faculty recital Roderick George, tenor, and Cynthia MacCraw, piano, will perform at LeBaron Recital Hall at the University of Montevallo at 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 4-6 “laura” The South City Theatre, 3640 Highway 26 in Alabaster, will perform “Laura,” a murder mystery, Oct. 4-6 at 8 p.m.

For tickets, call 205-621-2128 or visit Southcitytheatre.com.

Oct. 10-14 “heidi Chronicles” Are modern-day women happy? Have the expectations of women as wife and mother faded away? Is society still dominated by men? In her Pulitzer Prize-winning play, Wendy Wasserstein asks these as well as other important questions. The University of Montevallo theater will perform “Heidi Chronicles” at Reynolds Studio Theater. Performances will be held Oct. 10, 12, 13 at 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 11, 14 at 2 p.m. Adult content.

Call 205-665-6200 for ticket information.

Oct. 15 faculty recital Lori Ardovino, clarinet and saxophone, will perform at LeBaron Recital Hall at the University of Montevallo Oct. 15 at 7:30 p.m.

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Oct. 18-20 “sylvia” The South City Theatre, 3640 Highway 26 in Alabaster, will perform “Sylvia,” a comedy about the drama that follows when a married couple adopts a dog. Performances will be held Oct. 18-20, Nov. 1-3 and Nov. 8-1 at 8 p.m. A matinee will be held Nov. 4 at 2 p.m. For tickets, call 205-621-2128 or visit Southcitytheatre.com.

Oct. 27 montevallo art stalk Visit downtown Montevallo for an evening of music and art. Local businesses extend their hours so visitors can browse while admiring the art vendors set up around downtown. nov. 4 Juried art exhibit The Shelby County Arts Council will host the opening reception for the statewide Student Juried Art Exhibit Sunday, Nov. 4 from 2-4 p.m. nov. 5-8 student exhibit The University of Montevallo

will feature a BFA Student Art Exhibition at Bloch Art Gallery Nov. 5-8.

South City Theatre

nov. 12-15 student exhibit The University of Montevallo will feature a BFA Student Art Exhibition at Bloch Art Gallery Nov. 12-15. nov. 15 montevallo art walk Visit downtown Montevallo for an evening of music and art.

Local businesses extend their hours so visitors can browse while admiring the art vendors set up around downtown. nov. 15-18 “rent” Jonathan Larson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning “Rent” weaves together a group of young artists dealing with poverty, disease, ambition, love and

ultimately a celebration of life in the East Village of NYC. Don’t miss UM Theatre’s take on this iconic musical. Performances will be held at Reynolds Studio Theatre on Nov. 15-18 at 7:30 p.m. with a matinee Nov. 18 at 2 p.m. nov. 16 guest clarinetist Jeremy Reynolds will

perform in LeBaron Recital Hall at the University of Montevallo Nov. 16 at 7:30 p.m. nov. 26-29 student exhibit The University of Montevallo will feature a BFA Student Art Exhibition at Bloch Art Gallery Nov. 26-29. nov. 27 Choral Christmas Concert The Montevallo Choral Christmas Concert will be held at the Colonial Chapel at The American Village at 7:30 p .m. Free admission. nov. 30, dec. 1 Opera scenes The University of Montevallo Opera will present scenes from various operas Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 in LeBaron Recital Hall at 7:30 p.m. dec. 1 artist market The Shelby County Arts Council will host its annual artist market at its gallery in Columbiana on Dec. 1 from 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. dec. 3-6 student exhibit The University of Montevallo will feature a BFA Student Art Exhibition at Bloch Art Gallery Dec. 3-6. dec. 6-8 “greetings” The South City Theatre, 3640 Highway 26 in Alabaster, will perform the comedy “Greetings.” Andy has a sweet Catholic mother, a sour Catholic father and a severely mentally disabled younger brother named Mickey. When Andy brings his Jewish atheist fiancee´ to meet the folks on Christmas Eve, his worst fears about family blow ups are realized.

But Mickey, whose entire vocabulary is “oh boy” and “wow,” suddenly says “Greetings!” An ancient, wise and witty spirit who is set upon healing the family has borrowed Mickey’s body. The SCT’s website

calls it “a delightful holiday production.” Performances will be held Dec. 6-8 and 13-15 at 8 p.m. A matinee will be held Dec. 9 at 2 p.m. For tickets, call 205-621-2128 or visit Southcitytheatre.com. dec. 7-8 musical Cabaret The University of Montevallo theater will perform a musical cabaret at Chichester Black Box Theatre at 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 17 Cowboy exhibit The Shelby County Arts Council will host an opening reception for its Cowboy Exhibit on Jan. 17 Jan 25-27 wCC winter new Play festival Check out this exciting showcase of new plays written by the University of Montevallo’s talented student playwrights. Performances will be held at the Chichester Black Box Theatre Jan. 25-27 at 7:30 p.m. Free admission. feb. 19 sCaC Open house Come learn more about the Shelby County Arts Council at an open house at its studio in Columbiana Feb. 19 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. feb. 21 Piano performance Guest artist Kevin Chance, pianist, will perform at LeBaron Recital Hall at the University of Montevallo Feb. 21 at 7:30 p.m.

mathematical professor, whom she cared for during his lengthy mental illness.

Upon her father’s death, his ex-graduate student discovers a paradigm-shifting proof about prime numbers in her father’s office. Can she prove the proof’s authorship and authenticity while at the same try and sidestep her father’s inheritance of insanity? Performances will be held Feb. 21-23 and Feb. 28-March 2 at 8 p.m.

A matinee will be held Feb. 24 at 2 p.m. For tickets, call 205-621-2128 or visit Southcitytheatre.com. march 7 Joanne fogle solo exhibit Check out drawings, paintings and prints by Joanne Fogle at the opening reception of her exhibit at the SCAC in Columbiana Thursday, March 7 from 6-8 p.m. march 28-30 spring theatre festival The University of Montevallo’s advanced directing students will present a series of short, provocative and often experimental plays at the annual spring theatre festival. Performances will be held March 28-30 at 7:30 p.m.

Adult content and limited seating. april 7 unscripted Admire the works of local fine arts photographers at “Unscripted,” a tri-annual gallery held from 1-4 p.m. at Gretchen B. Photography, 833 Creekside Court, Helena.

For more information, visit Gretchenbphotography.com. april 11-14 six degrees of separation When a young AfricanAmerican man shows up at the New York apartment of well-do-do-couple, he immediately wins them over with his charm and the claim of being Sidney Poitier’s son.

As their involvement with him takes unexpected twists and turns, they begin to question not only his identity but their own. Watch the University of Montevallo Theatre’s performance at Reynolds Studio Theatre April 11-13 at 7 p.m. at April 14 at 2 p.m. april 13 montevallo art show The seventh annual Montevallo Art Show will be held on Saturday, April 13. The show, which

Shelby County Arts Council

feb. 21-23 “Proof ” The South City Theatre, 3640 Highway 26 in Alabaster, will perform the drama “Proof.”This Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winning drama is about the daughter of a recently deceased October 2012

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Buck Creek Festival

is typically located along the banks of Shoal Creek in Orr Park, features dozens of artists, as well as musical groups and food and refreshment vendors.

For more information, visit Montevalloartscouncil.org. april 18-20 “Onesies” The South City Theatre, 3640 Highway 26 in Alabaster, will perform “Onesies: An evening of comedies by David Ives.” The South City’s Directors’ Showcase is sure to feature something that tickles everyone’s funnybone, from monkeys typing “Hamlet” to a “Groundhog Day” date in a restaurant.

Performances will be held April 18-20, 25-27 at 8 p.m.

A matinee will be held April 21 at 2 p.m. For tickets, call 205-621-2128 or visit Southcitytheatre.com. april 19-20 “albert herring” “Albert Herring,” a classic

opera by Benjamin Britten, tells the story of a shy, young man who is crowned the king of May Day. Performances will be held at LeBaron Recital Hall at the University of Montevallo April 19-20 at 7:30 p.m.

april 26-27 musical Production This small cast musical presented by UM’s advanced musical theatre lab class once again explores a specific style of contemporary musical

theatre. Performances will be held at Chichester Black Box Theatre April 26-27 at 7:30 p.m. and April 28 at 2 p.m. may 2 artists of the anagama This exhibit will feature

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works fired in the Anagama kiln at the University of Montevallo and a large pictorial exposé of the firing process.

Details to come. Visit Shelbycountyartscouncil. com. may 10-11 buck Creek festival The 12th annual Buck Creek Festival will be held May 10-11 at the Helena Amphitheatre. The free, annual event includes two days of music, as well as dozens of vendors, food, children’s activities the annual duck race, which sees thousands of rubber ducks travel over the Buck Creek waterfall. Funds raised from this event are used to support local charities.

June 1 alabaster Cityfest Enjoy a full day of free music at the 11th annual Alabaster CityFest on June 1. Planned and organized by members

of the Alabaster Arts Council and numerous volunteers, the all-day music festival draws tens of thousands of visitors each year. This free outdoor music festival includes well-known music artists representing various genres of music. The allday family entertainment also includes vendors offering various arts and crafts, foods, services and entertainment, the Cruise-In Car Show, and KidsFest — all-day entertainment for the kids. For more information, visit Alabastercityfest.com.

visit Southcitytheatre.com.

June 7 best of show exhibit View the work by the Best of Show winner of the SCAC’s Adult Juried Art exhibit.

Details to come. Visit Shelbycountyartscouncil. com.

aug. 4 unscripted Admire the works of local fine arts photographers at “Unscripted,” a tri-annual gallery held from 1-4 p.m. at Gretchen B. Photography, 833 Creekside Court, Helena.

For more information, visit Gretchenbphotography.com. l CityFest

June 6-8 “eleemosynary” The South City Theatre, 3640 Highway 26 in Alabaster, presents “Eleemosynary,” a drama that observes the relationship between three generations of women in the same family. Performances will be held June 6-8, 13-15 at 8 p.m. A matinee will be held June 9 at 2 p.m. For tickets, call 205-621-2128 or

October 2012

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Arts & Culture

opera The students of the Written by KATIE MCDOWELL Photographs by Jon Goering

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ShelbyLiving.com

LEFT: Devin Burton, 23, is a vocal performance major from Hartselle. CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE LEFT: Dia Stathakes, 19, is a sophomore from Gardendale.

Nidia Riley, 25, is a vocal performance major from Kentucky. Dr. Charles Wood is the director of UM’s opera program.

D

r. Charles Wood can remember the first time he was introduced to opera.

The University of Montevallo professor was a student in a college music class when his teacher played a recording of a tenor singing an aria.

Determined to find out more, he visited the college library and listened to a recording of Madame Butterfly. He

found himself attracted “not only to the gorgeous music, but the drama.”

“I just got hooked,” he said.

Now, Wood spends his time getting his own students hooked on opera. As director of UM’s opera program, he leads a group of 15-20 students in two performances with full orchestras each year: Opera Scenes, a series of one-act performances, in the fall and a full-scale production in the spring.

“There are not many undergraduate schools that try to do what we’re doing,” Wood said.

For many students in the UM opera program, their introduction to the genre strongly resembles Wood’s own. They come in with little experience, but after four years in the program, the students have a chance to participate – and perform – in substantial ways.

Devin Burton, a 23-year-old senior October 2012

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“Opera really is accessible, but no one thinks so.”

— Dr. Charles Wood

from Hartselle, was one of the students introduced to opera in college. Since then, he has performed substantial roles in UM operas.

“I think the first time I saw an opera I was already in college,” he said. “I had listened to a few opera arias when I was younger. It wasn’t something I thought I would excel at.”

Nidia Riley, a 25-year-old vocal performance major from Kentucky, planned to major in art. She got involved with music instead, and after participating in Opera Scenes her freshman year, she found her passion.

“I’m not as comfortable in other genres of music as I am with opera,” she said.

Introducing his own students and the broader community to opera is one of Wood’s favorite parts of the job,

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especially when it comes to challenging stereotypes about the genre.

“Opera really is accessible, but no one thinks so,” Wood said.

Planning for the annual productions begins before the start of the new school year. By the time students return to campus, Wood has already chosen the spring production. Auditions for both productions are typically held the first week of school.

Wood considers his student talent when choosing the spring production.

“I try to choose something that allows as many students as possible,” he said.

Previous productions include “Hansel and Gretel,” “Cosi fan tutte” and “Suor Angelica.”

While Wood tries to be inclusive with the productions, that doesn’t mean they lack challenge. Last year, “Suor

LEFT: Cody Webb, 22, is a senior from Huntsville. ABOVE LEFT: Austin Peek, 21, is a senior music major from Helena. ABOVE RIGHT: Grace Conner is a freshman from Tuscaloosa.

Angelica,” which featured Riley in the starring role, was performed in Italian.

However, Riley said she was far more concerned about acting out her character’s suicide by poison than singing in Italian. Luckily, Riley felt like she connected with the audience.

“It worked out really well, actually,” she said. “People were crying at the end.”

The spring 2013 production should elicit laughter, rather than tears, from the audience.

“Albert Herring” is a Benjamin Britten comedic opera that focuses on Albert Herring, a naïve Victorian man on May Day. Each year in Herring’s town, a woman named Lady Billows chooses a maiden to serve as the May Day queen.

When all of the young women in town are found lacking, she chooses Albert to serve as May Day King instead, much to

his chagrin. When Albert’s friends spike the punch bowl at the May Day picnic, chaos ensues.

Wood is excited about “Albert Herring” because it’s an ensemble piece that features many students.

The expanded cast and required costuming and stage design do present challenges, however.

“This (production) will be expensive because it’s set during the Victorian era,” Wood said.

One challenge is simply creating the productions.

“We’re a music department,” he said.

“We don’t have the resources of a theater department.”

Wood and his students have a cando attitude when it comes to their performances. That means everyone pitches in with performers acting as stagehands, parents creating costumes and Wood and his wife making the sets.

Opera Scenes presents its own challenges. The performance features a series of single acts from a handful of plays. Wood hopes to include an act from “Albert Herring” in this year’s Opera Scenes, simply so the students can get a head start on the spring production.

Wood said Opera Scenes is an easy way to introduce people to opera without overwhelming them.

Last year, the UM opera program took one of the acts from the fall Opera Scenes to a national competition, Collegiate Opera Scenes. They took third place, and Wood hopes the momentum from the win will carry over into this school year.

Opera Scenes will be held at 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 in LeBaron Recital Hall. “Albert Herring” will be performed at LeBaron Recital Hall April 19-20 at 7:30 p.m. For more information, visit Montevallo.edu. l October 2012

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Arts & Culture

A writer

uncaged

Written by KATIE MCDOWELL Photographs by CONTRIBUTED

Inverness author’s new book to be released this month

W

hat if a boy lived at the zoo and thought he was the wrong species?

That’s the question Inverness author Irene Latham posed to her father during a Christmas trip to Books-AMillion on U.S. 280 a few years ago. The idea made her father chuckle, and Latham found herself with the subject of her new book: “Don’t Feed the Boy.” The book, which is scheduled to be released by MacMillan this month, tells the story of Whit, who lives with his parents at the zoo where they both work.

“I started thinking about people’s obsessions,” Lathan explained. “What if you’ve got a kid who is thrust into these obsessions and he doesn’t share them?”

Latham’s own obsessions include family – she and her husband have three sons – and, of course, writing.

Latham has always enjoyed reading and writing, especially poetry. In college, however, she studied social work, receiving degrees from the University of Alabama and UAB. Although she never took a creative writing class, she always found time to write. After the birth of her third son, she decided to pursue writing professionally.

“If you want readers, you’ve got to be published,” she said.

She started with poetry, her first love. Her first volume, “What Came Before,” was published by an independent publisher in 2007.

A couple of years later, she visited a Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators conference, which was held at Spain Park High School.

There she met Rosemary Stimola, the literary agent who represents “Hunger Games” author Suzanne Collins.

Latham submitted her first manuscript to Stimola – a children’s novel written in verse. Inspired by the

More about Irene Latham! v The North Shelby Library will host a reading of “Don’t Feed the Boy” Oct. 21 from 2-4 p.m. The library is located at 5521 Cahaba Valley Road in Birmingham. v Shelby Living has two of Irene Latham’s books to give away: “Leaving Gee’s Bend” and “The Color of Lost Rooms.” The first two readers to email Editor Katie McDowell at katie.mcdowell@shelbyliving.com will receive the books.

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quilting history of Gee’s Bend, the novel followed a young African-American girl who sets out to save her sick mother.

Stimola’s response? She loved it, but she wouldn’t be able to sell it.

After a minimal amount of moping, Latham pulled herself together and resubmitted it as a traditional novel. This time, the book was accepted.

Penguin released “Leaving Gee’s Bend” in 2010. The book was a finalist for numerous

awards and was selected as the 2011 Alabama Library Association Children’s Book of the Year. Latham also selfpublished “The Color of Lost Rooms,” another volume of poetry, that year.

The novels stretched different creative muscles than poetry. Latham said fiction requires more “hand-holding for the reader.”

The novels also offered Latham a chance to inhabit another viewpoint — a task she found daunting with

LEFT: The North Shelby Library will host a reading of “Don’t Feed the Boy” Oct. 21 from 2-4 p.m. ABOVE: Inverness author Irene Latham has a new children’s book coming out in October. BELOW: Latham’s “Leaving Gee’s Bend” was published in 2010.

“Leaving Gee’s Bend.”

“After going cross cultural in that book, I thought ‘I can write about anything,’” she said.

“Don’t Feed the Boy” was easier since Latham is “well-steeped in boy culture” thanks to her three sons and three brothers.

The book still required a good bit of research. While she immersed herself with oral histories and microfilm with “Leaving Gee’s Bend,” she depended on zoo specialists with the Birmingham Zoo for her newest novel.

Shelby County readers may recognize another local location. The zoo in the “Don’t Feed the Boy” is named Meadowbrook Zoo after the

Inverness neighborhood Latham drives by often.

Latham’s next books are as varied as her first offerings. “Dear Wandering Wildebeest,” a collection of poems for children, will be released

by Lerner in fall 2014.

Meanwhile, Latham also has three children’s novels on submission: historical, fantasy and contemporary.

She is also poetry editor for Birmingham Arts Journal and often visits classrooms to lead discussions about her books. That, of course, is fit in around the time she spends as a mother, wife, daughter and friend.

“You need to live a life worth writing about,” she said. l October 2012

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Arts & Culture Lynn Dodson, an SCAC instructor, paints custom people portraits, animal portraits, house portraits, and has an array of landscapes, bird nests and other beautiful subjects available.

“Cahaba Lily Landscape” by Rae Lynn Dodson. Oil on Canvas. 12”x24”.

Available. $200. Shelby County Arts Council.

The local art scene Shelby County’s art galleries offer a diverse range of paintings, sculptures and pottery

Alabaster artist Pat Hare is one of many Shelby County residents featured at Blue Phrog Gallery.

“Gold Vase” by Pat Hare. Acrylic. $95. Blue Phrog Gallery.

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Sandra Annonio, marketing director for the Shelby County Arts Council, makes one-of-akind functional and decorative ware pottery in her new studio in Chelsea.

“Wine Cooler Vase.”

Ceramic Stoneware.

Approx. 6”W x 12”H x 6”D. $45. Custom orders accepted.

205-669-0044.

This series of Susan Gordon’s pottery is called her “Pearls and Lace” series. Susan teaches hand-building and wheel-throwing classes at the Shelby County Arts Council.

“Grandmother’s Lace Bowl.” Ceramic Stoneware.

Approx 16”W x 3”H. $95. “Nesting bowl.” Ceramic Stoneware. Bowls are between 1 - 2” deep. Widths in order from largest to smallest: 6”, 4”, 2.” Custom orders accepted. 205-669-0044.

University of Montevallo graduate Penny Arnold creates bright mosaic and stained glass pieces.

“Picasso” by Penny Arnold.

Stained Glass. $235. Blue Phrog Gallery.

Tadashi Torii, a native of Japan who lives in Georgia, creates dynamic glass-blown vases and bowls.

“Glassblowing” by Tadashi Torii, $295.

Blue Phrog Gallery, 955 Main Street, Montevallo.

Artist Kim Deale painted this landscape of Cahaba lilies, a Shelby County favorite.

“Cahaba Lily”

by Kim Daele.

Pastels. $325.

Blue Phrog Gallery.

October 2012

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Overcoming dyslexia Columbiana family watches son succeed with multi-sensory teaching Written by katie mCdOwell

S

ix years have passed since her son’s first appointment with Hettie Johnson, but Krista Guy still remembers the exchange clearly.

Guy had sought out Johnson, a speech and language pathologist based in Hoover, when she realized Logan, her then 9-year-old son, was struggling in school.

Sitting in the office, Logan would not look Johnson in the eye until she directed him to. Holding a key that she said opened the front door of her house, Johnson asked Logan if it would fit in her car door. He said no.

“She said, ‘Well, that is how your teachers have been trying to teach you. They have the wrong key, but guess what? I have the right key, and I’m going to help you unlock all the answers,’” Krista Guy recalled.

Guy said the meeting was the turning point for her family. Although finding the appropriate learning environment for Logan was not easy, he found success with a multi-sensory style of teaching.

“Logan not only excelled academically, but socially,” Guy said. “The expense was overwhelming, but my husband and I made sacrifices. Seeing Logan succeed was all that mattered to us.” an invisible learning disability The International Dyslexia Association defines dyslexia

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as “a language-based learning disability.”

People with dyslexia have difficulties with language skills, including reading, spelling, writing and pronouncing words. The symptoms and their severity vary from person to person.

“It’s by far the most common cause of reading problems, causing approximately one in seven people to have trouble with reading, spelling, writing and often with pronouncing words,” said Johnson, who refers to dyslexia as “an invisible learning disability.”

Studies have shown that anywhere from 10-20 percent of the population have symptoms of dyslexia. While children can be diagnosed as at risk for the disability before kindergarten, Johnson said they typically aren’t evaluated until second or third grade.

Krista and her husband, who live in Columbiana, noticed Logan struggling in school before his diagnosis.

At the time, he attended a public school, where he had trouble with spelling tests, sounding words out and blending letters. He was also relying on memorization for much of his work.

“Surprisingly, his school performance was not as poor as you would think,” Krista said. “The public school said he did not qualify for assistance because he had passing grades. Most of this was due to the fact he could comprehend and memorize well.”

For a while, Logan remained in public school and left at 2 p.m. every day

for tutoring with Johnson.

Logan’s IQ was tested at above average, but he had trouble learning in a traditional classroom.

Johnson said that is typical for many students with dyslexia.

“The teaching must be multi-sensory, using the 3-D ‘magic triangle’ of seeing, hearing/saying and touching/ moving, rather than just 2-D teaching,”

Johnson said.

In seventh grade, Logan transferred to Spring Valley School, which is based in Mountain Brook and specializes in dyslexia. He also used private tutors.

“He excelled and by the end of his seventh grade year his teachers said he was ready to go back to public school,” Guy said. “They were impressed with Logan’s

drive and work ethic. They expressed that with such work ethic, he would succeed at any school.” finding support While the exact cause of dyslexia is unknown, Johnson said scientists have identified certain genes implicated in the disability. It also tends to run in families.

“The architecture of the brain is different in a way that makes language processing less efficient,” Johnson said.

Johnson stressed that dyslexia does not indicate a belowaverage intelligence.

In fact, many talented professionals from a variety of fields have been dyslexic, including Walt Disney, Beethoven and Henry Ford.

The IDA’s website also emphasized that people with dyslexia are not unmotivated or unintelligent.

“People with dyslexia can be very bright. They are often capable or even gifted in areas such as art, computer science, design, drama, electronics, math, mechanics, music, physics, sales and sports,” the website said.

That was the case for Logan, who has excelled athletically since transferring to Coosa Valley Academy in Harpersville. Last year, he received the MVP award for JV baseball. Krista said her son still has to study extremely hard, and they still use study techniques

developed for dyslexic students. Krista said her son has done well in his new environment, both academically and socially.

Krista said the family also believes that college is in his future.

“He will always be dyslexic, but he has been given the tools he needs to compensate for and overcome his ability,” she said.

Although her son no longer meets with Johnson, Krista has continued a relationship with the speech pathologist.

In 2007, about a year after Logan was diagnosed, Krista decided she wanted to create a support group to help other families navigate dyslexia. The group meets once a month in Hoover, and 15-50 people attend the meetings.

“If it wasn’t for Hettie, I would not have been able to create — Krista Guy the support group,” Krista said. “We always tell people it was my vision, but her knowledge.”

Krista said she also regularly receives emails from parents who have children with dyslexia. They typically want their child to get tested and are unsure where to start.

“I usually start by saying, ‘Take a deep breath,’” she said of her advice. “I was where you are once before.

I can tell you there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

I’m looking through it right now.” l

“I was where you are once before. I can tell you there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

I’m looking through it right now.”

October 2012

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CityFest

Myers Plants and Pottery

of the

best best Shelby County

brought to you by:

Shelby County Arts Council

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ShelbyLiving.com

SHELBY Living Papa Saia’s

Pelham YMCA

Jim ‘N Nick’s

We asked. You answered.

Read on to find out the best businesses, foods and festivals Shelby County has to offer.

More than 4,000 votes were cast in our second annual Best of the Best contest.

Thank you for your support!

Food and Nightlife

Best margarita

Best patio dining

Best barbecue

Best Italian cuisine

Best bar

Best Mexican cuisine

Best pizza

Best happy hour

Margarita Grill

Best coffee

Starbucks

Jim ‘N Nick’s

Best bakery

Edgar’s

Papa Saia’s

Best burger

Helena Depot Deli and Grill Joe’s Italian

Joe’s Italian

Papa Saia’s Joe’s Italian

Cozumel Grill Papa Saia’s Ernest McCarty

October 2012

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YMCA

Dr. Robert Snyder

Santa Fe Day Spa

Arts and Culture

Best local artist

Best dry cleaners

Best museum

Business

Best pet supply store

Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum Best local art gallery

Shelby County Arts Council Best annual festival

Alabaster CityFest

Helena Depot Deli and Grill

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Bruce Andrews

Ken’s Cleaners PetsMart

Best boutique

J. Allen’s Gifts

Best auto service

Ernest McCarty Ford

Best jewelry store

Paul’s Diamond Center Best veterinarian

Montevallo Animal Clinic Paul’s Diamond Center

Best furniture store

Alabama Furniture Market

Margarita Grill

Best children’s clothing store

Best realtor

Best dentist

Best new car dealer

Health and Beauty

Best spa

Fireflies and Fairytales Ernest McCarty Ford

Melanie Siow

Dr. Tim Nettles Santa Fe Day Spa

Best nail salon Best florist

Sarah’s Flowers

Nail Star

Best yoga studio

University of Montevallo

Best family doctor Best garden center

Myers Plants and Pottery

Dr. Robert Snyder

Best fitness center

Pelham YMCA

Best massage Best wedding reception/venue

American Village J. Allen’s Gifts

Santa Fe Day Spa

Best pharmacy

Davis Drug American Village

October 2012

35

Olivia Charles Antiques A couple turns their loss into a light for other families.

Written by Chianti C. Cleggett Photographs by JON GOERING

S

ometimes something beautiful can spring from something tragic. When Kristin and Cannon Prickett’s 9-month-old baby girl, Olivia, died in November 2010, it was hard to grasp how life could bloom without her.

But, it was her joyful spirit that helped them move forward. In April 2011, they started a furniture business named in her honor, Olivia Charles Antiques.

“I wanted her to live on — her laugh, her light, her smiles and influence — to continue to be known in this world,” Kristin said.

In less than two years, the business has grown from a small booth space in a local shop into a successful venture with

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“I wanted her to live on — her laugh, her light, her smiles and influence — to continue to be known in this world.”

— Kristin Prickett customers from Atlanta to Brooklyn and as far away as California.

The Adirondack collection of furniture and home accessories includes: picture frames, mirrors (wall hanging and full-

length), benches (from extra small to large), caddy carry-alls, pet houses, porch swings, planter boxes, chairs (for kids and adults) and more. One of the best things about many of the pieces, according to the couple, is how its versatility allows for use inside or out.

While they are based in Alabama and sell many pieces online, they often showcase their furniture at markets and festivals throughout the Southeast. Items are also available at the Prattville Pickers Antique Mall near Montgomery and Easy Street Resale in Pelham.

Kristin constantly dreams up new ideas and often works with clients to develop their concepts into functional art.

“Inspiration can come from anything — our heads and magazines to what we’ve seen in travels or in other people’s yards,” said Kristin, who often utilizes

LEFT: Cannon and Kristin Prickett share a laugh with their son, Parrish, on an Olivia Charles Antiques swing at their Mt Laurel home. THIS PAGE: Olivia Charles Antiques sell a wide range of Adirondack furniture and home accessories, including picture frames, benches and chairs.

her background in interior decorating. “A lot of times, we’ll take old furniture and repurpose it.”

Cannon enjoys working with Danny Cooper (the furniture designer) to create custom pieces. Cooper, who resides in Tennessee, has a decades-long career designing furniture from the materials of old barns and houses, Cannon said.

Prices range from $45 for a photo frame to $225 for a chair and $595 for a swing. It varies for custom pieces. Twenty percent of all profits are donated back to the foundation that was founded in their daughter’s name.

“The foundation was started through our church, Double Oak Community Church, right after Olivia passed away,”

said Kristin, adding that there are future plans to host fundraisers to assist with scholarships for kids’ camps and other activities.

For now, the bulk of funding comes from the business.

“Our long-term goal is to try to help with burial assistance,” said Cannon, recalling how financially unprepared they were for their daughter’s funeral. “We want to assist other parents so they won’t have to worry.”

Kristin agrees, “When you’re grieving the last thing you want to think about is the cost of giving your child a proper burial.”

In addition to the foundation, the couple also distributes prayer pagers to others who are suffering various life trials, from

cancer to a child’s death. The Pricketts had received one from a friend after Olivia’s death. Nearly 20 prayer pagers were loaned out to others in July.

“It gave us such comfort to know that people we didn’t even know were praying for us,” Cannon said.

The couple, who live in Mt Laurel with their 5-year-old son, Parrish, and welcomed a new son, Knox, on Aug. 8, credits those prayers with helping them through their time of need. They want to share that support with others while keeping their daughter’s memory alive in their work.

“I love the fact that Olivia’s name is on everything we do,” Kristin said.

Visit Oliviacharlesantiques.com. l

You are cordially invited to attend The

SHELBY Living

Bridal Show Sunday, January 6, 2013 1 p.m.-4 p.m. at the Cahaba Grand Conference Center 3660 Grandview Parkway, Birmingham, AL For more information, visit facebook.com/shelbylivingbridalshow.

October 2012

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Wild of ShelbySide County The

Creatures of the fall Story and photographs by DAVID BUTLER

C

ooler, wet weather brings out new life along the Cahaba.

As the summer days fry the Alabama landscape, many creatures lie in wait, dug into forest floors, thirsting for the cooling rains that rejuvenate their parched habitat. Drop by drop, the water fills the Cahaba River and from its banks, life emerges.

The first raindrops soak trees, such as the Loblolly Pine (Pinus taeda), which frequently dots the edges of the Cahaba. Eventually moisture finds its way through the canopy, dampens the earth below and funnels down to muddy the Cahaba, serving as a wake up call, inviting everything to enjoy the rain.

“Early fall is one of my favorite times

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of the year,” said Steven Jennings, who likes to spend early mornings hiking the Cahaba Wildlife Management area in southern Shelby County. “The moisture and gradually lower temperatures bring out things that are harder to find earlier in the summer.”

Scientists believe that close to 85 percent of plants have a symbiotic relationship with some type of fungus, meaning that many plants coexist with fungus for mutual benefit. And the Loblolly Pines that shade the river are no different. One such fungus that fills this role is the American Caesar’s mushroom (Amanita jacksonii), which can be found growing beneath these giant pine trees in wooded areas along the river or closer to home in heavily shaded lawns.

From a white egg-like structure

called the “universal veil,” the American Caesar’s mushroom pokes out its red cap, which immediately makes it stand out.

“They’re really bright red, almost like an Easter egg or tomato,” said Sara Hall, an Alabaster resident, who first noticed mushrooms along the banks of the Cahaba. “As soon as it has rained a few times, they are popping up all over the place. They start out as little red eggs, and grow to be huge orange mushrooms.

Now I have them in my backyard.”

The bright, young mushroom cap slowly unfolds as the mushroom grows taller, turning from bright red to a paler orange, until they stand nearly a foot tall. But the beauty doesn’t last long.

“I love to find new mushrooms, but this time of year, they don’t last long because all sorts of bugs line up to eat them,” laughed Jennings. “I don’t always know which ones are safe for people to eat, but the bugs don’t have any problems.”

LEFT: The Northern Slimy Salamander can be found near the Cahaba around decaying wood and under rocks. ABOVE: These photos show the growth cycle of the American Caesar mushroom.

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And, the food cycle begins again. As the American Caesar’s Mushroom continues its relationship with the pines above, the growing mushrooms serve as an important food source for the beetles and slugs below, which, in turn, feed the amphibians that creep up from the river’s edge, hiding along forest floors.

Some of the first creatures to find these insects are the frogs and toads. Alabama is home to at least 30 species of frog and toad, and one of the most frequently encountered is the Southern Toad (Bufo terrestris), which can be found in abundance along the Cahaba. These toads, which begin life in the water as tadpoles, eventually grow legs and move to land. During the hot, dry summer, the Southern Toad often burrows into the ground until rain coaxes it out of hiding.

These toads are often seen at night, but the young can be found in abundance hopping over damp leaves or along the muddy river bank during daylight hours, in search of food in late summer. Ranging in size from 1-4 inches, the toads also vary in color and diet.

Not only do they feed on the small beetles and flies that hover around the mushrooms, they eat mosquitoes, which often plague Alabama residents well into the fall.

“I don’t know how many they eat,” said Jennings, “but I am a big fan of anything that eats mosquitoes. And this time of year, the toads are all over the place.”

Jennings’ fascination with fungus leads him to dead trees as well.

“I like finding old trees that have been taken over,” said Jennings. “With all the big storms we’ve had in the last few years, there are plenty of dead trees along the river. I think it’s nice to see that nature doesn’t waste them.”

Waste nature does not. As the trees begin to decay, a much heartier fungus, the Violet Toothed Polypore (Trichaptum biforme) slowly transforms the bark of dead trees into a subtle mix of cream and purple. This polypore attracts slugs, which also feed the toads, as well as another group of amphibians: The salamanders.

At least 43 of the known 564 species of the world occur in Alabama. Two species that can be found in Shelby County near the Cahaba around decaying wood and under rocks are the Long Tailed Salamander (Eurycea longicauda ) and the Northern Slimy Salamander (Plethodon glutinosus).

Both salamanders can reach lengths of nearly 8 inches, but are markedly different. The Long Tailed Salamander is narrow, brown and gold with its long tail. While the Northern Slimy salamander is thicker and black, with white spots along its head, back and sides.

For these amphibians, the trees, rain and the fungus they breed all attract a hearty meal. And for Jennings, a Montevallo resident, visiting the Cahaba couldn’t be more perfect.

“The climate in Shelby County is ideal for these salamanders. I know they like to hide in burrows during the summer, but as soon as the rain comes, I can come out and find them,” said Jennings. “It never gets old turning over a log and finding one looking back at you.”

David Butler is a Hoover resident and the owner of Canoe the Cahaba in Helena. He is a naturalist, photographer and lover of all things green. He can be reached at madrecycler@gmail.com. l CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: This Long-Tailed Salamander is also fond of decaying wood and rocks; A slug crawls over Violet Toothed Polypore, a type of fungus; Violet Toothed Polypore transforms the bark of dead trees; The Long-Tailed Salamander is one of 43 salamanders found in Alabama; The Southern Toad is commonly found along the Cahaba.

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Trekking

through the trails Written by NEAL WAGNER Photographs by JON GOERING

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PAGE 42: The sun peaks through a canopy of trees at Oak Mountain State Park. CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: A butterfly lands on a rock along Lake Trail; Lake Trail makes a loop around Double Oak Lake, which is the main body of water at OMSP; Yellow flowers provide a pop of color in the dense woods; Hikers travel along the trails near the main campground around Mountain Lake.

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hen Oak Mountain State Park Superintendent Michael Jeffreys sets out for a hike on the park’s South Rim Trail, the world around him starts to change.

The busy hustle of managing Alabama’s largest state park in one of

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the fastest-growing and most heavily populated portions of the state soon gives way to a tranquil, usually solitary journey through the heavily wooded hills of Central Alabama.

“My personal favorite is the blue trail. It’s just the solitude the trail has, I think it’s beautiful,” Jeffreys said.

“There are no bike or horse crossings on that trail, so you don’t normally see anyone else out there.

“I can sit down and take a break and never know that I am in suburban Birmingham,” Jeffreys said.

Oak Mountain State Park’s South Rim Trail, or blue trail, is just one of

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several weaving through the nearly 10,000-acre park in Pelham. In addition to the blue trail, the park also features a white trail leading to the park’s highest point at 1,260 feet, Shackleford Point, a yellow trail winding through the park’s foothills and a green trail leading to Peavine Falls.

The park also features a wildlife center trail leading from the park’s beach parking lot to the Alabama Wildlife Center. The Wildlife Center trail connects to the Treetop Nature Trail, a family friendly elevated walkway lined with cages containing birds of prey rehabilitated at the Wildlife Center.

The park’s red trail, also known as the Double Oak Trail, completes a 17-mile loop around the park and is designed for both bikers and hikers. The orange trail is designed for horses only, and is not open to foot traffic.

“We’ve got a trail for any amount of experience, all the way from the family friendly Treetop Nature Trail all the way to the yellow or Peavine Falls trail,” Jeffreys said, noting the park’s trails are maintained by a pair of volunteer families who work to keep the paths up every weekend.

But even though some of the park’s trails are designed for less-experienced hikers, many hikers underestimate the challenge presented by trekking out into the park’s wooded wilderness.

“Unless you come hiking day-in and day-out, I recommend stopping by the park office and picking up a map or downloading it online before you come out. I can’t emphasize that enough,” Jeffreys said. “If you stop by the office, we can help you plan out a route before you go.

“Some people will just go out on the trails without a plan and without enough water and get lost,” he added.

Because novice hikers frequently get lost while navigating the park’s maze of paths, OMSP recently installed numbered posts every quartermile to give lost hikers a reference point when they call for help.

“If you call and say ‘I’m injured on the blue trail and the last post I saw was 12,’ it helps us to come straight to you to help you,” Jeffreys said.

Water rushes over Peavine Falls, one of the many attractions at the park.

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“You can get out and get away from the rat race and be at peace with God and nature.”

— Scotty Vines

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sharing the passion One person who sees several of Oak Mountain State Park’s trail markers on a near-weekly basis is Helena resident Scotty Vines.

Growing up as a Boy Scout, Vines said he always had an affinity for spending time in nature. However, his passion didn’t take off until an Internet search led him to a group of like-minded locals.

After moving to the Birmingham area in the late 1980s, Vines started spending time in Oak Mountain State Park with his son. Soon, Vines started looking for ways to spend more time hiking Oak Mountain’s dozens of miles of trails.

“I found a website called Meetup. com, and I saw they had a category for hiking,” Vines said. “I searched for events, and then the Birmingham Adventure Group popped up.”

The group is designed to bring local outdoor enthusiasts together to take nature-oriented treks both near and far.

After becoming involved in the group, Vines started organizing weekend trips to one of his favorite nature venues.

“Whoever laid out Oak Mountain did a great job. It’s a very diverse park,” said Vines, who has also hiked everywhere from Mt. Cheaha in eastern Alabama to the Rocky Mountains of Colorado.

On most Saturday mornings in the fall, winter and spring, Vines can be found leading hiking groups through the park. On many Sundays, he leads less-experienced hikers on shorter hikes with relatively few elevation changes.

Like Jeffreys, Vines said he prefers the scenic tranquility of the blue trail to any of the other park offerings.

“When you get up on the blue trail, it’s like you’re in your own wilderness,” Vines said. “You can get out and get away from the rat race and be at peace with God and nature.”

For the past several years, Vines has purchased an annual pass at Oak Mountain, and hikes between six and 13 miles nearly every time he visits the park.

“You definitely get in pretty good shape fast. I love it,” Vines said. “It’s like a big playground in my backyard.” l A trail overlooking Double Oak Lake offers an uninterrupted view of the park’s beautiful landscape.

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soulful retreat

LEFT: Donna Francavilla gave her Greystone abode a sophisticated update after her children left home. ABOVE: The kitchen table looks out over the recently renovated lawn.

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Donna Francavilla’s Greystone home is a mix of tradition and personality

Written by KATIE MCDOWELL Photographs by JON GOERING

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n a glass cabinet in the living room of her Greystone home, Donna Francavilla displays several sets of Italian glassware.

Light glances off the vibrant pinks, greens, blues and golds. The glassware and china were a gift from her mother, an

orphan who immigrated to America from Italy in her 20s.

“Each region in Italy has a personality and tradition. Each set represents a region,” Francavilla explained.

Personality and tradition perfectly describes Francavilla’s two-story home, though when prompted, she describes her style as “elegant with whimsical features.”

Francavilla moved into the home in 1994

with her ex-husband and their four children.

Since that time, the house has undergone several transformations with the family.

“Our needs changed,” Francavilla said.

“When we moved here, the children were small and destructive. When they got older, I realized we could have nice things.”

The first transformation took place in 2005. It was around the time white kitchens had gone out of style and home improvement October 2012

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shows became popular.

“I caught that same fever,” Francavilla said.

Francavilla set out to “become a general contractor” and oversaw several major updates, including repainting rooms, adding new carpet, refinishing the hardwood floors and adding slate floors to the porch.

About two years ago, before her youngest child, Greg, left for college, Francavilla made a few more changes to the house to prepare for an empty nest.

Francavilla worked with both professionals and friends on the latest transformation. The changes weren’t radical – it was mostly decluttering and making the colors flow from the interior to the exterior – but they made a difference.

Today, Francavilla’s not-so-empty nest – she recently adopted a rambunctious kitten, Tux – is a relaxing retreat for Francavilla, yet ready to house her family during visits.

“I like how the home flows,” she said.

“You can have privacy in any of the rooms and yet come together easily.”

The home weaves together all the elements of Francavilla’s life: her Italian heritage, family, friends and a successful career as a radio journalist and the owner of Frankly Speaking Communications.

The home opens into a foyer that features more Italian glassware displayed on a table.

Several of the pieces are Murano glass, but Francavilla also included a few new pieces and some from the Middle East.

“You’ll notice lots of glasses and vases,” she said. “I like to collect.”

A sitting room and the dining room branch off of the foyer. A grand piano is the focal point of the living room. The upholstery in the sitting room introduces the golds and blues that are repeated throughout the house.

While her mother’s Italian glassware draws the eye in the dining room, a splitwood mahogany table is equally beautiful and has been the setting of many holiday dinners over the years.

The kitchen and living room are two of the most-used rooms in the house.

Francavilla called on two decorator friends for help choosing colors in the living room and throughout the house.

“I really love it,” she said “It really blends with the outdoors.”

Francavilla’s bedroom and master bedroom round out the interior rooms of the ground floor, while the basement is home to a game room where the Francavilla children CLOCKWISE FROM FAR LEFT: The kitchen, where the family spends much of their time, received an update in 2005; “I like the ribbon effect. It looks like it has movement,” Francavilla said of the rug and chairs in the sitting room; Tux is the newest addition to the Francavilla family.

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CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT TOP: The two-story Greystone home was built in the early ’90s; Francavilla refers to the backyard as a “tremendous soulful retreat”; The backyard recently underwent an extensive renovation with the addition of new patios and landscaping; Donna Francavilla spent her summer with her youngest son, Greg, who currently attends the University of Delaware.

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LEFT: A table in the foyer displays several glass vases, including Murano glass from Italy and other pieces collected from the Middle East. ABOVE: Francavilla’s mother sewed and painted this embroidery of the Virgin Mary.

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spent much of their time when friends visited while they were still in school.

The second floor is devoted to four bedrooms and an office. In addition to being functional, the office is home to more of Francavilla’s Italian history.

“Everyone has an Auburn or Alabama room,” she said. “We have a dedication to Italy.”

A large map of Italy dominates one wall, while photos of family and friends are scattered throughout the room. An embroidery of the Virgin Mary hangs in the hallway, another of her mother’s belongings.

“She sewed this and painted the face,” Francavilla explained. “This is what she did in the orphanage to make money for the nuns to take care of the children.”

Almost all of Francavilla’s decorations have a story, although not all are tied to Italy.

Others are simply reminders of family trips or memories, such as an otter statue from a trip to a Tennessee aquarium or a lamp of two girls dancing, which remind Francavilla of her daughters, who both danced growing up.

“Each piece has a story and is attached to a memory, experience or journey that we had,” she said.

With her interior upgrades complete, Francavilla set her sights on transforming her back yard. She had updated the sitting

“My hope is when you come through here, you feel like you’re entering a different world.”

— Donna Francavilla room, a favorite place to do work, in 2005, but she wanted to tame the yard.

When she set out on the project, which was completed this summer, she once again

looked to friends and professionals for help.

“I’ve collected a team of people without whom I could not stay in this house. They’ve helped me enormously,” she said.

The outdoor transformation was prompted by the gift of a fountain from a friend. Once the fountain was in its place, Francavilla felt the need to update the surrounding grounds.

The yard features ferns, ivy, lamb’s ear, elephants’ ear, impatiens and ice plants.

Several patios are located throughout the yard, offering place for relaxation and a different view.

“The backyard offers such a tremendous soulful retreat,” Francavilla said. “It’s like having a park in your own background.”

The yard is also bountiful. In addition to fig, plum and peach trees, Francavilla grows a range of plants and herbs, including lettuce, tomatoes, strawberry, chives, lavender, basil and orgegano.

“What kind of Italian would I be if I didn’t have basil and oregano?” she said.

With her latest transformation complete – almost anyway, what home is ever really finished? – Francavilla spends as much time as possible outdoors, working, napping or simply relaxing.

“My hope is when you come through here, you feel like you’re entering a different world,” she said. l

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good t imes roll

Let the

Written by CHRISTINE BOATWRIGHT Photographs by JON GOERING

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PAGE 58: The restaurant’s tiki bar sits behind the restaurant, adjacent to the covered patio. The festive outdoor seating overlooks Buck Creek. CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE LEFT: Owner Tammy Casteel said both hot and mild wings are top-sellers at Papa Saia’s. Other flavors include dry rubs, a scale of spiciness from mild to X-Hot and General Tso’s. Papa Saia’s covered patio and tiki bar overlook Helena’s Buck Creek. The restaurant’s pulsing music mixes with the relaxing rush of the water to create the perfect party atmosphere. Papa Saia’s pizzas come in 6-inch, 12-inch and 16-inch varieties, as well as calzones. The meat-lover’s pizza comes with pepperoni, sausage, ham and bacon piled on a hand-tossed crust. Papa Saia’s moved into the old Incahoots building on Buck Creek in Old Town Helena in March 2012. Owner Tammy Casteel said she added seafood to the menu when the restaurant moved to Helena. The shrimp po’boy is stuffed full of toppings and served with crinkle-cut fries.

Papa Saia’s finds a home on the banks of Buck Creek

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fter years of moving to different Alabaster locations, Papa Saia’s Pizza and Sports Grille has found a home on the banks of Buck Creek.

Norman Saia opened Papa Saia’s in 1997. Tammy Casteel, who helped Saia open the original restaurant, purchased the business from Saia more than two years ago. The restaurant moved to three different locations in Alabaster before settling in its fourth “and hopefully permanent home” in Helena, Casteel said.

Casteel said renovations in the building, which once housed the restaurant Incahoots, took more than three weeks.

“Some people from Alabaster still

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come here. Some have been coming the last 17 years, and I’ve watched their kids grow up. Now they’re in here drinking, and it’s really weird,” Casteel said with a laugh.

The restaurant’s laid-back atmosphere pairs well with its new location, which is complete with a back patio and tiki bar that overlook the waters rushing over Buck Creek’s dam.

“We’re known for our wings,” Casteel said.

The waitresses’ shirts declare, “We like ‘em big and saucy,” and the wings stand up to the cheeky statement.

In flavors ranging from garlic pepper and Cajun to Jamaican jerk and sweetand-spicy barbecue, the wings provide

the perfect main course while watching the big game.

Casteel said the restaurant’s 28 televisions will showcase the best of fall football with all of the Auburn University and University of Alabama pay-perview games, as well as sporting the NFL television package.

Friday lunches draw in the crowds as Papa Saia’s offers all-you-can-eat wings.

“It’s the size. We use rotisserie wings so they’re huge,” Casteel said when asked about customers’ infatuation with the hands-on meal.

Casteel said Papa Saia’s pizzas, burgers and calzones are popular. Seafood, including po’boys and shrimp baskets, was added to the menu when Papa Saia’s moved to Helena.

The appetizer menu lists fried crawfish tails, potato chips loaded with bacon, jalapenos and sour cream and Papa’s gooey fries, which are smothered in white cheese dip.

Papa Saia’s offers live entertainment every night except Mondays, including karaoke on Wednesday nights at 7 p.m.

“The main draw is to sit outside,” Casteel said, noting the outdoor televisions and tiki bar, which is open all week. The bar offers a “ton of specialty drinks,” Casteel said, and Papa’s Beach Bliss is a customer favorite.

Even with the good times flowing from the tiki bar, the restaurant remains family friendly as Papa Saia’s is divided into two sections. The far side of the restaurant sports a 21-andover section with a full bar, pool table, dartboards and plenty of televisions.

The other half of the building features seating, televisions and sports memorabilia. The memorabilia is on sale from The Beveled Edge, a local sports print business.

The restaurant held a crawfish boil in the summer, and will welcome in the fall with a festival Oct. 6. Papa Saia’s Halloween party will kick off Oct. 27.

“We’re trying to be a part of the community,” Casteel said.

Papa Saia’s is located at 4300 Helena Road, Helena. For more information, visit Papasaias.com. l

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Share your wedding or engagement in

SHELBY Living

We’ll pick our favorites and share them with our readers in our January 2013 issue.

Announcement guidelines

Please save your wedding or engagement announcement as a Microsoft Word document. Word count limit is 500 words for one page. Email the announcement to katie.mcdowell@shelbyliving.com. Send up to five high-resolution, digital images. Please include the couple’s full names and photographer’s contact information in the body of the email.

Deadline for submission is Oct. 15 For more information, contact: Katie.mcdowell@shelbyliving.com or call 205-669-3131, ext. 19.

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Home & Food

Papa’s Beach Bliss Written by Katie McDowell Photographs by JON GOERING

P

apa’s Beach Bliss is a favorite drink for visitors at Papa Saia’s. This fruity drink tastes like strawberry lemonade and is easy to recreate at home.

Mix 3/4 oz. of vodka, 1/2 oz. of triple sec and 5 oz. of lemonade. Shake well, and pour into a glass. Add a splash of Sprite, strawberry flavor and juice from a fresh-squeezed lime.

$6

Papa Saia’s 4300 Helena Road Helena 205-621-6161 Papasaias.com

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Home & Food Coconut Macaroon Ingredients: 16 oz. shredded coconut 3 whole eggs, slightly beaten 1 1/4 cup granulated sugar Powdered sugar to garnish Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Mix together coconut, eggs and granulated sugar.

3. Press into a small ice cream scooper and dish out onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. If you don’t have an ice cream scooper, you can use a large soupspoon to portion out the macaroons, and then roll them into balls with your hands.

4. Bake at 350 degrees in a standard oven or 325 degrees in a convection oven. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until golden brown, rotating the pan halfway through baking.

4. After macaroons have cooled, sprinkle a small amount of powdered sugar, through a sieve, over the top of each macaroon.

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The art of sweets Written by Christine bOatwright Photographs by JOn gOering

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line of exquisitely designed wedding cakes lines the hallway into Sweet Spot Confections. Each one featured details of a deft hand and dedication to perfection.

Andres and Shannon Pardo are the husband-and-wife culinary team behind the baked delights of Sweet Spot Confections, which is tucked into the Southeastern Bible College kitchen.

While the bakery doesn’t have a walkin retail element, the Pardos provide wedding and special occasion cakes, as well as cookies, cupcakes, macaroons and more to special-order customers.

“I’ve worked in and out of bakeries and cake places since I was 19,” Shannon Pardo said.

She attended the French Pastry School in Chicago and worked at a Las Vegas hotel, Wynn Las Vegas, where she said

she learned most of her “cake stuff.”

“Because I went to pastry school, I can do it all, but my specialty is wedding and specialty cakes,” Shannon said.

Shannon first discovered her passion for all things sweet from her mother.

“Mom made all of our birthday cakes,” Shannon said. “I watched her make all of our cakes. I have such fond memories of that, and I’m very proud my mom made our cakes.”

The Pardos work together to create their sweet spots of confection. According to Shannon, Andres mainly bakes and assembles the cakes, while she handles the “big decorating stuff.”

Many of the bakery’s recipes were handed down from the business’ former stint as Angel’s Cake and Confection, which was owned by Janet Allen before the Pardos purchased it in August 2011.

The coconut macaroon recipe was passed down from the business’ previous owner, and Shannon called it a “foolproof recipe.”

The three-ingredient macaroons of sugar, eggs and coconut are one of the bakery’s most popular treats, Shannon said.

Rotating the pan is the key to evenly browning the macaroons, Shannon said.

“Our focus is definitely on quality instead of quantity,” Shannon said.

Shannon said the bakery offers specials each week on its Facebook page. Visit Sweetspotconfections.com to see a gallery of the Pardos’ cakes and desserts. l

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A reception was held for the former winners of the Miss Shelby County pageant on July 20 at Shelby County High School in Columbiana.

1. Clauda Jennings, Jennifer Long, Mindy Hermecz and Elizabeth Shelton 2. Jessica Andrews Tucker, Drake Russell and Joy Andrews 3. Miss Alabama Anna Laura Bryan and Barbara Robinson 4. Edwina Chappell and Niva Dorough 5. Crystal Bedwell Langford and Les Langford 6. Ashlee Stiglich Elliot and Mary Ann McDougal 7. Michael Dais and Torie Spinks 8. Tresa House and Clauda Jennings 9. Laura Cochran and Liz Cochran Morgan

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10. Front Row, Crystal Bedwell Langford, Edwina Chappell, Liz Cochran Morgan, Dr. Emily Bell Casey. Back Row, Whitney Weldon Mosley, Melody Arledge Byrne, Jessica Andrews Tucker, Haley Spates Mims, Ashley Stiglich Elliot, Kristen Hilliard Bagwell 11. Kevin Robinson and Phyllis French 12. Brian Bagwell and Kristen Hilliard Bagwell 13. Melody Arledge Byrne and Whitney Weldon Mosley 14. Emily Bell Casey, Belle Casey and Brenda Bell-Guercio

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ey Arts & Culture To subscribe visit for on sues Local Fashions 12 is ShelbyLiving.com Unique Home Features Monthly calendar of events and happenings or call 669-3131

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Miss Shelby County pageant

The Miss Shelby County pageant was held July 20 at Shelby County High School in Columbiana.

1. Amanda Ford, Jamie Brooks, Sarah Kathryn Sharp and Madison Wilson 2. Caitlyn McTier, Sydney Slaughter, Olivia Kurosaka and Madison Brown 3. Portia Miller, Bryanna Belser and Cierra Belser 4. Peggy Wood, Bonnie Atchison, Madison Wood, and Harleigh Wood 5. Michael, Cody and Mallory Venable 6. Twyla and Faryn Fryer 7. Aubree Neal, Jamie Garzarek and Courtney Rushing 8. Fran Rushton and Donna Morris 9. Charlie and Luanne Hart 68

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10. Dena Lawson, Robert L. Lawson, and Robert D. Lawson 11. Back Row: Sarah Anderson, Jessica Barr and Abby Lindley.

Front Row: Brittany Underwood and Presley Sherer 12. Brenda Holmberg, Terri Moore, Clark Roper, Susan Ann Cook 13. Abbie and Melodie Dean 14. Payton Thompson, Riley Thomas, Pressley Raines, Will Snider 15. JP Gravitt and Jim Jolly 16. Dave Strider and Donna Arnold 17. Rosa Minehan, Patrick Wiliamson and DiAnna Wilson

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LSC breakfast

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Leadership Shelby County held a breakfast Aug. 15 to introduce the 2013 Leadership class.

1. Tom Sanders, Carol Bruser and Joey Ritchey 2. Maurice Mercer and Phyllis Steele 3. Kelli Holmes and Miranda Carter 4. Jim Sumpter and Jim Day 5. Rene Day and Bridgette Jordan Smith 6. Terri Williams and Jennifer Whisenant 7. Kim Melton and Tammy Brush 8. Miranda Carter, Kendall Williams and Michelle Johnston 9. Donna Francavilla and Calvin Gunn 10. Jim Golden and George Henry 11. Dennis Blackerby and Neal DePiano 12. Sen. Cam Ward and Randy Fuller

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Antiques, Arts and Crafts Show

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The Novella Club’s 17th annual Antiques, Arts and Crafts Show was held July 28 at the Shelby County Exhibition Center in Columbiana.

1. Denise Houston and Elizabeth Thompson 2. Vicki Brooks, Shabannan Sampson and Kendra Goode 3. Caroline Johnson and Lura Johnson Campbell 4. JoAnn Holcombe and Cathy Barker 5. Anita Davis, Peggy Wood and Gloria Beasley 6. Marica Murrah and Bonnie Atchsion 7. Tonya Bartley, Sue Owen and Diane Peters 8. Darla Pair, Susan Conn and Vickey Mann

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SCAC opening reception The Shelby County Arts Council held the opening reception for its instructor/student art exhibit Aug. 10 at its gallery in Columbiana.

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1. Austin Reese, Sarah Bosshart and Branson Smith 2. Betty Davis, Susan Dennis Gordon, Donnalee Blankenship and Sandra Annonio 3. Van and Susan Barringer 4. Jim Strickland and Mike Mason 5. Bonnie Atchison and Sally Lawshe 6. Denise Obert, Trisha Schencker and Lynn Dodson 7. Robert and Beckie Reese 8. Jessie Davis and Diane Ellis

Your vision is

very important, so protect it with

quality sunglasses!

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Fenders and Fireflies

Easter Seals of Birmingham held Fenders and Fireflies Aug. 9 at Old Car Heaven in Birmingham.

1. Phil and Amy Croft 2. Meghan Handley, Mallory Bradley and Kristen Reid 3. Jennifer Holcomb and Evan Dorman 4. Sarah and Craig Strong 5. Julie and Joe McLaughlin 6. Tiffany Stoots and Justin Nichols 7. Jim and Wendy Parks 8. Merri Crow, Julie Chancellor and Jessica Callahan 9. Keith Krininger, Wade Martin and Johnathon Burton 10. Craig and Caroline Neely

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11. Meredith and Ross Dorough with Bo and Rachel Goodson 12. Laura Hinton, Andy Graffeo, Mona Graffeo, Sarah Strong and Valerie Taylor 13. Jeb and Leanna Pittard 14. Chip Brush and Michael Weidenbach 15. Lee and Olivia Waldrop 16. Laylon Cox, Mindy Ellis and John Ellis 17. Rhett McCreight and Wes McGugin 18. David and Susan Simpson 19. Alison Glover, Michelle Reid, Katie Booth and Mary-Katherine Sandlin October 2012

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Montevallo Chamber of Commerce luncheon

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The Montevallo Chamber of Commerce held its monthly luncheon at Parnell Memorial Library July 25.

1. Tonja Battle and Mary Beth Armstrong 2. Tony Perry and Stanley Shotts 3. Reed Prince and Trey Gantt 4. Kim Reynolds and Hollie Cost 5. Meredith Davidson and Denise McDaniel 6. Terry Sutton and David Nichols 7. Herschel Hale and Martha Lewis 8. Chris Rossi and Rusty Nix

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November 3-4, 2012

Free Admission!

Located at The Preserve in Hoover // www.MossRockFestival.com

Generous Sponsors: LAKE - al.com, Baptist Health Center Hoover RIVER - Alabama Baby & Child Magazine, ASID, Alabama Environmental Council, Birmingham Coca Cola Bottling Co., B-Metro, CityVision – The Visitor’s Channel, H Life - Hoover’s Magazine, Joe Piper, Inc., McWane Science Center, MyGreenBirmingham.com, My Scoop, NatureScape, Inc., Over the Mountain Journal, Saiia Construction, Technical Knockout, Vertical Solutions Media VILLAGE GREEN - Alabama Geocachers Association, Aveda Institute Birmingham, Bare Naked Noodles, Bike Link, eco three, From Scratch Design, McKay Management, Regions Park, Secure Destruction, Stewart Perry, WBHM, We’re Green Clean.

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Babypalooza

St. Vincent’s One Nineteen hosted Babypalooza, a baby and maternity expo, on Aug. 11.

1. Sarah Naramore and Erin Sanford 2. Heather, Brianna and Rosie Ross 3. Naomi and Erika Lee 4. Rebecca Haynie and Carter Powers 5. Keri Moore and Theda Griffith 6. Rebecca and Rebecca Paulson 7. Lindsay Pritchett and Stacey Pickle 8. Jennifer Dent and Antoinette Allen 9. Christy Tharp and Christy McDonald 10. Danetta Dew and Yaminah King 78

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11. Jessica Scarsella and Abel Martinez 12. Cole Wilson, Sarah Newman, Reagan Kessler, Beth Booth and Barrett Booth 13. Taylor Reed and Alex Chappelle 14. Sondra Moss and Zoe Starns 15. Sheba Massey and Milan Cowan 16. Lee and Bambi Evans 17. Tonya Wallace and Tanikqua Moore 18. Natalie James, Danielle James, Taylor Watwood, Makenzie Watwood, Gracie Watwood and Blakely Watwood 19. Cameron Spink and Jill Cardwell 20. Tania Harris, Raven Bayles and Erika Williams October 2012

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Belk Kids Fest

The Colonial Promenade Belk in Alabaster held a Kids Fest back-to-school fashion show on Aug. 12.

1. Phillip, Abigail and Amy Rush 2. Earlethea Coleman and Bryant Washington Jr. 3. Hannah Dempsey 4. Madison O’Farril and Haylee Gaither 5. Holly and Lexie Deavers 6. Katelyn and Hannah Dempsey 7. Brittany and Kanedy Head 8. Abigail and Seth Belscher 9. Payton Driver and Brooke Kitchens 10. Santeria Broadnax and Akira Wright

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Chronic Low Back Pain and Constipation Study Have you been treating your chronic low back pain with prescription pain medication and experiencing constipation?

A research study is currently underway in your area to test the safety and effectiveness of an investigational medication to help treat moderate-severe low back pain and the constipation that may occur in people taking prescription pain medications

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In order to qualify, you must: • Be 18 years or older • Be experiencing moderate to severe chronic low back pain for 3 months • Be taking a prescription pain medication for at least 4 weeks

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Qualified participants may receive: • Study-related medical care • Study medication • Compensation for time and travel Health insurance is not needed to participate.

Clinical Research Consultants, Inc.

Call (205)

267-3415

for more information and to see if you qualify.

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Walk a Mile in Her Shoes The Walk a Mile In Her Shoes event, benefitting Safehouse of Shelby County, was held at Veterans Park Aug. 18.

1. Gannon and Sarah Jackson 2. Karen Allison and Mary Norsworthy 3. Tonya Davis and Bob Hatch 4. Missy Ellis and Kendall Janorschke 5. Kendall and Harper Williams 6. Ashley and Bobbie Sayer 7. David Lawrence and Jeff Moon 8. Tim Moore, Chris Roney and Brandon Lancaster 9. Alan Stabler and Daniel Boggan 10. Sherry Bourque and Valerie Knott

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11. Leigh Buchanan, Joe Strampe and Christine Rau 12. Kim Harless and Jennifer Chappell 13. Bill and Adam Keller 14. Kim Winsett and Valencia Albright 15. Ellen Leffel and Evan Chandler 16. Lyndsie Curry and Diane Paris

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GSCCC luncheon

The Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce held its monthly luncheon July 25 at the Pelham Civic Complex.

1. Ginger Martin, Penny Bailey and Julie Thomason 2. Kevin Anderson, John Holladay and Rod Clark 3. Laura Luker-Doe and Courtney Colegrove Waldron 4. Ann Payton and Darlene Bond 5. Kirk Mancer and April Weaver 6. Darla Hall and Tom Davis 7. Tyler Dawson and Rob Gerchow 8. Todd Talbot and Amanda Smith 9. Kristin Walters and Serena Durham

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Dixon-Ballog Glass Gallery reception

Dixon-Ballog Glass Gallery held a reception to open its student exhibition Aug. 10 at its studio in Pelham.

1. June Bulow and Pat Wehner 2. Linda Meadows, Janet Caillouet and Jamie Hamilton 3. Debbie Campbell and Cathy Wheeler 4. Deborah Ballog and Karen Dixon 5. Merna Fletcher and Mary Anne Hornbuckle 6. Hannah, Paula and Monte Stewart 7. Stacy Boyett and Merna Fletcher 8. Deborah and Walter Foster

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alabaster pediatric dentistry

SSCC luncheon

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The South Shelby Chamber of Commerce monthly luncheon was held Aug. 1 at First United Methodist Church in Columbiana.

1. Amanda Smith and Peg Hill 2. Suzie Smart and Jaime Adams 3. Laurie Edwards Totten and Leslie Weller 4. Molly Burchell and Natalie Lorimer 5. Lindsay Dring, Paula Johnson, Helen Dean and Ann Handley 6. Renee Castleberry and Hartley Nichols 7. Johnny Jones and Marvin Copes 8. Leah Loots, Valerie Bennett and Eli Bennett 9. Chelsea Mayor Earl Niven, State Sen. Jim McClendon, Donna Smelcer, Rhonda Talley, Jim Byard Jr., Terri Williams and Stacy Walkup

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Out & About Car and Truck Show

WOOFStock

Ongoing

Pumpkin Patch Express: Hop aboard the Pumpkin Patch Express at the Heart of Dixie Railroad, 1919 9th Street, Calera, on Oct. 6-28. Join in on the fun with a visit to the Great Pumpkin, hayride, jumpstation and other kidfriendly activities. Purchase the perfect pumpkin from the patch. Visit Hodrrm.org.

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Becoming an OutdoorsWoman: Becoming an Outdoors-Woman is a threeday workshop designed for women ages 18 years or older.

Participants choose from over 50 courses such as backyard wildlife, rock climbing, camp cooking, map and compass, camping, mountain biking, shooting sports, fishing, hunting, canoeing, nature photography, nature crafts, archery, ATV handling, bird watching, motor boat handling and more. Becoming an Outdoors-Woman is held twice each year at the Alabama 4H Center in Columbiana. The cost for the weekend adventure is $225 and covers meals, lodging, program materials and instruction. For additional information, contact: Sylvia

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Payne, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, 64 North Union Street, Suite 106, Montgomery, 36130.

Oct. 6

Cherokee Beach 50th Anniversary: Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Cherokee Beach, County Road 93, Helena on Oct. 6 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. DJ Carl Simonetti will play music that was played at the beach in the ’60s and ’70s. The event is free and attendees should bring blankets and chairs and a picnic lunch. There will also be food vendors there to buy lunch and drinks.

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Miranda Lambert: On Fire Tour: Country star Miranda Lambert will perform at the Oak Mountain Amphitheatre, 100 Amphitheatre Drive in Pelham, as part of her On Fire tour. The performance begins at 7:30 p.m. Visit Livenation. com to purchase tickets.

Oct. 8

Calera Chamber Golf Tourney: The Calera Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual golf tournament, Monday, Oct. 8 at Timberline Golf Club. Registration begins at 11 a.m. and lunch is at noon.

Visit Calerachamber.org or call 205-668-3023.

Celebrate Chelsea Day: Head to Chelsea for a day of fun with family and friends.

For more information, visit Cityofchelsea.com.

HFD Golf Tourney: The Hoover Fire Department will host a golf tournament Monday, Oct. 8 at 11:30 a.m. at Inverness Country Club.

Car and Truck Show: The Calera Elks will host their annual car and truck show on Oct. 6 at 355 Pilgreen Drive in Calera. The event includes music, food raffles and door prizes. Admission is free.

Trophies will be awarded for Car/Truck Category-Classic, open up to 1979 and late models (1990-2011). Call 6680545 Wednesday-Sunday after

Oct. 12

Dixon-Ballog Art Reception: Dixon-Ballog Gallery Opening Reception will be held Friday, Oct. 12 from 5-8 p.m. at its studio, 2040 Old Montgomery Highway, Pelham.

Shelby Iron Works Fall Festival: Visit an old-

fashioned fall festival Oct. 12-13 at Shelby Iron Works Park, 102688 County Road 42, Shelby. Tour the museum, see an antique sawmill in operation, watch a syrup mill in action and blacksmiths hard at work. Event also includes music, food and a country store. Contact Thomas Trimble at 205-6700142 for more information.

Oct. 13

WOOFStock: WOOFstock, formerly Pet-A-Palooza, will be held Saturday, Oct. 13 at Veterans Park in Hoover. The event includes pet contests, kids fun zone, “weenie” dog races, vendors, caricatures, Bama Air Dogs, silent auction and food and drink.

Fall Festival: Oak Mountain State Park will hold a fall festival at the Dogwood Pavilion on Saturday, Oct. 13 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The event will include a dunking booth, face painting, cake walk, hayrides and more.

Activities require one ticket each. Tickets cost $1 and can be purchased on site.

Oct. 13-14

Cowboy Day: Head to Old Baker Farm for two whole days

Out & About of Western fun. Cowboy Day includes a pumpkin patch, shootouts, Western music, hay wagon rides, hay mountain and more. Kids should come dressed in Western attire. The event will be held Saturday, Oct. 13 from 9 a.m.-dark and Sunday, Oct. 14 from 1 p.m.dark. Old Baker Farm is located at 1041 Farmingdale Road, Harpersville. Visit Oldbakerfarm.com.

Oct. 15

Mitchell’s Chili Championship: Allen Meisler invites all to join him and his son, Mitchell, in a round of golf benefiting Mitchell’s Place, Inc. Entry fee: $400 per person or $2000 per team of five. Lunch will be provided, as well as hors d’oeuvres during the award ceremony following the tounament.

Oct. 15 at Greystone Founder’s Course with a high noon shotgun start. Contact Jenny: 837-4900.

Oct. 16

American Heritage Day: Celebrate American Heritage Day at the American Village, 3727 Alabama 119 in Montevallo, on Tuesday, Oct. 16 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Oct. 20

Shelby Blues & BBQ: The second annual Shelby Blues and BBQ, organized by the Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce, will be held Saturday, Oct. 20 at Old Town Helena. Gather your grill team and face off against some of the best grillers in the county. The event will also include vendors, music and fun for the entire family.

For more information, visit Shelbybluesandbbq.com.

Oct. 26

Living History Day: Visit Old Baker Farm to learn more about the Civil War. This event is perfect for school trips. Classes will meet Civil War living historians who will tell and demonstrate different aspects of one of the most influential wars in the United States.

Demonstrations include artillery firing, infantry manual of arms, learning and participating in some basic infantry marching drills, cavalry, signal corps and old-fashioned soap making.

Classes will learn about uniforms and equipment used by soldiers, what camp life and food were like, different flags of the war, and see and learn about earthworks forts

by stepping into a full size replica earthworks fort. The event costs $7 per person and includes a tour of each aspect of the war described and an Old Baker Farm hayride.

Lunch is not included. Visit Oldbakerfarm.com.

Oct. 27

Run Away from Domestic Violence: Support Hannah Home Shelby at Run Away from Domestic Violence on Saturday, Oct. 27 at St. Vincent’s One Nineteen. The 8k run begins at 8 a.m, while the family fun walk begins at 9 a.m. Visit Runawayrace.com.

Hoover Hayride: Celebrate Halloween early at the Hoover Hayride and Family Night at Veterans Park on Valleydale Road in Hoover from 6-9 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 27.

Harvest Hope Trail Run: The Harvest Hope Trail Run will be begin at the Dogwood Pavilion at Oak Mountain State Park on Saturday, Oct. 27 at 8 a.m. Visit Active. com to register. The run supports ADAC Community Counseling, which provides counseling, education, and therapeutic intervention for the challenges life may bring.

Oct. 27-28

Cotton Pickin’ Celebration: Old Baker Farm will host Cotton Pickin’ Celebration, a living history and arts and crafts festival, from Oct. 27-28 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Exhibitors from all over the South will attend this event, including handmade Indian arts and crafts, blacksmiths, basketmakers, broom makers and more.

Other attractions include a Civil War Reenactment, Indian Festival Dance and live bluegrass and gospel music.

Kids activities include the cotton bounce, cotton patch, corn maze, hay maze and hay mountain. Admission is $2 for adults and children over 2 years old. Admission includes a pumpkin and all events, except for food, arts and crafts and horseback ride. No pets.

Visit Oldbakerfarm.com.

Oct. 31

Monster Walk: Bring your little ghoul or goblin to trick-or-treat in downtown Columbiana during the town’s annual Monster Walk. Visit Cityofcolumbiana.com.

Do you have an event you would like to include in our calendar?

Email katie.mcdowell@shelby living.com. l

Shelby Blues & BBQ

Harvest Hope Trail Run October 2012

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Why I LOVE Shelby County

Hunter Lawley: ‘Great place, great people, great way of life’

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Written by KATIE MCDOWELL Photograph by JON GOERING

the growth has been substantial. This allows me more opportunities for my job than a lot of other places in Alabama. I travel the Southeast but the majority of my business is in-state. Shelby County is a central location that allows better access to the rest of the state.

On the personal side, I love this area and everything about it. It is a terrific place to raise a family, and I am fortunate and blessed to have been raised in such a great place! I love the fact that I am from a small town. It’s great to walk down the street and see at least one or two people you know. This also helped keep me out of trouble growing up. My parents would probably disagree (since I seemed to always find trouble) but knowing everyone kept me in line for sure. Shelby County is a wonderful place. Whenever I talk with someone about this area I always jokingly refer to it as “God’s Country.” Joking aside, that is the truth. Great place, great people and a great way of life!

unter Lawley is the lead singer and rhythm guitarist of the Hunter Lawley Band.

Raised in Montevallo, Lawley returned to his hometown to raise his own family. He and his wife, Katie, have a 3-yearold daughter. Lawley has released two studio albums, “The Living Room Sessions” and “graysville.” He is preparing to release his third album and tours heavily throughout the Southeast with the band.

Q: When did you first become interested in music?

A: I have always been interested in music. However, when I was 12 years old I had to have surgery on my hip. Over the next two years I had three more surgeries, and I was unable to compete in sports. Instead, I started playing the guitar. My father plays, so he was a big part of my early learning. When I was 14, my brother went and played baseball for the University of Montevallo. Several guys on his team played guitar as well, and I used to spend hours on the first floor of Fuller Hall trying to get them to teach me new songs and techniques. I played all through high school, but I really got the bug to perform in college. When I finished school I decided that music was what I wanted to do for a living.

Sometimes, it is feast or famine, but all in all it is an incredible job.

Q: How many musicians are in the Hunter Lawley Band?

A: The Hunter Lawley Band consists of four members: Hunter Lawley, lead vocals and rhythm guitar; Allen Stone, backup vocals and lead guitar; Steven Riley, backup vocals and bass guitar; and Chris Brown, backup vocals and drums.

Q: Which Hunter Lawley Band performances stick out to you over the years?

A: When I’m asked this question my mind always goes to April 10, 2010. We played the Alpha Psi Rodeo at Auburn

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University. It was the first time we opened for a major national act – Cross Canadian Ragweed – and it was in front of 15,000 people. It was nerve racking and one of the most fun shows I have ever played!

Q: What’s your songwriting process like?

A: I love writing with other people! It is a really fun experience when you get going and start bouncing ideas and lines off of each other. As far as my process?

Some people sit down everyday and try to write. I am a little different. I am constantly writing down lines and ideas and then usually it will just click. That’s when I sit down and write a song. Writing with other people will help jumpstart your creativity as well. Mainly I just try to stay creative as much as possible.

Q: What do you love about Shelby County?

A: Small town feel with big city opportunities! Shelby County has always been my home but in the past few years

Q: If you could perform with any band, past or present, who would it be and why?

A: This was a hard question, but despite racking my brain, I came back to my original and first thought. John Prine is my all time favorite singer/songwriter.

This guy is absolutely brilliant. If I had my druthers, I would love to sit down and write a song with him. While we are wishfully thinking we could go ahead and perform that song at The Grand Ole Opry. I would say that would wrap up a pretty amazing day!

Q: What’s on your playlist?

A: My playlist is pretty spread out. I have a ton of old country: Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings. I have a lot of newer Texas country like Randy Rogers Band, Wade Bowen, Casey Donahue and Hayes Carll. I also have the Zac Brown Band album, which is amazing! On the other end of the spectrum I have a lot of old school rap like Tupac, Snoop Dogg and Ice Cube.

Throw in a little rock and a little pop and you have my playlist. l

We recently completed our move to the new, more spacious, more advanced Benjamin Russell Hospital for Children.

With this expansion, Children’s of Alabama now has more than 2 million square feet of space dedicated exclusively to providing pediatric medicine that is recognized locally and around the world. Sure the new building is amazing, but the level of care and commitment that’s been here all along is even more amazing. ChildrensAL.org

Healthcare as amazing as their potential