Shelby Living September 2012 by Shelby County Newsmedia, Inc.

SHELBY Living Bulgogi at Ginza The

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September 2012 • $4.95

of Shelby County

lens

Through Buddy Birdwell’s September 2012

We recently completed our move to the new, more spacious, more advanced Benjamin Russell Hospital for Children. With this expansion, Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been here all along is even more amazing. ChildrensAL.org

Healthcare as amazing as their potential

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September 2012

From the Editor I’ve always appreciated people who can create things, whether it’s artists, entrepreneurs or chefs. It wasn’t intentional, but this month Shelby Living offers several stories about local people who create. Their creations are as different as the creators – jewelry, photographs, athletic accessories, food – but they all have one thing in common. They live in Shelby County. • First up is Hoover resident Michela Bruno Swafford, who has seen great success with her new business, MADE in the Deep South. Swafford refashions vintage jewelry into pieces for the 21st century. Her pieces somehow manage to be both bold and delicate, and I left our interview lusting after several of her creations. •Steve Hines is another Hoover resident who recently started his own company. MaxFlow Sports creates athletic accessories and evolved from a conversation Hines had with his teenage son. •Buddy Birdwell is a Helena photographer who creates beautiful images with his infrared lens. His images are breathtaking, and I enjoyed learning more about how seriously he takes his work. • Ginza owners John and Jane Namkoong and manager Don Shin know what it takes to create a successful restaurant. Ginza offers fabulous sushi, which is an art in itself, and Korean barbecue on Valleydale Road. Of course, this issue of the magazine offers many more wonderful stories. The one that most excites me is David Butler’s “The Wild Side of Shelby County,” which features his writing and photographs. It’s the first in a series of articles about plant and animal life that can be found in the Cahaba River. Butler will introduce readers to a new species each month and share what a blessing it is to have the river flow through our county. Butler, who owns Canoe the Cahaba, is a passionate advocate for the river, not to mention a great writer and photographer. That should be enough encouragement for you to dive right into this issue of Shelby Living. As always, if you have any questions, comments or ideas, don’t hesitate to contact me.

Katie McDowell, Editor

SHELBY Living ediToriAl Katie McDowell Amy Jones Wesley Hallman Neal Wagner Christine Boatwright conTriBUTors Lisa Phillips Laura Brookhart Angie Brown Aldo Amato Kreable Young Gretchen Birdwell David Buler Heather Martin Jeffcoat prodUcTion Daniel Holmes Jamie Sparacino Amy Baldis Jon Goering mArkeTing Alan Brown Melissa Clark Thomas LaBoone Nicole Loggins Meagan Mims Barbara Buchanan Diane Fant LaShan Johnson Tracy Jones AdminisTrATion Tim Prince Jan Griffey Mary Jo Eskridge Annie McGilvray Catherine Cousins Christine Roberts

Katie.McDowell@ShelbyLiving.com

ON THE COVER Greg Harrelson and Brandon Blankenship grill out at Blakenship Harrelson LLP. The men joined their first grilling competition last fall when they competed in the Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce’s inaugural Shelby Blues and BBQ. Cover design by: Amy Baldis Photography: Jon Goering

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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 $22 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. August 2012

205.620.3508 www.newbeacon.org September 2012

Share your wedding wedding or or engagement engagement in

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We’ll We’llpick pickour ourfavorites favoritesand and share sharethem themwith withour ourreaders readers in inour ourJanuary January2013 2013issue. issue. Announcement Announcementguidelines guidelines

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

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in every issue 9

The simple life

shorT sTories

shelBy spoTTed

oUT & ABoUT

why i loVe shelBy coUnTy

arts & culture 12

UnscripTed wiTh BUddy Birdwell Helena artist creates works of art with infrared camera

reAding room Pelham’s Anna Olsen shares her favorite books

features 16

giVing second chAnces King’s Home offers stability to women, children and youth

someThing old, someThing new Vintage jewelry finds new purpose in local’s business

sTeVe hines wAnTs in Hoover resident joins the athletic apparel business

A modern BArBershop The Male Room offers hair care with a twist

September 2012

recreation 26

from The BAckyArd Grilling ignites passion for local barbecuers

reAdy, seT, grill Local stores have all the tools you need for the perfect barbecue, steak or even pizza

fire sTill BUrning Former baseball star Virgil Trucks spends days in Calera reminiscing about playing career

The wild side of shelBy coUnTy David Butler shares about the wildlife of the Cahaba

home & food

hisTory of shelBy springs Learn more about the former resort and Confederate hospital

A pAsTorAl reTreAT Shelby Springs is now the home of Joe and Carolyn Dorris

ginzA Hoover restaurant offers wide range of Asian fare

The gUmmy BeAr Check out this sweet drink at Pub 261

heriTAge wiTh A greek flAir Claudia Deason shares her stuffed tomatoes and peppers recipe

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Have you ever thought, “If people would just leave me alone, I would get my work done.” While constant interruptions from others are frustrating and will never be completely eliminated, it might be time to analyze the root of the problem. Interaction between coworkers is needed to an extent to encourage teamwork, creativity, and brainstorming, but when is the line crossed from collaboration to irritation? People typically lack five things when they appear in your doorframe. uLack of Respect: This is the most common issue that everyone encounters. Coworkers come in to talk about a TV show, their dog, a health issue, or a funny story about nothing, etc. Most people don’t realize what they are doing—they think they are being friendly, funny, or informative. Check how many times you are on the receiving end of this lack of respect and how many times you are taking time from someone else. The door opens both ways. uLack of Power: Questions occur when you are the only one who can make a decision. If your approval is needed for every line item before a project can move forward, consider giving more responsibility to your coworkers. uLack of Skills: When coworkers don’t know how to do something routine, Lisa Phillips, like troubleshoot a computer owner of SimpleWorks, problem or how to fix a copier jam, it’s time to find the lisa_phillips@bellsouth. solution and encourage others net, 981.7733 to help one another. Posting a “cheat sheet” with answers to frequently occurring issues may minimize future interruptions. uLack of Procedure: For a company to run smoothly, policies and procedures regarding specific tasks need to be established. This process is the most time consuming, yet the most powerful to help curb constant interruptions. uLack of Confidence: It’s easier to ask for the answer than to take the time to figure it out. These coworkers question their ability to think it through and find the solution. After all, their time is precious! Instead of giving them a quick answer (because it is easier and faster), Interaction between a good question to ask is, “How do coworkers is needed to you think I would an extent to encourage answer that?” Think about each time teamwork, creativity, you are interrupted and then deal with and brainstorming, but the occurrence accordingly. Chances when is the line crossed are you will be from collaboration to surprised at how easy it is to lessen those irritation? interruptions. It’s that simple! l September 2012

Unleashed in Alabaster

‘X Factor’ star visits Rachel Crow knows how to dream big, and she’s willing to share her secret with others. The recording artist and former participant on the “X Factor” television show took time away from her concert preparations at the Oak Mountain Amphitheatre July 11 to discuss combating bullying at Alabaster’s Kids First Awareness Community Center. Crow, who is best known for her self-titled EP and its single “Mean Girls,” spent about an hour at the community center for at-risk kids encouraging the children to follow their dreams

and combat bullying in the communities. “I just want you to know that following your dreams is a good thing. I followed my dreams, and I know you can too,” Crow told the group of more than 50 kids from Kids First and the Birmingham-based Lovelady Center. During her visit, which was part of her partnership with Dosomething.org, She encouraged the kids to “just walk away” when they encounter bullying, and to always tell a teacher or adult. ~neal wagner

Holland shines in Italian bowl Former Pelham High School football standout Wes Holland recently returned from Italy. Holland wasn’t on a sightseeing trip, however. He was there to play football. Holland wanted to continue his playing career after wrapping up his collegiate career at the University of North Alabama in the fall of 2011, but he didn’t have many options. After workouts ahead of the National Football League Draft in April and tryouts with Canadian Football League teams didn’t bear any fruit, Holland decided to pursue a career in Europe. Holland created a profile at Europlayers. com, a website created for American players with an interest in playing for teams overseas, and spent $9 a month to keep it updated. When the Sicily-based Catania Elephants lost a player to an injury, team officials went online and contacted Holland after seeing his profile on the website. Holland made the most in just a half season with the Elephants, who are allowed only three American players on their roster each season, helping his team to

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the IFL Super Bowl. Despite a 61-43 loss to the Parma Panthers, Holland shined for Catania in the national championship game July 7, which included his 96-yard kickoff return for a touchdown in the longest kickoff return in the 32-year history of the IFL Super Bowl. ~wesley hallman

Dozens of dogs – and their twolegged friends – turned out for the opening of the Beneful Dream Dog Park in Alabaster’s Veterans Park on July 12. The opening even drew a few nationally known celebrities, including Eric Stonestreet, who stars in the show “Modern Family,” pet expert Arden Moore and DIY Network star Jason Cameron. The $500,000 park was made possible after then-Shelby County Humane Society Director Jenny Wilson won the 2011 Dream Dog Park contest. The contest challenged participants to best answer the question “If you had $500,000 to create a dream dog park for you and your best buddy, what would you do?” “From a personal perspective, this is the greatest gift in the world,” Wilson said before the grand opening ceremony, noting she adopted her dog, Honey Belle, after it was found as a stray near Veterans Park. The park, which is carpeted with synthetic turf, features separate offleash play areas for small and large dogs, splash pads, agility course elements, a miniature football field, a walking course and more. ~neal wagner

Dancing into the ASFA

Brooks named Miss Shelby Jamie Brooks was crowned Miss Shelby County at the 25th annual pageant on July 20. Brooks was not the only person to take home a crown on Friday at Shelby County High School in Columbiana. Sydney Slaughter was crowned the Miss Shelby County Outstanding Teen 2013. Brooks, a 22-year Birmingham resident, beat out eight other contestants to secure the title. She also won the talent portion of the contest with her jazz routine to Bette Midler’s “Big Noise.” Brooks’ platform is called “Dare to Discuss: AIDS Awareness and Advocacy. Brooks said she developed her platform after she began volunteering at an AIDS outreach

program in Birmingham when she was 14. The following contestants placed in the Miss Shelby County pageant: Madison Wilson, first runner up; Sarah Kathryn Sharp, second runner up; Amanda Ford, third runner up; Sonya Lefkovits Community Service Award, Jamie Brooks; talent winner, Jamie Brooks; swimsuit winner, Madison Wilson. The following contestants placed in the Miss Shelby County Outstanding Teen pageant: Caitlyn McTier, first runner up; Madison Brown, second runner up; Olivia Kurosaka, third runner up; Madison Brown, talent winner; Caitlyn McTier, fitness winner. ~katie mcdowell

Will Findley’s path to the dance program at the Alabama School of Fine Arts started with a passing interest in theater. Last summer, the then-11-year-old Findley attended a theater camp, where the director told him he had talent, but he could get more roles if he had singing and dancing experience. Once Findley tried dancing, he found he didn’t want to stop. Will Findley now works with Stevan Grebel of the Stevan Grebel Center for Dance in Pelham. Stevan Grebel, a worldrenowned ballet dancer, trained under famous teacher Alexander Pushkin of Russia. Will Findley, who attended Oak Mountain Middle School last year, will attend the Alabama School of Fine Arts in Birmingham this fall. He will be one of four boys in the dance program in grades 7-12. ~Amy jones

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September 2012

Arts & Culture

UnscriptedBuddy with Birdwell Written by lAUrA BrookhArT Photographs by greTchen B. phoTogrAphy

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PAGE 12 TOP: Birdwell’s preferred cameras include a Nikon F5, WidLux 35mm film camera and a Nixon XM. PAGE 12 BOTTOM: Buddy Birdwell and his hand-tinted infrared image of a tree that was awarded Picture of the Year in 2003 by the Shades Valley Camera Club. TOP: “Properly exposed, infrared film turns water dark. It turns blue sky to black and gives highlights to the clouds. Greens become white highlights,” Birdwell said.

uddy Birdwell has spent decades pursuing his interest in photography since first being drawn to it as a teenager. An Auburn graduate who majored in industrial design with a minor in art, his construction career eventually landed him in Helena when he built out office spaces for Ronnie Morton’s two-story commercial venture near Buck Creek. At the recent ‘Unscripted’ open house held at Gretchen B’s studio in Helena, Birdwell’s infrared fine art photography was on display. Each capture was a captivating reminder of the artistic qualities of infrared and its ability to imbue a landscape with a surreal and dreamlike quality. The first published infrared photographs appeared in the February 1910 edition of Century Magazine and by the 1930s, infrared photography had become popular with photography enthusiasts “in spite of the demanding nature of infrared film – requiring processing in total darkness,” Birdwell noted, adding that it was especially popular in the ‘80s and ‘90s.

“Kodak infrared film was my film of choice because of its distinctive grain,” he said. “Properly exposed, infrared film turns water dark. It turns blue sky to black and gives highlights to the clouds. Greens become white highlights.” Birdwell shot many of his fine art photographs with a Nikon F5 that he considers “the best 35mm film camera ever made.” He also used a panoramic WideLux 35mm film camera that is all manual. It has a rotating lens and built-in red filter and produces a negative of standard height but 2.5 inches long. Birdwell keeps on hand, too, a Nikon XM, a small body with one of the most sophisticated light meters ever made. “It is a simple camera, but superior for its day and time and it works great with infrared film,” he said. Birdwell uses a variety of red-toned filters to filter out the natural light he doesn’t want and capture the light that can’t be seen with the naked eye. The filters range from a 25A to the 87C, a very dark filter that requires shooting on a tripod.

“I was introduced to infrared in the late 90s by Ron Bowen and Ken Boyd’s classes at UAB. I also learned to handtint with Marshall Oils,” Birdwell said, adding that he met his wife, Gretchen, in those classes. “Digital techniques seek to reproduce that hand-tinted look, but there is a difference in actually applying paint to the photograph. The color is more subtle and muted and has a timeless quality.” One of Birdwell’s favorite places to photograph is Jasmine Hill near Wetumpka, where he makes an annual spring pilgrimage. Conceived in 1928 by Benjamin and Mary Fitzpatrick, who made their fortune prior to the Depression, the surrounding gardens and pavilion at Jasmine Hill are a virtual outdoor museum featuring reproductions of famous Greek and Roman works of art. Buddy Birdwell’s fine art photographs may be purchased through Gretchen B Studio. Contact him at 999-3531. The next Unscripted open house featuring fine art photography at Gretchen B Studio will be held Sunday, Sept. 2, from 1-4 p.m.l September 2012

Arts & Culture

Reading Room: Anna Olsen

Anna Olsen’s Reading Recommendations

Photograph by jon goering

The Age of miracles The rotation of the earth starts to slow and gradually the days stretch longer and longer, in Karen Thompson Walker’s “The Age of Miracles”. The narrator, 11-year-old Julia, is trying to cope with adolescence, as well as the new way of living. As days become longer, the changes and choices everyone faces, including Julia, become harder.

nna Olsen is the library coordinator at Pelham Public Library. Olsen lives near Oak Mountain State Park in Pelham with her husband and their cat, Pickett. She has a bachelor’s degree in political science from Gettysburg College and a master’s degree in library sciences from the University of Texas in Austin. Q: what drew you to shelby county? A: After living in Texas for three years, my husband was fortunate enough to get a job in Shelby County. During the nine years we have lived here, we have been able to discover what a great place it is. Alabama and Pelham, in particular, have been a pleasant surprise. Q:. why do you love to read? A:Reading lets me explore everywhere and learn anything. I love that I can go anywhere when I am reading a good book; it is like going on a new adventure. Q: what’s the first book you remember loving? A: One of the first books that I remember reading, and rereading and rereading again, was “Fredrick” by Leo Lionni. As you can see from the books I highlighted, I will read almost anything. Q: what are your favorite types of books? A:My favorite type of book really depends on my mood, so it can be anything from light

mystery to books written in a literary style and everything in between. Q: why did you decide to pursue a literary career? A: I decided to become a librarian because I have always loved the atmosphere of a library. A place that is dedicated to learning, finding the answers to questions and exploring new books was the perfect fit for me. Q: do you have any event or new publications you want to promote? A: The fall is going to a busy time at the Pelham Library. We are going to be concluding our Smart investing@your library programs for adults. One of the highlights will be Delores Hydock telling stories about money. For more details of the upcoming programs, please visit pelhamlibrary.com.l

gone girl Far from a traditional thriller, “Gone Girl” by Gillian Flynn is a remarkable story filled with twists and turns. On her fifth wedding anniversary, Amy disappears and the police suspect her husband, Nick, of the crime. This novel explores the meaning of truth and the ability to truly know another person.

Get spotted in

SHELBY Living

Contact us if you’d like to have your event featured in the Spotted section of Shelby Living! Whether it’s a community event, parties or meetings — we'd love to get photos for our Spotted pages! Email katie.mcdowell@shelbycountyreporter. com with event details.

Azia Skin Cancer Fundraiser

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Specia Equestrl Gala ians

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September 2012

Giving second chances King’s Home Provides Stability to Women, Children and Youth Written by heATher mArTin jeffcoAT Photographs conTriBUTed

essie Tucker had no money and no home of her own. What she did have was an abusive husband and three children depending on her care. She made a choice to leave the physical and verbal abuse she endured for years. That may sound simple to most people, but it was one of the toughest decisions this woman had to make in her life. But she didn’t do it alone. Because of a place called King’s Home she was able to break free and start life again for herself and her three children. “I was a stay-at-home mom, and I knew that leaving meant that I would have no financial resources, home, and everything that I thought at the time made me who I was, was now crumbling around me. I was going to have to start my life over from scratch with three children depending on me,” Tessie said. “I knew with regards to material items I would have nothing but what I wanted to attain was far greater—a peace of mind. It was a struggle to come to that place and an even greater struggle to walk it out.” Tessie and her children lived at King’s Home for one year and five months. While there she was involved in programs that built her self-confidence and self awareness. She attended anger management and parental classes. She set personal goals, and she saw them come to fruition. “King’s Home is not a place that

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pacifies a stagnant life. It pushes you to want and achieve more, and each individual has to be actively involved in that process,” Tessie said. “To this day I tell people that King’s Home was God’s provision for my family. He used King’s Home to help bring back stability, which is exactly what I needed because I was an emotional wreck.” With King’s Home’s help through the Women Independence Scholarship Program, Tessie was able to obtain a bachelor’s degree in accounting and later a master’s degree in accounting. She is now a full time internal auditor. “We (as women) are so used to putting ourselves on the back burner, and therefore we stay in situations longer than we ought to. So my advice will be a reminder that you matter and your life matters. Make the necessary changes needed to get out of that situation now,” Tessie said.

A new chapter Denise, who asked that her last name be withheld, found herself in the same situation as Tessie. Denise is a current resident of King’s Home. She too endured domestic violence issues that pushed her to fear for her life and that of her three children. But one day Denise picked up the phone and made a call to a domestic violence hotline. It was a kind voice on the other line that referred her to Birmingham YWCA. “I was really questioning myself

on where I would go. I didn’t want to make the wrong decision,” Denise said. The YWCA suggested King’s Home. After some research, Denise called King’s Home and arrived at her new home ready for a fresh start. “God is working my future stone by stone. It’s awesome. I am happy,” she said. Life at King’s Home is giving Denise and her children support and education, and she said she hopes King’s Home continues to thrive. “I hope God blesses this home in abundance. Women like me really need this place. I just pray to never let this place come to an end and always keep their doors open and for God to keep it safe and build it up,” she said.

Building the future Eighteen-year-old Ashley, who also asked that her last name be withheld, came to King’s Home two years ago needing a stable home environment. She found that and more. “I have learned a lot of things at King’s Home. I’ve learned to love Jesus, respect myself, love others, forgive my biological family, respect adults, make wiser choices, control my anger and overcome my depression that I had brought with me when I first came to the King’s Home,” she said. Ashley is part of the Youth at Risk program that helps younger people

ages 10 to 21 who have suffered abuse, neglect or abandonment. It is a therapeutic treatment program with counselors with master’s degrees on call 24/7. The goals are to provide loving homes, spiritual development, educational assistance and counseling. Ashley is able to lead a life like most of her classmates. “Since I’ve been here I’ve been able to go to church for the first time. I actually get to hang with friends, have a cell phone, a Facebook (account) and just overall a normal teenage life,” she said. “At the Pioneer Home we are always having fun. Everyone gets along, and we spend a lot of family time together. At dinner we are always laughing and cracking up about crazy things the girls want to talk about. Our house is very comfortable, welcoming, loving and warm.” Ashley is already planning her future. She either wants to own her own clothing store, her own mall or be an image consultant. She is learning how to plan ahead and be financially smart with her choices involving money by balancing spending, saving and being generous. “In my future I want to be an independent, smart, successful businesswoman. All I know is I want to do what I enjoy and what makes me happy and have lots of money so I can take care of myself and my family. I don’t want to worry about money like my mom had to,” Ashley said. Lew Burdette, King’s Home president, is proud of King’s Homes work and how the organization is able to help people like Tessie, Denise and Ashley. He knows there will be many more people that turn to King’s Home, and he wants to be prepared when they do. King’s Home needs the community’s help to continue the support of the 18 homes, some of which are located in Shelby County. “It is such a blessing to be part of a program and dedicated team that cares so much—a team that is highly committed to each resident’s success,” he said. Lew’s hope is that “God will continue to transform lives and that the program and that our residents find hope and success in life.” l

Here we GROW again! Henderson & Walton Women’s Center is excited to announce our new satellite office in Chelsea! The physicians you know and trust at our main office in Birmingham will now be coming to YOU in Chelsea. They bring with them the excellence you have come to expect—healthcare that is delivered in a personal, considerate, sensitive and knowledgeable manner. Give us a call at (205) 678-8093 to set up an appointment in our Chelsea office and meet our physicians.

398 Chesser Drive, Suite 3 | Chelsea, AL 35043

ma aba Al

Baby & Child Maga zin e’s

2012

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Baby & Child Maga zin e’s

2012

What is King’s Home? King’s Home serves youth, women, mothers and children seeking refuge, hope and help from abuse, neglect, abandonment, homelessness and other extreme and difficult circumstances.

How to help? You can volunteer, donate money, donate discarded clothing and household items to associated thrift stores, donate used cars and help with work projects. You can also invite King’s Home President Lew Burdette to share its story with local organizations or churches. For more information about King’s Home, visit www.Kingshome.com.

September 2012

Somet hingnew

Something old,

Vintage jewelry ﬁnds new purpose in local’s business Written by kATie mcdowell Photographs by jon goering

ShelbyLiving.com

PAGE 18: Each MADE in the Deep South piece includes a story card that tells its background. The 1960s brooch on this necklace was found at a California estate. TOP LEFT: Michela Bruno Swafford handmakes each item sold through. TOP RIGHT: As of August 2012, MADE in the Deep South jewelry was available in 23 stores and online.

hat do you get when you mix a 1920s Art Deco brooch with a rugged leather cuff? For Michela Bruno Swafford, the answer is a winning business formula. Swafford, a Hoover resident, has developed a passion for repurposing vintage jewelry into MADE in the Deep South, a custom jewelry line that has exploded in popularity since it was founded in 2011. The seeds of the business were sewn in 2003, when Swafford moved with her family to St. Louis, Missouri, and had the chance to reinvent herself. Swafford said she had always been creative, although she wasn’t particularly known for her artistic abilities growing up in Alabama. In St. Louis, she had the chance to establish herself as a creative type. She began painting and doing interior design. When the family returned to Birmingham in 2010, she continued with her

artistic pursuits. One day, on a shopping trip, she noticed a brooch she thought would like good on the leather cuff she was wearing. She used kitchen twine to attach the trinket to the cuff, and it was a big hit with family, friends and even strangers. That chance creative inspiration was the start of MADE in the Deep South, through which Swafford sells cuffs and necklaces she creates from vintage pieces. Business has steadily increased since then, with 23 stores offering the jewelry across the country. “This is just a complete surprise,” Swafford said. “I did not intend to start a business at all.” Swafford continued with the leather cuffs in the beginning before branching into necklaces, metal cuffs, Game Day gear and even men’s pieces. Each piece is unique, and Swafford thinks outside the box when she creates a new item. Brooches are popular

choices for cuffs, but other decorative items include coins, coin purses, pocket watches, crosses, sash buckles and shoe clips and pins. “When you spend your money, you don’t want to turn around and see it on someone else,” she said. Each piece includes a story card that tells the background of the jewelry: an approximate date it was made and where Swafford found the piece. There’s the 1800s sash buckle from a Maine collector that Swafford paired with a 1960s necklace from an Illinois estate. Another card identifies a piece as the marriage of a 1920s Art Deco metal shoe clip from a Nebraska estate with a 1950s brass cuff from a Missouri estate. “The whole idea is to take these beautiful old pieces that have been tucked away somewhere and update them,” she said. Even the leather used in the many of the cuffs is often recycled. September 2012

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Swafford finds vintage items from across the globe for her line. She recently introduced men’s cuffs, decorated with Buffalo nickels and war coins. Leather cuffs were Swafford’s first project. Unique Game Day cuffs are popular sellers.

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While the pieces are one-of-a-kind, Swafford has found themes she likes. After finding she liked a necklace made of a jeweled peacock brooch with a milkglass necklace, she has repeated the combination several times with similar pieces. Swafford finds her vintage pieces from a variety of sources. In the beginning, she often visited estates and stores, which she still does on occasion. She began searching for pieces on Etsy and Ebay and eventually established relationships with people all over the world. One of her favorite dealers is a woman in the Ukraine whose husband is an archeologist who finds pieces for her on his digs. “I don’t care where I get it,” Swafford said. “There’s a lot of fun in going on the hunt and finding something interesting.” While the MADE in the Deep South team has now grown to include several employees who handle public relations and clerical work, Swafford still crafts each piece by hand. With business growing steadily— four new stores contacted the company in a single week in June—Swafford knows that will have to change in the future. “I construct all the jewelry myself,” she said. “I’m going to have to let go of that a little bit. In the past 10 days, we’ve filled orders for over 250 pieces.” The pieces range in price from the $80s to more than $200. Even celebrities have discovered Swafford’s reimagined vintage pieces. The actress Melissa Joan Hart has worn several of MADE’s pieces this year, and the line has been featured in People and US Weekly magazines. Swafford recently introduced a new line, as well. She began using old Tori Burch and Chanel buttons on leather cuffs. For now, Swafford is happy trying to keep up with the demand of creating about 400-500 pieces each month. While the idea of partnering with a larger manufacturer for a one-time collaboration is intriguing, she hopes to continue creating unique pieces for her customers. “Making one-of-a-kind pieces is what appeals to me,” she said. Visit Madeinthedeepsouth.com for more information about the company or to purchase items. l

Exceptional Experiences Every Day

• Indoor heated pool with water aerobics four times a week • Free grocery delivery twice a week • Musical and drama performances by the Town Village Players • Daily outings to shopping and medical appointments At Town Village, nestled in one of Birmingham’s most prestigious neighborhoods overlooking the city, residents enjoy staying active with water aerobics, exploring one of the community’s many outdoor walking trails, visiting with friends by the fireplace or strolling to nearby shops and restaurants. Visitors note the warm and welcoming Southern charm of both the residents and the staff. Come by for a visit and see why our residents wholeheartedly recommend Town Village and rave about our services and amenities.

• A variety of social events for residents to enjoy Call (888) 471-2102 today to learn about our current specials!

Your story continues here… Independent Living 2385 Dolly Ridge Rd. Birmingham, AL 35243 www.horizonbay.com Exceptional Experiences Every Day is a Service Mark of Brookdale Senior Living Inc., Nashville, TN, USA. ® Reg. U.S. Patent and TM Office 20432-RES06-0212-HBB SW

September 2012

Steve Hines Wants in

Hoover resident joins the athletic apparel business Written by kATie mcdowell Photographs by jon goering

teve Hines has always been something of an entrepreneur. The Hoover resident got his start in junior high selling cinnamon gum to his classmates. Over the years, he has produced a full-length feature film – “Rustin” in 2000 – played in a band and founded his own mortgage company. A little over a year ago, Steve started his latest venture—MaxFlowSports. The start-up recently released its first product—the Cross-Grip hairband, a no-slip, elastic hairband intended for high-performance and endurance athletes. “It’s gotten a really good response from retailers,” Steve said. “They like

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that it’s such a simple idea, but it’s really innovative and nobody’s doing it.” Steve said the idea for the hairband evolved from a February 2011 conversation with his son, Max, who was then a junior at Spain Park High School. During a discussion about entrepreneurs and product development, Steve encouraged his son to identify a need that was unmet on the market. They focused on lacrosse, since Max played for and Steve coached the SPHS team. Then, they settled on hairbands. They felt the existing products often failed to hold hair back and lost their elasticity quickly. That’s when the conversation evolved from hypothetical to business venture. Steve saw potential in the idea and reached out to athlete friends as an informal test of the market. He found the need was legitimate with a professional

soccer player claiming to use athletic pre-wrap—a foam underwrap for athletic tape—instead of hairbands. In May 2011, Steve was serving as president of the mortgage department at Aliant Bank, where he moved after selling his own mortgage company to the bank. He retired and went full-time with MaxFlowSports, named “Max” after his son and “Flow” for hair. He began testing hairband prototypes. Most of the existing products use a single strip of gripping surface around the hairband, which Steve knew he would have to change to create a better product. “I took an adhesive, or gripping surface, and put it in a diamond pattern,” Steve said. He called the pattern the Cross-Grip, and the company has a patent pending on the technology. Steve also enlarged

PAGE 22: The Cross-Grip hairband is a no-slip, elastic hairband intended for high-performance and endurance athletes. TOP: Steve Hines is currently developing other products for MaxFlow Sports.

the width of the headband from a traditional 3/8-inch to 1/2inch. Finally, he used a special rubber compound to prevent it from stretching over time. It took seven prototypes to perfect the hairband. MaxFlowSport’s Cross-Grip hairband was recently picked up by Hibbett Sports and is now available at 60 stores, including the Alabaster and Hoover locations. The headband, which costs $9.99 and comes in three colors, is also available online. Meanwhile, Steve has already moved on to his next product —socks. As a runner, Steve had a favorite brand of socks, but found that his heel often hurt and the cuffs slipped down during his runs. He added padding to the soles and spandex to the cuffs of the Stay-Grip Athletic Crew Socks, which are now available online. Over the last 19 months, Steve has also worked on the business aspects of the new company, locating a manufacturer in China and settling on a tagline—“I want in.” “It projects what we want to project corporately,” Steve said. “No matter what, no matter how tired I am, I want in the game.” For more information, visit Maxflowsports.com. l September 2012

A modern Written by Aldo AmATo Photographs by jon goering

ffering facials and waxing in addition to the traditional cut and shave, The Male Room is a barbershop for the 21st century. Located in the Inverness Corners shopping center in Hoover, the salon has provided hair care and more to men of all ages for four years. “This is really a barbershop atmosphere,” owner Sharron Farrah said. “However we add a little twist and flair so that way we can educate men while they are here. A lot of men don’t know how to take care of their hair so we are here to educate while making the guys look good.” The original idea for the Male Room was the brainchild of Farrah’s husband, Scott, who thought that a family and male-oriented hair care establishment would be in the best interest of those along the U.S. 280 corridor. “My husband did come up with this concept,” Farrah said. “He just felt like it would be a place men could go and get their hair done without feeling selfconscious.” Farrah said that while educating and

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barbershop The Male Room offers hair care with a twist bringing their male patrons to a sense of comfort, the hair stylists offer up ideas for change. Each hair appointment begins with a consultation with a stylist. The Male Room’s website even includes hair and grooming tips. “One of things we have noticed is that men do not like change,” she said. “The haircut that you’ve had for the past 20 years is not what you may need right now. Our faces change, our looks change and so it helps to have someone who doesn’t know you to suggest changing something up in your hairstyle.” Farrah said that The Male Room has eight chairs of trained and certified stylists who have years of cosmetology experience between them. “We are always fast-paced here and are always multi-tasking,” she said. “I tell everyone who wants to work here that we work at a fast pace while putting the patron at ease at the same time.” Hair stylist Tammy Jackson said that she has seen consistency throughout the three years she has worked at the spa-salon.

“We’ve been able to retain our clientele base,” she said. “We grow daily and we have a number of new clients walk in or set appointments every week.” The Male Room offers three hair care packages for adult males, ranging from the basic shampoo, cut and style of the Express Male to the Priority Male, which includes a paraffin hand dip, mini facial and a scalp, neck, shoulder and hand massage. Prices range from $22 to $55 and each includes a personal consultation. The Male Room also offers hair services for boys, including the Outgoing Male for ages 13-18 and the Pony Express for ages 12 and under. The salon also offers shave services and beard and moustache trims. For $35, clients can receive the Hot Lather Shave, which includes a pre-shave balm, steamed towels, facial massage and aftershave. Other services included hair coloring, waxing, nail grooming and facials. The Male Room is located at 620 Inverness Corners in Birmingham. For more information, visit Cutandshave. com or call 995-4285. l

PAGE 24: The Male Room is a 21st century take on the old-fashioned barbershop. TOP LEFT: The Male Room offers several different cut and shave packages, the most inclusive of which includes a mini facial, parrafin hand dip and a neck and shoulder massage. TOP LEFT: The Male Room bills itself as “the ultimate grooming experience for men of all ages.”

2nd Annual

BBQ CompetitionLive MusicFoodKids Area with Games For more information contact the Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce at 663-4542 or info@shelbychamber.org.

September 2012

From the

backyard to the

big stage Grilling ignites passion for local barbecuers

Written by neal wagner Photographs by kreable young

September 2012

hen Chelsea resident Kyle Grayson and his grilling team, Ace of Spades, heard their name announced at the recent state barbecuing championship, he took a moment to look back on how far he had come in the last few years. “I started out with a gas-powered Webber (grill), and now I have a 15-anda-half-foot long grill that can do a whole hog,” Grayson said. “It’s funny how it’s evolved over the years.” Grayson and his team are part of a growing community of amateur and professional competitive grillers dotting the landscape of Shelby County. From small church gatherings to regional competitions drawing teams from all over the country, these grillers are bringing the aroma of slow-cooked ribs and succulent barbecued chicken to nearly every city in the county. For Grayson, a grilling competition held three years ago at Sloss Furnace ignited an untapped passion for he and the members of his team. Since then, Ace of Spades has made its rounds to several competitions in the competitive grilling circuit. Most big-name competitive grilling events are sponsored by one of several sanctioning agencies, such as the Florida Bar-B-Cue Association, the Kansas City Barbecue Society and the Memphis Barbecue Network. The type of grilling Ace of Spades does at each competition is usually dependent on which agency is sanctioning the competition. “Each one has its own flavor profile, and you have to conform to that sanc-

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PAGE 27: Kyle Grayson competes in numerous grilling competitions with his team, Ace of Spades. PAGE 28: Grayson checks a piece of chicken on the grill. ABOVE: Steven Cox , Kyle Grayson and Steven Stewart. The Ace of Spades has competed in several grilling competitions.

September 2012

tioning body,” Grayson said. Many think barbecue competitions result in delicious, fall-off-the-bone ribs anyone could enjoy for a hearty meal, but such is not always the case, Grayson said. “A big misconception is that competition barbecue is really, really good. You are cooking to blow the judges’ socks off in one bite,” Grayson said, noting winners in the larger competitions sometimes take home a few thousand dollars. “When you cook it like that, you can’t eat a lot of it. “It’s like cheesecake. It may taste

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good, but it’s so rich that you can’t eat a lot of it,” Grayson added. “It’s a lot different from what you cook in your driveway at home.” Although the type of barbecue produced at competitions is different from ribs cooked in a backyard on a summer afternoon, most local grilling teams began as a result of the weekend pastime. For Pelham resident Brandon Blankenship and his colleagues at their Hoover law firm, informal backyard competitions recently led to the group of friends entering several local barbecue competitions.

“It has been more church-sponsored events than anything else,” Blankenship said. “They aren’t cutthroat competitions by any means.” Blankenship and his colleagues decided to form a grilling team after participating in the 2011 Greater Shelby Chamber of Commerce’s first Blues and Barbecue competition at the Oak Mountain Amphitheatre in Pelham. “We had such a good time there that we decided to keep doing it,” Blankenship said, noting he and his team members posted “smack talk” Youtube videos online before the competition. “We were

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Riley Harrelson, son of Greg Harrelson, enjoy’s his father’s BBQ at the Blankenship Harrelson Law Firm on July 19. Brandon Blankenship talks to Rob Browning while his BBQ is prepared. A crowd enjoys the BBQ. Greg Harrelson prepared BBQ at the event.

the highest-rated law firm in the whole competition, but we were also the only law firm in the competition.” After competing against Ace of Spades in the chamber grill-off, Blankenship said he and his team are trying to hone their skills in an effort to beat the reigning state barbecuing champions. “We’ve been working on a new recipe for our chicken all year. We want something that will compete with Ace of Spades,” Blankenship said. Although the competition can sometimes be fierce, local grillmasters said it’s all in fun, and even poked fun of themselves. “Who else do you know that can have a 45-minute conversation about whether or not we should soak the onions?” Blankenship said. l September 2012

Marketplace&

Ready, set

grill

Local stores have all the tools you need for a backyard barbecue Written by kATie mcdowell Photographs by jon goering

Of course, no grillmaster is complete without his (or her) own Big Green Egg. Big Green Egg, $752 ABSCO Fireplace and Patio, 4643 U.S. 280, Birmingham. Add a little flavor to your beef, pork or chicken with one of these tasty rubs and marinades. 3 Beer BBQ Rub, $14.95, Birmingham Bake and Cook; John Henry’s Jalapeno Butter Marinade and John Henry’s Asian Joy Marinade, $8.50 each, ABSCO Fireplace and Patio.

This pizza stone takes food from the grill to the table and comes in four bright colors. Emile Henry Pizza Stone, $50, Birmingham Bake and Cook.

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Fire Wire makes marinating and grilling food easy. It’s twice as long as a traditional skewer and can be bent to fit into a bag of marinade. Fire Wire Flexible Grilling Skewer, available at ABSCO Fireplace and Patio and Birmingham Bake and Cook.

The Looftlighter allows you to light your charcoal grill or fireplace with heated air in 60 seconds without lighter fluid. Looftlighter, $89, ABSCO Fireplace and Patio.

No one can predict what the market will do in the next five years. But judging by the last five, there’s only one thing we know is certain: change. That’s why in the Stephens College of Business MBA program, we don’t simply prepare you for today’s business issues - we teach you to think critically, adapt, create, solve and lead others to do the same.

Unconventional Wisdom

Protect yourself in this heavy-duty, suede grill apron with flame-retardant lining. Barbecue grill apron, $55, ABSCO Fireplace and Patio.

Well-done or rare? Whatever the request, these thermometers take the guesswork out of grilling. Steak thermometers, $17.95, Birmingham Bake and Cook, 5291 Valleydale Road, #125, Birmingham.

For more information: mba@montevallo.edu or 205.665.6544

September 2012

Fire

still

burning

Former baseball star Virgil Trucks spends days in Calera reminiscing about his playing career

ShelbyLiving.com

Written by wesley hAllmAn Photographs by jon goering

irgil Oliver Trucks recently turned 95 years old, but the Calera resident can recall his glory days as a pitcher in Major League Baseball with relative ease. Physically, the Birmingham-born pitching prodigy may be a long way from Tiger Stadium, one of his stops in professional baseball. Mentally, however, the fireballer affectionately known as “Fire” Trucks can place himself at the prime of his career instantly when his baseball playing days are the topic of discussion. Trucks could have made his home anywhere across the land that calls baseball it’s favorite past time, but an honor bestowed upon him in 1974 by his home state convinced him where he needed to spend his retirement. “When they decided to put me in the (Alabama Sports) Hall of Fame,” Trucks said, “I decided to come back home.” Trucks, who attended Woodlawn High School in Birmingham, returned to central Alabama after one of the most decorated playing careers in professional baseball history. Trucks pitched two complete-game no-hitters during the same season — a mark accomplished only three times in major league history — in 1952. He’s currently the oldest living person to ever pitch a no-hitter in professional baseball. Trucks’ career exploits add up to a distinguished career for a 19-year-old who earned his nickname “Fire” by an Alabama sportswriter soon after starting his playing career as a pitcher for Shawmut, a semi-pro team in the Chattahoochee Valley League. Trucks soon joined the Andalusia franchise of the Class D Alabama-Florida League, where his 100 mile-per-hour fastball caught the eye of scouts from the Detroit Tigers organization. Following three seasons in the Tigers’ farm system, Trucks earned a promotion to the major leagues in 1941. Trucks gave up two earned runs in two innings in his lone appearance for the Tigers that season. Trucks joined the Tigers’ starting rotation in 1942, quickly earning a reputation as one of the best pitchers in professional baseball with his 14-8

PAGE 34: Virgil Trucks began pitching for the Detriot Tigers in 1941. CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: The back of Trucks’ St. Louis Browns card; Trucks was inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame in 1974; Trucks spent three years in the Detroit Tigers’ farm system; Trucks’ family celebrated his 95th birthday in the spring of 2012; A newspaper article declares Trucks the “strikeout king of baseball.”

September 2012

ABOVE: Trucks was a member of the Class D Alabama-Florida League in Andalusia, where his 100 mile-per-hour fastball caught the eye of scouts from the Detroit Tigers organization. PAGE 37: Trucks signed the 1952 issue of Baseball Magazine that featured him on the cover; the front of the Trucks’ St. Louis Browns card.

record and a 2.74 earned run average. World War II altered Trucks’ path early in his major league career, with the 25-year old signing up to join the Navy in 1944. Trucks was never called up to join the war effort overseas. Instead, he joined a Navy baseball team in Hawaii and won two of his three starts against an Army squad featuring Joe DiMaggio in the Service World Series. Following a two-year stint in the Navy, Trucks rejoined his Detroit Tigers teammates at the end of the war just in time for the 1945 World Series against the Chicago Cubs. Despite not pitching in a major league game in two seasons, Trucks took the mound for two starts against the Cubs in the World Series. “I had no training except for running at the (Navy) base,” Trucks said. “I got in as good of shape as I could.” Trucks went on to post his best season with the Tigers in 1953, where he finished with a 20-10 record, a 2.93 ERA and 149 strikeouts. Trucks posted eight

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straight victories during one stretch of the season. Trucks, a two-time American League all-star, played for the St. Louis Browns, Chicago White Sox and Kansas City Athletics before ending his career in 1958 as a New York Yankee. Trucks finished with a 2-1 record and a 4.54 ERA in limited action with the Yankees, but he always felt if he’d been picked up by the Bronx Bombers earlier in his career he’d be seen in a different light among baseball’s greats. “I was only (in New York) for a half a year,” Trucks said, “but it was great to be there. If I’d been a Yankee all my career, I would be in Cooperstown.” Despite his feelings about not being a member of the Hall of Fame, Trucks isn’t boastful about his achievements in professional baseball. The right-hander said a pitcher can’t claim all of the credit that comes with a no-hitter. “It’s the most exciting thing that can happen for a pitcher,” Trucks said, “but

he’s got eight other men to help him out. I didn’t do it by myself.” In addition to his success on the field, Trucks also earned a reputation as one of the most approachable players in major league baseball during his career. Trucks recalled enjoying meals at the home of Tiger fans, which is unheard of in today’s professional sports world. Trucks, who received more than 100 cards and letters from his fans and exteammates on his 95th birthday in late April, said he felt he owed it to those that showed up to support him at the ballpark. “The money wasn’t the best,” Trucks said, “but we enjoyed the camaraderie. We enjoyed the fans.” Trucks said he loves spending his free time following his grandson, Daniel Briggs, Jr., on nearby playing fields. The former major leaguer sees a bright future for the Chelsea youth. “It’s great to be able to watch him play,” Trucks said. l

September 2012

Wild of Shelby Side County The

Written by dAVid BUTler Photographs by dAVid BUTler

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ost under huge trees and large rock bluffs are the rivers and streams that make Shelby County such an attractive place to live, not just for humans, but also fascinating plants and animals. Both the Coosa and Cahaba river basins collect water, which all living things need to survive.When examining what thrives in the wilds of Shelby County, rivers and streams are an excellent place to start. None harbor a more diverse group of plants and animals than the Cahaba River. For many local residents, the Cahaba River, which is nearly 193 miles long, is nothing more than a small stream that flashes under bridges as they travel across the county. With its many bends, the river twists in and out of Shelby County from Hoover to Boothton, barely a trickle in some places, as it winds its way toward Selma and the Alabama River. “When we started looking for property on a river 30 years ago, we didn’t know much about the Cahaba at all, just that it was beautiful,” said Rolfe Russell, whose family has owned property on the Cahaba since 1989. “I had read the publications of the Cahaba River Society, but had no idea how important the river was to our state.” In reality, the Cahaba River was so vital to early settlers of Alabama that the first state capital, Old Cawhaba, was established in 1820 at the confluence of the Cahaba and Alabama rivers. And though the capital has long been abandoned, the river remains an important part of the rich ecosystem that attracts visitors to Shelby County from near and far—and keeps them coming back. Just ask Alabaster resident Rex Manning, who has lived in Shelby County for more than 20 years. “It is a little paradise right in my backyard. The Cahaba River was the first river I was ever exposed to,” he said. “I probably started getting on the river about 10 years ago with friends, but it has been in the last three years or so that I started learning more about what was here.” What’s here, in and around Shelby County’s share of the Cahaba River, is an incredible sampling of fish, birds, reptiles and amphibians, as well as plants and insects that survived unnoticed for hundreds of years. LEFT: A bee gathers pollen from a passion flower.

September 2012

“There isn’t a most interesting thing I have seen on the river,” Manning says. “Each time I come out, I expect to see something new and different. Not long ago, a friend and I were paddling near Helena and upset a pair of hawks guarding a nest just 15 feet off the water. They made it clear we weren’t welcome, but it was great to see.” Hawks aren’t the only birds Manning has seen on his river adventures, citing encounters with herons, owls, kingfishers and others he didn’t recognize. Often heralded as one of Alabama’s natural treasures, the Cahaba hosts rare

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and endangered plant and animal species found nowhere else on earth. While the world-famous Cahaba Lily (Hymenocallis coronaria), which blooms in the bubbling waters of Buck Creek in Helena, garners much of the attention, fish such as the tiny Cahaba Shiner are often overlooked and live only in the Cahaba River basin. “I see all kinds of fish, but have probably only caught about eight or 10 different kinds. One day when we were fishing, my friend pulled in a 3-pound albino crappie,” Manning recalled. “I have never seen anything like that before

or after.” According to the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the Cahaba is home to more than 135 species of fish, more fish species per river mile than any river in the country. While bass and crappie are the main attraction for anglers, there are several varieties of catfish and gar that also provide a challenge. And it’s not just the fish. The Cahaba offers something for any outdoor enthusiast who takes the time to poke through the bushes or turn over rocks. The green tree frog (Hyla cinerea),

PAGE 40: Buck Creek. TOP: A Green Tree Frog climbs a leaf. ABOVE LEFT: Hymenocallis coronaria, also known as the Cahaba Lily. ABOVE RIGHT: Butorides virescens, also known as the Green Heron.

which is fairly common, can be found living along the banks and is known to leap great distances. Beautiful wildflowers such as the passion flower (Passiflora incarnata) appear to come from another world and help sustain a staggering population of insects. With 83 species of crayfish identified in Alabama, there is no other state that can boast a more diverse population of the tiny crustaceans, many of which can be found in the Cahaba basin. Turtles, salamanders and lizards wait around every turn. Snails hide under rocks, while mussels burrow into the mud. No

portion of the river is left unattended. And of course, there are the snakes. No creature in Shelby County evokes a more visceral reaction than these scaled reptiles. Alabama is home to six venomous snakes, three of which are fairly common in Shelby County. Identification can sometimes be tough, but Cahaba visitors are much more likely to encounter one of the many non-venomous snakes, like the Banded Water Snake (Nerodia fasciata) than its venomous counterpart, the Cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus). “I know they can be aggressive,” said

Manning. “So I just play it cool and stay well out of striking distance. I’m not scared of snakes, but don’t go poking them either.” Whether it is snakes, turtles, frogs or flowers, there are countless examples of life to marvel at along the Cahaba. Stay tuned in the coming months for a detailed look at the wild side of Shelby County. 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 September 2012

Looking back

at Shelby

Springs Written by kATie mcdowell Photographs conTriBUTed

ShelbyLiving.com

ore than 170 years ago, south Shelby County was home to one of the state’s premier resorts. Long known for the healing powers of the mineral springs – sulfur, iron and limestone – that flowed throughout the property, Shelby Springs was reborn multiple times over the centuries, as a resort, Confederate training camp, hospital and, in the last seven decades, a private residence. Today, Shelby Springs, which is located at the intersection of Alabama 25 and Shelby County 42 near Calera, is owned by Joe and Carolyn Dorris. Vestiges of its past still remain on the property. Legend has it that Native Americans were the first to enjoy the springs, but the first official mention of Shelby Springs is 1839, when John S. Washington, who had apparently rented the springs, featured it in an advertisement in the Montgomery Advertiser. The resort consisted of only a few cabins at that time, but the springs were already famous, as evidenced by the ad: “The medicinal qualities, together with the locality of these Springs are too well known to need comment.” The same advertisement mentions that stagecoaches transported visitors from Montgomery and Selma to Shelby Springs. In 1855, the East Tennessee, Virginia and Georgia Railroad reached Shelby Springs. The ease of travel prompted a business partnership to build a two-story hotel with about 30 rooms and several cabins on the property. A platform was built at the train stop, and visitors would simply walk about 100 yards to the resort. Shelby Springs, which included about 2,700 acres, was next leased by J.I. Norris of Selma in 1856. For years, the resort enjoyed regular visitors thanks to the ease of train travel. Shelby Springs was reborn as Camp Winn in 1862, when the resort was taken over by the Confederacy in the Civil War. Initially, the resort was used a recruiting center and training camp. In the latter part of the war, the Confederacy transformed Shelby Springs into a hospital. Several nuns from the Sisters of Mercy were among the staff that managed the hospital. The nuns were originally from Boston, but were sent to Vicksburg, Miss., in 1860 to establish a Catholic school. After the Civil War began, the nuns

PAGE 42: The resort once had a large swimming pool that was filled with water from the springs. TOP: This undated photo shows one of the springs. ABOVE: Two women swing on the lawn in this undated photo.

ministered to sick and injured soldiers at several hospitals in Mississippi before making their way to Shelby Springs. When Shelby Springs was first converted to a hospital in 1863, it was used as a long-term facility to rehabilitate soldiers. By early 1864, however, Shelby Springs was made a general hospital and housed a large staff of medical personnel. After the war, Shelby Springs reverted to a resort, although it left a permanent

reminder of its wartime existence with a cemetery, located further down Shelby County 42, that became the final resting place for many of the Confederate soldiers treated at the hospital. Norris resumed leasing the resort after the war, and business was brisk again. An article published in an 1882 issue of the Selma Times described the editor’s visit to Shelby Springs. He described hordes of families greeting new visiSeptember 2012

tors at the train station, walking under mulberry tress to the hotel and playing croquet and sports with other guests on the lawn. “A rather large brook of clear water, that rambles on by massy banks o’er pebbly beds, takes its musical way through the center of the valley, and adds greatly to the beauty of the woodland scene,” he wrote. “The springs are six in number and are varied in quantity, quality and analysis: three sulphur, one limestone and two chalybeate (iron).” Norris sold Shelby Springs to his son, J.J. Norris Jr., in 1882, and the resort was soon sold to Hope Hull Baker and his wife, Mary Murphy Baker. The Bakers’ tenure as owners of Shelby Springs was filled with tragedy. In 30 years, the hotel was destroyed by fires twice and rebuilt each time. Mary Murphy Baker was also widowed three times during this period. The third hotel was destroyed, also by fire, in 1905, and wasn’t rebuilt.

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A W.J. Lloyd leased Shelby Springs and began renting the cottages to guests again before the property was bought by J. Ray McMillan in 1912. McMillan closed Shelby Springs as a summer resort in 1915, and used the property as his primary residence for the next 11 years. Then, Shelby Springs was sold again and converted into the Yamakita Club, which included an 18-hole golf course, concrete swimming pool and landscaped grounds. Shelby Springs reverted to a private residence in 1938. Capt. John Irby Reid purchased the property and built the current two-story white Georgian Colonial home. Howard Hall of Birmingham bought the home in the 1940s, and current owners Joe and Carolyn Dorris bought the home in 1998. Only one of the original cottages stands on the property, but plenty of reminders still remain of Shelby Springs’ glory days as a resort. The foundation of the old hotel still

stands behind the current home, as well as statues surrounding the springs. The resort’s glory days also live on in the words of visitors from long ago. In his article about the resort, the Selma Times’ editor wrote a description that serves as a fitting memorial: “To the quiet, homelike, family class, Shelby Springs properly belongs, and as such, for beauty of site, healthfulness of location, excellence of water, and all that lavish nature can accomplish to bring about loveliness, comfort … it is beyond comparison.” Information for this article came from the Shelby County Historical Society, Bobby Joe Seales, Carolyn Dorris, “Angels of Mercy: A primary source by Sister Ignatius Sumner,” and “Sisters of Mercy: From Vicksburg to Shelby Springs,” an article written by Barbara Roberts and published in the winter 1989 issue of Alabama Heritage. Carolyn Dorris and the Shelby County Historical Society provided the photos. l

PAGE 44: Shelby Springs was converted into the Yamakita Club in 1926. The golf course is shown in this photo. TOP LEFT: When the resort was transformed into the Yamakita Club, a golf course, large swimming pool and landscaped grounds were added. TOP RIGHT: An entrance to Shelby Springs is still located on Highway 25.

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Home & Food

ret reat

A pastoral Written by kATie mcdowell Photographs by jon goering

ShelbyLiving.com

September 2012

Once a resort, historic Shelby Springs is now the family home of Joe and Carolyn Dorris

lmost 15 years have passed since Joe and Carolyn Dorris decided to escape to the country. The couple had lived in Vestavia for years, but they felt it was time for a change. Carolyn, particularly, longed to move to a small town and a home with lots of land. “I was raised in a small town, and I like small towns. I like horses and animals,” she said. “I wanted my grandchildren, who were raised in the city, to know about the country – how beautiful it is to wake up in the morning and just thank God for being here.” When the Dorrises bought Shelby Springs in 1998, they got horses, animals and more than enough land for their grandchildren to play and dream. Their property also came with more than a century of history as a resort and a Confederate training camp and hospital. “There was so much history here,” Carolyn said. “This was a resort before it was a hospital. People used to come from the Black Belt on the railway and vacation here on their way to Atlanta.” Today, reminders of that history can be found throughout the property. The house was built in the 1930s, and the Dorrises changed little of the floor plan. They enlarged the kitchen, which was originally four small rooms, and added a master suite. Other than that, the house retains the cozy proportions that were de rigueur several generations ago. For Carolyn, an antiques and architecture dealer, part of the home’s attraction was its strong European influences. “This house was more Europeanlooking on the inside than antebellum,” she said. The home opens to a large sitting room. An intricately carved mantle frames the fireplace and was a purchase of the home’s first owner, Capt. John PAGE 46: Joe and Carolyn Dorris moved into their home in 1998. The house is built on the land where the Shelby Springs resort was located. ABOVE: The Dorrises created an outdoor oasis with a swimming pool and patio area.

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September 2012

Reid Irby. “This was the mantle that he had shipped from Pennsylvania,” she said. “It was hand carved from about four oak trees, and it took them three years to do it.” The plaster walls are also original to the house, although the Dorrises had local artist Bruce Andrews add a glaze to the walls. A hallway leads to a dining room, pantry and kitchen. The décor in the dining room highlights one of Carolyn’s design mantras: opposites attract. “If you have something smooth, put something very rough next to it. If you have something old, put something

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new. I try to do opposites. I don’t match things,” she said. Antiques and heirlooms play a prominent role in the dining room: china and crystal from both Carolyn and Joe’s mothers, statues and an ornate mirror. The room holds a few surprises too. The Chippendale chairs are upholstered with a cheetah print. The glass table rests on a Corinthian column that was salvaged from a home that burned. The kitchen received major updates when the Dorrises bought the home, including enlarging the area, adding granite counters and new cabinets. Another dining room, which is adja-

cent to the kitchen, features a stunning French countryside mural on the ceiling. Bruce Andrews also painted the mural, and Joe makes an appearance in one corner of the scene as one of the villagers. A living room and the master suite round out the ground floor. These rooms, as well as the rest of the house, showcase another of Carolyn’s passions: architectural pieces. “I did a lot of landscape architecture, and I like to incorporate it into my house. The gates and the statuaries – that’s just me,” she said. Statues, gates, doors and columns can be found throughout the house. A weath-

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: The dining room features an eclectic mix of antiques and modern dĂŠcor, like the cheetah print chairs; the arched doorways in the sitting room and throughout the house are original; a clawfoot tub in a guest bedroom on the second floor; the Dorrisesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; kitchen was featured in Southern Living; iron gates lead to the pantry; a collection of lawn chairs in front of the home.

September 2012

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: The fireplace in the guest room is original to the house; the sitting room is one of the most used rooms in the house; a detailed shot of a collection of plates used as wall dĂŠcor; the dining room features an elaborate tablescape; another view of the sitting room; ducks and geese wander past the pond; the Dorrisesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; grandchildren feature prominently in photos and paintings; a tub in a guest bedroom.

ShelbyLiving.com

ered column stands in the stairway up to the second floor, iron gates lead to the pantry and a pair of French doors opens to a cabinet of pool sticks. The second floor is composed entirely of bedrooms. The Dorrises’ six grandchildren stay in the guest rooms during their many visits, although Carolyn said they’re afraid the upstairs is haunted. One of the grandchildren’s favorite spots is the elevator, and Joe said they once got stuck near the attic before the Dorrises had the elevator replaced. Originally a dumbwaiter, the Halls, who bought the home from Irby, replaced it with the first elevator in Shelby County. Today, the walls between each floor

features the signatures and scribblings of the Dorrises’ grandchildren and other visitors. A recreation room and a living room are found on the lower floor, which was originally a cellar. The rooms are distinctly chilly and feature low ceilings and an original fireplace. While the Dorrises love the home, the sprawling lawn is their favorite place to be. Statues surrounding the old springs can still be found on the property, as well as the foundation of previous buildings and a single cottage left over from Shelby Springs’ time as a resort. While trains still pass by the house, the throngs of visitors are long gone. How-

ever, a family friend often finds artifacts, including old jewelry and trunk locks, on the property using a metal detector. “The railway station was at the top of the hill and they had a boardwalk that came all the way down to the hotel,” Carolyn said. “They would drag their trunks behind them and lose their locks.” Today, Shelby Springs is mostly populated by animals, many of which belong to the Dorrises’ grandchildren. “Every Easter, no matter how old my grandchildren are, I get them ducks and geese every year. They love them, but they bring them back in a week,” Carolyn said. The feathered friends live around the September 2012

ABOVE: Local artist Bruce Andrews painted a mural of a French countryside on the ceiling of the dining room. PAGE 55-CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Capt. John Reid Irby commissioned the mantle in the sitting room; a detailed shot of an ornate clock; one of the five guest bedrooms on the second floor; the home is located on a sprawling piece of land.

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pond, while miniature horses roam the yard and will even trot up to the front door for a snack. Joe’s beloved hunting dogs are housed in another area of the property. He even created a cemetery for hunting dogs who have passed away. An old windmill he found in Texas – and had shipped in pieces to Alabama – stands guard over Frank, Lady, Joe Willie and the other dogs that have passed on from Joe’s care. Even two of Carolyn’s cats were honored with internment in the cemetery. Other outdoor attractions include a swimming pool, a guest house, garden and patio. For the Dorrises, the quiet country landscape is the only place in the world they would want to be. “It’s very pastoral,” Carolyn said. “You can sit outside in the morning or at night. It’s just peace.” l September 2012

Home & Food

ShelbyLiving.com

Ginza Hoover restaurant offers wide range of Asian fare

Written by kATie mcdowell Photographs by jon goering

September 2012

hen Ginza opened, it was one of the only restaurants that served Korean barbecue in the Birmingham area. Since that time, the restaurant has built a loyal customer base serving traditional Asian dishes. The restaurant’s sushi and bulgogi, the Korean term for barbecue, have turned many first-time customers into regulars. Another reason for the restaurant’s success is simply good customer service, according to manager Don Shin. “That’s what we try to do here at the restaurant,” he said. “We have a lot of repeat customers that drive our business. We treat them like family here.” Those regular customers keep Shin and owners John and Jane Namkoong, all three of whom are originally from Korea, busy during during lunch and dinner. A visit to Ginza often marks a customer’s first time to try Korean barbecue. “Everyone has the misconception about Korean barbecue being Southernstyle. It’s not,” Shin said. “It is a little sweeter, although galbi is spicy. It has more of a kick to it.” Bulgogi is typically beef, although it can be chicken or pork too. The barbecue is bathed in a marinade that includes soy sauce, wine and fruits, including pears and kiwi. “It’s a traditional dish served in Korea,” Shin said. Customers also have the opportunity to cook their own bulgogi. One section of the restaurant includes tables with small grills built into the middle of the table. “You actually cook your own meat (on) an 20-inch gas grill,” Shin said. “There will usually be a server helping you cook.” While the bulgogi has its fans, sushi is the most popular dish served at Ginza. The restaurant offers a wide range of sushi, including California rolls, spicy tuna, sashimi, squid and sea urchin. “Living in Alabama you have to have a Tiger Roll and a Bama Roll,” Shin added. Shin said there is an art to making sushi, especially making it appear attractive. He would know. He began PAGE 56: Ginza’s Yummy Yummy rolls are a popular option with diners. ABOVE: Ginza also has a full bar.

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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: The restaurant offers a lunchbox option during the day; manager Don Shin and owner John Namkoong; Ginza is well known for its sushi; Asian artwork decorates the walls; sparkling lights and unique paintings decorate the restaurant; a detail shot of the sushi bar.

September 2012

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ABOVE: Diners can grill their own Korean barbecue on a grill at their table with the assistance of a server.

working in the food industry in 1993 and has served as the sushi chef at many local restaurants. Many of his clients followed him to Ginza when he joined the staff. While sushi is the most popular dish and bulgogi has a loyal following, Shin is quick to point out Ginza’s other offerings. The restaurant does heavy business at lunch with “lunch boxes” that offer a meat, such as teriyaki chicken, salmon or shrimp, with soup, salad, grilled vegetables and fried rice. Ginza offers dinner-sized portions of its lunch boxes, in addition to several katsu, or breaded, options. The TonKatsu features a panko-breaded chicken that is deep friend and covered with a special sauce. It is served with miso soup, house salad and fried rice. Ginza also offers several Asian-inspired desserts – ginger, green tea, red bean or tempura ice cream – and a full bar. Ginza is open seven days a week and located at 5291 Valleydale Road, Suite 101, in Hoover. Lunch is served on MondayFriday from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and Saturday from midnight-3 p.m. Dinner is served Monday-Thursday from 5-10 p.m., Friday from 5-11 p.m., Saturday from 3-11 p.m. and Sunday from 5-10 p.m. For more information, visit Ginzasushibham.com or call 205-981-1616.

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Home & Food

$6 61 Pub 2

ad na Ro e l e H 9340 ingham Birm 61 44-02 205-4

The Gummy Bear Written by kATie mcdowell Photograph by jon goering

3/4 ounce Smirnoff vanilla vodka 3/4 ounce Smirnoff raspberry vodka 1/4 ounce sour mix 7-Up Grenadine The Gummy Bear drink is a popular shot at Pub 261 in Pelham. The drink tastes exactly like its namesake, according to bartender Sherry Church. It’s a sweet drink that’s particularly popular in the spring and summer. To make the Gummy Bear, mix ¾-ounce of Smirnoff vanilla vodka, ¾-ounce of Smirnoff raspberry vodka and ¼ ounce sour mix. Add a splash of 7-Up. Shake the mixture and strain it. Add a touch of grenadine. Serve in a shot glass or a small martini glass. l September 2012

Home & Food

Heritage with a Greek flair Former Incahoots owner shares her grandmother’s recipe Written by chrisTine BoATwrighT Photographs by jon goering

ith her short, styled hair, apron-hugged middle and fondness for bustling around her kitchen, Claudia Deason said she has been compared to Paula Deen more than once. She also has two sons, and cooks with “buttah,” just like Paula, she said, laughing. Helena resident Claudia and her husband, Harold, who passed away in December 2011, joined the restaurant business in 1984 when they purchased Incahoots in Hoover. Harold had trained under his wife’s father, who was a restaurant manager. Claudia said Helena Mayor Sonny Penhale approached her husband and asked if he was interested in opening a restaurant in Helena. Harold drew the plans on a paper bag, Claudia said, and they soon opened their second restaurant in 1998. “Harold was the grill man,” Claudia said. “He could grill better than anyone you’ve known.” When Claudia first married Harold more than 40 years ago, she claims she couldn’t even boil water. Thankfully, her grandmother took pity on the newlyweds and began to pass along her culinary expertise. “She was really my teacher,” Claudia said. “My grandmother would come over, and we’d just cook together.” Today, Claudia, a grandmother herself of four, said she spends the majority of her time in her personally designed kitchen. During the Christmas season, Claudia said she, her sisters and her daughter-in-law fill her kitchen with Greek pastries to distribute as gifts. Claudia’s grandmother introduced her to a stuffed tomatoes and peppers recipe. “Everybody that has a garden pulls

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ABOVE: Claudia Deeson is well known for her stuffed peppers recipe.

tomatoes and stuffs them,” Claudia said, “but this has a Greek flair.” Claudia comes from Greek roots, as both of her grandfathers immigrated to the United States through Ellis Island. As she straightened her “world’s greatest Yaya” apron, Claudia said she has one

tip when it comes to making her grandmother’s recipe. “Be sure the tomatoes are really firm, otherwise they will crush in your hand while you’re trying to scoop out the guts,” she said. “That’s the main secret, I guess.” l

Stuffed Tomatoes and Peppers Ingredients: 8-10 large, firm tomatoes 4 large green bell peppers 3 lbs ground chuck 1/2 cup uncooked rice 1 large onion, chopped 2 cloves garlic, chopped 1/2 stick butter 1 can tomato sauce 1 tsp. cinnamon 2-3 Tbsp. parsley Salt and pepper to taste Parmesan cheese Beef stock Directions: 1. Cut tops off tomatoes and bell peppers. Set peppers aside. Core the insides out of the tomatoes and put in a saucepan. Place tomatoes and peppers in large

baking pan. Add salt to the tomato meat in saucepan and cook about 20 minutes on medium. Set aside. 2. In a large pot, sautĂŠ onion and garlic in butter until slightly browned. Add ground church and stir until well mixed. Add remaining ingredients. Cook on medium heat until meat is done. 3. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Stuff tomatoes and peppers with meat mixture. Sprinkle tops with Parmesan cheese. Take the tomato meat in saucepan and strain the juice over the stuffed tomatoes. Add beef stock to the pan. Bake in oven for 30 minutes.

September 2012

Shelby Spotted& 2

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American Village 4th of July Celebration

The American Village hosted its annual 4th of July celebration in Montevallo. 1. Gabrielle, Rebekah and Victoria Guest 2. Elise, Audra and Abbey Roberts 3. Adam and Savannah Jones 4. Craig Kleimeyer and Matthew Culbreth 5. Jacob Beal and Kenny Tyler 6. Justin and Kayla Miller 7. Faith Johnson, Mandi Woodruff and Mary Beth Young 8. John Finnicum and Joyce Taylor 9. Steve and Sherri Daniels

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&Shelby Spotted 10 11

14 12

15 17

10. Andrew, Takeira, Joshua, Tenika and Samuel Zeigler 11. Shelbey and Kelsey Lancaster 12. Tim, Alli and Joni Ayers 13. Elishua and Brett Markham 14. David and Jamee Hyde 15. Jan, Braxton and Bobby Sasser 16. Micah and James Rogers 17. Bill Wood and Sherry Wood Garst 18. Beverly, Jessie and Scott Edwards

September 2012

Shelby Spotted& 2

The Big Kaboom

Chelsea residents enjoyed the Big Kaboom fireworks display in Chelsea Park on July 3. 1. Audry and Megan Rogers 2. Steen and Dallas Storms 3. Parrish and Morgan Powers 4. Elijah Padgett, Mandy King, Robin King and Jesse Vohler 5. Vicki Walton and Rachel Burchfield 6. Drew Taylor and Kristina Young 7. Lisa and David Tibbs 8. Ron and Kelsey Wilson

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&Shelby Spotted 9

12 14

9. Anna and Laura Dempsey 10. Cody and Hannah Brasher 11. Sundee Preedy and Kathy Smith 12. Kathryn Tibbs and Seth Byram 13. Carolyn and Denise Niven 14. Tiffany, Taylor, Sutton and Clint Ray 15. Michael and Michelle Trent

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September 2012

Shelby Spotted& 2

Miss Hoover Pageant

The Miss Hoover pageant was held July 6 at Spain Park High School. 1. Jazmyn Hall, Whitley Hall and Samantha Hall 2. Pamela McTier, Caitlyn McTier and Priscilla Cleveland 3. Sydne Waldrop and Mikaylah Dugans 4. Anna Leigh Sharp and Sally Sharp 5. Kyle Phillip and Katherine Layton 6. Susan Desforges and Marty Desforges 7. Valerie Chramer and Paul Chramer 8. Toni Lagan, Sharon Farmer and Boomer Browning 9. Susan Casey and Don Casey

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&Shelby Spotted 10

10. Heyward Evans and Lynne Evans 11. Rachel Moore and Mary-Frank Brown 12. Calvin Baker and Amanda Parker 13. Faith Goudy and Candance Goudy 14. Mimi Fuller and Elizabeth Fuller

September 2012

Shelby Spotted& SCAC Two Sisters Exhibit

The Shelby County Arts Council held a reception for the Two Sisters exhibit June 29 in Columbiana. 1. Sylvia McDonald and Diane Ellis 2. Kathy Copeland, Corley Ellis, Judy Quick and Mike Hill 3. Diane Ellis, Bonnie Atchison and Sylvia McDonald 4. Terri Sullivan, Sylvia McDonald, Diane Ellis, Carol Hill and Susan Gordon

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&Shelby Spotted 1

God and Country Celebration

Wilsonvilleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s God and Country Celebration was held on June 24.

1. Tara and Jackson Moore 2. Sandra Abbott and Brittney Nix 3. Steven, Bryant and Amanda Ballenger 4. Mac, Tristan, Makaila and Joyce Saxon 5. Frances Sides and Diane McDonald

September 2012

Shelby Spotted& 2

SSCC Luncheon

The South Shelby Chamber of Commerce held a luncheon July 12 at the Shelby County Exhibition Center. 1. PFC Daren Sapp, CSM Robert Wheat, SPC Harley Fish and SSG Silvia Zefino 2. Julie Farmer, Elizabeth Thompson, Marie Crew and Tyler Crew 3. Mary Lee Reynolds and Linda Wren 4. Joel Dauber and John Peacock 5. Mary DeLoach and Jaime Adams 6. Hub Harvey and Don Williamson 7. Keith Webb and Alan Morgan 8. Lois Truss, Peggy Cannady and Estelle Thompson

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&Shelby Spotted 1

Juneteenth Picnic

The picnic celebrated African American freedom, heritage and achievements and was held June 23 at the Alabaster Park. 1. Pastor William Evans and Maxine Edwards 2. Bobby Joe Seales and Cynthia Jackson 3. Maggie and James Smitherman and Delores and William Evans 4. Ava Woods, Willie Williams, Deloris Evans, Maggie Smitherman, Zayden Lockett and Diana Coleman

September 2012

Shelby Spotted& GSCC Luncheon

The Greater Shelby Chamber of Commerce held its monthly luncheon on June 27 at the Pelham Civic Complex.

1. Amy Lewis and Marie Jordan 2. Mike McEahern and Charmaine Dye 3. Jason Steward and Bethany McCoy 4. Kyndle Huey and Bill Connor 5. Larry Daughety and Dave Davis

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&Shelby Spotted 6

6. State Sen. Cam Ward and Pelham Mayor Don Murphy 7. Jessica Henderson and Rosie McClure 8. Scott Brakefield and Stacy Rakestraw 9. George Henry and Bill Davis 10. Courtney Colegrove and Taylor Spratt

September 2012

Shelby Spotted& 2

Liberty Day Parade

Columbiana held its 27th annual Liberty Day celebration on June 30. 1. Angelia Taylor, Ana Taylor, Charity Morris and Philip Morris 2. Bradey Phillips, Kim Proctor and Brooklyn Phillips 3. Cheyenne Sauls and Cierra Sauls 4. Debra Hughes and Jodi Genard 5. Charlote Carbonie and Kinsey Huber 6. Brittany Cain and Katlyn Morgan 7. Joyce Martin and Wayne Martin 8. Steve Gibson, Rhonda Hanner and Anita Massey 9. Hope Rush

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&Shelby Spotted 10

10. Julie Bailey, Justin Bailey, Jesse Bailey, Jesse Bailey 11. Mildred Jones, Tyaun Toodle, Margaret Bradley and Eric Bradley 12. April Springfield and Summer Knight 13. Jackson Vining and Anthony White 14. Victoria Syder and Barbara Snyder 15. Jim Baker, Faith Black and Marilynn Baker 16. Jake Jebeles and Peyton Jebeles 17. Michael Shaw and Lisa Shaw 18. Jean Schofield and Sam Vining

September 2012

Shelby Spotted& Liberty Day Luncheon

A luncheon was held June 29 at Donald Real Estate in Columbiana. 1. Bobby Joe Seales and Red Robinson 2. Peggy Wood, Linda Cundiff, Barbara Robinson and Lisa Sallas 3. Miss Shelby County 2012 Sydnii Todd, Miss Alabama 2012 Anna Laura Bryan, Miss Shelby County Outstanding Teen 2012 Mary Ann McDougal and Ms. Senior Alabama 2012 Niva Dorough 4. Ann Handley, Wayne Johnsey, Bobby Joe Seales and Dr. Stancil Handley

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&Shelby Spotted 5. Phoebe Robinson, Mindy Hermecz, Nancy Drakos and Barbara Robinson 6. Diane and Bobby Joe Seales and Rep. Mike and Carol Hill 7. Donald, Katie and Elizabeth-Anne “Bird” Robinson and Robert, Tripp and Rushton Robinson 8. Samantha and Hunter Rush; Elizabeth, Sarah Elizabeth and Drew Shelton; Hayden, Morgan and Casen Jeffries and Ashley Siglich Elliot 9. Barbara Robinson, Wendy McDougal, Pam Oliver, Sherrod Todd and Donna Coates

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September 2012

Shelby Spotted& Mt Laurel Farmers Market

The Mt Laurel Farmers Market is held on Saturdays in Mt Laurel.

1. Jamie and Michael Stephens 2. Jeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Nih and JaWanda Jackson 3. Catherine, Abby and Kelly Burley 4. Josh, Steven and Allison Sheppard 5. Lisa and Bucky Hellwig

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&Shelby Spotted Bark and Wine

Bark and Wine benefiting the Shelby Humane Society was held June 16 at Eagle Point Golf Club in Birmingham.

1. Micah Mularski and Nicole Rodriguez 2. Tamela Seymour, Bob McArdle and Robin Adams 3. Krista Conlin, Brittany Maness and Jennifer Wallis 4. Cindy Deville, Tamela Semour, Robin Adams, Bob McArdle, Jennifer Wallis, Krista Conlin and Brittany Maness

September 2012

Shelby Spotted& 2

Alabaster Cityfest

Alabaster CityFest was held June 2 at Municipal Park in Alabaster. 1. Marie Hawkins, Liberty Gaiters and Christy Hawkins 2. Carolyn and Benny Lucas 3. Alana Stignani and Sharon Tatum 4. Monica, Ian, Rick and Cailen Bevel 5. Abbee Meyers and Josh Buchanan 6. Dan Kaufman and Alexis Derbes 7. Sandra and Jacaella Morgan

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&Shelby Spotted 8

12 13

8. Breanna Wright and Steve Headley 9. Jody, Thomas, Gigi, Owen and Sarah Edwards 10. Kathryn Baker, Elizabeth Turner, Jamie Turner and Bo Turner 11. Felicia and Tiffany Fenley 12. Karri and Johnathan Allen 13. Edna and Calvin Rumph 14. Teresa Oglesby and Drake Ballard 15. Abi and Lisa Dewilde

September 2012

Out & About SCAC Juried Art Show

Free bridge lessons

Ongoing events

old Baker farm harvest hours Old Baker Farm’s harvest hours are 3 p.m.-dark on Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-dark on Saturday and 1 p.m.-dark on Sunday. south city Theatre The South City Theatre presents “Laura,” a murder mystery by Caspery and Skylar. Performances are scheduled for Sept. 27-29 and Oct. 4-6 at 8 p.m. and Sept. 30 at 2 p.m. The South City Theatre is located at 101 Dogwood Trail in Alabaster. Call 205-936-9162.

Aug. 23

scAc open house The Shelby County Arts Council Fall Open House will be Thursday, Aug. 23 from 4-6 p.m. at the organization’s gallery at 104 Mildred Street, Columbiana. This casual informative afternoon offers students the chance to meet the instructors, discuss the classes and priority registration. The SCAC offers a full slate of classes including oil/acrylic painting, drawing, photography, pottery, piano, guitar and voice for

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children, youth and adults. In addition, it offers monthly workshops by local artists in such areas are Palette Knife Painting, watercolor painting, metal-clay jewelry making, advanced pottery and more. Visit the website for a full list of class offerings: Selbycountyartscouncil.com. Call 205-669-0044.

Aug. 25

chirps and chips The Alabama Wildlife Center’s newly formed junior board, Raptor Force, is hosting its first event, Chirps and Chips at the Historic Cahaba Pump Station on Saturday, Aug. 25 from 7-10 p.m. Chirps and Chips is a fun-filled, casino-themed night that includes games, a silent auction, complimentary hors d’ouevres, wine and beer. This is a night not to be missed! Tickets are $75 per person, and the attire is casual. Please contact Carol Argo, executive director of the Alabama Wildlife Center, at 205-663-7930, ext. 5 or e-mail at cargo@awrc.org or Anna Morris, president of Raptor Force and event chair, at 205-383-9134 or email at annamorris1@me.com.

Sept. 1

nature crafts Let’s get creative and do some crafts. Let’s try to use some natural materials from the Earth around us. Meet at 10 a.m. at the Campground Pavilion (B-side). Small donation requested to cover craft materials. Email oakmountain.naturalist@ dcnr.alabama.gov or Call 205620-2520.

Sept. 1

Unscripted Gretchen B Photography Studio and Galley at 833 Creekside Court, Helena, AL is hosting “Unscripted” - a quarterly photography fine art showcase. On Sunday, Sept. 2, 2012, from 1 - 4, “Unscripted” will feature photography by Gretchen Birdwell (seascapes), Tom Daspit (Africa), Steve Grunfeld Italy), and Buddy Birdwell (Greece). The works of art are available for purchase and ready to hang in your home. For more information, please call Gretchen Birdwell at 205.999.3531 or email gretchen@ gretchenbphotography.com.

Sept. 6

scAc juried Art show The Shelby County Arts Council will host the opening reception for the fourth annual Juried Art Show on Thursday, Sept. 6. This annual event has become a showcase exhibit for the organization. The “Best of Show Winner” of the 2012 Juried Art Show will be offered a solo show at the SCAC gallery in the spring of 2013 in addition to a cash prize. The reception will be held from 6-8 p.m. at the SCAC, 104 Mildred Street, Columbiana. Visit Shelbycountyartscouncil.com. free bridge lessons The Birmingham Duplicate Bridge Club is moving to its new facilities in Shelby County. The club is a non-profit organization and volunteer organization in existence for over 50 years. Its purpose is to promote duplicate/contract bridge through education and play. The club will offer two free introductory bridge lessons on Thursday, Sept. 13. The lessons will be from 1:30-4 p.m at its new facility, 144 Business Center Drive Birmingham, AL 35244. Call 979-5929. Both beginners

Out & About and experienced players are welcome.

Sept. 14

dixon-Ballog exhibit Dixon-Ballog Glass Gallery will hold an opening reception for a new exhibit on Friday, Sept. 14 from 5-8 p.m. at its gallery at 2040 Old Montgomery Highway, Pelham.

Sept. 15

great prostate cancer challenge Join Urology Centers of Alabama for the 2012 Great Prostate Cancer Challenge, a 5K Race and 1 Mile Fun Walk to support ZERO - The Project to End Prostate Cancer and Urology Health Foundation. The race is part of the Great Prostate Cancer Challenge, America’s Premier Men’s Health Event Series, taking place in 32 cities in 2012. Funds raised go to prostate cancer research, education and free screenings. The 5k and 1-mile fun run will be held Saturday, Sept. 15 at 8 a.m. at the Dogwood Pavilion at Oak Mountain State Park, 200 Terrace Drive, Pelham. Visit Greatprostatecancerchallen-

Sept. 17-23

ge.com. paws for the cause 5k Come join The Animal League of Birmingham’s 4th Annual Paws for the Cause Dog-Friendly 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run, benefiting Shelby Humane Society. Grab your pooch and entire family and come out for a fun day of running, great booths, and snacks. The run will be held Saturday, Sept. 15 at Veterans Park, 4750 Valleydale Park, Hoover. The 5k begins at 8:30 a.m. and the fun run/pet walk at 9:45 a.m. Register online at Active.com. sports and classics at the creek The Birmingham Motoring Club will present its annual Sports and Classics at the Creek on Saturday, Sept. 15 at the Helena Amphitheater. Arrive with your sports or classic car after 9 a.m. No entry fee. Pot luck lunch provided by members of the BMC. Participant will choose winners for the first, second and third in show, as well as special recognition awards. Visit Birminghambmc.org.

Lifeline Run

shelby county fair Please join us for the 63rd Annual Shelby County Fair. There will be booths, contests, entertainment, educational exhibits, rides and other amusements. Admission will be charged at the entrance. The hours will be Monday-Friday beginning at 5:30 p.m. and Saturday beginning at 3 p.m. For more information, please visit Alshelbycountyfair.com or call 205-669-7806.

Sept. 18

harvest of hope The sixth annual Harvest of Hope luncheon, which benefits Oak Mountain Mission Ministries, will be held Tuesday, Sept. 18 at 10:30 a.m. at the Cahaba Grand Conference Center in Birmingham. A silent auction will begin at 10 a.m., so come early to browse the items. Former University of Alabama running back and NFL star Bobby Humphrey will be the keynote speaker at this event, which is the organization’s only fundraiser. Janet Hall of Fox 6 News will be the mistress of ceremonies and Revered Al and Passion

Lewis will provide the musical entertainment. For more information, email oakmtnmissions@yahoo.com.

Sept. 22

Animal Adaptations In order to survive changing weather conditions, animals have to adapt. Come learn about some methods animals use to survive. Meet at 10 a.m. at the Campground Pavilion (B-side). Free after admission to Park. Email oakmountain. naturalist@dcnr.alabama.gov or Call 205- 620-2520 festival of Voices The University of Montevallo Choral Festival of Voices Concert will be held Saturday, Sept. 22 from 2-3 p.m. at Palmer Auditorium.

Sept. 29

lifeline run The Lifeline 5k Run will be held Saturday, Sept. 29 at 8 a.m. at Veterans Park in Hoover. The purpose of the run is to raise awareness and support to care for the (un) adopted, a ministry of Lifeline Children’s Services, which facilitates a safe environment for children in need around the world.

Shelby County Fair September 2012

Why I LOVE Shelby County

Jamie Brooks:

‘Competing in the Miss America system is a lifestyle’ of the miss shelby county pageant? YAY! My mother poked fun at me because I squealed when they called my name. I was so excited and honored that the judges chose me from the group of extremely talented and beautiful contestants.

Written by kATie mcdowell Photograph conTriBUTed

amie Brooks was crowned Miss Shelby County at the 25th annual pageant on July 20. The 22-year-old Birmingham resident beat out eight other contestants to secure the title. She also won the talent portion of the contest with her jazz routine to Bette Midler’s “Big Noise.” Brooks, who recently received her bachelor’s degree from the University of North Alabama, currently works in public relations for STYLE Advertising in Birmingham and plans to return to school to study for a master’s degree in public administration. Q. Tell me a little about yourself: hometown, family, education. I am a 22-year-old graduate of the University of North Alabama with a degree in public relations. I’m originally from Clay, and currently live in Birmingham. I am the public relations coordinator at STYLE

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Advertising in Birmingham and will be pursuing graduate school at UAB this year. I am the only child to Kelly and James Brooks, the best parents in the world, of Altoona, Ala. Q. what was your first thought when they called your name as the winner

Q. what is your platform? how did it develop? My platform is Dare to Discuss: AIDS Awareness and Advocacy. It is an educational program that works to educate the public about the ways of transmission, fundraise for care and research and eliminate the stigma that comes with an HIV diagnosis. When in the classroom or with younger audiences, I focus on self-esteem, good decision making, self-empowerment and critical thinking skills. I’ve been volunteering with Birmingham AIDS Outreach since the age of 14 and realized that AIDS is not getting enough attention in Alabama. Q. when and why did you begin dancing? I began dancing when I was 3. My mother enrolled me in dance class, and I’ve been dancing since. I took a few years off to pursue other sports, and it’s one of my biggest regrets. Now, looking back, I really wish I had those years of training under my belt. I always tell people that when they find an art they love, they should stick with it! Q. what are the benefits of competing in pageants? I have made some of the best friends and future

bridesmaids through competing in the Miss Alabama program and have made so many connections that will help me later in life. I’ve also paid my entire way through college by competing in pageants, and Miss Alabama will help pay for my graduate degree this year. So far, I’ve won over $30,000 in scholarships. What a blessing! Q. how much preparation goes into pageant competition? Competing in the Miss America system is a lifestyle. You’ve got to maintain healthy habits, have an art that you love, be continuously active in community service, have an interest in current events and affairs and regularly practice public speaking. Once you’ve got that down, it’s just a part of everyday. It’s definitely not something you just prepare for a week in advance, that’s for sure! Q. if you could meet three famous people, dead or alive, who would they be and why? I’d love to meet Princess Diana. She was the epitome of class and grace, and she was the first public figure photographed with an AIDS patient, so I know we’d be friends! I want to meet Jesus, although I know I will one day. And Ryan Gosling, for obvious reasons. Q. what is the one place in the world you would like to visit and why? I’ve yet to travel anywhere in Europe – so England, France and Greece are at the top of the list.

September 2012

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