Shelby Living, September 2018

VINCENT’S FARM OF DISTINCTION • DELIVERING COMFORT KITS • CALERA’S NEW ITALIAN EATERY

LUCY’S INSPIRED JEWELRY WITH A HIGHER PURPOSE

BARE NAKED NOODLES FOR DINNER

SEPTEMBER 2018 ShelbyLiving.com Volume 9 | Issue 9 $4.95

CREATING CONTRAST A HOME’S CLASSIC-MODERN MIX

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The best memories are made at

The Ridge.

Russell Lands On Lake Martin is a breathtaking lake community with 25,000 acres of forest set among Lake Martin’s 40,000 plus acres of pristine water and nearly 900 miles of shoreline. The largest premier neighborhood at Russell Lands On Lake Martin is The Ridge—where ownership comes with an array of extras – The Ridge Club, a 10-acre recreation complex, miles of hiking and walking trails as well as nature and waterfront parks, and a state-of-the-art Ridge Marina -- all designed to connect you with family, friends, nature, and always, the lake.

RUSSELLLANDSONLAKEMARTIN.COM

HOMES & HOMESITES AVAILABLE

256.215.7011

LAKE MARTIN, ALABAMA

ARTS & CULTURE

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INSPIRE TO GIVE This mantra is also the heart of Lucy Farmer’s home-based jewelry line.

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A CASE OF THE BLUES Little G Weevil is poised to please a local audience with his award-winning blues music.

STEPPING INTO HISTORY School field trips at the American Village give students an up-close glimpse of pivotal moments in America’s early years.

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PHOTO BY DAWN HARRISON

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PHOTO BY KAREEM BASHIR

SCHOOL & SPORTS

23 Finding His Father: Briarwood Graduate Bryant Wood’s Story 28 Book Picks: Novels A Couple Agrees On

FOOD & DRINK

29 Bare Naked Noodles: The Secret to Linda Croley’s Success 36 Five Questions For: Bertolone’s Italian Owner Sonia Bertolone

HOME & STYLE

37 Classic Comfort: Dona Bullock’s Custom Mt Laurel Home

FEATURES 48 DeLoach Farms: Shelby County’s 2018 Farm of Distinction 55 Hatching Hope: Comfort Kits for Victims of Natural Disaster

IN EVERY ISSUE 4 Contributors 5 From the Editor 6 ShelbyLiving.com 7 The Simple Life 8 #ShelbyLivingMagazine 9 The Guide 59 Business Connections

SL 67 Out & About 78 Marketplace

80 Why I Love Shelby County

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CONTRIBUTORS EDITORIAL

Graham Brooks Stephen Dawkins Alec Etheredge Briana Harris Madoline Markham Keith McCoy Emily Sparacino Neal Wagner

CONTRIBUTORS Carmen Brown Nicole Conrad David Conrad Lindsay Dyess Dawn Harrison Lisa Phillips Melanie Poole Jeff Rease Nancy Wilstach

DESIGN

Connor Bucy Jamie Dawkins Kate Sullivan

MARKETING

Kristy Brown Kari George Rachel Henderson Daniel Holmes Rhett McCreight Kim McCulla Nick McKnight Lindsay Milligan Viridiana Romero Kerrie Thompson

ADMINISTRATION Hailey Dolbare Mary Jo Eskridge Katie McDowell Stacey Meadows Tim Prince

Carmen Brown, Writer Carmen Shea Brown is a freelance writer and copy editor originally from Ozark, Ala. She received her bachelor’s degree in public relations and her master’s in journalism at the University of Alabama, where she also taught writing courses for two years. She has written for several publications including Hoover’s Magazine, Birmingham Business Journal, Tuscaloosa Magazine and the Executive. She loves writing about health, fitness and music.

Lindsay Dyess, Writer Originally from south Alabama, Lindsay Dyess moved to Shelby County in 2008 to finish her Bachelor of Fine Arts at the University of Montevallo.

She began volunteering at the Shelby County Arts Council shortly after college and joined the staff in 2016. She also works part-time as a barista and freelance writer and artist. In her spare time she enjoys making and selling art, photography, and playing the ukulele.

Dawn Harrison, Photographer Dawn Harrison is a freelance photographer out of Birmingham. She grew up and put down roots off of 280, where she lives with her wonderful husband, five kids, one son-in-law, two grandkids, three dogs, two cats, eight cows and two ducks. When she isn’t taking pictures, you can find her burning up 280 getting to various school and sporting events, or hanging out in carpool lines. She feels extremely blessed to be a part of the publication and to continue to meet such inspiring members of our community.

Jeffrey Rease, Photographer Jeffrey Rease is a full-time commercial, landscape, portrait and wedding photographer. His work has been featured in B-Metro, Outdoor Alabama and other local publications. Born and raised in Birmingham, he loves the South, but enjoys mixing in some photographic travel opportunities in the Colorado Rockies and wherever his dreams and camera can take him.

His awesome talented wife Lesa often assists on his photo shoots. And he has three amazing kids.

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

Shelby Living Magazine 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 $20.59 for one year by visiting ShelbyLiving.com or calling (205) 669-3131, ext. 532.

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

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FROM THE EDITOR

I ON THE COVER

It’s easy to watch the news or have a conversation with someone about current events and to start thinking the bad outweighs the good around us. Just based on the people we come into contact with while working on each magazine issue, I can tell you that’s not true. The good is everywhere, if you really look. Even in the wake of tragedy, there are people—people like resident Keli Lynch-Wright and her son, Ashton— who jump into action to help strangers near and far get back on their feet after losing everything.

Keli talked to Shelby Living contributor Carmen Brown this month about why she and her son decided to found an organization that distributes comfort kits to families that have lost their homes and belongings in natural disasters. Watching Ashton deliver a kit to a Birmingham resident who had survived a fire two years ago brought Keli to tears. She saw how one act of kindness, one person willing to reach through the wreckage and say, “I’ve been there, and you’re going to be OK,” could have a ripple effect.

Another person we found spreading kindness is Lucy Farmer. When she started her home-based jewelry line, Lucy’s Inspired, in 2015, she adopted the mantra “Inspired to Give” and the idea that you could use something as simple as a chandelier prism necklace to connect with someone and inspire her to do the same, creating a pay-it-forward type of kindness cycle. In addition, sales from certain pieces of Lucy’s Inspired jewelry benefit local nonprofit organizations. Imagine if more of us channeled Lucy’s mantra and combined what we’re passionate about with a philanthropic mindset.

The next time you feel discouraged by the bad, take a minute to look around and talk to someone and find the good—or be the person to create it. And when you do, please share your story with us.

emily.sparacino@shelbyliving.com

At home

Dona Bullock enjoys sharing her custom home in Mt Laurel with her dog, Princess Poppy, and the many guests she invites over regularly.

Photo by Jeff Rease Design by Jamie Dawkins

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ShelbyLiving.com Subscribe to our newsletter Get the latest on Shelby County events and happenings—plus our favorite pieces of local inspiration—delivered to your inbox biweekly. Sign up at ShelbyLiving.com.

ONLINE EXCLUSIVE

JEFF REASE

Extra: The Bullock Home

See more photos from this month’s stunning home feature at ShelbyLiving.com! facebook.com/shelbylivingmagazine

@shelbylivingmagazine

@shelbylivingmag

Honored to be featured in the #foodanddrink section of Shelby Living this month! @highlandgourmetscones via Instagram in July

Brought to you by www.sidewalkfest.com

lumadentristry.com McCalla / Hoover / Centerville / Montevallo

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THE SIMPLE LIFE

Do More With Less Have you ever felt that we live in a time of constant change, yet some things never change? Conversations around the challenges of overflowing closets, cramped living spaces and clutter could be the same conversation our parents had 20 years ago. The same problem exists today. We have stuff that we’re attached to for emotional and practical reasons, yet when is enough enough?

Duplicates. Three ladders, eight sets of sheets and 13 thermal cups in 13 gorgeous colors. All of this drains you of time and energy because it all has to be cleaned, stored, organized and moved from time to time. Pare down the excess.

Kitchen items. With limited cabinet space, take into consideration the expense of purchasing and storing appliances with one purpose like a Owner of SimpleWorks, pasta maker, bread machine and ice Simpleworks.guru cream maker. Determine how you lisa@simpleworks.guru cook and look for multi-purpose 205.981.7733 appliances like an instant pot which takes the place of at least four other things. Also, consider the space needed to store items when buying in bulk. If you have no room to keep a gallon of olive oil, then don’t buy it. You’ll pay the price either way, in space or money.

Impulses. Have you ever bought something or acquired it from Grandma, brought it home, and then asked yourself why?

Sometimes we look at the immediate gratification while losing sight of the long-term repercussions. Step back and take a breath next time a Fourth of July T-shirt is on clearance. Consider the space to store it for 364 days in order to look cute for one day a year from now.

Visual and mental clutter. Think about a garage sale. You probably spent many weeks going through cabinets of dishes, undoing boxes that were marked “just in case,” washing and folding clothes no one can fit into, and then pricing the things that still had the original price tag attached. Nothing feels as good as when you pull things from your home that you’re no longer using or loving and giving it a new home by donating or selling it.

Time, space, energy and money—consider these four things when thinking about the over-abundance of things in your life. Do you have time to care for it and clean it? Where are you going to put it? Do you have the energy to look at it each day and to use it?

Is it worth the money to store it? Save the money (and time, space, and energy) and go take a vacation. Just don’t bring home a snow globe to sit on the mantle that ends up in next year’s garage sale.

It’s that simple.

Lisa Phillips

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#ShelbyLivingMagazine

Tag us in your Shelby County photos on Instagram, and we’ll pick our favorites to regram and publish on this page in each issue.

@northshelbylibrary #choppedIronThroat the Dessert round has started!! #yummy #teenprogramming #teenfood #summerreading #publiclibrary #librariansofinstagram

@umdanceteam Congratulations to the University of Montevallo Cheer Team and all of their hard work at camp! We are so proud of you guys! Go Falcons!!

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@vfs_alabama We’re so excited to see our school counselors and sponsors tomorrow at our 10th Annual Backpack Buddies Party! #BackToSchool

@city_of_pelham_al Calling all Food Trucks!! Mark your calendar for Palooza in the Park 2019!! https://bit.ly/2umJkbh Swamp Monster BBQ El Taco Truck 900 Degrees Catering Frios Gourmet Pops - Birmingham Chubbfathers City Bowls MELT Birmingham Hammer’s Hotdogs Paradise Chow

THE GUIDE

TINGLEWOOD FESTIVAL SEPT. 8 ALL DAY ORR PARK A festival of Shavings, Smoke and Sound – that’s the Tinglewood Festival. This free, one-day art and entertainment event in Montevallo will feature artists, carvers, craftsmen and others working with wood. Live music and food will round out the festivities.

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THE GUIDE WHAT TO DO IN SHELBY COUNTY SEPT. 1 Lego Play North Shelby Library 10 a.m.

SEPT. 5 Family Storytime with Mr. Mac North Shelby Library 10:45 a.m.

SEPT. 6 Mt Laurel Book Club – The Bettencourt Affair Mt Laurel Library 7 p.m.

SEPT. 7 Mt Laurel Toddler Tales Mt Laurel Library 10 a.m.

SEPT. 8

Little G Weevil with 2blu 7:30 P.M. SHELBY COUNTY ARTS COUNCIL Based out of Atlanta, Georgia, Weevil is a highly esteemed member of the worldwide blues community. He won the Blues Foundation’s International Blues Challenge in 2013, and has been nominated for a Blues Music Award and a Blues Blast Music Award. He has released five well-received albums and toured across the globe. Special guests are 2blu (Bruce Andrews and George Dudley). Tickets are $20.

SEPT. 16

Dolores Hydock: Under the Influence 2 P.M. SHELBY COUNTY ARTS COUNCIL Hear stories about folks who’ve had Dolores “under their influence,” including Dr. Ruth, a high-powered company CEO, an assortment of childhood guides, her mom and some hairy new friends. Tickets are $20. Doors open at 1:30 p.m.

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SEPT. 7 Mt Laurel Storytime Mt Laurel Library 11 a.m.

SEPT. 10 Middle Grade Book Club Chelsea Public Library 5 p.m.

SEPT. 12 Family Storytime with Mr. Mac North Shelby Library 10:45 a.m.

SEPT. 13 Color Therapy for Adults North Shelby Library 6 p.m.

SEPT. 15 Mt Laurel Crafty Saturday Mt Laurel Library 10 a.m.

SEPT. 17 Soil Sampling Program Shelby County Extension Office 12 p.m.

SEPT. 17 Mt Laurel Knitting Club Mt Laurel Library 6 p.m.

THE GUIDE SEPT. 17 Lost and Found Treasures of America Pelham Public Library 6:30 p.m.

SEPT. 19 Family Storytime with Mr. Mac North Shelby Library 10:45 a.m.

SEPT. 19 Teen Homeschool Art Club North Shelby Library 2:30 p.m.

SEPT. 20 Understanding Medicare Seminar Pelham Public Library 12 p.m.

SEPT. 20 NSL Book Club North Shelby Library 10:30 a.m.

SEPT. 21 Mt Laurel Toddler Tales Mt Laurel Library 10 a.m.

SEPT. 21 Mt Laurel Storytime Mt Laurel Library 11 a.m.

SEPT. 25 Manga Art Class Pelham Public Library 6 p.m.

SEPT. 25 Mt Laurel Picture Book Club Mt Laurel Library 10:30 a.m.

SEPT. 26 Family Storytime with Mr. Mac North Shelby Library 10:45 a.m.

SEPT. 26 Drop-In Craft – Johnny Appleseed Day North Shelby Library 10 a.m.

SEPT. 29 Mt Laurel Lego Club Mt Laurel Library 11 a.m.

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Harvest of Hope Luncheon 11:30 A.M. THE CLUB IN BIRMINGHAM This is the 12th Annual Harvest of Hope Luncheon benefitting Oak Mountain Mission Ministries. A silent auction will start at 10 a.m., followed by the luncheon at 11:30 a.m. Oak Mountain Mission Ministries is a non-profit that provides food, clothing, furniture and financial assistance to those in need in Shelby County and the greater Birmingham area.

SEPT. 30

Music of the Mines, Mills and Railroads 2 P.M. NORTH SHELBY LIBRARY Scholar Karen Utz, curator of Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark, will give this presentation related to the 1999 educational resource titled “Spirit of Steel: Music of the Mines, Railroads and Mills of the Birmingham District.”

The focus of the book centers on the labor-related music of the Birmingham district. Music of the Mines presents the histories and personal recollections of the musicians and their families, and an outstanding array of recordings.

SEPTEMBER

ValloCycle MONTEVALLO If you’re a member of the Montevallo community, you’re eligible to join ValloCycle, the city-wide bike share program. Members can participate in cycling activities throughout the year, and utilize a variety of rental bicycles around the city. The current membership term goes through Dec. 31.

To get involved, go to cityofmontevallo.com/275/ ValloCycle, complete the membership form and send it to Montevallo City Hall.

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THE GUIDE AROUND TOWN SEPT. 6 Three Dog Night Alabama Theatre SEPT. 7 Steven Curtis Chapman SCC Solo The Lyric Theatre SEPT. 7-9 PAW Patrol Live! Race To The Rescue BJCC Concert Hall SEPT. 8 The Brisket Belt Tour StarDome Comedy Club 7 p.m.

FAITH

In it to WinShape 2018 The WinShape Camp hosted by Double Oak Community Church has grown each year, this year to include 377 campers for a week full of fun and faith. WinShape, an Atlantabased camp program established in 1985, includes 11 different teams traveling to more than 100 different communities across the country and partnering with local churches like Double Oak, Camp Director Emily Peters says. The camp presents an opportunity for children and their families to interact with churches.

All-American Honor

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SEPT. 10 Helping Hands Hoover Public Library 3-8:30 p.m.

SEPT. 11-13 Dyon Brooks StarDome Comedy Club 7:30 p.m.

SEPT. 12 Jammin’ on the Plaza Hoover Public Library 7-8:30 p.m.

OMHS

Oak Mountain High School senior Trey Allen (Raymond Allen, III) is accustomed to wearing his school colors – red, white, and blue – but now, the track star has even more reason to sport the nation’s colors. “I started the New Balance Outdoor Track & Field competition with a personal goal to jump 7 feet, and to take back home the All-American title to make my parents and coaches proud.

Once most Jumpers were all out, I realized I was an All-American. When I looked on the

SEPT. 9 Sofia Talvik Hoover Public Library 2:30-3:45 p.m.

SEPT. 13 Portugal The Man BJCC Concert Hall SEPT. 13 Bobby Horton Presents Songs and Stories of the Civil War Samford Wright Center SEPT. 13 ASO Unwined: Mendelssohn’s Italian Symphony Alys Stephens Center sidelines and saw tears falling down my mom’s face, I knew I had made her proud.”

Allen participates on the track and the football teams at OMHS.

SEPT. 13-30 Hello, Dolly!

Virginia Samford Theatre

THE GUIDE SEPT. 14 k.d. lang Alys Stephens Center SEPT. 20 I Love the 60s Trivia Night Hoover Public Library 7-8:30 p.m.

SEPT. 21 Birmingham Does Broadway Alabama Symphony Orchestra Samford Wright Center SEPT. 21-22+28-29 At Home Presented by Alabama Ballet Alabama Ballet Center for Dance SEPT. 22 Head Over Teal 5K and Fall Festival The Preserve in Hoover 8 a.m.

SEPT. 27-29 St. George Middle Eastern Food Festival St. George Greek-Catholic Milkite Church SEPT. 28 The Land of Yangalele Alys Stephens Center SEPT. 28 Tim Hawkins Live with Dustin Nickerson Samford Wright Center SEPT. 29 Irondale Whistle Stop Festival Historic Downtown Irondale SEPT. 29 Fiesta Linn Park SEPT. 29-30 Great Southern Gun & Knife Show BJCC Exhibition Hall SEPT. 30 Rickie Lee Jones with Special Guest Anders Osborne Alys Stephens Center

SCOUTS

Eagle Scouts Recognized An Eagle Scout Court of Honor ceremony was held June 3 to recognize Manish Nagaraj, Evan Trueb, David Shannon and John Oliver Thompson as they achieved Scout’s highest honor, Eagle Scout. They are members of Greystone Troop 119, sponsored by Somerby at St. Vincent’s One Nineteen. These four young men began their scouting journey as Tiger Cub Scouts with Pack 119. Collectively, they earned 98 merit badges. They were inducted into the Coosa Lodge of the Order of the Arrow.

LIBRARY

Launching a Book Club The Albert L. Scott Library in Alabaster is launching a children’s book club with funding from a recent grant. The library is the recipient of the 2018 Virginia Hamilton and Arnold Adoff Creative Outreach Grant awarded by the Advisory Board of the Virginia Hamilton Conference at Kent State University in Kent, Ohio.

The $1,000 grant is to launch the library’s new Wonder Kids’ Book Club, a monthly club that will showcase the books of the late awardwinning author Virginia Hamilton and her husband, award-winning author and poet Arnold Adoff. The first session is called

“Terrific Talents” and will meet on Sept. 11 at 6 p.m. A surprise guest will share balloon sculpting. Each club member will receive one of Hamilton’s books to keep.

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THE GUIDE ECCS

U.S. Coast Guard Academy Graduate Silas Ross Garrett has graduated from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy with a Bachelor of Science in Naval Architecture Engineering and a commission as an ensign.

Ross is the son of James and Sheri Garrett of Columbiana, and a graduate of Evangel Classical Christian School.

MISS AL

Persistence Pays Off A three-year journey to being crowned Miss Alabama was no easy feat for Oak Mountain High School graduate Callie Walker, who shared her story with the staff of Southland International Trucks in Homewood in July. Winning Miss Alabama’s Outstanding Teen Pageant in 2012, Callie was one of the youngest girls to be crowned. When she participated in the Miss Alabama pageant for the first time, she was named first runner-up. The next year, after feeling like she’d done everything she could have to prepare, Callie was named first runner-up again. She decided to compete one last time, and this was her winning year!

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SCHOOLS

Scholarships Awarded The Shelby County Education Association works to promote and serve the teachers and students of all Shelby County Schools, and as part of this effort, the group awards scholarships each year. The $1,000 scholarships go to teacher members who are pursuing an advanced degree in their education field, and to the graduating seniors of active members. This year’s winning application and recipient of the SCEA Member Scholarship is Chris Collins, a resident of Chelsea and a science teacher and golf coach at Oak Mountain High School. He is working on his Education Specialist degree through the University of Alabama. The SCEA awarded two scholarships this year to graduating seniors: Audrey Rushing, Chelsea High School, and Wes Howard, Vincent High School. Pictured from left are Wes Howard, Audrey Rushing, Dr. Donna Strong (president of the Shelby County Education Association) and Chris Collins.

COMMUNITY

New Club Growth Director Pelham resident Wanda Spillers DTM was elected Club Growth Director for District 77 Toastmasters International at the annual spring conference. A large part of her new district role is marketing Toastmasters and creating new clubs. Since 1924, Toastmasters International has been the world’s largest organization committed to developing communication and leadership skills. To learn more, visit toastmasters.org.

&CULTURE

ARTS

INSPIRE TO GIVE This mantra is also the heart of Lucy Farmer’s home-based jewelry line.

BY CARMEN BROWN PHOTOS BY DAWN HARRISON ShelbyLiving.com

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Lucy Farmer was working as creative director for Southern Accents Architectural Techniques helping with social media, showing people how to re-purpose vintage doorknobs, keys, old flooring, chandeliers and the like. When she made her first necklace using a chandelier prism, a skeleton key and a leather cord, it was just for fun, and just for herself. But when a friend complimented her on the beautiful piece, she did something unexpected: She took it off and gave it to her.

That random act of kindness had a ripple effect.

“My friend wanted four more necklaces to give as gifts, so I made them, and then she came back and wanted 10 more to give as Christmas presents,” Farmer says. “I started making them over and over again, and I started selling them wholesale to stores and craft shows. Pretty soon, they were coming to me.”

This “Inspire to Give” mantra became the foundation for her home-based jewelry line, Lucy’s Inspired, which she began in October 2015.

“If someone gives you a compliment or shares a story, you can do this to remind them that ShelbyLiving.com

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they’re important,” she says. “Even if you never give it away, wear it as a reminder to yourself that you’re important.”

Sales from three different pieces of Lucy’s Inspired jewelry go to benefit three area nonprofit organizations.

Sales from the Inspire to Give chandelier prism necklace, based on the original design that Farmer had made, benefits the Wellhouse, a local organization that assists victims of sex trafficking. The second and third are Inspire to Give tagged beaded bracelets made in memory of two Birmingham young women who were daughters of Farmer’s close friends. The Gabby bracelet is in memory of Gabriella Maria Menotti, who passed away at age 11 after a lifelong battle with mitochondrial disease.

“

It’s more about the message than the jewelry.

”

- Lucy Farmer

“Her mom made bracelets, so we talked about how we could put tags on them that said Gabby, so that would give people a chance to talk about her daughter,” she says.

The third tagged bracelet is in honor of Madison McManus, who was lost her life in a car accident at age 16. Sales go to the Birmingham Crisis Center.

“She suffered from depression, so her mother thought that would be an organization that her daughter would have wanted to help,” she

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THE FACE OF A

CURE

ChildrensAL.org/committedtoacure

THE ALABAMA CENTER FOR CHILDHOOD CANCER AND BLOOD DISORDERS is committed to finding a cure for Christian and the more than 1,500 children each year who come to us for care. At our Center, more than 300 dedicated pediatric healthcare professionals provide exceptional patient care, education and research.

We are a founding member of the Children’s Oncology Group * — a worldwide clinical trials organization supported by the National Cancer Institute.

PROGRESS IN THE FIGHT FOR A CURE l 84% of children diagnosed with cancer in 2018 will be cured. l State-of-the-art screenings have reduced the rate of stroke in sickle cell patients by 90%. (Sickle cell disease is the leading cause of stroke in children). l Expanded programs help children re-enter school and normal life. l We are limiting the late effects of treatments and developing innovative therapies — making real progress in the fight against childhood cancer and blood disorders.

We are COMMITTED to a CURE for all children — down the street and around the world.

*The Children’s Oncology group is a clinical - translational trials organization with more than 9,000 experts worldwide dedicated to finding better cures and improving the outcomes for all children with cancer.

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INSPIRE TO GIVE After Lucy Farmer started giving her chandelier prism necklaces to people as gifts of kindness, she created the mantra “Inspire to Give” and used it to launch her home-based jewelry line, Lucy’s Inspired Jewelry, in 2015. Lucy took it one step further, designating the sales from various pieces of the jewelry line to benefit three area non-profit organizations. Want to “get one to wear and one to share?” Visit Lucysinspired.com or Lucy’s Inspired on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest.

says. “Each one comes with a card and a phone number people can call if they need to talk.

“It’s a way for us to remember these girls. Even though they’re not here they will continue to be a blessing to someone.”

Lucy’s Inspired recently collaborated with Andi Andrew, a pastor and author in New York City.

“We reached out to her as an influencer to help us promote Lucy’s Inspired when she wrote her first book, ‘She is Free,’ and we sent her a kit,” Farmer says. “Then she asked if we would help promote her second book, ‘Fake or Follower.’”

Lucy’s Inspired is made up of a staff of only three: herself, full-time jewelry maker Domenga Mateo and customer service assistant and “helper of everything” Jeanine DiCaprio.

As Lucy’s Inspired continues to spread its message, eventually she may have to hire more staff and expand, but Farmer is taking it one day at a time.

“It’s more about the message than the jewelry,” Farmer says. “That is the best part of this and really where my passion is.”

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ARTS COUNCIL CORNER

A CASE OF THE BLUES

Little G Weevil is poised to please a local audience with his award-winning blues music.

BY LINDSAY DYESS PHOTO BY JOY ANDREWS Music knows no boundaries. No matter where you’re from, music has a way of bringing people from all walks of life together. Although the blues are rooted in the South, it is appreciated the world over. Hungarian born bluesman Little G Weevil has found his niche with a funky blues sound. After falling in love with the sound of the blues, Little G formed a band and eventually moved to the United States. He lived and played gigs around the South, and it eventually paid off with a steady gig on Beale Street in Memphis, Tennessee.

Since then, he has gone on to record six albums and win numerous awards in recognition of his talent including the 2016 Independent Blues Award Nominee “Acoustic Blues Album of the Year” for “Three Chords Too Many,” and the 2014 HANOSZ Award Recipient “Musician of the Year,” as well as several other awards.

It’s no wonder he has earned so many awards; his sound is unlike any other. It’s blues meets electric guitar, all topped off with a rich, soulful voice. He even works elements of rap and hip-hop into his eclectic music. It just makes you want to groove. There is a little something for everyone in his music.

Recently, Little G performed at the 2018 Shelby County Shindig in Columbiana. Now he returns to the intimate Black Box Theater at the Shelby County Arts Council for a special performance also featuring the 2Blu Duo. Join us on Saturday, Sept.

8 and see this talented musician live! Doors open at 7 p.m., and the show starts at 7:30 p.m. Join us when the doors open for a complimentary preshow beverage reception. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at shelbycountyartscouncil.com.

Be sure to check out other fun events happening all September long at the SCAC. There’s something for everyone. On Sunday, Sept. 16, storyteller Dolores Hydock is back with “Under the Influence: Stories and Life Lessons from Unforgettable

EVENT DETAILS WHAT: Little G Weevil performs WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 8 at 7:30 p.m.

WHERE: Shelby County Arts Council COST: Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at shelbycountyartscouncil.com.

People.” Doors open at 1:30 p.m., and the show starts at 2 p.m. Tickets are $20. Also returning to the stage on Sept. 30 is Texasissippi musician Danny Brooks featuring Rock Killough and Rick Carter. Doors open at 1:30 p.m., and the show starts at 2 p.m. Tickets are $20. Support the arts in your community and join us for one of our great shows, exhibits or art classes. For more information on these events and all things SCAC, visit shelbycountyartscouncil.com or call (205) 669-0044.

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THE AMERICAN VILLAGE

STEPPING INTO HISTORY

School field trips at the American Village give students an up-close glimpse of pivotal moments in America’s early years.

BY MELANIE POOLE PHOTO CONTRIBUTED The American Village does some of its most important work through its role as a unique Pre-K–12 classroom.

Partnering with public, private and home school leaders and educators, the American Village welcomes tens of thousands of school visitors annually.

Educational programs are designed to immerse and engage young people in some of America’s important founding stories, and once engaged, to draw them into discovering their own roles as citizens and leaders who are stewards of America’s liberty. In the 18-year history of the American Village, more than 650,000 students have become immersed as firsthand participants, personally caught up in the excitement and drama of America’s revolutionary experience.

Students of all ages are fully engaged in programs grounded in critical academic content. The students also are intrigued and captivated as they “step into the scene” of stories of the past which become real, personal and relevant. This is an intimate, personal and authentic encounter with some of the people of America’s past, helping students understand who we are as Americans today. By learning of the foundations of American selfgovernment, these students are preparing themselves to take on what has been called the most important office in our land, that of citizen.

The American Village’s signature educational program is Liberty! and is specially designed for fifth grade United States history. This compelling program begins as students gather in 22 ShelbyLiving.com

front of the Colonial Courthouse. A contemporary staff member outlines the logistics of the school program and ends with a smiling encouragement for students to participate. The students become part of a 1765 protest against the Stamp Act. They quickly jump into the scene, becoming incensed at the audacity of the Chancellor of the Exchequer to send stamp masters to these colonies. Before long they are shouting in unison, “No taxation without representation!”

Suddenly it is April 1775, and muffled drums grab everyone’s attention—the British “regulars” are on the move!— and a British officer demands the colonists stand down and let the Redcoats pass so they may secure the colonial armaments at Lexington and Concord. Then out of view a shot is fired, one heard ‘round the world, and that for these startled students signals a riveting moment in their own revolutionary experience.

The Fifth Virginia Convention is called to order this 15th day in the year of our Lord 1776. The students have

assigned roles – some are loyalists, some patriots and others undecided.

Student-Patrick Henry reads his proposed resolves for Virginia’s independence, and they are vigorously debated. Carefully the Clerk invites them to contrast their experience in the mother country and in the colony, to consider the choices (and consequences) confronting them. In history the resolves were adopted unanimously; will that be the case this day?

It’s off to Washington’s Army and the winning of the American Revolution. Popular among students, they drill earnestly to win the praise of their sergeant. Along the way these youthful patriots learn powerful lessons of service and sacrifice for country. And in the end they leave more aware and respectful of those who protect our liberty. To book a classroom visit for students or home school group, visit americanvillage.org and click on the American Village Classroom tab. Reservations are accepted through the website.

SCHOOL

&SPORTS

SEARCHING FOR A FATHER

Bryant Wood looks to make a difference after a rough childhood.

BY ALEC ETHEREDGE PHOTOS BY LARRY DANCY, DAWN HARRISON AND CONTRIBUTED ShelbyLiving.com

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B

Bryant Wood’s journey is one shaped by two fathers: one he is still searching for, and one he has found.

The senior soccer player for Briarwood Christian School had a biological father who was bitter and angry as a result of his dad not treating him well, leading him to lash out at Bryant, his mom and his three siblings.

With his father always yelling, throwing things and getting angry, Bryant felt as if he had to tiptoe around him to get any sense of peace. But despite his attempts to avoid trouble, Bryant’s “pretend safe” didn’t help him escape a house that was in turmoil.

He still heard the screaming and the yelling and saw the fights that often ended in tackles to the ground, things being thrown or someone being pushed up against the wall.

It led to Bryant seeking out a new father figure, but it felt like everyone he turned to ended up being forced out of his life until he turned to the true father.

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HIS LOST FATHER Carrying anger from his father’s treatment, almost like an infection, Bryant’s biological dad created nothing short of a terrifying environment for Bryant and his siblings.

“Some of my first memories of my dad are him yelling and throwing stuff,” Bryant says. “I remember one time, me and my brother were out in the yard doing yard work, and he started screaming and yelling at us for doing one little thing wrong. At that point we didn’t want to listen to it anymore, and so we went inside to our upstairs bedroom to get away from it. My dad came upstairs screaming and yelling and mainly targeted my brother.”

Bryant says his dad got right in his brother’s face and started yelling at the top of his lungs at him before eventually pushing him up against a wall.

“The fear from something like that is just something that

kind of stays with you for a long time,” Bryant says.

His story is full of different horrifying events just like that throughout his childhood.

One scene he describes sounds like one out of a horror movie.

“There were a lot of times where my dad would just throw things around the house,” he says. “I remember one time where he threw an air freshener can across the room and it slammed into the chandelier above our kitchen table. It shattered the chandelier and as the pieces of glass fell to the ground, all I remember is seeing my mom standing behind it on the other side.

That’s something that is still etched into my mind.”

Eventually it got to a boiling point where Bryant’s brother and their father got into a physical confrontation that ended in his brother tackling his dad to the ground and telling him to get out of the house.

“Just seeing how my dad failed me throughout my younger life and still kind of continues to do so has had a huge impact on me,” he says. “I didn’t feel much love and felt alone. The idea of a father-son relationship is so crucial to kids, and I didn’t have that.”

It led to Bryant doing some stupid things growing up to try and fill that emptiness inside of him, but his mom’s courage and Camp Briarwood helped him through it.

HIS MOM Before he was able to find his true father, Bryant was able to hold a stable life thanks to his courageous mom, who became an inspiration to him.

“Thank goodness the Lord put my mother in my life,” he says. “She was really that one solid anchor that I always had to look toward.”

His mom became the mother and the father, and the person that Bryant went to when he needed any sort of

advice.

“She had dealt with my dad for so many years with so much patience and endurance, hoping and praying that he would eventually get better,” Bryant says. “She was able to handle it for so long until the time came that they needed a divorce, but even through that she was so strong.”

Her courage and strength inspired Bryant, who recalled writing a paper his freshman year of high school about his hero.

“I remember looking back and saying my hero is my mom,” he says. “I remember thinking about that and thinking how many people call their mom Bryant with his mother on Senior Night. their hero. It was such an easy decision though because of everything she went through even more than I did.”

HIS REAL FATHER Growing up, Bryant went to Camp Briarwood every summer, which became a week that allowed him to get away from home and be happy, free and a true kid.

In July 2013, that camp changed his life forever when he found a new father that started to put his life into perspective.

“I remember singing a song called ‘Sanctuary,’” Bryant says. “It talks about trying to be a sanctuary for the Lord and being a cup for him to fill. I remember thinking back to that moment and thinking how empty my heart was and how it needed something to fill it.”

Bryant remembers crying at the end of the night, knowing that his life was changing for the better. He couldn’t wait to get home and share the news with his mom, who was joyful that her son had found his new father in the Lord.

PEOPLE IN HIS LIFE While things were starting to get better in his life, Wood still couldn’t help but wonder why he had to deal with so many difficult situations growing up and why other father ShelbyLiving.com

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figures continued to go in and out of his life.

“When I was younger, my siblings were really protective and we all looked out for each other,” he says. “Then as we grew up, my brother went into the army and my sister went off to college, which just left me and my other brother Matt.

“It seemed like every time I tried to look for a father figure, they just got pulled out of my life a little bit.”

Matt, who was three years older than Bryant, ended up being the person that turned that around.

Bryant, who is an extrovert that dresses different from everybody and is very vocal, says he got a lot of his characteristics from Matt. Whether it be the crazy patterned socks he wears with his pants rolled up, the briefcase he carries, his wild hair or the red, white and blue head band he wears at every soccer game, Bryant says his older brother had an impact on it.

“He was one of the first people to ever roll up his pants legs, and I immediately said ‘I like that,’ and started doing it myself,” Bryant says. “He was just his own person and helped me find myself.”

As soon as Matt graduated from Briarwood to go off on his path, the school hired Shawn Brower as its next soccer coach. He eventually became the next role model and father figure in Bryant’s life.

“If you didn’t know his story, you’d think life had been perfect for him,” Brower said. “He’s always so happy and positive. He chooses to deliberately focus on the positive and use what God has given him.”

Briarwood soccer team. It quickly led to Bryant being a part of more than just a soccer team, but more of a brotherhood—something that gave him even more support and stability in his life. After one year on the varsity team, Bryant earned the right of being the team’s captain his junior year.

“It wasn’t a hard decision to make him captain, but I still gave the team an opportunity to vote on who they wanted to lead the team,” Brower says. “He was on every player’s ballot as someone they wanted to follow. It’s rare to have a junior captain, but he embraced it.”

His “get-after-it attitude” leads to Bryant boosting morale by yelling encouragement at his teammates, or falling to the ground from hustling after every ball.

During his first year as captain, Bryant helped the team get all the way to the Class 4A-5A state championship game, where the Lions lost a heartbreaking 3-2 game to Randolph.

A picture from the game captures Bryant kneeling down with his head in his palms, overcome with emotion after the difficult loss, while one of his friends pats him on the shoulder. Bryant set the picture as the background on his iPhone to remind him of that disappointing end to the season so he would be hungrier than ever to chase down the title in 2018.

SOCCER AS AN ESCAPE

Wood has put plenty of thought into what the future holds for him. It wasn’t difficult for the 4.0 student to get into college. He is playing soccer at Covenant College and is working toward his career

Brower’s entrance into the Briarwood program also marked Bryant’s first year as a starter for the

THE FUTURE

Bryant Wood, left, with Dr. Shawn Brower.

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goal of becoming a youth minister.

“I always asked and wondered what a man of God looked like,” Bryant says. “Coach Brower is now the first person that comes to mind. He’s the greatest example of what a man of God should be, and he set such a good example for me, which is why I want to go be a Bible teacher.”

He was lost for a long time in his life, and what Brower and others at Briarwood did to help him get a sense of confidence and pride is something he wants to do for other kids who have had a difficult past. “I want to help kids that are lost and don’t really know what to do with their lives because of unfortunate circumstances,” he says.

Sharing his story is something he now looks forward to because of the impact it can have on others. “I used to be scared to open up and share my story, but honestly bottling it up and keeping it inside felt worse. Keeping something bundled up really tears you apart. It’s like razors to your heart. You have to have somebody to talk to, and I want to be that person for a lot of people.”

Bryant says there are many options for him to work as a youth minister, whether it be working in the inner city, with fatherless kids or coming back to Briarwood at some point. But no matter where he ends up, his main goal is to change lives.

“I only got a snapshot of who he is,” Brower says. “He’s such a special kid that’s been through so much that I can’t wait to see where he is in 10 years. I just know he is going to impact so many people in such a special way.”

It’s not the childhood any of us wish for or envy, but it’s one Bryant is using to make a difference in the world.

“If I waste everything that I’ve had and the story I’ve been given to share, I’ll be doing an injustice not just to the Lord, but also my mom who sacrificed so much for me,” he says.

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READ THIS BOOK

Books We Both Like Recommendations from

Nicole and David Conrad

Nicole and David Conrad grew up in Panama City, Florida, and met in high school. They moved to Birmingham to attend Samford University and have never left. Fifteen years of marriage and two children later, David and Nicole both teach at Briarwood Christian High School across the hall from one another.

David and Goliath

By Malcolm Gladwell Gladwell has a unique and compelling ability to examine seemingly mundane aspects of life and reveal how the world does not operate the way we often assume it does. Through a series of vignettes ranging from girls’ youth basketball to unrest in Northern Ireland, Gladwell questions our preconceptions of power and shows how weakness can be strength.

The Harry Potter Series

By JK Rowling Certainly an entertaining page-turner, but beyond that this series illuminates themes of good versus evil, love, self-sacrifice and what it means to be truly human. It’s a series that can be shared across generations and is immersive and enjoyable whether it’s your first time reading them or your 51st.

The Road

By Cormac McCarthy The bleak dystopian setting of McCarthy’s novel communicates vividly his view of the darkness man is capable of in the absence of society. The darkness of the setting is punctuated by a redemptive and persevering love of a father and son trying to “carry the fire” of goodness and light in a dark world.

The Prodigal God

By Tim Keller Keller reframes the oft-examined parable of the prodigal son through the eyes of the older brother who stayed behind. The gospel of grace is for both the prodigal son and the bitter, rule-following elder son.

Just Mercy

By Bryan Stevenson Written by Bryan Stevenson, founder of the Equal Justice Initiative based in Montgomery, Just Mercy tells the story of Walter McMillian, a man wrongly accused and incarcerated on death row for six years. Through McMillian’s case and others, Stevenson gives insight into the justice system and the everyday biases that color our perceptions of others.

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&DRINK

FOOD

PERFECTING PASTA

The foundation of Linda Croley’s business, Bare Naked Noodles, hasn’t changed. The location has.

BY EMILY SPARACINO PHOTOS BY KAREEM BASHIR ShelbyLiving.com

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I

If Hoover resident Linda Croley learned one thing from her Italian grandmother, it’s that the taste of pasta can make or break a meal.

When she decided to switch careers and follow her long-time dream of owning an eatery, Linda wanted the name of her business to reflect her mastery of pasta. She enlisted the help of her friends, one of whom coined the name “Bare Naked Pasta” because Linda’s pasta “is so good it doesn’t need to get dressed.”

The name evolved into Bare Naked Noodles, but the concept—and the explanation-turned-slogan—stuck.

“We make noodles with the flavor built into them,” Linda says. “I always say it’s light as a feather. It’s made with locally sourced ingredients where possible.

It’s got a great bite.”

Linda opened her first café in an office building in Riverchase. Over the next two years, she opened two more cafés in Homewood office buildings. The only problem was the number of potential customers she was missing by not having a storefront more visible to the public.

“It just didn’t dawn on me that being in an office

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building gives you no outside exposure,” she says. “I always dreamed of having an outside storefront.”

After closing the first few locations one by one, Linda found a storefront off U.S. 280 that she sees as “the future of Bare Naked Noodles,” a model for future locations she might open. “We want them to be standalone. Really, this is a dream come true for me to have this. We’re calling this an Italian specialty market.”

The new location opened in July.

Along with about 15 catering jobs a week, Linda and her staff offer a small menu of fresh meals and salads daily, plus a variety of pre-packaged, grab-and-go entrées that people can heat when they’re ready to eat them. The daily menu features sandwiches like the turkey avocado club, chicken salad on croissant, chicken caprese panini and Bare Naked Noodles Burger; salads like the Mediterranean Greek and the Chop House Cobb; and the Pasta of the Day. The graband-go meals consist of chicken piccata, chicken marsala, lasagna, ravioli, stuffed shells and meatloaf.

“If somebody wants to pick up dinner, we’re their last stop before they get to Eagle Point or Mt Laurel,”

Linda Croley’s goal for Bare Naked Noodles was to take what her Italian grandmother taught her about crafting delicious pasta and share it with other families. She and her staff make the pasta by hand every day with locally sourced ingredients.

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Linda says. “You can always find fresh raviolis being made, and meatballs, tortellini and lasagnas.”

Although the current storefront is not a full-service restaurant with a dining room, customers who want to eat fresh meals immediately may sit at one of two patio tables on the sidewalk beside the building. Linda also sells olive oil, balsamic and jars of her Bare Naked Noodles Tomato Basil Sauce, which she says has a kick, but is devoid of added sodium, sugar and other ingredients.

“There’s nothing funky in here – no preservatives, no citric acid,” she says. “Our goal is to have another sauce out by Christmas.

The inclusion of different products in our line has been a big 32 ShelbyLiving.com

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decision. How well does it fit in with our pasta and sauce? It’s really helped us form a brand, and that’s what we want.”

Bare Naked Noodles can accommodate different diets, too, such as vegan, gluten-free, paleo, ketogenic and others. Gift baskets can be assembled with any of the packaged goods at the store, including baked goods in the pastry case, an unexpected addition made possible by Linda’s friend, Lynn Woolf, who owns Over the Top Toffee Company. Treats like lemon bars, chocolate peanut butter bars and Italian wedding cookies fill the case on a daily basis. Linda credits chef Brian Vizzina (whose family owned the former Vizzini Farms Winery) for helping her navigate the

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Oreo balls and Italian cookies are among several desserts sold daily at Bare Naked Noodles.

business and assemble a strong team. “The team has been with me through three expansions,” she says.

Working in the food industry is relatively new to Linda, but cooking isn’t. For many years, her father worked with Sky Chefs, a feeder arm for American Airlines. “I was really intrigued with food from the very beginning,” she says. “I just wanted to cook the way my grandmother cooked, but nobody encouraged me to go to cooking school. So, I had my heart set on journalism school with finance.”

She was successful in finance—and, at one point, worked on Wall Street—but cooking eventually came calling. She retired as a financial advisor for Wells Fargo in 2015. “The word retirement never came into play,” she admits. “I really just wanted to do something different. I’ve never worked this hard in my life.”

She sees Bare Naked Noodles as a tribute to her mother and grandmother – the women who instilled in her that earliest love of pasta, which, as fate would have it, became the foundation of her cooking career. “We really have a good thing going,” she says.

Bare Naked Noodles is open Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. It is located at 5511 U.S. 280, Suite 109. Bare Naked Noodles products are also sold at The Market at Pepper Place, The Market at Lee Branch, various Christmas markets, the Moss Rock Festival, and local events. For more information, visit barenakednoodles.com or @pastasogood on Facebook.

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FOOD & DRINK

5

FIVE QUESTIONS FOR

Sonia Bertolone

Bertolone’s Italian Calera PHOTO BY EMILY SPARACINO

President, creator, recipe keeper, re-inventor. These are only a few titles Sonia Bertolone holds at her restaurant, Bertolone’s Italian, which will soon grace Calera’s restaurant scene in a space just off Interstate 65 Exit 231, near Walmart. Cooking has been an inextricable part of Sonia’s life since childhood, when she watched her parents in the kitchen at home and their Italian restaurant in California.

We caught up with Sonia about what to expect from her latest restaurant venture in Shelby County.

What’s your background like in cooking and working in the restaurant industry?

I was 10 when my mom and dad opened the original Joe’s Italian in Gilroy, California. I inherited a passion for sauces and pasta making from my mom. She taught me how to bake savory breads and focaccia, sweet Italian pastries and biscotti. From my papa, I learned the ins and outs of running a business. My dad was a genius who could do long division in his head. He had a natural business savvy, and never in his life met a stranger. I operated Joe’s Italian in Gilroy, California, with mom and dad from 1997-2007. In 2008, after we moved here and my mom and dad retired, and were miserable, we opened Joe’s Italian in Alabaster. Dad passed in 2013, and we sold Joe’s to Clean Plate in 2015 and retired my mom. I’ve officially “retired” from the restaurant industry twice; the first time 2007, when we moved from California and then again in 2015 when we sold Joe’s. Both times, after a brief sabbatical, restaurants started haunting my dreams. There were dreams of my old restaurants and the 36 ShelbyLiving.com

our breads, cakes and pizzas. We also house a full Italian bar complete with old-world Italian favorite drinks like Negroni, Campari and Bellini, and we have a handcrafted ‘pull’ espresso machine complete with espresso beans that are roasted on a wood-fired What made you decide to open another roaster. location of Bertolone’s in Calera?

We are extremely popular in Clanton, but What are your personal menu favorites?

Cannelloni is my personal favorite dish. I are limited to what we can do because of the size of our building. Calera is a huge facility love the flavors and the memories of coming that will house enough space for me to do home from school to smell the nutmeg in what I’ve continually dreamed of. I’m my mamma’s kitchen when the cannelloni thrilled of the challenges that will come with was baking in oven. The filling blended with having two busy locations at the same time. the pasta shell and the bolognese and bechamela sauces is the trifecta of taste, What’s unique about this new restaurant? texture and aroma.

We’re about to reinvent Italian food.

Historically, Italian restaurants have always What do you love about your job?

I have the BEST job in the world. I feed been associated with high carbs. I started playing with old family recipes and people. Not only do I nurture their appetites, incorporating low-carb and no-carb I nurture their souls, and in return they alternatives. The outcome is incredible. On nurture mine. The people I meet become the traditional side, we started handcrafting extended family. These restaurants are my the most beautiful and delicious calzoni. We ministry. My servant heart is happy doing have done away with gas in our baking something I know I was destined to always process, and I am thrilled at the outcome on do. people who I met there. My dad would appear vividly in new restaurant ventures.

Sometimes we owned restaurants in California; other times they were in Alabama.

&STYLE

HOME

CLASSIC COMFORT

From paint colors to porches, Dona Bullock carefully chose every detail of her custom home in Mt Laurel.

BY EMILY SPARACINO PHOTOS BY JEFF REASE ShelbyLiving.com

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HOME & STYLE

O

Old and new, iron and crystal, classic and modern, open and intimate. The push-and-pull effect of contrasting styles in Dona Bullock’s custom home in Mt Laurel is exactly what she envisioned when she designed it three years ago. She wanted a balance just as much as she wanted a living space that would meet the needs of the two people who were to share it: Dona and her aging mother.

“There was so much thought into building this for her,”

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Dona says, adding she also wanted a home that’s conducive to entertaining. “That is what this house is about: gathering. I know my spiritual gift is hospitality.”

Dona created a floorplan that gave her mother as much personal living space and independence as possible without sacrificing her safety. And it gave Dona the open concept she wanted for keeping her grandchildren and entertaining friends on a regular basis. She meticulously chose every detail, right down to the placement of a Bible

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open to Deuteronomy 6 in the concrete of the front steps. “I wanted that to be the foundation when you cross the threshold,” Dona says, adding her granddaughter placed a cross on the open pages before the concrete was poured.

Although her mother was able to live in the new home with her for only a few months, it’s still an oasis for Dona to return to after working at her Birmingham salon, Joelle Salon, with her daughters. Her goal with the design and décor she has acquired over the years was to create a home as welcoming as the neighborhood itself. “I did every bit of the decorating,” she says. “I just like blending what feels good. I really wanted that cottage feel, and I wanted it to be comfortable.”

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Living Room In the room where Dona does much of her entertaining, exposed cedar beams draw the eyes up the white walls to the vaulted ceiling. A Texas white stone fireplace also shows off the room’s height. An ornate chandelier drops down from the ceiling. Gray upholstered sofas from Restoration Hardware coordinate with the Peppercorn-painted door leading to the porch.

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Front façade Like many of the interior walls, Dona chose white for the home’s exterior. She loves white, and it was a prominent color in her childhood home. The overall look of Dona’s Mt Laurel home reminds her of her former neighborhood in Hollywood as she rode her bike.

Porch This covered space is where Dona and friends can dine and relax in the shade. Beyond the porch, she enjoys her yard.

Her goal for the last three years was to plant flowers to pick and bring inside each season.

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Dining Area A table and chairs under a wood and iron chandelier comprise the dining area, which is nestled between the kitchen and living room.

Dona’s Office Right off the upstairs landing is Dona’s office area, with a large wooden desk, book shelves and a small sitting area.

BEHIND THE SCENES 42 ShelbyLiving.com

Builder: John O. Freeman Construction Company: Town Builders Architects: Melanie and Chuck Frusterio Interior Design: Dona Bullock Furniture: Restoration Hardware

Staircase An old Roman tapestry that’s been in Dona’s family for a century hangs on the wall next to the staircase.

Kitchen Dona chose marble for the countertops and backsplash in the kitchen. A crystal chandelier hangs over the island, adding even more light to the room. Wraparound windows on the front corner of the house give Dona a pleasant view of part of her street.

Butler’s Pantry The butler’s pantry-laundry room combination—resembling a long hallway—is one of the spaces Dona designed with her mother in mind.

The space is outfitted with appliances and counter space that allowed her mother to reheat refrigerated meals, make coffee and wash her clothes, but it could be closed off from the kitchen, where the stove is.

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Master Bathroom A large, stone-lined shower is just one part of the master bath. A crystal chandelier and fur-covered bench add a hint of glamour to the room.

Master Closet Dona loves her closet, and it’s not hard to see why; it’s basically a nice dressing room. She can quickly (or leisurely) choose her outfit, shoes and accessories in the cozy confines of what would be some women’s dream closet.

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Playroom Dona’s initial plans for this room were to use it as a guest room, but her brother had a different idea. The room became a space for Dona’s grandkids to play and showcase their talents during impromptu performances on the small stage installed under the window.

Master Bedroom Dona’s room was part of her mother’s suite when she lived with Dona.

French doors lead out onto a small porch, where Dona sometimes takes her morning coffee.

Grandkids’ rooms Dona’s granddaughter’s room, left, at her house is a cozy little play space with a crystal light fixture that projects patterns on the pink ceiling above and a table and stools set up for a tea party. Dona refers to the large bedroom where her grandsons, right, stay as the “fishing room.” The rug looks like water, and wall art and pillows contributed to the fishing theme. Dona loves to fish, and so do her grandsons. They often go fishing together at the lake in Mt Laurel. “This brought me back to nature and my childhood,” Dona says. “I love the lake here.”

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New Crops in Familiar Places Named this year’s Farm of Distinction, DeLoach Farms is the picture of a rich past meeting a promising future.

By Nancy Wilstach | Photos by Dawn Harrison

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Lush, healthy green fields of soybeans and corn typify today at DeLoach Farms, but this land also nourishes a unique combination of Alabama agriculture’s history and its future.

The Vincent farm can look back at a family’s stewardship that stretches to the dawn of Alabama statehood. It was founded by John Martin Sr., John DeLoach’s direct ancestor, in 1820.

John, his wife, Kate, and their son, Jess, are all justifiably proud of their farm’s heritage.

DeLoach was 13 when his grandfather died. His grandmother considered selling out, “but I told her I’d come every day after school to help.” When he graduated from Coosa Valley Academy at 16, he took over running the farm.

The Alabama Farmers Federation’s 2018 Alabama Farm of Distinction, DeLoach Farms competes in October for the title of 2018 Farm of Distinction for the Southeastern United States at a blow-out symposium in Moultrie, Ga. The droll DeLoach maintains a serious demeanor when he adds: “No, there’s no swimsuit competition.”

50 ShelbyLiving.com

“But, if there were one, John would win it,” Kate insists.

Heavy lifting, dawn-to-dusk labor, high up-front equipment investments and the relentless worry about the weather can make farming a daunting occupational choice. Yet, the DeLoaches add a sense of humor and an ability to take the long view—beyond the next drought or the next trade war.

Past confronts future here — and finds a pleasurable detente.

For example, visit a shady grove that overlooks a sun-drenched hillside. This spot is out-of-sight of the DeLoach’s present home, but it is no more than 100 yards from where the original homestead (“Just Beyond”) once stood.

The cabin—“Just Beyond II”—with its perfect board-and-batten siding and the broad welcoming front porch seems to urge a visitor to sit, breathe deeply of fresh country air and relax.

“We built this cabin entirely of materials from right here on the farm,” John says.

Inside, the walls and floors once were cedar trees

The structure Kate calls “the world’s fanciest outhouse” is a fully functional bathroom featuring a spa tub and an outdoor shower, the drain of which is an old sawmill blade.

“

We built this cabin entirely of materials from right here on the farm.

- John DeLoach

”

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DESCENDED FROM HEROES They came from all walks of life, from rural farms, from small towns to big cities, to answer their country’s call.

— Senator Bob Dole

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52 ShelbyLiving.com

on the farm. The tin roof? That came from one of the farm’s old barns.

What Kate calls “the world’s fanciest outhouse” stands behind the cabin and is a fully functional bathroom featuring a spa tub and an outdoor shower. The shower’s drain even had a former life—as a sawmill blade.

Let’s go back to that front porch for a moment. The view from its shady depth is a peek into the farm’s future.

“Row crop farming is just about done in Shelby County,” John explains. Factors that led him to that conclusion include the steeply rising land values, the encroaching semi-urban population and uncertainty about short-term prices for DeLoach Farms’ staple crops.

“But people have been drinking wine since the beginning of time,” he says.

So, on that sunny slope sit rows of young canes.

Kate gestures to the carefully flagged and staked rows: “Muscadines, scuppernongs, chardonnay, pino . . .” They have set out 200 plants in all.

“We are going to see which ones grow best here,” she says.

Wine is the next step, the DeLoaches explained, but that first crop of grapes for their first vintage is three years in the future.

Then comes a winery. They will wait to see which wines win favor with vinophiles . . . And they expect it to take some time to perfect their wine-making skills.

“We are talking maybe 15 years down the road here,” John cautions.

“We are thinking of an event venue,” Kate says.

Turn around again and look at the perfect cabin, and back toward that sunny rise. Picture those slender canes becoming stout strong main canes stretching their long leafy arms from which hang heavy bunches of succulent grapes. Then look again at that cabin and imagine a radiant bride and a nervous groom, flowers, pastel bridesmaids, the bride’s father with wine glass raised to toast the happy couple with a DeLoach vintage.

“This is learning by doing,” John explains. “We know we will have some problems along the way. We know we will make some mistakes.”

“Like the robber bees,” Kate adds. “We lost our first hive to them.”

Robber bees?

What sounds like a sci-fi movie or a kids’ video game is a reallife horror story.

Bee hives and honey production are another avenue into the farming future.

Bees come in the mail—with the queen in her own private box—and her 10,000 subjects in a three-pound plastic bag. Setting up a hive involves a tray that—as the queen’s empire expands—requires additional trays. However, adding those trays must be timed perfectly, or . . . robber bees.

“We added the second tray too soon,” John says.

“Bees defend their territory,” Kate says, “but we gave them too much to try to protect.”

Thus, the bees were doing what bees do—trying to colonize

all their territory.

Unknowingly, the DeLoaches had left the hive vulnerable to attack.

“Robber bees are wild bees that swarm in, kill the domestic bees and steal all the honey,” Kate says.

That was a tough lesson learned the hard way, but the bee hives around the vineyard these days are prospering. Industrious creatures intent on harvesting pollen from Tupelo gums, soybean plants, late summer blooming pickerel rush and drought-tolerant clover will produce 60 to 80 pounds of honey per hive.

The DeLoaches also work with Auburn University and Pioneer Seed to explore improvement of modern row-crop techniques on the 1,325acre farm at the same time they explore the future of farming with ventures such as the vineyard and the

bee hives.

Meanwhile, Jess DeLoach, a rising senior at Coosa Valley Academy, says he has not yet committed to farming as his life’s work, although he is leaning to Auburn University after high school.

The young man admits that farming has its allure—he loves to hunt waterfowl and deer in the 400 acres of woods and the reclaimed wetlands.

“Hunting,” he responds when asked for the best part of growing up on a farm.

Kate grew up in Atlanta and met John when she was a student at the University of Alabama. She makes it clear that she does not miss the clamor of urban life.

Life on the farm?

She smiles.

“It’s like living at summer camp!”

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A FARM OF DISTINCTION? The name is fancy enough, but the honor that goes with it is impressive. After John and Kate DeLoach’s Shelby County farm was named the 2018 Alabama Farm of Distinction at the Alabama Farm-City Awards Luncheon in April, they received more than $20,000 in cash and prizes, along with the opportunity to represent Alabama in the Swisher Sweets/Sunbelt Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year contest at the Sunbelt Ag Expo in October in Moultrie, Georgia.

Alabama Farm-City Committee Chairman Jeff Helms describes the DeLoaches as people who know “what it means to be a farmer in the 21st century.”

“John and Kate are dedicated to using innovative techniques to improve the land they love and have been entrusted with,” Helms writes in a press release.

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Here, students don’t merely fit in, they find a place to call home. You will discover a new family where you belong. So schedule a tour — come see for yourself why You belong at the University of Montevallo.

Delivering Relief Keli Lynch-Wright and her son know how it feels to lose everything. Now, they’re making sure others in the same situation have something right after a disaster.

A

By Carmen Brown | Photos Contributed

As she sat in her car on the morning of Sunday, June 5, 2016, Keli Lynch-Wright broke down and sobbed.

She had just watched her son Ashton, then 11, deliver a comfort kit to one of the survivors of a devastating fire that had taken place late the night before at Ascot Place in Birmingham, which left 60 residents displaced.

“Do you know this is all I have?” the woman had cried to Ashton.

Ashton returned to the car, comforting his mother.

“Mom, we’re doing good things,” he told her.

Wright explained to him that the tears were a good cry—a combination of nostalgia, empathy for the survivors and gratitude for the loving kindness she

saw in her son. Wright and her family had lost their own home to a fire right before Easter Sunday in 2010.

“They believe it was something in the electrical panel down in the basement,” Wright recalls. “The compassion of the community and Ashton’s classmates helped keep us focused on moving forward. It’s just one of those things where you have to move forward. You learn a lot about what you can let go.”

Then, on Thanksgiving Day 2016, 20 units burned down in Hoover Place, leaving 80 residents displaced.

After watching people sleeping on the floor of the clubhouse, Ashton suggested going home to bring an ShelbyLiving.com

55

2017

EVERYTHING SHELBY COUNTY. ALL YEAR LONG. Go to Shelbyliving.com and subscribe for $20.59 a year or call 205-669-3131. @shelbylivingmagazine

56 ShelbyLiving.com

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air mattress, which led to them ordering 56 air mattresses online for the residents. All of these experiences and her own career in the apartment industry led Wright and her son to launch Hatching Hope, a disaster relief organization that serves the entire state of Alabama as well as parts of Florida: Tampa, Orlando, Pensacola and Boca Raton.

“What we provide them is what they need to take refuge: an air mattress, blanket, linens and toiletries,” Wright says. “We fill in the gap between what the American Red Cross and the insurance companies do. We’re such a tight-knit organization that we’re often the first to get there.”

Hatching Hope also dispatches volunteers to assist with disaster relief and clean-up, as well as resources to help survivors dealing with post-traumatic stress and depression.

“We try to provide resources for them because they don’t know they’re there. They feel defeated very quickly,” Wright says.

Everyone gets the comfort kits, but they also personalize them.

“Baby backpacks are a huge hit because that’s not usually something they have when this happens,” Wright says.

As part of Hatching Hope’s Little Kids Doing Big Things program, children can get involved as well by helping make personalized kids’ activity kits.

“Children can come in and decorate boxes. They even write pen pal notes for the kids. It shows and teaches them how to give back to the community.”

Watching her son comfort a young boy while at Ascot Place also inspired her to start a teddy bear adoption program, where small

Wright says her focus now is on empowering and teddy bears wearing Hatching Hope T-shirts can be purchased and given to children who are survivors of educating people on fire prevention. In November, a fire. Wright says she loves watching children she will be speaking at the National MultiHousing express kindness and empathy to others, especially Council, where she will speak for the first time at a national level. She also plans to network with the other children.

National Fire Protection “That’s the most powerful Association to take part in the thing a child can say to HEROES Experience, an someone: ‘I know. This innovative public fire and life happened to me, too, and it’s safety education attraction, going to be OK.’” as part of a new facility across Since its launch, Hatching Since its launch, Hatching Hope has helped over 2,700 families and their pets from the tank farm exit on Hope has helped over 2,700 in Alabama.

Highway 52. families and their pets in Now with more than 2,400 Alabama.

The Florida chapters just opened earlier this year. The “Nest” is Facebook followers, a Twitter feed and an ongoing located at 374 Shady Acres Road in Alabaster, with a relationship with news media, Wright says she plans to see Hatching Hope launching in more states. thrift store “Marketplace” next door.

“It’s a beautiful process,” Wright says. “It’s a great “Everything is new or consignment quality,” Wright says. “People can come in and shop for way for people in the Birmingham community to plug themselves in.” pennies on the dollar.”

2,700

“

Hatching Hope dispatches volunteers to assist with disaster relief, clean-up and resources to help survivors dealing with post-traumatic stress and depression.

That’s the most powerful thing a child can say to someone: ‘I know. This happened to me, too, and it’s going to be OK.’ - Keli Lynch-Wright

”

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VOTE TODAY! SHELBY LIVING’S

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SERVICES Best Veterinarian Best Florist Best Photographer Best Kid-Friendly Dining Best Landscaping Company Best Customer Service

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ARTS AND CULTURE Best Local Festival Best Local Museum Best Local Cause

HOME AND FINANCE Best Insurance Agent/Agency Best Real Estate Agent Best Real Estate Company Best Financial Services AUTO Best Auto Service Best New Car Dealer Best Used Car Dealer Best Car Wash Best Oil Change

Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce

Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce C o m m u n i t y • C o m m e rc e • C o l l a b o r a t i o n

SEPTEMBER 2018 BUSINESS CONNECTIONS TEE IT UP “FORE!” EDUCATION Scramble Set for October 15 Presenting Sponsor

initiatives in the coming year.

If your organization is interested in having a team, player or participating through the various

Gold Sponsors

sponsorships that are available, please contact the Chamber at 663-4542 or visit www.shelbychamber.org/ events for more details.

Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Community

•

C o m m e rc e

•

Collaboration

Nominations for 2019 Chamber’s Board of Directors Sought In accordance with the Chamber’s by-laws the Nominating Committee is responsible for selecting a list of up to six candidates, who are all investors in good standing, to serve a three-year term on the Board of Directors

beginning in January 2019.

Due consideration will be given to the candidate’s business or profession in an effort to have a broad representation of businesses represented on the Chamber’s Board of Directors.

These candidates, known as

the “Official Ticket”, will then be presented through the November edition of Business Connections, the Chamber’s monthly newsletter.

If you are interested in being considered as a candidate — or would like to nominate

someone for the Nominating Committee’s consideration — please contact Chamber President & CEO Kirk Mancer via email at kirk@ shelbychamber.org or by phone at 663-4542 ext. 101 by no later than Friday, September 14.

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Newsletter

The Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce & The South Shelby Chamber of Commerce have teamed up for the 29th Annual TEE IT UP “FORE!” Education Tournament, presented in 2018 by America’s First Federal Credit Union. This year’s event will be held on October 15 at Inverness Country Club. Proceeds will benefit Chamber scholarships and career readiness

Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce

Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Hosts “Annual Safety Awards” at September Community Luncheon

Newsletter

Join us on Wednesday, September 26 for the “Annual Safety Awards” Community Luncheon, presented by Alabama Power, co-hosted by AT&T of Alabama, Bryant Bank and Turner Promotions, as we honor public safety officials from throughout Shelby County. Each year we are privileged to recognize individuals who have demonstrated outstanding excellence in public safety by presenting them with an award.

This program is an opportunity for us to personally give thanks to the

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Presenting Sponsor

Silver Sponsor

Bronze Sponsor

fire, police and sheriff personnel, and honor them for the outstanding service and sacrifices they make each day in keeping our respective communities a safe place to live, work and play.

The luncheon will be held from 11:00AM until 1:00PM

on Wednesday, September 27 at the Pelham Civic Complex and Ice Arena, 500 Amphitheater Drive, Pelham.

Reservations requested by noon on Monday, September 24. Investment: Chamber at www.shelbychamber.org or investors $20, “Future” call the Chamber office at investors $30. Register online 663-4542.

Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce

Welcome New Investors (as of 6/29/2018 - 7/27/2018)

Cahaba Valley Plumbing Charles Dixon Industries, Inc. Gooch Family Dental Hamilton-Ryker JC Penney Pitts Media The Learning Tree Inc.

Plumbing Services Commercial Cleaning Services Dental Staffing Retail Videography Education - Schools

Hoover Birmingham Birmingham Hoover Alabaster Chelsea Birmingham

For a complete listing of all current Chamber investors please visit our Online Business Directory at business.shelbychamber.org/list.

GO & GROW WORKSHOP:

Dress for Success

Co-Sponsor

Jackson Pruett, Director of Business Development & Support via e-mail at jackson@ shelbychamber.org, call 6634542, ext. 104 or register online at www.shelbychamber.org.

KEEPING IT REAL: Volunteers Needed to Assist 9th Grade Students at “Keeping It Real” Program The Chamber is launching its 6th year of “Keeping It Real” in September. This program teaches 9th grade students about “real world” life choices by having them assigned a random “life scenario” which includes marital/family status, education, job and salary.

They learn how fast money can be spent just on basic necessities. It’s been an eye opening experience for the past few years for the 9th graders and volunteers alike!

Volunteers are asked to

Presenting Sponsor

Gold Sponsor

Silver Sponsor spend a half or whole day at the school. We will visit all the different schools in Shelby County and will need volunteers to assist us at each school. Volunteers would manage a station and assist 9th grade students as they “pay bills” and make “life choices” based on the

randomly assigned life situations. If you or your colleagues, are interested in being a volunteer, please call Keyla Handley at 663-4542 ext. 106, email at keyla@ shelbychamber.org or sign up online at www.shelbychamber. org. Volunteers would arrive at the schools as early as

7:30AM and the program would conclude by 3:00PM. Lunch will be provided for all volunteers.

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Newsletter

On Friday, September 21 the Presenting Sponsor Chamber’s Go & Grow Workshop -- presented by Valley National Bank and cosponsored by Cahaba Valley Computer Services will feature topics to help grow your business.

The Go & Grow Workshop will be from 11:30AM-1:00PM for $10 per person for Chamber headcount, please make on Friday, September 21 at the investors ($20 for “Future” reservations by noon on Chamber. There is no cost to investors).

Wednesday, September 19 for attend, but lunch is available To ensure we have a proper this workshop by contacting

Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce

Ambassador of the Month

Newsletter

Congratulations to Rob Gerchow for earning Ambassador of the Month. Rob has lived in Shelby County for the majority of his life. He is married with four adult sons and two grandchildren. He has worked for Servpro for seven years as of July 26. Servpro is one of the most recognized cleaning and restoration companies in the world. For more information contact Servpro of Birmingham at (205) 664-6770 or visit their website, servproshelbycounty. com.

GSCCC Board of Directors (as of 3/5/2018)

Officers Joe Meads Sain Associates (Chair) Bill Connor America’s First Federal Credit Union (Chair-elect) Keith Brown Jefferson State Community College (Immediate Past Chair)

Prize Sponsors

Terri Williams, AT&T (Vice Chair, Business Development & Support) Katie McDowell Shelby County Newspapers (Vice Chair, Communications & Marketing) Chris Grace Barge Design Solutions (Vice Chair, Community & Career Development) Jim Purvis A.C. Legg, Inc. (Vice Chair, Finance & Administration)

NEW STAFF Chris Williams has joined the Chamber staff team as its new Manager of Investor Development.

Williams, who comes to the Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce with 18+ years of Chamber

Jordan Powell has joined the Chamber staff team as its new Manager of Investor Relations.

Powell, a Chilton County native, graduated from the University of Alabama with a BS in Human Environmental Sciences, Human Development and Human Studies with a 62 ShelbyLiving.com Shelbychamber.org

experience, is a graduate of the College of Charleston with a BA in Corporate Communications. In his role with the Chamber, Williams will be the primary staff member in new investor recruitment.

Concentration in Child Life.

In her role with the Chamber, Powell will be the primary contact for the Chamber’s Shelby One Next Level Up investor programming, the lead coordinator of Chamber networking events and assist in investor retention.

Kathy Copeland White Rock Quarries – Vincent Hills (Vice Chair, Governmental Affairs) John Browning Cahaba Valley Computer Services, Inc. (Vice Chair, Investor Relations) Board of Directors Paul Barber (2018) S. S. Nesbitt and Company Jeff Brown (2018) Brownstone Marketing Solutions William Carroll (2018) Armstrong Relocation Companies Alex Dudchock (2018) Shelby County Alison Howell (2018) Alabama Power Company

Brian Massey (2018) St. Vincent’s Health System Bruce King (2019) Lhoist North America Jay Dennis (2019) Regions Bank Charles Hall (2019) Grandview Medical Center Bill Keller (2019) Renasant Bank Mike Rickman (2019) Shelby Baptist Medical Center Mitt Schroeder (2019) Central State Bank Tim Benefield (2020) Buffalo Rock Company April Harry (2020) Warren, Averett LLC Jeff McDowell (2020) McDowell Security Services, LLC Keith Richards (2020) Taziki’s Mediterranean Café Mike Swinson (2020) Spire Alabama, Inc. Mechelle Wilder (2020) ARC Realty Matthew Hogan (*) Bama Budweiser of Shelby County Brittani Braden (*) State Farm Insurance, Brittani Braden Agency Casey Morris (*) Ground Up Coffee & Smoothies in Snider’s Pharmacy Rocky Patel (*) Hampton Inn & Suites-Pelham / Fairfield Inn & Suites-Pelham Fred Smith (*) Vulcan Termite & Pest Control (*) Serving a one-year term in 2018

Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce

HEALTH FOCUS OF THE MONTH:

Why You Should Be Screened for Cancer

By Dr. James Evans and Dr. Daniel Allendorf Medical Oncologists at Shelby Baptist Medical Center

cancer. The test should be done at least every three years, even after menopause. Treatment is available to prevent cervical cancer from developing or when it is found early.

Men can be screened for prostate cancer as early as age 40 if they are at high risk for developing the disease. Having a first-degree relative with the doctor to examine the sensitivity stool-based test or a prostate cancer or being entire colon structural (visual) exam, African-American may increase There is a current debate in a manís chances of having depending on patient preference and test availability. As a part of the United States over the best prostate cancer. Screening for the screening process, all time to begin screening the condition may include a for breast digital rectal exam or a prostatepositive results on non- mammograms colonoscopy screening tests cancer. The U.S. Preventive specific antigen blood test. Men (USPTF) has also are encouraged to examine should be followed up with Services recommended that the biennial timely colonoscopy.

The their testicles on a routine basis recommendation to begin screening mammography for to check for testicular cancer. screening at age 45 is a qualified women should be done between Any lump or swelling should be recommendation.

The the ages of 50 to 74 years. The reported to a physician as soon recommendation for regular recommendation among other as possible. Testicular cancer is screening in adults ages 50 and health experts has not changed, not common, but it is one of the older is a strong including the American Cancer most treatable forms of cancer. recommendation.

Screening Society and the American Screening recommendations College of Surgeons.

They tests for colorectal cancer can vary for different cancers continue to recommend that and depend on the patient’s include: • Fecal occult blood test, women should begin having medical history, family history which tests for blood in the annual mammograms at age 40, and lifestyle. Doctors may or earlier if they are at higher advise patients to be screened stool • Flexible sigmoidoscopy, risk. The decision about when to regularly or at a younger age if which allows the doctor to start regular, biennial screening they are inactive, use tobacco check the rectum and lower mammography should be a products, drink alcohol or eat a result of your individual high-fat part of the colon diet.

For more • Double-contrast barium discussion with your physician. information about cancer Another screening screenings, talk with your enema, which uses an X-ray to find abnormal recommended for women is a doctor or call (205) 620-8100 Pap test to detect pre-cancerous for a free referral to a specialist spots • Colonoscopy, which allows cells in the cervix or cervical near you.

CONTACT US

Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce

1301 County Services Drive • Pelham, Alabama 35124

Office: 663-4542 • Fax: 663-4524 • info@shelbychamber.org • shelbychamber.org ShelbyLiving.com 63 Shelbychamber.org

Newsletter

Most cancers start with abnormal cells growing out of control. Sometimes you will experience symptoms, but often you will not. That is why regular screening and self-examinations are so important. Finding and treating cancer in its earlier stages is much easier, and potentially life-saving, than waiting until the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2015, the latest year for which incidence data is available, 1,633,390 new cases of cancer were reported, and 595,919 people died of cancer in the United States. Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States, exceeded only by heart disease. One of every four deaths in the United States is due to cancer.

Screening tests are available for many forms of cancer, including colorectal, breast, cervical and prostate.

The American Cancer Society recently updated its guideline to reflect adults ages 45 and older with an average risk of colorectal cancer should undergo regular screening with either a high-

Presenting Sponsor

Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce

Entrepreneur-in-Residence Offers Complimentary Guidance & Support to Small Business The Chamber’s Entrepreneurin-Residence/ Mentorship Program, presented by Valley National Bank, continues to provide much needed assistance to small business owners — and entrepreneurs. Participants have received guidance on starting a new business, expanding an

Presenting Sponsor

existing business, launching a new product, downsizing and dealing with a difficult employee.

The next Mentorship

opportunities, facilitated by Michael Smith the Chamber’s Entrepreneur-in-Residence, will be held Friday, September 21 from 8:00AM - 11:00AM. As the Chamber’s “Entrepreneur-inResidence”, Smith is available for a one-on-one confidential meeting with any small business

CELEBRATING GROWTH

owner or entrepreneur to discuss any topic. Appointments are required and usually last 30-45 minutes. Please contact Jackson Pruett, the Chamber’s Director of Business Development & Support via e-mail at jackson@ shelbychamber.org or by calling 663-4542, ext. 104.

2018 Ribbon Cutting Sponsor

Newsletter

Thank you Pelham Flowers by Desiree’ for providing the ribbon and bows for the Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies.

Congratulations to Gooch Dental on the Grand Opening of their new office at 6807 Tattersall Way in Hoover. Following a brief ceremony, the Gooch family was joined by Hoover Mayor Frank Brocato, the construction and design team and Chamber Ambassadors for their ribbon cutting photo.

Congratulations to Brookwood Baptist Health - Shelby on the recent renovation and upgrades made in their Diagnostics Center. Hospital staff was joined by State Senator Cam Ward and Alabaster City officials for the ribbon cutting photo. Guests were invited to tour the facility and enjoy refreshments.

Congratulations to Senior Legacy Care on the their new location at 3363 Pelham Pkwy Suite B in Pelham. Owner, Susan Smith was joined by Manager, Renee Parish, friends, family and Chamber Ambassadors.

64 ShelbyLiving.com Shelbychamber.org

Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce

SNAPSHOTS

Bikers getting ready for a stage race portion of the inaugural Shelby County Gran Prix.

Superintendents of the public schools throughout Shelby County to share what is coming up in their systems at the Chamber’s July “Community Luncheon”, presented by Vulcan Materials. Pictured Left to Right: Dr. Wayne Vickers, Alabaster City Schools, Dr. Kathy Murphy, Hoover City Schools, Dr. Scott Coefield, Pelham City Schools and Mr. Randy Fuller, Shelby County Schools.

The Greater Shelby County and the South Shelby Chambers of Commerce hosted a “Tax Reform Workshop” on July 10, presented by Barfield, Murphy Shank and Smith, LLC.

Join the Chamber for “CoffeeNet” at Galleria Woods Retirement Community Be sure to mark your calendar for Tuesday, September 25 and join us Galleria Woods Retirement Community, 3850 Galleria Woods Drive, Hoover from 8:30AM until 9:30AM for CoffeeNet. The morning meeting, presented by Sawyer Solutions, is designed for investors to enjoy networking, coffee and light refreshments -all before heading to the office.

CoffeeNet events are a great way to make new business contacts so bring plenty of business cards. There is no cost to attend, however, reservations are requested by noon on Monday, Septermber 24 to assist in preparation.

Please contact the Chamber by phone at 663-4542 or register online at www.shelbychamber. org.

Presenting Sponsor

YOUR CHAMBER AT WORK (June 16, 2018 - July 13, 2018)

Facebook: 36 “new likes”, 660 “views”, 5,238 “post reaches” and 3,223 “total likes”.

Twitter: 144 “tweets”, 23.5K “tweet impressions”, 180 “profile visits”, 10 “mentions” 3,016 “followers”, Instagram: 1,169 “posts”, 851 “followers”.

Responded to 112 requests for business & community information Notarized 9 “Certificates of Origins” for Shelby County companies shipping items to 4 countries.

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Newsletter

Investors gather for Network280 at Outback Steakhouse. Network280 is presented in 2018 by 280 Living.

Chamber staff pictured with intern, Meghann DeVoe. We would like to thank Meghann for all of her hard work and Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services, Alabaster City Schools, The ARC of Shelby County, Pelham City Schools and Shelby County Schools for their partnership.

CHAMBER Events

Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce

Read more details or register for events online at www.shelbychamber.org or the Chamber office 663-4542. Unless otherwise noted events listed will be held at 1301 County Services Dr., Pelham 35124. CANCELLATION POLICY REMINDER: Cancellation for a paying event must be made TWO days prior to the event.

September 2018

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Newsletter

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Career Readiness Work Group 8:30AM - 9:30AM Shelby County Instructional Service Center 601 First Street South, Alabaster

Ambassadors Work Group 11:30AM - 1:00PM Prize Sponsors: Coleman Construction & Gym Time

Small Business Work Group 4:00PM - 5:00PM South Shelby Chamber Luncheon 11:30AM - 1:00PM Columbiana First Baptist Church 208 North Main Street, Columbiana Investment: $15. No reservations required.

Tourism & Recreation Work Group 9:00AM - 10:00AM Locations vary.

Existing Business & Industry Work Group 8:30AM - 9:30AM iBERIABANK, 2695 Pelham Pkwy, Pelham Governmental Affairs Work Group 8:30AM-9:30AM Two Perimeter Park South, Suite 500 East Birmingham, AL 35243

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Health Services Work Group 8:30AM - 9:30AM

Entrepreneur Roundtable 280 11:30AM - 12:30PM Sponsor: The UPS Store Caldwell Mill Rd/ Valleydale

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Montevallo Chamber Monthly Luncheon 11:30AM - 1:30PM Parnell Memorial Library, 377 Park Dr, Montevallo Investment: $12. No reservation required.

Governmental Affairs Work Group 8:30AM - 9:30AM Sain Associates, Two Perimeter Park South, Ste 500 East, Birmingham Small Business Mentorship Appointments 8:00AM - 11:00AM/Michael Smith, Entrpreneur-inResidence By appointment. Contact Jackson Pruett at 663-4542, ext. 104.

Presenting Sponsor: Valley National Bank Go & Grow Workshop 11:30AM - 1:00PM Reservations requested by noon, September 19.

Investment: No cost for workshop but lunch is available for $10 investors, $20 “Future” investors.

Presenting Sponsor: Valley National Bank Entrepreneur Roundtable I 7:30AM-8:30AM Presenting Sponsor: The UPS Store Caldwell Mill Rd/ Valleydale CoffeeNet 8:30AM-9:30AM Galleria Woods Retirement Community 3850 Galleria Woods Drive Hoover, AL 35244 Reservations requested by noon, September 24.

No Cost to attend.

Presenting Sponsor: Sawyer Solutions GSCC Community Luncheon “Annual Safety Awards” Doors open at 11:00AM. Program 11:45AM - 1:00PM. Pelham Civic Complex & Ice Arena 500 Amphitheater Rd, Pelham Reservations requested by noon, Monday, September 24.

Investment: $20 investors, $30 “Future” investors.

Presenting Sponsor: Alabama Power Company

OUT & ABOUT

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HELENA JAZZ IN THE PARK PHOTOS BY GRAHAM BROOKS

The week of Independence Day came to an end in style in Helena on Sunday, July 8 as hundreds of locals and visitors made their way to the Helena Amphitheater for the annual Jazz in the Park event.

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John Thomas and Kylee Pruitt

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Farid and Marisela Elghali

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Shaylin McKinney and Trevor Bell

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Melissa and Tori Bullock with Destiny Zinnerman

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Kamylle Parker and Marlo Hayes

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Heather Reach and James Piskorz

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Sarah Courington

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Bernard Lockhart, Lin Rountree and Mayor Mark Hall

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OUT & ABOUT

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SOUTH SHELBY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE LUNCHEON

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PHOTOS BY BRIANA HARRIS

Guests at the South Shelby County Chamber of Commerce’s Membership Luncheon at Columbiana First Baptist Church on Tuesday, July 12, learned about the history of the Birmingham Barons.

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Bill Ramey, Kyle Mims and Cam Shepherd

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Johnny Carcioppolo and Jackie Gardner

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Jane Ann Mueller and Carol Bruser

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Jessica O’Rear and Hope Finley

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Pat McDanal, David Cheek and Jim Thornton

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Carol Jarvela, Brandi Galloway, Karla Morrow and Nicole Freeman

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Don Leo

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Cherie Brewer and John Samaniego

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Gary Gouse, Johnny Carcioppolo and Ken Sawyer

10. Brenda Sands and Shelia Gallups 11. Zachary McWhorter and Julie Godfrey 12. Julie and Patrick Kennedy

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OUT & ABOUT

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JUDGE JIM FUHRMEISTER’S RETIREMENT RECEPTION

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PHOTOS BY BRIANA HARRIS

A reception was held for retiring Shelby County Probate Judge Jim Fuhrmeister on Friday, July 20, at the Shelby County Courthouse.

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Hayes family and Jim Fuhrmeister

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Sharon Yeager and Will Fuhrmeister

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Kim Melton and Carol Bruser

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Don Armstrong, Allison Boyd and Marvin Copes

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Amy Osborne, Suzanne Peden and Melody Winslett

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Metha Vickers and Theresa Terrebonne

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H.L. “Sonny” Conwill and Oliver Head

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Patti Smith and Mike Joiner

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WESTOVER BUSINESS ALLIANCE LUNCHEON PHOTOS BY STEPHEN DAWKINS

The Westover Business Alliance held its quarterly luncheon on July 26 at the ServPro facility in Westover.

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Shane Armstrong and Rick Wright

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Becky Landers, Ray McAllister and Bridgette Jordan-Smith

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Randy May and Mike Schwallie

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Gay Chambers and Penny Kovakas

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Wayne Jones and Brenda Moorer

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Ben Dunham and Frankie Osborn

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Nancy Hudson and Cissy Long

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Edwina Chappell and Debra Beadles

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Larry Riggins and Maria Price

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OUT & ABOUT

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BACK TO SCHOOL

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PHOTOS BY NEAL WAGNER AND CONTRIBUTED

Thousands of kids returned to schools throughout Shelby County during the week of Aug. 6-10, shaking the first-day jitters and kicking off a new school year.

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Lilly, Lila and Anna Bozeman

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Peyton Bores

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Addison Nemeth

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Audrey Ann and Jason Alexander

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Cristy and Ella Kate Vice

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Alice Galante, Layla Harlow and Maria Monteiro

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Becca Robertson

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Grace Robertson and Andrew Robertson

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Davis Dolbare

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10. Marlon Dubose, Josiah Dubose and Shaketa Grimsley 11. Samuel, Tirsta and Max Brom 12. Sheriee, Matthew and Martin Porter

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Alex Lawn Care

Grass Cutting, Shubbery work, Edging, blowing and specialize in Property clean up and lawn maintance

Call Today!!!

205-955-3439 ShelbyLiving.com

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STATE OF THE SCHOOLS LUNCHEON

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PHOTOS BY BRIANA HARRIS

The Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce’s State of the Schools luncheon was held at the Pelham Civic Complex on Wednesday, July 25.

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Amanda Wilbanks with Dianna and Paul Howell

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Gary Waters with Ames and Rick Rhoades

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Randy Fuller and Scott Coefield

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Jordan Powell and John Turner

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Dorann Tanner and Jamia Williams

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Rachel Lawley and Nicole Knight

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Jeff Brown and Benji Sawyer

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Andy Olds and Danny Tate

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Ann and Stancil Handley with Edna Felton

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HOOVER CHAMBER LUNCHEON PHOTOS BY STEPHEN DAWKINS

The Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce’s monthly luncheon was held on July 19 at the Hoover Country Club.

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Al Wood, Art Clarkson and Brian Crawford

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Paula Campbell, Lynn Ray and Elaine Thompson

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Claire Gray, Laci Hopkins and Sherry Emmerke

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Jamie White, Steve Johnson, Kyle Driver, Shannon Bickett and Lindsay Milligan

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Janice Holiday, Ira Levine, Alicia White and Vicky Hager

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Brice Jackson and Steve Gathings

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OUT & ABOUT

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NATIONAL NIGHT OUT IN HOOVER

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PHOTOS BY EMILY SPARACINO

Hundreds of people gathered in the parking lot of SuperTarget at The Grove Shopping Center in Hoover on Aug. 7 for National Night Out. 1.

Jennifer, Eleni and Greg Schriever

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Dalila and YaYa Spratt with Shalanda Cheatham

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Betty Robinette and Wade Thomas

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Joe Alfano with Roe and Joe Gagliano

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Judy and Dennis Larkins

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Serafina and Thérèse Collart

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Amy Wu, Nate Guo and Ellie Guo

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Emily, Ava, Neely and Lauren Nickelson

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Kelly, Caleb and Tyler Thompson

10. George Fifles and Scott Fulmer 11. Joe, Lauren, Rebecca and Jacob Byrd 12. Laura, Liz and Layton Lewis 13. Rahul and Mahi Shah 14. Mona and Maya Hammoud 15. Lauren and Cooper Johnsey 16. Mike Pair and Al Formentano 17. Jada and Brenda Williams with Sienna Parker 18. Abbie and Bailey Lacy 19. Al and Wendy Bedran 20. Michael, Emily and Henry Leykum 76 ShelbyLiving.com

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MARKETPLACE

Marketplace Shelby Living • 205.669.3131

Acceptance Loan Company.

Personal Loans! Let us pay off your title loan!

224 Cahaba Valley Road, Pelham. 205-663-5821

LAWN CARE • Large Properties • Lake Properties • Property Cleanups - Great Rates!

Free Estimates! - Shelby and Chilton Counties 10% DISCOUNT for Military & Senior Citizens.

Call Alex 205-955-3439 Class-A CDL Driver.

500 Sign-on Bonus.

25+yo w/good MVR. 6+months flatbed experience. $.38-46cpm (based on experience) On actual miles driven +$.20d/h.

Paid tarp/stopover/layover/ detention. 205-642-9186.

Application at: www. angelswaytransportation.com INDUSTRIAL ATHLETES $17.68 hour + production & safety $$$ incentives. Grocery order selection using electric pallet jacks & voice activated headsets. Apply online at AGSOUTH.COM or call Charlie Seagle at (205) 808-4833 Pre-employment drug test required.

Automation Personnel Services Hiring IMMEDIATELY For: Automotive Assembly, General Labor, Production, Clerical, Machine Operator, Quality, Carpentry, Welder, Foundry. Positions In: Calera, Clanton, Pelham, Bessemer, McCalla.

Walk-in applications accepted.

Clanton (205)280-0002.

Pelham (205)444-9774.

Boise Cascade Now Hiring for Utility Positions. Starting pay $13/hour. Must be able to pass background screen.

Please apply at www.bc.com

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B & J Metal Fabricators Offering more than roofing!

• Metal roofing • Portable metal buildings • Custom sizes available Customize your own!!

Montevallo (205)665-4687 (205)296-9988

Bama Concrete Now Hiring: Diesel Mechanic 4 Years Minimum Experience. CDL Preferred. Competitive Pay. Great Benefits.

Apply in person: 2180 Hwy 87 Alabaster, 35007 Maintenance Electrician needed. 10-years experience in motor controls, troubleshooting, programming frequency drives, soft starts, computer skills and electrical installations. Contact Cahaba Veneer at 205-926-9797 Galleria Woods Senior Living JOIN THE GALLERIA WOODS TEAM Are you tired of 12 hour-shifts?

Asst Dir Nursing-Reqs RN nursing degree and current AL RN license/2-4 yrs related exp. Prefer long term care exp. $3000 sign-on bonus.

Cert Dietary Mgr-FT Day. Reqs Diet.Mgr-cert & 4-yrs of exp. $1000 sign-on-bonus. Servers and dishwashers Restaurant exp & strong customer service skills. LPN and Certified Nursing Assistants-All shifts To apply:www.brookdale.com Or visit us at 3850 Galleria Woods Drive Birmingham, AL 35244. For more Info contact Jeff Prince 205.985.7537.

Carroll Fulmer Now Hiring Class-A CDL Drivers. Overthe-road positions available.

Dry vans. No hazmat. Must have one year over-the-road.

Experience and a clean MVR. Competitive pay and bonus package. Good home time.

Call 800-633-9710 ext. 2

ShelbyLiving.com

Bent Creek Apartments.

Affordable 1 and 2 Bedroom.

On-site Manager.

On-site Maintenance.

3001 7th Street. North Canton, AL 35045.

TDD#s: 800-548-2547(V) 800-548-2546(T/A) bentcreek@morrowapts.com Office Hours: Mon-Fri, 8am-4pm. Equal Opportunity Provider/Employer

Birmingham,AL based Transportation Company looking for Class-A CDL drivers • Average 22,500/ miles-wk • Must be at least 23yrs old • Starting pay at .43/mile increase to .45 in 6-months • 18-months driving exp.

Please Call:205-925-1977 Ext:2309 or Email: recruiting@ churchtransportation.net City of Clanton is Hiring.

Detailed job descriptions on file at City Hall. EOE. Drug screening/physical required.

NOW HIRING!!!

• Director, Pharmacy Services • Director, Material Management • RN-ER RFT 7pm-7am • RN-ICU RFT 7pm-7am Email resume to: Blaine.Green@cvhealth.net or go to www.cvhealth.net EEO Employer M/F/D/VDrug-freeWorkplace Full Time and Part Time RN’s Needed for home health in Bibb, Shelby and Chilton counties. Excellent Salary and Benefits. Please send resumes to jobs@rubic.com or call 866-273-3984 DCH Health System Caring.

For Life. $5,000 *Sign-on Bonus for full time RNs *For More Info Contact Annie.Miller@dchsystem.com.

Apply online at: www.dchsystem.com

PT/FT Farm Equipment Operator, Lawn Maintenance and Fork Lift Driver Needed.

Drug and Background Check Required. Call 205-688-0258 to set up Interview.

$2000 SIGN ON BONUS NEW PAY SCALE TO QUALIFYING DRIVERS EVERGREEN TRANSPORT, is accepting applications for local drivers in the Calera and Leeds, AL, area. Must have Class A CDL, good driving record, 1 yr verifiable tractor trailer experience. Good pay and benefits. Apply in person at 8278 Hwy 25 South, Calera, AL, or call for info 205-668-3316.

MECHANICS NEEDED Evergreen Transport LLC has two immediate openings for Class B Mechanics at its terminal in Calera, AL. One for night shift and one for day shift. Call Jason at 205-668-3316. Job duties include repairing, maintaining and overhauling of heavy duty fleet truck/trailers and other tasks assigned by supervisor.

Franklin Iron Works Now Hiring. Grinders & Laborers.

Must apply in person: 146 Tommie Drive, Thorsby.

Mon-Fri. 10am-3pm.

Taking applications for waitresses for growing business in Clanton Call Teresa: 334-235-0228 or call the restaurant between 4-10pm: 205-280-4949

Outbounds loads Pre-loaded & Tarped. 75% Inbound No Tarp. Late Model Peterbilt Trucks. Air Ride Trailers. Home weekends. Low cost BCBS Health & Dental Ins. Matching 401K. Qualifications: 18 months Class A CDL driving experience with 6 months flatbed; Applicants must meet all D.O.T. requirements.

Contact recruiting at 1-800-634-7315 or come by HTL office at 1700 Boone Blvd, Northport. EOE LPN’s, RN’s, CNA’s Full-time & part-time • 2nd & 3rd Shift Apply in person: Hatley Health Care 300 Medical Ctr Dr Clanton, AL 35045 Road and Parking Lot Striping Company NOW HIRING LABORERS. Must be 18+ and have valid driver’s license. Monday-Friday.

BCBS/Paid Holidays/Sick days/Vacation/401k. Apply in person: 1110 Highway 31, Calera. 205-663-1511 Does your loved one need help at home? Licensed, bonded, insured, affordable homecare offered. Approved Veteran Service Contractor & LTC Insurance accepted.

Live-in-Care Available. Call us today! 205-453-4285

ONLINE AUCTIONS www.GTAOnlineAuctions.com 205-326-0833 Granger, Thagard & Assoc.

Jack F. Granger #873

Industrial Coatings Group, Inc. is hiring experienced sandblasters and industrial painters. Must be able to pass a drug test & E-verify check. Professional references required. Must be willing to travel. Please send resume to icgsecretary@hotmail.com or call (205) 612-2064.

DRIVERS Hanna Truck Lines is seeking Professional Flatbed Drivers. 53 cpm No surprises: Starting pay (all miles): 51 cpm, 52 cpm at 6 months, 53 cpm at 1 year. 100%

Need FREE help with your Medicare? Call your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) today at (800)AGE-LINE (800)-243-5463.

MARKETPLACE Soon the Mark of the Beast Will Be Enforced. Free Book & Bible Study.

PO Box 171 • Samantha, AL 35482 205-339-4837 Owner Operators Wanting Dedicated Year Round Anniston, AL www.pull4klb.com Kelly Educational Staffing® We’re hiring! • Substitute teachers • Aides • Cafeteria • Clerical • Custodial positions Shelby County School District & Alabaster City Schools.

Please call 205-870-7154 -Equal Opportunity EmployerM&M Trucking Company hiring experienced trailer and tractor trailer drivers.

Minimum three years verifiable experience required.

Tanker and dump experience a plus. Apply in person w/ MVR at M&M Trucking Company. 980 Lee Road.

Auburn, AL 36830.

Now Hiring!!

• Caregivers-ADL’s, assist with medications and some lifting 7am-3pm, 3pm-11pm, 11pm-7pm • Activity Director Part-Time • Cooks-some 12/ hr shifts Call Shay McNeal 205-620-2905 Marble Valley Manor.

Affordable 1 and 2 Bedroom Apartments for Elderly & Disabled. Many on-site services! 2115 Motes Rd, Sylacauga. 256-245-6500 •TDD#s: 800-548-2547(V) •800-548-2546(T/A). Office Hours: Mon-Fri, 8am-4pm.

Equal Opportunity Provider/ Employer Are you a motivated professional? Are you looking for a dynamic career?

Are you ready to control your own level of success? See why McKinnons’ is an exciting place to work and grow.

Now accepting applications for Sales, Service, and Detail Shop. Apply with the receptionist. 205-755-3430 NOW HIRING Class-A CDL Driver Must have clean driving record, two years experience Will train drivers on tank Drivers home nightly Contact Keith at: 205-438-4959

Class A CDL Drivers Needed Immediately for Dump Trailer Hauling • $2000 Retention Bonus • Local Hauling • Home Nights APPLY ONLINE: www.perdidotrucking.com Perdido Trucking Service, LLC 251-470-0355 Shake up your career!!! Are you looking for something new and FUN? Milo’s is always looking for great managers to come join our growing and dynamic team. Apply online at miloshamburgers.com Montgomery Stockyard Drop Station at Gray & Son’s in Clanton. Call Lane at 205389-4530. For other hauling arrangements, contact Wes in Harpersville 205-965-8657 Production Jobs. Willing to Train. AAM in Columbiana is HIRING for multiple shifts.

Email resume to dcurtis@grede.com or apply in person: 130 Industrial Pkwy, Columbiana, AL 35051 INDUSTRIAL CLEANING IN VANCE Requirements: • 18 Years Old • HS Diploma/GED • Able to work variable shifts/ weekends/holidays • Able to lift up to 50lbs constantly, stand on your feet for 8hrs • Able to pass drug screen/ background check Complete your application on line at www.naonsite.com Immediate Positions!!!!

Positions needed: Warehouse • Sales Reps • Assistant Manager • Delivery Drivers • Customer Service. Laid back atmosphere, good pay, plenty of hours available!

Company vehicles to qualified individuals! Call Andrew 9am7pm • Mon-Sat at (205)490-1003 or (205)243-6337 Production / Manufacturing Vance, Alabama Starting pay: $12.00 – $14.50 /hr. • Have 2 years+ Production/ Manufacturing experience.

• Have Recently Lived in Alabama at least 2 years. • Have A High School Diploma or GED. • Are at least 18 years old. Complete your application on line at www.naonsite.com

LIQUIDATION AUCTION August 4, 10:00AM 610 7th St, Clanton,AL Liquidating contents of BrenWils Flea Mkt. www.auctionzip.com ID#8507 Ken Yates, Auctioneer Lic. #1782 256-276-8091 256-396-5381 Oxford Healthcare in Montgomery currently hiring certified CNA’s and/or Home Health aides in the Clanton, Marbury and Maplesville areas. Must be able to pass complete background check, have reliable transportation and have a strong work ethic.

Serious inquires only.

Call 334-409-0035 or apply on-line at www.Oxfordhealthcare.com Move in Special! 3/2 Garden Home w/garage. Dishwasher, Fenced backyard, Great Room w/vaulted Ceiling. Calera Schools. Rent $1150. FLAT SCREEN TV!! (205)433-9811 Order Selectors Food Dist.

Center in Pelham DayShift: Mon-Fri. 40+ hours/ week 10:00AM until finished (varies). Salary: $16-20/hr after training. Benefits: Medical, vision, dental, vacation & 401k. Requirements: • Reading & math skills • Lift 40 lbs. repetitively • Work in -10 Temperature Apply in person: 8:30AM-5:00PM Southeastern Food 201 Parker Drive Pelham, Alabama 35124 resume@southeasternfood. com White Oak Transportation is hiring CDL-A drivers in your area. Great Pay! Excellent Benefits! Visit our website www.whiteoaktrans.com for more information EOEM/F/D/V Warehouse Team Member Call (205) 912-7365 or visit www.Hibbett.com Great Benefits LARGEST SELECTION OF WHOLESALE VEHICLES IN THE SOUTHEAST Over 350 vehicles available for direct sale daily! Live auction every Thursday 6:30p.m. (205)7444030 birminghamautoauction. com

CLOCK REPAIR SVS. * Setup * Repair * Maintenance. I can fix your Mother’s clock.

Alabaster/Pelham.

Call Stephen (205)663-2822 Electrician - FT Supreme Electric, local-based company in Pelham. Must be willing to learn & work hard. Go to: supremeelectric-al.com Print employment application under Contact Us. Mail to: Supreme Electric 231 Commerce Pkwy Pelham, AL 35124 or call 205-453-9327.

TaylorMade Transportation Hiring CDL Drivers for Flatbed Regional Division! BCBS Insurance After 30 Days. To apply call: (334)366-2269 or email: s.smith@taylormadeinc. com The Painting Company of Birmingham Immediate openings for professional residential and commercial painters. Must be able to speak English.

Call 205-995-5559 University Baptist Substitute Teachers for Pre-K Class • 19yrs • HS Diploma/GED • Child care exp. preferred Part-time Secretary • Clerical responsibilities • Assisting Pastor/church committees • Preparing/editing bulletins/ newsletters • Assisting w/ bookkeeping Send resumes: University Baptist Church PO Box 3 Montevallo,AL 35115 universitybaptistcdc@gmail. com Become a Dental Assistant in ONLY 8 WEEKS! Please visit our website capstonedentalassisting.com or call (205)561-8118 and get your career started!

WCA • Roll Off Drivers needed for our Alpine, AL location. Class A or B CDL is required along with one (1) year of verifiable equivalent commercial truck driving experience. Must have a valid and safe driving record. We offer competitive wages & a comprehensive benefits package which includes: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401k, Life Insurance, Short & Long Term Disability, Paid

Holidays and PTO. Please apply through our website at www.wcawaste.com EOE M/F/D/V WARRIOR MET COAL NOW HIRING Located in Brookwood, AL Immediate need for experienced: • Underground Miners • Electricians • Maintenance Foreman • Supervisors Apply online: www.warriormetcoal.com NOW HIRING: •Master Plumber •Experienced Plumber’s Helper •Experienced Plumber Call 205-755-8555 Need appliance or air conditioner parts?

How about a water filter for your refrigerator? We have it all at A-1 Appliance Parts!

Call 1-800-841-0312 www.A-1Appliance.com Housing Authority of the Birmingham District Hiring: Homeownership LeasePurchase Facilitator Resident Services Coordinator-ROSS Human Resources Specialist Compliance Data Analysis Application Data Entry Clerk Assistant Vice President ofHousing Operations Director of Public Safety Custodian View complete description and apply at www.habd.org or 1826 3rd AvenueSouth Birmingham, Al 35233 EXPERIENCED CONCRETE FOREMAN REV Contruction seeking Experienced Concrete Foreman. Benefits include BCBS Medical Insurance, 401k, paid holidays & vacation time. Email resume: mcole@revconstructioninc. com Fax: 205-349-1862 Call: 205-349-1860 HIRING EXPERIENCED PIPE LAYERS REV Construction seeking Experienced Pipe Layers Benefits include: BCBS Medical Insurance, 401k, Paid holidays & vacation time.

Email resume: mcole@revconstructioninc. com Fax: 205-349-1862 Call: 205-349-1860

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WHY I LOVE SHELBY COUNTY as LifeChanger is very humbling and such a violent manner. We hope that if we rewarding. can identify at-risk kids we can also provide intervention for them. Another project What does this award mean for you and would be the Global Sister Schools. I have your school? met with the vice president of Honduras Thompson High School received $5,000 twice about this and she is interested in for me being named LifeChanger of the making this a nationwide project. In 2014 I Year. escorted 10 of my engineering students to Jutiapa, Honduras. On this trip, the What projects have you and your students fit 14 amputees with prosthetic students been involved with in recent legs they designed and built. They also years? constructed and delivered two Basic Utility Wow, there is so much we could list here. Vehicles that travel from village to village Please refer to skyyouth. drilling fresh water wells and cultivating org and globalsisterschools.com for a fields. In 2016, four teams of Alabaster complete list of activities that my students students returned to Honduras: a team of have accomplished over the years. Two of medical students that volunteered at the our most recent projects are: Clinic of the Angels, a team that outfitted •Container Classroom – Upon Alabaster amputees with prosthetics, a team that set City Schools abstaining from getting up Water Chlorinators provided by Engineering Teacher at involved in the Container Classroom WaterStep and an IT team that brought Thompson High School project, Mayor Marty Handlon and the city refurbished computers from THS and of Alabaster volunteered to host the project installed three computer labs in three PHOTO BY KEITH MCCOY at Limestone Park. schools.

•Solar Suitcase: THS Engineering Academy students designed an inexpensive Who are the “life-changers” in your life?

You likely wouldn’t know Brian Solar Suitcase that can reliably operate a Both my father and my wife. My dad has laptop and charge cell phones. This provides been a great mentor, biggest cheer and Copes was named the 2017-2018 the school children reliable access to online advocate. Without his guidance and support LifeChanger of the Year unless you learning. most of the projects that I have done with heard the news from someone else. my students would not have been possible.

But that’s not a surprise considering he What do you feel you and the students My wife, Angel … if it wasn’t for her loving doesn’t work for praise and recognition have gained from these projects? support I would not have been able to like that. He loves working with kids, My students learn how to apply their commit time to working long after-school he says, and teaching them how to knowledge with action. Students who are hours with the students. Angel not only help others to make a difference in the equipped with both knowledge and ability supports me at the home front, but she has world. Brian, 50, and his wife, Angel, can change the world. Book knowledge is gone with me to Honduras, Dubai and live in Calera and have three children: theory; my students can apply their Bermuda. She is my rock when things get Emily, Amy and Brianna Walton. Brian knowledge and put it into action. My tough. teaches Engineering, Engineering students learn the importance of helping Applications, Foundation of others, their community and their global What do you love about Shelby County?

I receive so much support from the Engineering and Research and Design community. citizens of Shelby County. I love the classes at THS. What are your plans for the new school community coming together to help teach and mentor my students. I have several What was your reaction to learning you year?

I am working with top teachers from individuals and businesses that step up and were named LifeChanger of the Year?

I was very honored and humbled to around the world to create a national school teach my students their trades. This is receive such an honor. It was shocking to safety summit. This summit will bring in remarkable and exposes my students to receive the recognition for this is a national key stakeholders such as former presidents, trades and opportunities beyond the school I enjoy the friendly award given to anyone in the school system Hollywood, video game industry, teachers, hours. such as: administrators, teacher, bus students, psychologists, etc. to discuss the atmosphere, lifestyle and culture of Shelby drivers, cooks, custodians, etc. To be chosen root cause of why students are acting out in County.

Brian Copes

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2279 VALLEYDALE RD #100 BIRMINGHAM