Shelby Living November 2016

SHELBY Living

Shelbyliving.com

What’s for dessert?

JSCC shares dessert recipes for Thanksgiving

Mighty ministry Widows’ Might celebrates 15th anniversary

Alternative solutions Vet utilizes holistic medicine to treat animals November 2016

November 2016 shelbyliving.com

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Author’s debut Erica Ryan publishes first fiction novel

One-stop shop BlackWatch Sports Performance takes health and wellness to next level

Monday–Friday 1–9 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m.–6 p.m.

7191 Cahaba Valley Road Hoover, AL 35242 205-408-2366

stvurgentcare.com

• OPEN AFTER HOURS • • 7 DAYS A WEEK • • NO APPOINTMENT NEEDED •

FROM THE EDITOR

M

y husband and I have a 1-yearold golden retriever named Wrigley.

(For those of you who are sports fans, his name is a nod to Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs.)

We had researched different dog breeds for months, trying to decide what we wanted. We landed on golden retrievers, found a breeder we liked nearby and picked a puppy from their newest litter.

We brought little Wrigley home on Nov. 1 last year. He was a playful, adorable ball of fluff we couldn’t resist spoiling from the moment he scampered into our house.

He is now a 78-pound dog that thinks he’s still small enough to sit on our laps, and––for reasons unknown to us––he enjoys eating things like rocks and towels.

He is a handful, but we love him like another member of our family and want the best for him for the rest of his life, which we hope will be long (if we can limit his rock and towel intake).

For most pet owners, finding a veterinarian that cares about our fur children as much as we do is a must.

Dr. Natalie LenoirBlackman fits this bill.

Based at Cahaba Beach Dog Park in Hoover, Lenoir-Blackman is a holistic veterinarian who utilizes acupuncture, herbal medicine and other treatments at her practice, Well Being Medicine for Animals.

It’s clear Lenoir-Blackman takes a personal interest in her patients, and, in turn, they flourish under her care.

I was fascinated to learn about her different approach to treating animals, and I loved reading her patients’ success stories.

Does your pet have a neat story, too?

I would love to know. And if you have any other story ideas, comments or suggestions for the magazine, please reach out to me at emily.sparacino@ shelbycountyreporter.com.

I appreciate your feedback and hope you enjoy the latest installment of Shelby Living! 

Emily Sparacino, Editor

Emily.Sparacino@shelbycountyreporter.com

SHELBY Living EDITORIAL Graham Brooks Steven Calhoun Stephen Dawkins Baker Ellis Alec Etheredge Briana Harris Keith McCoy Emily Sparacino Neal Wagner CONTRIBUTORS Laura Brookhart Lindsay Dyess Dawn Harrison Lisa Phillips PRODUCTION Connor Bucy Jamie Dawkins Layken Gibbs Clarke Stackhouse MARKETING Meagan Barton Kristy Brown Ashley Duckett Kari George Daniel Holmes Rhett McCreight Kim McCulla April Spivey Jessica Spradlin ADMINISTRATION Tim Prince Katie McDowell Mary Jo Eskridge Hailey Dolbare Stacey Meadows

ON THE COVER Randy Beckham is founder and CEO of BlackWatch Sports Performance, which opened this summer off U.S. 280.

Cover design: Jamie Dawkins Photography: Keith McCoy

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

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

Shelby Living is mailed to select households throughout Shelby County, and a limited number of free copies are available at local businesses. Please visit Shelbyliving.com for a list of those locations. Subscriptions are available at a rate of $20.41 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.

2 | ShelbyLiving.com

WHAT’S INSIDE

features 16

STEPPING OUT OF THE DARKNESS Community Walk volunteers shed light on suicide prevention efforts, fundraising

23

A LASTING LEGACY Pelham gymnastics facility nearing 10th anniversary

30

THE DOG WHISPERER Dr. Natalie Lenoir-Blackman utilizes holistic approach in treating animals

40

NOVEL CONCEPT Author Erica Ryan draws inspiration for first novel from life in Shelby County

30 November 2016 | 3

WHAT’S INSIDE

10

40

12 in every issue 5

THE SIMPLE LIFE

6

SHORT STORIES

36

WALL TO WALL

53

BUSINESS CONNECTIONS

61

SHELBY SPOTTED

75

MARKETPLACE

78

OUT AND ABOUT

arts & culture 9 MAKING WAVES IN MUSIC Phil Dudley and band to share new tracks at upcoming performance 10

A FLIGHT OF FANCY Ruben Vuittonet embarks on quest to fold 1,000th origami crane

4 | ShelbyLiving.com

health & fitness features 12

ONE-STOP SHOP BlackWatch Sports Performance takes health and wellness to next level

15

FLU, FEVER, FRACTURES AND MORE An Urgent Care physician at St. Vincent’s One Nineteen addresses seasonal concerns

faith 16

MINISTRY OF GREAT MIGHT The Widows’ Might at Liberty Baptist Church marks 15 years of outreach

16

STEPPING OUT OF THE DARKNESS Community Walk volunteers shed light on suicide prevention efforts, fundraising

23

A LASTING LEGACY Pelham gymnastics facility nearing 10th anniversary

30 THE DOG WHISPERER Dr. Natalie Lenoir-Blackman utilizes holistic approach in treating animals 40

NOVEL CONCEPT Author Erica Ryan draws inspiration for first novel from life in Shelby County

food 46

THANKSGIVING TREATS Jeff State culinary program shares holiday dessert recipes

THE SIMPLE LIFE

“What Did You Say?”

A

t a recent workshop at a local university, there was a lack of understanding with the majority of second-year students on the subject of “people skills.” When the topic turned to effective communication, the overall conclusion was texting Lisa Phillips, owner of SimpleWorks, was the preferred method to Simpleworks.guru convey your thoughts and needs. lisa@simpleworks.guru Their surveys showed most didn’t 205.981.7733 consider any other method. Would you be surprised to know that effective communication is: 55 percent physical presence; 38 percent tone, pitch and pace; and 7 percent is words? This is opposite in how these young adults view conversing. Let’s look at how “words” fall behind two other extremely important factors in sharing a message.

• Physical presence. Fifty-five percent of effective communication is with your body language. Be hyper-aware of what you pick up on when standing face to face with someone. A firm handshake can convey confidence, strength and excitement, as well as a wimpy three-finger handshake gives the impression of weakness, shyness and insecurity. When you look in someone’s eyes when they’re speaking, that tells them you’re focused and listening. When your eyes wander, it tells the person talking you’ve tuned into something else. “Look at me when I’m talking to you” is something your father said a million times and now makes perfect sense.

• Tone, pitch and pace. Thirty-eight percent of what you communicate comes from your voice. Having inflection when you speak can add excitement, while being monotone may affect enthusiasm for both parties. Have you ever heard a “smile” come through the phone? Do you notice someone talking fast which can show joy or a slow talker which can make a story less interesting? Sometimes we could have an edge in our voice that we didn’t even know we have.

• Written word. Seven percent of communication is the written word, which lacks tone so it can easily be misinterpreted by the receiver. You can add words that create the intended tone by including emojis, capitalization, etc.—yet there is still room for miscommunication. There is no tone, pitch, pace or body language, which is vital. The best way to communicate is face to face—talking, listening and looking someone in the eye. It’s that simple! 

2016

Fifty-five percent of effective communication is with your body language.

November 2016 | 5

SHORT STORIES

Tin Top BBQ 2 holds ribbon cutting Tin Top BBQ 2 celebrated its new location in Columbiana with a ribbon cutting ceremony Sept. 30. Tin Top BBQ got its start in the city of Calera and had so much success with their homemade food that owner Mike Gannon’s son Chase said he wanted to go into the restaurant business, which led to the opening of their new barbecue joint.

The restaurant has been very popular among Columbiana residents as well as others since opening its doors on March 1 of this year. Tin Top offers not only some of the freshest barbecue around that you can get on a plate, on a sandwich or even covering chips or fries, but they also offer a huge cheeseburger and other favorites like chicken tenders.

The restaurant has also recently started serving breakfast shifting their hours to be open from 6 a.m.-7 p.m. The restaurant is located at 121 Old Highway 25 in Columbiana.

Kids go Full STEAM Ahead Meadow View Elementary School went “Full STEAM Ahead” to show off the school’s new science, technology, engineering, art and math lab to the community on Sept. 27.

MVES principal Rachea Simms said the school is so thankful to have the STEAM lab and see the positive responses from students, parents and community.

Alabaster City Schools superintendent Wayne Vickers said two MVES teachers, Lindsey Thigpen and Julie Howanitz, proposed the creation of STEAM labs in Alabaster schools and Vickers said the board was happy to help.

The lab focuses on creative, fun ways to implement science and math and helps the students learn in new creative ways.

Simms said they wanted to host the

community night so parents could see what their children are learning and the way Meadow View and other Alabaster city schools are incorporating new technology and learning strategies in the school.

Parents toured the school and visited different stations explaining elements of the STEAM curriculum and experienced the lab first hand.

Librarian Christina Tomlin shared with the parents how the students were learning coding and demonstrated a few of the programmable robots the school purchased as part of the STEAM lab.

Vickers said they have created labs at MVES, Creek View Elementary School and Thompson Intermediate School. He said they hope to add on to the Thompson Sixth Grade Center next year.

Learn about pancreatic cancer risk factors November is pancreatic cancer awareness month. This year, more than 53,000 Americans will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. There are several factors that contribute to the poor survival rate: 1) the lack of symptoms in the early stage of the disease; 2) the lack of a reliable early detection method; and 3) the structure of the pancreatic cancer cell which makes it very difficult for chemo drugs to penetrate the cell’s defenses. Some symptoms include but are not limited to: Rapid weight loss, bloating, pain in the abdomen often radiating to the back, excessive itching and yellowing of the skin. Risk factors include 6 | ShelbyLiving.com

search Foundation; Hannon cigarette smoking, obesity, family Davidson, Executive Director, 907history, chronic pancreatitis and 3473, Hannon@reedgifoundation. diabetes. Consumption of procom, Reedgifoundation.com cessed meat, red meat and meats uThe Pancreatic Cancer Action cooked at high temperature are Network – Birmingham Affiliate; also thought to be contributing Sue Clements, Affiliate Chair, factors. There is, however, hope – sclements@pancanvolunteer.org, hope through research. For more Heslin Facebook.com/PancanBirminginformation, contact: ham, Pancan.org uThe University of Alabama at Birmingham – Leon H. Ryan III, Director Dr. Martin J. Heslin, MSHA, is professor of Development, Department of Surgery, Office: 996-0127 | Cell: 517-9982, leonryan@ and executive vice chairman of Department of Surgery, Chief of Medical Staff, UAB uab.edu Health System. uThe Robert Reed GI/Oncology Re-

best best OF THE

2016

Chelsea High School brings awareness to childhood cancer Students at Chelsea High School have gone above and beyond to raise awareness and money for childhood cancer.

Students along with English teacher Kelli Parramore, whose daughter Kenna has been battling acute myeloid leukemia, bonded together and thought of ways to help.

Therefore they created a T-shirt that reads “Go Gold” on the front and on the reverse side says “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter,” a saying made famous

by Martin Luther King Jr. They sold these shirts to not only raise money, but also spread awareness about pediatric cancer, and at a special assembly Sept. 30, the school reflected on the job the students did and presented two separate checks of $2,000 to two non-profit organizations.

One of the checks was pre-

sented to aTeam Ministries, which is an organization committed to offering spiritual, financial and emotional support to families dealing with pediatric cancer.

The other check was presented to Dr. Kimberly Whelan of Children’s Hospital, who has dedicated her life to treating pediatric cancer.

The assembly saw the show choir sing songs that talked about being grateful and finding peace, which featured two solo singers. Both songs led to loud applauses and had high school students on the verge of tears.

Patrick Marshall, who is a senior in the peer-helping program, produced a video that showed the struggle facing childhood cancer. During the video he went around and asked nurses and others if they knew what the gold ribbon stood for when it came to cancer.

HOOVER

Come as you are.

You’ll fit right in.

SUNDAYS AT 8:15 & 10:45 AM

Oak Mountain Presbyterian Church 5080 Cahaba Valley Trace Birmingham, AL 35242

#wheregraceabounds

November 2016 | 7

IS Garden Club hears county update Patton Chapel ANIMAL

CLINIC

The Indian Springs Garden Club met on Thursday, Sept. 22 at 6:30 p.m. at Indian Springs Town Hall.

Shelby County Commissioner Lindsey Allison spoke to the group and gave a general update on the county regarding budget, roads, law enforcement, municipal progress and other topics.

Church donates van to Kids First Center First Baptist Church of Alabaster recently donated a van to the Kids First Community Center to be used for the center’s adult education and workforce development program.

The church presented the van to Kids First during a Sept. 25 family board game day hosted by the church at the center. During the event, attendees circled the van and prayed for it, said Kids First Director Cindy Hawkins.

Hawkins said the center, which is located off Martin Luther King Jr. Drive in Alabaster, will use the van to provide transportation for adults to travel to classes and training workshops.

The adult program represents a step toward expanding the center’s offerings in the community, she said.

The adult class is called Bridge of H.O.P.E., which stands for Helping Our Parents through Education, and offers free literacy, GED, job interview training, resume development, parenting skills classes, drug awareness classes and more.

The first Bridge of Hope class, which is a residential carpentry class held through a partnership with Shelby County Community education, started on Sept. 27 at the Shelby County College and Career Center in Columbiana. Visit HOPE1.org for a list of upcoming classes and locations.

Bridge of H.O.P.E. is in need of volunteers, teachers and donations. To volunteer, call Kids First at 706-9467 or 994-8300.

8 | ShelbyLiving.com

ARTS COUNCIL CORNER

Making waves in music Phil Dudley and band to share new tracks at upcoming performance Story by LINDSAY DYESS Photograph CONTRIBUTED

I

t seems that Phil Dudley was born to be a musician, whether by choice or by fate.

Dudley’s family has a long musical history starting with his grandparents who worked as traveling music ministers in the ‘70s and ‘80s.

His father and uncle picked up music from a young age, and even Dudley’s four siblings all play music.

It seems there was no escaping it. Dudley began taking piano lessons at age 10 and hasn’t stopped since.

His musical style can best be described as rock with folk and jazz influence.

“All the songs that I write are inspired by life experiences, people I’ve met and places I’ve been,” says Dudley. He even looks to a variety of musicians and bands for inspiration such as Boston, Rob Thomas and UK jazz musician Jamie Cullum.

After Dudley graduated high school he started writing original songs, and in 2011 he tried his hand at live performances.

His very first gig was at City Vineyard in Greystone. There he played alongside his sister Elizabeth who had been writing some of her own original songs.

Since then his career has taken off. Dudley has played many local places such as The Oasis Bar, Todd English Pub, headlined several shows at WorkPlay and even performed on the main stage at the 2016 Alabaster City Fest.

When he’s not playing locally he and his band, The Phil Dudley Band, have spent time touring venues in the Southeast.

Dudley has even had a song featured in Kevin Wayne’s online miniseries “Bloodtype.”

Along with touring and live performances Dudley has released two self-recorded albums along the way, “Wonderland” and “All in my Head.”

2017 looks to be an exciting year for Dudley. With plans to release an album with the Phil Dudley Band in early 2017 and a solo album later in the year, it will be the first time Dudley will record in a professional studio.

“I’m really looking forward to creating new music, seeing new places and meeting new people,”

says Dudley. “The adventure is why I do what I do.

Trying to convey an emotion, an experience or a struggle with a listener, and being successful at it is the best feeling you can have as an artist. That’s what I strive for. I hope that I can touch other people’s lives through music, make connections and grow as an artist and as a person.”

The Phil Dudley Band will be performing live at the Shelby County Arts Council’s Black Box Theater on Friday, Nov. 18 at 7:30 p.m.

This is a great opportunity to see a talented young musician on the rise! The band will perform tracks from their upcoming album “Seasons” as well as favorites from previous albums.

Tickets for the performance are $15 and include a pre-show reception. Doors open at 7 p.m., performance begins at 7:30 p.m.

For more info or to purchase tickets for this event, visit Shelbycountyartscouncil.com.

Also, mark your calendars for the SCAC annual Holiday Artist Market on Saturday, Dec. 3, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

This market is a great way to find unique gifts for friends and family all while supporting talented local artists.

There will be an array of original work including pottery, jewelry, paintings, prints and so much more.

For information on this and other events be sure to check out our website! 

Phil Dudley plans to release an album with his band, The Phil Dudley Band, in early 2017, followed by a solo album.

November 2016 | 9

ARTS & CULTURE

A flight of fancy Ruben Vuittonet embarks on quest to fold 1,000th origami crane Story and photographs by LAURA BROOKHART

R

uben Vuittonet has folded many cranes since fifth grade, some 39 years ago.

“Over the years the craftsmanship has improved, to a point, and still I am ever amazed by their individuality—at how variations in paper, environment and myself contribute to produce a crane subtly different from those that came before.”

Vuittonet has collected a number of books on 10 | ShelbyLiving.com

origami and always enjoys learning new forms; however, he notes, “When permitted to follow their natural inclination, my hands always return to the form I learned first and love best, the crane.”

He further expounds, “Origami is an art appropriate to both the dilettante and the expert.

The amazing variety of form offers the artist opportunities to revel in simplicity or aspire to complexity.”

“As it happens, it never occurred to me to count them along the way,” he adds.

An ancient Japanese legend promises that anyone

“When you fold, the ritual and the act of creation is more important than the final result. When your hands are busy, the heart is serene.”

for their first month of who folds a thousand school good behavior award. origami cranes will be “We went shopping granted a wish by a crane. for LEGO sets,” he said.

Vuittonet’s wish is to “Trey kept insisting that I travel to Hiroshima, Japan purchase the TIE Fighter to fold his 1,000th crane set modeled from the at the Children’s Peace TIE Fighter in Star Wars: Monument. In pursuit The Force Awakens. of that, he has started a I compromised and GoFundMe page and has purchased the Darth Vader a beautiful website that character set. One hundred expounds on this dream and — Akira Yoshizawa and sixty assembled tracks his progress. pieces later, Vader was This endeavor honors Sadako Sasaki, a little girl who was 2 years old when as intimidating as ever. I swear I can hear his the atomic bomb was dropped. She died at the age of wheezing—I mean breathing—while I sleep.”

Vuittonet has worked in IT and web design since 12 in 1955, from what her mother referred to as atom 1993. He and wife, Haley, a medical professional, bomb disease. Before her death, she folded 1,000 have three children, and the two eldest attend Helena paper cranes in the hope that she would be granted schools. the gift of health from the gods.

During a week’s stay at Children’s Hospital with Her story transformed the paper crane into a his son, Vuittonet folded and presented 64 cranes to symbol of hope and peace for innocent victims of other patients. war.

“My plan for displaying the cranes when the Vuittonet will web cast the folding of project is completed,” Vuittonet shares, “is to make the 1,000th crane on the 1,000th day of the project. a dovetail joint box for all of the photos of each “I will dedicate the final crane to Sadako Sasaki crane. Additionally, I will have an acrylic cylinder and all others who perish during war or from other containing all the paper cranes that may employ an violence,” he said.

Arduino custom lighting solution.”

His first crane for this project was folded Nov. Meanwhile, on the website is an illustrated 15, 2014 and the total, now over 700, is graphed on diagram, if after reading this you feel inspired to fold his website. Also updated minute by minute are the number of days, hours, minutes and seconds until his your own paper crane!

Navigate through Vuittonet’s lovely website anticipated trip.

Each most recent crane and its back story are also via the crane in the upper left hand corner. Visit Conceptual-nachos.com/images/1000Cranes/ shared, as for example one folded after spending an FinalResponsive/1000Cranes.html.  afternoon with his sons, Connor and Trey, shopping

LEFT: The Peace Crane is a symbol of hope and peace for innocent victims of war. ABOVE LEFT: Ruben Vuittonet’s favorite is the 500th crane. ABOVE MIDDLE: Connor Vuittonet is pictured with a crane. ABOVE RIGHT: Ruben Vuittonet’s cranes to date are displayed in a glass cylinder.

November 2016 | 11

HEALTH & FITNESS

ONE-STOP SHOP

BlackWatch Sports Performance takes health and wellness to next level with personal expertise; namely, his knowledge of speed from a scientific standpoint.

And a constant offering of programs led by group of Sylacauga High School Smith and other sports celebrities for adults, teens football players walked into and even young children is what people can expect BlackWatch Sports Performance for to find at BlackWatch, founder and CEO Randy a training session. Hours later, they walked out with a more firm grasp of speed, agility Beckham said.

“The trainers we have are top-notch,” he and other factors affecting their game and overall said, noting the BlackWatch staff is comprised of physical fitness from none other than two-time Olympian Willie J. Smith III, who won gold medals former collegiate and professional athletes. “We hired them not because they are great players, but in the 1976 and 1984 Olympic games. because they are (great people). Our staff is the Like the other athletic trainers at BlackWatch – which opened in the former Sports Blast facility off backbone of our company.”

Before Beckham and his family moved to U.S. 280 this summer – Smith infuses his programs

Story by EMILY SPARACINO Photographs by KEITH McCOY

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE LEFT: Student-athletes go through an exercise involving weights. BlackWatch trainer and two-time Olympian Willie Smith leads a training session for local high school football players. Students complete a training exercise.

Smith gives the group directions. BlackWatch offers a variety of equipment at its facility.

12 | ShelbyLiving.com

A

Birmingham nearly eight years ago, he operated a similar facility, Velocity Sports Performance, in Orlando, Fla. His original plan was to stay in the Birmingham area for just a few years, but when the time came to go back to Florida, his family didn’t want to leave. Beckham decided to re-launch his company here.

As he researched potential locations to open his business, he found the 41,000-square-foot building off U.S. 280 formerly occupied by Sports Blast, and decided it was a great fit for his vision.

Beckham said a driving force behind BlackWatch is its offerings for young people, noting the plethora of students at nearby schools – Spain Park High School, Oak Mountain High School, Briarwood Christian School and Chelsea schools – and Alabama’s overall emphasis on amateur and youth athletics.

BlackWatch’s Streelight Kids program teaches kids functional movement, proper form and nutrition and incorporates academics into the discussion.

“We want to instill fun back into athletics,” Beckham said. “Our motto is ‘Using athletics to build better people.’”

BlackWatch takes a holistic approach to combining health and wellness with sports performance, offering a comprehensive range of services beneficial to all ages, collegiate and non-collegiate, professional and nonprofessional athletes alike.

As part of its health and wellness

program, BlackWatch offers nutritional classes, spin classes, yoga, senior fit classes, Pilates and massage therapy, according to Wes McCarter with BlackWatch.

Cryotherapy is also a new offering at BlackWatch. Cryotherapy involves the use of extreme cold to significantly reduce a person’s recovery time after workouts.

Instead of sitting in an ice bath for 30 minutes, an athlete can stand in a cold chamber for about three minutes and receive the same post-exercise treatment benefits, McCarter said.

Sport-specific skill and performance training, athletic performance training, athletic program consulting and fitness classes are available. The staff also works closely with a medical advisory board.

“We’re really trying to build a community effort here (and) brand ourselves as all-sport training,” Beckham said.

Other offerings include an indoor recreational flag football league and indoor pickleball.

BlackWatch partners with community and athletic organizations to provide facility space for their activities. Other teams interested in such opportunities should call the facility as soon as possible as time and space are limited.

Smith likened BlackWatch to a “sports mall,” where a child can train for baseball season at the same time his parents are taking a fitness class.

November 2016 | 13

RIGHT: Smith leads studentathletes through another training exercise.

“It’s like a one-stop shop,” said Smith, director of athletic performance at the facility. “We want people to come here because you can get all you want in one place, for all sports.”

But Beckham said BlackWatch’s offerings extend beyond the building. Training services are mobile, meaning staff members can conduct certain programs off-site. The renovated, multi-use facility contains turf fields on both sides for a range of sports, along with batting cages.

“We feel like we’ve created an environment where the whole family can get all they need,” he said. “Everybody can do everything right here. I think that is something unmatched.”

Beckham called the opportunity to open BlackWatch a “blessing,” and made it clear he and

his staff are not settling for mediocrity in serving the community.

“BlackWatch Sports, in everything we do, will be elite,” he said. “Everything we do is set out to be the best of the best. That mentality is what we teach.”

BlackWatch is located at 19220 U.S. 280 in Birmingham. For more information, visit the BlackWatch Sports Performance Facebook page, go to Blackwatchsports.com or call 518-6591. 

Don’t let PAIN keep you from doing what you love.

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14 | ShelbyLiving.com

CRESTLINE HELENA

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HEALTH & FITNESS

Flu, fever, fractures and more An Urgent Care physician at St. Vincent’s One Nineteen addresses seasonal concerns Story by DR. SHARON LAWRENCE Photograph CONTRIBUTED

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or many, November is a month reserved for football, feasts and family gatherings.

Unfortunately, November is also associated with flu, fever and fractures. Since our St. Vincent’s Urgent Care patients often ask how to address such seasonal challenges, here are four fall suggestions for better health: Address flu and fevers. Get a flu shot now. Although vaccines don’t always protect against every flu strain, they lessen its impact. No one should worry about getting the flu from the vaccine. Since today’s vaccine is derived from a dead virus, you can’t get the flu from the shot.

Treat a child’s fever with the recommended dose of children’s acetaminophen or ibuprofen before bringing them to Urgent Care. Such treatment addresses their comfort and avoids the risk of fever-induced seizures.

1.

If the fever is lowered by arrival, we primary care doctor right away, seek will still treat the child for high fever Urgent Care treatment. concerns. Please note we see children ages Connect with a care 3 months of age and up at St. Vincent’s continuum. Since St. Vincent’s Urgent Care.

One Nineteen is a part of St. Vincent’s Since elderly adults typically don’t spike Health System, we can refer patients to fevers, but can be easily dehydrated, seek primary and specialty physicians who prompt medical attention if fever occurs. can follow up concerns. That means our Urgent Care can be a whole family’s Plan safe holiday gatherings. wellness entry point, extending through Help elders navigate stairs. every season of the year.

Remove tripping hazards, like throw St. Vincent’s Urgent Care welcomes rugs. Designate adults to monitor risks patients on its St. Vincent’s One Nineteen to children, including alcohol, purses campus. The facility is located at 7191 containing medication, turkey fryers and Cahaba Valley Road, right off U.S. 280 drowning hazards. and U.S. 119. St. Vincent’s Urgent Care is Be attentive to unmentioned injuries. open Monday through Friday, 1 to 9 p.m., Children may not identify specific pain, and Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. but may start limping or not using an No appointment is necessary. For more arm. An Urgent Care x-ray can settle information, visit Stvurgentcare.com or fracture suspicions. call 205-408-2366.  Address infections promptly.

Urinary tract infections can lead Dr. Sharon Lawrence is an urgent care to sepsis and kidney infections. Over-thecounter medications can mask symptoms physician at St. Vincent’s Urgent Care on of a raging infection. If you can’t see your the One Nineteen campus.

4.

2.

3.

November 2016 | 15

FEATURES

STEPPING OUT OF THE DARKNESS Community Walk volunteers shed light on suicide prevention efforts, fundraising Story by EMILY SPARACINO Photograph by DAWN HARRISON

M

The 11th Annual Birmingham Out of the Darkness Walk will be held Sunday, Nov. 6 at Heardmont Park. Check-in and registration is at 1 p.m., and the walk will take place from 2:30-4 p.m. This year’s fundraising goal is $150,000.

RIGHT: Mary Chandler holds a framed picture of her and Clay from her wedding in 2010.

16 | ShelbyLiving.com

ary Chandler and her brother Clay were more like best friends than simply siblings.

“We were very close,” Chandler, 30, said. “We spent a considerable amount of time together.”

Intelligent, athletic, outgoing and compassionate, Clay seemed to have everything going for him, Chandler said. He was a graduate of Gadsden State Community College’s Registered Nursing program, a UAB Green and Gold Scholarship recipient and a member of the ROTC. “He was always such a good person,” Chandler said, “And so school-oriented, family-oriented.”

Then, in January 2013, Clay committed suicide at 24 years old, leaving Chandler and her family feeling devastated, helpless and confused about how such a motivated person could have wrestled with internal issues powerful enough to convince him to end his life.

“It just really threw us,” Chandler said. “We were completely shocked by it. It happened so fast.”

As she and her family waded through their grief, Chandler decided to volunteer for a cause dedicated to suicide prevention and education and support for those affected by it. She got involved with the Birmingham Out of the Darkness Community Walk, an annual fundraising event benefiting the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

“I was not super empathetic to depression or someone having thoughts of suicide,” Chandler said of her perspective before Clay’s death. “Now, I have seen a softer side of myself. (There) is no shame in seeking help for depression or mental

illness. It can happen to anyone. It can affect you no matter where you are in life.”

The 11th Annual Birmingham Out of the Darkness Walk will be held Sunday, Nov. 6 at Heardmont Park. Check-in and registration is at 1 p.m., and the walk will take place from 2:30-4 p.m.

This year’s fundraising goal is $150,000, Birmingham Walk chairwoman Marissa Grayson said.

Like Chandler, Grayson has dealt with the

aftermath of a loved one’s suicide.

“I lost my dad to suicide in 2005,” Grayson said.

“My first Walk was in 2008, and I’ve chaired the (Birmingham) Walk for six years.”

Grayson said helping with the Walk has helped her to foster relationships with others coping with similar circumstances.

“The Walk in 2008 was eerily comforting,” Grayson said. “There was something really comforting about being with so many people who had had a similar experience and understood that there’s not really an explanation for why those things happen. I think it also reminds people that we can hopefully get rid of this stigma.”

According to Chandler, AFSP utilizes proceeds from fundraisers like the Out of the Darkness Walk for More Than Sad, a program implemented in schools across the country to equip educators to recognize signs students have depression or mental health issues that could lead to suicide, and to get them help.

“Suicide prevention is one of the least-funded health issues we face,” Chandler said. “Lives lost to suicide continue to rise. The money to fund research and prevention is not there.

“There is help out there,” she added. “AFSP is a

great place to start.”

More than 360 Out of the Darkness Community Walks are slated for this fall, and likely will draw nearly 200,000 participants, Chandler wrote in an email. Last year, the walks raised about $14 million for local and national suicide prevention programs, and the Birmingham Walk ranked 21st in the nation with more than 1,400 walkers and about $140,000 raised.

In 2014, the Walk raised about $180,000.

“It’s really grown,” Chandler said of the Walk, which she described as a “hopeful” event. “It’s what you can do to remember and try to make sure nobody else feels that way.”

To register for the Birmingham Out of the Darkness Community Walk, visit Afsp.org/birmingham.

“I miss Clay every day, and working with AFSP gives me a way to remember him and honor him by trying to ensure other families never lose someone they love to suicide,” Chandler said. 

“(There) is no shame in seeking help for depression or mental illness. It can happen to anyone. It can affect you no matter where you are in life.”

— Mary Chandler

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November 2016 | 17

FAITH

Ministry of great might The Widows’ Might marks 15 years of outreach Story by EMILY SPARACINO Photographs by DAWN HARRISON and EMILY SPARACINO

J Members of Widows’ Might Ministry gather at Liberty Baptist Church. The ministry started in 2001.

18 | ShelbyLiving.com

anice Chesser remembers the day she and five other women approached Liberty Baptist Church Pastor Dr. Tim Cox to discuss forming a new ministry for widows 15 years ago, and she marvels at what has transpired since then.

“It seems like yesterday six of us met with Bro. Tim and as I like to say, ‘We walked in as a group of little old ladies and walked out as the ladies of Widows’ Might,’” Chesser said. “That was June 21, 2001.”

The Widows’ Might ministry started as a support group at Liberty Baptist Church in Chelsea for women whose spouses had died “to let the Lord use us to reach out to all the widows in our church and communities and share God’s love and grace,” the mission reads. The group consists of more than 30 women.

Over the years, the women credit the

Lord with using them to help others, often anonymously, far beyond the church walls.

“It truly is a ministry,” Chesser said. “It started out as a support group for each other, and the Lord turned it into a ministry. All I can do is say, ‘Thank you, Jesus.’”

Widows’ Might members celebrated the ministry’s 15th anniversary at an Aug. 18 meeting with cake and a look back at some of the outreach efforts in which members have been involved. Chesser compiled a 15-year report detailing the group’s service to local and global organizations.

From August 2001 to September 2004, the group delivered 3,921 meals to families through Meals on Wheels, a delivery program that allowed Widows’ Might members to carry meals and occasional holiday-oriented gifts to recipients.

Widows’ Might helped distribute 621 free copies of the book “All About Heaven” to patients in eight nursing homes and assisted

living facilities in Shelby and surrounding counties in 2001 and 2002.

From 2001 to 2003, the ministry provided clothing, shoes and toiletries to 13 patients without families. The women made 28 lap robes for the 13 patients, plus 15 extras for other patients at Christmastime. The group also prayed for and visited the patients on a regular basis.

Widows’ Might started communicating with local school counselors in 2002 to determine children’s needs the ministry could help fulfill.

The women provided snacks for children at Chelsea Elementary one day a week for a couple of years, and from 2004 to 2007, they supplied one snack a week for 224 children for 38 weeks.

In 2008, the women discovered they could provide more snacks if they bought in bulk, and the snack ministry eventually extended to Chelsea Park, Chelsea Intermediate and Mt Laurel. Widows’ Might served 375 children with 1,125 containers (about 5,062 pounds of snacks) for nearly three years.

In total, the group provided 8,512 individual snacks from 2004 to 2007, and 9,648 pounds of snacks from 2008 to May 2016.

At all three schools, the group provided 96 coats, 24 pairs of shoes and $1,723.04 in school supplies from 2012 to 2015.

In 2003, Widows’ Might partnered with Women on — Janice Chesser Mission to give gift bags at Shelby Ridge nursing home for May birthdays. The same year, Widows’ Might started working with Bill Nichols Veterans Nursing Home, at which members have given 3,228 gift bags, 3,228 tracts, 150 large print Gospel of John copies, 150 large print Book of Psalms copies and 150 large print Book of Proverbs.

Widows’ Might members still visit Bill Nichols Veterans Nursing Home twice a year.

“I’m so proud of these ladies because a lot of people just get on the front porch in a rocking chair, but they don’t do that,” Chesser said. “Everybody has to have a reason to get out of bed every morning.”

Member Linda Brasher echoed Chesser’s sentiments, adding, “This is not a group of sad women.”

Widows’ Might started supporting the military in August

“We’re a ministry of Liberty, but anybody can come that’s a widow. We’re all sisters in Christ.

It takes one widow to know what the other one is going through. These ladies ... they are precious.”

November 2016 | 19

ABOVE: Widows’ Might members embrace. RIGHT: The group celebrated its 15year anniversary at an Aug. 18 meeting with cake.

20 | ShelbyLiving.com

2003 and continue with different projects throughout the year. The group has sent 1,349 boxes to 475 young men and women, 27 smaller boxes to 12 wounded individuals at Walter Reed Medical Center, seven boxes to an underground church in Iraq, including 10 Arabic Bibles, four boxes of toiletries to an orphanage in Afghanistan given by chaplains and six boxes of school supplies given to schools by chaplains in Afghanistan.

The group sent 1,179 Bibles and 649 Christmas books to men and women and chaplains, and boxes of Bibles to chaplains.

Hundreds of “Letters from Home” written

by Liberty families and thousands of Christmas cards were sent to men and women.

Also, Widows’ Might has donated to Wounded Warriors and Crosswind Foundation.

Widows’ Might secretary Inez Smith, 89, said packing boxes for soldiers is special to her, as her late husband, Charles, was a paratrooper in the Army.

“That was my thing,” Smith said.

Long-time member Margaret Stout, 70, also said she has enjoyed the group’s military outreach.

“It’s just a blessing that we can bless other people,” Stout said.

Since 2005, Widows’ Might has provided school clothing for 15 children and Christmas gifts for 14 children through Shelby County Department of Human Resources.

The group participated in outreach efforts for homebound and special needs individuals for Easter from 2005 to 2007, providing 36 Easter lilies, 64 gift bags, nine Easter baskets, two vases of flowers and 116 tracts; and for Christmas from 2001 to 2013, providing 475 fruit baskets, 20 gift bags, 13 vases of flowers, seven parties for special needs and 508 tracts.

Since 2005, the group also has supported Chelsea Hidden Acres at Easter and Christmas, providing 74 Easter baskets and 74 tracts, along with 94 Christmas stockings, 60 baskets and 154 tracts.

In prison ministry, Widows’ Might has furnished 561 NIV large print Bibles, 36 Spanish Bibles, four boxes of used Sunday School books and 2,400 greeting cards requested by Chaplain through American Rehab Ministries to William Donaldson State Prison starting in 2007.

Efforts included providing 500 NIV large print Bibles through the Shelby County Jail Chaplain Ministry from 2007 to 2012, and two cases of Bibles through the Shelby County Jail Ministry in 2015 with Kim Bradley and Maggie Boggan.

chelsea comprehensive dental Ryan A. Draiss, DMD

Widows’ Might’s prison and school outreach efforts are part of what stood out to member Carolyn Snell, 82, when she joined at the beginning of the year following her husband’s death in October.

“I’ve just been amazed at all they do,” Snell said. “It’s been a blessing to me to be with all the ladies in the same boat.

It’s so much more than what I thought it was.”

From 2008 to 2012, Widows’ Might provided household cleaning supplies once a year to the Alabama Baptist Children’s Home.

The group also provided 45 pairs of new shoes; $772.12 in school supplies; two cases of large print NIV Bibles; a case of Spanish Bibles; 1,540 pounds of peanut butter, jelly and dried beans for Daily Bread; $2,585.83 in food, household cleaning supplies and toiletries for Daily Bread; and $765.27 in toys for an Angel Tree, from 2008 to 2016, through the Shelby County Baptist Association.

Janice’s mother-in-law, Betty Chesser, joined Widows’ Might about eight years ago.

“Janice married my stepson, and when he passed away, she prayed and asked God how he could use her,” Betty, 79, said. “It’s been a great thing in this church to have.”

In 2008, Widows’ Might started working with Gary and Elizabeth Wilkins in their missions to provide clean water to the people in Namibia, Africa, and surrounding countries; to share the gospel with them; to meet the needs of village residents; and to start churches and special programs.

Items have included 15 Duffel bags of clothing for children 3 and under, eight boxes of over-the-counter medicine for children, five boxes of vitamins for children, 182 Bible sticks (91 for children, 91 for adults), 24 NIV study Bibles, 18 large print NIV study Bibles for older pastors, 15 children’s Bible store books and 10 children’s CDs of Christian music.

A recent project Widows’ Might members have contributed to involves sending “Action Bags” to Christians overseas through The Voice of the Martyrs, a non-profit organization formed to support Christians persecuted for

2016

November 2016 | 21

LEFT: Pictured are members Claudia Taylor, Janice Chesser and Frances Kennedy. RIGHT: Chesser leads the August meeting of Widows’ Might.

22 | ShelbyLiving.com

their faith around the world.

Action Bags are plastic bags packed with items such as coats, sweaters, hats, towels, sheets, blankets and socks. Some of the items are handmade by group members.

Through VOM, Widows’ Might has sent 15 bags to Iraq; 20 blankets to Sudan, along with Bibles provided by VOM; 20 bags to Syrian Outreach; 25 bags for Afghanistan or Pakistan; 10 Action Bags to Iraq; and 20 family medical bags to Iraq.

Other outreach projects over the years have included supporting missionaries working with orphans in Africa and Mongolia, providing snacks for the homeless, donating food to Heavenly Smile food pantry in Chelsea, volunteering with special events at Liberty and the community, and even donating money toward the purchase of goats to supply milk for babies in Niger, Africa.

“We were blessed to meet a lady that volunteers with The Voice of the Martyrs,” Janice said. “God just puts people in our path.

It is amazing how God has used a group of little old ladies. I’m humbled by what the Lord has allowed us to do.”

Janice, who one member described as a “warrior,” is quick to note the group she helped start 15 years ago is grounded in love, and open to any widow interested in serving.

“We’re a ministry of Liberty, but anybody can

come that’s a widow. We’re all sisters in Christ,” she said. “It takes one widow to know what the other one is going through. These ladies ... they are precious.”

Cox spoke briefly to the group at its August meeting, thanking members for all they have done and reflecting on the visit with the six women wanting to start the ministry.

Cox said he remembers one of them saying, “We don’t have much, but we just don’t believe God is done with us yet.”

“Not only has Widows’ Might advanced the gospel in Central Alabama, but it has gone global,” Cox said. “It’s a mission you’re on board with for our God. God has really made it a ministry of great might, and that’s His might.”

Cox also called Widows’ Might one of the most “vibrant” ministries at Liberty, with some of the “greatest prayer warriors” in the church.

“I just praise the Lord for it,” said Claudia Taylor, 88, one of the original six members. “(God has) been awful good to us. We couldn’t have done it without Him.” Widows’ Might meets the third Thursday of each month. The group’s Christmas party will be held Dec. 14 at the Chelsea Community Center.

“The Widows’ Might has never been about us, but it’s always been about Jesus,” Janice said. “The quicker you can start doing for other people, the better off you are. We love each other, and we support each other.” 

FEATURES

A lasting Legacy Pelham gymnastics facility nearing 10th anniversary Story by EMILY SPARACINO Photographs by DAWN HARRISON

November 2016 | 23

G

PAGE 23: A student leaps across the floor during class.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: A student trains on the bars at Legacy Gymnastics.

A group of students warms up for a class. An instructor spots a student. Students complete an exercise during class. Brianna Mitchell, second from left, and her husband Steven, third from left, own and coach at Legacy Gymnastics. Since opening in 2007, Legacy’s staff has grown from a handful of people to 15.

24 | ShelbyLiving.com

ymnastics has defined multiple seasons of Brianna Mitchell’s life.

She started gymnastics when she was 6 years old and envisioned becoming a college — possibly even a professional — gymnast someday.

Injuries derailed her plans.

“I took a four-year break from gymnastics in high school,” Mitchell, 32, said.

Then, Mitchell’s grandfather died. As she grieved her loss, Mitchell realized she had another void in her life, one she had the power to fill: Gymnastics.

“The only place I wanted to be was the gym,” she said.

She landed a summer coaching position at her home gym, Joel Inman Gymnastics Academy, before she left for college at the University of Alabama.

Fast-forward to summer 2007, and Mitchell was ready to strike out on her own. She opened Legacy Gymnastics in Pelham.

“I knew I loved gymnastics and wanted to do something with kids, and also something God was calling me to do and that was purposeful,” she said.

She and her husband, Steven, 33, married in 2009, and Steven joined the Legacy staff as a coach in 2010.

Three of Brianna’s former teammates were among her initial staff members, which led to the idea of naming the facility “Legacy” and the motto “Creating a new legacy of champions.”

Legacy offers recreational, competitive and special needs programs for boys and girls.

“Our competitive teams have always been in the top teams in the state,” Mitchell said. “Over the last nine or 10 years, we have had numerous state individual and all-around champions and team champions.”

Last year, Legacy started hosting a joint junior Olympic and college meet as part of the “Elevate the Stage” meet in Birmingham.

“We also host two camps at our facility each

year,” she said. “We have sent two kids to a national meet (and) have also had numerous regional qualifiers and regional place holders.”

Legacy’s enrollment is about 400 students, thanks to a boost from the Olympics this summer, Mitchell said.

Recently, former Olympic gymnast Shawn Johnson led a clinic at Legacy during a fundraiser, the proceeds of which were earmarked for Mitchell’s plans to build a new, larger facility in the Pelham area by 2017.

Owning a business is time-consuming, Mitchell said, but it’s November 2016 | 25

LEFT: Students spot each other during an exercise. TOP RIGHT: Students practice on the floor. BOTTOM RIGHT: Another student practices on the rings.

26 | ShelbyLiving.com

a team effort for her and Steven, who also stay busy chasing their 18-month-old son, Harrison.

Steven has a storied background in multiple sports, including football, basketball, baseball and track. He played football at Maryville College.

“He has truly always had a passion for coaching,” Brianna said. “We felt like (opening Legacy) was a good move for our family. When we first opened, we had a staff of four to five; now, we have 15. God has

provided for us the whole time.”

Gymnastics teaches more than flexibility and physical strength, Brianna said. Self-discipline, structure, mental toughness, the value of work ethic and fun are several benefits of the sport.

Her favorite part of coaching is seeing a child that struggles with anything––self-doubt, fear or another personal hang-up––overcoming those struggles.

“If you stick with it, gymnastics doesn’t allow you

to run from those things,” she said. “You have to face them.”

Brianna stressed Legacy’s emphasis on creating a safe, healthy environment for children at the facility through mental skills days, working with physical therapists on injury assessments for competitive gymnasts and constant encouragement.

“This is a small, family-owned business that really loves to know our kids and parents well, and make

them feel like this is a safe place for (them) to be,” Brianna said.

Classes are available for all levels, and newcomers can participate in a free trial class.

Legacy Gymnastics is located at 188 Chandalar Place Drive in Pelham.

For more information, call Legacy Gymnastics at 663-9015, go by the facility or visit Legacygymnastics. com. 

TOP RIGHT: Two students practice on the balance beam. BOTTOM RIGHT: Steven spots a student during a hand stand. BOTTOM LEFT: Students practice on the bars.

November 2016 | 27

28 | ShelbyLiving.com

best best OF THE

2016

HOOVER

Tis the season to shop local November 2016 | 29

FEATURES

The dog 30 | ShelbyLiving.com

whisperer

Dr. Natalie Lenoir-Blackman utilizes holistic approach in treating animals Story by GRACE THORNTON Photographs by DAWN HARRISON and CONTRIBUTED

R

onda Garrick says she can’t take her dog, Bandit, back to see veterinarian Natalie Lenoir-Blackman anymore.

It’s not because they had a bad experience, she said — it’s because Bandit’s doing so well.

“He was totally quadriplegic, and now he’s running around and back to his normal self. So much so that we can’t go back there — he’s a Chihuahua, and he’s feeling so good these days that he’d bite her if she tried to mess with him,” Garrick said with a laugh.

Lenoir-Blackman, a holistic veterinarian based at Cahaba Beach Dog Park in Hoover, took on Bandit as a patient after Garrick’s traditional vet told her she was probably going to have to put him to sleep.

“It was kind of a last-ditch effort, but we went to Dr. Natalie to see if she could help him, and she did acupuncture treatments, changed his diet and did herbal treatment,” LEFT: Aengus sees holistic veterinarian Dr. Natalie Lenoir-Blackman for acupuncture treatments for seasonal allergies. BELOW: Lenoir-Blackman and her husband, Beau, treat patient Sally for flea allergy dermatitis with acupuncture.

November 2016 | 31

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: Dr. Natalie and Beau hold Aengus before his treatment.

Acupuncture involves inserting thin needles through the skin to pinpoint certain points of a patient’s body. Lenoir-Blackman pets Aengus.

32 | ShelbyLiving.com

Garrick said. “She was amazing — she’s so intuitive.”

Lenoir-Blackman, a Birmingham native and graduate of Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, said she’s grown accustomed to being a “doctor of last resort” at her practice, Well Being Medicine for Animals.

“Many times we get pets who have been sick for a long time and their owners bring them to us because they don’t know what else to do,” she said.

She understands — that’s how she got into holistic medicine herself.

She’d grown up with it, but it was a dog that brought her back into it in her professional career.

“I was one of those weird people that our

parents used herbs growing up,” Lenoir-Blackman said with a laugh.

And then once out in Colorado on a mountain biking trip, the altitude was getting to her, and a friend recommended she try acupuncture.

“Within a few treatments, I adjusted to the elevation, and not only that but little things I’d had going on for most of my life were resolved, too,” she said. “And I thought, ‘This is what I want to do with my life.’”

She departed from that for a little while after she went into practice, but then she adopted a dog — Harvey.

“I found out he had juvenile cancer,” she said. “He kind of pushed me back into holistic

medicine. I worked with a human acupuncturist at the time to see what we could do, and we bought him more time than we would had we gone the conventional route.”

He also felt great and “never knew he was sick,” she said.

After that experience, she decided to go back and get complete training in holistic treatments for animals. She studied at the Chi Institute in Florida, then moved back to Birmingham.

“I didn’t know if Birmingham was going to be into holistic medicine for animals, but I found that a lot of people had already started seeking other modalities for their own health and then thought, ‘Hey, maybe this would help my pet, too,’” she said. “The business has really taken off.”

Well Being Medicine for Animals is still a mom-andpop shop — it’s Lenoir-Blackman, her husband Beau and a November 2016 | 33

34 | ShelbyLiving.com

LEFT: Dr. Natalie-Lenoir Blackman pauses for a photo with husband Beau and their daughter, Hannah Grace. ABOVE: Aengus passes time at the clinic.

receptionist — but she said, “We’ve grown more quickly than I would’ve imagined.”

They get the last-resort calls, but they also get new puppy owners who want to start their puppies off right. And they see lots of patients with arthritis or other geriatric issues, she said.

“We have many different scenarios of patients that we’ve really been amazed at their response,” she said.

• We see the Entire Family in a comfortable, Bandit was one — when Garrick walked through the door inviting environment • We offer cleaning’s, crowns, sleep apnea and with that Chihuahua, Lenoir-Blackman said she couldn’t TMJ/headache therapy • We do most root canals, extractions and invisible braces guarantee anything, but she’d try. all under one roof • We accept ALL insurances and are providers for most • 7am appointments available to get you in and “That dog is 100 percent today,” she said. out before work/school 100 Brook Dr. Suita A Another dog, a basset hound, has been paralyzed twice in CahabaDentalArts.com Helena, AL 35080 her back, Lenoir-Blackman said.

“Both times, we’ve gotten her completely back to mobility with consistent acupuncture,” she said. “I’ve been seeing that dog for about four years.”

She sees a lot of dogs with a cancer prognosis, and she said The Experts in Pest Control™ she’s passionate about helping them feel good even if they’re only going to have a limited amount of time.

“They should still feel good, still play, still eat,” she said. The Experts in Pest Control™ “I personally guarantee your satisfaction. That’s why we were Garrick said she’s thankful for the personal attention Bandit voted The Best Pest Control got from Lenoir-Blackman.

Company in Shelby “She’s a dog whisperer,” Garrick said. “We were skeptical at County ... again!”

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205-358-3200 2016 .com For more information about Lenoir-Blackman’s practice, Alan Farmer, Owner visit www.cahababeachdogpark.com/about_dr_natalie.  November 2016 | 35

WALL TO WALL

Meet the Designer

I

’m so excited to be able to introduce myself and my new addition to the magazine. My name is Laura Purvis and I have been in the interior design business for over 15 years.

I started out with a custom window treatment workroom and then moved on to full service interior design. I love helping my clients achieve the home of their dreams, and I’m so glad I have the chance to share my love of design with you each month. I hope my experience and knowledge will give you some insight into your own home and ways to make your spaces more beautiful. Now let’s talk about working with an interior designer.

At some point or another whether purchasing a new home or remaining in your current one, most homeowners find themselves facing the decision to redecorate. They have an idea of what they want and might even have a budget in mind. They are then faced with the age-old questions of “Where do I begin?” and “How do I make my vision a reality?”

When homeowners need work done, professionals are immediately called in – plumbers, electricians, landscapers, etc. These are skilled individuals that are trained to perform a specific job that most other folks can’t do. Why then do so many people still shy away from using the services of a professional interior designer when making important decorative decisions and purchases for their home? Once considered a luxury for only the very wealthy, decorating services are more of a necessity for today’s busy

36 | ShelbyLiving.com

homeowner who simply can’t afford to make costly mistakes or simply don’t have the time.

Working with a professional designer should be an enjoyable experience. Selecting Laura Purvis, owner of Decorating Den the right person for the Interiors, job is very important, decdens.com/laurap, as you will be working laurap@decoratingden.com 205.918.8743 closely with this person for weeks or maybe even months. A successful collaboration between homeowner and designer can result in a beautiful space that will be enjoyed for years to come. The final results are always much more successful when the lines of communication are open and ideas are freely discussed.

To ensure that you find the right professional to help you with your design projects and to get the results you are looking for, keep in mind the following tips: • During your initial consultation, ask to review the portfolio of the designer to be assured that they are capable of working in diverse styles. Be candid with

your designer regarding such important elements as priorities, timing, budgets and tastes. This is also the time to judge whether your personalities are a good fit.

• Start a file of colors, patterns and designs that appeal to you. You may notice a chandelier, mirror, color combination or window treatment that you like. Once you clip and track these for a brief period, you will be better able to draw a conclusion as to your personal style. Communicate these tastes to your designer. Pinterest, Houzz and Instagram are great tools in helping you determine your style and the look you want for your home.

• Take an honest inventory of your existing décor to determine which pieces you want to keep. Assess your furnishings the way you periodically review your wardrobe.

Redecorating doesn’t necessarily mean throwing everything out and starting new. If you have Grandma’s server that makes you think of her whenever you walk in the room, you might be able to incorporate that piece into the new design.

Plan to keep the pieces you truly love and put others on the “to be replaced eventually” list. Your designer can also help you with those decisions.

• Be honest! I always tell my clients that you have to be really honest about how you feel about the ideas presented to you. If you don’t like something, say something. If you hate purple, communicate that.

You will be very upset with your designer if she shows up with a plan for purple walls in your living room!

You need to be completely comfortable with yours and the designer’s choices.

Based upon your initial consultation, your designer should present you with fabric samples, sketches and pictures for your evaluation. Since professionals have access to a world of options unavailable in retail stores and based on conversations you have with the designer, they should be able to narrow down the number of options to be the right ones for you and your project.

The last piece of advice is to enjoy the process! The most dramatic changes usually come from going outside your comfort zone a little, but if you have done your homework and chosen the right professional, your home will be a beautiful showcase for you and your family to enjoy for years to come.

Each month I will have a featured question of the month.

Send your questions to laurap@decoratingden.com with the subject “QOM” and I will choose one question and answer to be featured in the “Dear Decorator” section.

Happy Designing! 

2016

Most homeowners who have redecorated their home will be quick to tell you “I should have done it sooner!”

November 2016 | 37

FEATURES

40 | ShelbyLiving.com

Novel concept Author Erica Ryan draws inspiration for first novel from life in Shelby County Story by EMILY SPARACINO Photographs by KEITH MCCOY

F

ive years ago, Erica Ryan and her husband Sean moved from Atlanta to a 12-acre farm on the outskirts of Columbiana.

Sean’s job transfer to Birmingham gave the couple a chance to exchange the city lifestyle they had always known for a slower pace in rural Shelby County.

“We just absolutely fell in love with Shelby County,” Erica, 41, said. “It’s beautiful.”

For Erica, a Philadelphia native, and Sean, originally from Buffalo, N.Y., the move introduced them to a new sense of community. It also served as inspiration for Erica’s debut fiction novel, “What Lies Under the Fallen Sky.” The novel follows main character Dodge Montgomery as he treks from New York City to a small Alabama town after his paternal grandfather’s death, gaining insight from the town’s residents into his family’s mysterious past.

Erica said most, if not all,

inspiration for the plot came from Shelby County.

“The town is based on Columbiana,” she said, noting similarities she intentionally wove into the book to create an accurate portrayal of a true, Southern town in Alabama. “One reader said she remembers parts of Main Street from the book.”

As part of her research and writing process, Erica talked to county residents, listened to their stories and tried to capture their collective “voice” as she sorted out the details and story line of her novel.

“I wanted to give the feeling — Erica Ryan of what it’s like to live here,” she said. “Wanted to convey the beauty of Shelby County, and the beauty of the people that live here.”

The publishing of her novel came nearly three years after Erica started writing.

“I have always wanted to write a novel,” she said. She spent 20 years writing copy for marketing materials and websites in a corporate environment before trying her hand at fiction writing.

“Wanted to convey the beauty of Shelby County, and the beauty of the people that live here.”

November 2016 | 41

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: Erica Ryan feeds the goats on her 12-acre farm outside of Columbiana. Ryan’s first novel, “What Lies Under the Fallen Sky,” was inspired by life in Shelby County. Ryan and her husband Sean moved to Shelby County from Atlanta five years ago, and since then, have acquired more than 20 animals, including llamas, goats, donkeys, chickens, dogs and cats.

42 | ShelbyLiving.com

“Seventy to 80 percent of people who read my book said, ‘I’ve always wanted to write a novel,’” she said.

“I always say, ‘Just sit down and do it. If you really want to do it, why not do it?’”

Erica spent eight months writing “What Lies Under the Fallen Sky,” and two years of editing and receiving feedback from family and friends that read her manuscript.

She didn’t iron out most of the story’s events until she started writing, allowing her characters and plot to develop as her mind ventured to new places.

“For me, it was really an organic experience,” Erica said. “It was really fun that way.”

She self-published the novel online through Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) and generated

the physical copy through CreateSpace via Amazon.com.

“It is a really nice process,” she said. “It’s such an opportunity for writers. I just think it’s such a wonderful environment.”

The novel is available on Amazon.com, at Joyce’s Old Country Store in Columbiana, Gus Mayer at The Summit in Birmingham and The Grill at Grey Bar on U.S. 280.

Erica is working on a prequel to “What Lies Under the Fallen Sky” she hopes to publish in spring or summer 2017.

For more information, visit Ericaryanwriting.com.

When she isn’t writing, she is caring for the more than 20 animals on the farm – llamas, goats, donkeys, chickens, dogs and

November 2016 | 43

cats.

“We had never lived on this much land, with animals,” she said.

“We’ve just really been loving it.

I know all of my neighbors better than I did living right next door to someone. You’re out on your land more.”

The couple’s home was initially a barn. Built in 2000, the second story was converted into a living space before Erica and Sean purchased it. They renovated the first story recently, turning horse stalls into extra bedrooms.

Since moving to Alabama, Erica said she and Sean have experienced the Southern hospitality that turns strangers into friends with one conversation.

“People are so friendly and want to help people,” Erica said. “They really want to help people. We just fell in love with (the area) when we moved here.”  Ryan pets one of her goats.

KNOW what to do in case of

suspected concussion.

A concussion is an injury caused by a blow to the head in which the

brain moves rapidly and may collide with the inside of the skull. Even a minor fall or collision may be of concern, so be alert to symptoms such as headaches, unsteadiness, confusion or other types of abnormal behavior.

Any athlete with a suspected concussion: n Should be IMMEDIATELY REMOVED FROM PLAY/ACTIVITY n Should be evaluated right away by a doctor/healthcare professional n Should not be left alone n Should not drive a motor vehicle

Concussion Clinic For a clinic appointment, call 205.934.1041 Fax 205.975.6109 Lowder Building, Suite 402 1600 7th Avenue South Birmingham, AL 35233

ChildrensAL.org/concussion In case of medical emergency, call 911 or go directly to your local ER

SPORTS MEDICINE

44 | ShelbyLiving.com

SPORTS MEDICINE

November 2016 | 45

FOOD

Thanksgiving treats Jeff State culinary program shares dessert recipes for the holidays Photographs by DAWN HARRISON ABOVE: Dessert recipes from Jefferson State Community College Culinary and Hospitality Institute for Thanksgiving include traditional pecan pie, poached pear with star anise and a cookie, pumpkin roll, almond cream plum tart, carrot cake and short dough pumpkin tart with meringue.

RIGHT: Pictured is a slice of almond cream plum tart.

46 | ShelbyLiving.com

T

hanksgiving is synonymous with food and family. The holiday draws more people together for fellowship around the dinner table than perhaps any other day of the year.

In preparation for this year’s Turkey Day, Joseph Mitchell, program director for the Culinary and Hospitality Institute at Jefferson

State Community College, shared an assortment of holiday-oriented dessert recipes that would provide a sweet finishing touch to any Thanksgiving gathering.

Read on to see what Mitchell and student assistant Kelly Drane whipped up in the first of a two-part holiday recipe series from the JSCC Shelby-Hoover campus kitchen.

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Almond Cream Plum Tart Pate Sucree (Dough) 2 2/3 cups All-purpose flour ¼ cup+ 2 ½ tablespoons powdered sugar ¼ cup + 3 tablespoons Almond flour/meal At room temperature 8 ounces unsalted butter, ½ vanilla bean, split lengthwise 3 ½ tablespoon Eggs Directions: Makes 1 ¾ pounds (enough for both plum tart and pecan tart) Place butter in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment and cream on medium-low speed until butter is consistency of mayonnaise.

Scrape vanilla bean into above mix briefly.

Place the all-purpose flour in a medium bowl. Sift the powdered sugar and almond flour into the bowl, whisk to combine.

Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in 2-3 parts and allow to mix until fluffy.

Add the eggs and mix for 15-30 seconds until incorporated.

Transfer dough to work surface; work dough on surface until well incorporated, wrap and let rest for 2 hours in refrigeration.

Almond Cream 1 ½ tablespoons Almond flour/meal 1 table spoon + 1 teaspoon All-purpose At room temperature 4.4 ounces unsalted butter, 1 cup+ 1 ½ tablespoons powdered sugar ¼ cup+ 2 teaspoons Eggs Directions: Sift the almond flour into a medium bowl; break up any lumps remaining in the sieve and add to the bowl. Add the allpurpose flour and whisk together.

Place the butter in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment and mix on medium-low, warming the bowl as needed until the butter is the consistency of mayonnaise November 2016 | 47

Chef Joseph Mitchell talks culinary student Kelly Drane through creating spun sugar to place on top of the poached pear dessert.

48 | ShelbyLiving.com

and hold a peak. Sift in the powdered sugar and mix on the lowest setting until incorporated. Then increase the speed to low and mix until fluffy, 2 to 3 minutes.

Add the almond mixture in 2 additions, pulsing to combine and then mixing on low speed for 15 to 30 seconds after each one. Scrape the bottom of the bowl to incorporate any dry ingredients that may have settled there.

Add the eggs and mix on low speed until combined and smooth, about 30 seconds. Transfer to a covered container. Cover with plastic wrap and let chill for 2 hours before use. Can be refrigerated for up to 4 days.

Directions to put tart together: Roll out enough dough (approx. 12 ounces) in a circle about Âź inch thick, place in desired tart ring, gently press dough into ring ensuring the dough does not tear. Place in refrigeration for about 30 minutes to firm.

Fill with almond cream 2/3 of tart shell.

Cut 8 plums each into 8 segments, place skin side up into the almond cream gently, egg was outer tart dough.

Bake at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes or until dough is golden brown and almond cream has risen and golden in color.

Let cool and glaze with apricot glaze. Enjoy!

Carrot Cake (Frances Davis) 2 cups sugar 1 ½ cups oil 4 whole eggs 2 cups All-purpose flour 1 teaspoons salt 2 teaspoon soda 2 teaspoon cinnamon 1 teaspoon baking powder 2 cups grated carrots 1 cup nuts chopped (pecans) 1 cup sour cream Directions: Place mixing bowl on mixer, add sugar, oil and mix until thoroughly blended with the mixing paddle.

Mix all dry ingredients, sift.

Break eggs and whisk, alternate adding the eggs and dry ingredients into the above mixture, mix until just blended well- 1-2 minutes.

Add sour cream and mix until just blended.

Add grated carrots, nuts and mix until just blended.

Divide into 2 9-inch baking pans and bake 25 to 30 minutes at 350 degree.

Cream Cheese icing Place 1lb cream cheese in mixing bowl with paddle attachment cream until light and smooth, add 4 ounces softened butter, whip until blended.

Sift (approx.) 10 ounces powdered sugar, add sugar to cream cheese until thicken, finish with

vanilla.

Note: Add more powdered sugar if mixture appears to be too loose.

Putting cake together- after cake has cooled, slice each round in half, build cake by alternating layers with icing and dividing 16 ounces of crushed pineapple with juice. Finish by icing sides and top of cake, garnish with Small pecan pieces around the sides and marzipan carrots on top. Enjoy!

Pictured is a slice of carrot cake made using Frances Davis’ recipe.

November 2016 | 49

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Pumpkin Roll ¼ cup powdered sugar (to sprinkle on towel) ¾ cup all-purpose flour ½ teaspoon baking powder ½ teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon ½ teaspoon ground cloves ¼ teaspoon salt 1 cup granulated sugar 2/3 cups puree pumpkin 1 cup walnuts, chopped (optional) 8 ounce cream cheese at room temperature 6 tablespoons butter, softened 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Powdered Sugar (optional for decoration) Directions: Preheat oven 375 degree, Grease 15X10-inch jellyroll pan; line with parchment paper. Grease and flour paper. Sprinkle a thin cotton kitchen towel

with powdered sugar.

Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves and salt in small bowl. Beat eggs and granulated sugar in large mixer bowl until thick. Beat in pumpkin. Stir in flour mixture. Spread evenly into prepared pan.

Bake for 13 to 15 minutes or until top of cake springs back when touch. Immediately loosen and turn cake onto prepared towel. Carefully peel off paper roll up cake and towel together, starting with the narrow end. Cool on rack.

For filling beat cream cheese, 1 cup powdered sugar, butter and vanilla extract in small mixer bowl until smooth. Carefully unroll cake. Spread cream cheese mixture over cake. Reroll cake. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate at least one hour.

Sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving, if desired, Enjoy!

Tip: Be sure to put enough powdered sugar on the towel when rolling up the cake so it will not stick.

LEFT: The short dough pumpkin tart topped with meringue will make any dinner table look more elegant. ABOVE: the pumpkin roll features a sweet, creamy filling.

November 2016 | 51

Traditional pecan pie is a staple at Thanksgiving dinner.

Pecan Pie ¾ stick butter 1 ¼ light brown sugar ¾ cup light corn syrup 2 teaspoon vanilla ½ teaspoon grated orange peel ¼ salt 3 large eggs 2 cups pecans Directions: Melt butter, add brown sugar, light corn syrup warm all ingredients together.

Add vanilla, grated orange peel, salt.

Break eggs in separate bowl, whisk and add to above mixture.

To finish pie, using recipe for Pate sucree line tart ring of choice using care not to tear dough, spread 2 cups of small pecan pieces in shell.

Pour batter over pecans, bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Enjoy!

52 | ShelbyLiving.com

Greater Shelby 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

Business Connections Inaugural ‘Small Business Summit’ being held November 10

Accounting/Tax — Insurance — Retirement — Capital — Human Resources.

The Small Business Summit will be held at the Chamber

office on November 10. Doors will open at 8:15AM with the panel discussion beginning at 8:30AM and conclude 10:30AM.There is no cost to

attend however reservations are requested by noon on November 8 due to limited seating.

For more information, or to make a reservation, please contact Payton Thomas, the Chamber’s Director of Business Development & Support at payton@shelbychamber.org, telephone at 663-4542, ext. 105 or register online at www.shelbychamber.org.

Annual Prayer Breakfast features Beth Chapman as Keynote Speaker The Annual Prayer Breakfast presented in 2016 by Jim ‘N Nick’s Community BAR-B-Q, is designed for investors to come together to fellowship, celebrate and give thanks for our many blessings. It’s also a time to reflect on what’s truly important in life and what inspires us to make a difference in the lives of others.

Thank you to Shelby Baptist Medical Center for sponsoring this inspirational event. our keynote speaker. Ms. This year we are honored Chapman is the owner of Beth to have Beth Chapman as Champman & Associates, LLC.

2016 Presenting Sponsor:

She is a nationally recognized, award-winning writer, a public speaker and a leading authority in the political and public relations arena. Join us

as Ms. Chapman shares her experiences with us at the Annual Prayer Breakfast.

Mark your calendar for Tuesday, November 22 from 7:30AM until 9:00 AM at the Pelham Civic Complex and Ice Arena, 500 Amphitheater Road, Pelham. Reservations are requested by noon on Friday, November 18. Cost for investors, $20, “Future” investors $30. Register online at www.shelbychamber.org or call the Chamber office at 663-4542.

November 2016 | 53 Shelbychamber.org

Newsletter

Are you ready to make 2017 your best year in business yet?

Then make plans to join us for the Inaugural “Small Business Summit” on November 10. This inaugural event, hosted by the Chamber’s Small Business Work Group, will feature an open panel discussion designed to give small businesses helpful tips to make 2017 the most successful year possible. Our panel of experts will cover the following areas:

Greater Shelby Chamber of Commerce

Green Business Designations The Chamber’s Existing Business & Industry work group is excited to congratulate the following investors -- Brittani Morris, State Farm Agency, FocalPoint Coaching, The Gingerbread Lady, LLC and Wilson Computer Support -- on earning and being designated a Certified Green Business.

The Chamber’s Existing Business & Industry Work Group reviews the applications that are submitted and

collectively approves these companies. The Green Business application is based on a point system in the categories of Waste Prevention, Recycling, Purchasing, Energy Conservation, Transportation, Water Conservation, and Pollution. Each applicant has to receive a minimum of 20 points total to be designated as a “Certified Chamber Green Business.” If your company is engaged in green practices and is interested in applying for the Chamber’s Green

Program Certification, the application can be found on the website www.shelbychamber. org/business-support-center/ green-business-program. For more information or questions

please contact Payton Thomas, Manager, Business Development & Support via email payton@shelbychamber. org or call 663-4542, ext. 105.

Newsletter

Chamber Launches Communication Matters For 11th Grade Students!

The Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce launched it’s new workforce development program called “Communication Matters” on October 6 at Cornerstone

Christian School. This program that targets soft skills (i.e. interviewing skills, resume writing, etc.) was created to help students understand the dos and don’ts of the workplace.

The Chamber takes time to go over over what you should and shouldn’t do during an interview, how to properly write a resume, things to include on your resume, how to dress

during an interview and much more. The Chamber hopes this program will help Shelby County students as they embark on their journey into the real world of work.

Trust matters.

INTRODUCING SMALL BUSINESS ACCOUNTS Visit amfirst.org to learn more.

Available to qualifying members only.

54 | ShelbyLiving.com Shelbychamber.org

Federally insured

by NCUA

Greater Shelby Chamber of Commerce

Join the Chamber for “CoffeeNet” at Grand Reserve at Pelham Be sure to mark your calendar for Thursday, November 17 and join us at the Grand Reserve at Pelham, 10 Grand Reserve Drive, Pelham from 8:30AM until 9:30AM for CoffeeNet! The morning meeting is designed for members to

enjoy networking, coffee, and light refreshments -- all before heading to the office.

CoffeeNet events, sponsored by Cahaba Valley Computer Services, Inc., 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 Monday, November 14 to assist in preparation.

Please contact the Chamber by phone at 6634542 or register online at www.shelbychamber.org.

Presented in 2016 by:

Go & Grow Workshop: “Finish Hard & Start Fast” Presented in 2016 by:

Plan for 2017, uReviewing How To Make Sure Your Actions Match Your Goals, uKeeping Your Team In the Game Mentally As Well As

Physically, uAnd much, much more!

The workshop will be on November 1 from 11:30AM2:00PM at the Chamber. There is no cost to attend, but lunch is available for $10 per person for Chamber investors ($20 for “Future” investors).

To ensure we have a proper headcount, please

make reservations for this workshop no later than noon on October 31 by contacting Payton Thomas, the Chamber’s Manager of Business Development & Support via e-mail at payton@ shelbychamber.org, calling 663-4542, ext. 105 or register online at www.shelbychamber. org.

Report of the Nominating Committee In accordance with the by-laws of the Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce, the Nominating Committee has met and selected an “Official Ticket” for election to the Chamber’s Board of Directors. The individuals representing six member organizations listed below have agreed

to be placed on the slate of candidates for the Board and are willing to serve a three-year term beginning on January 1, 2017: Additional candidates may be added to the “Official Ticket” by means of a petition signed by any ten Chamber members and received in the Chamber Office on or

before November 15, 2016.

If no petitions are received this “Official Ticket” shall be considered elected. If any candidates are added by petition those names will be added to a ballot and forwarded to the membership for an election to be held on or before December 5, 2016. uTracey Morant Adams --

Renasant Bank uTroy Ainsworth -- Lhoist North America uJay Dennis -- Regions Bank uMark Griggs -- Summer Classics uCharles Hall -- Grandview Medical Center uMitt Schroeder -- Central State Bank

Shelby County’s Business Climate in 2017 Will Be________?

Your Greater Shelby County Chamber is teaming up again this year -- with the University of Montevallo’s Stephens College of Business — to determine what Shelby County business people think our local 2017 business outlook will look be.

To do that, we’re asking Chamber investors to take a few moments to complete

our 2017 Business Climate Survey — developed by the Chamber’s Small Business Work Group & Dr. Stephen Craft, Dean of the Stephens College of Business — to provide important feedback on business issues affecting your company in 2017.

All individual responses will be kept confidential, but the overall results will be released

and shared in composite during the Chamber’s 2017 Business Outlook Conference co-hosted by the Stephens College of Business. In addition, the information will also be shared with economic developers, elected officials

and the media so weíll all have a better idea of what business people like you think 2017 will hold for Shelby County.

You can complete the survey by going on-line at www.shelbychamber.org and complete the survey there.

You can access the survey by clicking on the “2017 Business Outlook Survey” rotator slide on the front page of the site.

November 2016 | 55 Shelbychamber.org

Newsletter

The November Go & Grow Workshop -- sponsored by Business Telephones, Inc. and facilitated by Michael Smith of The Great, The Good and The Gone -- will feature valuable information for business owners and managers on: uLearning How To Make Sure You Finish 2016 Strong, uMaking Sure You Have A

Greater Shelby Chamber of Commerce

Welcome New Investors (as of 7/28/2016 - 9/6/2016)

Amazing Kids Management Group Bernie’s On Main Street Birmingham Wellness Massage Farmers Insurance - Joseph Buff Agency H. Monroe Properties Southeast Commercial State Farm Insurance, Brittani Morris Agency Whataburger @ Pelham

Pelham Columbiana Hoover Chelsea Pelham Birmingham Alabaster Pelham

Childcare Restaurants Massage Therapy Insurance/ Financial Investments Real Estate Real Estate - Commercial Insurance Restaurants

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

Newsletter

Last Chance to Lock & Load Your Team in the Chamber’s 7th Annual Sporting Clay Shoot November 15 We’re fired up and ready for the Chamber’s 7th Annual Sporting Clay Shoot locked in for November 15 to spend a day enjoying the great outdoors.

Whether you’re a beginner or expert, the course at Selwood Farm tests sporting clay enthusiasts skills.

Its 14 station course has been designed for maximum pleasure and enjoyment for everyone.

So load your team up for a “shoot out” of competition and fun at this year’s tournament. Various

sponsorships are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Registration and breakfast opens at 8:15AM and the shoot starts at 9:00AM. Lunch will be served after round completed. Teams ($400), individuals ($100) which includes: Breakfast before shoot, course and golf carts for each team, lunch after round and various hot and cold beverages.

Contact the Chamber at 663-4542 or visit www. shelbychamber.org for more details.

Thank you to the following 2016 sponsors: Silver Sponsors:

Breakfast Sponsor:

Cotton Drop Contest Sponsor:

Station Sponsor:

Chamber Encourages ‘YES’ Votes on Two November 8th Ballot Initiatives On November 8, voters across Alabama will go to the polls and cast their vote for President and the U.S. House of Representatives.

While these are vitally important, the Greater Shelby County Chamber wants to encourage you to also remember to vote “YES” on two statewide Amendments — Amendment Two and 56 | ShelbyLiving.com Shelbychamber.org

Amendment Fourteen — that will also be on the ballot.

Since 2012 more than $15

million has been transferred out of the Parks System budget and into the General Fund. Losing this money has been detrimental to the Parks System overall, and caused challenges for our own Oak Mountain State Park — one of Shelby Countyís most valuable resources from a quality of life, economic development and tourism perspective. A

“YES” vote on Amendment Two will protect the funding of Alabama’s State Parks System and our own Oak Mountain State Park.

Amendment Fourteen will protect hundreds of existing local laws — including 8 that are extremely important to Shelby County — which are currently under court challenge.

Greater Shelby Chamber of Commerce

Greater Shelby Chamber Hosts 2016 “Annual Safety Awards” Program Inc.

The Chamber was pleased to recognize the excellent service our Shelby County Public Safety departments provide our communities by honoring the people who diligently work to ensure the safety of all citizens at its September Community Luncheon. In announcing the

recipients of the 2016 Safety Awards, we acknowledge the teamwork that goes into a successful department.

Thank you to the 2016 presenting sponsor, Alabama Power, co-sponsors 280 Living and APCO Employees Credit Union and awards sponsor A.C. Legg.

Shown in each photograph on far left is Leroy Nix, Manager, Division External Affairs, Alabama Power and far right is Jeffrey Purvis, Director of Operations, A.C. Legg, Inc. -- Recipients are shown in the order recognized at the program.

Ryan Tallie Calera Fire Department Presented by: Chief Sean Kendrick

Taylor Gunnels Chelsea Fire Department Presented by: Officer Paul Williams

Bill Mayfield Helena Fire Department Presented by: Captain Chaed Agee

George “Buddy” Ingleright Pelham Fire Department Presented by: Battalion Chief Mike Reid (C) Chief Danny Ray (L)

Terry Gowers Shelby County Sheriff’s Office Presented by: Sheriff John Samaniego

Chris Cannon Alabaster Police Department Presented by: Deputy Chief Jeff Anthony

Robert Grant Calera Police Department Presented by: Chief Sean Lemley

Sasha Lilly Columbiana Police Department Presented by: Chief Lamar Vick

Charles Hudson Helena Police Department Presented by: Chief Pete Folmar

Cleon Williams Harpersville Police Department Presented by: Chief Jimmy Macon

Jacob Strawn Montevallo Police Department Presented by: Chief Jeremy Littleton (L) Lieutenant Tim Alexander (R)

Carl Perkinson Pelham Police Department Presented by: Chief Larry Palmer

Award Sponsor:

Co-Sponsors:

November 2016 | 57 Shelbychamber.org

Newsletter

Presenting Sponsor:

Robert Crawford Alabaster Fire Department Presented by: Chief Jim Golden

Greater Shelby Chamber of Commerce

Newsletter

Ambassador of the Month

Congratulations to Connie Champion for achieving Ambassador of the Month.

Connie is an Independent Brand Promoter for the Thrive Experience by Le-Vel. She has been working for Le-Vel for 11 months.

The goal of Le-Vel is to provide its customers with access to a premium lifestyle through their premium grade vitamin supplements. Thrive is a simple 3-step process that you complete within the first 30 minutes of your day. Since starting her Thrive Experience, Connie has lost over 30 pounds, and gotten her happy back. Her general aches and discomforts were calmed and she is able to make it through each day without feeling tired.

Connie has been married to her husband, Brian, for 24 years. Connie has a step-son, Ren, who is 29 and she and her husband have one daughter, Brianna, who is 22. When Connie isn’t promoting the Thrive Experience she enjoys spending time with her family, working with special needs children, and singing.

For more information about

(as of 01/01/16)

Officers Paul Rogers NobleBank & Trust (Chair) Keith Brown Jefferson State Community College (Chair-elect)

the Thrive Experience you can give Connie a call at 205-9664398, email championthriver@ gmail.com, or take a moment to view her website at www. champion92.le-vel.com. Be sure to visit www.facebook. com/LeVel Brands and like the page to keep up with the specials, and giveaways by the CEOs. Ambassador Program Presented in 2016 by:

Contact Us: Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce 1301 County Services Drive • Pelham, Alabama 35124 Office: (205) 663-4542 Fax: (205) 663-4524 info@shelbychamber.org • www.shelbychamber.org

58 | ShelbyLiving.com Shelbychamber.org

GSCCC Board of Directors

Lisa McMahon Warren Averett, LLC (Immediate Past Chair) John Browning Cahaba Valley Computer Services (Vice Chair, Business Development & Support) Jim Purvis A. C. Legg, Inc. (Vice Chair, Communications & Marketing) Kathy Copeland White Rock Quarries – Vincent Hills (Vice Chair, Community & Workforce Development) David Platt Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama (Vice Chair, Finance & Administration) Joe Meads Sain Associates (Vice Chair, Governmental Affairs) Charlie Stevens Thompson Tractor Company, Inc. (Vice Chair, Investor Development)

Matthew Hogan (2016) Bama Budweiser Gregg Maercker (2016) First Commercial Bank - Retired Bill Connor (2017) America’s First Federal Credit Union Matt Fridy (2017) Wallace, Jordan, Ratliff & Brandt Chris Grace (2017) Barge, Waggoner, Sumner & Cannon, Inc. Katie McDowell (2017) Shelby County Newspapers, Inc. Michael Smith (2017) The GREAT, The GOOD and The GONE Craig Sorenson (2017) SouthWest Water Company Jeff Brown (2018) Brownstone Marketing Solutions William Carroll (2018) Armstrong Relocation Companies Alex Dudchock (2018) Shelby County Brian Massey (2018) St. Vincent’s Health System Bob Phillips (2018) Shelby Baptist Medical Center Ashley Robinett (2018) Alabama Power Company Tracey Morant Adams (*) Renasant Bank

Board of Directors Tim Benefield (2016) Buffalo Rock Company

Brandon Greve (*) Regions Bank

Linda Cencula (2016) Avadian Credit Union

Mark Griggs (*) Summer Classics

Steve Chapman (2016) Alabama Gas Corporation

Mark Meadows (*) Chick-fil-A @ Inverness

Bruce Fryer (2016) Lhoist North America

(*) Serving a one-year term in 2016

Greater Shelby Chamber of Commerce

Health Focus of the Month: Alzheimers Disease And the Workplace Presented in 2016 by:

u32% of caregivers provide care for at least 5 years. u18% of men and 61% of women take a leave of absence. u11% of men and 21% of women cease working full time uNearly 30% pass up promotions, training or assignments; and

experience loss of $25,500 in SS benefits; $67,000 in pension benefits and $566,000 in lost wages.

Health care costs for employees with Alzheimer’s average three times higher than those of others.

Alzheimers and other dementias cost American businesses $61B per year in health, long-term and

hospice care ($24.6B), and lost productivity of employees ($36.5B).

Some things business owners can offer that have proved effective are: uLong term care policies for employees and their parents. uSupport groups. uEmployee assistance programs for emotional distress. uCounsellors to answer questions about the patient, and options for assisted living and nursing homes.

Article Submitted by: Anne R. Moses, Esq. Health Services Work Group

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Trustmark - Shelby County Chamber Business Connections 7.25 x 4.75 - Half Page

November 2016 | 59 Shelbychamber.org

Newsletter

The Alzheimer’s Association reports: u43.5M caregivers are giving care to an older person. uAlmost 15M people provide unpaid care to persons with Alzheimer’s or other dementias = 17B hours of unpaid caregiving valued at more than $200B. u67% of caregivers are between 35 – 64 years old. u60% of caregivers are women, half of whom were employed full or part-time. u6.6M employees provide care for Alzheimer’s patients.

Many need to make major changes to work schedules leaving early, taking time off or going in late.

Greater Shelby Chamber of Commerce

CHAMBER Events

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.

November 2016

Newsletter

1 2 2 3 8 9 10 11 15

Go & Grow Workshop “Finish Hard & Start Fast” 11:30AM - 2:00PM Presented by Michael Smith of The Great, The Good and The Gone Sponsor: Business Telephones, Inc. Reservations requested by noon, October 31.

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

Ambassadors Work Group 11:30AM - 1:00PM Sponsor: NobleBank & Trust

Small Business Work Group 4:00PM - 5:00PM Sponsor: Brownstone Marketing Solutions South Shelby Chamber Luncheon 11:30AM - 1:00PM Columbiana First Baptist Church, 208 North Main Street, Columbiana Investment: $12. Reservation required.

Education Work Group 8:30AM - 9:30AM Shelby County Instructional Service Center 601 First Street South, Alabaster Existing Business & Industry Work Group 8:30AM - 9:30AM iBERIABANK, 2695 Pelham Pkwy, Pelham “Small Business Summit” 8:30AM - 10:30PM No cost.

Reservations requested by November 8.

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

7th Annual Sporting Clay Shoot 8:30AM - 1:00PM Co-sponsors: Shelby Baptist Medical Center & Signature Homes Selwood Farm, Inc., 706 Selwood Road, Alpine See page 4 for details.

15 16 17 17 22

Entrepreneur Roundtable I 7:30AM - 8:30AM

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

CoffeeNet 8:30AM - 9:30AM Sponsor: Cahaba Valley Computer Services, LLC Grand Reserve at Pelham, 10 Grand Reserve Dr, Pelham No cost. Reservations requested by November 14.

Governmental Affairs Work Group 8:30AM - 9:30AM Sain Associates, Two Perimeter Park South, Ste 500 East, Birmingham GSCC Annual Prayer Breakfast featuring Beth Chapman Presenting Sponsor: Jim ‘N Nick’s Community BAR-B-Q Co-sponsor: Shelby Baptist Medical Center Doors open at 7:30AM. Program 8:00AM - 9:00AM. Pelham Civic Complex & Ice Arena 500 Amphitheater Rd, Pelham Reservations requested by noon on Friday, November 18.

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

24-25

Chamber closed Thanksgiving Holiday

YOUR CHAMBER AT WORK Facebook: 39 New Likes, 123 Visits and 3,042 Post Reaches,Total Likes 2,642.

Twitter: 2,627 Followers, 207 Tweets, 21K Tweet impressions, 193 Profile Visits and 5 Mentions.

Responded to 138 requests for business & community information.

Notarized 43 “Certificates of Origin” for Shelby County Companies

60 | ShelbyLiving.com Shelbychamber.org

SHELBY SPOTTED

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Education Connection at Chelsea High School The Greater Shelby Chamber of Commerce held its second Education Connection event at Chelsea High School on Sept. 7.

The event brought together high school students and business representatives to network.

1. Morgan Williamson, Megan Helmly, Patricia Noel, Comedienne Joy, Kessler Phillips and Cheyenne Champion 2. Anna Wise, Lucy Paige and Christlyn Horst 3. Jeanne Smith, Carol Bruser and Ben Smith 4. Casey Morris and Wayne Trucks 5. Jim Bradford and Paige Hamrick 6. Russell Scruggs and Alec Jones 7. Bryan Westbrook, Conrad Brown, Calise Long and Elizabeth Batton-Pate 8. Kessler Phillips and Patricia Noel 9. Wayne Trucks and Julie Godfrey

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November 2016 | 61

SHELBY SPOTTED

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3 Shelby County Showcase of Bands

4 5

Bands from all Shelby County Schools attended the annual Showcase of Bands at Shelby County High School in Columbiana. Songs from The Great Gatsby, Pirates of the Caribbean, James Bond and Metallica were all performed, as well as many more.

1. Sabrina Fitzgerald, Angel Goodwin and Felicia Merritt 2. Melissa Hyde and Carlee Chappell 3. Brennan Stroup and Christopher Tanahey 4. Cade Carnes, Jon Jones and Billy Farris 5. Gabbie Herbig and Alyssa Scott 6. Lyndi Allen, Hope Rush and Abbey Reese 7. Kevin Ownby, Drew Fitzgerald and Travis Binder 8. Kobe Martin and Wade White 62 | ShelbyLiving.com

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SHELBY SPOTTED

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9. Hunter Rush, Tinsley Henry and Emily Resha 10. Clay Howell and Quentin Hill 11. Chase Peoples, Will Johnston and Jacob Wheeler 12. Kaitlyn Gable, Lindsey Reddy and Hannah Watkins

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12 November 2016 | 63

SHELBY SPOTTED

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Alabaster homecoming parade

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Alabaster hosted its fourth annual homecoming parade and community pep rally on Sept. 14, drawing thousands to the streets around Larry Simmons Stadium.

1. Aleia, Gerrisyn and Giyah Shipman with Laura, Josie and Lynleigh Hamm 2. Jordan Jackson 3. Kristy and Lilah Kate Smith 4. Tara and Bert Charles with their children Brooke, Harrison and Payton 5. Destiny and Taylor Thompson with Travis Thompson Jr. 6. Roni and Jeremy McPhearson

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7. Kenzie Coggins and Patrick Higgins 8. Jay and Steve Proctor 9. Mandy and Dylan Curry 10. Sarah Haase and Sally McDonald 11. Jackson and Mim Belcher 12. Rosie and Scott Davidson 13. Jay and Traci Kilgore

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HHS Glow in the Dark Run

The Helena High School Band Boosters hosted a Glow in the Dark Run on Aug. 27 at Helena High School with all proceeds going to the HHS marching band.

1. Ryan, Rett, Layton and Parker Draiss 2. Deedra George, Allison Dees and Sadie Crawford 3. Sabrina and Ethan McGee with Carrie Martin 4. Caitlin and Cameron Pannell with Mackenzie Rosener 5. Callie, Richie and Tray Talley 6. Ashley, Brooks, Jake and Greg Perry with Aaron Allen 7. Pete and Ilean Bosworth with Mayor Mark Hall 8. Cohen Jordan, Ethan Spencer and Nick Gambele 9. Madison and Mike Tsimpides 10. Mike, Terri and Zach Morgan 66 | ShelbyLiving.com

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Full S.T.E.A.M Ahead: Engineering

Hoover Public Library’s Full S.T.E.A.M Ahead program kicked off with an engineering theme on Sept. 6.

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1. Noah Powell 2. Cheryl and Davis Fulton 3. Bridget, Samuel and Stephen Sellers 4. Eunice Andres and Gracie Dickens

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Rockin’ Tots story-time

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Children and parents gathered for rocking and reading at Rockin’ Tots at the Hoover Public Library on Sept. 7.

1. Matthew and Kristi Wolfe 2. Angela and Ethan Lindsey 3. Kerri, Lane and Claire Willson 4. Keaton Glover and Sarah Akers with Terri, Brinlee and Baleigh Emerson 5. Peyton Lee and Paula Webb 6. Thomas and Glinda Freeman 7. Reed Harvell 8. Natalie and Will Hannah

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Promoting healthy water campaign meeting

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Students of the University of Montevallo involved in a new campaign that focuses on promoting healthy water for all held their first meeting at Eclipse on Aug. 30.

1. Laura Quattrochi 2. Ryan Ahrendt and Haley O’Bannon 3. Kyndel Cunningham 4. Kiara Anderson and Justin Williams 5. Casey Roberts

4 Wrap up your holidays with a memorable

Colonial Christmas at the American Village

December 6-7-8-9, 10:30 or 12:00

Tickets are just $25

Call (205) 665-3535 ext. 1031, or email Christmas@AmericanVillage.org to make a reservation

MONTEVALLO, ALABAMA WWW. AMERICANVILLAGE.ORG

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Helena–Pelham football game

The Helena Huskies and the Pelham Panthers faced off for the first time as 6A rival opponents on Sept. 9, and thousands of fans packed Husky Stadium to witness a thrilling 27-23 Pelham win.

1. Cameron Crumpler, Richard Cummings and Daniel Lawson 2. Sonja Montgomery and Lily Cait Turner 3. Carley and Kyle McCune 4. Jared, Blakely and Brodie Spann 5. Angie and Matt Teague 6. Sherill and Keith Vansant 7. Lacey Moss and Sydney Liveoak 8. Ava Carson, Madison McLaughlin and Macey Martin 9. Kenneth and Tina Adams 10. Daniel, Carol and Bobby Haynes

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Volunteer and Internship Fair

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Service Learning hosted the annual Volunteer and Internship Fair in Anna Irvin Dining Hall from 9 a.m.- noon on Sept. 14.

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1. Emily Wright 2. Donna McDow and Pamela Slovensky 3. Savannah Willard and Stephanie Grisson 4. Ashley Carden, Alaynna Pruitt and Kari Wilson

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3 Wine tasting at The Coal Yard

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The Coal Yard in Helena hosted a Wines of Oregon tasting and food pairing on Thursday, Sept. 15.

1. Tammy and Greg Eddins 2. Toni Cooper, Teresa Stahl, Donna Carter and Francene Drexler 3. Dale Lowe and Cheryl Lott 4. Miranda and Greg Williford 5. Pete and Karen Brown 6. Ian Willicott 7. Katie Bialko, Jeanene Muckle, Maria Vandenberg and Lynn Hulberg 8. Cheri Houston and Hillary Ginas 9. Al and Liz Young

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Montevallo Chamber Luncheon

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The Montevallo Chamber Luncheon was held at the Parnell Library from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 21.

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1. Lorrie Ozley 2. Missy Wilson and Deidre Monk 3. Steve Gilbert and Cynthia Stevenson 4. Ken Jones, Anne Thomas and Mary Leach 5. Brandon Lovelady and Debra Payne

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Riverchase Women’s Club

The Riverchase Women’s Club met Sept. 16 and heard from Sassy Sisters Bonnie Powell and Carol Ethridge about “Tailgate Tidbits.”

1. Rena Harmon, Lynne Cooper and Mindy Estep 2. Ann Holt and Traci Fox 3. Linda Carey and Nance Kohnen 4. Debbie Norberg, Robin Minor and Laura Cunningham 5. Heather Bennett, Suzanne Stewart and Lark Livingston 6. Joy Patterson, Augusta Cash and Beth McRae 7. Lisa Carruba, Amy Luther and Gloria Nelson 8. Paula Jetton and Janet White with Alma and Vanessa Berry 9. Patsy Martens, Marie Teague and Hilda Posey 10. Beverly Stine, Karol Newman and Bobbie Hallmark 74 | ShelbyLiving.com

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CLASSIFIEDS

Marketplace Shelby Living • 205.669.3131

Acceptance Loan Company, Inc. Personal Loans! Let us Pay Off Your Title Loans!

224 Cahaba Valley Rd, Pelham 205-663-5821 B&J Metal Fabricators Professional sheet metal replacement and fabrication on classic cars/trucks. $65.00/hour for labor Parts/supplies additional Quotes based per job. Media blasting available. Powder coating coming soon.

Montevallo area.

(205)665-4687 (205)296-9988 HIGH SPEED INTERNET BY EXEDE! Free installation. No credit check. No credit card required. Call for more Specials!

Call TODAY: 205-471-9961 FIREWOOD-OAK or HICKORY Pick up - only 6 cents per pound. Commercial and Residential delivery also available.

Columbiana Wood Products 21421 Hwy 25, Columbiana (205) 671-5202 Welder Training Short Term Licensing Call for Details 866-432-0430 ESDschool.com Fowler Auction & Real Estate Service, Inc. www.fowlerauction.com (256) 420-4454 Montgomery Stockyard Drop Station at Gray & Son’s in Clanton.

Call Lane at 205-389-4530.

For other hauling arrangements, contact Wes in Harpersville 205-965-8657 AFFORDABLE HIGH-SPEED INTERNET Available where you live! Call Today for this Limited Time Offer! www.pbsinternet.com 800-266-4409.

Professional Sitter 22 yrs experience in healthcare.

Excellent people skills. Enjoy helping people. Duties/ experience includes: Personal hygiene, light housekeeping, etc. Will consider live-in.

Rent-A-Sitter 205-253-4320 EDUCATOR OSHA Training is the Law! Franchise is available in your area.

Call 706-264-2220 or www.safetytrainingse.com CLOCK REPAIR SVS. * Setup * Repair * Maintenance I can fix your Mother’s clock.

Alabaster/Pelham Call Stephen (205)663-2822 Residential Roofing Specialists Shingles, Copper, & All Metal Roofing. Over 30 years’ experience.

Versatile Contractors, Inc VCI@bellsouth.net Earl Simpson 205-965-1500 Paul Jackson 205-369-8278 Become a Dental Asst. in ONLY 8 WEEKS! Please visit our website www.capstonedentalassisting. com or call (205) 561-8118 and get your career started!

HOST AN EXCHANGE STUDENT World Heritage www.whhosts.com 1-800-888-9040 or 404-307-8830 info@world-heritage.org Looking for Childcare??

Riverside Baptist Church Early Learning Center in Helena is now enrolling kids 6 weeks-4K. Call now to schedule a tour!

205-426-1910 TARGET AUCTION. Advanced Real Estate Marketing.

800-476-3939 www.targetauction.com

ShelbyLiving.com

1BD Fully Furnished Weekly Rates Starting at $170 Free Utilities. No Credit Check.

Two Budgetel locations at 1902 Highway 31 South, Hoover 205-985-9117 and 5249 Highway 280 East, Birmingham Call 205-991-0100 or www.budgetel.com ONLINE AUCTIONS www.GTAOnlineAuctions.com 205-326-0833 Granger, Thagard & Assoc.

Jack F. Granger #873 House For Rent 3/2 in Calera W/D Hook-ups, One Car Garage, Dishwasher.

Rent $1150. 205-433-9811 Commercial Office Building For Sale or Lease 400 Lay Dam Road, Clanton w/acreage, brick building, paved parking lot.

Close to new hospital.

Call: 205-420- 2494 or email: mwaldrop@rwbrad.com.

Cash in on High Gold Prices!

We Buy Gold!

Huge selection of Vintage Jewelry! Layaway for Christmas.

Cash World Pawn & Jewelry Corner of Hwy 280 & 119 205-995-1018 CAGLE SOD FARM 419 Hybrid Bermuda • $1.35 sq.yd.

Meyers Zoysia • $2.50 sq.yd.

Empire Zoysia • $3.00 sq. yd.

DELIVERY AVAILABLE 662-365-3152 www.caglesod.com HIRING Production Workers in McCalla IMMEDIATE OPENINGS! Various shifts, temp-to-hire positions! Apply online at: www.adeccousa.com or call our office at 205-497-6400 ext. 2033

OFFICE ASSISTANT PELHAM AREA Answering phones, filing, cleaning office, ordering & selling parts. Start: $8.65/hr, benefits after 90 days.

Send resume to 205-985-8804 or Joel@advancecutting.com.

No Job Too Big or Too Small!

New Construction or Remodel.

Call Advantage Electric 205-876-4269 JOBS! JOBS! JOBS! AIDT is seeking qualified applicants for outstanding jobs statewide. All at NO COST to you! www.aidt.edu/jobs Fork Lift Mechanic Needed Must have own tools and five years experience.

Apply in person: 1105 7th St N, Clanton or call for appointment (205)755-4570 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 APPLY NOW! Baugh Ford in Clanton is Hiring Salespersons and Internet Sales Manager Email cover letter/resume to autojobsclanton@gmail.com Fax to (205)755-6443 Or apply in person.

Bibb Medical Center & Nursing Home Currently Recruiting For: •Medical Lab Tech Full-time position, requires 2 year associates degree.

•Medical Technologist Full-time, 7 on-7 off, blood bank experience required.

Apply at: Hospital Information Desk

208 Pierson Ave., Centreville, AL Email resume: bmchr@bibbmedicalcenter.com Or Apply Online: bibbmedicalcenter.com Bibb Medical Center & Nursing Home Now Hiring For: RN • Labor & Delivery PM - F/T position AL RN license required.

Apply at: Hospital Information Desk 208 Pierson Ave., Centreville, AL Email resume: bmchr@bibbmedicalcenter.com Or Apply Online: bibbmedicalcenter.com Bibb Medical Center & Nursing Home Now Hiring For: Dietary Manager • Full time For Long term care and acute care hospital.

Responsible for food service for patient care and non-patient care Apply at: Hospital Information Desk 208 Pierson Ave., Centreville, AL Email resume: bmchr@bibbmedicalcenter.com Or Apply Online: bibbmedicalcenter.com IMMEDIATE POSITION AVAILABLE CLASS-A & CLASS-B ROUTE DRIVERS WELL-ESTABLISHED 100+ YEAR COMPANY NOW HIRING ROUTE DRIVERS. HOME NIGHTS/ WEEKENDS. LOOKING FOR HARD WORKING DRIVERS TO JOIN OUR TEAM. CLEAN MVR/BG CHECK REQUIRED. COMPETITIVE PAY/BENEFITS: BCBC, 401K, PAID HOLIDAYS/ VACATION, COMPANY FURNISHED UNIFORMS. CALL 205-425-1711 OR EMAIL: adria.lupien@bhtonline.com DELIVERY DRIVERS Local Grocery Distributor in Alabaster seeking qualified drivers. Delivery/unloading to multiple locations. Mon-Fri work

November 2016 | 75

week. Requirements: Valid DL, clean driving record.

Benefits: Competitive wages, bonuses, benefits, opportunity for advancement.

BTC Wholesale Distributors Call 205-397-1782 BURGER KING JOIN OUR MANAGEMENT TEAM Schuster Enterprises, Inc., a Franchisee of Burger King, is looking for Management professionals who have a desire to join a team where people are the most important asset, where growth is based on ability and where opportunity is abundant.

Benefits: Competive Wages, Health & Life Insurance, Paid Vacations, 401(k).

Apply online at: www.jointeamschuster.com.

(EOE - DRUG FREE WORKPLACE).

JOIN OUR TEAM! MAINTENANCE ENGINEER FOR A BURGER KING FRANCHISE Schuster Enterprises, Inc., a Franchisee of Burger King, is looking for a person with skills in HVAC and Refrigeration, Light Electrical and Plumbing.

•Competitive Wage based on skills and experience, annual reviews.

•Health and Life Insurance •401 (k) Profit Sharing Plan •Paid Vacations •Maintenance Vehicle & Tools furnished FOR INTERVIEW CALL DAVID STEVENS (706)563-3066 (EOE—DRUG FREE WORKPLACE) PAINT CREWS Nationally branded painting company for subcontractor work in the Birmingham area.

Must have own insurance, equipment & vehicle.

CertaPro Painters 205-277-9999 Chase Learning Center in Pelham is NOW HIRING. •FT/PT Nursery •PT After School $8 per hour. 5 days per week.

Great for college students.

205-620-1616 Masters Level Counselor needed part time. Chilton County Treatment Center 205-755-3400

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Coal Yard Bar & Grill Now Hiring Experienced servers & bartenders Apply in person: Tuesday-Saturday, 2pm-4pm at The Coal Yard 4085 Helena Rd. *No Phone Calls Please*

THE FISH MARKET RESTAURANT CASHIERS & SERVERS NEEDED. NOW HIRING HAPPY People with GREAT Attitudes! Must be Flexible/Hours Vary Apply in Person ONLY Hwy 280 & Hwy 31 Locations

IHOP is HIRING 280 Location Now Accepting Applications for ALL Positions.

Competitive pay DOE. Apply in person: 5243 Hwy 280 South Brook Highland Plaza Birmingham, AL 35242

Noland Health Services Now Hiring RN’s Day & Night Shift Available Noland Hospital Shelby Located in Shelby Baptist Medical Center Alabaster To Apply Visit: www.nolandhealth.com

Ready to Work for the #1 Brand in the World?

Now Hiring Class A-CDL Drivers for Coca-Cola Bottling United. Go to www.cocacolaunited.com to apply!

PLANT MAINTENANCE POSITION Desired Skills: •Minimum 10-years experience in plant industrial maintenance environment (mechanical/ hydraulics/electrical/fabrication/ pneumatic) •Strong electrical trouble shooting skills in high-voltage as well as low-voltage •Ability to work on PLC is required Apply At: Foley Products, Clanton or online: www.foleyproducts.com Foley Products Company is an EOE.

Tree Climber / Bucket Operator Top pay guaranteed.

5 yrs exp. CDL required.

Drug Test Required.

205-836-2038 or 205-229-7144

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

Now taking applications for: •Cook •Bartender •Waitress •Line Dance Instructor for growing business in Clanton.

205-755-4949 or 334-235-0228

Owner Operators Wanting Dedicated Year Round Anniston, AL www.pull4klb.com

COLUMBIANA HEALTH & REHAB LPN Charge Nurse PRN 12 hour shifts Excellent Salary.

Interested applicants should send resume to: shannon.bell @northporthealth.com Coosa Valley Medical Center OR Nurse Manager RN (Labor/Delivery): 3-11pm RNs (Surgical Services): day-shift RNs (Med/Surg): all-shifts RNs (Geriatric/Psych): Sign On Bonus. Email resume to: Janean.

Crawford@cvhealth.net or to apply, go to www.cvhealth.net 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 IMMEDIATELY HIRING FOR: Warehouse, Production & Automotive Assembly in Calera and Clanton.

Temp-to-Hire positions, great pay rates!

Clanton (205)588-6716 Birmingham (205)822-8234 Apply online: www.elwoodjobs.com $3000 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.

NOW HIRING! Full-Time Assistants Full & Part-Time Teacher Positions Grace Community School and Daycare For more information, visit our website at www.thewhaleschool.com or call us at (205) 769-6209 Hiring Stylists in Calera Average Pay $12 & Up 205-966-7254 Hardee’s Now Hiring •Crew Members/Hoover •Management/Calera Email resume to: hardees2007@bellsouth.net 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

Kelly Educational Staffing® We’re hiring!

• Substitute teachers • Aides • Cafeteria • Clerical • Custodial positions for Shelby County School District and Alabaster City Schools.

Please call 205-682-7062 We Are An Equal Opportunity Employer

Building for Lease 3098 square-foot area. Marquee sign on Cahaba Valley Road between I65 and Highway 280.

5560 Cahaba Valley Road Birmingham, AL 35242 205-965-3037 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 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 Class-A CDL DriverDry Bulk/PneumaticBirmingham,AL Must be 25+, have clean driving record,two-years tractor/trailer experience. Will train drivers on tank. Good benefits-almost all drivers home everynight.

Contact Keith 205-438-4959

Warehouse Position in Calera Starting pay $10/hr.

Flexible shifts.

Requirements: • Recently Lived in Alabama at least 1 year.

• High School Diploma or GED. • At least 18 years old.

Complete your application on line at www.naonsite.com Odyssey Early Schools.

Birmingham’s Best Daycare/ Preschool is Seeking Experienced Teachers.

4 Year Degree Preferred.

Full-Time. BEST Pay. FULL Benefits (Insurance, Leave, Holidays).

Call Annie Fine 205-991-0039.

Manufacturing/Assembly positions available in Calera & McCalla areas. Full time hours, all shifts available. Call today 205-267-3910 We’re searching for a talented & trustworthy Service Technician to service and maintain our Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen location in Birmingham!

We offer: in-house training, competitive pay, 401K, full-time, year-round employment, great benefits, including company truck.

Qualified candidates must have 3 years’ HVAC/Refrigeration experience and CFC Certification Type II or better.

Knowledge of commercial kitchen equipment is a plus.

We are looking for team players who have the desire to continually develop new skills.

Duties include: maintenance

and service of restaurant kitchen equipment, including laundry equipment, beverage systems, boilers, ice machines, coolers, and HVAC work. We look forward to speaking with you!

To apply email your resume careers@pappas.com Pappas Restaurants is an Equal Opportunity Employer M|F|D|V|A 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 Burger King Hiring General, Assistant & Shift Managers Top Pay/Monthly Bonus/Vacation/ Medical Benefits.

3yrs fast food experience required.

Fax resume: 334-649-1112 Or apply at: www.work4bk.com OTR Class-A Driver •Montgomery, AL 3yrs Experience •$.40-$.50 Per Mile Paid Weekly •BCBS Insurance Home Weekends •EZ Press & Prepass Safety & Fuel Bonus Call: (334)288-8106 Saiia Construction Co. ISO: CDL Long-Haul Drivers.

Requirements: OTR experience driving lowboy trailers; transporting heavy oversized loads; experience with heavy equipment required; ability to work in outside environments, safety-oriented, and teamplayer. Overtime available.

Great opportunity. Competitive compensation/benefit package.

Email: DVeigl@saiia.com or fax: 205-943-2258 The Salvation Army Alabaster is Hiring (Seasonal) Angel Tree Coordinator Kettle Coordinator Required Skills: •Driver •Databases •Computer •Physical Abilities Email resumes to: Rufus.

McDowell@uss.salvationarmy. org

ServiceMaster WATER/FIRE TECHS Will train for water extraction/ drying/fire cleanig. Must pass background check/drug test, have reliable transportation & good driving record. Serious inquiries.

Call 205-424-4211.

Willing to Learn?

We are willing to teach!

NOW HIRING All Positions Pelham & Chelsea Great Opportunity Rewarding Career 401K/Health Ins/ Group Benefits Contact: 205-620-4455 cwomack@smithcos.com Order Selectors Food Dist. Center in Pelham Al. Day Shift: Mon-Fri. 40+ hours/ week. 10:00AM until finished (varies).

Benefits: Medical, vision, dental, vacation & 401k.

Requirements: Reading & math skills, Lift 40 lbs. repetitively, Work in -10 Temperature Apply 8:30AM-5:00PM Southeastern Food, 201 Parker Drive, Pelham, Alabama 35124 205-685-4533 PARTS MANAGER NEEDED: Day Shift SOUTHERN HAULERS 2157 Hwy 16 Calera, Alabama 35040 Call Vince: (251)230-1692 Fax resume to: (330)726-7887 Email to: kzook@rjtrucking.com St. Vincent’s Chilton is looking for Experienced Medical Lab Techs, Emergency Department Techs (night shift), Monitor Techs, ED charge nurse (day and night shift), and Med Surg/ICU charge RN (night shift). If you are interested, please email chiltoncountyrecruitment@ stvhs.com and apply online at www.stvhs.com/careers 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 9am-7pm • Mon-Sat at (205)490-1003 or (205)243-6337

Stevens Home Health Care Currently Hiring: Personal Care Workers Must have experience & clean background. For more info call: 334-215-0084 or 205-942-5996 (EOE) SUBWAY South Shelby County Stores Now Hiring • All Positions Looking for Sandwich Artists.

Print out the application from the link below and bring by your nearest Subway Location. http://wpc.4728.edgecastcdn. net/004728/applications/ subway-job-application.pdf Looking for Managers with these same traits. Please send resumes to: scottreneau@gmail.com Rogers Cartage Company Recruiting for Dry-Bulk Lime & Cement Drivers for Alabaster, AL terminal •Local/Regional Business •Increased pay package •Possibly 1-2 nights out/week due length of hauls •6-Months Class-A Tractor/ Trailer experience •Dry-bulk Lime/Cement experience helpful-not required Salary/benefits include: •Medical benefit plans from $38-$104/wk •Paid orientation approximately $720/wk Call Brian at 800-507-8848 www.tankstar.com 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 TEMP FORCE HIRING NOW: Assembly and Inspection! Childersburg & Vincent. Full Time. 1st and 2nd Shifts. Entry Level OK! Apply at TempForce: (256)245-8367 www.tempforcejobs.com The Painting Company of Birmingham Immediate openings for professional residential and commercial painters. Must be able to speak English.

Call 205-995-5559 Landscape Assisstant 6:00a.m. - 3:00p.m.

Full Time • Monday-Friday Paid health benefits.

Looking for a quick learner, with great work ethic!

Call Carrie 205-991-4564 or 205-427-5501 Security Guard Full-time and Part-time Available Great benefits. Must have pistol permit and pistol. $11/hour.

Call Carrie 991-4654 or 427-5591 or 205-427-5501 University Baptist Pre-K Montevallo Now Hiring Substitute Teachers.

(205)665-1825 OTR DRIVERS WANTED 24 years or older. Hazmat preferred but not required. Full benefit package available.

Pneumatic tank equipment. Dry bulk hauling. $500 SIGN-ON BONUS HOME EVERY OTHER WEEKEND Apply Online: vernonmilling.com 800-753-1993 Fundraisers/Greeters Needed for Charity Greeting customers OUTSIDE of Grocery, Department Stores and Special Events. Travel involved...Must have car, driver’s license and be willing to travel! Comp/ Exp paid...P/T WORK. Seniors welcomed! 866.212.5592 or Email resume to: jely@veteransoutreach.com CDL CLASS-A TRUCK DRIVERS AND MECHANICS NEEDED $1,500 New Hire Bonus for Drivers! Paid holidays and sick leave for Mechanics!

Walpole, Inc. EOE / DFWP Call Valerie at (800)749-5552 or apply online at www.walpoleinc.com NOW HIRING CDL-A DRIVERS w/Haz. $5000 Sign-On Bonus.

Apply online: www.westernintl.com or Corporate Office: 979-413-2140 $5000 SIGN-ON BONUS! HIRING CDL TEAM A DRIVER Apply online: www.westernintl.com Or Contact Corporate: Western International Gas & Cylinders 979-413-2140 or 979-413-2192 (EOE)

ASPHALT GROUNDMAN LABOR QUALIFICATIONS: •Experience Preferred •Pre-Employment drug screening •E-Verification DESCRIPTION: Load, unload, or identify materials/tools,distributing them to appropriate locations.

Follow daily schedule for areas that need greased/daily maintenance performed.

Broad areas require daily/ weekly/monthly maintenance.

Organization of tool shed, erect/dismantle braces, traffic barricades, ramps, or other temporary structures. Notifying manager of potential safety/ equipment issues immediately.

Following processes and procedures correctly. Wearing appropriate clothing/shoes/ personnel protective equipment.

Duties also may include asphalt labor operations which may include but not limited to: asphalt raking and shoveling.

JOB CONDITIONS: Required to work outside, sometimes in inclement weather conditions Day/some night shifts/weekends when necessary PAY RANGE & BENEFITS: Pay Based on Experience Excellent Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama plus other medical, dental, vision and disability benefits 401K plus match Submit Application or Resume: Wiregrass Construction Company 951 Dow St•Pelham, AL 35124 205.620.4132 100 Corporate Woods Drive Shelby County Airport 4,000 sq.ft. at $7-$8/ft.

13+ offices. 205-915-5044 Bad Credit?

Need a car?

Langston Motors 205-406-5886 Highway 31 in Alabaster next to Chevron. LangstonMotors.net Ask about our guaranteed credit approval!

Cobblestone Cove Apartments Located in Montevallo NOW LEASING 2 Bedrooms Pool • W/D Hookups Call apartment manager for leasing information 205-665-3988

November 2016 | 77

OUT & ABOUT Acting Up Fall Youth Workshop

Warrior Tip Off and Taste of Alabaster

Legacy Writing Class at Mt Laurel

Nov. 1

Baby Tales: A story time designed especially for babies and their caregivers will be held at the North Shelby Library on Nov. 1 at 10 a.m. Stories and music provide interaction for the babies and time for caregivers to talk and share with each other. Ages: Birth to 18 months. Registration required.

Registration will begin one week prior to program date.

though Alabaster and sample delectable bites from the city’s finest restaurants. Meet the new Warrior coaching staff and 2016 basketball team while tasting menu items from Jim N’ Nick’s BBQ, Zaxby’s, Buck Creek and more. Tickets can be purchased from any Thompson basketball player or at the door on the night of the event. Proceeds from this event will benefit the Thompson basketball program.

Nov. 2

Nov. 4

Family Storytime with Mr. Mac: Stories, puppets and lots of music for every member of the family will fill the North Shelby Library on Nov. 2 at 10:45 a.m. All ages are welcome.

No registration is required. For more information, call 4395504.

Nov. 3

Doors of My Art exhibit: Rae Lynn Dodson’s “Doors of My Art” solo gallery exhibit at the Shelby County Arts Council will open Nov. 3 at 6 p.m. with an artist reception, and will run through Nov. 30. The public is invited to attend. Gallery hours are Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free.

Mt Laurel Toddler Tales: A story program for children 1936 months and a caregiver will be held Nov. 4 at 10 a.m. at the Mt Laurel Library. Stories, songs, fingerplay and crafts make up a lively, 30-minute program designed especially for short attention spans. For more information, call 9911660.

Lego Club: The North Shelby Library provides the Legos, the kids provide the imagination and creativity Nov. 5 at 10 a.m.

Families are welcome to drop in anytime between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. to build spectacular creations, which will then go on display in the Children’s Department. All ages are Warrior Tip Off and Taste welcome. No registration is of Alabaster: The Warrior required.

Tip Off and Taste of Alabaster will mark the start of the Toddler Tales: Stories, songs, 2016 Thompson basketball fingerplays and crafts make up season. Take a culinary trip a lively, 30-minute program 78 | ShelbyLiving.com

designed especially for short attention spans on Nov. 7 and Nov. 14 at 10 a.m. at the North Shelby Library. Registration will begin one week prior to each storytime. Ages 19-36 months.

Registration is required. For more information, call 4395504.

Darkness Community Walk: This year’s walk will take place at Heardmont Park off Valleydale Road in Hoover on Nov. 6. The annual event raises money for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. The event is free and will be held from 2:304 p.m.

Nov. 5

Nov. 7

Helena Holiday Market: The Helena Middle School Dance Team presents the Helena Holiday Market on Nov. 5 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event will include handmade crafts, jewelry, boutique clothes, home decor, ornaments, decals, personalized gifts, travel, art and so much more. Pictures with Santa for $10 (bring your own camera). A silent auction will be held.

Legacy Writing Class at Mt Laurel: Write your history with the help of a professional writer at the Legacy Writing Class at Mt Laurel Library on Nov. 28 at 6 p.m. Using one of the following literary forms – essay, letter, “note to self,” journal, mini memoir, lessons learned and poetry – the goal of the class is to capture each writer’s unique point of view. If you are stumped for ideas, step up to one of the three special Nov. 6 writing “challenges” presented Acting Up Fall Youth at the first class. The group will Workshop: Registration meet from 6-7:30 p.m. Nov. 7, for the Acting Up Fall 14, and 28 with a public reading Youth Workshop is open on in December. The fee is $10.

Southcitytheatre.com.

The Call 991-1660. workshop runs through Nov. 6 and meets Mondays from Nov. 8 6-8 p.m. and Saturdays from Tuesday Tech – Batteries: 10 a.m. to noon at the theatre. Drop in Tuesdays in the Participants will rehearse and North Shelby Library’s teen perform the musical “A Peter department to try out a new Pan Christmas!” Performances technology on Nov. 8 from 3-5 are scheduled for Nov. 5-6 at p.m. November will be fun things to make with household South City Theatre. batteries. Each week will have Nov. 6 a new, short planned activity.

Birmingham Out of the Registration not required but

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SHELBY Living

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Diving In Local swim teams learn skills and teamwork

Honor the Fallen etery Alabama National Cem families honors veterans and

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supplies are limited. For more North Shelby Library on information, call 439-5512.

Nov. 11 at 3:30 p.m. for games (board, card, Minecraft, XBOX Picture Book Club: Come ONE and Wii). Participants to the North Shelby Library must have a parent permission on Nov. 8 at 10 a.m. for slip on file to attend. For more stories, games, crafts and information, call 439-5512. snacks featuring a different favorite book character each Teen Volunteer Day: Help month. All ages are welcome. the North Shelby Library and Registration is required. earn community service hours on Nov. 12 from 10 a.m. to 4 Nov. 10 p.m. The library will host four Shelby County ‘After 5’ volunteer days this semester.

Women’s Connection: Shelby Each time it is offered, sixth County ‘After 5’ Women’s through 12th graders can sign Connection will hold a “Girls up for one to two hours of Night Out” Nov. 10 at Boutique service. Limit five volunteers Bazaar, located at 633 11th Ave. per day. Contact Kate at 439SW in Alabaster. Networking 5512 or nsyouth@shelbycountywill be held 6-6:30 p.m., and al.org to sign up for a time. dinner and the program will be 6:30-8 p.m. The program Nov. 12 will include a fashion show Holiday Bazaar and Book presented by Boutique Bazaar, Sale: The Holiday Bazaar and recording artist and former and Book Sale sponsored Miss America preliminary by the Friends of the North winner Brenda Copeland Shelby Library will be held singing and speaking. For Nov. 12 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. more information, call 527- The free event will include 5878, 213-8412 or 1-904-652- vendors selling an array of gift items, used books, Friends 4955.

Membership Table and “Just Dry Valley Fire Department for Friends” specials and Annual Chili Supper: Dry children’s activities. For more Valley Fire Department will information, email nsref@ hold its annual chili supper shelbycounty-al.org.

Nov. 10 at 6:30 p.m. at Enon Baptist Church in Montevallo. Nov. 15 Bring a pot of chili and join the Mt Laurel Picture Book Club: Celebrate the beloved fun. books by Eric Carle with Nov. 11 stories, games and a craft. All Open gaming: Come to the ages are welcome. Registration

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Holiday Bazaar and Book Sale

Dry Valley Fire Department Annual Chili Supper November 2016 | 79

OUT & ABOUT Mt Laurel Lego Club

North Pole Express

Long May She Wave – The American Flag

is required. The group will meet Nov. 15 at 4 p.m. at the Mt Laurel Library. For more information, call 991-1660.

Nov. 16

Long May She Wave – The American Flag: This month in time for Flag Day, the presentation will be all about the American flag and her history on Nov. 16 at 1 p.m. at the North Shelby Library.

Please welcome the talented Brianna Dill, homeschooling parent and educator who will be leading our program. Ages 7-12. Registration required.

Nov. 17

Teen Leadership Council Meeting: The Teen Leadership

80 | ShelbyLiving.com

Council will meet to plan programs on Nov. 17 at 6 p.m. at the North Shelby Library.

It’s not too late to apply to be a part of the fun. Applications are available on the website and in the teen department.

Nov. 18

North Pole Express: The North Pole Express will run Nov. 18-20 and Nov. 25-27 at the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum. The Santa Special will be held Nov. 26 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Take a train ride filled with Christmas Cheer as you ride the Santa Special.

Board the vintage train decorated for the season and take a train ride where Santa will visit with all the boys and

girls. The Santa Special train ride lasts about one hour.

For more information, visit Hodrrm.org.

Harry Potter craft at the North Shelby Library: Drop by the Children’s Department between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. for a fun Harry Potter craft to celebrate the opening of the new movie by J. K. Rowling, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. All ages welcome; while supplies last.

Mt Laurel Storytime with Ms Kristy: Attendees can enjoy stories, music and more.

Every member of the family is welcome. The group will meet at 11 a.m. at the Mt Laurel

Library. For more information, call 991-1660.

Nov. 26

Mt Laurel Lego Club: The Mt Laurel Library provides the Legos, and the kids provide the imagination and creativity.

Families are welcome to drop in anytime between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Nov. 26 to build spectacular creations which will be displayed in the library.

Nov. 30

Family Storytime with Mr. Mac: Stories, puppets and lots of music for every member of the family will be available Nov. 30 at 10:45 a.m. All ages welcome. No registration required. 

2016