Shelby Living, November/December 2025

SHELTER OF STRENGTH

Shelby County-based nonprofit Blanket Fort Hope is expanding its reach, building a safe haven for child survivors of sex trafficking.

APRÈS-SKI: A

GUIDE TO PARK CITY, UTAH 74

The host of the 2002 Winter Olympic Games, Park City, Utah, has established itself as the winter destination in the Wasatch Mountains. Dubbed “for the ‘Mountainkind,’” the town boasts two main resorts for every type of winter fun.

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 80

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

What should you buy for friends and loved ones this season? Look no further than the shops right around you.

PHOTO BY LYNDSEY GOLDEN

PHOTO BY BLAIR RAMSEY

EDITORIAL

Michaela Bankston

Dave Domescik

Daniel Locke

Anna Grace Moore

Tyler Raley

Andrew Simonson

Noah Wortham

CONTRIBUTORS

Hanna Allen

James Culver

Lauren Dowdle

Lyndsey Golden

Tom Loughman

Blair Ramsey

Kate Seaver

Lynn Thomas

DESIGN

Sydney Allen

Jamie Dawkins

Rowan Futrell

Connor Martin-Lively

MARKETING

Noah Brakefield

Evann Campbell

Octavia Campbell

Rachel Henderson

Rhett McCreight

Lauren Morris

Viridiana Romero

Tori Smith

ADMINISTRATION

Anna Marie Cleckler

Mary Jo Eskridge

Alec Etheredge

Stacey Meadows

Kayla Reeves

Leslie Reeves

Brittany Schofield

Hanna Allen, Writer

A Samford University student, Hanna Allen is studying journalism and mass communications with a concentration in print and a minor in writing. She is a native of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and has a deep passion for storytelling and exploring the ways strong writing can connect people and ideas. She is currently interning with Shelby County Newsmedia, in order to grow as a writer and gain hands-on experience as a journalist.

James Culver, Photographer

James lives in the Birmingham area with his wife, Rachel, a native of Homewood, and their three children, Callie, James III and John Michael. James is a graduate of Auburn University and spent years in Atlanta working as a graphic designer, creative director and photographer. He specializes in event, real estate and portrait photography, and he can be found on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook at @jculvercreative and at jculver.com.

Lauren Dowdle, Writer

An award-winning writer, Lauren lives in Hoover with her husband, daughter and four fur-babies. She writes for a variety of local, national and international publications. A graduate from the University of Alabama, Lauren played the tuba in the Million Dollar Band, which is how she met her husband. When she isn’t writing or chasing around a toddler, she loves to bake for friends and family.

Blair Ramsey, Photographer

Blair is a Vestavia Hills-based photographer whose company, Southern Intrigue Photography, specializes in sports action, portrait and commercial images. Blair has two sons, Cooper and Cameron, who have both had the privilege of being Auburn cheerleaders. Blair’s work can be found at southernintriguephotography.com, on Instagram @ southernintriguephotography and Facebook @southernintrigue.

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

Shelby Living Magazine is mailed to select households throughout Shelby County, and a limited number of free copies are available at local businesses. Please visit ShelbyLiving.com for a list of those locations. Subscriptions are available at a rate of $14.95 plus tax for one year by visiting ShelbyLiving.com or calling (205) 669-3131, ext. 532.

or by calling (205) 669-3131, ext. 536.

ON THE COVER

AAs a kid growing up in Bluff Park, one of my favorite Christmas traditions was waiting on my front porch each Christmas Eve, eagerly anticipating the Hoover Fire Department to roll through my neighborhood on a big, bright red, shiny fire truck. One of the firefighters would always dress up as Santa Claus, and standing atop the truck, he would throw out candy to my neighbors and me, who always lined the streets with bags, buckets and smiles filled with glee.

Twenty years later, one can imagine just how excited I was to introduce my then-3-year-old son Jacob to this tradition. In December 2024, I was invited by the Cahaba Valley Fire Department to shoot their same tradition in a local, Shelby County neighborhood.

Of course, I was elated and brought my whole family to attend and watch as I took pictures. I happened to be standing right across the street from Will and Stacy Stuart’s house, and although I didn’t know them then, I did know right away that I just had to feature them.

I kid you not, readers—this house was the most elaborately decorated house I’d seen in my life. A gigantic, red Santa hat sat on the roof. A near10-foot-long cut-out of Santa’s sleigh being pulled by reindeer graced the front lawn. A special, “Letters to Santa” mailbox stood in all its glory—and kids actually were running up to slip their letters into the chute before returning to their families to watch the procession. Martha Stewart herself would applaud.

Naturally, my impulsivity gave way and before my mind caught up with my legs, I found myself running across the street to shake hands with Will and introduce myself; thus, the Stuart house is now being featured a year later in this issue.

As I spent the next several months preparing content for this magazine, I found myself feeling that same, childlike glee, getting to meet so many inspiring people who, naturally and maybe puzzlingly, all possess that same, hospitable warmth that Will, Stacy and their children all exude. It just seemed as though the closer I got to the holiday season, the better my interviews became, and by extension, my stories became, too.

In this issue, you will also get to read some of my favorite stories about local photographer and artist Arden Upton; Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructor Kaliffa Oliveira; Grand Ticino owner Starr Breed; Blanket Fort Hope founder Alexa James and more.

Reading about their journeys, you will feel inspired by the warmth and love they exude for other people, just like the Stuarts. I hope that as you read and reflect, you feel the pride that I do for Shelby County, and for the people who make it “home.” As for the approaching holiday season, no matter what you may celebrate, I hope you feel that same pride and feel thankful for the opportunities to make new memories with your loved ones.

Happy holidays, readers,

The Santa Hat House

Will and Stacy Stuart’s elaborately decorated house is a Shelby County landmark each Christmas season.

Photo by Blair Ramsey

Design by Connor Martin-Lively

” “THE QUESTION

Which candy was your favorite to find in your bag on Halloween as a child?

Reese’s Cups is the only right answer, and I will die on this hill…

-Scott Bayley

Tootsie Rolls

-Michele Akkouch

Before diabetes, it was Butterfingers.

-Don Blakeley

Skittles

-Alicia Roberts Anderson

Those peanut butter kisses wrapped in orange or black wrappers—can only find them near Halloween.

-Diane Moss Cowden

Sweet Tarts

-Jeannie Wortham

Snickers

-Charles G. Penhale

Twix

-Annmarie Burch

@shelbylivingmagazine

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

@racheldmhenderson

team volunteering @feedingal 10/10. team lunch @redpearlrestaurant 11/10

@alexbrooke_

2 months & a full gallery later…

@shelbycountyschoolsal

Please join us in congratulating two outstanding Shelby County leaders recognized by the Alabama State Department of Education!

Malinda Nichols, Oak Mountain Middle School - 2025 Alabama History Teacher of the Year, State School Board District Three Dr. Mathew Epps, CTEC - 2025 Alabama High School Principal of the Year, State School Board District Three

@jeffstatecollege

We are so proud of their dedication, leadership, and commitment to excellence in Shelby County Schools! #DoGreatThings #EmpoweringAndInspiringExcellence

Jefferson State hosted the “Recovery Is Here” event this week to empower students and communities to take action against addiction and toward recovery. Recovery organizations and the Treatment and Recovery committee of the Alabama Opioid Overdose and Addiction Council, in partnership with community colleges launched “Recovery Is Here” — a powerful statewide campaign mobilizing action, awareness, and support around substance use disorder (SUD) during National Recovery Month this September.

HOLIDAY PARADES

‘Tis the season to be jolly! Lookout for Shelby County holiday parades to process through a town near you. Check each city’s website for more information.

Alabaster: Dec. 6, 10 a.m., Highway 31 South

Calera: Dec. 6, 6 p.m., Downtown Calera

Chelsea: Dec. 20, 10 a.m., Chelsea Middle School to ALDI

Columbiana: Dec. 5, 7 p.m., Downtown Columbiana

Helena: Dec. 6, 1 p.m., Highway 261

Montevallo: Dec. 4, 6 p.m., Downtown Montevallo

Pelham: Dec. 13, 5 p.m., Pelham Civic Complex & Ice Arena

THE GUIDE

AROUND TOWN

Colonial Christmas Lunches and Tours

10:30 A.M.-1 P.M. OR NOON-2:30 P.M. American Village

American Village offers a one-of-a-kind experience each Christmas season, allowing customers to eat, drink and be merry with patriots of the past! Attendees will learn about Christmas traditions in the 18th Century and will enjoy the 188-acre campus adorned in Christmas décor. Pre-reservations are required. Admission includes lunch, a guided tour and time to explore American Village firsthand, too. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit americanvillage.org/colonial-christmas-lunch-tour. DEC. 11-12, 15-17

DEC. 20

The 31st Annual Meadow Brook Run

9 A.M. | 5K

10 A.M. | ONE-MILE FUN RUN

Valley Bank — Meadow Brook 1100 Corporate Pkwy

The 31st Annual Meadow Brook 5K and One-Mile Fun Run is the perfect way to get in a run this season. Christmas T-shirts are available for preregistrants. Walkers and pets on leashes are welcome to participate. The top three winners in each male and female age division will be awarded medals. After the races conclude, there will be an afterparty featuring vendor booths set up with food, prize drawings, a DJ and more. All donations benefit the Alabama Adult & Teen Challenge, First Priority of Alabama, Restoring Joy Recovery and The Jesus Video Project of Alabama. Learn more at meadowbrook-runs.org.

NOV. 6

Holiday Open House

Downtown Homewood Business District

NOV. 8

Second Annual Calera Nerd Fest

Calera Courtyard 1120 17th Ave.

NOV. 11

Veterans Day Celebration Samford University

NOV. 14-16, 21-23 & 28-30

The North Pole Express Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum

NOV. 11-20

Scarecrows in the Park Pelham City Park

NOV. 13

Glasses Up for Down Syndrome

Vestavia Country Club

NOV. 15

Deck the Heights Heights Village

NOV. 19

Southern Jewish Voices featuring Florina Newcomb, CEO of the Birmingham Jewish Federation

Levite Jewish Community Center

NOV. 20

Crestline Village Holiday Open House

Crestline Village

NOV. 22

Calera Christmas Tree Lighting

Calera Courtyard 1120 17th Ave.

DEC. 4

Mountain Brook Village Open House

Mountain Brook Village

DEC. 4

A Taste of Christmas Around the World Global Center at Samford University

DEC. 5, 7, 12-14 & 19

The North Pole Express Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum

DEC. 5

Holiday Artist Market Preview Party Grande Hall of the Shelby County Arts Center

DEC. 6

Holiday Artist Market Grande Hall of the Shelby County Arts Center

DEC. 6

Bluff Park 8K 733 Valley St.

DEC. 6

Bluff Park Christmas Parade Bluff Park Neighborhoods

DEC. 7

Mountain Brook Holiday Parade Mountain Brook Village

DEC. 11

English Village Holiday Open House English Village

DEC. 11, 16 & 18

Wacky Tacky Light Tour Birmingham City Neighborhoods

DEC. 12

Leeds Christmas Parade Downtown Leeds

DEC. 13

Lights on the Bluff Church on the Bluff

DEC. 17

Southern Jewish Voices featuring Richard Sr., Richard Jr. and Andrew Pizitz

Levite Jewish Community Center

NOV. 28-DEC. 24

Christmas Tree Farm

9 A.M.-DARK

Old Baker Farm

The choose-and-cut Christmas Tree Farm is back at Old Baker Farm. Customers will not only be able to pick their favorite trees from the farm, but they will also get to sample complimentary hot apple cider and candy canes, too. Attendees can take a hayride through the Christmas trees as well. Types of trees available include Virginia Pines, Leyland Cypress, Carolina Sapphire, Arizona Sapphire, limited Red Cedars and Fraser Firs. The fee for scale of trees is $30 and up, depending on type and size of tree. Visit oldbakerfarm.com/pages/christmas-tree-farm for more information.

NOV. 1, 7, 21-22 & 28

DEC. 4-5 & 26-27

Birmingham Bulls Hockey Games

The Birmingham Bulls are back again this season! To purchase tickets, learn more about the Southern Professional Hockey League or for general information, visit bullshockey.net. Those interested in public skating can visit pelhamciviccomplex.com/1065/publicskating.

DEC. 6, 13 & 20

Christmas at the Station

10 A.M. & 1 P.M. Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum

The whole family will love Christmas at the Station! Families will enjoy a 45-minute-long train ride on the festive narrow-gauge steam train. Santa Claus will be available for photos on the museum grounds, too. All of these wondrous activities are included in ticket purchase prices. A vendor market with holiday gifts for sale will be open for shopping during the daytime. Purchase tickets and learn more information at hodrrm.org.

ARTS CULTURE&

AN ARTIST’S EPIPHANY

Arden Upton’s journey into self-discovery as an artist has yielded a beautiful collection of meaningful pieces.

BY ANNA GRACE MOORE

PHOTOS BY LYNDSEY GOLDEN & ARDEN UPTON

FFrom illuminated smiles to tearful vows, Arden Upton has spent the past 25 years transforming sentimental moments into beautiful mementos.

This past year, however, she experienced an “art epiphany,” trading the rapid click of her camera for the intentional sweep of her paintbrush.

“I really want to inspire people, to bring the outdoors and to bring joy and brightness to people’s lives,” she says.

This desire runs deep in her veins. The descendant from a long line of artists, including prolific Southern painter Irene Stephenson Ward, Arden says she grew up admiring the many talented women in her family.

Her creativity was nurtured throughout her youth, prompting her to study photography in college. This yearning to “capture the light” further propelled her to build a business rooted in making people smile by capturing their most heartfelt experiences.

However, her onset into such a career was rather unconventional.

“I was drawn to photography because at an early age, my mom was determined that I was going to be a ballet-dancer,” she says, chuckling. “I danced many hours, most days of the week. In high school, I picked up a camera and started photographing my mom’s dance studio instead of dancing because I knew very quickly that although it was her passion, it was not my passion.”

The more photographs she collected, the more she developed her voice as a storyteller, curating the ability to shape the unspoken into shared emotion. She soon became sought after as a wedding photographer and has since branched out to shoot editorial content and social events, too.

Over time, she began feeling that she was living her life for other people, spending more of her time at their discretion from behind the lens. After having her son Wills, and after what was a very long

journey with IVF, she decided to shift gears, focusing on her other creative outlet—painting— and prioritizing time with her family.

“Painting is a very personal time that I feel like for myself is very inward, even though it produces an outward result, and it’s very healing,” she says. “That’s what I want my paintings to (do)—bring meaning to people’s lives.”

This transition felt natural but did lend itself to challenges. Her photography career allowed her to view the world as a balance of light and shadow— the battle for depth in a portrait—but now, her sight guides her hand.

She jokes that at first, without her camera, she did not recognize herself. Though she laughs about it now, Arden believes this time of pondering helped reaffirm her creative identity.

She now has two mediums—photography and painting—that connect her with both the blessings and hardships so many other women just like her face every day, the beauty of motherhood at the core.

Today, Arden’s complete collection of works include more than 100 different paintings. Describing her style as loose and light, she says she

strives to capture the beauty in nature in every depiction. She works primarily with oils, focusing on creating landscapes, citrus fruit, clouds, flowers—anything that she feels fellow women, especially those struggling with infertility or pregnancy loss, find healing.

“My grandmother was a very accomplished painter, and I would go and spend the summers with her and paint with her as well,” Arden says, later adding, “we would paint by the poolside at her home in the summers, and she liked to do acrylics, and that’s what I started with, with her. It was just a really sweet and beautiful thing.”

Her grandmother Virginia lived in Miami, so while painting with her, Arden often found herself drawn to the vegetation or wildlife in South Florida. Many times, her subjects included citrus fruit that grew abundantly in the area.

Now, she feels that every orange, every mango she painted as a child, carry over into her work as symbols of some of her earliest inspiration.

Twenty years ago, Arden’s husband William Upton created what is now Windwood Equestrian in Pelham in December 2005. It was not until after the two met and later tied the knot that the farm

was transformed into a wedding venue in 2013. The Uptons’ wedding was actually only the second-ever held on the grounds.

Today, William, Arden and Wills live in a beautifully restored barn that resides on Windwood Equestrian’s property. It is also now home to Arden’s art studio.

She says that with its undulating hills and open skies, Windwood Equestrian is a cornucopia of creativity that has become an integral part of her creative process. Some mornings, she rises before dawn to admire and paint the sunrise.

“The light is so exquisite in the morning. I just cannot resist it,” she says. “If you had told me five years ago, ‘You’re going to wake up, and you’re going to watch sunrises,’ I’d be like, ‘You have lost your mind!’ But, here I am. It’s just been transformational.”

This daily devotional she practices has strengthened her self-discipline but also encouraged her spontaneity.

“The way that I begin a painting is I put a wash on

the canvas, and then I go back with a towel and just very loosely remove the paint from the places where the subjects would be,” she explains. “And then, I just start filling it in from there.”

While Arden thrives as a solo artist, her paintings are deeply relational, reflecting her vision to foster connectivity among her clients. She enjoys working on commissioned projects, collaborating closely with those for whom she is creating.

“A lot of artists don’t like to do commissions, but with my kind of service nature and attitude, I just really love the process of that because it’s so collaborative,” she says.

This spirit of connectivity is what she hopes her artwork’s enthusiasts embrace, taking in the visuals of her paintings whether for the first time or the 100th time.

“Art is for everybody,” she says. “You don’t need to be a collector or a museum to have beautiful art. You don’t even have to spend a lot of money.”

To ensure her art is accessible, Arden offers prints of her originals at a convenient price range.

“Whether you want to have an art print at a price point that starts at $88 or a commission that can go into the thousands or $10,000, depending on the size, there’s something for everyone,” she says. “There are so many statistics out there that say if you are exposed to art as a child, that is so critical for your brain and your processes, and it’s so healthy.”

For her, art is not just a physical talent to be admired. It is visual. It is raw, rich in emotion. It is communal, and above all, it is healing.

Every piece yields an opportunity for conversation, and by extension, ministry, to abound, no matter if a painting is the focal point of a cozy room or on display in a gallery.

Reflecting on her own art journey, Arden says that her pursuit of light, of art, once was captured in a split second. Now, it is layered ever so gently, slowly, each deliberate stroke building towards a divine, radiant depiction.

Her work is reminiscent of that same energy—that authentic, raw emotion—that once guided her eye to a groom smiling at his bride, and now, to the glow of the rising sun.

“A photograph can happen in an instant,” she explains. “It is a snippet of time that’s captured, but a painting is really the creation of something from nothing. I can get an idea, an inspiration in my head, and it exists purely in imagination until I put the brush to the canvas.”

After more than two decades spent capturing still moments, Arden Upton has taken her place in her family’s lineage of creative women, of talented artists. No matter the extent of her success, she feels joy simply from understanding her identity as an artist, her purpose as a creator—to capture the light, to foster joy—for those who view her work.

And for Arden, this epiphany has been life changing.

To view or purchase Arden Upton’s art, or to inquire about commissions, visit ardenupton.com.

CHEERS TO 20 YEARS

The Shelby County Arts Council has been commemorating its 20th anniversary with festivities that are far from over.

BY LINDSAY DYESS PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Over the past two decades, the Shelby County Arts Council (SCAC) has been dedicated to serving the community by offering high-quality art programming for both children and adults; hosting engaging events featuring regional and local musicians; and supporting youth through impactful initiatives like art therapy for the juvenile detention center and the “Writing Our Stories” creative writing program for at-risk teens.

It has truly been a privilege for the SCAC to nurture creativity in our county and beyond. The journey began in 2005, when founder Terri Sullivan established the Fine Arts Academy of Shelby County in a modest, rented building on Mildred Street. With innovative, collaborative support from the city of Columbiana, Shelby County and the Arts Council, SCAC has grown into a robust, 20,000-square-foot arts center that continues to expand its diverse range of programs and offerings.

“We are grateful to the city of Columbiana for embracing the arts,” says Bruce Andrews, executive director of the SCAC. “The SCAC has been honored to support the cultivation of creativity within Shelby County and its surrounding areas.”

Leslie Belk, SCAC community engagement coordinator, agrees.

“We would not be where we are today without the support of our incredible community in Columbiana,” she says.

Best of all, there is still time to support the SCAC this year! The 20th Anniversary Donation Drive will continue throughout the end of the year. Donations will be accepted in any amount. If you would like to donate to the drive, visit shelbycountyartscouncil. com and click “20th Celebration” at the top of the page.

On Friday, Nov. 7, Act of Congress will put on a special performance in the Song Theater to celebrate. Event sponsors and VIP ticket holders will enjoy a special, early refreshment reception and a band meet and greet at 6:30 p.m. Doors will open

to all ticket holders at 7 p.m., and the show will begin at 7:30 p.m. Visit shelbycountyartscouncil. com to purchase tickets.

Other great performances coming to the Song Theater include the following: Nov. 1—Biblical Tales: An Evening with Storyteller Martin Shaw; Nov. 15—The Children’s Theatre’s performance of “Fast Food” at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. (tickets are available at the door); and Dec. 12—Cash Christmas, a Johnny Cash Christmas Show, performed by Cashback.

Mark your calendars for the annual Holiday Artist Market! This annual market is the perfect place to check everyone off your holiday list. We feature the best work from local, fine artists and makers. There will be paintings, woodworking, photography, local authors, ornaments, fiber arts, handmade cards and so much more! The Artist Market Preview Party is Friday, Dec. 5 from 5-7 p.m. Don’t forget to check out the Columbiana Christmas Parade and festivities that night as well! The Artist Market will also take place on Saturday, Dec. 6 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Admission is free, and Santa Claus will make a guest appearance for a special visit! Everyone is invited to attend.

For all the latest SCAC happenings, visit shelbycountyartscouncil.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram (@shelby_county_arts) and TikTok. Be sure to check out the Arts Council Ladies’ podcast “Conversations with Creatives” on YouTube, Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

THIS BOOK

Niche Picks for the Avid Reader

Recommendations from Lynn Thomas

Chelsea Public Library

The Heart of Winter

By Jonathan Evison | Romance

Lynn Thomas has been a part of the Chelsea Public Library staff since 2019. Her favorite thing about working at the library is facilitating the book club, which she has done since joining the library staff. Her favorite genre to read is literary fiction because it is strongly character driven and explores themes and commentary about life and the human condition. Here are a few of her recent favorites.

Spanning seven decades, from their awkward first date as two mismatched college kids, to getting married and raising a family on their beloved Bainbridge Island farm, Abe and Ruth were settled into their reliable life, or so they thought. When Ruth’s bad tooth results in a devastating diagnosis, Abe steps up to become Ruth’s primary caregiver, prompting doubt and dismay from their over-stepping but concerned adult children. This is the story of a marriage and the many threads of happiness, heartbreak, pain and forgiveness that are woven together to create a love that goes the distance.

The One-in-a-Million Boy

By Monica Wood | Drama

Ona Vitkus is 104 years old, eccentric and completely disarmed by the unlikely friendship she forges with the 11-year-old Boy Scout assigned to help her out for a few Saturday mornings. She’s a Lithuanian immigrant with a complicated past, and he’s obsessed with counting, birds and “The Guinness Book of World Records.” When tragedy happens, it’s the boy’s divorced parents, Quinn and Belle, together with Ona, who discover how even a brief young life, graciously lived, can change things for the better.

Heartwood

By Amity Gaige | Mystery/Suspense

Valerie Gillis has vanished without a trace 200 miles from her final destination in the heart of the Maine woods while hiking the Appalachian Trial. In a Connecticut retirement home, Lena, who is struggling with a heart full of regrets, begins an online correspondence with an eco-warrior living off the grid. What do these unlikely people have in common? “Heartwood” is definitely a suspenseful mystery that will keep you guessing, but it’s also a story of the many ways people can be lost—and ultimately found.

Far and Away: A Novel

By Amy Poeppel | Humorous Fiction

Trading places takes on a whole new meaning when two families who have never met agree to swap homes for the summer. One family hales from the heart of southern comfort in Dallas, Texas, while the other inhabits the world of European sophistication in Berlin, Germany. Each family has their own reasons for needing a change of scenery, but humor and entertaining experiences ensue as they try to sort through their problems. In the end, their lives intertwine as they discover important and meaningful lessons about themselves while gaining a new appreciation of just how small the world really is.

Mrs. Planksy’s Revenge

By Spencer Quinn | Thriller/Suspense

An unwitting victim of a financial cybercrime scam designed to separate innocent people from their hard-earned life savings, 70-year-old and widowed Loretta Planksy takes matters into her own hands and travels from sunny Florida to Romania. While there, with only her wits and determination to guide her, she uncovers a seriously dangerous network of criminals taking advantage of the charisma of two teenage boys in way over their heads. Loretta is not be underestimated in this fast-paced showdown between wrong and right!

SCHOOL SPORTS&

CHAMPIONS OF LIFE

At Kaliffa Oliveira’s gym, jiu-jitsu isn’t viewed only as a sport, but rather, a lifestyle.

BY LAUREN H. DOWDLE

PHOTOS BY JAMES CULVER

FFrom the outside, Brazilian jiu-jitsu might appear like a sport focused on physical strength and fighting. But for those like Kaliffa Oliveira who have trained in this form of martial arts, jiu-jitsu is a way to build confidence, discipline and a brotherhood that impacts every area of their lives.

Brazilian jiu-jitsu was developed in the 1920s by brothers Carlos, Oswaldo, Gastão Jr. and Hélio Gracie. It combines martial arts, self-defense and combat, and now about 6 million people practice this sport across the world. Brazilian jiu-jitsu revolves around the idea that a weaker opponent can defend themselves against someone bigger and stronger through grappling, submission holds and ground fighting.

At the age of 23, Carlos founded the first Gracie Brazilian jiu-jitsu school in 1925, bringing in his brothers and turning the living room of a small house into a training area. Then in the 1980s, Carlos Gracie Jr. became the head instructor, which is

when Kaliffa was introduced to the sport.

Born with diabetes, Kaliffa says he read an article about how judo martial arts could change your life and give people a healthier lifestyle. At the age of 3, he started training in judo martial arts and later began learning jiu-jitsu from Carlos Jr.

“It was like drinking straight from the fountain,” Kaliffa says. “I’m so thankful I was able to learn straight from the source.”

Raised in Brazil, Kaliffa came to the United States with the judo World Team in 2000, later moving to the Birmingham area with his family in 2005. He’s won several awards during his career including being named the judo national champion in both Brazil and America multiple times, a two-time world medalist in judo, the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation gold medalist more than 20 times and many other titles.

While Kaliffa still competes, he says that’s no longer his main focus. In 2012, he started a Gracie

Barra school in Pelham, later opening locations in Huntsville and Greystone. Now, his main goal is to change the lives of his students through jiu-jitsu, just like the sport helped shape him.

“It’s made me a better person—a good father, husband and business owner,” he says. “Jiu-jitsu is more than training: It’s a lifestyle. We try to eat healthy, sleep well and train hard. It helps us be disciplined in everything we do.”

There are more than 1,100 Gracie Barra gyms around the world, and they all teach the same courses each week. What makes Gracie Barra schools different from other gyms is that they focus on making jiu-jitsu accessible for everyone, not just to make champions, Kaliffa says.

They teach a range of classes from beginner to advanced, and all of their instructors get annual CPR certifications and background checks. Kaliffa tries to give his students the same opportunities he had growing up, taking them to Brazil so they can train with Carlos Jr., as well.

“It’s the fastest-learning system out there,” Kaliffa says. “Gracie Barra has the most world champions ever.”

At the center of everything they do are three core values: brotherhood, integrity and development. Kaliffa’s Pelham location is the largest jiu-jitsu gym in the state, he says, and it boasts about 400 members. With students at his gym ranging in age from 3 to 76 years old, Kaliffa says the sport is for everyone.

“I really like the environment and brotherhood we’ve created here in Pelham,” he says. “They’re not only my students, but we treat each other like family. It doesn’t matter what your ability or strength is—it’s for everyone.”

The early years establish the foundation for a strong and successful future At Ardent, our caregivers cultivate the nurturing and engaging environment your baby needs to thrive.

Secure your child’s future at Ardent! Give your baby the best start! Give your baby the best start!

GREYSTONE - PATCHWORK FARMS TRACE CROSSINGS - VALLEYDALE

DID YOU KNOW?

uJiu-jitsu (originally jujutsu) began with monks in Asia around 2000 B.C. as a way to protect themselves against attacks.

uThe Japanese term “jujutsu” translates to “gentle art.”

uIt takes an average of 13 years to earn a black belt in jiu-jitsu.

uUnlike other forms of martial arts, jiu-jitsu primarily takes place on the floor with grappling and groundwork.

uBrazilian jiu-jitsu was introduced in the United States in the 1970s.

Kaliffa’s wife teaches a self-defense class for women, and both of his children also trained and won the state championship undefeated for wrestling. And yet, it’s not only the physical benefits that help students. They also come away with the ability to handle stressful situations in life, such as dealing with bullying or navigating intense situations in their careers.

“I believe people get so much confidence in jiu-jitsu and learn how to adapt in every situation in life,” Kaliffa says. “If the whole world trained in jiu-jitsu, we’d be better off.”

Like with his own fighting style, Kaliffa teaches students how to go for a lot of takedowns and maintain control when they are in the top position. Having a good ground game and also being able to use the opponent’s strength against them are other fundamentals he focuses on.

“Jiu-jitsu was developed for the smaller person to defeat the bigger person,” he says. “If we’re at a disadvantage, we use the opponent’s strength against them.”

Kaliffa has trained with countless world champions during his decades of experience, but he says it’s his students who encourage him the most and make him a better instructor. Seeing their victories—both in the ring and in their lives—is what he enjoys the most. He’s trained police officers, U.S. marshals and people who want to make healthier life choices.

“I’ve had a lot of great moments in my career as a competitor,” Kaliffa says. “But my biggest accomplishment is hearing that my students have accomplished something.”

He says he hopes all of his students leave class feeling like they’ve learned something and that they gave it their all.

“I tell them not to compare themselves to others but compare them to themselves,” he says. “I want them to leave being the best version of themselves and be successful in everything they do.”

every child takes center stage.

At Children’s of Alabama, kids are the center of our world and our mission is to provide the very best care available to every child. It’s why we are here.

Childrens AL •org

DOWNTOWN MAIN CAMPUS 1600 7TH AVENUE SOUTH

He encourages anyone interested in taking classes to come and try it out. From the welcoming atmosphere to their dedication to maintaining a clean gym, Gracie Barra in Pelham has something for all ages and abilities. They offer a free trial and no yearly contracts, and Kaliffa says people don’t need to get in shape before joining.

“Don’t try to be good to come here,” he says. “Be here to be good. There’s not a perfect time to start. Now is the perfect time. Most of the people who come stay forever.”

Gracie Barra is located at 200 Bowling Lane in Pelham. For more information, visit graciebarraalabama.com.

Jaid Spears

National Winner in America250’s America’s Field Trip Contest

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

During America250’s America’s Field Trip Contest, Helena High School sophomore Jaid Spears became a first-place winner thanks to her essay entry, which answered the question, “What does America mean to you?” Not only was she one of only 75 first-place winners nationwide, but she was also one of only two students chosen from the state of Alabama. Her prize is a trip to a historical or cultural landmark of her choosing, which will be funded by the America250 organization. Here, she discusses her success and offers her advice to other young, aspiring students.

What does America mean to you?

America, to me, is like our school cafeteria: It’s loud, sometimes messy, but full of possibility. It’s the nervous excitement of trying out for the flag football team, (I made the team), but still was very nervous trying out. It’s the tired but proud feeling after staying up late to finish an assignment. It’s the way my friends and I all have different dreams—I want to be an engineer, another wants to go into the medical field—but we support each other. Some days feel harder than others, and I know things don’t always work out perfectly. However, what makes America special is that we get to keep trying, learning and building something better. It’s not about everything being perfect. It’s about having the chance to grow, to stumble and to try again. That messy, hopeful journey—that’s what America means to me.

How did you choose California as your historical or cultural place to visit?

I picked California for a couple of simple reasons. The first reason is that California is very far away from where I live. I don’t get to travel very often, so I thought this was a great chance to see a part of the

country that is completely different from my home. The second reason is that I have always wanted to visit California. It’s a place I see in movies and pictures, and it seemed really interesting. I thought it would be a fun and exciting place to explore.

What did winning this contest teach you about yourself?

Winning the America 250 field trip contest taught me that my voice actually matters. When I won, it wasn’t just about getting a free trip. It was more like confirmation. It meant that my story, my perspective, is an important part of the American story. They weren’t just looking for a perfect, polished essay—they were looking for something real, and they chose mine. It taught me that I don’t have to wait until I’m older to contribute something. I can be proud of where I come from and my viewpoint right now, and that’s something valuable. It gave me a boost to keep speaking my truth because you never know who’s listening and who needs to hear it.

Since you’re planning on studying engineering in college, what about this

career path excites you most for the future?

The area of engineering that excites me most is building and creating tangible things that impact the world. I’m drawn to the entire process of taking an idea and turning it into a physical reality that people can interact with and benefit from. I love the idea of being part of that process, whether I’m helping to design a sustainable city of the future or the machines that will power it.

What advice would you give other students who are looking to make a difference in their communities?

Honestly, if you want to make a difference, just start with what you actually care about. Don’t just do something because it looks good. Pick a cause that really matters to you. That way, you’ll actually want to keep showing up. You don’t have to do some huge thing right away. Helping out at a food bank, volunteering at an animal shelter or even helping organize something through a club or your school can totally make an impact. If you’ve got a talent like art, writing or just being super organized, use that! You can contribute in your own way.

Vestavia Hills Shares Vestavia Hills Shares

The Vestavia Hills Shares Card is a fundraiser par tnership between the Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce and Vestavia Hills Schools Shares Cards can be used to receive deals at local businesses now through May 2026!

$30 Each

Bulk Orders available! Shares Cards make great gifts!

Contact Tracy Thornton at tracy t@vestaviahills.org for Bulk Orders

Sponsored by:

Piddlin Art & Antiques

Scan here to purchase

Save the card to your phone’s wallet or pick up a physical card at the Chamber Off ice

Davenport’s Pizza Palace

Participating Businesses

B Happy I Bandwagon Sports I Birmingham Therapy Services I The Blue Willow I Bricks & Minif igs

Bruster ’s Real Ice Cream I Burn Bootcamp I Cahaba Nutrition I Cartridge World I The Clotheshorse Clover + Bee I Darnell’s Fun Stuff I Davenport’s Pizza Palace I DeJa Vu Events & Design I Dear Emmaline Elite Nutrition I Elite Skin I Family Medical Supply I Feathers Boutique I Fleet Feet

GameDay Men’s Health I Gigi’s I GLAM Beauty Boutique I Bridgett Glasgow-ERA King

HotWorx Vestavia Hills I Iz Cafe I Leaf & Petal I The Lili Pad I Little Soles

The Local Bourbon House & Eatery I McDonald’s-Vestavia Hills I Minette Boutique I Monograms Plus

Orangetheory Fitness I Peterbrooke Chocloatier I Piddlin Art & Antiques I Rocky Ridge Drug Co

Rolls Bakery I Romeo’s Sporting Goods I Salon 12 I The Smocking Bird I Society Wellness & Skin Spa

Sunshine Creamery I SURV Birmingham I Taco Mama Tanology I Taziki’s I Troup’s Pizza

Unless U Scoops I Vestavia Barber Shop I Vestavia Bowl I Vestavia Hills Nutrition I Vestavia Nails

Vicki’s Amish Traditions I Village Dermatology I The Window Source

FOOD DRINK&

TUSCAN TAVERN

Starr Breed reintroduces Grand Ticino as a staple of fine, Italian cuisine in Shelby County.

BY ANNA GRACE MOORE

PHOTOS BY BLAIR RAMSEY & TOM LOUGHMAN

TThe pop of wine corks and the soft click of stemware rises softly above the lull of conversation, engulfing the air at Greystone’s own tuscan tavern—Grand Ticino. The rather ethereal space is set with white tablecloths and moody lighting—the perfect scene to enjoy its plethora of fine Italian cuisine.

Gliding from kitchen to table, servers dressed in all black waltz trays of aromatic pastas, piping hot fish and pan-seared chicken to their customers, who never fail to smile and breathe in a gust, savoring the fragrant wafts rising from their plates.

Watching the magic of dinner’s rush hour, owner Starr Breed pauses, smiling ear to ear. After more than a decade of working for other people, he is now living out his dream, watching a place of his own come to life on a Friday evening.

His voice exudes a careful balance of confidence and humility—the character of someone who has perfected his craft after years of trial and error. Together, Starr and his wife are co-owners, relying

on each other’s strengths to run the business.

“She handles a lot of the administrative stuff—the accounting, the marketing and payroll, but I handle all the operations,” he says, smiling. “We felt like it was the right move for us.”

The brainchild of founders Jared Thornton and Dino Drakos, the restaurant was founded under the name, Grand Ticino by Amore, and first opened off of U.S. 280 in the former Bare Naked Noodles space on Jan. 4, 2022. In July of this year, the Breeds were offered the chance to purchase the business, and so they did, changing the name to simply, “Grand Ticino.”

Before becoming a ristoratore, Starr etched his mark into the food industry’s foundation, beginning his career in 2012 while opening fast-food restaurants. He began working for a husband-andwife duo and soon oversaw the rapid growth of a chain throughout part of the Southeast.

“They were my mentors,” he says. “I helped them

open (one) restaurant, which was actually Dairy Queen in Alabaster, and I was the general manager for several years until we went to open location number two. We built the one in Birmingham, so I helped oversee some of that construction and did the staffing.”

Starr continued to juggle managing both locations before his mentors branched out into Arkansas, asking him to help open locations three and four. Before he knew it, he was living in Arkansas and managing four restaurants across two different states.

Under his leadership, the businesses just kept growing in size and number, and more locations were soon bought or built.

“We grew to 13 Dairy Queens, and I was the operations director over all of their Dairy Queens,” he says. “Then, they decided to branch out into other brands. So, last year, we opened the first Big Whiskey’s for this particular franchise. We opened the first Big Whiskey’s up in Madison, Alabama. We opened the first Big Biscuit up in Arkansas in Fayetteville. I oversaw construction on both projects. They actually both opened on the exact same day, which was extremely difficult.”

And yet, Starr juggled it all, helping both launches succeed smoothly. However, after almost 15 years, he felt the tug to branch out, maybe even create a restaurant of his own.

“There came an opportunity for me and my wife to buy our restaurant here at Grand Ticino, and it was just too good of a situation to pass up,” he says.

This intense, years-long, travel-heavy lifestyle, Starr feels, helped prepare him to assume ownership of one of Shelby County’s fast-growing restaurants in terms of popularity. Above all, he believes it helped him turn his dream into fruition.

His experience is evident in every aspect of the business, but his heart lies most in the menu—many of whose items are new

or now have his own twist on them. At first glance, the menu’s plethora of pastas, pizzas, salads and desserts is enough to make anyone’s palate salivate.

Nearly everything is scratch-made.

“Our pasta noodles are made in-house, fresh daily, so we don’t buy boxes of noodles and boil them,” he says. “We take quality ingredients, mix

them together and make the noodles ourselves. That’s a big selling point of our pastas. We also make all of the pizza dough in-house—that’s a twoday process with letting the yeast set and mixing it altogether and letting it set another day. It all starts with fresh ingredients.”

Of the appetizers, the one taking home the gold is

CHEF’S PICKS

APPETIZER

Caprese

-tomatoes, crispy mozzarella, herb ricotta and fresh basil under a balsamic drizzle

ENTREE

Chicken Parmigiana

-seasoned, breaded chicken breast; fresh linguini tossed in Sunday gravy sauce; melted mozzarella; and shaved parmigiana

DESSERT

White Chocolate Bread Pudding -topped with vanilla ice cream and a caramel drizzle

the Meatballs—a proprietary recipe of veal, pork and beef topped with herb ricotta and house-made marinara sauce. Starr says this item sells like crazy.

For a taste of authenticity, the Arancini is also a mouthwatering fan-favorite. It consists of Panko-breaded risotto balls packed with mozzarella and meatballs and is served in a bed of marinara sauce.

As for the entrees, any dish with beef is naturally a great choice.

“One of our top items is our Spicy Short Rib Tagliatelle, and it’s a slow-braised short rib,” Starr says. “We braise it for several hours, and we make our own Calabrian pepper pesto. That’s combined with our house-made alfredo, and all of that comes together with the house-made noodles.”

The Chicken Rollatini yields a symphony of flavor in every bite. Topped with sauteed mushrooms, this dish has a chicken and cream pasta base, but the chicken is served stuffed with sun-dried tomatoes and a three-cheese blend.

One would be remiss not to sample any of the seafood options as well. The Southern Shrimp & Grits is one of the most-ordered items, served Southern-style: creamy grits topped with sauteed shrimp, bacon and a fried green tomato.

After noticing a large demand for brunch in the area, Starr introduced Grand Ticino’s all-new brunch menu shortly after taking over the restaurant.

“The community deserves to have a place you can just go in and not wait a tremendous amount of time to get brunch,” he says, later adding, “it’s been doing extremely well and has been getting good reviews. We now offer (brunch) on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. We offer a full brunch

We treat you like family and each patient like our own pet.

Check out our 55 5-star reviews on Google!

Bring in this ad for a free new client welcome bag.

Oak View Animal Hospital, 127 Old Montgomery Highway, Pelham, AL 35124 988-3559 •

menu complete with food and drinks, classic breakfast dishes like bacon-sausage grits to some of our kind of spin on things.”

The brunch menu’s French Toast, for example, is a little unconventional: Grand Ticino serves several different varieties including a biscuits-and-gravystyle dish, except the biscuit is actually Italian focaccia bread that’s been toasted. The restaurant

also offers a niche variety of Bloody Marys, mimosas and more.

Even the pizzas bear Starr’s mark of originality. Most uniquely, the Prosciutto & Arugula features the likes of a salad on top—prosciutto, arugula and shaved parmesan all drizzled under a lemony balsamic dressing.

Whether one has a seasoned palate or is just now branching out from the kid’s menu’s chicken fingers and fries, he will find something he loves to eat here at the Breeds’ restaurant.

Overall, what defines Grand Ticino is not just its carefully curated menu, but the heart that goes into perfecting each recipe. According to Starr Breed, the best dining experience is one where people love the company just as much as they do the food.

And that’s all he’s ever wanted—a restaurant to call his own, a place where others can savor the fruits of his labor. Watching guests take delight in dining at his establishment, for him, is the greatest reward he could receive.

Grand Ticino is located at 5511 U.S. 280, Suite 109, in Greystone. It is open every day from 10:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. For more information or to make a reservation or catering request, call 205-8746757 or visit grandticino.com.

Ashia Montgomery

Co-Owner of Beulah Mae’s Southern Kitchen PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Family-owned and operated, Beulah Mae’s Southern Kitchen is an authentic soul food restaurant in the heart of the city of Alabaster. Founded by sisters Ashia Montgomery, Jaccolah Carter and Glena Murray, the business prides itself on flavorful recipes passed down from its namesake, Beulah Mae Caffey, the founders’ grandmother. The menu features classic, southern dishes such as fried catfish, pork chops, collard greens and mouthwatering desserts including peach cobbler and red velvet cake. Here, Ashia discusses her love for her grandmother, for good, soulful cooking and for the friendships yielded from her family’s joint business venture.

What is your background in the food industry?

My family was gifted with the ability to cook. My mother Juliette Montgomery, along with my two sisters Jaccolah and Glena, were frequently asked to cook dishes for people in the community to the point it was so frequent that I decided we might be on to something. I had previous business experience and knew that we had everything we needed to begin this journey. A year before starting, Beulah Mae passed, leaving us heartbroken but with more drive. This was the perfect way to honor her life and share her love for people and food.

From whom do you draw your inspiration?

Beulah Mae inspired us to open our business in her name. She had a passion for cooking and a love for feeding others in the community. Every Sunday she would cook large dinners as if it were Thanksgiving, and she would welcome not only her family, but also other members of

her community. Any one that knew her was welcomed to stop by and chow down on her southern dinners after church.

How did you develop the menu, and what’s your favorite menu item?

Our menu items are directly inspired by Beulah Mae’s Sunday meals, and our customers do the rest. Every week we get special requests from different customers. They ask, “Have you ever thought about cooking this? I wish this was on the menu!” Then, nine times out of 10, we make it happen, and if it sells, it stays on the menu. For me, there is no such thing as a favorite item at Beulah Mae’s. We get that question all the time. Everything is so delicious! It’s all my favorite. It would be impossible to decide.

For newcomers, what do you recommend they order first?

I usually ask customers, “What do you have a taste for?” You can’t go wrong with any dish. Oxtails are one of our biggest sellers, alongside our yams and macaroni

and cheese. We get a lot of requests for our cheesy chicken pasta, too. However, I can’t forget the collard greens and cabbage, and for those that love beans, they’ll be happy to find that we offer the best variety.

What is the best part about being an entrepreneur in Shelby County?

We love being able to serve our local patrons, family and friends. Our job is great because every time we open our doors, we are catching up with people we’ve known for years. The cherry on top is we get to also meet so many new, wonderful people every day. We have formed so many friendships since we opened, and they will last a lifetime.

Beulah Mae’s Southern Kitchen is located at 601 First St. SW in Alabaster. It is open on Friday, 4-8 p.m.; Saturday, 3-8 p.m.; and Sunday, 1-7 p.m. For more information, call 205-720-4898, or follow the business on Facebook (Beulah Mae’s Southern Kitchen).

And Countless More to Come.

One year ago, Baptist Health made our community a promise: to bring a new day in healthcare to Central Alabama, built upon a faith-based foundation. Already, that commitment has meant more advanced care, stronger connections and more ways to keep our community healthy — and our journey together has only begun. Thank you for welcoming us and trusting us with your future. See how far we’ve come at BaptistHealthAL.com

HOME STYLE&

THE SANTA HAT HOUSE

Will and Stacy Stuart’s festively decorated house has become a Shelby County landmark each holiday season.

BY ANNA GRACE MOORE

PHOTOS BY BLAIR RAMSEY

Facade

The Stuarts’ house is lit with beautiful lights every year, and amidst all the red and green decor, the white lights twinkle ever so gently, bringing the house to life each year.

AAs the Yuletide Season dawns each year, Shelby County citizens look forward to annual traditions such as local Christmas tree lightings or firetrucks with Santa Claus perched atop, processing through their neighborhoods. In Griffin Park, one such tradition has now become an iconic landmark each December: Will and Stacy Stuart’s home.

Each year, the Stuart family transforms their gorgeous, two-story home into that of a Hallmark movie—complemented by a reindeer-drawn sleigh, a “Letters to Santa” mailbox, hundreds of twinkling lights and to top it off, one of the largest Santa hats in the Southeast on top of their roof.

As their children Ford and Elli came along, Will began dreaming up ways to foster magic for the holiday season. He loved making memories with his young kids and decided if he could dream it, he could build it.

The following year, Will constructed a sleigh and a host of reindeer for their front lawn. After setting

it up, passersby began noticing and complimenting him on his work. Pretty soon, people began tagging #thesantahathouse on social media. Word soon spread like wildfire, and the next year, Will and Stacy kicked it up a notch. Together, they designed a massive Christmas tree that now adorns the side wall of their home and is nearly two stories tall.

Stacy later developed the idea for a “letters to Santa” mailbox. Now dubbed “The North Pole Express,” this mailbox gets hundreds of letters a year, and Stacy reads every one, responding to each child.

However, what came next was truly the pièce de résistance. Every year, Will, along with some of his friends, rent a 50-foot crane to lift up a gigantic Santa hat and install it on the roof. And, every year, spectators line the streets to watch.

For Will and Stacy, this journey started out as a way to make memories, and now, it’s one of the most beloved traditions in all of Shelby County. For that, they’ll be forever thankful.

Santa’s Sleigh

This sleigh Will designed and built himself, first sketching the pattern out of styrofoam. He later transferred the pattern to a wood base, cutting out the reindeer and engineered them to stand as though they’re pulling the sleigh.

The North Pole Express

In 2023, Stacy got the idea to create a mailbox for the local neighborhood kids to drop off their letters to Santa. Now, every year, she reads each letter and writes a handwritten note back to each child.

The Christmas Tree

Will and Stacy designed and built a two-story-tall Christmas tree and huge, boxed presents as an addition to their exterior holiday decor in 2022.

Dining Room

Will built his family’s dining room table by hand, utilizing several slabs of elm wood.

Passed down through Will’s family, this china cabinet was actually a pie safe that first belonged to Will’s great-great-grandmother.

Voted Best Dental Practice in Shelby County 2025

Entryway

Resting in the corner of the entryway, a small Christmas tree displays the family’s Christmas cards.

Kitchen

Exuding a rather timeless elegance, the Stuarts’ kitchen’s white quartz countertops reflect light and elevate this space’s practicality with a bit of sophistication.

Living Room

This family gathering space adjoins the kitchen and dining room, and each Christmas season, it is filled with garland, lights, stockings hanging over the fireplace and more.

Shelter of Strength

Shelby County-based nonprofit Blanket Fort Hope is expanding its reach, building a safe haven for child survivors of sex trafficking.

By

Hanna Allen | Photos by Anna Grace Moore, Jeremy Raines & Contributed

WWhen Alexa James went back to Highlands College in 2010, she didn’t expect an outreach program would change the course of her life.

“I did some outreach programs. One was here in Birmingham, and I did a reading program for second graders. During that time, we had just a very high-risk of little second graders being trafficked. They would come in dirty and hungry. If a teacher was missing from the school, nobody showed up. And many times, their mom was either out prostituting or selling drugs themselves. It was just heartbreaking,” Alexa says.

Alexa’s heart broke most the day a second grader looked at her and asked if she could come home with her.

“I obviously couldn’t take her home because I wasn’t a foster parent—she was in school, you know—and my hands were tied behind my back,” she recalls.

Those early experiences planted the vision for

what would become Blanket Fort Hope, a Shelby County nonprofit dedicated to rescuing and restoring the lives of child sex trafficking victims.

During her time working in outreach, Alexa began to meet young girls on the streets.

“There were a lot of younger girls on the street who were underage and being prostituted by pimps they had known their whole life,” she explains. “They felt like they had no other options.”

Alexa later helped another individual launch a shelter for adult women. After interviewing more than 200 women on the streets, Alexa realized the cycle could only be broken if prevention and care started earlier in life.

“I saw the grave need for kids—so they didn’t end up in that situation,” she says.

In January 2015, she stepped out to found Blanket Fort Hope. From the beginning, she knew it would be an uphill climb.

“It’s tough working with this population,” she

Blanket Fort Hope’s Restoration Home

Blanket Fort Hope

Founder Alexa James

admits. “It’s hard with the state, trying to get your license. It’s hard to raise the funds. And it has been—it’s been a challenge.”

Still, she knew the work was too important to ignore.

The nonprofit’s name itself carries deep meaning for Alexa.

“Blanket Fort Hope came from two things: One is that kids always feel safe in their blanket forts, and then two, Psalm 71 talks about the Lord being our fortress. So, we put those two things together, and it became Blanket Fort Hope,” she explains.

She also drew inspiration from her own sons, who once built elaborate blanket forts that reminded her of protection and safety.

“When I had two boys, I had one who loved to build blankets,” she says. “They built them from the top of the stairs to the bottom of the stairs, and you had passes. It was a place where, you know, he thought he was building this fortress, like an army around him.”

Today, the nonprofit operates through four central pillars: training, foster licensing, advocacy

and direct care.

“I wrote a curriculum on training for human trafficking and prevention,” she says. “We were able to get continuing education units approved by the state. That way, we could offer training to foster families, judges, legal professionals and nurses. To date, we’ve trained over 20,000 people.”

The training reaches communities statewide and equips professionals to recognize and respond to signs of trafficking.

“We can license foster families to care for children who’ve been trafficked,” she adds.

Advocacy has also been critical. Over the years, Alexa has collaborated with state agencies, law enforcement, universities and the FBI to raise awareness about the issue. She points out that about 60 percent of trafficking victims in Alabama are minors, a number that underscores the urgency of prevention.

Now, nearly a decade after its founding, Blanket Fort Hope is preparing to open its most ambitious project yet.

“We’re about to open a beautiful, 10-bedroom

Fall into savings Fall into savings

restoration home on our property,” Alexa says. “It’s beautiful, absolutely gorgeous. We’re very excited.”

The home will serve up to nine girls at a time. It’s more than a shelter—it’s a place for complete restoration. The property includes a tornado shelter, an art room and outdoor space that will eventually feature gardens.

“We’re creating a fortress of safety, a place where children can heal and dream again,” she says.

Inside, the home is staffed with master’s level professionals with decades of experience in trauma-informed care.

“We’ve got staff with 30-plus years of experience, master’slevel, trauma-informed certified,” Alexa says.

The children will receive therapy, medical care, schooling and life skills programming, all tailored to help them reclaim their lives.

The restoration home is only the beginning. Alexa and her team are already planning the next phase of the property.

“We’re planning five to seven more houses across the property for step-down care, so kids can finish high school, go to college or get career training without falling back into the trap,” she explains.

Plans include stables, a chapel and a farm-to-table program that will not only provide fresh food, but also teach children responsibility and workforce skills.

“We’re looking at workforce development,” Alexa adds. “We’d like to have a farm store, so kids can learn to work and have the

Morning Star Methodist Church donates backpacks with essentials to Blanket Fort Hope

Alexa James speaks to crowd at Restoring Hope Gala about construction of Blanket Fort Hope’s Restoration Home

RECOGNIZING THE SIGNS OF CHILD TRAFFICKING

Child trafficking often hides in plain sight. Here are some warning signs experts say may point to a child in danger:

uSkipping school often or showing sudden changes in grades or behavior

uWearing clothes or carrying items they can’t explain having

uAppearing fearful, anxious or overly submissive

uSigns of physical abuse or neglect

uBeing controlled by an older “boyfriend,” “girlfriend” or another adult

uNot having access to their own ID, money or phone

If you suspect a child is being trafficked: Call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888

Text HELP to 233733 (BEFREE)

If a child is in immediate danger, call 911

opportunity to be employed in a safe environment.”

It’s a vision of long-term restoration that goes far beyond emergency intervention.

While names and details must remain confidential to protect survivors, Alexa has already seen lives transformed through Blanket Fort Hope’s work. Children who once lived in fear have begun to rediscover what it means to laugh, learn and dream again.

“When you see a child laugh again, or dream again, it’s worth everything,” Alexa says.

Some have even gone on to pursue careers as teachers, therapists and advocates themselves—proof that restoration is possible.

Blanket Fort Hope’s mission relies on the support of the community. Fundraisers and events are essential to keeping its doors open, and proceeds will directly benefit the restoration home.

This past April, the Columbiana chapter of Quilts for Kids

Screened-in Porch

Blanket Fort Hope’s

Columbiana Chapter of Quilts for Kids donates handmade quilts to Restoration Home’s future residents

donated handmade quilts—each, a labor of love— for the incoming residents at the restoration home. Then in August, Morning Star Methodist Church donated backpacks filled with toiletries, art supplies, pajamas and more.

The following month, Blanket Fort Hope hosted its annual Hold the Fort 5K/10K and onemile fun run at Oak Mountain State Park, raising more than $65,000, thanks to the community’s support.

“We can’t do this alone,” Alexa explains. “Every person who donates, runs or volunteers is helping build a safe haven for these kids.”

From experiencing heartbreak in a Birmingham classroom to overseeing the construction of a fortress of safety in Shelby County, Alexa James feels honored to play a part in the restoration of children’s lives. Today, Blanket Fort Hope is changing the trajectory of some of Alabama’s most vulnerable children.

Alexa puts it simply: “We’re building more than a house. We’re building futures.”

To learn more about Blanket Fort Hope and how to volunteer, donate or further support the nonprofit, visit blanketforthope.org.

Après-ski

A Guide to Park City, Utah

By Kate Seaver | Photos Courtesy of Visit Park City, Washington School House Hotel, Riverhorse on Main & Zion National Park

Park City, Utah

The host of the 2002 Winter Olympic Games, Park City, Utah, has established itself as the winter destination in the Wasatch Mountains. Dubbed “for the ‘Mountainkind,’” the town boasts two main resorts for every type of winter fun. Relying as it does on the natural landscape all around, Park City emphasizes preservation and stewardship and provides a convenient, free public transportation system.

WHERE TO STAY

Although nestled among the mountains and the ski slopes, Park City is only a short 35-minute drive away from Salt Lake City International Airport, making it accessible from nearly anywhere.

Park City is home to two main ski resorts: Park City Mountain and Deer Valley. These resorts offer luxury homes, condos and lodges for whatever accommodation best fits your family.

La Maconnerie, a vacation rental home from the Deer Valley Ski Resort, comes well recommended as a home with ski-in/ski-out access and private hot tubs. Pendry offers a boutique luxury hotel experience to guests at Park City. Flagstaff Lodge, set beside the Silver Strike Express chairlift, welcomes its guests with an elegant and warm common space.

Outside of the resorts, the Washington School House Hotel is a boutique hotel that was originally built as a school in 1889 and named for President George Washington. This residence offers amenities such as a heated pool and spa and an outdoor lounge with a fire pit.

Washington School House Hotel

WHILE YOU’RE IN UTAH

uVisit Midway—a town 23 minutes away from Park City. Make sure to see the Homestead Crater, a geothermal hot spring, and Ice Castles, a man-made, interactive winter experience.

uMany of Utah’s national parks are still open in the winter, with the benefit of fewer crowds. Take a trip to the Mighty Five: Zion National Park, Arches National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Canyonlands National Park and Capitol Reef National Park.

uUtah has the highest concentration of International Dark Sky Parks, and many of the previously mentioned national parks are also Dark Sky Parks, which are perfect for stargazing, viewing the Milky Way and astrophotography.

WHERE TO DINE

As a touristy town that commonly attracts even A-list celebrities, Park City has excellent restaurants for every taste.

At any time of day, try Bartolo’s: This Italian-inspired kitchen serves breakfast, brunch and dinner. Its website boasts the phrase, “The best Italian restaurant in Utah serving brunch!” Arguably, some of Bartolo’s best dishes are the blueberry pancakes, fettuccine alfredo and garlic bread.

High West Distillery offers tours of the distillery, as well as a general store and a saloon restaurant with a bar. To tour the distillery, make a reservation as spots fill up quickly. Note that the saloon and general store only welcome guests who are 21 years old or older.

One of the oldest restaurants on Park City’s historic main street, Riverhorse on Main serves authentic American cuisine. Reservations are strongly recommended at this four-star restaurant, where you’ll hear local musicians playing live music.

Specializing in American fare with “Brazilian flair,” The Bridge Café & Grill offers eclectic options that customers can chow down on while enjoying the picturesque views from the restaurant’s outdoor patios. Its convenient location on Main Street at the bottom of the town lift provides easy, ski-in and ski-out access to customers hopping on or off the lift.

The Bridge Café & Restaurant

High West Distillery

Riverhorse on Main -

Photo by AJF Photography

Zion National Park

WHAT TO DO

Although it’s known as a skiing wonderland, Park City offers countless winter activities besides just skiing and plenty of fun for families looking to take advantage of attractions off the slopes.

Try fat tire biking, where the bike’s large tires allow you to cycle over bike trails even when they are covered in snow. The whole family will enjoy experiencing the snow in a different way with snowmobiling at Uinta recreation or snow tubing at Woodward Park City. At Rancho Luna Lobos dog sledding, take a tour and play with the pups before experiencing a true dog sled ride in the snow. At Park City Mountain Resort, families can take a ride on both the Flying Eagle Zipline and the Mountain Coaster. Boulder Mountain Ranch has horse-drawn sleigh rides which are great for the whole family.

In January 2026, Sundance Film Festival will be held in Park City for the last time, before officially moving to Colorado.

Take the family to visit Utah Olympic Park—a real Olympic training center. Take a guided tour, or visit the museum from the 2002 Winter Olympics. Sign up for the Winter Bobsled Experience, and feel five G’s of force as a professional bobsled pilot drives you in a bobsled around the 2002 Olympic track! Participants must be at least 13 years old and weigh at least 100 pounds to participate in the ride.

When you’re exhausted from the adrenaline of the day, take a stroll down historic Main Street in Park City: art galleries, numerous retailers and a rotating calendar of events will welcome those who make the urban trek.

Of course, a vacation to Park City would not be complete without hitting the slopes. It’s important to note that Deer Valley is a ski-only resort, while Park City Mountain allows both skiing and snowboarding. As for renting gear, local outfitters will carry everything you need to rent or purchase, and some will even deliver equipment to your lodge. Both Park City Mountain and Deer Valley Resort also offer lessons and ski school for first-timers.

GIFT GUIDE holiday

1. Hamilton Jazzmaster Open Heart Auto 42mm

Featuring a captivating midnight blue dial that sparkles, this showstopping timepiece fuses the modernity of urban architecture with the infinity of the cosmos. Showcasing Hamilton’s ever-evolving craftsmanship and attention to detail, the dial brings the H-10 automatic movement into the spotlight. $1,295. Barton-Clay Fine Jewelers. 330 Rele St, Mountain Brook. 205.871.7060. bartonclay.com

2. Wondercide Rescue Pet Care

Relief that works with your pet’s biology. Powered by Pure Hypochlorous, Wondercide Rescue soothes discomfort, accelerates the body’s natural healing process and is even safe if licked. $17.99-$19.99. Fuzzy Buttz Pet Supply. 8274 Hwy 31, Calera. 205.690.8332. fuzzybuttzpetsupply.com

3. ShuShop’s Rooney Mini Platinum Glitter High Top

Add some sparkle to their step! ShuShop’s Rooney Mini Platinum Glitter High Top is the perfect gift for your little soul and is ideal for parties, holidays and everyday flair for $78. Little Soles. 4232 Dolly Ridge Rd, Vestavia Hills. 205.970-6990. facebook.com/littlesoleschildrensshoes

4. Holiday Desserts

Wow the guests at your gatherings with pound cake, cupcakes or classic cake flavors. Custom desserts will be the star of every holiday party! Prices vary. Creations Galore & Moore. 8261 Hwy 31, Calera. 205.690.8399. creationsgaloreandmoore.com

5. Orbix Bowl

The versatile sprinkle bowl is hand-blown by Orbix Hot Glass. Orbix is an award-winning glass company in Little River Canyon National Preserve. It is available in store only at our stores in Homewood and Hoover. $69. Alabama Goods. 2927 18th St, S., Homewood. 5225 Peridot Pl, STE 109, Hoover. alabamagoods.com

6. Matching Christmas Pajamas by Lila + Hayes

Celebrate the season in style with matching Christmas pajamas by Lila + Hayes, available at The Lili Pad. Featuring festive Christmas tree prints, these cozy sets are perfect for picture-perfect holiday mornings and magical bedtime traditions. $65. The Lili Pad. 3138 Heights Village, Vestavia Hills. 205.298.1811. lilipadbham.com

7. Soaps and Skincare Products

These delightfully scented, plant-based soaps and skincare products are handmade daily in our local shops and makeries and make wonderful gifts! Our artisan soap bars, bath bombs, shower oils, body butters, body scrubs, laundry soaps, scent boosters and home fragrances all smell wonderful. $3-$59. Buff City Soaps. Multiple locations. See ad for details. buffcitysoap.com

8. 14-Karat, Yellow-Gold Emerald Ring

This elegant ring features a 0.57-carat, emerald-cut emerald set in a 14-karat, yellow-gold, antique-inspired setting, accented with 0.44-carat total weight of sparkling diamonds. $2,340 plus tax. Southeastern Jewelers. 5299 Valleydale Rd, Birmingham. 205.980.9030. southeasternjewelers.net

9. 4th Street Cheese Straws

4th Street Cheese Straws are made in Alabama, using their family recipe that has been enjoyed for decades. Perfect as a gift, snack or indulgence, this is a delicious treat with just a little heat and even a favorite of Lucy’s. It’s also available gluten-free. $25-$30. The Cook Store. 2841 Cahaba Rd, Mountain Brook. 205.879.5277. thecookstoremtnbrook.com

10. Mudtown Eat & Drink Gift Cards

Give the gift of great food! Buy $50 in gift cards, and get a $10 bonus card—perfect for teachers, coworkers, neighbors or anyone who loves local eats and good company. Mudtown Eat & Drink. 3144 Green Valley Rd, Vestavia Hills. 205.967.3300. mudtownalabama.com

11. Raggio MD Antioxidant Serum 20% Vitamin C + E Complex

The “non-negotiable” regarding advanced skincare: featuring a potent, 20% Vitamin C antioxidant complex, this serum brightens your complexion, reduces wrinkles and supports your skin’s overall vibrancy and is a patient favorite in the Raggio MD Skincare portfolio. $164. Raggio MD Facial Plastic Surgery. 1920 Huntington Rd, Homewood. 659.272.0092. raggiomd.com

12. Overgrown Glass Vase

A little luxury goes a long way. With rich tones of white, black and gold, this striking glass vase is the statement gift they’ll treasure well beyond the holiday season. The Overgrown Glass Vase is a gorgeous home accent rich in dimensional depth. The vase is surrounded by sinuous brass branches, infusing an interior space with touches of nature. $799. Scandinavian Design Gallery. 3075 John Hawkins Pkwy, Hoover. 205.985.4507. scandesigngallery.com

13. Paper Clip Necklace and Earrings

M&M Jewelers, locally owned for 35 years, offers a stunning, 14-karat gold diamond paperclip necklace and earrings. A graduate gemologist is on staff for expert help with rings, repairs, appraisals, custom designs and watch services. Necklace - $2,700. Earrings - $475. M&M Jewelers. 440 Inverness Cors, Birmingham. 205.991.0593. mmjewelersbirmingham.com

14. Mahjong Set

Give the gift of timeless entertainment with a game that brings people together this Christmas season! Shop our selection of mats and tiles to find the perfect match for you. We also offer classes for those looking to learn the game! Items priced individually. Nona Ruth’s. 115 Watterson Pkwy, STE 101, Trussville. 205.655.6599. nonaruths.com

15. Birds Choice Feeders Green Solutions

This attractive bird feeder from its Green Solutions line is a maintenance-free, durable bird feeder constructed with recycled poly lumber material. It is easy to care for and easy to clean. $24.99. Sweet Peas Garden Shop. 2829 Linden Ave, Homewood. 205.879.3839. sweetpeasgardenshop.com

16. enewton Bracelets

A timeless combination of sophistication and shine, our enewton pearl and gold stack brings effortless elegance to your wrist. Featuring lustrous freshwater pearls paired with enewton’s signature gold-filled beads, this stack is the perfect balance of classic charm and modern luxury. It is worn beautifully alone or layered for an elevated, everyday look. $16-$125. Wrapsody. Hoover | Homewood | Trussville | Auburn | Madison. 205.989.7277. shopwrapsody.com

17. Faux Leather Bible Covers

These are available in a variety of colors and designs, featuring inspirational scripture, with options for both men and women. Each cover includes a secure zipper closure, lay-flat design, handle, pockets and pen loops for easy organization and use. $26.99. Montevallo Drug. 3990 Hwy 25, Montevallo. 205.665.1261. montevallo-drug.com

18. Woolbuddy Needle Felting Kits

Woolbuddy’s beginner-friendly kits provide all the materials needed to get started with needle felting. These kits are suitable for kids or adults. They include everything to create your own adorable wool creations. Starting at $15. Falcon Art Supply. 623 Main St, Montevallo. 205.665.2237. falconartsupply.com

19. Bromberg’s Exclusive Christopher Radko Children’s Hospital Ornament

Toot toot! This little fire truck is ready to roll into your Christmas decor. With its shiny red body, sparkling lights and a playful ladder, it’s the perfect addition for any toy lover. A percentage of the sales from this ornament will benefit Children’s of Alabama. $65. Bromberg’s. 2800 Cahaba Rd, Mountain Brook. 205.871.3276. brombergs.com

20. Sally Shoulder Bag

Sleek, structured and sustainably made, the Sally Shoulder Bag features a roomy interior, adjustable straps and a removable zip pouch to keep you organized. Finished with gold-tone details and a soft drawstring detail with a magnetic closure. $96. At Home Furnishings. 2921 18th St, S., Homewood. shopathomefurnishings.com

21. Diamond Earrings

These are natural diamond, inside-out-style hoop earrings made of 14-karat gold. All diamonds are hand selected for the perfect match. Come see the difference! We offer 25 percent off while supplies last. Cummings Jewelry Design. 3166 Heights Village, Vestavia Hills. 205.298.9144. cummingsjewelrydesign.com

22. Tyler Candle Set

Treat yourself or someone special with a Tyler Candle set. Enjoy the candle, detergent and room spray in our favorite Diva scent—or choose from other irresistible fragrances for a luxurious, gift-ready experience. Detergent - $61. Candle - $18. Spray - $18. Mum & Me Mercantile LLC. 8032 Parkway Dr, Leeds. 205.702.6677. mumandmeleeds.com

23. IQ Deluxe

This IQ Deluxe collection of solo player logic puzzles, featuring luxurious black packaging, combines style and gameplay. A perfect treat for yourself or a thoughtful gift to those who love elegance and brain-teasing fun. $22.99. Homewood Toy & Hobby. 2830 18th St, S., Homewood. 205.879.3986. homewoodtoy-hobby.com

24. Handmade Turkish Oushak Rug

Discover the beauty of Handmade Turkish Oushak Rugs, which are available in a variety of sizes and styles. Each rug features timeless craftsmanship with rich textures, offered in both soft neutrals and vibrant, eye-catching hues. Starting at $195. Crestline Pharmacy. 60 Church St, Mountain Brook. 205.871.0317. facebook.com/crestlinepharmacy

25. Holiday Cookies

For one cookie or hundreds, Cookie Fix will sweeten your holidays with special holiday flavors and traditional favorites. Cookies from $2.75. Cookie Fix. Hoover | Vestavia | Greystone | Homewood | Huntsville. cookiefix.com

26. Fine Art

Shop a stunning selection of handmade ceramics, pottery, woodworking, paintings, photography, jewelry and more. Each piece is crafted by talented artisans, making it the perfect place to find unique, meaningful gifts for any occasion. Prices vary. Blue Phrog Gallery. 955 Main St, Montevallo. 205.789.3033. Follow us on Facebook

27. Marky’s Kitchen Gift Cards

Give the gift of cravings fulfilled! Marky’s Kitchen gift cards are perfect for anyone who loves real, good food! Become someone’s lunch hero, and give Marky’s Kitchen gift cards this season. Marky’s Kitchen. 3134 Cahaba Heights Rd, Vestavia Hills. 205.206.9036. markyskitchen.com

28. Lesley Evers Purse

Who doesn’t love options? Inspired by the iconic Bermuda bags of the 1970s, this Lesley Evers purse comes with a reversible cover to effortlessly change your look and reflect your own personal style. $128. Tula J’s Boutique. 226 Main St, Trussville. 205.655.5333. tulajboutique.com

29. Wooden Box & Assortments of Gold and Diamond Bracelets

This Mahog Walnut Copper Box from Laurens Cotten is complemented with a gorgeous arrangement of gold and diamond bracelets and will make the perfect gift this season. Wallace-Burke Fine Jewelry & Collectibles. 1811 29th Ave, S., Homewood. 205.874.1044. wallaceburke.com.

30. Brown Origin Leather Boots

Turn heads this season with these chic, brown, platform ankle boots, crafted for both style and comfort. Featuring a sleek zipper detail and a bold-treaded sole, they’re perfect for effortless, all-day wear. $105. Blum Clothing. 410 Main St, Trussville. blumclothing.com

31. Candle Warmer

Candle lamps and lanterns from Candle Warmers Etc. use a soft halogen bulb to warm a candle from the top down, allowing you to enjoy the fragrance and ambiance of a lit candle without flame, soot or other pollutants. $35. Home Accents. 2750 Pelham Pkwy, Pelham. 205.621.2039. homeaccentsonline.com

32. Mudtown Eat & Drink’s 20-Year Anniversary T-Shirts

To celebrate our 20th anniversary, we’re offering special T-shirts in Comfort Colors, including short sleeve (Banana) for $27.50 and long sleeve (Bay Green) for $33. Our crewneck sweatshirts, which feature a map of all five of our restaurants on the back, are $40. Mudtown Eat & Drink. 3144 Green Valley Rd, Vestavia Hills. 205.967.3300. mudtownalabama.com

33. Wind River Windchimes

From the first ring, the difference is clear. When you hang a Wind River chime, every breeze brings new enchantment. Each wind chime is designed and handcrafted in Virginia using premium materials, which are individually hand-tuned to precise musical scales for clarity and depth and are engineered to produce resonant, rich tones that carry beautifully through the air. $49.95-$225. Cedar Creek Nursery. Locations in Montevallo and Helena. 205.283.1221. cedarcreeknursery.com

34. Handcrafted Boxes

Handcrafted with bold, striped detailing and a rich interior hue, this decorative box is perfect for storing jewelry, keepsakes or simply displayed as an artful accent. $120. Christopher Collection. 2913 Linden Ave, Homewood. 205.719.3206. christophercollection.com

35. Water Candles

These flameless “candles” are a perfect, fire-safe alternative to traditional candles, featuring a gentle fountain that mimics a flickering flame. Interchangeable, decorative slip covers allow your water candles to change with the seasons. $20.99-$50.99. Jubilee Gift Market. 2979 Hwy 119, Montevallo. 205.665.2357. jubileegiftmarket.com

36. Signature HydraFacial

For the ultimate, self-care gift, treat someone special to a HydraFacial at Total Dermatology on First Avenue. This luxurious treatment refreshes and rejuvenates the skin, delivering that coveted holiday glow Birmingham’s beauty lovers can’t stop talking about. Total Dermatology. 1927 First Ave N., STE 100, Birmingham. 205.933.0987. totalskinandbeauty.com

37. EyeCare Max Pro LED Device

Dr. Dennis Gross’ EyeCare Max Pro LED device helps boost collagen to smooth lines and wrinkles and lift and firm the eyes. The device also visibly firms and lifts skin and evens skin tone and texture. $199. Woodhouse Spa. 125 Summit Blvd, Vestavia Hills. 205.905.7676. birmingham.woodhousespas.com

38. ShuShop’s Zaharan Mini Rose Suede Cowgirl Boots

Giddy up to Little Soles to grab a pair of Shushop’s Zaharan Mini Rose Suede Cowgirl Boots! Sport style and comfort from the halls of school to the streets of Nashville for only $84! Little Soles. 4232 Dolly Ridge Rd, Vestavia Hills. 205.970.6990. facebook.com/littlesoleschildrensshoes

39. Apple Pie Filling

This tart-sweet pie filling features an heirloom Chilton County apple that turns from deep red to nearly black as it ripens, concentrating fragrance and flavor. Ready to spoon into your favorite crust, perfect for holiday baking. $24. FarmStand Stone Hollow Farmstead. Pepper Place & Homewood Locations. 205.777.5558. stonehollowfarmstead.com

40. Nest Candle

Mantooth Interiors is your home for all Nest collections and fragrances. Our large selection of holiday scents make the perfect gift for friends and family! $49. Mantooth Interiors. 2813 18th St, S., Homewood. mantoothinteriors.com

41. Cookbook, Mug, Tumbler and Hat

Bring breakfast joy to your holiday gifting! Spread the cheer with BBB favorites: John Currence’s Big Bad Breakfast Cookbook, a cozy Cahaba Heights mug, sleek tumbler and our signature BBB hat. These are perfect for breakfast lovers everywhere! Big Bad Breakfast. 4317 Dolly Ridge Rd, STE 101, Vestavia Hills. 205.947.1463. bigbadbreakfast.com/bbb-locations/cahaba-heights-al/

42. Julie Vos Iridescent Montana Blue Jewelry Set

Give the gift of radiant style with Julie Vos’ Iridescent Montana Blue set. The Rainbow Delicate Necklace, Demi Cuff and Statement Ring in a 24-karat gold plate create a stunning, unforgettable holiday surprise. Necklace - $135. Ring - $165. Bracelet - $280. Mum & Me Mercantile LLC. 8032 Parkway Dr, Leeds. 205.702.6677. mumandmeleeds.com

43. Medders Family Farm Peanut Butter

Medders Family Farm’s homemade natural peanut butter is a local favorite! Made right here in Montevallo, this award-winning peanut butter is available in a selection of classic and adventurous flavors. $8. Meri Moon. 618 Main St, Montevallo. 205.476.8052. Follow us on Facebook

44. Hardcover Book

From coastal to contemporary, maximal to Mediterranean, tailored to textured, this inspirational lookbook guides beginners and enthusiasts alike through the most timeless interior design styles of the last century. $69.95. At Home Furnishings. 2921 18th St, S., Homewood. shopathomefurnishings.com

45. Steve Madden’s Riggs All Leather Boots

Own every step in sophistication with Steve Madden’s Riggs all-leather boots for women. Designed to impress and crafted for all day comfort, this footwear is available at Little Soles for $199. Little Soles. 4232 Dolly Ridge Rd, Vestavia Hills. 205.970.6990. facebook. com/littlesoleschildrensshoes

46. Dungeons & Dragons Rulebooks

For the D&D player in your life, these Dungeons & Dragons rulebooks make the perfect gift. Updated with new content and refined gameplay, these essential guides will inspire even more epic adventures at their next game night. $50. R.O.E. Hobby. 10870 Hwy 25, Calera. 205.319.7310. facebook.com/ROEHobby

47. Sublimated Tumblers

Give a gift that’s both personal and practical with these sublimated tumblers. Choose from ready-made designs for teachers, football fans and more, or create a custom design that’s uniquely theirs. They are perfect for the person in your life who can never have enough cups! $15. Winged Blossoms. 10876 Hwy 25, Calera. 205.690.7007. wingedblossoms.com

48. Kenra Professional Haircare Products

Take the salon home with Kenra haircare and styling products, which are designed to deliver exceptional results for every hair type. $25. Golden Glow Salon. 10878 Hwy 25, Calera. 205.690.7255. goldenglowsalon.com

49. Silky Candy Cane Bow Pajamas by Janie Marie

Cozy up in festive style with the Silky Candy Cane Bow Pajamas by Jane Marie, available at Gigi’s. These ultra-soft, pink pajamas feature playful candy cane bows—perfect for sweet holiday mornings and magical nights. $55. Gigi’s Tween. 3140 Heights Village, Vestavia Hills. 205.593.4586. gigisbham.com

50. Locally Roasted Coffees

Explore our locally-roasted coffee, featuring both whole beans and K-Cup pods. With a variety of rich and flavorful blends, you’ll find the perfect choice for any coffee enthusiast, no matter how they brew. $14.99. Adventurer’s Coffee Co. 10874 Hwy 25, Calera. 205.690.8945. adventurerscoffee.co

51. Keepsake Quilts

Commission a custom gift that will last for generations. Contact Melissa to start collaborating on a bespoke, edge-to-edge or custom-quilted design, or if you’re interested in creating your own keepsake, SK Quilts offers classes and studio space rental. Prices vary. SK Quilts. 717 Middle St, Montevallo. 205.965.2385. sixkidsquilts.com

The Shelby County Chamber

BUSINES S CONNECTI ONS

November / December 2025 Chamber Events

Nov. 4

Ambassador Work Group 11:30AM-1:00PM

The Shelby County Chamber

Nov. 5-6

Connect 2 Careers 9:00AM-2:00PM

Shelby County Exhibition Center

Nov. 13

Governmental Affairs Work Group

8:30AM-9:30AM

Sain Associates - 280

Nov. 25

Annual Prayer Breakfast

7:30AM-9:30AM

Pelham Civic Complex & Arena

Dec. 2

Ambassador Work Group 11:30AM-1:00PM TBD

Dec. 3

Career Readiness Work Group 8:30AM-9:30AM

The Shelby County Chamber

Dec. 3

Women’s Business Council 11:30AM-1:00PM

The Grande Hall — Columbiana

Dec. 3 Virtual Workshop: Command and Control doesn’t work anymore— What does?

Join us on Wednesday, Dec. 3 from 1:30-3 p.m. and learn a framework you can apply to uncover what matters to your direct report and guide a coaching conversation focused on facilitating and empowering them to proactive action. The results are more revenue, higher customer retention and higher employee satisfaction. Don't miss this opportunity to transform your leadership approach and create a coaching culture that drives revenue.

Nov. 25 - Chamber’s 30th Annual Prayer Breakfast

Thanksgiving is the time of year for fellowship and celebration as we pause to give thanks for our many blessings and reflect on what’s truly important in life. The Chamber’s 30th Annual Prayer Breakfast will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 25 from 7:30-9 a.m. at the Pelham Civic Complex

& Ice Arena. Reservations are required by noon on Friday, Nov. 21 to assist with proper planning and catering. The investment for this program is $25 for Chamber investors or $35 for “future investors.” Visit shelbychamber.org, or call the Chamber at 205-663-4542 to register.

Dec. 3 – Women’s Business Council

The Women’s Business Council (WBC) strives to focus on fresh, relevant topics through a series of authentic and energizing luncheons. The WBC promotes the full participation and leadership of women at all levels in the workplace, the community and government. The WBC will host programs that provide opportunities for women to learn and network as well as share their expertise with each other and

to address the unique issues of women in business. December’s Women’s Business Council is scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 3 from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at The Grande Hall in Columbiana and will feature keynote speaker Melanie Clark, director of The Learning Tree, Inc. If you plan on attending, you can purchase lunch for $15 at the event. Find more details at shelbychamber.org.

2026 Alabama State Legislative Preview

The Shelby County Chamber’s Governmental Affairs Work Group will host a 2026 State Legislative Preview Luncheon co-sponsored by AT&T – Alabama. The program will feature members of the Shelby County State Legislative Delegation as they prepare for the upcoming 2026 legislative session, which is scheduled to begin in early January 2026. This meeting will be held on Thursday, Dec. 4 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at The Grande Hall at Old Mill Square and will provide area businesspeople with the opportunity to hear

from the county’s state legislative delegation prior to the State Legislature’s convening in Montgomery.

Doors open at 11 a.m., and the buffet lines will open at 11:20 a.m. The program will begin at 11:45 a.m.

The investment is $25 for Chamber investors or $35 for “future” investors. Seating is limited, so register early by calling 205-6634542, by contacting info@shelbychamber. org or by registering online at shelbychamber.org.

Holiday Business After Hours

Co-hosted by Montevallo Chamber of Commerce and The Shelby County Chamber at Indigo Cafe & Bar

Bring plenty of business cards on Thursday, Dec. 11 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. for all of the contacts you will meet. The investment, which includes hors d’oeuvres and two beverages, is $10 per person for Chamber investors or $20 for “future Investors.”

To register, contact Jordan Powell at jordan@shelbychamber.org, call 205-663-

4542 or visit shelbychamber.org. The deadline to register is Tuesday, Dec. 9 at noon. Business After Hours events are networking opportunities, offering investors and guests the chance to meet business professionals representing products and services in a relaxed, social setting. Investors attending have an opportunity to exchange business cards and become acquainted with other businesses throughout the community.

Dec. 3

Virtual Workshop with Sandler Training 1:30PM-3:00PM via Zoom

Dec. 4

Connections Luncheon “2026 State Legislative Preview” 11:30AM-1:00PM Grande Hall at Old Mill Square

Dec. 10

Small Business Work Group 4:00PM-5:00PM The Shelby County Chamber

Dec. 11 Governmental Affairs Work Group 8:30AM-9:30AM Sain Associates - 280

Dec. 11

Business After Hours Event 5:30PM-7:30PM Indigo Bar & Café

Dec. 12-13 DSW Day All Day

Dec. 16 CoffeeNET Event 8:30AM-9:30AM First US Bank

Chamber Work Groups Starting to Plan for 2026 Program Year

The Chamber’s work groups are beginning the process of planning for the 2026 Chamber program of work. If you’ve ever wanted to be involved in that process, we hope you’ll consider serving on one of these committees. Joining a work group is an easy process—simply contact the Chamber at 205-6634542 and let us know! You will then be contacted by the appropriate Chamber staff member. The following is a list of work groups along with a brief description of each:

AMBASSADORS GROUP

ribbon-cuttings, ground-breakings and other investor outreach efforts as needed. There is an additional expense for serving on this group which covers monthly lunches and other materials. Meets first Tuesday of each month at 11:30 AM at the Chamber.

CAREER READINESS WORK GROUP

Promote importance of career development and the promotion of a qualified workforce for Shelby County. Organize the following programs: “Keeping It Real,” “Communication Matters,” the

and more. Meets first Wednesday of each month at 8:30 AM at the Chamber.

GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS GROUP

Serve as the liaison between our elected officials at the local, state and federal levels and our membership, regarding business and commerce-specific issues. Coordinate development of the Chamber’s annual Public Policy Agenda as well as the Montgomery DriveIn and other events. Meets second Thursday of each month at 8:30 AM at Sain Associates.

ety of events, seminars and workshops. Organize annual “Small Business Celebration” activities. Meets second Wednesday of each month at 4 PM at the Chamber.

WOMEN’S BUSINESS COUNCIL

Support and help advocate an environment for business women to connect and build relationships, focusing on professional development and growth with businesses and community leaders. We strive to provide programming for women in business to meet and discuss issues that impact their professional development and growth. Encour

Business dreams really do come true. At least, they did for Kristy Keiffer. Since 1993, Kristy has trusted AmFirst with her personal financial needs. So when she dreamed of franchising a Frio’s Gourmet Pops in 2018, she knew where to go for great rates on equipment loans and reliable business checking. We helped Kristy make her business dreams a reality. Because Frio’s Gourmet Pops is more than just a business. It’s personal.

amfirst.org /business

Celebrating Growth

Co-Sponsors

buff-a-pup Calera

Lawley Counseling LLC Alabaster

Oak Mountain Hear Associates, LLC Pelham

Refuel Boot Camp 280 Corridor

Something EveryBODY Kneads 280 Corridor

The Clubhouse Studio Alabaster

Vascular & Interventional Specialists of Alabama Pelham

Find Us Online

Sign up for our weekly newsletter | Access our member directory

2025 Board of Directors

As of 7/17/25

OFFICERS

(Executive Committee)

Chamber Chair

Kevin Morris AmFirst

Chair-Elect

Rux Bentley

Rux Carter Insurance

Vice Chair, Business Development & Support

Traci Fox

T Fox SalonSpa Aveda

Vice Chair, Communications & Marketing

Chad Scroggins Shelby County

Vice Chair, Community & Caree Development

Keith Brown Jefferson State Community College

Vice Chair, Finance & Administration

Tampia Anderson

The Arc of Shelby County

Vice Chair, Governmental Affairs

Melissa Dixon

CDI Janitorial Services

Vice Chair, Investor Relations

Jeff Purvis

A. C. Legg, Inc.

Immediate Past Chair

April Harry Warren, Averett, LLC

DIRECTORS

Holly Dean Baptist Health Shelby Hospital

Meribeth Gilbert McLeod Software

Daniel Morgan Express Employment Professionals

Nedra Moore Creations Galore and Moore

Chris Stricklin Dunn Companies

Chris Wilder Sealing Equipment Products Company

Josh Coker Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama

Scott Gossett Spire Alabama

Wade Kallaher Birmingham Coca Cola Bottling Company

Atisthan Roach Vulcan Materials Company

Keith Strickland Goodwyn, Mills & Cawood

Terri Williams A T & T - Alabama

Ken Coreno Central State Bank

Khiari McAlpin Knox Vinehouse Nursery

Anna Catherine Roberson Alabama Power Company

Steven Smith Specification Rubber Products

Dr. Sara Robicheaux Stephens College of Business / University of Montevallo

Brian L. Wilson EBSCO Industries, Inc.

Laura Clarke SYNOVUS

Zachary Kirby Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Shelby County

Aubrey Miller Higher Expectations Consulting

John Platt Bryant Bank

Lynn Ray Business Telephones, Inc.

Amy Sturdivant (Ex-Officio) 58 INC

The Hon. Scott Brakefield City of Alabaster

Shelby County Mayors’ Association (Ex-Officio)

(July 12, 2025 - August 15, 2025)

u Reverse Mortgage Alabama

u Redland Rifle Company

u Top Hat Chimney Sweeps

u Steel City Metal, Inc.

u Diana Johnson Photography

u 10:25 Tabletop Games, LLC

u The BOSS Company

u Associate Accountants, an Archer Lewis Company

u Vapor Thrift Store (Re-Investor)

(July 12, 2025 - August 15, 2025) Your

- Responded to 51 requests for business and community information.

- Promoting Chamber investors as well as Chamber and community events through the following social media outlets:

- Chamber Facebook: 7.4K “total followers”

- X (Twitter): 2,800 “followers”

- Instagram: 1,825 “followers” and 265 “post reaches”

- LinkedIn: 1,146 (1 new) “followers,” 20 “unique visitors” and 176 “post impressions”

- WBC Facebook: 585 “followers”

Who’s Who

of Shelby County Businesses

Through their voluntary investment, these chamber investors support a program of work designed to make Shelby County an even better place to live and do business. The Chamber considers these organizations to be the most community-minded and successful businesses in Shelby County and strongly encourages you to do business with them.

The Shelby County Chamber Who’s Who Directory consists of Investors at the “Sustaining Level” or higher. For our complete investor list, please visit shelbychamber.org.

Block listings = Forward Shelby County Investors

As of 9/15/25

ACCOUNTING

Access Accounting, Inc. (205) 516-4644h www.accessaccounting.net

Associated Accountants, an Archer Lewis Company (205) 277-7702 www.ArcherLewis.com

Barfield, Murphy, Shank & Smith, LLC (205) 982-5500 www.bmss.com

Cardinal Accounting (334) 322-2023 www.cardinalacctg.com

Deloach, Barber & Caspers CPA (205) 822-6350 www.dbccpas.com

Essential Solutions, LLC. (205) 663-8686 www.essential-solutions.biz

Graham and Associates, CPA (205) 663-6673 www.grahamandassociates.net

SAS Tax & Accounting, LLC (205) 621-0388 www.sastaxandaccounting.com

Warren Averett LLC (205) 979-4100 warrenaverett.com/offices/ Birmingham

ADVERTISING & MARKETING SERVICES

Irons Media Group (205) 678-9079 www.ironsmediagroup.com

Meridian Graphics (205) 746-1188 www.myhelenacitynews.com

Plexamedia (877) 497-4606 plexamedia.com

Radio Active (205) 663-1859 www.radioactivebirmingham.com

Turner Promotions (205) 983-2167

ADVERTISING SPECIALTIES

Crown Trophy of Pelham (205) 621-7393 www.crowntrophy.com/store-98

Junior Davis & Associates, Inc. (205) 620-9961 www.juniordavis.com

Kopri Signs & Graphics, LLC (205) 903-1642 www.kopripromotions.com

Shelby Printing (616) 450-9432 www.shelbyprinting.com

AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING

Carden Heating & Cooling (205) 669-2459 www.cardenhvac.com

Hiller Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, & Electrical (205) 734-5420 www.happyhiller.com

APARTMENTS & LEASING SERVICES

360 Management (205) 624-4624 theview@concepttoclosing.com

Hill Brook Manor / Central Shelby, Ltd. (205) 668-2020

Meadow Wood Apartments (205) 663-1101 sealyrealty.com

One Stop Housing LLC (941) 993-9563 onestophousing.com

Turtle Lake Apartment Homes (205) 991-3719 www.turtlelakeapts.info

Wellington Manor Apartments (205) 621-0811 www.wellingtonmanorapts.com

Applied Behavior Therapy

FREEDOM Therapies, Inc. (205) 358-7311 http://www.freedomtherapies.net

FREEDOM Therapies, Inc. (205) 358-7311 www.freedomtherapies.net

ARCHITECTS

Barry Davis Architects, PC (205) 444-1112 www.BarryDavisArchitects.com

Goodwyn Mills Cawood (205) 879-4462 www.gmcnetwork.com

O’Kelley Architecture LLC (205) 637-1124 www.okelleyarchitecture.com

TRO Jung/Brannen, Inc. (205) 324-6744 www.trojb.com/

ART & PAINTING CLASSES

Old Mill Square (205) 669-5800 oldmillsquarecolumbiana.com

South City Theatre (205) 621-2128 www.southcitytheatre.com

ASSISTED LIVING FACILITIES

Monark Grove Greystone (205) 994-8657 www.monarkgrovegreystone. com/senior-living/al/birmingham/ independent-living

ASSOCIATIONS & ORGANIZATIONS

Alabama Association of Nonprofits (205) 879-4712 www.alabamanonprofits.org

Aldridge Gardens (205) 682-8019 www.aldridgegardens.com

Better Business Bureau (205) 558-2222 www.bbb.org/csal

Birmingham Automobile Dealers Association (205) 980-0540 www.carsbirmingham.com

Chelsea Business Alliance www.facebook.com/ chelseabusinessalliance/

Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders (205) 912-7000 www.birminghambuilder.com

ATTORNEYS

Alabama Law Services, LLC (205) 419-4414 www.alabamalawservices.com

Bradford & Holliman, LLC (205) 663-0281 www.bradfordholliman.com

Dentons Sirote (205) 930-5100 www.dentons.com/en/globalpresence/united-states/birmingham

Fulmer, May & Stuckey, LLC (205) 991-6367 www.fmslawfirm.com

Hand Arendall Harrison Sale LLC (205) 324-4400 www.handfirm.com

McNaylor Law, LLC (256) 542-7559

Roland Milling Law, LLC (205) 620-1278 www.elizabethroland.com

Wallace | Elllis: Ellis, Head, Owens, Justice Attorneys at Law (205) 669-6783 www.wallaceellis.com

Weinberg, Wheeler, Hudgins, Gunn & Dial (205) 572-4100 www.wwhgd.com

AUCTION

Granger, Thagard & Associates, Inc. (205) 326-0833 www.gtauctions.com

AUDIOLOGY

Chelsea Audiology Clinic (205) 618-9222 www.chelseahearing.com

AUTOMOBILE CAR WASH

Alabaster Car Wash & Wax Center (205) 358-8517 www.facebook.com/alabastercarwash

Marc 1 Carwash (205) 859-2727 www.marc1carwash.com

Marc -1 Express Car Wash (205) 380-7404 marc1carwash.com

AUTOMOBILE DEALERS

DonohooAuto, LLC (205) 444-9333 www.donohooauto.com

EAW Exclusive Auto Wholesale (205) 406-5644 www.eawcars.net

Long-Lewis Auto GroupAlabaster (205) 663-3831 www.longlewisalabaster.com

RV Roadway & Roadway Collision Center Inc. (205) 663-0046 www.rvroadway.com

AUTOMOBILE REPAIR

Cahaba Tire (205) 663-0433 www.cahabatire.com

Chelsea Tire & Service (205) 719-3321 chelseatireandservice.com

Empire Autohaus, Inc. (205) 664-5757 www.empireautohaus.com

Express Oil Change & Tire Engineers - 136 1st Street North, Alabaster

Express Oil Change & Tire EngineersCalera (205) 651-7276

Express Oil Change & Tire Engineers, 2308 Pelham Parkway, Pelham (205) 620-9244

Express Oil Change & Tire Engineers, 2874 Pelham Parkway, Pelham (205) 664-1711

Express Oil Change & Tire Engineers, 851 1st Street North, Alabaster (205) 663-1690

Greystone Tire and Automotive (205) 980-5113 www.greystonetireandauto.com

Hoover Automotive (205) 587-4888 www.hoover-automotive.com

Howard Tire & Automotive Service (205) 669-4509 www.howardtowing.com

Long Lewis Quick Lane of Calera (205) 668-4244 www.mccartyford.com/ford-quicklane-calera-al-2/

Lynn Johnson Collision Repair, Inc. (205) 678-3784 www.lynnjohnsoncollision.net

M&T Automotive LLC DBA Graves Automotive (205) 668-6261 gravesautomotive.net

Melton Automotive (205) 663-8088 www.meltonautomotive.com

Mobile Fleet Specialists of Birmingham, Inc. (205) 564-8660 www.mobilefleetspecialists.com

Shelby Auto Service (205) 664-4727 www.shelbyautoservice.com

AUTOMOTIVE RETAIL

Burton Campers, Inc. (205) 668-0075 www.burtoncampers.com

BAKERY

Creations Galore and Moore (205) 690-8399 creationsgaloreandmoore.com

Edgar’s Bakery, Inc. @ Cadence Place (205) 987-0790 www.edgarsbakery.com

Edgar’s Bakery, Inc. @ Pelham (205) 987-0790 edgarsbakery.com

Edgar’s Bakery, Inc. @ the Colonnade (205) 987-0790 www.edgarsbakery.com

Emily’s Heirloom Pound Cakes (205) 937-7392 www.emilysheirloompoundcakes.com

Nothing Bundt Cakes (205) 538-7602 www.nothingbundtcakes.com/bakery/ al/hoover

BARTER EXCHANGE

Moxey Bham (205) 991-7050 www.moxeybham.com

BEAUTY SALONS

JustFabByKayla (601) 323-7745 www.justfabbykayla.glossgenius.com

T. Fox SalonSpa Aveda (205) 403-8369 tfoxsalon.com

BEVERAGE

Joseph’s Table (205) 618-9174 www.josephstable280.com

BEVERAGE – DISTRIBUTOR

Buffalo Rock Company (205) 940-9799 www.buffalorock.com

BOUTIQUE

CrysTees LLC (205) 516-9066 www.crystees.shop

BOWLING ALLEY

Oak Mountain Lanes (205) 403-7466 www.oakmountainlanes.com

BROKERAGE FIRM

Ellis Properties, Incorporated (205) 669-1863

BUILDERS

Eagle Construction Products (205) 669-2333 builtbyeagle.com

Business & Personal Training & Development

BNI Alabama (256) 797-4654 northern.bnialabama.com/en-US/ index

Michael Smith - Entrepreneur in Residence (205) 568-2526 www.linkedin.com/in/ michaeltsmithusa/

BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

EB5 Investors 1-800-997-1228 www.eb5investors.com/

Galactic, Inc. - Employer Services (205) 941-7091 www.galactic-inc.com

LegalShield & IDShield (205) 503-3829 basult.wearelegalshield.com

The Carter Group (205) 314-9810

The Neutral Solution (205) 202-6608 theneutralsolution.com

ZenBusiness (512) 765-4985 www.zenbusiness.com/alabama-llc/

BUSINESS CONSULTING

4 Sight Coaching (617) 610-3766 www.4sightcoach.com

Coach Brian Landry (334) 782-5054 coachbrianlandry.com

Transworld Business Advisors of North Central Alabama (205) 414-7596 www.tworld.com/locations/ birminghamhuntsville/buy-a-business/ active-business-listings/

Wilson Executive Group (205) 541-8500 www.wilsonexecutivegroup.com

BUSINESS FURNISHINGS

Business Interiors (205) 939-1008 www.businteriors.com

CAMPGROUND

Birmingham South RV Park (205) 664-8832 www.birminghamrvpark.com/

CAR WASH

New Day Car Wash (205) 422-7706 newdaycarwash.com

CAREER MANAGEMENT

Alabaster Army Recruiting Station (205) 564-2013 goarmy.com

CAT LOUNGE

The Lotus Catfe (205) 624-3171 thelotuscatfe.com

CATERING SERVICES

Chelsea Coffee House (205) 678-4444

Delgado’s Kitchen (205) 200-0697

CELLULAR EQUIPMENT & SERVICE

Cellular Sales Verizon Wireless (205) 822-2526 www.cellularsales.com/aboutus

Cricket Wireless (205) 902-4548 cricketwireless.com

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Bessemer Area Chamber of Commerce (205) 425-3253

Birmingham Area Chamber of Commerce (205) 324-2100 www.birminghamchamber.com

Chilton County Chamber of Commerce (205) 755-2400 www.chiltonchamberonline.com

Fultondale Chamber of Commerce (205) 337-1629 www.fultondalechamber.com

Homewood Chamber of Commerce (205) 871-5631 www.homewoodchamber.org

Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce (205) 988-5672 www.hooverchamber.org

Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce (205) 699-5001 www.leedsareachamber.com

Montevallo Chamber of Commerce (205) 665-1519 montevallocc.com/wp/

Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce (205) 871-3779 mtnbrookchamber.org

The Shelby County Chamber (205) 663-4542 www.shelbychamber.org

Trussville Area Chamber of Commerce (205) 655-7535 www.trussvillechamber.com

U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce (205) 823-5011 www.vestaviahills.org

CHILDCARE

AIM Academy of Helena (205) 709-2700 www.youraimacademy.com

La Petite Academy of Pelham (205) 663-4011 Lapeite Academy INC

Little Achievers Learning Academy (205) 358-8008 www.littleachieversllc.com

Ready, Set, Grow (205) 678-7123 childcarecenter.us/provider_detail/ readyset_grow_cdc_chelsea_al

Vinehouse Nursery (205) 564-8564 vinehousenursery.com

CHIROPRACTIC CARE

Helena Pure Chiropractic, Inc. (205) 277-9780 www.helenapurechiropractic.com

CHURCHES

DAYSPRING Church (205) 588-8681 dclife.org

First Baptist Church of Columbiana (205) 669-3128 www.fbccol.net/

Pelham Church of God (205) 664-0120 www.pelhamchurch.com/

CLEANING SERVICES

Alphawash (205) 202-9448 www.callalphawash.com

CDI Janitorial Services (205) 981-2171 cdibirmingham.com

Quality Innovations, LLC (205) 540-2603 www.qinnovisionaries.com

CLOSET ORGANIZATION

Closettec, Inc. (205) 665-5886 closettecofalabama.com

CLOTHING RETAIL & ACCESSORIES

America’s Thrift Store (205) 856-1234 www.americasthrift.com

The Mission Thrift and Gifts (205) 948-8873

COFFEE

Leaders’ Corner Coffee & Tea (205) 620-1700 www.leaderscorner.coffee

COMMERCIAL EMBROIDERY

By George - Embroidery, Screen Printing and Banners (205) 663-7004 bygeorgeusa.com

COMMUNITY/SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS

AARP Alabama (866) 542-8167 states.aarp.org/region/alabama/

Adaptive Aquatics (205) 807-7519 www.adaptiveaquatics.org

Alabaster Arts Council (205) 664-9273 www.alabastercityfestonline.com

American Red Cross - Shelby Jefferson Office (205) 439-7800 www.redcross.org/local/al-ms/aboutus/locations/mid-alabama

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Birmingham - Shelby County Office (205) 378-4050 www.bbbsbhm.org

Cahaba River Society (205) 322-5326 cahabariversociety.org/

Columbiana Housing Authority (205) 669-6921

Columbiana Main Street (205) 209-2417 www.facebook.com/ ColumbianaMainStreet1/?hc_ location=ufi

COMPACT (205) 605-1824 www.compact2020.com

Developing Alabama Youth Foundation (205) 664-1600 thedayprogram.com/

Governor’s Commission on Physical Fitness & Sports (205) 607-0504 www.physicalfitness.alabama.gov

Grace Klein Community (205) 490-7516 gracekleincommunity.com/

Junior Achievement of Alabama, Inc. (205) 290-9365 www.juniorachievement.org/web/ ja-birmingham/

King’s Home (205) 678-8331 www.kingshome.com/

Leadership Shelby County www.leadershipshelbycounty.com/

LifeSouth Community Blood Centers (205) 943-6000 www.lifesouth.org

Montevallo Main Street (205) 665-2555 ext. 106 www.facebook.com/ MontevalloMainStreet/

Owens House, The Shelby County Children’s Advocacy Center, Inc. (205) 669-3333 www.owenshouse.org

SafeHouse of Shelby County, Inc. (205) 664-4850 www.safehouse.org

Sav-A-Life Shelby, Inc. (205) 664-1668 savalifeshelby.org/ SCORE (205) 264-8425 www.score.org/index.html

Shelby County Community Corrections (205) 669-8900 www.shelbyal.com/213/CommunityCorrections

Shelby County Community Services (205) 669-3740 www.shelbyal.com

Shelby Humane (205) 669-3916 www.shelbyhumane.org

The Arc of Shelby County (205) 664-9313 www.thearcofshelby.org

The Jimmie Hale Mission (205) 323-5878 www.jimmiehalemission.com

United Way of Central Alabama (205) 251-5131 www.uwca.org

Vineyard Family Services of Central Alabama (205) 533-7852 www.vfsdads.com

COMPUTER SERVICES & SOLUTIONS

Personal Computer Consulting (205) 621-9304

COMPUTER SOFTWARE

McLeod Software (205) 823-5100 www.mcleodsoftware.com

CONSTRUCTION

Adams Homes, LLC (205) 620-1173 www.adamshomes.com

American Concrete Foundations and Walls LLC (205) 995-1099 www.acfw.us

Brasfield & Gorrie, LLC (205) 328-4000 www.brasfieldgorrie.com

Champion Technologies, LLC (205) 663-6116 www.control4.com/dealer/ championtechnologiesllc1-35124/ pelham-al/

Dunn Construction Company, Inc. (205) 592-3866 www.dunnconstruction.com/

GOGC Global Solutions LLC (513) 833-7696

Guardian Fence Solutions (205) 587-8991 www.gfsfences.com

JWD Services LLC (205) 601-8879 www.jwdservicesllc.com

MJ Harris Construction Services LLC 1-205-447-1307 www.mjharris.com

South East Concrete, LLC (205) 995-9888 www.seccompany.com

Wildcat Construction (205) 618-9192 www.wildcatbuilds.com

CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENTSALES AND SERVICE

Thompson Tractor Company, Inc. (205) 664-4833 www.thompsontractor.com/ CONSULTING

Akqee, LLC (205) 999-1060 akqee.com

ESP Associates (205) 664-8498 www.espassociates.com

Hiregen Inc (205) 775-7717 HiregenSolutions.com

Infinity Communications Group (205) 582-4908 infinitycomgroup.com

Manley LLC (205) 276-5888 www.eosworldwide.com/duncanmanley

Schoel Engineering Company, Inc. (205) 323-6166 www.schoel.com Counseling Services

McClendon Counseling & Consulting, LLC (205) 728-4648 aubrianna-mcclendon.clientsecure. me/

Mountain Valley Counseling, LLC (205) 382-8550 mountainvalleycounseling.com

Strickland Counseling, PLLC (205) 401-0765 www.stricklandcounseling.com

Warrior Wellness Group, LLC (205) 624-2422 Www.warriorwellnessgroup.com

DENTAL

Acton Family Dentistry (205) 823-2258 www.alabamafamilydentistry.com

Albritton & Ardovino Family Dentistry (205) 664-7610 www.aaFamilyDental.com

Brush Family Dentistry (205) 636-1077 www.caleradentist.com/

Buck Creek Family Dental (205) 624-4570 www.heartlanddental.com

Calera Dental Center, P.C. (205) 620-3312 www.caleradentalcenter.com

Chelsea Family Dentistry (205) 678-2096

Chelsea Orthodontics (205) 678-2770 www.chelseabraces.com

Elite Dentistry & Implant Center (205) 678-2525 www.elitedentistryal.com/

Greystone Smile Design (205) 981-7775 greystonesmiledesign.com/

Kari Bartlett DMD, Family and Cosmetic Dentistry (205) 663-6545

Montevallo Family Dentistry - Dr. Bobby F. Shunnarah DMD (205) 665-2224 montevallofamdentistry.com

Pelham Dental Care (205) 663-6246 www.pelhamdentalcare.com

Shelby Pediatric Dentistry (205) 419-7444 www.shelbypediatric.com

StoneCreek Dental Care (205) 663-1280 stonecreekdentalcare.com

Thomas E. Dudney, DMD, PC (205) 663-6545 www.thomasdudney.com

Toothbud Dentistry (205) 668-7766 www.toothbudcalera.com

DEVELOPERS

Clayton Management, LLC (205) 621-0809

Enviro-Systems (205) 437-3779 enviro-systemsllc.com/services/

DISTRIBUTORS

BTC Wholesale Distributors, Inc. (205) 324-2581

www.btcwholesale.com/

Hibbett Distribution Center (205) 942-8398 www.hibbett.com

DOCUMENT MANAGEMENT SERVICES

Gone for Good Secure Document Destruction (205) 943-5252 www.ucpgoneforgood.com

DRY CLEANING SERVICES

Champion Cleaners of Calera (205) 668-4727 www.championcleaners.com

Champion Cleaners of Hoover (205) 408-2797 www.championcleaners.com

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATION

58 INC - Shelby County Economic Development Corporation (205) 620-6658 58inc.org

Alabama Works (800) 248-0033 www.madeinalabama.com

Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (205) 943-4700 www.edpa.org/

Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham (205) 251-8139 www.rpcgb.org/

EDUCATION - RECREATION/ ENRICHMENT

Alabama 4H Center (205) 669-4241 www.alabama4hcenter.org

Alabama Wildlife Center (205) 663-7930 www.alabamawildlifecenter.org

American Village (205) 665-3535 www.americanvillage.org

McWane Science Center (205) 714-8372 www.mcwane.org

EDUCATION – SCHOOLS

Alabama Education Association (205) 657-9381 myaea.org

Alabaster City Board of Education (205) 663-8400 www.alabasterschools.org

Calera High School (205) 682-6100 shelbyed.k12.al.us/schools/cahs/ index.htm

Career Technical Educational Center (205) 682-6650 www.shelbyed.k12.al.us/o/ctec

Central Alabama Community College (256) 234-6346 www.cacc.edu

Chelsea High School (205) 682-7290 www.shelbyed.k12.al.us/schools/chhs/ index.htm

Coosa Valley Academy (205) 672-7326 www.coosavalleyacademy.org/

Cornerstone Christian School (205) 669-7777 www.cornerstonechargers.com

Faulkner University (205) 879-5588 www.faulkner.edu

Helena High School (205) 682-3650 www.shelbyed.k12.al.us/schools/hhs

Indian Springs School (205) 988-3350 www.indiansprings.org

Jefferson State Community College www.jeffersonstate.edu/

Montevallo High School (205) 682-6400 www.shelbyed.k12.al.us/schools/mhs/

Pelham City Schools (205) 624-3700 www.pelhamcityschools.org/

Pelham High School (205) 624-3701 phs.pelhamcityschools.org/

Shelby County Board of Education (205) 682-7000 shelbyed.k12.al.us/

Shelby County Instructional Services Center (205) 682-5910

Shelby County Schools Education Foundation (205) 682-5255 www.shelbyedfoundation.org

Stephens College of Business at University of Montevallo (205) 665-6540 www.montevallo.edu/academics/ colleges/college-of-business/

Thompson High School (205) 685-6700 www.acsboe.org/Domain/10

University of Montevallo (205) 665-6230 www.montevallo.edu

University of Phoenix (480) 560-9214 www.phoenix.edu/online-businessdegrees.html

Vincent Middle/High School (205) 682-7300

EDUCATION-TRAINING AND TUTORING

HeartSouth CPR Training Services LLC (205) 791-5614 HeartSouthCPR.com

ELECTRICAL SERVICES

EPI INC. (205) 436-8175

Inline Electric & Lighting Showroom (205) 982-7511 www.inlinelighting.com

Johns Electric Inc (205) 426-0583 Johnselectricservice.com

Total Power Electric (205) 855-9297 totalpwrelectric.com

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT

2065 Wealth Management (205) 444-5579 www.2065wealthmanagement.com

Human Interest (205) 563-3336 humaninterest.com/

EMPLOYMENT - AGENCIES & SERVICES

Alabama Career Center System of Alabaster (205) 663-2542 alabamaworks.alabama.gov/vosnet/ Default.aspx

Express Employment Professionals (205) 981-1141 www.expresspros.com/ sbirminghamal/

Shelby County Department of Human Resources (205) 669-3000 www.dhr.state.al.us/CountyContacts. asp?County=Shelby

ENGINEERING DESIGN SERVICES

Barge Design Solutions, Inc. (205) 298-6074 www.bargedesign.com/ ENGINEERS

AECOM Transportation (205) 970-0744 www.aecom.com

DSLD Land Management AquaScapes (205) 437-1012 dsldland.com

Engineers of the South, LLC (205) 327-9140 www.engineersofthesouth.com

MW/ Davis Dumas & Associates, Inc. (205) 252-0246 www.mwdda.com

Sain Associates, Inc. (205) 940-6420 www.sain.com/

ENTERTAINMENT

10:25 Tabletop Games, LLC (205) 365-9888 1025tabletopgames.com

Phoenix VR LLC (205) 610-9899 PhoenixVRescape.com

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

Corblu Ecology Group, LLC (205) 677-0322 www.corblu.com

EOS

Entrepreneurial Growth Solutions/ EOS (205) 329-1942 www.eosworldwide.com/brockbeiersdoerfer

EVENT

ESPN/ Birmingham Bowl (205) 733-3776 www.birminghambowl.com/

The Travel Escapes LLC (205) 706-1180 thetravelescapes.com

EVENT & MEETING SPACE

Oak Island Mansion, LLC (205) 614-4800 www.oakislandmansion.com

Pelham Civic Complex and Ice Arena (205) 620-6448 www.pelhamciviccomplex.com/

Venue31 (205) 419-7226 www.venue31.com/

EXCAVATION

B & B Hauling, LLC (205) 425-1026

EXTENDED STAY

AHI Corporate Housing (205) 987-7797 www.theahigroup.com

Homewood Suites Inverness (205) 995-9823 www.birmingham.homewoodsuites. com

EYE CARE

Alabaster Eye Care (205) 624-3088 www.alabastereyecare.com

Eyes on Chelsea Vision Care (205) 980-4530 www.eyesonchelsea.com

Inverness Eye Care (205) 991-0020 www.invernesseyecare.com

Pelham Eye Center (205) 624-4736 www.pelhameyecenter.com

Southlake Optometry (205) 968-1160 www.southlakeeyes.com

VISION FIRST EYE CENTER INC (205) 949-2020 visionfirsteyecenter.com/

Vision Source - Dr. Michael Blackburn, Optometrist (205) 980-5152 www.VisionSource-Blackburn.com

FAMILY AND CHILD RESOURCE GUIDE

Sav-A-Life Shelby, Inc. (205) 664-1668 savalifeshelby.org/

FERTILITY

Innovative Fertility Specialists (205) 509-0700 www.ifsinvo.health

FIBER OPTIC INTERNET

Lumos (252) 481-4743 www.lumosfiber.com/local/al/ FINANCE

The Noles Group (214) 642-5892 www.thenolesgroup.com

FINANCIAL COACHING & CONSULTING

Designed Income Advisory, LLC (205) 444-1803 www.diaincome.com

Edward Jones Investments - Laci Graul (205) 388-7399

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

1st Financial Bank (205) 664-1824 www.ffbalabama.com

Advance America (205) 668-4177 advanceamerica.net

Alabama Credit Union (205) 777-0938 www.alabamacu.com

AlaTrust Credit Union (205) 581-8800 www.alatrustcu.com

AmFirst (800) 633-8431 www.amfirst.org

AmFirst of Inverness (205) 995-0001 www.amfirst.org

AmFirst of Pelham (205) 663-1945 www.amfirst.org

Avadian Credit Union Corporate (205) 985-2828 www.avadiancu.com/

Avadian Credit Union Greystone (205) 437-3696 www.avadiancu.com/

Avadian Credit Union Hoover (205) 989-5220 avadiancu.com

Avadian Credit Union of Chelsea (205) 678-7797 www.avadiancu.com/

Avadian Credit Union of Helena (205) 621-4262 www.avadiancu.com/

Avadian Credit Union of Pelham (205) 620-2332 www.avadiancu.com/

Bryant Bank @ Hwy 280 (205) 408-6401 www.bryantbank.com/

Bryant Bank of Columbiana (205) 670-9735 www.bryantbank.com

Cadence Bank (205) 408-1954 cadencebank.com/

CB&S Bank (205) 408-5560 www.cbsbank.com

Central State Bank (205) 605-0350 www.centralstatebank.com

Central State Bank of Calera (205) 624-6260

Coosa Pines Federal Credit Union of Chelsea (205) 678-3600 www.coosapinesfcu.org

Coosa Pines Federal Credit Union of Vincent (205) 672-7169

eCO Credit Union of Alabaster (205) 226-3912 www.ecocu.org

First Horizon Hoover (205) 803-5940 www.firsthorizon.com

First US Bank (205) 582-1074 www.firstusbank.com/

First US Bank of Calera (205) 668-0425 www.firstusbank.com

First US Bank of Columbiana (205) 669-3550 www.firstusbank.com/index.htm

First US of Harpersville (205) 672-8752 www.firstusbank.com

FirstBank (205) 421-7460 www.firstbankonline.com/

Legacy Community Federal Credit Union (205) 930-5000 www.legacycreditunion.com

Legacy Community Federal Credit Union (205) 930-5000 www.legacycreditunion.com

Legacy Community Federal Credit Union (205) 933-9933 www.legacycreditunion.com

Mutual Savings Credit Union of Pelham (205) 682-6345 www.mutualsavings.org

Mutual Savings Credit Union of Riverchase (205) 682-1167 www.mutualsavings.org

NobleBank & Trust (205) 588-7060 www.noblebank.com

Pee Wee’s Pawn Shop (205) 664-5690 www.peeweespawn.com

People’s Bank & Trust Company, The (205) 438-7164 www.peoplesbankal.com

PNC Bank (205) 657-6682 www.pnc.com

Regions Bank - Columbiana (205) 669-4061 www.regions.com

Regions Bank - Greystone (205) 980-4400 www.regions.com/

Regions Bank – Helena (205) 685-1680 regions.com

Regions Bank - Inverness Valleydale Branch (205) 408-1301 www.regions.com

Regions Bank - Montevallo (205) 665-4708 regions.com

Regions Bank - Pelham (205) 663-0723 www.regions.com

Regions Financial NA (205) 264-4993 www.regions.com

Renasant Bank of Chelsea (205) 678-2265 www.renasant.com

Renasant Bank of Columbiana (205) 669-3161

Renasant Bank of Pelham (205) 663-3834 www.renasantbank.com/

Southern Energy Credit UnionChelsea (205) 226-6800 www.southernenergycu.org/

Southern States Bank (205) 877-0195 www.southernstatesbank.net/ locations/birmingham/

SouthPoint Bank (205) 503-5055 www.southpoint.bank

SouthState Bank (205) 313-2100 www.southstatebank.com

Synovus (205) 868-4808 www.synovus.com/

Synovus - Pelham Branch (888) 796-6887 www.synovus.com/locations/usa/al/ pelham/2304-pelham-parkway

Trustmark Bank (205) 665-2591 www.trustmark.com/

United Community Bank (205) 705-1540 www.ucbi.com/

Valley Bank (205) 408-2000 www.valley.com/

Wells Fargo at Brook Highland (205) 948-1400 www.wellsfargo.com

Wells Fargo at North Shelby (205) 620-3130 www.wellsfargo.com

Wells Fargo at Oak Mountain (205) 403-4115 www.wellsfargo.com

Wells Fargo at The Summit (205) 948-1000 www.wellsfargo.com

Wells Fargo of Alabaster (205) 620-1009 www.wellsfargo.com

Wells Fargo of Hoover (205) 354-1020 www.wellsfargo.com

Wells Fargo of Inverness (205) 980-2460 www.wellsfargo.com

Wells Fargo of Riverchase (205) 403-4100 www.wellsfargo.com

FINANCIAL INVESTMENTS

Edward Jones - Daniel Logan (205) 216-6952 www.edwardjones.com

Edward Jones Investments - Kyle Mims (205) 669-8529 www.edwardjones.com/us-en/ financial-advisor/kyle-mims

FINANCIAL PLANNING

Southern Wealth Builders (205) 427-3363 www.southernwealthbuilders.com

FINANCIAL PRODUCTS & SERVICES

OneAscent Financial Services (205) 847-1343 oneascent.com

FIRE & WATER RESTORATION

DryTech Water Restoration (205) 637-0143 www.mydrytech.com

ServPro of Birmingham (205) 664-6770 www.servpro.com/franchise. asp?id=2710

FIRE PROTECTION

North Shelby Fire and EMS District (205) 991-6439 www.northshelbyfire.com/

VSC Fire & Security, Inc. (256) 203-8599 www.vscfire.com

FIREARMS PRODUCTS & SERVICES

Redland Rifle Company (205) 797-1911 redlandrifle.com

FLOORING, CARPET, HARDWOOD

Hill’s Carpet (205) 358-7879 hillscarpetstore.com

Issis & Sons Carpet (205) 663-2310 issisandsons.com/ FLORISTS

Amazing Flowers & Occasions (205) 669-7061 amazingflowers.florist

Bella Blooms and Designs (205) 624-2217 bellabloomsanddesigns.com

FOOD

7 Brew - Alabaster www.southernbrew.com

Lickin Good Donuts (205) 593-4647

The Heavenly Donut Company (205) 536-7200 www.theheavenlydonutco.com

FOOD - FULL LINE SERVICES

Smiley Brothers Specialty Foods (205) 406-8421 www.smileybrothersfoods.com

SYSCO Food Services of Central Alabama, Incorporated (205) 668-0001 sysco.com/Contact/Contact/OurLocations/Central-Alabama

FOOD – SEASONINGS

A.C. Legg, Incorporated (205) 324-3451 www.aclegg.com

FOOD TRUCK BUILDS

Alabama Custom Trailer and RV, LLC (205) 624-3291 www.actrvalabama.com

FOOD WHOLESALE

Southeastern Food Merchandisers (205) 664-3322 www.southeasternfood.com/ FORESTRY

Gordon Timberlands (205) 669-6837

FUNDRAISING

Clothes Bin (334) 354-5367 fillthebins.com

Funding Solutions (512) 382-7270 www.funsol.com

FUNERAL HOMES

Bolton Funeral Home (205) 669-3179 www.boltonfuneralhome.com

Charter Funeral Home (205) 621-0800 charterfuneral.com

GENERAL CONTRACTOR

Southeastern Construction Partners, LLC (205) 637-5020 www. southeasternconstructionpartners. com

GIFT SHOP

E & C Creations Holiday Shop (205) 243-3784 Www.EandCCreations.com

GLASS REPAIR & SERVICES

Raynor Auto Glass (205) 523-3777 www.raynorautoglass.pro GOLF

Ballantrae Golf Club (205) 620-GOLF (4653) http://ballantraegolf.com/

Inverness Country Club (205) 991-8608 www.iccalabama.com

Timberline Golf Club (205) 668-7888 www.timberlinegc.com

GOVERNMENT – CITY

Alabaster Water Board (205) 663-6155 www.alabasterwater.com

City of Alabaster (205) 664-6800 www.cityofalabaster.com

City of Birmingham (205) 254-2283 www.birminghamal.gov

City of Calera (205) 668-3500 www.cityofcalera.org

City of Chelsea (205) 678-8455 www.cityofchelsea.com

City of Columbiana (205) 669-5800 www.cityofcolumbiana.com

City of Helena (205) 663-2161 www.cityofhelena.org

City of Hoover (205) 444-7500 www.hooveral.org

City of Leeds (205) 699-2585 www.leedsalabama.com

City of Montevallo (205) 665-2555 www.cityofmontevallo.com

City of Pelham (205) 620-6400 www.pelhamalabama.gov

City of Vestavia Hills (205) 978-0100 www.vestaviahills.net

City of Vincent (205) 672-2261 www.cityofvincental.com

Indian Springs Village (205) 982-1755 www.indianspringsvillage.org

Town of Harpersville (205) 672-9961 www.harpersvilleal.gov

Town of Mt Laurel (205) 408-8696 www.mtlaurel.com

Town of Westover (205) 678-3375 www.westoveral.gov

Town of Wilsonville (205) 669-6180 www.wilsonvilleal.com

Town of Wilton (205) 665-2021 www.wiltonalabama.net/

GOVERNMENT – COUNTY

Circuit and District Court (205) 669-8588

Emergency Management/ Environmental Director

Judge Al Crowson

Judge Hub Harrington

Judge Oliver Head

Judge Ron Jackson

Shelby County (205) 670-6550 www.shelbyal.com

Shelby County Circuit Clerk (205) 669-3760 shelby.alacourt.gov/

Shelby County Commission, District 1 (205) 669-6743

Shelby County Commission, District 2 (205) 427-4289

Shelby County Commission, District 3 (205) 665-9573

Shelby County Commission, District 4 (205) 663-7334

Shelby County Commission, District 5 (205) 988-4483

Shelby County Commission, District 6 (205) 234-0890

Shelby County Commission, District 7 (205) 985-7179

Shelby County Commission, District 8 (205) 982-8717

Shelby County Commission, District 9 (205) 678-2020

Shelby County Coroner (205) 669-3846 www.shelbyal.com/219/CoronersOffice

Shelby County Department of Development Services (205) 620-6650 www.shelbyal.com

Shelby County Director of Public Works (205) 669-3869

Shelby County District Attorney (205) 669-3750 www.shelbyal.com/243/DistrictAttorney

Shelby County Emergency Management Agency (205) 669-3999 www.shelbyal.com/index. aspx?nid=252

Shelby County Engineer (205) 669-3880

Shelby County Facilities & General Services Department (205) 670-6461 www.shelbyal.com

Shelby County Finance Manager (205) 669-3943

Shelby County Health Department (205) 620-1650

Shelby County Juvenile Services (205) 669-3831

Shelby County Planning Commission (205) 960-7220 www.shelbyal.com/

Shelby County Probate Judge (205) 670-5210 www.shelbyal.com/285/Probate-Court

Shelby County Property Tax Commission (205) 670-6900 ptc.shelbyal.com/

Shelby County Sheriff’s Office (205) 669-4181 www.shelbyso.com

GOVERNMENT – FEDERAL

SBA - Alabama District Office (205) 290-7101 www.sba.gov/district/alabama

U. S. Representative Gary Palmer - 6th Congressional District (205) 968-1290 palmer.house.gov/

U. S. Senator Katie Britt’s Office (205) 731-1384 www.britt.senate.gov

U. S. Senator Tommy Tuberville’s Office (202) 224-4124 www.tuberville.senate.gov

GOVERNMENT – STATE

Judge Matt Fridy, Alabama Court of Civil Appeals (205) 280-0260

Middle Alabama Area Agency on Aging (205) 670-5770 m4a.org/

Representative April Weaver (334) 261-0500 www.kennethpaschal.com/

Senator J.T. Waggoner (205) 978-7405

Shelby County Legislative Office (205) 620-6610 www.shelbylegislators.com/

State Representative Arnold Mooney, District 43 (334) 261-9512

State Representative Corley Ellis, District 41 (334) 261-0560

State Representative Jim Carns, District 48 (334) 261-0429

State Representative Leigh Hulsey, District 15

State Representative Russell Bedsole, District 49 (334) 261-0500

State Representative Susan DuBose, District 45 (205) 612-2433 susandubose.com

State Senator April Weaver, District 14 (334) 261-0886

State Senator Dan Roberts, District 15 (334) 261-0851

State Senator Lance Bell, District 11 (334) 261-0789

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Adobe Acrobat (408) 753-5826 www.adobe.com/acrobat/online/pdfto-jpg.html

Joffrion Art + Design (641) 660-9910 www.joffriondesign.com

GROCERS

Food Outlet (205) 668-2315 www.savmorcalera.com

Mi Pueblo Supermarket (205) 685-1446 www.mipueblosupermarket.com

Piggly Wiggly Grocery of Columbiana (205) 669-4278

Piggly Wiggly of Dunnavant Valley (205) 918-7120 www.thepigbham.com

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Aesthetic Dermatology (205) 588-7000 www.dermatologistsofbirmingham. com

Bella Luce Electrolysis (205) 612-8298 birminghamelectrolysis.com

The Glamour Grotto (205) 326-7101 www.instagram.com/the. glamourgrotto

HEALTH & FITNESS

Gameday Men’s HealthPelham (205) 855-0201 www.gamedaymenshealth.com/ pelham

REFUEL Boot Camp -Birmingham (205) 962-4195 birmingham.refuelbootcamp.com

YMCA - Pelham Family Branch (205) 664-9622 www.ymcabham.org/pelham

HEALTH & WELLNESS

All of You LLC (205) 208-9327 www.allofyou.biz

Brookdale University Park (205) 870-0786 Www.brookdale.com

Croswell Counseling Services, LLC (205) 660-1959 www.croswellcounseling.com

Element Wellness (205) 326-7333 elementwellness.me

Elise Hearn, Shaklee Ambassador (205) 821-2270 us.shaklee.com/site/elise/storefront

Shelby County Physical Therapy (205) 621-3077 shelbycountypt.com

Soul Story Therapy (205) 202-9685 www.soulstorytherapy.com

The Wellness and Yoga Institute (205) 492-5283 thewellnessandyogainstitute.store

HEALTH CARE

Absolute Health & Wellness (205) 218-6445 www.absolutehealthwellness.com

Aveanna Hospice of Pelham (205) 663-6887 www.aveanna.com/locations/431/ pelham-alabama-35124/ Fresenius Medical Care (205) 664-9106 www.fmcna.com

Mending Hearts LLC (205) 725-1544 www.mendingheartsllc.com

Pro Health Home Health & Hospice (205) 619-6009 www.prohealthgroup.com

Pro Health Home Health & Hospice (205) 619-6009 www.prohealthgroup.com

HEALTH INSURANCE

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama (205) 220-2100 www.bcbsal.org/web/index.html

VIVA Health Cafe’ (205) 978-4911 www.vivahealth.com

HEARING HEALTH

Oak Mountain Hearing Associates, LLC (205) 922-5574 www.oakmountainhearing.com

HOME FURNISHINGS & ACCESSORIES

Encore Resales Inc. (205) 358-7690 www.encorehome.com

Gabriella White Corporation (205) 987-3100 summerclassicshome.com

Summer Classics (205) 358-9200 www.summerclassics.com

HOME HEALTH CARE - NONMEDICAL

Home Instead Senior Care (205) 822-1915 www.homeinstead.com/bham

Homewatch CareGivers of Birmingham-Hoover (659) 284-2301 www.homewatchcaregivers.com/ birmingham/

Interim Healthcare Shelby (205) 974-1568 www.interimhealthcare.com

HOME IMPROVEMENTSCONSTRUCTION & REMODELING

Bath Fitter (205) 913-6024 www.bathfitter.com

Brown Lumber & Building Supply (205) 669-6715 www.brownlumber.com/

Coleman Construction, Inc. (205) 383-5472 colemanconstruction.net

Drain Right Guttering, LLC (205) 664-9828 drainrightguttering.com/

DrainGo of Alabama LLC (205) 250-9935 Www.DrainGoal.com

Home Repair Service (205) 858-1658 hrsbham.com/

HOME INSPECTION SERVICES

Birmingham Chimney Services (205) 547-0557 www.birminghamchimneyservices. com

HOME SERVICES

Mighty Dog Roofing (205) 964-9467 www.mightydogroofing.com/ birmingham-al/

November/December 2025

Top Hat Chimney Sweeps (205) 277-7956 www.calltophat.com

US Department of HUD (205) 731-2630

HOSPITAL

Baptist Health Shelby Hospital (205) 620-8100

www.baptisthealthal.com/facilities/ shelby-hospital

Children’s of Alabama (205) 638-9100 www.childrensal.org/

Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Shelby County (205) 216-7600 shelbycountyrehab.com

Grandview Medical Center (205) 971-1000 www.grandviewhealth.com/

UAB St. Vincent’s (205) 930-2134 uabstvincents.org/ HOSPITALITY

La Quinta Inn & Suites / Auburn Hospitality (334) 778-7059 www.wyndhamhotels.com/laquinta/ chelsea-alabama/la-quinta-inn-suiteschelsea/overview

HUMAN RESOURCE OUTSOURCING

CoAdvantage (714) 713-2387 www.coadvantage.com

Cisso Bean & Dutch, LLC (205) 542-8881 www.cissobeandutch.com

Ridgway Advisors, LLC (205) 914-8412 www.ridgwayadvisors.com

HVAC

Gulf States Automation, Inc. (205) 532-1990 www.gulfstatesautomation.com

Integrity Airworks LLC (205) 529-4771 birminghamalabamahvac.com/ INDIVIDUAL

Alex Dudchock

Aubrey Miller

BG2, LLC (205) 243-5405 bg2llc.com/

Bonnie Atchison (205) 669-9001 David Nolen

Joe Meads

Mark Teachman

Mike Swinson

The Honorable Chris Curry (205) 908-7222

The Honorable Theoangelo Perkins (205) 669-6317 www.theo.lowerealty.com

INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES & SERVICES

Manville Material Handling Solutions (205) 985-9505 www.manvillesolutions.com

INDUSTRY

Altec, Inc. (205) 991-7733 www.altec.com/

EBSCO Industries, Inc. (205) 991-6600 www.ebscoind.com/

Plant Power & Control Systems, LLC (205) 663-4433 www.plantpower.com

SEPCO, Sealing Equipment Products Company (205) 403-7500 www.sepcousa.com

Vulcan Materials Company (205) 663-0749 www.vulcanmaterials.com

INFORMATION MANAGEMENT

Neulogix Solutions (659) 204-4332 www.neulogixsolutions.com

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

CMIT Solutions of Birmingham South (205) 960-2648 cmitsolutions.com/birminghamal-1149/

RedBald LLC (205) 506-2119 RedBald.com

Sawyer Solutions, LLC (844) 448-7767 www.sawyersolutionsllc.com/

INSULATED GLASS

Over The Mountain Glass, Inc. (205) 733-8938 www.otmglass.com

INSURANCE

Alfa Insurance - Kyle Hicks Agency (205) 374-2110 alfainsurance.com/kylehicks

ALFA Insurance - The Brent Smith Agency (205) 624-1780 www.alfainsurance.com/agents/ brent-smith

Allcover Insurance Agency, LLC (205) 406-5026 www.allcoverinsagency.com

Benefit Specialists Group LLC (205) 965-0614 KarenTheMedicareLady.com

Bob Butterworth State Farm Insurance (205) 665-7190 www.bobbutterworth.net

Charlene Smith Agency, Farmers Insurance (205) 287-8356 agents.farmers.com/al/helena/ charlene-smith/auto-insurance/

Cousins Insurance Agency (205) 678-3337 www.cousinsins.com

Direct Auto Insurance (205) 623-1231 www.directauto.com

Elevation Insurance LLC (205) 974-1323 www.elevationinsurance.net

Farmers Insurance - Joseph Buff Agency (205) 701-4924 agents.farmers.com/al/chelsea/ joseph-buff

Rux Carter Insurance (205) 669-3158 www.ruxcarterinsurance.com

State Farm Insurance, Blake Guy Agency (205) 988-4525 www.blakeguyinsurance.com

State Farm Insurance, Vivian Mora Agency (205) 822-5023 www.vivianmoraagency.com

The Rinehart Agency, LLC (205) 671-5555 www.therinehartagency.com

INTERNET

Uniti Fiber (205) 902-8650 uniti.com

LANDSCAPE CONTRACTOR

Advanced Landscape Services (205) 493-1650 advancedlscape.com

LANDSCAPE DESIGN & INSTALL

SYNLawn of Alabama (205) 590-9549 www.synlawnalabama.com

LANDSCAPING/ VEGETATION CONTROL

Acre Group LLC (205) 453-9367 www.acrelandscape.com

SuperiorScape, Inc. (205) 678-2425 www.superiorscape.net

LAUNDROMAT

Bam’s Coin Laundry, LLC (256) 749-4332 www.bamscoinlaundry.net

LEGAL SERVICES

J. Welborn Law (205) 903-8300

Jim Pino & Associates, P.C. (205) 663-1581 www.jimpinoandassociates.com

Snable Law, LLC (205) 582-8000 www.snablelaw.com

LIBRARIES

Albert L. Scott Public Library (205) 664-6822 www.shelbycounty-al.org

Harrison Regional Library (205) 669-3910 www.shelbycounty-al.org

North Shelby Library (205) 439-5500 www.northshelbylibrary.org

LIQUOR

The Spot @ 280 (205) 761-1010 bottlezoo.com/store/bz_thespot

LOCKSMITH

LockCorp Inc (205) 565-7339 www.lockcorpinc.com

LODGING

Candlewood Suites Alabaster (205) 620-0188 www.candlewoodsuites.com/ alabasteral

Fairfield Inn & Suites Pelham (205) 987-9879 www.marriott.com/bhmfp

Hampton Inn & Suites of Pelham (205) 313-9500 www.hilton.com/en/hotels/bhmcvhxhampton-suites-birminghampelham-i-65

Hampton Inn of Calera (205) 668-6565 www.calera.hamptoninn.com

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Birmingham South - Pelham (205) 987-8888 www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/ hotels/us/en/pelham/pelex/ hoteldetail

Hyatt Regency Birmingham - The Wynfrey Hotel (205) 705-1234 wynfrey.regency.hyatt.com/en/hotel/ home.html

MANUFACTURER

Alabama Glas Tek, Inc. (205) 592-4527 www.alabamaglastek.com/

Birmingham Coca-Cola Bottling Company (205) 841-2653 cocacolaunited.com/locations/ birmingham/ Cheney Lime & Cement Company (205) 625-3031 www.cheneylime.com

Danieli Taranis LLC (205) 678-7451 www.danieli-usa.com

Saginaw Pipe Company, Incorporated (205) 664-3670 www.saginawpipe.com/

Siluria Brewing Company. LLC (205) 624-3037 www.siluriabrewing.com

Steel City Metal, Inc. (205) 677-2134 steelcitymetal.net

Vulcan Steel Products (205) 620-5100 www.vulc.com

MARINE / TRANSPORTATION

Coosa Composites (205) 663-3225 www.coosacomposites.com

MARKETING

Brownstone Marketing Solutions (205) 789-3600 www.bmsllc.biz

Duo Digital Marketing (205) 492-9547 duodigitalmarketing.com

ElectroDash (205) 607-2230 www.electrodash.io

Trustway Marketing (205) 451-1945 trustway.marketing

MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS

Birdsong Innovations (205) 907-6623 www.birdsonginnovations.com

MASSAGE THERAPY

Something EveryBODY Kneads (205) 260-5122 www.kneadsmet.vip/ MEDIA

ABC 33/40 (205) 982-3942 www.abc3340.com/

Bassmaster * (205) 313-0946 www.bassmaster.com/

CBS 42 (205) 322-4200 www.cbs42.com/

FOX6 WBRC-TV (205) 322-6666 www.myfoxal.com

Shelby County Newsmedia, Inc. (205) 669-3131 www.shelbycountyreporter.com

WBHM (205) 934-2606 www.wbhm.org

WVTM 13 (205) 933-1313 www.alabamas13.com/

MEDICAL – GENERAL

American Family Care of Alabaster (205) 403-8902 www.afcurgentcare.com/ alabaster/?utm_source=GMB&utm_ medium=organic&utm_ campaign=alabaster

American Family Care of Calera (205) 319-8000 www.afcurgentcare.com

American Family Care of Greystone (205) 201-7290 www.americanfamilycare.com

American Family Care of Pelham (205) 621-6411 www.afcurgentcare.com/ pelham/?utm_source=GMB&utm_ medium=organic&utm_ campaign=pelham

Fast Pace Health - Alabaster (659) 242-5456 fastpacehealth.com/location/ alabaster-al-urgent-care/#

MainStreet Family Care (205) 644-8289 www.mainstreetfamilycare.com

Southern Immediate Care (205) 409-2794 www.southernimmediatecare.com

Southern Wellness LLC (205) 624-4325 www.southernwellnessmed.com

Therachem Research Medilab LLC (205) 427-0419 therachem.net/

MEDICAL – SPECIALIZED

Alabama Psychiatry (205) 540-7477 www.alpsychiatry.com

Cahaba Dermatology | Spa (205) 214-7546 (Skin) www.cahabaderm.com

Central Alabama Wellness (205) 651-0077 centralalabamawellness.org

Columbiana Health and Rehabilitation (205) 669-1712 www.columbianahealthandrehab.com

Harbor Counseling Services (205) 919-6537 harborcounselingllc.com

Heart South Cardiovascular Group, PC (205) 663-5775 www.heartsouthpc.com

Lemak Sports Medicine, LLC (205) 329-7500 lemakhealth.com/

Shelby Oral Facial Surgery, PC (205) 208-0167 www.ShelbyOFS.com

Vascular & Interventional Specialists of Alabama (205) 721-8472 www.vascularinterventionalspecialists. com

MEDICARE INSURANCE AGENT

Paige Phillips Agency, LLC (205) 434-7221 www.paigephillipsagency.com/

MERCHANT SERVICES

Forthright Services LLC (205) 281-6789 www.forthrightservicesllc.com

MILITARY NON-PROFIT

Lance Corporal Thomas Rivers Jr. VFW Memorial Post 12185 (205) 624-3037

MILITARY SERVICE

Birmingham Air National Guard (205) 714-2287

Mold, Water and Asbestos Remediation

Homeworx Birmingham Inc. (205) 809-3777 www.homeworxbham.com

MORTGAGE

First Federal Mortgage (205) 969-3334 www.1stfedmortgage.com

Gagliano Mortgage, Inc. (205) 979-4412 www.birminghammortgagecompany. com

Redmont Home Loans Powered by LeaderOne Financial (205) 999-8217 www.Scottmoulton.Leader1.com

Welcome Home Mortgage LLC (205) 358-3423 www.welcomehomemortgageal.com

MOVING & STORAGE

Armstrong Relocation & Companies (205) 942-1625 www.armstrongrelocation.com

Lambert Moving Systems (205) 847-1177 Www.golambertteam.com

MUSEUM & ARCHIVES

Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum (205) 668-3435 www.hodrrm.org/

Shelby County Historical Society, Incorporated (205) 669-3912 www.shelbycountyhistory.com/

Shelby Iron Works Park (205) 669-2465

MUSIC EDUCATION

Linda Harper Music LLC (205) 746-5904 www.lindaharpermusic.store

NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION MANAGEMENT

Selective Management Services (205) 624-3586 www.selectivemgmt.com

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION

Alabama Childhood Food Solutions (205) 451-2358 alabamachildhoodfood.com

Alabama Cooperative Extension System - Shelby County Office (205) 669-6763 www.aces.edu

Alabama Forest Owners’ Association, Inc. (205) 624-2225 www.afoa.org

Birmingham A I www.birminghamai.org

Blanket Fort Hope (205) 840-9411 blanketforthope.org

Cahaba Medical Care (205) 679-6326 www.cahabamedicalcare.com/

Calera Main Street (404) 268-4102 www.downtowncalera.org

Catalyst Center for Business & Entrepreneurship - REACH Women’s Business Center (256) 428-8190 catalystcenter.org

Community Action Partnership of Middle Alabama (205) 669-3836 www.capmal.org

Family Connection, Inc. (205) 663-6301 www.familyconnection-inc.org

Junior League of Birmingham (205) 879-9861 jlbonline.com

Liberty Learning Foundation (800) 239-0005 libertylearning.org

Republican Women of North Shelby County (205) 999-3111 algop.org/event/republican-womenof-north-shelby-county-2/2022-08-09/

Second Shift (205) 913-2822 www.secondshiftalabama.org

Shelby County Arts Council (205) 669-0044 www.shelbycountyartscouncil.com

Shelby County RSVP (205) 670-6570 www.positivematurity.org/

Shelby Emergency Assistance (205) 665-1942 www.shelbyemergencyassistance. com/

The Red Barn (205) 699-8204 www.theredbarn.org

Two by Two Rescue www.twobytworescue.com

OFFICE EQUIPMENT - SALES & LEASING

ABS Business Systems / ABS Pure Water (205) 588-5077 www.absimage.com

Xerox Business Solutions (205) 969-3000 southeast.xeroxbusinesssolutions. com/

OFFICE SUPPLIES & SERVICES

Office Depot (205) 945-2650 www.business.officedepot.com

ORGANIZING SERVICES

Space Cadets (205) 326-7025 www.spacecadetsorg.com/

ORTHOPEDIC SPECIALIST

Andrews Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Center (205) 939-3699 www.andrewssportsmedicine.com

OTHER

Next Day Access (205) 578-7676 nextdayaccess.com/birmingham-al

PARAMEDICS

Regional Paramedical Services (205) 664-1036 www.rpsems.com

PAVING – ASPHALT

Wiregrass Construction Company, Inc. (334) 356-2560 www.wiregrassconstruction.com

PAYROLL SERVICES

Payroll Resources LLC (205) 963-7132 www.payrollresources.com

PB&A Services (205) 336-1515 pbaservices.net/

PEST CONTROL & SERVICES

Cook’s Pest Control - Birmingham Commercial District (205) 290-0890 www.cookspest.com

Mr. Bugg’s Pest Patrol, Inc. (205) 663-1919 mrbuggs.com/

Vulcan Termite & Pest Control, Inc. (205) 663-4200 www.vulcantermite.com

Wayne’s Environmental Services, Inc. (205) 985-7009 www.callwaynes.com

PET GROOMING SERVICES

World Class Kennels (205) 672-2599 www.worldclasskennels.com

PHARMACIES

Davis Drug (205) 669-6713

PHOTOGRAPHY SERVICES

Diana Johnson Photography (205) 936-5442 www.dianajohnsonphotography.com

Elizabeth Grandy Photography (205) 409-1590 www.elizabethgrandyphotography. com

PHYSICAL THERAPY

ATI Physical TherapyPelham (205) 840-3924 www.atipt.com

TherapySouth Alabaster Hwy 119 (205) 608-9950 therapysouth.com/locations/ alabasterhwy119/

TherapySouth of Chelsea (205) 678-7272 www.therapysouth.com/locations/ chelsea/

PLUMBING & GAS FITTERS

AH Plumbing, LLC (205) 807-7137

PLUMBING SERVICES

Roto-Rooter Services Co. (205) 518-7072 www.rotorooter.com

The Neighborhood Plumber (205) 663-0612 www.theneighborhoodplumber.com/

PRINTING SERVICES

Minuteman Press (205) 621-2722 al200.minuteman.com

PostNet of Chelsea (205) 678-0123 www.postnet.com/al106

The Awards & Engraving Place (205) 823-7676 www.alabamaawards.com/

The UPS Store Caldwell Mill at Valleydale in Hoover (205) 980-8180 hoover-al-2389.theupsstorelocal.com/

The UPS Store Calera (205) 668-4822 locations.theupsstore.com/al/ calera/136-marketplace-circle

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Dean & Associates Inc (205) 259-1918 deanandassociatesinc.com/

Sealy Management Co. Inc (205) 391-6000 www.sealyrealty.com

PUBLICATIONS

Birmingham Christian Family Magazine (205) 408-7150 www.birminghamchristian.com

JBMC Media (205) 617-9609 www.jbmcmedia.com

John The Real Menu ‘’Man’’ (205) 329-4886

Starnes Media (205) 313-1780 starnes.media

Women’s Exchange (205) 967-0085 www.womens-exchange.com

REAL ESTATE

ARC Realty (205) 969-8910 www.arcrealtyco.com/

ARC Realty - Chelsea (205) 881-4503 www.arcrealtyco.com/real-estateoffice/114/chelsea

ERA King Real Estate - Calera Office http://eraking.com

ERA King Real Estate - Hoover Office (205) 979-2335 eraking.com

REAL ESTATE – COMMERCIAL

Cushman & Wakefield/EGS Commercial Real Estate (205) 939-4440 www.egsinc.com

eXp Commercial - Myers Enterprises, LLC (205) 616-1445 scott.w.myers@expcommercial.com

REAL ESTATE – RESIDENTIAL

ARC Realty - Cindy Edmunds, Agent (205) 229-2774 www.arcrealtyco.com

Jamie Stone-Broker Associate-Keller Williams Vestavia (205) 365-6956

Leane Randle, REALTOR® | eXp Realty (205) 531-4245 leanerandle.exprealty.com/

Team Lehman Realty (205) 542-4011 team-lehman.com

REAL ESTATE INVESTMENTS

Tolbert Investments, LLC (205) 337-7067 www.tolbertinvestments.com

RECREATION

Alabaster Senior Center (205) 663-1307 www.cityofalabaster.com/facilities/ facility/details/seniorcenter-16

Birmingham Barons (205) 988-3200 www.barons.com

Blue Water Park LLC (205) 663-7428 www.bluewaterparkal.com

City of Pelham Parks and Recreation (205) 620-6426 www.pelhamalrecreation.gov

Majestic Caverns (256) 378-7252 majesticcaverns.com/

Oak Mountain State Park (205) 620-2520 www.alapark.com/OakMountain

Old Baker Farm (205) 672-7209 www.oldbakerfarm.com/

Pelham Racquet Club (205) 621-3380 www.pelhamracquetclub.com/

SCPARA (205) 991-2015

RE-ENTRY FACILITY

Alabama Therapeutic Education Facility (205) 669-1187 www.geogroup.com

RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATION

Shelby Baptist Association (205) 669-7858 www.shelbybaptist.org

RESTAURANTS

Arby’s - Chelsea (205) 677-9096 www.arbys.com/ locations/?q=Chelsea%20al

Big Whiskey’s Alabaster www.bigwhiskeys.com

Chick-Fil-A at Greystone (205) 995-8333

Chick-Fil-A at Inverness (205) 995-9925 www.chick-fil-a.com/inverness

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store (205) 987-1555 www.crackerbarrel.com

El Jalisco - Valleydale (205) 637-0014 eljalisco.com/locations/valleydale/ Eugene’s Hot Chicken (205) 915-9566 www.eugeneshotchicken.com

Full Moon Bar-B-Que of Pelham (205) 517-6966 www.fullmoonbbq.com

Half Shell Oyster House (205) 730-5566 www.halfshelloysterhouse.com

Hit Different Barbeque and Grill (205) 358-8030 hitdifferentfoodtruck.com

Jefferson’s Restaurant (205) 989-9464 jeffersons.com/hoover/

Jimmy John’s (205) 564-8228 www.jimmyjohns.com/

Joe’s Italian Pizza Pasta & Cafe (205) 663-4111 www.joesitalianonline.com/

La Gran Riviera Maya Mexican Cocina (205) 358-7218 lagranrivieramayapelhamal.com/ Maya Mexican Restaurant Alabaster (205) 624-4477 www.mayamxrestaurant.com

McAlister’s Deli of Pelham (205) 985-9797 www.mcalistersdeli.com/ Meri Moon (205) 476-8052 www.merimoon.com

Milo’s Hamburgers – Alabaster (205) 871-2000 www.miloshamburgers.com

Milo’s Hamburgers - Calera (205) 668-7748 www.miloshamburgers.com

Milo’s Hamburgers – Inverness (205) 991-6456 www.miloshamburgers.com

Milo’s Hamburgers – Pelham (205) 402-0722 www.miloshamburgers.com

Oak House (205) 843-0047 www.oakhouseeats.com

Taco Mama (205) 705-3333 www.tacomamaonline.com

Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe (205) 380-4344 www.tazikis.com

The Craft Burger - Caldwell Mill / Valleydale Road (205) 995-0003 www.thecraftburgers.com

The Craft Burger - Highway 280 Location (205) 538-5256 www.thecraftburger.com

The HoneyBaked Ham Company (205) 620-9899 www.myhoneybakedstore.com/ alabaster/808

The Steakhouse of Helena (205) 208-0281

Tin Top Bar B Que 2 (205) 670-0583 tintopbarbque2.business.site/

Whataburger @ Alabaster (205) 620-4188 www.whataburger.com

Whataburger @ Inverness (205) 980-9314 locations.whataburger.com/al/ birmingham/111-resource-centerpkwy.html

RETAIL

A Birthday Place (205) 637-0010 www.abirthdayplace.com

Cahaba Tractor Company (205) 663-1470 www.cahabatractor.com

Glitz & Gowns, Inc. (205) 685-5825 glitzandgowns.com

Rockett’s Bug Juice Gardens, Inc. (205) 981-1151 bugjuicegardens.com

The Farm Company (205) 396-6896 www.thefarmcompany.net/

TNT Fireworks (205) 651-8300 tntfireworks.com

Vapor Thrift Store (205) 677-2077 www.vaporthrift.com

RETAIL - ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES

Oak Mountain Mercantile (205) 826-4256 www.facebook.com/ oakmountainmercantile

RETIREMENT COMMUNITY

Danberry At Inverness (205) 443-9500 www.danberryatinverness.com

Gardens of Pelham Assisted Living (205) 402-9922 www.gardensofpelham.com

REVERSE MORTGAGE LENDING

Reverse Mortgage Alabama (205) 908-2993 www.reversemortgagealabama.com

ROOFING

Birmingham Roofs (205) 593-4487 www.bhamroofs.com/

STA DRY Roofing & Construction (205) 218-9772 www.stadry.net

Steel City Roofers (205) 542-3410 steelcityroofers.com/

Storm Restoration Roofing (205) 790-7696 www.stormrestorationroofing.com

The Roofing Dudes, LLC (205) 732-7231 www.theroofingdudes.com

Yellowhammer Roofing, Inc (205) 988-3337 yellowhammerroofing.com

RUBBER PRODUCTS

Specification Rubber Products, Inc. (205) 663-2521 www.specrubber.com/

RV SALES & SERVICE

Great American RV Superstores (844) 642-4947 www.greatamericanrv.com

SECURITY SERVICES

Overwatch Security Advisors (205) 778-3770 www.overwatchsecurityadvisors.com

SEED & FEED STORE

Sweet Tweets Bird Supply (205) 490-3235

SENIOR SERVICES

Senior Transitions LLC (205) 568-0543

SIGNS

A2Z Signs (205) 358-7756 www.a2zsignsal.com

FASTSIGNS (205) 823-4045 www.fastsigns.com/198

SITE WORK CONSTRUCTION

Pipelines, LLC (205) 358-8202 pipelinesllc.com

SPECIAL EDUCATION SUPPORT

Sanspree Consulting (205) 531-1695

SPORTS

The Golffice (205) 810-2245 www.thegolffice.com

SPORTS CLUB

Birmingham Bulls Hockey Club, LLC (205) 620-6870 www.bullshockey.net

Birmingham Legion FC (205) 600-4696 www.bhmlegion.com/

SPORTS EQUIPMENT

Tandems, Ltd. (205) 991-5519 www.tandemsltd.com

STEEL FABRICATORS

Dunn Building Company, LLC (205) 510-0243 www.dunnbuildingcompany.com

STORAGE

Attic Plus Storage (205) 969-1860 www.atticplus.com

Columbiana Mini Storage (205) 669-3308

Lumpkin Development (205) 985-5074 www.lumpkindevelopment.com

American Self Storage, LLC (205) 624-2336 www.amss4al.com

Greystone Self Storage, LLC (205) 206-7882 www.greystoneselfstorage.com/

The Narrows Self Storage (205) 438-6200 www.thenarrowsselfstorage.com

SWIMMING POOLS

Swimming Pool Services, LLC (205) 601-3385 www.swimmingpoolservices.net

TAX & FINANCIAL SERVICES

Cornerstone Certified Public Accounting, LLC (205) 678-8033 cornerstonecpanow.com

TECHNOLOGY

The BOSS Company (205) 900-2677 www.thebossco.com

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

AT&T - Alabama (205) 714-0523 www.att.com

Enhanced Telecommunications & Data (205) 421-3080 www.etd.com

Low Latency Communications, LLC (205) 745-3970 www.lowlatencycomm.com

TELEPHONE EQUIPMENT & SERVICES

Business Telephones Incorporated (205) 988-8297 www.bticonnect.com

THRIFT STORE

The Foundry Ministries (205) 424-4673 www.foundryministries.com

TIRE WHOLESALER

Tire Engineers @ Hwy 280 (205) 408-2720 www.tireengineers.com/

TITLE INSURANCE

Pro Forma Title, Inc. (205) 982-2486 Www.proformatitle.com

TOURISM & RECREATION

Discover Shelby (205) 620-6622 discovershelby.com/

TRAINING

Alabama Technology Network (205) 856-8000 www.atn.org

Bald Eagle Leadership (502) 643-0403 baldeagleleadership.com/

Sandler Training in Alabama by KSA Inc. (205) 306-8164 www.ksainc.sandler.com

TRANSITIONAL HOUSING FOR HOMELESS

Farm For Hope (205) 787-0881

TRANSPORTATION

Rare Transportation (205) 980-7273 raretransportation.com/

RW Stevens Inc (205) 482-4606 rwstevensinc.com/

TRUCKING COMPANY

Billy Franklin Enterprises (205) 965-3889

UTILITY COMPANIES

Alabama Power Company (205) 226-1742 www.alabamapower.com

Alabama Water Utilities (205) 987-8352 www.CleanerCahaba.info

Spire Alabama, Inc. (800) 292-4008 www.spireenergy.com

Sterrett - Vandiver Water System, Inc. (205) 672-3396 www.svwatersystem.com

The Birmingham Water Works Board (205) 244-4000 www.bwwb.org/

VACATION RENTAL

Lighthouse 1115 (205) 821-5916 www.vrbo.com/2088299

VENDING

HealthyChoice2Go Vending (205) 876-9878 healthychoice2go.com

VETERINARIAN

280 Animal Medical Center (205) 678-8253 www.280amc.com

Airport Veterinary Hospital, P.C. (205) 621-0500

airportveterinaryhospitalofcalera.com/

Helena Veterinary Clinic (205) 236-0500 www.helenavetclinic.com

Oak View Animal Hospital (205) 988-3559 www.oakviewah.com

Shelbiana Animal Clinic (205) 669-7717 www.shelbianaanimalclinic.com/

Valleydale Animal Clinic (205) 991-5416 www.valleydaleanimalclinic.com

VIDEOGRAPHY

Video Visions Media Marketing (206) 621-0940 www.videovisionsmm.com

WASTE DISPOSAL SERVICES

Bin There Dump That (205) 406-5850 www.dumpsterrentalsbirmingham. com/

WASTE MANAGEMENT SERVICEs

GFL Environmental (205) 329-5691 www.gflenv.com

WEALTH MANAGEMENT

OneAscent Wealth Management, LLC (205) 313-9142 www.oneascentwealth.com

WEB DESIGN & SERVICES

Great New Day Internet Solutions, LLC (205) 939-3565 www.greatnewday.com

WEDDING VENUE

Douglas Manor (205) 369-8714 www.douglasmanorevents.com/

WELLNESS CLINIC

Bailey Wellness Group (205) 378-7059 baileywellnessgroup.com/

WINDOW TREATMENTS

Van Gogh Window Fashions (205) 987-3711 vangoghwindowfashions.com

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

Central Six Alabama Works! 205-458-8966 ext. 1350 www.CentralSix.org

North Central Alabama Works www.madeinalabama.com

The Onin Group (205) 298-7233 oningroup.com

NORTH SHELBY BAPTIST CHURCH TOUCH-ATRUCK

RALEY

Kids from around the North Shelby area saw their toys become a big reality when they gathered for North Shelby Baptist Church’s Touch-A-Truck event on Sunday, Aug. 3.

1. Charlie, Olivia, Colby, Caleb and Macie Mercier

2. Josh Hubbard

3. Hunter and Grant Tinnell

4. Angela and Ryder Rucker

5. David, Anna and David Lake

6. Rachel Ponder

7. Jacob and Hudson

8. Amy, Jordan, Nathan and Jason Lee

PHOTOS BY TYLER

ALABASTER HEALTH FAIR

PHOTOS BY NOAH WORTHAM

Residents perused stations from a series of vendors while learning about how to better manage their health during the eighth annual Alabaster Health Fair.

1. Sanchez Tanniehill and Nick Simmons

2. Randi Dicus and Brandon Matthews

3. Mary Katherine Thorn

4. Robin Rendon and Kimberly Jones

5. Colleen Shores

6. Tosha Britt and Aisha Peterson

7. Carla Harrell

8. Shae Farrell and Zina Cartwell

9. Ladonna Chapman and Kelsey Wipperman

AUGUST CHAMBER COMMUNITY

LUNCHEON

Jefferson State Community College delivered an update on the state of the school during the Shelby County Chamber’s August Community Luncheon on Wednesday, Aug. 27.

1. Elise Hearn, Liz Sawyer, Traci Fox and Steve Johnson

2. David Bobo and Jared Welborn

3. Scott Elliott and Reid Knight

4. Leanne Pate, Kristie Stack and Sam Marsingill

5. Andrew Burke and Keith Morris

6. Bethany Ivey and Leah Eagle

7. Beverly Cochran, Nikita Mathews, Leann Streetman and Elly Arnold

PHOTOS BY NOAH WORTHAM

LEADERSHIP SHELBY COUNTY BREAKFAST

PHOTOS BY TYLER RALEY

The new Leadership Shelby County class of 2026 came together for the first time to kick off the newest year of the program at a breakfast at Jefferson State Community College on Thursday, Aug. 28.

1. Watson Hughston, John Hall, Shae Harris and Daniel Listi

2. Neal Wagner and Noah Wortham

3. Scott Gossett and Wendy Newland

4. Bill Bostick and Traci Fox

5. Natalie Steed and CJ Guercio

6. Josh Sisk and Robbie Hayes

7. Michael O’Kelley and Paul Rogers

8. Chris Miller and Nathan Smitherman

SHELBY COUNTY

I.G.N.I.T.E LAUNCH

PHOTOS BY NOAH WORTHAM

Law enforcement representatives from across the state joined the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office in celebrating the start of the I.G.N.I.T.E. initiative in Shelby County.

1. Clay Hammac and Henry Irby

2. Kim Melton, Leighann Bates and Krissie Masters

3. John Samaniego and Clay Hammac

4. David Perry, Denver McCool, Crystal Motley and Kevin Buird with Savannah and Amy Rogers

5. Grant Humphries and John Shearon

6. Ben Fuller and Matt Casey

7. Arnold and Kelly Mooney with April Weaver

THE TINGLEWOOD FESTIVAL

PHOTOS BY RACHEL HENDERSON

On Saturday, Sept. 13 at Orr Park, the annual Tinglewood Festival took place, featuring a woodcarving exhibition, a classic car show, a vendor market of local artists’ wares, food trucks, animal encounters, inflatables and more.

1. Jesus and Sebastian Cacho

2. Adele Nelson and Susan Bennett

3. Marissa Wilson and Courtney Bennett

4. Maria and Margarita Serrano

5. Beth House

6. Colton Wilson and Tim Tingle

7. Ava Wilson and Ashley Tingle

8. Allie and Jax Rollan

9. Ron and Cheryl Herbster

SHELBY COUNTY SHOWCASE OF BANDS

PHOTOS

BY

TYLER RALEY

Marching bands from across Shelby County came together to perform their hearts out for each other at the Shelby County Showcase of Bands on Tuesday, Sept. 9.

1. Tanner Allander, Alexandros Chingas and Kenadie Fuller

2. Emma Davis

3. Charlee Griffin, Marin Radice and Mary Grace Ratley

4. Gabby Grooms and Avelyn Helms

5. Londyn Taylor and Anna O’Shaughnessy

6. Logan Buff and Bryce Newman

7. Paityn Reed and Miriam Wilson

8. Keilee Kwon and Drayton Gooch

Marketplace

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. Walkin applications accepted. Clanton (205)280-0002. Pelham (205)4449774.

Bama Concrete Now Hiring: Diesel Mechanic 4 Years Minimum Experience. CDL Preferred. Competitive Pay. Great Benefits. Apply in person: 2180 Hwy 87 Alabaster, 35007

Now Hiring For Utility Positions

Starting pay $15.14/hour Must be able to pass background screen. Please apply at: www.bc.com

Central Alabma Wellness Mental Health Services

Office locations in Calera, Clanton, Pelham, and 280!

205-651-0077 Visit our website to learn more central albamawellness.org

Marble Valley Manor. Affordable 1 and 2 Bedroom Apartments for Elderly & Disabled. Many on-site services! 2115 Motes Rd, Sylacauga. 256245-6500 •TDD#s: 800-548-2547(V) •800-548-2546(T/ A). Office Hours: Mon-Fri, 8am-4pm. Equal Opportunity Provider/Employer

Security Guard for Gated Community in North Shelby County Full-time or Part-time. Must have pistol permit. Call Brittany 205991-4653

Become a Dental Assistant in ONLY 8 WEEKS! Please visit our website capstonedental assisting.com or call (205)561-8118 and get your career started!

ETS Restorations & Tree Service

“From street to walls, we do it all” •Retaining Walls •Concrete

Work •Demolition •Landscaping •Tree Removal •Tree Trimming •Bobcat Work •Hardscapes •Hauling FREE ESTIMATES!!! CALL NOW (205)2097787 (205)6833257

Hill Brook Manor Apartments 300 Sumner Dr. Calera, AL 35040 205-6682020 Affordable Living Apartments Available 1 BR for $665/month 2BR for $705/month

Software Engineers III - eBusiness in Birmingham, AL: Email resume to Motion Industries, Inc. at: mottalentacquisition@ motion.com (Must REF: Job Title in subject line).

Production Engineering Technician –Positions offered by HL Mando America Corporation (Hogansville, GA). Increase first pass yield by improving measurement systems & optimize machining processes.

Submit resume to cindy.smith@ hlcompany.com.

Reference Job ID: 8445038.

Production Engineering Technician –Positions offered by HL Mando America Corporation (Hogansville, GA). Increase first pass yield by improving measurement systems & optimize machining processes. Submit resume to cindy.smith@ hlcompany.com.

Reference Job ID: 8445038.

P&F COIN COMPANT: We Pay The Highest Prices In Town! 561 First St. N, Alabster, AL 35007 "WE BUY & SELL GOLD & SILVER" *Scrap/ Broken Jewelry *Gold & Silver Bullion * Sterling Silverware Sets * Vintage Watches *And More! Find Us On Facebook! 205624-3033 admin@ pfcoincompany. com

For All Your Masonry Needs

•Block •Brick

•Concrete Repair

•Brick Cleaning •Painting Call 205-6430729 or email srichardson642@ gmail.com to get your FREE ESTIMATES!

Pelham's Newest Community! Tower Homes Community, Huntley Ridge, is nestled conveniently near I-65, I-459 and Highway 31 and is now selling 3BR/2BA homes starting in the $320s. Call today to schedule a showing!

Now Hiring! Termite Treaters and Inspectors Work with a great local company, in business for over 50 years. BC/BS insurance, 401k, opportunities available. No experience required Must have a good driving record and be able to pass drug screen. Email to facsmith@charter. net or call 205369-6250 Vulcan Termite and Pest Control

MY SHELBY COUNTY LISA STRICKLAND DAVIS

First Female Mayor of Columbiana

Sentimental Spots

Lay Lake

My favorite spot in Shelby County has to be our family lakehouse on Lay Lake. It is so special to my family and me. My grandfather purchased the lot back in the late ’60s and started building the cabin we have. Over the years, so many family moments have taken place there. It’s my happy place—the place I go to feel close to loved ones that have departed and to be closer to God. There’s something about water that just rejuvenates the soul. We are lucky to have four generations share that special place now. My grandfather would be so happy!

Eat Local

Tin Top Bar-B-Que 2

One of my favorite places to eat is Tin Top Bar-B-Que 2. I remember back in the early days the spot belonged to Beverly’s BBQ. Back then there weren’t even seats in the restaurant—it was take-out only. Today, I enjoy the pork sandwich and the ribeye.

Serving Local Citzens

The First Female Mayor of Columbiana

Get Outdoors

Downtown Columbiana

One of my favorite places to get outdoors is probably no surprise to anyone that knows me—downtown Columbiana, working on the flowerbeds and other beautification projects. I guess you could say that it’s my “dirt therapy.” I love having a project, working on it and seeing the enjoyment it brings everyone in our community. Flowers and other fun things the Beautification Board has added really bring a visual impact and charm to our town. I enjoy working on those projects, too, because I get to talk to people that are out and about downtown while I’m working.

Fellowship in Community Christmas Tour of Homes

There are so many great events all over the county, but one of my favorites is the Beautification Board’s Christmas Tour of Homes. Christmas is such a magical time in Columbiana, and the Tour of Homes just adds to the holiday experience. It’s a fundraiser for the Beautification Board, and all the proceeds go back into community projects.

It’s such an honor to be elected as the first female mayor in Columbiana. I have so many things to do when I take office, but one of the more important ones is to introduce myself to other county leaders and business owners in our town. It’s important that people know the local leadership, and I want to make sure everyone knows me and knows that they can call on me anytime. Communication is key, and I want everyone to feel supported, from businesses to every single citizen.