Shelby Living, September/October 2021

ELIZABETH POLLAND’S PASTEL HUES • REDISCOVER GATLINBURG • NEW LOCAL RESTAURANTS TO TRY

RV RENO

TOUR A FAMILY’S TRANSFORMED FIFTH WHEEL

IN THE DARK THE NIGHT SHIFT THROUGH A LENS

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021 ShelbyLiving.com Volume 13 | Issue 5 $4.95

DREAM RIDE MEET THE MAN WHO BIKED FROM KEY WEST TO MAINE AT AGE 81 ShelbyLiving.com

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2 September/October 2021

Colonial Christmas Lunch & Tour DECEMBER 6-10 AND 13-17 $35 PER PERSON RESERVE YOUR SEATS BY CALLING

(205) 665-3535 EXT. 1031

3727 HIGHWAY 119 MONTEVALLO, AL 35115 WWW.AMERICANVILLAGE.ORG

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FEATURES

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IN THE DARK What policing and the sky look like by night as captured by one who knows it well.

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A DREAM RIDE At age 81, George Dudley cycled from Key West to Maine with his wife by his side. Here’s the story of their journey.

64 HIT THE ROAD

This town nestles up against the Great Smoky Mountains in a way that invites guests to leave the screens behind so they can relax, unwind and reconnect to the outdoors.

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PHOTO BY KLINT RHODES

REDISCOVER GATLINBURG

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PHOTO BY MARY TWEEDY

arts & culture

11 A Newfound Purpose: Elizabeth Polland’s Pastel Hues 20 Arts Council Corner: Pop Art

schools & sports

21 Speed Sport: The La Breche Brothers on the Volleyball Court 28 Five Questions For: A Pelham Culinary Award Winner

food

& drink

29 New(ish) Restaurants to Try in Shelby County

in every issue 4 Contributors 5 From the Editor 6 The Question 7 The Guide 72 Business Connections 78 Out & About 86 Marketplace 88 My Shelby County

36 Five Questions For: Daysol Coffee

home

& style

37 RV Reno: Meet Four Fittses in a Fifth Wheel

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contributors EDITORIAL

Alec Etheredge Madoline Markham Keith McCoy Scott Mims Emily Sparacino

CONTRIBUTORS

Kathryn Bell Solomon Crenshaw Jr. Lauren Dowdle Morgan Hunt Sasha Johns Klint Rhodes Christiana Roussel Mary Tweedy

DESIGN

Jamie Dawkins Connor Martin-Lively Kimberly Myers Briana Sansom

Kathryn Bell, Photographer

Kathryn is a freelance photographer with a recent degree in art from the University of Montevallo. Her photography has led her to photograph presidential candidates and create fine arts work inspired by the classics.

She fancies herself a plant lady and enjoys the challenge of keeping rare and difficult plants alive as well as exploring Birmingham!

Solomon Crenshaw Jr., Writer

A native of Birmingham, Solomon has developed a long-standing reputation as a writer who is adept at telling a story that is both enlightening and entertaining. While sports has long been a staple of his work, Solomon has now established himself as a communicator who is also comfortable addressing entertainment, general features and a myriad of other matters. Reach him at screnshawjr@solcrenjr.com.

MARKETING

Darniqua Bowen Evann Campbell Jessica Caudill Kari George Zoe Hall Rachel Henderson Rhett McCreight Tori Montjoy Viridiana Romero Kerrie Thompson

ADMINISTRATION Hailey Dolbare Mary Jo Eskridge Daniel Holmes Kinley Johnson Stacey Meadows Tim Prince Brittany Schofield Savana Tarwater

Sasha Johns, Writer

Sasha is constantly inspired by the century-old house she inhabits in the heart of Columbiana along with her husband, Robert, and three kids. She is a community columnist for the Shelby County Reporter and co-founder of Common Threads Storytelling. When she’s not spinning a tale or writing about the happenings in our county seat, she can be found at the SCHS football stadium watching her kids march in the Pride of Shelby County Band.

Christiana Roussel, Writer

Where should we have dinner? Where should we go on our next family vacation or couple’s getaway? What kind of shotgun should I buy? These are all queries writer Christiana Roussel has answered in recent months.

While food writing is her original passion, she has really enjoyed expanding her repertoire to include travel and sporting activities that might involve an upland adventure. And no, it is not just because there might be a need for new clothes for the expedition.

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

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

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

4 September/October 2021

from the editor

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ON THE COVER

Dream Ride

At age 81, George Dudley cycled from the southernmost tip of Florida to the northernmost point in Maine with his wife, Judy, as his support team.

Photo by Kathryn Bell Design by Connor Martin-Lively

I often feel like my job is that of a treasure hunter, searching for hidden gems across 810 square miles of Shelby County. And there’s certainly plenty of treasure to be found here!

Take, for example, the Fitts family, who I found posting about their adventures living full-time as a family of four in their renovated RV. Not only was I quickly intrigued by their journey to RV life, but I was also wowed by the pretty bright and white interior of their home-onthe-road. And it just so happened it all started in Helena.

Another Instagram find of mine was Klint Rhodes aka @ten42photo, whose images of policing after dark, K-9s and nighttime landscapes drew me in. I reached out and verified his location was a fit, and he and I set out to create a photo essay of his images, starting with the backstory on his photography and how he wants to document the experience for his fellow officers to have in the future and to shed light on work that few people see.

Yet another key to treasure hunting is having lots of eyes and ears in the community to share what’s going on, and I’m so glad Sasha Johns, who is a columnist for our sister publication the Shelby County Reporter, told me about George Dudley’s cycling trip from the southernmost tip of Florida to the northernmost point in Maine and suggested it was worthy of a magazine story. As it turns out, it made a great cover story as well!

We are always on the lookout for artists, new eateries, and outsidethe-box sports and school stories, which you will also find in pages ahead, and we’d always love to hear your ideas for what people and places in the county we should feature as you meet folks around you with rich stories to tell.

Also in this issue we are starting a new travel feature, Hit the Road, that spotlights destinations within driving distance or a direct flight from Shelby County/BHM that you’ll find in four issues each year going forward, and we are kicking it off with a look at fun ways to rediscover Gatlinburg. Be sure to check that out as well.

Thanks for reading, and here’s to hoping fall weather arrives before this issue is too old!

madoline.markham@shelbyliving.com

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“ ” THE QUESTION

Where is the best place to spend time in the fall in Shelby County?

We’ve enjoyed a cabin on the lake at Oak Mountain State Park for an easy getaway. They book a year in advance.

-Kathy Small Webster

Dunnavant Valley Greenway trail

-Betsey Carr Hallmark

-Tiffany Oaks Thomas

Helena Hollow and Evangel Sports Complex on a Friday night.

-Melissa Rice Jeffers

On my patio in front of the outdoor fireplace here on Lay Lake

Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum in Calera

The Underground Railroad tunnel with a base on a road funnily enough called Tunnel Road between Vandiver and Dunnavant.

It’s gorgeous.

Old Baker Farm

-Donna Sanford

-Stacey Forsyth Lewis

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Pelham Civic Complex to watch Birmingham Bulls Hockey!! It starts in October! We are there for my daughter to play hockey as well during the fall!!

-Manley Seale

-Brittany Wills

THE GUIDE

BUCK CREEK FESTIVAL SEPT. 24-25 Helena Amphitheater Park Everyone’s favorite rubber duck race is back! The banks of Buck Creek will host children’s activities, food and live music to benefit community projects. For more information, visit helenasbuckcreekfestival.com.

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THE GUIDE AROUND TOWN SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS IN OCTOBER

The Patch 10 A.M.-6 P.M. Helena Hollow It’s pumpkin season! Have some fun while you are at it with 15 different agrientertainment attractions including slides, swings and animals. You can take a hayride to pick a pumpkin in the pumpkin patch too. The cost is $10 admission for everyone over age 2, and pumpkins are $2. Find more information at helenahollow.com/the-patch.

SEPT. 11 Fall Plant Sale Birmingham Botanical Gardens SEPT. 23-25 St. George Middle Eastern Food Festival St. George Greek-Catholic Milkite Church SEPT. 25 Head Over Teal 5K/10K Hoover Preserve SEPT. 25 Fiesta Linn Park SEPT. 30-OCT. 2 Vintage Market Days of Birmingham The Finley Center

SEPT. 11

SEPT. 30-OCT. 3 Antiques at the Gardens Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Orr Park

OCT. 2 Bluff Park Art Show The Park at Shades Cliff

Tinglewood Festival Shavings, smoke and sound – the trifecta is returning to Montevallo’s Orr Park.

Admission is free to this annual festival, a daylong event featuring a chainsaw carving exhibition, whittling contest, artist booths, demonstrations, live music, a car show and a food truck area. Kids can enjoy their own age-appropriate activities along Shoal Creek, too.

SEPT. 25-OCT. 31

Pumpkin Patch Old Baker Farm Come out to this historic U-pick farm to find pumpkins ripe for harvest, and you can take a hayride, get on a train ride, meet animals at the petting farm and explore the corn maze while you are there. Pumpkins are $11, and you must purchase one to enter. The farm is open weekdays 3-5 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday 1-5 p.m. There’s also a festival weekend scheduled for Oct. 23-24 and a Halloween Park Oct. 16, 6-9 p.m. Learn more at oldbakerfarm.com.

8 September/October 2021

OCT. 2 Irondale Whistle Stop Festival Historic Downtown Irondale OCT. 8-10 Barber Vintage Motorcycle Festival Barber Motorsports Festival OCT. 9 Jimmie Hale Mission Rescue Run 5K, 10K & Fun Run Downtown Homewood OCT. 10 Handmade Art Show + Pickin’ in the Park Homewood Central Park OCT. 14-16 Greek Food Festival Holy Trinity-Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Cathedral

THE GUIDE OCT. 15-17 Waitress Presented by Broadway In Birmingham BJCC Concert Hall OCT. 20-31 Shop Save Share Benefitting Junior League of Birmingham Community Projects NOV. 1-2 Dia de los Muertos Pepper Place NOV. 6 Virtual Walk to End Epilepsy Railroad Park NOV. 6-7 Moss Rock Festival The Preserve, Hoover

Paws for the Cause Veterans Park, Hoover Invite your dog along to run this certified 5K off-road cross-country course around the lake and through tree-lined trails surrounding the park. Plus, the Tail Waggin’ Trek offers a 1-mile “obstacle” course run for individuals or teams of all ages and breeds. It all benefits Shelby Humane’s care for over 5,000 lost, homeless and unwanted pets each year. Register at adventuresignup.com.

OCT. 30

Alabaster Fall Fest 10 A.M.-3 P.M..

Buck Creek Trail Celebrate fall with carnival rides, hay rides, a trick-or-treat trail and pumpkin painting at this free annual event. Plus you will find arts and crafts vendors, food vendors, inflatables, and live music performed by 2BLU and the Lucky Stiffs.

Art by Yvonne Miller & Stefan Hochhuber

NOV. 11 National Veterans Day Parade Downtown Birmingham

SEPT. 18

November 6-7, 2021 Hoover Met Complex

10th Craft Tasting Event Tickets on sale in October

www.mossrockfestival.com

Nature. Smart Living. Art + Design.

2021 SPONSORS: Alabama State Council on the Arts & the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency • Avadian Credit Union • City of Hoover • Hoover Metropolitan Complex • Joe Piper • Event Rentals Unlimited Birmingham • Pursell Farms Resort • Coca Cola United MEDIA: AL.com • Babypalooza • Bham Now • Birmingham Mountain Radio 107.3fm • B-Metro • EXCURSIONSgo.com • High Level Marketing • Hoover’s Magazine • Over the Mountain Journal • Starnes Media • This is Alabama • WBHM 90.3fm

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presents

13th

annual

Food • Drinks • Silent Auction

Thursday, November 4 th 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Inverness Country Club 1 Country Club Dr.

EAT Pass

Tickets $30 $40 at the door

Early Access Ticket

tasteofshelbycounty.com Event Made Possible By:

Children’s of Alabama

10 September/October 2021

Lindsey Allison

Shelby County Commission District 7

Lathan Associates Architects

$50

&CULTURE

ARTS

A NEWFOUND PURPOSE Elizabeth Polland’s pastel hues are as much about her faith as they are art itself.

BY LAUREN H. DOWDLE PHOTOS BY MARY TWEEDY ShelbyLiving.com

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T

The sounds of brushstrokes and worship music fill the room where Elizabeth Polland creates one of her signature pieces. A dog ornament or maybe a nativity scene comes to life before her attentive gaze — but what she’s creating is about much more than one-of-a-kind pieces of art. It’s about living out her faith and purpose.

Elizabeth has loved art for as long as she can remember, taking classes as a child and later majoring in art in college. “I’ve been painting all of my life,” she says. “I can’t remember when I wasn’t painting.”

A Mountain Brook native, Elizabeth attended Ole Miss for college before coming back to Alabama to raise a family. She called Chelsea home until

12 September/October 2021

recently moving to Alabaster for her sons to play football.

However, moving wasn’t the only major life change this mom of three experienced this year. She also began earnestly searching for her calling, which wasn’t something she’d really done in the past.

“When I was young, I didn’t know what I wanted to do—but I also wasn’t seeking the Lord to find it,” she says.

She had been working as paraprofessional at Mt Laurel Elementary, where she fell in love with working with children, specifically in the special education department. Her coworkers there also became more like family, creating a wonderful work environment.

Elizabeth Polland, who lived in Chelsea for several years and worked at Mt Laurel Elementary, now paints from her Alabaster home.

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FINDING HER WAY BACK Elizabeth Polland’s mother was her biggest supporter, playing a vital role in her artistic journey. Even more profound was how her mother impacted Elizabeth’s spiritual growth. Her mother gave her a book filled with scripture and prayers, which helped lead Elizabeth to grow in her faith and get re-baptized in 2008.

She recalls her mother telling her one day that she felt the strongest she had ever been. But 12 days later, her mother unexpectedly passed away. “My mother was my biggest cheerleader,” Elizabeth says. “She is so important in this whole walk.”

After her mother passed away, Elizabeth put her art away for six to eight years to deal with her loss. She also remarried during that time and ended up discovering she had a new supporter who helped her pick up a paintbrush again: her husband. “He’s been my encourager and support, just like my mom was,” she says. And her three children — two sons in high school and a daughter in college — have also supported her through the years too.

Still, something tugged at her heart. Her original passion for art continued to vie for her attention until she couldn’t ignore the call anymore. The late nights and early mornings spent working on her artwork—in addition to her duties as a wife and mother—started to take its toll.

Elizabeth, along with her friends and family, began praying about how she should move forward.

And they received the answer: While she loved working with children and her coworkers, that wasn’t where she was meant to be. Elizabeth resigned from her job this past year and started focusing on her art and family full time.

“I’ve wrestled with God on his plan for me. It’s hard to leave such a beautiful thing even when I have felt the nudge for God’s direction. But it wasn’t 14 September/October 2021

what the Lord called me to do long term. It was two full-time jobs,” she says about working at the school and on her artwork. “Painting is my calling. It’s the joy in my heart. This is my absolute ministry.”

Since making the decision, Elizabeth can hardly keep up with all of the orders she’s received and is also having a studio built at her home. She says she continues to receive confirmation and peace each day that she is focusing on the right things.

All of her artwork has a signature style she came up with a few years ago with cool colors, a lot of white and a touch of watercolor to create an impressionistic piece.

“I guess I consider my art to reflect my life: southern, God-and-country-loving, wife, mother, artist,” Elizabeth says. “I use a lot of white and ice

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Takes On Life.

Arielle has a severe blood disorder called sickle cell anemia hemoglobin SS. While her condition is high risk and complex, she manages her disease well with medication and a monthly red blood cell exchange at the Alabama Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders at Children’s of Alabama. Our team of over 300 dedicated pediatric healthcare professionals is committed to exceptional patient care and innovative research – and driven to find cures for kids like Arielle.

To learn about Arielle’s story and how you can help, visit ChildrensAL.org/committedtoacure

16 September/October 2021

blues and, of course, will incorporate any specific colors that someone requests. By viewing my art, you can see the signature style I have.”

Her early pieces consisted of church and cross paintings, and she later incorporated nests into her portfolio to symbolize God being a refuge. As she continued to branch out and grow to images like roses and other buildings, so did the demand for her commissioned projects. She started receiving orders from Spain and across the United States—and that hasn’t slowed down since.

“It blows my mind. I love my commissions because they all have a story,” she says. “I have no inventory because I’ve been so busy with commissions. But now, I hope to do some things I’ve been envisioning and wanting to create.”

One painting for her sister-in-law depicted the lion and the lamb, which Elizabeth says was the perfect representation of her walk and purpose. “It symbolizes he’s more powerful than we could imagine,” she says.

The piece has become one of her favorites and will also be available as a print. Other pieces both Elizabeth and her customers love are the nativity scene ornaments, star ornaments

Many of Elizabeth's paintings, like this one of a lion and a lamb, have spiritual significance for her.

30

YEARS

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And as the seasons of life move forward, we provide comprehensive care for women’s health.

So go ahead. Live your best life.

Learn more at BrookwoodWomens.com

18 September/October 2021

It’s almost time for Shelby Living’s annual

holiday

GIFT GUIDE and, of course, her dog paintings—which have become the majority of what she does.

Since embarking on this new journey, Elizabeth has been blown away from not only the number of orders she’s received, but also how they’ve come from across the globe. Her commissioned pieces have also allowed her to interact with a variety of people. “I love meeting clients and just hearing the stories of the people who call me,” she says.

No matter if she’s painting a furry friend, an intricate church or captivating ornament, Elizabeth is living out her purpose, and she encourages others to search for theirs, as well.

“The whole reason I’m doing this is because it’s a calling on my heart,” she says. “I’m trying to plant seeds where I am. The Lord has all of us here for a purpose. There’s a reason that things are a joy in your heart. It’s because the Lord has put it there.”

Elizabeth’s artwork can be found on Etsy at etsy.com/shop/ ElizabethPollandArt and Instagram @efpolland, and she plans to launch a website soon. Locals can also spot Elizabeth and her pieces around town at events like the Bluff Park Art Show on Oct. 2.

Coming to our November/December 2021 Issue Contact advertise@shelbyliving.com for more information on this advertising opportunity.

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ARTS COUNCIL CORNER

POP ART

Watch for an American Idol and songwriting stars on stage and a ‘POPCLECTIC’ artist on exhibit this fall. no bounds! Adding to her long list of accomplishments, Cassity was a three-time Nashville Country Music Association Nominee, The weather might be getting cooler, but the including a winner for NCMA Female Vocalist of Shelby County Arts Council’s Black Box Theater is the Year in 2015. Check out these two musicians in heating up with some great musicians this fall! If you a heartfelt performance that draws from their own have not been to a show in the Black Box Theater, life experiences on Friday, Sept. 10. Doors open at 7 what are you waiting for? The BBT is a premier p.m., and the show starts at 7:30 p.m.. Tickets are listening environment located in Columbiana. At just $20 (+tax/fees) and can be purchased at 216 seats, the Black Box was designed specifically to shelbycountyartscouncil.com.

Opening in the EBSCO Fine Art Gallery on Sept. be a smaller venue that makes you feel connected to the performers. Not only has the venue hosted a 23 is the latest gallery exhibit, POPCLECTIC-Fine wealth of talented musicians since opening in Old Art Done Boldly. This show will feature the art of Mill Square in 2019, but it has also been the site of Sylacauga resident Tim Spanjer. “POPCLECTIC is a dance recitals, student music recitals and a children’s celebration of color and commercial theme interwoven with poetry, music and movies,” he theatre production.

Returning to the Black Box Theater on Sept. 10 says. “This show is meant to take you back in time are two incredible female songwriters that you will and to revisit some of the things you remember best not want to miss. Not only is Jessica Meuse an about growing up. There is something for everyone Alabama native, but she also placed fourth on at POPCLECTIC! It is truly Fine Art Done Boldly!” season 13 of American Idol. She made American Check out the POPCLECTIC gallery opening on Idol history as the first performer to sing an original Thursday, Sept. 23 from 6 to 8 p.m. This opening is song during the finals too. Her second full-length free and open to the public. Work will be on display album Halfhearted is currently in the iTunes top 10 until Nov. 23. Gallery hours are Monday-Thursday in country albums. Also performing on September from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Wednesdays from 11 10 is another Alabama native, Hope Cassity. She a.m. to 5 p.m.

For information on any upcoming event visit has spent years as a song writer and has even penned songs for the likes of indie rock duo Penny shelbycountyartscouncil.com and be sure to follow Rae and has co-written a song with Victoria Camp us on Facebook and Instagram (@shelby_county_ of Alabama’s own Sweet Tea Trio. Her talent knows arts).

BY LINDSAY DYESS PHOTOS COURTESY OF TIM SPANJER

20 September/October 2021

SCHOOL

&SPORTS

SPEED SPORT

Asa and Zadyn La Breche are all about volleyball, both on the beach and on the court.

BY SOLOMON CRENSHAW JR. PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED ShelbyLiving.com

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Asa La Breche is starting his freshman year of college this fall on a volleyball scholarship.

L

Like many males growing up in Alabama, Asa and Zadyn La Breche played football. Each started with flag football in a YMCA league and then moved on to tackle football at Evangel Christian School in Alabaster. Older brother Asa played tight end and wide receiver while Zadyn played receiver and running back.

But the siblings have set out on another sports path, one that has been less traveled by young male athletes, in volleyball—the conventional indoor game and the beach variety.

“For beach volleyball, what appealed to me was … the speed of the game, the athleticism required because it’s a lot of running, a lot of repeated jumping and the strategy,” Asa says. “You’re

22 September/October 2021

constantly thinking about what the opponent’s doing, and you’re constantly trying to out-strategize them while in the middle of highly intense physical activity.

“Indoor is a totally different level,” he continues.

“It’s even faster. The balls go faster; you jump higher. The speed of the game is just so intense.

And there’s so much energy from the fans, from the players on the court. Nothing beats it.”

Indoor volleyball has specialists. There are players who attack from the front row, either from the middle, left or right. There is a setter who puts the ball where attacks can hit it, and there are backrow players who receive serve and dig out the attacks of opponents.

Zadyn La Breche, currently a student at Evangel Christian School, hopes to play collegiate vollyeball as well.

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“But on the beach, you have to learn every single skill set, every aspect of the game,” Asa says. “You have to be good at every single part of the game in order to even stand a chance.”

He goes on to note the distinctions between beach and indoor. “You get to touch the ball every single play (in beach volleyball) whereas in indoor, since there are six people on the court, there may be some plays where you won’t get to touch the ball,” he says.

“That’s kind of why I prefer beach more. You get to be more involved. You get to show your skills in every single aspect of the game.”

Asa, 18, will be on scholarship as a volleyball player at Sacred Heart University in Connecticut starting this fall, while his brother Zadyn, a 17-yearold rising senior at Evangel Christian, hopes to be a

24 September/October 2021

college player as well.

Each brother stands about 6 feet, 2 inches and has their older sister Zoe to thank for introducing them to the sport. The school where she played started a beach volleyball program about five years ago and invited Asa and Zadyn to play with them to see if they liked it.

“We went to a practice (and) really liked it and she kind of got us in the whole beach scene,” Asa says. “We just played with the girls for a bit. About two years ago, we realized there’s a thing called boys volleyball that’s actually pretty big. We started getting into indoor and that kind of took off from there.”

Asa and Zadyn have been road warriors during the summer, driving from state to state for beach

tournaments or to train with a regional squad. Birmingham Beach Volleyball, says adults have Locally, especially in Shelby County, the pair is been playing, male and female, for more than a leading the growth of volleyball play among males. dozen years.

The club had 50 to 100 people in its adult group Joe Aliamo, the founder and owner of

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The La Breche brothers competed in the USA National Beach Tour Junior Championships in Fort Lauderdale in July.

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This C2 17s team out of Nashville has players from seven different states.

but “now our Facebook group has over 1,000,” he says. “Asa and Zadyn joined us last year. There were only probably three boys at that time. This year alone we have close to a dozen boys altogether. That’s just boys ages 17 and under so it’s definitely growing.”

The brothers are on the front end of that surge for him. “We sent one other boy to play college,” he says of a player who ultimately ended his career. “But these two are on another level.

In volleyball terms compared to football, they’re more like fourstar athletes going to play volleyball at the next level.

“They are the real deal,” the Birmingham Beach Volleyball owner says. “Asa’s amazing, don’t get me wrong. But Zadyn, I have a five-star rating for him. He is a special kid.”

The brothers also play with and against one another and have developed a friendly rivalry in the sport. “It’s a lot of butting heads, a lot of competitiveness, a decent amount of trash talk,” Zadyn says. “We’re always pushing each other because you want to be better than the other person. We’re always pushing each other to see how far we can go.”

Asa wants to keep competing at the highest level he can and plays in a lot of adult men’s open beach volleyball tournaments.

“I want to continue throughout college and after college after getting a lot of training, to continue training and possibly go overseas and play at some indoor pro leagues or play here in the States on some of the beach tours at the professional level,” he says. “I just want to take it as far as I can and continue competing at the highest level possible and just see where it goes.”

Zadyn has his sights set high as well. “I’m currently talking to colleges, sending out emails and just going through the whole recruitment process that Asa already went through,” he says.

It’s safe to say both he and Asa have found their sport, and it’s not football.

ShelbyLiving.com

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SCHOOL & SPORTS

5

FIVE QUESTIONS FOR

Avery Fuller

Pelham High School Senior PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Avery Fuller’s baking skills got national recognition this summer when she won the National Baking & Pastry Arts Competition for FCCLA. Her teachers filmed her baking at the Pelham High School kitchen because the competition was virtual, and since the judges couldn’t judge the competition on taste, they did so on presentation and sanitation plus a test about baking and pastry arts. Avery wanted to be sure to thank her teachers Chef Doug Allen and Alexander Arceo, who she says were there every time she practiced and to help her setup and clean up on competition day.

“I learn from them every day,” she says. Here’s what else she shared about the experience.

How did you learn to bake and develop a passion for it?

My nana has a cake business in Livingston, Alabama, so ever since I was little I would cook with her and at home with my mom. My aunt now carries on the cake business and owns Deep South Cake Company, which was in Alabaster for a year and now is in Orange Beach. I didn’t get interested in baking until middle school when I was in FCCLA and started taking cooking classes. I started doing FCCLA competitions in middle school and continued throughout high school.

then I made blueberry scones with a lemon glaze. I had three hours, but I finished in under that. I practiced each recipe at least once. But I never made them all at once, so I didn’t know if I would make time. The cake was the most stressful because I like to have plenty of time to do it so it looks perfect, but it turned out.

How did your classes at school prepare you for the competition?

As a freshman I took Hospitality, which gives you an overview of the culinary industry and teaches you measuring units and knife skills. And then I took Culinary I What all did you bake during the my sophomore year, and junior year I took National Baking & Pastry Arts Baking and Pastry, which is typically a senior class. In that class we baked and Competition?

I had to ice and decorate a cake, and I decorated multiple cakes, so I have learned assembled it on the video. It had to have a a lot about different flours, leavening border piped on it, and buttercream roses, agents, what makes cakes rise and sink. I which I learned the night before. And then have really enjoyed that class. This year I’ll I had to make chocolate eclairs and Challah take Culinary II, and we will cook more on bread rolls, like a sweet bread roll. And your own instead of big group projects and come up with our own meals.

28 September/October 2021

What do you like to bake for fun?

I make royal iced shortbread cookies for family and friends. Each time I do it I do something new. Chocolate chip cookies are my favorite, and I have a recipe from Pinterest I like. It has a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar that you can’t taste.

What else are you involved in, and what’s next for you?

I am also on our Culinary Competition team at school, and we practice twice a week for that. At the Alabama Pro Start competition in May we won first place.

We had to compete with two tabletop burners and no other appliances, but we were able to create an appetizer, a main dish and a dessert in an hour. After I graduate, I want to go to Auburn and be in their culinary program. They have a new building that will be complete when I start in the fall of 2022 with a restaurant, hotel, brewery and rooftop garden run by the students.

&DRINK

FOOD

NEW IN TOWN

A roundup of eateries that opened in the past year around the county to add to your to-try list.

BY MADOLINE MARKHAM PHOTOS BY KEITH MCCOY ShelbyLiving.com

29

COFFEE & MORE Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee Truck

Did someone say coffee truck?

Check to see when Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee Truck is stopping in your neighborhood. Follow @travelintomscoffeebham for a weekly schedule.

Boho Tea Bar

Alabaster has a new spot for

Chubbfathers Chelsea

This popular Alabaster restaurant now has a Chelsea location serving up wings, tenders, po’ boys, burgers, sandwiches and Buffalo chicken cheese fries.

Try: The Zydeco burger, a signature bacon cheeseburger dressed with lettuce, tomato, Cajun horseradish and onion straws Find It: In the former Johnny Ray’s space in Benson Plaza

boba tea, fruit teas, fruit-flavored lemonade, pastries and açaí bowls. Find it at 462 1st Street SW, and follow @bohoteabar for updates.

OHenry’s Coffees

There’s two new spots to get OHenry’s Coffees without driving to Homewood. Stop by Chelsea Coffee House in Chelsea and their new shop next to Ace Hardware in Mt Laurel. Stay updated at @ohenrys.

Adventurer’s Coffee

Time for an adventure—a coffee adventure. Take one yourself at the Calera shop’s new location at 200 1st Street South in Alabaster.

Follow along at @adventurerscoffeeco.

30 September/October 2021

Beulah Mae’s Alabaster

First a food truck, now a restaurant with a storefront! This soul food eatery features dishes inspired by the owners’ grandmother Beulah Mae’s cooking.

Try: The smothered porkchop and turkey dressing Find It: 5569 1st First Avenue SW next to Little Caesar’s

COMING SOON Ruby Sunshine Highway 280 Time for brunch! New Orleansbased Ruby Sunshine will bring a taste of the Big Easy to Brook Highland Plaza with its eggs

Greek Street Highway 280

There’s a new restaurant concept from the family behind Taziki’s with a menu inspired by urban food found in Athens.

Try: The beet salad, gyros, plant-based burger and loukomades (a pastry topped with powdered sugar, cinnamon and honey) Find It: 5291 Valleydale Road in the same strip as Ashley Mac’s

benedict, pancakes, French toast and cocktails. Learn more at rubysunshine.com.

Half Shell Oyster House Pelham Oysters, please. This Gulfport, Mississippi-based restaurant is opening in Campus 124, and we are here for the Gulf goodness— charbroiled, Rockefeller, Bienville, Orleans, all of it. Follow @halfshelloysterhouse for updates.

The Local Oyster House and Seafood Restaurant Columbiana The owners of Tin Top BBQ 2 in Columbiana will soon be bringing seafood straight from the Gulf to a new concept in the former location of The Local Kitchen & Ale at 21270 Alabama 25.

Mama Coco Cantina Calera

Wall art inside this new Mexican eatery draws inspiration from the Disney movie “Coco,” but the name Mama Coco instead comes from a common nickname for Hispanic grandmothers.

Try: The signature Burrito Grande—an extra-large burrito filled with grilled chicken, grilled steak, shrimp, grilled bell peppers, grilled tomatoes, grilled onions, rice and beans, lettuce and sour cream topped with green sauce, red sauce and cheese sauce.

Find It: In the Family Dollar shopping center on U.S. 31 near historic downtown Calera

Beef ‘O’ Brady’s Highway 280 Fans of Beef ‘O’ Brady’s in Helena and Hoover will soon be able to order wings, sandwiches, burgers, tacos and signature cocktails from a new family sports restaurant and pub in Brook Highland Plaza.

Learn more at beefobradys.com.

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The Sweetest Booth Mt Laurel

Cookies double as artwork in this new custom cookie shop, and you can even sign up for a cookie subscription to keep ‘em coming.

Try: Custom themed sugar cookies, gourmet cookies with flavors like coconut lime pistachio and special order cupcakes Find It: Inside OHenry’s at 300 Carlow Lane, Suite 111B

Uncle G’s Pizza Food Truck Pelham

Hello there Detroit-style pepperoni pizza! It’s got thick crust with cheese caramelized around the edges in a square pan—sort of like cheesy bread pizza, with sauce and dough made from scratch. The chef behind it recommends placing orders early since they often sell out a week in advance!

Try: The Classic Pepperoni Find It: Follow @UncleGsPizza on social media for location updates.

Creations Galore and Moore

Calera

Nedra Moore has been perfecting her craft baking and decorating from her Alabaster home for the past six years, and now you can find her creations at her new bakery.

Try: Cake jars, waffle splits, chocolate covered Oreos, Rice Krispy treats, cakes, cookies, cheesecakes cinnamon rolls Find It: On Calera’s Main Street at 8261 US-31

32 September/October 2021

Oak Mountain Brewing Pelham

Pelham now has its very own brewpub brewing up its own varieties and a selection of appetizers, salads, sandwiches and desserts.

Try: One of their sandwiches named after Oak Mountain State Park favorites, the Peavine Hoagie or King’s Chair Melt Find It: 110 Cahaba Valley Road

Chicken Fry’d Chelsea

Yep, they’ve got fried chicken, plus chicken salad, slides, salads and more for lunch or dinner, all from the couple who opened Chelsea’s Station 31 and Montevallo’s Main Street Tavern.

Try: The fry’d chicken of course Find It: 16064 US-280 in the former Whataburger location

Shugah’s Pelham Shugah’s is nestled in a 100-year-old home and is known for its pies, cheesecakes, cake and quiche. Stop by for lunch Wednesday to Sunday.

Try: Becky’s Pie, chocolate pie with caramel and pecans—or really any pie Find It: 3187 Lee Street

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Miami Fusion Café

Highway 280

2020 might have limited our travel plans, but it didn’t stop our culinary “travel” to the Caribbean brought to you by Puerto Rico native Luis Delgado at the new location of his restaurant.

Try: The Cuban sandwich made with pork that is slow roasted for 12 hours Find It: 5511 Highway 280 in the Greystone area

34 September/October 2021

Walnut Block Specialty Food Mart Pelham

It’s technically a shop, but Walnut Block’s certified angus beef, in-store hand-cut steaks and prepared take-home casseroles sure do take the work out of dinner.

Try: Quiches, casseroles, sausage balls, cakes, dips, sliders, chicken salad, pimiento cheese, twice-baked potatoes, pies, breads, steaks, charcuterie boards, cinnamon rolls and cookies Find It: 2709 Pelham Parkway, Suite A.

2016

Thank You

The Beer Hog Pelham The Beer Hog is now serving up more than 65 beers on tap and more than 300 in bottles plus soft pretzels and thin crust pizzas in Campus 124 in the former Valley Elementary School campus.

Try: Your favorite Birmingham breweries’ beers Find It: 2408 Pelham Parkway

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Cinnaholic Highway 280 When a Berkeley, California, couple started a cinnamon roll bakery, they were sure to market the rolls as being made from scratch and gourmet before they mentioned they were dairyand egg-free. But don’t worry, most of their customers can’t taste that it’s anything other than delicious.

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FOOD & DRINK

5

FIVE QUESTIONS FOR

Bert Davis

Daysol Coffee Lab Co-owner & Roaster PHOTO BY DANIEL & CHRISTINA DENNIS/ UNTOLD IMAGERY

There’s a new coffee roaster in Helena, and the roaster behind it is out to show you can have really good quality coffee that’s not majorly expensive, or intimidating to select. You can find their coffees in several Piggly Wigglys around Birmingham and Helena Drugs, or you can go straight to the source in Old Town Helena to get a cup or bag of beans. Soon you’ll be able to order a Coffee Stout made with their beans at Oversoul Brewery too. Here’s what you need to know about their operation.

How did Daysol Coffee come to be?

I lived in Denver for 11 years and learned to roast coffee there. One of my good friends and coworkers Peter Solis was providing space at his house for me to roast. We started chatting about coffee, and he told me he’d like to be a part of the roaster I envisioned. We put our last names together, Davis and Solis, to form Daysol. My wife and kids and I moved to the Birmingham area in 2019 to be closer to family and started Daysol then. We roasted in Woodlawn for about a year and then started looking for something permanent. We loved the Old Town Helena area and were lucky enough to find a spot on the main strip.

Odyssey (Honduran and Costa Rican) and Wanderlust (Brazilian and Guatemalan). I roast everything light to medium in-house in the shop in our 6-pound roaster. If you come by, it’s really pretty and the centerpiece of our front lobby. Our goal has always been to roast the coffee so it’s smooth enough to drink by itself.

What else will we find in your space?

We are more of a walk-in roastery than a coffee shop. We don’t offer lattes or anything like that. We have our blends out on a tasting bar and sample cups and full cups if you want a full cup. You can taste the differences between the three, and I think that’s the most surprising part Can you tell us more about your coffee, is that they all taste different. We are as much of an education space as something its sourcing and how you roast it?

We source all of our beans from a else. couple of different wholesalers that work directly with the farmers so we make What else is unique about your model?

There’s a million coffee shops out there, sure the famers are being taken care of.

We have three blends right now: but there’s not a lot of places where you Gratitude (Columbian and Ethiopian), can learn about where coffee comes from.

36 September/October 2021

We may make it a hang-out spot in the next couple of years, but right now we are grab-and-go. We are roasting coffee in its purest form, and once a month we do a coffee education class on a Friday night. get to take a bag of coffee home with you too. There’s a classes tab on our website, and I announce the next class about three to four weeks beforehand. It’s limited to the first 10 people to sign up.

What was it like to grow a business during a global pandemic?

During COVID our home deliveries exploded, and a lot of people started learning how to make coffee at home when they had more time on their hands.

Instead of popping it in a Keurig, they got a French press or figured out how to do a pour over. We do home deliveries in the Birmingham area, or you get a cheaper price if you come in the store. We also have a subscription option where you can sign up for one, two or four bags a month, and it automatically shows up via delivery or shipping.

&STYLE

HOME

RV RENO

Four Fitts fit in a fifth wheel. Here’s what the campground life looks like for them.

BY MADOLINE MARKHAM PHOTOS BY MORGAN HUNT ShelbyLiving.com

37

N

Nathan and Emily Fitts were looking at campers to take on weekend trips with their infant and toddler last November when Nathan had an idea out of the blue.

“What if we just sell our house and a move into a camper?” he suggested.

“Absolutely not!” Emily said immediately in reply.

But then a week went by, and she came back with a different answer. “You know I think we can actually live in a camper,” Emily suggested. “It gives you so much more freedom to do things.”

During that week Emily had started watching YouTube videos on RV living and connecting with families who live in campers full time on Instagram, and the RV lifestyle started to look not just doable but also enjoyable.

By April the couple had sold their Helena home, bought a fifth wheel the next day and temporarily moved in with Nathan’s parents in Helena to renovate the RV, working each night from 8 p.m. until midnight after their kids went to bed. But first they’d purged their closets, hosted a yard sale and took around 50 garbage bags full of donations to Goodwill.

The fifth wheel—which they nicknamed Nora the North Point—is a 2019 model but came with dark colors and carpet that weren’t the couple’s

38 September/October 2021

style. So they hired painters to paint virtually every dark surface—cabinets, walls, you name it—white, and set to work DIYing tile work, replacing dark wood trim with stained pine and switching out carpet for luxury vinyl flooring.

“I really wanted it to be bright because the brighter it was, the larger it would look,” Emily says. “There are so many windows, and I wanted the light to come in.”

After setting out from Helena this spring, the Fittses have tried out campgrounds all over the state and down at the beach, where Nathan can still access his sales territory for work, and they still spend a good amount of time in the Birmingham area, where Emily picks up shifts as nurse.

Their 2 ½-year-old Rhett is enjoying having a new backyard often—usually one that comes with a pool, splash pad, playground and/or field to play in—and being outside much of the time.

The family’s original plan had been to live fulltime in the RV to save money to buy land after a year or two tops, but they quickly came to love the lifestyle and have no plans to leave the adventure of it all for the foreseeable future. These days Emily is saying “Absolutely yes!” to Nathan’s idea.

Follow the Fittses’ RV journey on Instagram @4fittsinafifthwheel.

Dining Nook To create more space off the kitchen the Fittses removed a dinette set and built a table-height butcher block bar in its place with two metal chairs.

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Living Space To create a more homey look, the Fittses removed a larger pullout sofa that had a “manufactured” look to it and in its place added two chairs from Home Reserve. A lot of RVers order furnishings from the company because their pieces can be taken apart to fit through doors, their fabric covers are machine washable, and they have storage and are lightweight. The Fittses also have a leather love seat from the company in the living area.

40 September/October 2021

Bunk Room The Fittses’ toddler Rhett sleeps on the bottom bunk of this room off the kitchen, and their infant Archie sleeps on top with a wooden railing that allows it to function like a crib.

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Fireplace The Fittses painted most of the RV interior white but opted for turquoise for its electric fireplace (pictured on the left) that was originally a dark wood.

42 September/October 2021

Kitchen White paint brightened up the kitchen cabinets, all the more so with the peel-and-stick subway tile backsplash the Fittses added with it.

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Bathroom To brighten up this small space, the Fittses added peel-and-stick white hexagon tile and replaced a medicine cabinet mirror with an oval wood mirror from Target.

44 September/October 2021

Master Bedroom A king size bed was a must for the Fittses when they were looking at RVs. To freshen up the small space, they added pine trim to frame the bed, painted the mirrorpaneled closet next to it and added neutral bedding from Parachute.

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In the Dark What policing and the sky looks like by night as captured by one who knows it well.

Photos by Klint Rhodes | Text by Madoline Markham 48 September/October 2021

Klint Rhodes sees darkness differently than he used to.

Working the night shift as a Pelham Police officer for six years, he began to notice how light uniquely shone in patterns as he patrolled the area, all the more so when he started to explore photography on his shifts.

“I have had a chance to see more than my fair share of sunsets and sunrises,” he says. “I had never thought about how beautiful sunrises could be.

Working at night presents its own challenges, but from a tactical mindset you can use darkness to your advantage.”

Fittingly, it was also policing that first got Klint into photography. As a part of crime scene investigations, he started using a DSLR camera to document everything they found on the site, and from there he took up cameras as a hobby too. Part of his mission was to share insight into what policing looks like that the average person doesn’t

see, particularly overnight.

“Working at night is tough,” he says. “Your schedule is the opposite of everybody’s. You tend to lose track of time. Usually the calls you have are more serious in nature; it’s not your everyday business disputes. It’s truly and genuinely an emergency when someone calls.”

But Klint is also motivated by his fellow officers in his photography and his desire to give them documentation of their work they can look back on. “My father-in-law was a Pelham Police officer.

Sometimes he will get out his old photos, and his eyes will light up and he will start telling stories,” he says. “That’s something I’d like to be able to give the guys I work with 30, 40, 50 years from now.”

Follow Klint’s photography on Instagram at @ten42photo.

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50 September/October 2021

THIS PAGE, TOP: Officers often pair up to conduct traffic details like they are doing here on Cahaba Valley Road.

THIS PAGE, MIDDLE: Sometimes one officer will pull alongside another officer in their cars while they are completing paperwork to be hyper-vigilant.

THIS PAGE, BOTTOM: This close-up shows the details of the badges Pelham Police officers wear on their shoulders.

OPPOSITE PAGE: Officers complete paperwork for impounding a car.

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Night Landscapes

Klint credits growing up far from light pollution in South Alabama for his appreciation of the night sky—and how he enjoys capturing it. “I like being able to go out and look at the stars,” he says.

“Taking your camera and setting up for a shot and doing a long exposure, you look for the display and there’s something beautiful there. The anticipation to see it is exciting.”

52 September/October 2021

OPPOSITE PAGE, FROM TOP: Klint took this image from the King’s Chair Overlook at Oak Mountain State Park using a telephoto lens. Klint documented this night sky in Perry County around 1 a.m. one night.

THIS PAGE: Klint captured this image of Double Oak Lake at Oak Mountain State Park while on patrol one night around 2 a.m.

ShelbyLiving.com

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K-9 Unit

Some of Klint’s favorite subjects are the Pelham Police K-9s. One is a narcotics detection dog, another works on narcotics and tracking, and a third specializes in explosive bomb detection.

“They serve a very important role, and they are close friends,” Klint says. “Any time they show up and they aren’t working you can play with them. They enjoy being petted and playing fetch.”

54 September/October 2021

OPPOSITE PAGE: K-9 Isaak, a German shepherd, served with the Pelham Police Department until he passed away due to cancer in July.

THIS PAGE, FROM TOP: K-9 Zenna sports her protective eyewear. She is a Belgian malinois and a narcotic detection canine. Black lab K-9 Thunder is an explosive ordinance detection canine and has his own Instagram account, @k9.thunder.

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A Dream Ride At age 81, George Dudley cycled from Key West to Maine with his wife by his side. Here’s the story of their journey.

By Sasha Johns | Photos by Kathryn Bell & Contributed

No one would argue that a marriage of 61 years doesn’t deserve a nice trip to celebrate, but George and Judy Dudley didn’t spend theirs on any ordinary trip. They were on the road trip of a lifetime.

Road trips aren’t a new thing for this young-atheart couple who calls Columbiana home. They spent years together on the road playing the bar circuit in a rock and roll band called the Farkles in the 1970s. Later as pastor and wife, they found themselves on the road sharing their faith. This last road trip, however, was not one that many couples

56 September/October 2021

who just turned 80 would have even considered attempting. George cycled from Key West, Florida, to Maine over the course of three months with Judy following by car as his logistical sidekick.

When George took up cycling in 2014, he found himself taking 200-mile rides with a friend and fellow cyclist. Judy would travel along by car as support, setting up campsites along the way. With each trip George’s itch to do something bigger grew, and by 2019, he was planning a trip of all trips to celebrate his 80th year of life.

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The course from Key West to Maine would take several months and cover close to 2,000 miles, and his plan for it picked up even more strength when he saw the opportunity to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, which the couple has supported for years.

“Initially I thought the ride itself was a great challenge for me,” George says, “but then I thought

Come In and See the

that I’d really like it to be some kind of ministry.”

They set a goal to raise $20,000 for the hospital and another $8,000 to cover fuel and campground fees for the trip, and they were pleased to see donations coming in before they even hit the road.

But then, days before they were to leave in March 2020, they learned Judy needed to George departed from the southernmost point in Florida have a lobe of her lung on March 26 of this year. removed due to cancer.

While this was an unnerving turn of events and an obviously unwelcomed delay, the Dudleys would very soon see it as providence when the entire country shut down to “flatten the curve” of COVID-19 on what would have been the same day he was to pedal off from his starting point in Key West.

Judy was back on her feet within three weeks, but the setback and the quarantine gave her a solid year

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Judy and George Dudley at home in Columbiana

to fully recover, and recover she did. “We couldn’t do anything about the quarantine. It just was what it was,” Judy says. “This was his trip, and he’s a planner, while I’m more of a go-withthe-flow person. I was ready to get on the road and help him do his thing.” So the Dudleys continued to plan and watch for the right time to execute George’s ambitious plan.

CYCLING FOR THE SON Just over a year from the date they had originally planned to start, fully vaccinated and a little stir crazy, the Dudleys were ready to strike off again. On March 26 of this year, they found themselves in the middle of a spring break crowd near the large buoy marking the southernmost point in the United States.

“The crowds were so big we couldn’t even get close to it to take a picture,” George says with a laugh as he tells the story. So they decided the picture wasn’t worth it, and George took off.

The Dudleys had raised over $13,000 for St. Jude before George even got to Florida, but once they got going, they would find that new acquaintances would not only buy them meals and bestow them with gas funds as they told their story, but they would also continue to raise money for St. Jude under their campaign, Cycling for the Son. Along the way, they made friends and found supporters at hotel breakfasts and in parking ShelbyLiving.com

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George documented his journey in this leather-bound journal.

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lots everywhere they went, and in the end, they gave more than $6,500 of the cash they raised for travel expenses to St. Jude too, bringing their eventual total to over $20,000.

George planned to cycle an average of 50 miles a day for five days a week, and he and Judy were going to use a camper for the overnight and weekend stops. But when it came time to reorganize, they changed tactics and decided to stay in hotels and with friends along the way. As they would soon learn, bestlaid plans didn’t always work out, but much more often than not, such moments worked out for the better.

Twenty miles into his first day, George came upon a group of other cyclists and took a break with them. When they asked about his Cycling for the Son T-shirt, one friendly cyclist offered to help him with anything he and Judy needed when they arrived in her hometown a few days later.

As it turned out, the hotel that Judy had booked for their stay in that town had overbooked and no other hotels had provisions for them either. “But we had that lady’s number, and by the time I got there on my bike, Judy had called our new friend, and we had a home to stay in over the weekend,” George recalls. They ended up lodging with the couple and participating in Palm Sunday services with their host’s church. “It was the first in a long list of ‘God things’ that happened all along the trip,” George says.

Each day George documented each of those things in the leather journal his daughter gave him for the trip. His handwriting marks the moments they unexpectedly ran into the friends of their grandchildren, strangers paid for meals, they

George ended his 2,149-mile journey in Calais, Maine, on May 27.

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FROM GEORGE’S JOURNAL Saturday

May 1, 2021

50 miles today Realized that we had been on this journey for over a month. I’m overwhelmed with thanksgiving for what God is still doing in this world that seems to be turning upside-down. Thank you, Lord, for your bountiful blessings and revelations.

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George’s April journal entry marks his anticipation of entering the state of Georgia, and their anniversary.

“Fifty-five miles today GEORGIA ON MY MIND! Before getting started, I need to say ‘Praise God’ for my Judy! She is an amazing woman, friend, wife, encourager, supporter and witness for the Lord. Today is our 61st wedding anniversary, and here she is, driving the entire east coast of the U.S. mostly in 20mile spurts. I could not have taken this adventure on without her complete commitment to a rather different three months.

Thank you, Mrs. Honey!”

His entry goes on to detail the day and mentions the surprise of having their anniversary dinner paid for by an unknown diner who overheard the couple celebrating their journey together— another “God moment” for them.

At long last, on May 27, George left Machias, Maine, headed north to the small city of Calais where 45 miles later, his “Mrs. Honey” met him at the “Welcome to Calais” sign. With that, he’d finally met his last goal, and he and Judy celebrated with a quiet lunch of clam rolls, onion rings, and cold Sam Adams beers at a small nearby eatery called the Wickachee Dining Room.

In all, George pedaled 2,149 miles, and Judy drove 6,617 as she often went back and forth dropping him off and picking him up and met up with him about every 20 miles. While she was on her own, she was able to handle accommodations, or explore new areas, but sometimes she just waited. “I never mind waiting on him. It was his dream, and I was happy to be along for the ride,” she says.

George says he learned a lot on the ride and the long path leading up to it too: “Don’t give up. God has a purpose for every setback. Figure out what God wants you to do. It may seem insignificant to you, but it may not be for you. It may be for someone else.”

LIVE MUSIC IS BACK.

featuring

BLACK JACKET SYMPHONY performing Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers’ “Damn The Torpedoes”

LOCAL, NATIONAL AND REGIONAL ARTISTS • VENDORS FOOD TRUCKS • ALABASTER CITY SCHOOLS MUSIC PROGRAMS

10 AM to 10 PM • Sept. 25, 2021 Thompson High School front lawn Alabaster, Ala. • FREE admission Full schedule and more at www.alabasterjubilee.com

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Rediscover Gatlinburg

By Christiana Roussel | Photos Courtesy of Gatlinburg CVB & by Christiana Roussel

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Fall is the perfect time of year for a family road trip.

Kids have settled back into school schedules so Mom feels a little less harried than in December or May-cember (as the frenetic end of the school year has been labeled). The summer heat has abated. so piling into the car for a stretch feels like a good idea. All that is left is to choose your destination.

We suggest heading to the East Tennessee hamlet of Gatlinburg to rediscover what makes this part of the country so special.

Neighboring towns in the Sevier County area might be better known for their – how shall we say this? – enthusiasm in advertising local attractions with neon signs or giant video screens with flashing messages of hot deals. Gatlinburg’s pride is a tad more subtle, and in recent years, has become even more intentionally so. After all, it nestles up against the Great Smoky Mountains in a way that invites guests to leave the screens behind so they can relax, unwind and reconnect to the outdoors.

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HOW TO GET THERE The drive from Birmingham to East Tennessee is straight-forward and simple.

Avoiding traffic in Chattanooga might be your only real obstacle, so plan accordingly. Exiting I-40 at exit 407 is where the highenergy marketing takes off and can be seriously distracting, so stay focused.

Once you pass through Pigeon Forge, the parkway begins to get greener, and you can really feel the pull of the mountains.

Knoxville 40

4 hrs., 57 min.

298 Miles Athens

Tennesseee Cleveland Chattanooga

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Gatlinburg

WHERE TO STAY Treehouse Grove

It is interesting to note that 2020 saw more visitors to this area than ever before. But when you learn that two-thirds of the U.S.-population east of the Mississippi River is within a one-day drive of Gatlinburg, you can begin to see why. In the midst of the pandemic, lots of families and groups of friends in self-selected pods, still elected to travel together, albeit in ways that were non-traditional for them. Glamping has been very popular in recent years and continues to be really big in this area.

Safari Tents + More

Locals and high school sweethearts Linzy and Ian Nicely opened their Camp LeConte Luxury Outdoor Campgrounds (campleconte.com) in 2013, and business has been roaring since day one. Guests can reserve RV parking pads at the campgrounds or choose to stay in one of the fully decked out refurbished campers (“The Ruby Slipper” or “Glamping at Tiffany’s” are both popular choices.) Other options include safari tents and cabins on site. A pool, playground and free wi-fi ensure you are never really roughing it and the free local trolley means you are not far from area attractions.

Camp LeConte

For Putt-Putt + Breakfast The Appy Lodge (theappylodge.com) is a motor lodge in the traditional sense but has been completely updated to be what the modern traveler desires. A pool, fireside conversation pits, a miniature putt-putt style course, ample parking and daily breakfast make hitting the easy button super simple.

Minutes from Great Smoky Mountain trailheads, it is perfectly situated to explore all that the area has to offer.

Treehouses on Steroids

Regular HGTV viewers know what a big deal a Pete Nelson-designed treehouse is. Pete

and his Washington state-based design team worked with owners Carole and Joe Ayres to create an arboreal oasis at the Treehouse Grove (treehouse-grove.com) adjacent to Norton Creek. These eight custom homes from the “Treehouse Master” himself are exactly what you might have dreamed of as a kid, setting up lean-tos and forts for hours of creative play. But these are like treehouses on steroids for the amenities and thoughtful design they offer. Each two-bedroom, onebath home comes outfitted with a kitchen, sitting area, soft linens, covered decks and air-conditioning. These treehouses are anything but rustic.

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WHAT TO DO Visitors come to Gatlinburg for a number of reasons, but exploring the Great Smoky Mountains tops the list. As one of the country’s most-visited national parks, the GSM offers miles of hiking trails— including part of the Appalachian Trail, waterfalls, wildflower walks, and the ever-popular black bear sighting. It is of note that there are species of plants and animal life still being discovered within the park. The Ice Age never made it this far south, which means that wildlife has been thriving here for millennia. Literally.

Anakeesta's

Purposeful Art

Mountain

The Gatlinburg arts and crafts community has a rich history, and it is not uncommon to come upon makers who are still creating purposeful art, just as their ancestors did. Stop by the Cliff Dwellers Gallery (cliffdwellersgallery. com) to meet some of those makers, and you may find David Ogle creating brooms just as his family has been doing for close to a century. Fellow artisan Pat Thomas creates marbled papers and scarves. Louise Bales repurposes gourds while Becky Weaver makes baskets.

Coaster

Craft Class

Visitors looking to immerse themselves more fully in the arts and craft life should carve out more time for a visit to the Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts (arrowmont.org), where adults can make like kids and enroll in workshops that tap into their creative side.

Throughout the summer and fall, more than 130 classes are offered at this school that has been in operation for over 100 years.

Not feeling personally creative? Stop by the gallery to view modern work by many artists-in-residence and prepare to be moved by the caliber represented.

Treetop Exploration

It is no secret that kids of all ages love Gatlinburg for the variety of activities, chief among them Anakeesta (anakeesta.com). This mountaintop destination deserves to claim an entire afternoon and evening of any visit to Gatlinburg. Pack your sense of adventure

and curiosity to ride the Ridge Rambler to the very top of the mountaintop park. From there, explore via dueling ziplines, treetop skybridges and mountain coasters. Climb to the top of the observation tower for a truly breathtaking view of the mountains and town below. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for any black bears that may be ambling below the tree

line, far away from guests. Plan to have dinner atop the mountain at either the Smokehouse or Cliff Top restaurant. Menus feature everything from custom burgers and wings to shrimp-and-grits and bourbon-glazed salmon.

Plan to take the chondola (chair/gondola) down the mountain—at sunset if possible—to really savor the experience. The lights below don’t dare glare but merely twinkle in a very hospitable way, welcoming you back to town.

Mountain Adventures

Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts

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And if one mountaintop visit is not enough, there are two more you should explore: home to the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America, the Gatlinburg SkyLift Park (gatlinburgskylift.com) is accessible via chair lift and well-worth the ride, anytime of year. Guests wanting to channel their inner ski bum definitely need to check out Ober Gatlinburg (obergatlinburg.com), which offers skiing and snowboarding in the cooler months and ice skating, mountain coasters and an aerial tramway for much of the rest of the year. If you did not know you had taken a car to get here, you might think you had arrived in a Swiss ski village, for all the charm that abounds.

WHERE TO EAT Perhaps it is the mountain air or just all the outdoor activity, but whatever the reason, come hungry to Gatlinburg. The dress is typically “mountain casual,” and most every spot has something for even the pickiest eaters in your group.

If you dine atop Anakeesta, allow extra time in between courses for all the oohs and ahs—the vistas are breathtaking.

Davy Crockett's Breakfast Camp

Craft Class Visitors looking to immerse themselves more fully in the arts and craft life should carve out more time for a visit to the Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts (arrowmont.org), where adults can

Pancakes + More Pancakes

It bears mentioning that Gatlinburg loves pancakes.

Lots of pancakes. Lots and lots of pancakes. They love pancakes here so much that there are more than a half dozen restaurants that specialize in the breakfast fare.

There are thick pancakes and thin griddle cakes. There are silver-dollar-sized versions and pancakes larger than your head. Stop by Pancake Pantry or Davy Crockett’s Breakfast Camp or Flapjack’s to find your own personal favorite.

make like kids and enroll in workshops that tap into their creative side. Throughout the summer and fall, more than 130 classes are offered at this school that has been in operation for over 100 years. Not feeling personally creative? Stop by the gallery to view modern work by many artists-in-residence and prepare to be moved by the caliber represented.

For Live Music

There are several dinner options in town, but Ole Red (olered.com/gatlinburg/) is a great choice for a variety of folks. This Blake Shelton-inspired venue not only serves good food and great drinks, but you are more than likely to catch some live music here as well. And you never know when Blake might make a video call in to the restaurant and broadcast via livestream on the big screen.

Wow-Worthy Cuisine

If you are looking for a quieter, more sophisticated spot for dinner, look no further (and call ahead for a reservation) than The Greenbrier (greenbrierrestaurant.com).

With a world-class chef and trained sommelier in house, diners can expect to be wowed by dishes like seared duck breast, diver scallops, stuffed flounder and New York strip. The craft cocktail program at The Greenbrier is strong. You cannot go wrong with a single selection, but if you like a little fanfare with your bourbon, order the Dylan, which is served in a pecan smoke-washed snifter. Trust us on this one.

The Greenbrier

Meet Your Travel Guide Proud to call Birmingham home, Christiana Roussel loves discovering every corner of the Magic City. But the road beckons often. She’s been known to make a wrong turn into the right choice, dig in with the locals and try to talk her way out of a speeding ticket or two. Curiosity drives her and finding connection is her passion.

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No camera could do this justice.

Are you the type that loves adventure? A vista hunter?

With a dreamcatcher kinda eye? See what we see.

Love what we love.

Be one of us.

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Newsletter

The Shelby County Chamber BUSINESS CONNECTIONS

September ‘21 Chamber Events Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2021 Career Readiness Work Group 8:30AM - 9:30AM Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2021 Ambassador Work Group 11:30AM - 1:00PM Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2021 Small Business Work Group 4:00PM-5:00PM Wednesday, Sept. 8, 2021 Existing Business and Industry Work Group 8:30AM - 9:30AM Iberia Bank - Pelham Wednesday, Sept. 8, 2021 Chelsea Business Alliance Luncheon 11:30AM - 1:00PM Chelsea Community Center Wednesday, Sept. 8, 2021 Women’s Business Council 11:30AM - 1:00PM Locations Vary Thursday, Sept. 9, 2021 Govermental Affairs Work Group 8:30AM - 9:30AM Sain Associates - HWY280

Join the Chamber for “CoffeeNET” at Alabama Credit Union.

Be sure to mark your calendar for September 21 and join us at Alabama Credit Union on Valleydale Road from 8:30AM until 9:30AM for CoffeeNET. These events are a great way to make new business contacts so bring plenty of business cards.

There is no cost to attend however reservations are requested by noon on September 20 to assist in preparation.

Please contact the Chamber by phone at 205-663-4542 or register online at www. shelbychamber.org.

Chamber Hosts “Annual Safety Awards” at September Community Luncheon Join us on Wednesday, September 29 for the “Annual Safety Awards” Community Luncheon, presented by SouthWest Water Company, co-hosted The UPS Store at Caldwell Mill Road and Turner Promotions, as we honor public safety officials from throughout Shelby County. Each year we are privileged to recognize individuals who have demonstrated outstanding excellence in public safety by presenting them with an award.

This program is an opportunity for us to personally give thanks to our fire, police and Shelby County Sheriff’s office personnel, and honor them for the outstanding service and sacrifices they make each day in keeping our respective communities a safe place to live, work, and play.

The luncheon will be held from 11:00AM until 1:00PM on Wednesday, September 29 at the Pelham Civic Complex and Ice Arena, 500 Amphitheater Drive, Pelham. Reservations required by

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noon on Monday, September 27 to assist with preparation – pre-payment requested. Investment: Chamber investors $20, “Future” investors $30. Register online at shelbychamber.org or call the Chamber office at 205-663-4542.

PELHAM, AL, 35124

Thursday, Sept. 9, 2021 Chamber “Connections Luncheon” 11:30AM - 1:00PM Old Mill Square - Grande Hall Friday, Sept. 10, 2021 Health Services Work Group 8:30AM - 9:30AM Friday, Sept. 10, 2021 “Ready to Shred” Recycling Day 9:00AM - 2:00PM Pelham Civic Complex and Ice Arena

Newsletter

Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2021 Business After Hours 5:30PM - 7:00PM Sage Bar and Grill Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2021 Go and Grow Work Shop 11:30AM - 1:00PM The Shelby County Chamber

Business After Hours at Sage Bar and Grill Join Calera Main Street and The Shelby County Chamber and be ready to make some serious business contacts on September 14 from 5:30PM until 7:00PM at Sage Bar and Grill in Calera. The investment – which includes hors d’oeuvres and two beverage coupons -- for any Chamber investor is $10 per person and $20 for “Future” investors.

Reservations are required and pre-payment is requested, so please register via email at info@shelbychamber.org, by

Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2021 CoffeeNET 8:30AM - 9:30AM Alabama Credit Union Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2021 Tourism and Recreation Work Group 9:00AM - 10:00AM Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2021 “Community Luncheon” 11:30AM - 1:00PM Pelham Civic Complex and Ice Arena

phone at 205-663-4542 or online at shelbychamber.org by noon on Friday, September 10.

205 - 663 - 4542

Read more details or register for events online at www. shelbychamber.org or the Chamber office 205-663-4542.

Unless otherwise noted events listed will be held at 1301 County Services Dr., Pelham 35124. CANCELLATION POLICY REMINDER: Cancellation for a paying event must be made TWO days prior to the event.

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Celebrating Growth

Sara Beth’s Gymnasts - Chelsea, AL

Southern Realty Specialists - Helena, AL

Greystone Chiropractic - Hoover, AL

Magnolia’s Chelsea, AL

Jefferson State Community College Welding Center - Hoover, AL

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Kontane Logistics - Columbiana, AL

Sponsored by

City of Chelsea Splash Pad - Chelsea, AL

74 September/October 2021

Qualified Staffing - Pelham, AL

It’s Not Just Your Gums: How Periodontal Health Affects the Whole Body Presented by

ant to have regular dental cleanings every six months, thus reducing the risk of periodontal disease and improving overall systemic health.

Contributed by Nicolas Kentros, DMD - Pelham Dental Care periodontal disease, it is important to know where periodontal disease comes from and how to prevent it.

Periodontal disease most commonly comes from accumulation of bacterial plaques that adhere to teeth and cause inflammation. 4 When plaque accumulates on teeth and is bathed in saliva, it becomes mineralized and hard, known as calculus. This calcified substance harbors bacteria and gum tissues become inflamed in response to that bacteria. If not removed, the calculus continues to accumulate and the inflamed gums begin to recede from the tooth. This causes gum recession, loss of bone tissue, and can even lead to loose

teeth or tooth loss. 1 Signs to watch for the development periodontal disease include: swollen, red, or tender gums, gums that bleed easily, pus drainage from the gums, bad breath, buildup of hard brown deposits along the gum line, and loose or moving teeth. 5 The best way to prevent gum disease is to regularly and thoroughly clean the teeth with a soft bristled tooth brush twice a day for two minutes followed by flossing in between the teeth. Regular oral hygiene can prevent the accumulation of soft bacterial plaques, but once the plaque has calcified, it can only be removed by a dental professional. This is why it is import-

References Highfield J. Diagnosis and classification of periodontal disease. Aust Dent J. 2009;54 Suppl 1:S11-S26. doi:10.1111/j.18347819.2009.01140.x Demmer RT, Desvarieux M. Periodontal infections and cardiovascular disease: the heart of the matter.

J Am Dent Assoc 2006;137 Suppl:14S-20S; quiz 38S. Mealey BL. Periodontal disease and diabetes. A two-way street.

J Am Dent Assoc 2006;137 Suppl:26S-31S. Oral health in America: a report of the Surgeon General. J Calif Dent Assoc 2000;28(9):685-95.

Gum disease and heart diseas: The common thread. Harvard Health. (2021, Feb 15). https://www. health.harvard.ed/heart-health/ gum-disease-and-heart-diseasethe-common-thread.

Chamber Holding “Ready to Shred” Recycling Day on September 10 The Shelby County Chamber’s Existing Business & Industry Work Group is holding its “Ready to Shred” Recycling Day from 9:00AM until 2:00PM on Friday, September 10. The event, presented by Gone for Good Document & E-Waste Solutions, encourages safe and secure recycling of items, is being held at the Pelham Civic Complex and Ice Arena parking lot.

The Work Group is planning to

have an on-site mobile truck for document destruction, E-Waste recycling drop off area. Below are items that are acceptable E-Waste items: Computers/Laptops Cell Phones/PDAs DVD Players/VCRs Laptops Communications Equipment Office Machines Printers

Stereos Servers/Routers TVs and Monitors (FLAT SCREEN ONLY) We are unable to accept: Tubed TVs Tubed Computer Monitors Batteries Refrigerators Limit of 3-4 “Banker Boxes” of

paper items Limit 3-4 lawn/leaf bags of acceptable recyclables Limit 3-4 medium plastic storage bins of acceptable recyclables Due to precautions related to COVID-19 we ask that all participants handle their own recyclables.

For more information on this event contact Pari Barzegari at 205-6634542, ext. 106 or pari@shelbychamber.org.

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Newsletter

Teeth are a unique part of the body in that they are the only hard tissue that is exposed through soft tissue. Unlike bones, which are enclosed in muscle, fat, skin and other tissues, teeth are exposed through the gum tissues, which are called the periodontal tissues. The periodontal tissues include the gums, the ligaments which connect the teeth to the jaw bone, and the jaw bone itself. 1 Proper oral hygiene is a critical component in maintaining good periodontal health, and connections have been observed between chronic periodontal disease and chronic systemic health conditions, particularly cardiovascular disease and diabetes. 2,3 There are two main hypotheses as to why these conditions are related. First, it is theorized that inflammation in the oral cavity can lead to an increase in inflammatory makers in the bloodstream, which can affect immune response. Secondly, the oral cavity can act as a reservoir for the pathogenic bacteria that can enter the bloodstream and affect other systems of the body. 3 It has been shown that people with periodontal disease can have two-three times the risk of having a heart attack, stroke, or other serious cardiovascular events.

5 By acknowledging the connection between systemic conditions and

Ambassador of the Month Congratulations to Rob Gerchow for earning Ambassador of the Month. Rob has lived in Shelby County for the majority of his life. He is married with four adult sons and three grandchildren. He has worked for Servpro for ten years. Servpro is one of the most recognized cleaning and restoration companies in the world. For more information con-

tact Servpro of Birmingham at (205) 664-6770 or visit their website, servproshelbycounty.com.

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Monthly Chamber Connections Luncheon Join us for the September Chamber Connections Luncheon, scheduled for September 9 featuring comments from the Alabama Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

The event will be held in the Grande Hall at Old Mill Square, 104 West College Street, Columbiana, AL 35051. RSVP required and pre-payment requested to assist in preparation by noon, Tuesday, September 7.

Admission: Investors $20 and future investors $30.

F i n d U s O n l i ne |

2021 TSCC Officers and Board of Directors (as of 6/17/2021) OFFICERS Chamber Chair Mr. Chris Grace Barge Design Solutions, Inc. Chair-Elect Mr. Brian Massey Ascension St. Vincent’s Vice Chair, Business Development & Support Mr. Lee Dorrill Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama Vice Chair, Communications & Marketing Ms. Kelly Thrasher Fox Hand Arendall, Harrison, Sale LLC Vice Chair, Community & Career Development Mr. Daniel Listi BBH / Shelby Baptist Medical Center Vice Chair, Finance & Administration Ms. April Harry Warren, Averett, LLC Vice Chair, Governmental Affairs Mr. Mike Swinson Spire Alabama, Inc. Vice Chair, Investor Relations Dr. Jay Crisman 280 Animal Medical Center Vice Chair, Tourism & Recreation Mr. Kevin Morris America’s First Federal Credit Union

Immediate Past Chair Ms. Kathy Copeland White Rock Quarries– Vincent Hills DIRECTORS

Ms. Kimberly Jackson Alabama Power Company Ms. Melissa Dixon Charles Dixon Industries

Mr. Paul Barber Valent Group

Mr. Daniel Holmes Shelby County Newspapers, Inc.

Mr. John Collier Regions Bank

Ms. Khiari McAlpin Vinehouse Nursery

Ms. Brittani Morris State Farm Insurance Brittani Morris Agency

Mr. Maurice Mercer KATs Delivery

Mr. Casey Morris McLeod Software

Mr. Kyle Mims Edward Jones Investments – Kyle Mims Agency

Mr. Matthew Hogan Bama Budweiser of Shelby County

Mr. Steven Smith Specification Rubber Products

Mr. Fred Smith Vulcan Termite & Pest Control

Ms. Kimberly Jackson Alabama Power Company

Ms. Mechelle Wilder ARC Realty

Mr. David Dunagan Thompson Tractor Company

Mr. Rux Bentley Rux Carter Insurance

Mr. Will Norwood Valley Bank

Mr. Keith Brown Jefferson State Community College

Mr. Chad Scroggins Shelby County

Ms. Laura Clarke SYNOVUS Mr. Jeff Purvis A. C. Legg, Inc. Dr. Aimee Mellon University of Montevallo Mr. Guy Locker SouthWest Water Company

205 - 663 - 4542

Mr. Keith Sides The UPS Store, Caldwell Mill / Valleydale at Hoover The Hon. Brian Puckett (Ex-Officio, SCMA) City of Helena Ms. Amy Sturdivant (Ex-Officio) 58INC.

Access our member directory

New Investors (June 23 - July 22, 2021)

Republican Women of North Shelby County Birmingham

Hester's Electronics and Services Sterrett

Mosaic Counseling & Wellness Alabaster

EAW Exclusive Auto Wholesale Pelham

Diamond Assurance Group Birmingham

Helena Road Dental Care Helena

APCO Employees Credit Union of Chelsea Chelsea

Blanket Fort Hope Pelham

The Driveway Company Birmingham Pelham

Kontane Logistics Inc. Columbiana

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Tradebank of Birmingham Hoover

Your Chamber at work (June 12 - July 9, 2021)

- Responded to 75 requests for business & community information.

- Notarized 6 documents for Shelby County Companies.

- Promoting Chamber investors as well as Chamber & Community events through the following Social Media outlets: - Facebook: 36 “new likes”, 498 “views”, 12,512 “post reaches” and 4,566 “total likes” - Twitter: 28 “tweets”, 2,422 “tweet impressions”, 70 “profile visits”, 3,050 “followers” - Instagram: 1,417 “followers” - LinkedIn: 501 “followers” - Held 3 Ribbon Cutting / Groundbreaking events resulting in 26 new jobs

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A crowd filled South Main Street in Columbiana on June 25 for the opening festivities of Liberty Day. Cam Spinks kicked off the musical entertainment, and businesses along Main Street stayed open later to accommodate guests.

1. Britni and Seth Trimble, Brinley, Riley and Finley 2. Kristy, Wesley, Brianna and Canon Criswell 3. Mike and Carron Bullard 4. Billy and Kimberly Gurubel, Colby and Brinley 5. Kristi Fortner, Sloane and Aela 6. Joe and Laurie Walden 7. Jack, Jerri and Jackson McCombs 8. John Mooney, Renae Mooney and Donna Vansant 9. Reagan Connor, Adrienne Franklin and Remi 10. Sandy Crumpton with Maggie 11. Steve and Dana Davis 12. Scott Smitherman, Dedra Smitherman and Pam Wheat 13. Rhonda Rickard and Laura Clark 14. Allen and Terri Reynolds

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FIRE ON THE WATER

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The city of Pelham’s Fire on the Water celebrated Independence Day at Oak Mountain State Park with fireworks launched across a lake at the park.

1. Lloyd Hinds, Jugeldi Garcia and Llylo 2. Sarah Norris, Ava Searcy, Julia Searcy and Audrey Searcy 3. Matt and Wrenley Padilla 4. Alan Knight, Breanna Knight, Victoria Knight, Jeremiah and Raylee 5. Will, Melissa and Chad Leverett 6. Chris and Anna Barnes, Juliette, Silas and Samuel 7. Steven, Dax, Maycie, Caren and Zane Lewis

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CALERA FIRST FRIDAY PHOTOS BY SCOTT MIMS

The city of Calera and Calera Main Street hosted the July edition of their First Friday festival series along with a fireworks show on July 2 .

1. Alli and Bailey Boockholdt 2. Calera Main Street Director Jackie Batson and Natalie Bores 3. Eileen Leslie and Zac Baneo

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OLD TOWN LIVE

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Helena’s Old Town Live featured the Rock and Roll Playhouse on July 17 at the Helena Amphitheater.

1. Shellie Woolf and Jayce, Ryder and Graysen 2. Amanda and Derrick Keith with Max and Lillie 3. Tayler Sullivan, Jordan Travis, Riley and Janey 4. Emily and Drayton Farley with Haven 5. Aaron, Cheryl and Noah Humphreys 6. John, Z and Grace Hartman 7. Rochelle Steketee, Evona Vance, Skyler, Katie, Zoe and Hudson 8. Helena Belles Madison Massone, Rebecca Woods, Kensen Dewey, Ava Zimmerman, Amelia Beland and Ashley Wentworth

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Columbiana’s first Music on Main event was June 4 in downtown with music by Taylor Hunnicutt and band.

1. Susan and Tripp Crumpton 2. Laura Dudley, Nadia Cockrell and Nala Cockrell 3. Amber, Nathan and Kemper Crumpton

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November 6-7, 2021 Hoover Met Complex Hoover, Alabama Breweries | Homebrewers | Cask Garden Beer Snacks | Football Games Screening | Tented All tickets get Commemorative Glass | $30 Advance | On Sale in Oct www.mossrockfestival.com

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The inaugural Calera Cruise-In on July 17 hosted classic, custom and off-road vehicles in the lot next to Cowart Drugs.

1. Mariah McCool, Michael McCool, Justin Farley, Beckee Blackmon and Jimbo Blackmon 2. Clyde Park, Angie Vining and Tim Walton 3. Ricardo Pineda, Teresa Duclos, Nick Jetton and Brandi Martinez

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4. Mike and Ramona Whitehurst 5. Eddie and Regina Carver 6. Victoria Perez, Rafael Perez with Dominic Perez, Blake Phillips and Scott Whitehead

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HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR LUNCHEON PHOTOS BY EMILY SPARACINO

The Shelby County Chamber held its seventh annual Healthcare Professional of the Year Program on June 30 to recognize outstanding healthcare workers in the county.

1. Shelli Davis and Kay Mundy

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Marketplace Shelby Living • 205.669.3131

GENERAL LAWN CARE •Grass Cutting •Limb Trimming •Storm Cleanup •Debris Removal •Serving Shelby, Chilton, Coosa & many more areas.

•Decks •Porches •Stairs •Demolition Call Alex today for details: 1-205-955-3439 Military & Senior Discounts HIRING EXPERIENCED FULL CASE ORDER SELECTORS $19.03 per hour plus production $$$ incentives. Grocery order selection using electric pallet jacks & voice activated headsets.

Great benefits including Blue Cross health & dental insurance & matching 401k.

Pre-employment drug test required.

Apply Online: WWW.AGSOUTH.COM Automation Personnel Services Hiring IMMEDIATELY For: Automotive Assembly, General Labor, Production, Clerical, Machine Operator, Quality, Carpentry, Welder, Foundry. Positions In: Calera, Clanton, Pelham, Bessemer, McCalla. Walk-in applications accepted.

Clanton (205)280-0002.

Pelham (205)444-9774.

Bama Concrete Now Hiring: Diesel Mechanic 4 Years Minimum Experience.

CDL Preferred. Competitive Pay. Great Benefits. Apply in person: 2180 Hwy 87 Alabaster, 35007 Beelman Truck Co Now Hiring Experienced Drivers and Recent Grads.

Great pay. Great benefits.

More home time. Apply online at beelman.com or call 205-665-5507

Boise Cascade Now Hiring for Utility Positions.

Starting pay $14/hour. Must be able to pass background screen. Please apply at www.bc.com

$80,000+ Yearly Potential Sales positions available at Burton Campers. Please call Mickey Price for phone interview: 205-668-0075

Comfort Keepers NOW HIRING. Job requirements: A caring spirit and passion for helping others. For more information visit: www.comfortkeepers.com or Call 205-338-7909.

Lancaster Place Apartments. Location, community & quality living in Calera, AL. 1, 2, & 3 bedroom apartments available. Call today for specials!! 205-668-6871. Or visit hpilancasterplace.com WELDER NEEDED MIG & TIG •Light gauge stainless, aluminized, galvanized Manufacturing and Assembly Helpers Needed •Paid Holidays •Typical Shifts 6:00am-2:30pm Call RICK: 205-761-3975 Marble Valley Manor.

Affordable 1 and 2 Bedroom Apartments for Elderly & Disabled. Many on-site services! 2115 Motes Rd, Sylacauga.

256-245-6500 •TDD#s: 800-548-2547(V) •800-5482546(T/A). Office Hours: Mon-Fri, 8am-4pm. Equal Opportunity Provider/ Employer Oxford Healthcare in Montgomery currently hiring certified CNA’s and/ or Home Health aides in the Clanton, Marbury and Maplesville areas. Must be able to pass complete background check, have reliable transportation and have a strong work ethic.

Serious inquiries only.

Call 334-409-0035 or apply on-line at www.

Oxfordhealthcare.com LAND FOR SALE 180 acres, located on Walnut Creek. Will not divide property. Call for more information: 205-369-5641

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South Haven Health & Rehab NOW HIRING!!!

•LPN’s & RN’s -$5,000 Signon Bonus for Full-Time shift •CNA’s Apply in person: 3141 Old Columbiana Rd Birmingham,AL -35266 CLOCK REPAIR SVS. * Setup * Repair * Maintenance. I can fix your Mother’s clock. Alabaster/ Pelham. Call Stephen (205)663-2822 Electrician - FT Supreme Electric, local-based company in Pelham.

Must be willing to learn & work hard. Go to: supremeelectric-al.com Print employment application under Contact Us. Mail to: Supreme Electric 231 Commerce Pkwy Pelham, AL 35124 or call 205-453-9327.

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!

Now hiring RN’s and LPN’s throughout Alabama! $250 community referral bonus for RN’s and LPN’s. Sign-on Bonuses available at select locations!

For more information please contact: Paige Gandolfi Call/text: 724-691-7474 pgandolfi@wexfordhealth. com Earth Angels In-HomeCare LLC. BBB Accredited, licensed, bonded, following CDC guidelines to keep out clients safe.

205-881-4034 or 205-484-1301. earthangelshcare@gmail. com 1365 A Hueytown Rd. Hueytown, AL Acceptance Loan Company, Inc. Personal loans! Let us pay off your title loans! 224 Cahaba Valley Rd, Pelham 205-663-5821

Experienced Termite Technician or someone experienced in routeservice work and wants to learn new profession.

Work-vehicle/equipment provided. Must drive straight-shift, have clean driving record/be 21/ pass background/drug test. Training provided. vInsurance/401K offered.

M-F 7:00-4:30 + 1 Saturday/ month. Pay $13hr. Send resume to facsmith@charter.net Eastern Tree Service • 24Hour Storm Service • www.ETSTree.org • Experienced Professionals • Quick Response • Free Estimates • Call Us Today: 205-856-2078

International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers BIRMINGHAM AREA INSULATORS LOCAL 78 Joint Apprenticeship & Training Committee Accepting applications for 4-year Apprenticeship Program.

Applications will be accepted in person at 2653 Ruffner Road Birmingham, Al 35210 Tuesdays 8:30am2pm 205-956-2866 205-956-8101 etx.3 craig@insulators78.org Check us out at www.insulators.org Applicants must be 18+, drug free, have dependable transportation, ID & proof of age, high school diploma/ GED. Applicants will be required to take math test & English comprehension test.The Asbestos Workers Local 78 Apprenticeship Training Trust will not discriminate against apprenticeship applicants or apprentices based on, RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, NATIONAL ORIGIN, SEX (INCLUDING PREGNANCY AND GENDER INDENITIY), SEXUAL ORIENTATION, GENTIC INFORMATION, OR BECAUSE THEY ARE AN INDIVIDUAL WITH A

DISABLILITY OR A PERSON 40 YEARS OLD OR OLDER. The Asbestos Workers Local 78 Apprenticeship Training Trust will take affirmative action to provide equal opportunity in apprenticeship and will operate the apprenticeship program as required under Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations, part 30.

Tru Acupressure Clinic LLC. Licensed Therapist.

Services Available: •Deep Tissue •Swedish •Acupressure •Hot Stone.

Same-Day Appointments.

Walk-Ins Available. *$50 SPECIAL!* 1 Hour Foot/ Back Massage when you bring in this ad!

844 Highway 31 Suite I, Alabaster. OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK! 9:30am-9:30pm 205-624-211 AL License #E-3013 Golden Rule BBQ Pelham and Helena Now Hiring outgoing, reliable, team oriented, energetic Cashiers, Cooks, Servers Apply @ 309 Huntley Parkway, Pelham(Publix Center) Or 4290 Hwy 52 West Helena Or apply on Facebook at Golden Rule BBQ Pelham Or Golden Rule BBQ Helena HunnyBee’s Health Shoppe NOW OPEN Family Owned Business We sell supplements and other general merchandise!

Elliotsville Plaza Suite 101 Hwy 119, Alabaster hunnybeestore.com 205-624-3364 High Expectations Cleaning 205-728-8854 highexpertcleaning.com

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MY SHELBY COUNTY DAVID BOBO

Jefferson State Community College Director of Community and Media Relations + Shelby County Board of Education Vice President

A Place to Play

Heardmont Park From youth sports to Friday night lights, Heardmont Park offers excellent facilities for our families and youth to play together and have fun. It is a wonderful place to learn how to be a great teammate, improve athletic skills, create friendships and support one another.

With two active boys, it holds many special memories for me.

Run ‘n Egg Hunt

Judy M. Merritt Memorial 5K and Eggstravaganza This 5K race also comes with the largest Easter egg hunt you have ever seen! It takes place at Veterans Park on Valleydale Road and raises money for a Jefferson State scholarship named in Judy and Tom Merritt’s honor. It truly is fun for everyone.

Serving the Community Learning in Action

Shelby County Schools My favorite places to visit are the schools in the Shelby County Schools system! It is so exciting to see students engaged in learning. I appreciate the dedicated people who work together to make our schools thrive every day.

County Nonprofits There are so many wonderful organizations in Shelby County that make our county a better place to live, work and play. I am honored to help with some of the very best in our county, including Big Brother/Big Sisters, Family Connection, Inc., Leadership Shelby County and Kiwanis of Indian Springs.

Chef’s Special

Bistro Provare The Bistro Provare in Jefferson State Community College’s Culinary and Hospitality Institute is the perfect spot to meet someone for lunch or grab something to go. The Bistro, located at the college’s Shelby-Hoover Campus on Valleydale Road, serves delicious lunches prepared by future chefs Monday through Thursday. Try the grilled salmon sandwich; it is the best lunch value in town!

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SPA CAHABA YOUR LOCAL ESCAPE

Relax. Refresh. Renew.

SPA CAHABA | 205.564.9458 WWW.SHOPCAHABA.COM 90 September/October 2021