280 Living September 2011

| September 2011 | www.280living.com Volume 5 | Issue 1 | September 2011 P

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By MADOLINE MARKHAM

On her Highway 280 commute from Chelsea into Irondale each day in the late 1990s, Kimberly L. Smith contemplated her life in middle age, parenting the last of her children still in the house, working as a vice president of marketing, staying involved at church—all good things, she said, but something was missing. It was what she describes as a “restless growl in my soul.”

One morning while driving on County Road 43, a vivid vision played out of what would happen if she died in a car wreck there and then.

Smith’s vision became the beginning of the story of Make Way Partners, a Birmingham-based organization that fi ghts human traffi cking internationally, and of Smith’s dream to tell the stories of the oppressed.

“God has a unique dream for each of us,” Smith said. “So many of us are caught up in the American Dream—I was— until we fi nd what that unique dream is.”

In her book, Passport Through Darkness, released the fi rst of this year, Smith chronicles her journey from living on acreage in Chelsea to serving as “comfortable” missionaries in Spain and then from stumbling across human traffi cking victims on a trip to Portugal to

A voice from the darkness

spending years ministering to the victims of human traffi cking in Sudan and elsewhere in the world.

The compelling book is very real and very raw, as Smith honestly speaks of her own personal struggles in giving of herself and sharing in the suffering of so many.

“It’s worth it to me (to be so honest in order) to help some people and encourage

others to step outside and live an authentic life,” she said.

With her words, Smith paints the faces of the women and children she meets. Through her own story, she tells their individual stories of rape, of abduction, of fear, of torture, of murder, of abandonment and of hope.

Kimberly Smith, author of Passport Through Darkness, ministers to orphans in Darfur as part of Make Way Partners’ efforts to fi ght human traffi cking. Photo courtesy of Make Way Partners.

By KATHRYN ACREE

In the summer of 2010, 280 Living reported on the much-anticipated expansion of healthcare facilities on the 280 corridor. Trinity Medical Center was preparing to move its hospital campus from Montclair Road to the unfi nished former HealthSouth campus near the Cahaba River. Brookwood Medical Center was set to start on a freestanding emergency department at the intersection of Highway 280 and Highway 119.

Both hospitals had received their Certifi cate of Need approval from Alabama’s State Health Planning and Development Agency in Montgomery. A year has passed without construction at either location. What happened?

Trinity on 280 Trinity’s move to the Cahaba Grand

campus met expected opposition from Birmingham’s St. Vincent’s Health Systems and Brookwood Medical Center. The case is currently in the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals due to a lawsuit challenging Trinity’s $280 – 300 million relocation and

Expanded healthcare on 280 What’s happened?

expansion. Trinity’s CEO Keith Granger said he

is optimistic the case will be ruled in their favor and that Trinity will be “relentless in its pursuit” to complete the planned campus.

“When the record of facts and details (on the case) is heard, the community’s need for this project will ultimately prevail, and we will be allowed to proceed,” Granger said.

Granger emphasized the positive

economic impact Trinity on 280 will bring to our area. He is saddened by the continued delays when considering what his company could have been spending on construction and related products and services rather than the expenses the hospital has incurred over the last 12 months due to court proceedings.

If the court rules on favor of Trinity, the new campus could be completed in

n e i g h b o r l y n e w s & e n t e r t a i n m e n t

280Living

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Editor’s note

Greek Food Festival

Songwriter Troy Jones

People you should know

Debra Goldstein

Game day gear

Fall gardening

Restaurant Showcase

Business Spotlight

280 Business Happenings

Alabama/Auburn previews

Sports

School House

Kari Kampakis

Library Happenings

Rick Watson

Paul Johnson

Music Listings/Classifi eds

Calendar of Events

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The new Trinity medical center planned for the vacant building on Highway 280 is tied up in court battles. Photo by Madoline Markham.

280 Living| September 2011 | A2

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Staff & FriendsContributing Writers

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Contributing Photographers Cari Dean

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Congratulations to the winner of the August Facebook fan giveaway:

Kristy Yeager Miley

Fan Giveaway

Remember only Fans who “like” our Facebook page are eligible for the monthly giveaway. The winner for this month will be chosen July 20th.

Thanks for reading and being fans of 280 Living.

This month’s winner will receive: $25 toBirmingham Bake & Cook

You must e-mail [email protected] to claim your prize.

Moms of Spain Park High School football players experienced practice drills for themselves at the fi rst annual Pigskins and Pearls Women’s

Clinic. Coach Chip Lindsey organized the August event to give player’s moms a chance to play their son’s position and experience what goes on

in practice and team meetings. Photo by Kathryn Acree.

If you were wondering when anything was ever going to happen with the currently very vacant Trinity hospital, so were we. Kathryn Acree made some phone calls to fi nd out for our cover story. The gist is that Brookwood and Trinity are in a sticky court battles over both of their properties on Highway 280. Both parties are hopeful that their cases will be resolved so that they are able to bring health care closer to us soon, so stay tuned as we listen for updates.

On a more personal note, hearing Kimberly Smith’s heart for victims of human traffi cking fi rst in her book and then in person really made me ponder my purpose in life. I hope that her story will also make you step back from the day-to-day routine and consider what she calls your unique dream for your life. I also highly recommend reading Passport Through Darkness and learning more about her organization online.

Also in this issue, be sure to check out the story of songwriter Troy Jones (page A8) and his journey to writing chart-topping country hits.

New this month, we’ll be highlighting a different county offi cial or other person of note in our “People you should know” column. We started off by talking with a friend of the paper, Jennifer Whisenant, about her role in the Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce (page A9).

The chamber is also hosting a blues and barbecue festival the fi rst weekend in October that you won’t want to miss. If you have ideas for people we should feature, email me at [email protected].

Be sure to look for the Lake Lovers Photo Contest (page B15). We enjoyed looking through how you captured all your memories of skiing, tubing and enjoying

time with family and friends at the lake this summer and had a hard time picking our winners.

Now that we’re all sticking around town more for the fall, I hope you’ll stop by the local events we’ve highlighted in this issue. On my list are searching out spanikopita and baklava at the Greek Food Festival Sept. 29-Oct. 1, trying some new Latin cuisine at the Fiesta Festival and trying one of those Dean’s Cakes from Cowboy’s (page A17)—and maybe running in the Great Prostate Cancer Challenge or Paws for a Cause (page A6) to work off some of that food.

As always, we welcome your suggestions and feedback, [email protected]. Be sure to check www.280living.com and our Facebook page for our latest updates on news in the area and to share comments on stories.

Warmly,

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280 Living | September 2011 | www.280living.com A5

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The annual Fiesta Hispanic Culture Festival highlights 20-25 Spanish-speaking cultures with a cultural village, food village, dance village and more. This year the festival will be held Saturday, October 1 at Regions Park in Hoover.

“Our vision for Fiesta was to create an event where we could showcase the many countries and cultures that share the Spanish language,” said Mike Suco, who has been on the board for the event since 2003 and lives in Mt Laurel.

What’s Suco’s favorite part of the festival? The food— Cuban, Caribbean, Mexican Spanish and more. Suco

encourages everyone to come learn about different countries, cultures and music as well.

“People hear the most about Mexican culture,” Suco said, “but there are a lot of other countries that we want other people to learn about as well. People who go for the first time always tell me how much they enjoyed it and how much they learned.”

The festival also features children’s activities and health and wellness information.

For more information on the event, visit www.fiestahbc.com.

The annual Giggles and Grace Fall Consignment Sale will be held September 9 and 10 at Asbury United Methodist Church, One Asbury Way. There will be great deals on infant-junior clothing, baby items, furniture, toys and books.

The sale runs Friday, 8 a.m.-7 p.m.

and Saturday, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Registration is ongoing. Items will be received September 6-8. Items remaining at the end of the sale go toward local mission organizations. For more information, visit www.asburygigglesandgrace.com.

The Great Prostate Cancer Challenge will be held September 24 at the Oak Mountain State Park, Dogwood Pavilion. This 5K race and 1 mile fun run benefits prostate cancer research, education and free screenings. The race is part of the Great Prostate Cancer Challenge, which takes

place in 27 cities in 2011.The race begins at 8 a.m. Registration

is $25 in advance or $30 on race day. For more information and to register or sign up for a team, visit www.greatprostatecancerchallenge.com/races/birmingham.

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Harvest of Hope Luncheon to benefit Oak Mountain Missions

Former Alabama first lady Patsy Riley served as a guest speaker at a previous Harvest of Hope Luncheon benefiting Oak Mountain Missions. Photo courtesy of Oak Mountain Missions.

The fifth annual Harvest of Hope Luncheon benefitting Oak Mountain Missions Ministries will be Tuesday, September 13 at ll:30 a.m. at the Cahaba Grand Conference Center.

A silent auction will begin at 10 a.m. TV and radio personality James Spann will be this year’s keynote speaker. Janet Hall of Fox 6 News will be mistress of ceremonies, and Rev. Al and Passion Lewis will provide musical entertainment.

All money raised at the event, excluding the cost of the meal, will go to provide needed services for Oak Mountain Missions. The faith-based nonprofit provides food, clothing, furniture and financial assistance to those in need in Shelby County and the greater Birmingham area. This year has been especially costly for the organization due to the economy. Donations overall have decreased but the number of clients needing assistance has greatly increased.

For reservations, please contact Oak Mountain Missions by email at [email protected] or phone

685-5757. For more information on Oak Mountain Missions Ministries, visit oakmtnmissions.com.

Football 101 for WomenOn September 26, St. Vincent’s One

Nineteen is holding a night to teach football basics to women who want to understand the game more intelligently. The session will be taught by former Auburn and

NFL player and current WJOX host Al Del Greco.

The $12 cost includes a healthy tailgate meal. Call 408-6550 to register. Space is limited.

280 Living

The Animal League of Birmingham is once again hosting the Paws for a Cause 5K run and one-mile fun run/pet walk at Veterans Park on Valleydale Road. The event is set for Saturday, September 10 with proceeds benefiting the Shelby County Humane Society.

The 5k begins at 8 a.m. with the fun run/pet walk starting at 9:15 a.m. Early

registration, available through September 5, for the 5K is $25, and the fun run is $20. This year’s sponsors are Riverview Animal Clinic and PAC Insurance Agency.

The Trak Shak as well as several local vet offices has registration forms. Online registration is available at www.active.com.

Paws for the Cause 5K run/fun run to be held at Veterans Park

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By KATHRYN ACREE

North Shelby residents and other members of the Greek Orthodox Church are busy preparing for the Greek Food Festival held downtown at Holy Trinity-Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church. This year’s event is set for September 29 through October 1 from 10:30 a.m. - 10 p.m. each day.

Run by over 100 parish volunteers at the seventh oldest Greek Orthodox Church in the country, the festival is a true cultural experience. Greek cuisine, live music and dancing highlight three days when every visitor gets to “be Greek.”

“I was raised in the church and danced each year,” said North Shelby resident and festival media contact Elaine Lyda. “Now our sons are part of the group and love it. The youth perform by age group on stage and invite the crowd to dance along with them.” Her sons, Nick, 12, and Luke, 10, dance each year.

As evidenced by the festival’s name, the menu is prepared by church members and boasts many Greek favorites. Souvlakia, Greek chicken, pastichio, gryos and Greek salads are part of the entrée selection. A crowd-pleaser each year is frozen pastichio, a dish of layered macaroni, meat sauce and béchamel sauce that can be picked up at the festival and baked at home, serving 9 – 12 for only $30.

The Greek pastries available might have long names, but think cookies and donuts topped with honey and nuts or the delight of powdered sugar or cinnamon— baklava, melomakarona, kourambethes and loukoumathes.

Festival Chairman Jimmy Cosmas, also an Oak Mountain area resident, said the amount of food prepared and sold gets bigger every year. “Last year we estimated we made 26,000 meals,” Cosmas said. “We have school groups come through and tour the church then order food. It makes a great mini-fi eld trip for students!”

A drive-through is open for orders from 10:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. each day and is responsible for 40 percent of the festival’s business.

The festival serves as a fundraiser for area charities. “Each year we look at charitable groups based on recent events,” Cosmas said. “This year we will donate to continued tornado relief efforts in our area. In years past we’ve donated to Hurricane

Area families prepare for Greek Festival

Katrina relief or 9/11 relief efforts.”Tours of the church cathedral are

offered each day of the festival. “For many guests this is the fi rst time they’ve been in a Greek Orthodox Church,” Cosmas said, “and we open our doors to them.”

Cosmas also noted that the festival was purposely scheduled for a Saturday when both Alabama and Auburn play away games. “We’ll have TVs on showing the games,” Cosmas said. “You have to give consideration to these things when you live where we do!”

Festival organizers are proud to announce a new parking area this year for attendees’ convenience. The former Liberty National Building parking deck one block away from the church at 20th Street South and Richard Arrington Boulevard will be open throughout the festival with free parking. At 5 p.m. each day the street alongside the church will be blocked off to allow for ease of foot traffi c.

Holy Trinity-Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church is located at 307 19th Street South in the UAB area. Admission to the festival is free, and food items are individually priced. A Greek market place will be open with vendors selling imported food, icons, fi ne jewelry and more. To pre-order food at the festival drive-through, call 716-3086 or fax 716-3085 for orders of 10 or more. Information about the Greek Food Festival is available at www.bhamgreekfestival.com.

Youth from Holy Trinity-Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church perform the Zorba dance at a previous Greek Festival. Photo courtesy of Elaine Lyda.

Loukoumathes are Greek donuts fried while you watch at the Greek Food Festival. Photo courtesy of Elaine Lyda.

A Chelsea Day arts and crafts fair will be held Saturday, October 1 at Chelsea City Hall from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will featured local artisans, arts and crafts vendors, food, live entertainment and games. The celebration of fi ne arts is

Chelsea Day arts and crafts fairhosted by the Chelsea High School Band and supported by the City of Chelsea.

If you are interested in participating as a vendor or need more information, contact [email protected].

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By KATHRYN ACREE

Troy Jones sits in the kitchen of his Lay Lake home and shares the story of his journey to becoming a chart-topping country songwriter. He gives an easy smile. “I guess it just took me 20 years to be an overnight success,” he said.

Kenny Chesney, George Strait, Billy Currington, Randy Travis, Brad Paisley, Trace Adkins, Ashton Shepherd— these hit-making names sound like the roll call at a country music award show. And they are all artists that have recorded songs written or co-written by Jones.

“My dream was to one day hear a song I’d written on the radio,” Jones said. “Sometimes I can’t even believe all that’s happened. I’ve truly been blessed.”

Originally from Port St. Joe, Fla., Jones met and married his wife, Patsy, and

The long road to overnight success: local country songwriter Troy Jones

moved to the Sylacauga area in 1977. He worked shifts at the local paper mill, and they started a family.

In the mid-80s on a trip back to Florida, Jones heard up-and-coming performer Randy Travis and got hooked on Travis’ style and emotion of his music. “That really inspired me to start writing songs, to take writing seriously,” Jones said.

Continuing to work at the mill, Jones started writing songs in his spare time, visiting country music nightspots in Montgomery to meet other artists who encouraged him to make a trip to Nashville to test the songwriting waters. He traveled to Nashville’s Bluebird Café, a songwriting mecca where performers and writers mix and mingle, and joined the Nashville Songwriters Association International.

Before long, he accepted a job writing for Polygram Publishing and then Carnival Music while continuing to live and work in Sylacauga, but achieving big success eluded him.

Jones’ admits he got to the point that he was ready to call it quits, but in 2005, he caught the attention of powerhouse country performer Kenny Chesney. Chesney was recording The Road and the Radio and wanted Jones’ song “Like Me” on the album. Although not released as a single, “Like Me” gave Jones the chance to work with a major performer.

Chesney’s 2007 album, Just Who I Am: Poets and Pirates, picked up another Jones’ song, “Shiftwork,” that would climb the charts and reach the number two spot.

“It was amazing,” Jones said. “I would

Songwriter Troy Jones at his home on Lay Lake with some of the awards received for his hit country songs. Photo by Kathryn Acree.

be driving, and there was my song on the radio after all those years.”

South Georgia native Billy Currington soon picked up Jones’ and fellow songwriter Bobby Braddock’s “People Are Crazy,” and in early 2009 the song shot to number one on the country charts and ultimately received Grammy nominations in 2010 for Best Male Country Vocal Performance and Best Country Song. The song also received a Song of the Year nomination at the 2010 Academy of Country Music Awards.

So did Jones “go Hollywood” to bask in the spotlight of a Grammy nomination? “No, Patsy and I stayed home and watched it on TV,” he said. “I didn’t really want to go to Los Angeles and get in the middle of all that.”

Billy Currington called on Jones again for his next album, Enjoy Yourself. “Pretty Good at Drinkin’ Beer” went on to become a number one hit in September 2010. “It’s not something you ever get used to or take for granted,” Jones said of his success.

In recent months, Jones has spent time with singer Ashton Shepherd, a recording artist Jones calls “the real deal.” Shepherd hails from Leroy, Ala., and Jones is among a group of songwriters who collaborated on her new album, Where Country Grows,released in July.

Jones continues to write from his Lay Lake home and is most honored to have a song recently picked up by one of his biggest inspirations, Randy Travis. Travis released Anniversary Celebrationin June looking back at his 25 years in country music. The fi rst song on the album is an upbeat foot-stomper from Jones, “Everything and All,” recorded as a duet with Brad Paisley. The album’s last song is also a version of “Everything and All” recorded by Travis alone.

“It’s been an up and down ride all these years,” Jones said. “Persistence, the dedication of my family and believing good things would eventually happen got me through.”

280 Living

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| September 2011 | www.280living.com A9280 Living

Morgan Creek Vineyards is getting ready for their 10th annual Grape Stomp on Saturday, September 17 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Highlights include music by the Big Tasties, winery tours, wine tastings and, of course, grape stomping. Participants get to stomp grapes in a barrel, just like the early days of winemaking. The Lucy Look-Alike Contest, always a crowd favorite, is planned for the afternoon with a cash prize for the winner.

Guests are welcome to bring their own food, but outside alcohol and pets are not allowed. There will also be food for purchase at the event. Admission is $10 per person.

Morgan Creek Vineyards is located in Harpersville off Hwy 280 at 181 Morgan Creek Lane. For more information, visit www.morgancreekwinery.com or call 672-2053.

Grape Stomp date set

The Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce will host the fi rst annual Shelby Blues and BBQ Festival fundraiser on October 1 at the Verizon Wireless Center in Pelham. Teams will compete in food judging competitions in four categories: BBQ chicken, BBQ ribs, BBQ pork and desserts.

“We typically hosted an annual golf tournament, but wanted to do something different,” said chamber president Jennifer Whisenant. ”This is set up as an event for families with great music, food, vendors

Blues and BBQ Festivaland a kids area to play.”

Both Alabama and Auburn play away games on October 1. “We’ll have TV’s showing the games,” Whisenant said. “Also, folks are welcome to come by and pick up food for tailgating.”

Musical acts will be playing continually on stage and are being coordinated through the Magic City Blues Society. Tickets to Shelby Blues and BBQ are $5 and gates will open to the public at 1 p.m. For more information, visit www.shelbybluesandbbq.org.

A young visitor shows off her certifi cate after stomping grapes. Photo courtesy of Arik Sokol.

People you should know

By KATHRYN ACREE

Jennifer Whisenant is all about promoting the county she loves, Shelby County. As president and CEO of the non-profi t Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce, she spends her days working to showcase all that businesses in our area have to offer.

“Simply put, we are in business for business,” Whisenant said. “This is such a great place to live, and we have so much to offer. The chamber is here to create the great business connections that are key to a thriving business economy.”

Mirroring the growth enjoyed by Shelby County, the Greater Shelby Chamber has added over 100 new members year-to-date. The organization hosts networking events such as Speed Networking, Business After Hours and Network 280; see page A18 for a complete list of their upcoming events.

Born in Gadsden, Whisenant has lived in Shelby County for 37 years. An Indian Springs resident, her son, Cameron Bice, is a student at Oak Mountain High School, and her daughter, Ashley Bice, attends

President Jennifer Whisenant is in business for business at the Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce. Photo by Kathryn Acree.

Birmingham-Southern College.After graduating from the University

of Alabama in public relations and journalism, Whisenant fi rst worked for the City of Birmingham’s public library system. She then went to work for South Central Bell, which later became Bellsouth. Her position at Bellsouth led to joining the Board of Directors of the Greater Shelby County Chamber. When the former president of the chamber retired fi ve years ago, Whisenant stepped in to her current role as president/CEO.

Whisenant feels Shelby County offers a tremendous business climate. “Our county is a huge draw,” Whisenant said. “We have great public and private schools, a positive government atmosphere, the lowest unemployment in the state and leaders with vision.”

The Greater Shelby County Chamber is one of fi ve chambers that serve Shelby County. Also working to promote businesses are the Calera Chamber, the Montevallo Chamber, the South Shelby Chamber and the Hoover Chamber.

NOW OPEN !

Jennifer Whisenant Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce President

| September 2011 | A10 280 Living

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Debra Goldstein has always invested in the community, serving the public as a judge and volunteering with various organizations, so it’s no surprise that her debut novel, Maze in Blue, is intrinsically tied to people in Birmingham as well. For ten years leading up to its publication, her friends read, praised and critiqued the mystery novel set at the University of Michigan in the 1970s. Most of her writing came while staying at the beach condo her friend Judy Todd lent her.

“I’m having so much fun with the book, and doing some good with it,” Goldstein said.

Goldstein, who has lived in Birmingham since 1978 and in Caldwell Crossings since 2004, has donated book profi ts for tornado relief efforts and to Breast Cancer Research Foundation during select dates.

September sales from her book will benefi t YWCA’s domestic violence programs in conjunction with the women’s service club Zonta. A portion of the proceeds of all copies of Maze in Blue sold from September 18 to October 2 from Little Professor Book Center or from Amazon (book or Kindle version) will be donated to the YWCA.

Maze in Blue debuted with a soft opening in May at Temple Emanu-El’s Oy Vey Cafe, where Goldstein is actively involved. Soon afterward, Goldstein had her fi rst book signing at Little Professor and since then has talked to book clubs around Birmingham.

The book met its sales goal for the year after two months. Goldstein’s daughter, Jennifer, thought it was fun to read on the Metro on her commute in Washington, DC, and Emmy Rickets at Little Professor said she read it on the treadmill.

Uniquely set on a college campus,

details of Goldstein’s characters’ lives allow anyone to reminisce about their college years. She incorporated elements of her own stories from college—her dorm, her sorority and a few pranks she pulled. “None of the murders are true though,” she said.

Goldstein has always been a writer, writing children’s theatre as a child, working as an editorial assistant in New York City after college and writing legal articles. She has also been an avid reader of mysteries, what she says was a break from the seriousness of her day job, and writing her own mystery novel was a dream.

That dream became a reality thanks to the encouragement of friends. “If you are going to do it, do it,” a friend told her.

In 2000, Goldstein went to Todd’s

beach condo for a long weekend and came home with 85 written pages.

“About fi ve of those ended up in the book,” she said, but it was a start.

By 2001 the book was ready to show to her friends, who critiqued it. “Critiquing me is the best thing they could have done,” she said.

In 2008, author and friend Teresa Thorne, who wrote Noah’s Wife, invited her to the Alabama Writers’ Conference in Auburn, which inspired her to continue writing. Then, through a meeting at the Women’s Network, Joyce Norman of Chalet Publishers got a copy of Goldstein’s manuscript and offered her a contract for two books.

Now that the book is becoming well established in Birmingham, Goldstein

is spreading the word to University of Michigan connections, where many people will no doubt identify with campus traditions like the Mud Bowl and the layout of buildings.

She’s planning for her next novel to be a murder mystery set at the Biltmore/Grove Park Inn in Asheville, N.C. “I’m sure one will end up in law school if the series takes off,” she said.

Maze in Blue is currently available locally at Barnes and Noble, Jim Reed Bookstore, The Alabama BookSmith, Little Professor Book Center and The Book Seller at St. Vincent’s as well as online on Amazon. For more information on Goldstein’s work, visit debrahgoldstein.com.

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HEALTHCARECONTINUED from page 1

two years or less. It would take three or four months of securing permits for construction, but then construction would begin immediately.

“We would put people to work immediately and jobs would be in play, taxes would be being paid,” Granger said.

Oral arguments in Trinity’s case will be heard beginning Oct. 6. Granger noted all the encouragement Trinity has received from citizens, community leaders and businesses. “It’s rewarding to see area support, patience and tolerance,” he said.

Brookwood Medical Center’s freestanding emergency department

Brookwood Medical Center also met opposition to its proposed $19 million emergency department in the Greystone area. In June a Montgomery County Circuit Court judge overturned Brookwood’s CON approval.

“Trinity appealed the decision saying Brookwood Hospital didn’t provide adequate public notice during the application process,” said Vice President of External Affairs Steve Preston. Brookwood plans to ask the judge to reconsider and will consider an appeal if the decision is not reversed.

St. Vincent’s Health Systems originally argued against the project as well but has since dropped its opposition.

“Brookwood and St. Vincent’s are long established market leaders in the Birmingham area,” Preston said. “Brookwood remains committed to this project and bringing the most-needed services to our patient base at the place where our patients need them most.”

Previously released information from Brookwood on the freestanding emergency department calls it the “fi rst of its kind in Alabama.” Construction on the 19,000-square-foot facility would take approximately a year to complete. Board-certifi ed emergency medicine

physicians with specialty physicians would be available 24 hours a day. The facility would have 24-hour fully staffed laboratory services, along with pharmacy and diagnostic services, including CT, MRI, X-ray and ultrasound.

On the Brookwood emergency department’s website, www.280ERnow.com, Earnest and Kathy McConnell of Chelsea Park praised the “security and peace of mind” a close-by emergency room would bring. “If you are in an accident, your upmost concern, especially if a young person is involved, is getting help fast,” McConnell said.

280 Living asked McConnell his opinion on the court battles Brookwood and Trinity face. “I wish they could fi nd a way to work through it and not battle like politicians, like the Republicans and Democrats,” he said. “They need to just negotiate.”

What do you think about the plans for the hospital and emergency department and how they are being held up in court? We want to know! Email [email protected], visit our Facebook page or leave a comment on www.280living.com to let us know. Watch www.280living.com and future print issues for an update on the court cases.

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A rendering of the completed Trinity medical center planned for Highway 280. Photo courtesy of Trinity Medical Center.

A rendering of the Brookwood emergency clinic planned for the intersection for Highway 280 and Highway 119. Photo courtesy of Brookwood Medical Center.

| September 2011 | www.280living.com A13

Remon now at Summit location of clothing store

Remon’s Clothier’s owner Ramon Danforah and his son, JP. Photos by Madoline Markham.

We called around to see what different local stores offer for tailgating gear and apparel to sport your favorite team.

Dick’s Sporting GoodsCanopies, chairs and coolers for tailgating as well as T-shirts, sweatshirts, pullovers and hats. Brook Highland Plaza, 5201 Highway 280, 981-1320.

Game day gear

Shelby Lynn Watkins wears an Auburn shirt and hair bow from Wee Peat Boutique. Photo by Kathryn Acree.

Wee Peat BoutiqueTeam outfi ts, hair bows and other game day accessories for kids. Arbor Place Shopping Center, 874-6655.

Academy Sports and OutdoorsSelection of clothing apparel for men, women and children including T-shirts, women’s fi tted shirts, jerseys and tank tops, Nike Tempo shorts, youth jerseys, toddler clothing, Columbia collared shirts and fi shing shirts, and Under Armour and Nike polo shirts. The Village at Lee Branch, 310 Doug Baker Boulevard, 981-4150.

The Gingerbread Lady Magnolia House products and ornaments for Alabama, Auburn plus UGA and LSU and other schools. The Colonnade, 3431 Colonnade Parkway, 970-2683, thegingerbreadlady.net.

Hibbett SportsApparel for men, women and children including Nike and Under Armour polo shirts, wind jackets, sweatshirts, T-shirts and an exclusive line of Nike Auburn eagle and Alabama elephant apparel. Brook Highland Plaza, 5275 Highway 280, 991-8646.

Roger’s Trading CompanyColumbia collegiate shirts for men and game day dresses for women. 140 Resource Center Parkway, 408-9378.

Campus SpiritEverything Alabama and Auburn imaginable at a variety of price points: clothing, knick knacks, shoes, license plates, collector’s photos, tailgating gear, jewelry, rings, watches, T-shirts and more. The Summit, 250 Summit Blvd., 977-7377.

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NEW LOCATION!

By MADOLINE MARKHAM

Remon’s Clothiers has long been a true gentlemen’s store in Birmingham, but recently tailor Remon Danforah himself has come to work exclusively at the Summit location.

Their original location had been open downtown for 37 years, and they opened a second location at the Summit in 2009, which his wife ran.

“Everyone walks in and asks for Remon,” Danforah said. “I was going back and forth between the two stores sometimes eight or nine times a day.”

In May, the downtown store closed, and Danforah moved to serve his customers in tailoring at The Summit.

“I still love downtown, but I can serve customers better in one store,” he said. “Here I see more people. I sell to women and to children, and about 30 percent of our customers are from out of state.”

In addition to the custom-tailored suits and fi ne mens ware they have always sold, the store also sells brands popular with a younger crowd such as Southern Tide, Southern Proper and Southern Point. They make Alabama and Auburn T-shirts, hats, polos and more, each with a look you can’t fi nd in other local stores. These designers appeal to teenagers and men in their 20s and their fathers alike.

You can still fi nd classic designers and the customer service the store has always been known for. The store carries brands like Peter Millar and Bobby Jones sports wear and suits for recent college graduates as well as seasoned businessmen—all of which Danforah selects himself individually.

Remon’s Clothier is located in the Saks Plaza at The Summit and can be reached at 977-5512.


Girl Scout Troop 979 members Catherine Florence, Jane Beck, Caroline Perkins, Amelia Patrick, Jocelyn Dye, Gabby Holt, Kayleen Holt and Alexis Gorham of Oak Mountain Middle School earned their Bronze Award for volunteering at Special Kids night at Oak Mountain Presbyterian Church. The girls coordinated fun activities and games and performed a puppet show

for the children with special needs while their parents had a did something on their own for the night.

The Girl Scouts Silver Award is the highest award a Girl Scout Junior can earn. Each girl must have an individual leadership position and complete 40 leadership hours towards the project.

By HILARY ROSS

After the summer heat fades and before the chill of winter appears, fall is an invigorating time to garden. Circle Friday, September 23 on the calendar, as that is the day that summer “officially” ends and marks the onset of autumn. The cool days allow trees and shrubs to establish roots and transition into the garden before next year’s growing season. Plus, who does not like to be outdoors during this time of year? Follow these tips and you are on your way to a fantastic garden.

Do plant a tree with glorious color and maintains interest throughout the year. Some of my favorite trees with stunning fall color are Japanese Maples, particularly ‘Bloodgood,’ which has deep scarlet foliage in fall, and Coral Bark Maple, which has glowing, golden leaves that drop to reveal exquisite, coral-red twigs and branches in winter. The peak of ‘October Glory’ Red Maple here is in mid-November, leading me to think the tree should be renamed ‘November Glory’. Shumard Oak is a regal tree that tolerates a diverse range of soils and its dark green, lustrous leaves change to an outstanding crimson in autumn. Crepe Myrtle has beautiful, vivid fall foliage plus the interest of exfoliating bark and plentiful summer blooms. Chinese Pistache is a striking, medium-sized tree that ignites gold, then burns orange, and finally flames red before its leaves fall.

Don’t miss the final show from your summer annuals, such as impatiens, geraniums and coleus. Easily, you will get almost two more months production from your established summer annuals (including many herbs) before the first frost, typically mid-November. Refresh them by pinching back or trimming leggier stems and remove any seed pods or spent blooms. This encourages a bushier, compact plant that will put on fresh foliage and a burst of new blooms. Also, re-fertilize with a balanced fertilizer to encourage that last performance before frost.

Do know how to pick your pansies and violas. After the final show from your summer annuals, it is time for planting again. Pansies and violas can reward you with six months of color in your garden. Pansies are larger in flower than violas, and both come in a variety of colors and “faces.” Look for compact plants with healthy, green foliage and avoid long-stemmed bedding plants with yellowing leaves. Also, the roots should be thick enough to hold the potting medium together, yet not a thick, tangled mass. When you plant your pansies or violas, use a granular, time released fertilizer, such as 18-6-12, at the time of planting and again in early February. Keep spent blooms pinched regularly to encourage best flowering. Consider adding curly leaf parsley, ornamental kale or a cool-season lettuce to your flower beds and containers to fill space and add contrast to your pansies and violas.

Don’t neglect your grass. In early fall, when the days are not as hot and the nights are cool, it is the appropriate time to apply one last light application of a low-nitrogen

Tips for a fantastic fall garden

fertilizer if you have a warm season grass, such as Bermuda or Zoysia. A fertilizer product such as 5-10-10, 5 percent nitrogen (which promotes healthy growth), 10 percent phosphorus (which encourage healthy roots) and 10 percent potassium (which aides in the overall health) is perfect. This light application will allow your lawn to look great until the first frost while giving the sod the extra nutrients needed throughout the dormant season.

Do plant some spring flowering bulbs and rhizomes now. Some of my favorites include daffodils and bearded iris. Daffodil is one of the finest flowering bulbs in our area and thrives without attention. The bulbs increase naturally from year to year, so as each year passes you will enjoy more and more stunning blooms. My two favorite are ‘Ice Follies,’ which is a large, yellow-cupped daffodil with white petals, and ‘Thalia,’ which is a dainty, white daffodil. Bearded Iris is a great cut flower and comes in almost every color imaginable. Excellent drainage and full sun is what an iris needs to produce traffic-stopping flowers.

Don’t be afraid to dig up and divide your perennials such as hosta, yarrow, dianthus, daisies and daylilies. Fall is the perfect time to carefully dig the plant and its roots from the ground. Using a garden fork, gently pull apart the lifted plants at the roots with your hands. Set your divided plants back at the original depth, tamp soil in place and water well. Then, you will have twice as many plants to enjoy or share with family, neighbors and friends.

Hilary Ross owns Mater Natura Designs, www.maternaturadesigns.com. You can contact her at [email protected] and find her on Facebook.

The October Glory Red Maple show stunning fall color. Photos courtesy of Hilary Ross.

Ross recommends planting violas for fall.

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The $186 Billion ClubYour Health TodayBy Dr. Irma Palmer

Your HealthYour HealthDo you suffer from arthritis? If so,

you may be part of The $186 Billion Club (which, unfortunately, doesn’t mean you’re guaranteed a portion of those dollars!). According to federal reports, the number of Americans diagnosed with arthritis continues to rise. Arthritis, the leading cause of disability in the US, is estimated to cost America $186 billion per year in medical care and lost productivity. Are you contributing? Wouldn’t you like not to be? Chiropractic care can help!

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis - about 70 percent of people over age 40 have at least x-ray evidence of OA somewhere in their body. Although “osteo” means bone, and “itis” means infl ammation, osteoarthritis is actually a disease originating in the cartilage, not the bone. This is why the more recent and accurate name for osteoarthritis is degenerative joint disease or DJD.

Today, over-the-counter medication and NSAIDs are the most common forms of treatment. However, over-the-counter and prescription drugs may actually contribute to the progression of osteoarthritis because the typical medical treatment for osteoarthritis addresses the “pain reaction” rather than treating the cause of the pain—degenerative joint

disease resulting from spinal subluxations. Chiropractors are trained to detect and correct spinal subluxations.

The term subluxation refers to a moveable joint structure that has lost its proper alignment and mobility, causing a domino effect. Within the spinal structure, the subluxation process is made up of fi ve components. The fi rst component is the abnormal motion or position of the spinal bones (vertebrae). This restricts one’s ability to turn, bend and move with ease. The second component is the abnormal function of the nervous system, which occurs because the delicate nerves are being pinched, pulled, compressed or irritated by the improper position or motion caused by the fi rst component. This produces pain for many people. The third component involves the muscles. This is where abnormal muscular function occurs producing spasms, weakness or atrophy, which may develop into a chronic pattern. The fourth component is the soft tissue swelling, which develops due to the increased blood and lymphatic supply. This causes increased pain and localized infl ammation. As a result, discs can bulge, herniate, tear and ultimately degenerate with enough time. The fi fth and fi nal component is the abnormal function of the spine and associated body parts. The

degenerated areas of the spine and its associated body parts will function less than normally because of the pressure on these delicate nerves. The reason is simple. At each level of the spine, nerves exit the spine and supply proper nervous system fl ow to the entire body inside and out. The specifi c damaged spinal areas are associated with their corresponding body parts internally and externally, which causes a decrease or loss of correct function.

Traditionally, some sort of medication is given to address several components associated with the subluxation process. For example, a painkiller is prescribed for the pain caused by the second component, a muscle relaxer for the spasms caused by the third component and lastly, an anti-infl ammatory for the soft tissue swelling of the fourth component. Instead of correcting the fi rst component (the abnormal motion or position of the vertebrae), medicines are prescribed to mask the pain this component causes. Doesn’t it make more sense to fi x the problem to begin with?

Ultimately, a spinal subluxation interferes with how your nervous system functions and virtually affects every cell, tissue, organ and system in your body. An interference of this magnitude left unattended and masked by medication

is truly an epidemic, and it’s a public disservice not to acknowledge it.

So, the question to ask is, why do so many people deliberately infl ict damage to themselves and not seek out other options? I believe the answer is two-fold. First, we are an instant-gratifi cation society! We expect results now. We don’t want to accept that our health problems took time to develop (and will take time to correct). And, when it comes to pain, we want immediate relief. Secondly, I believe that most people are simply unaware of other options for dealing with degenerative joint disease and subluxations. The chiropractic approach makes common sense. What makes no sense is considering the serious side effects of long-term use of today’s NSAIDs vs. a more direct and natural approach such as chiropractic. Chiropractic’s main purpose is to restore the function of the body, and maximize your living capacity without masking or impeding it.

Consider a chiropractic consultation in my offi ce. If you already have your x-rays, bring them in; if not and if necessary, Chiropractic Today will take spinal x-rays to determine how we may be able to help restore your spinal function and LIVING ability. Then, let us help you cancel your membership in The $186 Billion Club.

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5426 Highway 280 East Suite 14408-1008mughalindiancuisine.comMonday-Friday, 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m., 5-9:30 p.m.Saturday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., 5-10 p.m.

If you’ve never tried Indian food, Mughal Indian Cuisine’s lunch buffet is the perfect place to start. All of the dishes are prepared with mild spices, and you can try a little bit of each dish to figure out what you like. In addition to traditional Indian dishes that rotate daily, the buffet serves up fresh and cooked vegetables, fruit and dessert, making for a complete meal.

The restaurant also has an extensive lunch and dinner menu of meat and vegetarian dishes sure to please the Indian food connoisseur, but it can be a little intimidating if you are not familiar with the cuisine. If you go for dinner, start with a mild dish like a curry or tikka masala (see sidebar), which feature aromatic sauces filled with meat and served over rice, and be sure to order naan, a type of Indian flatbread, to soak up the sauce.

I personally had never tried Indian food until I made a few friends in college who had lived in India and liked to frequent an Indian restaurant near our school in Memphis. I was unsure at first about trying something new—Chinese food was about as ethnically adventurous as my family was growing up—but I was pleasantly surprised after my friends told me to order something mild and naan arrived for snacking.

Indian dishes are full of a fragrant aroma of spices unlike other cuisine. Most sauces are creamy, full of spices, vegetables and meat that have been slow cooked until

perfectly succulent. You can order them spicy if you like a kick or mild if that is your preference.

Open since July, Mughal adds ethnic spice to the lineup of barbecue, Greek food, Mexican and Southern cooking establishments that line Highway 280 in the Greystone/Lee Branch area. The restaurant is located near Chuck’s Fish and Pure Barre in The Terrace at Greystone Shopping Center across from Hugh Daniel Drive.

Sanju Karki, who owns the restaurant

with Subash Karki, a friend, said that so far everyone to come in has enjoyed the food. He recommends anyone come in and try it. “It’s very good,” he said.

All of their dishes are Northern Indian cuisine, which tends to be richer than Southern Indian cuisine due to its cooler climate.

Mughal offers a takeout dining option. You can pick up a paper menu in the restaurant or view it on their website online. The restaurant also caters.

Selections from the lunch buffet at Mughal: chicken tikka masala, chicken tandori, vegetable pakeri, nanan and chicken curry. Photo by Dan Starnes.

Restaurant Showcase | By Madoline MarkhaMMughal Indian Cuisine

Foods & Flavors

Indian dishes to trySamosa- a small pastry in a triangular shaped stuffed with potatoes, spices and vegetables or meatChicken or Lamb Tikka Masala- chunks of chicken or lamb cooked in a rich tomato, onion and butter sauceChicken Curry- chicken cooked in a light, mildly spiced gravy full of aromatic spicesMughal Special Biryani- like an Indian version of Chinese fried rice; saffron rice cooked with boneless pieces of chicken, lamb and shrimpNaan- a thick, leavened flatbread cooked in a Tandoor oven; available plain or in flavors like garlic or chicken or lamb

| September 2011 | www.280living.com A17Business Spotlight | By KATHRYN ACREECowboys

Cowboys owner Alan Kidd and manager Mark Mosteller with some of the unique Alabama favorites the convenience store sells. Photo by Kathryn Acree.

5492 Highway 280 EastLee Branch981-0994Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week

Browsing the aisles at Cowboys convenience store is a mini fi eld trip around Alabama. Shoppers will fi nd Morgan Creek wines from nearby Harpersville, Jimmy Carmack’s Pure Alabama Honey, Wickles Pickles from Dadeville, Big Sky Bread from Mountain Brook, peanuts from Birmingham’s Peanut Depot and more.

“You’d be surprised at how far people will travel to buy our Alabama products,” said Mark Mosteller, manager of Cowboys. “A lady drove here from Gadsden a couple of weeks back to get a Dean’s Cake.”

It’s the local items stocked at the front of the store that draw people in to buy more than gas and a Coke. “I’ve recently been told by a visiting VP with Coca-Cola that he’s never seen a store like ours,” Mosteller said. “We offer a lot more than what a basic convenience store does.”

It all began with Dreamland Ribs, according to Cowboys owner Alan Kidd. “That was the fi rst thing we offered, and it was a big hit, especially during football weekends,” Kidd said. “Dreamland then starting selling big jars of the sauce, and that was just as popular.” Dreamland Ribs, in a cold case near the store’s entrance, are sold by the slab with 32-ounce jars of their sauce nearby.

Kidd knew customers traveling to the beach would recall other favorites from south Alabama, so the next items to be stocked were Priester’s Pecans from Fort Deposit and Dean Jacob’s seven-layer cakes from Andalusia.

“On the fi rst trip I made to Priester’s, I loaded down my truck and brought all of it back to Cowboys,” Kidd said. “ It was

amazing how fast people grabbed those up.”

Dean’s Cakes have become so popular at Cowboys that they’ve made room to hold extra cakes in one of the beer coolers. “It says a lot when cakes take over a beer cooler at a convenience store,” Mosteller said with a smile.

The varieties of Dean’s Cakes seem endless: seven layer chocolate, coconut, Italian cream, lady Baltimore, german chocolate, lane, red velvet and caramel. Mosteller said shoppers come in and ask for the popular “Sock It To Me” bundt cake from Dean Jacobs as well. “During the holidays, these go fast,” Mosteller said.

Another product Kidd says you’ve got

to try is Black Creek Quail Farm’s pickled quail eggs from Collinsville. They come in regular and hot varieties. “That’s one I’ve sold people on,” Kidd said. “People may look and think, no way, but I’ve popped open a jar and had them sample the quail eggs and they’re hooked.”

Cowboys also carries Amish products from Miller Dairy in the Vincent area. Hoop cheese and roll butter in two pound blocks are big sellers. “At Christmas when ladies are doing a lot of baking, that butter is hard to keep in stock,” Mosteller said.

With the success of the Alabama favorite food products, Kidd decided to take a gamble and bring in another unique item, full-size Brazilian cowhides from J.

Colter Home Furnishings. “I saw these at a show in Colorado

and thought they’d be popular here,” Kidd said. “I was right. Decorators will come in and lay the cowhides out on the fl oor and start calling their clients on the phone. They are a popular look in rec rooms and dens.”

Of course, Cowboys sells gas, if that’s all you’re shopping for by chance. They pride themselves on very competitive gas prices. “Our margins on gas are very low on purpose,” Mosteller said. “There are probably 25 places up and down 280 from 459 to Chelsea to buy gas. We work to offer something unique and we want your business.”

Business Spotlight

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G280Living


For information about Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce events,

go online to: www.shelbychamber.org

or call 663-4542.

September Calendar of Events for the 280 Area

9/6 - Focus Indian Springs. 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Indian Springs School, 190 Woodward Dr. No RSVP required. No cost.

9/8- Grow & Go “Organizational Trust.” Presented by Oldenburg and Associates. Lunch and materials included. Members and non-members: $20. 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Chamber, 1301 County Services Dr., Pelham RSVP required by noon, Tuesday, Sept. 6.

9/8- Business After Hours. 3 - 7 p.m. Property Enhancement Services, 2976 Pelham Pkwy., Suite C. No RSVP required. No cost.

9/13- Network 280. 8:30– 9:30 a.m. One Nineteen Health and Wellness, 7191 Cahaba Valley Rd. No RSVP required. No cost.

9/20- Focus Pelham. 8:30 - 9:30 a.m. Sarah’s Flowers, Inc., 2834-C Pelham Pkwy. No RSVP required. No cost.

9/28- Membership and Annual Safety Awards Luncheon. Showcase City Feature: Chelsea and Harpersville. 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Pelham Civic Complex, 500 Amphitheater Dr., Pelham. Investment: Members: $17. Non-members: $25. RSVP required by noon, Monday, Sept. 26.


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Snider’s pharmacy and others move to new Baptist Health complex

Snider’s Discount Pharmacy and 280 Medical Supply have moved to the Baptist Health Center complex at the corner of Highway 280 and Highway 39 in Chelsea. Smith Chiropractic will also move to the complex that houses Chelsea Urgent Care and a Baptist Health family practice.

The new, larger Snider’s location features a drive through window, coffee bar and expanding gift section that comes

with complimentary gift wrap. The coffee, brewed daily by the former owner of Ekklesia Coffee Shop, is free for customers.

280 Medical Supply, formerly known as Birmingham Medical Alliance, will hold a ribbon cutting September 15 at 3 p.m.

Snider’s is located at 15582 Highway 280, Suite 100. For more information, call 678-3899.

New location for Beyond Wellness

Medspa Beyond Wellness is moving locations from 5291 Valleydale Road in Inverness Village to 4898 Valleydale Rd. in the Keith Building between Inverness Parkway and Thornberry Rd. The move is set for Sept. 12.

For more information and updates on new services, visit www.beyondwellnesstoday.com.

Busy Bee Burger to sell shrimpBirmingham Shrimp will be opening a

seafood market inside the Busy Bee Burger location in Chelsea.

In addition to selling fresh Gulf seafood, they will also offer a variety of fresh cooked seafood such as shrimp and oyster and grouper sandwiches in

conjunction with Busy Bee.Busy Bee is located at 16634

Highway 280 inside the BP Gas Station. For more information, visit www.birminghamshrimp.com and www.busybeeburger.com.

Zoe’s fundraiserFor the month of September Zoe’s

Kitchen is holding a fundraiser in memory of its founder’s grand daughter to benefi t Rise School, a school for children with special needs in Tuscaloosa. For every Dinner for Four purchased at locations in Birmingham, $5 will be donated.

For more information on Zoe’s, visit zoeskitchen.com. Their Summit location is 323 Summit Blvd. next to the Carmike Theatre and can be reached at 967-5800.

Learning by Design childcare facility opened a new DHR-approved nursery. Located on Highway 119 across from the North Shelby Library, the facility now cares for infants ages 6 weeks through 12 months. They also have openings for ages up through 6 years.

For more information or to set up a time to tour the facility, visit learningbydesignchildcare.com or call Amy Stirwalt at 991-KIDS (5437).

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Ekklesia Coffee House under new ownership

Chelsea’s favorite coffee shop is proud to announce it is staying open under new owners, David Williams and Terri Gualano. Gualano and Williams, who are engaged, are acquainted with former owners Casey and Rachel Morris, who opened the shop in the Foothills Parkway area off Highway 280.

“We were so sad to hear it was closing,” Gualano said. “David and I were led to approach the Morrises about buying the business and it all just worked out.”

Gualano said plans are in the works to

expand the desserts offered at Ekklesia and continue to encourage the community to take advantage of the space they have for small groups.

Ekklesia Coffee House is open Monday – Friday, 6 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Saturday, 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. Their complete menu is available at www.ekklesiacoffeehouse.com, and orders can be called in ahead at 678-4444. Check out their Facebook page for current specials and information on live music they host on Saturdays.

LaTavolo offers Sicilian cooking classNew business LaTavolo offers cooking

classes based on the owner’s Sicilian family recipes. The classes are small and feature dishes like antipasta or risotto. Each class costs $50; there are discounts for groups and multiple classes. They also sell imported items from Italy in the store and

online.LaTavolo is located at 444 Oak Tree

Drive in Chelsea. For more information, including a schedule of classes and registration information, visit www.latavolo.com or call 259-8789.

The Sewing Room opens at Inverness CornersThe Sewing Room at Inverness Corners

now offers fabulous fabrics, exquisite lace, patterns and ideas suitable for all budgets. From cute, whimsical cotton prints suitable for quilting to heirloom sewing fabrics and notions, The Sewing Room is the perfect shop for all who love to sew.

If you want to learn how to sew, classes will be offered for all stitching levels, including the beginner. Owner Patsy Smith of Shoal Creek has been sewing since

childhood. Later, Smith became enamored with heirloom sewing for children. Guided by the techniques of Sarah Howard Stone, the master of French handsewing, Smith has created breathtaking garments, many of which are on display in the store, and applique and monogram services are available.

The Sewing Room is located next to Kohl’s in Inverness Corners near Pastry Art.


The stories aren’t comfortable and they aren’t pretty. When she initially proposed her book as a collection of women’s stories, but not her own, her agent told her people wouldn’t want to read it. People had compassion fatigue, the agent said, but they might want to read Smith’s own story.

Smith was bitter over this news, just as she was when churches told her not to come back after she and her husband, Milton, presented truth about human trafficking that was uncomfortable for people to hear.

“It seemed so unjust that people won’t read a story of the oppressed,” she said.

But in the end she fought past the bitterness and used her own story as an avenue to tell others’ stories.

“The Lord used a lot of people in my life to encourage me to tell our story,” she said, “and telling it has been authentic and healing for me. It’s a way to weave us all together; we are all in this together.”

Now in its seventh year, Make Way Partners, which started as a small family project, employs more than 200 in four countries and is supported in 50 states and 15 countries.

They have focused their efforts on areas where trafficking is growing the fastest in Eastern Europe and Africa, seeking to protect whatever people are being targeted for trafficking. In Sudan and the Congo, it’s orphans; they are in the process of building a third orphanage in the Sudan. In Romania, it’s all young girls; they have built a shelter for them. In Peru, it’s children along the Amazon basin

SMITH CONTINUED from page 1

vulnerable to former drug lords who have found human trafficking more profitable. And Smith is the visionary leader for it all. She is resolute to end human trafficking.

Make Way Partners sends missionaries and short term mission teams to equip their indigenous staff. The teams on their trips, often made of people from several state and countries, undergo extensive training to prepare to cope with brokenness they will face in ministering to the oppressed.

Today when she’s not traveling internationally or speaking around the country, Smith commutes on Highway 280 into Birmingham from her home in Sylacauga. Her husband, Milton, and daughter Bethany work for Make Way Partners; daughter Whitney and her husband, David Milton, are preparing to serve as missionaries abroad.

As she writes her weekly newsletters, travels to minister abroad and organizes efforts from Birmingham, Smith’s goal remains to save more women and children.

Her book has mobilized many and received glowing reviews from Jimmy Carter, Greg Garrison of The Birmingham News, Dr. Gary Fenton of Dawson Memorial Baptist Church, Phillip Yancey, Randy Alcorn and other well known authors and humanitarians. But more than any praise, Smith hopes that her book will call people to respond.

“Today there is so much pressure to fit in society and church,” she said, “I want to help people to understand that there is a bigger story out there and that we each have our own unique role in the world. Until we find what we are created to do, we don’t feel whole.”

Support Make Way PartnersLearn more about the organization. Visit makewaypartners.org.Request reading materials to learn more about human trafficking and efforts

to fight it. Contact Make Way Partners at [email protected] or 240-8597. Read Passport Through Darkness. The book is available major book retailers,

including Amazon, Books a Million, Barnes and Noble, Family Christian Stores and local Christian bookstores.

Keep up with Make Way Partners’ efforts. Visit Kimberly’s blog on kimberlylsmith.com and/or sign up for the Make Way partners email newsletters on makewaypartners.org.

Participate in Freedom Ride. Family bike ride hosted by Dawson Memorial Baptist Church on October 23. For more information, visit makewaypartners.org/ride.html.

Sign up for Our Father’s Dream Retreat. Smith will host the retreat at Grace Life Baptist Church in Bessemer on November 18 and 19.

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Vulcan Park and Museum will host its seventh season of Sunday afternoon concerts this fall in the Vulcan AfterTunes series.

Gates open at 1 p.m., and the concerts start at 3 p.m.

Will Hoge will perform on September 25 and Scars on 45 on October 9. The band for October 23 will be announced soon.

General admission tickets are $15; they are $7.50 for Vulcan members. Tickets can be purchased on www.visitvulcan.com. Snacks and drinks will also be available for purchase.

VIP packages ($75) include two general admission tickets, a parking space, four drink tickets, an autographed poster,

a frisbee and afternoon snacks for two. Proceeds from VIP ticket sales help support Vulcan Park and Museum’s ongoing mission to preserve and promote Vulcan.

Seating is on the park grounds and is first-come, first-served, and you are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs.

All parking is free. Once the limited parking is filled, there will be a free shuttle service available in the Jefferson County Board of Education parking lot across the street from Vulcan Park and Museum’s main entrance.

For more information, visit www.visitvulcan.com/VulcanAfterTunes.html or email [email protected].

Aftertunes concerts at Vulcan

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| September 2011 |

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| September 2011 | www.280living.com

Alabama and Auburn season previewsWith Jay Barker and Al DelGreco

What is your take on the quarterback situation? Who do you think will win out?

Both are good. They seem to be responding well. If I had to predict? It would be A.J. He is the frontrunner and has experience behind Greg the last few years. But Phillip Sims has potential. I think

both will end up getting time as the coaches see how they react.

Is Nick Saban the best coach in college football? Do you see him staying at Alabama until retirement?

He is one of the best, if not the best. People have their favorites based on regions. You can’t argue with the recruiting he has done. If he had stayed at LSU, I think he would have won two or three national titles. He is the best in all aspects, athletically and academically. You look at the number of All-Americans, first round draft picks. He is replacing lots of coaches but still succeeding.

I think he will stay at Alabama. I had a conversation with him on the golf course recently, and he

said that he thinks everything he can accomplish can happen at Alabama. He came in wanting to get Alabama back to the Bear Bryant and Gene Stallings kind of years and build a dynasty. I think he will win one or two more national titles at Alabama.

Jay Barker

Alabama Crimson Tide

Section B B1

What do you think about Barrett Trotter being selected as the starter?

It was a logical choice. He had more game experience and seems to know the offense pretty well. And Gus Malzahn has proven that he knows what it takes to be a successful quarterback, so I am ready

to back him up with whatever he decides. A lot of people are looking back at the 2009 Chris Todd season as proof Malzahn can succeed with an unproven quarterback. Do you buy that?

Not only that, but the two quarterback system he ran at Tulsa also put up numbers in the top five of multiple offensive categories. His system works. So I wouldn’t say the quarterback has to manage; he has to execute the game plan and utilize everyone on the field. Of course, the running back plays a big part too and so does the offensive line. Last year, Michael Dyer had a huge

year but was overshadowed by Cam. Will he keep that up, or will defenses focus in on him and stop him?

Well, he will have a different role. He will be more important to the offense. Last year, he was more of a second half guy who came in and just wore down the defenses.

We sat down in the studio with WJOX’s Jay Barker and Al DelGreco to talk about the upcoming football season. You can hear their show weekday mornings from 6 to 10 a.m.

By WILL HIGHTOWER

Auburn Tigers

Al Del Greco

Auburn and Alabama Season previews

With Jay Barker and Al DelGreco

See ALABAMA| page B4See AUBURN| page B4

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| September 2011 | B2

BRIARWOOD CHRISTIAN Lions

OAK MOUNTAIN Eagles

SPAIN PARK Jaguars

CHELSEA Hornets

Let us help you with that.

The UPS Store The UPS Store

GreystoneThe Village at Lee Branch

Near Academy Sports205-408-9399

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Hwy 280 @ Valleydale Rd205-991-9999

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Behind Logan’s Roadhouse on 280Your source for teams sports

205-981-0291

157 Resource Center Parkway, Suite 102

Date8/27/119/02/119/09/119/16/119/23/119/30/1110/07/1110/14/1110/21/1110/27/11

Time / Result24-20

7:00 PM7:00 PM7:00 PM7:00 PM7:00 PM7:00 PM7:00 PM7:00 PM7:00 PM

OpponentNoxubee County, Miss Hoover Homewood Oak Mountain Bob JonesMountain BrookVestavia HillsPelham Thompson (Homecoming)Clay-Chalkville (Sr. Night)

LocationW

Home Home AwayAwayHome AwayAwayHomeHome

Date8/25/119/02/119/09/119/16/119/23/119/30/1110/07/1110/14/1110/21/1110/27/11

Opponent BrookwoodSylacaugaShelby County BriarwoodCarroll CatholicPinson Valley Erwin TalladegaMoody Oak Grove

LocationW

HomeAwayHomeAwayAway HomeAwayHomeAway

Time / Result34-7


Date 8/19/118/26/119/02/119/09/119/16/119/23/119/30/1110/07/1110/14/1110/21/1110/27/11

Opponent John Carroll CatholicEagles Landing Moody ErwinChelseaVestavia Hills TalladegaPinson ValleyShelby County SylacaugaAnniston

Time / Result33-721-187:007:007:007:007:007:00 7:00 7:007:00

LocationWW

HomeHomeAwayHomeHomeHomeAwayAwayAway

Date8/26/119/02/119/09/119/16/119/23/119/30/1110/06/1110/14/1110/21/1110/28/11

Opponent BuckhornPelhamHoover Spain Park NorthridgeThompsonMountain BrookHomewoodVestavia HillsPinson Valley

Time / Result31-6


LocationW

HomeAwayHomeAwayHomeAwayAway HomeHome

Ben CraftSeniorBriarwood Christian High SchoolFootball, Baseball

Senior Ben Craft leads the Lions this season as quarterback and recently made local headlines after accepting a scholarship offer from UAB. The 6-foot-3, 205-pound offensive line leader received high praise from Briarwood coach Fred Yancey for both his efforts on the football fi eld and as a standout on the varsity baseball team.

Craft received honorable mention recognition for the All Shelby-County baseball team during his freshman year and Shelby County Football Player of the Year as a junior; he was named to the All-County football and baseball team as a junior, the Over The Mountain Player of the week as a junior, the Birmingham News player of the week as a junior, and the All Over-the-Mountain baseball team as a junior.

How long have you been involved in football and baseball, and why have you stayed with these sports

Briarwood’s Ben Craft has accepted a scholarship offer from UAB. Photo courtesy of Briarwood Athletics.

over any others?I have played baseball ever since I was fi ve and started

playing football in the sixth grade. The reason I have continued playing is because I enjoy the competition but mainly because of the friendships and teammates I have had over the years. There is not a more satisfying feeling than working with a group of guys who become more like brothers and reaching out to achieve a goal.

What is the most valuable lesson you have learned in athletics?

I have really learned to just trust people. In athletics, you have to depend on other people and coaches, and it really just teaches you to come together as a team and trust one another.

Share your thoughts on being part of these two teams at

Briarwood.I transferred from Chelsea my sophomore year

and joined Briarwood. Being a part of these teams has been an incredible experience. The teams really took me in and made me feel a part of them so fast, and that was very comforting. I have grown close to all of these coaches who have truly been such a great example and with all of the players who no matter what are there for you. It is such a blessing to be where I am today playing on these two teams!

Do you have siblings that play sports? What do they play?

My brother played football and baseball in high school at Benjamin Russell in Alexander City; he was All State in football for two years as a receiver, defensive back, punter, kicker, and return specialist and all state in baseball as a pitcher all four years I believe. He is defi nitely my best friend and just a true inspiration He was “Mr. Everything” growing up, so he defi nitely took the place as my biggest role model. He went on to get a scholarship at UAB and kicked there for two years.

Who infl uences you most?I am blessed to have many infl uential people in

my life. My dad, brother, uncles and grandfather have played such a huge role into developing me into who I am today. It is hard to really pick one but I would have to say my older brother; he has always been the cool brother I look up to and has really taken a lot of time to teach me things. Just by watching him and being around him my whole life, I defi nitely think he has infl uenced more than anyone else has.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?I love hanging with friends, fi shing, playing pick-

up basketball, spending time with my family, and I play a lot of golf in my free time, which I don’t have much of between the two sports.

Sports

| September 2011 | www.280living.com B3

The Oak Mountain Middle School dance team attended the Universal Dance Association All American Dance Camp at Auburn University, June 2 - 4. The team was given top honors as they were awarded an all-superior trophy, a spirit stick and the

coveted leadership award. The dance team also won first place in the home routine category. Six of the 8th grade dancers also competed in the All Star routine and were all awarded All-Star status. Their sponsor this year is Laura Ortstadt.

OMMS dance team wins honors

Front row: Anna Roberts, Taylor Fondren, McKenzie Brown, Lindsey Dale, Mandy Remke, Meredith Stone. Back row: Sponsor Laura Ortstadt, Sara Grigsby, Hayley Anderson, Blaknie Carlisle, Lyndsey Stott, Anna Rourke, Carrie Higginbotham, Melanie Wiley, Macy Grissom, Summer Tate, Goodwin Rhodes, Annette Magro. Photo courtesy of Kathleen Grigsby.

Front Row: Jake Baker, Alex Schifer, Taylor Smith, Joseph Tolbert, Grant Rakers, Cole Gangle. Middle Row: Jake Majors, Billy Vercher, McCollum Mansfield, Cass Hansford, Cameron Whitaker, Colton Carter. Back Row: Asst. Coach Greg Majors, Asst. Coach Larry Schifer, Asst. Coach Reggie Whitaker, Head Coach Paul Vercher. Photo courtesy of Susan Baker.

Oak Mtn. American All Stars win 7 YO Metro Tournament

Nick Warner, a sophomore at Oak Mountain High School and the Shelby County School of Technology, recently won two state championships in 1-meter and 3- meter springboard diving at the Alabama Parks and Recreation Association meet held July 28 in Cullman.

Nick won gold medals in both events competing in the 13-14 year old age division. He also won a gold medal in 3-meter springboard and a silver medal in 1-meter springboard, and he was the overall points winner for both boards in his age division at the Jefferson County championships on July 27.

Nick is a member of the Hoover Dive Club and is the son of Mark and Cindy Warner of Inverness.

Warner wins state diving events

OMHS sophomore Nick Warner won the 1-meter and 3-meter springboard diving state championship for his age group. Photo courtesy of Cindy Warner.

2009 Oak Mountain High School graduate Chandler Hoffman has been selected for the Premier Development League (PDL) All-League and All-Western Conference teams. Hoffman ranked second in the league and plays for the UCLA and the Orange County Blue Star. The all-league and all-conference teams were selected through a vote of team management. Hoffman was also nominated for MVP for the league.

Hoffman tallied 36 points in 13 games for a league-best 2.77 points per game average. He averaged a goal per game with 13 total and added a total of 10 assists.

Hoffmann and the UCLA Bruins began the 2011 season on Aug. 27 at Louisville in a rematch of the two teams’ NCAA quarterfinal match of a year ago.

OMHS grad selected for all-league soccer team

Chandler Hoffman plays for UCLA. Photo courtesy of UCLA Athletics.

Sports

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Will the defense be as good as advertised?They will be very good. The defensive

line is a big question mark though. The defensive schemes will be a little different as far as some outside linebacker pass rushes. But I think the key is up front. Can the front three get a push? People are comparing them to ’09. They also have the ’61 and ’92 defenses to live up to, which were just phenomenal. Those defenses are all built the same way, with a lot of speed.

Are you worried about the depth situation at running back?

Not really. Trent hasn’t been an every-down back in the past, but he is built like one and could be one this year. Eddie Lacey has the pectoral issue. Blake Sims can do some wildcat formation plays and also be a third down type guy for running routes and screens. I do worry about the drop off after that. Dee Hart would have been huge; I thought he was really going to contribute. And Corey Grant transferred to Auburn, and Demetrius Goode transferred to South Alabama. You got to think those transfer guys are thinking right now, “Maybe I shouldn’t have left.” Can Marquis Maze fi ll the gap left by Julio Jones?

He won’t be called to fi ll those types of shoes. He can be used more, though, and should have been used more in the past. He is a competitor that makes plays. Who do you think will be a breakout star this year?

DeAndrew White will be a big one. He has been turning heads during practice. Maybe he’ll be the other playmaker. Also, the defensive line junior college guys can cause headaches hopefully and create situations where the secondary doesn’t have to stay on their man every second. Will any freshmen be big contributors this year?

I think Dee Hart will be. He really did have a great spring practice. But Arie Kouandjio might, although right now he is battling injuries. It is tough to make an immediate impact for a deep and talented team like Alabama, especially for positions that have to learn a lot like the offensive line. Will this team be able to make it out of the SEC undefeated? What do you think their fi nal record will be?

Undefeated. I think the schedule lines up well, and I think this team is hungry. I think they are thinking back to ’09 and how they got there. Saban saw last year as a building year and expects this one to be good. I think the quarterback play will be good enough to win, and maybe it will be better than expected. Could you see a one-loss Alabama team in the national championship game?

Yes. There are eight SEC teams ranked in the preseason top 25, so it is a tough road. I think the SEC has enough prestige where that could happen, and it has happened before.

ALABAMA CONTINUED from page B1

AUBURNCONTINUED from page B1

2011 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE*Conference game

by Brent Watson

“Cupcakes” in SEC season

Date Sept. 3Sept. 10Sept. 17 Sept. 24 Oct. 1Oct. 8Oct. 15Oct. 22Oct. 29Nov. 12Nov. 19Nov. 26

LocationAuburnAuburn Clemson, S.C. Auburn. Columbia, S.C. Fayetteville, Ark.Auburn Baton Rouge, La. Auburn Athens, Ga. Auburn Auburn

Opponent / EventUtah StateMississippi State * Clemson TV Florida AtlanticSouth Carolina *Arkansas * Florida * LSU * Ole Miss * Georgia * Samford Alabama *

Time / Result11 a.m.11:21 a.m. 11 a.m. TBATBATBATBATBATBATBATBATBA

Date Sept. 10Sept. 17 Sept. 24 Oct. 1Oct. 8Oct. 15Oct. 22 Oct. 29 Nov. 5Nov. 12 Nov. 17Nov. 26

Opponent Florida Tulane *East Carolina * Troy Mississippi State Tulsa * UCF *Marshall *Houston (Homecoming) *Memphis * Southern Miss *Florida Atlantic

Time / Result6 p.m.3 p.m. 2:30 p.m. TBA11 a.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 12 p.m. 6 p.m. 3:15 p.m. 7 p.m. TBA

Location Gainesville, Fla. BirminghamGreenville, N.C.Troy, Ala. BirminghamTulsa, Okla. BirminghamHuntington, W.Va. BirminghamMemphis, Tenn. BirminghamBoca Raton, Fla.

DateSept. 3Sept. 10Sept. 17 Sept. 24 Oct. 1Oct. 8Oct. 15Oct. 22Oct. 29Nov. 12Nov. 19 Nov. 26

Time / Result11:21 a.m.2:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. TBATBATBATBATBATBATBA1:00 p.mTBA

OpponentKent StatePenn State North TexasArkansas *Florida * Vanderbilt(Homecoming)* Ole Miss * Tennessee * LSU * Mississippi State * Georgia Southern Auburn *

Location TuscaloosaState College, Pa. TuscaloosaTuscaloosaGainesville, Fla. TuscaloosaOxford, Miss. TuscaloosaTuscaloosaStarkville, Miss.TuscaloosaAuburn

UAB Blazers

ALABAMA Crimson Tide

AUBURN Tigers

Sports

The 2011 football season is upon us, and the fi rst three games could be make-or-break for some hopefuls in the Southeastern Conference this season.

If you take a look at the SEC schedule, you’ll see a trend forming that begins with tough matchups for some. Yes, a few are playing an easy “cupcake” team as their season opener.

Which way is the best way to schedule you ask? I’d like to address that in this month’s column.

Nearly every coach I’ve spoken has said that teams improve the most from game one going into the second week.

I’m not totally on board with that. I do agree that some positions improve after the fi rst game. Skill positions such as quarterback, wide receiver, cornerback and running back are usually improved on in game two. The offense and defensive lines usually, from what I’ve seen, are not as sharp. This, I’m sure, has a lot to do with the pounding those big guys take. The skill guys seem to get used to the speed and contact by game two.

There are variables, however, which bring me back to the scheduling schemes schools are using.

Five of the 12 SEC teams are playing good programs that wouldn’t fall into the cupcake category in week one. Those games could prove to be huge for those programs’

success. Two that really stick out to me are Georgia going up against Boise State and LSU battling Oregon. Both games are home games for the respective SEC schools.

The Tigers follow the battle with the Ducks with Northwestern State and then enter into conference play in week three at Mississippi State. In my opinion, that’s a nice way to set up a schedule for success. The Bulldogs’ schedule is a little different. After playing the Broncos, who are slight favorites, they battle what should be a very good South Carolina team. The Dawgs then have the competition lowered in week three as they’ll host Coastal Carolina. I wouldn’t schedule this way, but if the Bulldogs win the fi rst two, they could be heading towards a championship.

Other schools that are playing legitimate out of conference programs are Ole Miss versus BYU and Auburn versus Utah State, and I’m throwing in Mississippi State, who always gets trouble from Memphis.

So, which is the best way to schedule? The cupcake-to-contender approach or contender-to-cupcake route?

I like the idea of sandwiching cupcakes between powers. A lot of variables go into play such as injuries and luck. Either way, let’s kick it off. I’m ready!

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This year, he’ll have to go four quarters. So we’ll see if he can handle it. Onterio is certainly a weapon but is built different; he’s not a every-down back. So Dyer will have to step up.

It seemed like last year’s secondary was very soft until the second half of the Alabama game onward. Do you think Ted Roof will fi nally improve the pass defense?

Last year, the secondary got better as the year went on. The kind of defense Auburn plays is hard because they have to be out on the fi eld a lot as a byproduct of the offense. The defensive line got pressure, which helped the pass defense. The secondary gave up most of the yardage in the fi rst half last year, and I give the coaches credit for halftime adjustments.

The schedule is killer—games at LSU, at Arkansas, at South Carolina, home against Bama—what do you think their fi nal record will be?

I think 8-4. The road games make it very diffi cult. I believe the losses will come to South Carolina, Arkansas and LSU, and then we will win one and lose one between Clemson and Alabama.

In your opinion, is Chizik an elite coach?Not yet, but he is on his way. He has

obviously done well so far at Auburn. But to get to be in that elite category, he has to do well for nine or 10 years, and I think he would tell you the same thing. But if you look at his record and his recruiting at Auburn, it puts him on that path. Will Malzahn leave after this year?

I hope not. I think something that people aren’t taking into consideration is how much he wants to be a head coach.He was awfully close to taking the job at Vanderbilt. I don’t know how much he wants it. But I will say there is a good chance he leaves if the opportunity comes up. Who do you see being a breakout star this year?

Trovon Reed would’ve been last year but had the injury issues. I think he will be a weapon this year. Angelo Blackson on the defensive line. And Corey Lemonier has everyone raving about him. Will any freshmen be big contributors this year?

I think Reese Dismukes and Christian Westerman have a chance to step up on the offensive line. If any freshmen do contribute, I think it will come mainly from the offensive line. As far as Kiehl Frazier, I think he will be redshirted.

| September 2011 | www.280living.com B5Sports

Isn’t that anice change?

By KATHRYN ACREE

The summer job. For many teens, it means working a drive-through, bagging groceries, scanning items for checkout or babysitting. What if they could spend evenings near the dugout of a minor league baseball team assisting Chicago White Sox hopefuls?

That’s the experience shared by a group of Oak Mountain High School students who are bat boys for the Birmingham Barons. Dusty Register, Travis Rocha and Chris Trippeer are winding down their summer with the Barons and shifting focus to their junior year at OMHS.

“I like the flexible schedule and getting to see players that have come down from the majors to rehab,” Dusty said. “It’s been a great job to have each summer.”

Dusty and Travis have worked as bat boys for two seasons; this was the first summer for Chris to work for the team. They are part of a group of six bat boys that rotate working two at a time for each home game, one in the Barons dugout and one in

OMHS students work for the minors

the away team dugout.Bat boys get the dug out ready for

the baseball players by arranging the essentials— sunflower seeds and bubble gum, along with bats and equipment. They retrieve bats from the batter and foul balls that are not picked up by the team. When the game ends, they clean out the dugouts so they are ready for the next night’s game. It’s a three to four hour process with the benefit of a flexible schedule during the months of May through September.

“Every game ends up being a little different,” Travis said. “There are nights the fans really get into the game or really get into yelling at the umpire. You never know what you’ll see.”

When asked how often they talk with the players, the bat boys say they don’t pester them, knowing everyone has a job to do.

“We all have our favorite player, but they are focused on the game and we respect that,” said Dusty. “Sometimes the players will have a little fun with us and point out cute girls in the stands we should check out.”

Bat boys are given uniforms to wear, and their moms add that they also have the benefit of leaving the uniforms after a game to be cleaned by the organization. At the Rickwood Classic played in June at Rickwood Field, bat boys wear vintage uniforms just like the players.

Dusty Register retrieves a bat during a July Baron’s game. Photo by Kathryn Acree.

OMHS juniors Dusty Register, Travis Rocha and Chris Trippeer work as bat boys for the Birmingham Barons. Photo by Kathryn Acree.

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| September 2011 | B6 School House

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Several students from Mt Laurel Elementary School sold lemonade and water at the Greater Birmingham Humane

Society’s Barking Telethon and No Flea Market in August. The children raised $115 at their drink stand for the shelter.

Cooling off for a good cause

A group of Mt Laurel Elementary students raised money for the Greater Birmingham Humane Society. Photo courtesy of Athena David.

Burgers, hot dogs and memoriesDr. Maurine Black, principal of Greystone Elementary School, picks out her hot dog being grilled by assistant principal Roger Torbert. The school hosted a cookout reunion on August 11 for current and former teachers and administrators.

It’s time again for Mt Laurel Elementary School’s Renaissance Faire. This year’s event is planned for Friday, September 30 from 5:30 – 8 p.m.

The renaissance faire is a fun-filled fall festival event for parents and children sponsored by the MLES PTO. Carnival games, a dunking booth, karaoke and a dragon obstacle course will highlight the day. Faire visitors are encouraged to dress in medieval costumes.

A DJ will provide entertainment while

attendees shop the village marketplace and silent auction. Food will be available for purchase from Johnny Ray’s BBQ and Papa John’s Pizza, along with Dippin Dots, Kona Ice and Dreamcakes. This is one of the largest fundraisers to benefit the students and teachers of Mt Laurel Elementary School.

Tickets for children age 5 and up are $12 in advance and $13 at the event. Children 4 and under and adults attend free.

MLES goes medieval at their Renaissance Faire

Visitors to the Mt Laurel Elementary Renaissance Faire enjoy dressing in medieval costumes.

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| September 2011 | www.280living.com B7School House

2008 Spain Park graduate Sydnii Todd was named Miss Shelby County 2012. Other winners were first runner up Kelsey Richter of Birmingham, second runner up Meshelle Stringer of Trussville, third runner up and talent winner Whitney Curtis of Talladega and fourth runner up Amanda Ford of Helena.

Todd has danced since age 2 and trained at Birmingham Dance Theatre in Vestavia. For the pageant, she performed a contemporary lyrical dance to Patty Griffin’s “Up to the Mountain.”

Todd’s platform is “Cell Phone Sense: texting while driving plus mobile manners,” an education awareness campaign.

She is a senior broadcast journalism major at Troy University, where she also helps with football recruiting as a Trojan All Star. She hopes to become a sports broadcaster.

Todd will compete in the Miss Alabama Pageant in July 2012. She has previously competed in the state pageant in 2010 as Miss Magnolia and 2011 as Miss Troy University.

Oak Mountain High School student Scarlett Walker won the Shelby County Junior Miss Pageant in July. First runner up was Ashley Brewer of Hope Christian School, and second runner up was Erin McCown of Spain Park High School.

Marty Desforges of John Carroll High School was the spirit winner. Incoming high school seniors have the opportunity to compete in the scholarship pageant held each year.

Spain Park grad is new Miss Shelby County

Spain Park graduate and newly crowned Miss Shelby County Sydnii Todd. Photo courtesy of Miss Shelby County Pageant.

Oak Mountain’s Walker wins Shelby County Junior Miss

Shelby County Junior Miss Top 8: Holly Howell, Caroline Beauchaine, Caroline Driggers, Ashley Brewer, Danielle DuBose, Scarlett Walker, Erin McCown, Taylor Cos, Kerrilyn Gibson. Photos courtesy of Traci Dubberly of Paw Prints by Traci.

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The Shelby County Board of Education has approved an increase in student and adult meal prices for the 2011-2012 school year in order to meet new federal regulations. According to Child Nutrition Program Coordinator Maureen Alexander, the USDA has implemented new regulations requiring paid meals exceed or be equivalent to the federal reimbursement rate of $2.46. Shelby County will implement a plan that will allow the district to meet the federal requirement over the next three years, gradually increasing breakfast and lunch prices until the required amount is reached.

“Shelby County has not had a price increase since 2005, and prior to that it had been in 1998,” Alexander said. “We have tried to keep our prices low, even though our food costs have continued to increase. This increase is being directed by the State Department of Education and the USDA.”

Lunch prices for elementary, middle and high school students will increase by 25 cents. Elementary students will now pay

$2 for lunch meals rather than the previous $1.75. Middle and high school student meals will increase from $2 to $2.25. Employees will also pay an additional 25 cents, with meals increasing from $2.50 to $2.75. Adult visitors will continue to pay $4 for lunches. Student visitor lunches will increase from $2.50 to $2.75.

Breakfast prices for elementary students will increase by 25 cents, going from $1 to $1.25 for full-pay lunch students. The reduced rate of 30 cents will remain the same for both elementary, middle and high.

Middle and high school students’ breakfast price of $1.25 will remain the same. The employee breakfast price of $1.50 will also remain the same, as will the visitor breakfast price of $2. A new student visitor breakfast price of $1.50 will be implemented.

Alexander said the following school year, 2012-2013, lunch prices will be raised by another 25 cents, but breakfast prices should stay the same.

Shelby County Schools increase meal prices

| September 2011 | B8 280 Living

LifeActuallyBy Kari Kampakis

The Laura Crandall Brown Ovarian Cancer Foundation will host the second annual Head Over Teal 5K and family fun day at The Preserve in Hoover. The event is planned for Saturday, September 17 starting at 8 a.m.

Participants can choose a 5k walk/run or a one-mile fun run. There will also be a moonwalk, fi eld day events, children’s musical entertainers, face painting, crafts and musical performances throughout the day, including performances of acoustic folk, rock and blues.

Team members and individuals can register through www.active.com. Additional information on the day’s events is available at the Laura Crandall Brown Ovarian Cancer Foundation’s website, www.thinkof laura.org.

Parking will be available on Village Green Circle and on Preserve Parkway. Please note that Preserve Parkway will be closed to traffi c on race day from 9-11 a.m. due to the 5K and one-mile fun run races.

Head over Teal 5K bene� ts ovarian cancer research

A new Be Healthy! Be Happy! initiative seeks to help with the childhood obesity problem in the Shelby County area. The program for overweight children ages 9-14 and their families is designed to involve the entire family unit in learning and implementing a more healthy lifestyle. It will be held by the Shelby County Children’s Policy Council Health Committee in conjunction with other partnering organizations in the area.

The nine-to-12 week program will take place at Jefferson State Community College–Shelby Campus. Sessions

will be conducted by a team of expert volunteers and will consist of the following opportunities: structured exercise for the entire family; preparation of the evening meal working together in the kitchens of the Culinary Department of Jefferson State Community College and an evidenced-based educational segment conducted while the families dine together. There is no cost for the program. Families must be residents of Shelby County.

For more information, contact Barbara Williams, M.Ed., at 669- 3831 or [email protected]

County initiative to address childhood obesity

It was a gorgeous spring day, and I was happy. I had the sun on my face, love in my heart and overwhelming gratitude for the family my husband and I had started.

Life was good.As Harry and I sat in the grass outside

our home, watching baby Ella crawl around with an explorer’s curiosity, a sense of peace washed over me. Everything I needed was here. My only agenda was to enjoy the scene before me.

Then all of a sudden, I saw something that threatened to ruin our perfect family moment. Ella was crawling on the sidewalk now, closing in on a new target: a massive pile of ants that, on her level, probably looked like fun.

I knew what had to be done, but I dreaded it. Never in a million years would Ella understand that I had her best interest in mind. The temper tantrum sure to follow would sour all our moods.

Nevertheless, I pushed off the ground, ran over and swept her up in the nick of time. From my perspective the timing was perfect, but naturally Ella disagreed. She wailed and kicked and screamed in my arms, angry at me, angry at the injustice. I could hear her protest in my head: I wasn’t bothering anyone, Mommy. Why’d you have to pick on me?

It occurred to me shortly after this event that maybe God feels this way as our guardian. Whereas we see life at eye level, He takes an aerial view. What looks like a good thing to us is often a danger zone, and though it pains him to jerk us off our chosen course, He does it out of love. In the meantime, we wail and kick and scream, mad at the disruption. We miss our old comfort zone, resent the new course we’re on, and wonder why God would pull a fast

Jeremiah 29:11one on us.

Sometimes, we can look back and see clearly the bed of ants we narrowly avoided. We thank God for His wisdom, protection and perfect timing. Other times, the reason’s not so obvious. We believe we’d be better off trucking along as we were, not stuck in a foreign territory. We must rely on faith to trust that God does, indeed, have a plan for us.

Several months ago, a friend of mine shared a Bible verse that helped her through a diffi cult divorce. Refl ecting back on her marriage now, she can see how toxic the relationship had become, but at the time she wanted to fi ght for it. The marriage ended by no choice of her own, and today she’s thankful it did. She’s fi nally in a better place, and she credits Jeremiah 29:11 for building her strength:

“For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

We all have plans for our lives, courses we’ve mapped out, destinations we want to reach. Sometimes our plans pan out; sometimes they get overridden. No matter how small and insignifi cant we may feel, God has a plan for each of us. He watches us closely, imposes detours when necessary and protects us always. Though we don’t always understand His ways, we can rely on His promise of hope and a future, trusting that no matter what happens, He is with us.

Kari Kubiszyn Kampakis is a Birmingham mom of four with a background in PR, writing and photography. Learn about her blog and fi ction writing at www.karikampakis.com or fi nd her on Facebook and Twitter. Email her at [email protected].

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Your Community, Your 280 Living

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280Living

| September 2011 | www.280living.com B9280 Living

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North Shelby Library and Mt Laurel Public Library September HappeningsNorth Shelby LibraryNote: The Library will be closed for Labor Day on Sunday, Sept. 4 and Mon., Sept. 5

Special Programming

September is Library Card Sign-Up Month. Any kids that sign up for a library card during this month will receive a special surprise in the Children’s Department!

September 10, 10-11:30 a.m., Lego Club. Join us for our first meeting of the Lego Club. Snacks Served. All ages welcome. Registration required.

September 15, 4 p.m., Craft – Johnny Appleseed Puppet. Start your fall season off right by making this fun craft! All ages welcome. Registration required.

September 17, 2 – 3:30 p.m., Movie – Rio. Travel with Blu, a small town bird, to Rio de Janerio during Carnaval as he prepares to meet the bird of his dreams. All ages welcome. No registration required. Snacks served.

September 21, 1 p.m., Homeschool Hangout: Pirate University. Set sail on a high sea adventure and earn your pirate degree. Ages 8-12. Registration required.

September 22, 4 p.m., B’Tween the Pages Book Club. Join us to discuss great mystery books you have been reading and create book reviews. Snacks served. Ages 8-12. Registration required.

Story-Time Programming

Mondays, September 12, 19, and 26 at 9:30 and 10:30 a.m., Toddler Tales- Stories, songs, fingerplays and crafts make up a lively 30 minute program designed

especially for short attention spans. Registration will begin one week prior to each storytime. Ages 19-36 months. Registration required.

Tuesdays, September 6, 13, 20, and 27 9:30 – 10:00 a.m., Baby Tales Story Time. A story time designed especially for babies and their caregivers. Stories and music provide interaction for the babies and time for caregivers to talk and share with each other. Ages: Birth to 18 months. Registration required. Registration will begin one week prior to program date.

Wednesdays, September 7, 14, 21, and 28 at 10:45 a.m., Mr. Mac (Storyteller Extraordinaire!) Stories, puppets, and lots of music for every member of the family. All ages. No registration required.

Thursdays, September 8, 15, 22, and 29 at 7 p.m., P. J. Story Time. Come in your PJs, have milk and cookies, and hear some wonderful bedtime tales. All ages. No Registration required.

For more information or to register for any of our programs or storytimes, call or email the Children’s Department at 439-5504 or [email protected]

Teen Happenings

Teen Advisory Council

Monday, September 12, 6 p.m., Interested in helping the Teen Department be even better than it is now? The Teen Advisory Council is the place for you! The TAC meets the second Monday of each month to work on projects for the library. In September, we will be discussing new posters for the department and other improvements.

Bring your ideas and your appetite! Snacks served and community service hours earned. Call 439-5512 or email Kate at [email protected] for more information or to sign up.

Book Club

Monday, September 19, 6 p.m., The Teen Book Club will meet to discuss Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld: “In an alternate 1914 Europe, fifteen-year-old Austrian Prince Alek, on the run from the Clanker Powers who are attempting to take over the globe using mechanical machinery, forms an uneasy alliance with Deryn who, disguised as a boy to join the British Air Service, is learning to fly genetically-engineered beasts.” Be sure to stop by and let us know your opinion! To participate grab a book and start reading! Snacks Served. Call or email Kate or Daniel at 439-5512 or [email protected] for more information

Gaming Night

Thursday, September 22, 6 p.m., Join us for a night of open gaming. The Wii will be up and running with players’ choice of Mario Kart or Super Smash Bros. Board games and card games will also be available or bring your own! Snacks will be served. Call or email Kate or Daniel at 439-5512 or [email protected] for more information

2011 Teens’ Top Ten Cast your vote for the 2011 Teens’ Top Ten. Every year in April since 2003, the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) releases the list of nominees for the Teens’ Top Ten List. Teens are encouraged to read the 25 nominated books to take part in voting for their ten favorite books of the year in August

and September. The winning titles will be announced via a webcast during Teen Read Week in October. This year’s nominees include Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins and I am Number Four by Pittacus Lore. Stop by the library or visit www.northshelbylibrary.org/teens.html to find the complete list of nominated books and how to cast your vote. Voting ends Sept. 15.

Mt Laurel Public LibraryStorytime Programming

Toddler Tales-Wednesday, September 7 and 21, 10 a.m., Stories, songs, fingerplays and more make up a lively 30 minute program designed especially for short attention spans and their caregiver. Registration begins two weeks prior to each storytime. Ages 36 months and younger. Registration required. Call or email the Mt Laurel Library at 991-1660 or [email protected] for more information or to register.

Storytime with Ms Kristy, Wednesday, September 7 and 21, 11 a.m., Stories, music and more for every member of the family. All ages. No registration required. Call or email the Mt Laurel Library at 991-1660 or [email protected] for more information.

Special Programming

Crafty Saturday, Saturday, September 17, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., Drop in to create a page corner bookmark at the library. All ages with parent help. Registration Required. Call or email the Mt Laurel Library at 991-1660 or [email protected] for more information or to register.


The Greystone Ladies Club has elected its 2011-2012 offi cers and will kickoff its new season with a Tablescapes Fashion Show Luncheon at the Greystone Golf & Country Club on September 14. A coffee social will start at 9:30 a.m., and the Luncheon will follow.

The purpose of club is to promote good neighborhood relations and enhance the

sense of the community within Greystone. Membership to The Greystone Ladies Club is open to all residents inside the gates of the Greystone Community (Founders, Legacy, & The Crest) and to members of the Greystone Golf & Country Club.

For more information, visit www.greystoneladiesclub.com.

Greystone Ladies Club starts new season

New offi cers Wilma Thompson, V.P. Social; Sharon Suellentrop, Treasurer; LaVerne LaRocca, V.P. Programs; Susan Hanley, V.P. Communications; Carolyn Haynes, President; Mechelle Wilder, V.P. Membership; Ginger Adams, Secretary; Joan Zolak, V.P. Programs. Photo courtesy of the Greystone Ladies Club.

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280 Living

My SouthBy RICK WATSON

The fi rst tattoo I ever saw was of a naked woman on my grandpa Charlie Watson’s forearm. I’m sure the fi gure was racy when he got it, but the years had erased most of the tattoo. What remained looked as if it had been sketched on his arm with a blue ballpoint pen.

The fi gure went from his wrist to his elbow, and I always wondered about the story behind that tattoo. I’d be willing to bet Mama Watson hit the roof when he came home with it, but I never asked.

Back in the day, tattoos were mostly found on the arms of sailors, bikers and people who’d spent time in jail, but to my knowledge my grandpa was never in the Navy, rode a Harley or spent time in the pokey.

According to Smithsonian Magazine, “Humans have marked their bodies with tattoos for thousands of years. These permanent designs—sometimes plain, sometimes elaborate, always personal—have served as amulets, status symbols, declarations of love, signs of religious beliefs, adornments and even forms of punishment.”

These days tattoos are common on both men and women. I was standing in the checkout line at Walmart this past week people watching. I’m fascinated by what folks wear to Walmart, and what they have in their buggies.

Anyhow, I noticed a woman in front of me who was wearing a fairly short skirt. A splash of color on her leg drew my eyes down just below her hemline. Turns out she had a beautiful rose tattoo on the back of her thigh just above the knee.

She must have sensed me staring and looked back. I snapped my head away so quickly that I almost got whiplash and my face turned the color of a ripe tomato.

I busied myself surveying the contents of my buggy, and eventually the blood returned to the rest of my body. I’m sure her tattoo had a story, but I was too embarrassed to ask.

I have a tattoo that I got in 1972 when I was stationed in Panama during my stint

in the ArmyIt was a holiday weekend, and a bunch

of us guys were all sitting around the barracks knocking back a few brews when someone said, “Hey, I’ve got a great idea. Let’s all go get tattoos!” That sounded like a splendid idea, so we caught a bus and headed off in search of a tattoo parlor.

We ventured into an area that was the underbelly of the city and always smelled like fi sh and diesel fuel.

We found a place that was a little ratty, but the lights were on and the tattoo pictures in the window were colorful. We went inside to get the scoop.

The female tattoo artist was about 30 and couldn’t speak a word of English. That was unfortunate because none of us could speak Spanish. We quickly fi gured out that talking louder didn’t get the message across, so the deal went down using sign language. Looking through the tattoo book, I saw tons of designs that cost more than I could afford so I pointed to a small butterfl y.

No one was keen on going fi rst, so I volunteered. I’ve heard people say that getting tattoos doesn’t hurt, but they lied!

Mine felt like she was using a handheld singer sewing machine with a dull needle. The liquid courage had worn off before she completed the fi rst wing. I actually think my skin smoked as she laid down the design.All the guys gathered around and watched, and my friend Doug took pictures. I’m not sure if it was the smoke or the guttural moans I was making, but everyone else decided that tattoos weren’t for them.

I was the only one that went home with permanent artwork on my shoulder. And that’s the story behind my tattoo.

Like my grandpa, time has taken all but the faintest outline of the butterfl y on my right shoulder blade, but I bet his story was a lot more interesting than mine.

You can learn more about Rick Watson at www.homefolkmedia.com. He is available for speaking engagements and other events. Contact him at [email protected].

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280 Living

That’s Life By Paul Johnson, Samaritan Counseling Center

Remember that time when…

Briarwood Christian School sophomore DeOra Simon is working to completing her Girl Scout Gold Award by coordinating vision screenings and exams. DeOra has created a program that will allow UAB Optometry students to perform vision screenings and comprehensive eye exams for the children living at the Lovelady Center, a transitional home for women, and those who visit the center for summer camps.

Through research, DeOra discovered that while the adults receive routine eye exams throughout the year, the children didn’t have access because they were in school. By working with Dr. Felton Perry and nurse Goble, DeOra was able to work out time schedules that would accommodate the children’s schedules. DeOra became familiar with the Lovelady Center’s work while completing service hours for school. Because of her commitment to serve, DeOra plans to keep an eye on the program

Eye can see

Briarwood’s DeOra Simon coordinated vision screenings for her Girl Scout Gold Award. Photo courtesy of Joy Simon.

and offer help when needed beyond the completion of her project.

For more information on The Lovelady Center, visit loveladycenter.org.

Last month, on the morning of August 11, my wife turned to me and said, “I’m not ready for this.” I looked at her, and with every bit of insensitivity I could muster, said, “Why? We did this last year.”

It was the first day of our eldest son’s foray into first grade at a public elementary school. Last year, at this time, it was his first day of kindergarten at a public elementary school. Same school. Same routine. Just about the same everything. Except for new shoes.

I, of course, got a shoulder smack for being a smart-alec. And then she said, “No, we didn’t.” And, of course, she was right. Because last year, on our eldest son’s first day of public-all-day-real-school (though when I was a kid, kindergarten was not real school, yet; now it is—sheesh), we were in the hospital, giving birth to our third son, so we kind of missed all of the sentimental “there he goes” stuff. This year, we got to watch it really happen.

So we did.And then turned, and went inside. I remarked, “Yeah, I remember last

year, where we were, what we were doing. Sigh. That was cool and anxious on so many levels. One going off, another coming in, the middle caught in the middle. Sigh. Whew.”

Life changed that day. And that was just a year ago.

In the future, when your son asks you, “What is the meaning of the stipulations, decrees and laws the LORD our God has commanded you?” tell him: “We were slaves of Pharaoh in Egypt, but the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand.” (Deuteronomy 6:20-21)

The other week, my eldest son asked me where he was when his mommy and daddy were married. He asked, “Was I born yet?” I thought, “Hmmm, is it time for this talk, or can I put this off a little longer?” I told him he was not born yet and was not in “mommy’s tummy” yet but was in that place where God puts the hopes and dreams of all mommy’s and daddy’s, the someday place. He then asked, “Daddy, when you married Mommy, did you kiss her?” I said, “Yes, yes I did.” He said he liked it when we did that. I smiled and tussled his hair.

I later told my wife about our brief episode. A wedding picture sits on our dresser. She picked it up, smiled, put it down, turned to me and said, “That was a good day.” And then kissed me. I said I liked it when she did that. She said, “What? Me kissing you? Or you marrying me?” I replied, “Both.” And then hugged her the way I did after I was told that day that I had permission to kiss my bride.

Life changed that day. That was eight years ago.

The man said to me, “Son of man, look with your eyes and hear with your ears and pay attention to everything I am going to show you, for that is why you have been brought here. Tell the house of Israel everything you see.” (Ezekiel 40:4)

I stood outside the Lifeway Publishing office building in Nashville looking up at the sky and then got into my car to drive to my new life in Birmingham. I had recently relocated from Nashville to Birmingham, life changing rather abruptly and unexpectedly. I had been there to talk about a potential publishing project, but life was changing, for all of us. Before the meeting, I spoke briefly with a receptionist about the news she was hearing on the radio. I remember thinking, “It is absurd how some people don’t pay attention to the degree that something like that can accidentally happen.” I turned on the radio as I pulled away from the offices, and it was being reported that it wasn’t an accident. It was intentional. Someone, or someones, had purposefully flown airplanes into the World Trade Center in New York City.

The publishing project never happened. Other things took precedent.

Life for all of us changed that day. And that was ten years ago.

On that day tell your son, “I do this because of what the LORD did for me when I came out of Egypt.” (Exodus 13:8)

Any time anyone ever begins a sentence with, “Remember the time when,” stop what you are doing, pick up your cup of coffee and take the journey with them. Life happens and changes in moments and in seasons—how they affect us depends on how we process and remember those moments and seasons. Telling the stories is important and should be encouraged at every turn.

As we pause this month on one of the rare generational “remember-when” moments (much like the day of the shooting of JFK was for our parents), reflect on the past decade. Then look at the past five years, then on the past one. That’s it. Just remember. And tell someone what you remember. And perhaps what you have noticed since then.

If in the telling, some further processing is needed, please consider Samaritan Counseling Center for your counseling or consultant needs. You may reach us at 967-3660 or www.samaritancc.org. Paul Johnson is the executive director as well as a professionally licensed marriage and family therapist and associate licensed counselor at Samaritan.

| September 2011 | www.280living.com B13280 Living

HOGANS Irish Pub & Grill507 Cahaba Park Circle995-0533Every Wednesday / Thursday 8pm Live Music by Razz Ma TazzEvery Friday / Saturday 9pm - Until Live Music by Razz Ma Tazz

280 Live Music

Listings

5426 Highway 280 (205) 874-6361www.greybarbham.com9/2- Jason Mayo9/16- Red Halo9/23- Onlive9/30- OutshineWednesdays- Acoustic MusicThursdays- Matt Richie

The Fish Market Restaurant GREYSTONE5407 Highway 280 980-8600every Thursday night live music with Jeff Taylor. All Parrotheads are invited.

CAFE FIRENZE110 Inverness Plaza 980-1315

Classifi edsCommunity

Contributors Wanted 280 Living is looking for people

in the area to contribute news and write stories. Email

[email protected]

280 Medical Supply

is looking for an experienced DME Customer Service Rep.

Must have at least 3 years expe-rience working with all aspects of DME billing/ collections for BCBS, Commercial Ins, Medi-

care & Medicaid. Must be profi -cient with Online Billing,Word,

Excel and QuickBooks.Please submit resume to :

[email protected] or mail to:15582 Hwy 280

Chelsea, AL 205-678-8755

City Vineyard Arbor Place5479 Highway 280, Suite 102437-3360cityvineyard.net

Pablo’s Restaurant and Cantina3439 Colonnade Parkway969-1411Live music Wednesday and Thursday, 6 – 9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 6 – 10:30 p.m.

Village Tavern The Summit, Lower Level970-1640Every Wednesday and Thursday, 6:30 - 9 p.m. Artist Jeff Tyler performs.Fridays, 9 -11:30 p.m., Various live music.

9/2- Kevin Harrison9/8- Remember When9/9- 2Blu9/16- “G” Weevil9/23- Phil & Liz Dudley9/30- Lefty Collins

Call for this month’s music listings.

Graphic DesignInternship

280 Living and our sister publi-cations are looking for a graphic

design intern. Please email resume and digital portfolio to

[email protected]

Courtyard Oyster bar & grill 280 band and dj schedule

9/1-Erica & Erica / Heath Shoemaker9/2-Atticus Avenue / SK59/3-Ray Gun Adminstration / Heath

Shoemaker9/4-Erica & the Soulshine band / Heath

Shoemaker9/5-DJ KOP9/6-Erica & Eric9/7-Matt & Sean / Matt & Koonce9/8-Erica & Eric / Heath Shoemaker9/9-The Haulers / Matt Hill band9/10-Gentlemen Zero / Heath Shoemaker9/11-Heath Shoemaker9/12-Dj KOP9/13-Erica & Eric9/14-Matt & Sean / Matt & Koonce9/15-Erica & Eric9/16-Once in a Lifetime / SK59/17-Todd Simpson and the Mojo Child /

Heath Shoemaker9/18-Heath Shoemaker9/19-Dj KOP9/20-Erica & Eric9/21-Matt & Sean / Matt & Koonce9/22-Erica & Eric9/23-Grayson Heights / Matt Hill band9/24-4th & 1 / Heath Shoemaker9/25-Heath Shoemaker9/26-Dj KOP9/27-Erica & Eric9/28-Matt & Sean / Matt & Koonce9/29-Erica & Eric9/30-Honey Child / SK5

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September 2011HEARDMONT PARK SENIOR

CENTER CALENDAR NOTE: Please reserve meals in advance. Outings are limited to 12 people, so sign up early.

Center Manager: Theresa GreenHours: Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-3 p.m.Phone: 991-5742Fax: 991-5657Email: [email protected]

September Calendar of Eventsemail your events to [email protected] Family Fun

9/10- Harvest Day. Learn about harvest season with crafts, story time, music, games and animal demonstrations. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Birmingham Zoo. Admission: $14 (adults) $9 (kids 12 and under, senior citizens). More information: www.birminghamzoo.com.

Food 9/13- From the Garden to the Grill. Owner Angela Schmidt from Chef U will lead

this class on taking vegetables from your garden or farmer’s market and grilling them perfectly. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Admission: $25 (members) $30 (nonmembers). More information: www.bbgardens.org.

9/29-10/1- Greek Food Festival. 10:30 a.m. - 11 p.m. To pre-order food at the festival drive-thru, call 716-3086 or fax 716-3085 for orders of 10 or more. Holy Trinity Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 307 19th Street South, 35233. Admission: free. More information: birminghamgreekfestival.net.

Various- Birmingham Bake and Cook Company offers cooking classes. For a complete schedule , visit www.bakeandcookco.com. For more information, call 980-3661.

MONDAYS9:30 -10:30 a.m. – Tai Chi9:30 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.- Mah Jongg 10:30 a.m.- 3 p.m.- Canasta

Music & Arts9/4- Jazz in the Park. Features the Neo Jazz Collective, Ricky Powell, Heritage Band

and Dee Lucas. 5 p.m.-8 p.m. Railroad Park. Admission: free. More information: www.magiccitysmoothjazz.com.

9/8- Cocktails in the Gardens. Matthew Devine of Downright will be the music for the evening under the theme “Green and Serene”. The signature drink will be Midori Melon Punch. 5:30-8:30 p.m. Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Hill Garden. Admission: Free (members) $15 (nonmembers). More information: www.bbgardens.org.

9/24- 8th Annual Taste of 4th Avenue Jazz Festival. Several area jazz groups will perform featuring Paul Taylor. The festival will also have an Art Village and vendors including Jones Valley Urban Farm and West End Community Gardens . 2p.m.-10p.m. 4th Avenue North and 18th Street. Admission: free. More information: www.justataste.org.

9/24- Best of Birmingham. The finest music students from UAB, Birmingham-Southern, Samford, Alabama School of Fine Arts, Indian Springs and Altamont will perform. 7 p.m. Brock Recital Hall, Samford University. Admission: $10. More information: www.samford.edu.

280 Events9/9 & 9/10- Giggles and Grace Fall Consignment Sale. There will be great deals

on infant-junior clothing, baby items, furniture, toys and books. Friday: 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday: 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Asbury United Methodist Church. More information: www.asburygigglesandgrace.com.

9/15- Bancorp South’s seminar for first-time home buyers. Topics include preparing to apply for a mortgage loan and the loan application process. Information will be provided on various programs available to assist in the purchase of the home. Current interest rates and types of mortgage loans will also be discussed. 6 p.m.- 7 p.m. North Shelby Library. Open to the public.

9/17- 2nd annual Meadow Brook subdivision-wide yard sale. 7 a.m. - noon. Yellow smiley face balloons will indicate participating homes.

9/24- Meet the Farm Animals. Come to the petting farm, meet the animals and learn about them. 10 a.m. Oak Mountain State Park Petting Farm. Admission: $3 (adults) $1 (children). More information: www.alapark.com/OakMountain.

9/24- Great Prostate Cancer Challenge. This 5K race and 1 mile fun run benefits prostate cancer research, education and free screenings. 7 a.m. Oak Mountain State Park, Dogwood Pavilion. Registration: $25 (in advance) $30 (race day). More information: www.greatprostatecancerchallenge.com/races/birmingham.

Special Events9/8- A Hero’s Welcome. An evening to welcome and honor severely injured military

personnel as well as police officers, firefighters and first responders. Keynote speaker is Colonel David Sutherland, Special Assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. 6 p.m. Cocktails, 7 p.m. Dinner. Lakeshore Foundation, 4000 Ridgeway Road. More information: www.lakeshore.org.

9/11- 10th Anniversary 9/11 Service. A service of remembrance held by the cities of Mountain Brook, Vestavia Hills and Homewood. 8:45 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. Vestavia Hills High School, 2235 Lime Rock Road.

9/16-18- 27th Annual Alabama Orchid Show and Sale. Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Admission: free. More information: call Show Chairperson Margaret Holder at 933-8688.

9/17- ZooGala 2011. Enjoy cocktails and a seated dinner in Trails of Africa, catered by Kathy G and entertainment by Lava Lamp. Dress is black tie optional. 6:30 p.m. Birmingham Zoo. Admission: $350 (individual) $500 (couple). More information: www.birminghamzoo.com.

9/18- Shades Mountain Baptist Church 100 Year Celebration. 2017 Columbiana Road. Celebration Service in the Worship Center, 9:30 a.m. New Wind Reunion in 4th floor Concourse, 4:30 - 5:45 p.m. “A Century of Song” in the Worship Center, 6 p.m. More information: www.shades.org/legacy or 822-1670.

9/26- World Premier of Alabama’s Rick Bragg: Out of the Dirt, a documentary biography of the acclaimed storyteller/journalist/teacher/Pulitzer Prize winner. 7 p.m. Doubletree Hotel, 808 South 20th Street. More information. Tickets: $29. More information: www.alabamabooksmith.com.

Theatre9/1- I Got Sick Then I Got Better. A one-woman show starring Broadway actress

Jenny Allen. Benefits the Lynne Cohen and Norma Livingston Preventative Care Program at UAB. Alys Stephens Center. 7 p.m. More information: www.nlovca.org.

9/17- C.S. Lewis’ The Screwtape Letters. The touring cast will present the adaptation of Lewis’ novel about spiritual warfare from a demon’s point of view. 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. BJCC. Admission: $29 or $89. More information: www.bjcc.org.

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TUESDAYS10-11 a.m.- Aerobic Workouts10 a.m. – 2 p.m.- Bingo & Board Games (8/2 & 8/9 only)11 a.m. 12 p.m.- Bible Study12 p.m. - Lunch 12:30 p.m. – Wii bowling with Betty

WEDNESDAYS9 a.m.- 12 p.m.- Bridge Club11:30 a.m.- 3 p.m.- Rummikub12 p.m.- Lunch

THURSDAYS10-11 a.m.- Aerobic Workouts10 a.m.- 2 p.m.- Bingo & Board Games12 p.m.- Lunch FRIDAYS9-10 a.m.- Zumba Gold10-11 a.m.- Intermediate Line Dancing11 a.m.-12 p.m.- Beginning Line Dancing

Save the Date10/1- Shelby Blues and BBQ Festival. Teams will compete in food judging

competitions in four categories: BBQ chicken, BBQ ribs, BBQ pork and desserts. Held by Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce. Verizon Wireless Center, Pelham. More information: www.shelbybluesandbbq.org.

10/1- Fiesta Hispanic Culture Festival. Music and dance stage; arts, culture, and children’s activities; health and wellness information; multi-cultural food; and community villages, where event-goers can sample the various customs and traditions in Spanish-speaking countries. Regions Park, Hoover. More information: www.fiestahbc.com.

10/1- Bark in the Park. Mutt strut, pet adoptions, free nail trimming for pets, obedience training demonstrations, music, crafts, food from Johnny Rays and Dreamcakes. Hosted b y the Shelby Humane Society and Alabaster Parks and Recreation. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Veterans Park, Alabaster. Free. More information: www.shelbyhumane.org or 669-3916 ext. 36.

10/1- Pony Express 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run. Benefits Spirit of Hope Youth Ranch. Includes music, refreshments, and kids’ activities. 7:30 a.m. registration, 9 a.m. 5K, 9:15 a.m. Fun Run. Crestline Village. $25 for 5K and $15 for Fun Run before September 29; $30 and $15 after. More information: www.ponyexpress5k.com.

10/1- Chelsea Day arts and crafts fair. Local artisans, arts and crafts vendors, food, live entertainment and games. Held by Chelsea High School Band. 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Chelsea City Hall. More information: [email protected].


Ten-year-old Cade “Big” Mango of Highland Lakes wakeboards on Logan Martin Lake. As the photo shows he can get some big air, hence the nickname “Big” (he’s actually tiny!). Photo courtesy of Andie Mango.

Fischer, Mo, Caroline and Jake Harrison “ruff” it on Lay Lake. Photo courtesy of Dawn Harrison.

Connie and the Fish. Photo courtesy of Johanna Jones.

Peter King and his parents visit his grandparents at Lake Logan Martin every weekend. Photo courtesy of David King.

280 Living

280 Living Lake Lovers Photo Contest Winners

We want to thank everyone who submitted photos this year. Please visit www.280living.com to see more photos.

Best ActionPhoto

Best Pet

Photo

Best Kid

Photo

Best FishingPhoto

Longworth CollectionFurniture

2408 Canterbury Rd.Mountain Brook Village

803.4040

A Superlative Collection of Extraordinary Furnishings

A Drexel Heritage Dealerwww.drexelheritage.com

Anniversary SaleCustom Sofas, Loveseats & ChairsYou choose the fabric, the style. Drexel Heritage does the rest.

We do not want all the business, “just yours.”Offering one-on-one personal service and attention

Proudly selling Alabama-made Masland carpet.Chandeliers & Lighting

5479 HWY 280, suite 124 (next to Dale’s)

874.6655Mon.- � urs. 10-6, Fri. 10-8,

Sat. 10-6, Sun. 12-3

Now offering monogramming!

Fall items arriving

daily.

Now offering Now offering monogramming!monogramming!

| September 2011 |

205.934.9999 | uabmedicine.org/besthospital

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280 Living September 2011