280 Living
June 2015 | Volume 8 | Issue 10
neighborly news & entertainment
Inseparable
Block party
St. Vincent’s One Nineteen will host its annual block party this month. Find all the event details inside.
See page B4
Father figure
Koa Vicens hugs his father and gives the “hang loose” hand sign after his early graduation ceremony on May 12 at Chelsea High School. Photo by Sydney Cromwell.
The father-like figure in Mike Vest’s life came through Big Brothers Big Sisters. Read his story in this issue.
Father and son celebrate an early graduation due to cancer diagnosis
280living.com/topics/video/
See page B1 By SYDNEY CROMWELL
INSIDE Sponsors ............. A4 280 News ............ A6 Business...........A8 Food...................A12 Faith...............A30
Opinion..............A31 Community.........B7 School House ....B15 Sports .................B17 Calendar ............B24
Pre-Sort Standard U.S. Postage PAID Memphis, TN Permit #830
facebook.com/280Living
Around Chelsea High School, Koa Vicens is recognizable by the smile on his face, the lei around his neck and his frequent use of the “hang loose” sign popular among surfers. Koa,
who has Down syndrome, is beloved by fellow students and teachers. “Amongst my population of special needs [students], he is a leader. He is also extremely helpful to his classmates and teachers. He is well liked and loved throughout the school,” CHS
special education teacher Eleanor Wise said. Behind Koa’s smile is the work of his father, Ralph, who gets up at 4 a.m. to get his son ready for school and has driven him to school
See GRADUATION | page A29
Healthcare sector explodes in growth on 280 By ROY L. WILLIAMS When Terry Ponder opened Ponder Properties Commercial Real Estate LLC in Meadowbrook Office Park in 1995, the U.S. 280 corridor was in the early stages of business growth. Twenty years later, Ponder says the 280 corridor has become what he believes to be the leading business center in metro Birmingham. While new restaurants and business headquarters continue to choose the 280 area, the veteran commercial Realtor says a new trend of growth is emerging: healthcare.
See HEALTHCARE | page A28
American Family Care CEO Dr. Bruce Irwin stands in their new national headquarters off U.S. 280. Photo by Keith McCoy.