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J U N E 2 02 1

Charles Barkley Raises a Glass to Birmingham

HOME + DESIGN W H AT 'S Y O U R H O M E 'S I Q ?

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S O CI AL LY D IS TAN CED TA S T ING S E VER Y FR IDAY FR OM 5:30PM TO 7 P M. ZO O M MEE T IN G O P T IO N AL . W INE B A R OPEN DUR I NG STOR E HOUR S . 1831 28T H AVE S IN BIRMING HAM

2 0 5 -87 1 -9 4 6 3

BV @CL A S SIC WINE C O

CL A S SIC WINE C O.C O M

LIFESTYLE LETTER

JUNE 2021 PUBLISHER

J Shay Langley | shay.langley@lifestylepubs.com EDITOR

Walk a Mile in Another Man's Shoes WELCOME TO JUNE 2021, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS OUR GENTLEMEN'S ISSUE. We've worked hard to bring you an assortment of content that will inspire you to pursue your personal or professional best. It's no secret that reading about other people

Denise K. James | denise.james@lifestylepubs.com AD DESIGNER

Miranda Read L AYO UT DESIGNER

Dana Rudolph CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Wick Oliver

can be an eye-opening experience. Even in the global age of the internet, there's something meaningful about seeing your neighbors in print and hearing their stories. In this issue, you'll "sit and have a drink" with local star athlete Charles Barkley, who just happens to be the main owner of Redmont Distilling Co. You'll meet Homer Brown, founder and owner of the nation's first table tennis store, and feel inspired by his journey. You'll read about making your home "smarter," what Tony Petelos has to say about Jefferson County as he retires and even find out about the inaugural indoor pickleball championships, happening right here in Birmingham. The beginning of summer and the midpoint of the year is a fine time to spend more time with family, examine our goals and take a breather in the great Alabama outdoors. As always, Denise and I appreciate our readers, contributors and advertising partners. Your ongoing support makes our labor of love worth it. Sincerely,

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

J. Shay Langley, Publisher

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

ON THE COVER Charles Barkley, Partner at Redmont Distilling Co.

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED 4

Birmingham Lifestyle | June 2021

CityLifestyle.com/BirminghamAL

Proverbs 3:5-6 Birmingham Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Birmingham areas’ most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Birmingham Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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INSIDE THE ISSUE JUNE 2021

FEATURES 12 Reinventing Classics for Land and Sea Dave Martin of New Old Wood

16 Bringing a Lot to the Table BumperNets

28 A Toast to the Magic City Have a Cocktail with Charles Barkley of Redmont Distilling Co.

28 16

30 Parting Remarks A Conversation with County Manager Tony Petelos Before Retirement

DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

Around Town

Locally Owned

Renovate & Refine

Page Turners

20 Healthy Lifestyle 23 Inspired By 28 Culinary Creations 30 Our Town 34 Lifestyle Calendar

W E D N E S DAY S 6:15 - 7:15pm C A F E C H U RC H I S LO C ATE D I N T H E GY M

Ca f e CHURCH

J O I N U S FO R CO F F E E A N D CO N V E R SAT I O N

WE LOVE OUR COMMUNITY AND WE’RE PRAYING FOR YOU! P L E A SE LET US K NOW HOW WE CAN HELP.

TE X T PRAYER TO 2 0 5 - 9 0 0 - 3 7 8 6 O R EM AI L PA STO R @ L A K ES I D EBA P T I S T.CO M J O I N US FO R WO R S H IP SUNDAY M O R NI NGS AT 8: 30 & 10 :45 LI V E - S T R E AM E D AT 10: 45 AT L A K ESI D EBA PT I ST.COM

AROUND TOWN

LIVE A GREAT STORY

THEY'RE ON A ROLL! Rolls Homewood has entered the food scene with a delicious fragrance that we've followed all the way to their door. Created by Katie Cornutt in 2019, this small-batch cinnamon roll company grew rapidly from the founder's home kitchen to its current storefront on Crescent Avenue. The rolls range from the aptly-named "OG" (does that stand for ooey-gooey? or original gangster? hmmm...) to Orange Rolls, Strawberry Rolls, Syndy's Funfetti Rolls and more. We're getting hungry just thinking about it, honestly.

PLEASE YOUR EARS ON FATHER'S DAY WEEKEND Euphonious, a word that means "pleasing to the ear," is the name of Birmingham's new socially distanced music festival, taking place Father's Day weekend, June 18-20, at the recently renovated Birmingham Zoo. The lawn of the zoo will be divided into 10x10 squares so groups of eight people can enjoy tunes safely. As of press time, the performance lineup included Tonic, Sister Hazel, Moon Taxi and much more, and a portion of proceeds from the festival will benefit United Ability, a Birmingham nonprofit serving adults and children with disabilities.

SHARE A BIKE OR A SCOOTER THIS SUMMER Shared bikes and scooters are known for urban appeal, and the Illinois-based company Veo has recently begun operating in the Magic City. Their shared bikes and scooters, all paid for through a

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handy smartphone app, will have city-designated parking spots and special times of day and evening for use. While bikes will be available around the clock, scooters will not be available after 11 p.m. Operators must be at least 19 years old. For more information, visit https://www.birminghamal.gov/

JESSE SCROGGINS, AAMS®

transportation/shared-micromobility/.

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Birmingham Lifestyle | June 2021

love to hear from you! Contact us at CityLifestyle. com/BirminghamAL using the Get In Touch link and let us know what you think.

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IS YOUR HOME SMARTER THAN THEIR HONOR STUDENT?

SPHERE AUDIO VIDEO CAN RAISE ITS IQ

Birmingham Lifestyle | June 2021

“By personalities, I mean Google, Amazon, Siri, audio, TV, security, lighting — they all want to be the one in charge,” he continued. “Control4 is a platform that has the ability to interact with all these individuals. That way, HOME ISN’T JUST WHERE THE HEART IS ANYMORE

when your garage door opens, it turns on the music, then

– IT’S ALSO WHERE THE LIGHTS AUTOMATICALLY

the lights in the kitchen, then sets AC, closes the shades,

TURN ON, THE TEMPERATURE ADJUSTS TO YOUR

and so on. A whole chain of events can happen with one

LIKING AND ASSISTANTS SUCH AS ALEXA CAN

click. And you don’t have to interact with everything; one

PLAY YOUR FAVORITE DEEP-CUT ROCK TUNE

event happens and the rest happens.”

FROM THE 1960S. But what if you aren’t a tech wizard? What if you can barely boot a standard PC and get

McDaniel admitted with a laugh that at this point, no request surprises him anymore.

the internet working, much less sync everything in your

“One guy wanted to dive into his pool and hear music

home to the same automated system? No worries —

playing underwater as well as in the house. We made it

Chris McDaniel and his team of experts at Sphere Audio

happen,” he recalled. “And I like challenges. We’ve been

Video take the guesswork out of raising your home’s IQ

asked to do unusual stuff, but we figure it out.”

for the ultimate in convenience and comfort. McDaniel, a graduate of Georgia State with a degree in business, said that his now-thriving enterprise started out as just a hobby — “I was the kid who took the TV apart and put it back together, and my interest continued in my early 20s,” he said. Back then, McDaniel had no idea (nor did anyone) of the tech boom on the horizon, yet he certainly positioned himself as a key player. At this point, Sphere has been in business since 2008, with

“One guy wanted to dive into his pool and hear music playing under water as well as in the house. We made it happen ,” he rec alled. “And I like challenges . We ’ve been asked to do unusual s tuf f, but we f igure it out .”

about 75% of their projects being residential and 25% commercial. As smart technology continues to grow and become more complex, Sphere is gaining popularity among locals for good reason. So what exactly does Sphere do? Put simply, they create an “umbrella” for your smart systems to operate under. Therefore, separate systems that control music, lights, garage doors, temperature and other facets around the home are more easily managed. “We try to consolidate as much as we can into one system so it’s simpler,” McDaniel noted. “We use certain platforms — primarily Control4 because it plays well with others. The magic happens when you’re able to connect all these personalities and get them on the same team.”

CityLifestyle.com/BirminghamAL

RENOVATE & REFINE

Reinventing Classics for Land and Sea DAVE MARTIN OF NEW OLD WOOD

Birmingham Lifestyle | June 2021

T hese c ars are all long term projects-t hey t ake about a year, and you get t o know t he owners."

MICHIGAN NATIVE AND ALABAMA

Soon after, a fan asked if he could rebuild a

TRANSPLANT DAVE MARTIN HAS A

wooden car. Martin said he thought he could.

RATHER UNUSUAL CRAFT: HE BUILDS

“One day a guy walked in, and I knew

AND RESTORES WOODEN BOATS AND

him through boat work, and he said, ‘Look

WOODEN CARS. Though Martin is depart-

at these pictures,’ and it was an old car.

ing Birmingham and moving farther south to

He said, ‘I’m thinking about buying it, and

a town near Montgomery, his niche business

I was wondering if you could build a new

will no doubt continue to attract folks from

body for it.’ I’d never built a car, just boats,

all over the state and country.

but I figured, if it’s wood, I can do it. So he

Martin stumbled into his craft serendipitously when he accepted a job at

bought it and sent it over, and that was the transition from boats to cars.”

Rybovich in West Palm Beach in his early

Martin and his wife found their way

20s. Soon enough, after catching the eye

to Birmingham by chance, during one of

of his boss with his work ethic and natu-

the many road trips between Wisconsin

ral talent, he was being asked to head up

and Florida to visit extended family.

boat-building projects.

Birmingham “caught their eye,” he said,

“I’ll never forget, my boss pulled me aside

and he found a place that built custom

and said, ‘I need someone to supervise the

cars and got a job, cementing their plans

construction of this new boat hull. I don’t

to relocate to the South. By 2019, the

think you have the experience to pull this off,

phone started ringing for Martin to com-

but I’ll let you try,’” he reminisced.

plete more custom work, and he was able

Eventually, Martin got married and relocated to Wisconsin to start a family. He found

to quit his day job and focus on solo projects in the basement of his home.

another boat-building job at a now-defunct

As of press time, Martin has more than two

yard, as well as a gig building custom cab-

years’ worth of projects lined up, many from

inets. He ultimately decided that going into

other states. His marketing, he said, has been

business for himself was his next goal and

almost all word of mouth — even when he

bought a 1951 Chris Craft Riviera, building

attends car shows, it’s mostly just to reconnect

a new wooden boat by following its pat-

with his clients, who have all become friends.

tern. Martin sold the boat after attending a

“These cars are all long term projects —

few antique boat shows, made some con-

they take about a year, and you get to know

tacts and started his business in earnest.

the owners,” he noted.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/BirminghamAL

RENOVATE & REFINE (CONTINUED)

Want to reach Dave for a project? Email is best, at dmartin@newoldwood.com

Birmingham Lifestyle | June 2021

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PAGE TURNERS

B R I N G I N G A LOT TO TH E TA B L E

BUMPERNETS ARTICLE DENISE K JAMES | PHOTOGRAPHY WICK OLIVER

Birmingham Lifestyle | June 2021

NE DAY, WHILE HANGING OUT WITH HIS FATHER IN

After playing table tennis his senior year

THE BASEMENT OF THEIR HOME, HOMER BROWN PICKED UP

of high school, Brown continued finessing

A TABLE TENNIS RACKET FOR THE FIRST TIME. Although he

his skills at Covenant College, a private lib-

would fill other roles throughout his life — including Chief Operating

eral arts institution near Chattanooga, where

Officer at Vulcan Oil — he never forgot his first true love. Today,

he started a collegiate team with the goal of

Brown could certainly choose to rest on his laurels; he has created

competing nationally — and they soon did.

the country’s first table tennis store, and he’s won his share of local,

Brown valued these early opportunities to

regional and national recognition in the sport. But the 72-year-old

travel the country and meet people, and, by

founder and owner of BumperNets still looks forward to going to

the time he was married with his own family,

work daily and sharing his passion with scores of happy customers.

he was a certified table tennis coach at the

“When you believe in what you’re doing,” he mused, “it makes every-

top of his game, determined to teach his tod-

thing better – and it makes it harder to give it up.”

dler son the rules. And teach him he did – so well, in fact, that at just 5 years old, Adam Brown placed in the Junior Olympics for boys and girls ages 10 and under. Several years later, at 18, Adam was the youngest person to win the men’s singles in the state of Alabama. The accolades continued from there. Fast-forward to 2021, and this award-winning father and son team has been running a highly successful business for more than two decades. The inception of BumperNets in August 1999 was on the heels of Homer Brown’s own Olympic medals, which he was awarded following his departure from Vulcan Oil. He wanted to see if he was “still in the right shape to run a retail store,” and fortunately, he was. The first iteration of BumperNets, located in the Brookwood Village Mall, was a well-received experiment, according to Brown. Folks were excited to play table sports

Left to right: Christopher Tickell, Homer Brown, Zac Statum

“When you believe in what you’re doing,” he mused, “it makes everything better – and it makes it harder to give it up.” CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/BirminghamAL

PAGE TURNERS (CONTINUED)

on-site, often in competition with a robot opponent, as well as inquire about their own equipment. “I wanted the store to be active,” Brown pointed out. “I wanted to create a place from beginner to professional; a place to learn or play or buy.” Now located in Hoover’s Riverchase Galleria and spanning a total of three spaces — one designed for kids — BumperNets has solidified its reputation as the ultimate destination for table sports: table tennis, billiards, air hockey, foosball, shuffleboard and more. The business is the longest-running independent retailer at the Galleria, with a separate entrance located in the parking lot of Macy’s. Arcade games, including a number of limited edition pinball machines, complement the experience at BumperNets and add to the fun. Customers can play a round and buy whatever they need to continue their obsessions at home; the store is stocked with new and gently-used tables for each sport, plus all the necessary accessories. In addition to purchases, BumperNets offers repairs — and, because a great deal of business is conducted through the internet, shipments are always coming and going. Even traveling within a four-hour radius to service other arcades is part of the workload. They stay very busy — in fact, as of writing this story, Brown was getting ready to visit the Florida panhandle. “I want the best for all of my customers,” he emphasized. “Adam and I make a good team. He makes sure things are handled at the store; I’m more the face of the business. We receive items here from the manufacturer and make sure they’re correct and get to customers on time. Together, we make sure everything is right.” “I love my customers and enjoy serving them,” he added. “I enjoy offering a safe and neat place for them to come and play together, whether it is for a first date or a family reunion or a just a cool place to meet a new friend.”

Birmingham Lifestyle | June 2021

Left to right: Keith Evans, Christopher Tickell, Homer Brown, Zach Statum

CityLifestyle.com/BirminghamAL

HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

HAVE YOU EVER PLAYED THE GAME PICKLE-

and of all ages will play their beloved sport at the Hoover Met

BALL? It’s almost like tennis but “miniature,” with a

Complex — a state-of-the-art, 155,000-square-foot facility —

shorter net. And instead of a tennis ball and tennis

and the staff is very much looking forward to the event.

rackets, pickleball is played with a wiffle ball and

“It seems that, coming out of Covid when everyone was at

paddles. It’s the perfect sport for having fun and

home and didn’t have stuff to do, this is a sport that people

being social — and now, it’s putting Birmingham on

can play where they aren’t close to one another,” noted E. J.

the national pickleball map.

Brophy, general manager of the Hoover Met Complex. “You’re

The USA Pickleball Association will hold the National

well over six feet away, whether playing singles or doubles. It

Indoor Championships right here in the Magic City from

seems to be catching on among empty nesters, retirees and

June 8 to June 13. Pickleball enthusiasts from all over

people who want to keep fit and socialize.”

Birmingham Lifestyle | June 2021

THE USAPA PICKLEBALL INDOOR CHAMPIONSHIPS ARE COMING TO BIRMINGHAM

BIG "DILL"

IT'S A

So why Birmingham? We caught up with

“The weeklong tournament’s projected economic impact

George Bauernfeind of the USA Pickleball

for the area is over $1 million, which is a huge influx into the

Association and he listed the reasons any

local economy after COVID-19,” he said. “Pickleball continues

of us would suspect: it’s a great city; the

to be one of America’s fastest-growing sports, and hosting

sport is popular here; and the Hoover Met

this tournament will expose new people to it, driving further

Complex is the ideal facility.

growth in the Birmingham area and beyond.”

“Pickleball grew 21% in 2020, and Finley

For folks who are reading this and feeling curious about pick-

Center provides ample space to host a

leball, there are plenty of chances to find out more. You can come

tournament of this size,” he explained.

out and learn about the sport on June 7, while the players are

“Birmingham is a great city with rich history

warming up. Bauernfeind also promises a community party, as

and great restaurants. Many participants will

well as no fee to watch the games. And the pickleball clinic the

be in town for a good portion of the tourna-

week before the event is a fine opportunity to learn how to play.

ment week, and having activities and good food is always important.”

“For anyone interested in learning more about the sport or developing their skills, we’ll be hosting the Tyson McGuffin

Harry Leckemby, event manager at the

Signature Pickleball Clinic on June 1 and 2 in the Finley Center,

Hoover Met Complex, pointed out that a

as a leadup to the Championships,” Leckemby noted. “The goal

tournament of this size is good news for the

is 700 or more players, making it one of the largest inaugural

city, particularly in the wake of the pandemic.

events on the pickleball scene,” Bauernfeind concluded.

CityLifestyle.com/BirminghamAL

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Indoor outdoor table tennis tables

Birmingham Lifestyle | June 2021

INSPIRED BY THE PRO GOLFER’S FITNESS JOURNEY

SCOTT

STALLINGS’

WORKOUT

LIKE MANY IMPRESSIONABLE KIDS WITH GIDDY ENTHUSIASM FOR THEIR FAVORITE SPORT, SCOTT STALLINGS DISCOVERED HIS INTEREST FOR GOLF AT THE YOUNG AGE OF 3.

But it was the “aha moment” for his LOVE of the game that came in 1997 when Tiger Woods won the Masters and would forever change the entire landscape of the industry, as well as what Stallings would aspire to achieve in his future professional endeavors. Little did he know at the time, however, not just how successful he would become, but also how an unforeseen health compromise would also rock his world, and his cross training, for the better.

ARTICLE CITY LIFESTYLE

FROM 3-YEAR-OLD PUTTER TO ALL-AMERICAN GOLFER: STALLINGS’ BACKGROUND Born in Boston and raised in Oak Ridge, TN, Scott set off on his golf career at the early age of 3 and trained his way through achieving all-state golfer and Dean’s List status in high school. He was a seven-time tournament winner and was an All-American while attending Tennessee Tech, and he has won on the PGA Tour three times as a professional golfer. Upon realizing earlier in ‘97 “that Woods wasn’t that much older than him,'' Scott set himself into overdrive to “get it together” and tapped into his natural drive to be one of the best. CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/BirminghamAL

INSPIRED BY (CONTINUED)

SCOTT’S HEALTH PROBLEMS AND DEVELOPING A NEW WORKOUT

Flash forward to the year 2016: It became a life-changing year he never would have anticipated; one filled with strife as he learned he had been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea and acute adrenal fatigue. It was a result of some unhealthy nutritional habits, both of which affected his ability to continue effectively as a professional athlete. With the guidance of doctors, surgeons, and his good friend Rich Froning, a four-time Crossfit champion, Scott developed a workout to trim 60 pounds, boasting 10% body fat, revising his daily eating habits, and sleeping healthily through the night.

Birmingham Lifestyle | June 2021

THE WORKOUT BASICS:

STALLINGS’ PRIMARY EQUIPMENT: KETTLEBELLS - Cast iron or cast steel ball with a handle attached to the top; ideal for exercises that combine cardio, strength and flexibility training. BARS AND WEIGHTS - A long iron bar on which weight plates are placed. Weights come in a variety of styles, including weight plates, barbells and dumbbells. DUMBBELLS - Short barbells, usually held in each hand MEDICINE BALLS - Weighted balls roughly the diameter of the shoulders that are used for strength training and rehabilitation

HIS TOP EXERCISES:

KETTLEBELL POWER SNATCH: Uses ground force to leverage the kettlebell upward, then the shoulder, arm and back support the weight as it gets pushed overhead. Also a great cardio exercise and trains the body for a good golf swing.

KETTLEBELL HALO: LANDMINES:

Start by holding the kettlebell upside down

LANDMINE RAINBOW:

height and rotate it around the head like a

Tracing the shape of a rainbow, take the barbell down alongside each hip in a rotational movement and then back to an overhead position. Strengthens legs, shoulders and arms; improves coordination for ground-up downswing. LANDMINE ROTATIONAL CLEAN AND PRESS: Facing the landmine, hold the bar in your right hand, then pivot your toes 90

at chest height, then lift the weight to head halo in both directions. This exercise focuses on shoulder mobility—which is important for a good golf swing—and warms up the muscles and soft tissue around the shoulder girdle.

degrees to the left, dropping into a deep lunge while still holding the bar with

CLEAN TO LUNGE:

your straight arm. Press into your front foot and stand up as you press and

First, the kettlebell is lifted from the ground

lift the barbell to chest height, all in one quick motion. From the waist down, this move mimics the look of a golfer finishing a swing.

to shoulder height. Then, the fowardlunge loads weight into the legs one at a time, which happens from the backswing to the

LANDMINE THRUSTER: Thrust the barbell upward from a squat position. Builds lower-body muscles, which are key for the start of the groundswing and to get longer off the tee.

downswing. The exercise increases strength in calves and forearms, which is essential for a powerful swing.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/BirminghamAL

INSPIRED BY (CONTINUED)

“I came to the realization that it was no one’s fault but my own. The excuses and finger pointing led back to me, and once you

STALLING’S BEST ADVICE FOR GOLFERS

take ownership, you take power in that,” Scott says. “The voice within gave me some scary realizations that I always hated the doctor, and that they would tell me something was wrong. I learned a little information goes a long way, and that saved my health. Make one change today, and make another one

TIPS FOR THE AVID GOLFERS READING THIS? “Golf is a grind, but don’t let physicality get in the way of your game,” Scott says.

tomorrow, and you’ll never look back.” Had Scott not gone to the doctor because of that innate fear, he never would have known the diagnosis of sleep apnea that needed to be addressed. “You only get one body,” he says. Luckily for Scott, he didn’t have an overwhelming, crazy life overhaul. Instead, he was able to find one small thing, delivering simple systematic changes in his workout that led to his improvement in fitness and quality of life. He still was driven to be one the best PGA Tour players and the best family guy he could be, and he would do all of the discovery, the surgeries, and the daily changes all over again to continue living his best life. “I legitimately have some great people push me and stay around me,” Scott says. Scott has traveled the world over, playing on some of the best courses around, from Augusta National twice, to courses across Asia, Europe, Australia, and the hope to cross the Middle East and more stunning destinations in New Zealand off his global travel list. His next “bucket list” trip? Golfing 36 holes a day across seven courses on Long Island, some of the top in the country all within 20 miles of one another— and you better believe Scott “teed up” a “fitness test” among him and his two buddies to see who would fare the best in the end.

Today, Scott happily shares healthy time with his wife and kids and is leading up The Scott Stallings Kids Play Free Junior Golf Initiative, a partnership with the Tennessee Golf Foundation to bring free junior golf to the Knoxville area. “The mission is simple: Provide Knoxville's youth with unrestricted, free access to the game of golf at multiple facilities, 365 days a year,” he says. Look for Scott Stallings to be the first PGA Tour professional and mainstream athlete to represent NOBULL, a footwear, apparel and accessory brand that aligns perfectly with Scott’s train-hard story. 26

Birmingham Lifestyle | June 2021

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CULINARY CREATIONS

A TOAST TO THE MAGIC CIT Y HAVE A COCKTAIL WITH CHARLES BARKLEY OF REDMONT DISTILLING CO.

THE REDMONT DISTILLING CO., BIRMINGHAM’S FIRST LEGAL DISTILLERY SINCE PROHIBITION, HAS BEEN CRAFTING TOP-SHELF VODKA AND GIN SINCE OPENING ITS DOORS IN 2015. We sat down for a drink with majority owner and star athlete Charles Barkley, who got involved with Redmont Distilling in 2019. He assured us that great things are on the horizon for the distillery as well as for Birmingham. We’ll raise a glass to that!

Birmingham Lifestyle | June 2021

WHAT INITIALLY INSPIRED YOU TO INVEST IN REDMONT DISTILLING CO.? I always wanted to own a business in Birmingham to be more involved in the community and give back. Redmont Vodka is the ideal business for me because I like vodka! It was the perfect fit. YOU’RE A BUSY GUY. HOW OFTEN ARE YOU AT THE DISTILLERY? I am actually here more than people think — I’m hands-on in this business, and I really enjoy talking with our distiller, Jonathan Guidry, and learning about the process. HAS THE PANDEMIC AFFECTED BUSINESS? HOW SO? Yes, it has increased business — people are drinking now more than ever!

THE T R A N S F U S I O N

DOES BIRMINGHAM FEEL LIKE HOME TO YOU? EXPLAIN. Yes. This whole area is my home. I am from Leeds, Alabama, right outside of Birmingham, so I feel like Birmingham is my home as well.

ingre dient s

WHAT DO YOU ENVISION FOR THE BRAND IN THE FUTURE? We are growing. We are in three states now

+ 1 ½ ounces Redmont Vodka + 1 ounces concord grape juice + ½ ounces lime juice + Splash of ginger ale

and expanding every day. We envision Redmont Vodka to be a global brand. I’m Charles Barkley — would you expect anything less? WHAT’S YOUR PERSONAL FAVORITE COCKTAIL?

dire c t io ns

Redmont and cranberry. Of course, more vodka than cranberry!

Build all ingredients in glass, then stir.

CityLifestyle.com/BirminghamAL

OUR TOWN

PARTING REMARKS A CONVERSATION WITH COUNTY MANAGER TONY PETELOS BEFORE RETIREMENT

DESCRIBE GROWING UP IN THE ENSLEY NEIGHBORHOOD. WHAT WAS THE AREA LIKE BACK THEN? WHAT INTERESTS DID YOU HAVE IN CIVIC AND/OR POLITICAL TOPICS? Both my parents immigrated from Greece. I was born here in the United States and grew up in Ensley. We lived about a mile from downtown, and we could ride bikes, go to movies — it was a great time to be young. My dad died at a young age from an infection. But the Boy Scouts had a huge impact on me and my brothers. We learned leadership; we were able to go camping and do things we weren’t otherwise able to do. Later, I was interested in civics in high school, and I went to UAB and got a political science degree. I was also involved in

BESIDES BECOMING MAYOR OF HOOVER, WHAT IS YOUR

Ronald Reagan’s campaign.

PROFESSIONAL AND EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND? I was elected three terms to the Alabama legislature — in 1986, then 1990 and 1994. I resigned in order to take a job with the Department of Human Resources, which handles welfare, food stamps, abuse of children — it’s a social services agency. I was appointed by the governor at the time, and I worked with DHR from 1997 to 2001. I left and ran for Mayor of Hoover and won in 2004 and then in 2008. I resigned from mayor to be the first county manager for Jefferson County.

Birmingham Lifestyle | June 2021

CONTINUED >

Tony Petelos, Photography Wick Oliver CityLifestyle.com/BirminghamAL

OUR TOWN (CONTINUED)

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE

three major surgeries. It was a sudden surprise when

CONDITION OF JEFFERSON COUNTY TODAY

I was diagnosed, but I never lost my faith. We worked

COMPARED TO A DECADE AGO?

with the doctors, and here I am, seven years later. The

Once I took the job at the county, 40 days later

commissioners were very helpful during that time,

we filed for the largest bankruptcy in the history of

helping things to operate. My deputy county manager,

the United States. We had a reduction of more than

Walter Jackson, took over in my absence.

1,000 employees. We had over 22 people who went

I found out I had cancer on a Tuesday, and on

to prison from the county, including elected officials.

Thursday I announced it. I felt strongly that being

It was a dysfunctional and corrupt government.

a public figure, I needed to tell everyone what was

As of today, the county has hired great people to run

going on. I had a lot of prayer from folks I didn’t even

the departments. The directors are in place, reserves are

know. I think it’s important for people to know there’s

in place, commissioners are working well together, and

life after cancer.

things are being run efficiently. We did not furlough or lay anyone off during the pandemic, and we could continue

WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD

our services. I am very pleased with the progress we’ve

TO IN RETIREMENT? WHAT PROMPTED

made. We’ve worked hard with the commissioners to

THE DECISION TO RETIRE?

bring credibility back. The future is bright for economic

I am still in good health, and it’s a good time to

development, and companies are looking to locate here.

retire. I’ve never stopped working. I went to college at night and worked my whole adult life. I’m sure I’ll

AS A CANCER SURVIVOR, HOW HAS YOUR

do something else on a part-time basis. But I’m look-

PERSONAL HEALTH JOURNEY INFLUENCED

ing forward to relaxing. I love traveling and hiking.

YOUR ROLE AS COUNTY MANAGER?

In 2011, I had the opportunity to hike to the base of

I was diagnosed with bladder and prostate cancer in 2014, and I had to go through chemo and have

Birmingham Lifestyle | June 2021

Mount Everest. I love the outdoors, so any time I can be outdoors, I’m happy.

We work tirelessly to help kids get well because the world needs to see what Natalie dreams up. WE DO WHAT WE DO B E C AU S E C H I L D R E N H AV E D R E A M S .

1 6 0 0 7 T H AV E N U E S O U T H BIRMINGHAM, AL 35233 (205) 638-9100

ChildrensAL.org

CityLifestyle.com/BirminghamAL

JUNE

LIFESTYLE CALENDAR

EVERY TUESDAY IN JUN AND JUL

The Finley Center is a state-of-

secure in advance. To register, visit

the-art sports complex and event

cookingwithculture.com.

WEST HOMEWOOD FARMERS MARKET

for tournament action. Additional

venue that will transform its indoor playing space into 32 pickleball courts. A Stadium Court for championship play will also be featured site information can be found at hoovermetcomplex.com.

160 West Oxmoor Road

Farmers Market is just the place to be during the warm summer evenings. You'll find some favorite food trucks parked at the market, along

THE BLACK CROWES IN CONCERT Oak Mountain Ampitheater

The

If you're ready for a slice of pie and Americana, the West Homewood

29 Black

Crowes’

irresistible

brand of bluesy, Southern rock has

placed the band firmly among the

MAGIC CITY BREWFEST

cite

American music greats. Essentially a rock group, the Black Crowes many

musical

influences,

Sloss Furnaces

such as psychedelic pop from the

with the best local farms and all kinds

Showcasing the finest beer available

1960s, Lynyrd Skynyrd, the Rolling

of arts & crafts vendors.

in Alabama, Magic City Brewfest

Stones, the Faces and R.E.M. Visit

returns

wjlx1015.com/events/the-black-

Sloss

Furnaces

(ONGOING EACH SATURDAY)

Birmingham for 2021. Join the fun for

THE MARKET AT PEPPER PLACE

SUMMER FILM ACTING ACADEMY

The Market is open for 2021 every

Summer Film Acting Academy is

Saturday, rain or shine, from 7 a.m.

an intensive training program for

until noon.

young actors. Students train with the

Come for asparagus, beans, beets,

nation's best coaches in all aspects

cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, col-

of film acting all week and present

lards, greens, herbs, kale, lettuce,

their work to a panel of industry

onions, peas, pecans, sweet pota-

professionals for feedback and rep-

toes, spinach, squash, strawberries

resentation consideration on the last

– and, if you’re lucky, you might find

day of camp.

crowes/ for tickets.

what is always a fantastic event.

Pepper Place

Alabama School of Fine Arts

some of the season’s first blueberries, and possibly peaches!

DRINKING WITH CULTURE: SICILIAN WINE TASTING

USA PICKLEBALL NATIONAL INDOOR CHAMPIONSHIPS

Come out for an exclusive Sicilian

Hoover Met Complex

ney throughout Sicily and learn

The 2020 USA Pickleball National

more about wines. Price is $40 per

Indoor

broccoli, corn, cucumbers, eggplant

Vecchia Pizzeria & Mercato

Championships

person + taxes. Tickets include 3

Would you like to get in touch with

played at the Finley Center, part of

wine samples, 1 full glass of bev-

us? We would love to hear from you!

the Hoover Met Complex in Hoover,

erage of choice and a full dinner. In

Alabama, just outside of Birmingham.

addition, enjoy $5 specials on fea-

BirminghamAL using the Get In Touch

Nearly 1,000 players are expected.

tured wines. Spots are limited, so

link and let us know what you think.

Birmingham Lifestyle | June 2021

will

Wine Tasting. Take a culinary jour-

Visit Our Trails End Community Today Moss Creek Circle, Mountain Brook, AL 35223 Monday – Saturday 10am to 5pm

Sunday 1pm to 5pm

Call 855-JDAVID1 to schedule your visit. Mary Kathryn Bonamy • MKBonamy@ARHomes.com