Birmingham, AL November 2023 by City Lifestyle

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CA L I FO R N I AC LO S E TS . C O M

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November 2023 PUBLISHER

Kali McNutt | kali.mcnutt@citylifestyle.com EDITOR

Denise K. James | denise.james@citylifestyle.com

LIFESTYLE LETTER

The art of practicing gratitude This morning I couldn't sleep, so I got out of bed, made a delicious cup of coffee and savored the quiet before preparing this issue for print. As an unmarried woman without children, sometimes gratitude is an elusive thing — it's admittedly easy to get caught up in the highlight reel of other people's lives: perfect vacations, perfect families. But in front of open, breezy windows in the early hours of today, while sorting through my thoughts, I found myself filled with gratitude. It was a welcome feeling. To me, the month of November is so important. We all need a reminder we have things to be thankful for, though our lives might not look quite how we expected. Perhaps moving away from our roots, like Chris Stuart did, called us to our ultimate artistic vocation. Perhaps coming home from war and feeling like something is missing, like Raymond Weeks once did, initiated national and local history. Or perhaps downsizing your dream home for a spell, like Brooke Wahl and her family did, led to some personal cherished memories. Kali and I hope this issue inspires you to find gratitude inside your story. Here at Birmingham Lifestyle, we value telling the collective stories of the Magic City, and we appreciate our loyal readers and partners. Like you, we're thankful for Birmingham and for all the people who call it home. Wishing you a season of gratitude! Yours,

CONTR IBUTING WR ITER S

Sarra Sedghi, Denise K. James, Brooke Wahl CONTR IBUTING PHOTOGR APHER S

Ambre Amari, MaryBlan Moore

Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Tiffany Slowinski EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein AD DESIGNER Josh Govero LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray

DENISE K. JAMES, EDITOR @BIRMINGHAM.LIFESTYLE

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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 area’s 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

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inside the issue The Thankful Issue

F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

18 Gifts to the Community

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Business Monthly

Culinary Creations FO O D + B E V E R AG E

Our Town LO CA L S ERV I C ES

Money Matters FI NA NC E + LEGA L SE RV IC E S

Artist’s Palette ENT ERTA I NMENT

Must See R EA L ESTAT E

Inspired By LI FE + C U LT U R E

Hometown Hero LI FE + C U LT U R E

Seasonal Setups ENT ERTA I NME N T

The Arc of Central Alabama makes spirits bright all year

24 On Point

For Alabama Ballet Artistic Director Christopher Stuart, art is life

30 Close Quarters

How one local family realized home is what you make of it

38 Birmingham’s Hit Parade

The daughter of Raymond Weeks looks back on history

O N T H E C OV E R

Photography: MaryBlan Moore Hobbs Wahl plays catch with dad, Tyler Wahl.

Love the Smile You’re With RAEGAN NICHOLS PAT I EN T, H O M EW OO D FA M I LY & CO S M E T IC D E N T IS T RY

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city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen. 1

1: Artist Justin Giunta enjoyed a successful opening of his new show, Way Western, at MK Quinlan. 2: Sarah Robinson, founder of HUM concierge, recently hosted a launch party at Bridgeworth Wealth Management. 3: LMS Investment Management and the BBA participate in the ribbon cutting for Tower on Tenth.

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business monthly A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Celebrate Veterans Day in Birmingham Celebrate Veterans Day in Birmingham with a weekend of festivities. On Friday evening, November 10, the Veterans awards dinner will take place at the Sheraton Ballroom. Attire is formal, and tickets are $50 per person. On Saturday, November 11, starting at 8:30 a.m., come downtown and watch the 76th annual parade wind through the Magic City streets.

B USIN E SS M ON T H LY

Birmingham Business Alliance to host regional economic development summit Birmingham Business Alliance announces its inaugural Regional Economic Development Summit on November 16 from 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. This groundbreaking event marks a pivotal moment in BBA’s mission. Economic developers, business leaders, government officials, chamber executives and community partners are invited for a day of insightful discussions and actionable strategies. Tickets are $50.

Second Wings of Hope event benefits Epilepsy Foundation The second annual Wings of Hope Gala Dinner will be at the Southern Museum of Flight on November 18, benefiting the Epilepsy Foundation of Alabama. This fun-filled night includes dinner, live music, special guests, photo booth fun and a silent auction. Tickets are $75. Cocktail attire.

HUM Conceirge Offering Holiday Services Luxury lifestyle management agency HUM Conceirge is committed to providing exceptional corporate and personal assistance services that give busy and discerning executives, families and individuals the freedom to focus on who and what matters most to them. "HUM for the Holidays" services are designed to replace stress and overwhelm with peace and enjoyment and include decor assistance, gift wrapping and corporate event management.

Be a Santa to a Senior Nearly a third of those 65+ report being lonely during the holidays. Home Instead of Birmingham partners with local nonprofit organizations to identify seniors who might not otherwise receive gifts during the holiday season. This is a great opportunity for youth groups, churches, individuals and families to provide joy this holiday season. You may drop-off needed items at Home Instead's office in Vestavia, make a monetary donation or simply purchase requested items on Amazon. For more information, email Andrea Martin at andrea.martin@ homeinstead.com.

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Restore Hyper Wellness Celebrates Two Years in Mountain Brook Restore Hyper Wellness in Cahaba Village invites you to join in celebrating the studio's two-year anniversary from November 9 through the 12. The weekend will be filled with raffles, giveaways, community-sponsored events and unbeatable deals on state-of-the-art wellness and recovery modalities. Restore has something for everyone, from Cryotherapy, Infrared Sauna and Red Light Therapy to IV Hydration, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and Esthetician services. Restore aims to provide clients with accessible and affordable alternatives to traditional medical treatments.

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ARTICLE BY SARRA SEDGHI

Thanksgiving Feasts for Busy Peeps We’re thankful for these local restaurants making Turkey Day easy Photo courtesy of Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint

Photo courtesy of Miss Myra's Pit Bar B-Q

C ULIN A RY C R E AT ION S | F OOD + BE VE RAGE

Photo courtesy of Real & Rosemary

Too busy to cook for Thanksgiving this year? Order your feast from these Magic City restaurants instead.

MARTIN’S BAR-B-QUE JOINT Martin’s will offer a Major Feast (serves 12-15) and a Small Gathering (serves 4-6) which includes a choice of smoked turkey or ham, mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, broccoli salad, green beans, dinner rolls and a choice of sweet potato, fudge or pumpkin pie. Order by November 17. (205) 715-8999 martinsbbqjoint.com

JUBILEE JOE’S For a standout bird, opt for Jubilee Joe’s renowned Cajun fried turkey — or, ditch the turkey for the Bayou quart special, which CONTINUED >

Photo courtesy of Jubilee Joe's

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includes three types of gumbo, two types of bisque, jambalaya, red beans and rice and crawfish étouffée. They also offer Cajun dressing, giblet gravy, mashed potatoes, hush puppies, coleslaw and pecan and pumpkin pie. Use code BHAMLIFE by November 1 for $5 off. Order by November 19. (205) 982-7797 jubileejoes.com

REAL & ROSEMARY Real & Rosemary’s holiday menu is incredibly flexible, so you can order as much or as little as you like. They offer both sliced roasted ham and smoked turkey with some standout sides—vegetable gravy, cranberry sauce and white chicken chili. Trimmings include cornbread dressing, sweet potato casserole, macaroni and cheese, smashed red potatoes, Brussels sprouts slaw, charred carrots, succotash and green peas. Sides come in large (serves 8-10) or small (serves 4-5) portions. Place all orders online at realandrosemary.com. Pickup for all orders will be at the Crestline location (75 Church St). Order by

Photo courtesy of Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ

C ULIN A RY C R E AT ION S | F OOD + BE VE RAGE

November 19. Cahaba Heights: (205) 820-7200 Crestline: (205) 757-4096 Homewood: (205) 820-7100 realandrosemary.com

MISS MYRA’S PIT BAR B-Q In addition to their full menu, this Vestavia Hills smokehouse will offer turkey, turkey breast and ham, homemade dressing and gravy and sweet potato casserole, as well as sweet potato and pumpkin pies. All meats and pies come whole. Order by November 17. (205) 967–6004 missmyras.com

RODNEY SCOTT’S WHOLE HOG BBQ All local Rodney Scott’s locations will offer their famous spatchcocked, pit-cooked turkey, which serves 6-8 guests. Meanwhile, the sides are menu mainstays (baked beans, mashed potatoes, collard greens, potato salad, and coleslaw) and are available in pint, quart, half-gallon, and gallon-sized portions. Order by November 20. Avondale: (205) 506-2711 Homewood: (205) 9227733 Trussville: (205) 825-8925 rodneyscottsbbq.com

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OUR FIRST PRIORITY OUR FIRST PRIORITY IS YOUR PRODUCTIVITY IS YOUR PRODUCTIVITY On the jobsite, there’s no standing still. There’s rarely an

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Gifts to the Community The Arc of Central Alabama makes spirits bright all year ARTICLE BY DENISE K. JAMES

O UR TOWN | LOCAL SERVI CE S

The Arc of Central Alabama advocates for the rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities at the local, state and national level and provides housing for 320 individuals in 88 homes throughout Jefferson and Blount Counties. For some individuals whose lives are enriched by Arc, a wide circle of family and friends is a bit harder to come by. In fact, one of the organization’s most cherished programs, Gifts for All, began when CEO Chris Stewart, along with his wife Susan, saw a need for certain items among residents. “They noticed a particular home that served people who were up in age,” explains Emily Hamilton, Vice President of Development. “Most did not have any living relatives, and they rarely left the Arc’s care.” Hamilton says that Susan Stewart worked with the group to create a wish list of items, then asked neighbors and friends if they would kindly donate to the list. As the list and the want to give both flourished, the program officially took flight. Today, numerous churches, businesses and community members give to this holiday program each year. “As we began serving more and more people who didn’t have a connection to family or any natural supports, it became evident that we needed to include all of our residents in our Gifts for All drive,” Hamilton adds. This philosophy — to fill a need within the community, and find a way the community can serve itself — is what the Arc of Central Alabama is built upon. For those familiar with the Arc, they likely know that individuals of all ages and abilities thrive with the support and encouragement of the organization. This is because of Arc’s unique “community” approach: letting those in the program explore their interests and gain independence on their own.

“Our top priority is for people to build their own community of support so they can live their most autonomous lives possible,” Hamilton points out. “This looks different for each person.” Of course, Gifts for All is part of what helps this strategy take shape — when donors generously send necessary items, confidence grows among those in the program. Today, the program supports over 260 people in over 65 homes, across both Jefferson and Blount counties. “Roommates and staff are their family, so it's important that they have the opportunity to experience the togetherness and magic of the holidays just like the rest of us,” Hamilton says. For readers who would like to support Gifts for All this season, Hamilton offers the following suggestions: Visit the Arc’s website and make a donation, or shop for an individual — keeping in mind that Arc residents are adults, not children. Prefer to donate time? Volunteers are needed to help the crew wrap gifts from December 12- 15 at Arc’s Crestwood Campus. Looking ahead to spring, Hamilton points out other opportunities to get involved with the mission of Arc. The popular Shamrock Shindig takes place on March 15, 2024 with a St. Patrick’s Day theme, live music and libations, plus plenty of prizes. And Arc’s anticipated flagship event, the BeYOUtiful BHM Fashion show, is Saturday, April 27, 2024. “It’s an empowering fashion show where all the models have seen and unseen disabilities, and we celebrate their confidence and uniqueness,” Hamilton beams. “Sponsorships and boutique partners are needed!” To learn more and to give, visit arcofcentralalabama.org.

“Our top priority is for people to build their own community of support so they can live their most autonomous lives possible.” CONTINUED >

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This philosophy — to fill a need within the community, and find a way the community can serve itself — is what the Arc of Central Alabama is built upon.

L E A R N M O R E : The Arc of Central Alabama provides services to over 800 people throughout Jefferson and Blount counties. Services are provided via community day and pre-vocational training at seven Arc campuses; residential services; early intervention for toddlers and their families; and employment support. The Arc of Central Alabama is the only non-reject program in Alabama, accepting all referrals through the proper channels, and supporting all ages.

O UR TOWN | LOCAL SERVI CE S

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ARTICLE BY DENISE K. JAMES

Season of Giving CHARITABLE GIFT ANNUITIES MIGHT BE RIGHT FOR YOU Are you thinking about your giving back strategy for 2023? You might want to consider a charitable gift annuity. Also known as a CGA, a charitable gift annuity is when a donor makes an irrevocable gift to a charity in exchange for a stream of income payments for the rest of the donor’s life, according to Mary Meadows Livingston, President of Abeona Wealth. “Many larger 501c3 charities offer charitable gift annuities,” she explains. “If you’re donating cash, you as the donor can take a tax deduction for a portion of the gift, with the deduction calculated as the gift less the present value of the expected payments. A portion of the payments you receive will be taxable, but not the full value.” Livingston goes on to explain that if a donor makes use of the new provision under the SECURE 2.0 legislation, they can make a one-time “split-interest election” and give up to $50,000 from a retirement account as a qualified charitable distribution. “You don’t get a tax deduction, but the gift is excluded from income,” she says. “It would otherwise be taxable as a withdrawal, so it is a good deal.” For example, a 75-year-old single donor could make a one-time, $50,000 gift from her IRA to Children’s of

M ON E Y M AT T E R S | FINANCE + LE GAL S E RVI CE S

Alabama using their charitable gift annuity, which pays 6.6% for someone of that age. The donor would receive $3,300 a year for her life, a portion of which would be taxed as income. Currently, Children’s offers donors an option for charitable gift annuity, and funds are used in a multitude of life-giving ways. “The generosity of our community helps make a difference for the children in our care,” notes Chandler Bibb, chief development officer. “Donations also ensure Children’s of Alabama will be here for generations to come.” Wondering if this strategy is right for you? According to Livingston, you might consider a CGA if the following sound familiar: • You are someone with charitable intent. • You are retired and don't need any or all of the funds in your pre-tax retirement account to support your lifestyle. • You are someone who has the majority of your assets in pre-tax retirement accounts. To learn more and discuss your options, visit abeonawealth.com.

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On Point FOR ALABAMA BALLET ARTISTIC DIRECTOR CHRISTOPHER STUART, ART IS LIFE

ARTICLE BY DENISE K. JAMES PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMBRE AMARI

Christopher Stuart considers himself an honorary Southerner. Though he grew up in Connecticut and first discovered his love for dancing by visiting New York City and Boston, the new Artistic Director of the Alabama Ballet launched his career in Nashville and Charlotte before relocating to the Magic City. “I’ve slowly, over the years, moved further South,” he laughs. “I feel like more of a Southerner now. It’s more relaxed, and I like the vibe.” By the time he was 16, with the encouragement of friends and fellow dancers, Stuart had made up his mind that he needed to attend a boarding arts school. His parents offered their blessing and support, and Stuart landed at the North Carolina School of the Arts in Winston Salem, North Carolina. Upon graduation, he was accepted to the Nashville Ballet,

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a company he would grow with for 16 years as a principal dancer, then top off with two years as resident choreographer. After a stint with the Charlotte Ballet as second company and interim director, Stuart, along with his wife and two daughters, headed to Birmingham over the summer. Naturally, they love it already. “It was an easy move,” he says. “I’ve been talking to people in the arts around town, and I feel like we are in a good place as a city. There’s a lot more to learn, but this is a good time for Alabama Ballet to make an impact in our community and in surrounding communities.” When asked how he juggles having two young daughters — ages 8 and — with being the artistic director of the region’s preeminent ballet company, Stuart laughs out loud and admits that he “never takes off either hat” of being a director or being a parent. “This is not a nine to five job,” he admits. “I am always

doing something late at night, like talking to choreographers and other people in the field around the country and around the world — and everyone has different time zones. But if you truly love what you do, it doesn’t feel like work.” At the time of our interview, the dancers were preparing to return after a refreshing summer reprieve and launch straight into an ambitious season with their new director. Three new ballets are on the docket for the season: an unnamed (as of press time) new ballet by Stuart’s former colleague in Nashville, Julia Eisen; a ballet by Roger VanFleteren called Messin’ With Mozart; and curated excerpts from Stuart’s own ballet, Under the Lights, featuring the music of Johnny Cash. “I’m giving patrons a taste of the future,” Stuart explains. “Local flavor is important to me — I incorporated it in Nashville and Charlotte, I’ve done collaborative things with museums, CONTINUED >

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A RT IST ’S PA LE T T E | EN TE RTAI NME NT

CONTINUED >

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“There’s a lot more to learn, but this is a good time for Alabama Ballet to make an impact in our community and i n s u r r o u n d i n g c o m m u n i t i e s .” -Chris Stuart children’s theaters, local artists and musicians. It engages other components of our arts community.” In addition to shepherding the new season to success, Stuart is overseeing the Alabama Ballet’s official school — and has the desire to blend ballet and education in exciting new ways, such as choosing works from classroom reading lists around Birmingham and creating 30-minute dance performances based on the literature. “I did this a lot in Charlotte,” he says. “Having two young girls, and with me growing up in the arts, I’ve seen how much art can affect your life. Not everyone who attends our school will become a dancer . . . but we can instill appreciation for the arts in everyone.”

A RT IST ’S PA LE T T E | EN TE RTAI NME NT

Christopher’s Favorites Around Birmingham Restaurant: “I go to Red Cat a lot for lunch since it’s near the Ballet. They already know my name! I also love Bettola.” Attraction: “We went to the Birmingham Zoo recently with our girls — amazing zoo! We’ve also been to the Pepper Place market. Such a great market, and right down the street from our studios.” Pastime: “We love to just drive around on the weekends, see what’s out there and observe our surroundings. Birmingham is so hilly and beautiful. We also just bought a house and love doing our household projects!”

YOU'RE GOING TO WANT TO

GET YOUR paws ON THIS

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Close Quarters How one local family realized home is what you make of it ARTICLE BY BROOKE WAHL | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARYBLAN MOORE There are many things I hope to teach my children in life, but certainly at the top of the list are adapting their attitudes to be flexible in new circumstances and cultivating a love and respect for the power of community—particularly one that is diverse in perspective and experience. As our year in a 1,400 square foot condo comes to a close, I can confidently say that experience is life’s greatest teacher, and my kids have done the homework and the extra credit with this particular assignment. With the older three kids sharing

a room with three twin beds and one closet, the sense of possession over space and things has faded into the background while shared bedtime stories, late night laughter and bed-making competitions have taken center stage. When thinking of where to live during the indefinite interim between selling our home and moving into our next home, we knew we wanted something central, walkable and nearby our favorite amenities. When we found the condo, I knew this opportunity CONTINUED >

M UST SE E | R EA L ESTATE

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“Their bond goes beyond living in close proximity and is rooted in a community that takes care of one another. Tyler and I have enjoyed coming home from a long day of work and being able to catch up with everyone and decompress from our stressful day-to-day with meaningful conversations and quality time.”

to live in Mountain Brook Village, in walking distance to so many restaurants and stores, would be an incredible experience for the kids. Although my Gilchrist account has suffered greatly, we have fully embraced walking to dinner, scooter-ing all around the Village and meeting up with friends for an afternoon Mountain Brook Creamery date or at the lemonade stands on Montevallo Road. We chose to view our time in the condo as a period in our lives where we get to live in the center of the action and be close to everything—and we did our best to take advantage of it. Jeremy Clark has worked on several projects with our family and really understands how our family lives—read: we need durable coffee tables that can undergo a night time transformation to a stage for dance parties! He understood that we wanted to feel like the condo was home and an escape all at once. He executed a design plan that allowed us to love the space and feel no rush to leave because the condo did not feel “temporarily designed” or like a passing through phase in our journey. His eye for beauty is unmatched, and I appreciate all he does to make every house he works on feel like home. Another challenge of condo living as a family of six is finding a way to make all of our things fit. Enter Laura Carden of Go Get Organized! Laura and her team showed us how to be efficient with the closet space we had, with an honorable mention to our three storage units at MorningStar. She used her expertise and experience to see

M UST SE E | R EA L ESTATE

how our family lives and translate that into a streamlined system that had everything we needed right at our fingertips. More than anything, our time in the condo has taught us all the beauty of living in a community with neighbors five feet away from our front door. We have a group of condo dwellers that meets every night on the patio for wine and cheese, and my children have formed special friendships with them. My son, Hobbs, busted in the front door the other night demanding his baseball glove and a baseball because Mr. Jim was outside and wanted to play ball with him. Other nights, I have stepped outside to see Ms. Elise helping my daughter Charlotte with her math homework or my daughter Alice painting Ms. Mary Michael’s nails. I have been so inspired as a mother and a friend by the way communities can bolster life in ways both big and small. I had no idea that our condo neighbors would become close friends and step into our kids’ lives to play with them, help them with schoolwork, talk to them about life and develop them as people. Their bond goes beyond living in close proximity and is rooted in a community that takes care of one another. Tyler and I have enjoyed coming home from a long day of work and being able to catch up with everyone and decompress from our stressful day-today with meaningful conversations and quality time. Overall, our year of living in close quarters has proven to be a very special time for our family that I wouldn’t trade for anything.

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Lifting Paintbrushes, Hearts and Minds “Winslow Holmes Imitation” by M. M.

The Alabama Prison Arts + Education Project ARTICLE BY DENISE K. JAMES

I NSP IR E D BY | L IFE + CULTURE

In the words of Rob Hitt, outreach program manager for the Alabama Prison Arts + Education Project, “It’s not just a regular teaching job; it affects your heart in a different way.” Indeed, the hearts of both teachers and of those who have been incarcerated are changed through this pivotal program — and its effects are reverberating throughout the country, sharing not only memorable artwork but the humanity behind it.

HOW WAS THIS PROGRAM INSPIRED? At its heart, APAEP was inspired by the students—people who took the risk to sign up for something new, to express themselves and their desire to learn. Our director, Kyes Stevens, had the opportunity to teach a poetry class at Talladega Federal Prison back in 2001, where she met people who changed the way she thought about education—who it’s intended for, and who actually has access to it. Her experience led her to found what would become the Alabama Prison Arts + Education Project, and the class she taught would be similar to the hundreds that would follow.

HOW DOES THE PROCESS WORK? HOW DO STUDENTS FIND YOU? Currently, there are three main branches of APAEP: the Community Education Program, the College Degree Program, and the Community Education Resource Center (CERC). Each program offers classes three times a year in the spring, summer and fall terms. Community Education classes take place at correctional facilities across the state depending on grant funding and teacher availability. The classes are modeled after freshman and sophomore level seminars but are tailored to be accessible to students with a variety of backgrounds. Class subjects include academic disciplines

across the humanities, arts, social sciences and STEM fields. Enrollment is open to everyone at the host facility. The College Degree Program operates at Staton Correctional Facility and the Julia Tutwiler Prison for Women. After a lengthy application process, students are officially enrolled at Auburn University and begin taking classes for credit; each class is taught in-person and on-site. Students are working on earning a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies that focuses on Business and Leadership and Human Development and Family Science. CERC, located in Birmingham, was created for AU/APAEP students post-incarceration to support them as they navigate the re-entry process and prepare themselves for the next stage of their lives. CERC offers classes in Computer Skills, Financial Literacy, Communication, Professional Writing, the Arts, and many other subjects. Potential students on the inside may see a flyer, an announcement in their facility’s newsletter, or attend an information session to learn about APAEP opportunities. At CERC, we promote ongoing and upcoming classes and resources through a variety of outreach efforts.

WHAT ART FORMS HAVE SPRUNG FROM THE PROGRAM? Each class that APAEP offers inside must be approved by the host facility’s warden, and so early in APAEP’s history, introductory drawing and watercolor painting classes—arts that did not require many complex materials—were most common. As we developed our organization’s professional relationship with the ADOC, we have been able to facilitate more advanced arts programming. For example, we have had classes in printmaking, fiber art, paper arts, self-portraiture, mixed media collage, as well as a number of large mural projects. CONTINUED >

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For students/artists who wish to showcase their artwork, we offer a couple additional opportunities. They can submit their work for consideration to be published in APAEP’s biennial Anthology of Words + Art, or they can donate their artwork to Art on the Inside, APAEP’s traveling art exhibit, which is on display periodically at venues and galleries across the state and nation.

HOW HAS THE PROGRAM ENRICHED THE LIVES OF THOSE IN it? The students share their thoughts anonymously through course evaluations, so I’ll let one person speak for themself: “It’s scary to imagine what condition my mind would be in without APAEP’s classes. Without the assignments, I would have no opportunity to process new information,

“Phoenix” by T. S.

I NSP IR E D BY | L IFE + CULTURE

articulate a response and receive thoughtful feedback on this level. Sometimes, I feel like the only time I actually use my mind is when an APAEP instructor motivates me to, but after each effort, I’m better as a person and more able to help myself and those around me.” During the pandemic, as one of our alternatives to in-person classes, we created The Warbler, a weekly educational newsletter that was distributed to hundreds of current and former students. Today, it is distributed at correctional facilities across Alabama, in over 30 states and in three other countries. If you or someone you care about would like to receive copies via email, please let us know. We would be happy to add you to our mailing list. Visit apaep.auburn.edu.

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BIRMINGHAM’S H I T PA R A D E The daughter of Raymond Weeks looks back on history

Back in the 1940s, Raymond Weeks, a Birmingham native, returned home after serving in World War II for the United States Navy. Though he was glad to put the challenges of battle behind him, he felt that he and his fellow veterans needed more acknowledgment for what they’d given the country. For Weeks, this inkling became more than just an idea he shared with his wife and two daughters; he soon assembled a group of Birminghamians who felt the same way. The group went to Washington D.C. and met with General Dwight D. Eisenhower, and the first ever Veterans Parade was launched in 1947, right here in the Magic City. Because Eisenhower agreed that honoring our nation’s veterans was important, Weeks and the group returned to D.C. four years later, when Eisenhower had taken over the Oval Office. Thanks to their diligence, history was made — the former Armistice Day transformed into Veterans Day, celebrating American veterans of all wars. Raymond Weeks had accomplished his mission. His daughter, Barbara Weeks Minor, is not surprised when reflecting on this. “He was the type who did not take no for an answer,” she says, smiling broadly. “He would tell

someone exactly what he wanted — and he had great leadership skills.” Barbara and her late sister, Brenda, enjoyed a close relationship with both of their parents — which translated into the closeness that Barbara, her children and grandchildren share today. According to his daughter, it wasn’t just a parade and a federal holiday that Weeks pursued with fervor; it was anything and everything he cared about. “He was a good father,” Barbara declares. “And he was a hard worker!" As years went by, the annual Veterans Day parades were a chance for the Weeks family to remember the great work of veterans and to take special pride in Birmingham’s role in history. Barbara recalls those days wistfully, including the special pre-parade dinners with guest speakers and other fond memories. In the early 1980s, President Ronald Reagan honored her father — a memory that is now bittersweet. “Mother, Daddy and Brenda and I went to Washington, and President Reagan gave him the Presidential Citizens Medal,” she shares. “Then Mother died the very next month, in December 1982.” While Barbara does her best to attend the parade each year — missing only a time or two

ARTICLE BY DENISE K. JAMES

H OM E TOWN H E R O | L IFE + CULTURE

Raymond Weeks and President Reagan

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Budweiser Clydesdales at the Veteran's Day Parade

“Mother, Daddy and Brenda and I went to Washington, and President Reagan gave him the Presidential Citizens Medal.” -Barbara Weeks Minor

H OM E TOWN H E R O | L IFE + CULTURE

in recent years – she ruefully admits she isn’t much for actually being in the parade. “But one time, I did ride in a Corvette,” she chuckles. “And I rode with this guy who loved his car. We didn’t talk much, and the entire time, I was afraid I was going to mess up something in his car!” She prefers to let the younger generation carry on the tradition — “my children and grandchildren are still in the parade, and that’s the way it should be,” she points out — and instead, greet the veterans who are loyal to the event. “I love to meet them, and they love to meet me,” she says. “We just talk and talk. I guess some of them are in their 90s now.” Barbara and her three children — Elizabeth, Kyle and Billy — as well as her grandchildren — Kelsey, Madalyn, Hailey, Hannah, Allison, Christy and Lauren, who has a son, Grayson — are grateful to the folks who maintain and perpetuate Raymond Weeks’ legacy each year for the good of America . . . and for Birmingham. “It’s a lot to do, and they luckily have a lot of help,” Barbara muses. “I’m so glad that Daddy did what he did. Not many people would have stayed with this, been so determined. Thank goodness he was, and now we have a parade.”

IN A QUEST FOR TRUTH, WE WILL LEAVE NO STONE UNTU RNED.

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Helping navigate the mental health system for teens and children. Services are FREE and confidential. Services provided by phone are not medical advice and should not be considered as such. Services are provided via telephone by licensed mental health professionals who recommend the most appropriate mental health resources. PIRC is available seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.

PIRC is NOT a crisis or suicide hotline. Call for mental health resources.

The PIRC is generously supported by funding from the Anne B. LaRussa Foundation of Hope, United Way of Central Alabama, the Daniel Foundation of Alabama and the Walker Area Community Foundation.

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Gather Set t ing th e Fa l l Tabl e

The Traditional Table Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving or an autumn dinner party, setting a festive table creates the perfect cozy atmosphere. Improvise and use what you have around the house for adding elements to the table.

For this classic, traditional look, a plaid throw blanket stands in for a tablecloth to establish a festive base layer. Brass candlesticks with brown taper candles create a simple and elegant centerpiece. Use familiar accents such as amber jars filled with dried grass foliage and brass pheasants to adorn the table. To add a little character to the table, use a recycled wine bottle as a vase. The simple place setting is enhanced with a dried grass accent and brown silk ribbon tied into a bow to add a special touch to your traditional display.

The Fall Garden Party Table Are you planning to dine al fresco this fall? Create an earthy, fall garden party on the porch by using natural, organic elements, greenery and flowers. To make a statement, create a floral chandelier by hanging flowers upside down above the table using fishing wire (if your space allows). The centerpiece that runs down the length of this table consists of fresh eucalyptus with gold candlesticks and a ceramic pumpkin vase filled with flowers placed on top a tree trunk charger. Adding small pumpkins and fresh flowers along the center gives a little extra character. Instead of going with the classic white plate, enjoy a pop of color at your outdoor fall garden party with a blue place setting as a nod to the sky.

The French Country Table

S EASON A L SE T U P S | ENTE RTAI NME NT

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

Rustic yet elegant, this tablescape combines the love of traditional, vintage and natural elements with an updated twist. The Spode Woodland Collection transferware designs are rooted in proper hunting tradition. The fawn table runner mimicking deer spots brings an earthy, yet elevated foundation as the base for this table setting. Coordinating fawn napkins wrapped with twine and topped with natural feathers creates a whimsical touch. The stunning centerpiece starts with a vintage silver water pitcher that is then filled with fresh, sweet arrowwood Viburnums leaves. To complete the look, pair crystal glasses with vintage crystal stemware.

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