Birmingham, AL August 2023

Pet-friendly Tower on Tenth is the downtown Birmingham apartment that lets you and your best friend live the lifestyle you want, where you want, at the price you need—with bold design, plenty of amenities, and a convenient location.

Lynlee strongly believes in and supports residential growth in Birmingham. Since obtaining her license in 2014, Lynlee has completed over 400 transactions totaling over $155 million dollars of real estate sold in the area. "I have made a huge effort to be intimately engaged in the central city and surrounding "city suburbs" from Forest Park to Homewood, Mountain Brook and Vestavia, so that I can provide the greatest benefit to my clients, which I strongly believe is market knowledge". Her greatest motivation is her clients: She says, "Success to me is doing what I love every day and knowing that my contributions positively impact my clients, my company, and my city and that I have produced the highest quality work."

GET IN TOUCH

August 2023

PUBLISHER

Kali McNutt | kali.mcnutt@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

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

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Mary Fehr

My Choupinette

A couple years ago I found myself in need of some direction. My counselor deadpanned “get a dog.” I found the advice simplistic and, frankly, stupid— she must not “get it.” What books could I read? What guru could I pay to fix my life? I needed to meditate, journal, run, read and get some medication.

It took years before I was seemingly settled enough to get a puppy.  Like many of you readers, my husband and I welcomed a Covid puppy into our home in 2020. Along with my mom, we drove to Dodge Center, Minnesota that August to pick up a pair of 10-week-old sisters—French Spaniels. After the tragic, premature passing of my parents’ English Setter, I realized that 1) I love dogs more than I realized 2) I really needed one of my own.

We named our French girls Clémentine “Cleme” and Choupinette “Nettie.” Honestly, what else are you going to do in the middle of a lockdown than hop in the car and drive 15 hours for some pups? It turns out that therapist knew what she was talking about; sometimes the simplest solutions are the best.

Nettie is a shedder. A licker. A 360 degree jumper and the fastest dog I’ve ever seen. Her retrieving skills leave room for improvement, and she prefers to be hand-fed. Some people aren’t dog people, and that’s OK. For me, the best days are the ones that end covered in wispy white dog hair and kisses.

In this issue we are excited to bring you local stories demonstrating the incredible impact animals can have on our lives individually and collectively. Read on, be inspired, and, as always, share your feedback and ideas with us!

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KALI MCNUTT, PUBLISHER @BIRMINGHAM.LIFESTYLE

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A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Hand in Paw hosts Picasso Pets August 19

Birmingham Lifestyle is happy to support the 22nd annual signature auction of Hand in Paw, Picasso Pets, to help bring animal-assisted therapy to those who need it most. The Tutus and Top Hats themed gala will take place on Saturday, August 19 from 6-10 p.m. at The Harbert Center. For tickets and information, visit handinpaw.org/events.

Groundbreaking at Jemison Trail

The City of Mountain Brook recently hosted a groundbreaking for the Jemison Trail Renovation project, in conjunction with the Friends of Jemison Park. The beloved park recently accrued a $2.7 million  investment, allowing the project to begin on June 26 and resulting in significant improvements which will attract thousands of visitors to the area on an annual basis.

Birmingham Botanical Gardens Announces Lineup for Antiques at the Gardens

Birmingham’s premier antiques show will be held September 28–October 1. The event will include talks by nationally acclaimed interior designers, floral designers, architects, landscape architects, and furniture designers. The show also welcomes celebrated antiques dealers from across the nation. Landscape architect Zach Westall will create this year's Garden Entry. Event Chairs are Jennifer Ard, Jeremy Clark and Kirk Forrester; design sponsor is deGournay.

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Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Birmingham

Tales from the Magic City

Birmingham is known for beckoning all kinds of artistic individuals, including those who create stories and illustrations for children. Meet three locals who connect with their younger audiences — and leave a lasting love of books.

Charles Ghigna, author and educator

(Better known as Father Goose)

How did you get started as an author?

Who were your early influences?

The first influence on my writing came from my mother. She was the most creative

person I've ever known. We used to make up stories and act them out together, and it was great fun. I also had a third grade teacher who encouraged my writing and a 10th grade English teacher who called me a "poet." I went on to college and majored in English. After college, I taught English and creative writing during the day and wrote every night for many years before my first poems began appearing in literary journals and national magazines such as Harper's and The New Yorker.

My first books were published by university presses. Then one day, my wife, Debra, challenged me to write some "fun stuff that everyone might like." I took the challenge

and wrote two whimsical books, Good Cats Bad Cats and Good Dogs Bad Dogs. On a lark, I submitted them to the Walt Disney Company — and they accepted them! My second big break came when I wrote a series of six children's books for Random House that recently reached the milestone of one million copies in print.

Are you originally from Birmingham?

I grew up in Florida and came to Alabama from Florida State University on a two-year grant from the National Endowment for the Arts to begin the Alabama Poet-in-theSchools program. I was given room and board at the Alabama School of Fine Arts located on the campus of Birmingham–Southern College That's where I met and fell in love with my wife ... nearly 50 years ago.

How do you share your craft with aspiring writers?

I try to let young aspiring writers know that whatever they write is magic. They are creating something new that never existed before. I tell them they already have poems and stories inside them, waiting to be told. Together, we can shape that magic into something special and memorable — something that will surprise them and the readers. I tell them that style is not how you write. It is how you do not write like anyone else.

We’ve heard you live in a treehouse. Tell us more about that.

I live in a 100-year-old, red brick English Tudor cottage in the old Edgewood section of Homewood. My wife and I have lived here for nearly 50 years. My

writing room is in the attic. I call it my "Treehouse." When I'm not traveling, I come up here every day to write. I turn on my computer, look out the window and dream.

Mary Ann Freeman, author

Where did you get the idea for Let’s Roll, Oliver?

A dear friend of mine and I often shared our dogs’ stories with each other. She encouraged me to write a book about Oliver, knowing it would inspire children – and adults.

Is this topic close to your heart?

Absolutely! I never imagined having a dog in a wheelchair. Oliver became partially paralyzed from a ruptured disc in his back after falling down in the yard while playing with his sister dog, Hannah. He was 5 years old at the time.  We loved him so much, we would do anything to help him because he was a valued member of our family.

He had emergency surgery followed by weeks of rehab, with us hoping his back legs would allow him to walk again. When it was clear he couldn’t use his back legs, we got him a custom-made doggie wheelchair. There was so much to learn to continue giving Oliver care, and Oliver made the experience funny as my husband and I adapted to his new way of getting around.

Are you from Birmingham?

I’m originally from, Vestavia Hills, graduated from the University of Montevallo and have lived in the greater Birmingham area since college. My husband and I live in Vestavia Hills with our

“I think the best fairy tales, and the best stories in general, offer us hope and remind us who we want to be.”

-Amy Grimes

four-legged children. Birmingham is a good audience for my book, especially since there are many schools and organizations here who work with children and adults with (and without) disabilities.

Who is your illustrator? How did you connect?

Memory Smith is a local graphic design graduate from Samford University. I met her in her freshman year at a juried art show featuring some of her work. We stayed in touch throughout her time at Samford. During

Memory’s senior year, I started working on my story, and I asked her if she’d be interested in illustrating my children’s book. She said she would be, and the rest is history. She did a beautiful job bringing my words to life, and I couldn’t be more pleased with her work.

What was the process of getting published?

I checked out a couple of mail-order publishers and then learned about a local book printer – what could be better? Rocky Heights Print and Binding in Homewood

has been perfect for me.  They’re easy to work with, produce excellent work, are more affordable and have more printing options than a mail-order publisher — plus have a pretty fast turnaround.  As an added bonus, they have a Book Nook in house that will sell an author’s books.  They made the experience easier than I expected.

Amy Grimes, author and illustrator

How did you get started as a writer and illustrator?

I started out selling paintings at art shows. Alongside each painting, I displayed a corresponding story, hoping to get people thinking—to stir their imaginations. I loved seeing people stop and read the stories and then study the paintings and often return back to the stories again.

What’s your relationship to Birmingham?

I’m originally from Birmingham and my husband is too. A lot of our family is here as well, so we have deep roots in Birmingham that are incredibly valuable to us. Both my husband and I love the outdoors and Birmingham is such a beautiful place to be outside, so many trees and so much green. Hardly a day goes by that we don’t go for a walk.

What are some beliefs you hold about art?

I believe that the drive to create—the love of that act of reaching toward something beautiful beyond—is what makes a person an artist, not their skill in reaching it. Skill is acquired over time by anyone with persistent enough drive to reach toward it. I think there are lots of kids — and adults too — who stop creating because someone along the way says their artwork isn’t good enough to merit continuing. It’s a real shame when that happens. We miss out on a lot of beautiful creativity as a result.

What is it about fairy tales that you think captures our imaginations?

G. K. Chesterton famously said, “Fairytales are more than true, not because they tell us that dragons exist but because they tell us dragons can be beaten.” That quote so exactly expresses my own feelings. Fairytales give us a means to face hard things in our lives from a safe distance. We want to see people face dragons and defeat them because when we see that, the dragons in our own lives don’t feel so impossible to defeat. I think the best fairy tales, and the best stories in general, offer us hope and remind us who we want to be.

WHERE EVERY DOG HAS ITS DAY

A DIARY OF FUN ABOUT CAMP BOW WOW

I wake up with a wag of my tail and a nice, long stretch. The sun is shining, and it’s the time of year I’ve heard my humans call “the dog days of summer,” which I am guessing is because they have more time to walk me when they get home from where they go during the day. It’s early morning outside, and right now they look busy, dressed up in the clothes they wear when they are leaving the house. Some dogs (friends of mine I’ve talked to) really hate when their humans leave them — me, not so much because I get to go to a super fun place until they come back. I’ve heard them call it “Camp Bow Wow,” which one of the older and wiser dogs has told me is supposed to sound like us when we bark or howl. Humans are so funny.

Anyway, like I said, it’s a sunny morning, and I’m scarfing my breakfast down as fast as I can without throwing up. Sure enough, Dad is getting out my leash so we can head to Camp Bow Wow. I’m so excited, I’m wagging and shaking all over, and Dad is telling me to stop so he can get my leash hooked to my collar. Then, we’re off!

In the car, I have my snout out the window the whole way there like I always do with Dad – Mom hates it, and she’s usually the one who drops me off. I think she thinks I’ll fall out of the car, but so far, I never have. When we pull up to Camp Bow Wow, Dad lets me out of the backseat, and I try not to knock him down with excitement. We walk to the front door, me trying to be on my best behavior— but when I see Lucy the Goldendoodle, I pretty much start running, and Dad is behind me, yelling and laughing, trying to keep up. I love when Lucy and I are both here on the same day; we’re best friends.

Once we’re inside, Mr. Greg, the owner, gives me a long belly rub and an affectionate pat on the head. He’s always so glad to see me. I can’t wait for Dad to leave so Lucy and I can go outside, but Mr. Greg is chatting with Dad about how the family is doing. Lucy and I are both panting and whining to go in the yard, and finally, Mr Greg, my Dad and Lucy’s dad wrap up their conversation, and Mr. Greg opens the doors to the most magical place I’ve ever seen in my whole life: the yard.

Let me tell you what the yard is like. It’s not only enough space to run, jump and play, BUT all my friends are there, too. So even though some dogs have big yards at home, this yard is still better because we are all there together. Well . . . at least we are if we are around the same size. Tiny dogs like my friend Ellie Blair go to a different yard, so they don’t get hurt or feel scared when a bigger dog sniffs their butt. Plus, on hot days, we can go inside. The yard is indoors and outdoors!

Our humans in the yard are called camp counselors, and they make sure we follow the rules, stay safe and have fun. My favorite thing to do is climb up the ramp because it’s steep, and it

reminds me of hiking on Red Mountain with my Mom and Dad. Our yard counselor for today, Maddy, tells me I’m a good girl like she always does, and I lick her hand to thank her.

By lunchtime, I am starving. I don’t get lunch at home, just breakfast and dinner, but Mom and Dad send me here with lunch because I burn so many calories. It’s not my fancy food that I get at home, but it’s still delicious. We have to rest and digest our food before we start playing again, so I rest my head on my paws and daydream about catching squirrels.

In the afternoons, after lunch and rest time are over, we go back to our yard. You would think we’d be tired — and to be doggone honest, some of us are — but we’re just so excited to keep playing until our families come and get us. Everyone’s human comes at a different time, and our other counselor, Morrighan, comes to get us from the yard to go home. It is so sad to say goodbye to my friends, but I’m also thrilled to see Dad and Mom both! They always ask me if I had fun and if I was a good girl, and I wag my tail in reply — plus Morrighan and Maddy tell them the same thing in human words.

After we leave, I climb into the car backseat and stretch out while my humans drive us home. This time, I don’t stick my snout out the window; I am way too tired from my busy day of playing at Camp Bow Wow. And I can’t wait until tomorrow.

NOT ALL HEROES WEAR CAPES —OR STAND UPRIGHT

Niblet came into Pam Strange’s life at a pivotal moment — Pam had lost her husband and needed four-legged support. An avid volunteer with Alabama Pug Rescue, Pam was actively trying to find Niblet a home, then realized her new friend was sent especially for her. Today, Niblet and Pam are part of Hand in Paw’s therapeutic pet teams, bringing special healing to those who need it.

Founded by Beth Franklin in 1996, Hand in Paw is a nonprofit dedicated to providing animal-assisted therapy. The 27-year old organization is currently led by a dedicated board of directors with executive director Margaret Stinnett, and the Avondale-based campus serves Jefferson, Tuscaloosa, Shelby and St. Clair counties.

“Beth quit her job and used her retirement funds to start the organization,” notes Brittany Filby, communications director. “She took a chance because when she was with the Humane Society, she saw how dogs can be a friend and provide comfort to kids.”

Hand in Paw is made up of volunteer pets and their owners, with a current roster of about 80 therapy teams. To become a therapy team, volunteers 21 and older must apply online, and their dog (or cat!) must be at least 2 years old and complete an obedience course. Next, teams complete a series of workshops lasting four weeks, followed by a final evaluation.

Then comes the exciting part: getting on the schedule to help someone. Therapy teams are mentored closely, and programs range from supporting children in schools to providing goal-oriented treatment alongside medical professionals. Niblet, for example, visits Children’s of Alabama each Wednesday and Thursday, where she provides animal-assisted therapy for patients and families.

“Each day, she’s just as enthusiastic to work as she was her first time,” Pam beams. “She enters the hospital with the tail she is known for (it never stops wagging) and makes eye contact with every person she passes. I always say that I am truly just the other end of her leash. Everyone knows Niblet.”

Karen Ford and her Corgi, Chester, are veterans of Hand in Paw, having volunteered with the organization 11 years and counting. Chester works with children in schools for whom English is not their primary language, offering his friendly, furry support to improve reading and conversation skills.

“We don’t know a lot about these children when they come to us, and some have special circumstances, such as being on the spectrum,” Karen says. “Chester responds differently to them. All the kids pet him, and he loves it, but he will occasionally offer additional comfort —place his head on the lap of a child—and I always find out later there’s something special about that child.”

Support Hand in Paw by attending the annual fundraiser, Picasso Pets, August 19. This evening at the Harbert Center will feature a tutus and top hats theme, cocktail reception, star therapy animals, delectable hors d’oeuvres and a live auction. Picasso Pets is Hand in Paw’s main source of revenue and allows the nonprofit to carry out their mission free of charge. The event is sponsored by VP Funds, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Mr. & Mrs. Scott Vowell, John 3:16 and Medical Properties Trust.  Visit handinpaw.org/events to purchase tickets.

In addition, Hand in Paw is always looking for qualified volunteers and community support. For more information, visit handinpaw.org.

“WE DON’T KNOW A LOT ABOUT THESE CHILDREN WHEN THEY COME TO US, AND SOME HAVE SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES, SUCH AS BEING ON THE SPECTRUM.”

-KAREN FORD

At their respective jobs, Chester and Niblet are excited to be there and leave an impression on everyone they meet. Whether simply walking down a hallway or fostering a connection, these dogs give back the same love and friendship they receive. In many cases, therapy teams make the difference between hope and despair, and Pam and Karen agree their pets have a distinct gift of intuition.

“I think people need to know that organizations like Hand in Paw do incredible work,” Karen notes. “Not all dogs can do this. And the humans have to be devoted as well. Once, this little girl coming into the classroom was so anxious; you could see it on

her face. Then, she approached Chester and started petting him and talking to him in Spanish — and the look on her face was so rewarding. You saw the tension vanishing and her thinking, he understands me.”

“I have seen so many miracles because of this little girl,” Pam muses. “If the children are hurting, Niblet quietly sits close; if they are silly, she dances around them; and if they need snuggling during a painful procedure, she is there. To have your eyes lock with the eyes of a worried parent and see a smile as their child silently makes a connection . . .  is a miracle few ever get to experience.  This is the mission of Hand in Paw.”

THE SKY’S THE LIMIT

Recently crowned Miss Alabama’s Teen, Elaina Burt has lofty dreams

Elaina Burt is not exactly the type to rest on her laurels. Crowned Miss Alabama Teen just this past spring, the ambitious 17-year-old senior at Briarwood Christian is pursuing numerous dreams.

“Being crowned Miss Alabama’s Teen 2023 was an absolute dream come true,” she says. “I will compete at Miss America’s Teen in January 2024, and next year is actually a really special year because Miss America and Miss America’s Teen will be held together for the first time ever. I will compete in interviews, talent, fitness and evening gown/on stage conversation.”

Elaina serves as a national ambassador for the Epilepsy Foundation of America and is president of her own nonprofit, Charlie’s Chance. Her interest in advocating for epilepsy — and her nonprofit’s namesake —were inspired by her cousin, Charlie, who was diagnosed with the disorder at just a year old.

“I have early memories of being in my grandfather’s tiny plane, and my 16th birthday gift from my grandparents was a flight lesson. I fell in love with seeing life from a different perspective.”

“I have seen what it takes for Charlie to overcome challenges, and I’ve watched my aunt Hannah become her champion,” Elaina says. “Charlie is now 7 years old, and we like to say she explores the world from her wheelchair. Witnessing my aunt be an advocate for her daughter sparked a passion in me.”

Her aunt, Hannah Wilson, has uplifted the mission of the Epilepsy Foundation for years, hosting fundraisers and events such as fall festivals with wheelchair accessibility. Watching her aunt’s dedication in raising awareness, Elaina followed in the same footsteps and hosted her own successful fundraiser last fall known as Wings of Hope.

Held at the Southern Museum of Flight, Wings of Hope garners donations for a key program in Charlie’s Chance: going to area schools and ensuring teachers in every classroom are certified in seizure first aid. With the help of the Southeast director of the Epilepsy Foundation, Sarah Franklin, Elaina has certified about 415 teachers in the area. “I love visiting the schools and talking about why it’s relevant,” Elaina shares. “I’ve been able to work with many schools in Alabama and work a lot with Sarah on great contacts.”

“One of the things I’m most proud of is how hard Elaina works on getting schools in our state seizure first aid certified,” Hannah adds. “I know that it means the world to so many other moms in my same position.” CONTINUED >

The fundraiser’s poetic name, Wings of Hope, was inspired by Elaina’s love for aviation. As though the teen did not already have enough to keep her busy, she’s also earning her pilot’s license this year, achieving the dream that her grandfather, also a pilot, helped bring to fruition. She plans to attend Auburn after her senior year of high school and obtain a professional flight degree.

“I have early memories of being in my grandfather’s tiny plane, and my 16th birthday gift from my grandparents was a flight lesson. I fell in love with seeing life from a different perspective,” Elaina says. “Now my dad is also in flight school with me, and it’s so cool to do this as a family. I know it makes my grandad so happy to see me fulfill and continue his passion.”

This November will be the second annual Wings of Hope fundraiser for Charlie’s Chance, and Elaina looks forward to another successful event. She says last year exceeded her imagination — both in how much goes into orchestrating an event and the awesome results of her hard work.

“I wanted to merge my passions of aviation and epilepsy advocacy and, as a 17-year-old, seeing all that work come to fruition and that night of celebration and community was one of the most rewarding and special moments I’d ever had,” she says.

“On behalf of the epilepsy community, we are incredibly lucky to have someone as passionate as Elaina on our team who strives to make a positive impact,” Hannah says. “Receiving a diagnosis can be terrifying. That’s why spreading awareness is crucial, especially for a condition as common as epilepsy.”

Visit charlieschance.org.

A Star is Born

ACTING OUT ACADEMY PREPARES A NEW GENERATION FOR THE SILVER SCREEN

It all started when Meg Deusner was just 10 years old and auditioned for a local production of Annie, thanks to her music teacher and her mom encouraging the adventure. Young Meg was officially hooked after the role and began acting as much as she could, ultimately attending the Stella Adler Conservatory in New York City. But after a “cliche” experience as a young actor in Los Angeles, Meg chose to move to Birmingham. To her amazement, it was just what she needed to pique her creativity – and to pass it on.

“For me, Birmingham is magic,” she says. Once I moved here, everything began to click. Once outside of the fast-paced city oversaturated with the entertainment industry, I was able to breathe and open up creatively. I was able to do something I would never have been able to do in Los Angeles. And as I started teaching kids here, the entertainment industry in Atlanta began to boom.”

Acting Out Academy was inspired by Meg’s love for both teaching and acting. It started as a simple after-school program, then blossomed into an acting mecca, often working with more than 150 kids at a time — many of whom are called by talent agencies in Atlanta or elsewhere to work professionally in TV and film.

“The mission was to encourage kids to mess up and not be perfect so they could be free to succeed,” she says. “And not be fearful of being themselves. I started using TV and film scripts more because that is what kids were watching and loving. And acting for film is great because if you mess up, you just do another take. I found that when you eliminate the aspect of performance, it takes the pressure off, and kids then can concentrate on the craft and technique. And what happened next was amazing. The kids got really, really good.”

Meg says all the kids start off on the same footing— and the name of the game is not to get famous, but to hone a craft. She believes acting is a skill developed and practiced with intention, much like a sport. And, like the best of coaches, Meg believes in positive feedback.

“The more we practice, the better we get,” she says. “That there is no 'it' factor. If they want it, they can achieve it, and I am going to help them do it. When I coach the actors, I never use negativity. They need to feel safe to be free. And good acting is being free — like real life. In real life, we don't know what we are going to do next. It should be the same in our acting.”

Several kids from Acting Out Academy have found success, including Grant Feely from Vestavia, who, according to Meg, started classes in the 2019-2020 season and within two years was cast as a young Luke Skywalker in Obi-Wan Kenobi on Disney Plus – with many more films on the horizon. And Sarah Ann, also from Vestavia, started Acting Out Academy at age 5 and appeared as Latti in Guardians of the Galaxy 3.

“When I got the role of young Luke Skywalker in Obi Wan Kenobi, it was very exciting and surreal,” says Feely. “I had only been acting a year or so but knew this was an opportunity of

“For me, Birmingham is magic. Once I moved here, everything began to click. Once outside of the fast-paced city oversaturated with the entertainment industry, I was able to breathe and open up creatively. I was able to do something I would never have been able to do in Los Angeles.

And as I started teaching kids here, the entertainment industry in Atlanta began to boom.”

a lifetime. I hope that role was the start to a long career in acting. Meg is such an amazing acting teacher and coach. She understands the acting industry and teaches her students to be the character, not just read the lines. She has guided us every step of the way and is a huge reason why I have been so successful.”

“Other notables are Wil Deusner, my nephew, who was a student turned teacher. He has appeared as a

series regular in Hulu's Shut Eye, CW's Stargirl, FBI: International and has played the son of Hulk in Disney Plus' She-Hulk,” Meg adds.

“Former Miss Outstanding Teen USA, Marcelle LeBlanc, started with us 10 years ago at the age of 10 and has since gone on to work on Stranger Things, Netflix's Fear Street, Criminal Minds and Grey's Anatomy — plus she is Mary Ellen in the CW’s Waltons films.”

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MEDICINE’S Best Friend

HOW THE FOUR-LEGGED FRIENDS OF SNIFF 4 LIFE ARE SNIFFING OUT CANCER . . . AND OFFERING HOPE

From an early age, Cindy Roberts believed dogs can accomplish great things. She’s always had a four-legged companion in her life, beginning with the cocker spaniels she trained and entered in dog shows throughout her teen years. In her own words, she progressed from training to breeding and showing dogs — then, in college, she dreamed of becoming a veterinarian. But life, as it often does, had different plans for Roberts – she obtained a degree in business and got married, letting vet school fall to the wayside. “But we didn’t start a family,” she chuckles. “Instead, we had dogs.”

In 2011, Roberts became her mother’s primary caregiver when a CT scan showed she’d contracted lung cancer. Roberts’ mother had

already beaten melanoma and breast cancer, and when the highly progressed lung cancer showed up, the brave woman simply decided it was her time. “She died that Monday, and she made me promise I would work on my dreams,” Roberts says.

That was the first day of what would become a meaningful journey for Roberts – initially, out to California to learn how to train dogs to sniff for essential oils. When a news article surfaced about a woman from Chico who’d taught dogs to sniff for cancer, Roberts did not hesitate; she called the woman and enrolled in her next workshop. “Then, I called my friend here in Birmingham, Laurie Malone, founder of Sprout and Penny Canine Foundation and a researcher at UAB,” she says. “I told her about it, and she immediately started plotting her trip — figuring out airfare. When we both came back, we were ready to train dogs.”

But it was not as simple as that. The two women realized they would need “samples,” or people diagnosed with cancer who had not started treatment, to evaluate the dogs’ performances. These samples were not easy to find. “We hit wall after wall,” Roberts shares. “And we decided if we could not get human samples, we’d get dog samples. We worked with a few animal clinics for that.”

While forming their program, Sniff 4 Life, Roberts and Malone were approached by a Florida company, BioScentDX. They were interested in establishing a detection program and Roberts and Malone were poised to work with them – then the pandemic hit. “We brainstormed about the best way someone could get a sample from their dog and send it to us,” Roberts says. “The answer was saliva —people do DNA tests to figure out breeds all the time, so we knew it could work.”

Today, Sniff 4 Life’s goal is training dogs to detect cancer in other dogs, starting with an at-home kit from their joint company with

BioScentDX known as ScoutMD. ScoutMD allows owners to collect their own pup’s saliva and easily submit it to the program for testing. Soon, Roberts predicts, cancer in humans will be detected by the dogs via a breath test — and there’s no doubt the dogs will be ready for this challenge. “They take their jobs very seriously,” she declares. “They think it’s the best thing in the world. We teach the dogs that when they find something, they get a reward. And they are all about sniffing and getting their treats.”

Roberts describes how emotional it was for the team when the dogs learned to sniff and find cancerous cells – and what it could mean, long term, for medicine. “The first time, we did what’s called a blind search, where the handler didn’t know where the cancer was, and neither did the dogs, and we had all six dogs and they all alerted on the correct sample,” she recalls. “I just burst into tears. We had accomplished what we set forth to do. And I knew that going forward, we would definitely be able to help pet owners save their dogs. And then we would save humans.”

The team is made up of all volunteer pups, mostly beagles and labradors, plus another breed or two, and sniffing is done at the facility in Vestavia. The dogs are as normal as can be when they aren’t working, Roberts insists. “They run and play in the yard; they sleep on the sofa or bed. They are normal dogs — and their owners are so proud. These people and their dogs have become part of my family,” she beams.

Most of all, though, she owes the ongoing success of Sniff 4 Life to her mother’s belief in chasing her dreams. “This all came about as a promise to my mom,” Roberts muses. “She was always a supporter of my endeavors.”

To learn more, visit spk9.org.

Growth and Gratitude

YOU ARE RELATIVELY NEW TO BIRMINGHAM. TELL US WHERE YOU ARE FROM AND WHERE YOU SPENT TIME PRIOR.

I am from Baltimore, where I practiced family law for 10 years. After Baltimore, we moved to Saratoga Springs for my husband’s job in 2014. There, I served on the board of the Adirondack Folk School and also served as president of the St. Clement’s School PTO. I briefly worked as executive director of The Dake Foundation for Children, a nonprofit that grants adaptive equipment to children with special needs. After New York, we moved to Raleigh for three years for another job for my husband, Tim. While there, I worked for UnitedLex, an international legal services corporation.

During the pandemic, Tim suggested a road trip to Birmingham. He had an interview with a company here. We jumped in the car and haven’t looked back. We love Birmingham and hope to be here a long time.

YOU PREVIOUSLY PRACTICED FAMILY LAW — WHAT DREW YOU TO THAT FIELD?

I have always been service driven and inspired to improve social injustice. The human stories of my clients really pushed me to obtain the best possible outcomes. Toward the end of my practice, I focused on mediation, which was, to me, a more humane, holistic way for people to separate from one another while preserving the family unit.

HOW DID YOU CONNECT WITH CASA?

I went to the University of Baltimore, intending to practice family law. I focused my studies on family law and issues impacting women and children. I volunteered with CASA of Baltimore County because it provided practical training on how to be an advocate for abused and neglected children. I also got time in the courtroom, which was important as a soon-to-be attorney.

Volunteering with CASA was rewarding. At first, the relationship with my child was awkward. Over time, I earned their trust, and they started to open up about their history, their present situation and their aspirations. What was interesting about that case is that dad had been out of the picture. I think someone looking at the file might write the dad off as disinterested, but there was a lot more to the story. I was able to share this, and the judge listened. This is a great example of the power of CASA advocates in telling the subtle details often associated with these abuse and neglect cases.

WHAT OTHER VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCES HAVE PREPARED YOU FOR THIS ROLE?

I’ve served as a Guardian Ad Litem and an appointed pro bono attorney for juveniles. I was also active with the Women’s Law Center of Maryland, an organization that serves women. I also served as a pro bono attorney through CHANA Baltimore, which provides legal representation to people in the Jewish community who experience abuse.

WHAT DOES CASA DO?

CASA volunteers are trained advocates for children who have been abused or neglected. Our volunteers must be 21, pass a background check and complete four-part training. We offer support for our volunteers from our dedicated Advocate Coordinators. Volunteers see their child once a month and talk to the important people in the child’s life. Our volunteers compile the information and write a report that presents an unbiased recommendation to the court about the child’s best interest. The volunteer role is for the service-minded person who wants to make a true impact. Our volunteers become a constant in the lives of our CASA kids, and that consistency alone is so important.

WHAT GOALS DO YOU HAVE FOR CASA OF JEFFERSON COUNTY?

Growth and gratitude! I want a volunteer for every case we get from the court. Our active cases are only 33% staffed with a volunteer at this point. It’s tough work, but it is so important. Our volunteers can change the trajectory of a child’s life from hopeless to hopeful.

I also want to increase private donors and corporate funding. I want everyone in Jefferson County to know about CASA, what we do and how important this organization is to an extremely vulnerable population.

WHAT IS ONE THING YOU WISH MORE METRO RESIDENTS KNEW ABOUT CASA?

One in seven children has experienced abuse or neglect in the last year, and more than 14,000 abused or neglected children are in Alabama in foster care. Children who have lived in foster care are more likely to become homeless, face addiction and/or further victimization such as human trafficking. We can do better than this. CASA volunteers are grassroots life changers.

Backyard Chickens

Everything you need to get started on your backyard coop.

Chickens have become increasingly popular as pets in both suburban and urban areas during the last 20 years. Backyard chickens may seem to be an unsuspecting animal to keep as a pet but the tried and true egg producers are back in fashion as food costs are soaring and families are looking for more food independence in light of recent supply chain shortages. There’s a lot to like about raising chickens in your backyard. Surprisingly, chickens are relatively low maintenance. And bonus – unlike dogs, they don’t need to be bathed or groomed, and they don’t shed on your clothes or require training. Oh and bonus – they make you breakfast.

The eggs from backyard chickens are the best—tastier and fresher than any store-bought eggs. Much of the day, the birds entertain themselves, picking at grass, worms, beetles, and all of the good things that go into making those delicious farm eggs. Plus, with their keen eye for insect pests, chickens make for great gardening companions.

Chickens can provide family companionship, fun, entertainment, sustainable fresh food, and plenty of poop that gardeners prize as a natural fertilizer/composting material. Could backyard chickens be the perfect pet/producer to add to your home?

Backyard Chicken Q&A:

HOW MANY CHICKENS SHOULD I KEEP?

Chickens are sociable creatures, so plan to keep three to six birds at least. With this amount, you’ll always have a steady supply of eggs, since an adult hen lays about two eggs every three days, on average. Local ordinances also dictate how many chickens one household can keep.

HOW MUCH DOES KEEPING CHICKENS COST?

All of this costs money, of course. The materials to build and furnish a coop and a 20 x 5-foot run—including wood, fencing, and hardware—are going to set you back at least $300. If you can’t do this work yourself, you’ll also be buying skilled labor.

Overall, expect to spend between $500 and $700 when getting started depending on the size of your flock, coop and run. For prefabricated coops, expect to pay $600 or more.

WHAT KIND OF SHELTER DO THEY NEED?

Chickens need to have an enclosed coop that provides adequate space, protection from the elements and predators, and good ventilation. A modified shed, barn, or stable with an outdoor run is a good option for a coop. The outdoor run should be fully enclosed if you have predators like hawks or owls nearby. Ideally, coops are slightly elevated off the ground to prevent flooding and have windows on each side, enough nest boxes to allow several chickens to nest simultaneously, outlets for lighting, fans if they’re needed, air inlets or ventilation holes on the roof, and a concrete floor treated with a pet-safe waterproof coating that allows for easy cleaning and drainage.

Want to go the fancy route?

Search Pinterest for “chicken coop building plans” if you’re building your own or consider going the luxury route with a gorgeous custom-built coop from a company like CutestCoops.com

WHEN DO CHICKENS START LAYING EGGS?

Most hens will start laying eggs when they’re about 18 to 20 weeks old, although it may take more time for them to reach their peak output. Often, the first eggs are laid irregularly or are smaller or oddly shaped when compared with a typical egg. This is nothing to worry about! Once a cycle is established, most hens will lay one egg per day.

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