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November 2013

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Launch IssueF

Letter from the Editor

301 Beacon Parkway WestSuite 120

Birmingham AL 35209

Kaneshia Sims

Editor-in-Chief

With our city changing and quickly growing at its current rate, it would be hard for someone to say Birmingham is not a wonderful place to live, play and learn right now. There are few dull moments in a city with such rich diversity and culture as Birmingham. A thriving down town provides art, history and cuisine that can please a wide variety of pal-lets. Both our rural and suburban communities offer parks, recreation, shopping and much more all within a fifteen minute drive. Birmingham is indeed a beautiful city. Our publication, Red Pash Magazine, will focus on all the aspects that truly make our city great. We thank you for reading our first issue and hope you enjoy all the great features about our community. We urge you to flip over to page 6 to learn how you can join a free networking group. Then turn to pages 14 and 20 and read about what some of Birmingham’s youth have been up to. These are just a few high-lights of our first issue. It gets even better, though! All you have to do is turn the page. Thank you for supporting Red PaSH Magazine and we hope you enjoy,

Kaneshia Sims

KaneshiaEditor-in-Chief

Staff Writers

Valerie TaylorCiara Green

Kristen EbertWarren Hudson

Amanda Blackwood

Layout/Creative Editor

Casey Muir-Taylor

Copy Editor

7 rtsATake a glimpse into Phototographer Madelyn Bonnett’s world.

6 astermindMDonald Dunphy shares his networking genius.

Hipster Thrifter: What’s good for the environment, is good for your style.

12 ashionF

15 BandsThe band Dead Fingers dish on their next album release.

20 tudentsSStudent athlete Mary Alice Hughes--star student by day, taekwondo expert by night.

Photography by Madelyn Bonnett

Table of Contents

8 N ightlifeKrewe in Downtown Birmingham.

10 eadersLLocal professor and writer Liza Elliott

shares her world travels with UAB students.

22Couponer mom instills values while saving money.

Savings

14 p and comingU Local teen balances school and music career.

18 itnessFThis isn’t your typical workout!

Liza Elliott

Mary Alice Hughes

Take a glimpse into Phototographer Madelyn Bonnett’s world.

Donald Dunphy shares his networking genius.

The band Dead Fingers dish on their next album release.

Who We Are

Couponer mom instills values while saving money.

Staff Writers

Casey Muir-TaylorCopy Editor

Kaneshia Sims Editor-in-Chief

Amanda BlackwoodLayout & Creative Editor

Kristen Ebert Ciara GreenValerie Taylor

Contact us: info@redpashmagazine.com

The PaSHCrew

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Meet the business mastermind: an introduction to Donald Dunphy

Donald Dunphy of Columbiana, Alabama understands the importance of networking. As a Naval transfer in the early 1990s, Dunphy, new to the city and without a friend in sight, needed a way to build professional contacts. With over 26 years of active duty under his belt and the desire to meet new faces while building lasting relationships, Dunphy started Mastermind Business Network group. Fast forward to today and Mastermind Business Network Group has just celebrated its seven year anniversary in October and is

now over 40 active members strong. With two biweekly meetings a month, Mastermind Business Network group has members that come from all over the city to meet at its current location of Susan Schein in Pelham, Alabama. New members are always encouraged to attend, and there is no cost to join the organization.

They meet the first and third Tuesday of each month at 11:00am. The only rule of Mastermind Business Network, says Dunphy, is to “be positive, take time to help anyone in need and keep a winning attitude. Ninety percent of winning is to always be excited. Lead by example.” Dunphy, proud husband and a grandparent to four, is actively volunteering as much as possible. Currently, he manages an informative weather page on Facebook called Volunteer Weather Guys. This page hopes to help people stay informed about weather and includes safety tips to follow when the weather gets rough. With such a full schedule, one might ask how does he do it all? To stay focused, Dunphy believes in always starting his day with something positive like a prayer or listening to a motivational message. He believes ending the day the same way as he started it keeps the negatives away. To find out more about Mastermind Business Network Group and for information about how to attend one of its meetings, find them on Facebook or LinkedIn.

“Ninety percent of winning is to always be excited. Lead by example.”

by KANESHIA SIMS Photo by KANESHIA SIMS

Networking

Birmingham is home to some true artistic genius. Even with all the local talent in the Magic City, photographer Madelyn Bonnett still manages to stand out and shine. Copy editor by day and photographer by night, Madelyn is a true artist. They say home is where the heart is, and that is certainly true in Madelyn’s case. She has lived in the Birmingham area her entire life. For someone who is typically a country girl, she sure does have a love for Birmingham and its endless festivals, events, and various city happenings. Of course, those involving art such as Artwalk and Shelby County Art Council exhibitions are her favorite. Madelyn has had a passion for nature and all of God’s creations her entire life. Her mission in

photography is sharing that natural beauty and the truth that the Lord is the creator of it all. Her tagline is, “Sharing the beauty of God’s Creation,” and sharing that beauty is exactly what she does. When she started her business MadArtz Photo in 2004, it was the perfect marriage between her favorite thing to do and her favorite things to see. Her favorite things to photograph are America’s awe-inspiring national parks, trees and forests, country scenes, flowers and skies. Madelyn is not only inspired by nature, but also by glass artisans, painters and other photographers such as Ansel Adams, Galen Rowell, Marc Bondarenko, and Hank Siegel. Even the most famous of artists can’t outrank her biggest influence, her husband Don, who is a fellow nature lover and has been with her through every walk, hike, and photography filled vacation. in shows and exhibitions in the upcoming years and has been quite successful in these competitions so far. Madelyn advises others to seek out their passion, and do it, even if it can’t be a profession. Not being able to profit from doing what you love is no reason to slack off. Doing something you love less often may make you love it even more.

by VALERIE TAYLOR -7-

Photographer’s work influenced, inspired by nature

photos by MADELYN BONNETT

Photographer Madelyn Bonnett

Photo by KANESHIA SIMS

Arts

Nightlife

Krewe livening up 1st Avenue with New Orleans flair

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How does one decide on the perfect spot to relax and unwind? It is certain that atmosphere, location, service and hospitality all factor into the decision. With so many options, how does one choose the perfect hang out spot? Business man Ian Willicott has made Krewe on First just that place. With gorgeous hard wood floors, low lighting and plush seating all with a New Orleans flair, Krewe creates a famous atmosphere to grab a drink or kick back with a nice cigar. With a long history in the wine business, starting at Wined Down, Willicott used his extensive knowledge to select many fine and well-known wines for patrons to sip on while enjoying a relaxing atmosphere. Roam the wine shelves, select a wine, and sit down to sip. Also check out the walk-in humidor with it’s large selection of cigars.

“My favorite thing about Birmingham is its southern hospitality,” Willicott said. As a man from New Orleans he is happy to make Birmingham his home these past seven years. Willicott says the family-focused cusine and hospitality in Birmingham are all parallel to New Orleans and are what inspired him when launching Krewe.

by KANESHIA SIMS

Kick back with a glass of wine in Krewe’s cozy, New Orleans-inspired atmosphere located on First Avenue South in Downtown.

-9- Photos by KANESHIA SIMS

My favorite thing about Birmingham is its southern hospitality.

“”

-10-

Leaders

Renaissance

WomanLocal professor, writer, artist and sociologist shares life adventures with UAB students

With so many wonderful changes happening in Birmingham right now the mission to buy, shop and eat local is reiterated even more. Local author, professor, artist and sociologist, Liza Elliott is an advocate of shopping local. She has even coined a term “ localvore,” which describes a person who is dedicated to supporting their community by aiding its economic well being. “This city thrives on small business,” Liza said. “Lawyers, accountants, artists, grocers and even doctors are entrepreneurs that need the city’s support to keep their doors open.” As a professor at the Sparmam Center of Health at The University of Alabama in Birmingham, Elliott teaches students from around the world. Being a well-traveled spirit herself, visiting Cairo, Egypt,

Chile and other exotic places, Elliott can truly say Birmingham is a unique and wonderful place to live. As a girl, Elliott grew up in Chicago. While living in Birmingham for around 17 years now, Elliott and her family have grown strong roots in the city. Elliott loves the parks and appreciates the arts that place such a heavy influence in the city. As an art student herself, studying under John Lonergan in Southside, Elliott knows it takes discipline and dedication to prefect your craft. Although teaching and painting may be talents of Elliott, she holds one more--writing. “When I write I’m free,” Liza said with a smile. Working on her fourth book, “30-A Supper Club The Cook Book’ has been her latest project. The release date is spring 2014.

Localvore (n): a person who is dedicated to supporting their community by aiding its economic well being.

by KANESHIA SIMS

-11- Photos by KANESHIA SIMS

"When I write, I'm free."

Look for Elliott's new book out spring 2014.

Fashion

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Fashion

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1.

4.

5.

Cover Story Thrifty Tips

1. Find out when delivery day is for your local thrift store. This will give you first pick of the newest items.

2. Be prepared to look through every rack and every size. You may find a variety of clothes in a range of four sizes. Different

generations were sized differently.3. Wear leggings and a thin shirt under your outergear for fast

try on. Some stores don’t have dressing rooms. $.) Look for brands that are known for their quality. Try to stay

away from items that are considered fast fashion.

-14-

Kayla “Halo” Wheeler is a breath of fresh air. Only 16, and with a resume that can stand up to any adult, Halo has begun on what will be a promising singing career. A true triple threat with brains, beauty and talent, Wheeler has worked with award-winning Grammy producer Kelvin Wooten to create two chart climbing singles “Gone” and “Therapy,” which are in rotation on radio stations from Detroit to Nigeria. Her debut album, “This is Who I Am,” will help Halo bring her sound to the masses.

Birmingham has embraced this talented young lady with open arms. Her unique and soulful voice has serenaded the radio waves on ABC 33/40's Talk of Alabama, KISS FM 98.7 and this year's 78th Magic City Classic.

"Fresh, bold, dynamic and cutting edge,” are some of the word used when describing Halo's debut album.

Although Halo has a busy career schedule, slacking in the class room is not an option.

Halo successfully manages to juggle both her school career and her music career. She is currently performing, scheduling a much-anticipated fall concert tour, and studying for her driving exam. Watch for this student to rise both academically and professionally.

Local Scene

by WARREN HUDSON

Local teen balances school and music career

“This is who I am.”

-15-

Kate and Taylor Hollingsworth are members of the group Dead Fingers, a name derived from a child hand trick that deceives your brain into thinking that you’ve lost the feeling in your fingers. Both Kate and Taylor can contest to love at first song when it comes to making music together. As lifelong partners, and Birmingham residents, this music power couple are both American and European hits. Just returning off of their latest tour, Dead Fingers is preparing for their next album release. As an indie/folk band, they are “loving all the change taking place in the city right now.” The Hollingsworth’s are keeping busy with a new baby, writing a new album, and planning a tour. They have come a long way since their first set at The Bottletree a few years back. With a promising music career in their future, lead singer Kate says she takes pride in providing for her family while doing something she loves with her band mate and husband Taylor. “Not only is he my husband and father of my child but he is the best guitar player I know,” Kate said. For all the aspiring musicians out there Kate offers some advice. “Keep playing if you love it. Even if everyone else hates it, just keep playing.”

Mates in music loveand inThe wife-husband duo of local band Dead Fingers dish on their next album release

Kate and Taylor Hollingsworth

Get

Dead Fingers

Musicwww.DeadFingers.com

acebookiTunes

by KANESHIA SIMS

Bands

Spotted

Hoover Fall

Festival

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Pie Throwing

Trick or Treating

Fashion Spot

Shaniece Sims

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Hoover Fall

Festival

Spot someone famous out and about in town? Snapped some photos at your kid’s event? Send them to

southernpashmag@gmail.com.

Remember to send us a one-line caption of who is in the photo and what’s happening!

Pie Throwing

Trick or Treating

Photos by JASON GATSON, Hoover City School System

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Hoops for Fitness After a long day of fulfilling work, family responsibilities, and the added seasonal stress of the upcoming holidays, working out can seem like the final step that sends you into a never-ending hibernation. After all, who has the energy to workout, especially at this time of the year? What if you knew there was an innovative way to keep the winter weight off while having fun? Hula hoopers Robby Lewis, Ann Kirkwood and Victoria Laviolette have found a way and created a business that offers a fun way to stay healthy. In 2008 these ladies launched Hoops for Fitness servicing the greater Birmingham area with hula hooping lessons, parties, and performances. The beauty of the simple movements with a simple tool immediately intrigued Lewis when she stumbled across a girl with a super-sized hoop about 12 years ago at a festival. After learning more about the hoop, she found that it physically transformed her and removed the negative connotations that came with fitness. She was hooped! Now she is able to inspire others by showing off her skills with a hoop, and they are truly inspired. After attending just one of Robby’s classes, Ann fell in love with hooping and says that starting Hoops for Fitness is one of the best decisions she has made. Kirkwood feels that hooping fits right in the with Birmingham community because of the diversity it holds. “No matter who you are and what your interest, there is a place for you,” she exclaimed.

Kirkwood has lived in Birmingham since 1968 and swears to never leave. Laviolette agrees because she also wants to build the hoop community by sharing the joy she experiences within the hoop. All three of these women are passionate about hooping and truly believe with one taste of the joyous activity and incredible physical results, your holiday sweet tooth can be transformed into a fun fitness crave.

by CIARA GREEN

Hula Hoopers Robby Lewis, Ann Kirkwood and Victoria Laviolette

Fitness

Founders Robby Lewis and Ann Kirkwood

-19- Photos by KANESHIA SIMS

“No matter who you are and what your interest, there is a place for you.”

-Ann Kirkwood

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Kickin’ it with Mary Alice At first glance, Mary Alice Hughes may seem like your average 15-year-old girl. She loves reading, watching Auburn football games, listening to One Direction, and ob-sessing over Criminal Minds. With a third degree black belt, however, and a teaching certification in Taekwondo, Mary’s skill in martial arts reveals that she is far from average. Her focus and dedication have driven her to accomplish what many can't in an en-tire lifetime. Mary has practiced martial arts since age eight, and considers becoming a certified instructor her biggest accomplish-ment so far. It isn’t easy to do what she does, but the challenge is what makes her grow stronger in Taekwondo--and even in her daily life. The sport has taught her humility, perse-verance, integrity, and confidence. Mary isn’t planning on giving up any time soon. “When I think about quitting, I remind myself that losing Taekwondo would mean losing a key part of my individuality. I have been doing it for so long and have such a great love for it that I can no longer envision my life without it,” she said. It has helped shape her into the person she is and she attributes her confi-dence, self esteem, and individuality to what she has learned. It even helps her in school at the Alabama School of Fine Arts, where she studies creative writing. She hopes to graduate with a 4.0 GPA and go on to study at Vanderbilt. She will do all of this while still advancing in Taekwondo. She knows that it will help her to achieve her goals because it teaches the importance of acknowledging

by VALERIE TAYLOR

Students

-21- Photos by KANESHIA SIMS

when she has done something well by using visual representations and even helps her learn to make rational decisions under pres-sure. Even after attending school, instructing Taekwondo at Impact Martial Arts in Pelham,

and showing off her moves in competition, Mary still manages to take the time to make a difference in the lives of others. In the past three years, Mary was selected to mentor new students at the Alabama School of Fine Arts, and she is also a member of the Heri-tage Panel, a two day YWCA program that gives students the opportunity to explore the issues of heritage, culture, and discrimina-tion in their community. With her Taekwondo expertise, love of English and creative writing in school, and her willingness to give back to her city, it is safe to say that Mary is one exceptional teen that Birmingham is proud to call its own.

“...losing Taekwondo would mean losing a key part of my individuality. I have been doing it for so long and have such a great love for it that I can no longer envision my life without it.”

In this economy, tips and tricks on how to save money is something we all can appreciate. TLC’s Extreme Couponing has shown how strategic couponing has become a valued asset in households throughout the country. It is so common that local native, Loren Grayson Chambers, has taken up the task. Loren, a proud wife and mother, has strategically couponed since January of 2013. Loren, Birmingham resident for 33 years, initially started strategically couponing due to changes in her family’s income. “I try to be content in whatever I do. No sense in trying to ‘Keep up with the Joneses.’ Be happy wherever you are [in life]! I also find that physical exercise helps me get that little me time that every mom or woman needs,” Loren said. She says collecting coupons from many avenues such as newspapers, flyers, and online coupon websites is the key. Not only did Loren clip from all available resources, she even turned to neighbors for their coupons to keep up her stockpile of coupons. Couponing takes a little extra time, but several local stores are very coupon friendly

and you may be surprised at how this simple change in routine can save so much money. Her diligent effort has yielded dramatic results. While building a respectable stockpile of inexpensive everyday items such as rice,

pasta, canned goods, soap, and baby wipes, she has saved on average 75% on what she purchases. Chambers and her family value saving but also instill values in their children. Loren and her family continue to strategically coupon to benefit themselves as well as others in need. She has begun to use her couponing skills to help local organizations by donating needed items from her stockpile to local food pantries and ministries in the Birmingham community. Chambers emphasizes her love for Birmingham and its Southern hospitality, the people who live here and its beautiful scenery. “Birmingham is beautiful; it has mountains, valleys, lakes, streams and is only four hours from the beach.” Loren admits that strategic couponing has added significant tangible and intangible values to her and her family’s life. She not only enjoys paying close attention to the family’s finances but to their health and wellbeing as well. I enjoy staying physically fit and taking care of my husband and children. I love being a mom!”

by WARREN HUDSON -22-

Birmingham mom saves money, instills sharing, with couponing

“I try to be content in whatever I do. No sense in trying to ‘keep up with the Joneses.’ Be happy wherever you are [in life]!”

Savings