Village Living |
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May 2012 |
neighborly news & entertainment for Mountain Brook
MBJH has talent-pg 21
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Volume 3 | Issue 2 | May 2012
Sharing a mother’s love By RICK WATSON Life isn’t like it used to be for the Hamiltons. “Fostering, like parenting, is the hardest job you will ever love,” Joelle Hamilton said. The family, including daughters Anne Merrick (16), McKinley (13) and Ellie (8) became the foster family to four-year-old twin girls in 2010. “Not only did John and I have two new daughters, but the girls also had two new sisters,” she said. “And, our baby became the middle child overnight.” The experience was also life-altering for the foster children. “They were removed from their home, their families, their pets, their preschool and their favorite toys, which was extremely stressful,” Hamilton said. The children went through a grieving process, and working through all those issues was challenging, according to Hamilton. “You can read about it, and talk about it, but only when you live it, do you understand how intense it is,” she said.
May Features City Council Crime report Mountain Brook events Sean Fredella update Library calendar Kari Kampakis Village Sports School House Business Spotlight Restaurant Showcase Around the Villages Dale Wisley Calendar of Events
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McKinley, Joelle, Ellie and Anne Merrick Hamilton play a board game with the foster twins who were a part of their family for more than a year. Photo by Madoline Markham.
But still, the rewards of fostering far outweigh the challenges for the Hamiltons. Hamilton’s voice cracked with emotion as she spoke of all the joy the family experienced with the twins: “It was like grandparents watching their new grandchildren.” There was always a little anxiety, but for Hamilton there was much joy in
watching kids who went through a really hard time grow, mature and learn how to deal with grief and anger—and to then watch the children become part of the family, community and the church. It was very special. “We were blessed. I am passionate about loving, protecting and caring for all the Lord has given us. And children are our
most precious gifts,” she said. Becoming a foster family was not an impulsive decision for the Hamiltons. They became interested through the orphan ministry at their church, Covenant Presbyterian. Another factor was the emphasis on orphan work at The Church
See FOSTER CARE | page 8
Seniors pick three for graduation address By MARY NOBLES HANCOCK On Thursday, May 24, more than 300 seniors at Mountain Brook High School will walk across the stage to receive their high school diplomas, but for three seniors, this night will be even bigger. Out of the top five percent of the graduating class, seniors Matthew Bolus, Brooke Harwell and Thomas Johnston were selected by their peers to give the valedictorian speeches at this year’s commencement.
Matthew Bolus
Starting off the valedictorian addresses will be Matthew Bolus, whose self-description of being “hardworking, charitable, and humorless” hardly begins to cover his role at Mountain Brook High School. During high school, Matthew has been involved in his church youth group at St. Elias Maronite Church and working with Interact Club on Relay for Life. Matthew has also served as president for Mountain Brook High School’s chapter of the National Honors Society. Outside of school, Matthew enjoys watching sports, especially college football
See GRADUATION SPEAKERS | page 20
Matthew Bolus, Brooke Harwell and Thomas Johnston will speak at MBS graduation this year. Photo by Mary Nobles Hancock.
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Aidan and Chloe Dillion, second and third graders at Crestline Elementary, hosted an Easter Egg Hunt for the children on their street, Montevallo Terrace. Photo courtesy of Laura Dillion.
Staff & Friends Contributing Writers
Susan Matthews | Christiana Roussel | Kari Kampakis Rick Watson | Will Hightower Holley Wesley | Maggie Carter O’Connor
School House Contributors Frances Watts -Cherokee Bend Alyssa Monson - Crestline Bama Hager -Brookwood Forest Sherrie Futch- Mountain Brook High School Hilary Ross - Mountain Brook Elem. & Mountain Brook Jr High
Editor’s Note fall, and we wish them all the May isn’t the last month of best. Speaking of graduation, the year, but it brings about the make sure you read Mary end of another school year. In Nobles’ profile of this year’s that way, I have always felt like graduation speakers for the May helps bring closure to one senior class of 2012. part of our lives and marks the May is also an important beginning of every kid’s and month for mothers. It is many adults’ favorite time of when we celebrate who they year—summer. In this month are, what they do for us, and of transition, preschoolers the important wisdom they graduate and begin a new impart to their children. In this chapter as “big school kids.” issue we have two wonderful High school seniors graduate Jennifer Gray stories about mothers. First, and get ready to move on to the Hamilton family here in Mountain colleges near and far away. I would like to take this opportunity Brook has shared their love with the foster to recognize two high school seniors who children they take into their home. How have contributed much to Village Living. wonderful to share a mother’s love with a Mary Nobles Hancock has written many child who doesn’t have a mother in their wonderful features on the arts and local life! Kari Kampakis also shares a wonderful residents over the past year. We are so story here in our community this month. grateful for her contributions, photos, You won’t want to miss the Clark family’s story of how God can triumph over tragedy attention to detail and professionalism. Will Hightower has been with us every time. Also be sure to check out our stories from the beginning. Starting with our very first issue of Village Living two years ago, on the YWCA’s Mother’s Day Flower Sale Will has covered all things sports related. (a great gift for every mother that also From cover stories on Mountain Brook benefits the Y’s work with women and atheletes to recaps of football, basketball children) and the Motherwalk, a fundraiser and track seasons, Will writes with a style for ovarian cancer. Enjoy all the fun this May in Mountain and maturity way beyond his years. The color he paints in his stories draws in even Brook! those who aren’t sports enthusiasts. I am truly grateful to both of these talented and dedicated seniors. They will be missed next
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Please submit all articles, information and photos to: Jennifer@VillageLivingOnline.com P.O. Box 530341 Birmingham, AL 35253 Legals: Village Living is published monthly. Reproduction or use of editorial or graphic content without prior permission is prohibited. Village Living is designed to inform the Mountain Brook community of area school, faith, family and community events. Information in Village Living is gathered from sources considered reliable but the accuracy cannot be guaranteed. All articles/photos submitted become the property of Village Living. We reserve the right to edit articles/photos as deemed necessary and are under no obligation to publish or return photos submitted. Inaccuracies or errors should be brought to the attention of the publisher at (205) 370-0732 or by email. Please recycle this paper
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City council updates Lane Parke development hearing set for May 14
The proposed Lane Parke development would feature retail space like this at the northwest intersection Main Street and Jemison Lane. Image courtesy of Evson, Inc.
The planning commission approved additional plans for Lane Parke on April 2. A public hearing before the City Council is set for May 14 at 7 p.m. at the Mountain
Brook Junior High School auditorium; the meeting will discuss the rezoning of the Western Supermarket shopping center and the Park Lane Apartment property.
City Council extends landscape services City Council has authorized an extension to the landscape service agreement between the City and Blackjack Horticulture. The extension will run
through the end of this year when the new Municipal Building opens in late November or mid-December.
Pedestrian Crossing signals have been installed at the bridge that marks the end of Lakeshore Drive and the start of Mountain Brook Parkway. Jemison Park runners and walkers will now be able to cross the street in a more efficient and safe manner. City Manager Sam Gaston reminds everyone about how vehicles should respond to pedestrians. When traffic control signals are not in place or not in operation, the driver of a vehicle shall yield the rightof-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within a crosswalk. This applies when the pedestrian is on the half of the roadway on which the vehicle is traveling, or when the pedestrian is approaching so closely from the opposite half of the roadway as to be in danger. It is the pedestrian’s responsibility, however, to not suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle that is close enough to constitute an immediate hazard. For additional safety, whenever any vehicle is stopped at a marked crosswalk
New crossing sign for Jemison Trail on Mountain Brook Parkway.
or at any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection to permit a pedestrian to cross the roadway, the driver of any other vehicle approaching from the rear may not overtake and pass the stopped vehicle.
New security system at municipal complex City Council had awarded a bid and authorized a contract with All Scan Alarms.
All Scan will work to install a security and CCTV system for the Municipal Complex.
Bus stop shelter to be installed
Polling location change The City Hall polling location has been changed to the Emmet O’Neal Library
Pedestrian crossing signals installed, notes on safety
for Oct. 9 in the event of a run-off in the municipal elections set for August 28.
City Council has approved buying a bus shelter for the bus stop at Montclair Road and Morningside Drive in Crestline.
The shelter will be installed within 1-2 months.
In The Heart of Mountain Brook Village
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Village Living
Crime report By LT. JIM COLE
Week ending April 19 This week we experienced no home burglaries and two UBEVs (Unlawful Breaking and Entering Vehicles). The first UBEV occurred on West Montcrest Road sometime during the night of April 16. A window was broken for the thief to retrieve the victim’s purse and its contents. The second UBEV occurred on Peachtree Road at about 9 a.m. The victim left her purse on the front seat of her vehicle and went for a walk. When she returned, the purse and its contents were gone. There was no sign of forced entry on this vehicle. I am getting numerous phone calls and emails concerning all the “robberies.” There has been only one robbery in Mountain Brook this year. There have been numerous robberies in other cities, but only one here. Current crime statistics: 2012 home burglaries from January 1 until now: 7 2012 UBEVs from January 1 until now: 9 2011 home burglaries for the same time period: 17 2011 UBEVs for the same time period: 36 2010 home burglaries for the same time period: 25 2010 UBEVs for the same time period: 44 2009 home burglaries for the same time period: 17 2009 UBEVs for the same time period: 50 Summary of miscellaneous incidents This past Monday morning we had a vehicle stolen from a driveway on Euclid Avenue. The thief was unaware that the vehicle was equipped with a tracking device. He traveled down Interstate 65 and stopped
at a rest area, where he was greeted by our state troopers and Chilton County deputies. We had an identity theft case where the victim’s identity was used to purchase property from Sears. On April 16 at approximately 10:40 p.m., we received a prowler call at a home on Canterbury Lane. According to the victim, she saw a male outside her window. She was unable to give us a good description of the suspect. Our patrol officers answered a domestic incident call at a home on Montevallo Road. A young couple was involved in an argument. The mother of the girl involved ordered the boyfriend to leave her property. He was trespassing and will be arrested if he returns. Two black females stole several packs of meat from Piggly Wiggly in River Run. These thieves took 10 packs of meat and put them in their purses and left the store. We are reviewing the video. We had a report where our victim’s bank account had been debited by another bank without our victim’s knowledge. He changed his account, and the same bank attempted to debit his account again. Fortunately, his bank detected the fraudulent attempt, and his money was recovered. We are hopeful that we can determine the identity of the thief. Week ending April 12 This past week we experienced no home burglaries and no UBEVs (Unlawful Breaking and Entering Vehicles). We had an armed robbery, which occurred on Euclid Avenue April 11 at about 9:20 p.m. According to the victim, an unknown male wearing a ski mask robbed
her in her driveway. She had just arrived at her residence when the suspect approached her from behind. He presented a silver revolver and demanded her purse. She gave him her purse and he left the scene. There were no injuries. Summary of miscellaneous incidents An office located on Cahaba Road was broken into on April 5, and passports were taken. We had a report of a theft on Briar Oak Circle. According to the victim, a fishing rod and a yard sprayer were taken from his basement during the time a plumbing company was doing work at the house. Macy’s loss prevention agents apprehended a shoplifter. The thief took clothes into a fitting room and concealed them in a bag before exiting the room. The woman is a Birmingham resident. A warrant will be issued for her arrest. A hit and run accident occurred on Montevallo Terrace while the victim was attending a garage sale. According to witnesses, the offender left the scene in a blue Honda SUV. No tag number was available. Week ending April 5 This past week we experienced one home burglary and no UBEVs (Unlawful Breaking and Entering Vehicles). The home burglary occurred between January 12 and March 30 on Stone Mill Road. The thief took a large amount of silver service pieces. According to the victim, the theft could have occurred when the house was unsecured. Summary of miscellaneous incidents We had a report of criminal mischief on West Montcrest. Someone damaged two clay lions located next to the victim’s driveway. We took another report this week of a sitter who stole checks from an elderly individual and forged them. That thief will likely be arrested in the near future. (If you
or your parents have sitters, please check these people out before you hire them. Some of our victims don’t even know the names and addresses of the people working in their homes. Recently, a friend of mine who lives in Birmingham discovered that most of her very expensive heirloom jewelry is gone due to a sitter. Unfortunately for her, she didn’t hide her jewelry before giving a stranger access to her home.) A man reported that he is missing a digital camera, but he has no idea who took the camera. According to him, many people have access to his home. We have received many calls and emails concerning copperheads. Mountain Brook has more than its share of copperheads. They are poisonous, but are rarely fatal. I guess the message is that if you are bitten get to a hospital immediately, but realize that you are going to survive. We also have rat snakes and black king snakes. People kill these snakes even though they are beneficial. The black king snakes eat copperheads and other poisonous snakes. The rat snakes eat rats, mice, chipmunks and other small creatures. Week ending March 29 This week we had one home burglary and no UBEVs (Unlawful Breaking and Entering Vehicles). The home burglary occurred at a house under construction on Montevallo Road. This burglary occurred between 5 p.m. on March 25 and 7:30 a.m. on March 26. A refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave, wine cooler and clothes washer were taken from this home. We believe the thief had some knowledge of this construction site. There was no alarm. Summary of miscellaneous incidents We had a report of a Peeping Tom on Shamley Drive. He is described as being a tall white male. We received a call of a domestic dispute at the Starbucks in Mountain Brook
See CRIME REPORT | page 24
w
Jacqueline Dillon DeMarco, PhD Clinical Psychologist
Grill out with The Pig Individual and Couple Therapy (Adults ages 18+)
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YWCA Flower Sale
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May 2012 |
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Junior Women’s Committee hosts Summer Reading Kick-off Carnival
YWCA Junior Board members and staff at the Flower Sale. Photo Courtesy of Wynter Byrd.
This Mother’s Day marks Central Alabama’s 25th annual YWCA Flower Sale. The sale is held by the YWCA’s Junior Board to benefit KIDS (Kids in Distress) Korner. Each year, the Friday before Mother’s Day, members of the YWCA sell various plants and flowers to the public. On May 11 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., items will be sold at three different locations in the greater Birmingham area. These areas include Regions Plaza (intersection of 5th Avenue North and 20th Street North) and the Ray & Poynor in Mountain Brook Village.
Children’s of Alabama will be selling flowers from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. KIDS Korner is a program that has provided care to over 1,600 children from infants to preschoolers who live in homeless shelters. Each year, the Flower Sale provides one third of the KIDS Korner budget. This program is free to parents and assists them to find work and seek housing. Katharyn Lowry and Kitty Brown are the chair and co-chair of the event this year. For those interested in purchasing flowers and other gift items prior to the sale, visit www.ywcabham.org/flowersale.
Motherwalk for ovarian cancer The Norma Livingston Ovarian Cancer Foundation will hold their Ninth Annual Motherwalk and 5K on May 12 at 9 a.m. The community-wide walk & 5K will be held in Crestline Village across from the Emmet O’Neal Library. The event includes door prizes, music, food catered by Moe’s and entertainment for kids. There will be a 1 mile fun run for ages 6-12 led by Birmingham’s Roller
Derby Team. The foundation was started by Lori Livingston in 2004 after she lost her mother, Norma Livingston, to ovarian cancer. The NLOCF hopes to increase awareness of the risks, symptoms and treatments for ovarian cancer while raising funds for ovarian cancer research. For more information, visit motherwalk.com.
LAMB’S EARS, LTD. Treasures for Living and Giving
Preparing for this year’s Carnival are Charlotte Langley ( JWC of 100 President), Kacy Carroll (carnival Co-Chair), Anna Emblom (Carnival Co-Chair), and Dianna Browning (JWC of 100 Vice President). Photo courtesy of Junior Women’s Committee.
You can dream up something special this summer with the children’s Summer Reading program at the Emmet O’Neal Library. Your flight of fancy begins on Sunday, May 20, at the Summer Reading Kickoff Carnival, sponsored by the Junior Women’s Committee of 100. Big dreamers and small, dreamers on foot, on bikes, and in strollers, are invited to start the afternoon at 2:30 p.m. with the annual Thomas Hughes Brinkley Memorial Fun Run. The outdoor carnival follows from 3 to 5 p.m. and features game and craft booths, concessions and a train ride. During the carnival, Emmet O’Neal librarians will be on hand to register readers of all ages for the Summer Reading program. You’ll also see special guest DJs you’ve come to love – the guys from the Boosterthon! As a part of the Take25 Child
Safety campaign, there will be a booth where carnival goers can get a child ID kit. Tickets and registration for kickoff events are available starting May 3. All other Summer Reading programs and activities begin Tuesday, May 29. For details, call 8790497 or visit www.eolib.org. The dedicated members of the Junior Women’s Committee of 100, who plan and staff the carnival, are vital to the daily operations of the Emmet O’Neal Children’s Department. Their volunteers spend 200 volunteer hours helping in the Children’s Department each year. Those involved in this event are Carnival Chairs Anna Emblom and Kacy Carroll, Carnival CoChair Fluff Roberts, Fun Run Chair Kristie Stewart, Fun Run Co-Chair Elizabeth Hancock, JWC President Charlotte Langley and Vice-President Diana Browning.
Mother’s Day?
Wedding? Graduation? Father’s Day?
Time has a wonderful way of showing us what really matters....
Mother's Day, May 13th
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Village Living
We Buy Gold
Ball of Roses
Ellen McCulley Faust, Katherine Barrow Kettig, Mary Bradley Hosch Anderson and Mary Catherine Rollins Ferguson.
By MAGGIE CARTER O’CONNOR
Just pick up the phone and call 205.995.7990. We’ll let you know what we are currently paying for gold. IT’S USUALLY ONE OF THE HIGHEST PRICES IN TOWN! Bring in your unwanted gold and silver. We’ll weigh it and give you a total amount on the spot.
THEN WALK OUT WITH CASH IN YOUR POCKET. YOU GET PAID IMMEDIATELY!
IsbellJewelers.com
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“Kosher” and “barbecue” are two words that don’t normally fit together, especially in the Deep South where BBQ is synonymous with pork. But Birmingham’s Conservative congregation and spiritual leader Rabbi Michelle Goldsmith have found a way to make it work by focusing on beef and beans. No pork permitted. Temple Beth-El will host its third annual Piggly Wiggly When Pigs Fly Kosher BBQ Contest & Festival on May 20. The festival will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the grounds of the synagogue at 2179 Highland Avenue South. The event features teams from Birmingham and around the country vying for top honors. Prizes are awarded for the Best Kosher Beef Brisket, Best Kosher Beef Ribs, Best Kosher Beans, Best Team Booth and Best Team Name. Trophies will also be awarded to the first, second and
third places in the new “People’s Choice” category for Best Kosher Beans and Best Kosher Brisket. Plus, there will be an overall Grand Champion. Most importantly, this is a Kosher event, so all ingredients, implements and cooking are watched closely by Rabbi Goldsmith. All ingredients are purchased by the synagogue for the teams. All utensils are provided by the synagogue. The synagogue owns all of the kettle-grills that will be used. When Pigs Fly is a family event and includes a children’s zone, live music and the popular annual pickle-eating contest. For details on team and event registration, sponsorship opportunities and general information, visit www. WhenPigsFlyKosherBBQ.com or contact Jacob Halpern at 369-5151 or MajorPromotions@charter.net.
FOSTER CARE
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addition to raising funds for its support. Since its inception, the Ballet Guild has raised more than $1 million for the Alabama Ballet. This year, the Ball of Roses celebrates its 52nd anniversary and continues to serve as a vital fundraiser for the Alabama Ballet. Ball of Roses Chairman Katherine Barrow Kettig and Ball Co-Chairman Ellen McCulley Faust have collaborated with Carole Sullivan of Lagniappe Designs on a colorful palette and garden theme for the ball decor. This year’s Men’s Committee Dinner, chaired by Mary Bradley Hosch Anderson and co-chaired by Mary Catherine Rollins Ferguson, has planned a formal seated dinner for donors prior to the presentation.
When Pigs Fly Kosher BBQ Contest set for Sunday, May 20
In 280 Station 448 Cahaba Park Cir Birmingham, AL 35242
(205) 995-7990
The annual Ball of Roses will be held on Saturday, June 2 at the Country Club of Birmingham’s East Room with the presentation beginning at 9 p.m. The Ball of Roses is sponsored by the Ballet Guild of Birmingham’s President Caroline Coats Wood and Executive Vice-President Lindsey Tomlinson Druhan. The First Ball of Roses was held in August of 1961. Eleven young women from Birmingham were presented. Each year, the ball is sponsored by the Ballet Guild of Birmingham, which is an invitational organization of young women dedicated to supporting the ballet in Birmingham through fundraising and volunteer work. Founded in 1959, the Ballet Guild was organized to promote and foster development of ballet in Birmingham in
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at Brook Hills and its “Radical” sermon series. The family prayed long and hard before making the decision to become a foster family. As a first step, they enrolled in a 10-week group preparation and selection class held by the Alabama Baptist Children’s Home (ABCH). After the classes, the next step was the licensing process, which normally takes six to nine months. Once licensed, the Hamiltons opened their home to the twins. The twins remained with the Hamilton’s for more than a year, but fostering is not permanent. It is the goal of the Department of Human Resources (DHR) to reunite the children with their biological family. The twins’ biological family worked with DHR, and they reunited in March. The reunion was a whirlwind for everyone. The twins had a few overnight weekend visits with their family and did very well, according to Hamilton. The judge encouraged the Hamiltons to interact with the biological family, which gave them a chance to get to know them. “It’s been very rewarding and
encouraging for us,” she said. “It’s clear they love their children so much and have spent their life trying to get the children back.” Hamilton said the first weekend the twins left for a home visit left her feeling vulnerable, like when she drove home with her first newborn baby in the backseat of the car. “What if something happens to them, and they get hurt?” she thought. The twins’ family invited the Hamiltons to a family event after the reunion. “It was a privilege to be included,” she said. The Hamiltons plan to take a brief break from fostering to spend some individual family time together. “Last night John and I drove to church together (the girls went separately), and we felt like honeymooners and grandparents all at the same time!” For those interested in becoming foster parents, Hamilton suggests attending the 10-week classes at ABCH. “That’s a perfect way to find out if fostering is right for you,” she said. For more information on the Alabama Baptist Children’s Home, visit www. alabamachild.org.
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Village Living
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May 2012 |
Sean Fredella tumor free
Sean Fredella served on the honorary crew for the Racing for Children’s car at the Honda Indy Grand Prix at Barber Motorsports in March. Photo courtesy of Denis McGill.
By RICK WATSON Sean Fredella was back at MD Anderson Hospital in Houston in mid-April, but this time the news was remarkably good. A story about the blue bows encouraging Sean in his fight against cancer ran in the January Village Living. “Scans revealed that the tumor was gone, which was great news,” said his mom, Nell Fredella. Sean had surgery in April to remove any potential remnants of the tumor, and he came through that with flying colors. He had undergone five brutal sessions of chemotherapy earlier this year in an effort to reduce the tumor in his head. If the treatment goes according to plan, the next step for Sean is to undergo six weeks of radiation at MD Anderson. Sean has been busy in Birmingham this spring. At the end of March, he rode around the Barber Motorsport track in a Porsche; he and Fuller Goldsmith of Tuscaloosa served as honorary crew chiefs for the Racing for Children’s car. In honor of Sean, the Fredellas created the SEANstrong Fund at Children’s of Alabama. This account is used to financially help families of children who are battling cancer. Donations from the blue bows, T-shirts and wristbands all go to assist patients from the Alabama Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders at Children’s of Alabama.
The community continues to be remarkable, according to Nell. POSH of Birmingham sponsored an event recently, and half the proceeds went to the SEANstrong Foundation with the other half going to the American Cancer Society. The Mountain Brook High School baseball program honored Sean at their game last month against Homewood. Sean threw out the opening pitch, and donations were taken up for the SEANstrong Fund at Children’s of Alabama. Mountain Brook Elementary school also had several SEANstrong teams in the Relay for Life event. Sean had to miss this year’s event because he was recovering from surgery in Houston. “Sean’s ready to get back home and get on with his life,” said Nell. He’s looking forward to attending an upcoming Camp Smile-a-Mile event. Sean has kept up in school through homebound schooling with the help of Susan Logan from Mountain Brook Elementary. He also attended school on good days while he was going through chemotherapy, which allowed him to keep up with his friends. Sean also wants a puppy, but Nell said she’s not real excited about that development. “I was hoping to catch a break and have a little bit of a lull in my life,” she said with a smile.
Custom Birthday Parties Available!
Zoo Giraffe Encounter now open The Kiwanis Giraffe Encounter opened April 25 at The Birmingham Zoo. One of the largest giraffe habitats in the Southeast, the exhibit allows visitors up-close and personal interaction with the zoo’s five giraffes: six-year-old Jalil, fouryear-old Willow, three-year-old Edward, and two-year-olds Keyara Jane and Zuri Anne. The exhibit’s 4,000-square foot deck provides access for feeding and viewing. In addition to the giraffes, the Kiwanis Giraffe Encounter features avaries that
will house African birds such as Lady Ross’ turacos, blue-bellied rollers, emerald stalings and Cape thick-knees. There is also a retail area with giraffe food and other giraffe-themed items as part of the exhibit. The deck is available for private gatherings such as birthday parties. The cost of feeding is $3 for members and non-members throughout the season. For more information about the exhibit, visit www.thebirminghamzoo. com.
TOYS • DOLLS • PARTIES • SPORTS
Lee Middleton Newborn Nursery
Graduation Gifts
Clark Garden to be featured in Glorious Gardens
The garden of Mountain Brook residents Ginger and Charles Clark along with five other residential gardens in Birmingham will be shown in the biennial Glorious Gardens event held by Birmingham Botanical Gardens. The June 2 event will also showcase the public garden of Railroad Park. The Clark Garden is a seamless blend of the styles preferred by homeowners. He prefers a more manicured look, which is expressed in the stately terrace and elegant plantings out front. She prefers a more liberal approach, utilizing unusual plant materials with contrasting colors in the back gardens. All-access tickets to the event are
available to the public for $25 at www. bbgardens.org/gloriousgardens. Tickets may also be purchased at Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Leaf & Petal at The Gardens and Mountain Brook Village, Leaf & Petal at the Summit, Oak Street Garden Shop, Colliers Nursery, Sweet Peas, Myers Plants & Pottery and Plant Odyssey. Volunteer guided tours will be available during Glorious Gardens hours, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. The Alabama Symphony Orchestra will perform on Sunday, June 3 at 6 p.m. For more information about the event, contact Shelly McCarty at 414-3965 or smccarty@bbgardens.org.
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Village Living
May Emmet O’Neal Library events Adults 5/1- Thyme to Read-EOL Book Group discussing “Ecology of a Cracker Childhood” by Janisse Ray, 6 p.m., The Library at the Botanical Gardens 5/2- Brown Bag Lunch series, film about amazing historic landmarks in Mexico and Central America, 12:30 p.m. 5/3- Smart Investing @ EOL with Dr. Andreas Rauterkus, Fraud Prevention & Record Keeping, 6:30 p.m. 5/8- The Bookies Book Group discussing “The Greater Journey” by David McCullough, 10 a.m. 5/9-Brown Bag Lunch series, finance presentation by a representative from Merrill Lynch, 12:30 p.m. 5/10- Smart Investing @ EOL Finale with Dolores Hydock, 6:30 p.m. 5/14- Great Books Book Group discussing a selected short story, “Lost in the Funkhouse” by John Barth, 6:30 p.m. 5/15- Tech Tuesdays, librarians will be on hand to demo e-readers and other new technologies in the Library lobby, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 5/15- Documentaries After Dark, film
about the New York Times newspaper, 6:30 p.m. 5/16- Brown Bag Lunch series, film about the largest hoard of Saxon gold ever found, 12:30 p.m. 5/17- Third Thursdays at Dyron’s Lowcountry, a portion of the restaurant’s proceeds benefit the library, 4:30-10 p.m. 5/19- Knit & Knibble, all crafts and skill levels welcome, 2-3:30 p.m. 5/20- Summer Reading Kickoff, sign up for children, teens, and adults, 2:30-5 p.m. 5/21- Monday Morning Investment Club, 10 a.m. 5/23- Brown Bag Lunch series, film on the husband & wife American design team of Charles and Ray Eames, 12:30 p.m. 5/26-5/28- Library closed in observance of Memorial Day 5/29- Genre Reading Group, Salon Discussion: Book(s) of Choice, 6:30 p.m. 5/30- Brown Bag Lunch series, film about the world’s deadliest volcanoes, 12:30 p.m. Teens 5/1- TAB, monthly meeting of the members
of the Teen Advisory Board, 5-6 p.m. 5/4- Game On! Players’ choice on games, 4:30-6:30 p.m. 5/21-24- Exam Study Breaks. Grab your books and your friends and get yourselves to the library to study for finals. We’ll provide snacks, drinks and plenty of space to study. A late-night study session will be held on Wednesday, May 23, 6-9 p.m. in the Library Community Meeting Room. Children’s Summer Schedule (starting Tuesday, May 29) Mondays *Toddler Tales Story Time, 9:30 & 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays Special programs for all ages, 10:30 a.m. & 3:30 p.m. Wednesdays *Mother Goose Story Time, 9:30 & 10:30 a.m. Chess Club, 3:30 – 5 p.m. Thursdays *Patty Cake Story Time, 9:30 & 10:30 a.m.
Movies and popcorn for rising third to sixth graders, 10:30 a.m. Special programs for rising third to sixth graders, 3:30 p.m. Saturdays Family Story Time with Mr. Mac, 10:30 a.m. Special Events 5/20-JWC Summer Reading Kickoff Carnival and Fun Run, 2:30 p.m. 5/29- Get Rhythm! Family Drum Circle, 10:30 a.m. & 3:30 p.m. 5/31- Movie and popcorn, rising third to sixth graders, 10:30 a.m. Survivor, rising third to sixth graders, 3:30 p.m. *Space is limited; please call 879-0497 or visit www.eolib.org to register. For more information about any library programs, call 445-1121 and find them online at www.eolib.org, blogging at www.eolib.blogspot.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/emmetoneallibrary, and on Twitter at @ eolib.
Adult summer reading at EOL is coming By HOLLEY WESLEY For several years now, participation in the library’s summer reading program for adults has been growing by leaps and bounds. You may remember the kids’ summer reading programs of your youth where you got prizes for reading a certain number of books or pages, but our Adult Summer Reading Program takes fun to new levels. Don’t believe me? Check out the top 10 reasons to sign up for summer reading.
10. There are no fuel surcharges or baggage fees when you armchair travel. 9. You’re guaranteed to discover the next Hollywood blockbuster before Hollywood does. 8. E-readers look good with whatever you’re wearing. 7. You could become a powerful figure on trivia night. 6. They don’t arrest you for reading. 5. Audiobooks may prevent road rage.
4. Reading provides no-calorie treats to feed hungry brains. 3. Under current scientific restrictions, books are the only way to time travel. 2. You can check out library materials for free. 1. One lucky winner will get an iPad! Got your attention, didn’t it? Summer Reading Kickoff is on Sunday, May 20 at Emmet O’Neal Library. The Fun Run begins at 2:30 p.m., and the Carnival runs
3-5 p.m. Can’t make it to the Kickoff? No worries! You can sign up any time after May 20 during regular Library hours. For more information about the Library’s regularly scheduled programs, see the Library’s calendar in this issue of Village Living, visit us online at www.eolib.org, or give us a call at 445-1121.
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Life Actually By Kari Kampakis
Only God
All babies are miracles, but sometimes…sometimes a child enters this world in a way so rare and remarkable we want to shout from a mountaintop and glorify the work of God. That’s how I feel in sharing the story of Laura and Colby Clark, a Mountain Brook couple with two beautiful daughters, Madison, 12, and Abigail, 9. I met the Clarks several years ago when my oldest daughter became friends with Abigail. Immediately I liked their family and admired how Laura and Colby were raising their children. The more time I spent around them, the more evident their faith and love for others became. But not until February 27 did I realize why their relationship with God runs so deep. Not until February 27 did Abigail’s personality—a burst of sunshine—make perfect sense. Not until February 27 did I realize that this family once experienced an unthinkable tragedy and then, one year later, on the exact same day, at the exact same minute, a miracle only God could arrange. February 27, 2012, was Abigail’s ninth birthday. It’s also the day I learned that Laura and Colby had a story about God’s grace they’d never publicized. They wanted to wait until Abigail was old enough to understand the significance of her birth, and only now did the time seem right. Ten years ago, Laura and Colby had a son, Wesley, who died of SIDS. He died at 1:06 p.m. on February 27, 2002. One year later, on February 27, 2003, also at 1:06
Laura and Colby Clark treasure moments with their son Wesley just after his birth. Photo courtesy of Frank Gaines.
p.m., Abigail was born. It was a miracle no one saw coming, and Laura’s pediatrician and OB/Gyn were so intrigued they did some checking. They couldn’t find another occurrence of this recorded anywhere. Laura and I agreed this would make a wonderful Mother’s Day story, and for days my heart ached for them. Again and again, I replayed the facts. Laura and Colby had a son. Madison and Abigail had a brother they’d meet in heaven. Wesley’s
death and Abigail’s birth were timed one year apart, down to the minute on their death certificate and birth certificate. What were the odds? (According to their doctors, who also ran stats, the Clarks had a ten times better chance of winning the lottery.) I had so many questions for Laura. What happens when a parent’s worst nightmare manifests? How do you cope? How does this change you as parents—and more importantly, as Christians?
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Once Laura and I sat down to talk, I started understanding the presence of God’s grace in our darkest times. Normally when I hear a story, I put myself in the person’s shoes, imagine it happening to me. But with Laura, my mind wouldn’t go there. I couldn’t imagine putting my healthy two-month-old down for a nap at 9 a.m., and getting a call at the office at 11:30 a.m. from my nanny, a pediatric nurse, who’d just checked the crib and realized he wasn’t breathing. I couldn’t imagine racing down the longest hall ever, feeling like I was trapped in a tunnel, and talking on the phone to paramedics, who were at my house working on my baby, resuscitating him four times. I couldn’t imagine waiting in a hospital room with family and friends, praying that a team of doctors could save him. Most of all, I couldn’t imagine seeing my pediatrician walk into the room, shake his head, and break down and cry. They asked Laura if she wanted to hold Wesley. She held him until 9 o’clock that night, until she had to let go. Giving up Wesley was the hardest thing she ever did. It felt like she was handing over her life. “I cried every day for a year,” Laura says, “and I was angry, but I never took it as punishment. After Wesley died, that’s the closest I’ve ever felt to God. Grace is like daily bread, and I’ve learned that the Bible is more than a book. Before I used to read, ‘God gave up His son,’ but now I understand He willingly did that. I never could have willingly done that.” Three months after Wesley died, Laura had a dream that she needed to take a pregnancy test. It was so compelling she woke Colby up at 3 a.m. and asked him to go buy one. It made no sense because they’d done years of fertility to conceive Madison and Wesley and knew they couldn’t get pregnant on their own. Nevertheless, Laura felt sure. Together they awaited test results in the bathroom. When nothing showed up,
See ONLY GOD | page 25
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| May 2012 | Village Sports
Village Sports
Ballard “kicks” Spartan track into high gear By WILL HIGHTOWER Payton Ballard’s pump-up music playlist is, well, unique. The junior Mountain Brook runner listens to a cappella music before most races to prepare to run. “Sometimes I get weird looks because I’m dancing at the starting line right before the race,” Ballard said. “During races I always have a song stuck in my head and end up changing the tempo to match my steps in the race.” The funny thing is, Ballard’s running is anything but simple a cappella. The distance runner’s racing style is a perfect symphony of competitiveness, raw speed and determination, building towards a triumphant crescendo in the last 100 meters with one of the best final “kicks” Mountain Brook track has ever seen. Ballard has exploded onto the state track scene this year with scorching times in the 1600 (mile) and 800 (half-mile). His fastest mile time is 4:20, good for second in the state. His 1:54 time in the 800 is fourth in the state and ranks nationally even better than his mile time. He broke the school indoor track mile record with a 4:21 this winter. But with Ballard, the fascinating thing is not necessarily how fast he runs, although his times are astounding. What draws people to watch his races is how he runs. Everyone mentions the word “competitive” when talking about Ballard’s running. “Payton is competitive as anything,
Payton Ballard sprints during track practice at Mountain Brook High School. Photo by Brittney Harrison.
and he is really good in the last part of a race when he has to pass somebody,” senior runner Jack Miller said. “It’s fun to watch. And even though we have some great runners and workers on this team, Payton is out of our league when it comes to how hard he works in practice.” Almost all track coaches tell their runners to “catch the guy in front of you.” Ballard has taken that philosophy to the extreme. He usually will hang just behind a runner until the final stretch and put on a show by sprinting past him for the victory. The final sprint in a race is referred to as the “kick.” This year, that philosophy has worked
well. Although Ballard has been a runner ever since quitting football after seventh grade (“My mom made me play, I had no clue what I was doing”), his two years at the high school have seen him become the best runner on the team. Much of his success is built on that work ethic Miller brought up. “Coach just tells me to do something, and I do it,” Ballard said. “I don’t really think about it too much. The only issue for anyone in practice is staying focused. I go out there to push myself, and that’s what I do every day. You can’t be lazy. And that’s what the sport is about. You can’t slack off.” With the state championships coming
up in Gulf Shores on May 4-5, Ballard is looking to finish his junior year by breaking 4:20, although he says he is “happy with his times.” The school record for the mile is just under 4:18, run by Nicholas Lepley in 2006. The scariest thing for the rest of the state is that Ballard is only a junior. With one year left in high school, there is no telling what records he might break. And after that, Ballard wants to continue his career at the next level. “College is where everything is headed depending on the offers I get,” Ballard said. “It’s a pretty sure thing.”
Village Sports
By HILARY ROSS After five long years, Mountain Brook Girls’ Junior Varsity Soccer team won the prestigious Oak Mountain Athletics Junior Varsity Soccer Tournament. Teams from across the state participated in this elite, two-day competition. This is a premier tournament that showcases upcoming Alabama team talent. During match play in a blinding rainstorm, MBHS JV girls defeated Chelsea 6-0. Then, in the following game after a two-hour lightening delay, the Mountain Brook girls defeated soccer perennial powerhouse Bob Jones of Huntsville 1-0. The following morning, they defeated
a scrappy Thompson 1-0 in muddy conditions to advance to the finals. In the finals against Oak Mountain, a hard fought contest ended in a regulation play tie. Two overtime periods followed with no score, which lead to a set of penalty kick shootouts to decide the champions. In a final game that lasted two hours, MBHS JV Girls won on penalty kicks and captured the title. Twelve MBJH ninth graders are on the team’s roster of 17. With the season almost over, the team is undefeated in regular season and tournament play for 2012.
Flag Football registration May 19 Summer Flag Football registration will be held Saturday, May 19 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Mountain Brook Junior High. Flag Football is offered for second through seventh grade. The season will run from the week of July 9 to the week of August 6. Games will be played during the week with possible make-up games on the weekend. Grades will be grouped according to participation levels in each grade. The emphasis will be on participation, throwing and catching. Flag football will be structured so those children participating in other activities
can still participate in football. Teams will have enough boys so that games can still be played even if some players have to miss a game due to other sports activities, camp, vacation or other summer activities. The fee for Flag Football is $85. You can visit Mountain Brook Athletics website (www.mbathletics.org) throughout the year for registration dates/times and sports information. Information concerning fall sports and registration dates for fall sports should be on the website by late July or early August.
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BUSA 2001 Elite Blue Girls’ Team won their championship game. The girls were undefeated in bracket play going on to win an exciting championship match 2-1 against the CUFC 01 Red Team from Chattanooga to claim the title in the Bronze division.
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PAGEANT
BUSA 2001 Elite Blue members are Sarah Frances Adair, Claire Brian, Lamar Campbell, Emma Culhane, Mimi Davis, Catherine Haas, Anna-Julia Kutsch, Mary Allen Murray, Margaret O’Hare, Catherine Sims, Virginia Wahlheim, Lucy Walthall, MacKynzie Watson and Coach Andrew Brower
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| May 2012 |
Village Sports
St. Francis Xavier continues basketball tradition
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The St. Francis Xavier basketball team celebrates. Picture courtesy of Susan Spielberger.
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The Tradition of winning continues once again for the SFX Senior Girls Basketball team. For the sixth straight year, SFX has won the championship. The girls went undefeated again and won the Toy Bowl regular season as well as the tournament. The team also defeated Holy Rosary from Memphis for the first time this season.
The team consists of Hannah Barber of Mountain Brook, Morgan Cleveland, Clarion Dubose, Isabella Guevara, Caroline Grady, Maria Holder, Caroline Moffitt, Madi Sinak, Sami Sinak, Hollon Skinner of Mountain Brook and Caroline Urbanek. Coaches are Wayne Atkinson and Susan Spielberger of Mountain Brook.
MBJH golf team wins Invitational
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MBJH team Coach Bobby Plummer, Thomas McMahon who shot a 43, Hugh Rowe Thomas who shot the low 38 and Jonathon Eyster who shot a 40. Photo courtesy of Ashley McMahon.
The Mountain Brook Junior High Golf team won the MBJH Invitational at the Country Club of Birmingham on April 18. Mountain Brook won with a combined
score of 121, Hewitt came in second with 129 and Pizitz came in third with 131. Carden McCay made a hole in one on hole three for Hewitt.
Support MBHS and MBJH athletics at annual golf tournament On Wednesday, May 16, Mountain Brook Sports Corporation (MBSC) will hold its 14th Annual Golf Tournament at the Highland Park Golf Course. The tournament raises money for the athletic programs at Mountain Brook High School and Mountain Brook Junior High School. The non-profit charitable organization was formed in 1998 and is run by a Board of Directors from the Mountain Brook community. MBSC has been involved in the funding of many improvements to the athletic programs at MBHS and MBJH including the new field-house for football; the new concession stand and press-box at Spartan Stadium; two resurfacings for the Spartan track; a new locker room, concession stand and press-box for baseball; new weights for basketball, wrestling and volleyball; new field equipment for the track program; new nets for the soccer program; serving and shooting equipment for volleyball and basketball; new scoreboards for basketball; new computers, sound and video equipment for football, basketball and baseball; indoor hitting
facilities for softball and baseball; new mats and electronic timers for wrestling; new field equipment and heaters for baseball. Many coaches and former MBHS athletes will play. The winners of the 13th annual tournament were Thomas Twitty, Hunter Twitty, Tom Twitty and Mike Morrison. Tournament fees of $250 per person include 18 holes of golf, range balls, a cart, lunch, beverages and several other gifts/ prizes. A 2012 Nissan Maxima from Moore Nissan will be awarded for a hole in one. Sponsorships are also available for a hole or a foursome for $1,000. If you are not able to play, you can also sponsor a coach. All donations are tax deductible and may be designated to a specific sport. Shot gun starts will be at 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. For more information and to register, visit www.mtnbrook.k12.al.us/cms/ MBSC+Golf+Tournament/12884.html or Mountain Brook Sporting Goods in Crestline Village. For more information, contact Wade Cowden at 807-0335.
Village Sports
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Local girls compete at nationals Fine Jewelry
Coach Clair Allison (with Welsh Corgi, Dudley); Lacy Smith, Cherokee Bend School; Mattie Harden, Oak Mountain Middle School; Audrey Roell, Highlands School; and Coach Pam Carroll before Nationals.
By HILARY ROSS The Birmingham Interscholastic Equestrian Team (BIET), the first of its kind in Alabama, distinguished itself for the second year in a row since its inception in 2010, when its middle school team made it all the way to the National Finals in New York. The Birmingham Team has 20 members, several of whom are from Mountain Brook. Mountain Brook resident Rebekah Sims was one of five members of the high school team. Audrey Roell of Highlands School and Lacy Smith of Cherokee Bend Elementary are on the threeperson middle school team and competed at the National Finals in Syracuse, N.Y. on April 20. Both teams qualified for and placed first in Regional Finals, which then qualified them for Zone Finals in Charleston. At the Zone Finals, the BIET Middle School team qualified for this year’s National Finals, held the weekend of April 20. There are over 5000 members of the Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA), and less than five percent of the middle school riders make it to the National Finals. The Birmingham Team was formed by Clair Allison of Clairmont Show Stables,
who graduated from Mountain Brook and went on to ride with Virginia Intermont and Auburn. She, along with Pam Carroll, coach and train the team, open to 11-19 year olds. BIET is in Zone 4, which includes teams from Georgia, Florida, Tennessee and South Carolina that compete all over the southeast. IEA also allows riders interested in collegiate equestrian teams to get a jump start on their future in collegiate riding by providing an opportunity to earn college scholarships. The team had three girls selected to go the College Preparatory Invitational Horse Show 2012 at Winter Equestrian Festival in West Palm Beach. This horse show gave them the opportunity to be seen by many college equestrian team coaches and to explore scholarship opportunities. Tryouts for the team will take place this summer for the 2012-2013 season. All levels of rider from beginner up are welcomed. Clairmont also offers summer camps, boarding, lessons and a local and “A” circuit show program for riders. For more information, contact Clair Allison at Clairmont Show Stables, at 243-2750 or 6723174.
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MB Lacrosse players make national all stars
Lacrosse players Zachary Carroll, Drew White, Hays Vogtle, Mac Campbell, Patrick Doud. Photo courtesy of Brian Doud.
Mountain Brook Junior High School eighth graders Mac Campbell (son of Lela and Brian Campbell), Patrick Doud (son of Leigh and Brian Doud), Hays Vogtle (son of Laura and Jesse Vogtle), Drew White (son of Jorja and Andy White) and seventh grader Zachary Carroll (son of Perryn and Mike Carroll) have each been named a Brine National Lacrosse All-Star and selected to represent the Southeast Region (Alabama) in the 2012 Brine National All-Star Lacrosse Academy and National Lacrosse Classic to be held in Boyds, Md. from June 30 through July 3. Each of these boys plays lacrosse in the Greater Birmingham Youth Lacrosse
Association league. Midfielder Mac Campbell and defensemen Patrick Doud and Hays Vogtle play for the Mountain Brook U15 Gold team, coached by Tom Clark and Brian Doud. Defenseman Zachary Carroll and attackman Drew White play for the Mountain Brook U15 White team coached by Matt Swerdlin. The Brine National All-Star Lacrosse Academy and National Lacrosse Classic brings the top 400 middle school lacrosse players in the country to one venue, where 16 regional teams will compete to become the 2012 National Champion. For additional details, visit www.nationallacrosseclassic. com.
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School House
HOT COLORS TO CHOOSE FROM
CBS’s Project Playground takes off
Summer’s Almost Here! pick out your HOT summer Colors now!
CBS Principal Betsy Bell with Kate Jeffcoat, Mary Winston Hendry, Alex Roberts, John Hendry, Sam Corley and Helen Ezelle.
By FRANCES WATTS
We’ll Set You Straight! Your initial exam is always COMPLIMENTARY!
Cherokee Bend Elementary School is in the middle of their “Project Playground” capital campaign. Due to the generosity and support of CBS families throughout the years, along with the success of fundraisers such as the Boosterthon and The Bend’s Got Talent, the school is able to install natural turf, paint and stripe the basketball court and provide a free standing two-seat swing. The school also would like to install a shade canopy over the playground equipment as well as add benches, picnic tables and a water fountain. There are also
hopes for an intercom/phone device on the playground and a rock wall with a slide. If you are interested in being a part of the new playground at Cherokee Bend Elementary, visit www.bricksrus. com/order/cbs to become a brick paver sponsor. Donations can be made in honor or thanksgiving of all the special people in the CBS community. Sponsorships are also available for benches, picnic tables and individual playground components. Construction on the new playground is scheduled to begin June 1.
CBS kindergarteners celebrate community helpers
Front row: Hance Lanier, Aaron King, Tate Rogers, Lauren Barksdale, Frances Hodges, Reese Thompson, Ashley Courington, Weathers Wolsfelt, Will Woodke and Frank Lee. Back row: Callie Kent, James Ward, Drew Bodnar, Billy Huffman, Luke Christopher, Francie Pilleteri, Andrew Naftel, Jonah Kipp and Greer Thompson.
By THERESA GREGORY Cherokee Bend kindergarteners recently finished studying a unit on community helpers. To conclude their learning, they took a special field trip to the Mountain Brook Fire Station. Then, the following day, the children dressed up
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as those who fulfill important jobs in our community. The students transformed into teachers, nurses, doctors, dentists, policemen, veterinarians, firemen, artists, principals, judges and the like, just to name a few.
Mountain Brook Writers Festival The Mountain Brook Writers’ Festival hosted a three-day event with authors Peter Lourie, Jane Kurtz and Michael Buckley. The event was held at the elementary schools of Brookwood Forest, Cherokee Bend and Mountain Brook Elementary. Peter’s incredible creative writing presentations with journaling techniques took students up close to arctic polar bears and then under water with manatees to learn about his expeditions and our earth’s fragility. American doll author Jane Kurtz, a professor at the University of Vermont, spoke about her Ethiopian background to present the finer points of writing and revising. American Girl Lanie dolls were
spotted in the audience when Jane spoke. Michael Buckley, the New York Times bestselling author of the N.E.R.D.S and Sisters Grimm series, was a popular hit with our students. Well known in New York literature circles for writing for Discovery Network and Nickelodeon, our students are now anticipating the newest release in May that will conclude the Sisters Grimm series. Each author held an autograph session during the event. Many thanks go to Finley Evans, chairperson, and her team members from each school for putting on this event sponsored by the PTOs.
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School House
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Future kindergartners visit MBE By JENNIFER GRAY The auditorium was packed with excited four and five year olds and their parents when the school hosted Kindergarten Orientation for children who will be starting kindergarten at Mountain Brook Elementary this fall. Principal Belinda Treadwell welcomed parents and future students to MBE and shared with them what she thinks makes the school so special as well as all of the exciting things they have to look forward to next school year. PTO President Tricia Golden talked about how parents can get involved with the school and also introduced several committee chairs. Kindergarten teachers were introduced and took the children back to their classrooms where they got to meet other students and also see what their classrooms will look like next year.
Mary Richard Elkus, Christopher Hunt, Taylor Tracy, Caitlin Hunt and Caroline Gray enjoy the MBE kindergarten orientation.
The event ended in the lunchroom, where parents met back up with their children who received goodie bags with MBE T-shirts, clipboards, note pads and a cookie. Everyone had a great time, and all are excited about starting kindergarten next year.
Alabama football player speaks to CES boys
University of Alabama lineman Barrett Jones with Crestline Elementary boys.
By ALYSSA MONSON Barrett Jones, University of Alabama lineman, was spotted in Mountain Brook on March 29. He came to speak to a group of Crestline Boys Bible Club members. More than 100 young boys in first through sixth grades woke up at dawn to get to Steeple Arts to have breakfast and hear about his commitment to Christ. “This was a great opportunity for our
boys” said Britt Redden, third grade Boys Bible Study leader. Jones told the boys that he wants people to know him for being a man of God and not just a championship winner. Bible Club is open to any boy of any denomination. Bible clubs meet either before or after school during the school year.
BWF students volunteer at Hope Lodge
Making People Happy For 22 Years, It’s An Institution!
Fifth grade students from Brookwood Forest served dinner at Hope Lodge.
By BAMA HAGER Brookwood Forest Elementary fifth grade students served dinner to guests of the American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge on March 29 in conjunction with their Relay For Life fundraising efforts. Hope Lodge in Birmingham is a free temporary place to stay for patients and loved ones when cancer treatments are not in the families’ hometowns. Hope Lodge provides a nurturing home-like environment where guests can heal and relax between cancer treatments. The students provided multiple entrees including fried chicken, barbecue, lasagna, pasta and ham. Students’ families
supplied a kitchen full of sides, desserts and drinks for the honorees to enjoy. Students joined families and patients during dinner, and patients expressed gratitude to both parents and students. Students in BWF fifth grade have conducted lemonade stands, bake sales and other events to support their Relay for Life fundraising efforts. Mountain Brook’s Relay for Life event and fundraiser for the American Cancer Society was held April 20 at Spartan Stadium at Mountain Brook High School. Fifth Grade Teachers at BWF are Tiffany Marron, Brooke Sullivan, Julie Hudson and Jennifer Hendrix.
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Live music every Fri. and Sat. night starting @ 9pm.
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| May 2012 |
School House
Earthborn Studios Pottery, by Tena Payne, as seen at The Hot & Hot Fish Club and on the Food Network’s Iron Chef.
Relay for Life fundraiser
Best selection found at The Cook Store! Pottery by Earthborn Studios • Tena Payne of Birmingham 2841 Cahaba Road • 879-5277 • Mon-Fri 10-5 • Sat 10-4 • www.thecookstoremtnbrook.com Front row: Maggie McPherson, Mary Johnson Bradford, Ellie Wolter and Caroline Davies. Back row: Janie Branch, El McMillan, Louise Doss, Jane Perry Starling, Eve Taylor, Lealis Schilleci and Emma Garcia. Photo courtesy of Dana Wolters.
A group of seventh grade girls made and sold tie-dye T-shirts to benefit Relay for Life. The fundraiser was held at Mimi and Fred Renneker’s home, who are grandparents of seventh grader El McMillan. Customers, mostly children, picked out their size, and tie dyed it themselves
in the colors they wanted. Buckets with different colors of dye were placed all around the driveway so everyone had lots of options. The girls charged $10 a shirt and also offered cookie decorating and hula hooping. The group raised more than $1,000 for Relay for Life.
MBE third grade visits Sloss
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Mrs. Dyess’ class poses for a group photo at Sloss Furnaces.
By HILARY ROSS Mountain Brook Elementary third graders recently took a field trip to visit historic Sloss Furnaces, a National Historic Landmark, just minutes away from the school in the industrial area of Birmingham. Sloss Furnaces produced iron for nearly 90 years, which gave rise to the city of Birmingham. With its web of pipes and tall smokestacks, students were offered a glimpse into the great industrial past of the South and the nation. While at Sloss, students watched a
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video on the history of Birmingham and the role the furnaces played, then went on to tour the furnace, underground railroad tunnel and the blowing engine building. Their favorite activity was the iron pour. First, students prepared a grooved design by “scratching” with a nail on a solid, sand block. Then, a group labeled blocks, and furnace workers poured molten iron into the blocks, which cooled and became a keepsake iron trivet for each student.
BWF Grandpals Day By JANA ROME
There’s no better place for your family to spend the summer than at the J. In addition to our award winning pool, we have summertime activities for the entire family: Swim Team, Dive Team, Tennis, Water Classes, Swim Lessons and the return of our fabulously popular Thursday Family Fun Nights beginning June 7th. You’ll feel like you’re on vacation all summer long!
Stop by for a tour and a free week pass today! Levite Jewish Community Center 3960 Montclair Road 205-879-0411 www.bhamjcc.org
Brookwood Forest Elementary held its annual Grandpals Day on March 30. More than 150 grandparents and special friends of kindergarten students enjoyed a musical performance, reception and visit with teachers. The PTO thanks local businesses whose support and donations helped make this day a success: Max’s Deli, Chick-Fil-A (Montclair), Piggly Wiggly, and Publix. Also many thanks to the Grandpals Day Committee for their hard work in pulling off another very successful and meaningful day for the teachers, grandparents and kindergarteners: Jana Rome, Committee Chair; Jill Everette; Heather Alexander; Mary Virginia Gardner; Molly Hamilton; Katherine Mange; Paige McCauley; Ellen Stein; and Ila Worthen. The committee is thankful
Brookwood Forest Elementary kindergarten student Hillary Rome enjoyed Grandpals Day with grandparents, Estelle and Robert Rome.
for the help of the kindergarten teachers, Mrs. Rakes, the lunchroom staff and many others who helped to make this day great!
School House
Mountain Brook well represented at State Legislative Conference
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@ Emmet O'Neal Library May 3rd, 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m. Fraud Prevention & Record Keeping Smart Investing Series Finale with Storyteller Delores Hydock Thursday, May 10th 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m. These programs are free, but registration is required. Register online at www.eolib.org or call 445-1118
Ninth grade delegates at the Youth Legislative Conference. Photo courtesy of Helen Pruet.
The Smart investing@your library series is a grant-funded program developed collaboratively by the American Library Association and the FINRA Investor Education Foundation.
By HILARY ROSS More than 300 high school students attended the 64th YMCA Youth Legislature conference in Montgomery. Mountain Brook was well represented with 33 students, 16 of which were ninth grade students in the first year chamber from Mountain Brook Junior High. The first year chamber teaches the students about decorum and legislative protocols. This year’s Presiding Officer, elected at last year’s conference, was Jeff Rogers, a junior at Mountain Brook High School. Several freshmen were elected to attend officer’s training in January to learn the responsibilities for the positions: Baily Martin, Floor Leader; Cooper Barnes, Reading Clerk; and Natalie Jones, Assistant Clerk. The delegation brought home many accolades as they engaged in the challenging legislative process in Alabama’s State House. For the opening session, the guest speakers were Dr. Robert Bentley and Judge Tommy Bryan. Sergie Kampakis was awarded First Year Best Bill for “Biking Lanes Act.” Bills signed into law by the youth governor Jackson Britten were “Community Service for High School Students” by Madelyn Rosenthal, “Defensive Driving Bill” by Lacey Ballard, and “More Fruits
and Veggies - Less Rate of Obesity - The Alabama Public Meal Solution” by Cooper Barnes. Outstanding Delegates selected in the First Year Chamber were Cooper Barnes, Natalie Jones, Baily Martin, Daniel McCool and Paul Roth. Ninth grade representatives were Cooper Barnes, Vince Bolus, Jack Carvalho, Will Freeman, Sergei Kampakis, Daniel McCool, Paul Roth, Gene Thagard, Lacey Ballard, Cate Harmon, Kelley Jiang, Natalie Hones, Lindsey Kirk, Baily Martin, Joely Nadler and Madeyln Rosenthal. Next year’s state officers elected at the conference from Mountain Brook were Lieutenant Governor Zijie (Stephen) Yin, Speaker of the House Jeff Rogers, Secretary of State Murray Manley, House Pro-Temp Ben Jackson, House Floor Leader Hannah Mouyal and First Year Presiding Officer Amelia Putnam. Mountain Brook won all but three officer positions. Five Mountain Brook High School students, Ben Jackson, Zijie Yin, Amelia Putnam, Jeff Rogers, and Wayne Ingram, were among 20 students chosen from across the state to attend the National Affairs conference in North Carolina this summer. Rebecca Fleisig, Hannah Mouyal and Natalie Jones were named alternates for the conference.
Crestline Elementary Cougar Chase
Baseball & Softball season is here! Go Spartan Boys Go and Girls!
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Crestline students Elizabeth Hamilton, Lucy Windle, Katherine Kimberlin, Ginny Carney, Emma Blakely and Hannah Doss.
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By ALYSSA MONSON On April 15, children in grades K-6 participated in The Cougar Chase, an event at Crestline held every spring. As part of the Alabama State Physical Fitness Test, the children are challenged to run one mile. The course starts on the field at the school then winds through the neighborhood and ends at the gym. Children crossing the finish line get a ribbon and a cold cup of Gatorade for their hard work.
This year’s overall winners were: Boys 1. Carter Emack 2. Walton Morris 3. Brooks Reddy Girls 1. Catherine Sims 2. Claire Kimberlin 3. Catherine Haas
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May 2012 |
Village Living
GRADUATION from pg 1
and baseball. His favorite teams to cheer for are the Auburn Tigers and the Atlanta Braves. Matthew’s favorite class in high school has been his physics class. “I love my class because we have really bonded as a group,” he said. “Although they are usually laughing at me more than with me, I have fun in that class and learn a lot of complicated material that makes me feel smarter than I probably should feel.” Matthew also said that his calculus teacher, Ms. Wanda Burns, has had a significant impact on his life. “She always gives us so much and asks for so little in return,” said Matthew. One of the things Matthew said he has learned in his time at Mountain Brook is that everyone has something special about them. “Whether singing or acting or competing or thinking or writing or talking or even smiling, everyone in this world has value and unique abilities. Sometimes, we all forget that, but it is truly something I have learned and aspire to live by.” Next year, Matthew will attend Auburn University to study electrical engineering. “I plan on being involved with the business side of engineering because I love math and science, but I also love managing projects,” explains Matthew. When asked who inspires him, Matthew said he looks up to his father the most. “He can handle any situation, no matter how difficult or complicated it may be. He also is a huge role model because he is very successful and uses that success to ensure the people that mean the most to him have meaningful lives and is charitable in many ways. His value for his family and his church is something I aspire to achieve.” One thing Matthew said people
probably don’t know about him is his stinginess. “I use coupons on dates and only buy clothes if I absolutely have to,” he said with a laugh. Matthew said he is incredibly excited about his speech at graduation, and to the class of 2012: “Even if I do not know you very well or I am not your best friend, I can remember something small about each of you that has affected me in some way, and I truly treasure the years we have spent as a group. I hope each of you are successful and happy in your lives and make an impact on the world.”
Brooke Harwell
Albert Einstein once gave three rules for work: “Out of clutter find simplicity, from discord find harmony, and in the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.” These are words senior Brooke Harwell strives to live by, and from singing to surgery, she has her mind set for achievement. Brooke serves as the president of the Red Mountain Theatre Performing Ensemble and performs with them year round. She is also a member of the MBHS Chamber Choir, sings with her youth group band at the Metro Church of God, and studies classical voice and piano. Brooke says her biggest influence has been the director of Red Mountain Theatre, Keith Cromwell. “He has taught me so much about striving for excellence and about crafting your art, whatever that art may be,” she said. As a senior, Brooke’s favorite class has been calculus with Ms. Burns. “It’s the first time I’ve seen math really fit into the real world, and my teacher is able to explain those connections in really creative ways.” AP United States History teacher Dr. George Prewett also had influence on Brooke. “I usually don’t enjoy history that much, but I always felt engaged in his class.
He finds so much significance in life’s little blessings,” she said. Brooke will be attending Vanderbilt University next year, with plans to become a surgeon. “I am fascinated both by human biology and by people in general,” Brooke said. “A surgeon has the opportunity to meet incredible people while also studying their physical inner workings.” In ten years Brooke said she wants to live in the mountains with a ‘Beauty and the Beast’-sized library. “But I guess I’ll have to find a quasi-isolated area also located next to a hospital so that I can go to a good medical school and perform surgery,” she said. As for something you might not know, Brook said: “I’m really short, so I wear heels just about every day of my life, but I promise I’m not that big of a diva. I just pretend to be. Also, I have an alternate dream of touring the world with the Swingle Singers, singing and sipping tea with them all day, every day.”
Thomas Johnston
Track, student government, volunteering and a schedule full of AP classes would overwhelm most students, but for Thomas Johnston, it is just another day. Thomas was born in Villette, Switzerland, a small town outside of Lausanne in the French speaking part of the country, and he moved to the United States when he was one and a half. “I don’t have dual citizenship or anything, but while I was there, my mom went to school, and my dad had to take the train to work everyday,” said Thomas. Since then Thomas has become incredibly busy at the high school, running cross country for seven years, participating in Key Club and serving as the boy’s vice president in SGA. Self-described as patient, optimistic and tall, Thomas enjoys hanging out with friends, participating in church youth
group events at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, playing frisbee and running outside of school. This year Thomas said his favorite teacher has been his AP English teacher, Ms. Jane Major. “I love Ms. Major, her room always has a nice atmosphere and a relaxing classroom that is a good way to end the day if we’re not writing essays or taking tests.” Thomas said that while at Mountain Brook he has been inspired by many people, but most importantly by his teachers. “I’ve been especially impacted by Dr. Prewett and Ms. Lowe because they drastically improved my writing over my junior year, and I could tell the improvement when writing my college essays,” Thomas said. “Ms. Denson and Ms. Burns furthered my learning and interest in math at the junior high and high school and really pushed me to work hard and keep working hard all throughout the year.” Thomas plans to continue studying math in the future with a major in STEM (Science Technology Engineering Mathematics) at either the University of Georgia or the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He also hopes to attend medical school or pursue some other science, math or research-oriented career. Two events this year have stuck out for Thomas as his favorite memories in high school. “The Hoover game back in October was amazing,” said Thomas. “It was so fun being a part of the student section. Homecoming week in general was also terrific, partially because I was in charge of it and got to see it unfold as planned. This year has had tons of school spirit that have made it a wonderful senior year.” Thomas is looking forward to what is to come: “These past four years have been awesome, but the next four will be even better. I feel fortunate to graduate with some of the friendliest, most interesting and spirited people, and I look forward to seeing everyone again and hearing about their future successes.”
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School House
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MBJH has talent
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May 2012 |
21
La Tavolo
Learn to cook Italian - Sicilian comfort food Hands on cooking classes
The Perfect Gift for Mom Sicilian Cooking classes starting at $50 per class
Add our signature apron for just $15 Gift Certificates Are Available! Eighth grade duo Charlotte McRae, vocals, and Spence Fulmer, guitar, wowed the crowd with their Fleetwood Mac performance.
205-531-2796 • www.latavolo.com
By HILARY ROSS MBJH had a record number of entrants participating in the annual Art Forms contest this year. Prior to the award assembly, each student who entered the contest received an official Art Forms T-shirt bearing the artwork of ninth grader Caroline Moore, the 2012 Logo Contest winner voted on by the student body. The art was also featured on the Art Forms Showcase posters and programs. All awards were given by judges from the community who are professionals in the respective area of art. Seventh grade winners were: Emily Bolvig, first and second for her photograph of a sunflower and drawing of a bird in graphite; Eleanor Swagler, third for her Coca-Cola photograph, which was cut and woven with bottle caps surrounding the image. Eighth Grade winners were: Katherine Grace Moore, first for her portrait of Grace Kelly using mixed media; Georgeann Hester, second for her study of a red flower in pastel; and Frances Conner, third for her river snowflake embossed in metal. In the ninth grade: Caroline Moore, first for her clay sculpture of a lamb titled “Wolf;” Mary Keller Greene, second for her photograph of her Grandfather’s violin; and Virginia White, third for her ink drawing of a hand on a silver background. The best overall visual arts winner was ninth grader Kelley Jiang for her acrylic painting of an evening street scene. Student choice awards were given to Henry Barze, seventh grade; Callie Wilson, eighth grade; and Kelley Jiang, ninth grade. Poetry winners were: Charlotte McRae, first; Adelaide Kimberly, second;
and Mary Katherine Moore and Lowry Neil, tied for third. Essay winners were Emily Bolvig, first; Gabi Fahey, second; and Brother Swagler, third. Short Fiction award recipients were Claire Davis and Adelaide Kimberly, tied for first, Gray Robertson, second; and Eleanor Swagler, third. The best overall literary arts award was given to Avi Goldsmith for her short fiction story. Performing arts winners for seventh grade were: Brantley Goodman, first for her jazz dance to “New York, New York;” Brooke Holloway, second for her vocal “Make You Feel My Love;” and Sam Vaughn, third for his piano performance, “Toccata.” Eighth grade awards were: Percussion Trio of Kelsey Potter, Elizabeth Turner and Sara Wiginton, first for their play on yellow Solo Cups; Charlotte McRae, vocal, and Spence Fulmer, guitar, second for their Fleetwood Mac tunes; Helen Camp, guitar, third for her original composition, “Always.” Ninth grade winners were: Stephen Little, guitar and vocal, first for his original composition “You Could Be;” Emily Sink, second for her piano performance of “Rhapsody;” and Stephanie Webster, third for her flute piece. Bill Perry, ninth grade, was the overall Performing Arts winner for his piano medley of Beatles tunes. The Showcase was emceed by sophomore Jack Royer, and co-hosted by seniors Hannah and Rebekah Patterson. The Art Forms Committee helped facilitate the contest and was co-chaired by Lee Perry and Krislin Smith, who were assisted by 16 PTO volunteers.
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Students make honor bands
Front Row: Anna Wheeler, Julia Lott, Brad Jenkins, Reese Williams, Ben Webster, and Stephanie Webster; Back Row, Aaron Shapiro, Alec Castinado, Will Adkison, Laura Semmes, Daniel Neville, Stephen Yin and Trey Lockett. (Not pictured: Lee Dressler, Tianyi Liu, Adam Thomas and Allen Yu). Photo courtesy of Fran Quarles.
Seventeen Mountain Brook High School and Junior High students made seven prestigious honor bands as follows: All-State Band (High School): Alec Castinado, Lee Dressler (Alternate), Julia Lott, Laura Semmes, Aaron Shapiro, Ben Webster, Reese Williams and Stephen Yin; District IV High School Honor Band; AllState High School Jazz Band: Will Adkison and Trey Lockett, All-State Middle School Jazz Band: Brad Jenkins and Allen
Yu; Auburn University Honor Band: Anna Wheeler; District IV High School Honor Band: Alec Castinado, Lee Dressler, Julia Lott, Tianyi Liu, Aaron Shapiro, Ben Webster, Anna Wheeler, Reese Williams and Stephen Yin; District IV Middle School Honor Band: Adam Thomas and Allen Yu; University of Alabama Honor Band: Lee Dressler, Daniel Neville, Ben Webster and Stephanie Webster.
Specializing in custom architectural iron work. 3607 1st Ave. S. • 226-9055
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May 2012 |
Business Spotlight
Business Spotlight
Grandmother’s Joy
BY BRITTNEY HARRISON
81 Church Street, #102 870-4027 Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 5p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. www.joychildrensboutique.com
Anna Garner, an Auburn alum, grew up wearing the clothes her mother made for her. “She was a fabulous sewer,” Garner said. Yet it wasn’t until after her college years that Garner began sewing herself. She quickly fell in love with the art and began selling her own pieces at local trunk shows in early 2007. “It’s special when someone loves something that you made,” Garner said. Garner, the store manager at Grandmother’s Joy since 2009, has taken this concept of creating for others to construct one of the most recent elements of Grandmother’s Joy known as Custom Corner. ”This is a section where customers can come in and create the perfect outfit for their child,” Garner said. With more than 500 appliqués to choose from, customers pick the type of clothing, fabrics and monogram for their child. Once the designs are picked, Garner then makes these personalized outfits. Turnaround time for each order is two to three weeks. As popularity grows, Garner plans to expand Custom Corner with more options including skirts and dresses. In addition to Custom Corner, Grandmother’s Joy offers a wide selection of heirloom clothing and well-known brands such as Mustard Pie, Zuccini and Mela Wilson. Mixed in with these brands are a few of Garner’s own pieces. “I keep with the traditional style but
The boutique offers various clothing lines, colors and patterns for any occasion. Anna Garner has been the store manager at Grandmother’s Joy since 2009.
Custom Corner is a new feature of Grandmother’s Joy that allows customers to easily create custom clothing for their children. Photos by Brittney Harrison.
with a little twist of fun fabric,” Garner said. Garner has revamped the boutique with a brighter atmosphere, as well as funkier patterns and colors in their clothing selection. Even with their new items, the store still sells the classic children’s clothing it has offered Birmingham since 1985. “There are lots of people who have been shopping here for their children and grandchildren for years and years,” Garner said. No matter the style, Grandmother’s Joy strives to keep up with the economy so people can still dress their children the way they want. “We stay with great quality,” Garner said, “but with more affordable price ranges.” For more information on future events and sales, visit their website.
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Restaurant Showcase
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Shindigs Catering and Food Truck
May 2012 |
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By CHRISTIANA ROUSSEL
shindigscateringtrucks.com shindigscatering@gmail.com Life is simply too short to eat bad food. In between school, work, carpools, lacrosse practice, dance team, tutoring and life we all need to eat. More and more of us are eating on the go and have less time to think about those three important meals. Lucky for us, we have Shindigs Catering and Food Truck. Mac Russell and Chad Schofield are the two guys behind the Shindigs brand, which not only caters some of the best parties in town but also serves food five days a week from their traveling food truck, affectionately known as Miss Piggy. First, let’s put away all notions of past mobile meals; this is no roach coach. Formally, they’ll tell you their goal is to create food that benefits and nourishes everyone it touches, with a menu that features fresh, seasonal ingredients and flavor combinations prepared simply yet creatively. Russell said they just want their food to “spank your tastebuds.” These two joke a lot, but their talent is serious. The menu is always changing, but customers definitely have their favorites: the Willis Steak Panini, Salmon or Pork Burgers, Steamed Pork or Braised Short Rib Buns, the Vegan L.A. (as in “Lower Alabama”) Balls on Quinoa Salad. You’re beginning to get the idea that the Shindigs food truck is a restaurant on wheels. The kitchen is just a little bit smaller. You can’t share a space that small without being able to get along well with others. Owners Russell and Schofield have known each other for so long, they finish one another’s sentences. Well, not exactly. Russell really does all the talking. He quips that he talks for both of them so that his more talented sidekick can crank out the delicious food. In reality, these are two very
Chefs Mac Russell and Chad Schofield park their Shindigs truck in Mountain Brook Village on Mondays. Photo by Madoline Markham.
creative guys who started working side by side at Bud Skinner’s Jubilee Seafood in the Cloverdale area of Montgomery. They went on together to Ross Bridge, then Chris Hastings’ Hot & Hot Fish Club, and Standard Bistro in Mt Laurel (now Stone’s Throw, where they stage their food.) On Mondays, you can always find them in Mountain Brook, usually parked on Heathermoor, adjacent to Mountain Brook Elementary. The spot is ideal since it provides ample free parking and shady space to set up their traveling picnic tables. The line forms quickly at 11:30 a.m. as post-tennis-playing moms, nearby office workers and everyone who loves great food queue up for their fix. Always-smiling Sarah Ellison takes orders on a paper ticket and hands it to the kitchen. She tallies orders on an iPhone and can run debit and credit cards from there too, all in a matter of minutes. The food truck offerings are only
the tip of the iceberg for what these guys can do with food. Their catered affairs are legendary in Mountain Brook. They recently did a Spanish-themed event, serving their interpretation of traditional Iberian tapas with Benton’s bacon and local produce. Their spin on surf-andturf was termed reef-and-beef, featuring both a portion of flat-iron steak and seared salmon. That particular meal ended with Elvis’s Bread Pudding, which partygoers went nuts over. This seems like a lot of work for just two guys from Selma (Russell) and Montgomery (Schofield), but they have a group of reliable rotating kitchen help and lots of loyal fans. And this is why Mountain Brook is so dear to them. “Honestly, the truck is one of our biggest catering tools,” Russell said. “Not only can we serve from Miss Piggy at offsite events, but feeding people lunch every day helps us generate new clients. It is fun
for people with potential catering jobs to come by the truck and try something we might serve at their wedding reception or husband’s surprise party. We love our Mountain Brook friends.” It helps too that Russell’s wife, Lacey, works at nearby Village Dermatology, and his in-laws, Vicky and Dave Rader, are Mountain Brook residents. So set that reminder on your phone’s calendar to stop by Miss Piggy next Monday. You can follow Shindigs on Facebook and Twitter to see where they’ll be other days and read their complete menu as it changes with the seasons. They even have a handy iPhone app you can download to find them faster. Now that is some serious tastebud spanking. Christiana Roussel lives in Crestline and enjoys all things food-related. Follow her culinary musings online at ChristianasKitchen. com or on Facebook or Twitter (Christiana40)
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| May 2012 |
Around the Villages
Around the Villages
New fresh Gulf Shrimp delivery service Bakery boutique to open in Crestline Mountain Brook residents Cameron Cardwell, Laura Cardwell and John Grimes have started delivering fresh shrimp to Mountain Brook homes. “We get the most beautiful fresh Gulf shrimp right off the boat,” said Cameron, who loves cooking shrimp boils but had a hard time finding fresh shrimp in Birmingham. He now uses a connection in Bane County, Fla. to deliver the shrimp up to Birmingham.
The shrimp are $10 per pound and can be ordered online at www. swimminglastnight.com or by calling 4274567. They hope to soon start selling fresh fish; Alaskan snow crab legs; and a kit for a shrimp boil that contains shrimp, corn, onions, potatoes and an instruction card. They also deliver to Homewood and Forest Park.
Chamber hosts fashion show and luncheon The Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce and Haute Pink Birmingham are holding a Spring Luncheon and Fashion Show Wednesday, May 9 at 11:30 a.m. at Park Lane in English Village. Participating stores are Southern Femme, Lulie’s on Cahaba, Hayden,
New MBTV episode
Laura Kathryn, Village Sportwear, Macy’s, Marella, Town and Country Clothes, and the Pants Store. Megan LaRussa, a Mountain Brook native, stylist and owner of Southern Femme, will moderate. For more information and to register, visit www.welcometomountainbrook.com.
A new episode of Mountain Brook TV will be live by May 21. MBTV can be
viewed on Charter channel 10, AT&T Uverse channel 99, or online.
CRIME REPORT
who they have in their home. An intoxicated man was stumbling around Mountain Brook Shopping Center and trying to unlock different vehicles with the keys to his car. The officer checking him out learned that there were numerous warrants out for this man. He was arrested for those warrants, plus his drunkenness. A hit and run accident occurred in the parking lot at a nail salon on River Run Drive. The witness was unable to provide us with a tag number. A hit and run accident occurred on Mountain Brook Parkway. The suspect left the scene, but a witness got the tag number and the suspect has been identified.
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Village. The police arrived and determined that it was just a shouting match between a man and his girlfriend. No police action was necessary except to inform these individuals to argue somewhere else. We took another report this week of an individual stealing from the elderly individual she was sitting for. The thief was caught stealing her employer’s drugs. This is not uncommon, and anyone who has a sitter should be very particular about
Gia’s Cakes Bakery Boutique is opening in early June in the former Indie Candy location on Church Street in Crestline. Owner Gia McCollister has been baking wedding and birthday cakes from scratch by appointment for years. The Venezuela native learned baking from her family growing up and lived in New York and London before moving to Birmingham. Gia’s will sell cupcakes, layer cakes, wedding cakes, birthday cakes and a line of bonbons. “We will also make cakes like your
grandmothers used to make but you don’t find anymore, like a Lane Cake,” McCollister said. She also plans to use more unusual ingredients like dulce de leche in some of her cakes. Gia’s Cakes hours will be MondaySaturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The storefront is located at 76 Church Street and can be reached at 243-2303. Visit their facebook page or giascakes.com for the latest updates on their opening.
Dobbins Dance hosts pageant Linda Dobbins Dance is hosting a You’ve Got the Look pageant at Mountain Brook High School on May 12. Scouts from Real People Models and Talent and other modeling businesses will be at the pageant, which is open to ages 5 to 19.
The pageant begins at 12:30 p.m. and requires a $50 entry fee. To register, visit lddance.com. For more information, call 305-0281 or email dobbinsdance@aol.com.
We took a criminal mischief report on Corinth Drive. The perpetrator attempted to steal copper from the victim’s air conditioner. The unit was heavily damaged from this attempt. We had an identity theft report where the victim’s visa number was used to purchase items in California. A harassing communications report was taken where an individual has been receiving obscene text messages. The suspect is the girlfriend of a male friend of hers. (Yes, that is confusing.) We have received many calls and emails concerning coyotes. I have talked to people in the Old Leeds Road, Cherokee
Bend, Green Valley Road and Brookwood Road areas who are seeing coyotes regularly. These animals are usually shy and not a threat to people, but our coyotes are becoming less shy and are venturing close to homes in the area. Please be aware that if you have small dogs, cats or any other small pets they can become victims of these coyotes. We have confirmed reports that coyotes have taken cats and small dogs in Mountain Brook. Many citizens are concerned about their children, and although we haven’t received any reports of a coyote attacking children, we certainly don’t want to be the first city to take such a report. Just be cautious.
ALDEN
2707 Culver Road • 871-9093
www.VillageLivingOnline.com
Parenting with Dr. Dale Wisely
My 10-year-old son has ADHD and has a lot of trouble keeping friends. Is that common in children with ADHD? What can be done about it? In my experience, it is very common for young people with ADHD to have social problems, and this is supported by research. Unfortunately, the best data we have suggests only a minority of ADHD children are consistently socially successful. There are many aspects of ADHD that can contribute to social difficulties. For example, acquiring social skills usually occurs by learning through observation. Because attention is impaired in children with this disorder, it may take them longer to learn by observation and acquire those skills. Also, when you think about it, practicing good social behavior requires good focus. To be appropriately social, one has to be attentive to others, and, really, one has to be observant of very subtle things like tone of voice, facial expression, and so on. If a child is unable to pay close attention to other people, he or she will have trouble interacting with others. Many children with ADHD are impulsive. They may engage in impulsive motor behavior and/or impulsive verbal behavior. Sometimes, to be honest, those behaviors can be annoying to peers. Much less well known is the role of emotional regulation in people with ADHD. There is a growing body of evidence
ONLY GOD from pg
that a key feature of ADHD is an inability to control the expression of emotions. This is called “emotional dysregulation.” Unfortunately, when children have trouble controlling their emotions by being quick to show anger, crying often in front of peers, or even becoming overly excited in a positive way, these emotional displays can create difficulties for them with their peers. I believe that ADHD is a disorder that requires ongoing treatment. Treatment that is consistent and multifaceted. I think, sadly, most children with ADHD at any given moment are either receiving no treatment or inadequate treatment. The better and more consistent the treatment, the more the different aspects of the disorder, such as peer difficulties, will improve. We know that medication is often necessary. But, many children need help with their behavior, with their emotions and with developing appropriate social skills. For this kind of work, I recommend mental health professionals with specific training and experience in child psychology in general and in the assessment and treatment of attention deficit disorders in particular. Speak to your child’s pediatrician and ask for a referral to such a professional.
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It takes a vIllage! Shop and Eat May 18 in English Village!
The American Cancer Society & English Village are teaming up to fight cancer and we want to invite you to join us. Come shop or eat in English Village on May 18th and support The Hope Gala, an American Cancer Society event. Participating merchants will have special sales going on or will be donating a portion of their proceeds that day to The Hope Gala, which will be taking place on August 25. Check the Mountain Brook Chamber website for a listing of special activities and sales at www.welcometomountainbrook.com. ArT EyEz
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BEllEwETHEr
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Billy’S BAr And Grill
BroGuE And Cuff CloTHiErS ConT inEnTAl BAkEry Laura and Colby Clark’s daughters, Abigail and Madison. Photo courtesy of Catherine Smith.
they hugged each other and went back to bed. Then all of a sudden, they stopped and looked at each other. They both had an inexplicable feeling that they should check the test again. Indeed, they were pregnant. Abigail was due March 22, and when Laura’s dad predicted she’d come on February 27 because “that’s God’s grace,” Laura said there was no way. Her babies never came early—Madison arrived on her due date, and Wesley was a week late—so it seemed impossible. But on the morning of February 27, the impossible happened when Laura’s water broke. It was an emotional day. And while everyone realized that Abigail’s arrival was closely timed with Wesley’s departure, it wasn’t until that night, when a family member checked their certificates, that the epiphany came. “My twin sister Linda came in my hospital room shaking,” Laura says. “She was like, ‘I don’t even know what to do with this information!’ For me it sealed the deal on God. We felt so blessed to have another baby when we didn’t think we could. That’s when I threw my hands up and said, ‘God is good.’ He’s in control, not me.” I know this story isn’t a traditional Mother’s Day message, all syrupy and light, but to me it illustrates the underlying truth of motherhood. Our children are God’s children first, and while we like to believe they are ours, all ours, we’re really just anointed caretakers. We may have 50 years with them on earth or five minutes, because God can bring them home anytime. “The Lord giveth, and the Lord taketh away” we learn in Job 1:21, and while we moms like how that verse begins, the second line breaks us into a cold sweat. It makes us anxious and willing to barter.
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Village Living
Take anything, we plead with God, but don’t take my babies. The Clarks’ story has blessed me by making me less fearful of a worst-case scenario. It reminds me that earth is a means to heaven, and I better keep my focus there, for that’s where eternity lies. “My ultimate goal is to get myself and my family to heaven,” Laura says. “Now that I’ve already got one in heaven, it’s like part of me is there. Losing Wesley took the sting out of death and made me realize that in the blink of an eye, it could all be gone, so we better appreciate every moment. He died on a Wednesday, and I always say, ‘Thank God for ordinary Wednesdays.’” Thank God for ordinary Wednesdays, thank God for extraordinary miracles, and thank God for families like the Clarks, whose courage to share their testimony will inspire so many. This may be the story’s first time in print, but I’m certain it won’t be the last. I hope readers of Village Living will continue sharing it from here, via word-of-mouth, printed copies, or online links, so others may know of God’s goodness. Only God loves our children more than we do. Only God knows the hairs on their head and numbers of their days. Through Him we are made mothers, and in Him we stay strong. God’s grace is like daily bread, feeding our heart and soul enough to get us by. Let us cherish our time on earth but remember eternity lies in heaven. Only God can help us get our families there. Happy Mother’s Day to all. To contact Laura and Colby Clark, email laurabeth@bellsouth.net. To contact Kari Kampakis, email kari@karikampakis.com, or find her on Facebook and Twitter.
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fiTnESS ToGETHEr GAllEry 1930
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CHEz lulu
dunGAn And nEquETTE ArCHiTECTS •
frEd ASTAirE dAnCE STudio
GArdnEr ArCHiTECTS
kATHy G & CoMPAny/ PArk lAnE
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HEn HouSE AnTiquES
nATionAl BAnk of CoMMErCE
SAlVATorE’S PizzA And PASTA
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Vino
for more information call
the Mountain Brook Chamber at 205.871.3779 or the American Cancer Society at 205.930.8860.
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Mountain Brook events 5/11- Central Alabama’s 25th Annual YWCA Flower Sale. Regions Plaza (intersection of 5th Avenue North and 20th Street North), the Ray & Poynor in Mountain Brook Village and Children’s of Alabama. 8 a.m.-4 p.m. The sale is held by the YWCA’s Junior Board to benefit KIDS (Kids in Distress) Korner. Members of the YWCA sell various plants and flowers to the public. More information: for those interested in purchasing flowers and other gift items prior to the sale visit www. ywcabham.org/flowersale. 5/12- Motherwalk for Ovarian Cancer. Crestline Village across from the Emmet O’Neal Library. 9 a.m. The Norma Livingston Ovarian Cancer Foundation will hold their 9th Annual Motherwalk and 5K. The event includes door prizes, music, food catered by Moe’s and entertainment for kids. There will be a 1 mile fun run for ages 6-12 led by Birmingham’s Roller Derby Team. More information: visit motherwalk.com. 5/12– Street-wide garage sale in Crestline. Spring Street. 7 a.m.-12 p.m. Entire street will be participating for this oversized sale. A block party will follow the sale. More information: 807-8324. 5/12- The Food Truck Roundup. Behind the Mountain Brook Mall, 2816 Culver Road, in the back parking lot of Leaf ‘N Petal. 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Several of Birmingham’s most popular food trucks join forces for this carnival of cuisines to benefit PreSchool Partners. The familyfriendly event will also feature live music by The Drennen Brothers, kiddie entertainment by Whistler the Clown and drawings for prizes throughout the day. Tickets: $20. More information: tickets are available at www.preschoolpartners. org. Admission gets you three tickets redeemable for food at any of the trucks and a reusable cup for beverages. Additional tickets will be available for
Village Living Calendar purchase; kids 10 and under get in free. Contact Allene Neighbors, Director of Development, at 936-3754. 5/14– Pubic Hearing before City Council for Lane Parke plans. Mountain Brook Junior High School auditorium. 7 p.m. The hearing will discuss the rezoning of the Western Supermarkets shopping center and the Park Lane Apartment property for a new Lane Parke development. 5/16- Mountain Brook Sports Corporation (MBSC)’s 14th Annual Golf Tournament. Highland Park Golf Course. Shot gun starts will be at 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. Help raise money for the athletic programs at Mountain Brook High School and Mountain Brook Junior High School. Tournament fees: $250 per person, which includes 18 holes of golf, range balls, a cart, lunch, beverages and several other gifts/prizes. A 2012 Nissan Maxima from Moore Nissan will be awarded for a hole in one. Sponsorships are also available for a hole or a foursome for $1,000. If you are not able to play, you can also sponsor a coach. All donations are tax deductible and may be designated to a specific sport. More information: visit www.mtnbrook.k12.al.us/cms/ MBSC+Golf+Tournament/12884.html or Mountain Brook Sporting Goods in Crestline Village; contact Wade Cowden at 807-0335.
Cha Cha, Groundhog Gallop and Serval Strut. These courses will go through The Birmingham Zoo, including the Trails of Africa exhibit. More information: register at www.birminghamzoo.com/events. 5/19- Flag Football Registration. Mountain Brook Junior High School. 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Ages: 2nd-7th graders. The season will run from the week of July 9 to the week of August 6. Games will be played during the week with possible make-up games on the weekend. Grades will be grouped according to participation levels in each grade. Cost: $85. More information: www.mbathletics.org. 5/20– Third Annual Piggly Wiggly When Pigs Fly Kosher BBQ Contest & Festival. Temple Beth-El, 2179 Highland Avenue South. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. The event features teams from Birmingham and around the country vying for top honors. More information: For details on team and event registration, sponsorship opportunities and general information, visit www.WhenPigsFlyKosherBBQ.com or contact Jacob Halpern at 369-5151 or MajorPromotions@charter.net. 5/20- Junior Women’s Committee hosts summer reading kick-off carnival. 2:30 p.m.-5 p.m. Emmet O’Neal Library. More information: 879-0497 or visit www.eolib. org.
5/17– Tails in the Trails. Birmingham Zoo. 5:30 p.m.-9 pm. Guests can enjoy live music, food, cocktails and animal encounters while viewing the elephants on exhibit. Tickets: $20 in advance, $25 at the door. Call 879-0409 to purchase. More information: www.birminghamzoo.com/ events.
Thursdays– Complimentary Wine Tasting. Piggly Wiggly, Crestline, 93 Euclid Ave. 4 p.m.-6 p.m. Weekly wine tasting. Free. More information: call 8790884 or visit pigglywigglybirmingham. com.
5/19– 7th Annual Zoo Run. Birmingham Zoo. This morning 5K race will give you and your family the opportunity to enjoy the Zoo for the rest of the day. The Zoo will have four Kid Races: Turtle Trot, Chicken
5/3– Jazz on the Porch. Rucker Place, 1804 12th Ave S. 5 p.m. Look forward to the new and different Jazz this year. No reservations will be taken. More information: 558-2485.
Special Events
5/4- Birmingham Music Club Presents Second Annual Bravo!Birmingham. Samford University Wright Center. 7:30 p.m.-9 p.m. Tickets: $45, $35, and $25. Children 12 and under and balcony seats $10. A $5 discount per ticket is offered for groups of 10 or more. More information: 726-2853 or visit www.samford.edu/ wrightcenter or www.bhammusicclub.org. 5/5- Alabama Ballet Junior Board presents “Ballet, Bourbon and Bowties.” Alabama Ballet studio, 2726 1st Avenue South. 2 p.m.-6 p.mTickets: $30 for individuals, $50 for couples. Children under 12 are free. More information: Purchase tickets at www.alabamaballet. org; email katyolsen@alabamaballet.org for questions. 5/5– Embrace Space Day. McWane Science Center. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Join us for Planetarium presentations, space crafts, solar observations, learn how telescopes work, and learn how to become an amateur astronomer. Admission: included in cost; free, members. More information: www.mcwane.org/events. 5/5 – Grits Festival at Childersburg grist mill. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Kymulga Grist Mill and Park, 7346 Grist Mill Road. The festival will include an arts and crafts area, music by the creek, a grits and cornbread contest, shrimp and grits, a grits bar, boiled peanuts, hamburgers, hot dogs and bratwurst, buttered corn on the cob, pinto beans and cornbread, ribbon fries and more. Activities for the kids include a cricket catching event, a catfish rodeo, pony rides, wagon rides and a petting farm. Admission: Free, campground is available. More information: www. kymulgagristmill.com. 5/5- Earth Day at The Gardens. Birmingham Botanical Gardens. 1 p.m.-5 p.m. Over 40 earth friendly exhibitors at booths will display family friendly activities and information. More information: www.
Village Living
www.VillageLivingOnline.com bbgardens.org/earthday. 5/5- Wine and Cheese Hike. Ruffner Mountain Nature Center, 1214 81st Street South. 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Join us for an evening of fun, camaraderie, and good food and wine. Cheese donated by Cabot Creamery. Moderate hike. 3 miles total. Please be ready to show identification. Reservations required. Admission: $15; Members, $10. More information: register at http://www. ruffnermountain.org or call 833-8264. 5/10- Adaptive Aquatics to host 3 Hour Tour Fundraiser Event. B & A Warehouse. 6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Tickets: $60 per individual or $100 per couple. The event will benefit disabled children, disabled adults and wounded war veterans. More information: contact Joe Ray at 807-7519 or visit www.adaptiveaquatics.org. 5/10- Susan Haltom Lecture. Birmingham Botanical Gardens. 2 p.m.-3 p.m. Admission: $5. More information: www. bbgardens.org. 5/12- Birmingham International Street Fair. 3rd Avenue North between 19th and 21st Streets, Birmingham, AL 35203. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Presented by Birmingham Multicultural Association, this fair celebrates world cultures through food, music and art. The event will also include an educational component that shares how to get involved in global issues that impact Alabama. Admission: Free, but a $5 donation is encouraged for everyone 10 and older. 5/12- Birds of a Feather. Oak Mountain State Park. 10 a.m. Learn about migratory birds. Meet at the Campground Pavilion. Admission: Free after admission to Oak Mountain State Park. More information: http://www.alapark.com/oakmountain/. 5/12– First annual Greater Birmingham 5K Walk for Foster Care. Veteran’s Park. 9:30 a.m. Registration begins at 8 a.m. Cost: $30. More information: visit firstgiving.com/ walkmehome/Shelby or contact Burder at
fhburder@gmail.com 296-5015.
mcwane.org/events.
5/12-5/13- 60th Annual Birmingham Rose Show. Birmingham Botanical Gardens. 5/12, 1 p.m.-5 p.m.; 5/13, 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Presented by the Birmingham Rose Society, the 2012 Birmingham Rose Show includes entries for Horticulture, Arrangements & Photography. There is also a planned seminar on Saturday: “Yes, You Can Grow Beautiful Roses.” Admission: Free. More information: www.bbgardens.org.
5/26- Veterans Park hosts Orphan Run. 4800 Valleydale Road. 8 a.m. Help support families adopting orphans around the world as well as non-profit organizations that support orphans. Cost is $30 for the 5K race and $15 for the 1 mile Fun Run. More information: to register, visit http:// www.orphanrun5k.com/.
5/19– Great Strides Walk for Cystic Fibrosis at Veterans Park. 4800 Valleydale Road. 9 a.m. The Alabama chapter of Great Strides and the Trak Shak host the Great Strides Timed Run, which will raise money for research for cystic fibrosis. More information: visit http://www.cff. org/great_strides/dsp_RegistrationType. cfm for more information and to register. 5/19-20- Second Annual Cross Triathlon World Championships. Oak Mountain State Park. More information: call 1-877-XTERRA-1 or visit www. xterraplanet.com/xduro/oakmtn.html to register for the marathon and the 19K, 10K or 5K runs. 5/23– Patriotic Memorial Day dinner. Briarwood Presbyterian Church. 6 p.m. Governor Robert Bentley has been invited to be the keynote speaker. Sponsored by Support our Soldiers of Alabama. This event honors Marine Lance Corpl. Thomas Rivers, Jr. More information: visit www. supportoutsoldiersalabama.org. 5/25-27– Alabama Phoenix Festival. Cahaba Grand Conference Center. 5/25 at 1 p.m.5/27 at 5 p.m. Tickets: $50 for membership, and includes passes to all activities. After April 27, memberships are available at the door; 10 and under, free with adult membership purchase. More information: visit www.alabamaphoenixfestival.com or call Maree Jones at 563-0283. 5/26– Dora & Diego: Let’s Explore Exhibit Opens. McWane Science Center. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Admission: included in cost; free, members. More information: www.
One of the oldest barbecue joints in Birmingham still in operation, the Golden Rule opened its doors in Irondale in 1891. Operated by the Williams family, the place was a popular stop for barbecue and beer on what was then the Atlanta Highway. In the 1930s electrician Jabo Stone married Ellene Williams and into the family business. For the next forty years, the Stones operated the Golden Rule. The Stones had no children to carry on their legacy, so in 1969 Jabo Stone approached Michael Matsos about taking over the business. Michael had been in the restaurant business for a few decades already, opening the legendary La Paree Restaurant and then his namesake Michael’s Sirloin Room in downtown Birmingham. Though he didn’t know much about barbecue, Michael saw a good business opportunity in the Golden Rule and took it over in 1969. In the intervening years the Golden Rule has expanded, not only its menu, but its presence throughout Alabama and the South.
“I go to the Golden Rule, like a bunch of us get together just to get some good barbecue. And I love their barbecue sandwich the way they do it and everything and the sauce.” – Michael Matsos
5/28- Memorial Day Bug Races. Oak Mountain State Park. 10 a.m. Come race some bugs at the 2nd Annual Memorial Day Bug Race. Come to Treetop Nature Trail on Terrace Drive. Admission: Free after admission to Oak Mountain State Park. More information: http://www. alapark.com/oakmountain/.
Music and Arts
5/4-5/5- Schaeffer Eye Center Crawfish Boil. BJCC. Outdoors at the BJCC. 4 p.m., 2 p.m. $30 per day or $49.50 for both days. More information: www.bjcc.org or http://www.schaeffercrawfishboil.com/. 5/5- Birmingham Ballet’s The Awakening. BJCC Theatre. 7:30 p.m. A production led by Birmingham Ballet’s Director Emeritus and internationally recognized choreographer, Alfonso Figueroa, dedicated to Virginia Simpson. Admission: $25. More information: 9799492. 5/11-5/12- Band Geeks. Virginia Samford Theatre. 5/11, 7:30 p.m.; 5/12, 2:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m. Admission: Adults, $20. Students, $10. More information: www. virginiasamfordtheatre.org. 5/15- Concert Series 5 (Singin’ in the Rain). RMTC Cabaret Theatre. The Red Mountain Theatre Company features cast members of Singin’ in the Rain performing special numbers for one night only. Admission: Center section, $35; Left and right sections, $30. More information: 3242424.
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5/15- Alabama Symphony Orchestra presents “Schubert’s Trout Quintet .” Samford University’s Brock Recital Hall. 7:30 p.m. Will feature Schubert’s “Trout Quintet” and Meyer’s “Trout Variations.” Admission: $32; Students with ID, $12. More information: 975-2787. 5/17- Live Nation presents Jason Aldean with Luke Bryan. Oak Mountain Amphitheatre. 7:30 p.m. Admission: $44.50 -$78.50. More information: 745-3000. 5/18- Joel Osteen: A Night of Hope. BJCC Arena. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $17. More information: www.bjcc.org. 5/18-5/19- Alabama Symphony Orchestra presents “Brown Plays Mozart.” Alys Robinson Stephens Performing Arts Center. 8 p.m. Admission: Tickets are $79, $54, $39; Students with ID, $10. More information: 975-2787. 5/19-5/20- Great Southern Gun & Knife Show. BJCC Arena. 5/19, 9 a.m.-5p.m.; 5/20, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. More information: 458-0051.
Save the Date
6/2– 3rd Annual Bob Sykes BBQ and Blues Festival. DeBardeleben Park. 1623 2nd Avenue North, Bessemer, Alabama. 1 p.m.-9 p.m. More information: www. bobsykesblues.com or visit Bob Sykes Bbq and Blues Festival Facebook Page for updates. 6/2-6/3– Glorious Gardens. Birmingham Botanical Gardens. 6/2, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; 6/3, 12 p.m.-5 p.m. Tickets: $25. More information: purchase tickets at www.bbgardens.org/gloriousgardens and at retailers throughout the metro Birmingham area including: Leaf & Petal at The Gardens, Leaf & Petal at the Summit, Leaf & Petal at Mountain Brook Village, Oak Street Garden Shop, Colliers Nursery, Sweet Peas, Myers Plants and Pottery and Plant Odyssey. Contact Shelly McCarty at 205.414.3965 or smccarty@ bbgardens.org.
POUND SPECIAL (FEEDS 4-5) 1 LB PORK 2 PINT SIDES BUNS AND SAUCE $17.99
2504 Crestwood Blvd. Irondale AL. 35210 PHONE (205) 956-2678 FAX (205) 956-5757 WWW.GOLDENRULEBBQ.COM
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THE KEY IS W W W . R E A LT Y S O U T H . C O M
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