The Hoover Sun December 2012 by Starnes Media

Sun HooverSun.com

December 2012

Hoover

Neighborly news & entertainment for Hoover

Volume 1 | Issue 3 | December 2012

Christmas Traditionally

different

Listening by

Moonlight

Healing through the holidays

Moonlight on the Mountain owner Keith Harrelson welcomes music fans to his intimate venue for live acoustic performances. Read more about the business, located on Shades Crest Road, in this issue. Photo courtesy Mark Gooch.

By REBECCA WALDEN For the Brady family – John, Debbie, Christopher, Matthew, Jacob and Caleb – Christmas is a time spent traveling and healing. Hoover residents by way of Philadelphia, the Brady family moved to Hoover in December 2005 with their four boys. Christopher, 14, is diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Jacob, 13, is a high-functioning autistic child. Matthew, 11, was adopted by Debbie and John when he was six and suffers from reactive attachment disorder. The Brady family has set a new holiday tradition – to wake up each Christmas in a different city.

Business page 17

A new kind of

sleigh ride

See BraDy famIly | page 9

A Cajun-style Christmas By DEBBIE GREENGARD Special to the Hoover Sun

In The Preserve, Santa arrives not by sleigh but by helicopter. Inside learn more about this annual event and other cherished community and family traditions for the holiday season.

Growing up in Southern Louisiana leaves an indelible mark on your soul. We were surrounded by a city richly steeped in culture and tradition, where any given day becomes a

Community page 8

See Cajun-style | page 9 Pre-Sort Standard U.S. Postage PAID Birmingham, AL Permit #656

INSIDE Sponsors .............. 4 City ........................ 5 Celebrations ........ 6 Community .......... 7 School House ...... 12

For Nick, Tyler, Debbie and Doug Greengard, Christmas in Dixie is not complete without a healthy dose of N’Awlins tradition.

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December 2012

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December 2012

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About Us Photo of the Month

Please Support our Sponsors Deer Valley Elementary students Daniel Reyes, Frank Brocato, Dylan Steely, Augusta Jones, Claire Jun and Jacob Villani ran in the Harvest Hope 5K Trail Run after the school’s five-week training program.

Editor’s Note By Rebecca Walden Eleven months out are people who value of the year, I “embrace my company. If there are the chaos” (one of many family gatherings, there mom-isms we overbooked are moments to teach gals tell ourselves when it my children about the appears the laundry piles traditions that help make are self-breeding, and them who they are. If the kids are fighting over there are gifts to wrap, who gets the last package there are loved ones to of Scooby snacks). This bestow them upon. If month? I want to embrace there are Christmas cards the holy. to prepare, there are Walden Not that the holidays memories to reflect on can’t bring about plenty of chaos on and friends to share them with. their own: I used to choose to be stressed. This Parties that push the limit on my year, I choose to be blessed. dietary restraint (it really does exist, I And in that spirit, we are blessed to promise), my babysitting budget and be a blessing to each other. From Living my desire to mingle… Nativity performances to Children’s Extended family gatherings that Christmas Pageants, from caroling torpedo toddler schedules… to cantata performances, this month Hearing enough Johnny Mathis is bursting with events to kick your in one week to last a lifetime… (No holiday spirit into high gear. From the judging, please. You know you’ve got festive – like Hoover Public Library’s your Ebenezer list, too.) Santa-themed Dolores Hydock But, this year, instead of focusing storytelling event – to the sacred – like on these things, or my supremely poor Chapel in the Pines Hanging of the wrapping skills (I heart gift bags!), or Greens service, one of numerous faithwasting time on Shutterfly as I attempt based offerings this month – the options to design the perfect Christmas card, for you to partake in the blessedness of I’ll contemplate the why behind these this season are abundant. rituals – and I’ll give thanks. While you’re getting into the spirit, If there are parties to attend, there be sure to check out our cover story,

“Traditionally Different,” for a little holiday ritual inspiration. As these Hoover families prove, holiday rituals are not bound by any hard and fast rules. From philanthropic to therapeutic to cathartic, their traditions truly define the unique identity of each family, and it’s a huge part of what makes their holidays meaningful. As for me and my crew, we’ll be walking a tightrope of indulging our three year old’s enthusiasm about all the distracting trappings of the season (Santa, reindeer and presents, oh my!) with the faith-based rituals that help keep us Christ-centered. Not that I don’t love a little “Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer” every now and then (I draw the line at anything by the Jingle Dogs or Cats), but Elmo and Patsy’s darkly comic lyrics will never move me the way “Go Tell It On the Mountain” does (I highly recommend the Toby Keith version). May the peace and blessings of this holiest of seasons be yours, chaos-free. Cheers,

Meet our staff Keith McCoy, Creative Director Keith McCoy grew up in Starkville Mississippi, and moved to Birmingham after graduating from Mississippi State University. He and his wife, Erin, are foster parents and are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to begin

Alabama Allergy & Asthma Center (5) Alabama Ballet (6) Alabama Youth Ballet Company, Inc. (8) Aldridge Gardens (9) Ashford Advisors (12) Baker Lamps & Linens (14) Bromberg & Company, Inc. (18) Creekside Tavern (14) Devine’s Flooring America (3) Geico Insurance (2) La Paz (20) Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce (17) Plastic Surgery Specialists (7) RealtySouth (13) Red Mountain Theatre Company (7) Renaissance Consignment and Marketplace (11) Sharp Carpet (10) Shay’s Jewelers (1) Silver Lining Consignment Boutique (10) South Trace Pediatrics (6) Sumo Japanese Steakhouse (5) The Lingerie Shoppe (11) The Whole Scoop (10) Wanda Turner / Re/MAX (8) Wrapsody (12)

pursuing the adoption of children through the domestic foster care system. Keith is also the Creative Director for 280 Living, Village Living and The Homewood Star. He can be reached at Keith@280Living.com.

Publisher : Creative Director : Editor : Managing Editor : Contributing Editor : Sales and Distribution :

Dan Starnes Keith McCoy Rebecca Walden Madoline Markham Jeff Thompson Rhonda Smith Warren Caldwell Matthew Allen Contributing Writers : Debbie Greengard Linda Chastain Intern : Kaitlin Bitz Published by : Hoover Sun LLC

Contact Information: Hoover Sun #3 Office Park Circle, Suite 316 Birmingham, AL 35223 313-1780 dan@hooversun.com

Please submit all articles, information and photos to: Rebecca@hooversun.com P.O. Box 530341 Birmingham, AL 35253

Legals: The Hoover Sun is published monthly. Reproduction or use of

Rhonda Smith, Marketing Consultant Rhonda Smith grew up in Birmingham and is a graduate of Shades Valley High School. She worked as an account executive for Birmingham Magazine for 12 years after receiving a BA in public relations with a double minor in journalism and marketing from Auburn University. Rhonda was awarded the Peak Award for Account Executive of the Year-Magazine by the

Birmingham Advertising Federation in 2004 and 2005. Rhonda has been married to Tim Smith for 10 years, and they have three boys: Wheeler (7), Hollis (5) and Wrenn (4). She resides in Vestavia Hills and is active in The Junior League of Birmingham and Briarwood Presbyterian Church. She can be reached at rhonda@280living.com.

editorial or graphic content without prior permission is prohibited. The Hoover Sun is designed to inform the Hoover community of area school, family and community events. Information in the Hoover Sun is gathered from sources considered reliable but the accuracy cannot be guaranteed. All articles/photos submitted become the property of the Hoover Sun. 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) 313-1780 or by email.

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December 2012

City Mayor’s Minute By Gary Ivey I want to take this opportunity to wish you a very happy holiday season. We are so fortunate to live in such a wonderful city to celebrate it in. In new city news, the city council recently passed a $126 million dollar budget for 2013. The city is financially sound and for the past eight years has had a balanced budget. At this time, we have $31.6 million in reserves. The City of Hoover also is Gary Ivey in partnership with Vestavia and Jefferson County in a $2.7 million project to pave Rocky Ridge Road from Lorna Road to Highway 280. This road is highly traveled and will be a much needed improvement to the area. In addition, now that the Barons have vacated Regions Park, we have been hard at work to recruit national events to the park, including the Final 4 NCAA Soccer Tournament the 2013 Hot Rod Magazine Power Tour and the SEC Baseball Tournament. I hope you will continue to support this world-class facility, right in our backyard, with the upcoming events we are working to host there. Thank you to all those who came out to our annual Tree Lighting ceremony on Nov. 29, to help us officially kick off the holiday season. What a wonderful evening with a visit from Santa, all on a magical snowy evening in Hoover! In 2013, we will build upon the engaging community events already in place. If you have any ideas or suggestions, please let us hear from you. You can always call our office or visit our website at hooveral.org We are happy to serve the people of Hoover, and I am honored to be your Mayor for another four years. Have a safe and wonderful holiday season!

Hoover City Council Member Q&A Trey Lott

What are the pros and cons of having at-large members on the council as opposed to having members representing specific districts?

Submitted by Dave Judd of Hoover. Hoover has an at large form of government because it requires every councilman to represent all citizens in Hoover and not just the ones who live close to him or her. We have to be aware of issues concerning residents who live in western, central and eastern Hoover neighborhoods. You don’t have to look far to see the disadvantages of having districts where the elected officials are primarily concerned with the area of the city they live in.

How do residents contact members with issues needing resolution? It appears to me that current members reside in the more affluent neighborhoods of the city where more improvements seem to be made.

Submitted by Dave Judd of Hoover. Mayor Ivey and all the Hoover City Council members are easily accessible to help with any problems that you might have. All you have to do is call the switchboard at 444-7500, and you will be given email addresses or a phone number where you can contact one of us. We were elected to serve you and look forward to helping. The council members live in neighborhoods throughout the city, both old and new, and make decisions based on what is best for the city as a whole.

That is the advantage of at large representation.

What is the most important result you want to deliver on behalf of Place 1 during this upcoming four-year term?

I think most of us would say that our primary goal is to maintain the high quality of life that we enjoy in Hoover. That means continuing to make fiscally responsible decisions (balanced budgets), supporting our school system, helping our senior citizens, maintaining our excellent parks and looking for more recreational fields for our children and adults.

We’re in the throes of holiday stress. This time of year, what is your favorite “within the city” escape?

I’m a homebody so my favorite “within the city” escape is my basement where I have a sports room that allows me to watch multiple sporting events and drink Milo’s sweet tea. I also love going to Moss Rock Preserve.

What is something readers might be surprised to learn about you?

When I went to the University of South Carolina, I was the mascot my junior year. Have a question for an upcoming city council member q&a? Email it to rebecca@hooversun.com.

December 2012

Hoover Sun

Celebrations Bonner-Borden

Amanda Bonner and Dr. Allen Borden were married Oct. 25 at Aldridge Gardens in Hoover. A small reception followed at the couple’s new home in the Chace Lake subdivision. The groom’s daughters, Madeline Borden, 14, and Sophie Borden, 11, served as attendants. Reverend Dr. Jim Truesdell of South Highland Presbyterian Church officiated. The bride is a librarian who loves dogs, and the groom is a veterinarian who collects books. Amanda graduated from Judson

College in 1992 and received her master’s degree in library service from the University of Alabama in 1993. She has been employed by the Hoover Public Library for 12 years and currently serves as assistant library director. Allen is a 1989 graduate of the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine. He owns the Galleria Animal Clinic, also in Hoover. The couple was engaged last March in Paris and will travel to Bora Bora, French Polynesia this spring for a delayed honeymoon.

Joe and Marie Bianchi celebrate 65 years Joe and Marie Bianchi, longtime residents of the Belle Terre community of Bluff Park, recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary. Joe, a mechanical engineering graduate of Auburn University, worked as a former executive with U.S. Steel and now enjoys active retirement with Marie. He is a past president of Hoover’s New Horizons group. The couple also share an interest in ballroom dancing, a technique they spent 10 years teaching together. The Bianchis have been blessed with three children, seven grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren, most of whom live in the area and make the Bianchi home the center of their holiday celebrations. Reminiscing about their first date, Joe Bianchi shared this story: “I was home on 30-day leave from the war. It was Christmas. I asked my brother what people did for fun after midnight mass, and he said, ‘Well, we have a party.’ So we hustled over to a friend’s house and crashed their party. Right away I saw a young girl there that could dance real nice and I danced with her; I kind of liked her. The party broke up around four or five in the morning, and I asked for a date that evening; she accepted. Well, as I was on military leave, I had no car, so I had a buddy double date with me and we used his van. That was all fine and well except that when he and his girlfriend picked me up, there was no room for a fourth. So here I am on my first date

with this girl, and I told her the only place she could sit was on my lap. I had to make sure my hands stayed in the proper place the whole time! We went to the Alabama Theater and

had a great time. My mother had a lot of leftovers, so after the show, the four of us ate there and then I took her home.” And the rest is history.

Have an engagement, wedding or anniversary announcement? Email rebecca@hooversun.com to have it included in an upcoming issue!

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December 2012 7

Community

Etsy entrepreneurs share holiday flair

By REBECCA WALDEN Long before Pinterest.com, creative types were promoting their wares on Etsy.com, which bills itself as “the world’s most vibrant handmade marketplace.” Several creative entrepreneurs in Hoover recently hung their digital shingle with Etsy to satisfying results. For sisters-in-law Shelly Hicks Campbell, Katie Hicks and Aurrie Haney, Etsy, which they joined in February 2012, was like a steroid shot into their fledgling word-of-mouth business. “We started out selling mostly to friends and family, but our Etsy shop has allowed us to reach a much larger market,” Campbell said. The shop, named Zelphia’s after a great aunt, melds together the talents of Campbell, a stayat-home mother of six, area art teacher Hicks

Sisters-in-law Katie Hicks, Shelly Campbell and Aurrie Haney have found a creative outlet for their custom goods in Etsy.com, where they own and operate Zelphia’s.

Shop Zelphia’s at: etsy.com/shop/Zelphias and Haney, a recent University of Alabama marketing grad. The team specializes in a wide range of custom monogrammed burlap table runners, Christmas ornaments, door hangings, vinyl placemats and floor mats, and wreaths. “Etsy has been a great way to get started with a small business like ours,” Campbell said. For Deborah Smith-Yamshchikov, owner of Etsy shop Deb’s Designs, the online handmade marketplace became a profitable answer for the hobbyist with extra time on her hands.

Originally from Virginia, SmithYamshchikov, an English teacher, relocated to Hoover after her husband passed away so she could be near her eldest son. “Little did I know that the economy would make it so difficult to find a new teaching job,” she said. “I had a couple of jobs that did not work out and eventually started subbing at McAdory High School.” With her down time, Smith-Yamshchikov returned to an old passion – sewing. “I had three boys, so there were no frilly dresses at our house,” she said, adding that the pastime first became a priority when she wanted to outfit her granddaughters with something special and unique. This time, Smith-Yamshchikov branched out from the usual dresses she had made for her granddaughters and decided to open a shop on

Deborah Smith-Yamshchikov sews fabric items for her store, Deb’s Designs, on Etsy.com.

Shop Deb’s Designs at: etsy.com/shop/DebsDesignsBham Etsy. After launching the shop, Deb’s Designs, which specializes in fabric purses, totes, diaper bags and the like, a couple of custom orders came in, and she was on her way. Therein lies the magic of Etsy, which brings together unique wares from artists who pour their passion and best craftsmanship into each and every piece. “This stuff is original and unique, not massproduced,” said Campbell. “Your neighbor probably won’t have items like ours.”

December 2012

Hoover Sun

What are the merry moments of your Christmas?

Readers share more cherished traditions

Finding the Christmas…pickle? For Linda Chastain’s family, Christmas is not complete without a pickle hide and seek around the tree…

Linda Chastain’s parents emigrated from Germany in the 1920s. They brought with them many German Christmas customs, including that of the Christmas pickle. In the Chastain household, the pickle hunt has been a meaningful part of the family’s Christmas celebration for many years. As the children and then grandchildren have grown, the hiding of the pickle has gone from simple – close to the outside edge of the tree – to difficult, higher and toward the inside of the tree. In the family, the mother or grandmother is the one tasked with the role of cleverly hiding the Christmas pickle while everyone else enjoys the hunt.

Convenience store stocking stuffers – when creativity really counts For Shades Mountain Christian School Music and Choir Director Erin Pair Evans, a favorite Christmas tradition started a few years ago, quite by accident.

This year, the family continues the tradition with its newest member, Chastain’s great grandson, Zane, who will be helping his mom, Chastain’s granddaughter Amanda, hunt for the Christmas pickle.

Erin Paris Evans’ family was driving home from visiting family on Christmas Eve when they realized Santa forgot to get stocking stuffers. As it was almost midnight, and the only place they found open was a gas station. They stopped, went inside and proceeded to shop alternate aisles (so as not to let the other see) and pick out goodies for the stockings. Now every Christmas Eve, they go to a random place (gas stations, drug stores, etc.) and load up on stocking stuffers.

Commemorating the year’s events with a hockey stick

Some families commemorate the year with a photo calendar. But for Gina Sacco Wittig’s brood, it all comes down to reliving the year’s quirkiest events. One of the great Christmas traditions for Gina Sacco Wittig’s family is The Hockey Stick. It’s an award that’s given each year to the one member of the family who has most deservedly “earned” it. And they earn it by doing something totally off the wall or having something truly embarrassing happen. The family wraps an actual hockey stick, along with a gag gift that represents the reason the winner was chosen, and gives it in a formal presentation.

The presentation usually includes a poem or, most recently, a stop-action movie. The previous Christmas’ winner decides who wins the next year and presents the award. Each winner signs the hockey stick. “One year, my parents won because, while visiting a male friend in the hospital, they opened the door only to see the patient totally nude,” Wittig said. “The next year, my mom presented the award to my husband,

who fell through the ceiling while moving things around in our attic. Most years, it’s tough to decide who should win!” The first signature is from the 1980s. The family watched an episode of Happy Days where a character walked through a scene bouncing the wrapped basketball. They laughed at the scene and searched their basement for something funny to wrap up — and a Sacco Family tradition was born!

HooverSun.com

December 2012

It’s a bird, it’s a plane, no… it’s Santa Claus on a helicopter! For Anna Fowler’s family and other residents of The Preserve, the second Saturday in December is an event not to miss. Each participating family gathers at the Town Hall at 8 a.m. with a covered dish to share for breakfast. At 9:30, the real action begins when Santa arrives. A helicopter lands in the park, and when the blades stop, all the kids run to greet Santa. he has an area set up in the Town Hall living room, where children sit on his lap, have their picture taken and receive little presents. It is always a huge hit with kids, parents and grandparents.

Playing Santa by paying it forward For Brooke Gamble and husband Jason, the essence of the season is in an anonymous act of unexpected kindness. We decided last year that this would be our yearly tradition. Last year, we visited the Alabaster Wal-Mart, and this year we’ve chosen another store that features a layaway program. Our only specification is that it is for toys only. We put $100 towards a layaway balance without knowing which family it is benefitting. We are just truly blessed when we follow the word of God and help people in need. Although we really didn’t want to tell people about it, perhaps by sharing our story others will be moved to do the same.

Cajun-style

CONTINUED from page 1 reason for a party, a parade or just to gather with friends and family enjoying good food. Unlike the rest of the world, the four seasons in New Orleans consists of Mardi Gras, hurricanes, crawfish and Saints/LSU/high school football. At Christmas, instead of Santa in a sleigh pulled by reindeer shouting, “Ho, ho, ho,” you’re more apt to hear of Papa Noel in a pirogue pulled by alligator shouting, “Heaux, heaux, heaux!” After losing just about everything in Hurricane Katrina and relocating to Hoover, our family needed to create and continue some traditions that kept us connected to home. Fortunately, we’re blessed at Thanksgiving to host a house full of extended family from Louisiana, Florida and even here in Alabama. It’s total chaos – like grasping for a prized, decorated coconut at a Zulu Mardi Gras parade – but we love it. Christmas is usually much quieter with just the four of us. So, every year we celebrate Christmas Louisiana-Cajun style. My husband, Doug, makes a big pot of gumbo (with crawfish from a company called Boudreaux’s, of course)

Brady family

CONTINUED from page 1 “From the start, Christmas and birthdays were very hard for him,” said Debbie. “Christmas seems to be the hardest. We noticed he would often get sad and act out because he would miss his biological family. His condition is common in children who bounce around during their formative years and are unable to form those bonds.” When Debbie and John noticed a much more contented Matthew during the family’s biennial road trip back to Pennsylvania at Thanksgiving, it gave birth to an idea that would shape their future Christmases for years to come. “There just seems to be something about being ‘on the go’ that is less emotionally scary for Matthew,” said Debbie. “We just started noticing a pattern, a positive change, and have decided to keep it going.” So the family began tacking on extended trips during the Thanksgiving pilgrimage north, in addition to scheduling more elaborate family vacations.

and shrimp or crawfish pasta. I bake sugar cookies in the shape of the state of Louisiana and fleur de lis and decorate them in Mardi Gras, Saints and LSU colors. Depending on whether or not we’ve eaten too many sugar cookies, I may even make a batch of pralines (pronounced prahleens, not prayleens!). We decorate the tree with ornaments from “home” as well as those that I have given my boys, Nick and Tyler, each year since their birth to indicate a significant moment in their lives. To keep the spirit of our Louisiana Christmas alive, my husband and I will pull out the Cajun Night Before Christmas and read it aloud using our best Cajun accents, much to the chagrin of our now teenage boys! Or, we’ll pop in the “Twelve Yats of Christmas” CD by Benny Grunch and the Grunch Bunch — a true New Orleans ninth ward tradition. Yes, we do know what it means to miss New Orleans. Bringing our own N’Awlins Who Dat flair to the holidays here in Hoover helps to bring a little bit of home to our new home, and we wouldn’t have it any other way. Home is where the heart is, and we know we have the best of two worlds right here. As the late Cajun chef and humorist Justin Wilson would say, “We gar-on-tee it!” For New Year’s 2010, they celebrated in Chicago. And last year, they took a big road trip out West, with stops at the Grand Canyon, Los Angeles and San Francisco. Matthew responded so well that the family has since decided to take a larger family trip each Christmas. This year, the Pennsylvania trip will culminate in a New Year’s Eve bash spent in New York City. Next year they will go skiing out West. “I have a cousin who lives in Lake Tahoe and has offered for us to stay with him,” said Debbie. “We are blessed to have family and friends all over the place and are able to visit them sometimes so it is more affordable. All the boys love it!” “His healing from the hurt and neglect he endure will be a long, difficult and slow process. It can affect all of the boys and at times has been very difficult for them to understand why he does some of the things he does. “The vacations simple remove all of them from the often stressful reality that can be at home and for those two weeks, everyone is relaxed and laughing.”

10 December 2012

Hoover Sun

HHS freshman Camping, s’mores and Christmas cheer Anna Thigpen For Hoover Girl Scout Troop 856, the holiday season wins crown starts with an act of service. There’s nothing like a camp out, s’mores and packing boxes. That is exactly what the local Hoover Girl Scout Troop 856 did recently in preparation for Operation Christmas Child. The troop was asked to help fill six boxes for Operation Christmas Child for Cross Creek Church. The mission of Operation Christmas Child is to demonstrate God’s love to needy children around the world, and together with the local church worldwide, to share the news of Jesus Christ. “You would think the s’mores would have been the hit of the party, but the girls had more fun guessing to which countries their boxes would be delivered,” said Troop Co-Leader Brandy Hasabnis. “They guessed places like New York, Mexico, China, Chicago and Canada! So, after a short geography lesson, the girls carefully selected items for either their boy or girl box.” Troop 856 went above and beyond, packing 14 boxes for needy children. For their efforts, they not only earned a service patch to add to their collection but also learned a valuable lesson about serving others. “I thought that Operation Christmas Child would be something wonderful our girls could do,” said

Anna Thigpen

Hoover High School freshman Anna Thigpen was recently crowned Miss Teen Trojan for Troy University. Miss Teen Trojan is a preliminary pageant for the Miss Alabama’s Outstanding Teen Pageant, which will be held in March 2013 in Sylacauga. If Thigpen advances, she will go on to compete for the title of Miss American’s Outstanding Teen in Orlando next August. The Miss America’s Outstanding Teen Program promotes scholastic achievement, creative accomplishment, healthy living and community involvement for America’s teens.

Daisy Troop 856 packed boxes recently for Operation Christmas Child. Front row: Kendyl Mitchell, Libby McClendon, Ava Lawrence, Mary Elizabeth Alford and Sweden Petry. Back row: Jesse Givens, Isabella Foran and Sara Hancock. Not pictured are Kate Connell, Lilly Etheridge, Lily Grubb and Haley Ray.

Troop Co-Leader Marie Jo Foran. “It would teach them about giving and serving Christ. I want our girls to understand that there are children in this world who have nothing but the shirts on their backs and that God has so blessed us to have

loving families and a roof over their heads and food on the table. And we need to share those blessings with those less fortunate. Yes, life is crazy, but we all need to stop and take a moment and be thankful and if possible pay it forward.”

Hoover residents receive Living Legacy awards Three Hoover residents received Living Legacy awards from Samford University’s Ida V. Moffett School of Nursing during its 90th anniversary gala on Oct. 13. Local honorees Dr. Greg Eagerton, Dr. Sherri Chatman and Dr. Denise Elliott were among 50 selected “for the impact they have had on the mental, physical

and spiritual well-being of others,” said nursing Dean Dr. Nena F. Sanders, adding that they have perpetuated a legacy of academic excellence, caring, compassion and service around Greg Eagerton Sherri Chatman Denise Elliott the world in order to make a significant impact on humanity. V. Moffett. Hospital. They represent a variety That legacy stems from the All award recipients hold degrees of specialties within the nursing lasting influence of the nursing from the School of Nursing or its profession, entrepreneurship and school’s namesake, the late Ida forerunner, Birmingham Baptist missions.

HooverSun.com

December 2012

Faith

Children’s, Chancel Choir and Youth music Bluff Park United Methodist Church For the young and young at heart, Bluff Park United Methodist Church offers several events this holiday season the whole family can enjoy. On Dec. 2 at 5:30 p.m., the church will present its Children’s Christmas Pageant. It will be followed by a

reception in the Fellowship Hall. On Dec. 9 at 6 p.m. in the sanctuary, BPUMC will present Christmas on the Bluff, featuring the Chancel Choir’s third annual holiday music performance, under the direction of Lonnie Parsons

Annual Living Nativity, Christmas Cantata

On Dec. 16 at 6 p.m., the church will hold its Blue Christmas Service and Youth Caroling in the sanctuary. Bluff Park United Methodist Church is located at 733 Valley Street and can be reached at 82209l0.

Riverchase Baptist Church

Hanging of the Greens and Handbells

Since 1988, Riverchase Baptist Church has presented the nativity story in a dramatic outdoor presentation complete with animals and a manger. Shows in 2012 will take place Dec. 16 at 6 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. Those who come to see the nativity can have family picture made with the animals and enjoy hot chocolate and warm Krispy Kreme doughnuts. The church will also host its Christmas Cantata on Dec. 9. Titled “And On Earth, Peace,” this musical performance by Randy Vader, Jay Rouse and Rose Aspinall will bring together 40 singers and a 15-piece orchestra, under the direction of Riverchase Baptist Minister of Music Murphy Maddox, to present the story of the birth of the Prince of Peace. Free tickets are available. Contact Becky Jones at becky@rbcstaff.com or call 985-4495. Riverchase Baptist Church is located at 2020 Crossvine Drive.

On Dec. 2, the first Sunday of Advent, Chapel in the Pines Church will host its annual Hanging of the Greens Service. The ceremony begins at 10:30 a.m. and is open to the public. On Dec. 16, Chapel in the Pines Church welcomes the Bell Choir of St. Peter’s Catholic Church. The performance will take place during the 10:30 a.m. worship service. For more information, contact Janet Roberta 822-4210.

Chapel in the Pines Church

Concert, Carolfest

Shades Crest Baptist Church On Dec. 2 at 5:30 p.m., the preschool and children’s choirs of Shades Crest Baptist Church will present their musical concert titled “Ring in Advent.” On Dec. 9 at 10:30 a.m., the church will host its “Agnus Dei” worship concert. Selections will include both traditional carols and arrangements from the Christmas music of well-known Christian artist Michael W. Smith and David Hamilton. Both events will take place in the church sanctuary. On. Dec. 16, at 5:30 p.m., join friends and neighbors in an informal setting to sing and hear Christmas songs. The program, titled Sounds Like Christmas! A Friends and Family CarolFest, will include both traditional and popular holiday favorites. On Dec. 24 at 5 p.m., the church will host its annual Christmas Eve service, featuring carols, candlelight and communion. For more information, call 822-1360. Shades Crest Baptist Church is located at 452 Park Ave.

CIRCLE IT, DON’T FORGET IT.

PAJAMAS BABYDOLLS

WEDDINGS

REMINDERS ARE THINGS THAT CAUSE SOMEONE TO REMEMBER SOMETHING.

BRIDES

SLIPPERS

PA N T I E S & B R A S CHEMISES

U N D E RWEAR S I L K I E S PJsF OUNDATIO N W E A R

NIGHTWE A R SHO RT I E S G OW NS UNDERPANTS F O OTIES SLEE P W E A R FLANNELS GIFTSBABIES BRA S

THE LINGERIE SHOPPE M O U N T A I N

B R O O K

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12 December 2012

Hoover Sun

School House

Young artists shine By LINDA CHASTAIN Ross Bridge’s Arts and Music on the Green festival was the setting for an art show that featured young artists from Bluff Park Elementary, Deer Valley Elementary and Rocky Ridge Elementary. Steve Cole, professor of art at the University of Montevallo, judged the competition, which included drawings from more than 30 young artists. Art teachers Shawn Argo of Bluff Park Elementary, Christine Collier of Deer Valley Elementary and Judith Davidson of Rocky Ridge Elementary

submitted their students’ work for judging. Sponsored by the Hoover Arts Alliance (HAA), the art show resulted in six winners, each of whom received recognition certificates and gift certificates. Winners of the children’s art awards are:

ff Maisie Seltz – Bluff Park, $25 ff Jordan Rochford – Deer Valley, $25 ff Leslie Nguyun Le – Rocky Ridge, $25 ff Mathew Bransdorf – Rocky Ridge, $ 25 ff Mallory Dean – Deer Valley, $50 ff Lila Zellman – Deer Valley, $50

Bluff Park Elementary student Maisie Seltz receives an artist recognition certificate from Hoover Arts Alliance President Linda Chastain. (above) Rocky Ridge Elementary students Leslie Nguyun Le and Matthew Bransdorf each earned distinction as artists of merit at this fall’s Arts and Music on the Green event. (right) Mallory Dean and Jordan Rockford of Deer Valley Elementary show off their artist recognition certificates.

Shades Mountain Elementary completes its field project Shades Mountain Elementary recently completed the installation of its field project. The revamp included the installation of a walking track, soccer field, basketball court and school garden. A rain-catching shade structure made from cedar wood will be added soon for children and teachers to enjoy. The project, which has been several years in the making, represents collaboration amongst the City of Hoover, Hoover City Schools and Shades Mountain Elementary School, including the PTO, Coach Paul Brown and other teachers. The project was funded in part with community grant money donated by State Rep. Paul DeMarco and Jack Williams. Additional funding sources included grants from the Lowe’s Foundation, PSCA and CAWACO. Landscape architect and school parent Birgit Kibelka is responsible for drawing up the master plan.

State Rep. Paul DeMarco assists with ribbon cutting duties as Shades Mountain Elementary students dedicate their new field improvement project.

Bluff Park Elementary celebrates Red Ribbon Week Students at Bluff Park Elementary celebrated their ability to make good choices and live a healthy lifestyle during Red Ribbon Week. Each day during the week, students coordinated by either wearing red, pajamas, their favorite team shirts or dressing up as a storybook character. Students also entered a poster contest using the theme, “Drug Free - It Starts with Me.” Jalyn Pryor, Olivia Payne, Eleanor Jo Harwell, Contest winners were honored in Kate Ryan Black and Billy Neal celebrate Red the Red Ribbon Week Assembly. Ribbon Week.

HooverSun.com

December 2012

Hoover High School student recognized with national award

Alex Lalisan has received the other awards. This year he was a DAR Good Citizen Award for nominee for Homecoming King 2012-2013 at Hoover High School. and was voted Best All Around among senior class men. The Daughters of the American Revolution awards the national Lalisan serves as president honor annually to outstanding of the Hoover Ambassadors, seniors on the basis of their chaplain of the Student Government Association, vicedependability, leadership, service and patriotism. Lalisan has shown president of the Hoover Grade Level Choir and co-president of his commitment to such qualities by the Chamber Choir. He is also a his many activities both in and out of school. member of the men’s a cappella The nephew of Mr. and Mrs. group “Ten Bucs Worth” at Alex Lalisan Shades Mountain Baptist Church Demosthenes Lalisan, Alex Lalisan and Shades Mountain’s New has a GPA of 4.2 and has been inducted into the National Society of High School Wind church choir and ensemble. Scholars and Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Lalisan said he plans to attend Vanderbilt Society and is a National Merit Commended University to major in communication and Scholar. He has been awarded Student of the human organizational development, after which Month each year of high school and has received he hopes to pursue a career as a journalist.

Authors visit Green Valley Elementary On Oct. 24, author and illustrator Michelle Nelson-Schmidt visited Green Valley Elementary to speak with students in kindergarten, first and second grades. She talked to the kids about the writing process and illustrating, and encouraged them to never let the “Whatif Monster” make them think they can’t do anything in life that they want to do. Children’s book author Jennifer Ward visited Green Valley on Nov. 2 to share with kindergarten through fifth grade students the importance of reading and writing. She read her books to students, helped students put on a readers theater using one of her books, had lunch with six lucky students, and encouraged students to keep reading and writing.

Students Madelyn Roe and Alex Hillman with Jennifer Ward at the author luncheon

Bluff Park third graders visit DeSoto Caverns

Christion Lewis, Gaston Grant, Gabe Heath, Wilson Gray and Martin Lee complete the Lost Trail Maze at DeSoto Caverns in October.

Third grade classes at Bluff Park Elementary visited DeSoto Caverns in Childersburg on Oct. 5. Students went on a walking tour inside the caverns and learned about the history of the caves. While inside, they saw a light show and several different cave formations of stalactites

and stalagmites. They also learned about cave hydrology, geology and archeology. Outside the caverns, students walked through the Butterfly House, tried to find their way through the Lost Trail Maze and panned for gemstones such as onyx, rubies and pyrite.

Miss Hoover teaches Girl Scouts about diabetes

Front row: Carlie Powell, Casey Powell, Caitlyn Copeland and Mya Davis. Back row: HyAyramil Daniel, Rachel Bell, Shanna Edwards, Amy Sparks, Miss Hoover Briana Kinsey, Taylor Player and Annais Prevo.

Miss Hoover 2013 Briana Kinsey recently spoke with Girl Scout Troop 208 in Birmingham about diabetes. Briana has worked with the Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama to create a “Daring to Defeat Diabetes” patch to

increase awareness about preventing diabetes. While sharing about the new patch with Troop 208, she gave out pedometers. The troop also invited a nutritionist to the meeting who spoke on preparing healthy meals and snacks.

14 December 2012

Hoover Sun

Sports Eighth grade volleyball ends exciting season The 2012 Simmons Middle School eighth grade volleyball team ended its season with an overall record of 39-5 and a Metro South record of 10-1. The team won first place at the Huntsville Panther Smash, first place at the Huntsville Bash, first place at the Madison Academy Tournament, second place at the Oak Mountain Tournament and second place at the Metro South Tournament. All Metro Players were Olivia Portera and Nora Webster. The Metro South All-Tournament player was Annie Medders. Coaches are JoAnn Hollis and George Murphy. Coach Hollis received All Metro South eighth grade Volleyball Coach of the Year.

Spain Park Softball ranks nationally for GPAs

Members of the 2012 Simmons Middle School Eighth Grade Volleyball Team are Ashleigh Arcara, Nora Webster, Annie Medders, Chloe Tudisco, Jolie Imbragulio, Ali Burton, Jessalyn Jones, Brianna Smith, Ali Veigas, Caroline Hart, and Olivia Portera.

The Spain Park High School Varsity Softball Team has been ranked 14th in the nation for grade point average (GPA) by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA). The teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s average GPA is 3.817. Pictured are team members Brittany Anderson, Mary Beth Glass, Amanda Ballew, Madi Gipson, Coach C.J. Hawkins, Mary Kathryn Bonamy, Haleigh Sisson and Julie Knight. Not pictured is DeKayla Sankey.

Varsity basketball schedules for December Spain Park Boys *Game times 7:30 p.m. unless indicated. Dec. 4: Vestavia Hills Dec. 7: @ Mountain Brook Dec. 11: Thompson Dec. 14: Homewood Dec. 21: Hoover Dec. 27 @ Choctawhatchee, 7 p.m. Dec. 28: @ Ft. Walton Beach, 7 p.m. Dec. 29: @ Carrollton, 7 p.m.

Spain Park Girls *Game times 6 p.m. unless indicated. Dec. 4: Vestavia Hills Dec. 7: @ Mountain Brook Dec. 11: Thompson Dec. 14: Homewood Dec. 21: Hoover Dec. 27-29: Decatur River City Classic

Hoover Boys *Game times 7:30 p.m. Dec. 3: Ramsay Dec. 6: Ramsay Dec. 11: @ Vestavia Hills Dec. 13: @ Mountain Brook Dec. 14: Ramsay Dec. 21: @ Spain Park Dec. 27: Leeds, 12 p.m.; Selma, 5 p.m.; McGillToolen, 6 p.m.

Hoover Girls *Game times 6 p.m. Dec. 6: @ Thompson Dec. 8: Norcross Dec. 10: @ Shades Valley Dec. 13: @ Mountain Brook Dec. 21: @ Spain Park

Lutenbacher hits hole-in-one Hoover resident Jay Lutenbacher hit a hole-in-one recently on the eighth hold at the Robert Trent Jones course at Oxmoor Valley. Â Lutenbacher used a 9-iron on the 127-yard hole, and his playing partners were Dan Crabtree and Ric Erdemeir. Hit a hole in one? We want to announce it in the Hoover Sun. Email rebecca@ hooversun.com with your news.

HooverSun.com

December 2012

Read past Restaurant Showcases at HooverSun.com

Restaurant Showcase

La Dolce Vita By REBECCA WALDEN Tucked away in an unassuming strip mall off Highway 31 across from Chace Lake is long-established neighborhood favorite La Dolce Vita. Last year, longtime Hoover residents Tamika and Jonathan Dunning took ownership of the restaurant. The many subtle changes they’ve made have caught the favorable attention of some of the restaurant’s most loyal patrons. Chief among improvements was a refresh of the restaurant’s quaint dining room. “It’s become lighter and airier,” Dunning said. They’ve also made it more familyfriendly while preserving the special occasion ambience the restaurant has long been known for. While white paper now tops the tablecloths (changed from black) for kids to doodle on while they wait for their food to arrive, each table is also graced by candlelight. The result? An intimate dining space as appealing to ‘tweens as it is to parents on a date night out. Another change diners will notice is a revamped menu, save a few classic entrees kept from before. “Anything we kept, it has been improved in a way we hope our customers like,” she said. “From the preparation to the presentation, we’ve put our spin on it and tried to make it

La Dolce Vita’s Gorgonzola Filet. Photo courtesy of La Dolce Vita.

1851 Montgomery Highway 985-2909 ladolcevitahoover.com Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., 5-9 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., 5-10 p.m. Saturday, 5-10 p.m.

New owners expand menu, maintain dining spot’s cozy charm

La Dolce Vita interior. Photo courtesy of Mark Dauber.

better for the guests.” And that spin comes from experience. “When we first met, we opened a restaurant together,” said Dunning. “Eventually we realized we didn’t want to be in the kitchen; instead, we wanted to focus on ownership and operation. The direction of a lot of dishes on the La Dolce Vita menu have come from our own experiences.” The couple will also launch

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Villagio at Ross Bridge in midDecember. The Dunnings took their vision for La Dolce Vita to renowned Brazilian chef Fabio Michalkow, who has infused unexpected combinations of ingredients to both the classic and more elaborate Italian dishes. “He can blend these different flavors and make this unique taste, but it’s not so out there that you don’t like it,” said Dunning,

describing a sea bass topped with tangerines. “I didn’t think I would like it, but I loved it. Your taste buds will just be awakened by his talent.” Since the Dunnings took over the restaurant last year, changes in patronage have improved. The restaurant’s entry, which opens into an intimate upscale bar with full service dining, accurately conveys the crowd one can typically find at La Dolce Vita any day of the week.

“We have people coming in for business meetings; there is one regular group of about 10 to 12 businessmen. They love to come and eat and continue the rest of their workday there. We’ve also seen more girls’ night out type gatherings and more children this year than ever before. And that feels right to us. We want to make sure that it’s a place for every occasion, from every day enjoyment to celebrating something special.”

16 December 2012

Business Happenings Sushi bar and more coming to Publix shopping center Valleydale Road

Lorna Road

Osaka, CJ Cards and New ofﬁce specializes Games, Rio Tan and Five in AAA insurance Star Dry cleaners coming Charlie Mollica has opened a new AAA Insurance office on Lorna Road. to Pubix center The business is the second stand-alone Several new businesses are set to open on either side of Publix in Valleydale Village, located at the corner of Valleydale Road and Caldwell Mill Road. A new Taco Bell opened at the end of the shopping center several months ago, and several businesses have followed suit. Osaka Sushi Bar, located in Suite 105, will be a full service Japanese restaurant with sushi bar and saki bar. Owner Chun Sing “Jackie” Lee has opened approximately 10 Asian restaurants in the past and plans to open Osaka by January. CJ Cards and Games, located in Suite 103, opened in early November. The store sells sports cards, Magic the Gathering cards, Pokemon cards, Yo-Gi-Go cards, as well as various card holders and cases. It also sells board games. CJ is the second card store of owners John and Carol Bettis; they also own CJ Sports Cards in Vestavia Hills. Store hours are 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday and 12-7 p.m. Sunday. For more information, call 980-3041 or find the store on Facebook. New stores Rio Tan and Five Star Cleaners are scheduled to open in December. Five Star is a discount quality dry cleaner owned by John and Holly Mattioli. The business also does alterations. It can be contacted at 981-3423. Valleydale Village is located at 5192 Caldwell Mill Road.

AAA Insurance concept to be opened in Alabama; the first opened in Madison earlier this year. Previously, all AAA services had to be purchased at one of AAA’s branch offices instead of an office that specializes in insurance. The office offers membership for roadside service, auto and homeowners insurance, and life insurance. “We have the best homeowners insurance rates going,” Mollica said. The office is located at 3315 Lorna Road, Suite 101, 35216, and can be reached at 6234412.

Miami Express Café to open Miami Café Express, a Caribbean restaurant, is scheduled to open on Lorna Road next to Regal Car Wash in late December. Menu items include Cuban sandwiches, a Steak Bomb sandwich, plantains, roasted pork and a selection of sandwiches and salads. For dessert, the restaurant offers guava pastries and tres leches cake. For breakfast it will have bacon, egg and cheese hoagies, omelets and other breakfast items with a Caribbean twist. Owner Luis Delgado was born and raised in Puerto Rico. He grew up cooking with his grandmother and now brings his passion for

Caribbean cuisine to Birmingham. The restaurant first opened on Highway 31 in Pelham and now is using that location for catering and private parties. The new Lorna location is open for breakfast and lunch and also offers take-out, carry out and delivery. Delgado hopes the business will attract more traffic and more people who are open to trying different cuisines in the new location. Hours will be 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. MondayFriday and 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday. Miami Café Express is located at 3441 Lorna Road and can be reached at 910-4708. For more information, visit eatmiamicafe. com or find them on Facebook.

Patton Creek

New nail spa

Nails & Spa 150 is set to open in Patton Creek in the middle of December. The business will offer hair salon services as well as facials, massages, waxing, manicures and pedicures. Nails & Spa 150 is located at 180 Main Street, Suite 112, and can be reached at 6820960. Hours are 9 a.m.-7:30 p.m. MondaySaturday.

Treat-Your-Self Yogurt closed for winter Treat-Your-Self Yogurt’s Patton Creek location has closed for the winter. Their Lee Branch location (701 Doug Baker Blvd, Suite 106) will remain open. The store can be reached at 453-9294. For more information, visit treat-your-self.com.

Hoover Sun

Hoover Chamber of Commerce

December

events

Dec. 4 – Business After Hours at Wine’d Down, Patton Creek Shopping Center. 5:30-7 p.m. Call 988-9463 or visit wineddown.com for information. Dec. 6 – Economic Development Committee at the Chamber Office. 8:30 a.m. Dec. 13 – Coffee & Contacts at Homewood Suites, 121 Riverchase Parkway East. 7:30-9 a.m. Contact teressa.eades@hilton.com, call 637-2900 or go to homewoodsuites.com/ for information. Dec. 19 – Ambassador Meeting at The Chamber Office. 4:30 p.m. Dec. 20 – Hoover Chamber Luncheon at Hoover Country Club. Networking at 11:30 a.m., Luncheon at noon. Make reservations by Monday, Dec. 17. Dec. 24-25, Dec. 31-Jan. 1 – Chamber Office Closed.

HooverSun.com

December 2012

Business Spotlight

Read all the past Business Spotlights at HooverSun.com

Moonlight on the Mountain

Moonlight on the Mountain 585 Shades Crest Road 578-2444 moonlightonthemtn.com

By JEFF THOMPSON and REBECCA WALDEN From the moment you step through the unassuming storefront, it’s almost a given you’ll either fall in love with Moonlight on the Mountain or walk back out. Although, the venue doesn’t see much of the latter. The space isn’t so much a performance venue as it is an art gallery. It’s sophisticated yet quaint, populated by people who can be described with the same words. They go to Moonlight’s “listening room” to hear acoustic music presented by passionate songwriters in one of the few places like it in the state, and its owner would have it no other way. “As far as night time entertainment goes, this is different. It is a very personal, intimate experience,” Moonlight’s Keith Harrelson said. “But it’s very casual at the same time, and people really seem to appreciate that. I understand it’s not for everybody; it’s for everybody else.” In only two and a half years, Moonlight on the Mountain has become a staple of the Bluff Park neighborhood. Since opening in the small shopping plaza on Shades Crest Road, the venue has acted more as a counter-culture community center – though not in the expected sense. Any given night, young professionals rub elbows with teenagers, who have conversations with career musicians, college professors, church deacons and silver foxes. Everyone smiles,

Coming up:

An acoustic act performs at Moonlight. Photo courtesy of Keith Harrelson.

and everyone listens. But it isn’t just the audience that finds Moonlight’s charm irresistible. Harrelson said that each of the hundreds of acoustic performers he’s hosted over the years has asked to come back no matter how much money they earned from the show. “They loved the experience; they said this room is special,” Harrelson said. Aside from its bi-monthly openmic nights – those will only cost you $5 to attend – the typical concert at Moonlight is $10-12 and starts at 7:30 p.m. Moonlight starts shows early to ensure families won’t be out too late, because otherwise Harrelson sees little point in offering a familyfriendly environment. But behind the scenes, the business model that drives Moonlight is just

as non-traditional as its clientele. Harrelson rarely uses the venue for anything but acoustic concerts and a few private events, and the only money he brings in comes from the door. He offers no food or beverages, but rather allows patrons to provide for themselves. And he pays those who play as much as he possibly can, he said. In all, Harrelson said he’s seen more than 5,000 eager listeners pass through Moonlight’s doors since it opened in April 2010, and many of them have wanted to know how he keeps it going without selling anything but an experience. It isn’t easy, he said. “I’ve never been able to pay for the place on the music alone.” Moonlight is Harrelson’s second Birmingham area venture, but the

Dec. 3 – Open Mic Night Dec. 6 – Sam Pointer’s Acoustic Christmas Revue (sampointer.com) Dec. 7 – Amanda Shires with Rod Picott (amandashires.squarespace.com, rodpicott.com) Dec. 8 – Alice Bargeron & Buck Johnson with Etta Britt & Bob Britt (ettabritt.com) Find a full calendar for Moonlight on the Mountain’s December events on page 22.

first had a more traditional feel. He imagined the small space he occupied in Vestavia Hills from 2003-2006 as a coffeehouse or café. He sold alcohol and snacks there, but the ends didn’t justify the means and he was forced to close for financial reasons. “The whole thing was for the music anyway,” he said. “That was the whole reason I was doing it – to present original music. When I found this room after a break of about three years, I just decided to do it strictly for the music and let it live or die on its own merits.” However, its merits haven’t always provided, and Harrelson has seen his crowds shrink since 2010. He said he has a core group of about 20 people who come a couple times a month, and another 70 who may come every other month. But two recent Thursday

night shows drew an audience of only four people to listen to six performers, which frustrates him. It certainly hasn’t stopped him or his supporters, though. Moonlight on the Mountain also receives financial assistance from the Moonlight Music Alliance, a non-profit that exists to preserve, present and promote original music. But aside from that, Harrelson’s only other source of income is a tip jar. “That is our gas tank, that is how we get by,” he said. So a short ride up the hill most nights of the week will offer an experience like none other in Birmingham, as places like Moonlight on the Mountain are few and far between – and getting ever fewer.

1.26.13

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