Former Vestavia Hills track standout Ethan Strand, now a University of North Carolina distance star, reacts at the finish line as he shatters the NCAA indoor mile record on Feb. 1 at the Boston University John Thomas Terrier Classic. Strand clocked 3 minutes, 48.32 seconds. He was the first collegiate runner to break the 3:50 barrier.
Record-setter Ethan Strand now ‘future of US distance running’
By TIM STEPHENS
Ethan Strand is the talk of the U.S. track and field scene this year — and he shows no signs of slowing down.
The Vestavia Hills native and University of North Carolina standout shattered the NCAA indoor mile record at the Boston University John Thomas Terrier Classic on Feb. 1, clocking 3 minutes, 48.32 seconds. In doing so, he became the first NCAA runner to break the 3:50 barrier indoors, surpassing the previous record of 3:50.39 set by Cooper Teare in 2021. His performance now ranks among the fastest indoor miles in world history. As if it wasn’t clear before, when Strand set an NCAA mark in the 3,000 meters, it became undeniable — a new superstar is on the rise in U.S. track.
THE REAL ESTATE REPORT
This story is part of The Real Estate Report. For the full report, see pages 24-31.
By EMILY REED
ocusing on the small details and having a strong work ethic have helped Michelle Creamer become one of Vestavia’s leading real estate agents.
“I think to be successful it is very important to know your product extremely well,” Creamer said. “I know Vestavia backward and forward. I have lived here so long. There is no secret recipe to real estate. It is all about good old-fashioned hard work, and I have a really strong work ethic. I also think going a little bit extra for your clients helps. If I know there is an important milestone in their lives, I will drop something off for them and let them know I am thinking of them. Personal touches really matter.”
Creamer was honored in January by ARC Realty for her record-breaking $60 million in sales, including $49.5 million in Vestavia Hills, in 2024.
“It was so wonderful being recognized for breaking a company record,” Creamer said. “I have just been very blessed over the years.”
Michelle Creamer, a real estate leader in Vestavia Hills and the U.S. 280 corridor, poses in a model home in Vestavia Hills. Photo by Savannah Schmidt.
Photo by Joshua Grenade.
Editor’s Note By Jon Anderson
The first day of spring — March 20 — is fast approaching. That means temperatures are starting to rise, but it’s also the time of year when the real estate market heats up.
This year will be interesting to watch as the market continues to stabilize. In this month’s paper, we’re focusing on real estate — an important part of the economy and a key topic
for anyone looking to upsize, downsize or relocate due to a life change.
Emily Reed highlights one of Vestavia Hills’ top-producing Realtors on the cover, and we also provide a review of 2024, an outlook for the rest of 2025, and tips for preparing your home for sale, staging a home, or buying a home for the first time. I hope you find it informative.
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Simeon Delante
Warren
Stretch Zone helps clients move better with
At Stretch Zone Birmingham, you can relieve soreness, increase flexibility, improve your range of motion, and boost your athletic performance.
The certified practitioners at Stretch Zone, located in the Patchwork Farms Shopping Center in Vestavia Hills, customize programs to meet your unique fitness goals and help you lead a more active, fulfilling life.
Coming to Stretch Zone for stretching is far more beneficial than going it alone, says co-owner Beth Marlowe, a Vestavia Hills native.
“When you have someone do it for you who knows the stretches and knows the muscles, it feels different and is more effective,” she says.
Coming to Stretch Zone is “a whole experience,” she says. “It’s something everyone needs to try. We don’t stretch enough in our daily lives.”
Using the Stretch Zone Method, practitioners gradually help you increase your range of motion and use your nervous system to achieve lasting flexibility.
With patented strapping equipment, the staff follows specific protocols to properly position clients and maximize the effectiveness of each stretch.
“We do all the work for you, and the customer leaves feeling better than when they walked in,” Beth says.
Clients only need half-hour time slots to make progress.
“They feel really different in that 30-minute window,” Beth says. “You have more circulation in your body. If you have a pain in your neck, for example, it might go away or feel better. You get a sense your lifestyle has improved, and you can go conquer the day.”
The staff at the facility is highly trained.
“Most of them have gone to school in disciplines like physiology or kinesiology and understand anatomy,” Beth says. “They’ve worked with sports teams or played sports. Most are personal trainers. All are certified through Stretch Zone.”
Beth, who graduated from Vestavia Hills High School in 2006, has 12 years of experience in massage therapy and personal training.
Stretch Zone Birmingham also offers a fun, laid-back vibe that makes sessions enjoyable and stress-free.
“Everyone is friendly and down to earth,” Beth says.
“We don’t know a stranger. It has that good old Southern family feel to it.”
Stretch Zone Birmingham opened in 2017. Beth has been with the company since 2018 and became owner — along with her husband, Kevin “Cheeto” Marlowe — in 2024.
Beth and her husband live in Chelsea, but she retains a deep connection to Vestavia Hills.
“My mom and dad still live in the same house where I grew up,” she says.
Vestavia Hills is “a great community,” Beth says. “It’s like a small town — very family-oriented, with friendly people.”
It’s gratifying to work at Stretch Zone and see clients make progress, Beth says.
“You see a 14-year-old athlete coming off an injury or surgery, and he achieves a better range of motion with his baseball swing,” she says. “Our oldest client is 101, and her ultimate goal was to improve her mobility and to feel 91, and she’s done just that. It’s all walks of life, ages 14 and older, and it’s gratifying to see what impact we make on each individual who walks in our doors.”
Clients get real results at Stretch Zone.
“If you stay with it, you can tell a difference quickly,” Beth says.
• Access to 90% of doctors and 100% of hospitals statewide1.
Rocky Ridge intersection upgrade in the works
By JON ANDERSON
The Vestavia Hills City Council recently put the wheels in motion for an intersection improvement in the Rocky Ridge community.
The council approved spending roughly $90,000 to hire Sain Associates to design a rightturn lane on Rocky Ridge Road at its intersection with Dolly Ridge Road. The city is paying only for the design work, while Jefferson County will fund construction since both roads are county roads, city manager Jeff Downes said.
That intersection has been identified as a priority for the city as part of a study done in conjunction with the Regional Planning Commission, Downes said.
Councilman George Pierce said the turn lane should make a major difference in improving traffic flow in that area.
The county aims to put the project out for bid this summer, with completion expected to take six months to a year, Downes said. The timeline accounts for the need to acquire right of way and relocate overhead utilities, he said.
There is an underground water line on the same property, but the city and county believe it would be best to leave the water line under the turn lane if that is acceptable to the Birmingham Water Works Board, records show.
Downes said this intersection improvement should also align with the sidewalk network in that area.
The City Council in February also approved an update to the city’s sidewalk construction master plan, identifying 4.7 miles of proposed priority areas for new sidewalks.
The new plan is similar to the city’s previous sidewalk plan, but a few changes were made based on public input, city engineer Ethan Fisher said.
One of those changes was adding a small
Jefferson County plans to add a right-turn lane on Rocky Ridge Road at its intersection with Dolly Ridge Road. The move is expected to improve traffic flow. Google map modified by Jon Anderson.
section of Dolly Ridge Road on the east side of U.S. 280 as a priority area for a sidewalk addition, Downes said.
Other priority areas include Massey Road, Shades Crest Road, sections of Dolly Ridge Road near Vestavia Hills Elementary Dolly Ridge, and areas in Cahaba Heights, including a stretch along Greendale Road that would connect a large
neighborhood to Crosshaven Drive.
However, identifying priority areas does not mean funding is available yet, Downes said. It simply means those areas will receive higher consideration for sidewalks as funds become available, he said.
One exception is Massey Road, where a $4.6 million project to add a 4,100-foot-long,
5-foot-wide sidewalk and widen parts of the road is already underway. That project is expected to be completed this summer, city officials said.
A draft of the sidewalk plan is available on the city’s website in the Feb. 10 council meeting packet. It includes a map showing existing pedestrian paths, proposed future paths, proposed greenways and priority areas.
Patient-centered care without the hassle of corporate medicine
More and more American patients are growing weary of corporate medicine and are seeking out personalized, patient-centered care.
“People are frustrated with long wait times, rushed appointments and the feeling they’re just a number in a system,” says Dr. Karen Vines, a primary care physician in Hoover.
Not only that, but patients know what they need.
“They want a doctor who truly knows them, listens to them and takes the time to understand their health concerns,” Dr. Vines says.
That’s why Dr. Vines recently opened her own practice, Vines Concierge Medicine, on Valleydale Road after working at Grandview Medical Center for nearly a decade.
A Huntsville native, Dr. Vines earned her undergraduate and medical degrees at UAB and joined Grandview in 2016.
She’s one of the many U.S. doctors opening small, personalized boutique or concierge offices.
“Even physicians are looking for a better way to practice medicine — one where they can actually focus on their patients instead of being overwhelmed by a high-volume, assembly-line approach.”
Dr. Vines limits the size of her practice so she can devote more time to each patient during longer office visits.
“I thoroughly look into all of my patient’s physical ailments so I can weigh all of their treatment options,” she says.
She has extended office hours, and patients can easily make same- or next-day appointments. They also face little or no office waiting time.
To make this level of care possible, Vines Concierge Medicine – like other concierge practices — charges patients an annual membership fee which covers a range of amenities and benefits.
Karen Vines, MD
Importantly, unlike some other membership medicine practice, Vines Concierge Medicine accepts Medicare and traditional insurance. Office visits and labs are submitted to insurance, with patients responsible for any applicable copays or deductibles.
Patients at Vines Concierge Medicine enjoy direct communication with the staff during business hours, with only real people answering their calls. Patients can call after hours for urgent issues.
“One of the biggest frustrations I hear from patients is how hard it is to simply reach their doctor when they have a question,” Dr. Vines says. “They want direct availability to their physician — someone
they trust — to guide them in those moments of uncertainty.”
The longer office visits allow Dr. Vines to build strong relationships with her patients and to talk about maintaining healthy lifestyles.
“I’ve seen firsthand what happens when preventive care is overlooked,” she says. “Poor health outcomes, diminished quality of life and even premature death are often the consequences.”
Dr. Vines says she believes in a partnership with her patients.
“Patients understand their own bodies, so I listen carefully as they share their symptoms concerns and thoughts,” she says. “I treat each patient as an individual and collaborate with them to develop a treatment plan.”
Vines Concierge Medicine provides patients with continuity in care.
“Patients will always see me — not another physician or nurse practitioner,” she says.
Dr. Vines considers it a privilege to be able to care for her patients.
“I understand the immense trust they place in me to guide them, and I take that responsibility very seriously,” she says. “It’s incredibly gratifying to help patients improve their health and, in turn, their quality of life.”
SCHOOLHOUSE
Celebrating difference makers in education
Vestavia Hills City Schools Hall
By JON ANDERSON
The Vestavia Hills school system recently celebrated the careers of five educators as they inducted them into the Vestavia Hills City Schools Hall of Fame.
This fifth class of the Hall of Fame included:
Kim Bain: band director at Pizitz Middle School from 2006 to 2021
Reba Clark: director of guidance, curriculum and instruction at the Vestavia Hills Board of Education from 1970 to 1991
Barbara Gajewski: social studies teacher, psychology teacher and counselor at Vestavia Hills High School from 1980 to 2010, and again from 2013 to 2021
George Hatchett: physical education teacher and health teacher at Pizitz Middle School and boys basketball head coach at Vestavia Hills High School from 1977 to 2016
Melvese Mann: second grade teacher at Vestavia Hills Elementary East and West from 1975 to 2005
All were present at the ceremony at the Vestavia Hills Civic Center except Clark, who died last year but was represented by two of her grandsons.
Scott Brown, president of the Vestavia Hills Board of Education, said each of these educators
exemplifies excellence.
“It’s hard to be excellent for a moment. It’s harder still to be excellent over time, yet the legacy of Vestavia Hills City Schools is consistent excellence of preparing students for life,” Brown said. “Consistent excellence doesn’t just happen. It requires hard work — class after class, practice after practice, day after day, game after game, performance after performance, year after year.”
Yet this excellence is even more rare because the excellence of these educators was not focused on making themselves better, but making others better, Brown said.
“The work, discipline and sacrifice represented here tonight do not include personal
gain,” Brown said. “Our honorees have pursued excellence so that others could soar, so that their students would be poised to succeed in life.”
Superintendent Todd Freeman said the five honorees represent what profound learning and learning without limits should be.
KIM BAIN
Bain dedicated her life to teaching students to simultaneously master their instrument, appreciate its individual value and hear how it sounds and fits perfectly into harmony, Freeman said. She taught with remarkable passion, sharing her love of music and instrumental instruction and laying the foundation for successful musical instruction for the school system, he said.
Bain said she was humbled to receive this honor and grateful for her years with Vestavia Hills City Schools.
“We had so many wonderful band trips and so many wonderful competitions with all superior ratings,” she said. “Those were great and all, but the thing I miss is the relationship with the kids and getting to spend time with your children. That was the greatest gift of my Vestavia years.
The Vestavia Hills City Schools Hall of Fame Class of 2024 includes, from left, George Hatchett, Barbara Gajewski, Kim Bain, Melvese Mann and Reba Clark. Clark, who died in 2024, was represented by grandsons Keith Rosetta and Craig Rosetta.
Photos by Jon Anderson.
“Reba understood that effective leadership happens not by control or power, but by influence,” he said. “Leaders that are difference makers in education are first for teachers and students. Reba encouraged, challenged and supported teachers, directors, coaches and counselors to be their best, and her legacy of influence is still felt today.”
Clark developed and implemented one of the top five exemplary K-12 guidance programs in the nation, emphasizing the importance of self-esteem for every child and the responsibility of each employee to care for student well-being, Freeman said. Her leadership helped establish the bedrock for the success the school system enjoys today, he said.
Stephanie Rosetta, a granddaughter-in-law who spoke on behalf of Clark’s family, said they were honored to accept this award on Clark’s behalf. Rosetta brought a copy of the curriculum guide that Clark helped create and said she was dedicated to her students and their futures.
BARBARA GAJEWSKI
Gajewski served multiple roles, including social studies teacher, psychology teacher and Vestavia Hills High School’s first college
and career counselor, Freeman said. She was instrumental in leading efforts for the school to earn an Alabama School Counseling Program of Distinction designation, and her dedication to students left an indelible mark on generations of Vestavia Hills High graduates, he said.
“You dedicated your career as a counselor to guide children to use their unique gifts to discover what author Adam Grant calls their hidden potential,” he said.
Gajewski said it could have been any of her colleagues over decades who deserved to receive this recognition.
“I never felt like I was working when I was in the classroom,” she said. “I learned much more from my students than they did from me. There was always a question that had never been asked before, an insight that had never been shared before that absolutely amazed me.”
She paid tribute to Clark, saying Clark was the one who hired her as a classroom teacher and served as her inspiration and role model. Clark continues to be the role model for the counseling departments, Gajewski said.
“It was her program that she put together in that book that was used when I put together some things that got us some national and
state recognition in the guidance department,” she said.
GEORGE HATCHETT
Hatchett, who led Vestavia Hills boys basketball teams to state championships in 1992 and 2010, was a dedicated coach who left an enduring impact on the basketball program, impacting thousands of lives, Freeman said.
He recognized that one person cannot win a game, Freeman said. “You didn’t win championships with one player. You did it with a team of five individuals willing to work together and achieve their goals.”
Hatchett and Bain both recognized that the pathway to excellence is filled with challenges that only a person with a growth mindset can embrace, Freeman said. And Hatchett continues to work closely with students in his retirement, he said.
Hatchett said he got into teaching and education for a selfish purpose. He wanted to coach, and education was the way to do it, he said. But over the years, he ran across some really wonderful people — classroom teachers and coaches — whom he considers heroes.
“There are a number of people that are far more deserving than I am,” he said. “I’m a
taker, not a real good giver. I got a lot more from y’all and this school system than I could ever repay.”
MELVESE MANN
Freeman said Mann embraced how an elementary teacher is the first adult in school to love, encourage and help students dream big.
“Ms. Mann’s classroom was a warm and inviting space where every student felt valued,” Freeman said. “Ms. Mann demonstrated exceptional skill in using students’ interests to enhance their knowledge and skills, and … Ms. Mann’s dedication to her students was evident in every aspect of her teaching, making her an invaluable part of the school community.”
Mann said it was an honor to be chosen for the Hall of Fame. She cited a Nelson Mandela quote about education being the most powerful weapon to change the world.
She said she was thankful to God for the opportunity to play a part in the lives of hundreds of second graders who worked hard in her classrooms over the course of 30 years. She’s thankful for the families who entrusted their children to her and for her own family and friends who came to support her Monday night, she said. “This moment is precious.”
George Hatchett Melvese Mann
Barbara Gajewksi
Reba Clark Kim Bain
Summer theatre camps at Red Mountain Theatre
The summer camps hosted by Red Mountain Theatre, scheduled for May 27-Aug. 1, give kids of all ages and skill levels an amazing outlet to use their creativity and imagination in dramatic ways.
Whether it’s one of our littlest actors stepping on stage for the first time or high schoolers honing their skills for the next big step, camps help kids with so much more than just singing and dancing. They’re about teamwork, discipline, confidence and friendship, as well as a lot of fun.
Most camps end with short performances in which students can show off what they’ve learned for family and friends.
In addition, the Teaching Artists at Red Mountain Theatre are highly skilled instructors who have both practical theatre and teaching experience. They meet exacting safety and learning standards to provide students with a secure environment in which to learn, grow and express themselves.
Most camps take place on the Red Mountain Theatre Arts Campus, located at 1600 Third Ave. S. in Birmingham, but there’s something new this year.
For the first time Red Mountain Theatre will also take its show on the road for two weeks of camps at Thompson High School in Alabaster and the Community Center in Chelsea.
Check out the wide array of options available to young campers this summer:
► Play Making (Ages 4-6): Budding artists let their imaginations run wild while they explore theatrical storytelling. These half-day classes in the morning or afternoon
teach inventiveness, collaboration and creativity using familiar characters, such as Ariel, Spiderman or Bluey.
► Triple Threats (Ages 6-8): Campers become “triple threats” by working on their singing, dancing and acting skills. During the week, students learn 3-5 production numbers to be performed at the end of the
week for an audience of friends and family.
Songs are chosen from the pop charts, Broadway musicals and Disney movies.
► Theme Camps (Ages 7-12): In this fun-filled week, students will learn basic theatre fundamentals and create original characters while exploring a familiar book or movie world. Whether it’s Hogwarts, Narnia,
WHERE: Red Mountain
WHEN:
AGES: 4-18
CALL:
WEB: redmountaintheatre.org/
Arendelle, the MCU, or fantasy lands, these themes will come to life through all kinds of creative play.
► Blast Camps (Ages 9-14): Blast Camps are fun, week-long camps that put musical theatre performance skills to the test. Over the week, students rehearse a short script, including choreography and production numbers. At the end, they’ll perform for a supportive audience of family and friends.
► Summer Intensives (Ages 12-18): For students who love musical theatre and want to hone skills. Intensives will allow campers to dive deep into a specific element of performance, including auditions, focused work and college applications for musical theatre programs.
The camp cost ranges from $156 to $450 for half- and full-day camps. Financial aid is available for all who qualify. Extended care options and lunch plans can be added on.
The summer camps fill up quickly so don’t delay. For details and registration, call 205-324-2424 or go to redmountain theatre.org/summer-camps-2025.
Experience the joy of dance
The Dance Foundation
The Dance Foundation teaches the art of dance to all. We offer a welcoming, creative approach to celebrating the dancer in every body and the dance in every movement.
For 50 years, we have worked to expand ideas about what dance is and who is a dancer so students and audiences can explore and belong. We make dance available to as many people as possible through three programs: Dance Studio Classes, Dance Partners and Dance Space Rentals.
Dance Studio Classes nurture thinking dancers in developing dance technique and the creativity, confidence and commitment needed to thrive in dance and life. Our program offers creative, student-centered curriculums for all ages and abilities to encourage a lifelong connection with dance.
Our summer offerings include weekly classes for ages 1 to adult and camps for 4K through 12th grade. Classes for ages 1 through first grade feature live piano music. Camps include Once Upon a Fairytale for 4K and 5K, Once Upon a Ballet and Adventures in Enchanted Lands for first through
WHERE: 1715 27th Court S., Birmingham
third grade, Dance Exploration for third through sixth grade and Dance Workshop for sixth through 12th grade.
Dance Partners is at the heart of our mission, taking dance into schools and community organizations, helping preschool and K-12 students connect — with each other, with academic content and with developmental goals.
Dance Space Rental is our studio rental program for community artists and organizations. We make space available for their classes, rehearsals and performances so these artists have space to move, dream and grow.
Visit our website to learn more, to give, to find a class or to host an event.
Girls ages 7 to 15 in search of a unique, exciting and uplifting camp experience should check out Camp Hollymont for Girls. Hollymont is a Christian camp offering a wide variety of skill activities and high-adventure experiences.
Nestled in the north Georgia mountains near Franklin and Highlands, North Carolina, Hollymont is only a four-hour drive from Birmingham.
Mountain Brook resident Missy McKibbens Roper was a Hollymont camper as a child, and she has been the owner and executive director of the camp since 1992.
“Campers at Hollymont grow socially, physically and spiritually, all while gaining self-confidence, building lasting friendships with girls from all over the world, and having lots of fun,” Roper says.
Hollymont leases the property of the Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School and turns it into a camp each summer. Campers live in air-conditioned, dorm-style houses by age group. Campers enjoy the first-class amenities, including an indoor pool, sports fields and a six-acre lake, as well as cheer, tumbling and dance studios, a professional stage, a black box theater for Cirque, and art studios.
For those interested in outdoor activities, there are options such as archery, tennis, volleyball, soccer, basketball, lacrosse, pickleball, yoga and fishing. Other popular activities include cooking, sign language, Zumba, LIFE, Bible journaling and photography. Hiking, camping, horseback trail riding, a high ropes course and whitewater rafting are also
WHERE: Rabun Gap, Georgia
WHEN: June and July
AGES: 7-15
CALL: 828-686–5343
WEB: hollymont.com
SOCIAL MEDIA: @camphollymont
available for campers seeking extra adventure. Hollymont’s Christian focus incorporates songs and skits each morning, age-appropriate Bible stories, lessons and prayer during evening devotions, and a Sunday morning chapel service.
Traditional sessions for girls ages 7 to 15 last two weeks. Hollymont also offers a one-week starter camp for girls ages 7 to 9 and a mother-daughter weekend for moms with daughters ages 6 to 9.
Missy McKibbens Roper with her daughter Loren Jane
Join the band and rock out the show
Mason Music
Whether you are introducing your little one to music for the first time or looking for opportunities for your rockstar teenager to connect with other serious musicians, Mason Music has a summer camp for you. We have unique offerings that are education-focused to keep your kiddos doing something productive while school’s out. Each camp has a thoughtfully designed curriculum to make it a fun and engaging experience for your camper. Make this summer rock!
► Stars Preschool Music Camp (ages 3-5): Explore musical concepts like dynamics, tempo, and pitch in a creative environment. Campers will also learn skills in singing, piano, and percussion instruments as well as crafts and musical movement.
► Music Camp for Beginners (ages 6-9): If your student has little or no experience with music, this camp lets them explore different instruments and find the right fit for them. Campers will get hands-on experience with real instruments while learning foundational music theory concepts, making crafts, and playing games.
► Guitar Camp for Beginners (ages 10-15): For the student who has never picked up a guitar, but wants to learn how to play in an encouraging environment. Learn guitar basics like chords, strumming, reading, tuning, and best practice habits to get you playing real songs by the end of the week!
► Vocal Camp for Beginners (ages 10-15): Our experienced camp instructors will equip you with exercises to master skills like projection, diction, tone, ear training, performance techniques, preparing for an audition, and more. In this camp, each camper will create a vocal portfolio recording piece of their singing to share with friends and family.
WHEN: June 2-Aug. 1
WEB: masonmusic.com/ music-camps
► Rock Band Camp – Performance Edition (ages 10-18): Join a rock band and learn the songs you’ve always wanted to play to perform live for family and friends on the last day of camp. Students can sign up together with friends or individually. Students should already have a grasp of their instrument, and are ready to show off their skills while they grow their confidence!
► Rock Band Camp – Recording Edition (ages 13-18): Join a band, learn recording techniques, work with a producer in our professional recording studio and walk away with a demo copy of your band’s work. This camp is for a student who is very comfortable playing their instrument (minimum two years experience) and wants the most advanced training available. All prospective campers are asked to submit an audition video with registration to ensure proficiency.
Learning has never been so WILD!
Birmingham Zoo
Get ready for an unforgettable summer adventure with the Birmingham Zoo! Campers can explore their wild side with up-close animal meet-and-greets or dive into skills for a career in nature conservation.
Zoo Camp (ages 5-11)
Zoo Camp offers fun and fantastic options for our youngest learners who are out of school on much-needed breaks during spring, summer, fall, and winter. Single day and week-long experiences include zoo tours, up close meet-and-greets with animals, unique learning opportunities about nature and conservation, games, crafts, and more! Zoo campers will spend their days exploring ways humanity impacts wildlife, how animals survive and thrive in their environments, and uncovering the mysteries and legends of the wild world.
Conservation & Careers (ages 12-17)
Conservation & Careers is a brand new adventure offering exceptional opportunities for teens during the summer. This engaging experience gives teens the chance to learn about careers in zoos, aquariums, and nature conservation while interacting with Birmingham Zoo leaders and building skills to jumpstart their own future. During the week, discussions, activities, and learning will focus on efforts within the conservation field here at home and around the world. Teens will have a chance to research and develop meaningful projects that highlight the local and global wildlife conservation efforts with which they connect. At the end of the week, students will
WHERE: Birmingham Zoo WHEN: May 27-Aug. 1
AGES: 5-17
COST: $357-$480 (Financial assistance is available) CALL: 205-879-0409 ext. 4
WEB: birminghamzoo.com
present their project to zoo guests! Go to birminghamzoo.com to sign up your student today for Zoo Camp or Conservation & Careers!
Spring Break and Summer Camps registrations at your Birmingham Zoo are now open! Children from 5 to 11 will experience up close encounters with Zoo animals, participate in unique learning opportunities about nature and conservation, plus enjoy games, crafts, tours and more. Also check out our NEW! Conservation & Careers summer experience for teens ages 12-17. Details at www.birminghamzoo.com.
Business Buzz
BUSINESS HAPPENINGS
NOW OPEN
Iron City Biomechanics held a ribbon cutting for its new office at 1401 Montgomery Highway, Suite 171, on Feb. 10. Owner
Neriah Franklin, who served 10 years in the U.S. Army, has a background in functional fitness, focusing on movements that improve daily living and athletic performance. Iron City Biomechanics offers comprehensive care that is designed to bridge the gap between rehabilitation and fitness, helping patients trying to recover from an injury or just improve athletic performance.
205-245-4856, ironcitybiomechanics.com
Edelweiss Heirlooms has opened at 1425 Montgomery Highway, Suite 119, in the Park South Plaza shopping center. The store sells European and American fine collectibles, antiques and gifts. The merchandise includes antique furniture, paintings and dishes, as well as authentic German nutcrackers, smokers, pyramids, ceramics, wood miniatures and more. Gift wrapping is available.
205-572-5879, edelweissheirlooms.com
COMING SOON
A new specialty grocery store called Mark’s Mart Vestavia was hoping to open April 1 in the former 3,700-square-foot location of the Twisted Root Burger Co. at 2501 Rocky Ridge Road. The owner, Brian King, said his family has had a similar store in Selma since 1978 and opened a second store in Northport in 2019. The store will specialize in pre-packaged grilled items such as ribs, sirloin, pork chops and chicken swirls but also will carry items such twice-baked potatoes, dips, stuffed mushrooms, homemade cinnamon rolls, honey and candles, King said. Most items are designed for carryout and quick home cooking, but there will be tables for people to eat some items on site such as barbecue
sandwiches, he said. The store also will sell wine and received approval to sell alcoholic beverages from the Vestavia Hills City Council on Feb. 10. April 1 is a target opening date, but inspections still had to be passed, he said.
chickenswirl.com
Parvez Mulji, owner of the Chevron gasoline station at 705 Montgomery Highway in Vestavia Hills, plans to open a package store called Iron City Package Store in a strip shopping center at 2409 Acton Road, Suite 117. The target opening date is sometime in April, Mulji said. The store will cover about 1,500 square feet.
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foot office building with 23 parking spaces. The Vestavia Hills Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously recommended approval of the request on Jan. 9, and the City Council was scheduled to consider the rezoning request at its Feb. 24 meeting (after the Vestavia Voice went to press). Go to vestaviavoice.com for an update.
The Picklr, a new 28,000-squarefoot indoor pickleball facility, is scheduled to open in the former Sprouts Farmers Market store at 1031 Montgomery Highway, in March. The facility will have 10 courts, a pro shop and a restaurant and will host local pickleball leagues, tournaments and professional events. The franchise will be owned and operated by Patrick Denney, a real estate developer, Vestavia Hills resident and principal of Altera AIP-Vestavia, and his wife, Shannon Denney Ross English, a Pro Pickleball Association and Association of Pickleball Players pro player, has joined the facility as its club coordinator. thepicklr.birmingham
Parkside Pet Hospital has signed a lease to occupy a 3,600-square-foot space in the Marketplace at The Bray shopping center in Liberty Park, according to Harbert Retail, which is handling leasing for the shopping center. The shopping center is anchored by Publix, and other tenants include Planet Smoothie, Nail Boutique and Spa, ARC Realty, Birmingham Martial Art II and HaMi Boutique. Parkside Pet Hospital provides veterinary care with a full range of medical services that includes exams, vaccinations, surgery, diagnostics, as well as grooming services and nutritional products. Harbert Retail’s Casey Howard and Lacey Scott represented the landlord in the leasing deal.
NEWS & ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Miss Astrid’s Tavern, a new restaurant at 3160 Cahaba Heights Road, got its license to sell alcoholic beverages approved by the Vestavia Hills City Council on Feb. 10. 205-281-1349, Miss Astrid’s on Facebook
Derek Lemke was asking the Vestavia Hills City Council to rezone a lot at 4564 Pine Tree Circle in the Topfield subdivision between Cahaba River Road and Colonnade Parkway from an R-1 residential district to an O-1 office district for construction of a two-story, 5,800-square-
Jefferson County Homeowners
The Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce is having a Lunch & Learn event with Payroll & Benefit Solutions on March 5 at 11:30 a.m. at the Vestavia Hills Civic Center’s Magnolia Room. Lunch will be provided. To register, go to vestaviahills.org/events.details/lunch-and-learn-7091.
The Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce’s regular monthly luncheon is scheduled for Tuesday, March 11, at the Vestavia Country Club at 400 Beaumont Drive. The scheduled speaker is Megyn Rodriguez of the Small Business Administration. Networking begins at 11:30, and the program begins at noon and should end about 1 p.m. Reservations cost $25 through March 6 and $30 after that. Register at vestaviahills.org/events.
The Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce’s Business Development Committee invites business people to come learn about new things happening in the business community and city at large and help develop ideas about how to build a better community on Thursday, March 27, from 7:30 to 9 a.m. at the Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce office at 1090 Montgomery Highway. vestaviahills.org
The Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce is hosting a “family putt-putt event” called Mini Masters on Saturday, April 5, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will be prizes, food and vendors. Part of the proceeds will go to the Rebels Impact through Service and Engagement group at Vestavia Hills High School, which raises money to support the adolescent and young adult oncology research program at the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. To sign up a team, email tracy@vestaviahills.org.
CLOSINGS
The Mia Moda clothing and gift boutique closed its brick-andmortar store at 1425 Montgomery Highway, Suite 105, in the Park South Plaza shopping center on Jan. 30. Owner Tammy Flowers said she’s going into semi-retirement and will operate Mia Moda as an online business only from this point forward to allow her more flexibility with her time. Flowers said Mia Moda has been in business for 22 years and in Park South Plaza since 2009. miamodaboutique.com
Art by Dori DeCamillis
Franklin
Flowers
Expert tree care and health services for a stronger, greener landscape
If you need professional trimming, pruning or removal of trees and shrubs at your home or business, look no farther than Monster Tree Service.
The company has offered high-quality service at competitive prices nationally since 2008, and its highly trained specialists work safely and efficiently with the latest tools.
However, the owners of Monster Tree Service Birmingham — Dylan Digmon and Kristen Digmon, who live and run their business in Vestavia Hills — stress that they do far more than just traditional tree work.
“Plenty of people out there can cut a tree down, but we want to be the go-to call for alternatives to keep trees healthy,” he said.
This is certainly true in the spring, which Dylan says is Monster Tree’s busiest season.
“For spring, we do lots of deep-root fertilization,” he says. “We inject a specialized fertilizer directly into the tree’s roots. This also helps de-compact and aerate the soil and allows more air, water and nutrients to enter the root zone. it’s a great solution to give plants – including struggling trees, newly planted trees, shrubs –that extra boost as they come into the growing season. There’s lots of different applications for it. We’re always happy to assess and find the best plan for your situation.”
Monster Tree Service also offers such plant-health services as soil
health treatments and preventative treatments for Southern pine beetles.
“There’s a range of solutions we can offer to improve tree health and extend the life of the trees that make Vestavia Hills so unique,” Dylan said.
Dylan said they sometimes avoid cutting trees down by using supplemental support systems.
“We do a lot of these in trees with multiple stems or a particularly weak branch,” he said. We can install a supplemental support, like a cable in the canopy, to make it safer, and you never
even know it’s there. This is a great solution for certain types of trees.”
It’s gratifying to serve other homeowners, the Digmons said.
“We believed there was a huge opportunity to improve the customer experience in tree care services,” Dylan said.
“We go above and beyond for our customers to ensure their peace of mind,” Kristen said.
The couple also enjoy living in Vestavia Hills, having moved here three years ago.
Are You Ready to Be One of e
Monster Tree Service
• Call: 205-440-3909
• Web: monstertreeservice.com/ birmingham
• Social: @monstertree.bhm
• Hours: Monday-Friday
8 a.m. to 5 pm. and Saturdays
8 a.m. to noon
“We couldn’t have picked a better place to put down roots,” Dylan said.
“We felt welcomed and at home there immediately,” Kristen said.
“We love Vestavia Hills, we were immediately sold on the area and the parks, trees, and natural surroundings, and it’s been a great place to raise our kids,” Dylan said.
The couple have been pleased to see the “strong support” in Vestavia Hills for local businesses, sports and schools, Kristen said, adding that the couple help sponsor athletics at Vestavia Hills High School.
Dylan said that he enjoys being a Monster Tree Service franchisee.
“Being part of the broader Monster Tree network comes with significant training and safety resources, all of which benefit both our employees and customers,” he said.
For more information, call 205-4403909 or go to monstertreeservice.com/ birmingham.
Dillon Champion works with Elliot Harrison in a guitar lesson. Photo courtesy of Mason Music.
Mason Music: Offering music education for 12 years
By STAFF
Mason Music has offered music lessons for more than 12 years, teaching guitar, drums, piano and voice.
The company has five locations, including one at 3187 Cahaba Heights Road. The business emphasizes personalized instruction and a structured approach to teaching called the “Mason Music Method.”
“Mason Music is different because we have the area's best teachers, we make it fun by teaching exactly what you want to play from day one, and our studio admin team makes it easy from our conveniently located studios to working with your busy schedule, even finding spaces in your calendar for you,” said Kennedy Ward, Mason Music’s marketing manager.
The Mason Music Method involves matching students with teachers based on individual goals and personalities, teaching theory and technique, and celebrating milestones through
events like the Rock Record Challenge and parent-teacher conferences. The business also offers performances, camps and recording sessions.
Mason Music recently introduced Animal Adventures in Music, a preschool curriculum designed for children ages 3-6.
“These weekly 30-minute private lessons are tailored to mini musicians … through character-filled workbooks, silly games and practice,” Ward said.
The studio also started offering free 30-minute trial lessons.
Ward said the studio often receives positive feedback. “The compliments we are proudest of are how much our teachers and staff really care about their students, as musicians and people, and how they make learning music fun and approachable,” she said.
For more information, visit masonmusic. com or follow them on Instagram and Facebook at @MasonMusicRocks.
Dr. Nicole Ussery seeks wellness at Balance Chiropractic
By JON ANDERSON
Dr. Nicole Ussery, a 1997 Vestavia Hills High School graduate, loves the feeling she gets when somebody comes to her office in pain and then leaves feeling better.
“It’s very rewarding,” said Ussery, who owns and runs Balance Chiropractic in the Shoppes at City Hall in Vestavia Hills.
Ussery, a chiropractor, dietician and exercise physiologist, specializes in full-spine adjustments — all the way from the hips to the neck. She loves the hands-on chiropractic work but also helping people with exercise and dietary advice because it changes people’s lives, she said. A change in diet can lead to a better immune system, better health, weight loss, fewer medications and disease control, she said.
She got her undergraduate degree in nutrition science and a master’s degree in exercise physiology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and became a registered dietician. She did that for about two years, then started going to see a chiropractor for some low back pain and fell in love with chiropractic, she said.
She went to chiropractor school and, upon getting her license, opened Balance Chiropractic in 2008. Since then, she has seen close to 2,000 patients — usually about 75 a week.
She doesn’t file with insurance companies, so customers pay upfront. For new patients, it’s $250 for three scans and the first adjustment and $60 per follow-up visit. Her hours are 9 a.m. to noon and 3 to 6 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays and 9 a.m. to noon Thursdays. For more information, call 205-823-7890 or visit awellnessstudio.com.
Dr. Nicole Ussery, owner and operator of Balance Chiropractic in Vestavia Hills. Photo by Jon Anderson.
Hillside Music & Que is back under new management
By STAFF
Hillside Music and Que in Vestavia Hills has reopened under new management with a reimagined menu and plans to create a community-centered gathering space.
The restaurant at 633 Montgomery Highway, which closed in October, is now owned by Kiran Sunkavalli, with head chef JP Holland leading the kitchen and day-to-day operations.
The restaurant, previously known for its barbecue focus, is moving in a new direction with a broader menu that includes smash burgers, tacos and other comfort foods.
Holland, who has a fine dining background, said his approach allows him to create accessible dishes while incorporating high-quality ingredients.
“I’m working with one particular farmer that is going to give us a specific grind and fat
content exactly to our specifications,” Holland said. “That’s what’s going to make us different.”
Specific menu items include the Bacon Be Crazy burger and Gordo Tacos. “The Bacon Be Crazy is going to have bacon, peppercorn cheddar cheese, a nice soft potato bun, bacon jam and more bacon,” Holland said. “On the taco side, we do street tacos and Tex tacos. We do a mix between. We call them the Gordo Tacos, which is a double-decker taco. That’s the one people have been getting.”
Holland also shared plans for growing produce on site in the future, as well as having a green space for outdoor seating and events. Being near the local baseball fields naturally brings in families and neighbors, he said.
“Everyone just kind of knows each other,” he said.
Events under consideration include trivia nights, live music and crawfish boils.
Rebels enter 2025 with mix of youth, experience
By KYLE PARMLEY
The Vestavia Hills High School baseball program went from winning the Class 7A state championship in 2023 to missing the playoffs in 2024.
That speaks to the strength of baseball programs in the Birmingham area and across the state in 7A.
Head coach Jamie Harris knows this year’s team could experience either fate of the last two seasons, but he is hopeful for a result much closer to 2023.
“I think we’re going to be better this year than we were last year,” Harris said. “The difference between [missing the playoffs and] being good enough to win the state championship in 7A is pretty razor thin.”
Vestavia Hills has a large senior class this year, with 14 Rebels set to lead the program. Six of them have already signed to play college baseball, and Harris estimates a few more could be added to that number.
William Tonsmeire and Bruce Littleton are headed to Southern Miss, Will Langston and Colin Jones are off to Mississippi College, James Lucas will play at Gadsden State, and Chase Rafferty has signed with Pensacola State.
The pitching staff is headlined by Rafferty, Jones and Littleton. Harris said 19 players on the roster have the ability to pitch, so depth is not an issue. Others expected to have key roles on the staff include Cooper Anderson, Will Daniel, Gavin Smith, Charlie Taaffe, Maddox Merrill and Daniel Covington.
“The backbone of our team is going to have to be our pitching staff,” Harris said.
“That’s three guys that can flat out fly and go get it, and swing it,” Harris said.
Langston and Lucas give Vestavia two solid catchers to rely on, with Lucas likely to slide into the designated hitter spot most days.
The Rebels’ infield will have some new faces. Taaffe, a sophomore, is likely to
The outfield has plenty of returning experience. Tonsmeire is back in center field, with Carson Mann returning in right. Cross Tonsmeire, who played some varsity ball last year, will take over in left.
take over at shortstop. Smith at third base, Connor Jenkins at second and Jacob Harris at first are also names to watch around the diamond.
“There’s something to be said for guys that have been in that fire, felt that pressure, made that play,” Harris said. “It takes some time to get weathered, seasoned, to where they’re ready to contribute in the biggest moments.
We’ll get them there.”
Vestavia Hills will compete in Class 7A, Area 6, alongside Hewitt-Trussville, Oak Mountain and Hoover. All four will likely be among the best teams in the state.
“Come April, when we start playing those area games, it’s who gets the big hit, who makes the play. The margin of error is minuscule,” Harris said.
Vestavia Hills’ Colin Jones (28) pitches in a game against Lincoln County at the Hoover Met Complex in the 2024 Buccaneer Classic spring break tournament in March 2024. Staff photo.
Young Rebels ready to mix it up
By KYLE PARMLEY
Life is never easy playing Class 7A softball in the Birmingham area.
Vestavia Hills High School is a prime example of that. The Rebels have had capable teams and strong seasons in John Simmons’ three years as head coach, but they have been thwarted in the area tournament each time.
Vestavia will look to change that luck this season in hopes of returning to the regional and state tournaments for the first time since 2021.
This year’s cast will feature four seniors Simmons is counting on to lead the way. Catcher EJ Bragan is coming off an ankle injury but has been practicing at 100% in the lead-up to the season, with hopes for her to have a big year.
Evelyn Splawn and Carmen Owen will hold down the outfield, while Elizabeth Yother is set to be an anchor of the pitching staff. Simmons said Splawn and Owen have been competing for the spot in center field. He also had high praise for Yother’s progress.
“She had a great second half of the season last year,” Simmons said. “We hope she can piggyback off of that.”
Bragan has signed with Union University, Splawn with Gadsden State Community College and Yother with Covenant College. Owen recently committed to Blue Mountain Christian University.
There is a large group of juniors this spring. Simmons noted that many of them will contribute and settle into key roles on the team.
The Rebels will also have a crop of underclassmen eager to make their mark, not only in the future but on this year’s team.
A few of those will be under the wing of Yother. Sophomore Haley McGill, freshmen Lily Ferguson and Addison Ferrell, and seventh grader Kate Flanagan will make up what Simmons hopes is a staff with depth and quality.
“Our biggest problem has been we’ve run out of gas a little bit [toward the end of the year],” he said. “The more experience we get, the better off we’ll be.”
Ferguson and fellow freshman Hannah Walker will be in the lineup and play in the infield, as both gained valuable varsity experience last season while they were still middle schoolers.
“There is a ton of room for growth,” Simmons said. “The youth that we have right now coming in is extremely talented. We’re excited about them and how well they’ve plugged themselves in. Even though they don’t have experience, they’ve played a whole lot of ball.”
The road to the postseason will not be any easier for Vestavia Hills this spring, though. The Rebels will compete in Class 7A, Area 6, with Hewitt-Trussville, Oak Mountain and Hoover. Hewitt has won back-to-back state championships, while Hoover has had a few impressive runs at the state tournament in recent years.
“It’ll be a tough area,” Simmons said. “We’ll all be fighting. The area tournament will be eventful. It’ll definitely be one to come watch, with the best games in town.”
Vestavia Hills’ EJ Bragan (32) during a game between Tuscaloosa County and Vestavia Hills in March 2024, at the Vestavia Hills softball complex. Photo by Kyle Parmley.
Rebels bowling triumphs at state
By KYLE PARMLEY
The Vestavia Hills High School boys bowling team finished off a terrific season by winning the Class 6A-7A state championship Feb. 4. The Rebels rallied from a deficit to defeat Thompson in the championship match, 1,5941,577. The state tournament was held at Bowlero in Mobile.
The state title is the Rebels’ second in the 10 years of bowling in Alabama high school competition. They last won the event in 2019.
The Rebels won three matches to secure their spot in the state championship match. Vestavia began the tournament with a 1,5221,314 win over Mortimer Jordan, then edged Stanhope Elmore 1,627-1,615. In the semifinals, Vestavia knocked off Thompson 1,547-1,368.
Thompson worked its way back to face Vestavia in the final and started out hot, building a 61-pin lead in the championship match. Thompson led by six pins after the traditional game and two of three Baker games, but the Rebels stormed back to win the final Baker
game and claim the blue map trophy. Vestavia Hills dropped the first Baker game 214-201 but won the final two, 214-195 and 230-207, to secure the victory. In the traditional round, Davidson Smith bowled a 238, and Carson Gentry notched a 224. Doug Dellacio, Grant McEwen and Josh Burgess also stepped up during the state tournament.
Vestavia Hills coach Todd Evans said the best part of coaching the bowling program is getting to see players grow throughout their four years in the program. Gentry is a prime example of that. He had a strong performance
in the state tournament but had to battle through sickness just to be in the lineup.
The Vestavia bowling team has been known for its community efforts throughout the year, including raking yards for senior citizens and volunteering at the Special Olympics, with team members Vaughan Rainer and Josh Maners participating in the games.
Along those same lines, Evans gave well-deserved credit to Thad Boryczka, the team’s “director of snacks.”
“The team chemistry is off the charts,” Evans said.
Christopher M. Beaumont, MD
E. Lyle Cain, Jr., MD
Andrew M. Cordover, MD
Jeffrey C. Davis, MD
Jeffrey R. Dugas, MD
Benton A. Emblom, MD
Christopher H. Garrett, MD
Daniel C. Kim, MD
Wayne McGough, Jr., MD
Kathleen E. McKeon, MD
K. David Moore, MD
Charles C. Pitts, Jr., MD
Marcus A. Rothermich, MD
Norman E. Waldrop, III, MD
Matthew B. Beidleman, MD
Christopher S. Carter, MD
Emily Bell Casey, MD
Ricardo E. Colberg, MD
Rachel G. Henderson, MD
Monte M. Ketchum, DO
José O. Ortega, MD
T. Daniel Smith, MD
Jay S. Umarvadia, MD
Charles T. Carnel, MD
The Vestavia Hills High School boys bowling team won the Class 6A-7A state tournament on Feb. 4 at Bowlero in Mobile. Photo courtesy of Vestavia Hills Bowling.
Rebels claim runner-up trophies at state indoor
By KYLE PARMLEY
Vestavia Hills High School delivered a standout performance at the Class 7A state indoor track and field meet Jan. 31 at the Birmingham CrossPlex.
A well-rounded effort from the boys and girls teams led to the Rebels taking home second place in each team competition. Hoover swept the 7A titles for the fourth consecutive year, but the Rebels edged Hewitt-Trussville for second place on both sides.
SPRINTS AND HURDLES
Chase Webb turned in one of the top performances of the meet, securing second place in the boys 60-meter dash with a personal-best 6.86 seconds. He also placed fourth in the 400 meters, running 48.88.
In the boys 60-meter hurdles, senior Graham Gwaltney finished eighth in 9.29 seconds, earning a point for Vestavia Hills.
On the girls side, Reese Beckner finished fourth in the 60-meter hurdles with a personal-best 9.31 seconds, scoring five points.
DISTANCE AND RELAY SUCCESS
The Rebels excelled in the distance events, led by John Hayes, who secured third place in the 1,600 meters (4:19.05) and second in the 3,200 (9:31.80).
In the girls distance races, Anna James Litty claimed the 1,600-meter title in 5:08.38, while Claire Spooner placed eighth in the same event (5:22.25). Millie Black (fifth, personal best 11:24.56) and Olivia Carroll (eighth, personal best 11:41.31) both finished in the top eight of the 3,200 as well.
The boys 800 meters featured two top-eight
finishers for Vestavia Hills, with Ethan Meadows (1:58.15, seventh) and Jackson Mize (1:58.28, eighth) both running personal bests.
In the girls 800, Riley Zeanah secured second with a time of 2:19.43.
Vestavia Hills put together two championship-winning performances in the 4x800-meter relays:
► The boys 4x800 relay of Meadows, Mize, Jack Bentley and Mitchell Schaaf set a state record, winning in 7:55.69 (No. 4 nationally).
► The girls 4x800 relay of Litty, Spooner, Zeanah and Abby Allen also claimed top honors in 9:33.58.
Other relay results included:
► The boys 4x400 relay (Gwaltney, Nate Bradshaw, Garrett Jones, Webb) placed fourth in 3:26.18.
► The girls 4x400 relay (Litty, Zeanah, Spooner, Allen) finished third in 4:04.62.
► The boys 4x200 relay (Stubbs, Gwaltney, Bradshaw, Webb) took fifth in 1:30.49.
STRONG SHOWINGS IN FIELD EVENTS
In the boys long jump, Jack Stubbs delivered a championship-winning performance, soaring 22 feet, 5 inches, to secure first place.
In the boys high jump, Tyler Dressback finished second (6-4), while Hollis Smith tied for sixth (6-0).
The pole vault contributed valuable points, as Brady Ferrell (14-0, third) and Caleb Farrar (12-6, sixth) both finished in the top six.
On the girls side, Kennedy Moreland took third in the pole vault (11-6), and Krislyn Thomas placed fifth (10-6).
In the boys shot put, Drake Renta (51-6.75) and Chase Kaiser (51-0.75) both set personal bests to finish second and third, respectively.
For the girls high jump, Barclay Brown cleared 5-2 to place third.
In the boys ambulatory events, freshman Vaughan Rainer set two state records:
► Won the 60 meters in 10.42 seconds.
► Won the shot put with a throw of 15-1.50.
March
Spring into Fun!
The Vestavia Hills Dogwood Festival celebrates the incredible things Vestavia Hills has to offer! There is something for everyone during the Dogwood Festival!
1: Dogwood Dink Pickleball Tournament VH Civic Center, 8am
1: RISE Fun Run VHHS, 8am
April
2: Dogwood Luncheon Vestavia Country Club, 10am
4 & 5: Hunt the Heights Cahaba Heights Business District, 10am-5pm
5: Mini Masters Location TBD, 9am
6: Spring Yard Judging Concludes
1: RISE Rebel 5K Color Run VHHS, 9am
2: Paw-Di Gras Parade Meadowlawn Park, 3:30-6:30pm
10: Dogwood Festival Market: Liber ty Park Liberty Park, 4-7pm
12: RISE Day VHHS, 4-10pm
12: Historical Society Self-Guided Home Tour Begins, City-wide
18: Easter Extravaganza Wald Park, 11am-1pm
15: RISE Character Party & Touch-A-Truck Kids Day VHHS, 9am
15: Teen Art Market Library in the Forest, 1-4pm
19: Battle of the Bands Rocky Ridge Plaza, 5-9pm
21: Historical Society Presentation: Patrick Boone, Esq Vestavia Hills City Hall, 2pm
22: Dogwood Prayer Breakfast VH Civic Center, 7-9am
23-29: Spring Break Staycation! Visit website for list of citywide events and deals!
28: Spring Yard Judging Begins, City-wide
26: Wing Ding VH City Hall Lawn, 4-7pm
27: Heights Hangout The Heights Village, 2-7pm
27: Historical Society Self-Guided Home Tour Concludes, City-wide
Want to include your Vestavia Hills event in the Dogwood Festival? Contact Cinnamon McCulley at 205.978.0143 or cmcculley@vhal.org.
VHDogwoodFestival Scan for detailed event info or visit https://bit.ly/ Dogwood_Fest Connect on social! vh_dogwood_ festival
Vestavia boys, left, and Vestavia girls teams celebrate winning 7A runner-up during the AHSAA indoor track and field championships at the Birmingham CrossPlex on Jan. 31. Photos by Savannah Schmidt.
Embarking on a transformation and a new community mission
By TIM STEPHENS
There’s no sugarcoating it: I’m starting this journey at 280 pounds. As a former athlete who has spent years around college and professional sports, I’ve often joked that I’m an All-American at losing weight and a Hall-ofFamer at gaining it back … with a little extra.
But this time, it’s different. This time, it’s about more than a number on the scale. It’s about creating a permanent transformation and using my story as a launching point to inspire others.
Welcome to 56-for-56: A Transformation Story. My mission is simple: to lose 56 pounds by my 56th birthday on July 12, 2025. But here’s the thing — this isn’t just about me. It’s about you.
As general manager and editor-in-chief of Starnes Media, I’ve seen firsthand the power of storytelling to bring people together, spark change and inspire action. That’s why 56-for56 is just the first chapter of something much bigger: The Transformation Project.
Through The Transformation Project, we’ll explore and spotlight inspiring stories of transformation happening right here in our communities. These aren’t just fitness journeys — they’re stories of financial breakthroughs, career pivots, relationship rebuilding, entrepreneurial success, educational achievements and so much more.
We’re not stopping at simply telling these stories. Each one will include practical tools for how these transformations happened.
Tim Stephens
Whether it’s creating a budget, starting a business or overcoming obstacles in a relationship, we’ll share step-by-step playbooks to empower others to take their first steps toward change.
Here’s what you can expect from 56-for-56:
► 7-Part Mini-DocuSeries: We’ll go behind the scenes of my journey, from the initial weigh-in to the workouts, meal planning, expert consultations, and everything in between. Each episode will explore not only what I’m doing but also why I’m doing it and how I plan to make it stick this time.
► Social Media Bonus Content: Follow daily updates on my personal Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn, where we’ll
WHEN IT COMES TO YOUR HEALTH
Matters
The team at ENT Associates includes 17 board-certified physicians, 6 licensed PAs, and 16 clinical audiologists across 10 locations, all dedicated to your care. We prioritize your health, treating every patient with personal attention and compassion.
We offer same-day, early morning, evening, and Saturday appointments. Call 1-888-ENT-5020 (1-888-368-5020), visit entalabama.com, or scan the QR code to connect with us online.
post exclusive clips, motivational moments and behind-the-scenes content not featured in the main episodes. Expect raw and real updates that take you inside the ups and downs of this transformation.
► Playbooks for Success: Alongside the series, we’ll release a detailed playbook outlining the steps I’m taking, the tools I’m using and the lessons I’m learning. It’s designed to help you adapt these strategies for your own transformation.
This time, I’m doing it differently. I’m working under medical supervision, consulting with nutritionists and trainers and leaning into the lessons I’ve learned from past failures. I’m not just remodeling my body; I’m reprogramming my thinking.
But The Transformation Project is bigger than my journey. It’s about spotlighting your story — or the story of someone you know who has overcome obstacles and transformed their life.
If you — or someone you know — has a story of transformation, we want to hear it. Use the QR code below to nominate yourself or someone else. Whether it’s losing weight, climbing out of debt, changing careers, starting a business, going back to school or something else, your story could be the one that inspires someone else to take the first step. Together, we’ll show what’s possible when we commit to transformation. It starts with me — 56-for-56 — but ultimately, it’s about all of us.
Who’s in with me?
CONTINUED from page 1
A CHAMPION’S BEGINNINGS
At Vestavia Hills High School, Strand was a two-time Alabama Gatorade Cross Country Runner of the Year, winning multiple championships and setting numerous records.
As a junior, he won the 1,600and 3,200-meter races at the Class 7A state outdoor meet while anchoring the 4x800 relay team to a second-place finish. In the 800 meters, he clocked a personal-best 1:54.52 to win the state title, contributing to a runner-up team finish. That same year, he ran a blistering 4:11 mile at the Music City Distance Carnival, making him one of the nation’s top high school milers.
That drive continued into college, where he rapidly evolved into one of the most versatile distance runners in the country. His ability to compete across multiple events — 1,500 meters, 3,000 meters, and now the mile — has made him a major force in NCAA track and field.
A DEFINING PERFORMANCE
Strand’s record-breaking run at the Terrier Classic wasn’t just another race — it was a statement. Competing against a mix of elite collegiate and professional athletes, he demonstrated not only speed but also tactical intelligence beyond his years.
“I checked the clock with two laps to go and thought, ‘OK, if I close well, I’m going to run really fast,’”
Strand recalled on the “Carolina Insider” podcast.
The race started at a blistering pace, with the leaders passing the 800-meter mark in 1:53. Strand stayed patient, moving up strategically. With two laps remaining, he was in third behind Robert Farken of On Athletics Club and Adam Fogg of Under Armour Baltimore Distance. As the final bell rang, he surged ahead, breaking away down the backstretch and crossing the finish line with arms outstretched in celebration.
“I didn’t quite know what today was going to be,” Strand told reporters after the race. “I just wanted to get a qualifier in for nationals, but to come out and run that was pretty cool.”
RIVALRY FUELS GREATNESS
A major factor in Strand’s rapid rise has been his rivalry-turned-partnership with North Carolina teammate Parker Wolfe. The two have pushed each other in training and competition, creating an environment where each runner continues to elevate his performance.
“When Parker and I are on the track and it’s just the two of us, we’re very competitive,” Strand said on the “Carolina Insider” podcast. “We absolutely treat each other as competitors, but when it comes down to it, we’re trying to beat everyone else first. And if it’s just the two of us left at the end, then yeah, we’re going to go at it.”
Their duel for the NCAA 3,000meter record was a prime example. Both runners shattered the previous collegiate best, with Strand edging
Wolfe in an epic final lap.
“I took a step up in fitness coming into the fall, and I think that showed in the 3K with Parker,” Strand said. “We ran six seconds faster than any collegian ever has.”
UNC head coach Chris Miltenberg believes the two are more than just standout collegiate athletes.
“Every day, I think I’m looking at the next two great American distance runners — Ethan Strand and Parker Wolfe,” Miltenberg said. “These guys are not just NCAA stars. They are the future of U.S. distance running.”
A STAR AMONG PROS
Strand’s rising stardom was on full display when he was honored at a North Carolina basketball game following his record-breaking run. As he walked onto the court at the Dean Smith Center, he received a roaring ovation from thousands of Tar
Former Vestavia Hills track standout Ethan Strand leaves behind his competition at the John Thomas Terrier Classic at Boston University on his way to setting a new NCAA indoor mile record of 3 minutes, 48.32 seconds. It was the second NCAA record for Strand this season, after setting the mark in the 3,000-meter run while competing for the University of North Carolina. He now turns his attention to the NCAA championships and then likely a pro career as one of the top U.S. distance runners. Photos by Joshua Grenade.
Heel fans — proof that his accomplishments are being recognized far beyond the track.
His breakthrough mile also made waves beyond the NCAA ranks, catching the attention of professional runners. His time placed him third on the all-time indoor mile list at the time, but it didn’t take long for the pros to respond. Shortly after, Norwegian superstar Jakob Ingebrigtsen set a new world-best mark, demonstrating how Strand’s emergence is helping push the entire sport forward.
His rapid rise raises intriguing questions about what comes next.
With two NCAA records under his belt, he faces a crucial decision about how to structure the remainder of his collegiate career and his approach to the NCAA Championships.
“This opens up so many more opportunities,” Strand said. “After the 1,500 last year, I was ninth in the Olympic Trials final. That made me
think maybe I need to take a step up and focus on different events. And now, the mile is in play. I don’t really know yet, but whatever combination helps us score the most points, that’s what I’ll do.”
THE ROAD AHEAD
As a senior, Strand is entering the final stretch of his collegiate career, with major championships on the horizon. The NCAA indoor championships, set for March 14-15 in Virginia Beach, Virginia, will be his next big test. Then comes the outdoor season, culminating in the NCAA outdoor championships from June 11-14 in Eugene, Oregon.
For now, Strand remains focused on the present. The NCAA championships loom, offering another chance to prove himself against the best in collegiate running. Beyond that, the transition to professional running seems inevitable, with U.S. Olympic team aspirations likely forming in the back of his mind.
“When you finish a race and do better than you ever have, it’s a feeling you can’t beat,” Strand said. “The only way to get that feeling again is to do it again.”
Strand credits his time at UNC and the guidance of Miltenberg with helping him see his future beyond college.
“He told me, ‘We’re going to get you here, you’re going to run really fast, and we’re going to set you up for the next seven or eight years after college.’ That’s why I came here,” Strand said.
From Vestavia Hills to Chapel Hill and beyond, Strand’s journey is just beginning.
THE REAL ESTATE REPORT
2024 Top Real Estate Agents in Vestavia Hills
GETTING HER START
Creamer first obtained her real estate license in 2002 while working for a Birmingham-based nonprofit.
“I got my license while I was working for them because we bought and sold properties relating to adults with developmental disabilities,” Creamer said. “I got involved with real estate because it was one of my job duties, but I didn’t start selling real estate until 2014 when I started working full time for ARC Realty.”
Creamer describes ARC as a fantastic company to work for, with excellent leadership, training, marketing and administrative support.
Since 2014, Creamer has become one of Birmingham’s highest-producing real estate agents.
LOVE FOR VESTAVIA HILLS
Creamer focuses primarily on the Vestavia real estate market because it is a place she loves and has lived for more than 20 years.
“I have lived in Liberty Park for a long time,” Creamer said. “I raised both of my children here, and both of them went all the way through the school system. I think strong school systems, safe neighborhoods, and access to shopping, restaurants, amenities and more are always factors that attract people to certain municipalities. I don’t think I would choose to live anywhere else.”
Due to her familiarity with Vestavia, Creamer said she focuses on consistent marketing in the neighborhood where she lives.
“I am very consistent with the marketing in my neighborhood because I know it like the back of my hand,” Creamer said. “I think you stick with what you know and sell that really well.”
EMBRACING PERSONAL TOUCH
While technology continues to evolve, Creamer believes that part of the personal touch with her clients involves a familiar face and in-person interactions.
“I still love to pick up the phone and speak to people, but I guess that shows how old I am,” Creamer said. “I know a lot of younger people out there are all about what they see on Facebook and some of the other apps, and I do utilize those, but I think it is also just as important to drop by someone’s house and talk to them face to face. Or, to pick up the phone and talk to them over the phone. I think those things will never go out of style, and people still really appreciate that.”
Creamer also immerses herself in her community by supporting various local events and school functions.
“I love supporting anything local because I value the community that I live in,” Creamer said. “That is really important to me — to support school functions or an event that is happening in the community because this is also my home, and I want to see it thrive. It is easy to sell properties in a place that personally means so much to me. Since so many people move to Liberty Park from all across the country and beyond, internet marketing tools are integral to my business.”
As a result of some of her marketing techniques and tools, HGTV recently selected one of Creamer’s properties to showcase on one of its shows.
“I had a house on the lake with a pool, and through some of the marketing that I do, HGTV saw it and showcased the kitchen of the house,” Creamer said.
MARKET CHALLENGES
While Creamer admits the market has its current set of challenges, she anticipates the housing inventory will likely be as tight as it was in 2024.
“With rates higher than they have been in recent years, both buyers and sellers seem to be sitting on the sidelines, which has slowed the market down,” Creamer said. “While some properties in the hottest Birmingham real estate areas are still seeing multiple offers, the market has started to restabilize, so
“I still love to pick up the phone and speak to people, but I guess that shows how old I am. I know a lot of younger people out there are all about what they see on Facebook and some of the other apps, and I do utilize those, but I think it is also just as important to drop by someone’s house and talk to them face to face. Or, to pick up the phone and talk to them over the phone. I think those things will never go out of style, and people still really appreciate that.
MICHELLE CREAMER
Creamer said. “There is a tremendous amount of work that goes into each transaction from contract to close, and each one has its share of unique issues and challenges.”
Creamer said her thoughts on the recent National Association of Realtors settlement are that it resulted in a more transparent explanation and options regarding agent compensation.
“Buyers are now required to sign an acknowledgment before viewing properties, which states that broker compensation is fully negotiable and not set by law,” Creamer said.
As she continues selling homes, Creamer said she truly delights in her job.
“I just really enjoy it,” Creamer said. “It is really hard work, but I think putting in that hard work, you get to see a lot of rewards.”
it will be interesting to see what happens over the next few years.”
Creamer observes that homeowners who have low interest rates seem to be “sitting tight” at the moment.
“If and when rates do start to come down, all the buyers on the sidelines will be ready to pounce on those properties, which may push prices even higher since current inventory remains limited,” Creamer said.
ADVICE FOR NEW AGENTS
For those interested in getting their start in real estate, Creamer advises that new agents may not understand that it is not as easy as it seems.
“Agents spend a lot of time and money cultivating relationships, building a book of repeat business, planning, marketing, networking, technology and so much more,”
Creamer has developed many long-lasting relationships with her buyers and sellers, something she works to maintain each day.
“I am honored to be involved in such an important part of their lives,” Creamer said.
“I also love when they reach back out to me several years later as their life circumstances change and they want me to help with their next move. No matter if I am selling
homes or properties for first-time homebuy
ers, each transaction is unique, and I enjoy the challenges that each transaction presents.”
SOURCE: GREATER ALABAMA MLS
Michelle Creamer, a real estate leader in Vestavia Hills and the U.S. 280 corridor, poses in a model home in Vestavia Hills. Photo by Savannah Schmidt.
Home sales in Vestavia Hills gaining strength in 2025
By JON ANDERSON
Home sales in Vestavia Hills climbed 11% in 2024, but that didn’t mean a strong year for everyone in the housing industry.
In fact, it was a difficult year for many as the inventory of homes for sale remained small, interest rates stayed high, lenders tightened credit requirements, and some real estate agents scrambled for customers.
Leigh Cound, a Realtor based out of Keller Williams’ Vestavia Hills office, said this past fall was one of the slowest she has seen in years.
“Those last few months of 2024, it was almost like somebody turned the spigot off,” Cound said.
Thirty-year fixed mortgage rates hovered between 6% and 7% for most of the year, and even though people kept predicting rates would drop below 6%, they bounced back above 7% toward the end of the year, according to Freddie Mac.
As rates crept up, “a lot of buyers that had been actively seeking in the market really pulled back,” Cound said.
The election also played a big role in that, she said. Many buyers were afraid of the unknown, and while that always happens in an election year, last year was more intense, Cound said.
But 2025 is shaping up to be much better, she said. She’s already seeing signs of renewed interest, such as stronger consumer confidence and more listings by sellers.
“We’ve been busier the first two months of 2025 than probably we’ve been in the past two years,” Cound said.
She has seen a lot of first-time homebuyers who are tired of rising rental rates and understand the value of using their payments as an
investment instead of paying $2,400 a month in rent and having nothing to show for it, she said. Of course, she recommends buyers consult with lenders or financial planners before jumping into the market.
Jane Huston Crommelin, a Realtor with Ray & Poynor, said that while the high-end market and first-time homebuyer market have been selling, the middle market has been sluggish. A lot of people seem to think 6% interest rates are high, but historically they’re not, she said.
“If you wait to buy, you’re wasting money,” she said. “It’s only going to get more expensive.”
She encourages people to go ahead and buy and refinance later if rates drop significantly.
The number of homes sold in Vestavia Hills climbed from 610 in 2023 to 678 in 2024, according to statistics from the Greater Alabama Multiple Listing Service. That included a 22% jump in new home sales from 69 to 84 and a 10% increase in existing home sales from 541 to 594.
Of the new home sales, almost all were in Liberty Park, but the developers there have adapted to the market nicely, slowing down construction when sales dipped, Crommelin said.
“They don’t want to flood the market and damage their property values,” she said.
“They also don’t want to get stuck with a lot of properties they’re sitting on.”
The area around Vestavia Country Club has also been a popular market, with people tearing down older homes and rebuilding bigger ones, she said.
Prices in Vestavia Hills have held up well, with the average price increasing 9% in 2024 to $613,260. That’s up 45% from $424,024 in 2019.
First-time homebuyers face challenges and opportunities in Vestavia Hills
By TAYLOR BRIGHT
For first-time homebuyers in the Birmingham metro area, Vestavia Hills may be the Goldilocks of the over-the-mountain communities.
With its good schools and location, it strikes a balance between amenities and value that some other areas may not offer.
Mandy Williams, a real estate agent with Keller Williams, has worked extensively with buyers navigating the Vestavia Hills market. She notes that while the community offers more housing options than nearby Homewood, price remains a primary challenge for firsttime buyers.
“Vestavia is a fantastic community, also very renowned for having a great school system,” Williams said. “People are fighting to get into the area. You do get a little bit
more house for your money over there than you would in Homewood, but you’re still not seeing super affordable housing in that area as often.”
While first-time homebuyers often seek entry-level homes, competition can be fierce. Vestavia Hills offers more available housing compared to landlocked Homewood, where demand far exceeds supply. This increased inventory makes it slightly more accessible, though buyers should still prepare for a competitive market.
“There’s more room in that market for firsttime homebuyers, just because there’s more housing available,” Williams explained. “So it may be a good place to start if people are looking for one of the top school systems and need a single-family home.”
For buyers considering financing options, Williams advises working with a trusted
lender. She emphasizes that not all lenders are created equal, and securing financing from a reputable source can make a significant difference in the homebuying process.
“I think you need to get a pre-approval from a known lender who is well known for getting deals to the closing table,” she said. “Some of them have better track records. A good lender can really give you a competitive edge in the real estate market.”
Williams also highlights the importance of selecting a knowledgeable real estate agent who understands the nuances of Vestavia Hills’ various neighborhoods and zoning factors, particularly for families looking to stay within a specific school district.
“Vestavia is a large area with multiple elementary schools,” Williams said. “If a family is shopping for a home and they have a child currently in one elementary school, it’s very
helpful if their agent knows which houses are zoned for which schools.”
Beyond pricing and inventory, financing options can also play a crucial role in homebuyer success.
“Sellers choose what type of financing they’re willing to accept on a property. Cash is always king, and conventional financing is the next best thing,” Williams said. “Some sellers are hesitant about VA and FHA loans because they have more inspection requirements and slightly slower turnaround times.”
Despite the challenges, Williams encourages first-time buyers to be prepared, do their research and work with experienced professionals who can help them navigate the complexities of the homebuying process.
“Having a good, strong lender and a strong agent who knows the area well can give you a competitive edge,” she said.
THE REAL ESTATE REPORT
Staging your home for a quick sale
By SARAH OWENS
When moving, the last thing anyone wants to worry about is selling their home. With the real estate market slowing, homes aren’t selling as quickly as they did a year ago. That’s why it’s crucial for sellers to make their homes as appealing as possible to buyers.
That’s where home staging comes in, helping to highlight a home’s strengths, minimize its flaws and attract the right buyers.
Jana Hanna, a top-selling real estate agent and certified stager at RealtySouth in Vestavia, shares her insights on how staging can impact home sales in the local market.
Q: What staging techniques work best to attract buyers in your market?
A: I think the most important thing when it comes to staging is to declutter and depersonalize your home. You’ll want to remove all personal belongings, magazines, and anything on countertops. The goal is to let potential buyers see the house and the space — not your items. Another thing to consider is rearranging furniture so the flow is inviting and welcoming to potential buyers as they view your home.
Q: How much should a homeowner budget for professional staging?
A: On average, a homeowner should look at investing between $1500 and $5000 to get their house ready to go on the market. Think about things that will appeal to the most home buyers. Updating paint colors and changing light fixtures are a great start.
Q: What are the key differences between staged and unstaged homes in your market?
Q: How can curb appeal impact a buyer’s first impression, and what’s your advice for improving it?
A: Curb appeal — or the home’s exterior
A: There is a significant difference between a staged and unstaged home in my Vestavia Hills market. Studies show that a staged home spends fewer days on the market, meaning it sells faster. It will also sell for more money and has the potential to attract more buyers because they can visualize themselves living in the space.
— is the buyer’s very first impression, so it’s extremely important to make sure the house looks attractive and well maintained. Key things to consider include landscaping, pressure washing, and any necessary roof repairs. Even details like the condition of the front door and mailbox can play a vital role in the home’s overall curb appeal.
Q: Are there specific interior trends that resonate with buyers in your market right now?
A: Since COVID, there has
tinue
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Preparing to sell your home: Key advice from a local real estate agent
By CADY INABINETT
Preparing to sell your home can be a daunting and confusing process.
To provide clarity, local Realtor Harold Collins II of eXp Realty answered some key questions to consider when starting the selling process.
Q: How should homeowners determine the right time to sell their home?
A: The right time to sell largely depends on a homeowner’s particular situation. But as a general rule of thumb, we usually advise avoiding the period from Thanksgiving to the new year — at least a week or two into January.
Right now, the question may be when to sell because of where interest rates are. I tell people that if you are capable of purchasing and you’re planning to buy a home more expensive than your current one, then now is the time to purchase. But if you are selling your home to buy a less expensive one, I would say wait until rates come down.
Q: What factors should sellers consider when choosing a real estate agent?
A: One of the biggest things, to me, is trust. If you can’t trust the person who is helping you with what, for most people, is the largest investment they’ll sell in their lifetime, then that’s probably not a good fit.
Q: What are the pros and cons of selling by owner versus using an agent?
A: As I mentioned, for most people, selling a home is the most expensive
transaction they’ll ever make. Trying to do it yourself without a professional’s help — especially when it comes to negotiating — could end up costing you thousands of dollars.
I’ve seen several owners underprice their homes by $30,000 to $50,000. That’s a significant amount of money. A good agent helps keep the deal together and ensures that everyone involved is satisfied with how it turns out.
Q: What advice do you give sellers about pricing their home competitively?
A: A lot of times, people think, “My home is worth $600,000, so I’ll price it at $605,000 and negotiate down to $600,000 to give myself some wiggle room.”
But by doing that, you may eliminate an entire group of potential buyers searching in a specific price range. For example, buyers often search in increments — $550,000, $570,000, $600,000, $625,000, $650,000. By pricing at $605,000, you’re now being compared to homes in the $625,000-and-under range.
Meanwhile, buyers looking at homes up to $600,000 — who might have been willing to spend that full amount — don’t even see your listing. That larger audience creates competition, which can drive up the price. If you overprice at $605,000, you miss out on that competition, and buyers may not be as eager to make an offer. Let the buyers bid themselves up.
Harold Collins II
The Sibleys Take a Spin
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Mr. and Mrs. Barry Sibley drive away in their new 2025 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali.
