Vestavia Voice vol 1 iss 8 December 2013 by Starnes Media

VestaviaVoice.com

December 2013

•1

Volume 1 | Issue 8 | December 2013

Anatomy of a sales tax dollar

Holiday Parade

By REBECCA WALDEN and JEFF THOMPSON

The annual Holiday Parade will feature an extended route this year. Read about this year’s festivities inside.

Community page 24

Relay for Life

Community page 19

See CYCLES | page 25

See TAX | page 25

Cahaba Cycles Service Manager Ian Newman works on a donated children’s bike. Cahaba Cycles has a goal to receive and refurbish 100 donated bikes by the start of the new year. Photo by Katie Turpen.

Old wheels,

new purpose By KATIE TURPEN

Relay for Life at VHHS was named a Top5 Youth Event in the country this year.

and his cycle crew are doing something extra special to make sure that community members in need of bikes receive them. The store’s holiday trade

When you spend $1 in the city and the register rings up $1.09, do you ever wonder what happens to that 9 cents? “Shop Vestavia Hills” — you hear it all over town, and that 9 cents is why. The power to create change in your community might be most evident on your ballots, but it’s also in your wallet. While ad valorem, or property tax, is the City of Vestavia Hills’ largest, most stable source of revenue, a sizable portion never reaches the annual budget. It’s shaved off and delivered to the Vestavia Hills Board of Education. Rather, the city relies on sales tax revenue to support its general fund, and that fund serves as the foundation for city functions. It provides operational expenses for just about everything — from patrol cars to concession stand receipt paper. And it’s distributed according to the wishes of the Vestavia Hills City Council along guidelines set in the budget.

Faris Malki takes pride that his business is about more than selling fresh sets of wheels. As owner of Cahaba Cycles on Cahaba Heights Road, he tries to

participate in at least 100 charity events a year. “We are involved in a lot of school safety clinics,” Malki said. “We also work with Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts in the area.” And this holiday season, Malki

Sugar plum fairies find a home in Vestavia Hills

INSIDE City ..................... 5 Business ............ 8 Food ................... 10 Community ....... 12

School House .. 19 Sports ............... 23 Calendar ........... 26

Pre-Sort Standard U.S. Postage PAID Birmingham, AL Permit #656

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The cast of The Magic City Nutcracker poses after a Saturday morning rehearsal. The production premieres on Dec. 6 at Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church. For more, see page 15. Photo by Katie Turpen.

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2 â&#x20AC;˘ December 2013

Vestavia Voice

December 2013 • 3

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4 • December 2013

Vestavia Voice

About Us Photo of the Month

Please Support our Sponsors A Little Something (23) Activ Care Living, Mount Royal Towers (17) Alabama Allergy & Asthma Center (10) Alabama Outdoors (20) Alabama Power (28) Birmingham Duplicate Bridge Club (10) Birmingham Physical Therapy (16) Birmingham School of Music (8) Birmingham Speech and Hearing Associates (6) Bistro V (15) Bromberg & Company, Inc. (11)

Roberta Atkinson, Bettie Davenport, Olivia Weingarten and Cathy Barker enjoy a recent Fall Membership Party hosted by the Symphony Volunteer Council. Photo courtesy of Jonnie Venglick.

Cafe Iz (11) Cahaba Cycles (7) Cahaba Dermatology and Skin Care Center (15)

Editor’s Note By Rebecca Walden It was part of the long and One of my favorite singer-songwriters of thoughtful response he gave to the question that had me most all time is James Taylor. curious: In the song, “Secret Of “When you are not at the Life,” his lyrics tell us restaurant, or doing paperwork that the “secret of life is enjoying the passage of for the restaurant, when you are just here at home, chilling time.” with Idie and the boys, what I am not that girl. In does that meal look like?” fact, Alabama’s “I’m In Frankly, I learned, it’s not a Hurry” fits me much the meal that matters. better. Walden But thanks to a recent Rather it’s the time spent conversation from a rather unexpected together and in conversation that is source (props to Hot & Hot Fish Club’s worthwhile. For the Hastings’, Sunday dinners Chris Hastings), I am beginning to see are a favorite family ritual, when the the light. On a recent photo shoot, I found frenzied pace of the workweek slows myself standing in Chris and Idie’s down, when the boys can drive home kitchen, on assignment to discover what from Tuscaloosa, and when all four kind of fare graces the home dinner table of them can gather around the kitchen of a sought-after chef. While sampling island, to share in food and conversation. the hand-rolled garganelli and shrimp Chris was quick to admit that not all he’d prepared for our lunch, I received those conversations are easy ones, but the best just-say-no-to-holiday-crazy that the focus remains on slowing life down for a moment, and engaging in advice ever.

conversation together. Think about that for a moment. When is the last time you were genuinely engaged in the moment with family? When your head and your heart were fully invested in what someone else was saying…doing…feeling? That’s really what Chris was talking about that day in his kitchen. It gave me a much-needed reminder, particularly as we sit on the cusp of this Christmas season, and all the well-intentioned mayhem the month of December can sometimes bring. In the words of Sweet Baby James, “Try not to try too hard. It’s just a lovely ride.” This holiday season, I wish you many enjoyable passages. Warmly,

Decorating Dens Interiors (5) Dermatology & Skin Care Center (6) Donatos (16) Greystone Antiques & Marketplace (8) Hendrick Hoover Auto Mall (12, 19) John Sasser Opticians (8) Jordan Alexander Jewelry (14) Kim Mangham-Barelare SouthStar (22) Kool Korner Sandwiches (14) Liberty Animal Hospital (9) Marco’s Pizza (18) Merle Norman – Vestavia (16) Mountain Brook Art Association (19) Mr. Chen’s Authentic Chinese (19) Pappas’ Grill (24) RealtySouth Marketing (21)

Contact Information: Vestavia Voice #3 Office Park Circle, Suite 316 Birmingham, AL 35223 313-1780 dan@vestaviavoice.com Publisher : Executive Editor : Creative Director : Editor : Managing Editor : Staff Writer : Advertising Manager : Sales and Distribution : Copy Editor: Contributing Writer: Interns : Published by :

Dan Starnes Jeff Thompson Keith McCoy Rebecca Walden Madoline Markham Katie Turpen Matthew Allen Rhonda Smith Warren Caldwell Michelle Salem Haynes Louisa Jeffries Walter Bryant Sydney Cromwell Lauren Moriarty Vestavia Voice LLC

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

For advertising contact: dan@vestaviavoice.com Legals: Vestavia Voice is published monthly. Reproduction or use of

editorial or graphic content without prior permission is prohibited. The Vestavia Voice is designed to inform the Vestavia community of area school, family and community events. Information in the Vestavia Voice is gathered from sources considered reliable but the accuracy cannot be guaranteed. All articles/photos submitted become the property of the Vestavia Voice. 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) 3131780 or by email.

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Remax Southern Homes - Becky Hicks (25) Rosenberger’s Birmingham Trunk (18) Royal Automotive (2) Serra Independence (3) Southern Trophy Properties (13) The Blue Willow (12) The Cook Store (18) The Cuckoo’s Nest (25) The Maids (1) Urban Style Salon (23) Vestavia Hills Lutheran Church (14) Vision Gymnastics (22)

December 2013 • 5

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Celebrations Gable - Guida

City News Mayor’s Minute By Alberto “Butch” Zaragoza

Celebrate with us this season

Jamie Rae Gable and Antonio Dario Guida were married at the Chiesa San Luca Evangelista in Praiano, Italy on Oct. 19. The Priest Don Luigi Amendola officiated the ceremony. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Philip Gable of Vestavia Hills and Ms. Joanie Gable of Hoover. She attended Briarwood Christian High School and Auburn University, where she graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in apparel merchandising, design and production and minors in business and international studies. The groom is the son of Mr. Cristofaro Guida of Positano, Italy, and Mrs. Rosa Manna of Praiano, Italy. He is an owner and employed as the operations manager for The Gabbiano Hotel on the Amalfi Coast in Positano, Italy.

The bride was given in marriage by her father. The maid of honor was her sister, Cassie Shears of Wilsonville. The bride was also attended by Tessa Shears of Wilsonville and Alba Cuccurullo and Aurora Galani of Praiano, Italy. Dario’s brother, Danilo Guida, of Positano, Italy served as best man. The couple met while Miss Gable was studying in Ariccia, Italy, her senior year at Auburn. She returned for an internship in fashion design. Securing another Visa, she returned to work for a design and production company. The couple will honeymoon in Costa Rica and return to the states for the holidays. They will live in Positano, Italy, where they will work in the hotel and fashion industries.

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

All year long, you hear us promote the mantra to “Shop Vestavia Hills.” This holiday season is ripe with opportunity for you to do just that. Thanks to the hard work of our own Chamber of Commerce, along with support from more than 60 local merchants, this year’s Holiday in the Hills is poised to be our most successful holiday shopping season yet. Mark your calendars for the City’s traditional events, including the Tree Lighting and Christmas Parade, as well as many others, detailed in the community calendar section of this issue. With a diversified calendar of events, and activities spread out all over the City, there is plenty of opportunity to join in the fun and get into the holiday spirit. A few favorites of mine are listed here:  Dec. 3 – City Tree Lighting Festival, Vestavia Hills Civic Center, 6 p.m.  Dec. 7 – Breakfast with Santa, Vestavia Hills Civic CenterDogwood Room, 7:30-10 a.m.  Dec. 8 – Vestavia Hills Christmas Parade, Liberty Parkway to Alston Meadows, 2 p.m.

‘Tis the season for Holiday in the Hills – Diane and I look forward to celebrating with you.

Mayor Alberto “Butch” Zaragoza

6 • December 2013

Vestavia Voice

Education meets legislation State education issues discussed at PTO Roundtable students. Carns said he thought it would come to a vote this year, while Waggoner said he doesn’t think it will make it to the Senate floor because during an election year session fewer bills, especially fewer controversial bills, enter the process. Both school superintendents voiced their support for the new Common Core. “They are standards, they are not curriculum,” Barlow said. “Our teachers like the standards and believe they have more depth than the previous ones. In our community, I think students look at the college or university they want to go to and base their class choices on that.”

By MADOLINE MARKHAM PTO Council representatives from Mountain Brook and Vestavia Hills voiced concerns to state legislators at the PTO’s ninth annual Legislative Forum last month. Sen. Jabo Waggoner, Rep. Jim Carns, Rep. Paul DeMarco and Rep. Jack Williams responded to questions from legislative representatives from each school in Vestavia and Mountain Brook, and superintendents Dicky Barlow of Mountain Brook and Jamie Blair of Vestavia Hills added comments where applicable. The legislators overall emphasized their desire to give local school systems control and that the state is dealing with the budgetary effects of the economy since 2008. The representatives said they will take the feedback from the event with them as they enter a new legislative session on Jan. 14, 2014. A summary of the discussion of the roundtable is listed below. Budget This year’s state education budget is trending up at $5.765 billion as the unemployment rate starts to drop, and Waggoner said that’s a good thing. Seventy percent of the state education budget, which is separate from the state’s general fund, is designated for K-12 education. The education budget is funded 60.75 percent by income tax and 27.17 percent by sales tax, both of which hit lows in 2009 and were followed by the BP oil spill, April 27, 2011 tornadoes and recession weighing on the state budget. Both income and sales taxes have been on a positive trajectory more recently, and that should result in more funding for the education budget. School safety (firearms) The only new bill related to school safety,

Calendar After two years of the state-mandated school calendar that required school start later in August than it had previously, school systems will have the freedom to choose their own calendar next year. DeMarco noted that the legislature voted down extending the original legislation more than two years. Martha Cook, legislative representative from Pizitz Middle School’s PTO, asks a question to the legislative panel. Photo by Madoline Markham.

DeMarco said, is one that would provide $50100 million in bonds that school systems could apply for to use for further security measures. School safety (weather) A delegation from the state is in discussion with local superintendents and weather experts such as James Spann regarding what needs to be done in this regard. DeMarco said that he hopes recommendations will come out of these discussions. Alabama Accountability Act “It was very controversial, but we had to do something to give kids in failing schools the opportunity to get out,” Waggoner said, noting

that they ensured students who choose to move away from failing schools must stay within their school district. As a result of the law’s passage, thus far 52 students have enrolled in private schools and about 750 in public schools. Common Core The state board of education is currently meeting to discuss a new set of Common Core Standards. DeMarco emphasized that he wants to make sure local schools have control over their curriculum. Carns said he has received about 30 emails since school started from parents who voice concerns about what they have read about Common Core from literature distributed to

Distribution of wealth Carns said there is always discussion in the legislature about a supposed bias against school systems with less funding. He pointed out that in his 12 years in the legislature, there have been 12 local votes for an increase in property tax for school funding, and three quarters of them were voted down — all in school districts that already had low funding. “I don’t see that changing,” Carns said. “The reason school systems are better is because of local support. I have been seeing ‘rob Peter to pay Paul’ for years. We are not going to let it happen.” The Legislative Roundtable was hosted by Tricia Golden, Mountain Brook High PTO president, and Jennifer McMahon, Vestavia Hills High PTO president, and moderated by PTO legislative representatives Katherine Taylor of Vestavia Hills and Tzena Gauldin of Mountain Brook.

December 2013 • 7

VestaviaVoice.com

Season of giving Michelle Waldrop

Residents share how they give back during the holidays

Montclaire Drive “My husband and I host a CF for CF — College Football for Cystic Fibrosis — party each year at our home where we hold a silent auction.”

Alison and Kenton Venhuizen Mountain Woods “This past year, my husband and I discovered Watsi, an organization that provides medical treatment to individuals in need all over the world. We are passionate about their mission. We also donate to ASPCA because I am a huge animal lover, and we contribute to Children’s of Alabama because I believe in supporting local nonprofits that are doing great work.”

Diane Savela Buckhead Road “My favorite charity is Camp Bridges. It provides a free camp for children that have had organ transplants. My son Michael has had two kidney transplants, and the camp allowed him to be with other children like himself.”

Jothany and Frank James Woodridge Place “My husband Frank and I participate in the Christmas International House sponsored by the Presbyterian Church. For the past three years we have opened our home to six international students during Christmas who would otherwise have to stay in the dorm during the holidays. We have had students from China, Japan, Shanghai, South Korea and Saudi Arabia. It has been a wonderful and educational experience for us. We are still in contact via Facebook with most of them.”

8 â&#x20AC;˘ December 2013

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Come Discover Christmas at

Open 7 Days a Week! Shop our Extended Christmas Hours Tuesday's, Wednesday's & Thursday's We are open until 8:00pm 5475 Highway 280, Birmingham, AL 35242 205-995-4773

VestaviaVoice.com

Now Open T. Wayne’s BBQ Smokehouse, 2409 Acton Road, Suite 153, is now open. 979-1533.

Coming Soon Breakfast and lunch restaurant The Egg & I, 700 Montgomery Highway, Suite 188, is scheduled to open Dec. 9 in the Vestavia Hills City Center across from Rite Aid. Hours will be Monday-Friday 6 a.m.-2 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday 7 a.m.-2:30 p.m. 979-6827. theeggandirestaurants.com.

Relocations and Renovations Drake Fitness, a full-service fitness facility, has moved to a new location, 4851 Cahaba River Road, Suite 133, just a half mile south of its former location. 298-1001. drakefitnessonline.com.

News and Accomplishments Carl “Trey” Dowdy, an attorney with Carr Allison, 100 Vestavia Parkway, has been selected to serve on a new subcommittee with the Alabama Law Institute. The new group works to provide legal assistance to military personnel in custody, among other things. 949-2906. carrallison.com.

The National Bicycle Dealers Association named Cahaba Cycles, 3179 Cahaba Heights Road, on its 2013 list of America’s Best Bike Shops. Participating stores that receive the highest scores on an application were visited by a mystery shopper who rated the store on appearance, website and customer service both in person and over the phone. 967-2003. cahabacycles.com.

Business news

to share? Now Open Coming Soon

Relocation Expansion Anniversary

If you are in a brick and mortar business in Vestavia Hills and want to share your event with the community, let us know.

Email dan@vestaviavoice.com

December 2013 • 9

10 • December 2013

Vestavia Voice

Business Spotlight 31

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Champion Cleaners

Read past Business Spotlights at VestaviaVoice.com

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2548 Rocky Ridge Road 824-7737 Monday-Friday, 6:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Championcleaners.com

By KATIE TURPEN Inside Champion Cleaners, customers are met with the scent of fresh popcorn. They are also tempted by a bowl of chocolate candy. Owner David Whitehurst considers these special touches his best form of advertisement. “This gets both the kids’ and their parents’ attention,” Whitehurst said. A longtime youth baseball coach and Vestavia resident, Whitehurst spent 30 years in the corporate arena before his life took a slightly different direction. His attention turned to dry cleaning, and he believed he could provide the market with efficient services. So, he stepped in. In November 2002, he opened Champion Cleaners on Rocky Ridge Road. His goal was to change local residents’ perception of what a dry cleaning service should be. “We bought this 50-year-old house and basically started from nothing,” Whitehurst said. “We came on the market at a good time.” Champion Cleaners now has three locations in Vestavia, Hoover and Calera. Whitehurst takes pride in his businesses’ services of dry cleaning valet, pick up, store drive through and after-hours lockers. He also describes his team as “wedding gown specialists,” providing alterations and assistance for wedding garments. Other services include Ugg Boots, band uniform, rug and restoration cleaning. Whitehurst says the one thing that sets him apart from other cleaners in Birmingham is simply quality of service. “There’s nothing more convenient than

General Manager Ric Pevey and Owner David Whitehurst at Champion Cleaners in Vestavia Hills. Photo by Katie Turpen.

delivery to the front door,” Whitehurst said. “We try to make it easy to do business.” Whitehurst takes the customer service concept a bit further by delivering a monthly newsletter titled, “David Whitehurst’s Dry Cleaning News.” In addition to tips on how to take the best care of certain garments, the newsletter has a section on nutrition and even a column written by

Whitehurst’s 12-year-old rescue lab, Champ. “People are people, not some conglomerate,” Whitehurst said. “My wife and son have worked in the business with me. They know who the people are.” The newsletter also recognizes three Customers of the Month. Each one hails from a different location and receives a $25 gift certificate to

Champion Cleaners. Whitehurst enjoys owning a business that gives people a multitude of options for care of their clothes. “It’s about getting everything clean and back to the right person,” Whitehurst said. “It’s also about the magic in the process.”

December 2013 • 11

VestaviaVoice.com

Restaurant Showcase

Sekisui Japanese

Read past Restaurant Showcases at VestaviaVoice.com

Kentucky Ave

Canyon Rd

Georgia

700 Montgomery Highway, Suite 178 978-7775 Lunch: Tuesday-Friday, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Dinner: Sunday, Tuesday-Thursday, 5-9 p.m. Friday, Saturday, 5-10 p.m.

By KATIE TURPEN Sampling Grilled Yellowtail Cheek on a balcony at sunset may sound like an unusual night for a Vestavia Hills resident. But at Sekisui, a unique meal experience is actually quite common. “We sell mainly sushi and also authentic Japanese food,” General Manager Toshi Morimura said. Sekisui, which has a partner restaurant, Pacific Rim, in Five Points South, has resided in a far corner of the Vestavia Hills City Center for eight years. The restaurant also has locations in Tennessee, Illinois, Missouri and California. Not immediately visible from U.S. 31, Sekisui could easily stay under the radar, but thanks to a lengthy menu full of unique flavors and delicacies, the restaurant is thriving as a neighborhood favorite. Morimura said dinner is the restaurant’s busiest time and the outside balcony offers the perfect opportunity to watch the sun sink behind the neighboring shops. To begin the meal, one can choose from a tantalizing selection of hot or cold appetizers. These selections include the Grilled Yellowtail Cheek, Fried River Shrimp or the Takoyaki, which is an octopus ball with seaweed, fish flakes and spicy mayonnaise. For the main course, the restaurant offers a variety of enticing signature entrees for both lunch and dinner. Chicken, Salmon and Shrimp Teriyaki are familiar Japanese items. For those with a larger appetite, combination entrees are available that include Shrimp and Vegetable Tempuras.

(left) The Godzilla Roll (shrimp tempura, crab, eel, cucumber, avocado, smelt roe and mayo) and the Pikachu Roll (eel, egg omelet, mayo and crunches inside with fresh mango on top). (above) Sekisui’s balcony seating offers a view of the sunset for dinner guests. (right) Grilled Yellowtail Cheek with Yuzu soy sauce. Photos by Katie Turpen.

Sekisui also offers a lengthy sushi menu featuring items like the Pikachu Roll, which contains eel, egg omelet, mayo and crunches inside with fresh mango on top. Guests can order the rolls as part of a Sushi Dinner, side item or appetizer. “Our most popular item is the Fire Roll, which has crunchy crab, shrimp tempura and

hot and sweet sauce,” Morimura said. For drink selections, the restaurant does offer specialty cocktails, beer and the traditional saké. However, there is one drink that customers love to pair with their meals. “One thing that is rare and different about us as a Japenese restaurant is that we sell a lot of wine,” Morimura said.

When asked why he thinks Sekisui has survived despite the transient nature of many of the City Center’s restaurants, Morimura said all credit goes to his loyal customers. “Word of mouth. We see a lot of customers talking to each other,” Morimura said. “It really has become a neighborhood restaurant.”

12 • December 2013

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Community Holiday home tour returns The Samford University Legacy League will hold its third annual Christmas Home Tour on Thursday, Dec. 12. The 2013 tour features five homes in Vestavia Hills and Mountain Brook, and proceeds help provide scholarships to Samford University for deserving students with financial need. Phyllis and Roye Tinsley’s home at 2800 Overhill Road in Mountain Brook was built in 1947 by Donald and Mary Alice Beatty, who were pioneers in the aviation field. Today the home is known for the dome that was added to the ballroom during renovations and for its gallery-like art collection. The four homes in Vestavia are conveniently located near each other. 2604 Vesclub Circle is the country English home of Redonda and Lowell Broom and is full of antiques and old pieces that have been “picked up here and there” during the Brooms’ travels. Janet and Jarry Taylor’s home at 237 Monterey Place is known for a collection of metal goats that occupy the yard and participate in seasonal decorations. The Taylors also proudly display the Congressional Medal of Honor, of which Janet’s father, a Marine four-star general, was a recipient. Practically around the corner from the Taylor home, Danielle and Bart Yancey rebuilt 2312 Shades Crest Road about two years ago and decorated it with European styling with rustic and organic elements. It includes lots of wood and iron pieces that visitors will find interesting. The final home is the residence of Legacy League’s executive director and

Alisa Hyde, Samford president’s wife Jeanna Westmoreland and Legacy League development director Sharon Smith at last year’s tour. Photo courtesy of Caroline Summers.

Samford’s president, Jeanna and Andy Westmoreland, located at 1994 Shades Crest Road. The Samford president’s home is known for its magnificent view of the Samford campus and also for Jeanna’s collection of nutcrackers, which are always on

display at Christmas. Holiday hors d’oeuvres prepared by members of the Legacy League will also be served at the home. All homes will be open from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and from 4-8 p.m. Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the door.

Advance tickets may be purchased through Dec. 10 at samford.edu/legacyleague. Tickets will also be available at featured homes during tour hours. For questions about the tour, please check the website or call 726-2247.

Harding University students present their senior recital

Harding University students Sarah Jane Driskell and Jordan Simpson presented their senior recital, “The Soprano and the Composer,” in October at Reynolds Recital Hall in Searcy, Ark. Driskell will graduate in May 2014 with a degree in music education with an emphasis on vocal performance. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David Driskell of Vestavia Hills. Simpson, a tenor and composer, will graduate with a double major in music and computer science. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Jay Simpson of Searcy, Ark. Photo courtesy of Kenneth Mills.

December 2013 • 13

VestaviaVoice.com

Baskin Champion representing Vestavia Hills was recently crowned Miss Alabama Teen USA. Champion hopes to travel to all seven continents and one day own her own boutique. Photo by Lee Walls.

Q&A

Baskin Champion

with

Miss Alabama Teen USA 2014 By KATIE TURPEN In November, Baskin Champion represented Vestavia Hills and was crowned Miss Alabama Teen USA 2014 at the pageant held in Montgomery. Baskin will represent Alabama in the upcoming Miss Teen USA pageant. Before the pageant, Vestavia Voice caught up with Champion, who was born and raised in Vestavia Hills and is currently a freshman at Auburn University. We asked her about her transition into pageants, long-term goals and favorite local restaurant.

Q: Where do you live in Vestavia Hills? A: I live off Altadena Road, on the

outskirts of Vestavia.

Q: Name a few of your favorite hobbies. A: I enjoy traveling and learning about

new places, modeling and spending time with family and friends.

Q: What led to your participation in Miss Alabama Teen USA? A: One morning, as I was sitting in my kitchen eating breakfast, a lady called me and asked me to do a pageant. I blew it off at first, thinking it was fake. She told me she was the director of the Miss Alabama Teen USA pageant and that she would be in town that weekend. She also said she would like to get lunch with me and my mom and tell us more about the pageant. Needless to say, after lunch I was sold and I signed up immediately.

Q: Who do you consider your biggest inspirations? A: My parents are my biggest inspiration because they have showed me how to love and get along with others. Also, they have taught me about the love of Jesus Christ. Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years? A: Ten years down the road, I hope to have graduated college, opened up my own boutique and would like to continue traveling the world. Q: What are some places on your travel bucket list? A: One of my dreams is to make it to all seven continents. So far I have made it to Africa, Europe, Asia and of course North America. I hope to make it to Australia, South America and Antarctica sometime in the future! Q: Do you have a favorite restaurant here in town? A: Yes, Klingler’s on U.S. 31. My family has eaten there since I was born. Their chicken salad is the best! Q: What does it mean to you to represent Vestavia Hills in a big pageant like this one? A: I feel so honored to be able to represent Vestavia Hills at any time, especially in this pageant. Vestavia Hills is where I grew up, and I have always loved it and the community that embodies it. The people here believe in family and service to others, so it is a privilege for me to represent them.

14 • December 2013

Vestavia Voice

A holiday for sharing

Pizitz Middle School students share what they will do for others this Christmas

“Every year my family gets foster children Christmas presents!” -Audrye Carpenter, 7th grade

“We take a name off my church’s Christmas tree and give them what they need.” -Michael Vice, 7th grade

“This year at my church we are making some boxes for children that don’t get Christmas. This is called Operation Christmas Child. We pack the boxes with lots of toys for the kids.” -David Spain, 7th grade

“By showing love and care for other people, being warm and inviting, I will share and be nice to people.” -Jaleah Wiggins, 7th grade

“I’ll go with my family into downtown Birmingham on Christmas to give food to homeless people who have no food. Also, we give blankets and jackets to these people.” -Kaitlyn Young, 7th grade

“By sh

“Our church has a list of kids that will not receive presents. We will pick a child and will get him/her a present that he/she will want. We will wrap it up and leave it at church and the church will deliver it to the child. I love to do this, and I look forward to it every year!” -Mary Kate Vice, 8th grade

“I always do this thing called A Shoe-Box For Care. We go shopping for little kids and put all these toys and clothes in a shoebox. Then we give the box to our church, Dawson. They send it out to Africa. So that’s how I will try to make someone’s holiday special.” -Rachel Kaiser, 7th grade

“I’m going to adopt a child at “At church we have Angel our church. I’m also going to fill Trees. You get a star and buy up a box with supplies and send the child on that star a gift. With it to Haiti.” my family each year we do this -Bryant Segars, 6th grade together. This year I want to get a gift on my own so that I can make a child’s Christmas awesome.” -Megan Callahan, 8th grade

“This year we are going to do the angel tree at our church, which is where we get stuff for a child in need. Also, our youth group is going to a church, and we will eat lunch with them.” -Mary Tate DeFore, 6th grade

“Every year, our chur

“At my church we are packing shoeboxes with toys and toiletries for kids in another country who may not have as much as we have.” -Sophie Coleman, 6th grade

December 2013 • 15

VestaviaVoice.com

Magic in the Hills

Special performance of Nutcracker coming to Vestavia

By KATIE TURPEN Girls in leotards of all sizes and colors scamper around the rehearsal room lined with mirrors at Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church. The young dancers occasionally let out a giggle but mostly they appear determined to get each turn, spin and step exactly right. “I know it’s hard to focus for this long, but I see the younger ones are really coming through. I’m very pleased with that,” said Artistic Director Stephanie Thompson. The Nutcracker Ballet, based on the story of “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King,” is a visually captivating performance that has become an annual tradition for dance companies across the world. Now it’s coming to Vestavia Hills. Vestavia Dance’s premiere performance of The Magic City Nutcracker will mark a new holiday tradition for local residents. The nonprofit, volunteer-run organization will donate a portion of the proceeds to a charity selected through the church. The production is a result of the collaborative efforts of Vestavia Dance members Stephanie Thompson, Kelly Avery and Angel White. Last year, Thompson sensed a shift in her career as a dancer. “I had been dancing professionally for seven years,” Thompson said. “I was about to get married. I thought it was a great time to transition to director.” The idea was to create a sophisticated performance that showcases local talent. Community auditions were held in August at the

Children and adults participate in rehearsal for the premiere of The Magic City Nutcracker at Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church.

church, where Thompson and her fellow directors ensured that every child in the community had a chance to be in the performance. In addition to keeping the cost as low as possible, they offered 13 needbased and talent-based scholarships. Furthermore, Thompson said a professional choreographer traveled to Jasper to work with the children who could not make it to Birmingham because of financial constraints but still wished to be a part of the performance. The organization plans to do one free show for underprivileged children in order to give them a

The Magic City Nutcracker cast rehearses on a Saturday morning. The production premieres on Dec. 6 at Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church. Photos by Katie Turpen.

closer look at the world of dance and theater. Thompson believes reaching out to those in need is the essence of the organization. “With the downturn in the economy, no one pays more than $200 to participate,” Thompson said. “To be involved in something like this is an important part of a child’s development opportunity.” Thompson said the performance showcases the talent of 70 children ages 5-18 in addition to several adults, each with a unique gift. The event offers varying degrees of

Magic City Nutcracker When: Dec. 6-8 Where: Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church’s Tyson Theater, 2061 Kentucky Ave. Admission: $10 sponsorship from local businesses, with the larger sponsors being aptly titled Sugar Plum Fairy. “Not all the dancers are ballerinas,” Thompson said. “Everyone has different styles.”

Thompson looks forward to giving the children the chance to not only perform but also appreciate the art of dance in Birmingham. She wants them to observe other performances so they can widen their perspective on the craft. “We picked the first weekend in December so they can still go and see the Alabama Ballet Nutcracker,” Thompson said. Tickets for the performance are $10 and can be purchased at vhumc. org/vestavia-dance/magic-citynutcracker/.

16 • December 2013

Vestavia Voice

Saint Mark United Methodist Russian orphanage mission trip

Vestavia Hills resident celebrates centennial birthday

Saint Mark UMC member Debbie Morris prepares gift bags crafted by children of the church. These bags were among the treasures and necessities church members delivered during their recent annual mission trip to Russia. Photo courtesy of Walter Bryant. On hand to help celebrate Thabet’s 100th birthday were: Friends from St. John Kame Coptic Church of Birmingham Violette and Fakhry Assaad; Greenview neighbors Faye and Buddy Black; daughter Isis Mikhail; Yvonne Mikhail, Thabet’s wife of 64 years; Floyd Little; and Jerry and John Lossie. Photo courtesy of Isis Mikhail.

By REBECCA WALDEN By WALTER BRYANT Saint Mark United Methodist recently completed its annual Russian orphanage mission trip. “Our visits mainly encourage the children in their studies and to share the love of Christ with them,” said participant Debbie Morris. “We carry bags of letters and small gifts from their sponsors.” In addition to letters and small gifts, the church group took pinewood derby cars for the children to construct and decorate, scarves for tie-dying and pennants for dorm room decoration. All activities focused on the theme “Team.” The Belaya Kholunista Orphanage is home to 58 children ranging from first through ninth grades. It’s located in a small town of about 14,000 residents approximately 650 miles east of Moscow. Saint Mark Mission funds help to buy craft supplies and items from a wish list, such as school supplies, socks, toys and medicines. The outreach is coordinated through Children’s Hope Chest, a faith-based organization in Colorado Springs, Colo., that helps orphans in Russia, India and several African countries overcome poverty and

abandonment. For the past five years, Saint Mark members have volunteered to be American Pen Pals to one or more of the children and to send them an email at least quarterly. Sponsors are asked to commit to $408 annually to underwrite Children’s Hope Chest representatives in those countries who visit orphanages each week to help the children develop life skills such as making good choices about relationships, who to trust and how to spend their time. The support also covers small birthday and holiday gifts for the children. Morris said the letters and photos from American Pen Pals become treasured keepsakes. “They flourish knowing that someone loves them, thinks about them and cares for them,” Morris said. Having gone on five mission trips to the same orphanage, Morris has seen friendships form with the children who have shed their shyness and initial suspicion of the motives of their American visitors. The children look forward to the church member visits, and some graduates come back to see their American friends again. Morris feels the orphans’ impression is: “They love me enough to come back.”

Thabet Mikhail recently celebrated his 100th birthday at a party arranged by his daughter, Isis Mikhail, also of Vestavia Hills. Thabet, a native of Egypt, left the publishing company he owned in Cairo, where he handled printing for the American Embassy, to emigrate to the U.S. in the 1980s. After a brief stint in Washington, D.C., he relocated his family to the Tyler Road area of Vestavia Hills, and his daughter said he’s never looked back. “For me, my dad is my hero,” Isis said. “He has always been encouraging me to learn and to further my education.” Following his advice, she eventually earned a doctorate in public health from UAB, an accomplishment she credits to Thabet’s encouragement. Thabet’s milestone birthday has drawn plenty of attention, mainly from those his junior who want to know the secret to happy, healthy longevity.

“He’s always stayed active,” said Isis. “Even though he had a car, he often chose to walk to work.” She added that his healthy lifestyle habits were accompanied by what is often underestimated in the discussion of personal health. “He’s just a very loving person,” she said. “He loves people. He likes to be happy, to joke, and is just very interested in others.” That genuine interest sparked a decades-long friendship in a place one might not expect – amidst the hustle and bustle of the Riverchase Galleria. “His love for Birmingham I can tell you was the Galleria,” she said. “For years, every day he would drive to the Galleria and take a walk around the mall. He thought it was the best mall he had ever seen. Two of his closest friends to this day are Mr. and Mrs. John Lossie, who he met there. The Lossies still visit him every Sunday.”

December 2013 • 17

VestaviaVoice.com

Liberty Park student to star in Alabama Ballet’s ‘Nutcracker’

(Left) Hannah Hollis (Marie) holds her broken nutcracker in the 2012 production of The Nutcracker. Photo courtesy of Alabama Ballet. (Above) Hannah Hollis, right, during rehearsals for The Nutcracker. Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Buchanan.

By SYDNEY CROMWELL Despite being only 10 years old, Hannah Hollis already has the poise of a young ballerina. There isn’t a hint of shyness in her broad smile or her confident, intelligent manner. The oldest of four siblings, Hollis is a student at Liberty Park Elementary and enjoys sports, crafts and playing outside. Most importantly, however, Hollis loves to dance, and this Christmas she’ll be taking the stage in a lead role in the Alabama Ballet’s performance of The Nutcracker. The Alabama Ballet will be one of only seven ballet companies performing the George Balanchine version of the classic ballet. His production, first performed in 1954, has become the ballet’s most famous stage performance. Many ballet companies imitate his choreography, costumes and set design,

but only a select few are permitted to perform his original work. The Alabama Ballet had to audition with Balanchine’s trust to prove they could handle the choreography and the costs of the production. Balanchine’s performance is noteworthy because it is visually stunning and its choreography is designed for children to perform the main roles rather than adults. “He really wanted kids to look like kids. He didn’t want them to do something they weren’t meant to do. The choreography is a lot, but it’s very simple,” said Katy Olsen, the Alabama Ballet marketing director. “[They are] supposed to look like little kids and act like little kids.” As one of those children, Hollis will be a crucial part of recreating Balanchine’s innovative production in Birmingham. She will be performing in the lead female role, Marie,

which is also commonly known as Clara. “[Marie] has the dream about what all happens. She goes to the Land of Sweets,” Hollis said. Hollis has been dancing since she was three years old and enjoys ballet because of its slow and “peaceful” movements. She was also cast as Marie in the 2012 performance, so she isn’t nervous about taking the stage again. In fact, her experience has made her a natural leader for the other two girls who share the role. “She’s very easy to work with in rehearsal,” Olsen said. “She picks things up quickly, and she’s very smart and she’s very sweet.” Hollis has been rehearsing since early October to perfect some of the more challenging pieces of choreography, especially when she is onstage alone for extended periods of time. “We have to do everything a certain way,”

Hollis said. “It’s sort of difficult to get all the moves right because I’m [onstage] for 20 minutes... So it’s just very difficult to remember everything.” For Hollis, the best part of the ballet is the battle scene between the Nutcracker’s soldiers and the mice. Although her character is observing from the side and has no direct part in the scene, she enjoys watching the battle and the death of the Mouse King. From the opening party scene to the final curtain, however, Hollis loves being part of The Nutcracker and can’t wait to show off her months of hard work as Marie. This year, the Alabama Ballet’s performances will be held Dec. 13-15 and 20-22 at the Wright Center at Samford University. Tickets are $20 and can be bought at alabamaballet.org or by calling 975-2787.

18 â&#x20AC;˘ December 2013

Vestavia Voice

Vestavia Gift Guide 1

Collage Designer Style Bracelets $130 for all three pictured Python Tory Burch Handbag - $250 Christian Louboutin Boots - $500 Wine and Gold Necklace - $16 Collage offers a variety of designer accessories and clothing to create the ideal look for winter.

Chickadee Monogram Bowl $45 with monogram $35 without monogram Susan Dennis Gordon Pottery sold at Chickadee is handmade and comes in a variety of glazes, sizes and patterns.

Lili Pad Footie $36 each Available in several colors, these toddler footies come with cute pocket pals.

Gi Giâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Plush shorts $16 each These plush loungewear shorts are the perfect comfy wear for your little girl.

Photos by Katie Turpen.

A Little Something Alabama Christmas Candles $25 each These hand poured soy candles come in three holiday scents: cinnamon and nutmeg, cranberry mandarin and clove, and Birchwood and Evergreen bark.

The Blue Willow Ronaldo Bracelets $75-$200 These sterling silver bracelets are unique to The Blue Willow. They are made in Mississippi, and each one tells a special story.

December 2013 • 19

VestaviaVoice.com

School House Students recognized for support of the American Cancer Society

VHHS student leaders recognized were John David Walker, Brooke Westhoven, Kristin Berney, Chandler Cahoon and Joe Peterson.

Dr. Andrews encourages Liberty Park Middle School Lancer Court of Honor students Liberty Park Middle School recently held the first nine weeks Lancer Court of Honor for 2013-2014. Teachers select two boys and two girls each nine weeks from each grade level based on leadership, citizenship and conduct. The first nine weeks Lancer Court of Honor winners were: sixth graders Aimie Perino, Victoria Rohner, Will Brooks and Thomas Wade; seventh graders Kate Redden, Taylor York, Freddie Updike and Jack Silverman; eighth graders Beth Cook, Emma Eaker, Trevor Fore and Mitchell Kingren. Dr. Jeff Dugas, an orthopedic surgeon with

Andrews Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Center, was the guest speaker. He spoke to the students about opportunity and commitment. He explained that an opportunity is a good chance for advancement and progress. He said that students need to take opportunities that are presented to them and by taking opportunities and being successful, doors will open for them later. He also talked about commitments and how a commitment is a goal. He explained that students should always honor their commitments, and once committed they should never quit.

American Cancer Society leaders Kelly Doss and Samantha Taylor attended the October rivalry football game between Mountain Brook and Vestavia High Schools to present awards to student leaders, advisors and principals of each school. They were recognized for their service and dedication to help end the fight against cancer through their successful Relay For Life events that were held earlier this year. Both schools participate in Relay For Life every year and have consistently exceeded their goals. In 2013, the schools contributed almost $500,000 to the fight for less cancer and more birthdays. “We have always known locally that these events would be huge successes,” said Kelly Doss, executive vice president for the American Cancer Society. “But it is really exciting when our local events start to gain national attention. The Mountain Brook and Vestavia Relay For Life events were both named a Top Five Youth Event in the country this year, raising a collective $468,000 for the American Cancer Society. The Vestavia event is ranked fourth out of 150 events. Vestavia High School Principal Wes Gordon was recognized for his support along with student leaders Anne Peyton Baker, Catherine Kinney, Mary Fran Wright, Paul Roth and Katie Reiss from Mountain Brook and Chandler Cahoon, Joe Peterson, Brooke Westhoven and John David Walker from Vestavia. Also recognized were faculty advisors from each school, Angie Richardson from Vestavia High School and William Kornegay, former advisor, and current advisors Katrina McGuire and Jackie Hayes from MBHS.

20 • December 2013

Vestavia Voice

On the high seas

Students got “hands on” exposure to the science of microbiology during a recent exercise at Liberty Park Middle. Photo courtesy of Linda Rummell.

Liberty Park students learn from UAB microbiologists Liberty Park Middle School seventhgrade science and pre-algebra classes combined for a joint study of microbiology and germs. Guest presenters were Bill and Linda Jeff, microbiologists from UAB and parents of LPMS math teacher Jonathan Jeff. The Jeffs started the day by demonstrating how infectious diseases and viruses are passed by human contact. Bill used glitter when shaking hands or lending a pencil. Receiving students found their hands covered with the “glitter germs.” Linda used the metric system to describe how scientists measure bacterial colonies. A week prior to the presentation, 24

pairs of students swabbed various surfaces through the school and transferred the germs to blood agar plates. Linda incubated the plates. LPMS staff members and students were surprised to see what was lurking on doorknobs, lockers and faucets. Groups of 10 students were given cups of clear liquid and asked to “share fluids,” unaware that one cup was harboring an infection. After the activity, students were given a drop of an indicator, turning “infected” cups yellow and “healthy” cups pink, showing how rapidly an infection can spread. Linda also advised students on the best ways to stay healthy and germ-free.

In October, the third graders at Southminster Day School performed “A Pirate’s Life for Me” for students, staff and their parents. Each year students entertain the school with musical performances under the direction of music teacher Jane Holbert. Costumes and backdrops reflect the creative work of many Southminster parents.

Fun at West’s County Fair Hundreds of kids and parents flocked to the West County Fair at Vestavia Hills Elementary West as the school celebrated with its fall carnival in October. The weather was perfect for the school fundraiser where everyone played games, won prizes, enjoyed great food and spent time with friends and neighbors. In the parking lot, visitors were greeted by the Strong Man Contest, the Homerun Derby, the Angry Birds Launch, the carnival bake sale, and volunteers offering cotton candy, popcorn and caramel apples. Inside, they could shop at the general store and enter the raffle to win an assortment of giveaways, including an autographed football

from the Philadelphia Eagles’ DeMeco Ryans. In the lunchroom, Hungry Howie’s pizza and Moe’s Original Barbecue sandwiches were served, and Bruster’s Italian Ice was a popular choice for dessert. Throughout the school, volunteers welcomed carnival-goers with the chance to win candy and prizes for participating in the ring toss, hole-in-one golf, the football toss and many other traditional games. Balloon animals were in high demand, and younger visitors enjoyed the moon bounce. More than $20,000 was raised for the school. It will be used for instructional materials and equipment.

December 2013 • 21

VestaviaVoice.com

VHHS SGA hosts food drive

Front row: Cory Hershey, Tyler Queen, Price Gorham, Shawn Woodham (SGA Sponsor), KC Atkins, Grace Baker (girls’ VP), Mary Jane Young (historian), Lindsey McMahon (secretary), Caroline Parrish (parliamentarian), Grant Logsdon (chaplain) and Martha Manley (SGA sponsor). Middle row: Grady Bailey, Chris Cusimano, Jack Carlile, and Patrick Cronin (boys’ VP). Back row: James Harris (treasurer) and Robert Schaffeld (president). Photo courtesy of Jane-Marie Marlin.

The Vestavia Hills High School Student Government Association recently completed its 2013 campaign to raise canned food items for two local food pantries. Clubs, homerooms and individual students participated in the drive resulting in over 22,000 items being donated. Students col-

lected the goods and loaded them into two trucks for delivery. According to SGA members, the food drive is one of their favorite projects each year as it is a way for all students to get involved in giving back to the community. -Submitted by Jane-Marie Marlin

Vestavia Hills City Schools placed on AP District Honor Roll Vestavia Hills City Schools is one of 477 school districts in the U.S. and Canada being honored by the College Board with placement on the fourth annual AP District Honor Roll. Reaching these goals indicates that the district is successfully identifying motivated, academically prepared students who are likely to benefit from rigorous AP course work. Since 2011, Vestavia Hills City Schools has increased the number of students participating in AP while improving the number of students earning AP Exam scores of 3 or higher.

To qualify, districts must:  Increase participation/access to AP by at least 4 percent in large districts, at least 6 percent in medium districts and at least 11

percent in small districts.  Increase or maintain the percentage of exams taken by African American, Hispanic/Latino and American Indian/Alaska Native students.  Improve performance levels when comparing the percentage of students in 2013 scoring a 3 or higher to those in 2011, unless the district has already attained a performance level at which more than 70 percent of its AP students are scoring a 3 or higher. -Submitted by Jane-Marie Marlin

22 • December 2013

Back to school for Sen. Waggoner In October, faculty and students at Vestavia Hills Elementary West welcomed Sen. J.T. “Jabo” Waggoner and Superintendent Dr. Jamie Blair for Alabama’s Learning with Legislators Day. Waggoner, who serves as Alabama’s senate majority leader, toured the school with Ms. Kim Hauser, principal at VHEW. In West’s computer lab, Waggoner saw one of the state’s two Promethean ActivTables in action. The ActivTable, which was purchased by the VHEW PTO, resembles a large touchscreen tablet, offers student activities that are aligned with national and state standards in education and can be used by Dr. Jamie Blair, superintendent of Vestavia Hills City Schools, Kim Hauser, principal of VHEW, and Sen. J.T. up to six students at one time. Every student in the school “Jabo” Waggoner tour Vestavia Hills Elementary West has access to it during weekly on Learning with Legislators Day. Photo courtesy of Alice Elmore. sessions in the computer lab. With the help of grants received through on helping their students meet these yearly Waggoner’s support, VHEW recently benchmarks, which are meant to keep purchased a second ActivTable for the school’s students on track for success in college and, exceptional education classes. ultimately, in their careers. Throughout the school, Waggoner visited “The goal of Learning with Legislators classrooms to see how technology is being Day’is to give our elected officials a clear used in every area of instruction as well as picture of what is going on in Alabama’s how the Common Core Standards are being classrooms so that they can make informed implemented. Alabama’s Common Core decisions about education during the Standards are a set of academic benchmarks upcoming legislative session,” said State that define the skills all students should master Superintendent Dr. Tommy Bice. “An by the end of each school year. The senator excellent way to help them learn is a school witnessed how VHEW teachers are focused visit.”

Vestavia Voice

VHEC names Luccasen Teacher of the Year

Dr. Racheal Luccasen, pictured with her students, recently received the distinction of being named Central’s 2013-14 Teacher of the Year. Photo courtesy of Kellie Wigley.

Dr. Racheal Luccasen, an alumna of Vestavia Hills High School, has been recognized as Vestavia Hills Elementary-Central’s Teacher of the Year. Dr. Luccasen has taught fourth grade for 17 years, seven of which have been at VHEC. She received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Montevallo. She furthered her education by obtaining her doctoral degree in education with a focus on organizational leadership. Dr. Luccasen has a unique way of infusing fun into her teaching. Her students not only

learn to their greatest potential, but they also enjoy themselves in the process. She is most proud of how her young learners achieve math and reading skills through games and real-life experiences. It is a personal goal of Dr. Luccasen to show students that they have the ability to enjoy learning. In addition to her passion for teaching, she enjoys spending time with her young son, extended family and friends. As a resident of Vestavia Hills, Dr. Luccasen realizes the positive impact one can have in the educational system as well as in the community.

December 2013 • 23

VestaviaVoice.com

Sports VHHS senior places first in state cross country race

VHHS cross-country runner Mac Macoy took first place in the 2013 6A state meet. Photo courtesy of Coy Macoy.

For the second year in a row, Vestavia Hills High School senior Mac Macoy came in first in the individual 6A state cross-country race. The high school team, which won last year’s state title, placed second in this year’s meet. At 15:44.50, Mac came in five seconds ahead of the second place finisher. Other top VHHS finishers were Peyton Price (15:58.50) in fourth place, Cole Lambert (16:35.70), Tripp Maloy (16:36.70) and Charlie Sharbel (16:38.00). Mac’s father, Coy Macoy, placed first in the cross-country state championship in 1981, also running for Vestavia Hills. The VHHS boys cross-country team had other notable highlights this season. They finished first at the Crimson Classic, eighth at the Berry

Invitational in Georgia and fifth at the Chickasaw Trails Invitational. They are also the Sectional Champions. The team is currently ranked second and is led by seniors Peyton Price and Mac Macoy. This season Mac ran the third-fastest time in AHSAA Cross Country history, 15:03, and is currently ranked in the Top 25 best times in the nation. The VHHS girls cross-country team had a strong season for a young team. They finished fifth overall at the Jesse Owens Invitational and Best Alabama team, seventh at the Chickasaw Trails Invitational and eighth at the Berry Invitational. The girls finished second at Sectionals and are currently ranked third in the state. – Submitted by VHHS Track and Field/CrosCountry Coach Brett Huber

Rebels on path to Super 6

Behind tailback Jordan Johnson, the Vestavia Hills High Rebels made a strong start into the 2013 AHSAA Playoffs. In the first round, the Rebels dominated Decatur High School 38-14. VHHS allowed only five first downs on their way to the win. Cornerback Brooks Sexton paced the Rebels defense with two interceptions. Johnson led the Rebels’ offensive attack with two touchdowns and 165 yards on 18 carries. Quarterback Landon Crowder and Carter Jacobs also scored for the Rebels. On Nov. 15, the Rebels advanced to the sec-

ond round of the Class 6A playoffs, where they hosted Bessemer City. VHHS won the thrilling game 31-28. Johnson finished with 109 yards rushing and a touchdown VHHS traveled to Bob Jones High School in Madison on Nov. 22 en route to the 2013 Super Six, which will be held Dec. 5-6 at BryantDenny Stadium in Tuscaloosa. But between the Rebels and the state title are the top-ranked Hoover Buccaneers, which squeaked out a 17-7 victory over VHHS at the Hoover Met in September.

24 • December 2013

Vestavia Voice

Vestavia Hills Holiday Parade Dec. 8 • 2-4 p.m. • Liberty Park Middle School

By KATIE TURPEN The annual Vestavia Hills Holiday Parade and Christmas in the Park festival are cherished holiday traditions in the community. This year’s parade will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 8 at Liberty Park Middle School. “It’s going to be a much longer parade route this year,” said Paige Hockman, parade organizer. “It will wind down Liberty Parkway and then into the lower entrance of the Alston Meadows. The whole parade should last about 45 minutes to an hour.” Lineup for parade participants will begin at 1 p.m., and Hockman said viewers can park in the surrounding neighborhoods. Viewing will be along Liberty Parkway. The Vestavia Hills High School Marching Band and the Rockettes will lead the parade, and Mayor Alberto Zaragoza will be riding at the front of the procession. Vestavia Belles and Dogwood Beauty Pageant winners are also returning participants. Hockman said she welcomes all participants, particularly those with antique cars to model. Awards for the classic cars include Mayor’s Choice and Best in Show. Following the festivities, parade guests are invited to enjoy Christmas at the Park in Alston Meadows, where children can visit Santa and various restaurants will offer free samples. Additionally, the Vestavia Rockettes and other dance ensembles will perform, and there will be a Christmas tree lighting ceremony. “I am shocked at how incredible it’s gotten. Last year we had 87 entrants,” Hockman said. “We want to send the message that we are all Vestavia Hills. We are one community.” For more information on the parade or if you would like to be a volunteer along the parade route, email Paige Hockman at paigehockman@ aol.com.

(above) Miss Dogwood Ninth-Grade Princess rides in the 2012 Vestavia Hills Holiday Parade in Liberty Park. (top left) Boy Scouts enjoy the 2012 Vestavia Hills Holiday Parade in Liberty Park. (left) Antique cars are always a hit during the annual Vestavia Hills Holiday Parade in Liberty Park. Photos courtesy of Paige Hockman.

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WEEKLY Your community. In your inbox. From the City Center to Liberty Park, if you love Vestavia Hills, you already know there’s only one place to turn for updates. But we’re going one step further: Vestavia Voice in your inbox every week. Sign up for our online newsletter and never miss out.

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CYCLES

TAX

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Vestavia Hills 33 percent

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Jefferson County 22 percent

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State of Alabama 45 percent

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“When you look at priorities, you look at what do we have to do, what would be nice to do and the more ambitious list of what we would like to do,” City Manager Jeff Downes said. “The growth of our sales tax revenue will help your elected officials consider as much of that list as we possibly can.” So, spending more in Vestavia Hills might not guarantee a new sidewalk on your street, but it does help your local leaders make the decision. If the money is there, they might concrete every right-of-way in town. But if it isn’t, they can’t. However, growing sales tax revenues for the general fund isn’t an easy task. Currently, of the 9 percent tax, the State of Alabama collects 4 percent and Jefferson County collects 2 percent. Of the remaining 3 percent, the city divides 1/12 between the Board of Education and its Reserve Fund. Specifically, if you spend $100 on groceries in the city, your contribution to its operations is about $2.74. Vestavia Hills’ budget for fiscal year 2014 projects approximately $36 million in revenues. About one-third of that — $11 million — is slated to come from sales tax. Reaching that mark means administration is projecting about $390 million in total transactions would take place in the city before Sept. 30, 2014. It might seem like a mountain, but the projection follows the trend. “What drives any projection is historical information and a consideration of the national economy,” Vestavia Hills Finance Director Melvin Turner said. “Take the current year — ad valorem revenue is projected to be down as the market is still recovering, but we were

For every $1 spent in Vestavia Hills, a 9-cent sales tax is levied. But not all that money goes back to the city. The State of Alabama receives 4 cents, Jefferson County receives 2 cents and Vestavia Hills receives 3 cents. So, every $1 of sales tax allocated to the City only represents a third of what was collected at the cash register. Graphic by Jeff Thompson.

a little more aggressive on sales tax projections as we’ve been growing exponentially the last few years.” Since 2010, the city has seen sales tax revenues jump more than 22 percent, and Downes said that healthy growth has allowed the city to maintain and even increase employee salaries and benefits, as well as embark on an aggressive capital improvement campaign. “It allowed us to accomplish a number of priorities,” he said. “We replaced several fire engines, we built up reserves through conservative fiscal management, and through that, we learned in October that Fitch Ratings has given us a rating of ‘AA+’ with a stable outlook. That is a huge thing.”

Fitch Ratings, Inc. is a company renowned and respected in the financial markets for assessing risk. Its ratings are only opinions, but they carry weight. According to a release from Business Wire about the ratings, Fitch’s AA+ for Vestavia Hills comes with confidence that sales tax revenue will continue to increase. “The city has budgeted a 4.8 percent increase in expenditures for the fiscal year beginning Oct. 1, reflecting its expectation of strong sales tax receipts and permit fees in fiscal year 2014,” the Business Wire story reads. “Fitch would generally consider the projected 7.8 percent growth in sales tax as optimistic, although recent robust

increases in this revenue source somewhat mitigates this concern.” Vestavia Hills believes its residents will continue spending, and Fitch agrees. For his part, Downes is aggressively working to drive the kinds of economic development results that citizens expect. He encourages residents to shop local whenever they can, as those resources will only help the city accomplish its long-term goals and objectives faster. “When an outside independent assessment firm like Fitch comes in and gives us the highest rating in the state of Alabama, that tells us we are doing something right,” Downes said.

special gives local cyclists the chance to donate their old bikes and receive credit toward the purchase of a new one. The old bikes will be redistributed throughout the community. “Basically anybody that has a bike that they are not using can bring it in, and we will give them a $30 credit towards a new one,” Malki said. This holiday trade special is a joint effort between Cahaba Cycles and BiciCoop, a local nonprofit organization dedicated to improving access to cycling for transportation and recreation for all people of any age, race and income level in the community. Malki said people are invited to bring in their bikes no matter their condition. The special runs through the end of December. “We decided to do this because we wanted to take bikes that are not being used and put them in the hands of people that need them,” Malki said. “We have a goal of getting at least 100 donated bikes.” Malki said they will work with BiciCoop to completely refurbish all the donated bikes. In January, the nonprofit organization will help Malki decide what local community members will receive the bicycles. Malki said he has already seen a lot of excitement in the community about the special and has been receiving a large number of children’s bicycles. He believes the special helps everyone full circle. “This gives people a chance to clean out their garages and also get a new bike,” Malki said. “It’s also just a great thing for the community.” Cahaba Cycles is an independently owned and operated bicycle store that opened in 1982 in Cahaba Heights. They have additional locations in Homewood, Oak Mountain and Trussville. For more information on the store or the holiday special, visit cahabacycles.com.

26 • December 2013

Vestavia Voice

Community Calendar Vestavia Hills Events Dec. 1: Hanging of the Green in Morning Worship. Vestavia Hills Baptist Church. Dec. 2: PTO Faculty Lunch. Pizitz Middle School. Dec. 3: City Tree Lighting Festival. Vestavia Hills Civic Center. 6 p.m. Contact mparker@ vestaviahillsparks.com. Dec. 3-4: Second Grade Holiday Program. Vestavia Hills Elementary East. Dec. 4: Parent Awareness Monthly Meeting. Board of Education. Noon. Dec. 6-8: Magic City Nutcracker. Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church. Dec. 6: Santa’s Workshop. Vestavia Hills Elementary East. Dec. 6: PTO Faculty Breakfast. Vestavia Hills Elementary Central. 7:30 a.m. Dec. 6: Holiday Village. Vestavia Hills Elementary Liberty Park. Dec. 6-7: Created for a Purpose Christmas Workshop. Visit createdforapurpose.org. Dec 6-7: “In a Manger Lowly” A Christmas Open House. Vestavia Hills Baptist Church. Friday 10 a.m.- noon, Saturday 10 a.m.- 2 p.m.

Dec. 7: Breakfast with Santa. Dogwood Room, Vestavia Civic Center. :30 a.m. Pancakes served. Rockettes will appear. 7 $1 suggested donation.

Mondays: Andy’s Bridge. Vestavia Hills Senior Center. 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. Email program@vestaviahillsparks.com. Mondays: Yoga. Vestavia Hills Senior Center. Email program@vestaviahillsparks.com. Thursdays: Free Wine Tasting. The Wine Cellar. 1080 Montgomery Highway next to Red Lobster. 5-7 p.m.

Dec. 7: Live Nativity. Birmingham International Church. 2-4 p.m. Animals for petting, refreshments, music and more. Email the church at 1380bic@att.net.

Thursdays: Chess Club. Vestavia Hills Senior Center. 4:45-7 p.m. Email program@vestaviahillsparks.com.

Dec. 7: Vestavia Hills Duals Wrestling Tournament.

The Vestavia Hills Rockettes will perform in the 2013 Holiday Parade at Liberty Park on Dec. 8. Photo courtesy of Paige Hockman.

Dec. 8: Vestavia Hills Annual Christmas Parade. Liberty Park. 2-4 p.m. Dec: 8: “Gloria in Excelsis featuring Vivaldi’s Gloria in D.” Southminster Presbyterian Church. 4 p.m. Dec. 9: Liberty Park Middle School Choir and Band Holiday Concert. Liberty Park Middle School Gym. 6 p.m. Dec. 10: Free Bubbly Tasting. The Wine Cellar. 1080 Montgomery Highway. 4-7 p.m. Representatives from several wine distribution companies will be on hand to pour samples so that you can pair your upcoming holiday meals and festivities with the perfect wines. Dec. 10: PTO Brunch. Vestavia Hills Elementary West. 9:15 a.m. Dec. 10: Vestavia Chamber of Commerce Monthly Luncheon. Vestavia Country Club.

11:30 a.m. Reservations must be received by 4 p.m. the Friday prior to the luncheon and costs $18. Late reservations and walk-ins cost $25. Call 823-5011. Dec. 11: Spelling Bee. Vestavia Hills Elementary Cahaba Heights. Dec. 11: Teacher Breakfast. Vestavia Hills Elementary West. Dec. 13: Spelling Bee. Vestavia Hills Elementary East. Dec. 13: Christmas Party. Pizitz Middle School.

Dec. 13: Adult Christmas Banquet. Vestavia Hills Baptist Church.

Dec. 20: PTO Faculty Breakfast. 7 a.m. Vestavia Hills Elementary Liberty Park.

Dec. 17: Holiday Performance. Vestavia Hills Elementary Cahaba Heights.

Dec. 20: Sing-a-long. Vestavia Hills Elementary West.

Dec 18: Children’s Christmas Program. “Aaron the Allergic Shepherd.” Southminster Presbyterian Church. 6 p.m. Call 822-1124 for reservations. Dec. 19: Holiday Parties. Vestavia Hills Elementary West.

Dec. 22: The Festival of Lessons and Carols. Southminster Presbyterian Church. 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. Dec. 24: Christmas Eve Service of Candlelight and Holy Communion. Southminster Presbyterian Church. 5:30 p.m.

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December 2013 • 27

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Community Calendar Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest Contact Eden Pfaff at epfaff@bham.lib.al.us or 978-4678 for more. Tuesdays: Together with Twos. Storytime for children 24 months and under and a caregiver. This storytime is ageappropriate for toddlers with short stories, songs and lots of movement. 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays: Story Friends. Storytime for preschoolers five years and under and a caregiver. This storytime has longer stories, interspersed with songs and movement activities. 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays: Skit-torytime. Schoolage kids will love this storytime filled with interactive skits, puppets shows and story fun. 3:30 p.m. Dec. 2: Microsoft Excel Part 1 (Beginners). 5 p.m. Dec. 3: Microsoft Excel Part 2 (Advanced). 5 p.m. Dec. 9: Internet 101 Basic Training. 6 p.m. Dec. 10: Family Night with Santa and his Magical Wonderland. 6 p.m. supper, 6:30 show. Enjoy cheesesteak perfection from the Philly Connection and Santa’s fantastic Christmas show! Must call to register, 978-0158. All ages welcome. Dec. 10: Microsoft Word Part 1 (Advanced). 5 p.m.

Dec. 14: Babysitting for our P.A.L.S. 10 a.m.-noon. Our holiday gift to our P.A.L.S. members. Free time to yourself! Bring us your children and we will entertain them while you take a much-needed break before the holiday rush takes over. Ages 3 & up (must be potty-trained). Please call April to register. Dec. 17: Introduction to Microsoft Windows 8. 6 p.m. Dec. 19: Preschool Pals: LifeSize Candyland. 10:30 a.m. If you love Candyland, you will love being the game pieces in our life-size game. Candyland characters will come to life as well! Ages 5 & under. Must call to register, 978-0158. Dec. 19: Introduction to Microsoft PowerPoint. 5:30 p.m. Dec. 27: Resume 101. 1 p.m. Learn to properly format a resume. Dec. 27: Introduction to Microsoft Publisher. You’ll start by learning how to navigate the Publisher workspace using the ribbon, and how to access both local and online Publisher templates. Next, you’ll find out how to create and manage text, pictures, graphics and other elements, such as tables and shapes, and see how you can use these different components to create a variety of documents. 4 p.m. Dec. 28: Microsoft Excel Part 1 (Beginners). 11 a.m. Dec. 28: Microsoft Excel Part 2 (Advanced). 3 p.m.

Dec. 12: Introduction to the Computer. 6 p.m.

inc.

Greater Birmingham area events Dec. 5-19: Mountain Brook Art Association Annual Art Show. Colonial Brookwood Village, lower level. Visit mountainbrookartassociation.com. Dec. 5-22: Red Mountain Theatre Company presents ‘Tis the Season.’ Wednesday-Saturday 7:30 p.m., Saturday-Sunday 2 p.m. RMTC Cabaret Theatre, 301 19th Street North. $30-35. Family-friendly play featuring sights and sounds of the holiday season. Visit redmountaintheatre.org or call 324-2424. Dec. 6-31: ZooLight Safari. Birmingham Zoo. More than half a million lights, music and holiday activities transform the zoo in a winter wonderland. $8 nonmembers, zoo members free. Visit birminghamzoo.com or call 879-0409. Dec. 7, 14, 21: Breakfast with Santa. 8 a.m., 9:15 a.m., 10:30 a.m. Birmingham Zoo. Members: $14 adults, $9 children. Nonmembers: $14 adults, $15 children. Visit birminghamzoo.com. Dec. 8: Birmingham Girls Choir Holiday Concert. 3 p.m. Shades Crest Baptist Church. Featuring Una Voce, Intermezzo, and Prelude Choirs. Directors are Margaret Heron, Meredith Devore and Lindsay Walker. Dec. 12-22: ‘A Bluegrass Christmas Carol.’ Virginia Samford Theatre at Samford University. $20, $25. Classic Christmas carol “mountainized” with bluegrass group The Herb Trotman Band accompanying the musical. Visit virginiasamfordtheatre.org or call 251-1206. Dec. 13-15, 21-22: George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker. 2:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m. Times vary by date. Wright Center,

Samford University. Presented by Alabama Ballet. $20-$55. Call 975-2787 or visit samford.edu/ wrightcenter. Dec. 13: Birmingham Ballet’s The Muttcracker. 7:30 p.m. BJCC. Dancers and dogs make for a memorable night benefiting the Greater Birmingham Humane Society. . $32.75, $43.75 and $54.50. Visit birminghamballet.com/ performances.htm or call 1-800-745-3000. Dec. 14-15: Independent Presbyterian Church Holiday Home Tour. Saturday 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday 1-5 p.m. All proceeds go to support church’s women’s ministries including Children’s Fresh Air Farm. $20. Visit ipc-usa.org. Dec. 14-15: Birmingham Ballet’s The Nutcracker. Saturday 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Sunday 2 p.m. BJCC. Visit birminghamballet.com/ performances.htm. Call 1-800-745-3000. Dec. 16-20: Christmas at Rucker Place. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Rucker Place, 1804 12th Avenue South. See the house decorated for Christmas and try out Chef Richard’s food. $25 per person. Email info@ruckerplace.com for reservations. Call 558-2485 or visit ruckerplace. com for more. Dec. 20: Mythbusters. 8 p.m. BJCC. Popular TV show comes to life on stage with hosts Jamie Hyneman and Adam Savage performing experiments and more. $38.10- $96.75. Call 1-800-745-3000. Dec. 30: Annual Community Kwanza. 6 p.m. Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. Free. Visit bcri.org or call 328-9696.

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28 • December 2013

Vestavia Voice

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A PUBLIC NOTICE FROM ALABAMA POWER

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Alabama Power contract crews are working in several Vestavia Hills neighborhoods, removing trees and other vegetation that threaten the safety and reliability of our electrical system.

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Tree crews working in city through end of year 280

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As part of this process, Alabama Power goes to great lengths to talk with individual property owners. Company representatives are going door-to-door, leaving notices at locations where work is needed.

If you have any questions before crews come by your home, please call Alabama Power at 1-205-257-2155 and ask for someone in the Vegetation Management Group to contact you. Or you can email us at apcvm@southernco.com. Work in Vestavia Hills is expected to be completed before the end of the year. Also, you can go online to http://alpwr.co/vm where Alabama Power has further information about these safety and reliability measures, as well as resources for property owners who would like recommendations about planting the right tree in the right place. Thank you for your understanding. We appreciate your business.

POWI-3331 TreeTrimmrAd-Vestavia.indd 1

11/22/13 3:36 PM