VestaviaVoice.com
January 2014
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Volume 1 | Issue 9 | January 2014
Reinventing
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Extended days
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Patchwork Farms
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More than 400 students are currently enrolled in the Extended Day Program, and until she retired last year, Rhonda Charping served as their beloved mentor.
Ca NORTHPORT ldw ell Mi ll R d
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LIFETIME
Community page 16
Bid for education
Orange • Lifetime Fitness, 16 acres. • Northport Holdings, 7 acres.
AVAILABLE RETAIL DEVELOPMENT
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Divisions:
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IDEN SITE TIAL S
• Remaining portion owned by the City of Vestavia Hills. Portions are reserved for a nature park and greenway, and the 7 acres north of Northport’s site are available for development. Nature Park
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Greenway
• Vestavia Hills Board of Education, 22 acres. Possibility for mixed-use development.
Old L oone y Mil
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Red • City of Vestavia Hills, possibility for retail and residential development.
Community provides input on development of 87-acre site By KATIE TURPEN
Vestavia Hills Elementary West is holding a school fundraiser with live and silent auctions. Learn more inside.
School House page 19
INSIDE City ..................... 4 Business ............ 8 Food ................... 11 Community ....... 17
Lifetime Fitness could soon welcome a greenway and up to three mixed-use retail centers as neighbors. Other possibilities for the
Patchwork Farms site include a grocery store, café, local pub, wide sidewalks and various roads within the development that connect with Acton Road and Cahaba River Road. Patchwork Farms is located
between Cahaba River and Caldwell Mill Roads off U.S. 280. In December, Vestavia Hills held a three-day planning charrette, a type of collaborative session to design a solution, for the 87-acre site purchased by the City in 2007
for $11 million. During the charrette, design and consulting firms Dover, Kohl & Partners, Goodwyn, Mills and Cawood, Skipper Consultants and
See PATCHWORK | page 24
2014 Year in Preview What to watch for in Vestavia Hills this year | See Page 6
School House .. 19 Sports ............... 22 Calendar ........... 26
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The former Vestavia Hills library could soon be occupied by a retail tenant, and that might mean a boost for U.S. 31.
The City of Vestavia Hills wrapped up negotiations on the land for its new municipal facilities. See what 2014 holds for the site.
Funding for additional security in local schools could come down the pipe following the 2014 legislative session.
Making homes cleaner and healthier since 1987.
2 • January 2014
Vestavia Voice
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For Blakely Dunaway, Caroline Covington and Cameron Dickerson, it’s just another day ruling the playground of Vestavia Day School. Photo courtesy of Alison Herr.
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Editor’s Note By Rebecca Walden Why should self-reflection In surveying residents about the best New and improvement be contained to specific pockets Year’s Resolution they of time, namely the New Year ever made (and actually and Lent? Isn’t every morning kept), the most popular that we open our eyes in fact a answer is the one you’ve likely guessed – never chance to do something better than we did it the day before? to make a New Year’s Auburn fans will have to Resolution again. Who can argue with indulge me this reference, but it is indeed fitting. On the the success ratio of that morning of the 2013 Iron particular promise? Walden Bowl, my Dad sent me an I’ve been a little cynical about the whole tradition myself email with a copy of a prayer that Coach (specifically pining for the month of Bear Bryant was said to have kept in February, when the resolve of the fitness his wallet. Regardless of your pigskin resolutionists wears off, and there is allegiance, ponder these words and what this message can mean in your own life: once again decent parking at my gym). I think Jane-Marie Marlin, director of curriculum and instruction for Vestavia New Day Hills City Schools, said it best when “Thank You, God, for today. she told me she makes a change when This is the beginning of a new day. I it needs to be made, regardless of how can waste it or use it for good. near or far that moment may be from What I do today is important because Jan. 1. I am exchanging a day of my life for it. I love that. When tomorrow comes, this day will
be gone forever, leaving in its place something I have traded for it. I want it to be gain, not loss; good, not evil; success, not failure; in order that I shall not regret the price I paid for today.” For me, the New Year does represent a fresh start, but I’ve learned to take Jan. 1 off its ivory tower. It’s just the beginning of 365 fresh starts. I’ve come to understand that wishes for health, wealth and happiness need not be restricted to New Year’s greetings. I am the architect of my own success in these pursuits, and it matters not if my New Year’s Day supper plate includes black-eyed peas and collard greens. Wishing you the wide open promise of New Year’s Day, every day.
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Dan Starnes Jeff Thompson Keith McCoy Rebecca Walden Madoline Markham Katie Turpen Matthew Allen Rhonda Smith Warren Caldwell Michelle Salem Haynes Louisa Jeffries Intisar Seraaj-Sabree Sydney Cromwell Lauren Moriarty Vestavia Voice LLC
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January 2014 • 3
4 • January 2014
Vestavia Voice
City Mayor’s Minute By Alberto “Butch” Zaragoza Happy New Year. 2014 is poised to be a very bright year for the City. To help disseminate that news, you will see that we have increased the frequency of our Community News distribution from every other month to 10 months per year (we will not publish in January or June). In City news, we anticipate an updated financial rating, both from Fitch and Moody, in response to our decision to secure additional bonds. We don’t expect this to alter the City’s double A+ rating, a coveted classification we share with only a handful of municipalities across the state, including Mountain Brook and Huntsville. I hope the holiday season has allowed many of you the occasion to enjoy a breakfast out at the Egg & I, the City Center’s newest addition, which opened its doors in December. In other news, those citizens who are interested in becoming more civically engaged are encouraged to apply for the 2014 class of Leadership Vestavia Hills. The group, originally conceived by Dennis Anderson, is a great organization for learning about your community from local government to the school system to the city as a whole. They have conceived and brought to bear many projects that are now a substantial part of the community. These include the Youth Leadership program, which is very big in our schools, Wing Ding, CERT and many others. In economic development news, we have plans in the works for the lot that formerly housed Pizza Hut and Ruby Tuesday. As these plans are firmed up, we will keep you informed. This is a time of high energy and meaningful progression for our City. Let our office hear from you about what you like and also what you think needs improvement. We are here to serve you. Best wishes for a healthy and prosperous New Year to you all,
Vestavia Hills awarded Innovative Alabama Governments Award At a November luncheon hosted by Auburn University at Montgomery’s Center for Government, the City of Vestavia Hills was awarded the 2013 Innovative Alabama Governments Award for E-911 procurement with Shelby County 911. The City approached Shelby County 911 and implementation began in the fall of 2012. The decision to shift the delivery of emergency communication services to an outside agency presented the City and Shelby County 911 with a myriad of challenges, which were mitigated with precise planning, exhaustive testing and a spirit of cooperation.
“The police had the biggest roles in overcoming obstacles,” Fire Chief James R. St. John said. Since completion, the results of the project have been overwhelmingly positive. The monthly cost of delivering 911 service has been reduced, and one-time start-up costs will be recovered in less than nine months. The City is now better able to analyze call handling and response times for each call that comes into the communications center. “The quality of service is good. The savings are fantastic,” St. John said. “We are proud to be able to display it and proud of the hard work of our staff.”
Vestavia Hills Fire Chief James R. St. John. Photo courtesy of Vestavia Hills Fire Department.
Council discusses renewal of school municipal school tax By KATIE TURPEN This year, residents could decide what portion of their future property taxes are used for local schools. During its regular December meeting, the Vestavia Hills City Council read an ordinance calling for a special election to be held in March for a renewal of a portion of the municipal school tax. Currently, $2.56 on every $100 of taxable property is being levied for use
SPECIAL PROMOTION
in the public schools by the Vestavia Hills Board of Education. Voters could potentially decide if $1.05 of the $2.56 would continue indefinitely. In a 1990 election, the public voted to continue levying the tax through October 2017. At the request of the Board of Education, the Council proposes to continue to levy the tax annually beginning in October 2018 with no time limit. The March election will allow residents to vote for or against this continuation. Other council agenda items discussed:
A resolution ordering the demolition of a building located at 4321 Dolly Ridge Road. A resolution authorizing an environmental inspection of the old Vestavia Hills Motor Lodge at 1459 Montgomery Highway. A resolution appointing a member to the Vestavia Hills Library Board and the Parks and Recreation Board.
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VestaviaVoice.com
A New Year in the Hills Construction of City Hall set to spur U.S. 31 revitalization Existing Joe’s Existing Food World
The new City Hall site has a tentative occupancy date of August 2015 for the space inside the dotted white lines. Photo courtesy of the City of Vestavia Hills.
By KATIE TURPEN
and community oriented development.” The City Hall’s new location could also As a new year begins, the City of Vestavia help renew interest in the former Pizza Hut Hills is making a triumphant step in revitalizing and Ruby Tuesday locations directly across its main thoroughfare U.S. 31. the street, which were also targeted as ample In late November, the City purchased the spaces for redevelopment. In addition, former Food World site at the Vestavia Hills Chick-fil-A has expressed strong interest in Plaza Shopping Center and the former Joe’s purchasing the current municipal property. Ranch House on Mayland Lane for use of “The City’s attorneys are working on the the new City Hall. The City acquired the purchase and sale agreement with Chickformer Food World site for $1.15 million fil-A,” Downes said. “It is anticipated that the and the former Joe’s Ranch House site on agreement will be completed soon. ChickMayland Lane for $825,000. Williams fil-A would not begin construction until after Blackstock Architects was chosen to design completion of the new City Hall.” the facility, and B.L. Harbert will serve as A construction schedule is underway that construction manager. could result in the completion of the new “The construction facility by August 2015. of a new City Hall The project is slated to accomplishes many begin by March of this goals for the City beyond year with design plans meeting organizational being completed as space needs,” Mayor early as February. Butch Zaragoza said. “It The multi-story will serve as a catalyst for facility will be new development along approximately 50,000 the Highway 31 corridor.” to 60,000 square feet The U.S. 31 and rest on 3.6 acres Redevelopment Plan of land at the back end began in 2011 with a of the Plaza. It will study by Market Street, primarily include a a firm from Atlanta. The Council Chamber that company launched a seats 120 people, a survey of Vestavia Hills courtroom also seating residents and businesses 120 and departmental about their city in order offices for the city, -Mayor Zaragoza to create an economic police and fire development plan, said administrations, as well Phillip Amthor, a planner as the clerk, finance, with the Regional Planning Commission of public services, building safety and IT offices. Greater Birmingham (RPCGB). The 100-page, In addition, Zaragoza and his administration 15-year plan is highlighted by dense, mixed- have hopes that the larger, more functional use development featuring retail, restaurants City Hall will serve as a central community and housing on U.S. 31 from Interstate 65 gathering place for city-sponsored events north to Vestavia Plaza. such as the annual Christmas tree lighting The plan states that the Vestavia Plaza ceremony. Shopping Center, which sits on five acres, is “The goal is that the new facility will serve not being used to its full potential due to lack as the home of many civic events and be a of visibility from the highway and vehicle source of pride for all residents,” Zaragoza circulation confined to the parking lot. The said. “That vision will be a focus of the design plan’s official recommendation reads: “to team as well as principles expressed in the redevelop the site into a mixed use, walkable U.S. 31 Corridor Redevelopment Plan.”
‘It will serve as a catalyst for new development along the Highway 31 corridor.’
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Vestavia Voice
This year in Vestavia Hills Six things to watch for in 2014
Patchwork Farms Development
Expansions to local recreation facilities This year, the Vestavia Hills Parks and Recreation Foundation (VHPRF) is leading a campaign to expand McCallum Park with additional green space and walking trails and to open a 40-acre community park on Sicard Hollow Road. The campaign is titled “Partners in Healthy Living” and is a collaborative effort with the Parks and Recreation
Lifetime Fitness opened in Vestavia Hills in the spring of 2013. The City is currently looking at further development opportunities around the site.
Patchwork Farms, a site of more than 80 acres near Cahaba River and Caldwell Mill roads, will be seeing development activity in the upcoming year. Northport Holdings will construct a 120bed rehabilitation facility on the site and a 9-acre nature/pedestrian park is also in the plans. A planning charrette was held in December to give community members a chance to voice their ideas about further developments. Design and consulting firms gave attendees illustrative views of the site’s potential, and stakeholders were invited to focused workshops. A final presentation revealed mixed-used development that should spring into action this year. “We want to instill a vision for undeveloped properties around Lifetime Fitness,” City Manager Jeffrey Downes said. “Our goal is to bring a clear vision in focus.”
Board, the City of Vestavia Hills and its citizens. This campaign recently funded the existing new athletic complex on Sicard Hollow Road. The VHPRF made its first contribution to the City of Vestavia Hills this past fall in the amount of $220,000. This money will go directly to funding these park expansions and additions in the upcoming year.
VHPRF Executive Director Leigh Belcher; Council members Jim Sharp, John Henley, George Pierce, Steve Ammons; VH Director of Public Services Brian Davis; VHPRF Board President Jordy Henson; Mayor Alberto Zaragoza. Photo courtesy of Leigh Belcher.
The VHPRF is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to strengthen the local community
through investments in parks and recreational activities. Visit vhprf. org for more.
New opportunities coming for Cahaba Heights City Manager Jeff Downes said the City will use grant money as well as money allocated in the General Funds to improve the look and feel of Cahaba Heights during the upcoming year. The plan is to maximize mixed-use development as well as add more sidewalks, specifically at the intersection of Dolly Ridge Road and Cahaba Heights Road, a central gateway to the community. “The plan does address the desire for pedestrian-friendly streets,” Downes said. “There are certain segments that have
great opportunity. The look and feel of these natural areas should be embraced.” Cahaba Heights was annexed into Vestavia Hills in 2002, and in November 2008, Vestavia Hills introduced the Cahaba Heights Community Plan, a focused section of the City’s comprehensive plan that proposed improvements to the community’s entryways, transportation flow, commercial centers, community facilities and neighborhoods. The Cahaba Heights Community Plan can be accessed at vestaviahills.net.
Heights Village is a central retail hub of the Cahaba Heights community. Residents and business owners are hoping to see the area become more pedestrian friendly in 2014. Photo by Katie Turpen.
SALE Jan 10th-18th
20% OFF
(some exclusions apply - see store for details) No gift wrap, no exchanges, no returns!!
2841 Cahaba Road • 879-5277 www.thecookstoremtnbrook.com Mon-Fri 10a.m.- 5p.m. • Sat 10a.m.- 4p.m.
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VestaviaVoice.com
Construction of new City Hall Construction of the new City Hall at Vestavia Hills Plaza Shopping Center is set to begin this spring. In late November, the City purchased the former Food World site at the Plaza and the former Joe’s Ranch House on Mayland Lane. These buildings will be torn down during construction of the new multistory facility, which will be approximately 50,000 to 60,000 square feet and rest on 3.6 acres of land. It will primarily include a Council Chamber that seats 120 people, a
courtroom also seating 120 and departmental offices for the city, police and fire administrations, as well as the clerk, finance, public services, building safety and IT offices. “The goal is that the new facility will serve as the home of many civic events and be a source of pride for all residents,” Mayor Butch Zaragoza said. Williams Blackstock Architects was chosen to design the facility, and B.L. Harbert will serve as construction manager.
An illustration of the new city hall property. Photo courtesy of the City of Vestavia Hills.
Retail use of former Vestavia Public Library This year, a new retailer could be coming to the former Vestavia Hills Public Library. In October, the Vestavia Hills City Council accepted an offer from Commercial Realty Partners, LLC. “Within the first 90 days, the buyer has to be identified,” City Manager Jeff Downes said. “We have the right to approve the retailer, and 180 days is the maximum the building can be held off the market.” The potential retailer has been evaluating the property, which is approximately 22,000 square feet and located on an estimated 1.66 acres of property owned by the City. In 2011, the building was appraised at $825,000 while the current retail offer is $750,000. “Retail use of this building would produce sales tax dollars for the community,” Downes said. “We are continuing conversations with the potential developer of this property during the initial period of due diligence provided for in the contract.”
The former Vestavia Hills Public Library on Montgomery Highway could soon house retail business following an agreement between the City and Commercial Realty Partners, LLC. Photo by Jeff Thompson.
Increased school security and funding
Martha Cook, legislative representative from Pizitz Middle School’s PTO, at the Legislation Panel in November. Photo by Madoline Markham.
According to a recent update of the Vestavia Hills City Schools Strategic Plan, electronic access control is being installed inside each school. Rep. Paul DeMarco also said that a new bill this year could provide $50-100 million in bonds that school systems could apply for further security measures. In November, PTO Council representatives from Vestavia Hills voiced concerns to state legislators at the PTO’s ninth annual Legislative Forum. 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. This year’s state education budget is trending up at $5.765 billion. 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 by income and sales tax, both of which have been on a positive trajectory more recently, and that should result in more funding for the education budget. Looking ahead to the 2014-2015 school year, after two years of the state-mandated school calendar that required school start later in August than it had previously, the Vestavia Hills School System will have the freedom to choose its own calendar.
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Now Open Issis at Greenbrier Furniture Gallery, 1493 Montgomery Highway, is now open in the former location of Greenbrier Furniture. issisandsons.com.
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Davis Accounting, 2062 Columbiana Road, is now open. The firm specializes in tax planning and returns, auditing, payroll services and bookkeeping. 978-2932. davisandcompanycpa.com.
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All Choice Insurance, 2064 Columbiana Road, is now open. All Choice is an independent agency, offering a variety of policies from several different companies. 994-2200. allchoiceinsure.com.
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Breakfast and lunch restaurant The Egg & I, 700 Montgomery Highway, Suite 188, is now open in the Vestavia Hills City Center across from Rite Aid. Hours are Monday-Friday 6 a.m.-2 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday 7 a.m.2:30 p.m. 979-6827. theeggandirestaurants.com.
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Relocations and Renovations McKinney Capital, a private equity firm, has relocated from Citation Court to 550 Montgomery Highway in Vestavia Hills. 421-0088. mckinneycapital.net
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Redstone Church, 600 Montgomery Highway, Suite 208, has relocated from Homewood to the Vestavia City Center. The nondenominational church is pastored by Blake Benge. It is located above Newk’s. 422-2376. redstonechurch.org.
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News and Accomplishments Royal Buick/GMC, 3010 Columbiana Road, recently began selling Buick vehicles in addition to GMCs. 894-7261. royalgmc.net.
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Hirings and Promotions Carr Allison, 100 Vestavia Parkway, has hired Mitchell Theodore as an associate. His areas of specialty include product and professional liability matters, labor and employment defense, and workers’ compensation litigation. 949-2906. carrallison.com.
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The Fig Tree Catering Company, 3139 Cahaba Heights Road, has hired John Holland as its executive chef. The business operates out of Cahaba Heights United Methodist Church. 249-0312. thebirminghamfigtree.com.
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Anniversaries Pearly White Dentistry, 3145 Green Valley Road, Suite 101, is celebrating its one-year anniversary this month. Dr. Haleigh Blackwell and her practice offer preventative, restorative and cosmetic dentistry services. 970-7292. blackwelldmd.com.
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Closings Yankee Pizzeria, 3144 Heights Village, closed in December. It was located in Heights Village.
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New Ownership Rocky Ridge Hardware, 3354 Morgan Drive, is under new ownership. The previous owner, Wray Allen, retired and sold the business to Daniel Moran after 18 years. 979-5444. rockyridgehardware.com.
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January
sales Find great deals at these retailers
20% Off Products Lady Fingers Salon
3439 Colonnade Pkwy, Suite 400 977-9306
20% Off
50 % Off Fall/Winter Items Monkee’s of Mountain Brook 2006 Cahaba Road English Village 783-1240
Two Free Weeks of Personal Training with Purchase of Initial Program
January 10-18
The Cook Store
2841 Cahaba Road Mountain Brook 879-5277
Winter Clearance Sale Up to 50% Off Mid-January
The Fitness Center
Mobley and Sons
3900 Montclair Road Suite 210 Mountain Brook 870-1121
112 Euclid Ave. Mountain Brook 870-7929
50% Off Mircodermabrasion
20% Off Store Wide, Lamps up to 30% Off
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Cahaba Dermatology & Skin Health Center 2290 Valleydale Road Suite 204 Hoover 214-7546
25-50% Off Everything in the Store January 6-10
Marguerite’s Conceits 2406 Canterbury Road Mountain Brook 879-2730
January 11-18
Briarcliff Shop
1829 29th Ave. South Homewood 870-8110
Up to 50% Off Select Items Laura Kathryn
61 Church Street Crestline Village 870-5683
Contact stores for exclusions and other details.
10 • January 2014
Vestavia Voice
Business Spotlight
Read past Business Spotlights at VestaviaVoice.com
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BY INTISAR SERAAJ-SABREE “Do not forget where you came from,” the saying goes. And Will Mason, co-owner of Mason Music, did not. Mason, former guitarist for the band Moses Mayfield, grew up in Mountain Brook where he attended high school with Matthew Mayfield, the lead composer for their band. Signed with Epic Records, the band toured nationally for about five years. But Mason gave up the fame for family in 2007 when he married Sarah Mason, co-owner of Mason Music. However, Will did not lay down his guitar pick. In 2008, he began teaching music lessons from his home with Sarah. And their clientele has continued growing since then. In 2010, the couple added a recording studio to their home where they expanded their lessons. And in April 2012, they opened their first commercial location of Mason Music in Cahaba Heights. With about 14 instructors, the company offers lessons in violin, guitar, voice, piano, drums and music theory. “Private lessons are best for learning the basics, but group lessons put it in practice,” Will said, citing how participants get to know each other, and the group dynamic makes learning
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3187 Cahaba Heights Road 908-7059 masonmusicstudios.com Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Sarah Mason gives private and group lessons in voice and piano at Mason Music.
more fun and practical. Private and group lessons start with individuals as young as age 3. The instrument selection connects to who the Masons are; hence, there are no lessons in flute, Will joked. Will instructs students in guitar, and Sarah teaches piano and voice. Some of the featured group lessons include band camp, beginner’s music camp, American Idol (emphasizing auditioning and singing), rock band
Will Mason instructs private and group guitar lessons at Mason Music. Photos by Intisar Seraaj-Sabree.
and Munchkin Music (for preschoolaged participants). The couple plans to incorporate choral and acapella groups in the future. Families are also welcome to take group lessons. Some families have told Will that the experience has united their family in unique ways. “It’s a team activity that teaches [people] how to interact with each other and how to take direction from peers,” Will said. “There are a lot of
life skills developed by playing on a team.” Both Masons attest to music also having the ability to take a person to a completely different place through emotion and memories, and to increase wellness, confidence and self-esteem. Although both have played piano since the age of 6, they have learned more playing techniques through teaching others.
Mason Music teachers focus on teaching students something that they can take with them as they grow. Sarah believes participants will remember how to play basic chords rather than remembering how to read notes. “With classical music, it’s just playing what’s on the page,” Sarah said. “You can’t jam to Mozart, but you can get your friends together and play basic chords to any song you hear on the radio.”
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2409 Acton Road, Suite 153 979-1533 facebook.com/twaynesbbq Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
By LAUREN MORIARTY At T. Wayne’s BBQ, owner Tim Bridges directs a medley of music and meat. A musician himself, Bridges is an expert at pairing local performers with plates of home-style goodness. “Nothing is frozen, everything comes in fresh,” Bridges said. T. Wayne’s, located on Acton Road, is a newcomer to the Vestavia restaurant scene. But that doesn’t mean they don’t know what components make up an ideal eating experience. Side options include melt-in-your-mouth collard greens, gooey macaroni and cheese, creamy potato salad and rich baked beans. But these are just sideshows. T. Wayne’s real star comes in the form of pulled pork or chicken. Bridges said slow cooking in the restaurant’s pit is part of the secret. The meat cooks in the flaming pit until it reaches the tender texture customers have come to expect. The meal isn’t complete until it’s topped off with T. Wayne’s BBQ sauce. It’s Bridges’ personal recipe. “The red sauce is sweet, tangy with just the right bite,” he said. Bridges, a former chemical engineer, experimented with flavors and ingredients, eventually settling on his now-popular formula, which is
T. Wayne’s pulled pork and ribs are slowly cooked in the restaurant’s pit until tender. Photo by Lauren Moriarty.
for sale in Piggly Wiggly and Contri Brothers as well as in the restaurant. Mayonnaise-based white sauce is popular with customers, too. Bridges said he has seen especially eager eaters use
it to douse their French fries. In addition to the comfort food, the musical side of T. Wayne’s keeps customers coming back for more. Bridges features local performers Friday and
Saturday nights and on Thursdays, open mic night is held from 7-10 p.m. T. Wayne’s also offers catering and will host local church groups or organizations in the Acton Road area that
are looking to enjoy good music and a pulled pork sandwich. “We’re interested in serving Vestavia as much as we can,” Bridges said.
12 • January 2014
Vestavia Voice
Vestavia Voice asked residents about the best New Year’s resolution they’ve ever made and kept “At age 25, I decided my resolution would be to never again make a resolution. Each year I renew my pledge to be courageous enough to know when I need to start or stop doing something and to be tenacious enough to follow through.” -Jane-Marie Marlin, director of curriculum & instruction, Vestavia Hills City Schools
“My best New Year’s resolution was to finish a book once a month. It helped me relax and de-stress. It was a manageable goal.” -Courtney Childress, fourth-grade teacher
“My best New Year’s resolution ever was to eat healthier. This forced me to try new foods and to stay on track nutritionally.” -Elaine Graham, fourth-grade teacher
“Play more and pray more. I am not very good at practicing that resolution; however, having it reminds me about the importance of enjoying the gift of life and being deeply connected with the one who is the giver of life.” -Joe Slane, pastor, Southminster Presbyterian
“My best New Year’s resolution was to spend more time in prayer and reading the Bible. This helped me to grow as a mom, a teacher and as a positive influence.” -Lorie Belski, fifth-grade teacher
“The best resolution that I ever made was to be a better father and husband and to make the most of every minute like it was my last.” -Austen Johnson, fourth-grade teacher
“Starting a fitness routine and sticking to it was something I really wanted to conquer. My thought was that with a strong body and mind, you could accomplish anything and your success all falls on yourself through dedication and diligent commitment.” -Rebecca Gordon, founder, Buttermilk Lipstick
“My best New Year’s resolution ever was to run a marathon before I turned 30. It forced me to train hard toward a goal, and I ended up running two marathons before I was 30.” -Emily Self, fifth-grade teacher
“My best New Year’s resolution was to keep my car keys in one special place each day. This helped me get organized and be on time everywhere I went.” -Kate Garrett, fourth-grade teacher
January 2014 • 13
VestaviaVoice.com
Q&A with Amy Peterson Featured artist at Artists Incorporated Artists Incorporated Art Gallery, located in the “Little Red Barn” on Morgan Drive in Vestavia Hills, displays work from more than 50 local artists. On the first Friday of each month, the public is invited to a Featured Artist reception to enjoy refreshments and meet the artists. This month’s featured artist is Amy R. Peterson. For more on Peterson, visit outsidedreaming.com.
Inspiration can also start with a single color, design or pattern that I see or imagine, or a thought, an emotion, a poem or song, or a person. If I am painting a commissioned work for someone, a pet’s portrait for example, I’m often inspired by their special relationship or the pet’s personality as I paint it.
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What do you enjoy most about creating your art?
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Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Wherever creativity, beauty and healing meet, that’s where I want to be! For me, that’s at the easel painting, on my mat/cushion for yoga, and in the kitchen with food. These passions have led to my current work as an artist, a yoga instructor and a part-time cook. As a creative and “visual” person, I can spend a lot of time in my head. My yoga practice keeps me grounded. Yoga, painting and cooking all have that in common for me: they keep me present, in the moment, and grateful. I’m a new mom! My sweet Joseph was born in New Mexico, where my husband and I moved last year. The southwest landscape and climate is what attracted us to New Mexico, but it’s wonderful to be back in Alabama with family and friends. I am thrilled to now be represented by galleries in Alabama and New Mexico and look forward to growing as an artist in both regions. Some people remark that it must be so relaxing to paint and do yoga all day. The truth is it takes a lot of discipline to do what you love for a living. God may provide talent, passion may come naturally, but you must provide the structure to be productive with your muses! I enjoy sharing in the creative process with others, whether that’s teaching an individual formal painting lessons or art therapy sessions for disabled, homeless or aging populations. I
Amy Peterson enjoys painting in the impressionist style. Photo courtesy of Amy Peterson.
believe very much in the power of art therapy.
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Describe what type of art you do.
I paint mostly from life, often outdoors (“plein air”) in an impressionistic style. Like the original Impressionists, I use color and light to capture the impression of a scene rather than every detail. I like to paint an image the way the human eye, not a camera lens, sees it, and that means some areas remain out of focus. In fact, these looser, sometimes more abstracted areas of the painting are usually the most interesting to me. The inherent challenges to painting outdoors (weather shifting, light changing, insects biting, etc.) make me a better and faster painter. Speed is not my goal, but I am usually happier with paintings that were done quickly, not over-worked. Since my favorite times to paint outdoors are
sunrise and sunset, when the magic moments of light are so fleeting, being quick is a necessity. I mostly paint in oils but enjoy working with other media, too. I prefer to paint with the primary colors and white. Painting with a limited palette helps maintain color harmony throughout the painting, plus you learn a lot mixing your own colors.
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Where does your inspiration come from?
Sometimes a scene stands out to me as if it’s already a painting … sunlight through trees, the textures of a city scene, sheep grazing or whatever it may be … I immediately envision the scene as a painting. When I “see” an image as a painting already, that’s a pretty good indication that it will be a successful painting. If I’m able, I paint it right then and there. If not, I may take a photograph or paint from memory.
Being in the “zone.” When I am focused on painting, I get in that zone that artists of all kinds speak of. This happens anytime the action and the doer become one. For me, it’s most evident in the painting process. When I review a painting the next day or even years later, I often find areas that surprise me. I do not recall executing a certain bold brush stroke, for example, but it works so well. Had I been thinking about it at the time, I might have done it timidly or overworked it. But when in the zone it almost paints itself! With a 9-month-old at home, I am not painting every day. But, when I do, I feel accomplished in a way that only painting provides for me. I feel as if I am doing what I was meant to do.
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What’s the greatest compliment you’ve ever received about your work?
I am particularly touched when people share with me where they’ve hung my paintings. They may have it where it’s the first thing they see in the morning or when they come home, or they’ve paired it with another beloved piece in their collection. Knowing that my paintings have become a part of someone’s home or office, adding unique value to that space, is incredibly rewarding! For more on Peterson, visit her website outsidedreaming.com. Artists Incorporated is located at 3365 Morgan Drive. For more visit artistsincorporated.com.
14 • January 2014
Vestavia Voice
A secret under the fountain Vestavia resident’s debut novel described as a ‘comic mystery’ By KATIE TURPEN There’s a secret buried under the fountain at South Square Mall. What seemed like a perfect hiding spot is now causing unwanted curiosity from mall tenants and workers seeking revenge and power. So begins the premise of the comic mystery Shopping Bagged, the debut novel from Vestavia Hills resident Maury Levine. A call center manager by day and drummer for local musical theater productions by night, Levine is now an author by definition. A trip inside Levine’s past explains how he became a self-proclaimed mall nerd looking to write a story. Levine, a Vestavia Hills High School and Birmingham-Southern College graduate, said his inspiration sprung from his early years exploring Eastwood Mall, where his father had an office. “It was my home away from home,” Levine said. “I would spend hours there talking to people. It really was my playground.”
Author Maury Levine, also a drummer for Red Mountain Theatre and call center manager, lives in Vestavia Hills with his family. Photo courtesy of Maury Levine.
Four years ago, Levine’s favorite author and prolific mystery writer Donald Westlake passed away. Levine said this moment served as his catalyst to finally turn his idea about a shopping center mystery into a reality. “After he died, I decided to take my silly mall idea and just do it,” Levine said. “The book took me a
little over a year to write. I didn’t tell too many people what I was doing.” As most writers can attest, getting the words on paper is one thing, but making the leap to published author is another challenge altogether. Levine’s story is similar to thousands of other hopefuls pounding the streets in an effort to convince publishers the next big thing is here.
“There was that long, arduous process of getting it published,” Levine said. “I went through tons of rejections. You know how that goes.” However, unlike many others, Levine’s story has a happy ending. He was in the Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest casually checking his email while his two daughters played beside him when he received a message from Black Rose Writing, a publishing company based in Texas, saying they wanted to see the full manuscript. “It was extra exciting to have my girls there so I could tell them that daddy is getting published,” Levine said. Black Rose Writing published Shopping Bagged in late November, and Levine describes the feeling of being published as simply “weird.” He recalls his young daughter asking him if was going to cry if no one read his book. “If at least two people like it, that’s an accomplishment,” Levine said.
Maury Levine’s debut novel Shopping Bagged was released in November and is now available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and blackrosewriting.com. Photo courtesy of Maury Levine.
He describes the book as a humorous, lighthearted fast read. Inspired by characters and settings from his days spent at Eastwood Mall, the plot focuses on a secret hidden under the fountain at the center of the mall. Among those looking to uncover the secret are Mafia pizza cookers and revenge-seeking architects. As for his writing future, Levine does have plans for another book, although he says he wants to wait and see how this one fares in the market. His advice for aspiring writers looking to get their feet wet in the publishing world is simply be true to yourself and your idea and have faith in the tedious process of waiting for that big moment. “It was so much fun for me to do it, to write every day,” Levine said. “You just have to write your own book and keep waiting for that little glimmer of hope.” For more on Maury Levine or to purchase Shopping Bagged, visit maurylevine.wix.com/maurylevine.
January 2014 • 15
VestaviaVoice.com
Putting down the phone Liberty Park blogger publishes new book By MADOLINE MARKHAM
Liberty Park mom Rachel Stafford, pictured with her husband, Scott, and daughters Avery and Natalie, has written a book about devoting time to being fully present with her family. Photo courtesy of Rachel Stafford.
When Rachel Stafford visits area schools, she tells students she is writing a book about parents putting down the cell phones. Immediately, their hands shoot up in the air to share their thoughts with her. Stafford’s blog post on their responses, “The children have spoken,” got 20,000 hits in two days. “Children notice when they are being ignored,” said the Liberty Park mom of two. “We forget that life is going on around us. Many people tell me that they didn’t realize how they were being distracted.” Her blog, Hands Free Mama, is all about letting go of daily distractions, perfections and control to focus on someone or something meaningful. A new book based on the blog, Hands Free Mama: A Guide to Putting Down the Phone, Burning the To-Do List, and Letting Go of Perfection to Grasp What Really Matters! is being released Jan. 7 by Christian publisher Zondervan. The book is divided into 12 themed chapters, all full of personal family stories, simple and concrete ideas, letting-go actions, weekly intentions and reflections. In August 2010, Stafford was married to her college love, had two small children and was very busy. But she asked herself, “Am I really happy?” “I found I was always saying, ‘Not now. Mommy’s busy,’” she said. “People would ask me ‘how I did it all.’ I found that I was missing out on life, the praying, memory
making, the laughing.” It was in that breakthrough moment that she made the decision to become what she calls “hands free.” She started implementing “let go” tactics to devote time to be fully present with her children and spouse. Each was small but had a profound impact. Three months into her hands free journey, she started blogging. As a former special education teacher, lifelong writer and gifted encourager, she wanted to share the concept she was living. “I want the community to come and be inspired and share their own hands free stories and how their small changes are making a big difference in life,” she said. “There is a movement of people who want to live hands free.” Before long, The Huffington Post started carrying some of her posts including “The Day I Stopped Saying Hurry Up” and “Six Words You Should Say Today,” which collectively have attracted more than 1 million Facebook “likes.” Stafford hears feedback on living hands free not just from moms but also dads, grandparents, and even single women who someday want to have a family. “It resonates with people in all walks of life,” Stafford said. “We all suffer the damage of distraction.” She speaks to women’s groups and Bible studies on internal distraction as well. “There is this pressure on women to do it all perfectly,” she said. “It’s okay to be able to say, ‘I can’t do it all.’”
For her, life is about its focus. “My life mission statement is to be present in my children’s lives and to use my gifts to help others,” she said. “When I am asked to volunteer for something, I ask how it compares to my life mission statement. So, for instance, I now focus on community events that directly involve my children.” She spends about eight hours a day — while her children are at school or sleeping — writing and blogging and filling notebooks with ideas. The rest of her time, she is living and modeling for her kids how to reach outside themselves to extend grace to other people and put others before themselves. Through this and all of her writing, Stafford notes how supportive her family is. Her children fuel her ideas. “They know Mom loves to write and has a gift to share,” she said. “They love the hands free version of me.” For more visit handsfreemama.com.
16 • January 2014
Vestavia Voice
Get to Know: Ronda Charping Former director of Vestavia Hills Extended Day Program
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How did you come to join the Extended Day Program in Vestavia Hills? In 1986 when I finished my studies at Jefferson State Community College, my husband told me I’d have to go to work to pay back the student loans. My advisor knew I was looking for employment and called me with information about the job with Vestavia Hills. I was hired almost on the spot. They wanted me to come to work the next day. I asked if I could have a day to get things arranged at home for my children and began working in August of 1986. Thank you, Sharon Lovell. Sharon was a Board member when I was hired and was/is a go-to person when there is a family who needs help. Over the years, she and I had more than a few conversations.
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What are some of the warmest memories that come to mind when you think back over your career? When I left, one of the groups of children gave me a lovely book that they had written just for me. On the front, it reads: “Mrs. Charping is Awesome, and this is how we’ll prove it! YOU ARE OUR HERO!” Notes inside included one from Taylor, who wrote “Dear Mrs. Charping, Thank you so, so much! You Rock! I have so much fun. I wish you would stay.” There was also a note from Eric, who wrote, “Dear Mrs. Charping, Thank you for helping us and being our big leader. You’ve done a perfect job. It’s sad you’re leaving, but I guess it’s a part of life. Thanks again.” Words like this mean I’ve touched some lives in a positive way. In 2009 I was Alabama’s Afterschool Ambassador for the Afterschool Alliance. The Alliance is an organization that focuses on funding for
regard to this journey? What are you least excited to leave behind? Life truly is a journey. I like to think of retirement as the next chapter of my life. I was born, I went to school, I married, I had children, I went back to school, I got a job, I was widowed. I am a grandparent and a greatgrandma to four of the cutest little boys you will ever see! I have always cared for children and the issues concerning children. My plan for the future is to continue teaching at Jefferson State (I have an MA in school-age child care), and be an advocate for the children of Alabama. So much money is spent in the names of children, but not one child benefits from the money spent. I’d like to see that change. People who work in the preschool setting should be encouraged to get and have educational credentials to provide every preschool child with an exceptional early start. Those individuals who go back to school should be paid for their efforts.
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After a 28 year career with Vestavia Hills Extended Day Program, Ronda Charping has retired. During her tenure, she has helped provide quality after school care for hundreds of Vestavia area children. Photo courtesy of Ronda Charping.
after-school programs nationwide. They lobby in Washington and brought me to D.C. for the Afterschool For All Challenge. It was a huge experience, to be the face of Alabama and to speak to state leaders on a regular basis about the good things that are happening in Alabama because we have quality after-school programs housed in our schools.
Q
What is it like to see the “next generation” come through Extended Day? No doubt you’ve had children of some of your original students cycle through. Over the years I’ve had several families come through. In November our enrollment system was 440 students K-8. Most of the students were K-3 grades. Currently
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there are at least 10 families who are from way back. It is interesting to see how siblings who are eight to 10 years apart are alike and different. It is also interesting to see how parents change, or not. Over time there have been more than a few grandparents raising their grandchildren. I have learned so much from watching people with children at an age where you would think they would be slowing down, and childcare wouldn’t be an issue for them. I have also hired several of the students who attended EDP. When they came of age to get a job, I was one of the first people they talked to. There were more than a few of these individuals who came back to work.
Q
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What advice can you give to parents to foster positive relations with their education-based caregivers? View the people who care for your child from 3 until 6 p.m. as an essential part of the puzzle that is your child’s life. During the after-school time, we help children with everything from mastering a math skill to making new friends. We help them to understand that they are hungry for attention, and not snack for the third time. We feed their bodies with healthy snacks and their minds with positive energy. We assist them in managing the minefield that making friends can sometimes be for girls and boys who are naturally shy or just don’t understand how to make friends. We never give up.
What are you most excited about with
♠♥♦♣
January 2014 • 17
VestaviaVoice.com
Community VHHS senior achieves Eagle Scout ranking VHHS senior Daniel Simmons of Dawson Family of Faith Boy Scout Troop 83 recently earned the rank of Eagle Scout. Simmons is a member of the National Eagle Scout Association. Mayor Alberto Zaragoza Jr. presented Simmons with a Certificate of Commendation to recognize him earning the rank of Eagle Scout. A Court of Honor ceremony was held at the Charles T. Clayton Scout Service Center in Liberty Park. For Simmons’ Eagle Scout project, he led a major community service project to build and install two kiosks at the trailheads between Vestavia Hills Elementary Central and the Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest. Simmons designed the cedar shake shingle roof kiosk and mapped the trails with his GPS. The kiosks now include updated maps of the trails leading to and from the library and soccer fields at Vestavia Hills Elementary Central Trail and Boulder Canyon Trail. The project was funded by donations from neighborhood friends and family. Simmons is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Donald B. Simmons of Vestavia Hills and the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Don O. Simmons of Anniston, Mr. and Mrs. Jack Kendrick of Gadsden and Mr. and Mrs. Howard Rice of Wetumpka. At VHHS, Simmons has been a member of the marching band, track and field team and Men’s Honor Choir. He is also a member of Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church, where he has been actively involved in ASP (the Appalachian Service Mission Project) for the past three years.
VHHS senior Daniel Simmons recently earned the rank of Eagle Scout for his community service project. Photo courtesy of Kim Dunham.
He volunteers with a number of Eagle Scout projects, Habitat for Humanity, Relay for Life, Mayor’s Teen Council and Teen Court of Birmingham. He has been accepted at The University of Alabama for fall 2014, where he will pursue a degree in mechanical engineering.
Troop 30067 earns Silver Award
Girl Scout Troop 30067 members Rileigh Kurre, Hannah Bogard, Anna Ray, Hannah White and Anne Kearney Patton, along with fellow members Reyna Harris and DeKiyah Brooks (not pictured), recently earned the Girl Scout Silver Award for a project they completed at Aldridge Gardens. Photo courtesy of Robyn Tucker.
Girl Scout Troop 30067 members Hannah Bogard, Rileigh Kurre, Anne Kearney Patton, Anna Ray and Hannah White, eighth-graders at Pizitz Middle School recently earned the Girl Scout Silver Award for their project Garden of Imagination and Fort Campsite at Aldridge Gardens. The girls were concerned that children did not have safe areas to play, so they created a Garden of Imagination for girls and Fort Campsite for boys at Aldridge Gardens.
They cleaned up an unused area by removing weeds and designating a path to the area. The girls also built forts, made signs, collected bins for storage and built a pretend fire pit. Their focus was to show children how to have fun outdoors, use their imagination and learn to keep the gardens clean. The girls learned communication and leadership skills, as well as responsibility and teamwork.
Panache luncheon
The ladies of Panache, a local women’s group, recently met for a pre-holiday luncheon at Chuy’s. Great food and wonderful fellowship were enjoyed by all. Pictured are Susan Rains, Jothany James, Carole Rose, Carmelita Bivens, Connie Patton, Michelle Machazire and Rosemary Ashford. Photo courtesy of Jothany James.
18 • January 2014
Vestavia Voice
Collecting for those in need Students at Vestavia Hills Elementary West recently brought canned food and other non-perishable food items to school to benefit local families in need. Food collected was given to Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church to be distributed. Classes competed to see which class in each grade could bring the most food items. The winners were Ms. Powers’ kindergarten class, Mrs. Gaither’s first-grade class, Mrs. Grote’s second grade class and Mrs. Simon’s third-grade class. As their prize, the students in these classes earned a popcorn party. When the week ended, students had collected 4,848 food items.
VHEW students filled boxes with canned food items during their school’s canned food drive in November The items were bagged and taken to Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church, where volunteers distributed them, along with frozen turkeys, to families in need. Photo courtesy of Alice Elmore.
2013 Poinsettia Ball held last month The Ballet Women’s Committee and Poinsettia Men’s Club hosted the 46th Annual Poinsettia Debutante Ball in December. Thirty-three young ladies were presented on the arms of their fathers at the festive holiday event held at Vestavia Country Club. The Ballet Women’s Committee was founded in 1960 to foster and promote the greater Birmingham Area fine arts. The Poinsettia Men’s Club was formed in 1969 to support, promote and cultivate goals and activities of the Ballet Women’s Committee. All proceeds of the Ball go toward the support of the Alabama Ballet. Vestavia Country Club was decorated with Christmas greenery, gold ribbon, ornaments and red poinsettias provided by Carol Sullivan of Lagniappe Designs. Red sphere balls were suspended in the ballroom over the seated debutantes by thin, red sheer ribbon. The debutantes, dressed in white ball gowns, carried a bouquet of red poinsettias. The evening began with the debutantes’
presentation at the Benefactor’s Dinner sponsored by the Poinsettia Men’s Club and coordinated by Sarah Frances Shotts and Leigh Ann Yeilding. Mary Angelo served as Ball Board president. Susan Vawter was Ball chairman and Sherry Bohorfoush was Ball Board social secretary. Men’s Club president was John D. Cade. Other Ball Board members coordinating the holiday event were Celia Anthony, Sarah Bryan, Ruby Cade, Elizabeth Ferguson, Liz Phillips-Guest, Nancy Kennedy, Frances McAleer, Denise Oliver and Tammy Towns. Committee members included Una Ray Barnett, Amy Barr, Susie Helton, Cynthia Looney, Allison Miller, Patti Pierce and Lisa Stevenson. Don Mosley of Sounds of Birmingham was master of ceremonies for the evening. After the presentation to music by harpist Judy Hicks, the traditional father-daughter waltz began. Guests enjoyed dancing to the music of Az-Izz the remainder of the evening.
January 2014 • 19
VestaviaVoice.com
School House Bid to raise money for VHEW
VHEW Principal Kim Hauser, auction co-chairs Shannon Raley and Carolyn Jordan and PTO President Melissa Kaiser show off a few of the great items up for bid at VHEW’s annual silent and live auction, which will take place Feb. 7. Photo courtesy of Alice Elmore.
On Friday, Feb. 7, folks looking for amazing deals on vacations, jewelry, artwork and dozens of other items will not want to miss the annual live and silent auction benefiting Vestavia Hills Elementary West. VHEW’s Backyard Bids & Burgers fundraiser will be held from 6-9 p.m. at the Vestavia Hills Plaza Shopping Center (behind Red Lobster). No admission will be charged. Everyone in the community is encouraged to book a babysitter now and bring a date to this event. While bidders browse, they can enjoy complimentary burgers from Mugshots Grill. The auction committee has planned a festive gathering while also securing an incredible array of items and services on which to bid. Among the auction items are several
vacations and travel-related extras: a trip to Mexico, Disney World Fast Passes, as well as week-long beach and lake house stays. Parents might be interested in bidding on weeklong sessions at Camp Cosby and RiverView Camp for Girls, $1,000 gift certificates toward Leon Loard oil portraits, orthodontic gift certificates, Barons box seats, tutoring services, iPads and a vintage collectible doll. Fitness memberships, cosmetic surgery, dermatology services, a Yeti cooler and lawn care equipment are also on the auction block. VHEW families may also like to bid on firstin-line carpool passes and front row seats at VHEW music programs. For more information, please contact auction co-chairs Shannon Raley (790-3442) or Carolyn Jordan (914-1574).
Southminster celebrates Colonial Day Southminster Day School recently celebrated Colonial Days, where teachers, students and parent volunteers dressed in traditional colonial attire as the school was transformed into a different era. As part of the program, first- through fifthgraders learned to write with a feather quill pen and ink. They also saw a spinning demonstration, learned to knit a scarf and played games from the period. One highlight included a visit from Melissa Allphin from Coop and Caboodle. She presented herself as “Clara McClucky” straight off the boat from Scotland (accent and all) from the early 1600s. She described the role that chickens and children played in early America, as well as teaching the children very interesting facts about raising chickens. Colonial children were responsible for caring for the family chickens. The work included feeding, protecting, gathering, washing and selling eggs. She even described how to tell time by laying hens and how they need 14 hours of light before they will lay. The children loved her stories and the several large chickens and six baby chicks they could see and pet. Scarf-making was part of the program’s textile demonstration. Children were shown how to spin wool into yarn, as well as how to knit, crochet and stitch. Instructor Amy Splawn described each of the activities and the importance they played in early American life. She went on to point out that each person brought
Back row: Sigourney Bell, Ella Reed, Dalton Dismukes. Front row: Margaret Mason Trammell, Melissa Allphin (owner of Coop and Caboodle), Lilli Ann Kolb. Photo courtesy of Anna Fowler.
something different and special to the first Thanksgiving. She gave every child a different piece of yarn or fabric, and then asked the kids to bring their pieces forward. Splawn then taught them how to tie the strands together and make a scarf. It reminded the students that everyone is special, different and beautiful. Collectively, they made more than 50 scarves that will be donated to a shelter for local women and children.
20 • January 2014
Vestavia Voice
Leadership group presents to LPMS VHHS students recently presented a leadership and antibullying program to their younger peers at Liberty Park Middle School. Photo courtesy of Linda Rummell.
Students from the Vestavia Hills High School Youth Leadership program recently spoke to the students of Liberty Park Middle School. The group shared personal stories where they had experienced bullying, stood up for others being bullied or they bullied someone else. They also discussed the importance of being careful with what is said on social media accounts. The sixth-grade students participated in roleplaying exercises to demonstrate how to be an ally when they see someone being bullied. They learned how to step in when they witness a
Sixth-grader earns top finish at geography bee
bullying situation by sticking up for the student or changing the subject so that the bully is redirected to something else. The students selected for the VHHS Youth Leadership Group applied at the end of their freshman year and received two teacher recommendations. Those selected attended a summer workshop where they participated in team building and anti-bullying activities. The VHHS Youth Leadership Group’s goal is to make a positive difference in the lives of others. -Submitted by Linda Rummell
Greg Jeane, retired geography professor from Samford University, pictured with geography bee winner Ian Harper, Quaid Rasmussen (second place finisher) and Thomas Wade (third place finisher). Photo courtesy of Linda Rummell.
Sixth grader Ian Harper placed first in the recent Liberty Park Middle School Geography Bee. Greg Jeane, a retired geography professor from Samford University, was the contest officiator. Seventh-grader Quaid Rasmussen placed second, and sixth-grader Thomas Wade placed third. Once he found out that he had qualified for the bee, Harper visited the National Geographic GeoBee website and took the site’s daily geography quiz. All sixth-, seventh- and eighthgrade students at LPMS took a qualifier test.
The 30 students with the highest scores participated in the school-wide bee. As the school winner, Harper will take a test that may qualify him for the Alabama State Geography Bee. Only the top 75 school winners make it to the state event. State winners will participate in the National Geographic Bee in Washington, D.C. The overall winner will receive a $25,000 scholarship plus a trip with National Geographic and “Jeopardy” host Alex Trebek to the Galapagos Islands.
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January 2014 • 21
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VHEW students celebrate ancestries with music
Lt. Col. Alan Enslen spoke at the Liberty Park Middle Scool Veterans Day program. Photo courtesy of Linda Rummell.
Liberty Park hosts Veterans Day program Students in Ms. Rigrish’s and Mrs. Burns’ classes. Photo courtesy of Alice Elmore.
Second-graders at Vestavia Hills West Elementary kicked off a special study of ancestry and immigration with a musical performance entitled, “America: The Land We Love.” Second grade classes treated classmates as well as family members to such musical selections as “Light the Torch, America,” “Put Your Hand on Your Heart” and “The Stars and Stripes Forever,” under the direction of West’s music teacher, Trudye Confessore. Prior to the performances, the students
researched their ancestry, determining the countries from which their ancestors immigrated. They selected a country and crafted costumes for the musical performances based on the clothing their relatives might have worn when coming to America. A variety of nationalities were represented by the children’s costumes, including from the British Isles, Europe, Africa and Asia. During each performance, veterans in attendance were asked to stand and be recognized in appreciation of their service for our country.
Students write to deployed service persons Liberty Park Middle School’s Student Government Association coordinated a letter-writing campaign to U.S. soldiers who are currently deployed. The idea came from The Bert Show, an Atlantabased morning radio show. The hosts asked listeners to send more than 400,000 handwritten thank-you letters to currently deployed soldiers.
All sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade LPMS students as well as fifth-grade students from Cahaba Heights participated in this activity. With their combined efforts, 500 letters were sent to our troops. Teachers who helped with the project were Courtney Burger at LPMS and Erica Michel at Cahaba Heights Elementary.
To honor veterans, the community gathered together for Liberty Park Middle School’s annual Veterans Day program. In attendance were Vestavia Hills Superintendent Dr. Jamie Blair, Vestavia Hills City Council member George Pierce and veterans from Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf War, Afghanistan and Iraq. LPMS band members, led by Jody Bryant, played “The Veteran’s Medley” which included the songs for the Navy, Army, Air Force, Coast Guard and Marines. Melissa Talley, choir director, led choir students as they sang the National Anthem. At the end of the program, eighth-grade student Earl Bradberry played “Taps.” Lt. Col. Alan Enslen was the speaker for the program. From 1986 to 1994 Enslen, a United States Army Special Forces officer, served on active duty. He led his team on deployments throughout the Middle East, North Africa and the Balkans. He was recalled to active duty in 2001 and deployed to Afghanistan as a part of Operation Enduring Freedom. Apart from his military service, Enslen is an attorney with the
law firm of Maynard, Cooper & Gale. Enslen explained that Veterans Day is more than a day off. It is a day to think about those who have served our country. He gave tips on how students can be a better friend, family member and student by putting in place the qualifications of a successful soldier. Enslen stated a soldier must be a leader and do the right thing when no one is looking. A soldier must be willing to help his team. He explained that mental and physical toughness as well as self discipline will help students be prepared and focused on whatever their mission is in life. Enslen also shared the story of Black Hawk Down soldier Mike Durant, now a resident of Madison. In 1993, Special Forces soldiers gave their life to save Durant, a fellow soldier, whose helicopter went down in Somalia. Enslen explained that students can support our military by stopping when they see a man or woman in uniform, to say, “Thank you for your service.” He stated it means a lot to know they are appreciated and supported.
22 • January 2014
Vestavia Voice
Sports
Bama Boomslang Cooperstown Elite 8 Out of 104 total teams, Vestavia Hills’ own Bama Boomslang made it to the Elite 8 at Cooperstown Dreams Park in Cooperstown, N.Y.In what many consider one of the best finishes in Vestavia Hills youth baseball history, the team’s performance represented the perfect ending to an outstanding season. R.J. Brooks hit the team’s only grand slam. While Garrison Cherry had the most innings pitched, Carter Gill was back in the catcher position for 86 percent of the innings played that week. As Luke Couch played second base, the fans chuckled as the 6-foot-5 Latino baserunner patted Luke on top of his head. Pete Dazzio played every position on the field and was next in line to coach. Heavy fog did not stop Wells Dutton from making an unbelievable catch in the outfield when most everyone else lost sight of the ball. Eston Hall and Jonathan Hand led the team in home runs with seven each for the week. Nate Nailen’s pin-trading and
The Bama Boomslang Team. Photo courtesy of Nelda Brooks.
negotiating skills were second to none. Ringing up the highest number of putouts was Eric Schroeder. And, Mason Yancey entertained the team as the “dancing machine.” Months before this week arrived, Bama
Sixth-grade Rebels complete perfect season The sixth-grade Vestavia Rebels won the Jefferson-Shelby Youth Football League Championship in November. The Raging Rebels completed a perfect 11-0 season by
defeating Hoover 35-0 in the championship game at the old Berry High School. Vestavia’s defensive coach, Martin Maners, was awarded Coach of the Year.
The Vestavia Rebels recently won the Jefferson-Shelby Youth Football League Championship, completing a perfect season. Photo courtesy of Allison Maners.
Boomslang had various fundraisers to financially support the trip. Players and parents participated in a car wash, yard sale, lemonade stands and barbecue sale. Months before this week arrived, the coaches led practices and weekend tournaments.
As the week progressed, players, coaches and parents understood how all the previous months’ preparation had paid off. It was no longer the dream of reaching Cooperstown Dreams Park – it was the reality. They were in the moment. And, what a precious moment it was. Head coach Danny Brooks and assistants Matt Hall, Greg Cherry and Stephen Gill led the team. Other assistants included Jonathan Hand as the BP coach, Tommy Dazzio, who kept the team’s score book and handled the finances, and other barrack dads Chuck Schroeder, Craig Yancey and Kevin Couch, who helped with logistics. Scott Nailen was the expert statistician while Meg Nailen was capturing the moments of fun and excitement on camera for all to enjoy for years to come. Lea Dutton handled all required paperwork. -Submitted by Nelda Brooks
January 2014 • 23
VestaviaVoice.com
Former soccer club coach hired by USC
Calling all VHHS Rebelette alumnae The Vestavia Hills High School Rebelettes, established in 1973, will celebrate their 40year anniversary in late January, and all Vestavia Hills High School Rebelette alumnae are invited. Festivities take place on Jan. 24 at the Vestavia Hills High School Gym and Dance
Room. Guests will meet in the gym lobby at 6:45 p.m., and attend the Rebels’ Varsity basketball game at 7:15 p.m. Rebelette alumnae will receive free admission to the game. During halftime, Rebelette alumnae will be honored. Following the game, all Rebelette alumnae are invited to attend an
alumnae reception. For more information, visit vhhsdance. com or email event organizers at rebelettereunion@gmail.com. Also, please be sure to send photos from your Rebelette days. Following the event, photo CDs and T-shirts will be available for purchase.
Keidane McAlpine, former Vestavia Hills Soccer Club Coach and the 2013 Pac-12 and NSCAA Pacific Region Coach of the Year, has been named the new head coach of the University of Southern California’s women’s soccer team. “We conducted a national search with a great pool of candidates, and Keidane really stood out with his vision of what he wants to bring to the USC soccer program,” Trojan athletic director Pat Haden said. “He has already shown his ability to coach and succeed at the highest level, and his experience as a head coach in the Pac-12 is a big plus. We believe he is uniquely qualified to lead USC back to the successful level that we expect for our soccer program.” McAlpine has served the past two seasons (2012-13) as head coach at Washington State, where he guided the Cougars to back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances and a program-best second place finish in the Pac-12 in 2013. Prior to Washington State, McAlpine spent six years (2006-11) as an assistant at Auburn, helping the Tigers to NCAA appearances each season along with three SEC West titles. A 1997 graduate of Birmingham-Southern College, he spent three seasons (1998-2000) as an assistant women’s coach before taking over as his alma mater’s head women’s coach in 2001 for the program’s first season of NCAA competition following participation at the NAIA level. – Submitted by Jason Woodall
24 • January 2014
Vestavia Voice
The City invited community members to share their ideas about Patchwork Farms. David Blackmon, member of the Vestavia Hills Design Review Board, draws on a map of Patchwork Farms at the planning charrette held in December. Photos by Jeff Thompson.
PATCHWORK from page 1 Gary Justiss provided attendees with illustrative views of the site’s potential. “It’s about creating a center for Vestavia Hills and bringing the community together,” Jason King of Dover, Kohl & Partners said. “The problem with most developments is they tend to be all one kind. We want this to be a mixed-use development.” All in all, the intention of the charrette was collaboration of ideas. “What’s important is we are not just getting one person’s idea for the development, but it’s a community of people getting together to share their ideas,” City Manager Jeff Downes said of the process he previously used as chief of staff
in Montgomery. Initially, according to Vestavia Hills Mayor Alberto “Butch” Zaragoza, the City’s decision to buy the Patchwork Farms property was intended as an investment. “Our original intention was to turn around and sell that land to developers, but the economy went south, and new retail and residential construction stopped,” he said. “So, we chose to hold onto that property waiting for the economy to recover.” For four years the property sat largely idle. In 2008, Vestavia Hills considered using approximately 12 acres of Patchwork Farms for a park and walking path and 18 acres to construct playing fields according to an article by former Mayor Charles “Scotty” McCallum published in the Vestavia Hills Community News. The remaining 57 acres were designated for retail
and residential development. As the economy began to regain its strength, the City sold 22 acres to the Vestavia Hills Board of Education. That was followed by 16 acres to Lifetime Fitness for $2.5 million and seven acres to Northport Holdings for $1.4 million. MedVest LLC, a company representing Brookwood Medical Center, agreed to purchase an additional seven acres for $1.4 million, but Zaragoza said the City ended the contract when MedVest failed to work out its deal. Entering 2013, the City was in control of less than half its original site at Patchwork Farms — 42 acres of the original 87. But last year the Board of Education brought its 22 acres to the table and development became a joint venture. “Then, we decided to take a different approach, one that was proactive,” Zaragoza said. “We decided to market the property, and
that was the purpose of the charette. We want to show developers all the things that could be done at Patchwork Farms.” This tactic points back to Downes and his experience with developing areas of Montgomery. In fact, he referenced the idea last year. “It has to be proactively marketed,” Downes said of Patchwork Farms in 2013. “You don’t put a for-sale sign out and say, ‘All comers, come on.’ Right now, we are re-evaluating all the unsold properties all around this area to see if we can come up with a common community vision of what will be successful and appropriate there.” Downes said the City would continue to keep the community updated on the site’s progress. For more information about Patchwork Farms, contact City Planner Conrad Garrison at cgarrison@vhal.org.
VestaviaVoice.com
January 2014 • 25
26 • January 2014
Vestavia Voice
Community Calendar Vestavia Hills events
Library in the Forest events
Mondays: Andy’s Bridge. 10 a.m-2 p.m. Vestavia Hills Senior Center. Email program@ vestaviahillsparks.com.
Jan. 14: Chamber Luncheon. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Vestavia Country Club. Call 823-5011.
Mondays: Yoga. Vestavia Hills Senior Center. Email program@vestaviahillsparks.com.
Jan. 16: Board of Zoning Adjustment. 6-7 p.m. Council Chamber. 513 Montgomery Highway. Call 978-1084.
Thursdays: Free Wine Tasting. 5-6:30 p.m. The Wine Cellar. 1080 Montgomery Highway next to Red Lobster. Thursdays: Chess Club. Vestavia Hills Senior Center. 4:45-7 p.m. Email program@ vestaviahillsparks.com. Jan. 3: First Friday Reception. 5:30-8:30 p.m. Artists Incorporated. Wine, food and live music. Free. Call 9798990 or visit artistsincorporated. com Jan. 8: Parent Awareness Meeting. Noon. Board of Education. Jan. 9: Planning & Zoning Commission meeting. Council Chamber. Call 978-0184. Jan. 13: Senior Citizen Luncheon. 11:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. Dogwood Room. Vestavia Hills Civic Center.
Jan. 17: VHHS Career Awareness Panels. Jan 21: Saint Mark Kindergarten and KIDS programs registration. (Ages 6 months-5K) Call 8221312. Jan. 21: Parks & Rec Board. 7-8:30 a.m. 1973 Merryvale Road. Call 978-0166. Jan. 23: VHEC Citizenship Assembly. 1:15 p.m.
Contact Eden Pfaff at epfaff@ bham.lib.al.us or 978-4678 or visit vestavialibrary.org for more.
Jan. 2: Mac 101. 5:30 p.m. Basic training for Apple Macintosh Computers.
Tuesdays: Together with Twos. 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Storytime for children 24 months and under and a caregiver. This storytime is age-appropriate for toddlers with short stories, songs and lots of movement
Jan. 4: Microsoft Word Part 1. 12 p.m.
Wednesdays: Story Friends. 10:30 a.m. Storytime for preschoolers 5 years and under and a caregiver. This storytime has longer stories, interspersed with songs and movement activities. Wednesdays: Skit-torytime. 3:30 p.m. School-age kids will love this storytime filled with interactive skits, puppets shows and story fun. Jan. 2: Internet 101. 2:30 p.m.
Jan. 23: VHHS Eighth Grade Transition Night. Jan. 27: VHEE Colonial Week. Jan. 30: VHEE Kindergarten New Year’s Parade. Jan. 30: VHEC Art Show. 5 pm.
Jan. 4: Microsoft Word Part 2. 3 p.m. Jan. 6: Introduction to the computer. 4 p.m. Jan. 7: Microsoft Excel Part 1. 5:30 p.m. Jan. 9: Microsoft Excel Part 2. 5:30 p.m. Jan. 13: Windows 8. 5 p.m. Jan. 14: Ventriloquist Cliff Patton & Skeeter. 6 p.m. A light supper followed by a program. Jan. 16: Friends of the Library. 10-11 a.m. Community
City events Jan. 9: Planning & Zoning Commission meeting. 6 p.m. Vestavia Hills City Hall Council Chambers. Call 978-0184 for more. Jan. 13: Senior Citizen
Room. Jan. 16: Teddy Bear SleepOver. 10:30 a.m. The first-ever program for your child’s teddy bear (or favorite stuffed animal). Drop off your friend at the library on Tuesday or Wednesday, then return to pick them up on Thursday and find out what kind of fun they enjoyed at their sleepover. Ages 5 and under. Jan. 21: Introduction to Microsoft PowerPoint. 6 p.m. Jan. 21: Introduction to Microsoft Publisher. 11 a.m. Jan. 23: Mac 101. 5:30 p.m. Jan. 27: Resume 101. 6 p.m. Learn how to properly format a resume. Jan. 30: Windows 8. 5:30 p.m.
Visit vestaviahills.net
Luncheon. 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Dogwood Room, Vestavia Hills Civic Center. Jan. 14: Vestavia Hills Chamber monthly Luncheon. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Vestavia Country Club. Call 8235011 for more. Jan. 16: Board of Zoning Adjustment meeting. 6 p.m. Vestavia Hills City Hall Council Chambers. Call 978-0184 for more.
WHO’S WHO o f V E S TAV I A H I L L S
Most Likely to Be Caught Reading Vestavia Voice – Rebecca Walden
Nominate through Jan. 7 Vo t e o n l i n e J a n . 8 - 1 5 vestaviavoice.com/whos-who
January 2014 • 27
VestaviaVoice.com
Greater Birmingham Area events Jan. 5: The Bridal Market. 1-4 p.m. Rosewood Hall. $10 in advance, $15 at the door. Visit thebridalmarket.com. Jan. 10-12: Pioneer Classic. Lakeshore Foundation. This annual wheelchair basketball tournament welcomes men’s, women’s and youth divisions from the National Wheelchair Basketball Association. Twenty teams or more from across the country will compete. Free and open to the public. Visit lakeshore.org. Jan. 11: Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Walk. 10 a.m. registration, noon walk. Railroad Park. Visit birminghammetrodiversitycoalition.org. Jan. 11: Red Shoe Run. SoHo Square. 10-Mile, 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run. Benefits Ronald McDonald House Charities of Alabama. Visit redshoerun-bham.com. Jan. 11: C.S. Lewis’ The Great Divorce. 4 p.m., 8 p.m. Alabama Theatre. In this Dantesque celestial journey from Hell to Paradise, Lewis draws some of the most fiercely funny characters he ever created. Visit alabamatheatre.com or ticketmaster.com. JJan. 12: Southern Bridal Show. Noon-5 p.m. BJCC. $10 in advance, $15 at the door. Call 1-800-523-8917 or visit eliteevents.com. Jan. 15-16: Welcome to Mitford.
Saturday 7 p.m., Sunday 2 p.m. Shelby County High School Auditorium. Play based on Jan Karon’s Mitford novels. $10. Visit shelbycountyartscouncil.com or call 6690044. Jan. 16-19: Birmingham Boat Show. BJCC. $10 adults, free for children. Visit birminghamboatshow.com. Jan. 18: An Evening with Bill Cosby. 8 p.m. BJCC. $33-65. Visit bjcc. org. Jan. 19: Reflect & Rejoice: A Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 3 p.m. UAB’s Alys Stephens Center. ASO Assistant Conductor Roderick Cox leads the orchestra and The Aeolians in this annual tribute to the work and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Visit alabamasymphony.org. Jan. 22-23: Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. Various times. BJCC. $16-76. Visit bjcc.org. Jan. 23- Feb. 9: Buddy: The Buddy Holly Show. ThursdaySaturday 7:30 p.m., Sunday 2:30 p.m. Virginia Samford Theatre. $30-35. Visit virginiasamfordtheatre.org. Jan. 24, 26: Rigoletto presented by Opera Birmingham. Friday 7:30 p.m., Sunday 2:30 p.m. Samford University Wright Center. Visit samford.edu/ wrightcenter.
28 • January 2014
Vestavia Voice
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