Vestavia Voice vol 1 iss 10 February 2014

VestaviaVoice.com

February 2014

•1

Located in the heart of downtown Homewood

2711 18th Street South | Homewood, AL 35209 | Tel: 205-870-5892 www.wolfcamera.com

Volume 1 | Issue 10 | February 2014

Dance all night

Distinguished gentlemen

The White Rose Ball will be held Feb. 21 at the Vestavia Country Club. Read more about the evening inside.

Community page 16

Dine for education Dr. Ronald Alvarez, Dr. Luis Pineda and Dr. Charles “Scotty” A. McCallum will all be receiving awards at this year’s Leadership Vestavia Hills Citizens of the Year banquet. Photo by Jeff Thompson.

Leadership Vestavia Hills to present the 25th annual Citizens of the Year awards The Vestavia City Schools Foundation will host the eighth annual Dinner and Diamonds on Feb. 22. Read more about the event inside.

Community page 17

INSIDE City ..................... 5 Business ............ 8 Food ................... 10 Community ....... 15

School House....21 Sports ............... 24 Calendar ........... 26

By KATIE TURPEN In 1967, Dr. Charles “Scotty” A. McCallum moved to Vestavia Hills to raise his family. In 2000, he became mayor and during his two terms, oversaw changes such as the addition of businesses and the purchase of a new library property.

Today, he can’t help but smile when asked why he chose this community more than 40 years ago.

“I selected Vestavia Hills because of the wonderful schools and the people,” McCallum said.

“I feel very lucky. It’s such a beautiful place.”

See AWARDS | page 25

Cooking with cancer In 2003, Vestavia Hills oncologist Dr. Luis Pineda made an observation about cancer research.

He noticed that while technology was advancing rapidly across the field, the treatment of weight loss, lack of appetite and malnutrition related to the cancer process was an area that could be vastly improved.

See COOKING | page 25

Genuine Pearl Girls and Southern grit Diane Zaragoza on her new radio show, ‘Women Reaching Out’

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

facebook.com/vestaviavoice

By REBECCA WALDEN A 14-day cruise to New Zealand hardly seems the setting for a newly minted retiree to solidify her next career move. Then again, lulling off into retirement bliss never was Diane Zaragoza’s style.

Her May 2013 retirement from Noland Health Services, after a 40-plus

See RADIO | page 25

NOTHING SAYS LOVE LIKE A CLEAN HOME. Everyone can appreciate a thorough clean from The Maids.

The Genuine Pearl Girls of local talk radio show “Women Reaching Out” are Edie Hand, Susan Flowers and Susan Vawter. The show is the brainchild of Vestavia resident Diane Zaragoza, who also serves as its executive producer.

Photo courtesy of Diane Zaragoza.

Making homes cleaner and healthier since 1987.

871-9338 www.MAIDS.com

Referred for a reason.

2 • February 2014

Vestavia Voice

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February 2014 • 3

4 • February 2014

Vestavia Voice

About Us Photo of the Month

Please Support Our Sponsors Todd Wood, pictured right with his best friend, the late Paul Meyers, is helping plan the second annual Paul Meyers Memorial Golf Tournament, which will take place later this spring.

Meyers was a Vestavia Hills native who died unexpectedly in March 2012 while running the Andrew Jackson Half Marathon with Wood. Photo courtesy of Julia Meyers.

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Correction

In the January issue, credit was given to Allison Herr for the Vestavia Voice photo of the month. Credit should go to Becca Paul for taking the picture.

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Editor’s Note By Rebecca Walden If December is the most wonderful time of the year, February is certainly the loveliest (pun intended).

Not for its chalk-tasting conversational heart candies, or the explosion of amorous, inescapable advertising, or the rapid interest in florists and sweet confections – these are but mere distractions from the essence of February’s focus.

Ours is a busy world, and the mental gymnastics it takes for us to cycle through the day-to-day should be reminder enough of what holidays and other observed days of designation are all about – to slow down enough that we can reflect and appreciate.

Sandra Bullock’s cover story quote, for the January 2014 issue of Entertainment Weekly, gave me such a moment of reflection recently.

While hunkered down in the kitchen at our office, waiting for the percolator to brew my good mood juice, I read these words: “Life is a series of disastrous moments, painful moments, unexpected moments, and things that will break your heart,” she said. “And in between those moments, that’s when you savor, savor, savor.”

Sandra, I already liked you. Now, I like you even more.

Not because your truth is particularly eloquent, but it is truth.

None of us should need the retail trappings of Valentine’s Day kitsch to feel loved.

Does a vase of red roses insulate us from disaster, from pain, from unexpected heartbreak?

Hardly. No more than a box of Whit-

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mann’s can guarantee dress, or the car we left the rehappiness and fulfillment. ception in, or any of those other OK – it does, but only in a details. These elements were fleeting, then depressing, lovely in their own regard, but now I need to go work they are not what I remember. out again kind of way.

The day was perfect for its Sandra’s words were a in-between moments, which, reminder to me to savor nearly 11 years later, I still sathe sweetness of life’s vor. It was perfect for the way unscripted moments of my mom looked at me in the joy, and to be sure not to dressing room, held my hands miss them in the midst and with tears in her eyes (she Walden of moments that make never, ever, ever cries), told my head spin. me I am beautiful. It was perfect for the In 2002, shortly after I became en- way my daddy squeezed my hand while gaged, my mom and I were in the throes we awaited our turn in the church narthex, of early stage wedding planning, when and afterward at the reception, when he bridal fantasy meets budget reality and told me what he felt watching Rett and me parental-child relations harken back a bit say our vows to each other. It was perfect to the teenage years. I know our experi- that my husband of about three hours had ence not to be unique, based on the num- our limo driver pull over at the Vestavia ber of times I heard people tell me, “Don’t Walgreen’s so we could hop out and buy worry. If you can get through planning a fresh batteries for our good old Kodak Eawedding, you can get through anything.” syShare point and shoot, which decided, (Clearly these “wise” friends of mine most inconveniently, to die while we were hadn’t yet entered parenthood). en route to the Tutwiler.

Shortly after my mom and I had a If red roses, clever cards and chocolates meeting of the minds, she gave me a book are a favorite part of your Valentine’s Day, that was essentially about what it means I wish that for you. But when the vase wato be a bride, and that the most dangerous ter turns murky, the card sentiments have word to a bride’s happiness was also the lost their luster and the chocolate box is word that engaged young women most down to just those coconut-filled ones frequently uttered. that taste awful, savor what is special and “Perfect.” what has staying power in your life.

As in, “I want everything to be perFor that, you can thank Sandra. fect.”

As it turns out, my wedding day was Cheers, perfect, but not because of the flower arrangements, or the band, or the food, or the photographer, or the bustle of my

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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 Amy Jason Emily VanderMey Sydney Cromwell Lauren Moriarty Vestavia Voice LLC

Contact Information: Vestavia Voice #3 Office Park Circle, Suite 316 Birmingham, AL 35223 313-1780 dan@vestaviavoice.com

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 edito-

rial 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) 313-1780 or by email.

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February 2014 • 5

VestaviaVoice.com

City Mayor’s Minute

By Alberto “Butch” Zaragoza February is off to a rousing start for the city.

Now that we’ve closed on the property for the City Hall site, our architect firm, Williams Blackstock, is moving forward with the design work. For their part, B.L. Harbert is putting bid packages together to get the process going. We are hoping to start construction around the first part of May and will hopefully be ready to move in by July 2015. If all goes as expected, the public can expect to see an update on design plans by mid-February.

In related news, the city has purchased the property next door to the Library in the Forest.

The site, formerly a private residence, will be used by the city to add an additional 46 parking spaces for library employees, patrons and other guests. Walter Schoel Engineering Co. is doing the design work. We expect the bid process to be underway shortly, and will share a project timeline once that has been established.

The one thing I want to stress is this will not eliminate all the parking problems we have, especially with big events. We will continue to offer shuttle service with overflow parking from the Board of Education, Chamber of Commerce and Exchange Field lots. Residents are strongly discouraged from parking on Round Hill Road.

In other news, if you are interested in serving your community, we will soon be upon a time of year when we are accepting applications for board appointments.

Three major boards in our community are the school board, the parks and recreation board and the library board. While the process for parks and recreation board and library board both start in October, the school board starts in March. Interested citizens are encour-

aged check our website, vhal.org, for information on how to apply.

Additional boards include: planning and zoning; board, zoning and adjustments; and design review. These board memberships are appointed by the mayor. If you have any interest in being on those boards, please email or send a letter to the mayor’s office.

Thank you,

Vestavia Chamber honors members with awards

Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce President Karen Odle, Chair’s Choice winner Dr. Charles “Scotty” A. McCallum and Chairman’s Award winner Scotty Perry. Photo courtesy of Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce.

The Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce honored several members for their service to the community during the January luncheon held at Vestavia Hills Country Club.

The Charles A. McCallum Leadership Award had two categories of winners: retail and service. Publix Supermarket was named the 2013 Retail Business of the Year. Publix was honored for the businesses’ partnership with the City of Vestavia Hills, the Chamber of Vestavia Hills and Vestavia Hills City Schools.

Principal Mortgage was named the 2013 Service Business of the Year for their employees’ dedication to Chamber events and

the Vestavia Hills community.

Other awards included: ` Chairman’s Award, Scott Perry ` Board Member of the Year, James Robinson, Alagasco ` Member of The Year, Kim ManghamBarelare, Southstar Properties ` Volunteer of The Year, Ben Chambliss, Jackson, Howard and Whatley firm ` Chairs Choice, Dr. Charles “Scotty” A. McCallum, Director of Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce ` Ambassador of The Year, Micki Haralson ` President’s Choice Award, Mark Macoy

6 • February 2014

Vestavia Voice

Additional parking

coming to Library in the Forest

Since opening in 2010, Library in the Forest has had a high volume of patrons. Surplus parking on both sides of Round Hill Road and near residential homes caused need for additional parking.

By KATIE TURPEN Residents soon won’t have to worry about finding a spot to park at their local library. During its regular January meeting, the Vestavia Hills City Council read a resolution authorizing an agreement with Walter Schoel Engineering Co. to construct additional parking at the Library in the Forest.

“This new library property is vastly different than the older property,” said Lauren Daniel, executive director of the Vestavia Hills Library Foundation. “We never anticipated the volume of the patrons we have coming in to the library.”

Daniel said that driving down Round Hill

Road with cars parked on either side has become dangerous. When the private residence located at 1421 Round House Road directly beside the library became available last summer, the foundation began working with the city to make plans to use the property.

During the January meeting, City Manager Jeff Downes said the council bought the former private residence in December, which will be used to build an additional 46 parking spaces.

The city also plans to build a privacy wall between the parking area and residential area.

“We hope that this will alleviate excess parking in the surrounding residential areas as well as cut down on traffic hazards,” Daniel said.

The city will rezone the property at 1421 Round Hill Road and use it for 46 additional parking spaces at the Library in the Forest. Photos by Katie Turpen.

“We hope that the neighborhood residents will be happy with this decision.”

The total cost of the project is anticipated not to exceed $29,000, and Downes said construction could begin as early as late spring. Daniel addressed the council during the January meeting, thanking them for their support in the expansion endeavor.

“We are forever grateful to the city for their hard work on this project that has been a long time in the making,” Daniel said.

Other council agenda items: `` A resolution appointing Jason Rose and Nathan Johnson as members of the Jefferson

County Blount-St.-Clair Mental Health Authority Board representing the City of Vestavia Hills. `` A resolution authorizing a special economic development agreement by the City of Vestavia Hills and Issis and Sons Furniture Gallery Inc. `` A resolution authorizing a special economic development agreement by the City of Vestavia Hills and Royal Automotive Inc. `` An ordinance granting conditional use approval for a model home located at 4751 Liberty Park Lane for temporary residential sales and administrative offices.

February 2014 • 7

VestaviaVoice.com

Q&A with

Sam Chiarella Featured artist at Artists Incorporated

Q A

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I have lived in the Birmingham area all of my life. I was educated in local schools and have a Bachelor of Arts degree from Auburn University. I worked for a local company for almost 30 years. Since 2011, I have spent the bulk of my time creating art for Artists Incorporated and the Mountain Brook Art Association Holiday and Spring Shows. Since 1987, I have done numerous works on commission that are displayed on both coasts and various cities in the Southeast including Birmingham, Atlanta, Nashville and Miami.

Over the years, I have shown my work at the Jefferson County Courthouse, Children’s Hospital and Avondale Park. Many of my paintings have been donated to various charitable organizations for auction.

Q A

Describe what type of art you do.

The bulk of my art at this point is creating different still lifes and animals in their normal habitat on wood using putty, heavy gel medium or spackling. After several sandings and reapplying these products, I then start the painting and glazing process. From start to finish, it usually takes about three to four days to complete one. The finished product has a hard, durable finish and can have that “taxidermy” look to it.

Q A

Where does your inspiration come from?

Back in 2006, I needed a Christmas decoration over my mantel. I decided to create a pair of angels playing musical instruments by taking two panels of wood and routing them out to create them and the frame. I then painted and glazed them. Later that year, I came up with the idea to go a step further by creating some dimension with spackling and wood putty. The results were even more beautiful. Since then, I have continued to perfect this process and have been pleased with the outcome.

Q A Q A

What do you enjoy most about creating your art?

I have always enjoyed doing carpentry work, molding and shaping different objects with different materials and, of course, having a paintbrush in my hand. With this process, I get to do all three with every piece of art I create.

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 Sam Chiarella.

Blake E. Youngblood

What’s the greatest compliment you’ve ever received about your work?

At the 2012 Mountain Brook Holiday Show, a very well-known and respected local artist, who shows and sells his work nationally and internationally, was very impressed by a still life of oranges I had on display there. I was so excited from the compliment because I knew it came from a very talented source.

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February 2014 • 9

VestaviaVoice.com

Now Open Terry, an attorney 1 Jaclyn specializing in divorce and family law, has opened her practice at 2820 Columbiana Road, Suite 210T. Terry earned her law degree from the Cumberland School of Law at Samford University in 2012.

267-1119. jaclynterryesq.com.

Relocations and Renovations The Vestavia Hills City Center Publix, 784 Montgomery Highway, is installing a new wok on one side and salad bar on the other side.

824-6005. publix.com.

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Some Wear in Time, 16161 U.S. 280, Suite 1, Chelsea, has relocated after more than 10 years in Cahaba Heights. The store offers consigned ladies’ apparel, designer handbags and home décor.

678-9155. facebook.com/ somewearintime.

3

Western Supermarket, 2250 Morgan Drive, is remodeling its store and plans to hold a reopening in March. The space will feature a new salad bar, fudge machine, yogurt machines, prime meat case, cheese kiosk and 28-foot beverage case along with new lighting and décor.

822-5920. westernsupermarkets. com.

4

News and Accomplishments Slappey Communications, 4260 Cahaba Heights Court, received two awards from the Governor’s Committee on Employment of People With Disabilities. It was named the 2013 State of Alabama Small Business Employer of the Year and the 2013 Birmingham Area Small Business Employer of the Year. The company offers telecommunications services to small businesses.

969-8510. slappey.net.

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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

10 • February 2014

Vestavia Voice

Restaurant Showcase

Read past Restaurant Showcases at VestaviaVoice.com

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By KATIE TURPEN For local chef George McMillian, the art of making delicious and unique Southern food runs in his family. His ability to cook at a young age led to his decision to attend culinary school and eventually run his own restaurants.

“I’ve always had a passion for food. I cooked a lot growing up,” McMillian said. “My grandmother is one of those true Southern cooks.”

The experienced chef recently brought his culinary expertise to Cahaba Heights. McMillian, former owner of the restaurant Daniel George in Mountain Brook, opened FoodBar in Heights Village in September. He said he wanted the community to have a casual neighborhood bar and restaurant where they could come and relax after a long day.

“I thought there was a void of casual upscale dining in the Vestavia market,” McMillian said. “I think people’s palates are adventurous. My goal with FoodBar is to give people creative food and cocktails in a casual, comfortable atmosphere.”

The restaurant’s specialty cocktails revolve around liqueurs infused with seasonal fruit. Drinks include the Dr. Lull, which consists of bour-

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The Pollo a la Plancha consists of hominy, charred poblano, avocado and mole. Photo by Beau Gustafson.

bon, Solerno, peach preserves, clove syrup and lemon, and the Harvest Cup, which contains blood orange bourbon, house sage liqueur, apple cider, praline liqueur and cranberries.

Guests can also choose from a selection of local beers on tap and various wines.

George McMillian opened FoodBar in Heights Village in September with a goal of serving creative food made with local ingredients in a casual, comfortable atmosphere. Photo by Katie Turpen.

With the specialty cocktails come inventive entrees. McMillian said his favorite is Breakfast for Dinner: pork belly, stone ground grits and quail egg in the hole. Other unique entrees include the House Cured Bacon Wrapped Rabbit Loin, which is served with butternut squash risotto and

thyme-infused rabbit broth, and the Lacquered Pork Roast, which comes with house kimchee, sticky rice and Owl’s Hollow Butter Bibb.

Dessert cannot be skipped as offerings include the Lavender Pound Cake with crème Chantilly and macerated berries as well as the Pumpkin

Bread Pudding with maple-cinnamon crème anglaise.

The restaurant’s ingredients come from local providers including Snow’s Bend Farm, Michael Dean’s Terra Preta Farm, Petals from the Past, Farmhouse Produce and various local meat purveyors.

The farm theme extends from the ingredients to the restaurant’s décor.

Handcrafted wood tables fill the dining space, and reclaimed wood taken from a barn in Selma covers the walls.

An expansive, curved bar rounds out the room. McMillian’s family photos and local art hang from end to end, adding a personal touch to the dining experience.

“I tried to use as much reclaimed wood as I could as part of the décor,” McMillian said. “I chose the family photographs because I think black and white is just timeless.”

Asked his favorite part of being in the restaurant business, McMillian said it all comes down to that daily process of producing inspired meals that continually satisfy the customers.

“Being able to create dishes each day while meeting that 5 o’clock deadline,” McMillian said. “I feel privileged to be able to do this. It’s a true culinary adventure.”

February 2014 • 11

VestaviaVoice.com

Read past Business Spotlights at VestaviaVoice.com

Issis at Greenbrier

Business Spotlight 65

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1493 Montgomery Highway 874-9586 Monday- Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Issisandsons.com

Issis at Greenbrier sells a variety of furniture and rugs. Photos by Lauren Moriarty.

By LAUREN MORIARTY For Steve Issis, furniture is a family affair. He established Issis & Sons with his father in 1984 and now works with his two nephews.

The family treatment also extends to his employees. Nancy Gowens, operations manager for Issis & Sons for 16 years, said the reason for the company’s success is Issis’ attitude.

“Steve treats his employees as family,” Gowens said. “It’s hard

to find a company that cares that much about their employees.”

After 39 years in locations around Birmingham, Issis & Sons has come to Vestavia. The popular furniture store is known for being a hub for the home. Inside, customers can shop for a variety of furniture, flooring and carpets in one place.

The latest move is intended to fit a niche in the local furniture market.

“This location helps reach customers that had more difficulty

coming to Pelham,” Issis said.

Complimentary designer expertise is offered with any sale. Issis & Sons designers are happy to help select a rug or design anyone’s dream living room. The company keeps up with current trends in fashion and home design, drawing from close to 260 vendors.

When customers step inside, they are immediately faced with an array of quality furniture for all areas of the home displayed through-

out the nearly 30,000-square-foot store. Upstairs, several rooms of rugs provide plenty of options for the interested homeowner, and sofas marketed to a younger audience are sprinkled throughout the space.

“We select products and have designers and a management team that spend time researching products and how to lay out the store,” Issis said.

In addition to indoor furniture and flooring, Issis & Sons stocks out-

door furniture, drapes and blinds. Its unique inventory allows customers to design their entire home in one store. Issis & Sons experts install all products purchased at the store, a service provided to alleviate customers of worries that may come with installation.

Issis is proud of his business and enjoys his store family.

“We are blessed with a great family, employees and wonderful customers,” Issis said.

12 • February 2014

Vestavia Voice

Chocolate Pudding Cake with the works RECIPE BY AMY JASON Serves 6 Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 15-17 minutes This dessert is a big “wow” for Valentine’s Day or a special occasion, but easy enough for a weekend treat for the kids. Everyone gets a generous bowl of hot, soft, gooey semisweet chocolate with a slightly crusted top-something between a rich pudding and a poufy souffle topped with ice cream and a drizzle of sauce. My favorite combination is vanilla ice cream, ganache sauce and raspberry sauce. It doesn’t get any better than this!

This is one of my favorite rich and fudgy desserts for many reasons. It is so fast and easy- no prep work, planning, set up time, or chilling time needed. You can easily make the batter ahead of time and keep it in the fridge for a couple of days. It serves six, but feel free to just bake what you need and save the rest for another night. Another reason to love this recipe is that if you are a baker, you are likely to have all the ingredients on hand or buy and then keep on hand to make it again and again. At our house, it is a frequent “Sunday night room clean-up reward.” A clean room gets you a hot and delicious pudding cake. It’s quite a fair deal!

The toppings may be whipped up while the cakes are baking.

Pudding Cake Ingredients: 6 oz. semisweet chocolate, coarsely chopped (I use Baker’s) 1 stick of butter 3 large eggs 2/3 cup sugar Pinch of salt 1 tsp. vanilla Toppings of your choice Equipment: Electric mixer Six 12-16 ounce ramekins or ovenproof bowls (this is a typical cereal/ soup bowl size.)

Baking sheet- Makes it easier to get the bowls in and out of the oven.

Directions: Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Melt the chocolate and butter in a glass bowl in the microwave by heating for one minute; stir; then heat for 30 seconds. Stir until the mixture is completely melted and smooth. Set aside.

With a stand mixer or electric hand mixer, beat the eggs, sugar, salt and vanilla at high speed until light, fluffy and the consistency of softly whipped cream (this can take several minutes). Fold one-third of the egg mixture into the melted chocolate mixture then scrape the chocolate batter over the remaining eggs and fold until blended. (This keeps the eggs from curdling when poured into the hot chocolate mixture.) Divide the batter among the bowls.

Place the bowls on a baking sheet and bake for 15-17 minutes until the puddings are puffed, crusted and moderately cracked but still gooey inside when tested with a toothpick.

Let cool for 5 minutes. To serve, top each pudding with a scoop of ice cream and a drizzle of the sauce(s) of your choice.

Toppings: Choose your ice cream. Vanilla and coffee are my favorites.

Choose your sauce. Recipes for chocolate ganache and raspberry sauce are below. You can also use your favorite store-bought or homemade caramel sauce.

Chocolate Ganache Ingredients: 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips 1/2 cup whipping cream

Amy Jason, a Vestavia wife and mother of three, is an avid baker and cookie connoisseur. She believes that sharing “a little sacka sugar” from your heart and from your kitchen is the sweetest way to spread some smiles. She doesn’t always know what’s for dinner, but she always knows what’s for dessert!

Directions: Melt chocolate chips and cream in a Pyrex measuring cup in the microwave for 1 minute; stir; Continue to heat in 30-second increments, stirring after each, until all the chips are melted.

Then stir like crazy until the chips and cream are fully combined and smooth. (This is easily doubled to make extra; It will keep in fridge for several weeks.)

Raspberry Sauce Ingredients: 1 package frozen raspberries 2 tsp. sugar Directions: Combine sugar and raspberries in food processor or blender until smooth. It will keep in fridge for one to two weeks.

February 2014 • 13

VestaviaVoice.com

Choose your own Valentine’s date adventure Do you want to dress up and go out?

Yes please

No thanks

Have you made a reservation at Satterfield’s?

On it

Want to cook?

Sure

Whoops

Is there another option?

Consult your best chef of a neighbor for menu advice

Enjoy fancy fare and wine, too

Kind of

How’s pizza (or pasta)?

Are you feeling Greek?

Stop by Snapper Grabbers for seafood to go Yes

Not this time

Sì, Italia

The Pita Stop

Phone in an order for your favorite pizza at Donatos Pizza

Pick a destination country

Japan

Mexico

U.S.A.

Sekisui Japanese

Sol Azteca

FoodBar

How about another choice?

El Poblano

Ichiban Japanese Steakhouse

Does she have a sweet tooth?

Take-out from Iz Café

Does she ever!

What’s most convenient to your drive home?

Bruster’s Real Ice Cream Klinger’s European Bakery Yogurt Lab

Not so much

Order flowers from Continental Flowers, 822-1946 or stop by Publix for some

14 • February 2014

As nature flies by

Vestavia Voice

Local nonprofit introduces students to mountain biking Trips for Kids Birmingham provides lessons and equipment to area students and takes them on mountain bike rides through Oak Mountain State Park. Photo courtesy of Doug Brown.

By JEFF THOMPSON Doug Brown recently decided it was time for a change. He was dividing his days between working and riding his bicycle, and he still wanted to do both, just not in the for-profit sector anymore.

“At the end of the day, I needed to feel like I was making a contribution,” he said.

At 59, the Tanglewood resident had spent nearly half his life in the insurance business, but he gave it up to give back to the Birmingham community. And when he did, he took his bike with him.

Brown is the founder of Trips for Kids Birmingham, a nonprofit organization that loans bicycles and safety gear to children in the Birmingham area and teaches them to ride trails at Oak Mountain State Park. The group, which held its first ride in June 2013, organized six events last year. Now, Trips for Kids is gearing up for another season of outdoor fun scheduled to kick off in March.

Brown took a roundabout route to founding the organization. He first went back to school to earn a master’s degree in public administration, all the while keeping his eyes open for jobs in the nonprofit sector. He waded into the work by volunteering with environmental protection groups but soon stumbled across an article on Trips for Kids.

“With a rising obesity rate in Birmingham, it seemed like a good fit,” Brown said.

He first reached out to Trips for Kids’ international headquarters in California to see if they felt Birming-

ham was a good location for a chapter.

The organization has more than 80 chapters worldwide, and they were excited to add another, Brown said.

Brown sought support from corporate sponsors and local bike shops to get the group off the ground, and he reached out to the local cycling community through the volunteer organization Birmingham Urban Mountain Pedalers. Members of BUMP, who help maintain the trails at Oak Mountain, agreed to hold riding lessons and lead rides twice a month. With that, all that remained was putting bicycles in children’s hands.

“I kept looking for a hurdle I couldn’t get over, and I never found one,” Brown said.

Through the organization, students ages 10-15 from inner-city Birmingham are invited to join volunteers on the trails as a reward for improving their attendance records and grades.

They meet Brown and other volunteers

Trips for Kids Birmingham founder Doug Brown. Photo

by Jeff Thompson.

at the park, where the first order of business is to complete a riding lesson.

Volunteers, certified ride instructors who are mostly members of BUMP, first fit students with helmets and bikes. After that, the instructors teach kids what gears are best for go-

ing up and down hills and — most importantly — how to use the brakes.

Brown said the organization took 65 students, some of whom had never been to a state park, on a ride around Oak Mountain’s Lake Trail last year.

“We want to show them exercising is fun and how nice it is to spend the day outside,” Brown said. “Some of the kids start off a little scared and some might have a little bit of attitude, but the walls come down once they’re out on trails.”

Trips for Kids riding instructor Eddie Freyer, a Hoover resident, described a “total shift” that occurred in the students during the organization’s first ride in June. He said he watched a group of boys show up acting “too cool for school” and soon turn into enthusiasts.

“I kept thinking it was a tough crowd,” Freyer said. “But we went through skills and got them out on trail, and at some point heard this giggling

behind me — from all of them. I saw them completely change right there in front of me. They could not stop laughing and smiling the whole way.”

Brown said Trips for Kids is aiming to hold two rides per month beginning in March. He is also looking to expand Trips for Kids’ other component — a bike re-cyclery. The organization would accept donations of unwanted bicycles and use them to teach students how to “wrench,” or repair and refurbish them.

Brown also expects to see mountain biking expand in the community as a whole in 2014, and he hopes Trips for Kids will play a role. In 2012, Freyer was one of nine in the area certified by the International Mountain Biking Association and has since pursued the formation of competitive mountain biking leagues for Alabama high school students.

Brown said he believes that students who come to love the trails through Trips for Kids could then join Freyer’s competitive league.

“It gives them a new group to associate with,” Brown said. “When kids come off the trails, they’re jacked up. Ninety percent want to ride again.

Hopefully this year we’ll have everything in place to help them do it.”

For more on Trips for Kids, call Brown at 908-0564 or visit tripsforkidsbirmingham.org. Fore more on the potential of a competitive high school mountain biking association in Alabama, visit facebook.com/alabamamtb.

February 2014 • 15

VestaviaVoice.com

Community Local author speaks to Episcopal Council of Women Peter Kirchikov, author of the memoir, Walnuts on My Bookshelf, spoke to the Episcopal Council of Women at St. Stephens Episcopal Church in Cahaba Heights at their monthly luncheon on Jan. 6.

Kirchikov recalled to the group his experiences of survival under the dictatorial regime of Communist Russia. Kirchikov has written his memoir as a response to a large interest in his life story of growing up in Russia and his journey to the United States, which he now calls home.

Kirchikov is a linguistic quality assurance editor with a multinational corporation headquartered in the U.S., an experienced multilingual interpreter, translator, lexicographer, instructor, writer, paralegal and Rotarian with the Vestavia Rotary Club. Formerly with Berlitz International interpretation services, UAB and Birmingham-Southern College, Kirchikov now lives in Birmingham.

Joy Ross Davis will be the guest speaker for the monthly ECW luncheon on Feb. 3. Davis is the author of the novel Countenance.

-Submitted by Lynda Turner

Peter Kirchikov recently addressed an audience at St. Stephens Episcopal in Cahaba Heights about his memoir, Walnuts on My Bookshelf. Photo courtesy of Lynda Turner.

Distinguished Young Women accepting applicants The Distinguished Young Women Program of Jefferson County is accepting applications from high school girls graduating in 2015 and residing in Jefferson County. The deadline for receiving applications is March 10.

The program, formerly Jefferson County’s Junior Miss, will take place on July 18-19 at Samford University.

Last year more than $13,000 in cash-tuition scholarships was awarded, and more than $489,000 in college-granted scholarships. Any participant in the program may qualify for a full tuition and a full tuition, room and board scholarship with a qualifying GPA and test score.

Participants compete in the categories of Fitness, Self Expression, Interview, Scholastics and Talent.

The Jefferson County representative will advance to the Distinguished Young Women Program of Alabama in Montgomery, where she will compete for more $40,000 in cash-

tuition scholarships and over $1,000,000 in college scholarships. The current Distinguished Young Woman of Jefferson County is Sarah Grace McDuff, a senior at Homewood High School.

State winners will compete for Distinguished Young Woman of America for 2015 and for a share of more than $125,000 in cash scholarships.

Founded in 1958 in Mobile, Distinguished Young Women is the largest and oldest national scholarship program for high school girls.

During its 55 years of operation, the program has provided experiences for more than 700,000 young women and has awarded more than $93 million in cash scholarships to young women across the nation.

Interested girls may visit Distinguished YW.org to receive an application, or they may contact Chairman Eddie Macksoud at jefferson@distinguishedYW.org or 907-0210.

Market on the Mountain Children’s and Maternity Consignment Sale Friday, February 28, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Saturday, March 1, 9 a.m. – 2 pm

MountainTots Christian Day School’s consignment sale is held twice a year, in early spring and early fall. Consignment sales are ideal for recycling children’s clothes, toys, equipment, furniture and more. Potential consignors are encouraged to give the sale a try. Consignors receive 70 percent of their sales and get to shop the preview sale.

Volunteers get the earliest access to shopping. For more, visit marketonthemountain. com. Photo courtesy of Market on the Mountain..

16 • February 2014

Vestavia Voice

The White Rose Ball

By KATIE TURPEN The third annual Birmingham White Rose Ball will be held Feb. 21 from 6-11 p.m. at the Vestavia Country Club.

The ball invites fathers and daughters to join in celebration of one another. Fathers pledge to their daughters to guide them to choices of purity in heart.

This pledge ceremony has become a national movement.

The Birmingham Ball is organized by the 4:8 Fathers, a group of Christian fathers who promote purity in heart, mind and deed.

“We didn’t set this up because we are perfect ourselves,” said Joby O’Brien, event organizer. “It’s a real opportunity to open that door for a solid future father-daughter relationship.”

During the ball, fathers escort their daughters to a cross, where they place a single white rose as a symbol of their commitment. Additionally, fathers sign a covenant saying that they are committed to guiding their daughters in purity for the duration of their lives.

A sit-down meal, inspirational speaker and live music will also be part of the evening’s events. Attire is semi-formal.

O’Brien said that the evening is set to be very special moment for fathers and their daughters.

“It’s always a memorable night,” O’Brien said. “It’s a chance to get dressed up, but it’s also about much more.”

Tickets are $50 and can be purchased at whiteroseball.com. For more information, contact O’Brien at Jobyao@ aol.com or 542-1378.

Fathers and daughters enjoy a dance at the 2013 White Rose Bowl at the Vestavia Country Club. Photo by Stacey Robertson.

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February 2014 • 17

VestaviaVoice.com

Dinner and Diamonds for education

Fundraiser to benefit Vestavia Hills City Schools Foundation

By REBECCA WALDEN Ask almost any resident in the city why he or she choses to call Vestavia Hills home, and chances are quality of schools will factor into the answer.

Mother of three Ashley Thompson, also executive director of the Vestavia Hills City Schools Foundation, has seen the system’s academic reputation come full circle. She and her husband, Robert, recently completed a round of college campus visits with their oldest, Vestavia Hills High School senior Griffin.

“He was so prepared for his ACTs, and he’s well prepared for college,” she said. “Looking at colleges, they would brag about having whiteboards in their classrooms, and he would say, ‘We have them in our high school.’ The schools he’s applied to respect the Vestavia school system and you can tell.”

To help other Vestavia students reach their academic potential, Thompson and fellow Foundation members focus on strengthening the performance of the organization’s endowment, through which grants are awarded annually to give Vestavia Hills City Schools the competitive edge students deserve and parents expect.

“I am huge believer in the Foundation and what it has done for our schools and students,” Thompson said. “It’s given the students a lot of opportunities other kids in the state don’t have.”

Thompson added grant recipients are using the funds to teach in different, impactful ways.

Vestavia Hills City Schools Foundation members organizing the Dinner and Diamonds event are, from left, Kristin Tunnell, Rhonda Nabors, Alison Smith and Amy Irby. Photo courtesy of Ashley Thompson.

“They are not just book smart,” she said.

“They are learning how to think outside just how to open a book, read and answer the questions. They are learning to be better students and better thinkers.”

Established in 1996 in response to proration

budget cuts, the Vestavia Hills City Schools Foundation awarded its first grant in 1999. This month, additional grants will be awarded, driving the total grants distributed to just over $700,000. Grants are typically awarded in three primary areas: technology, classroom enhancements and professional

development.

This month, the Foundation will host a major fundraiser, the eighth annual Dinner and Diamonds event. The event has grown considerably from its humble beginnings, when a small crowd with a big vision gathered at Vestavia Country Club. This month’s Dinner and Diamonds program expected to draw a crowd of more than 500 and to generate $60,000 in funds.

Proceeds first go toward the Foundation’s operating budget, with any excess placed into the Foundation’s endowment, with a current book value of just over $2 million. Auctioneer Gene Hallman of the Bruno Event Team will entertain guests along with The Undergrounders, who are on tap to provide the evening’s musical entertainment.

And true to its name, the evening will include plenty of diamond bling, courtesy of Paul Petro from Paul’s Diamond Center.

“Paul lets us come shopping each year and pick out the jewelry we will auction off at the event,” Thompson said. “He’s really been the man behind the plan. He’s been a huge supporter and makes it so much fun because he gives everybody personal customer service at the event, trying on diamonds and enjoying the glitz and glamour of the evening.”

The eighth annual Dinner and Diamonds event is Saturday, Feb. 22, at 7 p.m. at Ted’s Garage. For more information about the event or order tickets ($75 each), visit dinneranddiamonds.org.

18 • February 2014

Vestavia Voice

Healing through sights and sounds VHHS graduate starts music therapy practice

By KATIE TURPEN

Growing up in Vestavia Hills, Ashley Frazier always had a passion for music and helping others. She studied voice, guitar and piano and also enjoyed working with special needs children.

When it came time to go off to college, she decided to choose a program that would combine her two passions.

“I knew I either wanted to be a special education or music major,” Frazier said. “I chose the music therapy program at the University of Alabama.”

After receiving her Bachelor of Arts in music therapy from UA, Frazier completed a music therapy internship at United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Birmingham: Hand in Hand, where she provided music therapy at a preschool and adult employment facility. She has worked with premature infants all the way up to elderly patients, proving her ability to reach people of all age and abilities.

“A lot of people don’t know that music therapy can be used across populations and in educational and hospital settings,” Frazier said.

Frazier said music therapy aims to improve socialization, promote self-expression, enhance communication and increase motor development.

This spring, she will begin Grace Notes Music Therapy, a program stemming from the Conservatory of the Arts at Vestavia Hills United Methodist.

Now a board certified music therapist, she is currently screening clients for individual and group sessions. Group sessions start at Song Birds (up to 3 years) and go all the way up to Rock n’ Rhythms (18 years and older).

Frazier leads a variety of musical activities

with the children using singing and instruments such as the guitar, piano, maracas, rain sticks, shakers and bells. Beyond instruments, she uses pictures, scarves and puppets that allow for different teaching approaches depending on a client’s need.

“The children love anything to do with animals or food,” Frazier said. “They sometimes find it easier to talk to a puppet than a real person.”

Using musical inspiration that spans from The Beatles to Justin Bieber, Frazier creates raps and songs that help the children use their communication and motor skills while also having fun. She recalls how one child loved the game “Angry Birds,” so she created a rap they could sing together.

“It’s about taking things they love and adapting them,” Frazier said. “We do rapping and rhyming and use a lot of dance movements.”

When Frazier takes out a colorful scarf for one of her activities, she asks a child to say or sign the color of the scarf. For group sessions, she uses different props, rhythms and movements.

“The children like to have something in their hands so I use a lot of sensory, textured things,” Frazier said. “The fun part is the kids don’t even realize they are learning.”

Frazier feels elated when a child progresses, such as when a nonverbal child starts to sing after a few months. She says music therapy is so much more than the name implies.

“We work off the client. We have very specific goals. We don’t just play music for them,” Frazier said. “I email a session report to the parent or caregiver to show their progress.”

Frazier most enjoys those key moments that

Ashley Frazier is opening Grace Notes Music Therapy for children and young adults this spring at Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church’s Conservatory of the Arts.

Photo by Katie Turpen.

remind her she is reaching people through music and movement in a unique way. She also works with physical therapists and speech therapists in the area to meet a wide set of needs.

“It’s great to see the young ones do something

for the first time,” Frazier said. “Even if it’s something like saying the color purple. I really just want to see people succeed.”

Fore more, visit vhumc.org/ministries/coa/ school-music/musictherapy.

February 2014 • 19

VestaviaVoice.com

Whale of a Sale Spring Consignment Sale this month

SA T U R D AY feb 1

thru SA T U R D AY feb 15

WINTER The Spring Whale of a Sale Consignment Sale will be Thursday, Feb. 20 from 5-9 p.m. and Friday, Feb. 21 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church.

Pictured above are Whale of a Sale Committee Members Marie Kersey, Megan Kincaid, Tiffany LaRocca, Lauren Hayes, Allison Youngblood, Kim Guest, Amanda Groce and Allison DeGweck. For more, visit whaleofasale.blogspot.com

Vestavia Hills residents selected for Children’s of Alabama Committee for the Future More than three dozen community leaders from the Birmingham metro area and beyond have been named to the Children’s of Alabama Committee for the Future Class of 2014. Two of the new members for the Class of 2014, C. Reynolds Anderson and Patty Cobb, are from Vestavia Hills.

Members were chosen based on nominations and referrals from members of past classes. They all share an interest in the impact of pediatric healthcare in Alabama and will serve as advocates for Children’s and the patients who receive care there.

Throughout the year, Children’s will provide committee members with unique opportunities to support patients and

their families through events, community programs and other hospital-sponsored activities, including the Sugar Plum Shop, an in-hospital holiday toy store for patients and their families who spend the holidays in the hospital.

The Committee for the Future is a program that provides emerging leaders throughout the state opportunities to experience Children’s unique mission so they can share stories of hope and become life-long supporters of the hospital. Members have the opportunity to observe surgical, medical and psychosocial services firsthand during an in-hospital rotation day, in addition to learning about research initiatives.

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20 • February 2014

Sweet relief

Vestavia Voice

Vestavia resident finds niche in allergen-free candy venture

By KATIE TURPEN

It was Halloween 2009, and Vestavia mother Hanson Watkins faced the dilemma of sending out a son with food allergies to trick or treat. Then, shortly thereafter, Watkins’ doctor put her on a wheat-free diet.

With a Master of Business Administration and culinary school under her belt, Watkins started thinking about a solution to her family’s dietary challenges.

“It became very apparent there just wasn’t anything commercially available for people with multiple food allergies. There were some things but it just wasn’t festive,” Watkins said. “So, I thought there could be a business here.”

In 2009, she opened the retail store Indie Candy in Mountain Brook, selling allergen-free and naturally made sweets. In 2010, Watkins closed the store and moved the business out to a plant in Moody for more space and equipment.

Four years later, Indie Candy is thriving as the only “big eight” allergen-free, all-natural candy manufacturer in the United States.

The big eight allergens are wheat/ gluten, dairy, soy, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish and shellfish.

“The thing with food allergies is that most people have more than one,” Watkins said. “For my kids, it was horrifying going to school parties, church parties, etc. They couldn’t have anything. I started out doing it for the kids, but we do

Hanson Watkins, founder of Indie Candy, with her sons Jack and Charlie Spine. Photo courtesy of Hanson Watkins.

a lot of stuff for adults, too.”

Indie Candy ships chocolates, gummies and assorted sweets to everywhere from New York to Alaska to Canada. Unique items include hot chocolate on a stick, cinnamon spice toffee and mango gummies.

Much of what Watkins and her team do is inspired by the Feingold Diet Program, which assesses how food and additives such as dyes and artificial sweeteners can

trigger certain allergies. On Indie Candy’s website, a frequently asked questions section addresses concerns parents may have, offering more information about various candy ingredients as well as resources on food allergies.

Seasonal items and gift baskets are popular products for the company, and Watkins said this Valentine’s Day customers can expect to choose from myriad treats such as champagne truffles and marshmal-

low and chocolate hearts. Indie Candy can be found in local stores in Vestavia and Hoover including Organic Harvest, A Little Something Boutique and other shops around Birmingham.

Watkins said her company often participates in charitable events in the area for organizations such as Mitchell’s Place and events at the Alys Stephens Center.

“We do everything from providing gift baskets to raffles to showing up and giving out cotton candy.” Watkins said.

Watkins said she finds the process of making candy both fascinating and relaxing, reminiscent of her time spent in culinary school.

“I find it very soothing when I get stressed to go and work in the kitchen,” Watkins said. “Candy is like glass. You can really do whatever you want with it.”

Watkins’s social mission is to help people with allergies no longer feel excluded from social events and to enjoy sweets again. She wants parents with young children to give candy to their children without having to worry.

“I love getting out and talking to people. The health food market has a hard time believing this stuff is all that it is,” Watkins said. “They are used to having things that aren’t awesome. We make things that aren’t weird.”

Now holidays like Halloween are no longer cause for concern. In fact, Watkins said many people flock to her house each year for fun, allergen-free sweets.

For more, visit indiecandy.com.

February 2014 • 21

VestaviaVoice.com

School House Vestavia schools join ‘Pitch in for Education’

LPMS students participate in UAB Honor Band Several students were selected to represent Liberty Park Middle School as part of the annual UAB Middle School Honor Band Dec. 5-7. To participate, students were recommended by LPMS band director Jody Bryant. For the auditions, students had to play five major scales and arpeggios.

The UAB Middle School Honor Band consists of four bands: Festival Honor Band, Green Band, Gold Band and White Band. The students performed a concert in the Alys Stephens Center.

Festival Band: Alison Levine, 11th-chair clarinet; Lily Hwang, 12th-chair clarinet.

Green Band: Andrew Perino, secondchair percussion; Nate Gordon, third-chair baritone.

Gold Band: Bess Gordon, first-chair French horn; Nicholas Keriotis, secondchair baritone.

White Band: Taylor Brown, third-chair oboe, Jonathan Wyatt, fifth-chair trombone.

-Submitted by Linda Rummell

Students at VHEE Give Back Joining in the effort to “Pitch In” at Vestavia Hills Elementary Central, which took place Jan. 13-17, are left to right, Harrison Irby, Emily Wigley, Tess Cochran, Laura Ellen Hayes, Eric Ma and Denetria Waller. Photo courtesy of Ashley Thompson.

The Vestavia Hills City School Foundation “Pitch In for Education” is now underway.

The campaign gives students an opportunity to personally make a difference in their schools. By “Pitching In” loose change or bills, students help grow the Foundation’s Education Endowment, which provides a perpetual source of funding for the Vestavia Hills City Schools System.

Giving to the Foundation helps foster and protect our standard of academic excellence. To date, the foundation has granted $606,000 to the Vestavia Hills Schools System for technology, classroom projects and teacher training.

Start pitching in right away. The class in each

school that contributes the most during their Pitch In campaign will win a Bruster’s Real Ice Cream party, and the teacher will win a $50 classroom grant.

Remaining Campaign Dates:  Vestavia Hills Elementary-Cahaba Heights: Feb. 3-7  Vestavia Hills Elementary East and Pizitz Middle School: Feb. 10-14  Vestavia Hills Elementary West: Feb. 24-28  Vestavia Hills Elementary Liberty Park: Mar. 10-14.

-Submitted by Kellie Wigley

Vestavia Hills Elementary East students gave back to people in and around the community in December. All the students participated in a Santa Shop to give to other students in need in the Birmingham area. This year, students collected snacks and made more than 750 snack packs that included their favorite snacks, a handmade card and a special delivery stuffed animal for the students at Hemphill Elementary.

In addition to the Santa Shop, some classes do service projects by choosing an organization to which they can contribute.

First grade: Childs’ Cherubs and Champs earned money at home by doing chores to purchase a gift for children who were patients at Birmingham’s Children Hospital.

Second grade: Pearson’s Pride collected vitamins for an orphanage in Chongqing, China. Mason’s Monkeys supported the Girl Scouts in raising money for the Ronald Mc-

Donald House. Carr’s Race Cars raised $400 for Sonrise Baby Home in Uganda, Africa.

The class also made four blankets to donate to Project Linus, an organization that gives blankets to children receiving chemotherapy treatment. Terry’s Tigers gave Christmas presents and stockings to Grace House. VonEschenbach’s VIPs raised money for the Bell Center and donated the “item of the month” to them. Powell’s Pets contributed to Better Basics.

Third grade: Dunn’s Dalmatians collected new and used clothing for My Child’s Closet, a free clothes closet for children in need. Wall’s Winners donated toys and money and made a visit to the YWCA. Smithey’s Superstars and Wade’s Wildcats decorated placemats for the South Haven Nursing Home’s Christmas lunch.

-Submitted by Staci Blevin

22 • February 2014

Vestavia Voice

Preschoolers experience Super Science Day

2014 enrollment at VHEW begins Feb. 3 If your child will be entering kindergarten or attending Vestavia Hills Elementary-West for the first time this fall, please note that enrollment for students begins Monday, Feb. 3.

Kindergarteners must be 5 years old

by Sept. 1.

You can enroll your child at VHEW’s school office Mondays through Thursdays from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. each day.

If circumstances make it necessary for you to enroll your child on a Friday or beyond these designated hours, please call the school to make arrangements.

A parent or legal guardian must bring the following items to the school in order to enroll a student: 1. Social Security card; 2. Blue Alabama immunization form; 3. Certified birth certificate; 4. Current and valid lease, warranty deed, settlement statement, mortgage

statement or current property tax notice; 5. A utility bill in your name for the current month showing your residence property address; 6. One other item that ties you to the residence, such as proof of residency from the county registrar of voters, a current vehicle registration showing residence address, one other bill mailed to you at your residence address or a canceled check in your name for the current month showing residence property address; 7. If legal custody of a child is split between two parents, you must attach a certified copy of the court order identifying each parent’s respective award of physical custody.

For more, call 402-5151.

-Submitted by Alice Elmore

Jackson Campbell and Tristyn Tackett, preschoolers in the weekday kindergarten program at Saint Mark United Methodist Church, had fun while exploring magnets on a recent Super Science Day. Photo courtesy of Janet Nebrig.

Kindergartners enrolled by April find a surprise on their mailboxes as Vestavia Hill Elementary-West’s Parent Teacher Organization builds excitement for incoming students.

Photo courtesy of Alice Elmore.

Science activities are a common part of many preschool days at Saint Mark United Methodist Church, but on Super Science Days the children enjoy special instruction on a particular topic and have the opportunity to experience

science in a unique way.

The children not only have fun, but they also learn scientific vocabulary and principles that inspire them to explore further in their classrooms or at home.

-Submitted by Janet Nebrig

Book fair coming to VHEW When Vestavia Hills Elementary-West first opened in 1977, Tywanna Burton was put in charge of its library. For 35 years, Burton worked to establish the fantastic library students find at West. Burton retired in 2013, leaving her duties to Carla Johnson, who is also passionate about teaching children to love books. A Vestavia resident, Johnson comes to VHEW after 10 years in the Shelby County system.

“I love teaching kids and the library is a place where I can touch every child and teacher in the school. I find that very fulfilling and challenging at the same time,” Johnson said. “We hope to help shape them into students who have a love for reading, research and learning.”

VHEW’s library has more than 11,000 books, and new titles are constantly being added while old titles are replaced as necessary. The largest fund generator for the library is the annual Scholastic Book Fair, which offers popular titles for various reading levels at reasonable prices.

The book fair is Feb. 14-21. Students will be able to browse and shop several times during the week.

In conjunction with the book fair, VHEW’s Parent Teacher Organization will hold its open house at 5:30 pm on Feb. 20. Families are invited to shop the Scholastic Book Fair during open house.

-Submitted by Alice Elmore

This year’s Vestavia Hills Elementary-West Scholastic Book Fair is Feb. 14-21.

Photo courtesy of Alice Elmore.

February 2014 • 23

VestaviaVoice.com

Girls on the Run at VHEW

Central focuses on enhancing school climate

Throughout the year, VHEC’s climate committee and collaborative team has provided positive initiatives to celebrate successes.

Vestavia Hills Elementary Central kicked off the year at the district institute day with guest speaker and author of “The Energy Bus,” Jon Gordon.

Throughout the year, VHEC’s climate committee and collaborative team has provided positive initiatives to celebrate successes. Community projects such as Guardian Angel, Random Acts of Kindness, Toys VHEW’s Girls on the Run fall team presents a check to a Red Cross representative. The girls coordinated Wacky Hair Day at the school, a fundraiser benefitting the victims of super typhoon Haiyan. Photo courtesy of Alice Elmore.

Girls on the Run is an international nonprofit that inspires girls to be joyful, healthy and confident. It was founded in North Carolina in 1996, and the group teaches life skills through interactive lessons and running games. Vestavia Hills Elementary-West is the first Vestavia school to start its own Girls on the Run team.

Girls on the Run is aimed toward thirdthrough eighth-grade girls. West’s fall team was under the direction of third-grade teachers Lisa Kearney and Emmy White, who volunteered their time while working alongside community volunteer Emily Farmer. The 13 third-graders met twice a week for more than an hour. Each meeting included a lesson, strengthening and

stretching exercises, and a running workout.

Each semester-long session culminates in a celebratory 5K run.

The girls also coordinated a service project.

West’s Girls on the Run team created a fundraiser benefitting the victims of super typhoon Haiyan. Team members invited West students to participate in Wacky Hair Day on Friday, Nov. 22. For the chance to wear “wacky hair,” students donated $1. The total funds raised went to the Red Cross for Philippines relief efforts. More than $1,100 was raised.

West is looking forward to hosting a spring Girls on the Run team.

-Submitted by Alice Elmore

for Tots and the canned food drive are just some of the examples of the heartfelt events that promote the caring spirit within students at Central School. Our belief is that a positive faculty and staff who support and care for one another will be a model to our students and the way they interact with their classmates.

-Submitted by Kellie Wigley

Vestavia Central hosts annual spelling bee Vestavia Hills Elementary Central held its annual school spelling bee on Dec. 9, 2013. Each class conducted a classroom spelling bee, and the top two winners competed in the school bee. Susan McCarthy, VHEC’s reading coach, was the spelling bee pronouncer. Lynne Sullivan, Heather Hurt and Angie Whiddon were the judges for the competition.

-Submitted by Kellie Wigley Vestavia Hills Elementary Central fifth-grader Vincent Wang won first place, and fifth-grader Hannah Ebba won second place. These two advanced to the District Spelling Bee, held Jan. 16 at Vestavia Hills Elementary East.

Photo courtesy of Kellie Wigley.

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24 • February 2014

Vestavia Voice

Sports Vestavia Hills Soccer Club gearing up for spring season

By REBECCA WALDEN From a humble beginning in 1979 when Dennis and Libby Pantazis founded the Vestavia Hills Soccer Club to today, with a robust player roster exceeding 1,200, the club expects its 35th season to be its strongest yet.

“Both the girls’ and boys’ programs have grown so much in the past several years, turning out state champions every year,” said VHSC General Manager Jason Woodall, who grew up playing the sport in nearby Mountain Brook.

“This does not happen without a great community supporting you. The city’s Parks and Rec has been especially wonderful, helping support our mission and foster interest in the development of a city supported soccer program.”

He added that low turnover within VHSC leadership has helped sustain the program’s caliber.

“As far as player development, personal development for the kids, trying to teach them to be good people — these are principles that have defined VHSC since its inception, and the fact that we’ve honored that theme has a lot to do with why we’ve been the same strong club since we started.”

Apart from that leadership, for which Woodall gives longtime Vestavia resident and soccer devotee Joan Rein ample credit, as well as other key administrators including Beth Winston and Gala Camp, he said VHSC differentiates itself through their balance of recreational versus competitive play.

He cites the club’s bridge program as a popular example of that balance.

“It’s evident throughout our program, starting with Mini-Kickers, which we offer to U4 and U5 age categories, and it runs all the way up to the teen years, with our bridge program. That program, while not fully competitive, helps give

The Vestavia Hills Soccer Club girls team poses after a game. Photo courtesy of Jennifer Hagler.

players an idea of what competitive league play is all about. When you bridge, you are training three times a week, and you can really focus on the skill development required at the next level.”

With a player roster that is a near 50/50 split of competitive to recreational play (there are currently 650 competitive league players), VHSC supporters appear to be in step with what the program offers.

And while the club has enjoyed a storied past of championship wins, Woodall said the spoils are secondary to their mission.

“We’re not just trying to win everything,” Woodall said. “We are interested in teaching kids how to be good people and good soccer

players all at the same time.”

VHSC boasts a 90 percent player retention rate, which Woodall views as a positive report card on the club’s approachability and its fun factor.

“When we lose them, it’s typically to other sports,” he said, adding that competition hits its peak in middle school. “All the better athletes are doing multiple competitive sports.

But beyond player retention in our sport, there are much bigger issues in the broader realm of youth development and athletics in general. Everything is more competitive.

Coaches are demanding more from their students. You see a lot of injuries from overuse.

In some cases, you see kids who are treated

like professional athletes — they are doing more in training than a pro. That’s not what we’re about.”

By contrast, Woodall said VHSC focuses on personal development of the individual as a player.

“It’s a great opportunity, and there is really no right or wrong age to begin,” he said. “Soccer is a great sport in that regard. It teaches so many different principles — working with others, teamwork, commitment, dedication and, most importantly, fun.”

VHSC is currently in its 2014 spring enrollment process. To learn more about the Vestavia Hills Steamers (boys’ teams) and the Vestavia Hills Attack (girls’ teams), visit vestaviasoccer.com.

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VestaviaVoice.com AWARDS

CONTINUED from page 1 McCallum will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 25th annual Leadership Vestavia Hills Citizens of the Year banquet on March 6 at 6 p.m. at the Vestavia Hills Country Club. Other honorees are Dr. Ronald Alvarez and the nonprofit organization Cooking with Cancer founded by Dr. Luis Pineda. The program recognizes individuals and groups who make significant contributions to Vestavia Hills through volunteerism, generosity, fundraising and lifetime service.

“All of these honorees have remarkable stories,” said event chair Brent Irby.

McCallum is receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to UAB Medicine, Birmingham and Vestavia Hills. He spent more than 50 years at UAB holding positions as chairman, dean, vice president for three different medical departments, and University president.

McCallum was Mayor of Vestavia Hills from 2000-2008 and has volunteered for several community organizations.

Alvarez will receive the Distinguished Citizen Award for his leadership in medical research.

COOKING

CONTINUED from page 1 He looked through many cancer cookbooks available and found the usual casserole and meat recipes for cancer patients to be uninspiring and unoriginal.

“I was tired of seeing all these generic nutrition bottles and cans,” Pineda said.

Pineda, originally from Guatemala and a graduate of the UAB School of Medicine, decided to combine his knowledge of medicine with the art of cooking. He enrolled in the Culinary Institute of Virginia College and began experimenting with the different ways food affects the mouth and nasal cavities during the stages of cancer.

“These are not just your grandmother’s recipes,” Pineda said. “These are recipes designed

Alvarez is currently a professor, director and vice-chairman and the holder of the Ellen Gregg Shook Culverhouse Chair at UAB. He is nationally recognized as a leader in research and development for ovarian cancer and screening and prevention strategies for cervical cancer.

Alvarez worked under McCallum when he was UAB president. Like McCallum, he is proud to call the city his home.

“Vestavia Hills is such a welcoming community,” Alvarez said. “Everyone here is embraced.”

Nonprofit organization Cooking with Cancer, located on Laurel Road, will receive the Citizen of the Year Award. Pineda researches and develops beneficial recipes for cancer patients as well as their families, friends and caregivers. He has compiled well-researched recipes into a Cooking with Cancer cookbook with a goal to give a free copy to every cancer patient who wants one. So far, 25,000 cookbooks have been distributed worldwide.

Banquet tickets are $45 and may be purchased from the Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce or online at leadershipvestaviahills. com. The banquet is open to the public and sponsorships are available by contacting James Robinson at james.robinson@energen.com.

specially for side effects. Our goal is to create awareness of patients’ poor quality of life due to neglected nutrition from lack of enjoyment in eating.”

Pineda helps patients with side effects such as loss of ability to taste, mouth ulcers and an upset stomach.

His unique recipes include Jalapeño Ice Cream with Pickled Ice, Mango Folds with Coffee Sauce and Plantain Croquettes. Each recipe in his cookbook has a description of how it affects the mouth or digestion process and is put together with the families, caregivers and friends of the cancer patient in mind.

“We don’t claim to be the solution to the problem,” Pineda said. “We just want to make a difference. Quality of care and quality of food is our main goal. We want people to enjoy life again.”

Visit cookingwithcancer.org.

RADIO

CONTINUED from page 1 year career in health care, meant she finally had the time to invest in an idea she’d long considered — to start a women’s radio talk show.

While cruising the Tasman Sea earlier that year with three female friends, Zaragoza’s idea began to take root.

“On that trip, the four of us decided that we wanted to meet as many people as we could,” she said. “It was amazing how whenever we met someone, they just opened up to you and told you about their life.”

In general, Zaragoza knew she wanted the show to explore women’s interests.

But unexpected events this past summer brought what was once a casual notion into sharp focus.

“My brother was very suddenly diagnosed with cancer, and six weeks from the day of diagnosis, he died,” she said. “He was 56 years old.”

From that period, during which she took her mother to his home each day, Zaragoza knew she wanted her show to accomplish more.

Zaragoza reconciled that if she were to pursue the idea of launching a talk show, it needed to focus on real life and real situations, however uncomfortable some of that territory might be.

“That’s when I first thought about the term ‘Women Reaching Out,’” she said. “Think about what we go through every day, whether we are single, married, whatever our season or station in life, there are so many situations where we are challenged to try and make the situation better.”

Focusing on what Zaragoza describes as sharing passion, perseverance and positive projections, she recruited three women who aim to deliver that every Sunday from 7 to 8 a.m. on 97.7 FM The Peach.

The show’s anchor is Edie Hand of northwest Alabama. Hand, who once partnered with Diane’s husband, Mayor Butch Zaragoza, on an anti-bullying campaign

Tune in

97.7 FM The Peach Sunday, 7-8 a.m. womenreachingout.com Streaming live on 977thepeach.com

Call in live

Listeners are encouraged to share their thoughts and ideas.

Toll-free: 1-855-977-9663 Local: 605-0733 with Vestavia Hills City Schools, is an author, actress and three-time cancer survivor.

Hand is also the second cousin of Elvis Presley.

She is joined by Susan Flowers, who recently moved to Vestavia after more than 30 years in Hawaii, where she hosted a radio show with her husband, a retired plastic surgeon.

Rounding out the hosting trio is Susan Vawter of Liberty Park. Vawter has modeled and also holds a degree in industrial design, which led her to a successful career with Ford Motor Company for which she did work ranging from marketing to auto design.

While Hand is in her 60s and Flowers and Vawter are in their 40s, Zaragoza is adamant that the show’s format has appeal to span the decades.

“It’s for all women. We are discussing all seasons of a woman’s life,” she said, recalling the show’s key catchphrase. “We want to teach women how to become genuine pearl girls who have got grit.”

The phrase comes from a favorite story told by Hand.

“She tells this beautiful story of pearls and how a strand of pearls represents the seasons in a woman’s life,” Zaragoza said. “Each pearl or season correlates to a different piece of scripture. It’s a poignant and relatable message, and one that we hope to build upon, with plans to eventually award a deserving woman in our community with the distinction of being the Genuine Pearl Girl of the Year.”

26 • February 2014

Vestavia Voice

Community Calendar Vestavia Hills events Fridays: Wine Tasting. 5-6:30 p.m. Vestavia Wine Cellar, 1080 Montgomery Highway next to Red Lobster. Email ashley@thewinecellar. info.

On Feb. 7, guests are invited to the First Friday Reception at Artists Incorporated from 5:30-8:30 p.m.

The free event features wine, food and live music and the chance to meet this month’s featured artists. Call 979-8990 or visit artistsincorporated.com.

Feb. 1: Rhythm & Muse. 6:30-10:30 p.m.

Vestavia Country Club. Event hosted by the Birmingham Music Club Guild to raise funds for its music scholarship program and to support the Birmingham Music Club concert series. Cocktails, dining, dancing and a live auction. $75. Contact Beth Adams at dsadams301@aol.com.

Feb. 3: Kindergarten enrollment begins.

Feb. 5: Parent Awareness Meeting. Noon.

Board of Education.

Feb. 6: In-State College Fair. VHHS. Feb. 7: Auction. Vestavia Hills Elementary West.

Feb. 7: First Friday Reception. 5:30-8:30 p.m. Artists Incorporated. Wine, food and live music. Free. Call 979-8990 or visit artistsin-

corporated.com

Feb. 21: Teacher Appreciation Luncheon.

11:30 a.m. Cahaba Heights Elementary.

Feb. 10: Senior Citizen Luncheon. 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Dogwood Room, Vestavia Hills Civic Center.

Feb. 21: White Rose Ball. 6-11 p.m.

Vestavia Country Club. Visit whiteroseball.com.

Feb. 10: Enrichment Conference. Pizitz Middle School.

Feb. 22: Tree Seedling Giveaway. 9 a.m.

Cahaba Heights Elementary School.

Feb. 14: Book Fair. Vestavia Hills Elementary West.

Feb. 22: Eighth annual Dinner & Diamonds event. 7 p.m. Ted’s Garage. Benefits Vestavia Hills City Schools Foundation.

Feb. 14: Parent Teacher Conference Day. Feb. 17: Pitch In. Vestavia Hills Elementary East.

Feb. 19: Teacher Appreciation Breakfast.

Vestavia Hills Elementary Central.

Feb. 20: Open House. 5 p.m. Vestavia Hills Elementary West.

Feb. 20-21: Whale of a Sale Consignment.

Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church. Visit thewhaleofasale.com

Feb. 23: An evening with Rachel Stafford.

5-7 p.m. Vestavia HIlls Baptist Church Feb. 24: Jump Rope for Heart. Cahaba Heights Elementary.

Feb. 27: Family Fun Night. Liberty Park Elementary.

Feb. 28: Market on the Mountain. Visit marketonthemountain.com

City events

The White Rose Ball will be Feb. 21 from 6-11 p.m. at the Vestavia Country Club. Visit whiteroseball.com.

Feb. 10. City Council Meeting. 5 p.m.

Council Chambers.

Feb. 13: Planning and Zoning Commission. Council Chamber. Call 978-0184.

Feb. 20: Planning & Zoning Commission.

Council Chamber. Call 978-0184.

Feb. 11: Chamber Luncheon. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Vestavia Country Club

Feb. 18: Parks & Recreation Board.

7-8:30 a.m. 1973 Merryvale Road. For more, call 978-0166.

Feb. 24: City Council Meeting. 5 p.m.

Council Chambers.

February 2014 • 27

VestaviaVoice.com

Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest

Greater Birmingham area events Feb. 8: Johnny Mathis in Concert. 8 p.m.

Alabama Theatre. The American icon will join the Alabama Symphony Orchestra for a Valentine’s-themed trip through the decades of his hits. Visit alabamasymphony.org.

Feb. 14-16: Mercedes-Benz Marathon Weekend. Full marathon, half marathon, marathon relay and Superhero 5K. Online registration fees. Visit mercedesmarathon. com.

Feb. 15: aTeam Ministries 2014 Heart 2 HeART Event. 6-9 p.m. Ted’s Garage. The event gathers children with pediatric cancer and pairs them with a professional artist to aid them in expressing themselves through art. $100 per person. Call 401-8232 or visit ateamministries.org.

Feb. 15: Wild About Chocolate. 6 p.m.

The Harbert Center, downtown Birmingham.

Benefiting the Alabama Wildlife Center. Visit awrc.org/Wild About Chocolate or call 6637930, ext. 8.

organization providing literacy intervention and enrichment in schools. Ennis Whatley, a former University of Alabama and NBA basketball player who grew up in Birmingham, will speak. $75 per person, $1,000 per table.

Visit betterbasics.org.

Feb. 20-23: Alabama Ballet Presents Romeo and Juliet. Wright Center, Samford University. $20-55. Visit samford.edu/wrightcenter.

Feb. 21: A Night Under the Big Top. 8 p.m. The Club. Circus-themed gala benefits Glenwood Autism & Behavioral Health Center. $60 per person, $110 per pair in advance.

Call 795-3251.

Feb. 21-23: Severe Weather Sales Tax Holiday. Alabama will hold its annual sales tax holiday giving shoppers the opportunity to purchase certain severe-weather preparedness supplies free of state sales or use tax.

12:01 a.m. Feb. 21- 12 midnight Feb. 23.

Visit revenue.alabama.gov/salestax/WPSalesTaxHol.cfm.

Feb. 16: SuperJazz Concert. 3 p.m. Brock Recital Hall, Samford University. Birmingham’s top jazz musicians will perform. $5 adults, $3 students. Tickets available only at the door. Call 335-2961.

Feb. 22: Jazz Cat Ball. 7 p.m.-midnight.

Old Car Heaven. Mardi Gras-style event hosted by the Greater Birmingham Humane Society Auxiliary. Visit gbhs.org.

Feb. 20: Celebrate 20in14. 6 p.m. The Club. A celebration of 20 years and 20 honorees of Better Basics, a nonprofit

Feb. 22-23: Birmingham Camellia Show. 1-5 p.m. Saturday, 1-4 p.m. Sunday.

Birmingham Botanical Gardens.

Feb. 22-May 18: Delacroix and a Matter of Finish. Birmingham Museum of Art. The first Eugene Delacroix (1798-1863) exhibition in the United States in more than a decade features the work of the leader of the French Romantic Movement, who was often heralded as the “father of impressionism.”

Call 254-2565 or visit artsbma.org.

February

events

Contact Eden Pfaff at epfaff@bham.lib.al.us or 978-4678 or visit vestavialibrary.org Feb. 1: Microsoft Excel Part 1. 12 p.m.

Feb. 1: Microsoft Excel Part 2. 3:30 p.m.

Feb. 3: Microsoft Word Part 1. 5:30 p.m.

Feb. 4: Microsoft Word Part 2. 5:30 p.m.

Feb. 23: Ride To Change The Future. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Levite Jewish Community Center. Six-hour indoor cycling event dedicated to raising funds to support much-needed ovarian cancer research. $45 registration fee.

Visit ovariancycle.kintera.org/birmingham.

Feb. 11: Critter Tales. 6 p.m.. A light supper will be served followed by a program featuring two live animal stories. Come see the surprise visitors! For more, call 978-0155.

Feb. 23: Over the Mountain Festival of Sacred Music. Mountain Brook Baptist Church. Guest clinician is Dr. Terre Smith. All are invited to attend this free concert, titled “Sing Alleluia.” Visit otmfestivals.org.

Feb. 13: Internet 101. 6 p.m.

Feb. 28-March 2: Cottontail’s Village Arts, Crafts and Gift Show. BJCC. $6 adults, $2 children age 6-12, free for ages 5 and younger. Visit bjcc.org.

March 3-7: Finish the Fight Love-Love Magic City Tennis Challenge. Various locations. Benefits the Robert E. Reed Gastrointestinal Oncology Research Foundation. Register at reedgifoundation.com/ our-events.

Feb. 12: Mac 101. 10:30 a.m.

Feb. 12: Resume 101. 2 p.m.

Feb. 17: Introduction to the Computer. 6 p.m.

Feb. 18: Introduction to Microsoft PowerPoint. 6 p.m.

Feb. 20: Introduction to Micro Publisher. 6 p.m.

Feb. 20: Friends of the Library. 10-11 a.m. Community Room. For more, call 978-0155.

Feb. 20: Elephant and Piggie Celebrate Friendship.

10:30 a.m. Mo Willem’s Elephant and Piggie characters will show everyone the importance of friends. For ages 5 and under. For more, call 978-0155 or visit vestavialibrary. org.

Feb. 22: Windows 8. 11 a.m.

Feb. 24: Microsoft Excel Part 1. 5 p.m.

Feb. 27: Microsoft Excel Part 2. 5:30 p.m.

Feb. 27: Friends of Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest Program. 10 a.m. Conservation photographer Beth Maynor Young will discuss her book, Longleaf, Far as the Eye Can See. For more, contact 978-0155.

28 • February 2014

Vestavia Voice