Village Living April 2025

Changing the game

By TIM STEPHENS

lake Patterson looked at the screen and couldn’t believe his eyes.

It was the afternoon of Feb. 21, and Mountain Brook’s girls basketball team was playing in the Class 6A Northeast Regional final in Jacksonville — a game that would send the Lady Spartans to the state final four for the first time in school history. Back on campus, more than 700 students were engaging with Wunderfan, the sports fan engagement app Patterson cofounded.

Patterson pulled up the app’s heat map and saw a storm of activity centered over Mountain Brook High School — a dense cluster of logins from students in class, interacting with the platform during the game.

“We’re respecting the polygon,” Patterson said with a grin, referencing legendary Birmingham weather forecaster James Spann’s catchphrase when warning people to stay inside storm boundaries during tornado season. “It looked just like a radar image. The whole school was lighting up.”

More than 700 of the school’s 967 students had actively used Wunderfan that day, a staggering 72% of the student body. Some were checking scores, others making predic tions. When the Lady Spartans hit a big shot in their win over Fort Payne, dozens of students instantly claimed virtual points called Wundercoins for their reactions.

By SARAH OWENS

Wunderfan app founder Blake Patterson shows off the app’s features at Mountain Brook High School. Photo by Savannah Schmidt.

Find tips and tricks from area businesses to jump-start any spring project in our guide.

Steve Boone, Mountain Brook’s new city manager, will take up the position this December. Photo by Solomon Crenshaw Jr.

SPONSORED CONTENT

Protect your skin and prevent skin cancer: expert advice from Dr. Stephanie Ives

When it comes to skin cancer, early detection and prevention are key. As one of the most common cancers in the U.S., skin cancer affects millions each year — but the good news is that it’s also one of the most preventable.

Dr. Stephanie Ives, a board-certified dermatologist at Total Dermatology, is passionate about helping patients protect their skin, recognize warning signs, and receive the best possible care. Whether you’re looking for expert advice on sunscreen, curious about skin cancer screenings, or need guidance on changes to watch for, Total Dermatology is your go-to destination for healthy skin.

SUN PROTECTION: YOUR 1ST LINE OF DEFENSE

“One of the best things you can do for your skin is to limit unprotected sun exposure,” says Dr. Ives. “UV rays can cause premature aging, sunburns, and, most importantly, increase your risk of skin cancer.”

To enjoy the outdoors safely, Dr. Ives recommends:

• Daily sunscreen use: Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30+ and apply it every morning. Don’t forget easily overlooked areas like your ears, neck, and hands.

• Reapplying frequently: Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours, or every 80 minutes if swimming or sweating.

• Seeking shade: Stay out of direct sunlight between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when UV rays are most intense.

• Wearing UPF-rated clothing: Look for UPF 50+ sun-protective clothing, wide brimmed hats, and UV-blocking sunglasses.

• Avoiding tanning bed: “Indoor tanning is incredibly harmful,” Dr. Ives warns. “Just one tanning session significantly increases your risk of melanoma.”

At Total Dermatology, we specialize in customized plans to help patients of all skin types stay safe.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT SUNSCREEN: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

With so many options available, selecting the right sunscreen can be overwhelming. Dr. Ives breaks it down:

• Physical (Mineral) Sunscreens: Contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which reflect UV rays. Best for sensitive skin, pregnant individuals, and children.

• Chemical Sunscreens: Absorb UV rays and convert them into heat. Often lighter and invisible on the skin.

“The best sunscreen is the one you’ll actually wear,” says Dr. Ives. If you’re unsure, we offer expert product recommendations to help you find the right fit for your skin.

WARNING SIGNS: WHEN TO SEE A DERMATOLOGIST

Not all moles or spots are dangerous, but some changes should never be ignored.

“One of the easiest ways to monitor your skin is by remembering the ABCDE rule for melanoma detection,” explains Dr. Ives:

• A – Asymmetry: One half of the mole looks different from the other.

• B – Border: Irregular, uneven, or blurred edges.

• C – Color: Multiple shades in one spot— brown, black, red, or even white.

• D – Diameter: Larger than 6mm (pencil eraser size).

• E – Evolution: Changes in size, shape, or color over time.

• Where: 1927 1st Ave. N., Suite 200 in Birmingham (with locations also in Gardendale, Trussville and Bessemer)

• Call: 205-933-0987

• Web: totalskinandbeauty.com

“Any spot that grows, bleeds, itches, or doesn’t heal properly should be checked by a dermatologist,” advises Dr. Ives. What to Expect During a Skin Cancer Screening If you’ve never had a skin cancer screening, you may be wondering what happens during the exam. At Total Dermatology, the process is quick,

painless, and could save your life.

You’ll change into a medical gown so that Dr. Ives or another highly trained provider can thoroughly examine your skin from head to toe. Any suspicious moles or spots will be evaluated and, if necessary, a biopsy may be recommended. Your dermatologist will discuss treatment options or create a plan for monitoring any areas of concern.

“Our goal is to give patients peace of mind,” says Dr. Ives. “Skin cancer is highly treatable when caught early, and we’re here to provide the best care possible.”

YOUR SKIN HEALTH STARTS HERE

Dr. Ives and the team at Total Dermatology are dedicated to keeping your skin healthy, radiant, and cancer-free. Whether you need a personalized skincare routine, expert sun protection advice, or a comprehensive skin exam, their practice is ready to help.

Schedule your annual skin cancer screening today — because when it comes to your skin, early detection saves lives.

Editor’s Note By Sarah Owens

Change is on the horizon for Mountain Brook as Steve Boone prepares to take over as city manager in December, succeeding longtime leader Sam Gaston. This month’s cover story explores Boone’s career in Mountain Brook and how it has prepared him for this role.

Also in this issue, learn how Mountain Brook native Blake Anderson is bringing a new approach to fan engagement, and meet the students selected for the Starnes Media Creator Collective.

In events, Mountain Brook’s Sam Holt is set to perform at the upcoming Rocky Ridge Battle of the Bands, and we preview next month’s Spring Art Show by the Mountain Brook Art

Association. On the sports side, the Mountain Brook girls basketball team reached the Final Four for the first time in program history. This month’s community section highlights Dr. Ronald Orso, a Mountain Brook resident who has built a 50-year career as an OB-GYN, and Rev. Sheryl Thornton, who retired last month after 17 years at Canterbury United Methodist Church.

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By STAFF

In-Person. Interdenominational. Affordable.

Full-tuition scholarships will be awarded to top MDiv applicants for the 2025-26 academic year.

Samford University’s Beeson Divinity School offers a robust Master of Divinity in our in-person, community-oriented model of theological education. Thanks to a generous donation, our flagship degree is more affordable than ever before. Don’t miss your chance to experience the Beeson difference.

The Mountain Brook City Council transitioned to YouTube for streaming its meetings in 2025, replacing Zoom due to reliability issues. Image by Sarah Owens

Council switches to YouTube for streaming, improves virtual attendance options

By SARAH OWENS

The Mountain Brook City Council transitioned to YouTube for streaming its meetings in 2025, replacing Zoom due to reliability issues.

“The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the need for increased online accessibility, leading the city to offer streaming of council sessions as a courtesy to residents,” City Clerk Heather Richards said. “In response, the city initially adopted Zoom as a platform for broadcasting meetings. However, over time, Zoom proved to be increasingly unreliable, necessitating a transition to YouTube for streaming. This change was made to ensure a more stable and seamless viewing experience.”

The city also installed new cameras in the council chambers and the conference room where pre-meetings are held. The new cameras provide higher-quality visuals, and the pre-meeting room camera angle was

adjusted to focus on the council instead of the audience, Richards said.

Meeting videos will remain on the city’s YouTube page until the following morning before removal. In contrast, Homewood and Vestavia Hills leave their meeting videos online indefinitely, and Hoover leaves its videos online for at least eight years. Mountain Brook officials hope the short-term availability will encourage more in-person attendance.

“YouTube videos are intended to allow individuals to attend virtually in real time as a matter of convenience only,” Richards said. “In-person attendance at public meetings is highly encouraged to facilitate public participation and engagement with elected officials. The videos do not represent the official record of the public meetings.”

Meetings will be livestreamed on the city's YouTube channel, @cityofmountainbrook. To watch live, search the handle, select the city’s logo and click “Live.”

Mayor’s Minute

By Stewart Welch III

Since becoming mayor in 2016, one of my initiatives has been to reduce the use of gas blowers throughout our city.

In 2019, the city hired a national consultant to evaluate our use of gas blowers versus the possibility of transitioning to battery-powered blowers. The amount of gas and noise pollution was eye-opening, and while the initial cost of purchasing battery equipment was significantly higher, the cost over the life of the equipment was similar. With battery-powered equipment, there is very little maintenance, no pollution, and minimal noise.

We successfully transitioned both the Public Works and Parks and Recreation departments to battery power in all but the most adverse weather conditions and have significantly reduced noise pollution around our villages and parks. As a result, Mountain Brook became the first American Green Zone Alliance (AGZA)-certified city in Alabama in 2021. We are the leader in this effort and intend to stay that way.

In January, we held an event to further raise awareness of quiet technologies and introduced state-of-the-art blower equipment developed by Whisper Aero, a Nashville-based company that works in drone technology for the Department of Defense. Their blower uses fresh technology to deliver quieter, more powerful equipment that they expect to have in production in 2026.

One attendee, Jennifer Thomas, owner of Meta’s Garden Landscaping, expressed her excitement about the innovation: “I was impressed with this unique application of Aero technology to benefit our industry and community. Being

able to move forward with equipment that is affordable, quiet, and powerful is a win for everyone.”

Several local landscape companies participated in the demonstration event, including Steven’s Wack-N-Sack. Owner Steven Gladstone brought his ecofriendly, all-battery-equipment truck, which features solar-recharging roof panels, and highlighted the benefits of switching to electric tools. These include reduced noise, pollution, and user fatigue, along with lower maintenance costs and improved working conditions.

Local commercial vendor Green Landscaping also attended and has agreed to be a beta tester for transitioning a truck to green technology in coordination with the city’s consultant at AGZA. Greenworks (no relation to Green Landscaping), based in Tennessee, will supply the equipment and prepare the truck. The goal is proof of concept — showing the effectiveness, efficiency, and business worthiness of battery-powered versus gas-powered blowers and equipment.

I hope you will bring your family to our Citizens Appreciation Week event on April 26 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., where we will showcase some of this cutting-edge technology.

Business Buzz

BUSINESS HAPPENINGS

NEWS & ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Libby’s Friends recently hit a major milestone, distributing a total of 1,000 grants across Alabama to support individuals living with disabilities since its founding in 2020. The nonprofit also recently joined the Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce, further cementing its presence in Mountain Brook. 205-529-8377, libbysfriends.org

The Birmingham Zoo has named Jody Cassell as its new deputy director. Cassell previously spent more than 20 years at the Brevard Zoo in Melbourne, Florida, where she held leadership positions, most recently as director of guest experience and vendor management. She also served as director of conservation at Brevard

Zoo and won national awards for her efforts. At the Birmingham Zoo, she will oversee animal health, operations, maintenance, landscaping, learning and engagement, as well as living collection and animal care. 205-879-0409, birminghamzoo.com

ANNIVERSARIES

The Cook Store is celebrating 26 years at 2841 Cahaba Road. The shop sells products for cooking and entertaining, including kitchenware, bakeware, cookware, kitchen tools and pottery. 205-879-5277, thecookstoremtnbrook.com

Hello Bakery has been whipping up cookies, cakes and small-batch ice creams for two years at 1109 Dunston Ave. Pastry chef and bakery owner Wim Miree takes pride in making this location his one and only. 205-201-5668

Leaf & Petal has been open for 51 years at 2817 Cahaba Road, Suite 2322. The business offers a wide variety of plants, garden décor, pots and more. 205-871-3832, leafnpetal.com

A’Mano Gifts has been selling gifts for 27 years at 281 Rele St. The lifestyle gallery specializes in handmade and one-of-a-kind items. 205-871-9093, amanogifts.com

Town and Country Clothes has been in business for 82 years. The store at 74 Church St. offers a carefully chosen collection of women’s clothing. 205-871-7909, townandcountryclothes.com

Rousso Adams Facial Plastic Surgery is celebrating 25 years in Mountain Brook. Dr. Daniel Rousso and Dr. Austin Adams provide surgical and non-surgical procedures, along with med-spa services. The office is at 2700 U.S. 280, Suite 300W. 205-930-9595, drrousso.com

Mountain Brook Eye Care has been serving the com-

SPOTLIGHT GET TO KNOW

Will Mason, owner of Mason Music

By STAFF

Will Mason is the owner of Mason Music, a local chain of music education centers and supply stores.

Q: Tell us about your business.

A: Mason Music exists to teach, equip and empower the next generation of music makers. We do this by teaching private lessons on guitar, piano, voice and drums with our incredible, award-winning teachers. We also sell beginner instruments so that we can equip our students with what they need to succeed.

Q: How did you get involved with the business?

A: Well, I'm what I like to call an accidental entrepreneur. I did not set out to start a business. No, rather I had someone approach me and asked me to teach them guitar

lessons. That's how this whole thing started.

Q: What sets you apart from your competitors?

A: One thing that sets us apart from our competition is just our size. With over 65 teachers on our staff, we're able to match each student with someone who is a good fit for them based on their skill set, their goals, their personality and their schedule. Additionally, we have some really unique performance opportunities, like Rock Band League where students can join a band, learn how to play with other young musicians and play real shows at some of the best venues here in Birmingham.

Q: What would your customers say they like about you?

A: One of the main things our parents really appreciate about Mason Music is the way we invest in their children's confidence.

Do you have news to share about a business in Mountain Brook or the greater Birmingham area? Let us know at starnesmedia.com/business-happenings

Village Living is spotlighting local businesses in print and online. Submit your business for consideration here: go.starnesmedia.com/business-spotlight

munity for two years at 921 Jemison Lane. Dr. Jeremy Edgerly provides adult and pediatric eye exams, contact lens fittings and emergency eye care. The office also offers luxury frames and sunglasses. 205-341-9595, mtnbrookeyes.com

Little Buckhead Blue has been open for two years at 341 Rele St. in Lane Parke. The store specializes in upscale items for babies and children. 205-834-8078, littlebuckheadblue.com

Combs Village Healthcare is celebrating two years at 600 Olde English Lane, Suite 100. The clinic offers primary care, sports medicine and more. 205-407-4707, combsvillagehealthcare.com

The White Room Bridal Salon is celebrating 20 years at 2415 Canterbury Road. The boutique caters to brides, mothers and debutantes. 205-970-6767, thewhiteroombirmingham.com

Oak Street Garden Shop: Mountain Brook staple for more than 30 years

By STAFF

Nestled in the heart of Crestline Village, Oak Street Garden Shop & Local Market has been a beloved destination for gardening enthusiasts and home decorators for more than 30 years. Since opening in 1990, the shop has grown from a tent in the parking lot into a vibrant community hub.

The shop offers seasonal plants and flowers, garden shrubs, herbs and vegetables and specializes in container gardening, creativity and instruction.

Owner Billy Angell points to quality plants and top-tier customer service as the reasons for their success. The spring months bring a variety of plants, including unusual annuals, perennials, tropicals and shrubs.

The shop is also known for their custom

outdoor planter combinations, and customers can have a living arrangement created in their own container or with one bought from the store. Their arrangements, using mixtures of houseplants, orchids and other flowering material are a popular sell year round.

Beautiful orchids, kalanchoes and bromeliads can be found in the shop’s greenhouse all year, along with other seasonal plants. During the long growing season, the nursery is full of color and packed with healthy annuals, perennials, herbs, shrubs and statuary.

Oak Street Garden Shop also partners with Mountain Brook’s Emmet O’Neal Library to maintain the pollinator garden they created in 2014 in the field across the street. For more information, visit oakstreetgardenshop.com or stop by 115 Oak St. and from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Billy Angell, owner of Oak Street Garden Shop, stands near orchids, ferns and other flowering plants in the greenhouse at the shop in Crestline Village. Staff photo.

Will Mason, owner and CEO of Mason Music. Photo courtesy of Mason Music.

SPONSORED CONTENT

Bringing clean Cajun comfort to Mountain Brook and beyond

For Chef Kimm Free, cooking is more than a profession — it’s an act of love. With her business, Clean Cajun Cookin', she is redefining what it means to eat well in Mountain Brook and surrounding areas, offering delicious, Cajun-inspired meals that are as nourishing as they are flavorful.

A Louisiana native, Free grew up surrounded by the bold flavors of Cajun cuisine. But as she watched her family struggle with health issues tied to their diets, she made it her mission to create a better way to enjoy the food she loved.

“I knew I didn’t want to give up Cajun food,” Free says. “So I had to figure out how to make it healthier while keeping all the flavor.”

That determination led her to launch Clean Cajun Cookin' in August, a personal chef service that provides nutritious, customized meal prep and catering with a Southern twist. From blackened salmon with asparagus to a spicy chicken sandwich that satisfies without the guilt, Free’s dishes are designed to fit seamlessly into busy lives while still offering the comforting flavors of home.

PERSONALIZED MEALS, THOUGHTFUL SERVICE

Free’s approach to meal prep is deeply personal. Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all menu, she works with each client to craft meals that meet their specific dietary needs and preferences.

“I sit down with my clients and really get to know their tastes,” she explains. “What flavors they like, how spicy they want their food, even which vegetables they prefer. Then, I create a customized menu just for them.”

The process is simple but thorough. After an initial consultation, Free develops a menu of nearly 20 meal options tailored to her client’s preferences. Each week, they select their favorites, and Free handles the rest —

shopping for high-quality, fresh ingredients, preparing meals in their home, packaging them and leaving the kitchen spotless. All that’s left for clients to do is heat up their food and enjoy.

For those focused on health and fitness, Free also offers macro-conscious meal planning.

“If you’re counting calories or tracking macros, I can work with you to make sure your meals align with your goals,” she says. “Eating healthy shouldn’t mean eating bland.”

FLAVORS WITHOUT GUILT

CAJUN

While Clean Cajun Cookin' offers a variety of meals,

| birminghamboyschoir.org/auditions 205-767-9219 | 2025 Kentucky Ave, STE D, Birmingham, AL 35216

Clean Cajun Cookin’

• Call: 504-295-3109

• Email: cleancajuncookin@gmail.com

• Web: cleancajuncookin.com

the most popular dishes reflect Free’s Louisiana roots.

“People love my gumbo and my Alfredo,” she says with a laugh. “Those aren’t necessarily the healthiest, but you have to have a little balance in life.”

For those looking for something on the lighter side, her mixed veggie spaghetti squash with lamb (or turkey) meatballs is a favorite.

“It’s all about using fresh ingredients and making everything from scratch,” she adds. “That’s how you keep the flavors bold but the food clean.”

Her passion for clean cooking doesn’t stop at meal prep. Free also offers private cooking classes and catering for events, helping more people discover that healthy food doesn’t have to be boring.

A TASTE OF LOUISIANA

Now two years into her time in Alabama, Free has found a warm welcome in the metro Birmingham community.

“People here remind me of home — friendly, welcoming, and they love good food,” she says. And for those who crave the authentic flavors of New Orleans but want to keep their meals light, Clean Cajun Cookin' offers the best of both worlds.

As an incentive, Free is currently offering a $100 discount on first-time meal prep services for clients who book now through August.

For more information or to book a consultation, visit cleancajuncookin.com or call 504-295-3109.

Abhi Sainju, executive chef at Surf Hound Sips and Bites

By STAFF

Q: How’d you get started in the industry?

A: When I came to America back in 1996, I was going to college and the best schedule for me to go to college and work was the restaurant business, the restaurant industry. And, ever since then, I’ve been involved with restaurants, many different kinds. That’s why I learned all the different activities, the different fields, the different departments.

Q: What’s your favorite part about working in the industry?

A: Well, the favorite part is cooking is my hobby, so it’s not even working for me.

Q: What is your favorite item on the menu and why?

A: The favorite menu item at Surf Hound is — which I’ve been wanting to do at other locations too, but somehow it just ended up here — the crab fried rice.

We use duck fat for that. Duck fat and olive oil, and we use jasmine rice. It’s got all the vegetables; it’s got some shredded carrots, scallions, cilantro, red onions. We’ve got shrimp and, of course, we have the crab. And Thai basil, that’s inspired from — I guess it’s like a Thai fried rice.

Q:Anything new or upcoming we should know?

A: Soon we’ll be putting out our special menu, where we’ll have wagyu beef. We’ll have pot stickers. We’ll have wagyu wraps, lobster rolls and some other things like that coming up very, very soon.

SPOTLIGHT

Craft’s on Church Street blends tradition with modern flavors

By STAFF

Craft’s on Church Street in Mountain Brook wasn’t always known for its signature chicken dishes.

Previously known as Miss Dot’s, the restaurant underwent a transformation under the ownership of the O’Neal family. Craft O’Neal Jr. and his father were involved with Miss Dot’s from its beginning and later partnered with Tyre Stuckey and Tim Ferguson, the restaurant’s former owners. In 2018, the O’Neals took over management, and by August 2019, they assumed full ownership. Under their leadership, the restaurant has

expanded its menu to include bowls, wraps, and updated versions of classic dishes while maintaining its well-known fried chicken. The space also features a modernized interior and sidewalk seating for outdoor dining.

O’Neal’s family influences, including Greek chicken and his grandfather’s special sauce, have shaped the menu, incorporating nostalgic flavors alongside contemporary options.

In 2023, the restaurant expanded with a second location on 7th Avenue in downtown Birmingham.

For more information or to view the menu, visit craftsbhm.com.

Christopher M. Beaumont, MD E. Lyle Cain, Jr., MD

Andrew M. Cordover, MD

Jeffrey C. Davis, MD

Jeffrey R. Dugas, MD

Benton A. Emblom, MD

Christopher H. Garrett, MD

Daniel C. Kim, MD

Wayne McGough, Jr., MD

Kathleen E. McKeon, MD

K. David Moore, MD

Charles C. Pitts, Jr., MD

Marcus A. Rothermich, MD

Norman E. Waldrop, III, MD

Matthew B. Beidleman, MD

Christopher S. Carter, MD

Emily Bell Casey, MD

Ricardo E. Colberg, MD

Rachel G. Henderson, MD

Monte M. Ketchum, DO

José O. Ortega, MD

T. Daniel Smith, MD

Jay S. Umarvadia, MD

Charles T. Carnel, MD

Abhi Sainju is the executive chef at Surf Hound, a coastal-inspired restaurant in Mountain Brook Village.

Sainju

Craft’s on Church Street is located in the former site of Miss Dot’s in Crestline Village. Staff photo.

SPONSORED CONTENT

New weight-loss procedure offers faster recovery and lasting results

Millions of Americans struggle each day with obesity. In fact, nearly 40% of adults are obese, according to the CDC. This struggle affects not only their health but also their self-image and quality of life.

In addition, diets are tough to stick to, and some of the newer weight-loss medications, such as GLP-1 injections, may be too expensive for some patients.

Bariatric surgery is one of the most effective ways for people living with obesity to lose weight successfully for the long term. These procedures typically involve removing parts of the gastrointestinal tract so patients can eat less and still feel full.

However, even the least invasive of the current bariatric surgeries — a sleeve gastrectomy — may require up to a month for the patient to fully recover.

But there’s now a new, far less invasive procedure — the endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty. The ESG configures the stomach into a smaller shape without making external incisions or removing organ tissue, and patients can recover in a few days.

The experienced physicians at Advanced Surgeons PC at Grandview Medical Center, including Dr. Andrew Frey, will soon offer the ESG procedure to patients in Birmingham. The surgeries will be done at Birmingham Surgery Center (BSC) in Homewood beginning

in mid-April.

Advanced Surgeons has partnered with BSC to “allow patients more convenient scheduling, easier accessibility and a more cost-effective alternative to inpatient care,” Dr. Frey says.

The ESG is an “innovative procedure due to the minimally invasive, non-surgical approach,” Dr. Frey says.

Using a sewing device attached to a flexible tube called an endoscope, surgeons can sew the stomach from the inside to reduce its capacity by 70% to 80%.

“The capacity of the stomach is reduced similar to a traditional sleeve

gastrectomy, but without scars, without pain,” Dr. Frey says. “This provides a lower risk and very quick recovery.”

Clinical evidence shows that ESG can result in significant, lasting weight loss when used in conjunction with a prescribed diet and exercise program.

The ESG is a perfect choice for several types of patients, Dr. Frey says.

“Primarily, we see patients who have had some success with medical weight loss, but either the side effects of a medication or high financial costs of the medication limit prolonged use,” Dr. Frey says. “Other patients have concerns with their weight but are

Advanced Surgeons P.C.

• Where: 3686 Grandview Parkway, Suite 400

• Call: 205-595-8985

• Web: advancedsurgeonspc.com

not candidates for traditional bariatric surgery either due to a BMI under 35 or lack of additional medical problems. Then there are some patients who are just not ready to undergo surgery but recognize the importance of addressing their health.”

Dr. Frey says that it’s gratifying to help people get control of their weight, but that the weight loss itself “is just scratching the surface.”

He says he also hears from patients about their “increased energy levels, decreased joint pain, no longer requiring blood pressure medications, no longer requiring daily insulin injections, the smiles of patients revealing before and after photos, chasing kids around. Those are the rewards — knowing you have helped reshape a patient’s life for the better.”

Advanced Surgeons PC holds monthly in-person and online seminars so that prospective patients can learn more about the procedures.

For details, call 205-595-8985 or go to advancedsurgeonspc.com.

Recently sold homes in Mountain Brook

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Community calendar

DOCUMENT DESTRUCTION AND ELECTRONICS RECYCLING DAY

► Where: Mountain Brook High School

► When: April 9, 9 a.m.–noon

► Web: mtnbrook.org

► Details: The City of Mountain Brook is partnering with Gone For Good, a program of the local nonprofit United Ability, to host this event. It will feature an on-site, secure paper document destruction truck and an environmentally friendly way to dispose of most electronics, except for TVs and household appliances. Volunteers will assist with a drive-thru drop-off process. Open to Mountain Brook residents and businesses.

BIRMINGHAM BOTANICAL GARDENS PLANT SALE

► Where: Birmingham Botanical Gardens

► When: April 10, 1–5:30 p.m.; April 11, 8 a.m.–5:30 p.m.; April 12, 8 a.m.–2 p.m.

► Call: 205-414-3950

► Web: bbgardens.org/plant-sales

► Details: The Birmingham Botanical Gardens’ spring plant sale offers a diverse selection of plants, from native species to tropical varieties. Items available include perennials, annuals, shrubs, trees, herbs, and vegetables. Members receive early access on Thursday. Stop by the membership table to learn more about the benefits of joining.

The team at ENT Associates includes 17 board-certified physicians, 6 licensed PAs, and 16 clinical audiologists across 10 locations, all dedicated to your care. We prioritize your health, treating every patient with personal attention and compassion.

We offer same-day, early morning, evening, and Saturday appointments. Call 1-888-ENT-5020 (1-888-368-5020), visit entalabama.com, or scan the QR code to connect with us online.

UAB NATIONAL ALUMNI SOCIETY SCHOLARSHIP RUN

► Where: 3785 W. Jackson Blvd.

► When: April 12, 8 a.m.

► Call: 205-934-3555

► Web: alumni.uab.edu

► Tickets: $35 for 5K/10K through April 11; $40 on race day. $20 for Kids’ Fun Run, $25 for Adult Fun Run.

► Details: The UAB National Alumni Society hosts this annual Scholarship Run, raising funds for student scholarships. Since its launch in 2007, the event has raised more than $1 million. The 19th annual run will take place in Crestline Village in Mountain Brook and is presented by Viva Health.

MITCHELL’S PLACE FUNKY FISH FRY

► Where: Avondale Brewing Company

► When: April 12, 11:30 a.m.–5 p.m.

► Web: funkyfishfry.com

► Tickets: $10 general admission (does not include food or drinks); $15 to-go ticket or child plate; $25 adult ticket (includes food and entry).

► Details: Held every April for Autism Acceptance Month, this event supports individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in Birmingham and beyond. Hosted by the junior boards of Mitchell’s Place and Autism Support of Alabama, the Funky Fish Fry provides an affordable way to give back while raising awareness.

► Visit our online calendar at villagelivingonline.com

► Subscribe to

for

EASTER EGG ROLL

► Where: O’Neal Library

► When: April 19, 10 a.m.–noon

► Web: mtnbrookchamber.org

► Details: The Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Easter Egg Roll on the grassy field across from the O’Neal Library. Families are welcome to attend, but the egg hunt is best suited for children ages 1–6. BYOB (Bring Your Own Basket).

TAYA COME INTO THE LIGHT TOUR

► Where: Canterbury United Methodist Church

► When: April 24, 7 p.m.

► Web: tprlive.co

► Tickets: $16.50–$75

► Details: TAYA Gaukrodger will perform as part of her Come Into The Light Tour, featuring her latest single and songs from her upcoming album. Originally from a small town in northern Australia, TAYA relocated to Sydney in 2010 to pursue a music career and later became involved with Hillsong Church.

APRIL OFFICIAL MEETINGS

► April 1: Board of Landscape Design meeting, 5:15 p.m., City Hall.

► April 7: Planning Commission meeting, 5:30 p.m., City Hall.

► April 7: City Council meeting, 7 p.m., City Hall.

► April 8: Parks and Recreation Board meeting, 5 p.m., City Hall.

► April 14: Board of Education meeting, 3:30 p.m. Contact the board office for the meeting location.

► April 15: O’Neal Library Board meeting, 4:30 p.m., O’Neal Library.

► April 21: City Council meeting, 7 p.m., City Hall.

► April 21: Board of Zoning Adjustment meeting, 5 p.m., City Hall.

EVENTS AT EMMETT O’NEAL LIBRARY

► Mondays: Mahjong Meet-Up, 10 a.m.–noon, Community Meeting Room.

► Tuesdays: Gentle Yoga with Marie Blair, 10–11 a.m., Community Meeting Room.

► Wednesdays: Movers and Makers, 1:30–2:15 p.m., Storytelling Room.

► April 5: Rain Gutter Regatta, 3–4 p.m., Overton Park.

► April 10: All Together Storytime, 9:30–11 a.m., Community Meeting Room.

► April 12: Great Short Stories on Screen, 3–5 p.m., Community Meeting Room.

► April 24: Neurodivergent Community Group, 6–7 p.m., Conference Room.

EVENTS

Mountain Brook Art Association’s Spring Art Show brings color, creativity to Crestline

By SARAH OWENS

The streets surrounding Mountain Brook City Hall will be bustling on May 3 as artists and art lovers gather for the annual Spring Art Show, hosted by the Mountain Brook Art Association.

With more than 50 artists signed up to showcase their work, the event is one of the largest and most popular art shows in the Birmingham area.

“Most people come to this show because it’s a concentration of a lot of professional artists, artists that really do this for a living,” event co-chair Lois Mash said. “And this year, we have more professionals than we’ve had in a long time, which is great. It will attract that many more people who don’t get to see their art firsthand.”

Mash has been working alongside co-chair Sara Cook to organize this year’s show, leaning on Cook’s previous experience running the event and her own experience as a participating artist.

"It’s good for artists who’ve never shown before, and I remember what that felt like to have the experience," Mash said. "You get a feeling for what the community is looking for in the way of art, not that every artist paints for other people. There are a lot of artists that paint because they love painting."

That love of painting is what brought the MBAA to life. Local artist Ron Lewis was teaching a class through the Mountain Brook Community Education Program when a few of his students wanted to publicly display their work.

In what would later be known as the association’s first art show, they set their paintings

against trees along Church Street in Crestline Village and offered them for sale. It was such a success that they officially formed the club, which has been promoting an interest in the arts for the past 40 years.

With roughly 150 members and growing, the MBAA limits the number of participants in its shows. This year’s spring show is capped at 55 artists, all of whom had to attend at least two meetings in the previous year to be eligible.

look at art

“It just provides another way to enrich the community. I think we would all agree that one of the things that’s great about Birmingham is its culture,” Mash said, “both with the arts and the music and the patrons that participate with the arts here in Mountain Brook and Birmingham, so it’s just another layer of cultural interest.”

Along with the annual event, the MBAA offers members educational opportunities through demonstrations, as well as information

about upcoming shows and art education programs.

To become a member, individuals must live within a 25-mile radius of Mountain Brook, and the group primarily focuses on traditional, two-dimensional art forms.

The show will take place in and around City Hall on May 3 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Visit mountainbrookartassociation.com for more information.

Saturday, May 3 9am - 4:30pm

Mountain Brook City Hall

People

during the Mountain Brook Art Association’s 2024 Spring Art Show in Crestline Village. The Mountain Brook Art Association has been hosting its annual spring art show for the past 40 years. Photo courtesy of Mountain Brook Art Association.

Mountain Brook teen takes the stage at annual battle of the bands event

By SARAH OWENS

Mountain Brook’s Sam Holt has been strumming the strings of a guitar since the fourth grade, and he’s getting ready to take the stage again for this year’s Rocky Ridge Battle of the Bands event.

Started in 2018, this marks the sixth annual event that brings middle schoolers and high schoolers from across the Birmingham metro area to live out their rockstar dreams. Organizers skipped the event in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We’ll have 400 people out there, and people bring chairs and stuff. We do the big fake checks and do a check presentation. And we’ll have a tour bus parked there for the kids to hang out on and a green room where they can kind of be hidden back behind the bus,” Bob Barker, co-event organizer, said. “We just treat them like rock stars, and there’s no real reason for any of it except to support these young people pursuing and playing music.”

Holt is a freshman at McCallie School, an all-boys private school in Chattanooga, Tennessee, but is a native of Mountain Brook. He first performed in the Battle of the Bands last year, winning the middle school category as the first-ever acoustic winner.

He says his style falls in the country and indie folk genre — like a mix between folk-pop artist Noah Kahan and country singer Sam Barber.

As an early-career musician, Holt fills with adrenaline each time he steps in front of a crowd, a feeling he’s encountered from a few performances at bars and restaurants. Of course, the internal voice is there reminding him not to mess up, too.

Those stage jitters are part of the reason organizers try to make the event mimic a

professional setting while emphasizing community. Mason Music and Anovys, a software company based in Vestavia, are two of this year’s big sponsors, but Barker says the rest is a grassroots effort.

“Everything else is literally just people throwing in 300 bucks at a time, but it takes almost $7,000 to put the event on,” Barker said. “That’s staging, professional lights, professional sound. There’s a VIP area and everything

like that, and somebody donates the food. It is one of the most organic — it’s not unorganized at all, but it’s just un-corporate. It’s just really everybody getting together to do it.”

The event usually features about 10 bands, and it’s free for kids to participate. They each get to play a set, and judges pick the winners, who receive a cash prize. At the end of the show, performers from all the different bands usually get together for an impromptu jam

session, allowing the kids an opportunity to collaborate and connect with other musicians.

“Battle of the Bands helped me meet people,” Holt said, “and reach out to new types of people who play different music.”

Holt’s Battle of the Bands performance can be seen on April 19 starting at 5 p.m. The free event will take place in the parking lot of Rocky Ridge Plaza, 2531 Rocky Ridge Road, Vestavia Hills.

Sam Holt, a Mountain Brook native, is a freshman at McCallie School, an all-boys private school in Chattanooga, Tennessee, but he plans to make the trip home to perform at the 2025 Rocky Ridge Battle of the Bands event in Vestavia Hills. He won the middle school category at least year ’s show. Photo courtesy of Sam Holt.

It was exactly what Patterson envisioned — turning engagement into an interactive experience and a win-win-win for fans, teams and brands. And the biggest proof was happening close to home.

SPARTAN WITH A VISION

Patterson’s journey to Wunderfan began long before that afternoon.

He is a 2004 graduate of Mountain Brook High School, where he played multiple sports including basketball. After high school, Patterson attended Ole Miss, studying business and marketing. Though he didn’t pursue collegiate athletics, the lessons he learned on the court — strategy, perseverance and teamwork — laid the foundation for his entrepreneurial career.

Postgraduation, Patterson entered the corporate world, working in the insurance sector before pivoting to tech startups. He quickly discovered a talent for building scalable digital products, leading multiple ventures to successful exits. His passion for sports and technology never faded, and eventually, those two worlds collided in a way that would change everything.

“I kept seeing the same problem — student sections were emptying out, engagement was declining, and schools were struggling to keep young fans invested. I knew there had to be a way to make this fun — something that taps into what makes sports great: competition, community, and rewards,” he said.

BIRTH OF WUNDERFAN

Patterson and his cofounders, Michael Testa (COO, formerly of AMC and FanDuel) and Geren de Klerk (CTO, formerly of the NBA and Virgin Mobile), started building Wunderfan with a simple but powerful goal: to incentivize fan engagement and create a platform where everyone wins.

The concept was tested through smaller ventures, including Wonderpar, a gamified golf rewards platform Patterson developed. The lessons learned from that project — particularly in scaling engagement models — became the backbone of Wunderfan.

Before the app even launched, Patterson knew he had something special. One of the first people he showed Wunderfan to was Samford University athletic director Martin Newton — a longtime industry veteran who immediately saw the potential.

“Every college in America is going to want this,” Newton told Patterson.

That validation was a turning point. Within months, Wunderfan

was ready for prime time.

The official launch came in September 2024 at the Georgia vs. Clemson season opener in Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. From the outset, engagement skyrocketed. In the week after their debut, Patterson raised his first $300,000 from investors.

MORE THAN AN APP

Wunderfan turns fan engagement into a game. Fans earn points for attending, checking scores, making predictions, even cheering. Their loyalty translates into rewards — team merchandise, discounts, VIP experiences. The more they engage, the more they win.

“We built this so that everybody wins,” Patterson said. “Teams get better engagement, fans get rewarded and businesses get real ROI. That’s why this thing works.”

Conner Schenk, founder of Constant Sports, a company that specializes in valuations for sports start-ups, sees this rewards-based engagement as a key driver of Wunderfan’s rapid growth.

“With so many apps, networks, and platforms, the downside is oversaturation — fans have more content than ever, but keeping track of everything can be overwhelming,” Schenck said.

But Wunderfan appears to have found the right differentiator — it pays users to use it.

“The rewards aspect — earning credits, discounts or points — resonates especially well with college

students who may be short on funds,” Schenk said. “Any opportunity to redeem points toward restaurants, local businesses, or exclusive experiences is a plus. That’s a major factor in the success of fan-engagement platforms.”

The gamification aspect keeps fans logging in, even when their favorite team might be struggling.

Marie Claire Kampanis, 12, didn’t believe it at first. When her friend told her about Wunderfan, she was skeptical.

“There’s no way this is real,” she thought. “What do you mean you can earn points and get gift cards?”

But curiosity got the best of her, and soon, she found herself checking the app daily, racking up points just by attending school events.

Then came the raffle. She entered on a whim, not expecting much — until the impossible happened.

On Feb. 24, Patterson handed Kampanis a $1,000 gift card in front of her classmates at Mountain Brook High School. Her eyes widened as she took it, barely able to contain her excitement. For Kampanis, a member of Mountain Brook’s elite Dorians dance team — winners of multiple national championships — the thrill of competition was nothing new. But this moment felt different.

“This might be better than winning nationals!” she exclaimed.

For her, Wunderfan had started as a fun way to earn rewards — but it had quickly become something more.

“It actually motivated me to come to practice here at the high school

said multiple schools are engaged with Wunderfan.

The company recently partnered with its first NBA team, the Orlando Magic, to sell merchandise and tickets through the app.

The traction is impressive, but then again, lots of start-ups launch quickly then fade. Is it momentum or mirage?

As of mid-March, Wunderfan had surpassed 30,000 daily users, but is growing rapidly.

“We grew about 250% this weekend,” he said in late February inside the old gymnasium where he once starred as a teammate of Mountain Brook hoops legend Bucky McMillan, now the head coach at Samford. “ I’d hope to say we’ve got 10 million users by year’s end.”

and even to school more because I knew I could earn points and rewards,” she said.

That’s the magic Patterson and team had in mind.

“The reality is, some nights, your team is going to lose,” Patterson said.

“But in Wunderfan, you’re always winning something — points, perks, whatever. That feeling of winning keeps people engaged even when the scoreboard doesn’t go their way.”

PROOF IN THE STORM

As Wunderfan continues to scale, Patterson credits much of his success to his wife, Joanne, a fellow Mountain Brook native and MBHS alum. He said her sharp mind and willingness to challenge his ideas in thoughtful ways keep him grounded and focused.

“I would not be where I am (without her). I cannot emphasize this enough,” Patterson said. “You need that rock. And that rock is my wife.

… She isn’t just a cheerleader, where it’s like, ‘yeah, go for it.’ She’ll make something look like Swiss cheese by the fifth word (if she sees holes in the plan). She makes me look at all angles to see if I’m really looking at things in the right way.”

With fresh investment and a rapidly growing user base, the company is focused on expanding to more schools, deepening brand partnerships, and pushing fan engagement even further. While many sports apps focus on news, betting or team-specific experiences, Wunderfan is built differently — turning every fan interaction into a game with real rewards, both on campus or off, in venues or in front of the couch.

“We get told, ‘This sounds too good to be true,’ constantly,” Patterson said.

Wunderfan has already secured major brand partnerships, including Lululemon, Atletica, Fanatics, and Dick’s Sporting Goods, as well as Uber, DoorDash and Chipotle. It has executed successful student takeovers at the University of Oregon, Penn State and Ohio State. Patterson

A big risk for start-ups is often an inability to handle growth, something Wunderfan has anticipated in its launch. Built to handle 1 million daily users from Day 1, its product roadmap is rapidly accelerating to innovate in its niche.

“I think what’s even more important is where we’re going,” Patterson said. “With watch-to-earn, which we’ve discussed, and listen-to-earn, I think that completely changes the game. It’s one thing we’re doing with tech, but it’s another thing where we’re going with media — where there’s never really been anything out there where the average user gets true ROI for consuming sports.”

Rather than being just another team app, Patterson envisions Wunderfan as the platform for all teams.

Schenk also sees increasing opportunities in venue-based engagement.

“Sports venues are no longer just for teams — they’re now 365-day entertainment hubs, hosting concerts, monster truck rallies, rodeos and other large-scale events,” Shenck said. “Capitalizing on these additional revenue streams is crucial for long-term success.”

The moment of validation came on the day the Spartans’ girls team made history by beating Fort Payne 52-40. As Patterson watched the school’s heat map light up, he saw proof that the fan experience was changing in real time.

“When I look at that, I see kids that all they had to do was walk into that school and hit go on the app and go on about their day. That’s all they had to do, and they’re earning with their phone in their pocket or their backpack or their car.”

What’s possible? The answers are found on his heat map, Patterson said.

“There’s roughly 20 million high school kids in this country,” he said. “There’s 20 million college kids. You do the math. You get 5% of them. 10% of them? You’re a billion-dollar company.”

The Wunderfan storm is here — and it’s only getting stronger.

Left: Wunderfan app founder Blake Patterson meets Marie Claire Kampakis, the winner of the first $1,000 raffle at Mountain Brook High School. Above: Patterson shows off the app’s features. Photos by Savannah Schmidt.

Get Summer Ready with Total Fitness Consultants

Mountain Brook residents love Total Fitness Consultants (TFC) and its unique approach to exercise. With 24 years in business, the locally-owned and operated company has two convenient locations in Crestline Village and Mountain Brook Village. TFC is easily accessible for Mountain Brook residents, and even better, its customized training programs are keeping clients healthier than ever.

And those clients aren’t just star athletes; they come from every age group and every walk of life. The people who work out at TFC include homemakers, professionals,older adults, high school athletes, and even professional athletes. Each person has unique fitness goals, and they come to TFC to realize those goals in a motivating, inspiring environment. “Our mission is to provide a functional, healthy, safe, and convenient training environment for every client,” said David Thomas, founder and consultant director. “We strive to help each of our clients fully reach his or her personal fitness and athletic goals. Each person is unique and it’s our goal to design a program to fit the lifestyle, needs, and goals of each client.”

Hardly comparable to a typical health club experience, TFC offers a one-on-one and partner workout plans that’s distinctively different. First, every training session requires a scheduled appointment, so the private facility is never crowded and clients always feel comfortable. Each client is assigned a dedicated personal trainer to work with continually, so there’s a unique opportunity to build a relationship and accountability with your own trainer.

One of the first steps in working with a TFC trainer involves developing a personal fitness program, based on individual strengths, weaknesses, and goals. Because TFC’s unique plan is flexible, it works for anybody, regardless of his or her fitness goals. Complete with personal attention and individualized programming, working out at TFC is a genuinely personal experience. With 30 years of experience as a trainer in the area, Thomas is committed to serving the residents of the Mountain Brook and the Over the Mountain area, building a business that will be an integral part of the community. Alongside partner Haley Bagnall, who brings valuable years of experience to the Mountain Brook Village location .“We’re not a franchise; we’re completely a local company,” Thomas says. “Total Fitness Consultants is small, intimate, and relationship-based, and that seems to work well here. We wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”

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“We unanimously appointed him for that, and we’re thrilled that he has the background to take it over so there’s not a whole lot of change,” Council President Virginia Smith said. “He knows the department heads, he knows the departments, he knows the workings of the city. Hard shoes to fill, but we think he’ll have his own style, and he’ll do a great job.”

Joining the city in 1996, Boone has served as Mountain Brook’s assistant city manager and finance director ever since. He came to Mountain Brook from Jefferson County, where he served as chief accountant, and he previously worked as a partner with a Birmingham-area public accounting firm.

“We’re super excited,” Mayor Stewart Welch said. “Steve has been here, working in the trenches, knows everything there is to know about municipal government. He is going to be the perfect choice.”

As the assistant city manager and finance director, Boone has supervised everything finance related. He has handled the city’s accounting, payables, payroll, network administration, revenue — which is licensing and permitting in the courts — all the financial transactions, budget administration, investment management, risk management, external auditing and purchasing.

He also served as the city clerk from 2001 to 2021 and is a past president of the Government Finance Officers Association of Alabama from 2004 to 2005, a member of the Alabama City County Management Association, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Alabama Society of Certified Public Accountants.

Boone earned a Master of Business Administration from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) in 1992 and a Bachelor of Science in accounting and management from UAB in 1983.

“I’ve been attending council meetings since the day I got here,” Boone said. “I’ve been involved in council meeting administration, putting together resolutions, ordinances,

contracts. I’ve administered elections. So, it’s a pretty broad range of responsibilities. And because of that, I’ve got a keen knowledge and understanding of the overall operations of the city.”

Boone will be inheriting the city from Gaston, who took the reins as Mountain Brook’s city manager in 1993.

As city manager, Gaston has served as the city’s chief administrative officer, overseeing governmental functions. His responsibilities

for more information or visit AlabamaPower.com/reliable. BOONE CONTINUED from page A1

include appointing and dismissing employees — except for the police and fire chiefs — preparing the annual budget and enforcing city laws, ordinances and policies. He also acts as the chief adviser to the mayor and City Council.

His lasting impact on the city includes accomplishments such as renovating Mountain Brook’s commercial villages, constructing miles of sidewalks, establishing a Chamber of Commerce, helping the city earn Tree City USA status by forming a Tree Commission

and fostering a strong relationship with city employees and the school system.

“Steve and I have worked together now for almost 29 years, so he knows the city inside and out, and he also has the attribute of being extremely intelligent, but also at the same time having great common sense,” Gaston said. “He’ll do a great job with the city of Mountain Brook.”

Gaston noted that Boone will be inheriting a strong group of department heads and staff members who will assist him greatly in his role. However, while the city is in great shape, the transition doesn’t come without its stressors.

With former Police Chief Jaye Loggins retiring last month, and several other city employees reaching retirement age, Boone is apprehensive about eventually filling vacancies, but he’s hopeful to continue the legacy of high-quality employees.

“Mountain Brook is a special place to work, and I think what makes it so special is the government,” Boone said. “We have volunteer elected officials, and what I appreciate most is that they listen to their department heads and their employees. They don’t pretend to know all the answers. They ask us questions. They challenge us to give them good information, and they — more often than not — will follow our lead, follow our advice. That’s what makes the job fun and enjoyable. You feel like you make a difference, you feel like you have that respect. You couldn’t ask for more than that.”

As he prepares to become city manager, Boone will also be looking to fill his own role as finance director. He hopes to have someone in the position by November to prevent any gaps, but the city has not begun the search process yet. They will have to work with the Jefferson County Personnel Board to get a list of qualified candidates.

“I’m grateful to the mayor and city council for asking me to serve as city manager when Sam leaves. It’s kind of bittersweet. Sam’s been with the city for over 30 years, and he will be greatly missed,” Boone said. “But I’m excited about the opportunity. I’m looking forward to the challenge, and I plan to work hard to continue the tradition of excellence that the city deserves and expects.”

Reading between the lines is our specialty.

There are so many things that go into making sure the lights turn on when you flip the switch. With their vast experience and training, our team of experts approaches every situation by taking in the information and reading between the lines to find just the right solution. We are always ready to take on new challenges and find innovative ways to strengthen our grid. With over 60 weeks of training under their belts, our lineworkers are out in the field, delivering reliable power, rain or shine. Together, we work to power a better Alabama.

Steve Boone, Mountain Brook's new city manager, will take up the position in December 2025. Photo by Savannah Schmidt.

SPRING INTO EXERCISING

We are ready to welcome warmer weather back and get outside to enjoy running, hiking, biking, gardening and all the outdoor activities! Are you ready?

TherapySouth’s movement experts will work with you to develop an individualized exercise program to help you feel stronger, move better and avoid injury. They can also work with you to address imbalances, enhance stability, and reduce the risk of strains or overuse injuries.

Home & Garden Guide 2025 Spring

Special Advertising Section

Enhancing

yards with expert design and installation

Gardner Landscaping • 205-401-3347 • gardnerlandscapingllc.com

There’s lots of landscapers in business, but few measure up to Gardner Landscaping in Birmingham.

The company’s experts, all licensed and insured, have provided top-quality residential and commercial service since 2006.

“We have the people and resources to get your project done in a timely manner,” owner Grant Gardner said.

The spring is a great time for Gardner Landscaping to install more shade trees in your yard.

Adding shade trees offers greater privacy and lovely fall colors, as well as allowing greater energy conservation in homes and requiring less irrigation to retain ground moisture.

Gardner Landscaping can also plant beautiful hedges along your lot lines to cancel road noise, provide privacy year round and hold moisture. The hedges clearly mark the lot lines and provide a better solution than wooden fences, which don’t last as long.

The creative use of trees and shrubs — as well as plants and flowers — will enhance the beauty and value of any property.

Gardner Landscaping will create a customized plan for your yard based on your preferences, as well as sun exposure, soil type and landscape slope.

In addition, the company is “very good at building outdoor play and

entertainment areas,” Grant says.

The team stays abreast of the latest designs, can satisfy any client’s taste in plant materials and offers clean-ups, drainage and landscape borders.

Gardner Landscaping works with all types of budgets and projects in Birmingham, Coosa River, Lake Martin and Auburn.

Call 205-401-3347 or go to gardnerlandscapingllc.com.

Spring is in bloom, and it’s the perfect time to plant a garden, do some cleaning or start a home renovation. Find tips and tricks from area businesses to jumpstart any project in our guide.

Discover exceptional service and custom window coverings at Budget Blinds

Many people like to shop locally as much as they can to support the businesses in their communities. This is especially true when a business is family-owned and based on rock-solid values, like Budget Blinds of Birmingham, located in Vestavia Hills.

The company is owned and operated by Steve and Michelle Thackerson, a married couple who live and work in Vestavia Hills and have been serving their customers faithfully for over 30 years.

At the heart of the Thackersons’ business philosophy is an unwavering commitment to customer service.

“We wouldn’t sell anything to you that we wouldn’t put into our own homes,” Steve says.

The couple’s family-oriented approach extends to their employees.

“The least amount of time somebody’s been with me is 12 years,” Steve says, reflecting the loyalty and family feel that permeates the business.

Budget Blinds of Birmingham offers all types of custom window coverings, and its highly trained personnel take the time to understand their customers and provide them with top-quality products designed for their lifestyles.

When you call the Budget Blinds location in Vestavia Hills to get information or schedule an appointment, you speak to someone in the local office—not a person in a call center hundreds of miles away.

In addition, all window coverings are custom-made to fit each home, and all in-

home measuring and installation is done by Budget Blinds’ local employees.

“We install them, so anything that’s purchased from us, we’ll custom measure your windows and professionally install them,” Steve says.

This is a customer experience that large chain stores simply can’t replicate.

Some of the top sellers at Budget Blinds are shutters, solar shades, and woven wood products.

Motorization and cordless options for window coverings remain popular. Motorized options allow you to control blinds, shutters, solar shades, and draperies from anywhere and can be

used with your home’s automation system.

“We can usually tie our product into any system you might have,” Steve says. The store carries Zebra Shades, originally from Australia and now available in the United States. It is a unique product with both beauty and function. By combining roller shades and horizontal blinds, Zebra Shades allow you both privacy and great light control.

Customers also benefit from the buying power of Budget Blinds, the world’s largest retailer of custom window coverings.

“Because of the nationwide volume of Budget Blinds, we get exclusive warranties others cannot offer,” Steve says. “We get the same products as our competitors, but we get better pricing and warranties because we’re the largest retailer of custom window coverings in the world.”

“Our prices are competitive, and we offer a one-time replacement on all products for five years,” Steve says. “That’s just an unheard-of warranty in any industry.”

For the Thackersons, Budget Blinds isn’t just a business. It’s a reflection of who they are — a family that works together, cares about their community, and strives to provide the best service possible.

You can request a free in-home consultation or visit the showroom Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Space Cadets offers storage solutions at 2 new locations

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Kim McBrayer founded Space Cadets in 2001 to help customers get organized and find elegant, cost-effective storage solutions.

“My passion for curing clutter led me to share that with others who need help,” she says.

After a quarter century, McBrayer and her staff continue to help people declutter their lives.

Space Cadets designs and installs built-in closets for renovations and new construction and offers storage solutions for garages, kitchen pantries, laundry rooms and entertainment centers.

The company’s professional organizers can help put your house in order.

Customers can also browse the Space Cadets retail center for a huge selection of organization products for closets, kitchens and garages from brands like IDesign, Spectrum, YouCopia and OXO.

And there’s been a big change recently with the retail space. Space Cadets closed its old store at Brook Highland Plaza and is now in The Mercantile at Brook Highland, a boutique marketplace.

Space Cadets is also building a second new location in The Hub at Knox Square near Hoover Met. The Hub store should be open by late spring or early summer.

“We want to service more areas to

be closer to everyone, making Space Cadets more convenient and accessible,” McBrayer says. “I realized people want to shop closer to home these days if they aren’t shopping online.”

Both of the new locations are smaller than the old store and offer a fun, boutique-style shopping experience.

“Customers can still access all the quality products they found at the old store,” McBrayer says.

After a quarter century, McBrayer is still passionate about Space Cadets.

“Being organized isn’t just about sorting things,” she says. “It helps you enjoy yourself and have a better quality of life.”

Almost 25 years ago, Kim McBrayer founded Space Cadets to help people declutter their homes, get organized and find elegant, effective and affordable storage solutions.

On a mission to simplify clients’ lives, Kim provided top-quality custom closets and garages, professional installation and organizing services, and accessories to achieve the goal of organization.

However, Kim “saw a gap in what we provided,” she says. “We didn’t have anything to improve kitchen and bathroom cabinets.”

So in 2025, Kim purchased the Birmingham franchise for Art of Drawers, a company that makes great products to increase storage, organization and accessibility in kitchens, pantries and bathrooms.

Their products include custom, solidwood drawers with dovetail construction, full-extension glide and soft close, as well as dividers, Lazy Susans and pull-down organizers.

Among other benefits, Art of Drawers products make it easier for people to reach

items hidden at the back of their cabinets.

“You can bring everything from the back of the cabinet into the light and not lose or forget things,” Kim says.

The products make it safer for older people to access their drawers and cabinets without getting on their hands and knees and risking falls.

“We love the concept of aging in place, where seniors stay in their homes as long as possible,” Kim says.”This helps contribute to that.”

All of Art of Drawers’ beautiful products are made with wood from American producers and rails and hardware made in North America, according to the company’s website.

The company emphasizes the quality, design and aesthetic value.

“Art of Drawers creates joyful, inspirational experiences for our clients through our custom-crafted creations,” the site says.

Art of Drawers complements Space Cadets perfectly.

“We now offer everything you need to get organized,” Kim says.

Your 2025 estate plan check-up

Your estate plan isn’t something you set and forget. It should evolve as your life changes. Marriage, children, financial shifts, and tax law updates can impact whether your plan still aligns with your goals. If it’s been more than five years since your last update, now is the time for a closer look.

DOES ANY OF THIS SOUND FAMILIAR?

• It’s been years since I reviewed my will and estate documents, and I’m not sure who would make decisions on my behalf if something happened to me.

• I completed my estate plan, but I don’t remember the details and I’m not sure I fully understand it.

• My family dynamics have changed, and I want to ensure my wishes are honored and my heirs are protected.

• I could use help organizing my plan so my family has clear guidance — including handling digital assets like passwords, social media accounts, and airline miles.

DOES YOUR PLAN HAVE THE RIGHT PIECES?

Every estate plan should include:

• Will or Trust: A will dictates asset distribution and names an estate manager. A trust can help avoid probate, provide tax benefits, and ensure control over how and when assets are passed down.

• Powers of Attorney: Financial and medical powers of attorney designate someone to make key decisions if you’re unable to do so. Without them, your loved ones may face legal hurdles.

• Healthcare Directive: Also called a living will, this ensures your medical wishes are honored and names someone to make healthcare decisions on your behalf. HIPAA authorizations grant access to necessary medical information.

HAVE YOU CONSIDERED THESE KEY QUESTIONS?

• Are your beneficiary designations up to date? Retirement accounts and life insurance policies pass directly to named beneficiaries. Ensuring these align with your estate plan is crucial to keeping your wishes intact.

• Do you have the right people in place? Executors, trustees, and decision-makers should reflect your current wishes. If the people you appointed years ago are no longer the best fit, it’s time to adjust.

• Do you have immediate liquidity?

Settling an estate takes time. Without accessible funds, your family may face financial strain covering funeral costs, legal fees, and everyday expenses.

• Are you prepared for upcoming tax law changes? The 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act significantly increased estate and gift tax exemptions, but these provisions expire at the end of 2025. If your estate is large enough to be affected, proactive planning now can help protect your wealth. An advanced plan provides flexibility around legislative changes that impact gift, estate, and income tax planning.

WHAT’S STOPPING YOU FROM SECURING YOUR LEGACY?

Estate planning protects your loved ones and preserves your legacy. For over 50 years, Linscomb Wealth has helped families navigate these complex decisions. A strong plan today can mean less stress and fewer surprises down the road.

Scan the QR code in the ad below to read our full article and take the next step in securing your legacy. Your family’s future deserves a plan that keeps them secure — no matter what happens.

Reliable home repairs and maintenance done right

One Man & a Toolbox • 205-823-2111 • oneman-toolbox.com

If your home needs routine maintenance or minor repairs, you may think you can do it yourself and save money.

However, even if you believe you have the right skills and tools to do a job, it will likely take you a lot longer than it should, because you don’t do home repairs every day.

Most home projects, even small handyman jobs, are better left to the experienced professionals at One Man & A Toolbox.

One Man & A Toolbox can handle any small project, including minor carpentry, plumbing and electrical fixes. They can also do painting, caulking, shelving and more.

“Any odd jobs around your home, we’ll

get them done right the first time,” said owner Jay Moss.

Moss and company can also do many other special tasks, like putting up decorations or assembling a swing set.

“No matter how crazy you think the task is, call us and we’ll try to figure it out,” Moss said.

One Man & A Toolbox can also tackle larger home improvement projects.

Moss warns homeowners against calling unlicensed, uninsured repairmen from Angi or Craigslist. Many will ask for money to buy materials before starting and won’t return or won’t be available for warranty issues that arise after the job.

One Man & A Toolbox has skilled, reliable employees who are licensed, insured and bonded.

Award-winning Realtor Hillary Weiss knows how to

Hillary Weiss • 205-876-3052 • hweiss@arcrealtyco.com

Real estate is a business, but it’s more than just dollars and cents, according to Hillary Weiss, an agent with ARC Realty in Mountain Brook

“I have a true passion for helping clients,” Weiss says. “I love being part of their journey. Seeing their excitement and relief when we find the perfect home or secure a great deal makes all the hard work worth it.”

Weiss saw that hard work rewarded in 2024 when she was named Best Real Estate Agent by Mountain Brook Magazine.

“It’s an incredible honor,” Weiss said, especially given her ties to the community.

She’s a Mountain Brook native and lives there with her husband and two daughters.

“I love being an agent in Mountain Brook because of the strong sense of community and deep connections I have with people here,” she said.

When asked what makes her a good agent, Weiss cited her market expertise and strong communication skills.

“I also have a sharp eye for market trends, pricing and negotiations, ensuring my clients get the best outcome, and I help clients navigate every aspect of the process,” she says.

The market for spring in Mountain Brook promises to be “very active,”

Weiss says.

“Demand in our area remains strong and inventory remains tight, so wellpriced homes are selling quickly and often receiving multiple offers,” she says.

Spring is a great time to sell homes, but Weiss offers some tips to sellers.

“Focus on curb appeal, because first impressions matter,” she says. “Inside, decluttering and staging make a big impact. Pricing is also key, so work with a knowledgeable agent who understands the market.”

Henhouse Antiques blends timeless style with fresh finds

Henhouse Antiques • 205-918-0505 • henhouse-antiques.com

People collect antiques for many reasons — their uniqueness, their quality, even the stories that come with them. Antiques also allow us to personalize our homes and transform them into warm, inviting sanctuaries.

The owners of Henhouse Antiques in English Village believe in the beauty and power of antiques. This charming shop offers English and French antiques, furniture, mirrors, lighting, art, décor, gifts and accessories.

The store was founded in 1997 by Barbara Ashford and Judy Hill, who personally selected each item in the store. Their daughters, Laura Ashford Gessert and Libby Hill McGowan, took over the shop in 2020. They also curate each piece in the store and have it shipped from abroad.

Laura and Libby continue to love

what they do.

“Owning a brick-and-mortar gives us the opportunity to meet and work with so many wonderful and talented people,” they said.

The store’s look is constantly evolving, with Laura and Libby mixing styles — English with French, 18th century with 21st century, and primitive with formal.

Henhouse Antiques is designed around beautiful vignettes so customers can see how the pieces would look in their homes.

“We’re planning to go to France for the first time when we go to Europe this summer,” they said. “We hope to establish new contacts while we are there.”

Laura and Libby are also planning to host a pop-up in April. For updates, follow Henhouse Antiques on Facebook and Instagram.

Door Restore maintains, refinishes and restores doors with artistic skill

An attractive entry door can make a great first impression and boost your home’s curb appeal.

However, years of exposure to sunlight, rain and frost can cause significant damage and leave signs of wear on wood and iron doors.

Door Restore has maintained and restored doors in Birmingham since 2004.

“We only work on doors. They’re our specialty,” owner Van Etheridge said.

Etheridge likes working with his hands. An art major, Etheridge took his talents painting, murals and specialized in wall finishes while restoring iron and wooden doors.

“When the economy crashed in 2008, I went to work selling pharmaceuticals while restoring iron doors on the weekends,” Etheridge said. “When the pharmaceutical company was sold and laid off its sales team, I started back working with my hands and started Door Restore.”

The company is now a family affair. Last year, Etheridge began working with his son Griffin, who recently earned his business degree from The University of Alabama.

Etheridge hopes Griffin will help him grow Door Restore.

“I’m happy he’s learning from the ground up to understand fully how the business runs,” Etheridge said.

Door Restore offers a money-saving maintenance program that keeps doors

looking their best for years.

“Wood doors weather quickly and need a new top coat every one to two years, depending on exposure, sun and rain,” Etheridge said. “We provide customers maintenance once a year, including a topcoat to save them money in the future.

“Iron doors have a special oil-rubbed bronze or other metal hues in them,” Etheridge said “We’re able to restore your door to the original finish.”

For details, call 205-492-5866 or go to doorrestore.org.

SPORTS

All-South Metro Basketball

Walter lands on 1st team

By KYLE PARMLEY

The 2024-25 high school basketball season is in the books. It was a season that included plenty of expected contenders (Hoover’s boys and girls) and some programs that made historic runs (Mountain Brook and Chelsea girls).

There were plenty of outstanding individual campaigns as well, and the Under the Lights All-South Metro Basketball Team highlights the best of the best.

As far as accolades go, Hoover seniors Salim London and DeWayne Brown share this year’s boys Player of the Year award. London and Brown have been stars for the Bucs for four years now, leading the program to three consecutive Class 7A state championships. London averaged 16 points and nearly four assists per game, while Brown averaged a double-double.

On the girls side, Vestavia Hills’ Sarah Gordon and Chelsea’s Haley Trotter share the Player of the Year honors. Both capped off tremendous individual careers that coincided with terrific team success as well. Both leave their programs as the all-time leading scorers.

BOYS

► Players of the Year: Salim London and DeWayne Brown, Hoover

► Coach of the Year: Scott Ware, Hoover

BOYS 1ST TEAM

► Drew Mears, Briarwood: The leading scorer in the area for the second straight year, averaging 19.4 points per game and becoming the Briarwood all-time leading scorer.

► Salim London, Hoover: The UAB signee capped off a stellar career by leading the Bucs to an unbeaten season.

► DeWayne Brown, Hoover: The Tennessee signee went for 14 points and 10 rebounds per game in a dominant final high school season.

► Devon McKinnon, Clay-Chalkville: Nearly led the Cougars to their first final four appearance, scoring 19 points per game.

► Aiden Owens, Chelsea: The senior forward went for 16.5 points and 6.7 rebounds, leading the Hornets back to the regional tournament.

BOYS 2ND TEAM

► Adam Barksdale, Vestavia Hills: Stepped into a starring role for the Rebels, posting nearly 18 points per game.

► Victor Odiari, Clay-Chalkville: The UAH signee had 18 points and nine rebounds

per game.

► Trey Davis, Mountain Brook: The junior scored 11 points per game and knocked down 78 3-pointers.

► Jarett Fairley, Hoover: The senior had 12.5 points per game as one of the stars for the Bucs.

► Kaleb Carson, Homewood: The junior guard came off the football field and averaged 15 points, four rebounds and nearly four assists per game.

BOYS 3RD TEAM

► Latham Binkley, Homewood: The Trevecca signee went for 12 points and seven boards per game.

► Chase Lamey, Oak Mountain: The senior led the Eagles with 14.5 points per contest.

► Jordan Garcia, Chelsea: The sophomore stepped up in his first full varsity season and had 13 points per game.

► Seneca Robinson, Hoover: One of the most versatile facilitators and defenders in the state.

► Colt Wells, Hewitt-Trussville: Scored 10

Above: Avery Davis (3) dribbles the ball during the Mountain Brook vs. Chelsea 6A AHSAA state semifinal game at Legacy Arena in Birmingham on Feb 26.

Left: Jack Bakken (24) looks for a pass during the Mountain Brook vs. Briarwood basketball game at Briarwood High School on Jan. 28.

points per game for the Huskies.

BOYS HONORABLE MENTION

► Mac Couvillion, Mountain Brook; Will Patterson, Oak Mountain; Gray Plaia, Oak Mountain; Jack Bakken, Mountain Brook; Eli Stubbs, Briarwood; Jones Cleary, Vestavia Hills; Johnny Towry, Vestavia Hills; Chris Kunard, Oak Mountain; Jackson Sheffield, Hoover; Austin Dudley, Hoover; Harrison Stewart, Spain Park; Daniel Vinson, Homewood; Brayden Robertson, Briarwood; Jack Maloney, John Carroll; Rashad Rolley, Hewitt-Trussville; Tommy Morrison, Spain Park.

GIRLS

► Players of the Year: Sarah Gordon, Vestavia Hills, and Haley Trotter, Chelsea

► Coach of the Year: Krystle Johnson, Hoover

GIRLS 1ST TEAM

► Sarah Gordon, Vestavia Hills: The Penn signee led the area in scoring with 19.8 points per game.

► Haley Trotter, Chelsea: The 6-foot forward posted 17.4 points and nine rebounds per game, leaving Chelsea as the program leader in points and rebounds.

► Maddie Walter, Mountain Brook: The sophomore continues to show great promise, finishing the year averaging a double-double of 14 points and 10 rebounds.

► Aaliyah Blanchard, Hoover: The junior guard led a balanced Lady Bucs attack with 13.8 points and 7.1 rebounds per contest.

► Kaitlyn Gipson, Hoover: The senior guard and Alabama-Mississippi All-Star finished her storied career with 1,906 career points.

GIRLS 2ND TEAM

► Ellis McCool, Homewood: The junior forward could dominate games, and went for 15.9 points and 8.2 rebounds each game.

► Emily Williams, John Carroll: The junior forward averaged a double-double of 16 points and 10 boards.

► Ashlyn Howard, Hewitt-Trussville: The UAB commit averaged 12.5 points and nearly nine rebounds.

► Emma Kerley, Briarwood: The junior became the Briarwood all-time leading scorer and had 14.6 points per game.

► Jill Gaylard, Vestavia Hills: The senior guard went for 10 points and over four assists per contest.

GIRLS 3RD TEAM

► Kimora Brewster, Clay-Chalkville: The Lady Cougars had a retooling season, but the junior guard posted 12 points per game.

► Libby Geisler, Mountain Brook: The lone Lady Spartans senior was a strong leader and averaged 11.5 points.

► Lauryn Holley, Hewitt-Trussville: The sophomore guard burst onto the scene with 14 points per game.

► Kristen Winston, Hoover: The eighthgrade sensation finished her second varsity season with 12 points, four rebounds and three assists per contest.

► Caroline Brown, Chelsea: The junior forward led the team in assists and posted nearly 12 points per game.

GIRLS HONORABLE MENTION

► Caroline Kester, Oak Mountain; Grayson Hudgens, Vestavia Hills; Ava Robinson, Homewood; Avery Davis, Mountain Brook; Ann Tatum Baker, Briarwood; Ava Leonard, Spain Park; Ryleigh Martin, Hewitt-Trussville; Mackenzie Hale, Clay-Chalkville; Tori Flournoy, Spain Park; Savannah McDonald, Homewood; Olivia Pryor, Chelsea; Layla Cannon, Hoover; Zyaire Walker, Oak Mountain; Jaliyah Manuel, Hoover; Sadie Schwallie, Chelsea.

Left: Mountain Brook’s Mac Couvillion (11) dribbles up the floor during a game between Mountain Brook and Woodlawn on Jan. 14, at Woodlawn High School in Birmingham.

Photo by Kyle Parmley. Above: Mountain Brook’s Maddie Walter (15) shoots the ball during the Mountain Brook vs. Chelsea 6A AHSAA state semifinal game at Legacy Arena in Birmingham on Feb 26. Photo by Savannah Schmidt.

Photos by Savannah Schmidt.

John Ambrose has a ‘passion’ for building great kitchens and baths

John Ambrose is a Birmingham design-build expert with years of experience in top-quality remodels and new construction. He recently rebranded his business and, in this Q&A, discusses his exciting new venture — Ambrose Kitchen & Bath. Why the focus on kitchens and baths? After undertaking full remodels and building from the ground up, I realized that kitchens and bathrooms are my passion. They’re the most difficult areas in the home, and the challenge is exciting. Getting lighting, plumbing, tile, countertops, cabinets, hardware, appliances and paint to all work in harmony is extremely rewarding. What sets Ambrose Kitchen & Bath apart? We started as a design and remodeling company, so we can take your project from design to finish, including space reimagination. We also stand out by carrying six distinct cabinet lines to meet the design and budget needs of anyone looking to elevate their home’s value. We can usually produce 3-D renderings of your vision after only one design appointment.

What’s your favorite cabinet line? I love working with any cabinet that meets a customer’s needs, but my personal favorite is Mouser — a true luxury brand with lots of custom options. Mouser is still made in Kentucky bourbon country with the same quality and craftsmanship found nearly 70 years ago in Mr. Mouser’s tiny shop. It’s a brand that gets even architects excited — with luxury inset, trend right faceframe, chic custom veneers and modern frameless laminates. If you dream it, we can do it with Mouser.

For more information, call 205-510-6961 or visit ambrosekitchenandbath.com.

‘This is a moment of

history’

Lady

By KYLE PARMLEY

The Mountain Brook High School girls basketball team put together an historic season, advancing to the state final four for the first time in program history.

Chelsea knocked off the Lady Spartans 56-28 in the Class 6A semifinals Feb. 26, but Mountain Brook making it to the AHSAA State Finals for the first time was a major accomplishment.

“When we first started this, it was talking about the belief of being here,” Mountain Brook head coach Sara Price said. “Then halfway through the season, we believed we can be here. Then we were one of the final four teams in 6A. They’ve got no reason to do anything but hold their heads up high.”

A slow start against Chelsea ended up being too much for the Lady Spartans to overcome. Mountain Brook had just one senior this season in Libby Geisler, and Price sees her

Mountain Brook’s girls varsity team celebarates their win after the Mountain Brook vs. Fort Payne 6A girls basketball regional championship game on Feb. 20. Photos by Savannah Schmidt.

overwhelmingly youthful squad being able to learn from its first experience on this stage.

“We’ve got to remember those moments,” Price said. “In the moment, we’ve got to handle our composure.”

Mountain Brook won the Northeast Regional with a 52-40 win over Fort Payne on Feb. 20.

Price heaped plenty of praise toward Geisler, who played for the Lady Spartans for five years and laid a strong foundation for what is possible.

Mountain Brook finished the year with a 25-7 mark.

“It’s a moment you’ll never

forget,” Price said. “This is the team that went to the final four and the team that sets the precedent for teams down the road. We have a good young team coming up and I hope it speaks life to them.”

The Lady Spartans showed poise, composure and confidence in that win over Fort Payne at Jacksonville State University.

“This is a [special] moment,” Price said following the game. “Mountain Brook has never been to the final four on the girls side. This is a moment of history and I want them to take it in.”

The young stars that shone the

brightest in the contest. Freshman Avery Davis was named regional tournament MVP after a magnificent performance. She scored 25 points on 6-of-8 shooting, including four 3-pointers.

Sophomore Maddie Walter dominated in the painted area as well, going for 10 points and pulling down 13 rebounds. She credited the team’s tough practices for preparing her for the big moments.

“Our team works really hard in practice and it makes going into games easy, because they’re never nearly as hard,” she said.

Mountain Brook had only been to

the regional final twice before in program history, and the Lady Spartans broke through to the final four in their third try.

“It’s absolutely amazing,” Walter said. “I’m so proud that it’s this team, because we’ve been so strong and dedicated to the sport and to each other. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished.”

Bunny Is

Mountain Brook Easter Egg Roll

Saturday, April 19th | 10 a.m. Grassy Field by

Above left: Mountain Brook's Libby Giesler (10) dribbles the ball during a game against Chelsea 6A AHSAA state semifinal game at Legacy Arena in Birmingham in February. Above right: Mountain Brook’s Lindsey Dean (12) shoots the ball. Right: Mountain Brook’s Merrill Hines (2) dribbles

Faces of Mountain Brook

Amy Murphy and Sally Yeilding: Voices of community, commitment

By SAVANNAH SCHMIDT

For more than two decades, Amy Murphy has been a driving force behind the Junior League of Birmingham’s choral group, blending music with service. Starting as a director in 2005, she used her extensive musical background to elevate the group’s performance and help its members grow as singers.

“If someone has been touched by music, they have felt something they have craved to feel in their brain for the rest of their life,” Murphy said.

Murphy’s choral method transforms how singers connect with their voices, unlocking different levels regardless of age or background. She believes, “you wouldn’t know the demographic of the group just by listening to it.”

Sally Yeilding, who joined in 2016, manages the group with unmatched dedication. From organizing performances to crafting weekly emails, she ensures every detail falls into place.

“Music brought something back into my life, but this is not about me at all,” she said. “To see music connect to people is a privilege.”

Under their partnership, the group has brought joy to shelters, underprivileged schools and Alzheimer’s care centers.

Through their efforts, Murphy and Yeilding prove that music is a bridge to connection, healing and community.

Above and left: Junior League of Birmingham choir director Amy Murphy sings during a rehearsal on March 4.

Above: Junior League of Birmingham choir member Sally Yeilding sings during a rehearsal on March 4. Photos by Savannah Schmidt.

Life in Mountain Brook

BACK WHEN GET TO KNOW

Sheryl Thornton, retired Canterbury United Methodist Church reverend

By STAFF

Thornton retired from Canterbury United Methodist Church in March after 17 years as a reverend.

Q: How did you choose your career?

A: I attended the University of Alabama with plans to work in the area of finance, following after my dad and older brothers. After my sophomore year, I took a summer job as youth director in a United Methodist church. The next fall, I began wrestling with my future, discerning that ministry might be a much better fit for my gifts and aspirations.

Q: What is the best part of working in this community?

A: I’ve always known how this community cares for each other in crisis and how they lead in community organizations to strengthen the greater Birmingham area. Since I came to Canterbury UMC in 2006, I have loved experiencing these qualities in the people I get to serve with in ministry.

Q: How has Canterbury impacted your life?

A: While serving at Canterbury, we adopted our children, Daniel and Sophie. We were surrounded with love and support, and it has meant so much that people have loved them through

their baptisms, confirmation, graduation, and they still ask about them. And during the two hardest years of my life, when my husband and I both faced life-threatening illnesses, we were carried in such grace and love by our friends at church through prayers, meals, cards and so much care.

Now that she’s retired, Thornton plans to do some traveling in between volunteering and workouts, and maybe even sleep in on a Sunday morning.

AGE WITH GRACE, MOVE WITH CONFIDENCE

Graceful Aging and Wellness

“Don’t wait until you have a decline in function or a fall to make health your priority.”

- Sarah Brumfield, LPTA, CPT

Owner & ISSA Certified Personal Trainer

Serving Mountain Brook, Vestavia, Homewood and Hoover, Graceful Aging provides seniors with individualized fitness programs they can enjoy in their own homes with professional trainers.

One-on-one sessions with trainers ensure proper techniques and reduce risk of injury, but also build relationships that improve social and mental well-being. Following such a personalized program is essential for living a happy and healthy life.

SARAH BRUMFIELD, LPTA, CPT

Owner & ISSA Certified Personal Trainer

Over 20 years experience restoring health in adults

The rise and fall of Mountain Brook gas stations

By SAVANNAH SCHMIDT

The post-World War II era of the 1950s brought a surge of automobile travel, making gas stations a crucial part of Mountain Brook Village. In “Mountain Brook Village: Then and Now,” the Birmingham Historical Soci ety explained that Cahaba Road served as a waypoint for travelers heading south, and fill ing stations became common developments in the town center. These stations stood out against the distinctive Tudor-style architec ture, with their metal structures and bold

trademark signage.

However, the landscape of travel changed with the opening of U.S. 280. The new route diverted traffic away from Cahaba Road, reducing the number of travelers stopping in the village. As a result, many of the

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Sheryl

The Shell station in Mountain Brook Village is now the only gas station in Mountain Brook Village. Photo by Savannah Schmidt.

COMMUNITY

Delivering generations: OB-GYN celebrates 50 years of service

By SARAH OWENS

Mountain Brook’s own Dr. Ronald Orso is celebrating an extraordinary milestone—50 years of service in obstetrics and gynecology.

Having delivered more than 5,000 babies, Dr. Orso has profoundly impacted the lives of countless families in the community he calls home. Orso and his wife, Diane, moved to Mountain Brook in 1973, where they raised their three children—Jennifer, Josh and Jordan. Two of their children still reside in Mountain Brook, while the third lives in Bluff Park. Several of Orso’s eight grandchildren attend Mountain Brook schools.

Dr. Orso’s passion for medicine began at age 11 when he accompanied his brother-in-law, Milton Donaldson, on house calls.

“He was in a pediatrics residency at the time, so he would carry me with him, and I would see sick children and families that had difficulty paying to go see doctors,” said Orso. “It made a big impression on me. He was a very caring, kind person, and it just impressed me so much that he was really doing something that made a difference.”

Inspired by these experiences, Orso earned a medical degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Although he initially planned to become a pediatrician, he discovered his calling in obstetrics and gynecology, where he could care for women during life-changing moments.

“Every time you deliver a baby, it is a miracle,” said Orso. “Every delivery is different, but it is a true miracle when you deliver a baby. And that impressed me so much that I’ve wanted to do that for the rest of my life.”

Dr. Orso has worked with Birmingham Obstetrics and Gynecology since 1975. The practice, which recently relocated from St. Vincent’s to The Grand on U.S. 280, has allowed

Orso to build deep, lasting connections with his patients, often spanning generations.

“I enjoy my practice because I take care of folks that I have taken care of for 50 years,” said Orso. “It’s like being with old friends, and I do consider my patients friends.”

Dr. Orso has shared in both the joys and sorrows of his patients’ lives, celebrating new beginnings while also offering compassion and comfort during challenging times, such as the loss of a child.

In addition to his clinical work, Orso has contributed to women’s healthcare advancements through service on medical boards and committees. He also served in the Army National Guard, where he was deployed to Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Orso retired as a colonel and received the State of Alabama Distinguished Service Medal in 2006.

As he continues his practice, Orso looks forward to continuing his legacy of care.

“What an honor it is to be part of the medical

profession and to put on my white coat every day. I can honestly say that every day of my life, I’ve looked forward to getting out of bed and coming to work,” Orso said. “I see people all the time that absolutely hate going to work and all, but I love it, and I would do it even if I didn’t get paid.”

While he’s not quite ready to retire, Orso and his wife have begun to travel and have plans for more trips and lots of time with the grandkids in the future.

April 26 & 27, 2025

Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark 12-3pm each day

Restaurants & Chefs, Wine, Cocktails & Spirits,

TICKETS

Dr, Ronald Orso is a longtime Mountain Brook resident. In 2025, he celebrated 50 years in the medical field as an OBGYN. He also served in the Army National Guard, where he was deployed to Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Orso retired as a colonel and received the State of Alabama Distinguished Service Medal in 2006. Photos courtesy of Birmingham Obstetrics and Gynecology.

56-for-56:

By TIM STEPHENS

The competition problem (and the math I can’t ignore)

I have two problems. The first is a competition problem, and the second is a math problem — and since I really dislike math, we’ll get to that later.

Let’s start with competition. A lifetime of playing sports wired my brain to frame challenges like this as a competition against others. I’d either crush the opponent (motivated by anger) or avoid getting embarrassed (motivated by fear). It worked — until it didn’t.

That kind of fire burns hot, but it also burns out. So if I can’t compete the way I used to, how do I stay motivated?

This is where reframing the competition comes in. My therapist, Dalila Bass, says seeking an external opponent is always temporary — but competing against myself? That’s sustainable.

“I think you should be your own competitor,” she told me. “If you ran a mile in 20 minutes one week, shoot for 19 the next. That way, the competition is consistent and sustainable.”

That’s the shift I’m working on now. Instead of proving myself to someone else, I’m setting personal benchmarks and focusing on beating those. The challenge still feels familiar — there’s a deadline, discipline and a goal. But the motivation comes from a healthier place. And that brings me back to the math problem.

THE MATH I CAN’T IGNORE

At 275 pounds, I’m down five pounds since the last episode. But reality is setting in — 138 days until my 56th birthday, 51 pounds left to lose. Losing 1.5 pounds per week won’t get me there.

My latest InBody analysis confirmed that while I lost weight, my muscle mass percentage dropped slightly, and my body fat percentage

To watch the second episode of 56-for-56: A Transformation Project, scan the QR code.

rose. Balancing calories in, calories out and macros is key.

The numbers show what it will take:

► Daily calorie intake: 1,800-2,200

► Daily calorie burn needed: 3,100-3,500

► Daily caloric deficit required: 1,294

Mickal Thomas, my trainer at the Shades Valley YMCA, is helping me find the right balance between burning calories and not wrecking my body.

“If the calories you take in aren’t enough to sustain your workouts, your body starts cannibalizing muscle,” he explained. “And if you push too hard every day without recovery, you won’t be able to come back and perform. So it’s all about balance — what you put in, what you take out, and how well you recover.”

ADJUSTING THE PLAN

To get there, I’ve made key adjustments:

► More protein and cleaner carbs for fuel and recovery

► 2 HIIT sessions and 2 strength training workouts per week

► 4 HOTWORX sessions for low-impact, high-efficiency burn

► 7,000-10,000 steps daily, 12,000-15,000

on rest days

► Tracking with WHOOP and managing intake with MyFitnessPal

Recovery is a major focus. Training in an infrared-heated studio at HOTWORX supports calorie burn and recovery.

“The first thing I think of is HOTWORX is all low impact,” said Danica Kempinski, studio owner at HOTWORX Vestavia Hills. “So there’s no extra stress on the joints, which is great for people working on mobility. The second thing is the infrared benefits — you’re recovering as you work out.”

I’ve also been challenged in new ways, especially with movements that test my core strength, like Pilates and yoga. Things that look easy on video can be brutally hard in practice. But as Kempinski reminded me, consistency is key.

“You’ll see progress over time by

Tim Stephens, the general manager of Starnes Media, works out at the YMCA during his 56 for 56 Transformation Project challenge.

by Savannah Schmidt.

consistently doing the same movements,” she said. “You might start with your feet on the ground, but soon you’ll notice you’re holding positions longer and getting stronger.”

IV therapy at Prime IV Homewood helps with hydration, muscle repair and reducing fatigue.

I’m also using ProjectLeanNation for meal prep, keeping me on track while balancing work, including running six media brands and launching major initiatives like Creator Collective, Under the Lights and The Transformation Project.

WHAT COMES NEXT

The math problem isn’t going away. But this time, I’m approaching it smarter — competing against who I was yesterday, not who I was 20 years ago.

And that’s a competition I intend to win.

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