Village Living |
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October 2012 |
neighborly news & entertainment for Mountain Brook
New at Cherokee Bend-pg 23 Pitard: Research advocate - pg 15
Volume 3 | Issue 7 | October 2012
Creating community through food Hot and Hot’s Chris Hastings is about more than Iron Chef fame By CHrisTiaNa rOUssEL This has been a huge year for Chris Hastings, chef of Hot and Hot Fish Club. Between finally scoring a coveted James Beard award (the Academy Award of the food world) and a Food Network Iron Chef title, Hastings and his staff have been busy doing what they always do – cranking out thoughtful, delicious dinners. But some residents might not know this culinary professional is their neighbor, currently living in Colonial Hills. When Hastings and his wife, Idie, decided to plant roots in the Magic City, Mountain Brook proved to be the ideal location, he said, citing the community’s wonderful people and its resemblance to where he was raised – Myers Park in Charlotte, N.C.
See HASTINGS | page 28
October Features City Council Crime report Mountain Brook events Library calendar Kari Kampakis Village Sports MB Schools Foundation School House Business Spotlight Dale Wisely Around the Villages Restaurant Showcase Calendar of Events
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Chef Chris Hastings of Hot and Hot Fish Club and his wife, Idie, left, reside in Colonial Hills. Photo by Madoline Markham.
Municipal Complex to be finished by April Completion date moved back again, details being finalized By KaTEy COUrTNEy & maDOLiNE marKHam
Mountain Brook City Council members, City Manager Sam Gaston and Mayor Terry Oden tour the City Hall-in-progress this fall. Photo by Katey Courtney.
The Mountain Brook Municipal Complex in Crestline, initially scheduled for completion by February 2012, is now set to open its doors in April 2013. “{Contractor] Brasfield & Gorrie has worked very hard, and I think they would say that this date is firm,” City Council President Virginia Smith said. “They feel very comfortable about this date, and they know this project has gone on longer than anticipated.” Smith noted that the exact completion date would depend on winter weather. Brasfield and Gorrie took over as head contractor of the project in July after the city released the original contract with Taylor & Miree Construction. Once opened, the 52,000 square foot, $16.5 million facility will allow easier public access to the city manager’s office and provide 64 underground parking spaces for staff members. A committee is now finalizing plans for space outside the building, which will feature a fountain and the previously existing police memorial. Most notably, Fire
See City Hall | page 28
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| October 2012 | Village Living
GOAL GOAL
RESHAPED
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ENCOURAGED ENCOURA GE
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GAINED GAINE D
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GRASPED GRASPE
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What Do You Choose?
LIGHTENED
CONQUERED CONQUERE D
REFRAMED REFRAME D
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Life.
Conquered.
An Open Letter From A Stage 3 Cancer Survivor To Anyone Else Who Craves ... Life.Conquered. My name is Erin King, and this is my “Life Conquered” story. It was November 1st, 2010, when I faced the stark reality of how short life really is. I was only 27 years-old when the doctor diagnosed me with stage 3 breast cancer. The lump measured 9 centimeters, and had spread to 8 of my lymph nodes. As you can probably imagine, the following surgery, chemotherapy and radiation treatments robbed me of my hair, took a beating on my body, and stripped me of my self confidence. It was during this challenging time I knew I would have to choose which attitude I would adopt. I chose to conquer cancer and live my life! I still had one radiation treatment to go when I joined Iron Tribe Fitness. I decided to start classes anyway, because I need more energy. And did they ever deliver! I have never attended a workout class (of any kind) where the coaches motivate you as much as Iron Tribe. Even my teammates constantly push me. I remember the day I saw people doing pull ups, and I said to myself, “That’s impossible. I could never that.” Today, I’m thrilled to announce, “I do the impossible!” Iron Tribe has given me back the confidence cancer’s toll took on my body. Cancer put me on my back; Iron Tribe put me back on my feet. Now, I’m in nursing school because I want to help other cancer patients. Iron Tribe is much more than just fitness. Iron Tribe is ... LIFE. CONQUERED. .
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October 2012 |
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| October 2012 | Welcome Friends
Village Living
The third grade Colts, coached by Sims Crawford, Richard Brock and Brandon Plowden, are fired up about their first year of tackle football. Photo courtesy of Heather Brock.
Staff & Friends
Publisher: Dan Starnes Creative Director : Keith McCoy Editor : Jennifer Gray Managing Editor: Madoline Markham Contributing Editor: Jeff Thompson Sales and Distribution: Rhonda Smith | Warren Caldwell | Matthew Allen Published by : Village Living LLC Contributing Writers : Susan Matthews | Christiana Roussel | Kari Kampakis Rick Watson | Holley Wesley | Katey Courtney School House Contributors : Catherine Bodnar- Cherokee Bend, Britt ReddenCrestline, Alison James- Brookwood Forest, Suzanne Milligan- Mountain Brook High School, Hilary Ross- Mountain Brook Elem. & Mountain Brook Jr. High Contributing Photographer: Image Arts Interns: Kaitlin Bitz | Dannely Farrow Contact Information: Village Living #3 Office Park Circle, Suite 316 Birmingham, AL 35223 313-1780 dan@VillageLivingOnline.com
Editor’s Note There is so much to be adults enjoying themselves as proud of living in Mountain much as the kids. Make sure Brook — from our parks, you take a trick or treat bag shops and restaurants, to our to put all your loot in. Lots outstanding schools and of of goodies get thrown to the course, the amazing people that crowd during this parade. Trick live here. This month we feature or Treat! one of our residents who has If you’re looking to change had quite a big year. Chef Chris out some plants in the yard, Hastings of Hot & Hot Fish Club you won’t want to miss the spoke to Christiana Roussel for Birmingham Botanical Gardens this month’s cover story on his Fall Plant Sale. This one is a love of food, winning the Iron must for every gardener and Jennifer Gray Chef competition against Chef will definitely help you shake Bobby Flay and the prestigious James those dog days of summer and welcome in Beard award he received this year. You’ll fall colors and blooms. enjoy reading about what he loves about As we approach the November our community and some of the projects he elections, both nationally and locally, we is passionate about. also have the last of our profiles of local There is also a lot to do this month. residents seeking office in our county. And, Halloween costumes must be planned, fall we have everything you need to know plants put out in your yard and containers, about the Municipal Complex project. cooler weather (hopefully) to come, and Find out about the progress being made lots of fall fun to be had. Whether you are and plans for completing the project in our young or old, everyone loves a parade. cover story. The Mystics of Mountain Brook’s annual Halloween parade has become a tradition for many. If you haven’t been to it yet, you really must go. We have all the details on the parade. It is so much fun to see the
Please submit all articles, information and photos to: Jennifer@VillageLivingOnline.com P.O. Box 530341 Birmingham, AL 35253
Legals: Village Living is published monthly. Reproduction or use of editorial or graphic content without prior permission is prohibited. Village Living is designed to inform the Mountain Brook community of area school, faith, family and community events. Information in Village Living is gathered from sources considered reliable but the accuracy cannot be guaranteed. All articles/photos submitted become the property of Village Living. We reserve the right to edit articles/photos as deemed necessary and are under no obligation to publish or return photos submitted. Inaccuracies or errors should be brought to the attention of the publisher at (205) 370-0732 or by email. Please recycle this paper
Meet our intern Kaitlin Bitz is a senior at Samford University. She is majoring in journalism with a concentration in print and minoring in sociology. She is a member of Alpha Omicron Pi sorority and enjoys spending time with her three dogs.
Meet our new editor
Jeff Thompson is a journalism graduate of Auburn University. For the past four years he served as managing editor of The Tuskegee News, where he focused on bringing public awareness to causes including education, historical preservation, local arts and dedicated non-profit organizations. He has been awarded eight Alabama Press Association awards for coverage, photography and design. He has a wife, a dog and a cat; is bad at cooking; is worse at guitar; and is a huge fan of shopping at the Western on $5 chicken Fridays.
please support Our sponsors Alabama Allergy & Asthma (13) Amy Smith-State Farm (21) Aqua Chem / 4 Seasons (11) Architectural Heritage (24) Bates, Robertson, Fowlkes, & Jackson (30) Beverly Ruff (15) Birmingham Botanical Gardens (22) Birmingham Speech & Hearing (15) Briarcliff Shop (15) Brookdale Place (12) Brookwood Medical Center (31) Classic Events (14) Davenport’s Pizza Palace (9) Etc. (16) Four Corners Gallery (7) Full Moon Barbecue (18) Gloria Bahakel (6) Gus’s Hotdogs (17) Hollywood Feed (1)
Hufham Orthodontics (23) iJump 280 (25) Iron Tribe (2) Jacqueline DeMarco (21) Junior League of Birmingham (8) Lamb’s Ears Ltd. (6) Lane Parke (13) Laura Kathryn (18) Little Hardware (17) Marella/Village Sportswear (19) MedHelp (22) Mobley and Sons (27) Neurology East (19) ORE (21) Otey’s (25) Piggly Wiggly (17) Plastic Surgery Specialists (12) RealtySouth (32) Red Wing Shoes (28)
Renasant Bank (3) Second Hand Rose (7) Sew Sheri (26) Smart Skin Med Spa (20) Snoozy’s Kids (29) Taco Mama (29) The Altamont School (26) The Cook Store (9) The Diamond Dealer (11) The Marcus Agency (23) The Town of Mt. Laurel (10) Town and Country Clothes (27) Tracery (28) United Way (9) Village Dermatology (5) Vogue Cleaners (23)
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October 2012 |
City council updates
Park Lane to make room for Lane Parke The new Lane Parke development in Mountain Brook Village is set to begin construction in the next few months. At its September 24 meeting, Mountain Brook City Council approved a resolution allowing Evson, Inc. to vacate streets, alleys and sidewalks in the Park Lane apartment complex for demolition. “While there is no definitive timetable, we expect demolition of the apartments to
begin sometime between mid-October to mid-November,” said John Evans, CEO of Evson, Inc. “Construction of the new, modern, apartment complex will be the first phase of the Lane Parke construction. We anticipate that construction to start sometime in the first part of 2013.” For more information on the development, visit laneparke.info.
Cahaba River Park open for access Mountain Brook City Council recently declared the new Cahaba River Park open for public recreation. The 4.7-acre park is located at Overton Road and River Run Drive near I-459 and backs up to the Cahaba River. The city has yet to implement any improvements to the park, but it has completed some cleanup work.
Original plans for the park included walking trails, a fishing ledge, a gazebo, picnic tables and benches, and a parking area. According to City Manager Sam Gaston, the city is working on plans for the park and getting bids out for construction this fall. They hope to begin work in early 2013.
Improvement Projects on city budget The Mountain Brook City Council adopted the city’s fiscal 2013 budge of $31,273,758 at its September 24 meeting. According to City Manager Sam Gaston, the budget increases revenues by 1.2 percent over last year and projects $508,000 surplus. The budget includes funds for the following projects: ff Sidewalk projects including Phase 6, Safe Routes and Lakeshore Parkway and Montevallo Road crossings of Highway 280 ff A footbridge on Mountain Brook Parkway just north of Watkins Branch, to be completed in conjunction with the
Lakeshore Drive
ff $270,000 in funding for Cahaba River Park
ff A survey of residents about future garbage pickup and other city services
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Updates on sidewalk projects Several construction projects underway and in the works
Crestline and Mountain Brook Elementary routes Plans are in the works for new sidewalks to Crestline and Mountain Brook Elementary as a part of the Safest Route to Schools project. The city is currently bidding out the project at the state level. For Mountain Brook Elementary, the plan calls for sidewalks from Montevallo Road up Overhill Road to Watkins Road
and ending at the bridge at Cahaba Road. Another sidewalk will run on Cambridge Road to Canterbury Road until it reaches Canterbury Park. For Crestline Elementary, sidewalks will extend from Dexter Avenue down to West Moncrest Drive to connect with Jackson Boulevard.
Phase 6 project construction update Phases 6 of the Mountain Brook Village Walkway System sidewalk project is scheduled to be completed by March 2013. Construction has been completed on Knollwood Drive and Green Valley Raod and is currently in progress on Overbrook, Overcrest and
Cherokee Roads. Construction has been delayed on Shiloh and Old Leeds Roads, but officials said it should begin in October. The contractor has been tasked to communicate with residents who will be affected by sidewalk construction.
Montevallo pedestrian connection to Homewood Plans are still in the works for a sidewalk to connect Mountain Brook to Homewood along Montevallo Road and Hollywood Boulevard. The City
of Homewood is acting as lead agency on that project. Skipper Consulting is allegedly filing an application for a grant to fund it.
ff Renovations of the dorm section of Fire Station Number 2 at Overton Road
ff Drainage projects around Heathermoor
Road and Cambridge Roads and at Northcoat Drive ff New traffic signals at Beechwood Road and Overbrook Road ff Replacing computers at the Emmet O’Neal Library ff Paving and landscaping the lot next door to the Emmet O’Neal Library.
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Lakeshore sidewalk to connect greenways A new sidewalk on Lakeshore Drive will connect the Jemison Trail to the Lakeshore Greenway that starts west of Colonial Brookwood Village. The sidewalk will start at the intersection of Mountain Brook Parkway and Cahaba Road and run west in front of
Servis 1st Bank and then under Highway 280. From there, it will cross the red light and connect to sidewalks in front of Colonial Brookwood Village that connect to the Lakeshore Greenway. The project could start in 2013 or roll over to 2014, said City Manager Sam Gaston said.
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| October 2012 | Village Living
Crime report
By LT. Jim COLE & miCHaEL HErrEN
Read all the past Crime Reports at villagelivingonline.com
Week of August 17-23 This week we had no home burglaries and no UBEVs (Unlawful Breaking and Entering Vehicles). We received a suggestion from an update member concerning suspicious vehicles and or individuals. It has been suggested that if a citizen sees a suspicious vehicle or individual and that citizen has the opportunity to use their cell phone to take a picture of either, it could help in an investigation. I believe this is a good suggestion as long as it is done discreetly so as not to jeopardize the citizen taking the picture. Cell phones are usually handy and a picture could certainly help our detectives. There is so much cell phone use that a person could take a picture inconspicuously and no one would notice. (A good example would be in an indecent exposure case. A face shot of the suspect or his vehicle would be invaluable.) Some of our citizens have expressed concern over phone calls involving scams. One involves a scammer who asks for your checking account number and the name of your bank, claiming he needs this information to send you a new Medicare card. From what I understand, there is another scam that involves an individual who requests information so he can reconfigure your computer. Then you receive emails that offer a $100 Walmart, Red Lobster or other store’s gift card if you complete a survey. These are all scams. Week of August 24-30 This past week we had no home
burglaries and four UBEVs (Unlawful Breaking and Entering Vehicles). The first UBEV occurred on Dexter Avenue on August 24 between 7:30-10:45 p.m. The vehicle was not locked, and a GPS was taken from the console. The second UBEV occurred on Cambridge Road between 10 p.m. on August 26 and 9:30 a.m. on August 27. The vehicle was not locked, and keys were taken. The third and fourth UBEVs occurred on Highway 280 at the Hampton Inn. Nothing was taken from either vehicle, and both were locked. These vehicles were entered after a small hole was punched in the driver’s door. This is a technique we do not ordinarily see. August 31-September 6 This past week we had no home burglaries and no UBEVs (Unlawful Breaking and Entering Vehicles). September 7-13 Residential Burglary. On September 11, a residential burglary occurred in the 200 block of Beech Street. The front door was forced open, and property was taken from the residence. Automobile Theft. Between September 3 and 4, the theft of a motor vehicle occurred in the 2900 block of Shook Hill Circle. The keys were in the vehicle, and the vehicle was unlocked. The vehicle was recovered in another city. A lead in the case was developed by the Patrol Division and is
Hanging out with the
‘GHOULS’!
currently under investigation by CID. Criminal Mischief. On September 8, a resident’s mailbox was damaged. This type of offense tends to increase when the school year begins. Unlawful Breaking/Entering of a Vehicle. On September 12 or 13, a UBEV case occurred on Honeysuckle Lane. The victim’s purse was taken from the vehicle.
Surrey Road on September 13. The victim stated that property was taken from the unlocked vehicle. A UBEV occurred in the 4000 block of Montevallo Road between September 17 and 18. The rear passenger side window of the vehicle was broken out and property was taken. Current Trends/Tips for Prevention
September 14-20 Thefts. Thefts from a residence occurred in the 200 block of Euclid Avenue September 6 and 14. A repair company did not return with parts that the victim had paid for in advance. Residential burglary. A residential burglary occurred in the 200 block of Annandale Crescent between September 15 and 17. The suspect entered the residence through the window and stole the property. A residential burglary occurred in the 4000 block of Montevallo Road between September 17 and 18. The victim reported that property had been stolen from the residence. Method and point of entry are unknown at this time. Theft. On September 17, a theft of lawn equipment occurred on Memory Lane. The equipment was taken from a utility trailer. Unlawful Breaking and Entering of Vehicles. A UBEV occurred in the 3900 block of Jackson Boulevard between September 17 and 18. The rear window of the victim’s vehicle was broken out, and purses were taken.
Starting in mid-September, Michael Herren, commander of the Mountain Brook Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division, began writing the crime updates. He offers tips for crime prevention based in response to problems the department is currently facing.
ff I must stress the importance of
locking the doors to your residence. Investigators have interviewed numerous defendants who have told us they just walked through the unlocked door.
ff Monitor your personal bank accounts
and credit card accounts for fraudulent activity. Should you suspect any fraud, notify the bank or credit card company, and then contact the police department and complete a report. It is critical that the investigation begin immediately so that any evidence can be recovered.
ff When you have some type of work
completed in your residence, limit access to your personal property. Verify references provided by the company or individual. Conduct an inventory of your property after the work has been completed. This will assist the investigator by limiting suspects.
A UBEV occurred in the 2900 block of
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Mystics set for eighth annual Halloween Parade
Mountain Brook High School Dorians process through last year’s Mystics of Mountain Brook Halloween Parade. Photo by Dan Starnes.
Beads, T-shirts, stuffed animals and footballs will fly through the air as the annual Mystics of Mountain Brook parade processes through Crestline Village on Halloween day starting at 4 p.m. “We started eight years ago with our Halloween parade,” said Casey Wright Horn, a Mobile native who started the parade with her brother, Trent. “We both missed Mardi Gras badly and thought this was a great way to bring a little Mardi Gras to Mountain Brook.” The event, which began with one car driving down Dexter Avenue, now features more than 23 floats, Mountain Brook High School cheerleaders, MBJH Spartanettes, seventh grade dance team and cheerleaders, a roller derby team, Birmingham Belles and
Mayor Terry Oden in his antique fire truck. The current parade route descends down Dan Watkins Drive in front of the library and Tot Lot, and then down Church Street. After taking a right on Euclid Avenue and a right on Vine Street, the parade ends on Vine Street near Crestline Elementary. The parade usually lasts about 45 minutes. The money raised after expenses are covered has gone to various needs in the city, as determined by parade participants. This year the funds will go toward the Mountain Brook Beautification Fund. New this year, Mafiaoza’s will hold a costume contest and pizza party starting at 5:30 p.m. The child winner will receive a candy prize, and the adult winner will receive a $300 gift certificate to Mafiaoza’s.
Botanical Gardens to host plant sale
Visitors stock up on fall plants at 2011 Fall Plant Sale. Photo courtesy of Birmingham Botanical Gardens.
By KaiTLiN BiTZ The Birmingham Botanical Gardens will host its 2012 Fall Plant Sale October 20-21 at Blount Plaza. The sale will start Saturday at 9 a.m. and go till 5 p.m. It will resume Sunday from noon-4 p.m. The fall season is the best time to plant trees and shrubs, which will be sold along with fall annuals, fall lettuces, biannuals, daylilies, herbs, irises, camellias, ferns, perennials and natives. The plants offered have been specially selected to thrive in Birmingham’s climate
and weather conditions. They are drought tolerant and will not contribute to insect pestilence or plant disease. This event is one of the biggest the Birmingham Botanical Gardens presents each year. Profits from the event will go to the Gardens and its educational mission including Discovery Fieldtrips, its flagship program. For more information including how to sponsor this event, contact Shelly McCarty at 414-3965 or smccarty@bbgardens.org.
LJCC to host Jewish Food Festival The Levite Jewish Community Center will host its 10th annual Jewish Food Festival on October 28. The event will feature traditional Jewish food, such as brisket, noodle kugel, matzo ball soup, hummus, stuffed cabbage, corned beef, falafel sandwiches, black and white cookies, hamentashen and Dr. Brown’s soda, all prepared in-
house. The event will offer live music by Klezmer Kings and the N.E. Miles Jewish Day School Go Green Family Fair for children. The fair will include crafts and family activities. The festival begins at 11 a.m. and is open to the community. For more information, visit bhamjcc.org.
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Explore Your Creative Potential
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| October 2012 | Village Living
Shop Save & Share cards offers discounts to area retailers for a cause
Arthritis Foundation to host Bone Bash
This group of friends went to last year’s Bone Bash as the Smurfs. Photo courtesy of Fluff Roberts. Patricia Murphy from Table Matters and Junior League of Birmingham’s Elisabeth Lyman prepare for the Shop Save & Share fundraiser benefitting the Junior League of Birmingham. Table Matters is selling the cards and hosting a preview party on Tuesday, October 23 from 5 -7:30 p.m.
The Junior League of Birmingham, local retailers and restaurants have partnered to bring back the annual Shop Save & Share (SSS) card fundraiser. Cardholders receive a 20 percent discount at more than 500 retailers and restaurants throughout the Birmingham area, including retailers in Mountain Brook. The $40 purchase of a SSS card is a donation to the Junior League of Birmingham that offers cardholders smart savings from October 24 to November 4 while supporting their community. Funds raised support the JLB’s community projects that address some of Birmingham’s most critical issues, including literacy, domestic violence prevention, health education and life skills for families in transition. Participating retailers include A’Mano, Bug’s Boys Inc., Ivory and White, Laura
Kathryn, Lulie’s on Cahaba, Richard Joseph Salon Spa, Snoozy’s Kids, Table Matters, Trocadero and Village Dermatology. The Junior League credits its sponsors, including The Outlet Shops of Grand River and LOFT, for contributing to the success of the event. “This fundraiser is really a win-win for everyone,” said Valerie Ramsbacher, president of the Junior League of Birmingham. “The League raises money to support over 35 community projects. Cardholders receive discounts from their favorite retailers and restaurants, who in turn benefit from sales related to the Shop Save & Share card.” Visit jlbonline.com or shopsaveshare.net to purchase your Shop Save & Share card and to review a complete listing of participating merchants and sponsors.
A great cause will be masquerading as a good time at the Fifth Annual Bone Bash, coming up October 18 from 7-11 p.m. That night, Park Lane in English Village will transform into a Halloween spectacle as funds are raised to fight the unacceptable pain of arthritis. Guests will enjoy live music and popular games including the Wicked Wine Toss. A spooktacular silent auction will include getaways, jewelry, SEC football tickets and more. Adding to the festivities are hors d’oeuvres by Kathy G. and a special drink created just for the event. Costumes are encouraged but cocktail attire is acceptable, and a costume contest will complete the evening. Mountain Brook residents helping to organize Bone Bash are Greg King, Mary Kay Pickering, Lacey Whatley, Copeland Wood and Beth Wood. Bone Bash benefits the Arthritis Foundation. According to the Centers for
shopsaveshare.net
Disease Control, arthritis strikes one in every five adults and 300,000 children in the U.S. It is also the nation’s leading cause of disability. In Alabama alone, more than 1.2 million adults and nearly 5,000 children have a doctor-diagnosed form of arthritis. The Arthritis Foundation is the world’s largest private nonprofit funder of arthritis research, investing more than $450 million in strategic initiatives resulting in treatments that have given mobility back to countless patients. In addition to research funding, the Arthritis Foundation fights for health care policies that improve the lives of the millions who live with arthritis, and partners with individuals and families locally to provide empowering programs and information. Bone Bash tickets are $35 in advance and $40 at the door. Ticket and game packages can be purchased at bonebashbham.com or by calling 314-8440.
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Village Living
Get to know Mountain Brook residents running for judgeships Sherri Coleman Friday
Jefferson County Probate Judge, Place 2
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October 2012 |
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Earthborn Studios Pottery, by Tena Payne, as seen at The Hot & Hot Fish Club and on the Food Network’s Iron Chef.
Best selection found at The Cook Store! Pottery by Earthborn Studios • Tena Payne of Birmingham 2841 Cahaba Road • 879-5277 • Mon-Fri 10-5 • Sat 10-4 • www.thecookstoremtnbrook.com
Serving Mountain Brook families for 48 years. Carlee Petro, Haley Gray, Judge Sherri Friday, daughter Sara Alan Friday, Josie Gauldin and Banks Cooney. Photo courtesy of Sherri Friday.
Sherri Coleman Friday graduated from the University of Alabama in 1985 with a BA in history and political science. Before attending law school, Friday managed her brother’s re-election campaign for District Judge in Jefferson County. She attended the Cumberland School of Law beginning in June 1986 and took the Alabama Bar exam in 1989. She then founded Coleman and Coleman, which later became Coleman and Friday law firm, with her father, where she practiced until she became Probate Judge, Place 2 in 2006. With the support of her husband, Alan; her children, Grace, Sara Alan and Clare; and her parents, Ralph and Peggy, Friday is running for re-election. As a judge for your county, how do you feel your decisions will impact your area? Every week I hold involuntary commitments in the psychiatric units at Brookwood and Trinity Medical Centers. I see my role as judge of who is a danger to themselves or others as a part of the treatment team in the hospital. This allows the psychiatrist, the nurses and therapists to
maintain a better treatment relationship with that patient. I have also been privileged to preside over the adoptions of hundreds of children in our area. This is a joy beyond belief. When a child is adopted into a home in Mountain Brook, I feel great pride in telling their parents what an advantage it is to their children. I know they will be in communities dedicated to their children and a village where they flourish. Guardianships and Conservatorships of Incapacitated persons is a major part of my judicial docket. These are difficult cases. It may be a child who has lost a parent or an elderly person who has lost their memory, but each case is treated with care. We don’t just talk about money but the care of the ward and what the plan is. Lastly, I am involved weekly in cases of persons managing estates of their deceased loved ones. This is the most difficult timefor families. I try to eliminate strife in these situations whenever possible. I approach the situation with compassion and hope that our court can help bring closure to those in grief.
GO SPARTANS! Dough and sauce made fresh from scratch in our kitchen.
2837 Cahaba Road • 879-8603
Monday - Thursday, 11am - 10pm • Friday - Saturday, 11am - 11pm • Sunday 4:30pm - 10pm
Davis Lawley
Jefferson County District Judge, Place 3 Davis Lawley graduated from Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia in 1984 with a degree in macroeconomics. He spent two years working with the Senate and with a law firm in Washington D.C. before attending Washington University in St. Louis, where he graduated with his law degree in 1989. Before he was the District Judge, Lawley was Assistant District Attorney, where he specialized in Drug Task Force and Arson Task Force cases for North Alabama. Lawley also co-founded the Jefferson County Association of Family Court Attorneys to help develop issues, relationships and efficiencies in Family Court. With the support of his parents, William and Jo of Tuscaloosa, Lawley is running for state office. As a judge for your county, how do you feel your decisions will impact your area? Judges in the Family Court have direct and great impact on every city in Jefferson County. In dealing with child abuse and neglect, truancy, child support, crimes committed by children and domestic violence issues, our courts are not only on the leading edge of crime, but are also sometimes the last resort to stabilize a child’s life before they are lost. Local law enforcement relies heavily on knowledgeable, responsive judges to help them keep our community safe, stable and prosperous.
Davis Lawley
I have those qualifications and have been endorsed by the Homewood Police Chief, as well as all the police chiefs and the sheriff in the Jefferson County Chiefs of Police Association. Knowing members of the City Council and helping coach a lacrosse team, I am intimately tied to the progress of the area. My view is that “when families are at risk, experience counts.” Please help your community by voting for truly qualified judges. Our future depends on it.
When you give to United Way, you’re not just doing a good deed — you’re creating opportunities for a better life for all. Your donations go directly to our partners and initiatives in our community to help those who need it most. The truth is undeniable: doing good feels good. And nothing feels better than making good things happen with a partner like United Way.
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| October 2012 | Village Living
Emmet O’Neal Library Schedule for October Adults
This month, we’re officially A Library Dark & Grimm. Adults, teens and children— there will be something for everyone this month. We’ll be giving away a NOOK Color, so call us for contest details at 445-1121.
Build Your Dream Today www.mtlaurel.com (205) 408-TOWN (8696)
Mt Laurel specializes in custom homes. Imagine living in a community where you can walk your children to school, ride bikes to Jimbo’s Soda Shop for an ice cream float, or enjoy an evening stroll on your way to a romantic dinner at Stone’s Throw. Swim in the pool, fish at Spoonwood Lake or watch your children play while you relax at the neighborhood playground or doggy park. Plus, the Town Center is filled with conveniences such as groceries, fresh cut flowers and a pizza parlor for those nights you simply don’t want to cook. Contact us today and discover how you can make this truly walkable community your dream come true. Hwy 280 East. Left on Hugh Daniel. Right on Hwy 41. Mt Laurel is 1.3 miles on the left. Hwy 280 West. Right on Hwy 41. Mt Laurel is 3.4 miles on the right. EBSCO Development Company, Inc.
r t s e Octobe v r Ha l h t a 3 1 V i t S e F saturda
FR EE
o R sH in E N - R a iN IO S IS M D A
y,
10 am - 3p m
Festival Events Doggie Dress-up
Craft Fair • Face Painting
Inflatables • Hay Rides • Music Festival Concessions
Explore
Oct. 3 - Brown Bag Lunch series: Katie and Holley discuss upcoming book releases and spooky favorites for the season, 12:30 p.m. Oct. 8 - Great Books Book Group: Discussing “You’re Ugly Too” by Lorrie Moore, 6:30 p.m. Oct. 9 - The Bookies Book Group: Discussing “Covert Affair” by Jennet Conant, 10 a.m. Oct. 9 - Thyme to Read-EOL Book Group: Discussing “How Carrots Won the Trojan War” by Rebecca Rupp, 6 p.m. at The Library at the Botanical Gardens Oct. 10 - Brown Bag Lunch series: Showing film about historic landmarks from Jordan to Ethiopia, 12:30 p.m. Oct. 11 - Horror Trivia Night: Ages 18 and up, dinner provided, 6 p.m. Oct. 12 - Nightmare on Oak Street Horror Movie Double Feature: Ages 18 and up, dinner provided, 6-10 p.m. Oct. 16 - Tech Tuesday: Call 445-1115 to make an appointment to learn how to borrow audiobooks or ebooks. Oct. 16 - Documentaries After Dark: Showing film about Frida Khalo, 6:30 p.m. Oct. 17 - Brown Bag Lunch series: Showing film about the craft of quilting, 12:30 p.m. Oct. 20 - Knit & Knibble: All crafts and skill levels welcome, 2-3:30 p.m. Oct. 23 - Tech Tuesday: Call 445-1115 to make an appointment to learn social media basics, Microsoft Word or Excel Oct. 24 - Brown Bag Lunch series: Beth Scherer-Smokey speaks about overcoming trauma, 12:30 p.m. Oct. 27-28 - Dead Authors’ Graveyard*: Spooky walk-thru attraction showcasing the compelling lives and fascinating deaths of some literary greats, Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday 1-4 p.m. All ages welcome,
but may be scary for small children. Oct. 30 - Genre Reading Group: Discussing America’s First Ladies, 6:30 p.m. Oct. 31 - Brown Bag Lunch series: Film about the history and lore of witches, 12:30 p.m.
Teens (Grades 7-12)
Oct. 2 - TAB Meeting: Monthly Teen Advisory Board meeting, 5-6 p.m. Oct. 5 - Game On! Video Game Tournament, 4:30-6:30 p.m. Oct. 6 - Creature Double Feature Movies: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 12 - Writing Workshop with Kerry Madden, 4 -6 p.m.
Children
Mondays Toddler Tales Story Time*: 9:30 & 10:30 a.m. Chess Club: 6 p.m. Tuesdays Together Time Story Time: 9:30 & 10:30 a.m. Library Out Loud Story Time: 3:30 p.m. Wednesdays Mother Goose Story Time*: 9:30 & 10:30 a.m. Thursdays Patty Cake Story Time*: 9:30 & 10:30 a.m. SNaP: 3:30 p.m. Saturdays Family Story Time with Mr. Mac: 10:30 a.m.
Special Events
All month - A Library Dark and Grimm: fairy tale themed programs, contests, prizes Oct. 9 - Family Night: “When You Wish Upon a Fish” by Madcap Puppets, 5:30 p.m. Oct. 19 -A Fairy Tale Forest: maze, games, movie on the law, 6 p.m. Oct. 23,25 - Bookmania*: The Fairy Tale Detectives (Sisters Grimm Book 1), 6 p.m. *Space is limited; please call 879-0497 or visit www.eolib.org to register.
For more information about any of our programs, call us at 445-1121 or visit eolib.org. And follow our blog ateolib.blogspot.com, Facebook at facebook.com/emmetoneallibrary, and Twitter at @eolib!
Discover NEW floor plans
6 Restaurants & a Variety of Shops • Mt Laurel’s Farmer’s Market
Child Find Notice
Special Appearances We welcome Cinderella!
If you are the parent of a child with disabilities who is not receiving services, or if you would like more information, please contact Shannon Mundy at the Mountain Brook Board of Education, Special Education Department. She can be reached at 414-3836. Special education services for children
Be on the lookout for other special guest characters:
GhostBusters and friends!
Directions:
Miles on the left • Right on HWY 41 • Mt Laurel is 1.3 HWY 280E: Left on Hugh Daniel Drive right the on Miles 3.2 is l HWY 280W : Right on HWY 41 • Mt Laure
com • 205.408.8696 For more information: www.mtlaurel.
with disabilities are provided in accordance with the Individual with Disabilities Education Improvement Act, Amendments of 2004 and Alabama Act 106. Child Find is an attempt to locate and provide appropriate educational and related services to all children with disabilities between the ages of birth to 21.
Bizarre Bazaar at Crestline Church Crestline Church will host its Bizarre Bazaar on Saturday, October 13 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. The event will feature many handcrafted and hand-painted items, baked goods and white elephant gift
items. Tables are available for vendors. All proceeds benefit a mission in Belize. To reserve a table at the bazaar, call 879-6001. The church is located at 605 Hagood Street.
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October 2012 |
Life Actually By Kari Kampakis
Comparison is the thief of joy Recently I watched a bridal reality show in which a full-figured bride shopped for wedding gowns with her sister, who looked like a supermodel, and her mom. Early on, the bride confessed her insecurities. Naturally, she wanted to look beautiful on her big day, but she worried she’d never find a dress to hide her flaws. She also worried about feeling like an ugly duckling next to her sister because that had been their ongoing dynamic. All her life, she said it would happen like this: After spending hours getting ready, she’d think she looked great. But once she saw her sister, her feelings deflated because her sister looked better. The sadness on this bride’s face was heartbreaking, and I eventually got so depressed I had to switch channels. This show reminded me of how easily comparison leads to self-sabotage. Physically speaking, this bride was no match for her sister, even on her best day. But what the camera failed to capture were the qualities that made this bride sparkle. Surely she outshone her sister in other ways, ways that were less obvious to the naked eye but still very important. All of us struggle with feelings of inferiority. All of us know what it’s like to feel on top of the world one minute and crummy the next because someone has it better. With our status jeopardized, the claws come out. We get competitive, envious, fixated on ways to keep our opponent down. We start down a road of negative thinking, and the farther we walk, the harder it is to turn around. When Teddy Roosevelt said, “Comparison is the thief of joy,” he hit the nail on the head. It is the thief of joy, and a murderer at that. It kills our spirit, our drive and our love for our fellow man. And like a home intruder, it catches us off-guard. It can bind us up when we least expect it and hold us captive in our own residence. But notice the operative word here is “can.” Happiness is a choice, and so are the thoughts we entertain. Proverbs 4:23 says, “Above all else, guard your heart,
for everything you do flows from it.” To me this means making conscious efforts to keep negative thoughts out. It means treating my heart like I do my home so I can sleep in peace at night. If I leave the door wide-open, or even unlocked, intruders have access. But if I lock it and set the alarm, I have a warning system. I have time to react. Intruders may still come, but they won’t stay long, because there’ll be sirens going off and cops hurrying over to cart them off my property in handcuffs. Keeping intrusive thoughts out is easier said than done, but I believe we can train our minds. One way to cure an inferiority complex is to remember that no one has to fail for us to succeed. We’re all designed to be winners, all members of the same team. People peak and valley at different points in life, and just because someone’s hitting home runs while we’re striking out doesn’t mean our day in the sun won’t come. If someone in particular has a stronghold over you, try pushing through your feelings with prayer. Ask God to soften your heart so you can admire their gifts, not envy them. It takes time, but it works, especially if your prayer is sincere. When it comes to blessings, God spreads the wealth. No one gets it all. While I wish I could sing like Adele, write like Rick Bragg and look like Elle Macpherson, I must focus on being me. I must excel in my areas of expertise and nip any pity party in the bud. Comparison sucks the joy out of life and turns happiness into stone. By treating it like an intruder, and arming our hearts against it, we free ourselves to enjoy life with a healthier, happier, and more productive attitude. Kari Kubiszyn Kampakis is a Mountain Brook mom of four with a background in PR, writing and photography. Visit her website at www.karikampakis.com, find her on Facebook and Twitter or contact her at kari@karikampakis.com.
Spooky programs offer chances to win a Nook By HOLLEY WESLEY, Emmet O’Neal Library October is one of our favorite months around here, especially upstairs on the second floor. You’ve got two dedicated horror aficionados (Katie and Holley) upstairs and quite a few on the main floor as well. We are always excited to plan programs for the month because our professional responsibilities and personal interests get the rare opportunity to join forces. This year, you too can get in on the fun! We’ll be giving away a NOOK Color to one lucky winner and chances to win abound. Check out items from our themed display on the second floor, attend any of our October programs and interact with us on Facebook in one of our weekly challenges. Each time you participate, you get another entry into the prize drawing for the NOOK. We’re kicking off A Library Dark & Grimm early in the month. For a complete list of scheduled programs, see the library’s calendar in this issue of Village Living or drop by and see us. Here’s a handy list of just a few of the programs that will net you extra chances to win that NOOK:
ff On Wednesday, October 3, the Brown Bag Lunch Series will feature a Fall & Halloween Book Preview with Katie and Holley. ff For horror fans ages 18 & up, brush up on your dark and grim knowledge for Horror Trivia Night on Thursday, October 11. ff Also for those 18 and up, the Nightmare on Oak Street Horror Movie Double Feature is on Friday, October 12 (call 4451117 for movie titles) ff Fan favorite, Dead Authors’ Graveyard*, a spooky walk-thru attraction, showcases the compelling lives and fascinating deaths of some literary greats, Saturday (10 a.m.-4 p.m.) & Sunday (1 p.m.-4 p.m.), October 27 & 28. (*All ages welcome, but may be scary for small children.) ff Wednesday, October 31 the Brown Bag Lunch Series will show a film about the history and lore of witches. ff The NOOK winner will be announced on Friday, November 2, the Day of the Dead. Visit us online at eolib.org andfacebook. com/emmetoneallibrary or give us a call at 205-445-1121.
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| October 2012 | Village Living
All in the family Mountain Brook cousin photos submitted by Village Living readers
Welsh cousins: Brothers Will (sixth, Crestline) and Turner (fourth, Crestline) and cousin Jack Welsh (second, Crestline). Photo courtesy of John Welsh.
Gray-Emblom-Doster cousins:
Back row: Rushton Doster, Haston Emblom, Ella Emblom, Camille Emblom, Lawton Emblom. Front row: Drew Doster, Gray Doster, Garrett Gray, Elizabeth Reid Gray. Photo courtesy of Julia Doster.
Haas-Lightfoot cousins:
Front row: Vale Lightfoot (sixth, MBE), Bobby Haas (4K, Mountian Brook Baptist), Stella Young (third, BWF), Lillie Young (fifth, BWF). Back row: Warren Lightfoot (10th, MBHS), Virginia Haas (12th, MBHS), Noelle Haas (eighth MBJH) and Jackson Lightfoot (eighth , MBJH). Photo courtesy of Sheila Haas.
Bodnar-Brown cousins: William Brown (sixth), Riley Brown (fourth), Drew Bodnar (first), Ann Carter Brown (kindergarten). Not pictured: Morgan Brown (ninth). Photo courtesy of Catherine Bodnar.
Pets Welcome. Masters, too!
“My first impression of Brookdale Place University Park was a lasting one. As I drove through the gates and saw the beautifully landscaped grounds, I knew this was the place for me! I’ve lived here for more than three years now and, just like my fellow residents, I’m able to enjoy my time doing the things I want to do. There are so many activities ~ movies, card parties, bingo, fitness classes, entertainment ~ that there is literally something for everyone. They even provide transportation to the best shopping and attractions in town. Best of all, ‘Bennie’ loves living here, too!” Bernie L. and “Bennie” ~Residents, Brookdale Place University Park
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Gray-Black cousins: Caroline Gray (kindergarten), Davis Gray (second), Wills Black (fifth). Not pictured: Mary Hollins Black (second). Photo by Jennifer Gray.
Colvin-Underwood cousins: Mary Mack Colvin (first, BWF), John Colvin (4K, Mountain Brook Presbyterian), Caroline Underwood (seventh, grade MBJH) and Hudson Underwood (third, CBS). Photo courtesy of Kasey Colvin.
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Smith cousins: Coryell, Riley, Henley, Winston, Lucy, Paley, Anderson, Marshall and Catherine Smith. The Smith family takes a family photo every year of the kids during the summer at the lake. Two of the cousins, Coryell and Henley, whose father is Pelham, live in Dallas, but all of the other cousins have attended all of the Mountain schools except for Brookwood Forest. Dads Pelham, Henley, Clinton and Perry Smith all attended Crestline, MBJH and MBHS. Photo courtesy of Lori Smith.
Salter-Blackwell-Hydinger cousins: Back row: Daniel Salter (third), Oliver Salter (second), Grant Blackwell (fourth), Salter Hydinger (fifth), Colby Blackwell (fourth). Front row: Hagen Blackwell (third), Lola Salter (kindergarten), Grayson Hydinger (first). Photo courtesy of Steven Hydinger.
Village Living
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October 2012 |
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| October 2012 | Village Living
Texting and driving MBPD’s take on the new state law
Episcopal Place Bishops’ Dinner Set for November 1
By KaiTLiN BiTZ Alabama Act Number 2012-291 – better known as the statewide texting and driving ban – presented tricky questions for most cell phone users when it went into effect on August 1. To help clear the confusion, Sargent Al Eason of the Mountain Brook Police Department sat down with Village Living to talk about the law and how it is being enforced. Is it okay to use other features of your phone while driving? According to the law, operating a GPS while driving is legal as long as the coordinates are pre-programmed. Reading, selecting and entering telephone numbers into a cell phone is also still legal, as well as using a cell phone for emergency communication. What would you say to someone who is still texting at red lights? It’s legal to text if the car is parked on the shoulder of a road, but not at a red light. It’s like being drunk at a red light. You’re still the operator of a vehicle. How do you know when someone is texting and driving? I’ve run into some difficulties with the new law due to its difficulty to enforce. When it comes to accidents, texting is hard to pin down as a perpetrator due to the fact that most people won’t admit to doing it behind the wheel. It is also difficult for most officers to determine the difference between texting and driving and operating the phone.
Members of the Host Committee for the Episcopal Place Bishops’ Dinner met recently to plan the event. Front Row: Cathy Gilmore, Martha Oyston, Margaret Mussleman, Rev. Judy Quick, Co-Chair Tellis Shoemaker, Barbara Sloan, Co-Chair Suzan Doidge Back Row: Tim Blanton of Episcopal Place, Mark Haas, Rev. Jack Alvey, John Paul Mussleman, Father Rob Johnson, Nancy Sharp, Sandra Lynn, Charlie Lynn, Olivia Weingarten, Co-Chair Lori Smith, Katherine Kilpatrick and Darlene Green.
Sargent Al Eason of the Mountain Brook Police Department discusses the new texting and driving law.
Do you personally feel that it is unsafe to text and drive? If you’re texting, you’re operating using only one hand on the steering wheel. The mechanics are off. You can’t operate the vehicle and the signals and devices properly with a phone in your hand. It’s the law for a reason. Someone has done enough research and conducted enough studies to figure out that it’s a factor in traffic accidents. So don’t do it. How has the new law personally affected you? I don’t like using the phone at home much less while I’m driving.
Saturday, October 13th 9am to 5pm Ross Bridge Welcome Center 2101 Grand Avenue Hoover, AL 35244
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Local ArArtists and craftsmen The Area’s Hottest Bands Food, Kid’s Activities www.ArtsAndMusicOnTheGreen.com
The 2012 Episcopal Place Bishop’s Dinner has been scheduled for Thursday, November 1 at The Club in Birmingham. This biennial celebration of the Episcopal community’s outreach to low-income seniors and disabled adults will occur on All Saints’ Day and will begin at 6 p.m. The Rt. Rev. John McKee Sloan, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Alabama, will be the special speaker. The fundraising event will include cocktails, dinner, comments from the Bishop and a special presentation involving residents who live in Episcopal Place’s affordable housing community. Tickets are $75 per person. Sponsorship opportunities are available for businesses and individuals who want to support the event and the mission of Episcopal Place. “Our first Episcopal Place Bishop’s Dinner was held two years ago as we were celebrated the 30th anniversary of Episcopal Place’s founding by the Episcopal Diocese of Alabama and nine local parishes,” said Tim Blanton, executive director of Episcopal Place. “The event was such a great success that we wanted
to continue bringing this community together every other year to help us stay focused on this important mission.” Serving as Event Planning Committee chairs are Dr. Lori Smith, a member of the Episcopal Place Board of Directors and St. Luke’s Episcopal Church; Suzan Doidge, also a member of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church; and Tellis Shoemaker, a member of St. Mary’s-onthe Highlands. Proceeds from The Bishop’s Dinner will help fund Episcopal Place’s “ECares” Supportive Services Program, which provides to residents van transportation, subsidized meals and housekeeping, activities, pastoral care and worship services. The independent living facility was opened in 1980 as a partnership between the Episcopal Diocese and parishes, the non-profit sector and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, which provides rent subsidies for residents. Those interested in attending the event can call Episcopal Place at 929-0085, email Tim Blanton at tblanton@episcopalplace.org or visit www.episcopalplace.org.
at Ross Bridge in Hoover Saturday, October 13th 12pm to 5pm
Free Event Premier outdoor tasting festival celebrating the area’s top restaurants and culinary artists along with fine wines and craft beers.
Football Broadcast by
Live Music on two stages Also featuring
“Battle of the Chefs Uncorked!” www.uncorkedonthegreen.com
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Frames Gifst Books Chandeliers 1829 29th Ave. South • Homewood • 870-8110 www.shophomewood.com
Furniture
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and lungs. It is also characterized by seizures, developmental delays, behavioral problems and autism. It affects as many as 50,000 individuals in the USA. “It was one of the most challenging but yet rewarding experiences of my life,” Pitard said. “It was exhilarating to experience the process of critiquing each research application based on innovation; impact; research strategy and feasibility; and other factors. I have been amazed with the progress of research in the past five years, and it is extremely encouraged by the number of scientists that are interested in researching this disorder. For more information contact about TSC, visit tsalliance.org.
Lamp
Mountain Brook resident Carole Pitard, a tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) advocate, recently participated in the evaluation of research applications submitted to the Tuberous Sclerosis Complex Research Program (TSCRP). Pitard was nominated for participation in the program by Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance of Silver Springs, Md. As a consumer reviewer, Pitard was a full voting member working with prominent scientists to help determine how the $5.1 million appropriated by Congress for the 2012 fiscal year would be spent on future tuberous sclerosis research. Tuberous sclerosis is a rare genetic disorder that can cause tumors to form in the brain, eyes, kidneys, liver, skin, heart
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Pitard helps determine federal funding for genetic disorder research
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Last year more than $12,000 was raised for school improvements. The school was also able to donate a portion of the proceeds to the Children’s Hospital Sugar Plum Shoppe, which provides toys to patients and their siblings who are in the hospital at Christmas. The patch is located in a small field adjacent to the school parking lot at 3631 Montevallo Road and is open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. For the latest updates on pumpkin arrival as well as holiday ideas and recipes, find MBBC Pumpkin Patch on Facebook.
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On October 1, the Early Learning Center at Mountain Brook Baptist will open its eighth annual Pumpkin Patch. The patch is filled with a variety of shapes and colors from a local grower, and many size options are available – from mini pumpkins to huge “doorstep” pumpkins. Prices range from $1.50 - $20. On October 15, a Mountain Brook school holiday, the church will host its annual PlayDay in the Patch with face painting, games and crafts. Each year, parent volunteers of the Early Learning Center unload and organize the patch, sell pumpkins and cleanup – all to raise funds for the center.
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| October 2012 | Village Sports
The voice(s) of Mountain Brook Football By sUZaNNE miLLiGaN & JEFF THOmpsON The press box at Spartan Stadium was renamed for two former public address announcers of Mountain Brook High School football in 2010, the same year Perry White took over the microphone. One was his friend and immediate predecessor, Craig Tindall, who held the post for 17 years. The other, Bill Bolen, was the first Friday night emcee the stadium ever had. So, White was sliding into big shoes when he spoke his first words to Mountain Brook’s football faithful. But in the past two years, he’s filled them with ease, and now he’s thinking he can hold this post just as long – or longer – than the respected men who haunt his mic most autumn weekends. “There is a plaque in the press box with their names as well as an empty slot or two,” White said. “Coach Cooper said I had to be there at least 15 years to get my name on the plaque. But the only way I will leave is if Mal Moore calls, and even then I think I could juggle Fridays in Mountain Brook and Saturdays in Tuscaloosa.” White, senior vice president at Johnson Development and father of three, said Tindall decided to retire in 2010 and asked him then if he would step in. He started doing games with Tindall at the beginning of the season and took over full time near the end. He takes his duties seriously, investing time during the week prior to the game to contact visiting coaches. At least an hour before each game, he collects probable starters, talks to referees and ensures he has proper pronunciations for the names of visiting players. “Nothing gets a momma in the press box faster than mispronouncing her child’s name,” White said. In addition, White is responsible for collecting and relaying announcements over the loudspeaker. These include
Perry White, right, public address announcer for Mountain Brook High School football, with press box volunteers who work during Friday night home games. From left are David Lyon, Charles Branch, Glenn Donald and Brian Lucas. Not pictured: Matt Moore. Photo by Jeff Thompson.
anything from items about local athletics and community events to connecting lost keys with owners or lost kids with parents. He said he scripts out the entire game starting from “Welcome to Spartan Stadium” till “Good Night.” Overall, being Mountain Brook’s public address announcer isn’t an easy task, but it certainly helps that White’s Friday nights are full of friends. He shares his press box cubicle with five other men who give time to Spartan football and all love every minute of it. “I just call the kids’ names on Friday night,” White said. “Our press box crew is a whole group of people crammed into a fairly small space. Everyone has a specific job and we work really well together and have a blast.” The 2012 booth crew consists of
October at
Trunk Show and Personal Appearance Thursday, November 1 10am-5pm
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White, Charles Branch, Brian Lucas, Glenn Donald, Matt Moore and David Lyon. They sit shoulder-to-shoulder on Fridays, each responsible for one or more aspects of the stadium experience fans may not even realize are taking place. It starts with Branch in the left corner of the box. As statistician, he keeps White straight on down and distance and supplies the halftime and end-of-game stats to announce. On White’s right is Lucas, who runs the scoreboard. Lucas keeps up with down, distance, time-outs and score. Donald is responsible for keeping up with the 25-second play clock, and Lyon is primary spotter for the crew, calling out to White the offensive player with the ball and defensive player making the tackle. Moore is another spotter who doubles as a jack-of-all-trades. Besides helping with
pronunciation, he fills in anytime there’s a vacancy in the box. White said on any given play, spotters call out the offensive and defensive players involved. That’s followed by Branch giving him the yardage. White’s job is to translate that into something like, “26 Gene Bromberg the ball carrier, tackled by number 98 Joe Smith. Play gains 5 yards. Brings up 2 and 5 for the Spartans.” “It is by no means rocket science, but it takes a certain rhythm to get it right,” White said. They all work for nothing more than the love of Spartan football. Well that, and the promise of snacks. “Oatmeal cookies, a Chick-fil-A sandwich and Friday night football,” Lucas said. “There really is nothing better.”
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Tracking with neon watches
October 2012 |
17
The Original Gus’s in Crestline much more than a hotdog, a 44 year tradition
Tailgate Specials • Catering Breakfast and Lunch Mon-Friday 6am - 5pm Saturday 6am - 3pm OPEN SUNDAY 11am - 3pm In the first meet of the season, both MBJH girls and boys took first place at the Chickasaw Trails Invitational against 19 girls teams and 24 boys teams.
By HILARY ROSS Many around Mountain Brook may have noticed teens running through the community while sporting neon yellow watches. Well, thanks in part to a grant from the O’Keefe Family Trust of Chicago, all Mountain Brook Junior High cross country runners were recently issued Nike+ SportWatches to use during the 2012 season. “This Cross Country Team of 248 athletes is the largest ever, and with that number it would be virtually impossible to give feedback to runners on a daily basis,” Coach Mike Abercrombie said. “However, with these watches, the kids can get upto-the-moment updates on their pace and distance.” Watches can be registered on Nike+ online system and act like a personal running coach to track calories burned, run histories, personal achievements and new records. “I really like the watches because you can get home and plug it in the computer, and the watch tells you your average pace, how fast you ran, what route you took and loads of other information,” said Natalie Womack, a seventh grade runner. “It’s nice to be able to monitor how you’re improving,” said Helen Camp, a ninth grade runner.
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Almost two-thirds of Mountain Brook runners elected to purchase the watches, which allowed the grant money to be used for other positive program reinforcements such as awards, including Spartan head car magnets given to runners who reach 100 miles. “I can tell that the watches have improved our team’s performance because we don’t usually win the first meet we participate in, and this year we did,” said ninth grader Bailey Womack. MBJH Cross Country is coached by Abercrombie, Amelia Breeze, Trish Carey, Chris Cence, Kelli Moore and John Phillips.
MBHS Cross Country captures Chickasaw Trails division titles
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| October 2012 | School House
Halloween costume plans
“I am going to be either a dinosaur or a king.” - John Paul Scott, kindergarten, Mountain Brook Elementary
“I want to be Cam Newton.” - Hart James, second grade, Brookwood Forest
“I want to be Taylor Swift.” - Sarah Kate Sanders, fourth grade, Cherokee Bend
“I was Strawberry Shortcake last year, but this year I want to be little orphan Annie.” - Alice Loveman, kindergarten, Crestline
“I would like to be an 80s valley girl!” - Katherine Pennington, second grade, Mountain Brook Elementary “I want to be an Olympic gymnast” - Katy-Bea Kirby, third grade, Brookwood Forest
“I am going to be an Alabama football player.” - Billy Huffman, first grade, Cherokee Bend
“I want to dress up like Cam Newton.” - Vann McDuffie, fourth grade, Crestline
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Mountain Brook Schools Foundation celebrates 20th Anniversary By KATEY COURTNEY In 1992, a group of concerned citizens banded together to change their community by forming the Mountain Brook City Schools Foundation. Twenty years later, the impact of their efforts has strengthened the Mountain Brook Schools System with more than $4.7 million in funding. The Foundation’s generous contributions over the past two decades, according to its website, mtnbrookschoolsfoundation.com, have been focused on the areas of library enhancement, professional learning and technology, with the latter receiving the most attention. “The Mountain Brook Schools Foundation has really helped us with all of our technology and any enhancements to our school, like our (Apple) iPad labs and computer labs,” said Vic Wilson, Mountain Brook High School Principal. “We couldn’t operate at the level that we do without them.” Not only has the Foundation funded an iPad lab for MBHS, but it has also supplied devices to the junior high and elementary schools. This year the foundation funded an iPad pilot program for sixth graders where 90 students were each assigned an iPad for the semester. In its focus on professional learning, the foundation provides teachers with an array of training and courses to keep them up to date with new technology each summer. It also provides professional development for teachers, where small groups meet to discuss instruction strategies and plans for the upcoming school year. Teachers also receive stipends provided by the
Crestline Elementary sixth graders Hannah Doss, Wilson Traywick, James Childs and Virginia French use their new iPads. Thanks to help from the Mountain Brook Schools Foundation, the school is piloting a program where 90 fifth and sixth graders are assigned an iPad with various educational applications for the semester. Photo by Madoline Markham.
foundation. “We’ve been fine tuning our focus and improving technology and teacher training,” new Foundation president Lloyd Shelton said. “We are currently trying to evaluate how to meet (the system’s) needs.” Further showing it has the future of Mountain Brook Schools in mind, the Foundation recently began an endowment
to combat inevitable financial challenges and the unpredictable nature of proration. In its first year of campaigning for the endowment, the foundation raised nearly $5 million. “With the Mountain Brook City Schools Foundation, we knew no matter what the financial state of the state was, the school system would continue to progress,”
Executive Director Carmine Jordan said. For the 20th anniversary, the foundation’s Development Committee, under the leadership of Derick Belden, is planning a tailgate before the before the Mountain Brook Varsity Football game against Hewitt-Trussville on Oct. 12. For more information, visit mtnbrookschoolsfoundation.com.
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October 2012 | Village Living
State recognizes three Eagle Scouts from the same nest By RICK WATSON Fewer than 4 percent of boys who join Boy Scouts will earn the rank of Eagle. But in last year’s graduating senior class in Mountain Brook, 23 boys who started scouts at the same time earned the rank. And three of them were triplets – Nelson, Taylor and Jonathan Jetmundsen. “They were all good kids, and they’ve become outstanding young men,” said Scoutmaster David Dowd. Alabama Rep. Paul DeMarco, who represents the Mountain Brook area, knew the importance of the accomplishment. He is an Eagle Scout himself. DeMarco presented the triplets with a Resolution of Recognition from the Alabama House of Representatives for their Eagle Scout accomplishment. “People skills are the most important things you learn while becoming an Eagle Scout,” DeMarco said. “You can learn academics in college, but when you’re in leadership positions in scouting, that’s what carries over. You learn how to lead; how to work as a team; and how to plan, execute and achieve goals.” The trio worked through projects ranging from first aid to family life, eventually earning the 21 badges required to make Eagle with the support of their parents, Kelli and Norman. Work required to earn the Family Life badge was Jonathan’s least favorite, he said, because for six months he had to log all the chores he did. Young men in the Jetmundsen family said they enjoyed service work most. “A lot of service work involves projects in parks and places like that,” Taylor said. “You commit time to helping each other do their project work in parks.” The Jetmundsens built trails and performed other work at Oak Mountain
Representative Paul DeMarco presented a state house resolution to 2012 MBHS graduates Nelson, Taylor and Jonathan Jetmundsen in honor of their Eagle Scout awards. Photo by Rick Watson.
State Park, Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve and other parks in the area. Nelson’s project involved building a playground in the shape of a boat for Mitchell’s Place, which is a center located on Overton Road for people with autism. As with most projects, this one required a lot of help from the other scouts in their troop, Troop 63 at Canterbury United Methodist Church. Another highlight of their scout experience was traveling to three High Adventure Bases — Sea Base in Key West, Philmont Boy Scout Ranch in New Mexico,
and the Northern Tier in Minnesota. All three Jetmundsen boys went on the first two High Adventures, but only Taylor tackled the Northern Tier trip, which earned him the Triple Crown designation. The triplets’ mom, Kelli Jetmundsen, said the most difficult lesson for her to learn was that they were in the Boy Scouts and not the “Mommy Scouts.” When the boys were younger, she fretted a great deal as they prepared for camping trips and other outings, but the Scoutmaster and the boys pointed out that it was their responsibility to make sure they had everything they
needed. This fall, Taylor and Nelson are attending Sewanee College, and Jonathan is attending Washington and Lee. They said filling out college applications was a breeze because the boys could easily document their community service and leadership accomplishments. The oldest troop in Mountain Brook, Troop 63 started meeting in February 1942. Mountain Brook boys are also members of other troops, including Troops 63, Troop 86, Troop 320 and City of Birmingham-based Troop 28.
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Getting to know MBHS’s new assistant principal
October 2012 |
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MBHS’s new vice principal Jeremy Crigger with his wife, Christie, and daughter, Caroline.
By sUZaNNE miLLiGaN First year Mountain Brook High School Assistant Principle Jeremy Crigger had a chance to catch up with new Mountain Brook High School Parent Teacher Organization Publicity Chairman Suzanne Milligan after his first few days job on the job. How long have you been in the administrative side of education? This is my 11th year in administration. Has anyone in your family been involved as an educator? My wife, Christie, is a second grade teacher at Mt. Olive Elementary in Gardendale. My sister, Jaime, is a sixth grade English teacher in Tennessee. What fun fact can you tell us about your job? Every day is a new day! It is never the same, and you get to build great relationships with students, parents and teachers.
Are all teenagers alike? What are have you noticed about Mountain Brook students? All teenagers are different. Although some of them have things in common and certain characteristics that go with that age, they are all unique. The biggest thing that impresses me with our students is that they love school, they know why they are here on a daily basis, and they conduct themselves extremely well. Most people think administration employees leave at 3 p.m. with the kids. When does your day as a Mountain Brook employee begin and end? All days are different. My typical day starts out around 7 a.m., and I am generally out by 5 p.m. unless we have a night activity going on that day. What sports have you coached? I have coached basketball, baseball and football. I was a head coach in basketball and baseball.
Does your job at Mountain Brook High School have any challenges? The biggest challenge that I have is making sure that everyone knows me and knows that I am here for them. It has been a great transition.
Do you have children and how old are they? I have one child, Caroline, who is 6 years old. She attends Shades Cahaba Elementary in Homewood.
How did you find out about the job at Mountain Brook High School? Being a principal before, you build relationships with other administrators through common meetings, conferences and networking. Vic [Wilson] and I have known each other as colleagues for quite some time. I also knew and worked with Amanda Hood and Patrick Kellogg.
Are you an Alabama or Auburn fan? I am a huge Auburn fan – you need to check my office out, but I married an Alabama graduate. We have that love/ hate relationship during football season. It is definitely the “house divided.” It makes for great times! Even at work, Vic [Wilson] and Ben [Hudson] are huge Bama fans, so we go at it a lot.
Leadership Mountain Brook Kick Off The Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce hosted a kick off party for the students in Leadership Mountain Brook. High school juniors and seniors in the
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Front row: Reynolds Thompson, Stewart Harrington, Reilly Blair, Mitchell Bain, Reid Parrott, Drew Dickson, Brooks Glover. Second row: MBHS Career Tech teacher Jill Covington, Catherine Masingill, Sarah Sims Parker, Maggie Mandt, Catherine Elizabeth Luke, Alana Bartoletti, Mary Grace Tracy, Anna Smith, Mary Nix Roberson, Katherine Francis, Tyler Jaffe, Anne Holman Smith, Mary Shelton Hornsby, Charlotte Weaver. Back row: Chamber Project Manager Hannon Davidson, Emmet O’Neal Library Information Technology Manager Mary Lyn Eubank, Police Chief Ted Cook, Public Works Director Ronnie Vaughn, Finance Director Steve Boone, City Planner Dana Hazen, Fire Chief “Zeke” Ezekiel, Mayor Terry Oden, Chamber Executive Director Suzan Doidge, Superintendent of Schools Dickey Barlow, Principal Vic Wilson, Director of Student Services Dr. Dale Wisely, MBHS Career Tech Teacher Amber Benson. Photo courtesy Kelly Connor.
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October 2012 |
School House
MBJH geometry class pilots iPad program enhanc ing l if e with pl ants
Fall Plant Sale R ai n or S hi ne • Free A d mission • Fa ll is an I dea l T i me t o Pl ant Tr ees & Shr ubs
Saturday, October 20 | 9 - 5 p.m. Sunday, October 21 | Noon - 4 p.m.
Students Emma Hyde, John Lloyd Reed, Duncan Manley, Grace Lockett, Owen Ross, McKinley Hamilton, Adele Bird and Kathryn Wason with teacher Sara Anne Nelson.
By HiLary rOss
Photograph courtesy of Cathy Adams
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Sara Anne Nelson’s Advanced Geometry class was recently selected as the only Mountain Brook Junior High class to receive Apple iPads for educational purposes. The devices were provided through the Mountain Brook Schools Metamorphosis Project, also known as the 1:1 Digital Device Pilot (DDP). The pilot hopes to answer questions the system has about the need for district issued personal devices, as well as whether the use of such devices improves learning in the classroom. iPads were distributed following a meeting at the school where parents heard from both school principals and technology directors. “Kids are integral to the direction of this pilot program. My goal is to gauge whether iPads improve learning in the classroom through several applications that will be loaded on the devices,” Nelson said. Nelson also said iPads will allow
students to easily manipulate figures and drawings and be more “visual.” With quick access to the Internet and coursespecific applications, students can engage in interactive learning and explore and discover interesting topics. “We are very excited about the possibilities this pilot provides and look forward to seeing the great things that will happen in this geometry class,” MBJH Principal Amanda Hood said. Additionally, sixth grades classes at Crestline School will pilot iPads on a rotational basis, and two Mountain Brook High School teachers, Katie Ray and Holly Martin, are teaching a collaborative class that incorporates both English and history curriculums for the pilot. Students will be allowed to take the iPads home and use them daily. Though tailor-made for our community, administrators said they intend for this pilot program to be scalable as to serve as a model for others.
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MBE elects student council
The new MBE student council.
By HiLary rOss Mountain Brook Elementary fourth through sixth grades held student council representative elections at the start of the school year. The purpose of the council is to allow students opportunities to develop leadership skills and practice good citizenship. The council provides and leads the school in service-learning activities. New representatives are: fourth
Grade: Abigail Clark, Mason Drew, Ella Kampakis and Molly Keller; fifth grade: Lindsay Jane Drummond, Mac Lidikay, Johnny Nathan and Louisa Patrick; and sixth grade: Didi Bird, Sean Fredella, James Gillespy, Robert Goolsby, Grace Hull, Chip Porter, Crawford Outland and Christopher Thagard.
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BWF teachers Carla Dudley, Ann Scott Lee, Laura Alexander, hostess Ashley DeGari, PTO President Emily Frost, Jennifer Hendrix, Cindy Burns, Sammye Davis, Heather Cates.
By aLisON JamEs The Brookwood Forest Elementary PTO kicked off the school year with the annual Teachers and Staff Luncheon at the home of the Degaris Family on August 16. Steve Dubrinsky of Max’s Deli catered the lunch, and school supply towers were raffled as door
prizes for the teachers. The committee consisted of Bridget Sikora, Yvette Weather, Kelly Pyron, Heather Clay, Alison James, Amy Knight, Nancy Lewis, Molly Hamilton, Heather Brown, Emily Frost, Terry Pitman, Jennifer Couch and Kim Green.
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CBS Ambassadors help with back to school event
October 2012 |
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Front row: Jacob Kipp, Mark Smith, John Carothers, Lucy Woodke. Back row: Alexander Hatton, Laura Catherine Goodson, Ellis Henley, Abraham Askenazi, Jack Steinmetz, Will Christopher. Not pictured: Julia Baddley, Mabry Sansbury, Zach Shunnarah, Justice Smith. Photo courtesy of Stephanie Steinmetz.
Homecoming Nov. 2nd Compliments of
By CATHERINE BODNAR Members of Cherokee Bend Elementary School’s sixth grade leadership assisted at the school’s Meet and Greet and New Family Orientation events. The sixth graders served as ambassadors
at the Back To School event on August 21. There they helped greet parents and ensured everyone knew where they were supposed to go and how to get to their children’s classrooms.
Boosterthon kickoff at Crestline
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Co m Ini plim tia e l E nta xa ry m Ms. Ferguson’s third grade “Fireballs” at the pep rally.
By BESTY BURKHART Crestline Elementary held its annual Boosterthon Pep Rally on Tuesday, September 21. The “Boosterthon Boys” welcomed each class as they entered the auditorium with music blaring and teachers and students clapping. This is the sixth year that Crestline has participated in the Boosterthon. The grand finale of the Boosterthon experience is race day when students run
between 25-35 laps around the Boosterthon speedway while teachers and parents cheer them on. The Boosterthon team spends more than 200 hours in the school teaching character lessons to the students while also getting the students “pumped up” to run the race and find sponsors. Last year the event raised $77,000 that helped build a new playground at the school. This year the money raised will go toward new technology in the classrooms.
Cherokee Bend welcomes new assistant principal By CATHERINE BODNAR Cherokee Bend Elementary principal Betsy Bell welcomed new assistant principal Jennifer Galloway this school year. Galloway comes to Mountain Brook from the Oak Mountain area, where she served as assistant principal of Oak Mountain Elementary School for four years. She brings to Cherokee Bend more than 16 years of experience teaching elementary education. Galloway attended Auburn University and the University of Montevallo. She began her career teaching third grade at Oak Mountain Elementary School for five years. She later taught first grade and reading recovery at Calera Elementary and second then first grade at Inverness Elementary. While at Inverness, Galloway received her National Board Certification. She has been married for 17 years and has two daughters.
Jennifer Galloway.
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| October 2012 |
Business Spotlight By MADISON MILLER
Business Spotlight
Richard Joseph SalonSpa
Read all the past Business Spotlights at villagelivingonline.com
2410 Fairway Drive 871-6001 richardjosephsalonspa.com Monday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday – Saturday, 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Located in the heart of English Village, Richard Joseph SalonSpa brings first class pampering to Mountain Brook. Behind its doors is every service that a relaxation enthusiast could want. “We not only want customers to leave here looking good,” said Jeremy Arthur, business administrator. “We also want them to feel good.” Their English Village location offers haircuts, hair coloring and hair treatments, as well as body treatments, manicures, pedicures makeup and more. It also has a café that serves breakfast and lunch to customers. “The café is probably our most distinguishing feature,” said Jennifer West, marketing director. “We’re the only salon and spa in Birmingham that has a café.” Owner Richard Joseph opened his first salon in in Crestline Village 22 years ago and moved the business to English Village 13 years ago. It started off as a hair salon and grew into a full service salon and spa. “I opened Richard Joseph SalonSpa to realize my vision of exceeding guest expectations by creating a true SalonSpa experience rather than just receiving a typical haircut or color service,” Joseph said. In 2009, Richard Joseph SalonSpa partnered with Belk salons and expanded its business into four locations across the Birmingham area. It has also begun using exclusively AVEDA hair care products. “I love working with AVEDA. They
Richard Joseph, owner of Richard Joseph SalonSpa, stands near the front desk of the English Village salon ready to help his guests. Photo courtesy of Jennifer West.
have a huge arsenal of products that can be cocktailed together to fit just about every hair care need,” stylist and Artistic Director Jonathan Fowler said. “Keratin treatments by Coppola that we use have been a game changer for those of us with curl, frizz or unruly texture.” Each April, SalonSpa hosts the “Every Drop Counts” fundraising event for the
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Cahaba River Society. “This was our biggest year to date by far,” West said. “It was really successful.” The salon considers its relationship with its customers the most important part of the business. Staff members said they want customers to not only feel happy with their experience, but also feel at home. “Having a true servant’s heart attitude
with consistent implementation turned out to be what our guests love most,” Joseph said. “Our SalonSpa team responds by developing long term relationships with our guests both in and out of the salon environment.” To schedule an appointment with Richard Joseph Salon Spa, call 871-6001 or go online to richardjosephsalonspa.com.
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October 2012 |
25
Parenting and Family with Dr. Dale Wisely
College bound! At Mountain Brook Schools, we point with pride to our high school graduates. Almost all attend four-year colleges, and the few that don’t have good plans, such as serving in the military, doing useful things in a gap year or attending junior college. Of that large majority who go on to four-year colleges, only a small number require any remedial help there. It appears we prepare our students well. I am interested, however, in the emotional and behavioral aspects of the transition to college for students and for their families. Once a year, I speak with groups of seniors and their parents at the high school on this topic, which I often call, “The last year at home and the first year away.” The last year at home is a great big ole bag of mixed emotion: Excitement and dread. Joy and sadness. Anticipation and uncertainty. We have all the practical and emotional complications of the college application process. In this town, people often believe the specific choice of college will be, for the young person, the difference between happiness, success and wealth and failure, misery and poverty. That’s probably not true, but the point is that in Mountain Brook much is invested in college, financially and emotionally. While that college application process is going on in the senior year, the family, whether they realize it or not, is preparing for big change – change that is substantial and permanent. When a child goes off to college, his or her life changes, of course, but so does that of every member of the family still at home. It is unavoidable. Most college-bound young people experience some separation anxiety, even though they may go to lengths to hide it, and most parents anticipate the separation with their own blend of excitement and worry. Often, during the senior year, tensions arise in the family on many fronts. I’ll illustrate some of these with samples of hypothetical dialogue: Parent: As long as you’re still under my roof, you have to obey the rules. Student: I’m about to not be under your roof. You need to let go of all these rules. Parent: Have you written that college essay yet? Student: Mom! I’ll get to it. Parent: I think someone has senioritis! Student: Oh my gosh! Did you just say that?! Parent: When are we going shopping for
stuff for your dorm? Student: Oh, I don’t know. How about never? You get the idea. Fun times. Here are a few ideas for families to think about during the senior year. I do think it is important for families to review “the rules” for senior students. To what extent are parents going to be involved in the senior student’s academics – how he or she studies, when he or she does homework, prepares for tests and so on? The parent should be mindful that in just a few months he or she will have virtually no involvement in this. The senior year is probably a good time to transition into the student being fully responsible for his or her academic work. Then there is the matter of curfew and parental management of the student’s social and leisure life. Parents could choose to maintain very restrictive controls. That creates more safety for the student, but it risks the student making a very abrupt transition – literally overnight – from strict parental controls to none at all. Or, parents could choose to abandon curfew and rules, which might permit the student to learn to self-manage, but it also creates a real risk of something very bad happening because of choices the student makes. It is a dilemma with no simple answer, other than the need to sit down and negotiate a compromise. Anticipate a good bit of anxiety and strain about getting ready for college. Again, it’s that blend of excitement and anxiety that can create a good bit of bickering, irritability and disagreement. Consider talking about it in advance, as in, “Hey, look, this is going to be a weird year for everyone. Big changes are coming and everyone is going to be excited, but we may also be pretty uptight. Let’s try to avoid killing each other.” Sometimes that kind of labeling of the problem, along with a little dose of humor, can help. Do try to focus on the positive. College is not heaven, but it is an exciting transition that, when you think about it, all parents and students have worked for years to make happen—it is the successful culmination of a lot of hard work. Remember that our students are usually very well prepared because of their experiences growing up in their families and in our schools. Dale Wisely, Ph.D. is Director of Student Services at Mountain Brook Schools and has been a child and adolescent psychologist for nearly 30 years. Dr. Wisely welcomes your questions for future columns; email jennifer@ villagelivingonline.com to submit yours.
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Gail Boushey, Jayne Euwer, Johnna Noles, Whitney Carr, Sarah Duff and Joan Moser at the Daily Five Conference in Atlanta.
By BRITT REDDEN The weekend before school began, kindergarten and first grade teachers Jayne Euwer, Johnna Noles, Whitney Carr and
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October 2012 | Around the Villages
Around the Villages Farmstead Pantry and Café to open in Crestline A Stone Hollow Farmstead pantry and cafe is scheduled to open in Crestline by November 1. The business, located in the former Escape Day Spa space next to Iron Tribe on Dexter Avenue, will sell prepared foods as well as fresh café items made from Stones Hollow Farm goods grown in Harpersville. The store, owned by Deborah Stone, will initially sell packaged foods such as Stone Hollow Farmstead cheese made from goat milk, butter, prepacked vegetable juices, jams and jellies—all from the farm. Breakfast frittatas, sprouted hummus, jarred marinated tomatoes, soups, fresh
fruit parfaits, cornbread and other foods will be prepared at the Cahaba Heights location and available for purchase in Crestline to take home to serve. Once their restaurant license is approved, it will offer a juice bar, smoothies and milk shakes and food items such as marinated tomato sandwiches, Thai lettuce wraps and a salad of the month. Cheese boards will feature appetizer portions of their dishes of cheese, honey preserves, dessert, fruit patte and, of course, cheese. The pantry and café will be located at 17 Dexter Avenue. For more information, visit stonehallowfarmstead.com.
Flu Vaccinations at Ritch’s Pharmacy In preparation for potentially one of the worst flu seasons, Ritch’s Pharmacy Health Mart is offering seasonal flu vaccines to residents of Jefferson and Shelby County to help protect against the virus. “One of the most important services our pharmacy can offer during this flu season is help protecting patients against the seasonal flu,” said Ralph Sorrell, President, Ritch’s Pharmacy. “It is important to be
prepared during this severe flu season, and we are dedicated to supporting our community by providing patients with these essential vaccinations and educating them on additional measures they can take to help reduce their risk of getting the flu.” Ritch’s is located at 2714 Cahaba Road in Mountain Brook Village. Hours are Monday-Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, contact the pharmacy at 871-114.
Hufham Orthodontics to buy back candy Crestline Village orthodontist Dr. David Hufham is out to help kids avoid damaging their braces or suffering injury by buying back Halloween candy. Hufham, who has practiced for 11 years on Euclid Avenue, is paying $1 for each pound of Halloween treats surrendered in his office. Candy will be collected at his office the day after Halloween, November 1 from 2-5 p.m. The candy must be unopened. The candy will then be sent to the troops overseas through a program called
Halloween Candy BuyBack, “It’s a fun way to reward the kids for their efforts on Halloween. In addition, we help out our troops,” Hufham said. Hufham noted that the days immediately following Halloween are usually an orthodontist’s busiest time of year for emergency calls. Candies such as plain chocolate or soft, chocolate-covered peanut butter cups are permissible for orthodontic patients, but Hufham cautions that they should brush and floss afterward.
Family Yoga in Overton Park Villager Yoga is offering free Family Yoga in the Park on Saturdays through October 13. The class incorporates individual and partner yoga poses in addition to breathing exercises.
It is geared for ages 2 and up. Classes are in Overton Park from 9:30-10:30 a.m. For more information, visit villageryoga.com or call 262-2012.
Chamber to host luncheon with ALDOT speaker The Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce will host a luncheon on October 11 featuring John Cooper, director of Alabama Department of Transportation. Cooper will discuss current and future
regional transportation projects. The luncheon will begin at 11 a.m. Tickets are $25 for members and $30 for non-members. For more information, visit welcometomountainbrook.com.
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Restaurant Showcase |
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La Paz
Restaurant Showcase By CHRISTIANA ROUSSEL
99 Euclid Avenue Crestline Village 879-2225 LaPaz.com
October 2012 |
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Read all the past Restaurant Showcases at villagelivingonline.com
Sunday-Tuesday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday- Saturday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Food trends will come and go, but some cuisines are perennial favorites. Mexican food is one example, and the Mountain Brook community has a longtime favorite in La Paz. Located at the corner of Euclid Avenue and Church Street in Crestline Village, La Paz has been plating up customer favorites like creamy queso, beef nachos and grilled shrimp quesadillas for more than two decades. The tall neon sign on the corner of the building is almost as much a village landmark as the adjacent clock tower. It serves as a beacon for hungry guests to get inside to order some guacamole and a frosty margarita. Many residents remember the restaurant housed Arial’s pharmacy before it was transformed into a south-of-the-border eatery. Manager Turner May has been with the restaurant ever since graduating from Mountain Brook High School in 2002. In discussing the restaurant’s timeless appeal, he brought out a weathered photo album, which showed the construction process as well as opening night in 1991. Hairstyles and clothing choices may have changed, but many of the guests’ faces have not. Turner pointed to one photograph in particular, saying the couple enjoying those fajitas with their teenage son still comes in regularly— only now they bring their son and grandson. He said there are countless stories like this. But there was a brief moment in the La
Mountain Brook residents Laura Dillion, Sara McDonald and Melissa Oliver eat at La Paz in Crestline Village. Photo by Keith McCoy
Paz story when this tradition might not have continued. The original La Paz opened in Atlanta in 1979. They enjoyed a huge response and the owners spread the Mexican vibe, and great food to Nashville, Destin, Asheville, Charlotte, Knoxville and Birmingham. Sadly it seems, they spread themselves a little too thin and were forced to shut down many locations. The future of the Crestline restaurant was in question. In 2008, resident and Golden Rule BarB-Q executive vice president Todd Becker formed The Red Mountain Restaurant Group LLC separate from Golden Rule as a way to purchase the local La Paz and keep it open. He formed a five-man team with
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Fish tacos and a strawberry margarita .
Golden Rule Chief Executive Charles Matsos, businessman Clete Walker, Bobby Dillon of Synovus Securities and real estate developer Cannon Prickett. But La Paz’s association with the barbecue business led many to speculate. “I’d come to work in the morning and find notes people had slipped under the door expressing concern that we were closing or changing to a barbecue restaurant,” May said. “It was crazy.” Eventually, the rumors were put to rest when the restaurant maintained its presence and kept customer favorites like fish tacos and three-way fajitas. Turner said some customers aren’t familiar with the dinners for four, which are
great for a crowd and available from the ToGo door located down the sidewalk. Any menu item can also be ordered to-go. Having grown up in Mountain Brook, Turner recognizes what makes La Paz the important place it is. “What keeps us in business are the neighbors and families that live close by and walk in for dinner. Weekends we see more customers from farther away, but this is still very much a neighborhood spot.” Christiana Roussel lives in Crestline and enjoys all things food-related. Follow her culinary musings on line at ChristianasKitchen. com, Facebook (Christiana’s Kitchen), Twitter or Instagram (Christiana40).
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| October 2012 | Village Living
HASTINGS from pg 1
But another thing many may not know about Hastings is his drive to positively affect his community. For him, it all starts in the kitchen. Many residents are regular Hot and Hot Fish Club patrons and are familiar with the restaurant’s style of cooking — food Hastings calls “technically sound” that focuses on his passion for locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. This translates to dishes cooked with a great amount of skill and technique that are just plain delicious. It can be as simple as a Tanglewood Farm roasted chicken with autumn vegetables. Other entrees might be more ambitious, like when he cooks the chicken sous vide. “We take a chicken mousse with herbs, and we roll it into the leg and thigh of the chicken with the skin on. Then we tie it, chill it, compress it in Cryovac and sous vide it until it reaches an internal temperature of 58 degrees Celsius. Then to order, we roast it to get the skin nice and crispy. What you end up with is a good crispy outer skin a
CITY HALL from pg 1
Chief Robert Ezekiel has obtained an I-beam from the World Trade Center that will be on display. The beam is 8 feet and weighs more than 1,000 pounds. Spartan Square, the area located directly outside the complex surrounding the water fountain, will highlight engraved bricks. The bricks are being sold as a fundraiser by the Leadership Mountain Brook class at Mountain Brook High School for the organization’s community service project. Bricks can be engraved and dedicated to a current or past Mountain Brook resident. Notable details on the interior of the
beautiful perfect inside that is brilliant.” Every item on the menu showcases the best this region has to offer. Thumb through the Hot and Hot Fish Club cookbook, and you’ll see page after page devoted to the purveyors who supply those coveted ingredients. Seafood in particular gets top billing, calling the quality of Alabama seafood in this state “unbelievable.” An equal amount of passion and technique go into the consulting arm of the Hastings’ business model. The couple has been able to capitalize on their network of local and regional purveyors, working with restaurateurs and real estate developers to create communities that foster long-lasting, purposeful relationships. SpringHouse Restaurant at the Russell Crossroads at Lake Martin is one example of this ideal. “It’s about how you create community events in and around food that bring people together for stimulating conversation for getting to know one another,” he said. “This idea of kinship, I think is really important.” Hastings’ eagerness to improve his community through the power of food may lead him to tackle some interesting projects in Mountain Brook, things like
building edible schoolyards and gardens? It turns out the only thing stopping him is just being formally asked to help. “I am ready to go, you just tell me when,” he said enthusiastically. “We can leverage the things available to us here and make a real difference. And I could do it all on a budget.” The marketing power a James Beardaward-winning chef could generate by working with local schools to create gardens and help plan lunch menus has the potential to create an amazing legacy, both for Mountain Brook and the Hastings family. “One of the things that we chose from the beginning of this restaurant is until our children go off to college we wanted to have a restaurant that was open five days a week, dinner only,” he said. “One that allowed Idie and me to be present in our boys’ lives – to where if it was a scout meeting or coaching baseball or teaching them to fly-fish — we could participate. We can be home in 10 minutes.” Both of Hastings’ sons, Zeb and Vincent, attended school in Mountain Brook but opted to finish their high school years
at a boarding school in Connecticut. When it came time to choose a place for college though, they were both drawn back to the South. Hastings said the short time away was crucial in their development. “Both Zeb and Vincent learned that they missed their Southern identity. They learned that being Southern is very important to them. They missed their friends.” Zeb is now a junior at the University of Alabama, and Vincent is a freshman. Speaking of which, when asked if either son will follow in his father’s footsteps to join the culinary ranks, Hastings is quick with a smile and a wry laugh. “Zeb and Vincent are not drawn to the restaurant business. They are way too smart for that,” he said. “They love great food and they are knowledgeable on food. (Idie and I) can roll those kids up in Le Bernardin or the best barbecue place on the planet, and they recognize both as equally valuable and delicious.” Christiana Roussel lives in Crestline and enjoys all things food-related. Follow her culinary musings on line at ChristianasKitchen. com or on Facebook or Twitter (Christiana40).
building will include a brass chandelier that was owned by the Jemison family, who developed much of Mountain Brook. The chandelier will be hung in the mayor’s office. In addition, the police chief’s office will have bulletproof windows. Residents will be able to view fire department vehicles from a covered pedestrian sidewalk. But most importantly, the city will have an efficient place in which to conduct municipal business. “We look forward to the larger mall area, which will allow residents and businesses to easily apply for business licenses, business permits and pay tickets all in a centralized location,” City Manager Sam Gaston said. Currently, city staff and council are periodically going on walkthroughs in the
municipal building. An owner-architectconstruction committee also meets as needed to finalize details. After the previous municipal facility that housed city hall, Fire Station 1, fire department offices and the police department was deemed outdated, the city worked for two years finalize plans for the new complex to serve both staff and citizens. It was designed by Williams Blackstock Architects, who are responsible for designing the UAB Campus Recreation Center, the Vestavia Hills City Center and Auburn City Hall. The new building will also house the Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce. Because of the extensive planning on the front end, no major plans have been adjusted since construction began. Smith
noted that the building is so complex she was not surprised it got behind schedule. After a more rainy summer than anticipated, Brasfield & Gorrie hired a waterproofing consultant to ensure that the building is watertight. There is much city officials are looking forward to about the building. “The new complex is a much safer building for our employees,” Smith said. “No mold, no jail doors that get stuck, no offices without fire escapes and more room for staff. The building will have certain audiovisual and security features that make it up to date with today’s technology.” To order a brick or receive more information on Spartan Square, contact spartansquare@ welcometomountainbrook.com or call 8713779. Bricks are $100.
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Chef’s Garden Beet Salad
with Goat Cheese and Citrus Vinaigrette, a recipe from Chef Chris Hastings Beets are our all-time favorite root vegetable, and thanks to their earthy, naturally sweet flavor and tremendous variety in color and size, we incorporate them into dishes on our menu every chance we get. We find that people either love or dislike beets. Roasting the beets, as in this recipe, brings out the natural sweetness of the vegetable and often convinces critics to rethink their stance on beets. We purchase a variety of small, baby beets from The Chef’s Garden, but larger beets can be substituted if they’re cut into small wedges. Editor’s Note: When Village Living tested this beet salad to photograph, we made a few tweaks to simplify the chef’s recipe for a home kitchen. For starters, we omitted the baby yellow and Chioggia beets, substituted mixed baby greens for arugula and frisee lettuce, used dried thyme instead of fresh, tossed the greens with goat cheese and walnuts, and arranged sliced beets on top of the greens mixture. We also used bottled orange juice for the vinaigrette, which took a lengthy 20 minutes to reduce, but the taste in the end was well worth the time.
Garden Beet Salad Yield: 4 servings 4 to 5 baby yellow beets, roasted and peeled (recipe follows) 4 to 5 baby red beets, roasted and peeled (recipe follows) 4 to 5 baby Chioggia (candy-striped) beets, roasted and peeled (recipe follows) 1/2 cup Citrus Vinaigrette (recipe follows), divided 6 ounces (about 1 cup lightly packed) fresh goat cheese 3/4 cup toasted walnuts
4 cups loosely packed baby arugula 2 cups trimmed frisée lettuce 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt Pinch freshly ground black pepper Cut the beets into halves (or quarters, depending on size.) Place in a small bowl and add 1 tablespoon of vinaigrette. Toss until well coated. Divide goat cheese into 12 equal portions and arrange three portions on each of four salad plates. Sprinkle 3 tablespoons of walnuts evenly over each plate. Arrange about six beet halves on each plate. Combine the arugula and frisée in a large bowl and season lightly with salt and pepper. Drizzle remaining vinaigrette into bowl and toss until the greens are well dressed. Evenly divide the lettuce into four portions and arrange each portion in the center of each plate. Serve immediately.
Roasted Red Beets Yield: 6 servings 4 large (1/2 pound) red beets, trimmed 1/4 cup olive oil 1/4 cup water 6 fresh thyme sprigs Pinch of salt Preheat the oven to 400°F. Place beets in a small baking dish. Add olive oil, water, thyme sprigs and salt and cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Roast at 400° for one hour or until tender. Remove and set aside to cool completely before peeling. Variations Roasted Red Baby Beets: trim tops off 12 small beets (about 1 pound), leaving 1/2 inch of the stems intact. Proceed with the
recipe, and roast for 30 minutes or until tender. Set beets aside to cool before peeling. Roasted Yellow Baby Beets: trim tops off 12 small beets (about 1 pound), leaving 1/2 inch of the stems intact. Proceed with the recipe, and roast for 20 minutes or until tender. Set beets aside to cool before peeling. Roasted Baby Chioggia Beets: Trim tops off 12 small beets (about 1 pound), leaving 1/2 inch of the stems intact. Proceed with the recipe, and roast for 30 minutes or until tender. Set beets aside to cool before peeling.
Citrus Vinaigrette
This is a wonderful, basic citrus vinaigrette. We prepare a number of variations from this recipe such as the Blood Orange Vinaigrette, listed below. Fresh grapefruit juice, honey tangerine juice or Satsuma juice can all be substituted for the orange juice in this recipe. For best results, stay away from store-bought citrus juices as they lend a slightly metallic flavor to the vinaigrette. Yield: about 1/2 cup 1 cup fresh orange juice 1 tablespoon grated orange zest 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice 1 tablespoon minced shallots 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh thyme 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt Pinch of freshly ground black pepper 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil Place orange juice in a small saucepan
and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until orange juice has reduced to about 1/4 cup. Add orange zest and continue simmering until the mixture has reduced to about 3 tablespoons. Remove from the heat and allow the mixture to cool completely. Whisk together the cooled orange mixture, lemon juice, lime juice, shallots, thyme and parsley and season with salt and pepper. Slowly pour both oils into the mixture in a steady stream while whisking constantly. Continue whisking until the vinaigrette is slightly thickened. Use the vinaigrette immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve. The vinaigrette will keep refrigerated for up to two days. Variation: To make Blood Orange Vinaigrette, substitute 1 cup freshly squeezed blood orange juice and 1 tablespoon grated blood orange zest for the juice and zest in the citrus vinaigrette recipe. Reprinted with permission from HOT AND HOT FISH CLUB COOKBOOK © 2009 by Chris and Idie Hastings with Katherine Cobbs, Running Press, a member of the Perseus Books Group.
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October 2012 |
Mountain Brook events Oct. 1 – 8th Annual Pumpkin Patch. Early Learning Center. Pumpkin prices range from $1.50 to $20. Visit MBBC Pumpkin Patch on Facebook. Oct. 3 – Brookwood Forest Elementary School PTO Meeting. 9:30 a.m. Call 414-3700. Oct. 4-7 – Mountain Brook High School Fall Play. Call 414-3800. Oct. 5 – Brookwood Forest Elementary School Movie Night. Call 414-3700. Oct. 5-6 – Mountain Brook Junior High Winter Youth Sports Registration. 4:30 p.m. on Friday night. 9 a.m. to noon Saturday. Call 871-3516. Oct. 5 – Brookwood Forest Elementary School Teacher Appreciation Breakfast in Kiddle Kitchen. More information: 414-3700. Oct. 6, 13 – Family Yoga in the Park. 9:30 a.m. Overton Park. Oct. 11 – Mountain Brook Chamber Member Luncheon. Special guest John Cooper, Director of Alabama Department of Transportation. Visit welcometomountainbrook.com Oct. 12 – Mountain Brook High School vs. Hewitt Trussville High School. 7 p.m. Oct. 15 – Professional Development Day. No School for students. Oct. 15 – School’s Out But The J’s In Day. 9 a.m. LJCC. Activities for
Village Living Calendar children while school is out. $25 for members and $35 for non-members. Visit bhamjcc.org. Oct. 15 – PlayDay in the Patch. Mountain Brook Baptist Church Pumpkin Patch. Visit mbbc.org. Oct. 16-18 – Mountain Brook High School Choir Show. 7 p.m. Call John Kincaid, kincaidj@mtnbrook.k12.al.us Oct. 17 – 4th Annual Mah Jongg Tournament. 10 a.m. LJCC. Benefits The Circle of Life Knitting Society. $30 to participate, which includes lunch. Visit bhamjcc.org.
Halloween Parade. 4 p.m. Crestline Village. Floats will throw beads, t-shirts, stuffed animals and footballs. Visit welcometomountainbrook.com. Oct. 31 – Mafiaoza’s Costume Contest. 5:30 p.m. Child winner will receive a candy prize, and adult winner will receive a $300 gift certificate to Mafiaoza’s. Nov. 3 – Walking to Remember. 8:30 a.m. Riverchase Galleria. Benefits Alzheimer’s of Central Alabama. Entertainment and refreshments will be provided. Visit alzca.org or contact Vance Holder, vholder60@alzca.org, 871-7970.
Oct. 19 – Mountain Brook Elementary School Halloween Carnival. Call 871-8191.
Special events
Oct. 26 – Mountain Brook High School at Vestavia High School. 7 p.m.
Oct. 1-31 – The Bell Center’s Annual Poinsettia Sale. Poinsettias are $17 a piece. Visit thebellcenter.org or call Denise Williams, 879-3417.
Oct. 21 – Crestline Elementary School Pumpkin Run. 2 p.m. Call 871-8126. Oct. 28 – 10th Annual Brenda and Fred Friedman Family Foundation LJCC Jewish Food Festival. 11 a.m. LJCC. Traditional Jewish food, live music and family fair. Visit bhamjcc. org. Oct. 29 – Mountain Brook High School Homecoming Carnival and Cookout. 6-8 p.m. Call 414-3800. Oct. 30 – Crestline Elementary School Fall Festival. Call 871-8126. Oct. 31 – Mystics of Mountain Brook
Oct. 1-31 – Old Baker’s Farm Fall Harvest. 3 p.m.-dark, Monday through Friday. 9 a.m.-dark Saturday. 1 p.m.-dark Sunday. Admission: $10 per person. Old Baker’s Farm is located in Harpersville. Visit oldbakerfarm.com/fallfestival.php. Oct. 4-7 – Southern Women’s Show. 10 a.m. BJCC. Jewelry, handbags, cooking classes and more. Visit southernshows.com/wbl/. Oct. 4-7 – Antiques in the Garden. Botanical Gardens. Arts, jewelry and antiques will be presented by nationally renowned dealers. Visit
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bbgardens.org/antiques. Oct. 6 – Hikes for Tykes at Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Noon. Children will engage with nature through hands-on biology, storytelling and movement. Call 4143900. Oct. 6 – Bark in the Park. Veteran’s Park. Alabaster. Live entertainment, children’s activities, vendors and the Mutt Strut. Free admission. Benefits Shelby County Humane Society. Email jhelberg@shelbyhumane.org. Oct. 6 – Pink at Pepper Place Breast Cancer Awareness Event. 7 a.m. Pepper Place Market. Cooking demonstrations, fresh produce, artisan cheese and bread, and special products and vendors catered to breast cancer survivors. Visit uab. edu/cancer. Oct. 7 – 3rd Annual Cahaba River Society Fry-Down. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Alabama amateur catfish fryers will square off for the in a festival to celebrate the beauty and significance of the Cahaba River and to raise money for the Cahaba River Society in Trussville Springs. Visit frydown.com. Oct. 8 – 25th Anniversary Celebration. 6 p.m. Hot and Hot Fish Club. Cooking Light’s 25th anniversary celebration will feature a 12-course walkabout menu of Southern specialties done “light,” signature cocktails and Back Forty beer. Proceeds will benefit FoodCorps. Visit CookingLight.com/ Hot25Event. Oct. 11 – American Red Cross Blood Services and Shelby Humane Society
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www.VillageLivingOnline.com Partnership. Caldwell Trace Donor Center. All blood donors will be able to adopt a fully neutered, spayed and micro-chipped pet for free. Call DeNita Young, 577-3477. Oct. 11 – “Brown Baggin’ it at the Bell.” Noon-1 p.m. Lunch and Learn. Email Denise Williams, dwilliams@ thebellcenter.org. Oct. 12-14 – Barber Vintage Festival presented by Triumph Dealers of North America. Events will include an air show, road racing, motocross and stunt shows. Tickets start at $20 and children under 12 are admitted free. Call 967-4745. Oct. 13 – Heights Village Halloween Hustle 5K. Awards will be given for best adult and children’s costumes. Proceeds will benefit Autism Society of Alabama. 3126 Heights Village, Cahaba Heights. Visit facebook.com/ HeightsVillage or visit active.com. Oct. 13 – Old Baker’s Farm Western Cowboy Day. 9 a.m. to dark. Visit oldbakerfarm.com/fallfestival.php. Oct. 13 – Heritage Festival. Jefferson Christian Academy. Contact Wendy Burrows, 956-9111, wburrows@jcaweb. net. Oct. 13 – Fiesta 10th Anniversary Celebration. Noon-7 p.m. Linn Park. All Hispanic cultures will be celebrated and all patrons will leave with a rich appreciation of Latino neighbors. $5 for adults. Free for kids 12 and under. Visit fiestabirmingham. com.
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Park. Tickets: $35. Children twelve and under get in free. Visit birminghamoriginals.org.
Galleria, near the food court. Visit alzca.org or contact Vance Holder at vholder60@alzca.org or 871-7970.
6 p.m. BJCC. Presented by the Birmingham Children’s Theater. Call 458-8181 or visit bct123.org.
Oct. 15 – Play Day in the Patch. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Mountain Brook Baptist Church. 3631 Montevallo Road.
Music and Art
Oct. 13 – The Gingerbread Man. BJCC. Presented by the Birmingham Children’s Theater. Call 458-8181 or visit bct123.org.
Oct. 20-21 – Fall Plant Sale Botanical Gardens. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday. Noon-4 p.m. on Sunday. Visit bbgardens.org/fall-plant-sale.php. Oct. 26 – Living History Day. Old Baker’s Farm. Civil War Demonstrations including artillery firing and old-fashioned soap making. Tickets are $7. Lunch is not included. Visit oldbakerfarm.com. Oct. 27 – 71st State Farm Magic City Classic presented by Coca-Cola. Legion Field. Tickets starting as low as $20. Call 967-4745. Oct. 27-28 – Old Baker’s Farm Cotton Pickin’ Celebration. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Visit oldbakersfarm.com. Oct. 28 – Perfect Wedding Guide Bridal Show. 1 p.m.-5 p.m. BJCC. Tickets are $10 a piece.Email Katie. Calhan@pwg.com or visit birmingham. pwg.com. Nov. 1 – Episcopal Place Bishop’s Dinner. The Club. Episcopal community outreach to low-income seniors and disabled adults. Tickets are $75 a person. Visit episcopalplace.org.
Nov. 3- Walking to Remember. Benefitting Alzheimer’s of Central Alabama. Entertainment and refreshments included. Registration Oct. 14 – Break ‘n Bread Food and 7:30 a.m., walk 8:30 a.m. Riverchase BMC_updatedbaby-VillageLiving-10x7_5.pdf 1 9/14/12 1:03 PM Wine Festival. 1 p.m. Railroad
Oct. 4-6 – 39 Steps. 8 p.m. Terrific New Theatre. Visit terrificnewtheatre. com. Oct. 4-7, 11-14 – The Color Purple. 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday. 2 p.m. Sunday. Red Mountain Theater Company. Tickets: $30 to $35. Visit redmountaintheatre.org/1213-thecolor-purple.html. Oct. 5-6 – Alabama Symphony Orchestra. 8 p.m. Alys Stephens Center, Jemison Concert Hall. Stefan Sanderling will be leading in Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Symphony. Visit alabamasymphony.org. Oct. 6 – Mike Epps. 7 p.m. BJCC. Tickets: start at $37.50. Visit bjcc.org/ events.php#. Oct. 7 – Bonnie Raitt. 7:30 p.m. BJCC. Tickets range from $40 to $70. Visit bjcc.org/events/php#. Oct. 11-14, Oct. 18-21 – Driving Miss Daisy. 7:30 p.m. Saturday. 2:30 p.m. Sunday. Virginia Samford Theatre. Tickets: $30 for center, $25 for right and left. Call 251-1206. Oct. 12 – Fred Thompson, Book Signing. 4 p.m. Alabama Booksmith. Fred Thompson’s Southern Sides: 250 Dishes That Really Make the Plate. Oct. 12-14, 19-21 – Ramona Quimby. ACTA Theater. Call 655-3925. Oct. 13 – The Trumpet of the Swan.
Oct. 15 – Bill Finch, Beth Maynor Young, Rhett Johnson, and John C. Hall Book Signing. 4 p.m. Alabama Booksmith. Longleaf, Far as the Eye Can See. Oct. 20 – Eric Church. 7:30 p.m. BJCC. Tickets starting at $37.50. More information: Visit redmountainentertainment.com/ event.php?cn=420. Oct. 26 – Battle of the Bands. 6-10 p.m. BJCC. Featuring Alabama A&M University versus Alabama State University, along with nine fraternity and sorority shows. Tickets: $20 preordered, $25 at door. Call 458-8400. Oct. 26-27 – Alabama Symphony Orchestra. 8 p.m. Alys Stephens Center, Jemison Concert Hall. Ingrid Filter will play Mendelssohn’s Piano Concerto Number 1. Call 975-2787. Oct. 31 – Disney on Ice: Treasure Trove. BJCC. Featuring Disney princesses such as Rapunzel, Tiana, Cinderella, Jasmine, Ariel, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White and more. Call 800-745-3000.
Have an event coming up? Let us know!
Email jennifer@ villagelivingonline.com
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| October 2012 |
Village Living
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