VillageLivingOnline.com
February 2014
Village Living Volume 4 | Issue 11 | February 2014
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neighborly news & entertainment for Mountain Brook
A daily dedication
The Ride to Change the Future will raise awareness for ovarian cancer this month. Find details inside.
Community page 13
To Pasadena
Twice a day Wilmer Poynor walks around Colonial Brookwood Village and fist bumps everyone he passes. The retired insurance salesman suffered a stroke at age 71, but it hasn’t stopped him from bringing smiles to everyone he meets. Photo by Alec Dixon.
By MADOLINE MARKHAM
Mountain Brook Auburn fans sent in their photos from the BCS game.
Community page 20
INSIDE Sponsors ......... 4 City ................... 5 Business .......... 8 Food ................. 10 Community ..... 12 School House.. 22 Sports ............. 25 Faith ................ 27 Calendar ......... 30
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Wilmer Poynor III made birthday phone calls 365 days a year for 50 years. His life was the insurance business, selling for New York Life, just as his father, Wilmer Jr., had. And each day of his career, he would call whichever client had a birthday that day. “They were his friends as well as his clients,” his wife, Carol, said. By the end of his career, he was serving his clients’ children as well. He never would have retired if it weren’t for his stroke. At 71, Wilmer lost the function of the right side of his body. His stroke affected the left hemisphere of his brain, but the same spirit he put into those birthday calls remained. When he arrived at Lakeshore Rehabilitation Hospital after the stroke, his music therapist immediately recognized him.
“He’s been calling me every year on my birthday,” she told Carol. A new normal Since his stroke, Wilmer can understand everything he hears and knows what he wants to say, but speaking is a struggle. He works every day to relearn how to do what had come so naturally for 71 years of his life. He was one of the first patients to go through a special speech therapy program at UAB called constraint induced aphasia therapy. For three weeks, he spent five hours a day working on speaking words, and Carol was by his side for all of it. “I thought I would drop him off, but the caregiver is as much a part of the program as the participant,” she said. She would help ask him questions and familiarize herself with the therapy so she could help
him with his homework. “He was always so dedicated,” she said. His therapy didn’t end there, though. Wilmer is as active as he can be. “He never gives up and never takes no for an answer,” Carol said. “I have cried a lot of happy tears seeing how hard he works.” By the end of the third week at Lakeshore, he would walk so fast that everyone started calling him “NASCAR Man.” Still the same Wilmer Though he can’t speak more than a few words, Wilmer can still sing his way right through a hymnal. The part of your brain that allows you to sing is on the opposite side from the one that controls speech. He and Carol enjoy singing together at home
See DEDICATION | page 29
Grand Bohemian groundbreaking sets hotel project in motion See page 28 Mayor Terry Oden and The Kessler Collection executives break ground for the Grand Bohemian Hotel Mountain Brook in front of the new Lane Parke apartment development. Photo by Madoline Markham.
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February 2014
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February 2014
Village Living
About Us Please Support our Community Partners
Photo of the Month
A Little Something (20) Alabama Allergy & Asthma Center (14) Alabama Outdoors (28) Amy Smith (14) Bariatrics of Alabama (23)
Katie Ramsbacher hangs around the Santa Monica pier. Photo courtesy of Valerie Ramsbacher.
Bedzzz Express (2) Birmingham Museum of Art (29) Birmingham Speech and Hearing Associates (6) Brandino Brass (13) Bromberg & Company, Inc. (6, 17) Canterbury Gardens (19) Children’s of Alabama (9) Dish’n It Out (30) E & F Entertainment (11)
Editor’s Note By Jennifer Gray We can learn a lot about relationships by watching those among us who have been successful over the long haul. As we all know, relationships have their ups and downs, successes, triumphs and not-so-flattering moments. That’s because relationships exist between us humans, and we are certainly far from perfect. But isn’t it inspiring to watch a relationship that stands the test of time? Those relationships that not only survive but also cause the individuals in the relationship to thrive give us all something to aspire to, something to strive for. This month, we share the story of one such marriage. Carol and Wilmer Poynor are known by many people in our community. His inspirational attitude and her devotion will encourage you in the story of their re-
lationship both before and since Wilmer suffered a stroke a few years ago. With Valentine’s Day this month, we have something to inspire your plans. You might want to plan your whole night according to our “Choose your own Valentine’s date adventure” chart [on page] or just choose a couple of the spots on our list. Either way, we hope that you enjoy celebrating those who give richness and meaning to your life. This month we also share with you the groundbreaking of the new Lane Parke hotel, the Grand Bohemian. It is the second phase of the Lane Parke project following the apartment construction. We sat down with the president of The Kessler Collection, Richard Kessler, and asked him all about his vision for the project and how he sees it
Eighteenth Street Orientals (20)
adding to the lives of our residents. In other village developments, we have the latest news on plans for the CVS in Crestline to relocate to the vacancy created by the departure of the Piggly Wiggly. Also, if you are looking to expand your home library or just a good book to read at a great price, then don’t miss the annual Friends of Emmett O’Neal Library book sale. This event sells gently used books at a great price, and the proceeds benefit our own library. Speaking of books, we also highlight this month my Mountain Brook High School classmate Stephen Russell and his new novel, Blood Money. This medical thriller incorporates his love of literature and writing along with his medical profession.
Fi-Plan Partners (7) Franks Building Company, Inc. (19) Hufham Orthodontics (24) Isbell Jewelers (10) Issis & Sons (16) Iz Cafe (8) Jacqueline DeMarco (14) John-William Jeweller (8) Jordan Alexander Jewelry (12) King’s House Oriental Rugs (27) Kirkwood by the River (24) Lakeshore Foundation (12) Lane Parke - Evson Inc. (25) Mobley & Sons (28) Monkee’s of Mountain Brook (31)
Village Living Publisher : Creative Director : Editor : Managing Editor : Executive Editor: Staff Writer: Advertising Manager: Sales and Distribution :
Dan Starnes Keith McCoy Jennifer Gray Madoline Markham Jeff Thompson Katie Turpen Matthew Allen Rhonda Smith Warren Caldwell Michelle Salem Haynes Contributing Writers : Kari Kampakis Intisar Seraaj-Sabree Maggie Carter O’Connor Alec Lewis Interns : Sydney Cromwell Lauren Moriarty Published by : Village Living LLC
School House Contributors : Catherine Gasque & Catherine Bodnar- Cherokee Bend, Lisa Stone - Crestline, Kathleen WoodryBrookwood Forest, Suzanne Milligan- Mountain Brook High School, Hilary Ross- Mountain Brook Elementary, Elizabeth Farrar- Mountain Brook Jr. High Contributing Photographer: Image Arts Contact Information: Village Living #3 Office Park Circle, Suite 316 Birmingham, AL 35223 313-1780 Dan@VillageLivingOnline.com
Please submit all articles, information and photos to: Jennifer@VillageLivingOnline.com P.O. Box 530341 Birmingham, AL 35253
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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.
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February 2014
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City
City honors Employees of the Year the way to the hospital. Ezekiel, in announcing Head as the Fire Department Employee of the Year, also said Head has a heck of a handshake. “If you shake John’s hand, be careful,” Ezekiel said. “You’ll either always remember it or you’ll remember the injury. One time, he made one of our interns cry.”
By JEFF THOMPSON In January, the city of Mountain Brook honored its 2013 Employees of the Year. City Employee of the Year, Parks and Recreation Employee of the Year: Terry Webb Parks and Recreation Superintendent Shanda Williams named Terry Webb Employee of the Year. “I’ve only been here for three months, so it’s odd for me to pick an employee of the year. I relied on comments from other co-workers, who all have complete respect for Terry. He made my transition to superintendent as smooth as it could be, and I thank him every day.” Webb has been with Mountain Brook Parks and Recreation for 25 years and was the first person former Superintendent Lyman Tidwell hired. City Manager Sam Gaston said Tidwell will also be named the City’s Employee of the Year during the Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce’s Fourth Annual Chamber Luncheon on Thursday, Jan. 16 at The Club. “I’m very humbled by this award,” Webb said. “I just want to thank everyone.” Police Department Employees of the Year: Don Garrett and Kathy Boyd Beginning in 2012, Mountain Brook suffered a rash of burglaries.
Fire Chief Robert Ezekiel and firefighter John Head.
Chief Ted Cook said similar incidents occurred regularly around dusk and accumulated through spring last year. When the number of incidents reached almost 50, Mountain Brook Detective Don Garrett identified a suspect. The suspect was involved in an accident, and Garrett was able to pull GPS information off a cell phone. From that data, the department signed 12 warrants on the suspect for more than 30 burglaries that occurred during the time period in question. Cook said from the amount of work Garrett put into the case, other agencies in the area attributed several
Parks and Recreation Superintendent Shanda Williams and Terry Webb.
of their burglaries to the suspect as well. Mountain Brook’s nonsworn Employee of the Year is Kathy Boyd. Cook said she’s been a member of the department for more than 25 years, and as dispatch supervisor, she has overseen two moves of the communications center in the past two years. Cook said Boyd has been considering retirement. “It’ll be a huge loss to us when [she retires],” Cook said. Fire Department Employee of the
Year: Firefighter John Head In January 2013, firefighter John Head and his wife were on their way home from dinner when they came upon a wreck. Head, off duty at the time, stopped to investigate and found five teenagers injured in the accident. Fire Chief Robert Ezekiel said four of the five were in critical condition when Head arrived. While his wife directed traffic, Head, a trained paramedic and nurse, began care while waiting for the fire department and ambulance to arrive. And when they did, Head continued care in the back of an ambulance on
Public Works Employees of the Year: Andrew Gidley and Clint Clark Normally, Mountain Brook public works mechanics Andrew Gidley and Clint Clark stay around the city shop, but last July they were out in the community when a thunderstorm suddenly struck. Public Works Director Ronnie Vaughan said Gidley and Clark, friends both at work and outside of work, came across a large tree that had been blown over on Old Leeds Road. They called for members of the department to dismantle and remove the tree, but on a closer look at the scene, they noticed a car was trapped beneath the branches. Inside the vehicle, Gidley and Clark found a woman and her two children. Their efforts helped free the family. “Everything ended well,” Vaughan said. “The incident was a good example of our government coming together, and it started with these two guys, who aren’t typically in that situation.”
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February 2014
Village Living
Ordinance requiring pet waste cleanup unlikely By JEFF THOMPSON In January, the City of Mountain Brook explored how similar communities across the state deal with the issue of requiring residents to clean up pet waste. After reviewing the results, members of the City Council decided the best thing to do was absolutely nothing. “I don’t think it’s our business to make laws about people’s personal responsibilities,” Council member Amy Carter said. “I don’t like creating something we can’t enforce and don’t plan on enforcing.” Council members said they believed Mountain Brook residents are aware that it’s their responsibility to pick up after their pets and that creating a city ordinance is unnecessary. However, Council President Virginia Smith said continuing with the City’s education campaign on the issue is important. “I’m fine not passing an ordinance, but I do think it makes sense to have more community education that says [residents are] supposed to clean up after dogs.” In other business during the work session and regular meeting on Jan. 13, the Council: `` Approved City Manager Sam Gaston and Police Chief Ted Cook to set meetings with residents in
two areas where requests have been made to add traffic control measures. Residents recently requested speed control measures be implemented on Fairmont Drive. Cook said the police department conducted studies of traffic from Lorena Lane and Euclid Avenue in December and found no reason to add the measures. “Only seven of the 1,111 vehicles were traveling more than 10 mph over the speed limit and none of those were more than 15 mph over,” Cook’s report read. “We just don’t have any data that indicates a need where we would normally request them,” Cook told the Council. Residents also recently requested a three-way stop be installed at the intersection of Dexter Avenue and West Montcrest. Cook said he didn’t believe adding the signs was necessary, but the Council approved Gaston and Cook to hold meetings with residents in the area to hear their concerns. `` Approved fiscal transfers in the 2013 budget of $4 million from the General Fund into the Capital Project Fund, $2 million from the Infrastructure Capital Projects Fund to the General Fund and $69,823.58 from the Park Board Fund into the Emergency Reserve Fund.
Kindergarten enrollment scheduled for this month Mountain Brook Schools is starting enrollment for children who will be 5 years old on or before Sept. 1, 2014. As of Jan. 21, parents can visit mtnbrook.k12.al.us to create a student account for their children. Next, parents should plan to come to their child’s school, according to the dates below, to complete the enrollment process. Original copies of the child’s birth certificate, social security card and blue immunization form will be required. If your child does not have a social security number, call 877-8304 to have a student number assigned. Families who do not currently have students in the Mountain Brook school system or who have not filed
a new address with Mountain Brook Schools’ office will need to provide proof of residency. Accepted residency documentation can be found on the website. Enrollment organizers said the online portion prior to coming to the school will greatly speed up the process. Registration will be from 9-11 a.m. and noon-2 p.m. on the following dates: `` Brookwood Forest Elementary: Feb. 20 `` Cherokee Bend Elementary: Feb. 5 `` Crestline Elementary: Feb. 25 `` Mountain Brook Elementary: Feb. 12 If you have any questions, call the individual school or the board office at 871-4608.
CRIME REPORT Week of Dec. 13-20 A residential burglary occurred in the 3500 block of South Brookwood Road on Dec. 17. Unknown suspect(s) forced open a door at the rear of the residence. Jewelry, electronics and a silver place setting were stolen. Week of Dec. 21-28 A residential burglary occurred in the 4100 block of Montevallo Road on Dec. 19. Unknown suspect(s) forced open a rear door and entered the residence. A television, silver service and jewelry were stolen. A UBEV case occurred in the 3800 block of Brook Hollow Lane between Dec. 21-22. Unknown suspect(s) entered the victim’s unlocked vehicle and removed property. The property was recovered on the scene. At the time of the report, nothing was reported stolen. Week of Dec. 28-Jan. 2 A burglary occurred in the 10 block of Eden Circle on Dec. 26. Unknown suspect(s) forced open the rear door and entered the residence. iPads and jewelry were stolen. A burglary occurred in the 1700 block of Somerset Circle on Dec. 26. Unknown suspect(s) forced open the rear door and entered the residence. iPads and jewelry were stolen. A burglary occurred in the 10 block of Stonehurst Green between Dec. 2829. Unknown suspect(s) forced open the rear door and entered the residence. Household appliances were stolen. A UBEV case occurred in the 4900 block of Spring Rock Road between Dec. 27-28. Unknown suspect(s) entered the victim’s unlocked vehicle. No property was reported stolen. Week of Jan. 3-9: A burglary occurred in the 2900 block of Overton Road on Jan. 6. Unknown
suspect(s) forced open a rear door and entered the residence. No property was reported stolen at the time of the report. Week of Jan. 10-16 A burglary occurred in the 3500 block of Oakdale Drive on Jan. 13 between 7:40 a.m.-5 p.m. Unknown suspect(s) entered the home by forcing entry to a door. Items stolen were jewelry and computer equipment. A UBEV case occurred in the 900 block of Greenbriar Circle between Jan. 11-12. Unknown suspect(s) entered the victim’s unlocked vehicle and stole a credit card and a checkbook. A UBEV case occurred in the 1000 block of Sims Avenue between Jan. 11-12. Unknown suspect(s) entered the victim’s unlocked vehicle and stole an iPad. A UBEV case occurred in the 900 block of Sims Avenue between Jan. 11-12. Unknown suspect(s) entered the victim’s vehicle. No property was reported stolen. A UBEV case occurred in the 900 block of Greenbriar Circle between Jan. 11-12. Unknown suspect(s) entered the victim’s vehicle. No property was reported stolen. A UBEV case occurred in the 3100 block of Overhill Road between Jan. 11-12. Unknown suspect(s) entered the victim’s unlocked vehicle and stole a firearm, clothing and luggage. On Jan. 10, a Mountain Brook officer was driving on Overton Road and observed a vehicle that was reportedly used in several purse thefts and credit card fraud cases in multiple jurisdictions. A vehicle stop was conducted, and a male and female subject were found to have outstanding warrants connected to the theft cases. These suspects were taken into custody and turned over to the appropriate agencies.
VillageLivingOnline.com
February 2014
Chamber Luncheon celebrates residents Mountain Brook’s third annual Chamber Luncheon recognized people making an impact on different facets of the city. The luncheon was held in January at The Club. William D. Tynes presented the William Tynes
Award to Forsyth Donald in honor of her leadership supporting the Emmet O’Neal Library. The Robert Jemison Visionary Award was given in honor of the late Katherine McTyeire’s dedication to the Mountain Brook community.
Mark Kessler of The Kessler Collection, Hannon Davidson of the Chamber and outgoing Chamber President Terry Chapman.
William D. Tynes, Tynes Award recipient Forsyth Donald and Library Director Sue DeBrecht.
Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce’s Board gathered before the luncheon. Photos courtesy of the Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce.
Leadership Mountain Brook students helped with registration at the luncheon.
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Village Living
Mountain Brook Business Happenings
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Coming Soon Jones SalonSpa will 1 Tonya open its second location in the former Richard Joseph SalonSpa space in English Village, located at 2410 Fairway Drive. 870-4247. tonyajonessalonspa. com. Brick & Tin is currently undergoing renovations at its new restaurant space at 2901 Cahaba Road in Mountain Brook Village. Owner Mauricio Papapietro said the location plans to open by the end of February. In addition to lunch, it will feature a bar, dinner menu and retail bakery area. brickandtin.com.
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Hirings and Promotions
Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens have announced the 2014 Board of Directors. Five 2013 board members will rotate off: Laurie Allen, Margi Ingram, Lucy Tutwiler, Mary Williamson and Lou Willie.
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Anniversaries Ruby Ansley Interiors, 2806 Petticoat Lane, celebrated its 50th anniversary recently. The business, which offers both traditional and contemporary design, held a celebration party for clients. It was founded by Ruby Ansley and is now owned by Sallie Aman. 871-8294.
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Little Lavender, 81 Church Street, Suite 102, is celebrating its first anniversary this month. The store offers unique children’s clothing and other items. littlelavender.com.
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RealtySouth’s Mountain Brook Crestline Office has welcomed Brooke Wahl as a new agent. 879-6330. realtysouth.com.
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johnwilliamjeweller.com
Tiffany & Co. Overton Rd
Diamond Riviere Necklace in Platinum
81 Church Street
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81 Church St. • 205-870-4367
VillageLivingOnline.com
February 2014
CVS to open in former Piggly Wiggly space By MADOLINE MARKHAM CVS/pharmacy announced in January that it will relocate to the former Piggly Wiggly location in Crestline Village. According to a news release, CVS will move from its current location at 49 Church St. in late 2014 or early 2015. The relocation will occur after a renovation and upgrade of the new space, which will allow CVS to offer a broader selection of grocery, health and beauty products. The store has been in Crestline since 1998. “It has been a pleasure to take care of our Mountain Brook customers for the past 15 years at our Church Street store, but we’ve simply outgrown our current location,” said Troy Warren, region manager for CVS/pharmacy. “Our new CVS/pharmacy in Crestline Village will be more convenient, more accessible, and allow us to offer a larger selection of products and services in order to better serve our customers’ needs.” Debbie May, CVS’s head pharmacist in Mountain Brook for the past 15 years, will continue to take care of her patients at the new location. All current CVS employees will be relocated, including May’s pharmacy team. Among those team members is lead pharma-
cy technician Patricia Deramus, who started working as a cashier at Arial’s Pharmacy and joined CVS 15 years ago. The release stated that CVS understands that members of the Crestline Village community are disappointed about the closure of the Piggly Wiggly supermarket and that CVS was approached about the availability of the property only after lease negotiations between the property owner and the supermarket owner concluded unsuccessfully. CVS did not play any role in these negotiations, and it signed a long-term lease last week. Scott & Scott Inc., longtime owners of Country Club Park, recognize that many residents will miss the Piggly Wiggly, but a company representative said CVS’s longstanding roots in the community and resources will bring a new vibrancy and fresh opportunities to the Crestline area. “The Company and Piggly Wiggly worked hard to negotiate new lease terms. Unfortunately, we could not reach an agreement,” said an officer of Scott & Scott. “While we acknowledge the strong feelings Mountain Brook residents have about the issue, we sought to fill the space with a company that has the resources and commitment to continue supporting and growing our community.”
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Village Living
Restaurant Showcase
Read past Restaurant Showcases at villagelivingonline.com
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Basil Gourmet Pizza & Wine Bar By MADOLINE MARKHAM There’s no cheese on Thai Pizza. With a covering of Thai peanut sauce base, there’s no need. And that’s before you get to the chicken and red onion, with shredded carrots and cilantro on top. Basil Gourmet Pizza & Bar owner Cole Harvey said once he gets customers to try it, they come back for it. The sauce recipe comes from his wife Nesha’s mom, a chef at a Thai restaurant in North Carolina. On other dishes like the Margherita Pizza and Caprese Salad, fresh basil is king, as the restaurant’s name suggests. The ingredient is common in both Thai and Italian cooking, after all. The specialty drink menu even features a Grapefruit Basil Martini, Basil Mojito and Basil Smash. Basil or not, Harvey has tried to create pizza specialties you’re not likely to find anywhere else at Basil, which recently opened in the former Big Blue Bagel space in Crestline Park. The Bloomin’ Shroom features sautéed onions and mushrooms, feta and Harvey’s balsamic reduction, also found on numerous other dishes. “It’s sweet and rich,” Harvey said. Ranch sauce is the base of the Buffalo Chicken Pizza, which is topped with chicken, red onion, parsley and
Clockwise from front left, Basil’s Vanilla Lavender Martini, Char-grilled Wings, Thai Pizza, Wedge Salad, Grapefruit Basil Martini and Caprese Salad. Photo by Alec Dixon.
blue cheese crumbles. Perhaps most unusual, the BLT pizza features the ingredients you might guess — plus mayonnaise. “If you can get people over the thought of warm mayonnaise enough to try it, they like it,” Harvey said Other specialty pizzas include the Southern Pulled Pork, BBQ Chicken, Supreme, Five Cheese, Carne and Veggie Overload. Whatever the variety, Cole ensures one thing. “I want every pizza to look like we
overdid the toppings,” he said. Both graduates of The University of Alabama, Cole and Nesha worked in the restaurant industry in Florida before moving to Birmingham recently to be closer to old friends. They liked that the location they chose for their first restaurant of their own was anchored in a neighborhood and next to Saw’s, about which friends in town raved. And they haven’t been disappointed. Since opening in November, Har-
vey said they have already had lot of repeat business and even see some customers two to three times a week. Beyond the pizzas, people come back for the Fried Bread and Butter Pickles and Char-grilled Wings. The appetizer menu comes with an Asian flair. Calamari is combined with banana and jalapeño peppers and then fried and tossed in a sweet Thai sauce. The method for the egg rolls, and their sauces, also come from Nesha’s mom.
224-4465 1101 Dunston Ave. facebook.com/basilgourmet Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Sunday, Noon-9 p.m. For the Wedge Salad, the iceberg lettuce is cut fresh to order and topped with diced tomatoes, red onion, bacon, a house-made blue cheese dressing and fresh blue cheese crumbles — plus a drizzle of that balsamic glaze. Sandwiches such as the Muffaletta and Carne are prepared with meat and fresh toppings like sautéed peppers and served with house-made chips. “People come in just for our chips,” Harvey said. “They are fried to order and then salted.” An extensive list of wines, beers and specialty drinks accompany the food menu. House wines start at $5 a glass, and bottles start at $28. Harvey said he’s gotten good feedback on the wine list, which includes a one-to-three line description of each of around 30 labels. Beers include local Truck Stop Honey and Cahaba Blonde along with Magic Hat, Terrapin, Hoegaarden, Boulevard, and Thai beer Chang. Wooden pallets now line the walls around bar, and a new bar-height booth and couches make the space feel more casual and comfortable. On the patios, there’s a big L-shaped couch, new heater and big screens for sports watching. Basil features nightly drink specials and live music on Thursdays and Fridays.
Business Spotlight Balance Personal Training Studio
February 2014
Lane Park Rd
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Read past Business Spotlights at villagelivingonline.com
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2830 Culver Road Mountain Brook Village 908-9603 balanceptstudio.com Monday-Friday, 5:30 a.m.-7 p.m.
By KATIE TURPEN Mountain Brook personal trainer Micheal Meadows grew up the son of a coal miner and a hospital janitor in Walker County. He was the oldest of eight children with whom he shared a single bedroom. Today, he owns his own personal training studio in Mountain Brook Village, which is thriving with more than 60 clients. “It is truly a real accomplishment for me,” Meadows said. Meadows spent 20 years as U.S. Army Ranger before retiring in Lismore, Australia. He knew he wanted to use the skills he acquired as a ranger and transfer them into the civilian world but was not sure what that would look like at first. “I wanted to do something fun, to be able to give back to the community and to make a decent living,” Meadows said. “Suddenly, it hit me. Fitness. It changes lives.” After six years of working in Australia, Meadows decided to move back home to Alabama where he began training at the Mountain Brook YMCA. After several years, he had a waiting list of clients and decided it was time to venture out on his own. He opened Balance Personal Training Studio in July 2012. “I decided it was time to go into
(left) Personal trainers Micheal Meadows, McNeill Strang and Scott Fell at Balance Studio in Mountain Brook Village. (above) McNeill Strang (middle) leads a Friday group training class at Balance Studio in Mountain Brook Village. Photos by Katie Turpen.
business for myself and offer group training,” Meadows said. Balance Fitness offers group classes on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and one-on-one training sessions by appointment. There are currently three trainers: Meadows; Scott Fell, also a U.S. Army veteran; and McNeill Strang, a long-distance runner and strength trainer. Meadows said each trainer’s
diverse skill set helps the business meet a wide range of client needs. Trainers coach their clients on fitness, nutrition, strength and general health and wellness. “As soon as you walk through the door, we set goals for you and find problem areas,” Meadows said. “We do a fitness assessment and write a program for you.” The studio’s location gives
trainers the opportunity to incorporate runs and walks through nearby Jemison Park and the Birmingham Botanical Gardens into fitness routines. In addition, Meadows hopes to hire two or three more trainers and is looking to add yoga, pilates, zumba and boxing to the mix. Meadows said the most rewarding part of his job is experiencing
his clients’ transformation. Whether it’s losing 10 pounds or training to be in law enforcement, Meadows loves seeing people reach their potential. “Seeing people reach a goal is truly rewarding,” Meadows said. “Seeing someone get off their high blood pressure medicine. Or doing a push -up or a sit-up. I enjoy seeing them overcome weakness.”
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Village Living
Community Thirty-nine presented at annual Holiday Assembly The 71st annual Holiday Assembly was held recently at the Country Club of Birmingham. The 39 honorees and their dates enjoyed a seated dinner in the dining room before the presentation in the East Room. The young
(above) Front row: Ann Hollon Morris, Sarah Walker Alford, Anne Holloway Somerville, Antoinette Dunn Wyatt. Back row: Caroline Goodwyn Luckie, Lillian Harris Simpson, Baily Antoinette Martin, Kaylor Elizabeth Kidd, Eleanor Elizabeth Naff. (top right) Front row: Margaret Allyn Pratt Given, Paley Robinson Smith, Alice Brantley Sanders, Anne Douglass Williams, Mary Keller Greene. Back row: Ellen Elizabeth deBerniére Given, Sarah Grace Lindsey, Helen Oliver Little, Evalyn LeBlanc Bargeron, Margaret McGinley Swain, Samantha Earle Yates. (right) Front row: Amanda Delight Carmichael, Brooke Elyse Littleton, Mary Lee Bard Livingston, Julia Grace Garrison. Back row: Morgan Ann Dommerich Lineberry, Margaret Ellison Gray, Cate Harmon, Chaise Taylor Belt, Margaret Elizabeth Howell, Kendall Elizabeth Crumbaugh. Photos courtesy of Dee Moore Photography.
ladies were escorted by their fathers. A dance, with music by Familiar Faces, allowed for families and friends to enjoy the evening.
Distinguished Young Women accepting applicants The Distinguished Young Women Program of Jefferson County is accepting applications from high school girls graduating in 2015 and residing in Jefferson County. The deadline for receiving applications is March 10. The program, formerly Jefferson County’s Junior Miss, will take place on July 18 and 19 at Samford University. Last year more than $13,000 in cash-tuition scholarships was awarded, and more than $489,000 in college-granted scholarships. Any participant in the program may qualify for a full tuition and a full tuition, room and board scholarship with a qualifying GPA and test score. There is no entry fee. Participants compete in the categories of Fitness, Self Expression, Interview, Scholastics and Talent. The Jefferson County representative will advance to the Distinguished Young Women Program of Alabama in Montgomery, where she will compete for more than $40,000 in cash-tuition scholarships and more than $1,000,000 in college scholarships. The current Distinguished Young Woman of Jefferson County is Sarah Grace McDuff, a senior at Homewood High School. State winners will compete for Distinguished Young Woman of America for 2015 and for a share of more than $125,000 in cash scholarships. Founded in 1958 in Mobile, Distinguished Young Women is the largest and oldest national scholarship program for high school girls. During its 55 years of operation, the program has provided experiences for more than 700,000 young women and has awarded more than $93 million in cash scholarships to young women across the nation. Interested girls may visit DistinguishedYW.org and click on the “Participate” icon to receive an application, or they may contact Chairman Eddie Macksoud at jefferson@distinguishedYW.org or 907-0210.
VillageLivingOnline.com
February 2014
• 13
Riding for change Annual spin ride raises funds and awareness for ovarian cancer
Participants in last year’s Ride to Change the Future ride spin bikes at the Levite Jewish Community Center. Photos courtesy of the Norma Livingston Ovarian Cancer Foundation.
By MADOLINE MARKHAM Susan Greene didn’t know anything about ovarian cancer when she signed up to ride a spinning bike for six hours. By the end of the Sunday afternoon, she had learned about its signs and symptoms and heard from the hearts of women who have battled it. Six months later, her sister was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. And a few years after that, she would become the executive director of the Norma Livingston Ovarian Cancer Foundation. Last year, Birmingham’s Ride to Change the Future raised $68,000 for ovarian cancer research, most of which went to UAB’s gynecological oncology department. “It’s an inspirational event for a good cause,” Greene said. “During the training rides, you build community, so when you get to the [main] ride, you know people. We say it’s not just a fundraiser, it’s a friend-raiser.”
Norma Livingston Ovarian Cancer Foundation Ride to Change the Future
Greene said if you can do a regular spin bike, you can ride for three hours. “It’s a great way to keep your New Year’s resolution of getting fit and healthy,” Greene said. “You can ride at your own pace and your own tensions level, so you can make it as hard or as easy as you want. Some people don’t train
Sunday, Feb. 23 Levite Jewish Community Center 9 a.m.-3 p.m. nlovca.org ovariancycle.kintera.org
and just come and ride for a few hours, and the only thing that hurts afterward is their rear end.” Every hour during the main event, instructors switch out, and riders get a five-minute break. At some points, the event feels like big party with a lot of hooting and hollering. At others, it’s more somber. An empty bike at the front of
the room represents people who battled the cancer and are no longer living. Survivors tell their stories, and for the last hour, all of the survivors bring their bikes to the front of the room. “There are tears, smiles, laughing,” Greene said. “It runs the whole gamut of emotions.” To be a part of the event, participants pay a $50 registration fee. They can register as individuals or as part of a team and ride for one to six hours. The registration fee includes an event T-shirt, gift bag of goodies, and refreshments and entertainment on the day of the event. Riders must raise a fundraising minimum: $600 for 5-6 hours, $400 for 3-4 hours or $200 for 1-2 hours. Free training rides prior to the event are at various gyms and times on Sundays starting Jan. 19. Around 80 people have participated in the past, and organizers are hoping to have 100 this year.
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February 2014
Village Living
Redstone Club holds 106th annual Christmas Ball
Sacred music festival returns
Marianne Coston William, Margaret Richardson King, Jane Comer Crockard, Lenora Ireland Brown and Elizabeth Patricia Koepsel.
Margaret Alexandra Pitts , Elizabeth Ann Williams, Elizabeth Emory Pitts, Taylor Gore Hiden and Caroline Harris Hinds. Photos by Dee Moore Photography.
The Redstone Club’s 106th annual Christmas Ball was held recently at the Country Club of Birmingham. The president of this year’s ball was R. Holman Head, who attended with his wife, Margaret. The ball chairman was J. Arthur Smith IV, whose wife, Ashley, oversaw the event invitations. The floor committee chairman and emcee for the procession was James M. Dixon, at the ball with his wife, Marilyn. Sybil Brooke Sylvester of Wildflower Designs provided flowers and decorations for the event, held in the country club’s East Room on a surprisingly warm first night of winter. This year’s presentation class included
Margaret Livingston Hindman , Sydney Morrow Wicks, Whitley Seymour Yeates, Mamie Collier Marbury and Elizabeth Adair Abbot.
15 young women, all college seniors from a wide range of schools. The presentees wore traditional long white dresses and gloves. Overseeing the class were the members of the Ladies Committee: Cary Walheim, Marilyn Dixon and Jennifer Evans. At the Ball luncheon, which took place at the Mountain Brook Club the preceding day, the presentees for 2013 were introduced to the club membership and received a bit of historical background on the event and the club itself. One of the highlights of the luncheon was the re-introduction of the presentee class from 1963, of which 23 of 30 women were in attendance to celebrate their 50th anniversary. The returning “golden
girls” regaled the group with recollections (some admittedly foggy) of their own big night five decades previous. Allison Murray herself a member of that class, served as the 1963 presentee chair. More than 700 members and their guests attended this year’s event. The Ball followed on the heels of an earlier members-only cocktail party and dinner, spread between Birmingham Country Club’s East Room and dining rooms. Music chairman John R. Simpson arranged the evening’s accompaniment. For the cocktail party and the presentation, the Sonny Harris Trio Band set the musical atmosphere. Following the presentation, the Atlanta Party Band entertained the crowd.
Dr. Terre Johnson leads a rehearsal for the program to take place Sunday, Feb. 23 at 4 p.m. at Mountain Brook Baptist Church. Photo courtesy of P. Gaston White.
The sixth annual Over the Mountain Festival of Sacred Music will take place Sunday, Feb. 23 at 4 p.m. at Mountain Brook Baptist Church. All are invited to attend this free concert, titled “Sing Alleluia.” Last year the event welcomed a chorus of more than 70 singers from 30 different choirs and choral groups around Birmingham as well as other cities in the Southeast. This season’s guest clinician is Dr. Terre Johnson, minister of music at Vestavia Hills Baptist Church. Members of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra will accompany the festival. For more information, visit otmfestivals.org.
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VillageLivingOnline.com
February 2014
Stock your library at
Emmet O’Neal’s annual sale Friends of EOL Book Sale Preview party for donors: Thursday, Feb. 20, 6-8:30 p.m. Open for general public: Friday, Feb. 21, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday, Feb. 22, 1-4 p.m. Where: Emmet O’Neal Library Donate: eolib.org/friends.php
By HOLLEY WESLEY Once Santa’s elves clock out after Christmas, the Friends of the Emmet O’Neal Library elves get to work. Each year, the last weekend in February brings the Friends of EOL Book Sale. With a donation of $25 or more to the Emmet O’Neal Library, patrons receive an invitation to the book sale preview party on Thursday, Feb. 20, from 6-8:30 p.m. At the preview party, you’ll get first crack at the best books, including art and coffee table books, collectible items and rare titles. The sale opens to the public Friday, Feb. 21 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday, Feb. 22 from 1-4 p.m. The Friends aim to maintain the quality and value of the books for the sale — and to that end, they have sought the insight of John C. Jones, a Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice appraiser and broker of fine art and appraiser on the PBS Antiques Roadshow. During the sale, patrons may drop in,
select books and purchase them to support the Library. Organizers encourage stopping by each day of the sale to peruse the collection. Proceeds from the sale fund library programs for all ages throughout the year. If you’ve ever attended the Brown Bag Lunch series, sent your teens to Game On programs, worked on a crafting project at Knit & Knibble, participated in the Library’s summer reading programs for children, teens or adults, attended a standing room only special event, or spent time at any of the Library’s other regularly scheduled programs, you’ve taken advantage of the resources provided by the proceeds from the annual Friends of the Emmet O’Neal Library Book Sale. The Friends group accepts book donations throughout the year in preparation for this sale. To do so, ring the doorbell at the back door of the Library and ask for a receipt. Visit the Friends page of the Library’s website at eolib.org/friends.php to make a donation.
Library patrons peruse the selection of books at last year’s Friends of EOL Book Sale. Photos courtesy of Emmet O’Neal Library.
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February 2014
Village Living
Volunteers needed to pack, send 500,000 meals By SANDY PORTER “Practicing for 1,000,000” is the theme of the fifth annual Stop Hunger Now meal packing event on Wednesday, Feb. 12 and Thursday, Feb. 13. Four Over-the-Mountain churches plan to pack and send 500,000 meals to schoolchildren in lesser-developed countries. Working through the hunger relief organization Stop Hunger Now, church members and volunteers from the community will meet at Canterbury United Methodist Church (350 Overbrook Road) to package the dehydrated meals. The meals combine rice, soy, dehydrated vegetables and a flavoring mix including 21 essential vitamins and minerals into small packets. Each meal costs only 25 cents, has a shelf life of five years and transports quickly. “At 25 cents a meal, a check for $25 will feed 100 people,” said Rachel Estes, outreach director at Canterbury United Methodist Church. “It’s the cheapest dinner
party you can host.” The churches heading up this event are Saint Luke’s Episcopal, Vestavia Hills United Methodist, Saint Stephen’s Episcopal and Canterbury United Methodist. The first year volunteers packed 142,560 meals, and the past three years, with the help of other churches, they prepared more than 500,000 meals total. “The enthusiasm for this event is catching on in our community, and each year we have more volunteers and monetary donations,” Estes said. “We are increasing our commitment by setting a goal of assembling a million meals in 2015, so this year’s February event will be an opportunity to practice for a million.” To reach the goal of 500,000 meals, the churches need volunteers from the community in addition to their own members. About 4,000 volunteers are needed during the two-day period. There are roles for all ages and skill levels, and organizers encourage area businesses, Boy
Volunteers package meals to be shipped to countries in need.
Scouts, garden clubs, classrooms, sports teams, Bible clubs, book clubs, supper clubs, families and anyone wanting to participate in a meaningful outreach project to participate. Jobs involve everything from scooping dried food to lifting heavy boxes to sorting containers.
Volunteers are asked to register in advance and may sign up for one- or two-hour shifts. Childcare is available. To register or to donate to the cause, go to events.stophungernow. org/5churchesbirmingham.
Saint Luke’s to host ‘super mom’ event In 2011, Kristi Walters published “Saving Super Mom,” a devotional that encourages mothers to examine their daily activities both in light of the Bible and organizational strategies. Since then, hundreds of local women have gathered for “Saving Super Mom” study groups. The success of this ministry inspired Walters to create an event based on the experiences from the
small groups. “Once things got to a personal level, every group seemed to have the same struggles,” she said. “The women started pulling together and helping each other figure out how to get organized, get dinner on the table and get out the door in the mornings with everyone wearing two matching shoes — all while still being a faith first family.” A professional chef and expert
Hartley earns Eagle Scout
stylists will conduct workshops on food and fashion; they’ll teach strategies on planning, shopping and organizing the pantry and the closet. The keynote speaker is Jinny Henson, a mom, pastor’s wife, Christian comedian and author. Her book, “Maggie Lee for Good,” tells the story of her 12-year-old daughter’s death in a church bus accident in 2009 and how thousands of good
deeds have been performed in her honor in the years to follow. The event, titled “Full Plate ... Balancing Faith, Family, Food & Fashion,” takes place Saturday, Feb. 22, from 9 a.m.-noon at Saint Luke’s Episcopal Church. Registration is available at saint-lukes. com. The cost is $30, and space is limited to the first 250 people. Limited childcare is also available. For more, visit savingsupermom.com.
Gaines Hartley
Gaines Williams Hartley, a member of Boy Scout Troop 53, recently received Boy Scouts of America’s highest rank after completing all the requirements. On his way to Eagle Scout, Hartley earned 22 merit badges and designed and completed a service project. During his time in Scouts, he served in several leadership positions including assistant senior patrol leader, patrol leader, assistant patrol leader and scribe. For his service project, he built two picnic tables and four benches for Glenwood Autism and Behavioral Center that were placed at the Sullivan Center. Hartley, the son of Cece and Kenny Hartley, joined Boy Scouts in spring 2008. He is a junior at Mountain Brook High School, where he is on the football team, and is an active member of the Canterbury United Methodist youth group. A Court of Honor will be held at Saint Peter’s Anglican Church to recognize Hartley’s Eagle Scout rank.
VillageLivingOnline.com
February 2014
• 17
Physician/author releases first medical thriller By MADOLINE MARKHAM Stephen Russell knows what dedication means. He spent four years earning a history degree from Vanderbilt University, seven becoming a doctor, and now 10 bringing his first novel to life. The University of Alabama at Birmingham associate professor of internal medicine and pediatrics has a new medical thriller, Blood Money, for sale starting this month. “You will like it if you enjoy thrillers, are looking for a good beach read or if you are just wondering what Stephen Russell has been doing since high school,” said the 1990 Mountain Brook High School graduate. The inspiration for the plot line developed when a friend of his told him about a biotech company that produced synthetic blood, a substance he first saw as a medical resident in Cincinnati. The main character, surgeon Cooper “Mackie” McKay, finds himself under investigation when his ex-wife’s body is found in his car, her veins infused with the synthetic blood product they patented together. McKay soon finds himself searching his wife’s past to clear his name. The more Russell researched synthetic blood, the more plot points came to mind, and he got friends in the medical field to read over parts to ensure their accuracy. “My hope in the research I do is
(left) Stephen Russell’s new book, Blood Money, is being released this month. (above) Russell’s children were excited to get their hands on the advanced reader’s copy of their dad’s book. Photos courtesy of Stephen Russell.
that it makes people think [the book] feels uncomfortably real,” Russell said. Other plot points come from Russell’s experiences. A childhood friend of Russell’s specializes in deep-frying munchies like Twinkies, something Mackie’s lawyer and friend, Duel Roberts, cooks up. (For the book release, Russell’s friend is working on a recipe for the fried Twinkies.) The setting is Nashville, where Russell lived in college, and also Atlanta, near his grandparents’ house where he spent summers growing up. Blood Money is the first of Rus-
sell’s three books being published by Blue Jay Media, which works with authors by invitation only and which publishes about a dozen books a year. Command and Control, also about McCay but with a new setting and plot, will follow with publication in June, and the third, Control Group, actually a rewritten version of the first novel Russell wrote, will be published by January. The path to publication was a long one for Russell. He attended the Santa Barbara Writer’s Conference for critiques three times over the past decade and most recently worked with a mentor in California to edit his
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novels. Now the dad of four, he has less time to write than when he started and wakes up early to get in an hour before they get up in the morning. He considers it a great milestone as a parent that he has “infected [his children] with a bug” to read and is proud that at Cherokee Bend Elementary, where they attend school, readers are recognized at a special pep rally each year. His wife, Gretel, a pediatrician at Mayfair Medical Group in Homewood, reads his drafts and is his sounding board for ideas. Russell said she has been very supportive of
all the time he has dedicated to writing. The Blood Money book release party is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 12, from 6-7:30 p.m. at Cantina Tortilla Grill at Pepper Place. Books will be available at Little Professor Book Center in Homewood, and there will be a book signing at the store on Wednesday, Feb. 19, from 6-8 p.m. The book will also be available online from Amazon, iTunes and Barnes and Noble. To learn more about Stephen Russell’s work, visit authorstephenrussell.com.
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February 2014
Village Living
Page privilege By MADOLINE MARKHAM Once a year, a special group of 8- to 11-year-olds gets to stay at an “adult” ball far past their usual bedtimes. The children dress up as clowns or queens of hearts, entertain an auditorium full of people, and then mingle with princesses and men in capes. Plus, there’s lots of dancing. “I remember running around with my friends and being able to stay up late,” said Elizabeth Edwards, who was a Krewe Ball page as a child and is now the mother of recent pages Betsy and Sarah Welles. “[My daughters] have the same feelings I had. They want to stay until the bitter end.” This year 21 pages will join the “royal court” of king, queen, guards, dukes, ladies-in-waiting and princesses for the 47th annual Mardi Gras-themed Beaux Arts Krewe Ball at Boutwell Auditorium. The only other attendees younger than 18 are usually trainbearers for the king and queen. The pages kick off the evening’s program with some tumbling down the carpet and all performing a routine of singing and dancing to two or three songs unique to the year. Last year the most crowd-pleasing number involved a dance with lights on their hands to Katy Perry’s “Firework.” Their costumes rotate between clowns, queens of hearts, jesters and genies for an Arabian Nights theme. Each year, the custom-made costumes
Twenty-one children join ‘royal court’ at this year’s Krewe Ball
(Botom left) Sarah Welles Edwards and Ellie Kate Berte during a Chinese Orient theme in 2012. (Left) 2014 Krewe Princesses Lucy Sprain, Lacey Bromberg and Elizabeth Corey dressed as pages for a Mardi Grasthemed Krewe Ball. (Right) Creagh Goings, Betsy Edwards, Carolanne Berte and Caroline Goings during a Queen of Hearts themed ball. (Below) Peter White and Allen Baker for a circus theme in 2009. Photos courtesy of Dena Berte.
are unique, but they are always full of sequins and bright colors. “They always do fabulous costumes,” said Ginger Abele, mom of former page Helen and current page Julia. “It’s very impressive how they go all-out on that. For dance recitals now all that is ordered from a catalogue.” The pages practice singing and dancing every Sunday for a few hours for about a month leading up
to the big night. The choreographers have a limited time to pull off the production, and it must be done right. Practices are strict, but in a way that encourages respect from the children. “The way [choreographers] Deborah [Fleishman] and Delle [Kincaid] both approach them, they want to perform for them and get it right,” page coordinator Dena Berte said.
Even Berte’s older daughter, Sarah Frances, usually only does athletic activities but loves being a page. In fact, many of them don’t regularly take dance lessons outside of page practice. “I love that because it gives them a chance to do something different from their normal activities,” Berte said. The night before the big event, the pages rehearse in Boutwell and get a sneak peek at its evolution into
a ballroom full of themed decor. Berte said that she’s never seen a page back out or even have stage fright at the ball. “They are so proud of their performance,” Berte said. “It gives me chills every year when I sit and watch them perform and it comes off without a hitch, especially after I have seen them mess up and sing the wrong words along the way.”
VillageLivingOnline.com
February 2014
• 19
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20 • February 2014
Village Living
Tigers
in
Pasadena
Mountain Brook residents sent in photos from the BCS National Championship Game
(left) Erica and Adam Cone. (above) Julie and Colin Stewart.
VillageLivingOnline.com
Lee, Natalie and Anna Smith.
February 2014
• 21
Maris Frederick, Angel Finch, Meredith Cale and Libby House.
John Barnhart, David Malone, Kristen Sartelle, Preston Sartelle, Mary Anna Malone, Laura Canterbury, Brad Sauls, Jason Hard, Jerod Broom and James Hard.
22 • February 2014
Village Living
School House MBJH honors Spartans of the Month
Expressions contest kickoff at BWF
Kade Worthen and Austin Sikora in Virginia Moore’s sixth-grade class. Photo courtesy of Bridget Sikora.
By KATHLEEN WOODRY
Front row: Daley Goodman, Meme Everett, Ellie Lipp, Hannah Cox, Caroline Keller, Pascale Aboujaoude, Ryann Holley, Katie Vise, Sophia Martin, Sarah Francis Adair. Back row: Hamp Greene, Ben Hellums, Phillip Bethea, Matthew Romero, Colton Yeager, Hamp Sisson, Butler Wilbanks, Will Kimberlin, Ryan Kirk, Collin Bussman.
By ELIZABETH FARRAR Mountain Brook Junior High School recognizes and honors students who display the best character traits of a Mountain Brook Spartan through Spartan of the Month awards. The students are nominated each month by the faculty, and then one boy and one girl are selected in each grade by a faculty vote. Spartan of the Month students’
pictures were displayed each month on the MBJH website and a school bulletin board. The students received a certificate at a breakfast held in their honor at the end of the semester. The following students were recognized during the first semester for the traits as listed: September, Cooperative: Ryann Holley, Gavin Lee, Meme Everett, Phillip Bethea and Pascale Aboujaoude.
October, Optimistic: Sophia Martin, Hamp Greene, Katie Vise, Ben Hellums, Kendall Alby and Ryan Kirk. November, Grateful: Sarah Francis Adair, Colton Yeager, Hannah Cox, Matthew Romero, Laura Breckenridge and Will Kimberlin. December, Reliable: Daley Goodman, Collin Bussman, Ellie Lipp, Hamp Sisson, Caroline Keller and Butler Wilbanks.
Brookwood Forest Elementary kicked off its Expressions Art Contest with a simultaneous, all-school drawing exercise that was aired during broadcast. All 508 students were given a piece of paper and a sharpened pencil so that they could follow the directions of Leslie Wingo’s videotaped drawing lesson. The Expressions committee members helped each grade during the event. When the students returned from break, Debbie Rakes led a video music lesson during broadcast to teach the entire school the cup game. Additionally, the Expressions Committee aired Expressions film shorts that showed students making art. All the entries are being exhibited in the auditorium this month. The Mountain Brook School District show is Feb. 25 at BWF.
February 2014 • 23
VillageLivingOnline.com
Hearts for a cause By HILARY ROSS For the last couple of years, Lancer PTO at Mountain Brook Elementary has sold Valentine’s Day hearts to its students to support a local charity or cause. Proceeds from the Share a Heart sale this year will benefit Backpack Buddies, a program through Vineyard Family Services that reaches elementary children who are on free or reduced lunches in public schools. School breakfast and lunch might be the only stable meals these children receive each day. Backpack Buddies helps bridge that gap over the weekend and school holidays. Teachers discreetly put packages of nutritious food items in the students’ backpacks
each Friday to make sure the children will have something to eat over the weekend. The bags contain single serving, shelf-stable food items that are easily handled and opened by the child and easily transported to the child’s home or other living environment for their personal use over the weekend and holiday breaks. Sale of the MBE Valentine hearts will occur in early February with delivery to students via homeroom shortly before Valentine’s Day. Students are encouraged to personalize or add goodies to the cards if desired and distribute them to classmates, teachers, friends and loved ones. The hope of the PTO is that MBE children will show their love to others while helping support a great cause. Chairmen of the proj-
MBE students Jackson Nunneley, Robert Flynn, Payton Flynn, Ella Nunneley, Margot Phillips and Coleman Petrey.
ect are Amy Nunneley, Shaun Flynn and Carol Ann Phillips.
For more information, please contact Amy Nunneley at amy_nunneley@hotmail.com.
BWF annual holiday program
MBJH students place in international contest
First-graders Jackson Garner, Harrison Brown, Kate Keplinger and Thomas Graham wore reindeer antlers for their performance.
Art teacher Findley Townsend, on left, stands as student John William Price receives his award from the Istanbul Center.
By KATHLEEN WOODRY Brookwood Forest Elementary recently hosted its annual holiday program under the direction of Debbie Rakes.
Two performances showcased the talents of students in kindergarten through third grade in the auditorium. Teachers, parents, friends and family attended.
Three Mountain Brook Junior High School students were selected as winners of an art and essay contest sponsored by the Istanbul Center. John William Price placed third in the state in the high school art division. He and his art teacher, Findley
Townsend, were awarded an 11-day trip to Turkey. Kaitlin Goodman was awarded eighth place in the middle school division for her essay. Kaitlyn Coffey was awarded sixth place for her art entry in the high school division.
24 • February 2014
Village Living
MBE celebrates reading By HILARY ROSS What is better than curling up with a good book on a cold, wintry day? Recently, Mountain Brook Elementary students did just that during Winter Reading Celebration, a school day dedicated to fostering a love for reading. Students were encouraged to dress as their favorite literary characters, and several teachers offered bonus opportunities for grades. Many teachers also participated by appearing in costume as well. Class visits to the Library Media Center occurred throughout the day, and MBE librarians portrayed the famous Elephant
and Piggy characters from the Mo Willems book series. Other celebrity readers visited classrooms and read favorite books to the children. Winter Reading Celebration is one of many events the MBE schedules to ensure enthusiasm for reading. In late November, the school hosted its annual Scholastic Book Fair, a perennial favorite among students and parents. In late February, MBE, Cherokee Bend and Brookwood Forest will collaboratively host the annual Writers’ Festival. More information about the featured authors and illustrators can be found by visiting the Library Media Center page on the MBE website and clicking the Writers’ Festival 2014 link.
Second-grade teacher Cassie Jacobs, dressed as Pippi Longstocking, poses with some of her students, also dressed as book characters.
Hula hoop team performs
Cherokee Bend Spelling Bee
Spelling Bee winner Ethan Shunnarah.
By CATHERINE BODNAR
The CES Hula Hoop and Jump Rope team, coached by Luanne Wall and Randy Stephens, recently performed at the Exceptional Foundation. The two teams pose together at Homewood Park after the performance, where this picture was taken.
Fifth-grader Ethan Shunnarah was the winner of the Cherokee Bend Spelling Bee this year. Runner-up was fifth-grader Chandler Vargas.
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February 2014 • 25
VillageLivingOnline.com
Sports Seventh-grade basketball wins holiday tournament
Front row: Dowd Ritter, Pierce Rodrigues, Grant Griffin, Zach Shunarrah, Brendan Brogan, Bradley Pinson. Back row: Lior Berman, Daniel Wilbanks, Brett Lewis, James Burkett, Colton Yeager, Ben Garrett, Coach Bruce Henricks.
By ELIZABETH FARRAR The Mountain Brook Junior High School seventh-grade boys’ basketball team went undefeated in the War on the Wood Tournament at North Jefferson Middle School recently. The Spartans won the championship game
when Lior Berman sank a three-pointer at the buzzer, giving the team a one-point win over Irondale. Colton Yeager was named tournament MVP, and Ben Garrett was named to the All-Tournament Team. The seventh-grade team is coached by Bruce Henricks and Zach Skipper.
Gandler places at national wrestling tournament
Austin Gandler and his coach Kevin Malloy.
Austin Gandler, a junior at Mountain Brook High School, placed second at the Dixie National Wrestling Tournament. The event, held in Atlanta in December,
featured wrestlers from across the country. Austin’s finish in the national tournament earned him an All American Status. He is coached by Kevin Malloy.
Wright wins MVP award Paulson Wright, a 10-year-old Mountain Brook baseball player, participated in the Alabama State Championship Showcase Tournament last year. He was awarded the Offensive MVP award for the tournament at the first annual USSSA Hall of Fame Banquet in Orange Beach in December. Both Strother Gibbs and Braxton Wetzler, also on the 10U Mountain Brook Spartans baseball team, participated in the tournament. Paulson Wright.
26 • February 2014
Village Living
Spartanettes win state championship By ELIZABETH FARRAR The Mountain Brook Junior High School Spartanettes won the high kick division of the UDA Alabama Dance Championships in January at Spain Park High School. Defending their state title for the third
year, the Spartanettes had the highest score in their division despite obstacles. Two of the teammates were injured just before the competition, and their music accidentally was accelerated during their performance. The Spartanettes never faltered and kicked their way to another state title.
Front row: Mary Inzer Hagan, Lucy Christian, Kate Seibels, Kate Hinson, Adele Bloodworth, Carolyn Walheim, Caroline Cross, Delia Vandevelde. Second row: Charlotte Farrar, Kate Childs, Mary Robins Miller, Hannah Reeder, Reagan Clark, Maitland Null, Brantley Goodman, Fredda Cardwell, Lindsay Kahn. Back row: Sponsor Debbie Stump, Olivia Keating, Emilyn Hamn, Caroline Kohn, Lee Knight, Katie Foy, Sponsor Lisa Lewis, Murray Brown.
Parenting and Family with Dr. Dale Wisely
Morning madness Parent question: What can I do to keep from killing my kids when I’m trying to get them out the door in the morning? As a rule, I’m opposed to homicide, so I want to try to help. Difficulties getting families out the door in the morning are extremely common, and it is a significant source of stress for many families. For brevity, let’s call this “morning madness.” One morning some years ago when our daughters were all at home and in school, we had a frustrating time getting everyone moving, dressed, fed, loaded into the car and delivered to school. On the way to work, I heard a news story on the radio that the time of day at which
heart attacks are most likely is in the morning before work. “No wonder,” I said to myself. I actually think morning madness is a complex problem, but, broadly, there are two categories of issues that contribute to it. The first category is organization. Too much is being slapped together in the morning. Breakfast is being made and lunches are being packed. People are looking for the right clothes, items needed for school and looking for misplaced keys, wallets and purses. Many of these problems can be overcome by preparing the night before. We can pack lunches, choose outfits and bathe. But none of those are the kind of advice people need to hear from a psychologist. The other category is behavior. Kids are told
to get out of bed but instead dig deeper under the covers. They are told to get dressed and moving, but they drag their feet. People bicker. Some seem oblivious to passing time and the need to avoid being tardy to school and work. Behavior problems have to be addressed, and I do not have the space here to do the topic justice. But we all know that when misbehavior occurs, we generally think that negative consequences have to be applied. The classically recommended consequence for bad behavior (not obeying a parent’s command to get a move on) is time-out. How in the world can a parent take the time to put a child in time-out when the whole problem in the morning is getting kids to school (and parents to work) on time? How, especially, when we are always told that we have to apply consequences immediately for them to be effective? In my opinion, time-out is useful, and it just isn’t true that it has to be applied immediately to work. It is true that very young children cannot be expected to make the cognitive link between a behavior in the morning and a consequence applied sometime later in the day. But it is not true for school-age kids. They are perfectly ca-
pable of understanding that they are sitting in time-out at 4 p.m. for failing to get with the program that morning at 7:25. First, we establish time-out as our cornerstone method of dealing with noncompliance. Pick up a book on the topic, such as Thomas Phelan’s “1-2-3 Magic” series. Then, we tell our children that they will go to time-out if they don’t get a move on in the morning. We give fair warning and then decide when time-out is earned. (For teenagers who have outgrown time-out, we decide on another consequence. Yanking screen time often works.) In the morning, when our demands that Junior gets dressed are ignored, we say, “You’ll do time-out this afternoon when you get in from school.” The key then is for the parent to have the discipline, so to speak, to follow through. It is hard to do. We get home, it’s a nice afternoon, and we want to just forget the morning’s unpleasantness. That is understandable, but not helpful. Instead, we need to say, “Remember, you have to do your time-out for this morning.” Dr. Dale Wisely is Director of Student Services at Mountain Brook Schools and has been a child and adolescent psychologist for 30 years.
February 2014 • 27
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Faith Life Actually By Kari Kampakis
The scary truth of raising daughters Having four daughters is a gift, a blessing I wouldn’t trade for anything. I love the bond of sisterhood and understanding how my children are wired in ways my husband will never fully comprehend. On the other hand, it’s a lot of pressure. That’s how I feel at least. Being the same-sex parent makes me the primary role model, the standard of what a grown woman should be. If I were perfect, I’d be okay with this, but seeing that I have countless flaws, bad habits, and tendencies I’m not proud of...well, suffice it to say I don’t want my girls to grow up just like me. I want them to be BETTER than me. I want my good qualities to stick and my bad qualities to roll off. When they leave my nest at age 18, I want them unscarred by our mother-daughter arguments, so strong in their identity that any negative remarks I make in weak moments won’t dig under their skin so deeply they’ll need therapy to recover. Problem is, I can’t choose what rubs off. For better or worse my influence is a package deal. Even if my daughters make a conscious effort not to be like me, I’m their default setting. I’m the voice they’ll carry around in their head for a long, long time. Right now my daughters are young age 11 and under - and somewhat under my spell. I could feed them nonsense and they’d buy it because I’m all they know.
I’m their normal. Eventually they’ll compare notes with friends and understand how differently everyone is raised, but until then they’re somewhat captive to what I pass on. To be honest, this frightens me. I don’t want to abuse my power or channel it the wrong way, because the scary truth of raising daughters is that we mothers hold an important key: the key to their emotions. Until they’re old enough to take their key back, we can drive them any direction we choose. We can drive them forward, backward, or toward head-on collisions. We can take joy rides or white-knuckle the wheel with such control they can’t wait to boot us from the car. So what’s a mother to do? How do we nurture strong, loving bonds yet parent with parameters? How do we raise our daughters to be healthy, self-sufficient adults who still want us in their lives as a best friend and mentor? I think the first step is to inventory ourselves. As the saying goes, “Like mother, like daughter.” A mother’s habits and attitudes are highly contagious, and whatever issues we don’t take care of will affect our girls. We influence every relationship our daughters have. From food...to friends... to boys...to money...to fashion...to God and more...they take cues from us. We’re their role model. We’re their standard of what a grown woman should be.
So when we obsess over appearance, treating outer beauty as the ultimate goal, we teach our daughters to focus on their exterior. While this may satisfy them in their youth, it hinders their ability to cultivate the rich interior life they’ll desperately need to find joy as adults. When we social-engineer our friendships, choosing friends based on who advances our agenda, we teach our daughters to build shallow relationships that won’t last. Only real friendships can they bring them the happiness, security, and sense of belonging they crave. When we’re critical of their weight and flaws, we teach them to look in the mirror and notice their imperfections first. This is often the starting point for eating disorders and an unhealthy self-image, because how a mother sees her daughter becomes the lens through which she views herself. When we manipulate our spouse to get what we want, we teach our daughters boys are meant to be toyed with. This may work in the dating world, but in marriage, where honesty and respect are paramount, it will backfire. When we set a bar of perfection, we teach them to be ashamed of their mistakes and scared to fail. We also feed their inner critic, already too harsh. When we shop without impulse control, racking up debt our husband has to figure out, we teach them it’s okay to indulge every whim. Since money is a primary is-
sue couples argue over, why not do our future son-in-laws a favor by teaching fiscal responsibility to our daughters early? When we conform to the ways of the world, seeking approval from friends before God, we teach them to make their friends a god, too. Mothering daughters isn’t easy, but what a privilege. The girls we raise today are to tomorrow’s leaders, mothers, and impassioned spirits who will move mountains with their smarts and tenderness. Our daughters are strong and resilient, but they’re also emotionally vulnerable. They take our words to heart. They reflect on them long and hard. Let’s protect their hearts and respect the key we hold. Let’s evaluate our influence. Most important, let’s chose love as our overriding emotion. The roads we lead our daughters down today set the stage for roads they’ll choose when they take the wheel, and if our driving force is love - genuine, selfless love - we can rest with some assurance that we’re headed in the right direction. Kari Kubiszyn Kampakis is a Mountain Brook mom of four with a background in PR, writing, and photography. For more inspiration, join her Facebook community at “Kari Kampakis, Writer” or find her on Twitter. Visit her website at karikampakis.com, or contact her at kari@ karikampakis.com.
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Referred for a reason.
28 • February 2014
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A night in a museum The Grand Bohemian Hotel Mountain Brook will feature a rooftop bar, among other amenities open to the surrounding community. Rendering courtesy of The Kessler Collection.
By MADOLINE MARKHAM Richard Kessler was first struck by Mountain Brook’s rich color and architecture when he visited in 2004. He looked around the area at the request of Charles McCrary, CEO of Southern Company. Kessler was interested in a hotel site in Mountain Brook, but he could not find a suitable one at the time. So when Daniel Corporation approached in 2012 about being a part of the Lane Parke development, the decision was easy. “I love the village feel,” Kessler said. “I think the sense of community is great and that we really bring something new that will be appreciated.” Inspired by the Bohemian Club in San Francisco, Kessler has created a hotel collection that celebrates arts and culture. His company has locations in Orlando, Savannah, Asheville, Taos and Beaver Creek, Colo. “People say they have never spent the night in a museum, but that they feel like they just did that [when they have stayed in our ho-
tels],” he said. Now, he’s crafting his luxury boutique concept especially for Mountain Brook. A groundbreaking for the new Grand Bohemian Hotel Mountain Brook was held Jan. 16. The $35 million hotel, which will be located between Lane Park Road and the Lane Parke apartments currently under construction, is scheduled to open by early 2015. A 2,800-square-foot art gallery, located in a stand-alone building connected to the hotel, will showcase local, regional, national and international artists. Art shows and receptions held at least quarterly will be coordinated by a full-time on-site art director and three full-time art coordinators in the Kessler headquarters. Kessler estimates overall the hotel will display an art collection valued between $500,000 and $1 million, and he hopes to have original art in each of the 100 rooms. Kessler has already commissioned a Birmingham native artist to paint six large paintings at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens to be displayed in the hotel. Likewise, the hotel’s interior décor will be inspired by botanicals
from the gardens across the street, possibly with some influence of the zoo, too. Luxury facilities will be available to not just guests but the surrounding community as well. A rooftop bar will overlook the surrounding area and feature a special wine tasting bar. The adjoining restaurant will feature farm-to-table menu items made with regional ingredients. A large outdoor sculpture garden will host events in addition to the 5,800-square-foot indoor space that can be used for weddings and social occasions. One of the two dining rooms will feature Porsche memorabilia, with a poolroom adjacent to it. A cooking school, much like one in a similar hotel that was ranked as a top activity in Savannah by TripAdvisor, will offer a new way for companies, or families, to engage in team building. In addition to wine tasting, anyone can partake in “wine blending,” allowing you to create a wine blend to your own taste. From
there, the hotel will create a custom label for your bottle, and you can order it from Napa Valley by the case if desired. Area residents will be able to valet park and walk directly into the Poseidon Spa, which will feature treatments such as a hot stone massage, herbal poultice massage, lavender peppermint scalp treatment and aqua gel facial masque. In all its features, the Grand Bohemian will be anything but cookie cutter in design. “It’s a very handcrafted, detailed process, like a Porsche,” Kessler said. In fact, Kessler’s attention to customizing each hotel to its community was the reason Daniel sought him out. “[Kessler] and his team take every property personally, from the artwork to how they set up the bar,” said Pat Henry, chief development officer for Daniel. “This area has nothing like it. It will be where our guests stay and where we meet a friend for a glass of wine on Friday night.” To learn more, visit kesslercollection.com.
February 2014 • 29
VillageLivingOnline.com
Wilmer & Carol
Wilmer and Carol Poynor have been married for 55 years. Photo by Madoline Markham.
Wilmer Poynor has made friends with people throughout Colonial Brookwood Village on his daily walks. Photos by Alec Dixon.
DEDICATION from page 1
— something they had never done outside of church before the stroke. Their favorite is a Doris Day song: “I love you a bushel and peck; a bushel and peck and a hug around the neck.” They repeat the same two lines over and over, growing louder each time. The louder Wilmer gets, the more pronounced his voice sounds, like it did before his stroke; and that brings tears to Carol’s eyes.
Each day she sees his dedication to being as active as possible. Wilmer walks Colonial Brookwood Village twice a day, where his friends who work there know him and return his fist bump when he greets them. Twice a week he goes to Birmingham Country Club with his “workout buddy,” physical therapist Melissa Robinette. He wears a special glove to grip the golf club that enables him to putt the ball, and he rides the cart around the course with his golf buddies of 30 years, “The Killer Bees” (they each
have a nickname that starts with B). When he eats at Demetri’s BBQ for lunch on Tuesdays and Fridays, waitress Rita won’t bring him his food unless he speaks all five words: “inside pork cut in fourths.” Wilmer still calls some clients on their birthdays. He might not be able to carry on a full conversation, but he can say “happy birthday” and their name. One of his clients, Bayard Tynes, called on Wilmer’s birthday one year. He told him he wanted to call because Wilmer had called him to wish him a happy birthday for so many years.
Carol met Wilmer at a dance when she was in the eighth grade. She attended Brooke Hill School for Girls (now The Altamont School) and he Indian Springs, then a new all-boys school. Wilmer was in the ninth grade. “I thought he was the cutest thing I’d ever seen,” Carol said. “It took three years to get him to date me, though.” Still, he did ask her out, and they married on Dec. 30, 1958. She was 19, and he was 20. After being stationed briefly in Lee, Va., when Wilmer was in the Army, they bought their first home on DelMar in Crestline. All these years later, all three of their children are only minutes away from their home of eight
years just outside Mountain Brook Village. They both went to The University of Alabama, but their two sons went to Auburn, making football season “always interesting,” Carol says. As president of the insurance association the Million Dollar Roundtable in 1987, Wilmer traveled to Israel, Paris, Japan and Australia — always with Carol, who said she was “along for the ride.” In their 30s, they learned to ski together, and after their children were grown, they hosted friends and family for PGA tournaments, as well as their own version, the “Poynor Invitational,” at their house in Shoal Creek.
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30 • February 2014
Calendar
Mountain Brook Events Feb. 1: Miss Olympian Pageant. Mountain Brook High School. Call the high school at 414-4800 to purchase tickets. Feb. 2: Super Bowl Viewing Party. 4 p.m. Mafiaoza’s Pizza, Crestline. Alabama Forever and the Jay Barker Allstate Agency are hosting the veent. $25 all-you-can-eat meal, $1 beer, cash bar. Visit alabamaforever.instagift.com. Feb. 3: MBHS Boys Basketball vs. Leeds. 7:30 p.m. Spartan Arena. Feb. 5: Cherokee Bend Elementary Kindergarten Registration. 9-11 a.m., noon-2 p.m. There will be a two-step process for registering. Visit mtnbrook.k12.al.us. Feb. 7-8: Sweet Repeats Consignment Sale. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m.-noon Saturday. Mountain Brook Community Church. Items marked “discount” will be half-price on Saturday. Benefits church mission trips. Visit mbccsweetrepeats.blogspot.com. Feb. 12: Stephen Russell Book Release Party. 6-7:30 p.m. Cantina Tortilla Grill, Pepper Place. The Mountain Brook author has written a medical thriller, Blood Money. Visit authorstephenrussell.com. Feb. 12: Mountain Brook Elementary Kindergarten Registration. 9-11 a.m., noon-2 p.m. There will be a twostep process for registering. Visit mtnbrook.k12.al.us. Feb. 12-14: Winter One Act Play. Mountain Brook High School. Feb. 12-13: Stop Hunger Now. Canterbury United Methodist Church. Volunteers are packing and sending 500,000 meals to schoolchildren in lesser developed countries. Visit events.stophungernow.org/5churchesbirmingham. Feb. 17: Teacher Professional Day. Mountain Brook Schools. Feb. 17: School’s Out, But the J’s In Day. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Levite Jewish Community Center. Crafts, hikes, games, cooking, swimming and more. Open to the community. $35 nonmembers, $25 members. Contact Jessica Klein at
Village Living
Emmet O’Neal Library Call 445-1121 or visit eolib.org for more.
jklein@bhamjcc.org or 879-0411, ext. 224. Feb. 19: Stephen Russell Signing. 6-8 p.m. Little Professor Book Center. The Mountain Brook author has written a medical thriller, Blood Money. Visit authorstephenrussell. com. Feb. 20: Brookwood Forest Elementary Kindergarten Registration. 9-11 a.m., noon-2 p.m. There will be a twostep process for registering. Visit mtnbrook.k12.al.us. Feb. 20: MBHS Winter Band Concert. 7 p.m. Mountain Brook High School Fine Arts Center. Feb. 21-23: The Annual Friends of EOL Booksale. Friday and Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday 1-4 p.m. Emmet O’Neal Library. Call 445-1121 or visit eolib.org. Feb. 22: Saving Super Mom ‘Full Plate’ Event. 9 a.m.-noon. St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. Workshops on food and fashion and keynote speaker Jinny Henson. Space is limited. $30. Register at saint-lukes.com. Feb. 22-23: Birmingham Camellia Show. 1-5 p.m. Saturday, 1-4 p.m. Sunday. Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Feb. 23: Ride to Change the Future. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Levite Jewish Community Center. Six-hour indoor cycling event dedicated to raising funds to support much-needed ovarian cancer research. $45 registration fee. Visit ovariancycle. kintera.org/birmingham. Feb. 23: Over the Mountain Festival of Sacred Music. Mountain Brook Baptist Church. Guest clinician is Dr. Terre Smith. All are invited to attend this free concert, titled “Sing Alleluia.” Visit otmfestivals.org. Feb. 25: Crestline Elementary Kindergarten Registration. 9-11 a.m., noon-2 p.m. There will be a two-step process for registering. Visit mtnbrook.k12.al.us. March 3-7: Finish the Fight Love-Love Magic City Tennis Challenge. Various locations. Benefits the Robert E. Reed Gastrointestinal Oncology Research Foundation. Register at reedgifoundation.com/our-events.
Adults
Wednesdays: Brown Bag Lunch Series. Noon doors open, 12:30 p.m. program. Feb. 10: Great Books. 6:30 p.m. Book group discussing a selected short story, “A City of Churches” by Donald Barthelme. Feb. 11: The Bookies.10 a.m. Book group discussing The Lowland by Jhumpa Lahiri. Feb. 15: Knit & Knibble. 2-3:30 p.m. All crafts and skill levels welcome. Feb. 25: Genre Reading Group. 6:30 p.m. Discussing Valentine’s Day and books about famous couples.
Teens Feb. 2: Teen Book Club. 1-2:30 p.m. Feb. 4: TAB. 5-6 p.m. The monthly meeting of the library’s Teen Advisory Board. Feb. 7: Nerdlepoint. 4-6 p.m. Make your own video game characters.
Children Mondays *Toddler Tales Story Time. 9:30 & 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays Together Time Story Time. 9:30 & 10:30 a.m. Library Out Loud Story Time. 3:30 p.m.
Evenings @ EOL. 6 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 Feb. 3-9: Make a Valentine for Children’s of Alabama. Feb. 4: Family Night: Madcap Puppets presents “Fantastic Fairytale.” 5:30 p.m. Feb. 5: After-School Special: LegoLand with Brickz 4 Kids. 3:30 p.m. Feb. 11: Evenings @ EOL: Movie. 6 p.m. Feb. 18: Evenings @ EOL: PJ Story Time. 6 p.m. Feb. 25: Evenings @ EOL: Boards & Blocks. 6 p.m. Feb. 27: *Bookmania: Treasure Hunters. 6 p.m. *Space is limited; please call 879-0497 or visit eolib.org to register.
VillageLivingOnline.com
February 2014
Area Events Feb. 1: Rhythm & Muse. 6:30-10:30 p.m. Vestavia Country Club. Event hosted by the Birmingham Music Club Guild to raise funds for its music scholarship program and to support the Birmingham Music Club concert series. Cocktails, dining, dancing and a live auction. $75. Contact Beth Adams at dsadams301@ aol.com or Martha Black at bobnmartha@bellsouth.net for tickets. Feb. 8: Johnny Mathis in Concert. 8 p.m. Alabama Theatre. The American icon will join the Alabama Symphony Orchestra for a Valentine’s-themed trip through the decades of his hits. Visit alabamasymphony.org. Feb. 14-16: Mercedes-Benz Marathon Weekend. Full marathon, half marathon, marathon relay and Superhero 5K. Online registration fees. Visit mercedesmarathon.com. Feb. 15: aTeam Ministries 2014 Heart 2 HeART Event. 6-9 p.m. Ted’s Garage. The event gathers children with pediatric cancer and pairs them with a professional artist to aid them in expressing themselves through art. $100 per person. Call 401-8232 or visit ateamministries.org. Feb. 15: Wild About Chocolate. 6 p.m. The Harbert Center, downtown Birmingham. Benefiting the Alabama Wildlife Center. Visit awrc.org/Wild About Chocolate or call 663-7930, ext. 8. Feb. 16: SuperJazz Concert. 3 p.m. Brock Recital Hall, Samford University. Birmingham’s top jazz musicians will perform. $5 adults, $3 students. Tickets available only at the door. Call 335-2961. Feb. 20: Celebrate 20in14. 6 p.m. The Club. A celebration of 20 years and 20 honorees of Better Basics, a nonprofit organization providing literacy intervention and enrichment in schools. Ennis Whatley, a former University of Alabama and NBA basketball player who grew up in Birmingham, will speak. $75 per person,
$1,000 per table. Visit betterbasics.org. Feb. 20-23: Alabama Ballet Presents Romeo and Juliet. Wright Center, Samford University. $20-55. Visit samford.edu/wrightcenter. Feb. 21: A Night Under the Big Top. 8 p.m. The Club. Circus-themed gala benefits Glenwood Autism & Behavioral Health Center. $60 per person, $110 per pair in advance. Call 795-3251. Feb. 21-23: Severe Weather Sales Tax Holiday. Alabama will hold its annual sales tax holiday giving shoppers the opportunity to purchase certain severeweather preparedness supplies free of state sales or use tax. 12:01 a.m. Feb. 21- 12 midnight Feb. 23. Visit revenue.alabama.gov/salestax/WPSalesTaxHol.cfm.
The Ride To Change The Future will raise money for ovarian cancer on Feb. 23.
Feb. 22: Jazz Cat Ball. 7 p.m.-midnight. Old Car Heaven. Mardi Gras-style event hosted by the Greater Birmingham Humane Society Auxiliary. Visit gbhs.org. Feb. 22-23: Birmingham Camellia Show. 1-5 p.m. Saturday, 1-4 p.m. Sunday. Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Feb. 22-May 18: Delacroix and a Matter of Finish. Birmingham Museum of Art. The first Eugene Delacroix (1798-1863) exhibition in the United States in more than a decade features the work of the leader of the French Romantic Movement, who was often heralded as the “father of impressionism.” Call 254-2565 or visit artsbma.org. Feb. 28-March 2: Cottontail’s Village Arts, Crafts and Gift Show. BJCC. $6 adults, $2 children age 6-12, free for ages 5 and younger. Visit bjcc.org. March 3-7: Finish the Fight Love-Love Magic City Tennis Challenge. Various locations. Benefits the Robert E. Reed Gastrointestinal Oncology Research Foundation. Register at reedgifoundation.com/our-events.
Voted
BEST OF MOUNTAIN BROOK Village Living 2013 Best Mexican Food
Stephen Russell’s new book, Blood Money, is being released this month. A release party will be held Feb. 12.
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