BACK TO SCHOOL
By SARAH OWENS
Jack Abenoja is entering his senior year with the reminder not to take anything for granted and with a goal of making lifelong memories with his peers.
He’s looking forward to the impact he can have on other students this year as the senior class president for Mountain Brook High School’s Student Government Association, and he’s hopeful for a successful wrestling season.
Abenoja said he recognizes the stress he and his fellow seniors are under as they balance college applications, challenging classes, extracurriculars and a fulfilling social life, but he’s appreciative of the support provided by staff, teachers, coaches and friends.
“Appreciate the people around you, because going into our senior year, it’s crazy that we’re all gonna go our different ways soon,” he said. “Just build those relationships, find people you can count on.”
While Abenoja’s first day of kindergarten may be far behind him, he does have some advice for younger kids: work hard and don’t procrastinate.
Schools get facelift with multiple summer development projects. See page 9
Jack Abenoja has grown up in Mountain Brook, attending Mountain Brook Elementary for kindergarten. He’s
his senior year at Mountain Brook High School. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Opens New Location in Cahaba Heights
Cahaba Dermatology & Spa is excited to announce the opening of our new location in Cahaba Heights. This will mark our third full-service location dedicated to comprehensive skin health and wellness. With locations now in Hoover, Tuscaloosa, and Cahaba Heights, our expert team is more accessible than ever.
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ABOUT US
Editor’s Note By Sarah Owens
As the new community editor for Village Living, I am excited to be part of the intricate web that intertwines this community! As a native of Alabaster, I am glad to be back in the Birmingham area and reconnect with my roots.
I graduated in 2022 with my bachelor’s degree in communications with a concentration in multimedia journalism from Milligan University. I went on to cover crime and public safety, along with community news, for the Johnson City Press before relocating to Sarasota, Florida.
for Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto counties. Now, I am thrilled to be a part of Starnes Media’s efforts to enhance our content for the communities we serve. I encourage you to connect with our social channels, visit our website and reach out to me anytime at sowens@ starnesmedia.com.
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As a multimedia journalist for the Community News Collaborative, I specialized in hyperlocal news coverage
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New general manager, editor named for Village Living
By STAFF
Starnes Media, which publishes Village Living and five other hyperlocal publications in the Birmingham metro area, has announced key new hires, including Sarah Owens as the new community editor for Village Living.
Tim Stephens, a veteran journalist, has been named general manager and editor-in-chief of Starnes Media. Stephens will oversee operations and the editorial vision for the company’s publications, including Village Living, 280 Living, Hoover Sun, The Homewood Star, Vestavia Voice and Cahaba Sun.
“Tim Stephens is a dynamic newsroom leader with a proven track record of helping teams achieve excellence across print, digital and social media platforms,” said founder and CEO Dan Starnes.
Stephens previously held newsroom leadership positions at the Birmingham Post-Herald, Orlando Sentinel, South Florida Sun-Sentinel and CBSSports. com.
Among Stephens' first moves in his new role was hiring Sarah Owens as the community editor for The Homewood Star and Village Living. Owens, an Alabaster native, is a 2022 graduate of Milligan University and has experience as a multimedia journalist in Sarasota, Fla.
Taylor Bright also joins the Starnes team as
the new community editor for 280 Living and Cahaba Sun. Bright, an award-winning journalist, has previously worked at the Birmingham Post-Herald, the Huntsville Times and the Charlotte Observer.
Cady Inabinett has been appointed digital manager for Starnes Media. Inabinett is a 2024 graduate of the University of Montevallo and has worked as a data insights reporter at Open Secrets in Washington, D.C.
Village Living captures first-place feature award in APA journalism competition
By STAFF
Village Living won first place in the news feature category at the Alabama Press Association’s 2024 Media Awards. Leah Ingram Eagle, the former community editor, earned the award with a Veterans Day story on how U.S. Army service impacted the lives of Mountain Brook men William “Bill” Clark and Marshall Clay.
Village Living also won third place for overall sports coverage among newspapers in Division E, led by sports editor Kyle Parmley. Parmley secured third place in in-depth sports news with his 2023 Mountain Brook High School football preview.
Photo editor Erin Nelson Sweeney earned third place for creative use of multimedia with her video and photos of the Jemison Park trail renovations.
Contributing columnist Kari Kampakis won third place in the human interest column category for her piece on needing stubborn
hope in a hurting world.
Starnes Media publications, including Village Living, Vestavia Voice, 280 Living, Hoover Sun, The Homewood Star and Cahaba Sun, won a total of 57 awards in this year’s APA competition.
Jon Anderson, community editor for the Hoover Sun, won Story of the Year for a feature on the Food for our Journey nonprofit, which collects leftover food and distributes it to homeless people in Birmingham.
Anderson also won first place in the Freedom of Information/First Amendment category, which recognizes excellence in reporting that highlights the importance of a free press and open government.
Sports editor Kyle Parmley and contributing writer Gary Lloyd won best podcast series for their Under the Lights weekly sports podcast during football season.
For a complete list of awards won by Starnes Media publications, go online to villagelivingonline.com.
Village Living won first place in the news feature category of the Alabama Press Association Media Awards for the November cover story on two U.S. Army veterans, written by Leah Ingram Eagle.
Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Sarah Owens Tim Stephens
Taylor Bright
Cady Inabinett
Chamber hires new executive director
The Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce has hired Lizzie Maymon as its new executive director. Maymon succeeds Emily Jensen, who returned to the banking industry in July.
Maymon is a Birmingham native with a master’s of health care administration and a career in health care including program development, fundraising and community relations. She previously held the role of events and membership coordinator for the chamber before transitioning to director..
“Having the opportunity to lead the Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce was an incredible experience, and certainly a highlight of my professional career,” Jensen said. “Lizzie joined the Chamber staff during my tenure and is undoubtedly poised to use her relationship-building and strategic-planning skills to continue the forward trajectory of the organization. I couldn’t be more thrilled to see her assume this role.”
To learn more, go to the Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce’s website at mtnbrookchamber.org. Additional inquiries can be directed to executive director Lizzie Maymon. – Submitted by Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce.
Mayor’s Minute
By Stewart Welch III
We don’t live in Mayberry anymore. Mountain Brook continues to have one of the lowest crime rates in our state and one of the lowest of any city its size in the country.
A lot of the credit goes to Police Chief Jaye Loggins and his hand-picked team of highly qualified, highly trained officers. Chief Loggins began his career with our city in 1996, so he has had the opportunity to see us grow from a police force of just a handful of officers to the more than 60 officers we have today.
But low crime doesn’t mean no crime. The proliferation of drugs across America has been nothing short of astonishing, and it has increased exponentially over the past decade as fentanyl, a lab-manufactured drug, has poured into our country and around the world.
With the internet came the good and the bad. Cybercriminals use the internet to steal people’s identities, and residents of Mountain Brook are especially favored targets. Identity theft of our residents has become one of our most frequently reported crimes.
These are particularly difficult crimes to investigate, prosecute and resolve. Your best protection is to be extremely vigilant in protecting your personal data. Never give out personal information unless you are certain of the recipient. With advancements in AI (artificial intelligence), we have seen cases of voice replication of a parent or child requesting immediate funds for a so-called emergency.
Place alerts on your credit cards so that you are notified of all charges above a nominal amount.
Do the same with checking and savings accounts. Consider placing a ‘credit freeze’ with the credit bureaus, Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax. It is easy to do and easy to temporarily remove when you need to add credit or allow a credit check.
One mostly preventable crime within our city is car break-ins. In most cases, cars are left unlocked or items of value are left in full view. It only takes a few seconds to break a window and steal an item in plain sight.
One of our most treasured assets and our most visited park is Jemison Park. While we have had very few problems at this park, the city council recently voted to install a multi-camera system that can be monitored by our police department. Finally, if you would like to “keep your finger on the pulse” of criminal activity in our city, download our police app. It can be found in the app stores by searching “Mountain Brook PD.” They provide a weekly update of crimes occurring in Mountain Brook.
You can view the update on the app or you can sign up through the city’s website to receive the update at mtnbrook.org/police/page/ mbpd-community-update.
By working together, we can all help reduce crime in one of the safest communities in America.
Lizzie Maymon is the new executive director of the Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce. Photo courtesy of Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce.
SPONSORED CONTENT
Mountain Brook resident opens Scale Watchers RX
Obesity has become a global health concern in recent decades, to say the least. In fact, more than 40% of Americans suffer from excess weight, and childhood obesity has tripled over the last 30 years, according to health officials.
But there is new hope for people in the Birmingham area who struggle to lose weight and regain their health.
They can turn to Scale Watchers RX Medical Weight Loss Clinic at Eastwood Village in Birmingham, which began serving patients in April.
At Scale Watchers RX, owner Gisel Cooper along with Tiffany McElrath offer two groundbreaking drugs — Semaglutide and Tirzepatide.
Initially developed for treatment of patients with Type 2 diabetes, Semaglutide and Tirzepatide have proven themselves to be powerful weight loss aids.
“We have been amazed at the effectiveness of these medications,” Cooper said.
The medications work by mimicking the action of the hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which helps regulate appetite and food intake by binding to GLP-1 receptors in the brain. These medications curb cravings and leave you feeling full for a longer period, leading to a
Scale Watchers RX
• Where: 1676 Montclair Road, Suite 600
• Hours: Monday-Friday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday by appointment
• Call: 205-773-5673
• Web: scalewatchersrx.com
decrease in caloric intake.
The “blueprint” for Scale Watchers RX comes from Cooper’s brother, Robert McRae, who opened the first Scale Watchers Rx facility in Nashville in 2023 with his business partner, Kevin Henderson.
Cooper said that opening the Birmingham location of Scale Watchers RX with McElrath gave her an “opportunity to help others and provide encouragement along their journey,” Cooper said. “It feels like a win-win relationship for both Tiffany and I and our patients.”
“We get the pleasure of helping others and our patients get the satisfaction that follows weight loss and improved health,” Cooper said. “We’re already hearing success stories from some of our patients, though we have been open a short time.”
Semaglutide and Tirzepatide are multifaceted medications that can also help people
who are looking to improve their overall health, not just to lose weight.
“In addition to glycemic control for individuals with Type 2 diabetes, these medications may reduce risks for heart disease and stroke,” Cooper said. “We have had reports of improved blood pressure readings, and one patient who suffers with polycystic ovary syndrome has reported improvement of symptoms associated with the syndrome.”
Serving patients and helping them to achieve their goals is very gratifying for Cooper and McElrath.
“Tiffany and I love to help others and provide encouragement and support during their weight loss journey,” Cooper said. “We’d love to welcome you to our Scale Watchers RX family.”
Scale Watchers RX Medical Weight Loss Clinic is located at 1676 Montclair Road,
is open Monday-Friday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday by appointment.
Suite 600. The facility
Helical Piers
SCHOOLHOUSE
“It’s kind of a classic,” he said. “ I still struggle with that. A lot of times, you think you can just come up here and put off your work, but it just makes it more stressful on yourself. So, getting it done earlier is better.”
Yet, he still encourages students to live in the moment and take advantage of the time they have together.
“I’m looking back at junior high and ninth grade, when everyone is like, ‘High school flies by; don’t take it for granted,’” he said. “Now, I’ve kind of come to that realization it’s the last year, so I just want to make memories with my peers and not take anything for granted.”
Looking forward, Abenoja isn’t sure where he’ll land after graduation yet, but he’s toying with the idea of attending college out of state. However, he wants to weigh all his options and see what scholarships he can get.
His career path is also undecided, but he’s considering majoring in life sciences or maybe pursuing the pre-med track.
Either way, his future will be one step closer when Mountain Brook students return to class on Aug. 13.
With roughly 4,300 students expected to be enrolled in Mountain Brook schools this year, Abenoja isn’t the only one thinking about what’s to come.
Each school year brings changes, and this year that looks like new classes, facility updates, new faces and more.
WHAT’S NEW
Mountain Brook schools are seeing additions to the curriculum this year, including a few new classes at the high school.
The school will now offer an ACT prep class, and robotics has been added as a class after previously being offered only as an after-school club.
Aside from academic changes, many of Mountain Brook’s facilities underwent construction and updates over the summer.
Some of the development projects include:
► Minor renovations like flooring, paint and bathroom renovations at most campuses
► Reconfiguration of the front lobby and offices for the school resource officer and administration at Cherokee Bend Elementary
► A new playground at Crestline Elementary
► New turf at Mountain Brook High School stadium
► Complete bathroom renovations at Mountain Brook Junior High
Read more about these construction projects on page 9.
WHO’S NEW
The school system is estimating roughly 30 new hires for the school year.
Notable hires include Heather Mays, the new principal at Mountain Brook Elementary, and two new assistant principals.
Amanda Lilley is heading to Crestline
Elementary to replace Catherine Holder, who retired at the end of the 2023-24 school year. Megan Simmons will take over the role at Mountain Brook Elementary from Mays.
SO YOU’RE NEW
If you’re new to Mountain Brook Schools, be sure to check out their website, mtnbrook.
k12.al.us, for information on their curriculums, resources available at each school and the online registration form.
Documents needed for registration of students include:
► Proof of residency: All pages of signed warranty deed or lease agreement. Lease agreements will need to list all occupants in the home (including children). Proof of residency is not required for families who currently have students attending school in the district.
► Copy of a current utility bill (not required for families who currently have students enrolled in Mountain Brook Schools).
► If applicable, custody agreement or court-appointed guardian documentation in cases of parent separation, divorce, foster or other arrangements.
► Child’s Social Security card (voluntary).
► Birth certificate or other proof of age.
► Copy of parent or guardian’s driver’s license.
► Most current Certificate of Immunization (Original Form), even if your child is not yet 5 years old.
Documents can be submitted to the Mountain Brook Board of Education at 32 Vine St. between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday. No appointment is necessary. For questions regarding the documents listed, call 205-871-4608 or email mbsregistration@mtnbrook.k12.al.us.
Elementary school fees can be paid online on the Mountain Brook Schools website. School fees for grades 7-12 are paid during the summer registration dates. For questions, contact mbssupport@mtnbrook.k12.al.us.
All kindergarten students must be 5 years old on or before Sept. 1.
Above: A student works on his robot at an after-school robotics club at Mountain Brook Junior High. Students at Mountain Brook High School will have the opportunity to participate in a new robotics class, previously offered as an after-school club. Staff photo.
Left: Jack Abenoja, a member of the Spartan Class of 2025, on his first day of kindergarten at Mountain Brook Elementary School in 2012 and a current photo. Photos courtesy of Jack Abenoja, by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Mountain Brook Schools get facelift with multiple summer development projects
By SARAH OWENS
Several Mountain Brook schools have seen updates over the summer, with improvements ranging from general maintenance to changes made to enhance the student experience.
According to Tommy Prewitt, the director of facilities at Mountain Brook Schools, many of the projects came about simply because it was time for an update, but a few projects are more exciting.
The most notable developments include a major renovation of the high school’s fine arts auditorium, new turf at Spartan Stadium, updates to the lobby and front offices at Cherokee Bend Elementary and a new playground at Crestline Elementary.
Updates to the Mountain Brook High School fine arts auditorium include all-new seats, updates to the control booth, new sound and lighting equipment, new flooring and fresh paint.
According to Prewitt, the project cost over $2.4 million.
“It was just time,” said Prewitt. “It was built [around] 1987, so all of the sound and lighting needed to be updated.”
and new sound and lighting equipment.
Below: Mountain Brook Junior High undergoes bathroom renovations in preparation for the return of students in August.
Updates to Cherokee Bend’s lobby include moving the reception desk and office of the school resource officer closer to the front door.
The nurse’s station and several administrative offices were also reconfigured during the construction.
The auditorium is expected to be completed in time for Institute Day on Aug. 6, according to Prewitt. All of the faculty and staff are set to pellets to help control heat levels, and a pad was placed under the turf to meet concussion protocol standards.
finished before students return to school. Last updated in 2012, the playground is getting allnew equipment and a rubber surface.
The project was funded by the school’s parent-teacher organization. Prewitt said they sold dedicated brick pavers as part of their fundraising efforts.
Other projects included bathroom renovations at Mountain Brook Elementary and Mountain Brook Junior High. The junior high had roughly 11 bathrooms completely renovated, costing a Crestline, Mountain Brook Elementary and Cherokee Bend are all also in the process of general maintenance updates, having current flooring replaced with LVT vinyl material. For all three schools, the original bid was $3.7 million.
Left: The lobby of Cherokee Bend Elementary is being updated to move reception and the school resource officer closer to the front door.
Above: The Mountain Brook High School fine arts center is receiving all-new seats, updates to the control booth
Photos by Sarah Owens.
SCHOOLHOUSE
Class of 2025 faces big decisions as they enter senior year
By SARAH OWENS
As the class of 2025 prepares for the first day of school, many are already thinking about the big decisions they’ll be making before graduation.
From college or trade school to joining the workforce or military, seniors have a variety of paths to choose from. Counselors and college advisors at Mountain Brook High School are prepared to help students, and their families, talk through their options.
“A lot of our students are looking at four-year schools. We’ve got some looking at two-year schools,” said Karen Svetlay, the Mountain Brook High college advisor for students with last names A through K. “We have a handful that are looking at trade schools, there’s a military sometimes. Wherever they are, we try to meet them and figure out the next step.”
Mountain Brook schools offer many services to help prepare students for their futures. Their curriculum also requires career prep courses and offers multiple technical classes that provide students with career skills, but the main focus is on college preparation.
“We know that it can create a lot of panic and a little bit of those anxious feelings. So, I think that’s why we do work so individually,” said Whitney Volts, the college advisor for students with last names L through Z. “Across the board, we do encourage students to get to know themselves and think about what their likes and dislikes are.”
Other resources include a STEM program called Project Lead the Way, ACT/SAT preparation, visits from college representatives, college admission workshops, career conferences, career exposure programs and partnerships with Alabama Academy of Craft and All In Mountain Brook.
Recommendation letters from teachers are also offered, and instructions are provided on the school’s college advising webpage.
High school senior to-do list
► Get organized: Stay on top of application deadlines and make sure you have all necessary documents.
► Talk to your school counselors: They offer resources to help apply to schools and are there to talk you through your options.
► Make campus visits: Seeing a college in person can be a deciding factor in choosing your future school.
► Get to know potential references: Having a list of people that can provide good, meaningful recommendations is helpful when applying to colleges or jobs.
“One of the things I really always recommend students do … is get to know potential recommenders on both an educational background and then professional background too,” said Andrew Colson, director of undergraduate admissions at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. “Truly having that person be able to talk about the student as a person, ... that’s typically the type of references that really shine.”
The Mountain Brook High School college advising webpage also breaks down a college planning schedule by grade level, starting at sophomore year.
Sophomores are encouraged to attend the Birmingham National College fair in September, take challenging college prep courses, take the practice SAT and Pre-ACT and begin thinking about and visiting schools they may
be interested in, among other things.
“College visits are incredibly important. It’s one of the biggest deciding factors for any student,” Colson said. “Until you do a tour, you don’t actually really see the real life campus. … That’s kind of what the whole point of a college tour is, to really help the student see if this place is going to be the right fit for them not only academically, but just socially.”
Juniors and seniors are encouraged to focus more on final test scores, collecting documents needed for applications, asking references for recommendations and keeping track of and prioritizing deadlines.
Colson also recommends students gain leadership experience to help make their application stand out. This can be anything from sports or leadership in a school organization to work
experience in a managerial role or community service.
His final piece of advice to students: get organized and stay on top of deadlines. Several colleges in the state open their applications on Aug. 15, so he advises seniors to apply early.
Colson has a message for parents watching their kids step into adulthood this year, too.
“This is the time when our students will really start to need to be a little bit more independent,” he said. “This is a really good time for students to get prepped for taking care of affairs, keeping up with deadlines themselves, of course with help from the parents. But, we want to talk to the students just because we want to make sure they are making the right choice for themselves.”
Mountain Brook schools offer many resources to students to prepare them for college, including a STEM program called Project Lead the Way, ACT/SAT preparation, visits from college representatives, college admission workshops, career conferences, career exposure programs and partnerships with Alabama Academy of Craft and All In Mountain Brook. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Left: Auburn Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions Allison Saggus speaks with students at a college admissions workshop in 2019. Right: Students read through an application of a fake student to a theoretical college to determine whether the student will be admitted, wait-listed or denied acceptance to the school during a college admissions workshop, as a way to learn more about what admissions committees look for in applications. Staff photos.
SCHOOLHOUSE
New Mountain Brook Elementary principal excited to carry on tradition of excellence
By GRACE THORNTON
Heather Mays said no matter where she’s been over the years, there’s always been someone around her with a connection to Mountain Brook Schools.
“I started out as a library media specialist in Shelby County Schools, then worked in district administration,” she said, adding that she worked there with Lisa Beckham, who later moved to work in Mountain Brook.
“We kept in touch, and she had so many wonderful things to share about her experience with Mountain Brook City Schools,” Mays said.
Those kinds of conversations continued throughout Mays’ 26-year journey as an administrator at Briarwood Christian School and Trussville City Schools and as an adjunct professor at the University of Alabama and the University of Montevallo.
All the way through, she said she “always considered Mountain Brook City Schools to be a hallmark of excellence.”
So she was excited to come to Mountain Brook Elementary two years ago as assistant principal, and she’s even more excited to be the school’s new principal.
“I’ve loved every job I’ve ever had, but the last two years have been my favorite,” Mays said. “It will be a long time before I finish, but I think this is where I want to finish my career.”
She said she has worked in “wonderful schools with very supportive families” over the years, but the support from MBE families is “unmatched.”
“Our parents come ready to serve and are constantly asking how they can help,” she said. “They’re so eager to be a part of this school community.”
And Mays said, of course, she loves the students.
“Students at this age are delightful — they love
sharing their learning with you, they tell you about their dogs, their grandparents and how many goals they scored at their soccer game,” she said. “It makes every day new and interesting and fun.”
Mays, who has her doctorate and educational specialist degree in educational leadership from Samford University, said she also can’t imagine a faculty and staff anywhere who is a “more dedicated group of people who love what they do and are so happy to do it every day.”
“I watch people show up extra early and stay late with a big smile on their face, just to serve children and prepare for the next day’s fun,” she said. “They make learning so engaging and accessible for every child. I’m a better educator because of the people I work with.”
Mays said she is proud of the school and of the traditions that it has upheld. Composite photos of past classes line the halls of MBE, which is nearly a century old, and children love to find the photos of their relatives there.
“One of the sweetest things is to watch a child walk through and show you their grandparents and uncles and aunts and parents,” Mays said. “I’m excited to continue the tradition of excellence here.
I’m excited that parents, students, PTO and staff have so many fun ideas for how to make Mountain Brook Elementary even better.”
She said she’s also thankful for the opportunity to be a Lancer who leads from the heart, as the school creed says.
“I’m really excited about the future,” Mays said.
Superintendent Dicky Barlow said throughout the process of naming a new principal for MBES, Mays “stood out for her understanding of the MBE culture along with her vast school leadership experience.”
“I am confident Mountain Brook Elementary will thrive under her leadership,” Barlow said.
Heather Mays, the new principal at Mountain Brook Elementary School for the 2024-25 school year, in her office. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
In the Classroom
By SARAH OWENS
principals on board for the 202425 school year.
Amanda Lilley is heading to Crestline Elementary to replace Catherine Holder while Megan Simmons will take over the role at Mountain Brook Elementary from Heather Mays.
AMANDA LILLEY
A graduate of Auburn University, Lilley got her bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and began her teaching career at Crestline Elementary.
She continued her education at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, earning a master’s degree in early childhood education, an education specialist degree and an instructional leadership certification.
“We are excited to see the positive impact she will continue to make on our school community,” Crestline Elementary Principal Christy Christian said. “We look forward to a wonderful school year
ahead under her guidance and leadership. Oh, and she’s already Cougar Strong All Day Long.”
MEGAN SIMMONS
A native of Guntersville, Simmons received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in elementary and special education from the University of Alabama and her administrative certification from UAB.
She has more than eight years of experience in education, spending three as an assistant principal at Foley Elementary in Baldwin County. Most recently, she worked in Paulding County, Georgia, as the district math coach.
“What I know is this: our school is a hallmark of excellence, and that is a testament to the heart of our teachers and staff who serve students faithfully every day and the families that call MBE home,” Principal Heather Mays said. “I am confident that Mrs. Simmons will fit seamlessly into our community and add tremendous value to our school. We are proud to welcome her as our newest Lancer!”
By STAFF
Christina McGovern teaches Advanced Placement Literature and dual enrollment classes at Mountain Brook High School.
Q: How long have you been a teacher, and what subjects do you teach?
A: I began my career immediately after college. I began in South Carolina, where I taught 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th grade English literature during my nine years there, and even a few electives. I love teaching literature. And my favorite subject is British literature. I love teaching seniors. I moved to Alabama 18 years ago. I’m entering my 27th year of teaching, where now I teach AP Literature and dual enrollment.
Q: What inspired you to become an educator?
A: I think I was around 7 or 8 years old when I decided to turn our closet in our bedroom into a classroom. And much to my mother’s chagrin, I threw everything out of the closet and put my books on the shelves and set up my stuffed animals. They were my first students. And then when I could wrangle my younger sisters, they were some of my early students. I just loved teaching from an early age.
Q: Tell us about your favorite teacher when you were in school.
A: Miss Russell and Miss White were early influences. Mr. Buck Asbel, as my senior English teacher, inspired me to pursue literature. And Dr. Dean Thompson at Presbyterian College — my mentor really taught me so much about education, about engaging ainvolved in students’ lives.
Mountain Brook faculty member Christina McGovern poses with graduates Marielle Cornes, Laurel Hand and Molly Russell at commencement in 2021. Photo by Jon Anderson.
Lilley
Simmons
Business Buzz
BUSINESS HAPPENINGS
NOW OPEN
Scale Watchers Rx is now open in Mountain Brook. The medical weight loss clinic is supervised by doctors or nurse practitioners and tailored to each client’s weight loss goals. Clients are seen by appointment, Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 205-773-5673, scalewatchersrx.com
Deliciously has now opened in Mountain Brook Village at 2822 Petticoat Lane, Suite B. The snack shop sells gourmet marshmallows made from clean ingredients, along with a selection of healthy snacks and drinks. The “S’morefront” also offers customers artisan roasted s’mores made to order. Customers can stop by Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. 205-202-1591, deliciouslybetter.com
COMING SOON
grown steak, seafood and farm-fresh chicken, along with side dishes cooked to order from the open kitchen. The carefully chosen wine list, home to a selection of California wines, is what landed the upscale steakhouse on the awards list. Little Betty is open Sunday through Thursday from 5 to 10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 4 to 11 p.m. 205-834-8674, littlebettysteakbar.com
The Birmingham Business Journal has recognized The Welch Group, LLC, as the No. 1 Best Place to Work in 2024. The Welch Group is a financial planning and advisory firm, serving clients locally and nationwide. The firm is located at 3940 Montclair Road and is open on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 205-879-5001, welchgroup.com
Do you have news to share about a business in Mountain Brook or the greater Birmingham area? Let us know at starnesmedia.com/business-happenings
Village Living is spotlighting local businesses in print and online. Submit your business for consideration here: go.starnesmedia.com/business-spotlight
ANNIVERSARIES
Birmingham Animal Hospital + Resort is celebrating one year in business. The business combines expert veterinary care and surgical procedures with a resort for boarding in an upscale, modern environment. The fear-free facility is designed to minimize stress for pets while Dr. Claire Bellman and staff care for them. Emergency veterinary care is also available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. birminghamanimalhospital.com
Feast Catering and Culinary Kitchen will open soon at 81 Church St., Suite 104, in Crestline Village. The business started as a catering connector company, which allowed customers to place catering orders in their area from one site. The new brick-and-mortar location will be in the spot formerly occupied by The Birmingham Candy Company. Feast will continue to offer catering services, but with the additional option to order from an in-house catering menu. Chef Lindsey Noto will also offer cooking classes in the new kitchen space. Follow on Facebook and Instagram for updates. feastbham.com
NEW OWNERSHIP
UAB Health System has acquired Ascension St. Vincent’s for $450 million. UAB will gain ownership of all St. Vincent’s sites of care, including the hospitals at Birmingham, Blount, Chilton, East and St. Clair. This also includes St. Vincent’s One Nineteen. The transaction is expected to be completed in the fall of 2024. 205-934-4681, uabmedicine.org
NEWS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS
The Baptist Health System, a nonprofit corporation that owns 30% of Brookwood Baptist Health, has announced the appointment of Brandon Wilson, executive chairman of Wilbron Inc., to its board of trustees. Wilson is a graduate of Auburn University and a 2023 inductee into the Public Relations Society of America’s (PRSA) College of Fellows. Wilson founded Wilbron, Inc., and is the author of “Sabotage: Leadership that Overcomes Betrayal, Theft and Deceit.” 205-877-1000, brookwoodbaptistmedicalcenter. com
The Little Betty Steak Bar, 321 Rele St., has been given an Award of Excellence on the 2024 Wine Spectator Restaurant Awards list. The restaurant serves locally
Davenport’s Pizza has been voted 2024’s Best Pizza in AboutTown magazine. Davenport’s has two locations, with one at 2837 Cahaba Road in Mountain Brook and the newest in the Vestavia City Center. The restaurant is known for its sauce and crust, made daily in-house, and fresh toppings. Stop in for a pizza Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 4:30 to 9 p.m.
205-879-8603, davenportspizza.com
PERSONNEL MOVES
The Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce has named Lizzie Maymon as its new executive director. Maymon makes the move from the events and membership sector. 205-871-3779, mtnbrookchamber.org
Brian Groeschell has been promoted to the SmartBank regional president. He will be overseeing all operations across the markets, spanning from southwest Alabama to Huntsville, including the location at 101 Office Park Drive in Mountain Brook. Groeschell has been with SmartBank for more than 10 years. 659-599-0384
Preschool Partners, 4447 Montevallo Road, will enjoy its 30th year this school year. The children’s program focuses on providing school-readiness classes and play-based curriculum primarily for low-income families. There are a number of full-tuition spots available as well. In addition to the children’s program, the school offers parent instruction covering topics such as discipline, nutrition and money management. The preschool is open weekdays beginning at 8:30 a.m. 205-951-5151, preschool-partners.org
Church Street Coffee and Books, 81 Church St., is celebrating its 13-year anniversary in Mountain Brook. The shop, owned by Cal and Heather Morris, is known for freshly brewed coffee, the “Church Street Breakup Cookie” and the book selection. The coffee shop is open daily from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. 205-870-1117, churchstreetshop.com
The Girl Talk Ministry Group is celebrating 11 years uniting local girls in community and faith. With one location in Mountain Brook, the group is open to middle and high school girls. The primary focus for the group meetings is growth in Jesus, as well as relationships with other girls. For more information on joining or starting a group, visit their website. girltalkministries.info
Village Press, 2710 Cahaba Road, is celebrating 59 years of business in September. The store specializes in high-end stationary from national companies, as well as custom-created invitations and stationary for life’s special moments. The store is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 205-871-5498, villagepressusa.com
Condado Tacos has been open at 2800 Cahaba Village Place, Suite 130, in Mountain Brook for one year. Located in Cahaba Village, the restaurant serves tacos your way, bowls, queso and chips, tequila, margaritas, mocktails and more. The taco chain has locations in 10 states, including two in Alabama. Stop in daily from 10:30 a.m to 11 p.m. 205-533-6007, condadotacos.com
BUSINESS
SPOTLIGHT GET TO KNOW
Kendall Gadie, owner and operator of The Exercise Coach
By STAFF
Kendall Gadie owns and operates The Exercise Coach, located in Crestbrook Plaza at 3918 Montclair Road, Suite 207.
Q: Tell us about your business.
A: The Exercise Coach is a boutique fitness center located in Mountain Brook. We provide one-on-one personal training. Our approach is revolutionary because we’re able to provide the most efficient, safe and effective workout in just 20 minutes. It’s a full-body workout. We found that we are a really good fit for busy professionals, people who want to work out, know they need to work out but don’t have a lot of time. We also are a great fit for folks with prior injuries or limitations because of the revolutionary technology that we utilize.
Q: How did you become involved with the business?
A: We came across The Exercise Coach about two years ago. We were looking for an opportunity to have a positive impact on the community through fitness and healthy eating, and we felt like we were a good fit for the vision and the approach. Being able to develop relationships with our members that can really help increase the quality of people’s
lives was something that resonated with us.
Q: What would your customers say about you?
A: Our customers would say that we have the most unique and innovative workout that they’ve ever seen. We do it in a very personalized and safe manner. But what we really hang our hat on is that we have great relationships with our members. We learn about them to be able to motivate them to be the best that they can be.
Scale Watchers Rx officially joins the Mountain Brook business community
By SARAH OWENS
Scale Watchers Rx held their official ribbon cutting at the Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce in late June, marking a month since they opened.
The company, owned by Gisel Cooper, specializes in medical weight loss treatment. They sell two weight loss medications, semaglutide and tirzepatide.
The chamber featured Cooper and her business partner, Tiffany McElrath, in an Instagram reel on June 18, where they explained their business and how the medications work.
“We are here to help people lose weight, be more healthy and be more confident,” Cooper said in the video.
Both medications are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and Cooper said they receive all American-made products from a pharmacy in Georgia.
“Those medications work to slow down digestion and curb cravings to actually have you eat less,” McElrath said.
Cooper herself takes tirzepatide and said she is on this journey with customers. She also notes that their office has two Alabama-licensed doctors on staff, available from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. for telehealth and Zoom appointments and from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. for in-person appointments.
Doctors typically ask for follow-up appointments with clients after their first three months to monitor their health throughout treatment.
“You feel like you’re full a lot quicker and for a longer period of time. It also gives you a really healthy relationship with your mind,” Cooper said. “It goes into your nervous system and it reduces your cravings. … You’re not just craving all this food; you’re eating when you need to.”
Scale Watchers Rx is located at 1676 Montclair Road and its regular hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and by appointment on weekends. To celebrate their opening, they are offering $100 off the first doses to their first 100 customers. For more information, visit scalewatchersrx.com.
Scale Watchers Rx celebrated opening its Crestwood location with a ribbon cutting at the Chamber of Commerce on June 27. Photo courtesy of Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce.
Kendall Gadie with his wife and children at the ribboncutting ceremony of The Exercise Coach in 2023. Photo courtesy of Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce.
BUSINESS
By GRACE THORNTON
Jim Dixon said when he thinks of his fatherin-law, William “Billy” Hulsey, the first thing that comes to mind is his integrity and commitment to fairness.
“That’s the motto of our company — integrity, not compromise — and that describes Billy to a T,” said Dixon, who serves as president and CEO of Arlington Properties, a role formerly held by Hulsey for decades.
When Dixon was working for Hulsey, he said he “never had to worry about what direction we were going because of his natural commitment to fairness and integrity in everything we did.”
Dixon said he remembered one incident where they had a disagreement with someone who was buying one of Arlington Properties’ apartment communities and Hulsey gave him some advice about how to handle it.
“He said, ‘Remember — be more fair to them than you are to us,’” Dixon said.
Because of Hulsey’s impact on the community over the years, the Mountain Brook resident is one of three local businessmen named to the Birmingham Business Hall of Fame this year.
Fellow Mountain Brook resident Stan Starnes, retired CEO and executive chairman of ProAssurance Corporation in Homewood, is another, and Robert Earl Kelly, founder of Kelly Road Builders and Kelly Natural Gas Pipeline in Birmingham, is the third.
The three will be honored at the 26th Birmingham Business Hall of Fame event put on by the Kiwanis Club of Birmingham at the Harbert Center on Aug. 20 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. with a coffee reception at 11 a.m.
Honora Gathings, executive director of Kiwanis Club of Birmingham, said they are
excited for the event to return to a midday gathering, as it has been held as a dinner in recent years.
Gathings said as they choose the hall of fame inductees, in addition to looking for exemplary leadership in business, they look for “those who are true servant leaders, who are finding time in their busy schedules to give back and to continue to show love and invest in a community that means so much to them.”
Hulsey, who currently serves as Arlington Properties’ chairman, said he is surprised by the recognition.
“I have always liked to work, and I’ve
always tried to do my very best, but I’ve always had good people who worked for me, and that’s what has made the business successful,” he said.
But event sponsors shared that Hulsey is known for his visionary leadership that transformed his company into a “leading force” in multifamily housing development and management. That in turn contributed to Birmingham’s economic and community development.
Hulsey also has a passion for the arts — he endowed the William Cary Hulsey Curatorship of American Art at the Birmingham Museum of Art. And he’s held leadership roles in a
variety of educational and healthcare organizations over the years, including the Birmingham Area Chapter of the American Red Cross and the Eye Foundation Hospital.
Starnes has led ProAssurance to expand to writing insurance products in all 50 states. Each year he was CEO (from 2007 to 2019), the company was named one of the top 50 casualty insurance carriers in the nation out of more than 3,500 carriers.
Starnes served as the company’s executive chairman until 2022.
Before his work at ProAssurance, he had a lengthy career in law and earned numerous honors on the legal front. He had great success defending physicians, hospitals, universities and national and international businesses in the courtroom. He served for more than two decades on the Supreme Court of Alabama Advisory Committee on the Alabama Rules of Civil Procedure and was named Chairman of the committee in 1998.
He wrote the Alabama Medical Liability Act, which was enacted by the Legislature in 1987.
Catherine Crosby, another of the Birmingham Business Hall of Fame event co-chairs, said there are “probably few people who haven’t felt his impact” in some way.
She said she’s looking forward to celebrating him, Hulsey and Kelly at the Aug. 20 event, which she said is special to Kiwanis members.
“We hope as many people as possible can join us and have a great lunch and learn about some pillars of the Birmingham community,” she said. “All of our nominees have touched Birmingham in different ways, and I’m super proud that we get to celebrate that.”
For more information, call 205-251-0032 or visit kcob.org/events/bbhof.
Stancil Starnes, left, and William “Billy” Hulsey are both included in this year’s inductees to the Birmingham Business Hall of Fame. Photos courtesy of the Kiwanis Club of Birmingham.
Sips and Bites
Mason of Daughters Baking
By STAFF
Mallory Mason is the owner of Daughters Baking.
Q: Tell us about your business.
A: We specialize in naked-style cakes, offering cake cups, mini cakes, larger cakes, birthday cakes and wedding cakes.
Q: What is your favorite item on the menu and why?
A: Our banana layer cake. That is a seasonal item that we make around August. It’s basically a mixture of banana bread and banana pudding.
Q: What sets you apart from your competitors?
A: We have a very specific technique in the way that we ice and layer the cakes, and someone can look at the cake and just know that a cake is a Daughters Baking cake by how you can see all the different layers.
Q: Anything new or upcoming that we should know?
A: We currently have our cake cups at all the Piggly Wigglys in Birmingham, in the frozen section. But we have been working on getting our larger cakes in the frozen section as well.
Q: What is your favorite part about your work?
It’s been really therapeutic and fun just to be creative and come up with new flavors. I also love being able to build something in this community and build a culture and create joy for our customers.
Q: How’d you get started in the industry?
A: I started baking in college, fell in love with it and transitioned to a baking position at Urban Standard. … Starting with Instagram, I began selling cakes that gained popularity
By SARAH OWENS
Mountain Brook’s Brick & Tin has been serving carefully curated farmto-table dishes for just over a decade.
Owned by chef Mauricio Papapietro, the restaurant features an exposed brick wall, a bakery that makes fresh bread for both Brick & Tin locations and a full-service, U-shaped bar made from reclaimed oak. The first of the two locations opened in 2010 in a century-old building in downtown Birmingham at 20th Street North, followed by the Mountain Brook spot in 2014.
Embodying what Papapietro calls “classic contemporary, or rustic refined” decor, Brick & Tin, found at 2901 Cahaba Road, is open Monday through Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Their menu offers a collection of paninis, soups, salads and small plates. They intentionally look to source ingredients from local sellers and place importance on foods free of hormones, artificial chemicals and other additives.
pursue and obtain animal welfare certification,” reads their website. “We care about our local farmers and support farming that is responsible and sustainable. By doing so, we may help ensure that future generations can share in the same bounty you find before you.”
Their current sources include Snow’s Bend Farm and Belle Meadow Farm in Tuscaloosa, Boys Harvest Farm in Cullman, Petals from the Past in Jemison and Joyce Farms
Brick & Tin opened in Mountain Brook in 2014 and is owned by chef Mauricio Papapietro. Photo courtesy of Brick & Tin.
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At our practice, your health comes first; and we strive to treat each patient as a person, not just another case. Our goal is to deliver a positive personal experience along with a positive outcome.
For your convenience, we have same day appointments available, as well as early morning, evening, and Saturday appointments. Please call 1-888-ENT-5020 (1-888-368-5020) for more information, visit us on our website at www.entalabama.com, and scan the QR code below to follow us on social media.
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Mountain Brook events guide
Area Events
Tuesdays: Trivia at Melt. 6:30 p.m. Melt, 1011 Jemison Lane. Compete with friends to win a Melt gift card. Go online to ilovemelt. com/lanepark.
Aug. 6: Beneficial Insects vs. Garden Pests. 11 a.m. to noon. Birmingham Botanical Gardens Conference Room. Jefferson County Regional Extension agent Bethany O’Rear will teach you how to differentiate between the beneficial insects and pests in your garden. The cost is $20 for members and $25 for non-members. Go online to bbgardens.org/events for more information.
Aug. 9: Moonlight Movies — “Legally Blonde.” 6-9 p.m.
Lane Parke. Bring your lawn chair or blanket and enjoy a showing of “Legally Blonde.” In lieu of popcorn, treat yourself to a to-go dinner or drink from one of our restaurants! For more information, email info@laneparke.com.
Aug. 17: Crestline Tent Sale. All day. Church Street. Stop by Crestline Village for a day of fun with shopping and sales. Visit business.mtnbrookchamber.org/events for more information.
Aug. 17: Boiling N’ Bragging — The Million Dollar Tailgate. 224 Country Club Park. Come out to enjoy the ultimate football kickoff party with a cookout, consisting of a low country boil, drink specials and more. There will also be kids’ activities and cornhole. The event benefits the Critical Care Transport team at Children’s of Alabama. Tickets start at $30. For more information, visit boilingnbragging.org.
Aug. 21: Quarterly Luncheon — Birmingham Culinary Council. 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Country Club of Birmingham. Join us for our quarterly luncheon. Speakers include Jorge Castro, Stacey Craig, Frank Stitt and Chris Hastings. Moderated by Paul DeMarco. Tickets are $35 for members and $45 for non-members. Register online at business.mtnbrookchamber.org/events/details/ quarterly-luncheon-birmingham-culinary-council-2478.
Aug. 29: Citizen’s Handgun Familiarization Course. 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mountain Brook Police Department. This course is designed for someone with little or no experience, who would like to learn more about the safety and operation of a handgun. Participants will receive individualized instruction by our certified firearms instructors. Residents 21 and older may participate. A concealed carry permit is suggested, but not required. Email Sgt. Evans at evansdr@mtnbrook. org, or register through the Mountain Brook Police app.
Otey’s Tavern Live Music Lineup
Aug. 1: Brett Burcham. 8 p.m.
Aug. 2: Alice Bargeron. 5:30 p.m. Thrine. 9 p.m.
Aug. 3: Edmunds Butler Band. 9 p.m.
Aug. 8: O.Z. Hall. 8 p.m.
Aug. 9: Moral Support. 5:30 p.m. The Divines. 9 p.m.
Aug. 10: The Hoolies. 9 p.m.
Aug. 15: Payton Williams. 8 p.m.
Aug 16: Frank Jordan Duo. 5:30 p.m Frank and Friends. 9 p.m.
Aug. 17: About Time. 9 p.m.
Aug. 22: Cheyenne Chapman. 8 p.m.
Aug. 23: Justin Smith. 5:30 p.m.
Aug. 29: Glen Butts and Tom Jambor. 8 p.m.
Aug. 30: The Magnetic Elite. 9 p.m.
Saw’s Live Music Lineup
Sundays: Moral Support. Noon to 3 p.m
Aug. 1: Joe Breckenridge. 6-9 p.m.
Aug. 2: Zach Guffey. 6-9 p.m.
Aug. 3: TUB. 6-9 p.m.
Aug. 8: John Kulinich. 6-9 p.m.
Aug. 9: The Hams. 6-9 p.m.
Aug. 10: Kevin Harrison. 6-9 p.m.
Aug. 15: Cashback Duo. 6-9 p.m.
Aug. 16: The Divines. 6-9 p.m.
Aug. 17: Sarah Mason Duo. 6-9 p.m.
Aug. 22: Beagle Blues Trio. 6-9 p.m.
Aug. 23: Tommy Terrell. 6-9 p.m.
Aug. 24: Billy Gant. 6-9 p.m.
Aug. 29: Cheyenne. 6-9 p.m.
Aug. 30: Todamaxx. 6-9 p.m.
Aug. 31: JD and The Man. 6-9 p.m.
O’Neal Library
Registration required for some events. Visit the events calendar at oneallibrary.org.
CHILDREN
Aug. 1: All Together Storytimes. 9:30-10 a.m. and 10:3011 a.m. All ages welcome.
Aug. 1: SNaP. 3:30-4:30 p.m. Rising grades 3-6. Come join the “Xtreme Reads” Finale party.
TEENS
Aug. 16: Back to School. All day. Snacks and facts.
Aug. 26: Teen Advisory Board Interest Meeting. 4:30-6 p.m.
ADULTS
Tuesdays: Gentle Yoga with Marie Blair. 10-11 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays: Open Maker Lab. 2-6 p.m
Aug. 6: Great Short Stories Film Screening — “Smoke Signals.” 5-7 p.m.
Aug. 7: Mahjong Meetup. 10 a.m to noon.
Aug. 9: World Cross Stitch Day. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Drop in and stitch all day!
EVENTS
Aug. 10: Crafterday. 9 a.m. to noon. All crafters welcome!
Aug. 12: Great Short Stories — “This is What It Means to Say Phoenix, Arizona” by Sherman Alexie. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Join a story discussion.
Aug. 13: The Bookies — “The Trackers” by Charles Frazier. 10-11:30 a.m. Join a great book discussion.
Aug. 14: Medicare Made Clear. 10 a.m. to noon.
Aug. 14: Mahjong Meetup. 1-3 p.m.
Aug. 18: Under the Mountain Film Screening — “Long Weekend.” 7-10 p.m.
Aug. 20: O’Neal Library Board Meeting. 8:45-9:45 a.m.
Aug. 20: 80s Adventure film screening — “The Princess Bride.” 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Aug. 21: Library Closed — Staff Development Day.
Aug. 26: Mahjong Meetup. 10 a.m. to noon.
Aug. 27: Books & Beyond Meeting — Dinosaurs/Paleontology. 6:30-8 p.m.
Aug. 28: Sustainable Style — Clothing Swap. 6-8 p.m.
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SPORTS
UNDER THE LIGHTS: HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW
Young Spartans ready to step up
By KYLE PARMLEY
Success is not easily found, but plenty have discovered it along the way. However, sustained success is extremely difficult to produce.
However, the Mountain Brook High School football program is currently in the midst of doing just that. The Spartans have advanced to the state playoffs eight straight years and have won at least eight games each season since 2016.
Head coach Chris Yeager, entering his 19th season leading the Spartans, knows that prolonged period of winning is a fragile thing, comparing it to a “house of cards.” But everyone within the program has had a hand in the team getting to that level.
“It’s about maximizing that opportunity and making the best choices to make this the best experience that you can have,” he said.
Yeager believes this year’s team is a little under the radar heading into the season, and he’s just fine with that.
“These are sort of my favorite teams, when they’re young and you don’t know much about them,” he said. “There’s still a lot of questions that have to be answered, but that’s what’s fun about high school football.”
OFFENSE
There is not much returning production from last year’s offense, but the Spartans do have some stability up front along the offensive line.
Left tackle Daniel Ellis, center Rocco Gray and right guard Kevin Hughes are all back for the Spartans. Pierson Avery and Parker Redden are frontrunners to claim starting roles, while Henry Giminez returns as another player with experience.
Cayden Hofbauer is set to take over at quarterback. Yeager said he performed well in summer action and excels at the mental side of the game. The term “game manager” often carries a negative connotation for quarterbacks, but it is a high mark from Yeager.
Stuart Andrews and Gabe Smith have stood out at running back for the Spartans. Replacing Cole Gamble, one of the program’s best running backs ever, will be no small task, but Yeager said they know what is expected of a Mountain Brook running back.
Lawson McKnight will play fullback, while the Spartans are confident in tight ends Jack Walthall and Alex Leonard to execute blocking and pass-catching roles.
On the outside, Trey Vinson earned playing time at receiver after Clark Sanderson’s injury. John Colvin, Sam Smith and Archie Andrews
have also stood out at receiver. Andrews could even see time at quarterback if needed.
DEFENSE
There are only two returning starters for the Spartans’ defense, so there will be plenty of new faces on that side of the ball.
Yeager has been impressed throughout the
preseason with the defensive line. Frank Lee is a returning starter at end, while Boyd Cooper and Meagher Teague have impressed as well. Cooper is undersized but difficult to block, while Teague is very quick for a nose guard.
At outside linebacker, Hampton King is the other returning starter, with Reed Smith on the other side. Among the inside backers, Billy
Looking for more Under the Lights? Check out the podcast to hear weekly breakdowns of local high school football: youtube.com/ @UnderTheLightsPod
Flowers, Miller Lee, Graham Smith and Miller Crumpton have made their case for playing time.
At cornerback, look for Henry Bell, Cannon Mussafer and Hayes Windle to be in the mix for key roles. Bo Currie is capable of playing corner and safety and will likely see plenty of time as the team’s nickelback.
At safety, Harris Crumpton and Mac Mandell are in line for starting roles, with several others looking to crack the rotation. There is plenty of opportunity for guys to step in and make an impact.
“There’s not a lot of varsity experience,” Yeager said. “They got a ton of experience in our JV stuff, but it’s a little different animal as far as the speed of the game. In the spring game, they adjusted real well to the speed of the game.”
SPECIAL TEAMS
Kicker Harrison Fell and long snapper JB Cook have graduated, leaving Mountain Brook with a couple important roles to fill.
Anderson Roberts, a junior, looks to take over the kicking and punting duties. In the summer, the Spartans were still searching for a long snapper.
SCHEDULE
Mountain Brook’s schedule looks quite different this fall compared to last, with the newlook Class 6A, Region 6 taking shape.
Out of the Spartans’ 10 regular season games, just two of them will be against foes they saw last season. Mountain Brook will host Parker in a non-region contest, after the two were region opponents the previous two years. The Spartans will also travel to new region foe ClayChalkville, after facing the Cougars in the playoffs last year.
The Spartans begin the season with a trip to Demopolis, a home game against Parker and a game at Hueytown in non-region play. Mountain Brook also plays Homewood in the middle of the season.
In region action, the Spartans host Pell City, Oxford and Pinson Valley. They travel to play Clay-Chalkville, Huffman and Shades Valley.
Above: Hampton King (38). Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney. Left: Stuart Andrews (10). Photo by Richard Force.
Rocco Gray (56). Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Frank Lee (90). Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney
Lakeshore Foundation opens new cutting-edge, data-driven Sports Science and Performance Center
The Lakeshore Foundation in Birmingham has emerged over the last four decades as a world leader in fitness, recreation, research and health promotion for people with disabilities, including veterans and seniors.
A nonprofit founded in 1984, the foundation serves about 4,000 people annually and is a leader in paralympic sports training and advocacy.
Last year, the foundation reached an even higher level in serving athletes in adaptive sports when it opened its new, cutting-edge, data-driven Lakeshore Sports Science and Performance Center (SSPC).
By combining the foundation’s decades of experience in adaptive sports with the help of experts, Lakeshore SSPC aims to greatly expand the opportunity for all athletes to take advantage of advanced sports science research and to achieve peak performance.
The Lakeshore SSPC provides disabled athletes an unrivaled training experience, combining science-driven sports performance services with great facilities, expert knowledge and extensive online resources.
To maximize their potential, athletes must know where to start, so Lakeshore SSPC uses performance testing and data analysis to provide a clear picture of a competitor’s current fitness. Using such data, the experts at Lakeshore SSPC create personalized training programs for athletes.
Food is the fuel that drives perfor-
mance, and the nutritionists at Lakeshore SSPC teach athletes how to improve their daily eating habits. They also create personalized meal plans for athletes that are tailored to their individual needs and help boost their strength, speed, skills and mental health.
In the facility’s strength and conditioning program, athletes work one-on-one with certified specialists to achieve their potential.
In order to compete at peak performance, athletes need to be fit mentally as well as physically, so the mental performance experts at Lakeshore SSPC help athletes develop customized training plans that enhance their focus, confidence, resilience and stress management.
Lakeshore SSPC has partnered with
Lakeshore Foundation
• Where: 4000 Ridgeway Drive
• Call: 205-313-7400
• Web: lakeshore.org
technology companies to bring mental wellness into the training routine. For example, the facility recently added software that does brainwave measurements for concussions and other aspects of mental wellness.
The Lakeshore SSPC Learning Lab is an online library of resources designed for coaches, sports professionals and athletes, with a self-guided curriculum that addresses key performance areas.
It’s important to put athletes in adapted sports in the front end of technology, and that is what makes Lakeshore Foundation so special. The nonprofit serves a lot of communities and audiences, but it shines brighter than anyone in America when it comes to adapted sports and training.
In 2023, the facility served hundreds of athletes in adapted sports including teams and Paralympians.
The foundation is a U.S. Olympic and Paralympic training site and serves as the National Governing Body for USA Wheelchair Rugby and Boccia United States.
For more information about the Lakeshore Foundation and Lakeshore SSPC, call 205-313-7400 or go to lakeshore.org.
Life in Mountain Brook
BACK WHEN GET TO KNOW
Mountain Brook native named chief of staff with Samford hoops
By KYLE PARMLEY
Warren Fitzpatrick will soon enter his fourth year working for the Samford University men’s basketball program.
This season, he assumes a new title: chief of staff.
Fitzpatrick, a Mountain Brook native, was promoted to the role after serving as director of basketball operations for the past two years. He began his tenure with Samford basketball as a graduate assistant in 2021.
In his new role, Fitzpatrick said he will be able to gain even more experience on the coaching side of the game, as well as help the program fundraise and allocate its resources efficiently.
As a director of operations at a Division I basketball program, Fitzpatrick has constantly dealt with various challenges, figuring out travel logistics and any other hurdles that arose.
“In operations, there’s a lot going on and a lot of moving parts and a lot of pieces coming together,” he said. “Not everything works the way you want it to.”
Fitzpatrick has witnessed firsthand the recent success of the Samford basketball program, as the Bulldogs won the Southern Conference Tournament and advanced to the
Mountain Brook native Warren Fitzpatrick was recently promoted to chief of staff with the Samford University men’s basketball program. Photo courtesy of Samford Athletics.
NCAA Tournament last season. He said, “This is the beginning, not the end,” in terms of the program’s rise.
He has no grand visions of what’s ahead. Working in college basketball doesn’t always allow for that sort of big-picture thinking.
“These seasons are so long, I don’t even ever think past the week ahead,” Fitzpatrick said. “I don’t really have a plan. My plan is to continue to see where God opens and closes doors and be where my feet are.”
Sheraton Mountain Brook Inn
By STAFF
This photo shows an architect’s drawing of the Sheraton Mountain Brook Inn before construction began at the site on U.S. 280 where Bricktop’s now sits. The article from the Birmingham News issue dated Oct. 3, 1973, is recreated here.
Construction began this month on an eightstory, 164-room motor inn in Mountain Brook, on U. S. 280, just south of Mountain Brook Office Park.
The new facility, located on a five-acre tract, will represent an investment of about $3.5 million and be named the Sheraton Mountain Brook Inn.
There will be an eight-story motel tower, with an attached 12,000-square-foot public building containing a dining room, lounge and meeting rooms.
In addition there will be banquet facilities to seat 200 persons and three smaller private dining rooms. There will be parking for 293 cars. Owner of the new inn is M. B. Motel Ltd., a limited partnership. The developer is the Patio Club of Birmingham Inc., general partner in the company; Wallace J. Boothby Jr., Birmingham realtor, is president of Patio Club of Birmingham.
The new facility will be on the west side of U. S. 280 with access from that artery and was to be completed by late summer 1974.
Photo courtesy of Birmingham Public Library archives.
On the Mainstage
GET TO KNOW
MBHS drum major ready to lead
By STAFF
Micah Goldis is an upcoming senior drum major with Mountain Brook High School’s marching band.
Q: How long have you been involved in band?
A: Since sixth grade. It’s about seven years now. I started on clarinet for two weeks, quickly realized I hated it and then moved to saxophone. I’ve been there ever since.
Q: What instruments do you play?
A: I play saxophone, mainly alto because I used to have a tenor, but I sold it because I never played it. I play oboe, and then on the side I play guitar. I love guitar.
Q: Why did you want to be drum major?
A: I want to be drum major because band is my passion. I quit baseball to be fully involved in band, have been a section leader for two years and this opportunity would improve my leadership skills and challenge me in extreme situations.
Q: What’s your favorite part of being in band?
A: Definitely all the people in it. We call ourselves one big band family because we have this one aspect of our lives that connects us all. It’s really a different kind of relationship between your friends in high school. It’s so special in my opinion.
Q: What are you excited for this year?
A: Definitely our show. The concept sounds really cool. … I’m really excited for the competitions we’re going to and hopefully place, and then to spend my senior year being the drum major. It should be a blast.
SPOTLIGHT
COMMUNITY
Strong bonds drive MBHS band director
By STAFF
James Rogers is the director of bands for Mountain Brook Schools.
Q: How long have you been a band director?
A: I was the beginning band director in 2017, and then I was the junior high band director or the associate director of bands for the past five years. This past year was my first year in the role of director of bands for all of Mountain Brook’s band programs.
Q: What made you want to be a band director?
A: I became a band director because of the relationships I had with my band directors and my connection to band growing up.
Q: What’s your favorite part of the job?
A: My favorite part of my job is building relationships with colleagues, band directors, parents and, most importantly, students. In Mountain Brook, I love working with students from beginning band through high school, spending seven years with them to create a strong bond.
Q: Tell us about your plans for your halftime show.
Q: What are your hopes for the band this year?
A: To continue to build on those relationships that we have and have the band be more connected than it ever has been before.
A: This year’s show takes a darker turn, starting with a major key shifting into minor with songs like “Bad Moon Rising,” “Look What You Made Me Do,” “Bad Guy,” “Sound of Silence” (the Disturbed version) and “Separate Ways.” We showcase our powerful low brass section with seven tubas, bringing intensity and fun to the performance.
MBS Career and Technical Education Course Offerings 2024-25
Mountain Brook High School offers several Career and Technical courses in the areas business administration, finance and marketing. The courses include: Accounting, Business Software Applications, Career Focus, Digital Marketing, INCubatoredu/ Entrepreneurship, Foundations of Business Leadership, Business and Legal Concepts, Leadership Mountain Brook, Personal Finance, Work-based Learning, and Workforce Essentials.
Mountain Brook Junior High offers Project Lead the Way courses as semester and year-long electives for
seventh and eighth grade students. These courses include the following: Automation and Robotics, Robotics Team, Design and Modeling, App Creators, Computer Science for Innovators and Makers, Energy in the Environment. MBJH offers Engineering, Robotics, and Computer Science courses as semester and yearlong electives for ninth grade students. These courses include the following: Robotics Team, Introduction to Robotics, Application of Engineering and Technology, Foundations of Engineering, Computer Science, App Creators, and Innovators and Makers.
Child Find Notice Gifted Find Notice
Special education services for children 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. If you are the parent of a child with disabilities who is not receiving services, or if you would like more information, please contact Dr. Missy Brooks at the Mountain Brook Board of Education, Special Education Department, 205-414-3836.
Intellectually gifted children and youth are those who perform at or have demonstrated the potential to perform at high levels in academic or creative fields when compared with others of their age, experience, or environment. These children and youth require services not ordinarily provided by the regular school program. Children and youth possessing these abilities can be found in all populations, across all economic strata, and in all areas of human endeavor.
Teachers, counselors, administrators, parents or guardians, peers, self, or any other individuals with knowledge of the student’s abilities may refer a student to the Student Support Team for consideration for placement in the enrichment program. Additionally, all second grade students are observed as potential gifted referrals using a gifted behavior checklist and referred to the Student Support Team as appropriate.
For each student referred, information is gathered in the areas of aptitude, characteristics, and performance. This information is entered on a matrix where points are assigned according to established criteria. The total number of points earned determines if the student qualifies for the enrichment program.
To make a referral, contact your child’s classroom teacher.
Micah Goldis has been participating in band since sixth grade. Photo courtesy of Micah Goldis.
James Rogers is entering his second year as director of bands for Mountain Brook Schools, previously serving as beginning band director, junior high band director and associate director of bands. Photo courtesy of courtesy of James Rogers.
Life
Actually By Kari Kampakis
The feeling of loss started for me when my oldest daughter turned 16. This birthday made me keenly aware that I had limited time left with all my kids at home, just two more treasured years.
As my daughter entered her senior year, reality hit harder. Once she left home, our family dynamic would change forever. What I’d known for almost two decades was coming to an end.
When you love being a mom and find your greatest joy in your family, this transition brings grief. If we think about it too long, we can believe our best years are behind us.
But what I can say now, three years later and with two kids in college, is this: There is so much joy on the other side. There are countless new blessings to come, but when your child is still at home, you can’t imagine it yet.
Why? Because the blessings haven’t manifested. You haven’t climbed to the top of that mountain to get a view of the other side. Instead, you only feel the loss, especially as the senior year countdown begins. Senior year is a time of savoring every possible “last.” Their last homecoming. Their last game. Their last birthday at home. Their day of high school. The year flies by, barely giving you time to soak it all in.
And when your child finally leaves home, it’s heartbreaking and sad. Even when you know they’re ready, you’ll feel a heaviness in your heart and a void in your home that nothing can fill.
What nobody can explain, until you get
there, is what older moms say: If they’re happy, you’re happy. It’s true. As you see your child’s world expand with new friends and exciting experiences, you can’t help but be happy for them.
You’ll know they’re where they’re meant to be, maturing in new ways that just aren’t possible under your roof.
This helps you make peace with change. It offers a glimpse of God’s plan.
Philippians 1:6 is a helpful verse: “And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.”
As parents, we take our kids as far as we can during their 18 years at home. We teach everything we know, nurturing them, protecting them, preparing them for reality.
And then, it’s time to release them to the bigger world. We let them fly when they’re ready so God can continue the good work He started.
The question for parents is, what next? How do we cope as we miss our child?
The first step, I believe, is to grieve. To be honest about how we feel and carve out room to be sad. For some people, this takes weeks. For others, it might take months.
It’s tempting to stay stuck here, always wishing for the past, but that’s not helpful. At some point, we have to embrace the next chapter and notice the blessings still in front of us.
Our college kids want to see us happy. They want us to miss them and be available, but not
to the point that we lose all joy. That’s too much pressure to put on them. This is why I believe in expanding our heart, our world and our mindset. As my kids leave home, a fiveword motto has brought me joy: “Love the ones you’re with.”
In other words, invest in the people you still see. For me, this looks like:
1. Reinvesting in my marriage. Honestly, Harry and I needed this. We needed to reconnect after years of playing divide-and-conquer as four kids pulled us in different directions. Too much time apart is never good for a marriage, and God is gracious in letting our kids grow up. It helps us reprioritize the adult relationships we put on the back burner.
2. Enjoying my children still at home (and their friends). This has been a game-changer. It makes the time pass quickly as I wait to see my college kids. I love driving my youngest daughter, Camille, and a carload of her friends around. I love hearing their laughter fill my home. With my third daughter, Marie Claire, starting her senior year, I’m prioritizing time with her, too. Having just two kids at home gives me extra capacity to connect.
3. Spending more time with my friends and siblings. As kids leave home, we end up back with the people who were instrumental in our 20s, like old friends and family. I’d put these relationships on the backburner as I raised kids, and it’s been fun to reconnect. We need these people more in the second act of our lives.
4. Making new friends through work.
Travel was hard as I raised four girls. My time was limited. Now, with just two kids at home (including one who drives and dances every day), our schedule is light. I don’t miss much when I’m gone for a day or two, and since Harry can hold down the fort, I can accept more speaking invitations. This has been a great source of new joy as I meet the best women in other communities.
My question is: What does “love the ones you’re with” mean to you? Who’s in your daily life today?
Maybe it’s your mom, your kids at home, your spouse or old friends. Maybe it’s your siblings, coworkers, Bible club or pickleball team. Maybe it’s the new friends you’ve made as you pursue a new dream.
Whatever relationships are in front of you, invest more deeply. Give them extra time and energy. Parlay your mother’s heart to love someone else’s child, too. Make peace with change and find new joy.
For most moms, we’re always happiest when the whole family is together. We live for these moments, yet as we wait, we can expand our world to enjoy new experiences — just like our kids who leave home. It makes them happy to see us happy. The blessing works both ways.
Kari Kubiszyn Kampakis is a Mountain Brook mom of four girls, author, speaker and blogger. Her bestselling books are available everywhere books are sold. Join Kari on the Girl Mom Podcast as well as Instagram and Facebook.
