Village Living October 2020 by Starnes Media

October 2020 | Volume 11 | Issue 7

VILLAGELIVINGONLINE.COM

Fall Home & Garden

WE’RE READY. LET’S SHOW!

MOUNTAIN BROOK’S COMMUNITY NEWS SOURCE

‘Meet me at The Circle’ Mountain Brook Village advocates seek to give iconic Village Circle a redesign

Browse through our annual section for advice and resources on seasonal home improvement projects.

See page B1

Final Stretch

Mountain Brook Board of Landscape Design members Mary Evelyn McKee, left, and Lydia Pursell, second from left, stand in front of a grass island near the Gilchrist sandwich shop with Courtney Johnson and Kate Hazelrig-Brinkley on Sept. 2. Photo by Erin Nelson. The Spartans prepare to wrap up the regular season this month by renewing a longtime rivalry and facing a new opponent.

See page B19

INSIDE Sponsors........... A4 News....................A6 Business........... A10 Community..... A22 Schoolhouse.... A24

Fall Home & Garden............... B1 Sports............... B16 Faith..................B22 Metro Roundup...B24

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By JESSE CHAMBERS

ife in Mountain Brook centers around its three villages: English Village, Crestline Village and Mountain Brook Village. Mountain Brook Village is perhaps the most iconic. It was part of Mountain Brook Estates, the pioneering development created by

Birmingham real estate icon Robert Jemison Jr. beginning in 1929. Some of the lovely older commercial buildings on Village Circle are part of Jemison’s creation. And when he needed a landscape architect, Jemison turned to the leading figure of his day, Warren Manning, who worked for the famed Olmsted firm. Village Circle is “a historic American landscape,” said Sim Johnson, chair of the city’s Board of Landscape Design (BLD).

The members of the BLD and city officials now seek to give this iconic site a fresh look. With the help of the city and private donations, the BLD is assembling what Johnson calls “a dream team” of national and local landscape designers and plant experts to honor Village Circle’s rich heritage while remaking it as a pedestrian-friendly haven that could help boost area eateries and

See CIRCLE | page A28

Mountain Brook High School student Marissa Luna on the verge of stardom By ALEC HARVEY When Marissa Luna was 8 years old, she had an audition with Red Mountain Theatre Company that would change her life. She — along with 300 other hopefuls — was trying out for RMTC’s performing ensemble. At the time, Marissa didn’t have any stage experience at all. “They asked her to perform a song and a

monologue, and I thought I was a bad mom because I kind of threw her into it with kids who had prepared monologues and had been in shows,” Misty Chitwood said. “She went in and told a joke and sat down and sang ‘The Cup Song.’ I was preparing my ‘better luck next time’ speech, and she was one of 42 picked. Keith Cromwell (RMTC’s executive

See LUNA | page A30

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Village Living

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Village Living

About Us Editor’s Note By Jesse Chambers Life in Mountain Brook is centered around its three villages, and arguably the most iconic of the three is Mountain Brook Village. The historic architecture at the heart of Mountain Brook Village harkens back to the original development of the city by the pioneering real estate developer Robert Jemison Jr. In addition, some people may not know that the landscape plan for the original development was done by famed Boston-based landscape architect Warren H. Manning. Now, thanks to an ambitious new landscape and planting strategy to be developed soon, Village Circle in Mountain Brook Village could get a redo and new life for the 21st century. That is the subject of our cover story in this issue. Contributing Editor Alec Harvey

also shares the story of Marissa Luna, a Mountain Brook High School student who seems to be shooting to musical and YouTube fame. Sara Evans, the country music superstar who lived in Mountain Brook for over a decade with her husband, former Alabama Crimson

Tide football star Jay Barker, talked to Village Living about how much the couple enjoyed living here and why they miss it after a move to Nashville. We also provide a thorough recap of the Mountain Brook city election from Aug. 25. Gerald A. Garner, a member of the Board of Zoning Adjustment, pulled off that rarest of things in Mountain Brook city politics: an upset of an incumbent. Garner narrowly defeated Councilman Philip Black to claim the seat for Place No. 2.

PHOTO OF THE MONTH

The Spartans take the field for the start of a game against Calera on Saturday, Aug. 29, at Calera High School. Mountain Brook defeated Calera 31-14. Photo by Erin Nelson.

Publisher: Dan Starnes Director of Operations: Mindy Dent Community Editors: Jesse Chambers Jon Anderson Leah Ingram Eagle Neal Embry Ingrid Schnader Sports Editor: Kyle Parmley Contributing Editor: Alec Harvey Digital Editor: Cathlene Cowart Design Editor: Melanie Viering Photo Editor: Erin Nelson Page Designers: Kristin Williams Ted Perry Contributing Writer: Kari Kampakis Creative Director: David McMath Account Managers: Layton Dudley Ted Perry Emily VanderMey Client Success Specialist: Anna Bain Marketing Consultants: Warren Caldwell Don Harris Michelle Salem Haynes Morgan White Business Administrator: Anna Jackson

For advertising contact: dan@starnespublishing.com Contact Information: Village Living P.O. Box 530341 Birmingham, AL 35253 (205) 313-1780 dan@starnespublishing.com

Please submit all articles, information and photos to: jchambers@starnespublishing.com P.O. Box 530341 Birmingham, AL 35253

Published by: Village Living LLC 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, 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) 313-1780 or by email.

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Village Living

City Safer at Home policy amended to allow use of water fountains at parks A couple walks along the trail at Jemison Park in Mountain Brook. The City Council voted Sept. 14 to allow Parks and Recreation Superintendent Shanda Williams to open water fountains at city parks and athletic fields. Staff photo.

By JESSE CHAMBERS The Mountain Brook City Council voted Sept. 14 to amend the city’s Safer at Home COVID-19 policy and allow Parks and Recreation Superintendent Shanda Williams to open water fountains at city parks and playing fields at her discretion. The council again met via teleconferencing due to concerns about the pandemic. Members also voted to amend the Safer at Home policy Aug. 24, granting Williams similar discretion in opening restrooms at playing fields after requests by athletic groups. The city has seven drinking fountains at six locations, with an eighth fountain to be added soon at Irondale Furnace Trail, according to a letter to the council from Williams. She has received some requests from residents to open the fountains and has researched the issue, she said. “The water itself is not harmful or able to spread COVID-19,” Williams said in the letter. The risk comes from touching the fountain to turn on the bubbler, she said, noting that several of the city’s fountains have foot pedals, which she called “a plus.” Most of the fountains are also located near restrooms, so city crews can disinfect both at the same time, she said. Williams will have the discretion to close the restrooms and fountains again if necessary. Members of the public should still exercise caution. “I think we should encourage the public to limit touching the fountains with their hands if possible and to use hand sanitizer before and after using them,” Williams said. Other items approved by the council include: ► A resolution recommending the execution of a service agreement between the city and Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit

Authority for public transportation services in fiscal 2021. Due to the availability of federal CARES Act funding, the BJCTA will reduce its charge to the city from $137,000 to $98,000 for the new contract year for the same routes, City Manager Sam Gaston said. Glenn Dickerson, the authority’s CFO, said the BJCTA is giving all of its partner cities a 30% discount. ► A request for $1,000 in matching funds from ClasTran for services to the city in fiscal 2021. ClasTran is a specialized transit service that provides subsidized rides for people ages 60 and older and people who are eligible for

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paratransit under the Americans with Disabilities Act. ► A resolution authorizing the payment of $200,000 from the city’s general fund to the city’s investment trust for retiree medical insurance. ► A resolution authorizing the payment of about $390,000 from the city’s general fund to Retirement Systems of Alabama. ► Reduced the speed limit to 20 mph on Briar Oak Circle after a traffic study and requests by residents. At its next regular meeting on Sept. 28, the council will discuss the

addition of a stop sign. In other business: ► Mark Simpson of Schoel Engineering updated members regarding a plan to stop the flooding connected to a detention pond at Mountain Brook Junior High. The initial cost estimate of the plan, which involves changes to the pond’s outlet structure and the addition of a partial retaining wall, is less than $50,000, Simpson said. The council delayed action on the construction plan but will spend $2,500 for a further check of the pond’s drainage using a video camera.

VillageLivingOnline.com

October 2020 • A7

Council OKs conditional use of space in English Village By JESSE CHAMBERS As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, businesses of all types in Mountain Brook and elsewhere seek to adapt and continue serving their customers. The Mountain Brook City Council recently sought to help one local enterprise find a way to do just that. Members voted Aug. 24 to grant a conditional use for fitness at 2008 Cahaba Road for MPower Pilates + Cycle Studio, which also has locations in Mountain Brook Village and Crestline Park. The new space in English Village was formerly occupied by Grand Jeté Barre Fitness and Boutique. “COVID-19 has affected our business,” MPower owner Emma Suttles told the council. “We have taken one of our studios to half capacity, so at the Mountain Brook Village studio we are maxed out.” Having the new space in English Village will allow Suttles to handle those overflow clients, she said. “People who cannot get into classes they want in Mountain Brook Village can just pop up there in a two-minute drive,” she said. Suttles told City Council President Virginia Smith that she will likely need the new location even after the pandemic. “I’m prepared that this can go on for a while in terms of how many people I can have in a class,” she said, referring to social distancing restrictions. “It may never change.” “I’m in full support,” said Councilor Alice Womack, who serves as liaison to the Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce. “I'm glad to see some activity come back into English Village,” Councilor Phillip Black said. Other other business, the council: ► Passed a resolution authorizing a professional services agreement between the city and Matrix Consulting Group of San Mateo, California, to conduct a thorough review of the city’s emergency communications

district and dispatch operations. ► Voted to approve a contract for some honor guard training for police and fire department personnel. This will allow the city’s first responders to make a better impression when taking part in events, police Chief Ted Cook said. He told members that he and Fire Chief Chris Mullins already have the money in their budgets. Cook said he was looking forward to training with the fire department. “We can really do the city proud in the future with some things we can work on with them,” Cook said. ► Voted to give Mountain Brook Athletics, Mountain Brook Soccer and Mountain Brook Lacrosse partial credit on their use of the city’s fields in 2021 because they missed part of their 2020 seasons due to the COVID-19 shutdown. ► Voted to amend the city’s Safer at Home policy and grant Shanda Williams, superintendent of Parks and Recreation, some discretion in opening restrooms at playing fields for use by athletic groups. ► Approved a contract with Stone and Sons Electric to replace a 30-year-old power transformer at the Mountain Brook Athletic Complex. The city will purchase a refurbished unit that is cheaper and has a longer warranty than a new unit, Williams said. ► Made some reappointments to boards. Brian Barrett was reappointed to the Village Design Review Committee, Rhett Loveman will keep his seat on the Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA), and Helen Drennen will remain with the Parks and Recreation Board. ► Approved resolutions expressing gratitude to William Hereford for his service on the BZA and celebrating Women’s Equality Day proclamation. ► Passed a resolution approving the city’s participation in a study of design and landscape options for Village Circle in Mountain Brook Village. For details about the Mountain Brook Village study, see our cover story in this issue.

The Mountain Brook City Council voted Aug. 24 to grant a conditional use at 2008 Cahaba Road in the former Grand Jeté Barre Fitness and Boutique location for MPower Pilates + Cycle Studio. Photo courtesy of MPower Pilates + Cycle Studio.

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Garner makes ‘a little history,’ unseats council incumbent By JESSE CHAMBERS Challenger Gerald A. Garner won a seat on the Mountain Brook City Council for Place No. 2 in the Aug. 25 municipal election by defeating incumbent Philip Black by a narrow margin, according to final results. Garner, a member of the Mountain Brook Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA) and former long-time member of the Park and Recreation Board, had a total of 1,619 votes. Black, a former member of the BZA and the Planning Commission who was elected to the council in 2016, had 1,567 votes. Results were certified Sept. 1 after any provisional ballots were considered, pursuant to Alabama law. This was the only contested race in the city. Mayor Stewart Welch III and City Council President Virginia Smith were unopposed, and their election was certified by the council July 27. “Of course I’m disappointed, but I’m more disappointed not in coming up short in the numbers but for all the people who worked so hard throughout the race to carry a positive message ... about what we have been doing and what we hope to do for the city,” Black said on election night, when asked for his reaction. “The people have spoken, as they always say,” he said. “You can’t argue with that.” Garner said Aug. 26 that he was “blown away” when he saw the results in his favor and was “honored by all the support from the moment I threw my hat in the ring.” City officials told Garner during the campaign that no incumbent had ever been defeated in a Mountain Brook election, he said. “I knew that this was going to be a difficult challenge, obviously, and certainly a difficult campaign, so we made a little history yesterday,” he said. Black said the result of the election may have stemmed in part from anger or frustration among some voters regarding some of the actions taken by the city in response to the

Gerald A. Garner, left, won a seat on the Mountain Brook City Council for Place No. 2 in the Aug. 25 municipal election by defeating incumbent Philip Black by a narrow margin. Photos courtesy of Gerald Garner and Philip Black.

COVID-19 pandemic. For example, Black and the other members of the City Council passed an ordinance June 29 requiring that businesses have their patrons wear face coverings to help stem COVID-19. The ordinance followed a similar order by the Jefferson County Health Officer. At an election forum livestreamed by the Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce on Aug. 20, Garner said he was disappointed in the City Council for passing that ordinance. He argued it was unfair to put additional pressures on merchants, who already face the normal risks inherent in operating a business. As a government, Mountain Brook “should not overreach and put additional pressure on them,” Garner said. The city should “push back” against any

county or state restrictions and allow businesses “to open completely and fully,” Garner said. At the forum, Black responded that there were some “misconceptions” about the purpose of the ordinance. He said the council worked closely with the chamber and local businesses in creating the ordinance. “The businesses needed our help in having consistency in how the mask mandates were applied,” Black said, and noted that Gov. Kay Ivey issued her own mask mandate shortly after the city passed its ordinance. However, Black said he was “not looking for excuses” to explain his loss. “I understand that’s why we have elections.” In explaining his win, Garner said, “Finally people woke up and decided to pay attention to

what happens in their own backyard.” He said he believed that there were a lot of new voters who turned out. “I knew just from conversations with people that there were probably a lot of first-time municipal voters,” he said. Garner was asked if he tapped into some sort of mood of anger or frustration in the community. “No, that wasn’t our goal by any means,” he said. “We just said, ‘Let’s go out and just deliver the message, deliver the platform. Let’s stick to that. Let’s talk about what we want to do for the city.” At the Aug. 20 forum, Garner summed up his goals. He said the city needs to continue to make improvements to its sidewalks, parks, athletic fields and other facilities. “We need to wave the flag for our local businesses” and

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October 2020 • A9

Mayor’s Minute

Aug. 25 Election Results POLL St. Luke’s Episcopal City Hall Brookwood Baptist Mountain Brook Community Church Canterbury United Methodist Cherokee Bend Elementary Absentee Provisional ballot TOTAL:

promote “smart economic growth,” he said. He also said the city should make its streets safer by increasing funding for police, fire and emergency medical services. Garner said he has worked for 22 years in the financial service business, giving him expertise he can use to serve the city. He said city officials have an obligation to “be prudent” in the use of taxpayer dollars. An immediate infrastructure need is to continue to improve the Lane Parke commercial development in Mountain Brook Village and make it “more functional,” Garner said. He suggested creating some green space that can be used for concerts, outdoor movies and other events that will draw more people to the facility. Regarding Mountain Brook Schools, Garner said he was glad that children had the option of attending school virtually if they didn’t feel safe during the pandemic but that for those wishing to attend in person, the schools should be opened up “completely and fully.” In his remaining weeks on the council, Black wants to help finish the city’s Fiscal Year 2021 budget and “make sure it’s in good shape,” he said. An architect who has worked on a lot of large projects, Black said one thing he has contributed on the council is his

BLACK GARNER 284 245 366 464 283 343 264 240 138 100 189 219 42 8 1 0

“

1,567 1,619

We’ve talked about our platform, and I’m going to do everything in the world that I can to deliver on that.

”

GERALD GARNER

understanding of how to prioritize dollars for capital projects. He added that he has “really enjoyed serving the city” and would “love to continue” to do so in some capacity. However, Black said he needs to “take a step back” for now. “We’ll just have to see what happens.” Before taking office in November, Garner said he would “continue to talk to people, thank them for their support, listen to what the issues are, what the concerns are and be ready to go.” Garner said he wants to deliver what he promised voters. “We’ve talked about our platform, and I’m going to do everything in the world that I can to deliver on that,” he said.

By Stewart Welch III “The decision to ask our city leaders to cancel this ceremony was made with great anguish. However, The Mountain Brook City Counafter careful consideration, we felt cil has been working diligently over like it was in the best interest of the last year on one of our major inipublic safety. tiatives: upgrading our youth athlet“We started planning the cereics facilities. mony very early in the year (pre As I’m sure you’re aware, COVID-19) and secured a keynote Mountain Brook is a landlocked speaker (Col. David Mollahan of city and finding contiguous land Marion Military Institute). We suitable for fields has been an were notified in July that Mollahan exercise in futility. Working closely requested to cancel his obligation with our stakeholders in Mountain to speak at the ceremony due to Brook Athletics, we’ve developed the threat of coronavirus. We, of Stewart Welch III a master plan that includes stratecourse, understood his concerns. gically upgrading the playing fields “As you may or may not know, our 9/11 cerewith artificial turf and other improvements. mony is a joint venture with the cities of HomeA major problem in years past has been that when wood and Vestavia Hills. Police Chief Ted Cook and it rained, our fields became unplayable for days at a I reached out to the police and fire chiefs of those time, causing cancellations and resulting in resched- cities and sought their input and opinions whether uling nightmares for both games and practices. The they thought we should cancel or continue on with initiative is a $5 million-plus capital improvements the ceremony. The feedback we received was unanproject funded by the city of Mountain Brook and imous to cancel this year. our Mountain Brook school system. Some of the “We were fully aware that this very hard decision major improvements include: would not be popular with everyone, but I do hope ► A phased re-do of the facilities at the Athletic that you and all of our citizens understand our hearts Complex, initially with Fields 2 through 7 (includ- and our motives.” ing the girls’ softball field) being converted to artificial surfaces. For next year, the plan includes new ‘SHOP LOCAL’ REALLY MATTERS concession facilities and restrooms, as well as new Thank you — all of you — for continuing to suppaving throughout. ► A rebuild of Field 1, including reorienting the port our local restaurants and retailers. They still are struggling to get back to former income and profitplaying field, artificial surface and new lighting. ► Reworking and reorienting Cherokee Bend ability, and they need our support. Please consider a tax-deductible donation to the Mountain Brook MerElementary Field with all new lighting. ► New lighting for Mountain Brook Elementary chant Emergency Relief Fund at onemb.swell.gives. Field.

YOUTH ATHLETICS TAKES CENTER STAGE

9/11 CEREMONY CANCELED

I’ve received several emails from residents who were disappointed the annual 9/11 ceremony was not held this year. Our fire chief, Chris Mullins, gave a thoughtful explanation (condensed version):

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Village Living

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Now Open Continental Bakery, 1911 Cahaba Road in English Village, reopened for business in late August after a temporary closure due to COVID-19. Owner Carole Griffin announced the closure June 27. Griffin also reopened Chez Lulu, the French-style bistro adjoining the bakery. 205-870-5584, chezlulu.us

Two Mountain Brook nonprofits — the Daniel Foundation and the Joseph S. Bruno Charitable Foundation — helped fund the Sept. 3 reopening of Lone Pine Mine, a small iron-ore mine located on the property of Vulcan Park & Museum, 1701 Valley View Drive. After being closed since WWII, the mine entrance is now open for visitors to peek inside and view period artifacts and replicas. 205-933-1409, visitvulcan.com

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Prints Charming Soho, a boutique at 1903 Cahaba Road in English Village offering fine art and antiques, will hold

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VillageLivingOnline.com a grand opening in late October. The store had a soft launch in September. Items on sale also include candles, stationary, books, pillows and blankets, according to owner Ari Millner. @printscharmingsohonyc on Instagram The Mountain Brook City Council voted Aug. 24 to grant MPower Pilates + Cycle Studio a conditional use, allowing owner Emma Suttles to open a new location at 2008 Cahaba Road in English Village in a space formerly occupied by Grand Jeté Barre Fitness and Boutique. This will allow Suttles to handle overflow clients from her Mountain Brook Village location at 2419 Canterbury Road. There’s also a studio in Crestline Park. 205-518-5676, mpowerbhm.com or Facebook @MPowerBHM

Relocations and Renovations Women’s clothing store 28:20 Boutique recently opened at 129 Oak St. in Crestline Village next to Oak Street Hair Group. The boutique was formerly located in Homewood for about eight years, according to owner Ellen Moss. 205-540-7446, 28:20 Boutique on Facebook or 28-20-boutique.myshopify.com

Co-owner Frank Alverson told the Mountain Brook City Council in July that his new eatery, Porch, located in the space formerly occupied by Mafiaoza’s Pizzeria & Neighborhood Pub at 2 Dexter Ave., will offer sandwiches, salads, snacks and a few plates, along with beer, wine and cocktails. 205-739-2083, porchmb.com or Facebook @ porch.mountainbrook

After more than 40 years in Mountain Brook, Mary Charles’ Doll House has relocated to 1901 Oxmoor Road in Homewood. It specializes in new, vintage, and antique dolls, doll furniture and accessories, doll repair, dollhouses and miniatures, plush animals and other unique items. 205-870-5544, marycharlesdollhouseal.com

Alabama Fertility Specialists recently celebrated the grand opening of its new, larger office at 3490 Independence Drive. The practice is relocating from its previous space on U.S. 280 in Mountain Brook. The new 20,500-square-foot building includes a new in vitro fertilization laboratory plus clinical and tenant space. 205-874-0000, alabamafertility.com

News and Accomplishments The Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon-cutting Sept. 3 to celebrate the opening of Gunn Dermatology, 32 Church St. in Crestline Village. Dr. Holly Gunn is a board-certified dermatologist and Mountain Brook resident. 205-415-7536, gunndermatology.com

Mountain Brook couple Scott Joe and Julie Bernstein have launched a new company called SLEEVZ. Their product is a patent-pending face mask that attaches to eyewear. They are in the midst of a crowdfunding campaign at indiegogo.com. indiegogo.com/projects/sleevzmask/x/24501990#/ or vimeo.com/450882145

October 2020 • A11 Mitchell’s Place, 4778 Overton Road, will host its ninth annual Mitchell’s Golf Chili Championship fundraiser 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Oct. 12 at Greystone Country Club. This Mountain Brook nonprofit provides services for children and families affected by autism and other developmental disabilities. 205-951-9238, apps.mitchells-place.com

Southern Veterinary Partners, 800 Shades Creek Parkway, Suite 625, recently made the 2020 Inc. 5000 list, which ranks the 5,000 fastest-growing private companies in America. The practice was ranked at No. 516. To see the list, go to inc.com/ inc5000/2020. 205-453-4760, southernvetpartnersllc.com

Oakworth Capital Bank, 850 Shades Creek Parkway, recently made the 2020 Inc. 5000 list, which ranks the 5,000 fastest-growing private companies in America. The bank was ranked at No. 4,910. To see the list, go to inc.com/inc5000/2020. 205-263-4700, oakworthcapital.com

The Birmingham Zoo, 2630 Cahaba 14 Road, announced recently it would receive badly needed operating support from the Wells Fargo Foundation, Robert R. Meyer Foundation and Alabama Power Foundation. The facility is in urgent need of assistance, having lost ticket revenue in the spring during a 10-week closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The zoo is accepting contributions to its Emergency Animal Fund at birminghamzoo. com/donate. 205-879-0409, birminghamzoo.com

Personnel Moves Renasant Bank recently named Birmingham-Southern alumna Sandy Brown as its executive director of treasury solutions. The bank has three branches in Birmingham, including one at 44 Church St. in Crestline Village. 205-868-2800, renasantbank.com

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Anniversaries The Happy Olive, 261 Rele St., is 16 celebrating its first anniversary at Lane Parke. Owned by Mountain Brook residents Vickie and Richard Bailey, the store sells olive oils, balsamic vinegars and cooking accessories and also has locations in Mobile and Fairhope. 205-703-9003, happyolive4.com

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Outdoor co-op REI Birmingham, 335 Summit Blvd., is celebrating the first anniversary of its 20,000-square-foot store at The Summit. In addition to offering quality outdoor gear,the retailer offers workshops to connect people to the outdoors. 205-967-1419, rei.com/stores/birmingham

Antiquities, 2421 Canterbury Road in Mountain Brook Village, celebrates its 10th anniversary in October. The shop offers French, Italian and English antiques and contemporary accessories. 205-870-1030, shopantiquities.com

Women’s contemporary clothing boutique Duke’s Clothier, 53 Church St., recently marked the second anniversary of its location in Crestline Village. 205-739-2244, dukesclothier.com

Business news to share? If you have news to share with the community about your brick-and-mortar business in Mountain Brook, let us know!

Share your business news with us at villagelivingonline.com/about-us

W E L C O M E E M I LY W O R T H Y We are thrilled to announce that Emily Worthy has joined our Aesthetic and Laser Center Team at Village Dermatology! Emily is a Certified Aesthetician and has over 10 years experience in the aesthetic industry. She specializes in facials, Hydrafacials, chemical peels, dermaplaning and more! To book an appointment with Emily, call 205.572.4906.

A12 • October 2020

Village Living Jean Oliver looks at the selection of dishes as she decides on an order with help from Vaughan McGehee at Vaughan and Company in Crestline Village on Sept. 11. The Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce began the Eat Out to Help Out campaign to support local restaurants. Photos by Erin Nelson.

Restaurant community still in recovery mode Chamber of Commerce launches new promotion for eateries hit by COVID-19 By JESSE CHAMBERS Restaurants in Mountain Brook — especially those that are locally owned — “are the lifeblood of the community,” said Suzan Doidge, executive director of the Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce. Many of those eateries have been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. Social distancing limits the restaurants to 50% seating capacity, which is particularly tough for smaller establishments. Many restaurants are doing the best they can with curbside pickup. It’s a very challenging for the industry, added veteran restaurateur Al Rabiee, owner of Vino in English Village. That’s why the chamber recently launched a promotion called “Eat Out to Help Out” that seeks to enlist the public’s help for these local enterprises. Each week, the chamber features a different Mountain Brook restaurant. Patrons who dine in or take out food from that restaurant can post a picture of themselves at the eatery on Facebook or Instagram and tag the chamber. On Sundays, the chamber will hold a drawing and give away a T-shirt from the Mountain Brook Merchant Relief Fund. ”We are looking at any and all opportunities to get people into businesses,” Doidge said. The promotion began Sept. 1, and Bobby Carl’s Table, Ollie Irene, Daniel George and Dyron’s have been featured so far. “Eat Out to Help Out” is the latest in a series of efforts by the chamber and the city of Mountain Brook to help restaurants and other local businesses make it through the pandemic. Many of the city’s restaurants received some help in March when Mayor Stewart Welch — through the Welch Foundation — created the “Save Our Restaurants” campaign. “We had 30 restaurants apply for those grants, so we were able to give out $60,000,” Welch said in May. The federal government offered aid to small businesses through the Paycheck

Protection Program. Bobby Carl’s Table in English Village, which opened in October 2019, received help from both sources, manager Christie Lowe said. “That financial help was an absolute blessing,” she said. Daniel George Restaurant in Mountain Brook Village, which was closed for dine-in service from March 16 through May 31, also received help from both, Operations Manager Debbie McKinstry said. Vino in English Village received help from the mayor and the federal government, Rabiee said. The eatery distributed the $2,000 from the mayor’s fund among its tip employees. “They were very thankful,” Rabiee said. Vaughan and Company in Crestline Village, which opened its first storefront in Crestline Village in early April, received help from the mayor’s fund but did not apply for federal help, owner Vaughan McGehee said. The city of Mountain Brook has done what it can to make it easier for bars, restaurants and other businesses to serve their customers. In May, the City Council voted to allow restaurants to more easily expand their use of sidewalk dining. The council also voted to temporarily designate a few parking spaces on most blocks in the villages for curbside pickup for restaurants and retailers. In August, the council extended these measures another 90 days. Lowe said she appreciated the support that restaurants and other small businesses in the city received from the city, the chamber and citizens from the beginning of the pandemic. These groups “immediately went into village mode,” she said.

She cited social media campaigns encouraging people to shop and eat at local establishments and Zoom meetings that provided important information to business owners, as well as the measures taken by the city. “It all helped us stay open, and I believe [it] is a huge reason why we are still open today,” she said. Rabiee said Vino took advantage of the additional sidewalk seating and extra parking for curbside pickup. “We feel very lucky doing business in a city with the most professional, quick-acting and awesome city government,” he said. Restaurant owners have done whatever they can to adapt to the pandemic. “When you boil it down, folks just want some sort of normal,” Lowe said, noting that Bobby Carl’s has “made it a point to get food back on the table.” They’ve used every means to do so, she said, citing delivery, to-go, no-contact curbside and dine-in options. Daniel George has a few seats outside. “People have enjoyed eating there, and customers do continue to order curbside, so the parking places help as well,” McKinstry said. Vino is “very lucky to have Birmingham’s best patio … very large with some covered seating that allows us to have tables 6 to 8 feet apart,” Rabiee said. “We implemented safety measures mandated by the government,” said Temsup Techarukpong, marketing director for Surin of Thailand, located in Crestline Village. “Additionally, we now offer the option to pay ahead and place a to-go order online. Also, we offer contactless payment.” “The new normal for us to bring in the

business we were before COVID-19 is a combination of dine in, curbside and delivery,” McKinstry said. Lowe said she is asked often by customers how Bobby Carl’s is doing. “I reply with ‘We’re still here,’” she said. “Seeing restaurants that have been in business for years and years succumb to this nightmare scenario, I know that just still being open is a blessing,” Lowe said. “We fight every day to continue to be able to feed this community.” The outlook is “good” at Daniel George, McKinstry said. “We have faithful customers who are coming back and supporting our business,” she said. “We are OK and doing fine,” Rabiee said. “We are so thankful for all of our customers … and we want to thank the Mountain Brook community for their loyalty and support.” Techarukpong said. McGehee is doing extremely good business with catering, delivery and curbside pickup at Vaughan and Company, she said. Many other restaurants are struggling, she said. “But I am very optimistic that it will get much better,” McGehee said. Lowe said it’s hard to gauge the overall health of the restaurant community. “I see a lot more hope, a lot more ‘normal’ than the fear and confusion I saw several months ago,” she said. “We are all battered and bruised, but I personally feel that these days we are healing from the initial trauma of our world being turned upside down. Slowly, but most importantly surely, we are going in the right direction and will get through this.” The effort to help Mountain Brook restaurants weather the pandemic has a special resonance because they’re connected to the community, Dodge said. “Most of the people who own these restaurants live in this city,” Doidge said. “Their kids are going to the schools. They are involved in the churches.”

‘EAT OUT TO HELP OUT’

Vino will be featured the week of Sept. 28, Davenport’s Pizza Palace the week of Oct. 5 and Sol Y Luna the week of Oct. 12. For updates, go to Facebook @mtnbrookchamber.

MAKING A DONATION

The chamber is still taking donations for the Merchant Relief Fund, which provides financial help to locally owned brick-and-mortar businesses, including retail stores and restaurants. To donate, go to emb.swell.gives.

VillageLivingOnline.com

October 2020 â&#x20AC;¢ A13

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A14 • October 2020

Village Living

Birmingham Zoo gets key grant support in tough times By JESSE CHAMBERS The Birmingham Zoo — a nonprofit in urgent need of funding due to the COVID-19 pandemic — has received three large grants. In addition, the zoo recently reopened two of its buildings, celebrated the birth of four Pallas’s cat kittens and made it easier for low-income people to visit the facility. Zoo staff also mourned the loss of two beloved animals over the summer.

MUCH-NEEDED FUNDING

The zoo announced in late August it would receive operating support from the Wells Fargo Foundation, Robert R. Meyer Foundation and Alabama Power Foundation, all in Birmingham. Wells Fargo awarded the zoo a $65,000 grant for general operations and education. The Robert R. Meyer Foundation gave the zoo $50,000 for general operations. In June, the Alabama Power Foundation awarded a matching grant to the zoo to help the facility kick off its fall appeal to raise $500,000 for the Emergency Animal Fund by the end of 2020. The Birmingham Zoo is in urgent need of funding and projects an operating loss of $2.7 million for the year, said Karen Carroll, vice president of development. The facility lost its ticket revenue for the spring during a 10-week closure due to the pandemic. “These significant funds will provide critical support for the professional care and attention that each zoo animal receives daily,” Carroll said in a news release. The zoo is also accepting contributions to its Emergency Animal Fund at birminghamzoo. com/donate.

OPENING AGAIN

The predator and South America/primate buildings were opened again to visitors in July. Guests can visit indoor animal habitats in these areas as they travel the one-way path

“

These significant funds will provide critical support for the professional care and attention that each zoo animal receives daily.

”

KAREN CARROLL

through the zoo. Visitors can see the four male Pallas’ cat kittens, who were born April 10. during the times they’re in habitat.

FUN FOR ALL

The zoo is now offering a discount on general admission tickets to guests enrolled in Alabama’s SNAP/EBT program. The goal is “to ensure that economic circumstances are not obstacles when visiting your zoo,” said Chris Pfefferkorn, zoo CEO and president. “We are honoring our commitment in offering access to fun and educational resources at a low cost to families,” Pfefferkorn said.

THE CYCLE OF LIFE

The zoo recently mourned the passing of two of its animals, Matt, a 14-year-old male Komodo dragon, and Tadpole, a 41-year-old male Nile hippopotamus. Matt was euthanized June 18 after the sudden onset of hind limb weakness, and a post-mortem exam showed his heart failed. He came to Birmingham in 2009. He was mischievous and funny and enjoyed relaxing in his pool, sometimes dipping his head under the water and blowing bubbles. Tadpole was being monitored by zoo staff for

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The Pallas’ cat kittens, who were born at the Birmingham Zoo in April, with their mother. Photo courtesy of The Birmingham Zoo.

increasing kidney values, which is common in geriatric animals, when he stopped eating. He was euthanized June 19. He came to the zoo in 1979 and was one of the oldest living Nile hippopotamus at a zoo accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. “Both animals were favorites of many — they will be greatly missed by all of us,” said Dr. Stephanie McCain, the zoo’s director of animal health.

OPERATIONS UPDATE

The zoo is operating at reduced hours Wednesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and at limited capacity. All guests are required to follow the facility’s safety guidelines, including face coverings for people ages 6 and older. Visitors are encouraged to purchase tickets online at birminghamzoo.com to help minimize contact with zoo staff.

VillageLivingOnline.com

October 2020 • A15

Doris Young leaves ‘big shoes to fill’ at O’Neal Library By JESSE CHAMBERS When Doris Young applied for a position at Emmet O’Neal Library — now O’Neal Library — in 1976, it wasn’t because she aspired to a career there. “I just needed a job,” Young told Village Living. However, Young’s first job at the library as a page became a rewarding career that lasted 44 years. She worked as a page for a couple of years then became a circulation clerk. Young later became a circulation librarian and, in 1989, the circulation manager. In about 1998, she added building manager to her duties. She also served as staff representative on the library’s building committee and as chair of the Jefferson County Library Cooperative Circulation Roundtable. In early August, Young finally retired and was honored by the library and the city of Mountain Brook. Her “retirement will leave a void that will be difficult to fill,” according to the O’Neal Library News. “According to her coworkers, she has always been generous, kind and fun to be around.” The Mountain Brook City Council passed a resolution in July, read by Mayor Stewart Welch III, honoring Young for her years of service. “Doris left big shoes to fill,” Library Director Lindsy Gardner told council members. “We are really going to miss her,” Gardner said. “It’s really hard to imagine the library without her.” “I’ve enjoyed working there, so it’s been great,” Young said. Young grew up in Marengo County in the small communities of Flatwood and Catherine. She graduated from high school in Thomaston, attended Selma University and moved to Birmingham in 1970.

Doris Young, far right, stands with other library staff members outside the O’Neal Library. Young began her career at the library in 1976 and retired in August. Photo courtesy of O’Neal Library.

Young was 26 at the time she went to work at the library, with a husband and two young children. She found the job advertised on microfiche at the employment office. “I was just looking for work,” she said. “I hadn’t even heard of Mountain Brook.” Young became the only African-American employee of the library, and this wasn’t easy in 1976, due to the attitudes of some of the patrons, Young said. “Some people liked you, and some didn’t,” she said. “Where I grew up in Marengo County, you were Black, and they were white, and that’s the way Mountain Brook was when I started there.” However, Young enjoyed her job. “I decided

I wouldn’t let anybody run me away, and I just stuck with it,” she said. In addition to social change, Young has seen lots of technological change during her career. “When I started we had no computers,” she said. “Everything was the typewriter and microfiche and the card catalog.” Young said she’s “happy to retire” even though she liked the work. She considered retiring a couple of years ago but decided to stay longer to help Gardner, who had just become director, settle into her position. “I probably knew as much or more than anyone else who works there about the building itself,” Young said.

She had also planned to retire when she turned 70 last fall. “I didn’t retire then, but after COVID started, I thought I should go on and let it go,” she said. “It’s just too much.” However, Young said she would miss her colleagues. “I had a great group of people in my Circulation Department,” she said. “They’re all young and full of energy and smart, and I just enjoyed working with all of them.” In retirement, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic subsides, Young hopes to go back down to Marengo County to visit family and indulge one of her favorite hobbies. “I really enjoy fishing,” she said. “It is such a relaxing thing to do.”

A16 • October 2020

Village Living

An ‘amazing place’ to live

“

Country star Sara Evans praises Mountain Brook in her new memoir, ‘Born To Fly’ By JESSE CHAMBERS Country singer Sara Evans, a former Mountain Brook resident, is a big star, to say the least. A Missouri native known for her insightful songwriting and strong voice, Evans has released nine studio albums, notched five No. 1 country singles and is the fifth most-played female artist in country radio the last two decades. Her 2017 album “Words” — the first on her own Born to Fly Records label — was called one of the best country albums of the year by Billboard and Rolling Stone. Evans has received accolades from the Academy of Country Music, the American Music Awards and the Grammy Awards. Her newest album, “Copy That,” was released in May and opened at No. 1 on the iTunes Country chart. She was once named one of People Magazine’s 50 Most Beautiful People. And most recently, in September, Evans published her memoir, “Born To Fly” through Howard Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster. In the book, Evans shares stories about her life, her music career and living in the spotlight, as well as her Christian faith. She also spends a chunk of “Born to Fly” talking about the 11 years she spent living in Mountain Brook with her husband, Jay Barker, the sports radio personality and former Alabama Crimson Tide football star. “Mountain Brook has been an amazing little idyllic place to raise my kids,” Evans wrote in her book. Recently, Evans talked to Village Living about why she and Barker love Mountain Brook and are still drawn to its special charm. The star vocalist also said that, even after her 2019 move back to Nashville to be closer to the music business, she and Barker miss Mountain Brook and want to reestablish a presence here. Evans’ life in Mountain Brook came about after she met Barker in 2007. Barker was a former University of Alabama quarterback who led the Crimson Tide to a national championship in 1992 and was in the midst of a successful career in radio. Both Evans and Barker had gone through tough divorces. Evans’ divorce had been particularly nasty and very public. Evans and Barker met after being introduced by a mutual friend — minister Joe Beam — and it didn’t take long for romance to blossom. The couple got married in Tennessee in 2008. She had three kids from her first marriage: son Avery Jack and daughters Olivia Margaret and Audrey Elizabeth. Barker had four kids: Andrew, Braxton, Sarah Ashlee and Harrison. They created a new combined family, though Barker’s kids lived primarily with their mother in Hoover. Just before their honeymoon, the couple bought a home with four bedrooms and about 3,600 square feet on Elm Street, right across from the fields at Crestline Elementary School. Evans said Mountain Brook is an “amazing” place to live and raise children, especially Crestline. The country star also said she very quickly felt at home in the

Mountain Brook is a really cool place full of people who really care about each other and really care about the community.

”

SARA EVANS

Previously named one of People Magazine’s “50 Most Beautiful People,” Sara Evans released her latest album, “Copy That,” in May and opened at No. 1 on the iTunes Country chart. In September, Evans published her memoir, “Born To Fly.” Photos courtesy of LOWFIELD Photography.

community thanks to the hospitality she and Barker were shown. “The people are so friendly, and I could not have felt more loved instantly when we moved in,” she said. “We got hundreds of cards and baked goods dropped on our doorstep. ‘Welcome to our neighborhood,’ they said. It was amazing.” Even just walking across the

street to drop the kids at CES in the morning was “awesome,” Evans said. “Mountain Brook is a really cool place full of people who really care about each other and really care about the community,” she said. In her book, Evans wrote that “It felt like a fairy tale” when she and Barker moved to Mountain Brook. “I think it was the combination

that we were newlyweds and newly in love,” she said in our interview. “Everything was brand-new: our home, my husband, my stepchildren, my home.” In addition, she and Barker had “moved very quickly” from their initial meeting in 2007 to marriage a year later. “It was all a fantasy,” she said.

The atmosphere of Mountain Brook contributed to that. “You drive around Mountain Brook and you think, ‘Wow, this is such a special space — the way it was built, the old trees. It has that Southern charm.” Evans recalled some of her favorite spots for dining and shopping. “Crestline Pharmacy was my favorite store in Crestline, because they have everything,” she said. “The Pig [Piggly Wiggly] was always a favorite spot.” She said she and the kids would go to the Chevron station after school for an Icee or a fountain soda. Evans also gave shout-outs to Gus’s Hot Dogs, Zoe’s and Otey’s Tavern. The couple eventually lived in three homes in Mountain Brook. After leaving Elm Street, they lived on Montevallo Road. “Then we decided to spread out a little bit and have a little more space,” Evans said. “We were not in Crestline Elementary anymore, so we bought a place close to the high school.” In the book, Evans wrote, “Jay and I decided ... that we wanted to be adventurous and find a ’60s ranchstyle home in Mountain Brook and gut it and remodel it.” She called it the “worst decision” of her life, she writes in her book. “Well, not the worst, but probably in the top 10.” The couple had problems with their contractor, Evans said, and the remodel was not a pleasant experience. In July 2019, Evans and her family moved back to Nashville, drawn by the ease of conducting her career in music back in the music capital. For example, in recording “Copy That,” Evans said she “could just wake up and drive across town to the studio and not figure out how to bus up from Birmingham.” Evans lives in Nashville full-time. Barker spends part of his time in Nashville but lives primarily in Birmingham due to his responsibilities hosting his radio show, Evans said. Despite the advantages of Nashville for Evans’ career, she said she and Barker “really, really miss Mountain Brook.” In fact, Evans said she and Barker had spent an entire weekend in late August talking about how they could find a second home in Mountain Brook. “That is our goal — downsize a little bit and find a small house in Mountain Brook,” she said. “That is my kids’ home. We are never leaving for good. We definitely want to continue having a presence in Mountain Brook.” “We haven’t left Mountain Brook,” Evans said. “We plan on always having a home there. It has been a true blessing to our family.” For more information, go to saraevans.com.

VillageLivingOnline.com

October 2020 • A17 Far left: Will Wilder, a graduate of Mountain Brook High School, graduated from Columbia Law School and is now a fellow at the Brenner Center for Justice. Left: Wilder with his fellow interns at the Southern Poverty Law Center in Montgomery. Photos courtesy of Will Wilder.

MBHS alum Will Wilder fights to protect voting rights during COVID-19 By ALEC HARVEY If Will Wilder has his way, everyone in the country will be able to cast their ballot in November’s election. That’s the thrust of what Wilder, a Mountain Brook High School graduate who recently graduated from Columbia Law School, is doing through his work at New York’s Brennan Center for Justice. He’s the recipient of the Brennan Center’s prestigious Herbert and Nell Singer Social Justice Fellowship. “Right now, my team is focused on protecting the right to vote during COVID-19,” said Wilder, who earned his undergraduate degree in political science from Washington University in St. Louis. “We are using litigation and other forms of advocacy to make sure every eligible voter is able to safely cast their ballot and have it counted this November, whether

that be in-person or by mail. We are doing everything we can to protect the right to vote and make sure election officials are prepared to run an election during this truly unprecedented national crisis.” The quest for social justice was instilled in Wilder at an early age by his parents, Chris and Beth Wilder, the latter of whom was executive director of the Literacy Council of Central Alabama. “My family was always committed to service,” Wilder said. “I spent a lot of summer days growing up either helping my mom’s nonprofit deliver books to schools around Birmingham or driving with her to Montgomery to advocate about different education issues.” Wilder’s commitment to service was cemented by work he did in Hale County. “One of the most significant parts of my personal social justice education was the summers

I spent in high school and college working at Sawyerville Day Camp, the Episcopal Church’s youth program in the Black Belt,” he said. “The program had a strong commitment to racial justice, and being on the Sawyerville leadership team was really the first serious step I took toward a career in social justice advocacy.” And it didn’t stop there. Wilder began his senior year at Washington University in St. Louis just after the 2014 shooting death of Michael Brown in nearby Ferguson. “That year as a whole definitely had a strong impact on my worldview and career plans,” Wilder said. “Law school had always been an idea in the back of my mind, but I started seriously considering it my senior year of college during Ferguson. As I got more involved with the protests, I saw a lot of connections to my work back in Alabama and thought about how the law had contributed to all of it. People had

always told me I would be a good lawyer, and so I started seriously thinking about civil rights law as a career.” After graduating from college, Wilder spent a year in St. Louis as part of the Coro Fellowship, a one-year public affairs program, then spent a year working on the Senate campaign of Jason Kander and as the director of a voting rights organization. Last summer, he worked at the Southern Poverty Law Center in Montgomery. Now, he’s using all of that experience to fight for voting rights restoration for people with criminal convictions. “Felony disenfranchisement is one of the largest sources of voter suppression in our country,” Wilder said. “In many states, the people most affected by the criminal justice system have no democratic voice in changing it. My team is using litigation and other direct advocacy to try and change that.”

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A18 • October 2020

Village Living

‘Each day is a blessing’

“

Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce’s Suzan Doidge shares her cancer journey By JESSE CHAMBERS October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual campaign designed to raise money to fight the deadly disease. The campaign has special significance this year for Mountain Brook resident Suzan Doidge, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in August 2019. She recently completed her treatments, which lasted for more than a year, and is cancer free. “I’m on the good side of things now,” she said. Doidge, the executive director of the Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce, talked to Village Living about her journey. She described her reaction to the diagnosis, discussed her treatment and celebrated the tremendous support she received along the way. Doidge also talked about her love for Mountain Brook and its small businesses and the way her job at the chamber helped sustain her during a tough year. In addition, Mountain Brook city officials who’ve worked closely with Doidge praised the guts she showed as she fought cancer while continuing to work full time. “She’s one of the most courageous people I know, and she’s one of the most uplifting, and I have never seen her down,” said Mountain Brook Mayor Stewart Welch III, another cancer survivor. “She’s handled every aspect of her cancer with remarkable grace,” Welch said. Even after Doidge got her diagnosis, “We couldn’t keep her from working — day or night,” said Mountain Brook Councilwoman Alice Womack, who also works with the chamber. “Suzan is one of a kind,” Womack said.

I appreciate being able to be outside on a beautiful sunny afternoon. I am a person of gratitude having gotten through this.

she said.“I really believe that one reason I fared so well was I had so many people praying for me.”

A CHAMBER CAREER

A Sylacauga native, Doidge graduated from Auburn University in 1980. She came to Birmingham in 1981 and moved to Mountain Brook in 1985. Doidge has been chamber executive director for 11 years and said she can’t think of a better place for her to be. “I’ve loved every minute,” she said. “Most of the business owners also live here. Not only are they members of the chamber, but they are my friends.” “You see them in church and in the grocery store, you have a relationship with them,” she said. “We have so many unique businesses, such as small boutiques, and the people who own them are unique.” Welch said Doidge is “all in” in terms of her love for the city and her love for the businesses and business owners in the city. Janet Forbes, who works as the assistant to Mountain Brook City Manager Sam Gaston, said it’s so fun to work with Doidge because of her professionalism, thoughtfulness and respect for those with whom she works on a daily basis. Womack described Doidge as a “connector” who loves people. “She is a bridge builder and is perfectly suited in her role,” Womack said.

THE ‘CANCER CLUB’

The cancer journey for Doidge began with a routine mammogram that showed an area in the right breast that needed to be biopsied. Dr. Timothy Bullock, her surgeon, did the biopsy and found a small spot that he felt only needed a lumpectomy. However, to be on the safe side, Bullock ordered an MRI, and it revealed a 6-centimeter mass in Doidge’s left breast. Understandably, Doidge said she was “worried and scared” by the diagnosis. Being diagnosed with cancer “is a club you don't want to be in,” she said. However, Doidge is grateful Bullock ordered the MRI that revealed the cancerous mass. “I probably wouldn’t have been here another year without him,” she said. Her treatment began with surgery — a double mastectomy in October 2019. The surgery went well, but Doidge was hit with an emotional shock in the aftermath. The surgeon initially told her after surgery that they got all of the cancer and that it was not in her lymph nodes. However, she was told the day after surgery that the cancer was indeed in her lymph nodes. “When you hear there is something in the lymph nodes, you don't know how far it traveled in your body,” Doidge said.

”

SUZAN DOIDGE

Suzan Doidge, a breast cancer survivor and executive director of the Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce, sits on a bench outside Mountain Brook City Hall on Sept. 9. Photo by Erin Nelson.

“I was not going to feel comfortable until I found out that we got it all,” she said.

FACING THE ‘RED DEVIL’

Doidge began “aggressive treatment” at the Bruno Cancer Center at St. Vincent’s Hospital, she said. She started chemotherapy in December 2019 using Adriamycin and Cytoxan, a drug cocktail referred to as “Red Devil.” She heard from other cancer patients that “Red Devil” chemotherapy was “the worst thing ever,” she said. Her friends told her they couldn’t work or keep any food down. However, Doidge said she “got through it pretty easily” overall, even though there were days she felt tired. She credits her oncologist, Dr. John Piede, for making that phase of her chemotherapy more tolerable. Piede had discovered that “if you do the ‘Red Devil’ for a longer time and with less strength, the outcome for the patient is better,” Doidge said.

After completing the Adriamycin and Cytoxan, she was given secondary chemotherapy, called Taxol. She had a total of 39 weekly chemotherapy treatments, as well as 38 daily treatments of radiation with her radiation oncologist, Dr. Susan Salter. She will have her final surgery, a reconstruction, in January with Dr. Stephen Steinmetz.

COPING IN MIND, BODY AND SPIRIT

Fortunately, Doidge had a strong personal support system to help her cope during treatment. Her husband, Neil Doidge, was with her when she got her diagnosis and was “very supportive” through her journey. She had the love and support of her two children: a daughter, Anne Raines, age 22, and a son, Campbell, age 19, both of whom were students at Auburn University. Doidge stuck to a normal routine as much as possible. “I didn’t change my exercise routine,” she said. “I tried to walk every day.” A simple philosophy helped

sustain her. “Every step along the way, I was just anticipating the worst but hoping for the best and being happy with whatever happened,” she said.

KEEP WORKING

Working at the chamber — except for a month following surgery — also helped Doidge cope. “I think when you are not concentrating on something else and you let your mind go, things can be so much worse,” she said. She also experienced an outpouring of support when word got out about her diagnosis. “Immediately people were calling and sending flowers and cards and encouraging me,’ she said. “I can't put into words how much I appreciate that. It is humbling.” This outpouring is perhaps not surprising, given Doidge’s place in Mountain Brook. “She loves this community, and this community adores her,” Womack said. Spiritual help was important, Doidge said. “My church stepped up for me and did a prayer vigil,”

CONTINUING CARE

Despite being cancer free, Doidge will go back for scans and checkups every few months for at least five years, maybe longer. She will also take “a chemo-type pill” daily for five years, she said. It’s important for all women to get annual checkups, Doidge said. “Breast cancer, if they catch it early, does not have to be a death sentence,” she said.

BACK TO THE FUTURE

It’s a relief for Doidge and her family to be finished with the major part of her treatment. “It has been all-consuming for the past year,” she said. “We’re all happy to be on the other side of that.” “We have all been living this diagnosis, so it's nice to put it behind us and plan for the future,” she said. Meanwhile, Doidge is more grateful for life than she was before. “You just don't take things for granted,” she said. “You know each day is a blessing,” Doidge said. “I appreciate being able to be outside on a beautiful sunny afternoon. I am a person of gratitude having gotten through this.”

VillageLivingOnline.com

October 2020 • A19

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A20 • October 2020

Village Living

A heart for service

Ronnie Vaughn awarded Ignite Government Volunteer of the Year award By INGRID SCHNADER The United Way of Central Alabama recognized Mountain Brook’s director of public works, Ronnie Vaughn, as this year’s Ignite Government Volunteer of the Year. The award recognizes a government employee or official who provided hands-on volunteer service and had a commitment for the betterment of the community. Vaughn has worked for Mountain Brook for nine years, and he first started connecting with United Way in 2002 after a family tragedy. Vaughn’s daughter was killed in a car accident that year — on Feb. 12, 2002. It wasn’t her fault, Vaughn said, but someone crossed the interstate and hit her. “We’re all Christians and attend Gardendale Baptist Church, but sometimes when you’re going through something like that, you need a little bit more counseling than what you might get from someone close to you,” he said. They visited the Amelia Center at Children’s of Alabama. The Amelia Center provides counseling for parents who have lost a child, and it also provides counseling for children and teens grieving the death of a family member. “We only went a couple of times because we were in a pretty good place and were able to cope with it,” he said. “But we were so appreciative of what they did and could tell it was a well-run organization.” In addition to providing grief counseling for Vaughn and his family, the Amelia Center also sent counselors to all three of the local schools as the community grieved the loss of Vaughn’s daughter. Vaughn said he remembers feeling even more appreciative of the Amelia Center once he found that out. Vaughn discovered the Amelia Center is partially funded by the United Way of Central Alabama. His appreciation for the Amelia Center fueled an appreciation for United Way, and he became a loan executive for United Way that fall.

He had that position one year and then joined the United Way Speakers Bureau. He said he has done hundreds of speaking engagements over the last 18 years. “I tell my story and what happened to us and go back through that day,” he said. “Toward the end of my speech, people know what United Way did for us. … I let them know that my belief is that we do serve a God that created us and created this Earth. He created Heaven and a place for us to be, and that’s where I believe my loved ones are. “I try to make it as subtle as I can, because I am talking to a diverse group of people. But I’m not ashamed of my story, and it is my story. I hope it helps somebody.” Vaughns enjoys volunteering with United Way because he sees firsthand the generosity of the people in the area, he said. “It’s not always the most wealthy,” he said. “You go into a factory setting, and a man signs up to give $5 or $10 a payday. That’s a lot for him.” His heart for serving others also translates to his job in Mountain Brook. Public works employees wear a lot of hats, Vaughn said. If there’s a tornado and a tree falls down, a public works employee helps out. If a citizen asks for a speed limit sign, a public works employee works with a police officer to make it happen. They help clean up before and after parades and events. “We’re still servants,” he said. “We of course work for a salary, but there’s some satisfaction helping any citizen. “In Mountain Brook, the residents are very appreciative of what our department does for them. It’s not unusual for someone to send us doughnuts or cards or emails. They’re very, very appreciative and easy to work with.” When he’s not speaking about his story or serving others, Vaughn enjoys spending time with his nine grandchildren. Between ball games, dance recitals, pageants and church, he said he stays busy.

The United Way of Central Alabama recognized Mountain Brook’s director of public works, Ronnie Vaughn, as this year’s Ignite Government Volunteer of the Year. Vaughn started working with United Way following the death of his daughter from an automobile accident. Photo courtesy of city of Mountain Brook.

VillageLivingOnline.com

October 2020 • A21

UAB neuroscientist, Mountain Brook resident wins prestigious fellowship Summer Thyme, a neuroscientist and assistant professor in UAB’s Department of Neurobiology, stands in her laboratory. Thyme in August was awarded a KlingensteinSimons Fellowship, through which she seeks to generate new mutants for genes linked to childhoodonset schizophrenia. Photo courtesy of Matt Windsor, UAB.

By JESSE CHAMBERS Summer Thyme, a Mountain Brook resident and assistant professor in the UAB Department of Neurobiology, became a neuroscientist for a specific reason. “I went into science specifically because of the potential to make a discovery that could affect millions of people,” Thyme told Village Living. At UAB, where she joined the faculty in 2019 and runs her own lab, Thyme studies genes linked to neuropsychiatric disorders, including the rare disease of childhood-onset schizophrenia. She seeks to decipher the molecular and developmental functions of these genes and to help identify potential therapeutics, according to UAB School of Medicine News. In August, Thyme got a big boost for her efforts. She was awarded a Klingenstein-Simons Fellowship in neuroscience, becoming UAB’s first recipient of this prestigious fellowship. The fellowships are given annually to only about a dozen promising young investigators in the first four years of their faculty positions. Upon hearing she had been chosen, Thyme was “excited, surprised and honored,” she said. The fellowship is special because it “supports early career researchers taking on exciting and risky projects,” she said. Traditional funding from governmental sources “tends to be risk-averse and requires a lot of the project to be completed to show feasibility, which can be challenging for a new professor,” Thyme said. This cutting-edge approach is perfect for Thyme. “I’ve always been inclined to do science in this way,” she said. “High-risk projects are not all that risky if you are committed to finding a way to reach your goal.” As part of her Klingenstein-Simons project, Thyme seeks to generate new mutants for genes

linked to childhood-onset schizophrenia, and her lab makes zebrafish models that harbor the exact genetic variants found in human patients, according to School of Medicine News. A native of New Hampshire, Thyme holds bachelor’s degrees in biology and one in chemistry from Scripps College. In 2012, she finished her Ph.D. in Seattle at the University of Washington. She finished her postdoctoral fellowship in 2019 at Harvard University. She and her family moved to Birmingham in July 2019 and settled in Mountain Brook a few months later. “We love it here so far,” Thyme said, referring to Mountain Brook.”You can find my family at the Tot Lot, enjoying the amazing

botanical gardens or taking walks on the Jemison Park trail.” She is also grateful to the neurobiology department for being “so supportive” and helping her “achieve so much” in her first year on campus. “UAB is a great environment to do cutting-edge science,” Thyme said. Thyme is hopeful that her work at the university with childhood-onset schizophrenia could yield far-reaching dividends. “Studying this rare disease could provide insight into more common forms of the disorder where the underlying genes are less well-understood,” Thyme said. Schizophrenia affects about 1% of the population, and other related disorders are also

common, she said. “If we can discover a treatment for these disorders that is even slightly better than what exists, that could relieve suffering for these patients,” Thyme said. Thyme and her team are also “setting up new pipelines for drug discovery using a high-throughput animal model, the baby zebrafish, and building new computational methods for drug design,” she said. In addition, Thyme — near the beginning of a promising career — should have no shortage of intriguing challenges ahead of her. “The brain is one of the most poorly understood organs, and it is clear that we need many decades of research in this area to make progress on treatments for brain disorders,” she said.

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A22 • October 2020

Village Living

Community Have a community announcement? Email Jesse Chambers at jchambers@starnespublishing.com to be considered for inclusion in an upcoming issue.

Collat, Alzheimer’s of Central Alabama to host an online book event Oct. 7. By JESSE CHAMBERS Younger-onset Alzheimer’s disease is a form of dementia that affects people younger than age 65. It is fairly uncommon, with about 5% to 6% of people with Alzheimer’s developing symptoms before age 65, according to statistics cited at mayoclinic.org. It was this form of the disease that disrupted and permanently changed the lives of Harvey and Renée Brown Harmon, both of whom were family practice doctors. The married couple, who lived in Mountain Brook, were partners in life and partners in a thriving private practice — Double Oak Family Medicine — that they created and developed together. But Harvey Harmon received a shattering dementia diagnosis at age 50. What happened then — as the couple and their family attempted to cope — is the subject of a new book by Renée Harmon, called “Surfing the Waves of Alzheimer’s: Principles of Caregiving That Kept Me Upright.” A memoir and guidebook, her book recalls the tough decisions she faced as her husband’s medical partner, best friend and caregiver. Each chapter of the book closes

with guidance to help family members stay cope at each stage of this difficult journey. Renée Harmon will discuss her book and answer questions during a free virtual event, sponsored by Alzheimer’s of Central Alabama and Collat Jewish Family Services (CJFS), on Oct. 7 at 1 p.m., according to a news release from CJFS. She said felt the first jolt of fear that something was wrong with her husband on a family vacation in 2009, when he was unable to follow the simple instructions given to them by their guide. Harvey Harmon was diagnosed nine months later. Suddenly forced to manage both their family and their business, Renée Harmon survived by relying on friends, family and her faith. Harvey Harmon died in 2018. In the book, Renée Harmon draws on her experience caring for her husband and nearly 30 years as a family practice doctor. She offers a clear-eyed account of the disease and its progression while sharing best practices to help family caregivers maintain their emotional balance. “I may have gotten rocked by the waves and thrown into the ocean of dementia, but I eventually did learn to ride those waves and keep my

Renée Brown Harmon is the author of “Surfing the Waves of Alzheimer’s: Principles of Caregiving That Kept Me Upright,” right, which discusses how she and her family tried to cope when her late husband was diagnosed with younger-onset Alzheimer’s disease. Photos courtesy of Renee Brown Harmon.

balance,” she says in the book. Renée Harmon has been a solo practitioner since 2010 when Harvey was forced to retire because of his diagnosis. Harmon’s book is now available through Amazon, all ebook distributors and at bookstores.

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VillageLivingOnline.com

October 2020 • A23

Mitchell’s Place’s Golf Chili Championship returns Oct. 12 By JESSE CHAMBERS According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, autism affects 1 in 54 children, making it the fastest growing development disorder in the United States. The nonprofit Mitchell’s Place provides comprehensive social, educational and therapeutic services for children and families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder and other developmental disabilities. The goal is to unlock the full potential of children with autism. In addition, Mitchell’s Place seeks to offer its services at an affordable cost. To raise money to help continue this work, the organization will host its ninth annual Mitchell’s Golf Chili Championship on the Founders Course at Greystone Golf and Country Club from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Columbus Day, Oct. 12. The event — an afternoon of food, drinks and fierce competition — will begin with registration and lunch at 11 a.m. The tournament begins with a shotgun start at noon and is followed by dinner. The Golf Chili Championship typically attracts about 100 golfers, said Macy Vintson, the organization’s director of advancement. This tournament is unique because it’s “a no-pressure fundraiser,” she said. “The competition is friendly, and you spend a day doing something you love while supporting a great cause.” The event also allows five golfers per team, unlike a lot of tournaments, Vintson said. The event is always held on Columbus Day, when the banks and the stock market are closed. This

Above: Participants of the 2019 Mitchell’s Golf Chili Championship at Greystone Golf and Country Club. Right: Mitchell Meisler, for whom the nonprofit Mitchell’s Place is named, holds two cups — including one cup of chili — during the 2019 event, which returns Oct. 12 this year. Photo courtesy Mitchell’s Place.

means that some of the business people who participate “have the time and no guilt of enjoying a beautiful day of golf with their friends,” Vintson said. The fundraiser is especially important to Mitchell’s Place this year. “Like many nonprofits, Mitchell’s Place has experienced significant financial strains due to COVID-19,” Vintson said. “This fundraiser is the first one we have had since February, and the funds raised will be used to support our programs that desperately need the revenue.” Mitchell’s Place, located at 4778 Overton Road, was co-founded by Allen Meisler and is named after his son, Mitchell, who was diagnosed with autism at the age of 3. The tournament was created by

Meisler and board member Jamie Cowin to increase awareness of Mitchell’s Place through a popular activity like golf, Vinston said. Meisler is an avid golfer, and his son — though he does not particularly enjoy golfing — “loves being on the course, driving the golf carts and eating at the club house,” Vintson said. Chili was incorporated into the event because it is Mitchell’s favorite food, she said. Meisler remembers the fall day at Greystone that he learned how much his son loved chili. “I was heading out to the course, and I could not find Mitchell anywhere,” he said. “The general manager comes up to me and says, ‘Sir, Mitchell is in the dining room

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eating chili.’ Allen Meisler went into the dining room where the lunch buffet is set up and saw Mitchell, spoon in hand, eating the chili directly out of the 5-gallon pot. “So I had to buy the entire thing of chili for Mitch,” his father said. The famous Greystone chili is perfect for the fall and is served at the tournament each year during lunch and dinner. “It has become a player favorite,” Vintson said. The Golf Chili Championship has raised about $50,000 each year and

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almost $500,000 since it began, Vintson said. Single player entries are $400 and include lunch, dinner, alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages and a cart. A sponsorship for a five-member team costs $2,000. All players receive lunch, dinner, alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages and the use of golf carts. To register, call 205-951-9538, email advancement@mitchellsplace.com or go to apps.mitchellsplace.com/donate-now and select “Golf Tournament.”

A24 • October 2020

Village Living

Schoolhouse Have a schoolhouse announcement? Email Jesse Chambers at jchambers@starnespublishing.com to be considered for inclusion in an upcoming issue.

Mountain Brook schools use metrics to guide attendance plan By JESSE CHAMBERS As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, Mountain Brook schools are offering students either a virtual learning option or a traditional option with regular school attendance. The school system also is using masking, social distancing and other safety protocols. Superintendent Dicky Barlow sent out a letter to Mountain Brook High School. Staff photo. families Sept. 11 to update them on the plan, which called for students in junior high and high County, or an average of 66 cases per day. ► The positivity rate for COVID-19 tests school to attend school on alternating days to reduce crowding. The topic was also on the over one week in Jefferson County was less agenda at a lengthy, well-attended board meet- than 5%. ► Jefferson County had been in green or ing Sept. 14. The plan is “challenging” for our students, yellow (low or moderate risk) on the Alabama staff and the community, but school officials Department of Public Health’s Risk Indicator believe it's “the best approach to keep our Map. ► Local school data showed that positivity, schools open,” Barlow said. “We appreciate your adaptability and encour- contact and absentee rates in the school system age you to continue taking these health and remained at manageable levels. These metrics should be observed over a safety precautions seriously,” he told families. In the letter, Barlow shared the metrics from three-week period, school officials said “We all would love to identify a specific the Jefferson County Department of Health that Mountain Brook school officials are fol- target date” for a change, Barlow said. lowing to guide them in making a decision on However, he said the “best process” in when the current attendance plan can change changing the district plan is to use these metsafely. rics from the Jefferson County Department of ► The average daily incidence of COVID- Health. Mountain Brook school officials are 19 cases over one week was less than 10 cases evaluating data on a daily and weekly basis, per day per 100,000 population in Jefferson Barlow said.

Mountain Brook Elementary installs 2020-21 PTO board Mountain Brook Elementary’s new 2020-21 PTO board is looking forward to supporting MBE this school year, during a time that poses unique challenges for schools worldwide. Led by President Hill Weathers, this year’s officers include: Amy Moore (president-elect), Shannon Cooley (vice president of volunteers), Lindsey Druhan (vice president of technology), Bridget Drennan (vice president of fund development), Mountain Brook Elementary. Staff photo. Kitty Brown (vice president of communications), Sumner Rives (vice president of events), Susannah Baker plexishield “sneeze guards” for small group (vice president-elect of events), Stephanie work, lunch totes, professional learning for Brown (treasurer), Ashley Seligson (treasur- staff and social-emotional learning books to er-elect), Kate Brinkley (secretary), and Mary help teachers promote the message of inclusion, kindness and tolerance. MBE’s PTO is Virginia Mandell (parliamentarian). Already, the PTO has helped MBE pre- looking forward to helping the school meet pare for reopening during a global pandemic, any other needs that may arise this year. Weathers said what she “loves most about thanks to funds provided directly to the school through the generosity of school parents and MBE is that it has always been a community school. Generations of parents, administrators the greater MBE community. These funds were used for, among other and teachers have worked together to grow things, custom facial coverings and individual and develop our children not only academwater bottles for all staff, Promethean Boards ically, but emotionally and socially as well. and training for interactive virtual learning, No matter what this school year may bring, additional flexible seating options to pro- our strong commitment to one another will mote distancing, wall and floor markings for not change.” MBE parents interested in learning more directing travel and spacing, extra face masks, gloves, and cleaning supplies, mobile carts to about how to get involved with the MBE PTO teachers changing classrooms, custom MBE should visit mbelancerpto.com. floor shields for the gym and auditorium, col– Submitted by Sam Chandler, Mountain ored cones for distancing during PE, mobile Brook Schools.

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VillageLivingOnline.com

October 2020 • A25

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A26 • October 2020

Village Living

Mountain Brook system welcomes 2 new school resource officers Two new school resource officers have joined Mountain Brook Schools for the 202021 academic year. Rozetha Burrow and Daphne Horton are both law enforcement veterans who have served in the Mountain Brook Police Department for 13 years. Burrow is the new SRO at Brookwood Forest Elementary, while Horton is the new SRO at Cherokee Bend Elementary. Both officers began working toward their roles long before the positions became available. In 2019, they earned certification through the National Association of School Resource Officers. “They showed they were interested in being SROs,” said Cpl. Glen White, the SRO at Crestline Elementary who oversees the SRO program within MBS. “Before they even came into the program, they went to prepare for the position.” Burrow has worked in law enforcement for 21 years and joined MBPD in 2007. She served as the department's business liaison officer from 2016 until transitioning to her new role at Brookwood Forest on July 1. Burrow, a University of Alabama graduate who played basketball for the Crimson Tide, has been named MBPD’s Officer of the Year twice and in 2017 was recognized as Mountain Brook’s City Employee of the Year. She said she is looking forward to forming relationships with those whom she protects and building trust in the police department. “It’s about making sure these kids know that you are dependable, accountable and they can trust you,” Burrow said. “If you have that,

Rozetha Burrow, left, will serve as the new school resource officer at Brookwood Forest Elementary. Daphne Horton is the new SRO at Cherokee Bend Elementary. Both Burrow and Horton are law enforcement veterans. Photos courtesy of Mountain Brook Schools.

they’ll come to you when there’s something wrong or when they think something’s wrong.” Horton, a UAB alumna, has worked in law enforcement for 33 years and joined MBPD in 2007 after a 20-year career with the Birmingham Police Department. She served as a patrol officer on the night shift in Mountain Brook before transitioning to her role at Cherokee Bend. The 2020-21 school year is not Horton’s first time working with children. While in Birmingham, she was an adviser for the youth Explorers program and coached Police Athletic Teams. “I really missed working with kids,” Horton said. “That’s what got me wanting to do this.”

Horton replaced longtime SRO Bryan Kelley, who retired, while Burrow replaced Josh Glidewell, who is now the SRO at Mountain Brook Junior High following the promotion of Scott Hall to MBPD sergeant. All SROs in MBS are certified through the National Association of School Resource Officers. Their duties include but are not limited to patrolling and securing campuses, directing traffic during arrival and dismissal, speaking to classes, and forming relationships with students, employees, and families. White said Burrow and Horton possess the qualities to excel in their new positions. In addition to their distinguished policing credentials, they communicate effectively, relate

well to others and make good decisions under pressure. Already, White has received nothing but positive reviews. “I’m really looking forward to just hearing good reports,” he said, “because that’s what I am hearing.” Brookwood Forest Elementary is located 3701 South Brookwood Road. For more information, call 205-414-3700 or go to mtnbrook. k12.al.us/bwf. Cherokee Bend Elementary is located at 4400 Fair Oaks Drive. For more information, call 205-871-3595 or go to mtnbrook.k12.al.us/ cb. – Submitted by Sam Chandler, Mountain Brook Schools.

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VillageLivingOnline.com

October 2020 • A27

Mountain Brook City Schools Foundation raises record amount The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic this past spring prevented the Mountain Brook City Schools Foundation from closing its fiscal year with a strong fundraising push. In fact, one of its marquee fundraisers — the Mountain Brook Elementary Track Meet — was canceled. But the wobbly finish to fiscal 2020, which concluded April 30, didn’t erase a year of great gains for the foundation. Thanks to the leadership of first-year Executive Director Rachel Weingartner and exceptional community generosity, it raised more annual funds than ever before: $508,534. That money is now part of the foundation’s permanent endowment through which it supports professional development, technology, and library enhancements within Mountain Brook Schools. “We are really proud of the fundraising efforts last year, particularly because several of our campaigns were in their second and third years,” Weingartner said, “and I think we could attribute a lot of our success last year to the growth of those campaigns.” The foundation’s signature campaigns include Give 180, which encourages families to give $1 for each day their student receives instruction from MBS, and the Grandparents Club. Funds generated from these campaigns allow the foundation to fulfill its mission of mobilizing community support and resources for the academic improvement of the school system. MBS experienced the foundation’s profound impact when it shifted to e-Learning in April. Past grants had enabled the school system to strengthen technology infrastructure, invest in the Seesaw student engagement platform, and supply students and teachers with Chromebooks critical to remote instruction. “Without the foundation’s support, our school system’s transition to e-learning

“

Without the foundation’s support, our school system’s transition to e-learning would have been much more challenging.

”

SUPERINTENDENT DICKY BARLOW

would have been much more challenging,” MBS Superintendent Dicky Barlow said. “We are forever indebted to the foundation and are so thankful for all of its contributions. I know our appreciation will continue to grow during the 2020-21 academic year as we utilize the tools it has provided to facilitate learning throughout our school community." The foundation was formed in 1992 to raise supplementary funds for MBS and has awarded more than $7.1 million since its inception. Even amid the unusual circumstances presented by COVID-19, Weingartner said her organization stands ready to meet the school system’s needs as it navigates a new year. “This year, it’s more important than ever that our families and our donors participate in our campaigns, especially with the uncertainty of what this year looks like,” she said. “If there has ever been a time to work together for the good of our schools and students, it is now.” To watch a video about the foundation featuring Barlow, principals and other MBS administrators, go to mbgives.org/ video-mountain-brook-schools-2020. – Submitted by Sam Chandler, Mountain Brook Schools.

Elementary student Drennen Nichols uses his Chromebook for class instruction. The Mountain Brook City Schools Foundation raised $508,534 in fiscal 2020, more than ever before. Photo courtesy of Mountain Brook City Schools Foundation.

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A28 • October 2020

Village Living

CIRCLE

CONTINUED from page A1 merchants in a vibrant, walkable Mountain Brook Village. This initiative will take advantage of what is likely the permanent closure of Canterbury Road at Cahaba Road due to traffic concerns. On Aug. 24, the Mountain Brook City Council unanimously approved the city’s participation in a study of design and landscape options for Village Circle. Those options include combining the traffic islands on Cahaba Road in front of Realty South and Gilchrist. The lead firm in the study will be The Olin Studio, a famed landscape architecture firm based in Philadelphia that redesigned Columbus Circle in New York City. The study will also involve plant designers Landau Design + Technology from Philadelphia and local landscape architects Joel Eliason and Dave Giddens of Nimrod Long & Associates. The costs for the city will be $16,500 for the Olin Studio design fee plus the cost of combining the traffic islands. However, the city is not obligated to pay the Olin fee until Johnson is able to raise additional private monies of about $55,000 to pay for the rest of the design costs on the project. Private donations will pay the $34,500 planting design fee and additional fees for the local landscape architects and traffic engineers. The council also discussed the BLD proposal Aug. 10, and members and Mayor Stewart Welch expressed strong support. “I know when we close Canterbury Road, some money will have to be expended, so I like this approach,” City Council President Virginia Smith said. “It’s a tight fiscal year, but we’re talking about a major centerpiece of our entire city, and this will start it in the right direction.” “I think it is too prominent a place not to do it,” Councilor Alice Womack said. “It makes perfect sense to me,” Welch said.

Above: A watercolor of Mountain Brook Village by Bob Moody. There are hopes that a redesigned Village Circle will help businesses, perhaps by adding seating on the traffic islands. Watercolor courtesy of Mountain Brook Board of Landscape Design. Below: Judy Venonsky, a living systems specialist with The Olin Studio, a landscape architecture firm based out of Philadelphia that is leading the design and landscape study of Village Circle. Photo courtesy of Judy Venonsky.

“

My vision for Village Circle is a place to meet up with friends before you go shopping or to lunch. ‘Meet me at The Circle.’ That would be nice to hear.

BALANCING ACT

Jemison envisioned Village Circle as “an entrance to the community, to the city,” BLD member and Mountain Brook Village resident Tommy Amason later told Village Living. “I think it would be very appropriate to have an inviting native garden setting to welcome you to the community,” he said. In Amason’s view, Village Circle could also use a fresh look. “It’s sort of barren-looking,” he said. “It has nothing but some oak trees. It needs some formal planting.” To honor the past while making it new again is a delicate balancing act, project backers said. “It’s a beautiful walking village, but more important, it has heart and soul, and I think it’s important to hold on to that as we move forward with improvements,” said Lydia Pursell, a BLD member who owns Leaf & Petal garden shop. It is that balancing act that draws Olin to the project, said Judy Venonsky, the firm’s living systems specialist and go-to plant expert. “It’s quite interesting for us to add on to that Olmstedian vision in a contemporary way and take something that has a storied history and add to that layer of history with what we are designing,” Venonsky said. “Olin would be hired to design the concept, essentially what would be the best use for these traffic

”

LYDIA PURSELL

circles if Canterbury Road was permanently closed,” Johnson said Aug. 10. “And then we would have a group of plant experts, which would be designing what would grow best in these traffic islands, looking at how we get the most resilient, most attractive plantings with limited input — as far as management, labor, replacement costs, water, fertilizer.” There are hopes that a redesigned Village Circle will help local businesses, perhaps by adding seating on the traffic islands. “I think again having people congregate socially and being around those businesses will activate the space in general,” Venonsky said. “I think a well-landscaped area that will encourage pedestrians to come and sit will always be good for merchants and not just food but your boutiques, as well,” Smith told Village Living. The site does have some challenges, though, Smith said. “It’s a small space, but it’s a difficult space,” she said, “You’ve got traffic, and you’ve got trees and no telling what we have underground.” Venonsky agrees that Village Circle is a “tiny little space” and

poses an “intriguing” design problem. “But it’s also in a very vibrant area” and the potential exists to “create some interesting space within it that allows for people to congregate,” she said. “Safety is a big challenge when you’re dealing with traffic in any situation,” said Venonsky, noting that traffic engineering will be a big part of the plan. “It’s all about the community, the businesses and giving proper access to those driving in the village and walking around,” Pursell said. “As we grow as a community, things have to be tweaked a bit. What seems like a big change in the beginning is designed to bring seamless vehicle flow and more importantly safety to pedestrians, a lot of them children. This is a design for all.” The design team will seek to use native plants in an effective, sophisticated way with combination of human expertise and computer modeling, Johnson said. “We should be able to arrive at a really well-researched plan for what will grow best in Village Circle that will be attractive and also beneficial for the environment,” he said.

EXAMPLE FOR OTHERS

Some project supporters believe it will attract positive attention to Mountain Brook. “I think that if we set it up properly and have the right people on board to herald our news, it would be a regional project to put Mountain Brook and Birmingham and Alabama on the map,” Amason said. In addition, organizers intend to make this database of native plants available to other municipalities in the Birmingham area, and Village Circle could also serve as a display garden to show people the possibilities of low-maintenance planting, Johnson said. Being part of the project and seeing the other volunteers who are putting in their time makes Pursell proud of the community, she said. “There are many devoting their personal time, who care so much about our villages,” she said. “Nothing is decided without exploring the impact it will have long term. We have talked for hours about a tree. Yes, this project will be beautiful, but it has hundreds of man hours behind it to ensure it is functional and the best idea.”

Pursell has her own notions of what the site could become. “My vision for Village Circle is a place to meet up with friends before you go shopping or to lunch,” she said. “‘Meet me at The Circle.’ That would be nice to hear.” She is optimistic about the ultimate result. “So much time, energy and heart is going into this project,” she said. “I feel confident it will be a sensible and lovely space.” At press time, the design firms and city officials were finalizing contracts, and fundraising for the design phase was nearly complete, Johnson said. Once work begins on the design, the work should take “a few months,” Venonsky said. Johnson told Councilor Philip Black on August 10 that it was difficult to project an estimated final budget for the construction of the entire project. “I don’t think we can put out a number just yet because we don’t know what this study will reveal,” Johnson said. Project backers “have no preconceptions about what has to happen” until the study is done, he said “If Olin comes up with this really grand design, the city will not be asked to pay in excess of what it would otherwise pay to combine those two islands,” Johnson said. For more information regarding the project, such as how to make a memorial gift or honorarium in support of the construction phase, contact simeonjohnson@msn.com.

VillageLivingOnline.com

October 2020 • A29

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A30 • October 2020

Village Living

Above: Marissa Luna at the Redmont Hotel in Birmingham while filming a video. Left: From left is Michael Shane Wright, Marissa, Michael Warren and Dan Hannon at Ivy Manor at the Shoals Studio. Photos courtesy of Marissa Luna.

Marissa turns 17 in October and already has her sights set on devoting herself to her music full time after graduating from high school. “Right now it’s basically just music and school for me,” she said. “Five years from now, I hope to be mostly out in LA performing and touring. I also hope to be at the Grammys.”

LUNA

CONTINUED from page A1 director) told me, ‘There’s something different about her voice.’”

‘MAKING THIS MY LIFE’

Now that she’s 16, the rest of the world is learning about Marissa’s voice. The Mountain Brook High School junior is preparing to release her first EP, she’s collaborating with a big YouTube star, and she’s working with some of the best music producers and songwriters in the business. “I’m definitely planning on making this my life,” Marissa said of her burgeoning pop music career. “It is something I’ve been working hard toward for a long time.” Her early experience at RMTC instilled a love for theater in Marissa, and she appeared in shows there and at the Virginia Samford Theatre, including “The Wizard of Oz,” “Hairspray” and “Hello, Dolly!” She studied with Amy Musphy and Kristi Tingle Higginbotham along the way. But at about age 14, Marissa made the decision to devote her time to pop music, and she’s thrown herself into it full force. “I guess I honestly always knew I liked pop music,” Marissa said. “I never was the kid who grew up listening to country. That was not me. I guess pop had more of an appeal to me than other genres.” And music in general appealed to Marissa growing up because it was an escape. “I’ve always been the outcast in school,” she said. “I had a small friend group, was quiet in the classroom, never asked questions. … I had the sense that music was my purpose. I had this great feeling when I was playing music. No matter what else was going on, music brought me this feeling of safeness and home.” And now, it’s bringing her recognition. She’s working with songwriter Michael Warren, who is from Birmingham and worked with the likes of Jennifer Lopez, Flo Rida, Cody Simpson and Toni Braxton; and has been signed by producers Michael Shane Wright and Grammy-winner Dan Hannon in Muscle Shoals. She’s also working with Grammy-nominated Jan Smith Studios, whose “Mama Jan” has worked with Justin Bieber, Usher, Shania Twain and others. Most recently, Marissa sang with YouTube sensation Landon Austin

on a cover of Selena Gomez and Trevor Daniel’s “Past Life.” She’s also put out three covers of her own, of Maren Morris’ “The Bones,” Ariana Grande’s “One Last Time” and Shawn Mendes’ “Lost in Japan.” All that before her first EP is released in the fall. It hasn’t just been handed to Marissa. She’s worked hard, her mother says. “From April to August, she worked on her first EP, with five songs,” Chitwood said. “Every single week, except one, she’s been in the studio. They’ve written 40 songs, and five made the cut. “Michael is really helping her, and now we’re getting songs from the top writers in Los Angeles,” she

added. “It’s amazing how God has just opened up the door for her. I’m amazed every day.”

BRANCHING OUT

Marissa also has a history with pageants, most recently serving as Shelby County’s Outstanding Teen. She also was only the second sophomore to win Mountain Brook High School’s Miss Olympian Pageant. The pageants have both helped and hindered her music career, she said. On the down side, the pageant style of singing — 90-second snippets of songs with big crescendos to wow the judges — is not what producers are looking for. On the plus side, Marissa became accustomed to being on stage and being interviewed. She also still

helps the community through her pageant platform. “My platform, More Than Meets the Eye, helps children with hidden disabilities, and I’ve carried that through to my music and hope to carry it through the rest of my life,” Marissa said. And her community service doesn’t stop there. She recently created another community organization, Psalms 91 Luggage, after finding a lot of suitcases while cleaning out during the pandemic. “It was foster month, and I was thinking about it, that I have this amazing, supportive family around me, and some people don’t have that, and I wanted to be a friend, family to them,” Marissa said. “A lot of the

girls in foster homes don’t have luggage, and they have to pack up their belongings in a trash bag when they have to move.” So Marissa and her mother started packing the suitcases with essentials and donating them to organizations that could use them, mainly Grace House Ministries and King’s Home. To date, they’ve delivered almost 200 pieces of luggage. Marissa turns 17 in October and already has her sights set on devoting herself to her music full time after graduating from high school. “Right now it’s basically just music and school for me,” she said. “Five years from now, I hope to be mostly out in LA performing and touring. I also hope to be at the Grammys.”

VillageLivingOnline.com

October 2020 â&#x20AC;˘ A31

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Metro Roundup B24

OCTOBER 2020

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Home & Garden Guide

Fall

Gardner Landscaping....................B1 Little Hardware.............................B2 DSLD Land Management featuring Aquascapes and Desjoyaux Pools.........................B3 Cathy Rogoff – ARC Realty...........B4 Linscomb & Williams.....................B5 Brandino Brass..............................B6 Kathryn and Todd Dorlon Ray & Poynor Properties/ TMD Landscape Designs............B7 Katrina Porter Designs..................B8 Guin Service..................................B9 The Grow Group of RealtySouth.........................B10

Gardner Landscaping 205-401-3347 • GardnerLandscapingLLC.com When it comes to landscaping, Alabama has it made, with a broad variety of trees and shrubs to choose from. Now is the perfect time to try some out, according to the experts at Gardner Landscaping. “Fall is often considered the best time of year to plant new trees and shrubs,” owner Grant Gardner said. But how do you choose which ones? Several factors come into play when it comes to selecting the right plants for your landscaping, including sun exposure, soil type, the slope of the landscape and personal preferences in color and type. “At Gardner Landscaping, we take pride in coming up with a plan that meets the needs of each customer and landscape,”

Grant said. That attention to detail is one of the things that sets Gardner Landscaping apart from many other landscape companies. Another is that they have the personnel and resources to get your project completed quickly. “We will normally provide you with the pricing for your project within one day from when we meet with you,” Grant said. Gardner Landscaping specializes in trees and shrubs and can use them to create beautiful entertainment and privacy areas. “More customers are looking for outdoor entertainment areas or areas for them to escape to and relax in a pleasing atmosphere, and we have the vision to create these enjoyable areas,” Grant said.

One Man & A Toolbox................B10 Southern Home Structural Repair Specialists.....................B11 The Atchison Gallery and Village Framers....................B11 Katie Crommelin – Ray & Poynor Properties..........B12 Mold & Mildew Solutions............B12 Holcombe Doors and Windows....B13 The Happy Olive Mountain Brook...B13 Helen McTyeire Drennen - RealtySouth............................B14 Byars | Wright Insurance..............B14 Classic Iron Works.......................B15 LAH Real Estate..........................B15

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B2 • October 2020

FALL HOME AND GARDEN ○ SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Village Living

Little Hardware 205-871-4616 Frank Davies of Little Hardware in English Village is known for offering big service for his customers. Helping others with home projects is in this blood, following in the footsteps of his father, who purchased the hardware store from Lewis Little in 1965. Founded on delivering friendly, neighborly service, Little Hardware takes good care of its customers. “Our staff is very helpful in trying to find the right product for each customer’s individual needs,” Frank said. Presenting products for everyone, Little Hardware covers it all, from yard tools and outdoor grilling to housewares and power tools. “We might surprise you in what we have to sell,” he said. With fall in full swing, Frank notes leaf blowers as the hot item of the day. Little Hardware offers several options to choose from for big jobs or small spaces. And that’s not all. The store is stocked with everything you need to create and maintain your own master garden. Fertilizers, seeds, soils and bark bring your yard to life. And pesticides, sprinklers and hoses help you keep it that way. Thinking about getting a backyard grill? Little Hardware keeps them coming all year long. Featuring an entire line of specialists can work on your lamp, small purchase, and your giftee will love you for it. warriors or simply completing your Weber grills for gas and charcoals, the workshop, Little Hardware keeps the aisles engine, grill or small appliance, saving you For refreshed home designs for the wide-ranging selection will have you time, money and heartache. stocked with everything from drills and holidays, Little Hardware’s paint store outside in no time for fall football games As always, Little Hardware offers free jigsaws to saws and sanders. You’ll also find offers all the supplies you need to get the and activities. Just don’t forget the cooking delivery with minimum $25 purchases, just the right sockets, wrenches, drill bits job done, including Benjamin Moore paint. accessories, wood chips and Traeger Monday through Friday beginning at 9 a.m. and fasteners for the toolbox, keeping you A trusted go-to for the perfect palette, pellets — Little Hardware has those, too. Again, that’s Little Hardware delivering ready for the next gig. Benjamin Moore paints and stains help When you’re heading out to a fall big service for the community. Have an old tool that doesn’t do the job customers reimagine interior and exterior gathering, stop by Little Hardware first to “Call or come by and see us,” Frank said. anymore? If you can’t replace it, you can spaces for the finishing touch. pick up a gift. Housewares for the hostess, Once you do, you’ll see why Little Hardware fix it. Better yet, let Little Hardware repair When in search of the perfect power aspiring chef or baker are within fast, easy continues to be a Mountain Brook favorite. for you.your A designated of repair toolthis for large construction jobs, weekend Celebrate revitalizing fresh paletteitwith own team FREE SAMPLE.

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VillageLivingOnline.com

FALL HOME AND GARDEN ○ SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

October 2020 • B3

DSLD Land Management featuring Aquascapes and Desjoyaux Pools 205-437-1012 • dsldland.com DSLD Land Management is a familyowned, full-service landscape design and build company that has been bringing quality and value to central Alabama since 1983. The company’s work has been regularly featured in Southern Living and Builder+Architect magazine. The team at DSLD Land Management is ready to help you make your swimming pool dreams come true. They were recently selected as central Alabama’s exclusive dealer of Desjoyaux Pools. As the world’s largest swimming pool manufacturer, Desjoyaux has honed its system into a fast and efficient process to ensure their pools can deliver on your expectations. You can choose your pool’s size, shape and design. Our pools are built using recycled materials and a pipeless filtration system that use less energy than traditional pools. If you don’t like chlorine, choose a filter that doesn’t require harsh chemicals. Desjoyaux Pools install faster and more efficiently than other pools and are backed with unprecedented warranties. DSLD Land Management provides turnkey installation of your swimming pool, all requisite construction, as well as any landscape elements. “We offer a continuum of services ranging from consultation to planning to complete build out of any project large or small,” said David Sharp, owner and founder of DSLD

Land Management. Equipped with a full staff of licensed and degreed designers, talented horticulturists, masons, engineers and landscape architects, DSLD has one of the most experienced field service teams in the business. “We can dry out any foundation, whether home or office. We have worked with developers, city engineers, railroad companies, industries and even farmers to design solutions to water problems,” Sharp said. The DSLD team works to find the least intrusive and most economical way to solve your water problem, leaving the foundation and landscape dry and free of erosion. “We recognize that communication and timely response is important to our clients,” Sharp said, “and to that end, we employ a professional office staff to personally handle every call and inquiry.” DSLD invites you to visit their AquaScapes retail store featuring Desjoyaux Pools conveniently located across from Lee Branch Shopping Center on Highway 280 adjacent to Hanna’s Garden Shop. The store carries a wide variety of fountains, bird baths, feeders, chimes, fish, pond building kits, outdoor kitchens, outdoor lighting, pool supplies and much more. No matter your outdoor needs, DSLD Land Management, AquaScapes and Desjoyaux Pools stand ready to serve!

B4 • October 2020

Village Living

FALL HOME AND GARDEN ○ SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Cathy Rogoff – ARC Realty 205-266-5944 • cathyrogoff.arcrealtyco.com Buying a house during this season is unbelievably fantastic, said Realtor Cathy Rogoff of ARC Realty. “The market has exploded,” she said. Lower-than-normal interest rates make now a good time to buy a house, Rogoff said. And there aren’t as many houses on the market, which helps sellers sell their homes faster. Those looking to buy a home are considering anything and everything — even houses that might typically be torn down are being bought and renovated. “Houses that need work are being scooped up like there’s no tomorrow,” she said. The COVID-19 pandemic hasn’t slowed anything down, either. As an agent, Rogoff has set up cleaning stations outside of homes, including disinfecting wipes, soap and even disposable shoe covers. She also asked sellers to leave the lights on and closet doors open. “When I show houses to people, I get there 15 minutes early,” she said. “I go through and wipe down knobs, countertops and more. I’ve always got a Clorox wipe in my hand.” When she shows a home, she carries along a cleaning kit with extra latex gloves, masks, disinfecting spray and paper towels. Rogoff’s exceptional customer service and attention to detail help her stand out from other local real estate agents. She wears a lot of hats — she stages houses and helps clean them up. She informs her clients which renovations are important and which won’t add value to the house. She facilitates any work that needs to be done, including the hiring of painters, electricians and roofers. “I go over to my clients’ houses to help, and I dive right in,” she said.

Her decades of experience make sure the job is done right. She has been a real estate agent since ’95, and before that, she worked in interior design. These two skill sets come together to make buying or selling a home an easier process. All of Rogoff’s real estate transactions make positive impacts on her clients. For example, she sold one house to a client three years ago and told the client that the house would be a nice investment property. Rogoff was able to quadruple the client’s money when he sold the house recently. “This allows him to now do something else for his family, which is pretty darn cool,” she said. “It was really something.” She just closed on a house with one client who was near to her heart. Together they looked for the perfect house, which ended up being more than a year-long process. People sometimes tell Rogoff that they feel bad for her that she has to spend so much time with clients, but Rogoff disagrees. “The truth is, that you’ve got to get it right, and that’s what I do,” she said. She loves the people aspect of real estate the most, she said. “I love meeting people,” she said. “I love helping people. I love the process. When it comes to buying and selling their home, it’s the most money that anybody is going to ever spend on anything in their life, and so I want to make it the best experience out there.” One of the newest properties on the market that Rogoff is excited about is the Overton Village development, which is conveniently located in the heart of Cahaba Heights. This 18-townhouse gated community has a welcoming architectural design, and every feature is top of the line.

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VillageLivingOnline.com

October 2020 • B5

FALL HOME AND GARDEN ○ SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

COVID-19 Financial Takeaways Sheri Robinson, Linscomb & Williams • 205-868-3331 • srobinson@linscomb-williams.com There is no denying the impact COVID-19 has had on our dayto-day lives and the changes we have had to make as a result of the pandemic. Some of these changes, such as an increase in people working from home, may be here to stay even after the virus is better contained, while the cancellation of sporting events and concerts will hopefully only be a temporary inconvenience. Despite all of the changes that have taken place over the past several months, one area that has been solidified as a result of the pandemic is the importance of having your financial house in order. While having a good financial plan in place will not keep you from having to experience the storm, it can provide you with a safe haven to ride it out. Here are a few foundational pieces to a healthy financial plan to help prepare you for the uncertain times ahead. ○ Cash is king: If this experience has taught us anything, it is the importance of having adequate cash reserves to fall back on in case of an emergency. Most financial advisors recommend keeping three to six months’ worth of expenses in savings. In light of the recent experience with the coronavirus and the economic impact that has taken place, some people may feel more comfortable increasing their cash reserves to six to 12 months of expenses going forward.

Regardless of the amount you choose to keep in savings, it is important that your money is safe (i.e. FDIC-insured), easily accessible and earns you a competitive return. “Competitive” is a relative concept. All returns on safe cash investments are extraordinarily low in the current environment. ○ Have an investment plan … and stick to it: Former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson famously stated,

“Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.” Investors certainly got punched in the mouth earlier this spring. From Feb. 19 through March 23, the U.S. stock market (as measured by the S&P 500 Index) dropped almost 34%. The speed and volatility of the market’s decline was unprecedented and caused many people to fear we were heading toward a global economic depression. This panic led some people to sell their

stock investments in late March, causing them to miss out on the rapid recovery that has seen the S&P 500 rise by 45% over the past several months. While the market drop was unsettling for everyone, investors with a pre-existing investment plan and understanding of market history were able to use market selloff as an opportunity to rebalance their portfolios by selling some of their bond holdings so they could buy stocks at lower prices, tax loss harvest and put some of their excess cash to work. ○ Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst: Nobody wakes up anticipating that today may be the last day they will be able to walk or see their loved ones, but tragedy can strike at any time. If you were unable to work due to an injury or an illness, how would you pay your monthly bills? If you were to die prematurely, are there enough assets available to provide for your loved ones? If you cannot confidently answer either of these questions, you may need to consider purchasing additional disability and/or life insurance coverage. Along with having adequate insurance coverage, it is vital that you have the necessary estate planning documents in place to help your family, if you become incapacitated or died. If your health were to deteriorate to the point that you had to

be hospitalized, do you have a durable power of attorney, medical power of attorney, directive to physicians and HIPAA authorization in place to allow your loved ones to complete financial transactions and make medical decisions on your behalf? Do you have a will? If so, does it accurately reflect your wishes for how you want your estate to be distributed to your heirs? The coronavirus pandemic has reminded us all about the fragility of our bodies and the brevity of life. Don’t continue to put off updating your insurance and estate plan. Plan ahead now so you (and your family) have one less thing to worry about should tragedy strike. While each of these tasks can be completed on your own, there is value in having someone on your team to use as a sounding board, and to help hold you accountable so you don’t make costly mistakes. A fee-only, pure fiduciary wealth management firm can provide unbiased, comprehensive financial advice you deserve. Imagine the peace of mind you can derive from a sound well-grounded financial plan. Sheri Robinson, CPA, CFP®, AEP®, is a Wealth Advisor at Linscomb & Williams, a registered investment advisory firm serving clients since 1971. Sheri may be reached at srobinson@linscomb-williams. com or by calling 205-868-3331.

WORTHWHILE CONVERSATIONS WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE? THE LAST 12 MONTHS HAVE BEEN FULL OF TURMOIL IN THE ECONOMY AND MARKETS. IS TODAY UNUSUAL COMPARED TO OTHER MARKETS L&W HAS OBSERVED IN OUR NEARLY 50 YEARS? In our nearly 50-year history, we’ve seen a lot of markets that created financial uncertainty, which makes planning difficult. The “flavor” of each dish offered up by the markets is always distinct, but the basic ingredients are the same. The key to a successful outcome in personal financial health is not unlike following a healthy diet – get sound ongoing advice from someone who has your best interest at heart. WHAT DO YOU MEAN, “…YOUR BEST INTEREST AT HEART”? Linscomb & Williams had a new client who was unexpectedly earlyretired from a downsizing. We explained it this way: ask someone, “What should I eat?” You likely won’t get the same recommendation from your neighborhood butcher as from a Registered Dietician. Your butcher might recommend the pork spareribs that just arrived, knowing you’ll find that recommendation appealing. The dietician, on the other hand, insists on a balanced program that will achieve your ultimate health goal, though it includes items you might not like. SO, HELP US WITH THE CONNECTION TO FINANCIAL ADVICE DURING MARKET TURMOIL? Much of what passes for financial “advice” today is equivalent to the butcher selling you the pork spareribs. The pork spareribs are what he has on hand to sell; he thinks they will work OK for you and that you’ll be happy. He’s not that concerned that it is the best option for your long-term health. Most financial advisors still operate outside a 100% pure fiduciary standard, and thus not always under a legal obligation to put your best interest above their own. PRESUMABLY, L&W FOLLOWS A DIFFERENT APPROACH? At Linscomb & Williams, we are like that Registered Dietician. Following the fiduciary standard, we are obligated to put your interest ahead of our own. This is always important, but most especially, in times of market

Jamie Burns and the L&W Wealth Management Team discuss the Fiduciary Standard and placing the client’s best interest first. (Left to right: Harold Williams; Sheri Robinson; Phillip Hamman; and Jamie Burns)

turmoil -- times when it makes sense to get a second opinion from an experienced firm with no products to sell. We have an experienced, credentialled team ready to deliver that second opinion right here, right now. For more information, or a copy of our Form ADV, Part II, with all of our disclosures, call Sheri Robinson at 205 868 3331 or visit www.linscomb-williams.com. JAMIE BURNS

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, REGIONAL WEALTH SERVICES EXECUTIVE MIDSOUTH CADENCE BANK, N.A.

SHERI ROBINSON, CPA, CFP®, AEP®

DIRECTOR LINSCOMB & WILLIAMS

J. HAROLD WILLIAMS, CPA/PFS, CFP®

CHAIRMAN, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER LINSCOMB & WILLIAMS

PHILLIP HAMMAN, CFA, CFP®

PRESIDENT, MANAGING DIRECTOR LINSCOMB & WILLIAMS

2100 Third Avenue North, Ste.1100 Birmingham, Alabama 35203 205 868 3331 www.linscomb-williams.com Linscomb & Williams is not an accounting firm. Subsidiary of Cadence Bank. Cadence Insurance and Investment Products: Not insured by FDIC. Not bank guaranteed. May lose value. Not insured by any Federal Government Agency. Not a bank deposit.

B6 • October 2020

FALL HOME AND GARDEN ○ SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Village Living

Brandino Brass 205-978-8900 • brandinobrass.com Brandino Brass has become a mainstay in the design, construction and home improvement industry throughout the Southeast. Located in Homewood, the familyowned hardware and lighting company has been a resource to architects, designers, contractors and homeowners alike with their extensive collection and variety of options. Brandino Brass displays everything from cabinet hardware and elegant doorknobs to fireballs, bathroom accessories and unique light fixtures. One of the best features of Brandino Brass has always been its beautiful showroom. In the showroom, clients are able to the view the hardware and lighting in person, instead of online shopping. Customers can see the actual size of each piece, feel the material, see the finish and choose the best option for their home. In the fall of 2019, owner Eric Brandino realized there was a need for new lighting styles in Birmingham. Renovations began, and after expanding into the space next door, a new lighting showroom is now open at Brandino Brass! By extending the showroom to include a separate room filled with both interior and exterior lighting, Brandino Brass has been able to expand the lighting options they have to offer. One of the goals of the renovation was to showcase all of the available beautiful lighting without overwhelming clients by the large variety of options that Brandino has to offer. ““We do not want to be a big lighting company. We’d rather have a more boutique-style, comfortable environment for our homeowners and designers,” Eric Brandino said.

Ginny Monheit of A+G Interior Design is one of the designers who frequently visits Brandino Brass’s showroom. For Ginny, the new showroom helps her to guide her clients through the design process. “Brandino has a very nice selection of interior and exterior lighting,” Monheit said. “As it pertains to the exterior of a home, the lighting showroom helps us and our clients visualize how the door hardware, shutter hardware, mailbox, etc. is going to look with the exterior lighting

that we have selected.” “I think having the new lighting showroom broadens the expanse of products that we have to offer our clients so that we’re able to provide people with a true one-stop-shop experience,” said Megan Brasher, one of the knowledgeable staff members available to help clients find exactly what they are looking for. “Working with Brandino Brass makes all of our hardware and lighting needs that much easier,” Monheit added. “They are very knowledgeable about their

product and helpful in making selections. However, their service does not stop there. They are willing to go to our clients’ homes and count the exterior versus interior doors, cabinets, drawers, hinges and anything else the client needs. And once the product has arrived, they help with product placement and locations. They could not be more full service.” The beautiful lighting showroom is now open to designers, homeowners or anyone who simply wants to peruse the offerings in a calm and comfortable environment.

VillageLivingOnline.com

October 2020 • B7

FALL HOME AND GARDEN ○ SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Kathryn and Todd Dorlon Ray & Poynor Properties/TMD Landscape Designs 205-281-8914 (Kathryn) and 205-515-6643 (Todd) • raypoynor.com/agent/kathryn-dorlon and tmdlandscapedesigns.com Husband and wife Kathryn and Todd Dorlon are Home and Garden power couple. Kathryn, an experienced real estate agent with Ray and Poynor Properties, can sell you a house, and Todd, landscape designer and owner of TMD Landscape Designs, can make the outside of your new home sparkle. And, though they don’t work for the same firm, this couple is a one-stop shop, often picking each other’s brains for ideas to make the work they do even better. “We really enjoy bouncing ideas off each other,” Kathryn said. “We love to be visionaries together and feed off each other’s energy. We look to each other for advice to help our clients. We are a Home and Garden dream team!” Kathryn is an expert at providing professional advice and guidance in all facets of the real estate market, from buyers to sellers. She creates a specialized plan for each of her clients to ensure they have the best experience possible. Todd also employs a tailored approach. He works alongside his clients, integrating the landscape and architecture of the home to create an outdoor space that is both timeless and customized to their specific needs.

“We both pride ourselves on getting to know our clients, their needs and wishes,” Todd said. “Then, we make each plan unique to bring them the best service possible.” A key to Kathryn and Todd’s success in their fields is taking the time to actively listen to

their clients’ wants, needs and concerns. “You can learn a lot of what a client needs and wants by taking the time to listen,” Kathryn said. “It is in this space you learn ways to make their dream come true.” And making clients’ dreams come true is what drew both

Kathryn and Todd into their respective lines of work. “We both have a passion for helping others and finding unique ways to help their dreams come to life,” Todd said. “We want people to enjoy their homes and create wonderful memories in them.”

Kathryn and Todd work with people who are looking to improve their home value for their own enjoyment or to possibly sell it in the future. “Of course, developing a plan that brings immediate enjoyment to a client is a priority, but we are always looking down the road at resale and how to best allocate the available funds to achieve the biggest bang for the buck when the time comes to sell,” Todd said. And now, as we enter fall and Birmingham’s weather is arguably at its best, they will begin to get even busier than usual — particularly Todd, who sees clients become especially interested in spending time outdoors as the weather gets nicer. As creative and out-of-thebox thinkers, Kathryn and Todd bring a special advantage to their clients. And, though they work in different fields, they often collaborate to add an extra oomph to a client’s home. “We place importance on each client, and they value our attention to detail,” Kathryn said. “Being organized and a step ahead helps put any potential client concerns at ease and ensures the smoothest possible process with the best outcome.”

Garden

Home

and

B8 • October 2020

FALL HOME AND GARDEN ○ SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Village Living

Katrina Porter Designs 205-335-1901 • katrinaporterdesigns.com Now more than ever — both with the holidays quickly approaching and the global pandemic keeping all of us inside the four walls of our homes the vast majority of the time — feeling comfortable and good in your home is crucial, according to Katrina Porter, principal designer and owner of Katrina Porter Designs. A home isn’t just a place you come to for a few hours at the end of a long day; it’s where you are all the time, so you might as well make it your haven and your sanctuary. And Porter is able to help clients do just that. “I can help clients reimagine their spaces — their kitchens and bathrooms,” she said. “They are invested in their neighborhoods and their community, and many love their neighbors too much to move. I can help clients live more comfortably in their homes as well as create a pretty space to share with their friends. As a business owner and a working mom, having a kitchen that works for me is my focus for my home as well as the kitchens of my clients.” Porter specializes in kitchen and bathroom renovation design, aspiring with every project to create functional, efficient and aesthetically-pleasing spaces for the client’s family and friends to enjoy. She is specifically geared toward double-income families with children, as well as families

that are transitioning into the empty-nest phase of life and are ready to update their homes to coincide with that change, she said. Porter started at Auburn University looking to major in engineering, but her need to express her creativity won out

@katrinaporterdesigns

and, after seeing a flyer offering a major in housing and interiors, she was hooked. After she landed her first job with a local interior designer, she knew she had made the right decision as to what to do with her life. In that first job, she worked with many clients who undertook major

renovations of their homes, usually starting by fully gutting their kitchen. “I learned from those projects how to lay out efficient spaces that functioned for multiple cooks to the busy lifestyles of those that occupied the spaces,” Porter said.

Always aspiring to create a design package that is both functional and useful, Porter is detail-oriented in her renovation plans and, once the project is underway, she is meticulous about the plan’s execution, staying involved every step of the way to ensure that she and her client’s visions are becoming a reality. “I always hear after clients move back into their kitchens or bathrooms, ‘I never knew it could look like that!’” Porter said. “Being able to think through the smallest of details is critical to a successful renovation, both for aesthetics as well as function.” Porter’s best advice? “If you are buying a new house, live in the house for at least six months before embarking on a renovation,” she said. “Trying to anticipate how you will live in a house or how the house will function for you is hard without experiencing it.” But, after those six months end, give her a call, she said. “Knowing that I am making a difference in the lives of the homeowners is my reason for continuing in this industry,” Porter said. “Family and friends end up in the kitchen, memories are made, birthdays are celebrated and so on. I have seen that grow increasingly important since March, even in my own home, where the wheels are turning for my own renovation.”

VillageLivingOnline.com

October 2020 • B9

FALL HOME AND GARDEN ○ SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Guin Service 205-595-4846 • guinservice.com What’s in a name? It’s how people identify you and how you identify yourself; it’s who you are. We are Guin Service. Not Guin Plumbing or Guin Air Conditioning, but Guin Service. The Guin in our name identifies us as a family business — a business that has been in the same family for more than 60 years. Service identifies what we do; we provide service. We are a service business, and customer service is — and always has been — our number one priority. When a homeowner or business owner calls Guin Service, they expect us to be able to fix their problem. But what they might not expect is the quality of service we will deliver. We pride ourselves on going the extra mile to provide the best experience possible. When people call Guin, they are typically having a bad day. Something has likely broken, and more times than not, that item has broken unexpectedly. What we try to do is turn that negative into a positive. Running a business like ours is a little bit of a Catch 22. Things breaking keeps us in business, but we’re well aware of the fact that our being at someone’s home or business is an inconvenience at the very least. We always try to keep that fact top of mind. We get it — we don’t like to see things break in our own homes either, but it’s inevitable that it will eventually happen. When the inevitable happens, we hope to be your first call. Our goal is to make lifelong repeat customers, and 90% of our business comes from repeat customers. We take pride in that number. But not only is the majority of our business repeat business, the majority of our new business comes from referrals. A referral is the

greatest compliment a service business can receive, and we value every referral we get. With so much competition and information out there today, it’s often difficult to know who to trust when it comes to fixing mechanical issues in your home or business. Whenever I meet with advertisers about a new ad or commercial, I’m always trying to come up with something to show the public that we are

2020

Serving the Birmingham community since 1958

a trustworthy business. But how can you portray trust in a print ad or a 30-second commercial? It’s not easy. When I’m explaining our business offerings to prospective new clients, I always also mention our longevity, our online reviews and our large percentage of repeat business. Birmingham is still a small town. If Guin was out there taking advantage of

people, the word would have gotten out. We haven’t stayed in business since 1958 by accident. That isn’t to say we don’t make mistakes; we’re human, too. But when we do make a mistake, we own up to it and always make it right. So, if that sounds good to you, I hope the next time you are in need of plumbing, air conditioning or generator service, you will give us a chance to earn your business.

At Guin, we feel great pride and responsibility in carrying on the legacy of honesty and hard work that began 62 years ago. Joseph Braswell,Owner of Guin Service

AIR CONDITIONING • HEATING PLUMBING • GENERATORS • SEWER

205-595-4846 | www.guinservice.com

AL#12175

B10 • October 2020

Village Living

FALL HOME AND GARDEN ○ SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

The Grow Group of RealtySouth Leigh Ann Cooch: 205-441-0984 • Kam Patton: 205-504-9333 Jill Taylor: 251-513-2311 • Laurie Trimm: 205-862-2711 You don’t just go through life, you grow through life. For the four Realtors who make up The Grow Group of RealtySouth, developing growth within work and life is important, especially when it comes purchasing or selling a home. The Grow Group knows that real estate is more than just a transaction; it’s a home where memories are going to be made with loved ones, growing for a lifetime. “For our clients it’s a milestone, a new chapter and the end of another one,” Leigh Ann Cooch said. “Whether you’re growing your career, growing your family or growing into your golden years, The Grow Group is dedicated to helping you make that next step, building relationships in the process.” Knowing that buying and selling a home can be stressful, The Grow group works hard to make each client’s day better with every interaction, lifting the burden and worry off their shoulders as much as possible. “Whether it’s noticing a particularly stressful week and sending a meal or popping by with a ‘happy’ just because,

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

we hope to make positive impacts for our clients,” Laurie Trimm said. The team is committed to making progress for its clients through innovation and genuine care. “This is a group of hardworking and dynamic women who will do what it takes to assist in all your buying and selling needs,” Jill Taylor said.

Handyman services in Birmingham Despite the ongoing demand for handyman services, it’s not always easy to find the right team for the job, especially with so many options available. One Man & A Toolbox’s crews have substantial knowledge and expertise and understand the unique needs of every property owner. Since our establishment in 1997, we pride ourselves on providing high-caliber work with licensed and insured crew members who have the gift of craftsmanship. We perform consistent drug and background checks to guarantee your peace of mind and never compromise your safety. Residential Projects Do you have a home repair or maintenance project that you’re putting off? At One Man & A Toolbox, we offer residential services to help you put your

next project in motion. Whether you need help with an old attic or basement or need repairs in your kitchen, we have a specialist who takes on the job. With an affordable hourly rate and our commitment to quality, you’ll never have to worry about a repair job in your home again. Custom Projects Custom projects can be anywhere from setting up decorations for an event, repairing odds and ends, and even taking care of swings and tire structures. No matter what type of unique job or project you have, our crew is ready to help you get it done without hassle. Whether you need a significant repair job or have a simple paint and sanding project that needs completing, contact us today for a consultation.

One Man & a Toolbox Handyman Services

Because

Kam Patton 205-504-9333 Laurie Trimm 205-862-2711 Jill Taylor 251-513-2311 Leigh Ann Cooch 205-441-0984

Here at The Grow Group, we believe that you don’t just go through life, you grow through life. Whether you’re growing your career, growing your family, or growing into your golden years, we’re dedicated to finding you the perfect place to plant your roots.

Call The Grow Group – we’ll find your space to grow.

Doing it Yourself isn’t for everyone. Residential Commercial Special Projects 205-823-2111 • OneMan-Toolbox.com

VillageLivingOnline.com

October 2020 • B11

FALL HOME AND GARDEN ○ SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

The Atchison Gallery and Village Framers 205-871-6221 • theatchisongallery.com

Southern Home Structural Repair Specialists 205-520-9777 • foundationsunlimited.com As fall settles in, take a moment to check the overall health of your home for the winter season. Are the gutters clogged? Windows sealed? What about your foundation? Southern Home Structural Repair Specialists can help you pinpoint problems before they worsen. Six key foundation issues to watch for: ○ Concrete raising ○ Cracks in the floors or walls ○ Cracks in your brick that look like stair steps ○ Gaps around exterior window frames and doors ○ Sagging or uneven floors ○ Separation between the wall and counters or cabinets Our foundation repair contractors can quickly identify the root cause of any problems your home may have and propose the best solution for you. Whether it’s due to poor construction, soil problems,

weight-related pressure problems or age, a professional, experienced team uses the latest techniques to handle any type of basement foundation repair. The initial meeting with a foundation expert is always free. And warranted, proven quality remains a priority to complete each project successfully and on time. “The entire staff of Southern Home Structural Repair Specialists are very professional and knowledgeable and made every effort to make sure the job was done right,” said one customer. Other customers from all around the Birmingham area have trusted Southern Home Structural Repair Specialists for great results. “We just bought a new house, and there was a sagging spot in the kitchen floor,” one customer said. “… They have just been superb and taken care of everything we needed.”

Village Framers first opened in 1976 as a unique art service shop specializing in quality precision custom framing. Today, 44 years later, the shop has developed into a major source for fine, original art throughout the Southeast. With the addition of The Atchison Gallery, the shop now provides customers with the finest selection of contemporary and traditional art selections from local, regional and international artists. The shop continues to provide custom framing, delivery and installation services, ranging from smaller budget projects to large museum orders. Village Framers and The Atchison Gallery strive to provide customers with the finest of frames and framing materials at an affordable price. Pictures carry memories to last longer than a lifetime, and what you use to display those cherished moments speaks to their worth. A beautiful frame is nothing short of essential when choosing how to showcase your valuable pictures and artwork. Owner Larry Atchison believes The

Atchison Gallery stands out because of its commitment to quality and personal service. “It has become my specialty to help match your art with the right frames in order to enhance the work of art,” Atchison said. “Whether you need a new frame or just want to spruce up an existing piece with fresh matting, come by. I will be happy to help.”

FOUNDATION PROBLEMS? WE HAVE THE SOLUTION.

FOUNDATION REPAIR BASEMENT WALL REPAIR FLOOR LEVELING CRAWLSPACE ENCAPSULATION 871-6221

REQUEST A FREE QUOTE TODAY

205-520-9777

foundationsunlimited.com

VILLAGE FRAMERS

The finest in Art & Framing (at affordable prices)

Family-Owned and Operated Since 1996

for over 40 years

2847 Culver Road Mountain Brook Village

Visit us Mon - Fri 9:30 am - 5:00 pm Saturday 9:00am - 12:00pm

B12 • October 2020

Village Living

FALL HOME AND GARDEN ○ SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Katie Crommelin – Ray & Poynor Properties 205-901-3730 • raypoynor.com/agent/katie-crommelin For real estate agent Katie Crommelin, her work is more than just work. “This is not a job — this is a passion for helping people,” she said. “I love helping people realize their dream of home ownership or of moving to their dream destination. There is so much satisfaction in seeing people leave a closing with smiles on their faces and knowing I played a role in that happiness.” Crommelin, in addition to her expertise with both buying and selling homes, is also talented at helping clients with pre-listing readiness. She knows how to make a home shine as it goes on the market. Crommelin started her career in commercial real estate and then transitioned into residential. She enjoys connecting with clients on their home ownership journeys. “I want to know their story, how they came to Birmingham and why they are moving,” she said. “All of the pieces come together to help me see the big picture, which ultimately informs me as I guide them in the sale or purchase of their home.” Crommelin said she is obsessed with doing the right thing and always puts herself in her client’s shoes, constantly asking herself how she would want someone to treat her family if she were buying or selling. This includes being responsive and available to her clients, no matter what.

Mold & Mildew Solutions 205-252-9506 • alabamamold.com

“I can’t imagine how frustrating it would be to try to reach your agent and you continually get their voicemail or they refuse to return your call,” she said. “I also try to remember the most important things are realized when you simply listen.” Crommelin said now is the perfect time for listing and selling as people prepare to move before the holidays and new year. And she wants all buyers to find their dream home — after all, it is her passion. “The best feeling is watching someone walk into ‘the right one,’” she said. “There is a look that comes with love at first sight. When I see that, it makes my whole day!”

Though he may not work in the medical field, Lee Ramey, owner of Mold & Mildew Solutions LLC, is in the business of deeply caring about his customers’ health. Ramey grew up in a sick home, he said, and saw firsthand the consequences that had on his family. “This was the biggest reason why I chose the career path in helping and educating people in Birmingham to have and keep a healthy home,” he said. “Your body is wonderful at fighting off a lot of attacks, but the cleaner we keep our built environment — our homes — the easier it is for our bodies to keep us healthy.” Since 1993, Mold & Mildew Solutions has been helping customers with mold inspection, mold remediation, indoor air quality testing, mold sampling, allergen testing, crawlspace cleanup, crawlspace encapsulation, waterproofing and dehumidification, among other services.

And Ramey has earned a nickname, the “Mildude,” that he carries with pride. “I have been providing restoration and remediation for 35 years,” he said. “Every day I get to come home from work feeling like I have provided value to the customer and helped them to get on the right track to have a healthier and happier home.” Ramey said he and his team care about the health of their clients and care enough to do the job correctly, following certified protocols and never cutting corners. “We want to be known and remembered as your trusted adviser for water, mold, crawlspaces and indoor air quality services,” Ramey said. “You may not need us right now, but one day you might. We want to ensure you know that we care about the health of your home and your family. When we come out, we are not trying to sell you something, we are trying to help you solve issues.”

A Healthy Crawlspace Makes a Healthy Home 168 Fairmont Drive “Real estate is all about relationships. It’s very personal for me. Whether you’re considering selling or looking for your next home in a certain neighborhood, I’m ready to guide you step-by-step to make the process as simple as possible.”

Katie Crommelin

• • • • • •

Certified Mold & Moisture Inspection Mold Testing Mold Remediation Indoor Air Quality Testing VOC Testing Crawlspace Services

Call Birmingham’s Top Mold Removal Company to Keep your Home Safe!

205-901-3730 kcrommelin@raypoynor.com 205-252-9506 | alabamamold.com 908 13th St. N., Birmingham AL 35203

VillageLivingOnline.com

FALL HOME AND GARDEN ○ SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

October 2020 • B13

Holcombe Doors and Windows 205-991-3667 • holcombedoorandwindow.com Van Holcombe started Holcombe Doors and Windows in 1993 after seeing a need for higher quality millwork products from the ones supplied by lumber yards. Twenty-seven years later, the company is still going strong in the Birmingham area, offering new windows and doors to make homes more efficient. The business offers millwork products, including doors, windows and trim, Accounts Officer Tammy Holcombe said. “We will replace old windows and doors to change the appearance of your home or business and also increase the efficiency of your place,” Holcombe said. Anyone who wants to improve the look and quality of their home or business this fall can look to Holcombe, which offers three different window lines so there are numerous designs, prices, sizes, colors and materials they can supply, Holcombe said. “We also install our product if the customer is looking for that service,” Holcombe said. Replacing doors and windows can have a major impact in the home or in an office, Holcombe said, adding their company prides itself on replacing older windows

The Happy Olive Mountain Brook 205-703-9003

and doors to a more modern style that “completely changes” the look of the home or business. The business also prides itself on service and quality, Holcombe said. “If you do not offer both to your customers, then you will never see them again,” she said. Holcombe recently opened a new showroom in Chelsea and would like customers to come and visit to see all of the products they carry, Holcombe said.

The Happy Olive Mountain Brook

For Vickie Bailey, owner of The Happy Olive, happiness does come from a bottle. That is, when it’s filled with extra virgin olive oil. Delivering the highest-quality olive oils from all over the world and balsamics from Modena, Italy, Vickie and her team help customers learn how to create meals based on the Mediterranean lifestyle, known for its health benefits. The Happy Olive buys by hemisphere, so its extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is always fresh. “Groceries can spend months in a warehouse before the oil gets on a shelf,” Vickie said. “There’s no health benefit in that.” Vickie is a former principal, making her a natural for helping others at The Happy

We know you have been home looking out the same old windows and doors.

Mountain

Brook

Mountain Brook's

Culinary Emporium

ARTISAN OLIVE OIL & BALSAMICS SPICES ~ TEAS ~ FOODIE GIFTS RONALDO ~ GIFT BASKETS ~ETTA B CHARCUTERIE CLASSES WE SHIP ALMOST ANYWHERE!

261 RELE STREET

205.703.9003

MON - SAT 10am -6pm

Change the look of your home with new windows & doors. Visit our showroom. 120 Atchison Drive, Chelsea, AL 205.991.3667 HolcombeDoorandWindow.com

HOLCOMBE

Doors • Windows • Millwork

Olive. “As an educator, my goal is to teach others the benefits of a healthy diet and lifestyle through cooking at home,” she said. “Everyone learns something during our tastings, and visiting our store is a social, sensory and shopping experience.” Customers can register for classes including EVOO 101 tastings for a group of 10 people. There’s also Bubbles & Balsamics, where the art of mixing balsamic in champagne is explored. The Happy Olive also carries the perfect condiments for fall gatherings including honey, stuffed olives, hand-blended smallbatch gourmet mustards, tapenades, rubs and spices. You can also choose a special gift of olive oil-based bath and body products or Earthborn Pottery.

B14 • October 2020

FALL HOME AND GARDEN ○ SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Village Living

Byars|Wright Insurance Gabe Clement • 205-417-1321 • byarswright.com

Helen McTyeire Drennen - RealtySouth 205-222-5688 • helendrennen.com A home is our greatest investment and security, so listing or purchasing a home is a big deal. For both the buyer and the seller, it’s a change in season. That’s why Helen McTyeire Drennen says she likes to go the extra mile. “Sensitivity to every situation is so important,” Helen said. “Even under the best of circumstances, selling a home with a lifetime of memories is very emotional. I feel that some of the seasons I have faced personally have been opportunities to encourage others as they transition to their next living situation.” “From buyers who are purchasing their first home to empty-nesters ready to downsize, I love working with a variety of clients,” Helen said. Because she spent more than a decade as a commercial banker, she brings this depth of experience to her buyers and

is able to offer advice that helps make the offer preparation more successful, accurate and competitive. For her sellers, Helen focuses her energy on getting the house ready to look its best. “I go the extra mile to help my clients get their home ready for the market,” she said. “I know what buyers are looking for in homes, and I help my clients stage and declutter their homes to attract potential buyers.” As a Birmingham native, Helen has an unrivaled knowledge of the community. The integrity with which she conducts her business, coupled with her knowledge of the market, makes it no surprise that she is consistently ranked in the top 1% in sales in the Birmingham area. Her clients’ satisfaction is her main priority, which is why she’s made many lasting friendships throughout her career.

When it comes to insuring and protecting the house you’ve made your home, Byars|Wright has the team of experts that you need. With experienced personal and commercial lines departments and an excellent claims team, we’re here to ensure your property is insured and loved ones are protected. For 75 years, Byars|Wright has protected homes, businesses and, most importantly, relationships. Our family-owned independent insurance agency has five offices across the greater Birmingham area, with a central location nestled in downtown Homewood. Ranked No. 1 in Business Alabama’s Best Companies to Work For, we’re proud to have a team that feels like family. Led by branch manager and producer Gabe Clement, the Byars|Wright Homewood branch, located at 1701 28th Ave. S., was recently voted as “Homewood’s BEST New Business.” Gabe, a Homewood resident himself, was named “Homewood’s BEST Insurance Agent” and also included in the AGC of Alabama’s Top 40 Under 40 in Construction this year. For more information about your local agent or Byars|Wright, please visit byarswright.com/connect or call Gabe Clement at 205-417-1321.

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205-322-6868 • classicironworks.com Interested in getting some stylish and elegant entry doors — like castle-entry or ornamental security doors — for your home? Or maybe you need a new fence or some iron rails for your front porch? Whatever you need, Classic Iron Works has got you covered. “Our castle-entry iron doors are a high-demand item in the fall, when many people are looking to spruce up the exterior of their homes,” said Jeff Boyd, the company’s owner. “The front door makes the first impression to guests invited to a person’s home or office, and our castle-entry doors help make the best one possible.” Classic Iron Works will come to your

home at no cost to you and with no obligation. “We then custom-build that product and install it ourselves usually within a few weeks, depending on the product,” Boyd said. “We pride ourselves in our customer service and staying with the project until completed to your satisfaction.” Grounded in their rich history and looking forward to a bright future ahead, Jeff and the team at Classic Iron Works are here to help you with your home or business property. Whether you are upgrading your curb appeal or creating a safer environment, Classic Iron Works stands ready to customize the perfect plan for you.

October 2020 • B15

Are you a real estate agent looking to join a locally owned, expert team with a family feel? There’s a new office just waiting for you in Crestline. The LAH Real Estate team just moved into their brand-new office on Dexter Avenue, and they’d love for you to be a part. They’re expert Realtors with a broad range of experience, and they have a full-service team so they’re able to focus on clients. Their vision is to be the leading team of real estate professionals in their communities, offering quality service and results to their customers. They work to provide excellent guidance for every step of a real

@lahrealestate estate transaction. One of their agents says her favorite part about working at LAH Real Estate in Crestline is building relationships with clients by “truly caring about their wants and needs.” A recent client was ready to get back home to the Mountain Brook area after living in Georgia for a few years. “On a mission to fulfill her needs, we finally found the perfect home for her on Westmoreland Drive,” the agent said. “She closed on the home a week ago and is so excited to make it her own. Turns out it’s very close to her old stomping ground. She’s thrilled, and our hearts are full.”

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B16 • October 2020

Village Living

Sports

SPARTANS FOOTBALL HIGHLIGHTS It was a challenge for the Mountain Brook High School football team to get on the field this fall, with the Spartans’ first two games being altered by COVID-19 and weather. But Mountain Brook was off to a 3-0 start to the season as of press time and held the No. 1 spot in the Class 6A rankings. Photos by Erin Nelson, Shawn Bowles and James Nicholas.

Running back Michael Brogan (32) has taken over as the Spartans’ lead ball carrier this fall and has started with an impressive few games. In the win over Calera, he ran for 158 yards and a touchdown on 28 carries. In the Huffman victory, Brogan eclipsed the century mark once again, running for 106 yards on 22 carries.

Defensive back Blake Pugh (2) has helped lead a strong Mountain Brook defense at the season’s outset. In the Spartans’ 28-7 win over Huffman on Sept. 11, Pugh intercepted two passes, the second leading directly to an important touchdown. Mountain Brook’s defense has allowed just the one touchdown, to Huffman, over the team’s first two counted games.

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October 2020 • B17

Above: Jake Thompson (17) wears multiple hats for Mountain Brook, showing off his versatility as a backup quarterback and wide receiver. In a jamboree victory against Calera on Aug. 29, Thompson caught a 41-yard pass. In a win over Woodlawn the following week, Thompson rushed for a touchdown and threw a 48-yard one to Jackson Beatty. Above right: Wide receiver Sims Brown (16) has had a penchant for big plays in the early portion of the season. Against Calera, Brown had just three catches, but he went for 126 yards and a score. Brown caught a 43-yard touchdown pass against Woodlawn as well. Right: Quarterback Strother Gibbs (12) has picked up where he left off the last few years, leading the Spartans’ offense through the air and on the ground. His most impressive early-season performance was against Huffman. The game was tied 7-7 through three quarters, but Gibbs put the team on his shoulders and scored three touchdowns in the final quarter to help the Spartans to victory. He passed for 102 yards and rushed for 118 that evening.

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B18 • October 2020

Village Living

Spartans happy to be back on field By KYLE PARMLEY It was just good to be playing football again. That was the message from Chris Yeager the night he led his Mountain Brook High School football team to a 31-14 win over Calera at Ricky M. Cairns Memorial Stadium. “There are a lot of things we’ve got to correct, but the bottom line is, we played football tonight,” the Spartans head coach said following the game Aug. 29. “That’s the most important thing.” After a chaotic few weeks that saw Mountain Brook’s first two games be either canceled or postponed, the Spartans and Calera agreed to a contest at the 11th hour. Mountain Brook was slated to play Vestavia Hills on Aug. 20 to open the season, but the Rebels canceled their first two games due to COVID-19 concerns. The Spartans were due to host Huntsville on Aug. 28, but the Panthers backed out due to weather-related travel concerns. That left Mountain Brook scrambling the second Friday of the season, having yet to play a game and desperate for some competition. “It’s been a rollercoaster,” Yeager said. “When the Huntsville game got canceled, I’ve never seen so much despair in their [the players’] faces. It made me realize how important this was.” The game did not count toward Mountain Brook’s record, although the Spartans sat with a 1-0 mark after accepting a forfeit victory over Vestavia Hills. But the record didn’t matter on that Saturday. “When I said we’ve got a game, there was elation and joy,” Yeager said. On the field, Mountain Brook looked the part of the top-ranked team in Class 6A in the first half. The Spartans scored each of their first times with the football, building a 31-0 lead at halftime. Calera scored two quick touchdowns in the third quarter, prompting Mountain Brook to reinsert the starters for the remainder of the contest. “I love to see the progress of how hard we

Mountain Brook head coach Chris Yeager reacts on the sideline during a Spartans game against Calera on Saturday, Aug. 29, at Calera High School. After a chaotic few weeks that saw Mountain Brook’s first two games be either canceled or postponed, the Spartans and Calera agreed to a contest at the 11th hour. Photo by Erin Nelson.

played even though we were tired and as the game went on, our tackling in space got better,” Yeager said. There were plenty of things to correct on both sides of the ball, but that was to be expected. Following the Calera game, which was counted as a jamboree contest, Mountain Brook opened Class 6A, Region 5 play with a 51-0 thrashing of Woodlawn. For the Spartans, it’s been a season unlike any

other, never knowing when a game might have to be canceled or postponed due to the coronavirus. “You just never know week to week,” Yeager said. “It’s the most unbelievable thing.” But following a spring in which the team was not allowed to meet, a summer in which strength and conditioning looked far different than usual with masks and social distancing guidelines, and a fall season in which the first two Friday nights did not go according to plan,

that game against Calera marked the start of what could be a special season for the Mountain Brook program. And Yeager really hopes his players get the chance to see it through. “We needed this,” he said. “I hope we have the kind of season that pulls the community together. This whole thing has been tough on everybody. I’m hoping, hoping, hoping those [COVID-19 case] numbers keep going down and we can continue to play.”

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October 2020 • B19

Mountain Brook running back Michael Brogan (32) runs the ball during a game against Calera on Saturday, Aug. 29, at Calera High School. Mountain Brook defeated Calera 31-14. Photo by Erin Nelson.

Varsity Sports Calendar

Regular season wraps up in October

FOOTBALL

By KYLE PARMLEY

Oct. 9: @ Briarwood. 7 p.m.

The Mountain Brook High School football team plays the second of half of the season in the month of October. The Spartans experienced several changes to their schedule in their efforts to begin the season. Their first game against Vestavia Hills was canceled and no other suitable opponent was found. In the second week of the season, Mountain Brook was slated to play Huntsville, but that game was canceled and the Spartans played at Calera in a game of no record. But the Spartans were eventually able to begin their season and they will head into October looking to secure a playoff spot. After an open date Oct. 2, Mountain Brook traveled to Briarwood on Oct. 9 for its first region game in three weeks. The Spartans and Lions have only played twice, in consecutive seasons in 1992 and 1993, and split those meetings. With Mountain Brook moving

down a class and Briarwood moving up one, the two schools are now in the same region. The following Thursday, Oct. 15, the Spartans renew a longtime rivalry with Homewood. The schools played every year from 1974 to 1999 and Mountain Brook holds an 18-15 edge in the all-time series. The teams will meet for the first time since 2011, as they are region foes once again. Mountain Brook will enter a new opponent into the historical log Oct. 23, as the Spartans play Chelsea for the first time. The Spartans will host the Hornets in the region finale for both sides. The next Thursday, Oct. 29, Mountain Brook is scheduled to wrap up the regular season slate with a trip to Austin, a Class 7A foe. The foes have met in the first round of the playoffs in 2002 and 2018, but this will be the first regular season meeting since 1995. The Spartans won both of those playoff matchups and have won three of the five meetings all-time.

Oct. 15: vs. Homewood. 7 p.m. Oct. 23: vs. Chelsea. 7 p.m. Oct. 29: @ Austin. 7 p.m.

VOLLEYBALL Oct. 1: @ Jasper. 6 p.m. Oct. 3: @ Hartselle. TBD. Oct. 5: @ Chelsea. 5 p.m. Oct. 8: vs. Briarwood. 5 p.m. Oct. 9-10: Margaret Blalock Tournament. TBD. Homewood High School. Oct. 12: vs. Cullman. 5 p.m.

Oct. 13: @ Vestavia Hills. 5 p.m. Oct. 14-17: Area Tournament. TBD. Oct. 21-23: Super Regional Tournament. TBD. Oct. 28-29: State Tournament. Birmingham CrossPlex.

CROSS-COUNTRY Oct. 3: Jesse Owens Classic. Oakville Indian Mounds Park. Oct. 10: Dew It On the Trails. Point Mallard. Oct. 17: Husky Challenge. Hewitt-Trussville High School. Oct. 23: Spain Park Classic. Veterans Park. Oct. 29: Last Chance Invitational. John R. Esslinger Trail of Champions.

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B20 • October 2020

Village Living

The Spartans take the field for the start of a game against Calera on Saturday, Aug. 29, at Calera High School. Mountain Brook defeated Calera 31-14. Photos by Erin Nelson.

SNAPSHOTS Mountain Brook High School fall athletics

Above: Cheerleaders during the Spartans’ football game against Calera. Below: Mountain Brook quarterback Strother Gibbs (12) throws a pass during the game against Calera.

Above: Mountain Brook’s Hannah Hitson (32) spikes the ball as Homewood’s Alex Hershbine (15) and Lily Janas (9) guard the net during a class 6A area match at Spartan Arena on Aug. 26. Below: Mountain Brook’s Anna Bateh (24) sets the ball.

VillageLivingOnline.com

October 2020 â&#x20AC;¢ B21

B22 • October 2020

Village Living

Faith Life Actually By Kari Kampakis

What do kids need most to succeed? Empathy I once took a writing class with Stephen King’s first editor. Naturally, we were all dying to know what it was like to work with this world-famous novelist who writes super-scary books. Our instructor told us Stephen King’s talent was evident early on, but his greatest strength as a writer was his ability to create empathy. Empathy, according to lexico.com, is “the ability to understand and share the feelings of another.” Empathy is what allows us to understand someone’s life from their perspective — to put ourselves in their shoes to feel what they are feeling. Empathy is crucial in storytelling because it makes the audience care. It creates characters who the audience will root for, worry about and give hours of their life to as they join them on a journey and get drawn into a story that’s bigger than themselves. We were made to live this way: to care, to connect emotionally and to forget ourselves for a while as we enter into someone else’s world. And though it’s magical to experience empathy for a fictional character, it’s the empathy we feel toward real life people that makes us better humans. For some people empathy comes naturally, and for others it can be learned. We learn it through practice, by getting in the mental habit of stepping into someone else’s shoes, contemplating what it’s like to be them and trying to understand their point of view. Technology aggravates the problem, especially as our online culture gets increasingly hostile and harsh. One way we learn empathy is by reading facial expressions and social cues,

by seeing the hurt look on someone’s face as we say something offensive and realize it’s time to stop. With technology, however, we lose visual feedback. We miss those important clues and can hide behind screens that may entice us to type things we’d never say to someone’s face as our fingers jump ahead of our brains. Dr. Michelle Borba is an empathy expert who wrote “UnSelfie: Why Empathetic Kids Succeed in Our All-About-Me World.” She says research shows that when children develop empathy, they thrive in school and life. They impact their communities in positive, often extraordinary ways. Dr. Borba also says the road to a meaningful life begins with empathy, and the Empathy Advantage is what children need most to succeed both now and later. Unfortunately, we live in selfish times. We have a “me-centered” society that conditions us to look out for No. 1 and chase personal happiness without any concern of how others are impacted. Our parenting culture encourages us to make our children the center of the universe, and oftentimes, this opens the door to narcissism as children start to believe they are not just special, but rather, more special than anyone else. We are born with a Good Samaritan instinct (even toddlers can comfort others and act surprisingly kind at young ages), but around age 5, Dr. Borba says, our caring nature starts to slip. If children don’t exercise their helping muscles, those muscles lose power. So how do we foster empathy in a world that celebrates me over we? How do we cultivate the Empathy Advantage in our children and ourselves? How do we counter the narcissism that

defines modern-day society? First, we make empathy a priority conversation at home. And second, we intentionally build our empathy muscles by making a daily habit of stepping into someone else’s shoes. It may be someone we admire — or not. Even if a person is rude or dismissive, we can use empathy to ask ourselves, “What might be going on in their life to make them act that way? What if their behavior is not about me, but rather, an overreaction to an internal struggle?” I have a friend whose father showed empathy at the least expected time. While on his deathbed at the hospital, he was neglected one night by the nurse on duty. He was in pain and kept calling, yet his nurse never came. The next morning, when the doctor heard what happened, he was upset and apologetic. He assured the family that he’d assign another nurse, yet my friend’s father said, “No. I want this to be a lesson for my grandchildren.” He then asked to speak to the nurse who neglected him. He told her, “I had a really, really bad night last night, and something tells me that you did, too. Would you like to talk about it?” From that question, the floodgates opened. The nurse poured out her heart and shared some struggles she was wrestling with. While her struggles certainly did not excuse her negligence, they did explain it. From that moment on, she and my friend’s father forged a friendship. She checked on him faithfully, even as she worked other units, until the day he passed away. She became a better person and a better nurse because of him. That is the power of empathy. That is what

happens when we forget about our life temporarily and listen to someone’s story. If a man on his deathbed can do this, surely the rest of us can, too. Empathy is a muscle that craves exercise. We grow it by acting on our Good Samaritan instincts, using our hard experiences to comfort others, and caring more about real life people than characters that get made up. Though most of us aren’t horror writers like Stephen King, we can take a page from his empathy playbook. We can get out of our heads to imagine life as other people and try to comprehend what it’s like to be them. As adults, we set the bar for empathy. We create the climate that trickles down to playgrounds, schools, and social media. So if we want toddlers who keep their caring nature, teenagers who think beyond themselves and children who thrive and have meaningful relationships, then it’s up to us to model the empathy we hope to see. If we practice it enough, it will become our natural instinct. We’ll see our social circles expand, our relationships deepen, and our heart for humanity grow as we show compassion to a world that is hungry for people who genuinely choose to care. Kari Kubiszyn Kampakis is a Mountain Brook mom of four girls, author, speaker and blogger. Her new book for moms, “Love Her Well: 10 Ways To Find Joy And Connection With Your Teenage Daughter,” is now available on Amazon and everywhere books are sold. Join Kari on Facebook and Instagram, visit her blog at karikampakis.com, or contact her at kari@ karikampakis.com.

VillageLivingOnline.com

October 2020 â&#x20AC;¢ B23

B24 • October 2020

Village Living

Metro Roundup HOOVER

2020 Bluff Park Art Show canceled after 56 straight years Adam Peck of Mountain Brook, his sister-inlaw Sarah McCormick and dog Millie browse among the artwork at the 2019 Bluff Park Art Show in Hoover in October 2019. Photo by Jon Anderson.

By JON ANDERSON The Bluff Park Art Show, which has been held on the first Saturday in October for 56 straight years, will not take place this year. The beloved juried art show was scheduled for Oct. 3, but has become yet another event that has had to be canceled due to COVID-19. Brought to The Bluff Park Art you by our Association strugsister paper: gled with the decision before finally deciding to call this year’s show off, board member and hooversun.com spokeswoman Heather Skaggs said. “From a historical perspective, this was a really tough decision,” Skaggs said. “We really hated to do it.” Board members have known for some time that the status of the show was questionable because they were struggling to get enough artists to sign up, Skaggs said. There normally are 120 to 140 artists in the show in the park by the Bluff Park Community Center, Skaggs said. “We have to have at least 100 to make the show work monetarily,” she said. Artists, concerned about the spread of COVID19, the health impact for themselves and others, and the question of whether the crowd would be large enough to make it worth their while, were slower to sign up this year. The application deadline was extended twice, from June 15 to June 29 and then to July 15. Eventually, there were enough artists to make the show work financially, but there still were concerns about conducting the show safely and

whether it could be pulled off with social distancing, Skaggs said. One big concern was getting the 10,000 or so estimated people who usually attend back and forth between parking areas and the park where the show is held. Normally, school buses are used as shuttles, but people would have to be spaced out more than usual, and buses would have to be sanitized between trips.

Another concern was spacing at the show itself. Normally, booths are lined up right up against each other. Organizers considered moving the show to the Hoover Metropolitan Complex to spread artists out more, but in the end “we all felt the best thing to do for everybody was to call the show off and look at doing other things,” Skaggs said. The Bluff Park Art Association is considering

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having some type of event to display its permanent collection, which includes the winning artwork from each year’s show. Some of it is on display in public buildings such as the Hoover Public Library and schools, but other pieces are in storage, Skaggs said. No decision has yet been made about an alternative event. For updates, visit the Bluff Park Art Association Facebook page.

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October 2020 • B25

HOMEWOOD

Sid Warren, 16, directs Jake Grill, 12, on how to aim and move the orange spray paint as Grill prepares to make the first coat of paint over a stencil with the letters AED. Warren was working with younger Scouts in Boy Scout Troop 79 of All Saints Episcopal Church of Homewood. Warren worked with Lt. Xan Glover of the Homewood Fire Department to install three automated external defibrillators (AEDs) along the Shades Creek Greenway trail on Lakeshore Parkway in Homewood for a community service project to earn the rank of Eagle Scout. Photo by Erin Nelson.

Homewood expands AED program to Lakeshore Trail, officers, schools By INGRID SCHNADER Thus far in 2020, 18 lives have been saved because someone was able to get there in time with one of Cardiac Solutions’ automated external defibrillators. As the city of Homewood expands its AED program across the city, one of those lives saved Brought to could eventually be you you by our or one of your friends. sister paper: As we reported in March, the city replaced all 36 of its AEDs with Cardiac Solutions’ thehomewood devices and had plans to star.com begin installing them in more public places. The city added three new public AEDs to its collection Aug. 7 when local resident Sid Warren, 16, installed the devices on the Shades Creek Greenway trail for an Eagle Scout project. Warren grew up biking on the trail, running with his dad there and hiking there with his family, he said. Now that he’s on the cross country team with Homewood High School, he’s on the greenway trail five days a week. He also enjoys mountain biking and trains on the trail, so he said he uses the trail all year long. Warren has been in Boy Scouts since he was 11. When he started looking for ideas for his Eagle Scout project, he began talking to Xan Glover with the Homewood Fire Department about placing AEDs on the trail. “He said that the Homewood Fire Department had been thinking about doing that for a while, and he thought he could get a couple more (AEDs) donated,” Warren said. “From there, the project really got on its feet, and we worked together to get it approved by the City Council.” Each station comes with the AED, a camera monitoring system and a weatherproof box. The camera monitoring system has an indicator light that alerts the city if any parts of the device are damaged or need updating. This system ensures that a pedestrian in an emergency will never arrive at a broken or misplaced AED. The total

cost of donated equipment was about $6,000, said Jon Seale of Cardiac Solutions. Together with some younger Boy Scouts, Warren installed three AEDs over the 2.6-mile greenway trail. They also marked the trail with orange spray-painted letters to help pedestrians locate the AEDs. The installation took two days to complete, and Warren said the process was exciting. “Especially on that last one, I was just like, ‘Yes! We got this done,’” he said. “It was awesome to see from all the emails, phone calls and presentations to getting it actually installed and accessible to all the people on the trail.” The trail’s bookends each have one AED installed there, and there is also an AED in the middle of the trail near the high school entrance. This means that a pedestrian in an emergency is never more than 0.75 miles away from the nearest AED device. “It’s an added safety measure for the trail and will help in case of emergency, which we hope will never happen,” Warren said. “They’ll be there so people can get there faster.” Seale said that in the event of a cardiac arrest, every minute counts. “As good as the fire and EMS is — and they’re good, very good — it’s just hard for anyone to be at a scene of an event within three minutes drop-to-shock,” he said. “Every minute that it takes you to get to someone unresponsive, it decreases the chances of survival by 10%. “If you’re walking on the trail and someone goes down and is unresponsive, there’s an AED that’s going to be close by and clearly identified. They can go ahead and administer therapy since the unit walks them through the entire process. … There is a lot of what I call ‘first responding’ that we can do as individuals instead of putting all of the responsibility on fire and EMS.” Up next for the city of Homewood, Cardiac Solutions is working with the police department and the schools to install 80 new AED devices. There will be 60 new devices total across the Homewood Police Department patrol cars, and there will be 20 new AEDs total installed across all of Homewood’s public schools.

B26 • October 2020

Village Living

280 CORRIDOR

Former UAB, CFL player Bryant Turner makes Chelsea home By LEAH INGRAM EAGLE Bryant Turner started playing sports at a young age. Always the “bigger kid,” Turner played defensive lineman in football from around age 7 until just two years ago. He is now working as a real estate agent and lives in Chelsea. His family moved Brought to from Mobile to Daphne you by our when he was in sixth sister paper: grade. His dad had been commuting there for work, and there were talks in Mobile about cut280living.com ting sports and extracurricular activities due to budget, so the Turners made the 30-minute move. He began playing football for Daphne in seventh grade and found connections and made friends through the sport. In addition to football, he also played soccer and basketball, was named Athlete of the Year for Daphne when he was in the eighth grade and went on to win two state football championships. After his high school career was over, Turner had to make a college decision. He initially wanted to go to the University of Central Florida, but after a visit to UAB, he could tell that it would mean a lot to his dad if he went there, so he headed to UAB on a scholarship. His first year, he played under head coach Watson Brown and his next four years for Neil Callaway. It was while at UAB that Turner met Morgan Haney, a soccer player who became his future wife. During his career at UAB, Turner said his parents were able to come to most of his games, and while the team wasn’t winning many games, he made many friendships. “We were close as teammates,” he said. “We spent a lot of time together. It was a very diverse school, and I met a lot of different people.”

The Turner family: Bryant, Zoey, Kennedy and Morgan. Photo courtesy of Bryant Turner.

Studying exercise science, Turner planned on being a strength coach. However, when he didn’t pass part of the test at the collegiate strength coach conference, he thought his dream was lost. He was let down, but not for long. The very next day — May 9, 2011 — Turner signed a contract to play for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League. “I had never been to Canada and came out of UAB during the lockout year for the NFL,” he said. “If you didn’t get drafted, there was no communication from coaches to players, so you just had to sit around and wait to see if you got picked up. The CFL was pulling people because of that reason. To me, it was the most assured thing you could do waiting on the NFL.” Turner said the first article he found while researching Winnipeg said it was the coldest city in the world. Three weeks later, he was there and on the team’s practice roster. It wasn’t long until someone got hurt, and Turner got moved up and

“never looked back.” He quickly adapted to the CFL rules, and his parents and Haney made trips to visit, while Turner came back to Alabama as often as he could. Haney was in her first year of teaching at Indian Valley Elementary in Sylacauga. The couple kept up their long-distance relationship. On December 19, 2013, the Blue Bombers added two years to Turner’s contract. “In 2012, we had the worst season, and the next three years, we didn’t go to the playoffs,” he said. “I went through 14 starting quarterbacks, but my second year, I was the only one on my team who made the CFL All-Star team.” Turner was released from Winnipeg on March 22, 2016, but signed a one-year contract with the BC Lions just two weeks later. He said he loved the city of Vancouver and played there for two years. During that time, he started getting injured more frequently, and at the age of 30 when his contract ended and he became a free agent, he

decided it was time for his football career to come to an end. The more he played football, the more Turner said he didn’t want to be a coach, as they aren’t allotted much family time. He had been working on obtaining his real estate license during the last two years of his football career and was ready to become a full-time agent. “One thing athletes all agree on is a 9-5 job is impossible coming from the athletic world,” he said. “I ended up going to ARC Realty and had an amazing mentor named Janet Hamm, who walked me through how to start getting business.” The Turner family made the move from Sylacauga to Chelsea two years ago. His wife now teaches second grade at Chelsea Park Elementary School, where their oldest daughter, Kennedy, is in first grade. Their other daughter, Zoey, just turned 3. As a husband and father, Turner is very hands on. He enjoys family time and being involved in the community. The Turners enjoy spending time outdoors and trying different restaurants. They are members at the Church of Highlands’ Sylacauga campus and are building another house in Chelsea Park. His parents are still in Daphne and usually come up once a month to visit. Although he is no longer involved in sports, Turner is happy with how things have turned out. “It’s pretty cool being a girl dad,” he said. “Being an athlete, you think you want a boy, but I don’t feel like I am missing anything. I get to just be a fun dad.” He plans to continue growing his realty business and hopes to get into investing in properties down the road. “I never want to be defined as an athlete,” he said. I want people to think of me as a business man or family man and I try to live my life that way.” For more about Turner and his real estate business, visit facebook.com/btjrealestate.

VillageLivingOnline.com

October 2020 • B27

DOWNTOWN

trocadero

The Vulcan statue at Vulcan Park and Museum. Vulcan Park and Museum announced recently it has joined Museums for All, a national program that encourages people of all backgrounds to visit museums regularly and build lifelong museum-going habits. Photo by Erin Nelson.

HAIR SALON

Vulcan Park announces access program for low-income families By JESSE CHAMBERS

said Joe Saling, the attraction’s director of visitor experience. Vulcan Park and Museum Similar free and reduced admisannounced recently it has joined sion is available to eligible memMuseums for All, a national probers of the public at more than gram that encourages people of 500 museums across the country, all backgrounds to visit museums including McWane Science Center regularly and build lifelong musedowntown. ironcity.ink um-going habits. Museums for All is a program of This program allows those the Institute of Museum and Library receiving food assistance (SNAP) Services and is administered by the benefits to visit Vulcan Park and Museum at no Association of Children’s Museums. charge — for up to four people — with the preThe initiative helps expand access to musesentation of a SNAP Electronic Benefits Trans- ums and also raise public awareness about how fer card, according to a Vulcan news release. museums in the U.S. are reaching their entire “Our goal with this program is to remove communities. any barriers that would prevent individFor more information, go to museumsforall. uals from accessing the rich history of org. our wonderful region and to take in the For more information about Vulcan, call wonder of Vulcan, the original ironman,” 205-933-1409 or go to visitvulcan.com. Brought to you by our sister paper:

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Village Living’s spotlight on Women in Business in Mountain Brook Women in Business is a special advertising section that highlights women from local businesses who are making a difference. Take this opportunity to highlight the woman (or women) who plays a key role in your business. Contact Anna Bain at (205) 313-1780 or abain@starnespublishing.com for more information. Publishes in January 2021

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B28 • October 2020

Village Living

HOOVER

Wingstop picks Hoover for first 2 Birmingham area locations The Wingstop at Inverness Corners is next to On Tap Sports Cafe. Wingstop plans to open 15 stores in the Birmingham area over the next several years, with the initial locations being in Hoover. Photo by Erin Nelson.

By LEAH INGRAM EAGLE Wingstop plans to open 15 stores in the Birmingham area over the next several years, with the initial locations being in Hoover. The first one opened in Inverness Corners on July 20, and the franchise owner planned to open a second one in a 2,200-square-foot Brought to space in the new Hoover you by our Crossings shopping sister paper: center at 1539 Montgomery Highway near Interstate 65 by the end of September. hooversun.com Wingstop is a chain of nostalgic, aviation-themed restaurants specializing in chicken wings. Founded in 1994 in Garland, Texas, they began offering franchises in 1998. There are now more than 1,400 nationwide. Nicole Norcross is the interim general manager of the Inverness location and is serving as the district manager for the greater Birmingham area. Her father, Ronnie, is the owner. The family owned some of the first Wingstop franchises. “We started with store number three at the end of 1995, and the one we just opened was store 21,” Norcross said. “We own the entire market in El Paso, nine stores in Dallas and recently took over the store in Huntsville.” When her father opened his first store in Garland, he was the manager and cook, and she worked as the cashier for many years. She took about 10 years off from the business and worked in ophthalmology, but always knew she would get back into her family business and did so about three years ago. They have big plans for the Birmingham area locations, Norcross said. “They’re coming back to back to back,” Norcross said. “Bessemer, Roebuck and Center

Point locations are already signed for contract.” Norcross said she is currently wearing about 14 different hats. She is working as the interim general manager for Inverness and the district manager for Huntsville. She is running the operation side of things, training managers and more. “I’m excited to be a part of it,” she said. “Going back from being a cashier years ago to now being in charge of operations here, those are big shoes to fill, but nobody wants this more than me.” As for the menu, Norcross said it hasn’t changed much since the inception of the company, other than a few flavor changes. They now offer boneless wings and tenders as well. “Your bone-in classic wing is the go-to,” she said. “Our two most popular flavors are original hot and lemon pepper. Hot is always the No. 1 seller, and the only secret flavor not on the menu is the hot lemon pepper.”

At Wingstop, fries are hand cut each day and topped with a secret seasoning. They also hand make their own ranch and blue cheese dipping sauce. Norcross said the work that goes into their products is what makes them so much better. The menu features 12 flavors of wings: lemon pepper, original hot, hickory smoked barbecue, mango habanero, garlic parmesan, Louisiana rub, mild, spicy Korean, Cajun, atomic and Hawaiian. Most of the combos start with two different flavors, so guests can try more than one at a time. Sides include seasoned fries, cheese fries, Louisiana voodoo fries and Buffalo ranch fries along with Cajun fried corn and veggie sticks. In the future, Norcross plans to sell beer, but Wingstops across the country took a break on selling alcoholic beverages during the COVID19 outbreak, she said. Norcross said the neat thing about the

Inverness location is that it is the only one of Wingstop’s 1,400-plus locations that currently has an open dining room. She asked corporate for permission and was told yes, as long as they followed the city’s social distancing guidelines. “Having the dining room open gives guests the real Wingstop experience,” she said. “Customer service is huge for us because we want our guests to feel like family. I already have so many regulars that I love.” In addition to dining inside the restaurant, guests can also order online or call for pickup or delivery. Wingstop uses DoorDash as its delivery service. “I know what I’m working toward,” Norcross said. “My goal is to continue my father’s legacy … He started it in his 30s, and I’m in my 30s, and I know what I can make of this and what the company can do for me and what I can do for it.”

VillageLivingOnline.com

METRO

Shopping fundraiser to help those in need By LEAH INGRAM EAGLE One of the Junior League of Birmingham’s largest fundraisers will take place later this month. The Shop, Save & Share Sale, in its 15th year, will take place Oct. Brought to 14-25. you by our Lauren Glosister paper: betti, chair of this year’s sale, said there will be around 250 Rupa Patel, center, and her daughter, Avani Patel, 280living.com retailers partic- right, consult with Tejal Patel about jewelry at ipating in this Avani Rupa Fine Jewelers, one of the 2020 Shop, year’s event, compared to over 400 Save & Share participants. Photo by Jon Anderson. last year. “This year will be less than normal, as we’ve lost some brick-and-mortar businesses across the city,” Globetti said. ”The restaurant Shop, Save & Share Sale industry has also had a hard time, so we’ve been different in our approach. We are trying • WHERE: Variety of participating to make sure we are thoughtful in making sure vendors across metro area it’s a benefit to them and to the community.” • WHEN: Oct. 14-25 Most of the participating vendors will offer • COST: $40 20% discounts, but others, including restaurants • WEB: shopsaveshare.net will offer other options, like a free dessert with the purchase of a meal. The shopsaveshare.net website is scheduled The purchase of one $40 card can pay for a to go live Oct. 1. Cards can be purchased on the website and at select vendors participating variety of items through the Junior League’s in the sale. Shoppers can purchase a digital card outreach programs, including one month of diaor paper card that will be mailed to them. pers for a child in need from the Junior League “We get 100% of the card revenue from the diaper bank; necessities for four survivors of sales of the $40 cards,” Globetti said. “That sexual violence through the Crisis Center of goes straight to the Junior League that we use Birmingham; 10 meals for homeless women in turn for our community projects. We do and children through Pathways or one tank of the marking for stores, encouraging shopping gas for the Junior League’s mobile teaching locally with the card.” kitchen. She said there are many stores where cus“We are trying to make it so that it’s an expetomers will make their $40 back immediately. rience anybody can take part in, even those who Other stores are wonderful community partners are uncomfortable venturing into stores,” Glowhere people love to shop and will be thrilled betti said. “Several online vendors have codes to have a discount. “I think that people may have heard of Shop, for card purchasers and many will offer curbSave & Share, but when they really look at the side pickup. Since this event can still happen list of businesses that are participating, see even in the face of a pandemic, we are putting there are amazing businesses where you may in place even more protocols for people to be typically not get discounts,” she said. as safe as possible.”

October 2020 • B29

What financial moves should I consider making before year-end? As the current year comes to a close, what strategies can be implemented before year-end to be more efficient in the upcoming tax-season? While there are many strategies we use at year-end, here are a few of our favorites:

Direct Your “Required Minimum Distribution (RMD)” to a Charity

If you are taking RMD’s from your IRA accounts you may be able to use this to benefit a charitable cause…and your pocketbook. Consider donating all or a portion of your required minimum distribution (RMD) from retirement funds directly to a charity. RMDs are taxable, but these “Qualified Charitable Distributions” are not.

Increase Your Contributions to Traditional Retirement Accounts

Your traditional 401k, SEP, Simple IRA and Traditional IRA accounts can be funded with pre-tax dollars. This means that every dollar you contribute to one of these accounts may reduce your taxable income in the current year dollar-for-dollar.

Contribute Money to 529 Plan

If you are an Alabama resident you can deduct up to $10,000 of 529 contributions made to the from your state income taxes each year. Furthermore, the principal and any gains are able to be withdrawn tax-free as long as they are used for qualified education expenses.

Consider Establishing a “Donor Advised Fund” to Group Charitable Giving Deductions

A “Donor Advised Fund” allows you to move multiple years of charitable contributions (including appreciated investment assets) into a charitable trust and take the deduction all in the current year. This is a strategy that is growing in popularity and making more and more sense for charitably inclined investors.

Consider Waiving Your RMD for 2020

One of the provisions of the COVID-19 “CARES Act” is that it provides the ability to forego your 2020 Required Minimum Distribution from your IRA and 401k accounts. If you do not need this money, and you do not plan to donate it to charity, then consider leaving it in the account where it remains invested and tax-deferred for another year.

What if I have additional questions related to these changes? Please call our office at 205-874-1809 email us at RiverpeakPartners@RaymondJames.com, or RSVP to attend one of our upcoming virtual workshops.

VESTAVIA HILLS

VHHS theater to produce ‘Steel Magnolias,’ ‘Night of the Living Dead’ this fall By NEAL EMBRY The Vestavia Hills High School theater department will perform “Steel Magnolias” and “Night of the Living Dead” this fall, with some restrictions because of the COVID19 pandemic. Only 100 people will be allowed in the auditorium each night of the performance of “Steel Magnolias,” which will be performed after Oct. 1, theater teacher Jamie Stephenson said. The show is “about the bond Annie Kane, left, runs through the play “Among Friends a group of women share in a and Clutter” by Lindsay Pate during theater rehearsal at small-town Southern community,” according to Wikipedia. Vestavia Hills High on Jan. 30. Photo by Erin Nelson. The show centers on the lives show around them,” she said. of the women as they face varThe show will be performed during ious challenges. The play was Brought to the week of Halloween, she said. More written in 1987 by Robert Haryou by our specific dates will be available at a later ling and was later turned into a sister paper: date, she said. popular film of the same name, “Night of the Living Dead” is a directed by Herbert Ross and 1968 American horror film directed released in 1989. vestavia by George Romero. The story cenThe “Night of the Living voice.com ters on a group of seven people “who Dead” production will be a bit are trapped in a rural farmhouse in different, Stephenson said, as it western Pennsylvania, which is under will take place outside. “Our audience can enjoy a fright fest in their assault by an enlarging group of cannibalisown camp chairs as we create an interactive tic, undead corpses,” according to Wikipedia.

Let’s talk about your retirement. (205) 874-1804

Facebook.com/Riverpeakpartners

RiverpeakPartners@RaymondJames.com

2900 HIGHWAY 280, SUITE 100 • BIRMINGHAM, AL 35223 Raymond James & Associates, Inc., Member New York Stock Exchange/SIPC Raymond James and its advisors do not offer tax or legal advice. You should discuss any tax or legal matters with the appropriate professional. Any opinions are those of Riverpeak Partners and not necessarily those of Raymond James. Not all strategies are appropriate for all investors. Contributions to a traditional IRA may be tax-deductible depending on the taxpayer’s income, tax-filing status, and other factors. Donors are urged to consult their attorneys, accountants or tax advisors with respect to questions relating to the deductibility of various types of contributions to a Donor-Advised Fund for federal and state tax purposes. To learn more about the potential risks and benefits of Donor Advised Funds, please contact us. As with other investments, there are generally fees and expenses associated with participation in a 529 plan. There is also a risk that these plans may lose money or not perform well enough to cover college costs as anticipated. Most states offer their own 529 programs, which may provide advantages and benefits exclusively for their residents. The tax implications can vary significantly from state to state.

B30 • October 2020

280 CORRIDOR

Village Living

HOOVER Brittany Wilson of Birmingham, left, and Caroline West of Vestavia Hills, were among many volunteers at the Kitty Kat Haven & Rescue 5K Meow-A-Thon at Veterans Park in Hoover in April 2018. Photo by Jon Anderson.

ACFS golf tournament to support childhood hunger By LEAH INGRAM EAGLE Alabama Childhood Food Solutions, based out of Sylacauga, is hosting its third annual golf tournament to support prevention of childhood hunger. This year’s event will take place Oct. 5 at Pine Tree Country Club off Grants Mill Road. All proceeds from the event will be used to support hungry children in Shelby, Talladega, Coosa, Calhoun, St. Clair, Randolph, Chilton and Clay CounParticipants tee off in last year’s ACFS golf tournament. ties in central Alabama. The funds raised from donations and sponsorships go Check-in begins at 10 a.m., to help feed families in eight counties, including Shelby followed by a shotgun start to County. Photo courtesy of Jim Jones, ACFS. the tournament at 11 a.m. Registration and golfer sign up is full, and more than 60 people will play in this year’s tournament. The inaugural tournament in 2018 raised ACFS golf tournament over $31,000. Last year’s goal was $50,000 • WHERE: Pine Tree Country Club Brought to and was exceeded for a • WHEN: Oct. 5; check-in 10 a.m., you by our total of $61,000. Tourshotgun start 11 a.m. sister paper: nament Director Phil • WEB: alabamachildhoodfood.com Duke said this year the goal is to match last year’s total or better. 280living.com “Most of the money days per month, and now the group is having is from hole sponsors food pick up every week. “We are doing it differently, but still getand donations to support the tournament,” Duke said. “We have a lot of companies and ting food to hungry families and kids,” Duke businesses that are sponsoring holes or donat- said. Donations, sponsorships, which range ing money. So far, most of the ones from last year have agreed to do it again, and a few have from $150 to $5,000, and door prizes are still needed. The deadline for those is Sept. 25. even increased their amounts.” Duke added from a food distribution stand- Contact Phil Duke at 205-492-5758. For more information on ACFS or to donate, point, funds are needed now more than ever. Before COVID-19, there were two distribution visit alabamachildhoodfood.com.

Kitty Kat Haven & Rescue 5K Meow-A-Thon reset for Oct. 3 By JON ANDERSON The third annual Kitty Kat Haven & Rescue 5K Meow-A-Thon and 1-mile Whisker Walk is scheduled for Oct. 3, at Veterans Park. The events are a fundraiser for the Hoover-based cat shelter. On-site registration Brought to begins at 8 a.m., and you by our the 5K starts at 9 a.m., sister paper: rain or shine, said Rita Bowman, executive director for the shelter. Medals for the top hooversun.com finishers will be given out at 10 a.m., and the 1-mile Whisker run and walk is at 10:30 a.m. Bowman said she plans to have live entertainment, as well as some merchandise and food vendors present. Early registration costs $25 for ages 11 and older and $15 for children 10 and younger, plus a $2.50 signup fee, and can be done through a link at kittykathavenrescue.org. The cost for on-site registration is $30 for ages 11 and older and $20 for children 10 and younger.

Kitty Kat Haven & Rescue 5K Meow-A-Thon & 1-Mile Whisker Walk • WHERE: Veterans Park on Valleydale Road • WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 3; 8 a.m. registration; 5K at 9 a.m.; 1-mile walk at 10:30 a.m.. • COST: $25 ($15 ages 10 and younger) early registration, plus $2.50 online signup fee; $30 ($20 ages 10 and younger) on race day • WEB: kittykathavenrescue.org

Packets can be picked up from 1-6 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 2 at the rescue center at 3432 Old Columbiana Road. Runners also can register in person at that time. This year’s event was originally scheduled for this past spring but was postponed due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Your Health and Safety Are Our

Biggest Concerns

We Are Open and Available To

Serve Our Patients

All of us at ENT Associates of Alabama, P.C. are extremely grateful to our patients for their loyalty and patience during this crisis, and we are working hard to be available to you. As always, the health and safety of our staff, our patients and their families are our top priority.

All patients are required to wear a mask for their appointment and while in our lobby. During these difficult times, it is even more critical that those in need of healthcare services have access to treatment, while practicing social distancing and exposing them as little as possible to any potential infections. In order to continue serving our patients and be considerate of their safety, we are temporarily limiting our appointment hours during this crisis. Please call our office or visit our website for specific office hours at each of our locations. Birmingham - Princeton - Hoover - Cullman - Gardendale - Alabaster - Jasper - Pell City - Trussville

www.entalabama.com or call toll free 888-368-5020

VillageLivingOnline.com

October 2020 • B31

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*Some promotions may be limited to select sets. Not responsible for errors in ad copy. Quantities and selections may vary by location. Mattress images are for illustration purposes only. Gifts with purchase (including gift cards and rebates) are not valid with any other promotions except special financing for 6 or 12 months. 0% for 60 months available with purchases of $1999 or over and does not include sales tax. **Monthly payment is based on purchase price alone excluding tax and delivery charges. Credit purchases subject to credit approval. Other transactions may affect the monthly payment. ***The Nationwide Marketing Group credit card is issued by Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. Special terms apply to qualifying purchases charged with approved credit. The special terms APR will continue to apply until all qualifying purchases are paid in full. The monthly payment for this purchase will be the amount that will pay for the purchase in full in equal payments during the promotional (special terms) period. The APR for Purchases will apply to certain fees such as a late payment fee or if you use the card for other transactions. For new accounts, the APR for Purchases is 28.99%. If you are charged interest in any billing cycle, the minimum interest charge will be $1.00. This information is accurate as of 9/27/2020 and is subject to change. For current information, call us at 1-800-431-5921. Offer expires 10/12/2020.

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TREE CREWS WORKING IN MOUNTAIN BROOK THROUGH SPRING 2021 Alabama Power crews are working in several Mountain Brook neighborhoods, removing trees and other vegetation that threaten the safety and reliability of our electrical system. As part of this process, Alabama Power goes to great lengths to talk with individual property owners. Company representatives are going door to door, leaving notices at locations where work is needed. If you have any questions before crews come by your home, please call Alabama Power at 205-257-2155 and ask for someone in the Vegetation Management Group to contact you. Or you can email us at apcvm@southernco.com. Work in Mountain Brook and nearby areas is expected to continue through early 2021. As we work in communities to meet the needs of our customers, please maintain a safe social distance of six feet from our crews and field representatives to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Also, you can visit alpwr.co/vm for more information about these safety and reliability measures and for recommendations about planting the right tree in the right place.

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A PUBLIC NOTICE FROM ALABAMA POWER

R LE NOX D