VillageLivingOnline.com
February 2013
Village Living Volume 3 | Issue 11 | February 2013
Southerner on the set Jann Robinson a contestant on CBS’s The Job
neighborly news & entertainment for Mountain Brook
Tree City USA Mountain Brook’s national distinction, and point of pride, is celebrated on Arbor Day
Jann Robinson. Photo courtesy of Beau Gustafson.
By MADOLINE MARKHAM For Jann Robinson, competing on national TV for a position at a decades-old New York restaurant didn’t feel that different from another day at the office. Robinson’s six kids grew up in her restaurant, Dave’s Deli, just like the kids of the family behind Palm Restaurant Group did. The fine-dining steakhouse has been owned and operated by members of the Bozzi and Ganzi families for 87 years and has 25 locations across the continental United States, as well as international outposts in Mexico City and London. “It was almost like having a Southern experience with the family community restaurant dynamic,” she said. Robinson will represent Mountain Brook as one of five contestants on new CBS show The Job as she vies for an assistant manager position with Palm. The episode will air Friday, Feb. 8 at 7 p.m. The show, hosted by Emmy Award nominee Lisa Ling, has candidates participate in several rounds of elimination challenges before a panel of executives from Palm. In addition to the episode’s featured company, representatives from three guest food companies in New York will have the opportunity to make an on-thespot offer to one of the candidates who must
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See ROBINSON | page 16
Tree Commission members David Price, Bill Warren (Chairman), Ruth Mears and Troy Rhone at a seedling giveaway. Photo courtesy of Don Cafaro.
By JEFF THOMPSON When Bill Warren looks out across his yard, his eyes often rest on a memory. The sapling his daughter planted as a child is now a tree, and, while she’s grown and away at college, she’s left a piece of her that will always remain at home. In Mountain Brook, almostevery tree has a story, and many of those began at the annual
Arbor Day Tree Giveaway. It’s where Warren’s daughter received her tree, and this year’s event is certain to provide thousands of new memories like theirs. Much has gone into putting this year’s giveaway together – about 19 years’ worth of work. In 1993, Mountain Brook achieved all the goals required to become a Tree City USA, a designation awarded by the Arbor Day Foundation that the city shares with more than
3,400 communities across the nation. Four things are required of a community to become a Tree City: the creation of a tree board or department, an ordinance giving the commission authority to create an annual forestry work plan, an annual forestry budget of approximately $2 per
See TREE CITY page 23
Cherokee, 280 update Based on public comments received, the Alabama Department of Transportation has released alterations to its November 2012 proposal to improve intersections on U.S. 280. The City of Mountain Brook will host a workshop open to the public on Feb. 6 at 6 p.m. at Mountain Brook Junior High School. ALDOT will be present.
City page 7
INSIDE City ................... 6 Faith ................. 9 Business ...........10 Food ................. 12
Community .... 13 School House..18 Sports ............. 21 Calendar ........ 22
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About Us Photo of the Month
Please Support our Sponsors A Tiny Kingdom (18) A’mano (17) ALDOT (22) Alabama Allergy & Asthma Center (6) Amy Smith (14) Birmingham Speech and Hearing Associates (7) Brandino Brass (12) Brookdale Place (8) Brookwood Medical Center (5) Camp Winnataska (6) Children’s of Alabama (13) Cookies By Design (6) Eich Plastic Surgery (21) Granger Thagard Associates (12)
Frank and Melanie Kohn, Colby and Laura Clark, and Tom and Tzena Gauldin traveled to Miami to see the University of Alabama win the BCS National Championship game.
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Editor’s Note By Jennifer Gray Ever wonder why some relationships go the distance and some don’t? What makes for a successful and long-lasting marriage? Well with February being the month of Valentine’s Day, we asked an expert about relationships, Dr. Jacqueline DeMarco, a Mountain Brook psychologist whose practice includes counseling couples. See what she has to say on page 11. As you make your Valentine’s plans with that special someone, consider dinner out at one of the amazing restaurants here in Mountain Brook. Maybe consider trying one you been meaning to visit but haven’t yet. Or, if a cozy dinner at home sounds good, you might want to check out our spotlight on
Deborah Stone’s new store, The Pantry, in Crestline. She offers many dishes, soups and casseroles for takeout that could make for a special meal. Speaking of food, many local churches are coming together once again to participate in the Stop Hunger Now programs. Everyone, young and old, is encouraged to sign up to help at Canterbury United Methodist. Last year was a huge success. I enjoyed seeing children along side parents and grandparents, and even some greatgrandparents volunteering together to help feed the hungry in Haiti. What a great way to give back. Another community event coming up is Arbor Day in our “Tree City USA.”
Read about the festivities and some things you might not have known about our Tree Commission and city arborist on our cover. Also on our cover, you will be inspired to read the story about Jann Robinson, mom to six children, caterer, entrepreneur and now TV celebrity. If you don’t know Jann, you will want to get to know her through our story and then cheer for her as she represents Mountain Brook on the new reality show The Job. Lastly, make sure you look for the results of our Best of Mountain Brook contest in our March issue.
Homewood Chamber of Commerce (19) Hufham Orthondotics (18) Isbell Jewelers (20) Jacqueline DeMarco (9) Koch Aesthetic Dentistry (14) Lamb’s Ears Ltd (20) Michelle’s (9 ) Mobley & Sons (23) Otey’s (14) Piggly Wiggly (16) Plastic Surgery Specialists (11) Ray Building Company (16) RealtySouth (24) Red Mountain Theatre Company (15) Renaissance Consignment and Marketplace (2) Renasant Bank (3) Second Hand Rose (11) Sew Sheri Designs (15) Sharp Remodeling Specialty (23) Taco Mama (17)
Village Living Publisher : Creative Director : Editor : Managing Editor : Contributing Editor: Advertising Manager: Sales and Distribution :
Dan Starnes Keith McCoy Jennifer Gray Madoline Markham Jeff Thompson Matthew Allen Rhonda Smith Warren Caldwell Contributing Writers : Maggie Carter O’Connor Christiana Roussel Kari Kampakis Rick Watson Holley Wesley Lt. Michael Herren Intern : Allie Saxon Published by : Village Living LLC
School House Contributors : Catherine Bodnar - Cherokee Bend, Britt Redden - Crestline, Alison Taylor - Brookwood Forest, Suzanne Milligan - Mountain Brook High School, Hilary Ross - Mountain Brook Elem. , Elizabeth Farrar Mountain Brook Jr. High Contributing Photographer: Image Arts Contact Information: Please submit all Village Living articles, information #3 Office Park Circle, Suite 316 and photos to: Birmingham, AL 35223 Jennifer@VillageLivingOnline.com 313-1780 P.O. Box 530341 dan@VillageLivingOnline.com Birmingham, AL 35253 For advertising contact: dan@VillageLivingOnline.com
Legals: Village Living is published monthly. Reproduction or use of editorial or graphic content without prior permission is prohibited. Village Living is designed to inform the Mountain Brook community of area school, faith, family and community events. Information in Village Living is gathered from sources considered reliable but the accuracy cannot be guaranteed. All articles/photos submitted become the property of Village Living. We reserve the right to edit articles/photos as deemed necessary and are under no obligation to publish or return photos submitted. Inaccuracies or errors should be brought to the attention of the publisher at (205) 370-0732 or by email.
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The Diamond Dealer (7) The Pantry by Stone Hollow Farmstead (10) Town and Country (8) Tutoring Club Cahaba Heights (19) Village Dermatology (5) Village Park Builders (16) Wallace-Burke (10) Zounds (9)
Meet our intern Allie Saxon, a Nashville native, is a senior English major at Birmingham-Southern College. She is a member of Kappa Delta sorority and enjoys volunteering with the sorority’s local philanthropies. Allie enjoys writing, fashion, working with children, the arts and sports. She loves reading poetry written by Adrienne Rich.
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Crime report By LT. MICHAEL HERREN Dec. 14-20 Burglary / Residential. On Dec. 5, there was a residential burglary in the 4000 block of Montevallo Road. Unknown suspect(s) forced open the door to a storage building at the residence. There was also an attempt to enter the residence by breaking a bedroom window. The suspect(s) were not able to open the window. It has yet to be determined if any property was taken. Unlawful Breaking / Entering of a Vehicle. There was a UBEV case in the 2800 block of Cahaba Village Plaza between Dec. 1516. Unknown suspect(s) entered the victim’s locked vehicle and stole currency, prescription medication, a debit card and a gift card. The method of entry is unknown. Dec. 21-27 Indecent Exposure. An Indecent Exposure case occurred at the intersection of Country Club Road and Euclid Avenue. A male suspect pulled up next to a female and asked for directions. When the female responded, she observed that the subject had exposed himself. The subject was driving a small green four-door vehicle. Burglary / Residential. A residential burglary occurred in the 3000 block of Park Brook Road between Dec. 22-24. The residence is currently under renovation, and there was no alarm active. Unknown suspect(s) entered the residence and stole firearms, a computer, currency and a motorcycle. The motorcycle was recovered near the residence. Method of entry is unknown. A residential burglary occurred in the 3000 block of North Woodridge Road between Dec. 22-24. Unknown suspect(s) opened a kitchen window and entered the residence. The bedroom window had been broken, but the window was not opened. An inventory has to be completed before the amount and type of property stolen can be determined.
A residential burglary occurred in the 3500 block of Robin Drive between Dec. 9-17. Method of entry is unknown. The residence did not have an alarm. Jewelry and silverware were stolen. A residential burglary occurred in the 2800 block of Canoe Brook Circle between Dec. 2223. Unknown suspect(s) broke the glass to the master bedroom door and entered the residence. Jewelry and a firearm were stolen. The suspect(s) turned off the power to the residence, disabling the alarm. Unlawful Breaking / Entering of a Vehicle. A UBEV case occurred in the 200 block of Cross Ridge Road on Dec. 16. Unknown suspect(s) entered the victim’s unlocked vehicle and stole a camera. A UBEV case occurred in the 1700 block of Somerset Circle between Dec. 26-27. Unknown suspect(s) entered the victim’s locked vehicle and stole a wallet containing credit cards and currency. Method of entry is unknown. A UBEV case occurred in the 1700 block of Somerset Circle. Unknown suspect(s) entered the victim’s vehicle. Method of entry is unknown. No property was stolen. Dec. 28-Jan. 3 Theft of a Motor Vehicle. A case occurred in the 20 block of West Montcrest Drive between Dec. 27-28. Unknown suspect(s) entered an unlocked vehicle and stole the vehicle. The keys were inside the vehicle. Unlawful Breaking / Entering of a Vehicle. A UBEV case occurred in the 2400 block of Park Lane between Dec. 26-27. Unknown suspect(s) entered the victim’s locked vehicle and stole a purse. Method of entry is unknown. Case Investigation Status. The vehicle that was stolen on West Montcrest Drive was recovered on Dec. 31 by the Birmingham Police Department. A suspect has been identified and the investigation is still active. Jan. 4-11 Robbery. A robbery case occurred in the 2700 block of Abingdon Road on Jan. 5 at approximately 10:43 p.m. The victim’s wallet was taken. A suspect has been identified and interviewed. The case is currently under investigation. A robbery case occurred at the PNC Bank Branch in Crestline Village on Jan. 8 at approximately 1:30 p.m. The suspect approached a teller in the bank and presented a note that demanded money. The suspect took the money and left the bank in an unknown direction of travel. There were no injuries. The Mountain Brook Police Department, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department and the FBI are currently involved in the investigation. A robbery case occurred at the Regions Bank Branch in Mountain Brook Village on Jan. 10 at approximately 1:50 p.m. The suspect approached a teller in the bank and presented a note that demanded money. The suspect took the money and left in an unknown direction of travel. There were no injuries. Burglary / Residential. A residential burglary case occurred in the 2800 block of Shook Hill Circle between Dec. 31-Jan. 9. Unknown suspect(s) forced open a side door to the residence. There was no alarm. At the time of
the initial report, there was no property reported stolen. Case Investigation Update. On Jan. 7, a Mountain Brook officer was driving home after the completion of his shift. The officer was on Cahaba Road at the intersection of Mountain Brook Parkway. The officer observed two subjects dressed in dark clothing run into the woods from Mountain Brook Parkway. The officer called for assistance, and a search of the area was conducted. The two subjects were located hiding in the woods. Both subjects were taken into custody. One of the subjects was in possession of stolen property from another jurisdiction and had a controlled substance. These arrests will assist in not only an identity theft case from another jurisdiction, but they will also assist in the investigation of Unlawful Breaking and Entering of a Vehicle cases. Jan. 11-17 Case Status Update. The suspect in the recent robbery cases at PNC Bank in Crestline Village and Regions Bank in Mountain Brook Village was apprehended by the United States Marshals and the Birmingham Police Department on Jan. 15. The suspect was interviewed by investigators from the Mountain Brook Police Department. A warrant was obtained for both cases. Residential burglary. A residential burglary occurred in the 300 block of Dexter Avenue on Jan. 10. The suspect approached two landscape workers at the residence and told them that he was there to give an estimate. The suspect went inside the unlocked residence and stole jewelry. A residential burglary occurred in the 2500 block of Mountain Brook Circle on Jan. 16. A citizen heard someone knocking very loudly on a neighbor’s door. The citizen became concerned and contacted the Police Department. Officers arrived on the scene and discovered that the front door had been forced open. A television was reported stolen. A silver Lincoln Town Car was observed leaving the scene. Theft/Motor Vehicle. The theft of a motor vehicle occurred in the 3400 block of Sheffield Drive between Jan. 9-10. Unknown suspect(s) entered the victim’s locked vehicle and stole the vehicle. The abandoned vehicle was recovered the following day by the Birmingham Police Department. Attempted Burglary / Residential. On Jan. 12, unknown suspects attempted to force open the rear door to a residence in the 4000 block of Montevallo Road. The handle on the door was damaged. There was no entry gained to the residence or property reported stolen. Unlawful Breaking / Entering of a Vehicle. A UBEV case occurred in the 3000 block of Cahaba Village Plaza on Jan. 11. The victim had stepped away from the vehicle to speak to an acquaintance and left the door to the vehicle open. The victim returned to the vehicle and closed and locked the door. When the victim returned a short time later, it was discovered that a pistol had been stolen from the vehicle. Recovered Stolen Property / Motor Vehicle. On Jan. 12, an abandoned vehicle was reported in the 100 block of Peachtree Circle. The responding officer located the vehicle and determined that it had been reported stolen to the Birmingham Police Department. The vehicle was returned to the victim.
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February 2013 • 7
Lane Parke developers to break ground on apartment buildings
City
ALDOT proposes compromise at Cherokee Rd. More Online! VillageLivingOnline.com By JEFF THOMPSON
New Lane Parke apartments, to be called The Residences, are scheduled for completion in 2014.
By MADOLINE MARKHAM Now that financing has been secured for developers Daniel Corporation and Evson, Inc., Hoar Construction has been released to begin work on The Residences at Lane Parke, a 276-unit apartment community in Mountain Brook Village. “You should be able to see visible demolition of the old buildings in early to mid February,” said Pat Henry of Daniel Corporation. Master site work like the removal of utility lines, relocation of sewer
lines and bringing dirt on-site is happening concurrently to the demolition process. There will be no road closures during this phase of the Lane Parke project. “It is extremely exciting to begin work on this amazing project,” said Dana Caudell, Daniel Corporation’s Director of MultiFamily Operations. “In addition to the many benefits the development will provide to the Mountain Brook community, The Residences at Lane Parke will also deliver exemplary luxury living to the area’s residents.” The Residences at Lane Parke
will feature a variety of one, two and three-bedroom floor plans. The design of each will be environmentally sensitive. Resort-inspired recreation areas will include gardens, a pool, a clubhouse, community Wi-Fi and access to the new Woodland Park that will border Watkins Branch. Like its predecessor, Park Lane apartments, The Residences will be located within walking distance of Mountain Brook Village retailers and Birmingham Botanical Gardens, as well as the remainder of the 28-acre Lane
Parke development once it is completed. Lane Parke will include the recently announced 100-room Grand Bohemian Hotel and approximately 185,000 square feet of commercial lifestyle retail and office space, both of which are scheduled for completion in 2014. The Residences development has been designed by Atlanta-based Wakefield Beasley & Associates. Goodwyn Mills Cawood, Inc. is the project engineer. Construction financing for the project is being provided by First Commercial Bank.
In response to comments, the Alabama Department of Transportation has revised its proposal for changes to intersections on U.S. 280, specifically those in Mountain Brook. Revealed Jan. 24, ALDOT’s plan indicates that the signal at Cherokee Road and U.S. 280 will not be closed, but left turns and direct travel across the intersection will be removed. Traffic approaching 280 from South Cherokee Road that intends to travel across or west will use a new lane, proposed to extend from Cherokee Road to Rocky Ridge Road, to merge. An extended deceleration lane will be added to make U-turns at the Overton Road intersection. A signal for westbound traffic will be added at Overton Road. The signal will be synchronized with the signal at Rocky Ridge Road to protect vehicles making U-turns. The City of Mountain Brook will hold a workshop on the revised plans on Wednesday, Feb. 6 at the Mountain Brook Junior High Auditorium located at 205 Overbrook Road. The workshop is scheduled for 6 p.m. and, according to ALDOT spokesman Tony Harris, will be attended by ALDOT employees and representatives of Skipper Consulting, which is assisting ALDOT with the proposal. The workshop is open to the public.
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8 • February 2013
Village Living
For the love of sports, and Wetumpka 46th Beaux Arts Krewe Ball King William Edgar Welden supports state causes and sporting events worldwide
By MADOLINE MARKHAM When Edgar Welden’s grandchildren don’t know the answer to one of his trivia questions, they know what to say: Wetumpka. The children are all well-versed in their grandfather’s stories about growing up in the small town, just as they are ready to take on his bets for sporting events. With these close family ties, Welden has chosen his seven grandchildren, along with Mary Frances Robertson, to serve as trainbearers when he dons the crown as king of the 46th Beaux Arts Krewe Ball on Feb. 8. Always an adventurer, King Edgar and his wife, Louise, have traveled the world in search of sporting events. “Louise has been supportive of all my foolishness – from going through a hurricane in Antarctica to being hit by a baseball in Denver and breaking her arm,” he said. “How fortunate I am to have had her put up with all my foolishness.” The couple has traveled to four Olympic Games and last year took their children and grandchildren to London for the Games. An avid tennis player since high school, Welden has been to the French Open, Wimbledon and the Australian Open, and all the major golf tournaments (even though he does not golf, he notes). In 1997 he took a year off to journey to 200 sporting events, which he documented in a book, Time Out: A Sport’s Fan’s Dream. To print it, he started his own “hobby” company, Will Publishing, named after his oldest grandchild. Will Publishing has collaborated with Tom and Jan Bailey of Seacoast Publishing to create
Krewe Ball King Edgar Welden, back, in his Crestline home with grandsons Cleve Welden, Evan Welden, Will Welden and Mac Holman (front) and granddaughters Lucy Holman, Ann Derby Welden and Wels Holman (middle). Photo by Madoline Markham.
a series of books about famous Alabamians for fourth graders that study Alabama history in school. Last year, the company published a book on Wetumpka’s history from 1942-1965 titled Wetumpka: The Golden Years. Welden is a graduate of the University of Alabama, where he met his wife and where both of their children, Ann Welden Holman and Edgar Jr., would later meet their spouses, Jamie and Danielle, respectively. So, of course, the family knows where their football allegiance lies. Welden is an active member of the A Club at Alabama and was given the University of Alabama Distinguished Alumni Award. Last
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fall, he taught a class at the Honors College at Alabama on “Life After the Honors Program.” Armed with a degree in real estate, he partnered with his older brother, Charles, to start managing student apartments in Tuscaloosa. The duo grew their property management, mortgage and real estate business into WeldenField in Birmingham. Today the brothers have retired, and their sons run the business. In keeping with his passion for both sports and his home state, Welden is proud to talk about the programs he runs as Chairman of Alabama Sports Hall of Fame. The Bryant Jordan Scholarship Program offers 100 scholarships a year to high school seniors who
excel in not just sports but also academics and community involvement. Also, the Birmingham Athletic Partnership provides funding for athletic departments, bands and cheerleaders in Birmingham City Schools, thanks to strong corporate support they have. Welden has also been active in the Republican Party since 1966. He is the former state chairman of the Alabama Republican Party and for 12 years served as one of two state representatives on the Republican National Committee. “But the rest of the time he serves me,” Louise said with a smile. In 1987, he volunteered for the Alabama Development office under Governor Guy Hunt. In 1988-89, he was Chairman of the Alabama Reunion, a two-year celebration promoting Alabama tourism, heritage and economic development. Back in Birmingham, Welden is a member of the Quarterback Club and Tipoff Club, and he and Louise are members at Mountain Brook Community Church. Welden plays tennis with friends two to three times a week at Mountain Brook Club and the Country Club of Birmingham, where he is a member. For 20 years he was a part of “The Turkeys,” a Sunday afternoon tennis group at Birmingham Country Club that has since retired. The couple enjoys relaxing and visiting with friends from Elmore County at their home on Lake Martin, where Welden has been visiting since growing up in nearby Wetumpka. A longtime Krewe member, Welden said he is looking forward to having a good time, eating and drinking, and being with friends and family at the Ball. “It is an honor for my family to be involved in the Krewe,” he said. “Its continued support for the Birmingham Museum of Art is important for our community. I am grateful to the Krewe Committee and to all who make it such a fun event. I am so appreciative for the opportunity to have a good time and to honor our daughters.”
February 2013 • 9
VillageLivingOnline.com
Love wins
Faith
From the pulpit
Life Actually By Kari Kampakis
When my niece Lucy pleasant, but loving a was a toddler, she pitched person in their most one of those I’m-not-going unlovable state — when to-bed tantrums where no they’re mean, harsh or one could calm her down. downright insulting — The next day when I takes special discipline. talked to my sister Dana, For me, it’s the hardest she recounted the event and aspect of love to embrace. told me that as frustrating It goes against my instinct, as Lucy’s tantrum was, because when someone Kampakis she knew it was a result attacks me, I jump in of exhaustion. So instead of yelling defense mode. at her or trying to reason, she pulled With my children, I have a vested her kicking-and-screaming daughter interest in modeling this mature love, into her chest. She locked her arms one that gives without expectation. around her, hugged her tightly and This is, after all, how I want them refused to let go. After a minute to love others. But what about the of this, Lucy quit fighting. And as people I’m not tied to? Why should her walls tumbled down, she began I be kind to anyone I don’t want or crying in her mother’s arms. need in my life? Being a new mom at the time, I I don’t have many answers, but I liked this strategy and decided to have learned this: When I deliberately try it. To my surprise, it helped tame choose not to love someone, it creates many tantrums. Initially, I thought discord. It makes my heart restless, as if the point was to calm my child down, I have unfinished business. And while but over time I realized that it also it may not consume me, it does bother calmed me. Besides curbing my me, because every so often a trigger temper, it forced me to stop and think. will bring the discord to surface. It helped me respond to bad behavior, But when I choose love with real, not react. unselfish love, I feel harmony. I enjoy And while some tantrums the freedom of a burden unloaded. continued in my arms, I felt a peace When I love, I put the ball in someone inside just doing the right thing. I else’s court. Whether they reciprocate knew, with every bone in my body, is their choice. that I wouldn’t regret embracing At some point in time, you my child the way I’d inevitably probably received love when you regret lashing out at her. Because for least deserved it. Can you recall every fight I won, something inside how disarming that was? Did it not me died. The victory was a hollow interrupt your tantrum, if even for triumph, for all I’d really done was a moment, as you wondered why put up another wall. someone would do that? Love wins It’s easy to love someone who’s because it tears down walls. It makes
The “Short” (and Long) of Love
us drop our guns and hope that maybe, just maybe, someone cares. To one person in this world, our life matters. Today we see so many angry people, people hurt by life’s cruelties and wearing an armor no one wants to touch. But beneath the shell, there’s a battle raging. These people are at war with themselves, and whether they admit it or not, they need love. Only love can soften their heart and eventually change their life. Mother Teresa said, “Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.” Love wins because it speaks to the broken. It helps us forget about ourselves, and look beyond tantrums and wailing to see the pain and exhaustion at the root of it all. Love wins because it opens doors and puts everyone on the same team. Is there a difficult person in your life who could use a love lock? Are you willing to set aside your pride and love them with kind words or a timely hug? Maybe it’ll make a difference. Maybe it won’t. The point isn’t whether your effort pays off, it’s that you tried. Nothing done out of love is a waste. Somehow, our good work comes back to us, while also bringing out the person we were designed to be. Kari Kubiszyn Kampakis is a Mountain Brook mom of four with a background in PR, writing and photography. Visit her website at karikampakis.com, find her on Facebook and Twitter, or contact her at kari@karikampakis.com.
By DOUG DORTSCH Mountain Brook Baptist Church Some years ago, an unassuming cleric set the world record for the shortest sermon when he walked to his pulpit, looked at his congregation, and said just one word: “LOVE.” Then he sat down. End of sermon. I often muse over how few in my congregation probably wouldn’t complain if I started preaching shorter sermons because they would beat everyone to lunch. But at the same time, I don’t know that they would avoid getting their toes stepped on in the process, homiletically speaking at least, because it doesn’t take a lot of words to get our attention if the words hit us where we hurt. “Love” is one of those words that does just that. It either hits us at the point of need or it hits us at the point of behavior. In terms of our need, one of the deepest yearnings every one of us has is to be loved by others; our souls crave for someone else to see us as significant. Plenty of studies have been done that suggest that when people are deprived of love, they don’t end up as very good people. But the word love can also hit us at the point of behavior. By that, I mean some people are not very lovely, and I don’t just mean physically speaking. Some people have souls that are pretty ugly, and it’s easier to keep our distance from them, even though we doing so is not very lovely in itself. Of course, the Bible messes up that last line of thinking. Its teachings on love – especially the part about loving one’s neighbor – direct us
precisely to the places and the people we’d rather avoid. Just when we think we have our “love lines” drawn precisely, we come across a parable like the Good Samaritan or a Jonah story like God’s call to go to the people of Nineveh, and we have to get on our knees and beg forgiveness for the ugliness that’s in all of us. The Bible conveys a God who actually expects us to love everybody. We know how to do this. Most of us grew up exchanging Valentines back in elementary school with the whole class, not just the people we wanted to. So, as you did then, you know what you must do now. You must love. There, I said it. For those of you who need some elaboration, such a challenge means treating others like you’d want to be treated. It means wishing the best for them and working for the best for them. It means holding your nose and your heart in order to be used of God in meeting another’s need. The loving action comes first; only then does the emotion follow. I remember a line from an old James Taylor song: “Love is just a word I’ve heard when things are being said.” Love is “just” a word? Not so when the word is uttered by people who truly love God, for then it becomes nothing less than a sermon unto itself and a clarion call to what those who heed it will discover is a better way of life.
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pj’s, candles, robes, bubble bath, soaps, gowns Michelle’s in Crestline • 870-1122
10 • February 2013
Around the Villages Crestline retailers offering specials for Team Slade Crestline retailers Sugar Inc. and Taco Mama are helping support Team Slade in honor of Crestline kindergartner Slade Anderson, who is being treated for leukemia at St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis. Sugar Inc. is selling green T-shirts with a Superman “S” on the front and “Team Slade” on the back. The shirts come in youth and adult sizes. T-shirts are $15 each, cash or check only, and can be shipped with
fees. All the proceeds go to help Saint Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and Team Slade. At Taco Mama, you can now order a “Super Slade” beef and cheese taco, Slade’s favorite. For each taco purchased, Taco Mama will donate $1 to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital through Feb. 1, 2014. To follow Slade’s progress, visit the Go Team Slade page on Facebook.
Lulie’s on Cahaba has a brief new location Although the official last day of business for Lulie’s on Cahaba in Mountain Brook was Jan. 28, owner Lauren Stewart isn’t gone yet. Lulie’s has moved to Brook Highland Plaza to finish its liquidation sales. Stewart
says there are clothes from all seasons remaining and everything in the store will be marked 50 percent off or more. Stewart said she is closing to move out of state to marry on March 23.
News co-anchor royer to speak at annual Chamber luncheon The Chamber of Commerce will have its Third Annual Chamber Luncheon on Feb. 7. The luncheon will be held in the Grand Ballroom at The Club. Mike Royer, Alabama 13 evening news co-anchor, will be the keynote speaker. The luncheon will also
feature Scott Mauldin, host of Mountain Brook TV news, as the emcee. Seats are limited to 300. Tickets are $50 for individuals; or $800 per table. For more information call 871-3779 or visit welcometomountainbrook.com.
emmet O’Neal Library offers free language learning for kids The Emmet O’Neal Library now offers its patrons free access to the world’s number one children’s language learning program, the BBC’s Muzzy. Muzzy, a fuzzy green critter who guides children through videos, games and vocabulary activities in any of eight languages including Spanish and French, can be accessed from the children’s page of the library’s website at eolib.org. In addition to Muzzy, patrons can access Tumblebooks and Capstone Interactive, as well as more advanced foreign language learning through Rocket Languages. These resources are also available on iPad.
Urban Cookhouse coming to Crestline Urban Cookhouse will open its third location in the former Fire location in Crestline Village in April. “We believe Crestline is a great place to introduce our new ideas, including an extended menu to enhance the dining experience,” said David Snyder, who owns the restaurant with his wife, Andrea. The Crestline location will incorporate a more upscale interior with an outdoor patio. Local draft beer selection will also be available. Urban Cookhouse focuses on providing local produce and the freshest ingredients possible. The Snyders opened their Homewood location in June 2010 and a second location at the Summit in November 2011. To learn more about Urban Cookhouse, visit urbancookhouse.com.
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Village Living
Library’s annual book sale returns By HOLLEY WESLEY Emmet O’Neal Library It’s that time again! The Friends of the Emmet O’Neal Library Book Sale arrives later this month. The sale will be open to the public Friday and Saturday, Feb. 22-23 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and on Sunday, Feb. 24, from 1-4 p.m. Great deals abound on a wide variety of subjects, and we have something for everyone. Drop in, find books for yourself and friends, and support the Library. Stop by each day of the sale; you’re sure to find something different each time. We have plenty of current fiction very reasonably priced and in excellent condition,” said Friends of the Library President Susan Elliott. “This year we also have a large number of biographies, many books on history and lots of books on tape.” The newest books, antique treasures and other valuable books will be upstairs in the meeting room. Downstairs in the Friend’s Room, shoppers will find fiction, history, gardening, cookbooks and more at great prices. The early bird gets the worm on Thursday night, Feb. 21 with the Book Sale Preview Party. From 6-8:30 p.m., this invitation-only event offers partygoers the first crack at the best books, including art and coffee table books, collectible items and rare titles. Donors giving $25 or more to the Emmet O’Neal Library will receive an invitation to the party. Working with Elliott to make this year’s sale a success are Book Sale Chairs Leigh Fullington and Nicki Barnes. They stress that they couldn’t put on this sale without your help! Throughout the year, they are glad to accept your gently used books, audio-books, music and movies. Proceeds from the sale make up a significant portion of funding for the many programs hosted by the Library for all ages throughout the year. For more information about the library’s programs, visit eolib.org or call 445-1121.
February 2013 • 11
VillageLivingOnline.com Read all the past Business Spotlights at villagelivingonline.com
Business Spotlight
Cookies by Design
2812 Cahaba Road 803-1054 cookiesbydesign.com Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
By MADOLINE MARKHAM The smell of fresh baked cookies wafts into Mountain Brook Village as its newest bakery prepares for its busiest season: Valentine’s Day. Chocolate Chip, Peanut Butter, Snicker Doodle, Oatmeal Royale, Sugar Cookies and top-seller Millionaire (chocolate chips, oats and pecans) cookies can all be purchased individually or in one of the business’ signature cookie baskets. Cookies by Design, a 20-year old cookie bakery and delivery company, opened in the former Big Sky Bread location in December. It customizes cookies for teams, photos, business cards, holidays, dance recitals, babies and any other occasion imaginable. “The community has been so welcoming,” Owner Stacy Lang said. “Even other business owners have come in to get cookies and introduce themselves.” Lang first fell in love with the location while running through Mountain Brook Village as she trained for marathons. She runs every day, but she has always had a sweet tooth. “If I bring anything to Christmas dinner, it’s always a dessert,” she said. “I have always loved to bake, and it’s always been my goal to own a bakery.” Lang ordered cookie baskets
Owner Stacy Lang serves up fresh-baked cookies and special occasion cookie baskets from her Mountain Brook Village bakery. Photos by Madoline Markham.
from Cookies by Design, one of 100 franchises nationwide, during her corporate career with Alabama Gas. She even, like many customers, still has a cookie with her son’s name on it that was in a baby gift basket she received from the company. And so, when she learned the previous owner was interested in selling, Lang bought in. A few months later, she moved the location from Highway 31 in Vestavia to the Village. Many of Cookies by Design’s longtime customers live in
Mountain Brook and off Highway 280, so the location was perfect for gaining foot traffic. In addition to its classic cookies, the bakery now offers cupcakes, brownies and scones, and they hope to expand their display case offerings in the future. “I wanted to create more of a hometown cookie shop where you can sit down and have coffee and milk and socialize,” she said. “It’s kind of like Starbuck’s, but not.” Lang said they sell a birthday basket and a “speedy recovery”
basket of turtle-shaped cookies every day. Some baskets, like the reindeer at Christmas, come with cookies in a special Brown Sugar Cinnamon Cookie Dough. Cookie Cakes are popular for birthdays, especially as they, like any of their products, can be delivered instead of requiring a trip to the mall. Most people order Chocolate Chip, but any flavor is available. Cookies by Design also has a pre-sliced cookie dough fundraising program.
Lang said her three boys, ages 10, 14 and 21, gladly reap the benefit of cookie decorating mess-ups. “They love the Chocolate Chip, and anything with lots of icing and sugar, and they can’t wait to work in the shop one day.” On the day of the Mountain Brook Christmas Parade, the younger two walked around passing out cookie samples. Lang has noticed the crowds of kids around the Village after school and hopes that they soon discover what gets her own boys so excited to come in the shop.
12 • February 2013
Village Living
Restaurant Showcase
Read past Restaurant Showcases at villagelivingonline.com
The Pantry By CHRISTIANA ROUSSEL Deborah Stone knows what her customers crave. As owner of The Pantry in Crestline Village, she wants to feed them good food and make them happy, with everything from her signature goat cheeses and raw juices to micro-green topped salads and buffalo meat sliders Many diners will recognize her familiar logo from products they purchase at the Piggly Wiggly or Whole Foods Market. Jars of goat cheese with amped-up flavors like rose petal or pink peppercorn, lavender or French herbs are served at dinner parties all over town. Still other guests know Stone’s food from her Cahaba Heights storefront, which now serves as the processing kitchen for this new outpost. “We loved that location but found we outgrew it quickly,” Stone said. “Taking an informal poll of our client base, we realized that about 75 percent of them come from Mountain Brook.” Stone always knew she wanted to have a location in this area, and it was one of her regulars, Shannon Thomas, who let her know about the availability of the Crestline Village location. The larger location will also let Stone bring her farm to town. At her Harpersville property, she grows many of the produce items served at The Pantry. By removing the front parking area and amending the back of the property on Dexter Avenue,
17 Dexter Avenue 803-3585 stonehollowfarmstead.com Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, 7 a.m.-4 p.m.
A Pantry Valentine
Deborah Stone (center), daughter Alexandra Stone (left) and Lee Shipp (right) serve farm-fresh foods from the new The Pantry location in Crestline. Photos by Amanda Roussel.
she will be able to install a few raised beds. Ellen Riley will help develop these gardens as well as oversee a small farmers market at The Pantry. “There will be a garden here just like at the farm,” she said. “We’ll have a little walking trail to the back to the farmers market, too. I’ve always said if I can’t get my friends to the farm, I need to bring the farm to my friends. This place lets me do just that.” Stone believes there are great health benefits derived from eating food in a raw state the majority of the time. “The more raw foods that you consume, the healthier your digestive tract is. It’s all about the enzymes and the enzyme connection. Heating food to just under 118 degrees F keeps those enzymes alive,” she said.
Some items on the menu are 100 percent raw while others might be 50 percent, like the spaghetti. “We make our raw spaghetti by putting fresh squash and zucchini through a spiraler, so it makes noodles out of the fresh, raw veggies. Then we mix up our sauce, which is just tomatoes, basil and different herbs. If we add cheese, then it is not 100 percent raw.” Carnivores need not shy away from The Pantry; there is plenty here for the meat lovers. Her top-selling buffalo and Kobe beef sliders truly satisfy. The meat is free of growthhormones, antibiotics and fillers. You can taste the difference in just one bite. But consider yourself warned: you might never go back to the drivethru after tasting these burgers. They really are that good.
“I still like chicken and dumplings, and homemade biscuits, but those things we just don’t eat as often,” Stone noted. “What we talk about here is balance.” In addition to dining in, customers will be able to enjoy The Pantry in other ways. You can stop in and grab a cup of local Primavera coffee and a house-made scone to-go. Or maybe you’d prefer a farm-fresh parfait, made with goat’s milk yogurt and seasonal fruit. Coolers will be filled with casseroles and soups to enjoy at home or share with friends. Still other coolers will feature gallons of fresh cow’s milk and quarts of goat’s milk, fresh chicken and duck eggs, too. But one of the things the folks at The Pantry do best is entertain. They make it look effortless and want you to have the same success.
The Pantry will host its first “17 on Dexter” dining experience for Valentine’s Day. Seating is limited to 17 couples, so call for reservations.
Manager Lance Horton said that they encourage guests to bring in their own serving pieces for one-of-a-kind catering orders. “You can drop off your serving pieces, give us a budget, discuss wine pairings, and we’ll take it from there!” she said. Horton’s passion for the venture, as well as his industry knowledge, is immediately evident in what he says: “Having the farm down in Harpersville, we can plant, harvest, prepare and sell everything fresh.” Christiana Roussel is a Southern food and lifestyle writer headquartered in Crestline. When not attending biscuit festivals or bourbon tastings, four chickens, three dogs, two children, and one husband keep her busy. Follow her at Facebook. com/ChristianasKitchen.
February 2013 • 13
VillageLivingOnline.com
Community Solving science mysteries Annual Beaker Bash fundraiser returns to the McWane Center
Members of this year’s Beaker Bash Committee.
On Feb. 2, families are invited to crack the case at McWane Science Center’s Beaker Bash: Who Done It? The event will offer sleuths of all ages a chance to search for clues and solve mysteries using science. Beaker Bash is McWane Science Center’s annual family-friendly fundraising event that directly supports statewide science education programs and makes field trips affordable for thousands of students. McWane Science Center is a nonprofit science museum and a meaningful extension of learning for our region’s schools, families and businesses. Co-chaired by Taylor Davis and Lucia Tabb, 2013 Beaker Bash committee members include Jenna Bedsole, Trish Bogdanchik,
Angie Cleland, Laura Comer, Morgan Cook, Susan Dumas, Liz Edwards, Brittany Elliot, Caroline Ezelle, Elizabeth Goodrich, Kelly H. Higgins, Shannon U. Holt, Kirstie Ivey, Michelle Kelly, Elizabeth Koleszar, Caroline Little, Kendyl Lowe, Kate Mather, Colin M. Mitchell, Jeanne Monk, Jessica Naftel, Bragan Petrey, Britt Redden, Meredith Shah, Thames Schoenvogel, Miranda Springer, Hampton Stephens, Ashlee Todd, Sarah Warburton, Hill Weathers, Jennifer Weaver, Callie Whatley and Amanda Wodehouse. Wells Fargo is the presenting sponsor of this year’s event. Visit mcwane.org for more information or to buy tickets.
Tennis tourney to benefit oncology research The first Love-Love Magic City Finish the Fight Tennis Challenge is scheduled for March 4-8. Ladies’ doubles teams will compete at venues around Birmingham including Birmingham Country Club. The week-long event will conclude with the Love-Love Tennis Ball on March 8 at the Birmingham Country Club, with dinner and dancing to honor and celebrate the champions. The event will benefit Robert E. Reed Gastrointestinal Oncology Research Foundation, which supports scientific research to make treatment easier for patients with all types of GI cancers. The foundation funds research in Birmingham, led by Martin J.
Heslin, M.D., professor of surgery and director of the Integrated Multidisciplinary Cancer Care Program at UAB. Kathi Ash is the Executive Director of the Reed Foundation. Laurie Grantham is this year’s Women’s Committee Chair, Sarah Warburton is Co-Chair, Neillie Butler is Honorary Chair and Wally Nall is Advisory Board Chair. Jimmy Weinacker, Lizzie Jeffcoat and Laura Willoughby are serving as Advisory Pros. Registration will close Feb. 25. The tournament is open to players of all levels, and teams can register on the tournament lovelovemagiccitychallenge.com.
Michelson first Scout in troop history to earn top palm ranking In Mountain Brook’s 45 years of existence and approximately 242 Eagle Scouts, Joel Michelson, a member of Troop 320, recently became the first to earn three Eagle Palms, earning a total of 39 merit badges. After a Scout receives his Eagle rank, the only other awards he can earn are Silver, Gold and Bronze Palms. These are earned for each additional five merit badges (more than the 21 required for Eagle) and three months of additional involvement in the troop. Joel’s Eagle Scout Project was to refurbish the Brookwood Forest Elementary School Nature Trail. This project helped preserve the life of the trail, made it a better environment for classes at Brookwood Forest Elementary School, and also enhanced the appearance of the nature trail. Educational experiences outdoors are now more beneficial for the students at Brookwood Forest. With the help of other scouts, Joel built a podium and two benches for an outdoor classroom and cleaned up the many logs and branches lying on and near the trail. He put landscaping timbers on the sides of the trail to prevent plants from growing onto it and repainted the entrance sign to the trail. Donations from area friends and relatives helped to pay for Joel’s project, and he was able to donate more than $750 to Brookwood Forest to help with trail maintenance.
MBHS senior Joel Michelson
Joel is a senior at Mountain Brook High School. He is a member of Mu Alpha Theta and Spanish Honor Society, plays trumpet in the marching and symphonic band, and sings in the Chamber Choir. He is a National Merit Commended Scholar. Joel is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Bobby Michelson of Mountain Brook and the grandson of Dr. and Mrs. Leonard Michelson of Montgomery and the Honorable and Mrs. Ed Fowler of Hamilton.
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14 • February 2013
Village Living
Scuffed shoes By DR. JACQUELINE DILLON DEMARCO
My 93-year-old grandma, who was married for over 70 years, told me her secret to a lasting marriage: “If you don’t want to shine his shoes for the rest of your life, don’t start now.” She gave me good advice because couples fall into routines, or patterns of behavior that become familiar over time. While some of these patterns are healthy, some are also unhealthy. The first step toward improving a marriage is recognizing these unhealthy patterns. A common misconception about marriage is that arguing is “bad.” If couples do not disagree at some point in their relationship, they think it is doubtful they are communicating effectively and honestly. What matters is not if a couple argues; it is how the couple argues. Arguing by constantly criticizing your spouse, making personal attacks toward your spouse, becoming defensive or emotionally shutting down may be red flags that there are some unresolved problems in your marriage. In order to improve your relationship, communication is key. Many arguments begin because of miscommunication or lack of communication, and then making false assumptions to fill in the gaps. To communicate effectively, especially when communicating a problem, some important points to remember are to start positive and be specific about what you are communicating. Then, express your feelings using “I” statements (ex: “I feel angry when…”), and be brief when defining your problem. It is also important to be a good listener. Many times,
The key to a happy marriage?
we are so focused on making our own point that we do not completely “hear” what our spouse is attempting to tell us. Repeat back to your spouse the gist of what they are trying to convey and see if you are correct. Further, attempt to understand and empathize with what your spouse is saying and feeling. This can reduce problems related to miscommunication and may validate your spouse’s feelings. It is also important to spend quality time with one another. Although cell phones keep everyone connected and are great methods of communicating information, time spent together is priceless. Set a “date night” every month or every other week that is reserved for just you and your spouse. On your date night, put your phones away and try to stay in the moment. Use this time to communicate and reconnect with one another. The truth is, marriage can be hard, and you have to work at it just as you do anything else. More than half of marriages end in divorce, and the rate increases when it comes to second marriages. Further, unhappy marriages are associated with both physical and emotional stress, which can lead to increased risk of physical illness and potentially even shorten your life. So, investing in the time and effort to improve your marriage can potentially lead to a longer and healthier life for both you and your spouse. In the long run, wouldn’t you rather have scuffed shoes and a happy marriage? I know I would. Dr. Jacqueline Dillon DeMarco is a clinical psychologist in private practice in Office Park.
Spin ride to benefit cancer research Spinning bikers will ride 100 miles this month in the Ride To Change The Future hosted by The Norma Livingston Ovarian Cancer Foundation. The ride will take place Feb. 24 at the Levite Jewish Community Center from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Anyone can take part in the free training program leading up to the event to build confidence and stamina for the final ride. Training classes are held at the LJCC as well as Gardendale Civic Center
and St. Vincent’s One Nineteen. Training schedules are posted online. More than 100 participants have signed up and raised $61,000 thus far. Participation fees include $40 for registration. The minimum fundraising requirement requires each participant to raise $100 per hour for each hour intended to ride. For more information, visit ovariancycle.kintera. org/Birmingham.
Annual choral music festival at Canterbury UMC The fifth annual Over the Mountain Festival of Sacred Music will take place Sunday, Feb. 17 at 4 p.m. at Canterbury United Methodist Church. All are invited to attend this free concert, entitled “O Day Full of Grace.” Last year the event welcomed a chorus of more than 70 singers from 30 different choirs and choral groups around Birmingham, as well as other cities in the Southeast. This season’s guest clinician is Dr. Thomas Smith, Professor Emeritus of Music from Auburn University. Youth Choir Clinician Stephen Folmar and Children’s Choir Clinician Amanda Klimko will be in attendance. For more information, contact Philip Capra at otmfestivalchairman@juno.com or visit otmfestivals.org.
Dr. Thomas Smith, Professor Emeritus of Music at Auburn University, during the first rehearsal for the festival.
Knights of Columbus and The Arc to host Crestline 5K and Fun Run The 25th annual Knights of Columbus Run will start in Crestline on Saturday, March 2. The event, facilitated this year by The Arc Jefferson County, will include a 5K and one mile Fun Run/Walk. The first 150 registrants will receive a T-shirt, and trophies will be awarded for first place in each age group. The 5K course is fairly flat, only requiring seven turns around the neighborhood in Crestline.
Proceeds from the run will benefit The Arc, which serves more than 600 children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The 5K begins at 8 a.m. and the Fun Run at 8:45 a.m. The course begins at Crestline Elementary School, 3785 Jackson Blvd. Registration on race day is $20. For more information, contact Amanda Marcrum at 705-1809 or amarcrum@arcofjeff.com.
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February 2013 • 15
VillageLivingOnline.com
Mountain Brook girls participate in Holiday Assembly Mountain Brook girls joined in the festivities at the 70th Annual Mountain Brook Holiday Assembly. Front row: Sarah Cain, Isabel Creveling, Adelaide Bromberg. Second row: Adele Smith, Alice Elisabeth Bradford, Elise Nesbitt, Anna Kate Healey, Allison Manley, Mary Virginia Adams, Frances Carson, Mary Martha Grizzle. Third row: Baylee Edwards, Mary Maude Crenshaw, Mary Helen Terry, Anne Peyton Baker, Katie Godwin, Alex Jackson, Holly Struthers, Madelyn Beatty, Maddison Bromberg, Libbie Faulconer.Back row: Turner Hull, Ann Balkovetz, Mary Stewart Beasley, Lizzy Donald, Laura Stagno, Mims Bruhn, Louise Pewitt. Photo courtesy of Dee Moore.
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engagement, wedding or anniversary announcement? Email jennifer@villagelivingonline.com
to have it included in an upcoming issue!
Moore-Shipper
Melissa Ann Moore and David Benjamin Shipper were united in marriage on Dec. 29, 2012 at Independent Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Dr. Conrad Sharps officiating. The bride’s attendants were Kathryn Paige Deppe, Porter Fizhugh Jennings, Megan Hua Shaul, Allison Carvill Van Glahn Slocum, Lindsay Christina Turner and Elizabeth Ann Varnell. Her sister, Mary Jordan Moore, was the Maid of Honor. The groom’s attendants were Matthew Todd Collier, Andrew Lee Conaway, John Christopher Moore (brother of the bride), Tucker Lee Shipper (brother of the groom), Jamie Lamar Thompson and Kevin Scott Van Hyning. Mark Leonard Maillet was the Best Man. Melissa is a graduate of The Altamont School and a cum laude graduate of the University of the South, Sewanee with a
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degree in English and a minor in art history. She is employed at Oakstone Publishing as a digital marketing manager. David graduated from Auburn University in Montgomery with a BA in Marketing and a MBA with a concentration in finance. He is the vice president of Mass Affluent Marketing at BBVA Compass Bank. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John David Moore of Mountain Brook. She is the granddaughter of Betty Jo Kight Cowin and the late John Jordan Cowin of Mountain Brook, and the late Verner Moore and Judith Wilson Blevins, both of Kentucky. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Keith Skidmore and the late Darryl Wayne Shipper. He is the grandson of Emily LaWanda Blackmon and the late Leroy Blackmon, Jimmie Lee Shipper and Ima Jean Shipper.
16 • February 2013
Village Living
ROBINSON from page 1
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decide if they will accept the offer or remain in the running for the highlighted job. Robinson owns Crestline-based Backstage Catering and Jann Robinson Culinary Living, close to her children, now in kindergarten through 11th grade. “I will never not have kids at Crestline Elementary,” she said. Robinson found the casting call posting for restaurant professionals on the CBS website last fall. Following an HR interview with Palm, she traveled to New York for screenings, where they narrowed the field to five contestants. It was Robinson’s first time to New York City, and she said she loved its vibe. “I fell on the first day wearing heels on the sidewalks — it was wild and crazy,” she said. She returned to film the show around Thanksgiving. Her fiancé, Boomer Sirmans, kept the house running, attending teacher conferences and the like, freeing her up to travel for this step in her career path – one she said was positive, fulfilling and nothing like reality TV. “I was pumped the whole time. It was exhilarating. It was all up in the air.” Robinson said she felt prepared for the scene with her diverse background with food service clients in Birmingham. “Service and tradition is very important to [Palm] like it is to us,” Robinson said. “Coming from the South, I felt that gave me a leg up over everyone. I knew no one else had that. This is what we do on a daily basis here.” Robinson, 38, competed against Anthony Hollinrake, 26, from Mounalua, Hawaii; Maggie Nachman, 29, from Chicago, Ill.; Ryan Pickett, 32, from Rigby, Idaho; and Alex Carabano, 31, from Brooklyn, N.Y. Robinson kept all of her travels under the guise of a “work” trip as far as her six children knew, until she got to share her news with them in late December. Her kids are accustomed to seeing their mom on local TV, where she has a twice-monthly midday spot on Fox 6 sharing diabetic recipes, but once the press release came
Mountain Brook’s Jann Robinson, second from the right, will compete on CBS’s The Job, which airs on Friday, Feb. 8. Photo courtesy of David M. Russell/CBS ©2012 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
out, they were floored that they and their mom would appear on national TV. The “hometown” piece of The Job shows what she brings to the show, Robinson said. “It gives a small snippet of who I am everyday — the homework, grocery shopping, carpooling. Being a mom of six kids, it will give the nation a clear understanding that this is what I do every day, but it’s not the easiest game in town.” What Robinson thinks will stand out is not her sharing her story as a mom, but her story as a widow. “I think my fulfillment will come in showcasing me and people like me, the women who lost husbands to war or cancer. Most times you see mother with husband and kids, but for me there is another set of women.” In 2006, when she was pregnant with her sixth child, her husband, Dave, was diagnosed with lymphoma. The couple had moved to
Mountain Brook in 2001 to be near their Crestline business, and it was the people in Mountain Brook who stood by her family during her husband’s illness. While she was spending most of her time in the hospital, the family never went without meals. Someone was always bringing a casserole to the door. “That made my children feel more secure and that they were cared for,” she said, tearing up as she recalled this chapter of her journey. “Although Mommy wasn’t there all the time, they didn’t go without a meal cooked by another mom. That meant a lot. I don’t think I could have had that anywhere else. Many of those people were our customers or friends or neighbors or classmates. That is who our community is. We care about people. We care about each other. And I needed that in these years of transition.”
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February 2013 • 17
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Annie Bloomston a finalist in Fashion Week competition By ALLIE SAXON Mountain Brook High School student Annie Bloomston will show off her pop art design this month as a finalist in Birmingham Fashion Week’s Rising Design Star competition. More than 80 middle school and high school students from across the state submitted garment designs using nontraditional items assembled with glue, tape and staples in the place of stitches. The top 40 designs, including Annie’s, will be displayed at the Birmingham Museum of Art until Feb. 10. Annie’s concept started with inspiration from Andy Warhol. “I wanted to incorporate boxes of candy,” Annie said. “I knew I would have them since I eat candy, but I found that I liked Andy Warhol’s pop tops, caps and Campbell’s soup creations a lot more.” The end product is all “pop” themed, from can labels, to a Coke bottle top
belt, to “cap” sleeves. She even included Warhol’s portrait in a locket. Annie’s design took two weeks to finish, and she polished it off with a collar made of cardstock and black wire tape the night before it was due. From the 40 finalists, 30 will be selected and receive an opportunity to showcase their design on the runway at Fashion Week Feb. 23-March 2 while competing for $1,000 in scholarships. “The designs we have received this year have blown us away with their fashion sense and creativity,” said Jeanna Lee Fleming, co-founder of Birmingham Fashion Week. “These students, ranging from 11-18 years old, are already well on the way to becoming the next hot designers in New York City, and this competition can be the catalyst that propels their dreams forward.” Showcasing world-renown designers and top models, the event, held at Pepper Place in downtown Birmingham, has expanded from four days to seven days of runway shows and parties that feature
the same fashion found on the runways of New York. The schedule includes designer runway shows, fashions from local boutiques Laura Kathryn and The Pants Store, and model and design competitions highlighting the latest fashions of the season. Designers Annie Griffin, Southern Proper, By Smith, Prophetik, Heidi Elnora, Leona Collection and What Goes Around Comes Around, as well as international designers, will contribute clothing. Not only will there be local and national celebrities in attendance, but they will also be judging the designs and model competitions. Birmingham Fashion Week benefits many organizations, including Alabama Forever, which aids communities in need, and Camp Smile-A-Mile, which provides a year-round program for children with cancer in Alabama. General admission and VIP seating are available, with an After Party following each show. Tickets range from $15-$85. For more, visit bhamfashionweek.com.
Teen designer Annie Bloomston.
Volunteers needed for Stop Hunger Now program at Canterbury As part of the annual Stop Hunger Now national campaign, more than 1,000 volunteers will gather at Canterbury United Methodist Church this month to assemble 500,000 meals for children in lesser developed countries and aid in disaster relief. Stop Hunger Now has seen more than 100,000 volunteers package more than 30 million meals in its seven-year history. Last year, the volunteer assembly program at Canterbury packed 142,560 meals in 12 hours. The meals were delivered to schoolchildren in Honduras, providing them food for an entire month.
Meals include a combination of rice, soy, dehydrated vegetables and a flavoring mix that includes 21 vitamins and minerals divided into small meal packets. Each meal costs only 25 cents. The food stores easily, has a shelf life of five years and transports quickly. Volunteers will gather in two-hour shifts at Canterbury on Wednesday, Feb. 20 and Thursday, Feb. 21 between 6:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. to package meals. Additional “power hours,” 7-10 p.m. on Wednesday, will offer volunteers 18 and older the opportunity to work at an accelerated pace. Tasks, among others, involve scooping dried food, lifting heavy boxes and
sorting containers. “Our combined resources – both in volunteers and finances – will result in a tremendous accomplishment for the fight against hunger,” said Rachel Estes, outreach director at Canterbury. Estes added that volunteers from the community are needed to accomplish the goal of 500,000 meals. “There are opportunities for every age and skill level, such as Boy Scouts, garden clubs, sports teams, Bible clubs, book clubs, supper clubs, families and anyone wanting to participate in a meaningful outreach project,”
she said. Some shifts will offer childcare. Volunteers are asked to sign up in advance by emailing Ellen Thomas at Ellen.Thomas@canterburyumc.org. Canterbury is located at 350 Overbrook Road. Those wishing to make donations can contact Rachel Estes at Rachel.Estes@canterburyumc. org or call 871-4695. For more, visit events.stophungernow. org/5churchesBirmingham. Saint Luke’s Episcopal, Brookwood Baptist, Vestavia Hills United Methodist and Saint Stephen’s Episcopal Churches are also participating.
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18 • February 2013
Village Living
School House A day of fun with St. martin’s residents Geography and
spelling masters place at Cherokee Bend
By ALISON TAYLOR Sixth grade students at Brookwood Forest Elementary School have committed to service projects through SWAG (Students Working and Giving), a branch of the Ranger Council. The hope is that the service projects will teach students the importance of giving back to their community and helping those in need. On Dec. 19, 15 students went to St. Martin’s in the Pines to help residents in assisted living prepare for a holiday party. Each year residents of St. Martin’s host a holiday party with special education students who attend nearby Putnam Middle School. BWF students helped residents make holiday necklaces, decorations and gift bags for the students. There were many smiles and interesting stories being shared around the table, including talking to a 102-yearold woman who taught her whole life – including through World War II. The trip to St. Martin’s made a lasting impression on both young and old. Students realized how donating one hour of their time could really make a difference to others. BWF sixth graders said they look forward to going back in February.
BWF students Anna Lisa Pflaum, Ryann Holley and Anna Balzli with Lois Hill, a 102-year-old resident of St. Martin’s retirement community.
The Cherokee Bend Spelling Bee winner from Dec. 11 was sixthgrade student Samson Sands. Jack Irby (fifth grade) and George Davis (sixth grade) tied for second in the contest.
1,800 cans collected for Community Food Drive Cherokee Bend students collected more than 1,800 cans for a recent community food drive. Pictured are fifth graders Trenton Stewart, Thompson Rogers, Maxie Sansom, Pirmin Blattmann, fifth grade teacher Hannah Peters, Principal Mrs. Betsy Bell, Fraley Williams, Lauren Snipes, Tessa Allen, Sydney Hannon and Katie Ramsbacher.
Cherokee Bend held its Geography Bee on Dec. 6. Placing were first runner up Winston Smith (sixth grade), winner Brennan Scott (fifth grade) and second runner up Addie Moss (sixth grade).
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February 2013 • 19
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Pairing up for reading
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Reading Buddies Lola Salter, Ellie Hamilton, Lilly Coker, John Paul Scott and Stuart Jinnette.
By HILARY ROSS A long-standing tradition at Mountain Brook Elementary is the pairing of a kindergarten student with a fourth grade “reading buddy.” Meeting every other Friday, the children choose books together and foster a love for reading as well as, hopefully, a bond they will have throughout their school career. Fourth grader Ellie Hamilton remembers that when she was in kindergarten her reading buddies were Parker Cobbs and Harrison Weaver, who are now in eighth
grade. Hamilton still maintains a friendship with them even though they have moved on to MBJH. Now Hamilton and kindergartener Lola Salter meet weekly. They said they enjoy reading books by Mo Willems. Kindergartner John Paul Scott said he is the oldest in his family, so having Stuart Jinnette as a mentor is like having a fun, older brother. Likewise, Stuart is the youngest in his family, so he appreciates the opportunity to play the role of big brother to Scott. In addition to reading, fourth grade students share science projects and make crafts with their kindergarten friends.
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Homewood Chamber of Commerce Maggie Clanton, Mary Dawson Gladney, Caroline Hellums and Ava Canterbury.
By BRITT REDDEN The Hula Hoop/Jump Rope team at Crestline Elementary spent fall and winter entertaining audiences all over the city. The team started its season with a holiday performance at the Exceptional Foundation and has since performed at a Mountain
Brook Varsity Boys and Girls basketball games, as well as basketball games at Samford University, Birmingham-Southern and UAB. These second- through sixth-grade students practice from October through February before school. The team is led by PE Coaches Randy Stephens and Lu Ann Wall.
MBE students excel at chess By HILARY ROSS Mountain Brook Elementary Chess Team was named the overall champion in the 2012 Christmas Chess Tournament. The team competed against 30 teams from around the state. When asked how he felt about the team victory, Captain Jackson Nunneley enthusiastically volunteered, “Awesome!” Players are matched by seed level for the competition. Individuals were also named as Birmingham City Champions by grade level, and MBE students won three of the eight awards given: Farley Nunnelley, kindergarten; Jackson Nunneley, first grade; and Jack Earnhardt, second grade. “This is my first year at MBE, and playing chess helped me make friends fast,” team member Andrew Robertson said. Member Fletcher Nunnelley said chess helps with puzzle solving, and Will Earnhardt added that it also helps with math. For more information on how to get involved with chess, contact Dr. Brooks at the Knight School at 746-4952 or through theknightschool.com. The Knight
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MBE Chess Team members Fletcher Nunnelley, Will Earnhardt, Jackson Nunneley, Jack Earnhardt and Andrew Robertson present the tournament trophy to MBE Principal Belinda Treadwell.
School Chess Academy teaches chess and coaches teams, networking elementary schools including Mountain Brook schools, Altamont and Highlands Day School.
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20 • February 2013
Village Living
Teddy Roosevelt visits MBHS
Johnson named as MBJH Teacher of the Year By ELIZABETH FARRAR On Dec. 4, eighth grade math teacher Adam Johnson was surprised when Principal Amanda Hood, joined by Johnson’s parents, suddenly interrupted his class. “I thought I was in trouble until I saw balloons,” said Johnson, who was thrilled to learn he had been selected as the Mountain Brook Junior High School Teacher of the Year. Johnson, in his fourth year as an instructor at MBJH, is in contention for Alabama Teacher of the Year.
MBJH Teacher of the Year Adam Johnson
Gonzalez wins MBJH Spelling Bee History student Peter Berryman, his dad Tim Berryman, Theodore Roosevelt reprisor Joe Wiegand, history student Mary Shelton Hornsby and her dad John Hornsby in Dr. George Prewett’s AP 11th grade U.S. history classroom as part of an educational stop facilitated by Welch Hornsby.
Dr. George Prewett’s and Dr. Glenn Lamar’s 11th grade AP U.S. history classes participated in an unusual day of studies with Rough Rider President Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt recently. The 26th president of the United States was brought to life with bushy moustache, watch fob and a lot of bravado by renowned reprisor Joe Wiegand. Teddy spoke about his adventures on Amazonian and African safaris; overcoming almost debilitating asthma as a child; commissioning Tiffany’s to create his belt buckle, spurs and pearl-handled revolvers for his rancher days in the North Dakota badlands; busting monopoly trusts; building up our Navy; and having the exceptionally great adventure of raising five children in the
White House, although he remarked that Mrs. Roosevelt claimed he was the sixth child she was raising. Students and teachers alike were anxious to ask the former president questions regarding his life and time in politics. Wiegand was in Birmingham as part of Inforum, an annual investment luncheon hosted by Welch Hornsby Investment Advisors. John Hornsby, Chairman of Welch Hornsby, and Tim Berryman, Certified Financial Planner with Welch Hornsby, thought it would be fun, interactive education to sponsor Wiegand to perform for AP U.S. history students, which include their own children, Mary Shelton Hornsby and Peter Berryman.
Runner-up Jack Martin and MBJH Spelling Bee winner Becca Gonzalez
By ELIZABETH FARRAR Beating out 130 other students, Becca Gonzalez emerged as the Mountain Brook Junior High Spelling Bee champ,
correctly spelling word number 299 “thoracic.” Becca, a seventh-grade student, went on to represent MBJH at the Jefferson County Spelling Bee in January.
February 2013 • 21
VillageLivingOnline.com
Sports Jests are Jingle Bell Jam Champions
Tennis teams eye another championship season By SCOTT LEPLEY
Front row: Edward Reed, Porter Phelan, Patrick Neil, Clark Griffin, Dugan Prater. Back row: Beau Hubbard, Coach David Hymer, Andrew Fleming, Carter Sobera, Richman Priestley. Not pictured: Coach Sam Hymer. Photo courtesy of Wendy Griffin.
The Mountain Brook Jets won the 2012 Jingle Bell Jam. The fifth-grade Jets have won this championship two years in a row. They defeated
Cahaba Valley, Hoover Orange, Vestavia Red and the Mountain Brook Spartans to remain JBJ Champions.
MBJH Dive Team finishes strong The MBJH Dive team finished in 14th place at the Alabama State High School Meet, with teams members Mallie Bromberg finishing eighth and Gunner Crommelin finishing 12th overall.
Front row: Gunner Crommelin and Charles Cobb. Back row: Mallie Bromberg, Kassey Lundberg, Laura Middlebrook.
Mountain Brook High School tennis teams return to the courts this month after coming off successful seasons last year, in which both the boys and girls teams captured state championships. This year, the boys team returns players Mack Barnes, Robert Corey, Patrick Darby, Will Hargrove, Patrick Hereford, Sam Lidikay, Warren Lightfoot, Robby Scofield, Ben Shearer, and Jacob Weinacker, while adding new players Yates Jackson, Scott Lepley, Conner Morgan and Ford Wood. The girls’ team returns players Elinor Anthony, Mallie Given, Mary Martha Grizzle, Lil Kilgore, Farris Anne Luce, Laura Middlebrook, Carlee Petro and Herron Taylor, and adds Helen Catherine Darby, Olivia Howe and Alli Vogtle. The Spartans look forward to adding more hardware to their already staggering total of 48 state championships, more than any other sport at Mountain Brook High School. The teams are coached by Susan Farlow and Wally Nall.
All Metro Junior High player from last year Conner Morgan looks to take his game to the next level.
22 • February 2013
Village Living
Calendar Mountain Brook events
otmfestivalchairman@juno.com
Feb. 5: Brookwood Forest Elementary Kindergarten Registration. There will be a twostep process for registering. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Brookwood Forest Elementary. Visit mtnbrook.k12.al.us. Feb. 6: Workshop with ALDOT on Revised Intersection Proposals for U.S. 280, hosted by the City of Mountain Brook. Open to the public. 6 p.m. Mountain Brook Junior High Auditorium, 205 Overbrook Road. Feb. 7: Third Annual Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce Luncheon. Limited reserved seating. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Mountain Brook Club. Grand Ballroom. Call 8713779 or email mtnbrookchamber@ bellsouth.net. Feb. 8-9: Sweet Repeats Consignment Sale. Benefits church mission trips. Mountain Brook Community Church. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m.-noon Saturday. Items marked “discount” will be half-price on Saturday. Visit mbccsweetrepeats.blogspot.com. Feb. 13: Mountain Brook Elementary Kindergarten Registration. There will be a twostep process for registering. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Mountain Brook Elementary. Visit mtnbrook.k12.al.us. Feb. 17: Over the Mountain Festivals. Guest clinician is Dr. Thomas Smith, professor emeritus of music from Auburn University. All are invited to attend this free concert, entitled “O Day Full of Grace.” Canterbury United Methodist Church. 4-6 p.m. Contact Philip Capra, at
Feb. 18: HeartSaver CPR/AED/ FirstAid. Students learn skills such as how to treat bleeding, sprains, broken bones, shock and other first aid emergencies. This course also teaches adult CPR and AED use. 9 a.m.-3p.m. Levite Jewish Community Center. J Board Room. Call Betty Habshey at 879-0411, ext 224. Feb. 18: School’s Out, but the J’s in. Kids out of school, with nothing to do? Register them for our School Out Day. 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. Levite Jewish Community Center, J Youth Lounge. Call Betty Habshey at 879-0411, ext. 224. Feb. 21: Cherokee Bend Elementary Kindergarten Registration. There will be a twostep process for registering. 9 a.m.2 p.m. Cherokee Bend Elementary. Visit mtnbrook.k12.al.us. Feb. 22-24: The Annual Friends of EOL Booksale. Fri. and Sat. 10 a.m.5 p.m., Sun. 1-4 p.m. Call 445-1121 or find us online at eolib.org. Feb. 24: Ride To Change The Future. Six-hour indoor cycling event dedicated to raising funds to support much-needed ovarian cancer research. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Levite Jewish Community Center. $45 registration fee. Visit ovariancycle.kintera.org/ Birmingham. Feb. 26: Crestline Elementary Kindergarten Registration. There will be a two-step process for registering. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Crestline Elementary. Visit mtnbrook.k12. al.us.
Special Events Feb. 2: Beaker Bash 2013 - Who Done It? 5-8 p.m. The McWane Science Center’s annual familyfriendly fundraising event. Tickets may be purchased by calling 7148414. Feb. 2: Second Annual GHBS Jazz Cat Ball. Old Car Heaven. 7 p.m. Cajun Cuisine, Silent Auction, Milo’s Tea Gaming Casino and more! Call 942-1211. Feb. 3: WWE Presents RAW Pre-Game Pandemonium! The Superstars of Raw return to Birmingham for the first time in 2013. 1 p.m. BJCC Arena. Ticket Prices: $95, $50, $35, $25 and $15. (Facility fees and service charges are additional.. Call 745-3000. Feb. 4: BAO Bingo. Bingo game to raise AIDS awareness. Doors open at 6 p.m. Call 322-4197. Feb. 8: Phoenix Ball. Think of red carpets, Hollywood backdrops & paparazzi, vintage cars, delicious food, cocktail dresses, an ice luge and a horned owl. 8 p.m.- 12 a.m. Old Car Heaven. $50 per person. Call 9495989. Feb. 8-10: O’Reilly Auto Parts World of Wheels. BJCC Arena. Child (ages 5 & under) free. Child (ages 6-11) $5. Adult $18. Call 4588400. Feb. 9: Chinese New Year Festival. 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. Boutwell Municipal Auditorium. Free admission but donations accepted. Visit bhmchinesefestival.org. Feb. 12: The Price is Right - Live Stage Show. To mark our 40th year on TV, they’ve created a touring
version of the studio show with even more audience interaction! BJCC Concert Hall. 7:30 p.m. Call 7453000. Feb. 13: 2013 Hearts of Hope Luncheon. The Hearts of Hope Luncheon benefits our programs for addicted and homeless women seeking Christian recovery, shelter, education and the opportunity to rebuild their lives. 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m. $75 per individual. Call 425-7737 ext. 26. Feb. 14-17: Birmingham Home and Garden Show. Show will feature The Living Fountain, gardens by Father Nature, Nature’s Edge, Southern Botantical, The Nelson Team, Art Marketplace, hero day, and Kitchen Stage. Adults $7 online, $10 at door. Children 6-12 $3. Visit HomeShowBirmingham.com. Feb. 15: An Evening with Jim Brickman. Brickman will wow audience members with his hits. 8 p.m. Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center. Call 975-2787 or visit alysstephens.uab.edu. Feb. 15-17: Mercedes-Benz Marathon Weekend. Full marathon, half marathon, marathon relay, and Superhero 5K. Online registration fees. Call 870-7771. Feb. 15-17: Kami-Con. KamiCon is an anime convention that was founded at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa hosted by the student organization, The Bama SoS Brigade. BJCC Arena. To register, visit kamicon.net/registration/. Feb. 16: aTeam Ministries 2013 Heart 2 HeART Event. The event gathers children with pediatric cancer and pairs them with a professional
artist. This is done to celebrate the children by aiding them in expressing themselves through art. 6-9 p.m. $125 admission. Ted’s Garage. Call 401-8232. Feb. 16: 2013 Takes Two to Tango. Enjoy dancing lessons from choreographers from Fred Astaire Dance Studios and a treat from Cafe Dupont. $60 per couple. Benefits Children’s Dance Foundation. Call 870-0773. Feb. 21-24: 28th Alabama Clay Conference. Boutwell Municipal Auditorium. Adults $160, students $100. Visit alclayconference.org. Feb. 22: A Night Under The Big Top. In support of Glenwood Autism and Behavioral Health Center, the gala event features an extensive silent and live auction, casino fun and games, food and drink, and music from The Undergrounders. 8 p.m.midnight. The Club of Birmingham. $60 per ticket pre-event. Call 7953294. Feb. 22-24: Birmingham RV Super Show. Featuring several football fields of RVs including luxury motor coaches, pull behinds, fifth wheels, campers, vendors, motorhomes, and toy haulers. BJCC Arena. Adults $7, children under 12: free with accompanying adult. Call (256) 5093574. Feb. 22-24: Severe Weather Sales Tax Holiday. Alabama will hold its annual sales tax holiday giving shoppers the opportunity to purchase certain severe-weather preparedness supplies free of state stales or use tax. 12:01 a.m. Feb. 22- midnight Feb. 24. Visit revenue.alabama.gov/salestax/ WPSalesTaxHol.cfm.
PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT MEETING PROJECT NUMBER: NH-0038(531)
Intersection Improvements on SR-38 (US-280) at SR-119 and Additional Lanes on SR-119 from Corporate Drive to Brook Highland Parkway Thursday, February 28, 2013
The Church at Brook Hills – Student Center 3145 Brook Highland Parkway Birmingham, Alabama 35242 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM Display maps prepared for this project will be available for inspection. Information packets, which include a comment form, will be provided to you at the sign-in table. Representatives from ALDOT and the Design Consultants will be present to assist in explaining the display maps, discussing the scope of the project and responding to your questions and concerns about the project. Your written comments regarding this project may be submitted during this meeting, or by Friday, March 15, 2013 to the address listed below:
Meeting Location End Project
Mr. Brian C. Davis, Division Engineer Alabama Department of Transportation – Third Division P.O. Box 2745 Birmingham, Alabama 35202-2745 Attn: Mrs. Sandra F. P. Bonner For additional information or for individuals requiring special assistance contact the ALDOT - Division Office, (205) 581-5725. Request for special assistance should be received at least five (5) business days prior to the meeting.
Begin Project
Updated information on the proposed US-280 Intersection Improvements will be available at this meeting: PROJECT NUMBER: NH-0038( ) US Highway 280 Intersection Improvements/Access Management From Hollywood Boulevard to Doug Baker Boulevard
February 2013 • 23
VillageLivingOnline.com Children Mondays *Toddler Tales Story Time. 9:30 & 10:30 a.m. Chess Club. 6 p.m.
Feb. 22-24: It’s A Hoot! 2013 Columbiana Winter Retreat. Allinclusive retreat at the Alabama 4-H Center nestled on 246 acres of lush woodlands along the banks of Lay Lake. Alabama 4H Center. Call (251) 599-7033.
City “Finish the Fight” Tennis Challenge. Tournament to benefit the Robert E. Reed Gastrointestinal Oncology Research Foundation. Registration will open Feb. 1 and close Feb. 25. Visit lovelovemagiccitychallenge.com.
Feb. 22-24: Alabama Ballet Presents The Sleeping Beauty. A grand classic, a stunning score, a simple kiss. Visit samford.edu/ wrightcenter or call 726-4591.
Emmet O’Neal Library
Tuesdays Together Time Story Time. 9:30 & 10:30 a.m. Library Out Loud Story Time. 3:30 p.m.
Adults Feb. 3: Knit & Knibble Sunday Edition. All crafts and skill levels welcome. 2-3:30 p.m.
Wednesdays *Mother Goose Story Time. 9:30 & 10:30 a.m.
Feb. 23: Pancreatic Cancer Action Network PurpleStride 2013. There will be 5K timed run and 1-mile awareness walk. Homewood Central Park. Call (877) 2726226 or contact Kathryn Brekle at kbrekle@pancanvolunteer.org. Feb. 23-Mar. 2: Birmingham Fashion Week. Bringing Birmingham together through fashion. Call 769-6515 for further information or visit bhmfashionweek.com.
Save the Date March 2: Knights of Columbus 5K and Fun Run. Benefitting children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Pre-registration Feb. 2, $15. Registration on Race Day $20. Crestline Elementary School. 8 a.m. Call Amanda Marcrum at 705-1809 or email at amarcrum@arcofjeff. com. March 2: Arbor Day Tree Giveaway. The Mountain Brook Tree Commission will be giving away seedlings - mostly to elementary school students. 9 a.m.noon. Western in Mountain Brook Village, Piggly Wiggly in Crestline Village, Whole Foods in Cahaba Village and Piggly Wiggly in River Run. Visit mtnbrook.org. Mar.
4-8:
Love-Love
Feb. 12: The Bookies Book Group. 10 a.m. Feb. 11: Great Books Book Group discussing a selected short story, “Benito Cererno” by Herman Melville. 6:30 p.m. Feb. 22-24: The Annual Friends of EOL Booksale. Friday and Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday 1-4 p.m. Feb. 26: Genre Reading Group, discussing books about the Old West. 6:30 p.m. *There will be no Documentaries After Dark nor Brown Bag Lunch programs this month due to preparations for the annual Friends of the Emmet O’Neal Library Book Sale. Teens Feb. 1: Game On! Video Game Tournament, 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Feb. 4: TAB Meeting, the monthly meeting of our Teen Advisory Board. 5-6 p.m. Feb. 8: Aronzo/Aranzi Super-Fun Time. 4-6 p.m.
Magic
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Thursdays *Patty Cake Story Time. 9:30 & 10:30 a.m. SNaP. 3:30 p.m. Saturdays Family Story Time with Mr. Mac. 10:30 a.m. Special Events Feb. 5: Family Night: Gems, by Doug Berky. Masks, puppets, music. 5:30 p.m. Feb. 6: After-School Candyland. 3:30 p.m.
Feb. 4-9: Drop by to make a Valentine for Children’s Hospital Feb. 18: Presidents Day celebration with DAR. 3:30 p.m. Feb. 27: *Savvy Surfing. 3:30 p.m. *Space is limited; please call 8790497 or visit eolib.org to register. For more information about any library programs, call 445-1121 and or visit eolib.org, eolib. blogspot.com, on facebook.com/ emmetoneallibrary and on Twitter at @ eolib.
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TREE CITY from page 1
resident and an annual Arbor Day proclamation. Warren is the director of the Mountain Brook Tree Commission, a board of volunteers including Billy Angell, Emily Branum, Ken Key, Sally Legg, Ruth Mears, David Price, Steve Bostock and Gina Thomas. The Commission works with Don Cafaro, Mountain Brook’s senior arborist, to be “legally responsible for the care and management of the community’s trees.” “I can’t say enough good things about Don,” Warren said. “It’s unbelievable the assistance he gives us. Sometimes I see him standing on top of his truck cutting down a hazardous limb on a Saturday. He’s just a real conscientious guy and a tremendous asset to the city.” Cafaro, 35, has been city arborist for about eight years. He said his job description is chiefly to care for trees on city rights-of-way and in the villages, but Mountain Brook is a Tree City in more than just the municipal sense. “You’ve heard the saying ‘Sometimes you can miss the forest for the trees, right?’” Cafaro said. “Well, in Mountain Brook, sometimes you can miss the trees for the forest. One of the most important things I do is to keep people thinking about how the various choices they make might affect things down the
road.” Cafaro said even though he and the Commission aren’t required to work on private property, the vast majority of property owners in Mountain Brook desire an attractive landscape that includes large healthy trees that frame their houses. As such, he spends time educating the public on how to nurture healthy trees and, in turn, many members of the community come to him with questions. Another key in the Foundation’s requirements to be a Tree City USA is municipal money spent: $2 per capita. In the 2010 U.S. Census, the city had approximately 20,000 residents, so it would need to give Cafaro a $40,000 salary and call it a day. Instead, in 2011 Mountain Brook spent approximately $230,000 maintaining its arboreal assets, earning the Foundation’s Growth Award for the 10th year in a row and the Sterling Tree City USA distinction. Only 500 communities receive the growth award annually, and only half have reached the Sterling level. Cafaro said it’s an award that belongs to the people. “The average tree canopy that Mountain Brook maintains requires people taking responsibility on themselves, which helps people like me who want to preserve it,” Cafaro said. “I’m not trying to go out there with a foreign concept I’m trying to get people to realize. They already know how valuable their trees are.”
Annual Arbor Day Tree Giveaway The Mountain Brook Tree Commission will be giving away seedlings – mostly to elementary school students – on March 2 beginning at 9 a.m. at grocery stores in the villages. Locations include the Western in Mountain Brook Village, Piggly Wiggly in Crestline Village, Whole Foods in Cahaba Village and Piggly Wiggly in River Run. Tree commission members will be on hand to provide information about the trees and planting tips. Boy Scout Troop 320 will help prepare and package the seedlings for distribution.
24 • February 2013
Village Living