VillageLivingOnline.com
April 2013
Village Living neighborly news & entertainment for Mountain Brook
Volume 4 | Issue 1 | April 2013
Spring Home Guide Special page 24
Municipal Complex to open this month Mayor’s office
Birds of a feather
In 2007, MBHS students teamed up with students from Fairfield High to present “To Kill a Mockingbird.” The play’s journey to the stage was made into a documentary that will be shown this month.
Community page 15
Relay for Life The goal for this year’s Relay for Life in Mountain Brook is $250,000. Find out how you can help in the fight against cancer inside.
Community page 11
INSIDE Sponsors ........ 4 City ................... 5 Business ......... 6 Celebrations .. 7 Food ................. 8 Community ..... 9 School House.. 16 Sports ............. 20 Faith ............... 29 Calendar ........ 30
City Hall Main entrance The two-story atrium entrance leads to a large lobby with access to the courthouse, the city manager’s office, upstairs and the service mall.
For the first time, the mayor of mountain Brook will have his or her own office to conduct meetings and mayoral activities. “every other mayor in Jefferson County has an office, and now i can ask someone to meet me at the mayor’s office,” mayor Terry Oden said.
Spartan Square/the Fountain
City Manager’s office
With $200,000 being donated toward the Complex fountain, the city council held multiple meetings to perfect every detail. Spartan Square features purchased bricks bearing the names of community members.
Sam Gaston, the city manager, will work from this office. A brass chandelier from the Jemison family, who developed much of mountain Brook, will hang here.
By MEGAN SMITH When the mayor of Mountain Brook moves into his new office this month, he’ll be in the midst of several important neighbors. The new Mountain Brook Municipal Complex, constructed as an effort to centralize services, will house the Mountain Brook Fire Department, City Council, Chamber of Commerce and Courthouse under one roof. The Police Department will be connected by an underground parking lot.
Chamber of Commerce executive Director Suzan Doidge said this will be the first time the Chamber will have a multi-room office. The space will be used to hold meetings and events and work with the red Cross. “There’s been a bit of a disconnect when people see ‘Board of education,’’’ Doidge said. “We’ve been here since 2008, and people still don’t know where we are.”
City Council and Courthouse The City Council has a pre-Council chamber directly underneath the mayor’s office. The council chambers will double as the mountain Brook Courthouse and can seat more than 100 people.
For the past two years, the Police and Fire Departments have been located in Office Park. The mayor has been operating from home,m and the City Council and other administrative employees have been working in offices on Montclair Road. The new all-in-one $16.5 million Complex will be open in late April. Not only is the building designed for practicality and efficiency, but it also contains elements of history to capitalize on its uniqueness: ff Fire Chief Robert Ezekiel secured an
Service Mall The mall area will allow residents to apply for business licenses and permits and pay tickets in one location. It also features access to the second floor for those meeting with the mayor.
H-beam from the World Trade Center. The bronze base, designed by metalworker and artist Shea Scully, mimics the structure of the beam and holds it in a vertical position to honor the tower from which it originated. ff The existing police monument depicting an officer holding a child’s hand will be placed on Oak Street. The monument commemorates officers who have fallen in the line of duty. ff A 2-foot-by-1-foot time capsule box is air- and water-tight and contains articles
See CITY HALL | page 12
STATE CHAMPS Grant brothers help bring MBHS its first state title
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By CLAYTON HURDLE When the game was over, the highlighter-green stands erupted. Surrounding their team, the sea of Spartan swag screamed and hugged as Mountain Brook Varsity Boys Basketball claimed its first AHSAA Class 6A state championship last month.
They did it because they knew they all owned a piece. Players and coaches agreed that this win – this season – belongs to the entirety of Mountain Brook. “Everyone in the community is wearing it like a badge of honor,” MBHS Head Basketball Coach Bucky
See SPARTANS | page 22
Mountain Brook senior Eric Reszeja, center, celebrates the Spartans 74-53 win in the 6A State Championship with teammates. Photo by Brian Wallace.
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April 2013
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April 2013
Village Living
About Us Photo of the Month
Please Support our Sponsors A Tiny Kingdom (16) Alabama Allergy & Asthma Center (11) Alabama Power (8) Amy Smith (12 ) Backyard Adventures (22) Bates, Roberts, Fowlkes & Jackson Insurance (5) Birmingham Botanical Gardens (29) Birmingham Speech and Hearing Associates (11) Bo Johnson Charitable Foundation (19) Brandino Brass (24) Briarcliff Shop (28) Bromberg & Company, Inc. (12) Brookdale Place (13) Canterbury Gardens (12)
Fans cheer on the MBHS Boys Basketball team at the state championship game at the BJCC in March. Photo by Clayton Hurdle.
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Editor’s Note By Jennifer Gray I love spring, especially in Mountain Brook. Everyone is out walking, riding bikes, working in their gardens and enjoying all of the fun events in our area. It’s just a great time of year. This month’s issue is packed with many things that you will want to do this month. Hilary Ross will have you inspired to get out in your yard and release its potential. She has recommendations of plantings that work well in our area as well as garden and landscaping trends. In keeping with our spring gardening focus, we spotlighted Leaf & Petal. Remember to shop locally for all of your garden projects when possible.
You’ll also find another addition to many of our residents’ backyards — chickens. Yes! Many in our city have been keeping chickens in their yards for the joy and pleasure of fresh eggs. Read all about the art of raising chickens, including the best breeds and what you need to get started, and hear from some of your neighbors on what they love about their feathered friends. One of the most important happenings in our community is the opening of our brand new municipal complex. The beautiful building is completed and ready for city business. We have all the details and give you a look at the inside.
Etc. (15) I encourage you to drop by and see it for yourself. It is truly a facility that we can be proud of and a place we can enjoy visiting to conduct our city business. Lastly, we have a preview of Mountain Brook resident and New York Times best-selling author Patti Callahan Henry’s new book, Then I Found You. This book is a bit of a departure from her previous novels in that it is based on real life events of her family. Patti tells us that you’ll recognize several places from around Mountain Brook in her book, too.
Isbell Jewelers (29) Jacqueline DeMarco (12) Junior League of Birmingham (10) King’s House Oriental Rugs (27) Lamb’s Ears Ltd. (7) Leaf & Petal (9) Little Hardware, Inc (27) Mobley & Sons (16) Mosquito Squad of Birmingham (25) Mountain Brook Art Association (24) Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce (14) Oak Street Garden Shop (24) Otey’s (22) Plastic Surgery Specialists (9) PreSchool Partners (18)
Village Living Publisher : Creative Director : Editor : Managing Editor : Executive Editor: Advertising Manager: Sales and Distribution :
Dan Starnes Keith McCoy Jennifer Gray Madoline Markham Jeff Thompson Matthew Allen Rhonda Smith Warren Caldwell Contributing Writers : Christiana Roussel Kari Kampakis Rick Watson Lt. Michael Herren Interns : Nathan Kelly Clayton Hurdle Megan Smith 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 FarrarMountain 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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Primrose School at Liberty Park (10) Professional Paint and Tile (28) Ray Building Company (28) RealtySouth (Dawn Reeves) Red Mountain Theatre Company (32) Renaissance Consignment & Marketplace (14, 20) Renasant Bank (3) Secondhand Rose (18) Sew Sheri Designs (26) Table Matters (17) Taco Mama (7) The Diamond Dealer (19) Tutoring Club Cahaba Heights (23) Village Dermatology (2) Village Park Builders (26) YMCA Camp Hargis Retreat (31)
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City
Governor tells Council he will not concede on 280 intersection plans The Mountain Brook City Council met with Governor Robert Bentley in March regarding modifications to the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) plan for the Cherokee Road and Hampton Inn intersections on U.S. 280. The Governor’s Chief of Staff David Perry and ALDOT Director John Cooper were also present. The Council presented its case for
providing signalized left turns out of both intersections, reiterating a resolution the Council passed earlier. “The governor was very attentive to the points we made regarding safety, for not only our residents, but for those travelling the 280 corridor,” a release from the council stated. However, the governor concluded that he has decided to support the
ALDOT plan and deny the Council’s request for modifications. “The governor said that ALDOT’s plan was well thought out and thoroughly analyzed, and that even though he was going to go along with (ALDOT”s proposal), he was open to reconsidering those intersections if they proved unworkable after implementation,” the release said.
Annual Bo Johnson zoo celebration party returns The Eighth Annual Bo Johnson Memorial Golf Tournament Celebration Party will be held Sunday, April 7 from 5-9 p.m. at Birmingham Children’s Zoo. The event will feature music by Jimmy and Laine, food by Full Moon BBQ, a silent auction and children’s activities. Everyone, golfers and nongolfers alike, is welcome to attend. The party is held each year in memory of Bo Johnson, who passed away from esophageal cancer in 2005. The events have raised more than $500,000 for cancer research since
2006. All proceeds from the party and golf tournament benefit the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center. The golf tournament will be held April 8 at Highlands Golf Course with a 1 p.m. shotgun start. The zoo party costs $40 per person, and children under age 17 are admitted for free. To purchase tickets, contact Jean Morrison at jmorrison@ bojohnson.org. For more information about the events, visit bojohnson.org or the Bo Johnson Charitable Foundation Facebook page.
Crime report Feb. 21-28 Unlawful Breaking / Entering of a Vehicle A UBEV case occurred in the 3100 block of North Woodridge Road between Feb. 26-27. Unknown suspect(s) broke the passenger window of the victim’s vehicle and stole a purse. A UBEV case occurred in the 3400 block of Briarcliff Road between Feb. 26-27. Unknown suspect(s) broke the passenger window of the victim’s vehicle and stole a wallet. A UBEV case occurred in the 100 block of Olde English Lane on Feb. 26. Unknown suspect(s) broke the passenger window of the victim’s vehicle and stole a wallet. A UBEV case occurred in the 3300 block of East Briarcliff Road between Feb. 26-27. Unknown suspect(s) entered the victim’s unlocked vehicle and stole a briefcase. Theft / Motor Vehicle A vehicle was stolen from the 2800 block of Montevallo Road between Feb. 27-28. The vehicle was located in Birmingham by the Birmingham Police Department. March 1-7 Unlawful Breaking / Entering of a Vehicle A UBEV case occurred in the 90 block of Country Club Blvd. Feb. 27-28. Unknown suspect(s) entered the victim’s vehicle and stole an iPhone. Burglary / Residential A residential burglary occurred in the 90 block of Country Club Blvd. on March 5. Unknown suspect(s) entered the residence through a rear window. Jewelry and currency were stolen. A residential burglary occurred in the 3600 block of Brookwood Road between the dates of March 4-6. Unknown suspect(s) forced open a rear door of the residence. Jewelry was stolen. March 8-14 Unlawful Breaking / Entering of a Vehicle A UBEV case occurred in the 2900 block of Thornhill Road between March 7-8. Unknown suspect(s) entered the victim’s vehicle and stole the victim’s wallet. A UBEV case occurred in the 2900 block of Thornhill Road between March 7-8. Unknown suspect(s) entered the victim’s vehicle and stole the victim’s iPhone. -Submitted by Mountain Brook Police Department
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April 2013
Village Living
Around the Villages Interior design business takes Lulie’s spot
Christine’s to celebrate 40th Anniversary
A design shop moved into the former Lulie’s on Cahaba storefront in Mountain Brook Village in March. The Buckhead Interiors, a 30-year-old firm, specializes in residential and commercial design. Services include space planning, fabric selection, color selection and installation. The company has a selection of new furniture, antiques and accessories, and provides custom fabric for home items such as drapery and upholstery. Located at 2724 Cahaba Road, Buckhead is open Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.5 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. and by appointment if necessary. For more visit thebuckheadinteriors.com or call 637-5991
Christine’s in Mountain Brook Village will celebrate its 40th anniversary on Monday, April 25. Owner Jean Clayton said the beautiful weather in April was a perfect time to have the celebration. Current Miss Alabama Anna Laura Bryan will be at the celebration, and a percentage of sales on the day of the event will go to her cause, therapy dogs in schools. The celebration will also have drawings for prizes up to $500. Hors d’oeurves and wine will be served on the sidewalk outside of Christine’s, and Mayor Oden Terry will cut the celebratory cake. For more, call 871-8297.
BioEchoes and Therapy South recognized for Excellence in Business Two Mountain Brook businesses were commemorated by UAB as part of the 2013 UAB Excellence in Business Top 25 Awards. Martha W. Bidez, Ph.D. with BioEchoes, Inc., Steve M. Foster with Therapy South and other winners were recognized at an awards luncheon in March To qualify, business must be owned or operated by UAB alumni for 36 months before 2013, and have revenues of at least $150,000 for the last year. The award program is conducted by the UAB National Alumni Society and the Birmingham Business Journal to recognize and celebrate the successes of UAB alumni.
Doidge named Woman of Distinction Suzan Smith Doidge was awarded as a Women of Distinction honoree by the Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama at its March 8 luncheon. The Women of Distinction program pays tribute to 10 women each year who have made special contributions to their community through civic, academic or professional involvement. Doidge has served as executive director of the Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce since 2008. She has grown the membership base, strengthened the board of directors and leadership, and improved events held to support local businesses. Under her leadership, Mountain Brook businesses have seen growing sales in spite of a tough economy, and sales tax revenues have increased. Before working with the Chamber, Doidge was instrumental in bringing Southwest Airlines to Birmingham as the company’s marketing manager of its Birmingham office. She also worked with the Birmingham Chamber of Commerce and was a social worker at Hillcrest Hospital. In the community, Doige has served on the boards of Ronald McDonald House, the McWane Science Center and Childcare Resources. She has also been involved with City Stages, the Sidewalk Film Festival and Junior League of Birmingham, where she is a member and sustainer. Doidge says being a working mom is her greatest accomplishment. Proceeds from the East-Central Women of Distinction Luncheon provide direct support to Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama, which serves more than 15,000 girl members in 36 counties.
ChamberChat As a part of a new monthly column, Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce President Terry Chapman told us about what’s new with local businesses and more. Chapman is the president of Business Electronics. Tell us about the newest members of the Chamber The newest Chamber member is Urban Cookhouse. We are very excited as they have a huge following and will bring a new dimension to dining in Crestline with their fresh, local food. Owners Andrea and David Snyder were recently interviewed on MBTV. They are also bringing a Farmers Market to Crestline in the spring on Tuesday afternoons. What Chamber events are coming up? Last month, Otey’s Tavern held a Shamrocks and Shenanigans St. Patrick’s Party, and Crestline merchants held an Easter Egg Hunt the Saturday before Easter. We are gearing up for Relay for Life on April 19 and the Mountain Brook Art Association Show on April 20. The second annual Food Truck Round Up is coming up on May 4 at Colonial Brookwood Village. What is one of your favorite local businesses and why? Western Supermarket has been around a long time but has kept up with the times so well. You can still get all the old familiar brands and staples like the Corn Flakes you remember from when you were a
Terry Chapman
kid, but you can also find distinctive items like imported cheese and artisan breads. With every convenience of a fully stocked grocery store, Western also boasts a professional floral market and Birmingham’s most successful wine shop. Whatever you’re looking for in a supermarket, you can’t beat Western! Why do you buy local? I buy local because I can count on local stores and merchants to make better recommendations with superior customer service, and they have higher quality products to choose from. It is great to know that you are helping with our own local city tax base and making our own community a more interesting place when supporting locally owned shops, but I think the main reason is the quality of the experience you get when you walk in the door.
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VillageLivingOnline.com Have an engagement, wedding or anniversary announcement? Email jennifer@villagelivingonline.com to have it included in an upcoming issue!
Celebrations Jackson-Tillman
LaRussa- Chenoweth Mr. and Mrs. Benny Michael LaRussa Jr. and Mr. and Mrs. Michael Kevin Wright of Mountain Brook announce the engagement of their daughter, Megan Louise LaRussa, to James Barnett Chenoweth III. Megan is a graduate of Birmingham-Southern College with a major in art history, where she was a member of the Kappa Delta sorority. She then studied fashion marketing at Parsons School of Design. Megan currently runs her own fashion consulting firm, Southern Femme. She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Benny Michael LaRussa of Mountain Brook; Mrs. John Michael Akin Jr. and the late Dr. John Michael Akin Jr. of Mountain Brook. Barnett is the son of Mr. and Mrs. James Barnett Chenoweth Jr. of Mountain Brook. He is the grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. James Barnett Chenoweth of Mountain Brook; Mrs. Benjamin Franklin Stokes III and the late Mr. Stokes of Mobile; Mr. Angelo Chapman Harris Jr. and the late Mrs. Harris of Mobile. He is a graduate of the University of Alabama at Birmingham with a major in psychology and a minor in anthropology. Barnett is currently employed with University of Alabama at Birmingham’s TASC Program.
Mr. Carlton Leon Jackson of Tallahassee, Fla., announces the engagement of his daughter, Bobbie Leigh, to Perry Butler Tillman, son of Mr. and Mrs. Halford Arthur Tillman Jr. of Birmingham. Miss Jackson is also the daughter of the late Mrs. Lisa Crowder Jackson. She is the granddaughter of Mrs. Mary Frances Merryman of Tallahassee and the late Mr. Earnest Leon Jackson; and Mr. Jimmie Taylor Crowder of Tallahassee and the late Mrs. Bobbie Johns Crowder. She is a graduate of the University of Alabama, where she was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma. She is currently working on her master’s degree at UAB. Mr. Tillman is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. George Kelly Moore of Charlotte, N.C., and Mr. Halford Arthur Tillman of Birmingham and the late Mrs. Virginia Butler Tillman. He is a 2008 graduate of the University of Alabama, where he was a member of Kappa Alpha Order and Rho Epsilon. He is employed by Alagasco. The wedding will be in May in Tallahassee. After a honeymoon to Antigua, the couple will live in Birmingham.
Payne-Thomson Mr. and Mrs. Jackson Middleton Payne of Birmingham announce the engagement of their daughter, Sarah Suzanne, to Dr. Colby Vinton Thomson, son of Dr. and Mrs. Tracey Vinton Thomson of Birmingham. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of the late Mrs. Barbara Mason Trimm of Birmingham, the late Comer Alfred Trimm of Houston, Texas, and the late Mr. and Mrs. Richard Walden Payne of Birmingham. Miss Payne is a graduate of Mountain Brook High School and Wofford College of Spartanburg, S.C. She was the department chair of Wofford STARTS Community Outreach Program, a member of the Twin Towers Community Service Program and a member of Zeta Tau Alpha Fraternity. She was presented at the Ball of Roses. Miss Payne received her Juris Doctorate from Cumberland School of Law, is a member of the Birmingham Bar Association, and
practices locally. The prospective groom is the grandson of Mrs. Peggy Coleman Cochran of Birmingham, the late Mrs. Guy Reagan Green and the late Lt. Col. Vinton Thomson, U.S. Army, both of Jackson, Miss. Dr. Thomson attended Briarwood Christian High School and graduated from Oak Mountain High School. He attended the University of Alabama, where he was a member of Alabama Triangle Association, Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society, the National Society of Collegiate Scholars and Theta Chi Fraternity. He is a graduate of the University of Alabama in Birmingham, and obtained his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree at the University of Alabama School of Dentistry. Dr. Thomson practices locally. The wedding is planned for April 27 at Canterbury United Methodist Church.
Voted
BEST OF MOUNTAIN BROOK Village Living 2013
by
Best Mexican Food
Lamb’s Ears, Ltd. 70 Church Street Mountain Brook, AL 35213 www.LambsEarsLtd.com
205.802.5700 205.802.5777 (fax) LambsEarsLtd@gmail.com
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Restaurant Showcase
Mafiaoza’s By NATHAN KELLY Mafiaoza’s ambience, drink selection and stone oven-baked pizza is attempting to make Mountain Brook an offer it cannot refuse. The bar has 60 different wines by the glass and 26 draft beers, including choices from Birmingham-area brewers Avondale, Good People, Cahaba Brewing Company and more. Julee DeLong, general manager, said Mafiaoza’s isn’t just a place to enjoy a slice of pizza; it’s one of the best night life scenes in Birmingham. “A lot of people don’t understand what a great craft beer and wine place we are,” DeLong said. “Our pizza and pasta are delicious, and the ambience and drink selection give our guests a great place for a date night or just a hangout spot during happy hour.” Happy hours at Mafiaoza’s are Tuesday through Friday and Sunday from 5-7 p.m. Live music from local bands are on Tuesdays and Fridays. Mafiaoza’s keeps a small freezer since everything down to the pizza crust is made from scratch. DeLong said the taste of the pastas and pizzas standout from other Italian restaurants because all the meats and cheeses are imported and its recipes are thoughtfully made by its executive chef, Brett Corrieri. The menu caters to every Italian food lover. There’s even a Paleo-
diet menu that has pizzas made with gluten-free crust. The most popular pizza Mafiaoza’s sells is the “Last Request,” which has 11 toppings. Guests can order pizza by the slice baked in stone ovens with any of Mafiaoza’s fresh toppings, many of which are locally grown and produced by Kentucky-famed Sylvanus Farms. Its 11 flat-screen TVs and outdoor patio make Mafiaoza’s a popular place to watch sports. The patio is enclosed and covered and will be fully heated by next winter. Mafiaoza’s caters to families, business professionals, office parties and holiday celebrations. It will also be delivering its pizzas to Mountain Brook beginning this summer. Mafiaoza’s began in Nashville in 2003. The three owners named their 1920s New York-style Italian restaurant after the Italian Mafia. Mountain Brook’s location opened in 2008 after the original Mafiaoza’s was so successful in the Music City. In its tenure, Mafiaoza’s has been given “Best Dining with Kids,” and “Best of After-Work Bars” awards from Best of Citysearch and the 2010 Bronze “Retailer of the Year” awarded by the Alabama Retail Association in cooperation with the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Business. The restaurant has been recognized with the National Restaurant
(above) Mafiaoza’s General manager Julee DeLong standing behind the Mafiaoza’s bar. Photo by Nathan Kelly. (right) Mafiaoza’s cook tossing pizza pie in front of Mafiaoza’s stone oven. Photo courtesy of Mafiaoza’s.
Association’s “Restaurant Neighbor Award” as the winner for their community involvement as well. Mafiaoza’s is a member of Birmingham Originals and Breaking Bread and donates to various non-profit organizations and charities such as: Junior League Charity League; Autism Society of Alabama; Race for the Cure; and Kid One Transport.
Village Living Read past Restaurant Showcases at villagelivingonline.com
2 Dexter Avenue 414-7878 Tuesday, 5-11 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 5-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Sunday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. mafiaozas.com
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Community Food trucks to converge at Brookwood A mouth watering culinary experience that funds programs for at-risk youth is coming to Macy’s in Colonial Brookwood Village May 4. From 10 a.m.-2 p.m. there will be food trucks featuring local cuisine. The Protective Life Food Truck Roundup benefits Preschool Partners, a nonprofit program working to prepare at-risk preschool children and their parents for kindergarten in Birmingham City Schools. Funds raised will directly help the 140 people and 70 children enrolled in the program and reach those who aren’t enrolled. This year’s goal is to exceed last year’s $62,000. This year’s food trucks attending will include Shindigs, Dreamcakes, Spoonfed Grill and Off the Hook. Melt and Mellow Mushroom are two of the growing list of new names to sign up for the event. Good People Brewery, Supreme Beverage and CocaCola will provide beverages, and The Drennen Brothers Children involved with Preschool Partners visit the Dreamcakes truck will provide live music. There at last year’s Food Truck Roundup. will also be a bounce house, face painting by Magic City Face Art and balloon tokens to redeem in the food lot. Additional tokens art by Whistler the Clown. can be purchased for $2 each. Tickets may be bought online in advance for Visit preschool-partners.org or Allene. $20 or on-site for $25. Each ticket comes with four neighbors@gmail.com for more.
Spring Plant Sale to be held at Century Plaza The Birmingham Botanical Gardens’ 44th Annual Spring Plant Sale will be held at the former J.C. Penney location at Century Plaza April 5-7. The signature plant for 2013 is the Whirlwind Blue fan flower, Scaevola hybrid, with more than 1,000 available for consumers to take home at just $5. The weekend will begin on Thursday, April 4, with the Preview Party at 5 p.m., followed by the Members-Only Sale at 6:30 p.m. On Friday, doors will open to the public at 9 a.m. and extend to 7 p.m. The public sale will continue on Saturday from 9-5 p.m., and conclude on Sunday from 11
a.m.-3 p.m. Admission to the public sale is free. All proceeds from Spring Plant Sale benefit The Gardens’ educational mission and programs, like the flagship, Discovery Field Trips, which has provided nearly 100,000 Birmingham schoolchildren with a free, curriculum-based science education over the last decade. For more information about the Spring Plant Sale or to purchase tickets to the Preview Party, call 414.3950 or visitbbgardens.org/springplantsale. The Century Plaza is located at 7580 Crestwood Blvd., Birmingham 35210.
LJCC to present ‘The Secret Garden’ This month, Theatre LJCC will present the opening show of the 2013 season, The Secret Garden, based on the 1911 novel of the same name by Frances Hodgson Burnett. Orphaned by the cholera outbreak in the British Raj, 11-year-old Mary Lennox returns to Yorkshire to live with her embittered, reclusive uncle, Archibald, and his invalid son, Colin. The estate’s many wonders include a magic garden, which beckons the children with haunting melodies and the “Dreamers,” spirits from Mary’s past who guide her through her new life. The winner of three Tony awards, this enchanting classic of children’s literature is reimagined in brilliant musical style by composer Lucy Simon and Marsha Norman.
Mountain Brook residents Isabel Elkus and Georgia Stewart portray the two leading children’s roles, Mary Lennox and Colin Craven. Mountain Brook resident Ella Kampakis will also be featured as a Dreamer Child. The Secret Garden, directed by Bonnie Wootan, also stars Clint Pridgen as Archibald Craven and Leah Stout as Lily Craven. Other featured performers include Tanner Gell, David Strickland, Dana McArthur Porter, Ron Dauphinee and Debbie Smith. Show times are April 4, 6, 11 and 13 at 7:30 p.m.; April 7 at 6 p.m.; and April 14 at 2 p.m. Adult tickets are $15 and students are $12. The Levite Jewish Community Center is located at 3960 Montclair Road. For more visit bhamjcc.org.
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Village Living
Crestline art event returns, this year as a ‘festival’ By MEGAN SMITH The annual Mountain Brook Art Association spring event, now in its 32nd year, has undergone a slight name change to better define the large outdoor show. The Spring Art Festival, formerly Spring Art Show, will be held April 20 from 9 a.m.-4p.m. at the Crestline Elementary sports field. Assocation President Janet Sanders said the name change is to attract visitors from further away. “We have been around a long time, but there are a lot of little ‘festivals’ cropping up all over, making for a lot of new competition,” Sanders said. “In this new world of online calendars, we need to become more descriptive so potential customers will recognize the value of our wonderful show.” The goal of the event is to highlight members of the Mountain Brook Art Association’s work, to raise awareness of buying local art and to create a venue for the work to be sold. More than 70 artists will attend. In addition artist tents, a hospitality tent and information center, will be available for guests who get lost or want to find a specific artist in the sea of displays. Member volunteers in the hospitality tent may also hang a few pieces of their work to sell, providing a way the entire membership can participate. “Older artists who no longer have the energy to set up a tent of their own and do all the work can still show their art and visit with long term customers,” Sanders said, “and newer members or artists who are just starting out can get
Mountain Brook Art Association members organizing April 20’s festival. Front row: Hospitality Co-Chair Claire Henning, President Janet Sanders. Back row: Ron Lewis, Hospitality Co-Chair Diane Hathcock, Art Festival Chairs Lynn Briggs and Sara Crook, Janice Piper. Photo courtesy of Mountain Brook Art Association.
their feet wet.” To emphasize the locality of membership, rules of the club allow only people who live in a 25-mile radius from Mountain Brook City Hall. Each artist will have their own 10foot by 10-foot tent to fill with his or her artwork with prices of their choosing. All artwork showcased is twodimensional and may be hung on a wall. Artwork will range in size from miniature pieces to extra large canvases and will be marked at all prices. Visa, MasterCard, checks and cash will be accepted. Crestline Bagel Company will be there until noon, and Neil’s Ice Cream will attend. A student jazz
band from Nashville will provide music for the event. The sale started when students of Ron Lewis at Mountain Brook Community Education decided to sell paintings from his class on a Saturday in April 33 years ago. “They must have done well because the club and the show were born,” Sanders said, noting that last year approximately 5,000 visitors came to the event. If there is rain, the event will be held April 21 from noon-5 p.m. Visit mountainbrookartassociation. com or email Janet Sanders at mtnbrookartassoc@gmail.com to learn more.
Carousel offers bargains to benefit Junior League More than 100,000 items are ready to be sold at the Junior League of Birmingham’s Bargain Carousel at the former J.C. Penney location in Century Plaza. This three-day sale will begin April 25 with the Bargain Bash-the double-the sticker-price prepresale and party. At the Bash, VIP admission is $40 (6 p.m.-10 p.m.), and shoppers receive one hour to shop and first pick on all cash-and-carry auction items before general admission begins. General admission is $30 (7 p.m.-10 p.m.). Bash shoppers will have food and drinks provided by local vendors. The emcee for the evening will be Lance Taylor from The Roundtable on WJOX. Auction items will include
travel packages, children’s camp tuition, photography, jewelry and tickets to sold out events. Tickets for the Carousel pre-sale will be sold April 26, 3 p.m.-7 p.m. with tickets $10 and the pre-sale will be April 27, 8 a.m.-10 a.m. The Carousel sale is 10 a.m.-5 p.m. with tickets $5; tickets are numbered and entrance will be in numerical order. Admission is free April 28 and remaining merchandise will be half price. Proceeds help fund community projects JLB supports. The goal this year is to raise more than the $185,000 raised last year. For more visit www.jlbonline. com/?nd=bargain_carousel.
Kampakis earns Eagle as eighth grader Carter Kampakis, an eighth grader at Mountain Brook Junior High School, is now one of Troop 320’s youngest Eagle Scouts. Carter has earned 28 merit badges and his Bronze Palm. He is also a member of the Order of the Arrow. He has served in many leadership positions, some being Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, Patrol Leader, Assistant Patrol Leader, Librarian, and Quarter Master. For his Eagle Scout leadership project, he installed a brick walkway at the Alabama’s Veterans Memorial Park. He and volunteers from Troop 320 and other local Boy Scout troops spent the month of August installing and re-enforcing the brick pathway. He is a member of Mountain Brook Jr. High’s Cross Country Team, JV Soccer Team and the SOS council. Carter is the son of Amy and Harry
Carter Kampakis
Kampakis. He is the grandson of the late Sergei Kampakis and Georgia Kampakis of Mountain Brook and Frederick and Susan Johns of Tallahassee, Fla.
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Relay for Life to honor MBHS’s Polly Shoulders Relay for Life April 19
April 27, Emmet O’Neal Library The TS Alliance of Greater Alabama will host its walk-a-thon in front of the Emmet O’Neal Library. Tuberous Sclerosis is a rare genetic disease that causes non-malignant tumor growth in major organs. Local people/ businesses can by a “footprint/shoe print” and that will be displayed with sponsors’ names on a wall. The event will include a Kid’s Corner, fundraising prizes, emcee
Sheldon Hagood from Fox 6 News and a silent auction with signed Les Miles, Nick Saban and Gene Chizik footballs. The goal is to raise $56,000. Runners are welcome at this 5K walk. Registration is at 8:30 a.m. and the walk begins at 9:30 a.m. Visit stepforwardtocuretsc.org or email Carole Pitard at ccpitard@yahoo.com
Gumbo sampling, entertainment to benefit Episcopal Place
Mountain Brook High School
Patricia “Polly” Shoulders, who served as the registrar Mountain Brook High School for 37 years, battled and defeated breast cancer twice but unfortunately lost her third battle with cancer earlier this year. The Relay For Life of Mountain Brook will be held her memory on April 19 starting at 4 p.m. at Mountain Brook High School Spartan Stadium. The Relay For Life of Mountain Brook is planned and executed by Mountain Brook High School students, but everyone in the community is invited to come out and participate in this fun-filled, family-friendly event. Survivors are invited to attend and be recognized at the Annual Survivor’s Dinner and Reception at 5 p.m. The survivors will also lead the opening lap of the Relay. This year’s
6th Annual Step Forward to Cure TSC Walk date set
Luminaria Ceremony will feature the first ever Lantern Lift and is sure to be an inspiring and special moment for all who attend. Anyone can purchase a Sky Lantern in memory or honor of a loved one who has faced cancer for $50. Students on the Relay For Life committee have named 2013 “The Year of the QuarterMillion Dollar Relay!” The event goal this year is to raise $250,000 to support the American Cancer Society’s fight to eliminate cancer. The youth-led event was awarded two nataional awards last year: The Gordy Klatt Number One Youth Per Capita Event and the Nationwide Top 5 Youth Income event. For information about the event, contact Mary Frances Colley at 930-8893 or mary. frances.colley@cancer.org or visit relayforlife. org/mountainbrook.
Mountain Brook residents are preparing to host the eighth annual Episcopal Place Gumbo Gala to benefit the residents of Episcopal Place. The Episcopal Place Gumbo Gala will be held on Saturday, April 20 at Sloss Furnaces Historic National Landmark. Up to 40 professional and backyard cook teams, including ones from St. Luke’s Episcopal Church and Business Electronics ,will compete for 14 awards. Lucy Buffett, the sister of singer Jimmy Buffett and Alabama seafood advocate, will join prominent area chefs and food experts in judging the gumbo contest. “Gumbo Gala has become one of the largest gumbo competitions among the Gulf states,” said Merrimon Epps, Mountain Brook resident and chairman of the 2013 event planning committee. “We are really excited about some new elements being introduced to this year’s
event. The sponsorship by Alabama Gulf Seafood has encouraged us to look around and involve other Alabama businesses and products that relate to gumbo.” Proceeds from the event will be used to provide supportive services to the 148 lowincome seniors and younger disabled adults who live in Episcopal Place’s affordable housing community. Supportive services like van transportation, subsidized meals and housekeeping, resident activities and health and exercise programs help residents manage the challenges of growing older on limited incomes. For more about Episcopal Place, visit episcopalplace.org Tickets for the event are $10 in advance and $15 at the gate. Children 12 and under will be admitted for free. Tickets may be purchased online at gumbogala.com or by calling Kris Mueller at Episcopal Place at 939-0085, ext. 12
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12 • April 2013
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Back View facing Emmet O’Neal Library Fire Station No. 1
Training Room This room will seat 24 people and have built-in projectors for classroom presentations. The room will be used for two hour daily training, as well as certification class and paramedic courses “We’ve been utilizing churches in the area for classes,” Ezekiel said. “We’re really looking forward to having our own space.”
Twenty-seven of Mountain Brook fire department’s 63 employees will be stationed at Fire Station #1. Nine firefighters will work 24hour shifts with 48 hour breaks. Fire chief Robert Ezekiel said this is the most efficient way to manage a fire department.
Police Monument The existing police monument, to be placed on Oak Street, commemorates officers who have fallen in the line of duty.
9/11 Monument The 84-inch tall, 1,380-pound pound piece is powerfully symbolic. “343 firefighters lost their lives that day running into a building everyone else was running out of,” Ezekiel said. “If you took all of the firefighters from Mountain Brook, Vestavia and Homewood and probably even Hoover, you would maybe be equal to that amount.” Mountain Brook will hold this year’s 9/11 remembrance ceremony with Homewood and Vestavia.
CITY HALL from pg 1
concerning historic events occurring in Mountain Brook, including copies of Village Living. The capsule will be located in the wall underneath the monumental stairs in the main lobby. ff Spartan Square, the front courtyard beside the city hall entrance has Mountain Brook high school students and alumni names engraved into bricks. ff A $200,000 fountain is currently being
Apparatus Bay The fire department will have four bays for a pumper apparatus, an apparatus with an aerial ladder, an ambulance and the shift commander’s vehicle.
designed for Spartan Square. Security and durability were also key components of the facility’s design. Here are some interesting features of the complex: ff The underground parking lot contains a 280 square-foot backup emergency response center, complete with full-power, emergency dispatch, phones, screens and data for the city manager, police and fire departments in case anything were to damage the aboveground facilities. ff The two buildings were designed to withstand approximately winds up to 112
Conference Room This room will be used for committee meetings, staff meetings, and architects and builders meeting with the fire marshal to discuss fire codes. Ezekiel said this room will definitely be used frequently in the coming months, especially regarding the Lane Park project.
mph, F1 tornados and strong Category 2 hurricanes. ff Security clearance card readers will restrict administrative facilities from the public. ff The Police Department facility will have select bulletproof windows. ff The main complex and police department are linked by an underground parking lot, which can serve to keep inmates off the street before and after court. ff The Police Department will have 10 inmate cells and two holding cells. All necessities of facilitating an arrested
Police Station The Mountain Brook police department currently has 53 sworn officers and approximately 15 support staff including supervisors, dispatch and animal control. The new police station will have two holding cells and 10 inmate cells. An emergency response shelter in the parking lot has the potential to act as headquarters of disaster relief. “We have an instant command center with everyone in one room,” said Ted Cook, police chief.
individual will be in one building again. While the department was under construction, police operated from Office Park, held arrested individuals in jails of neighboring communities and court in Vestavia. ff The parking lot has approximately 60 parking spots and is for employee use only. Only a few employee vehicles will remain in street-level parking. ff The Chamber of Commerce and the Fire Department have separate entrances on Hoyt Street, linked by a covered sidewalk.
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April 2013 • 13
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Since she found us Best-selling author’s new novel inspired by family history with adoption and life in Mountain Brook By MADOLINE MARKHAM The girl was who sent a Facebook friend request on April 20, 2010 was a stranger to Patti Callahan Henry. But Henry soon learned she was the 20 year old whom her sister, Barbi Callahan Burris, had placed for adoption decades earlier. Curious what her birth mother looked like, the girl had searched the internet for Burris and found her name on the dedication page in one of Henry’s New York Times best-selling novels. In that one day, years of wondering and waiting came to an end for the Callahan family — and inspiration was born for Henry’s latest novel, And Then I Found You, which will be released April 9. In many ways, the book is a departure from Henry’s previous eight novels. The story of birth mother Kate Vaughn, her 13-yearold daughter Emily, and her journey to conquer her painful past is largely autobiographical in inspiration. “I was trying to dig emotional
honesty out of the story without factual honesty,” Henry said. The process took her nearly two and half years, significantly longer than her purely fictional previous novels. Also different from her other works, the story is grounded in the places where Henry lives her life. In addition, it was her first to pen from the attic office of her Mountain Brook home, where she moved in the summer of 2011. There are scenes set in Mountain Brook Village, at the field by Mountain Brook Elementary School, in a Davenport’s by another name and at Highlands Bar and Grill. The novel is also set in Bluffton, S.C., where the Henry family spends summers. The first draft of the book was a factual account of her sister’s story, but Henry said it turned out terrible. So the author sat down and asked herself what the truth of the story was for her and what about the story was worth telling. Then she built a fictional truth around that story. “My sister’s story was about
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waiting and not knowing the outcome, and trying to live an honest life with this indeterminable wondering and waiting,” she said. In the writing process Henry spent a lot of time talking to her niece and then tried to dig into feelings she would have had at 13 years old, the age of the novel’s character. Although many would critique her manuscript, Henry said she was most nervous about her niece reading the
book. She knew it was important to portray that her niece really loved whom she considers her real family. The book also uses a few lines that her niece had actually said, with permission of course. “But she really loved it!” Henry said. “She sent a really beautiful email after reading it, and it meant more than any reviews I have received.” Henry and her sister have cowritten a non-fiction short story,
“Friend Request,” about the day her niece found her. It is available as an e-book on Amazon.com for 99 cents. Her sister is also working on a memoir about her experience. And Then I Found You will debut with a launch party April 8 at 6 p.m. at Vulcan Park and Museum, where one of the scenes from the novel is set. Both Henry and her sister will speak and answer questions, and refreshments and a bar will be available.
14 • April 2013
Village Living
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Mountain Brook High School students rehearse for Kiss Me Kate.
By MARY KATHRYN PARROTT MBHS Student The MBHS Drama Department has been hard at work on this year’s spring production, Kiss Me Kate. The show takes place on April 10, 11 and 13 at 7 p.m. and April 14 at 2 p.m. This drama-packed play within a play stars Bailey Edmonds as Lilli Vanessi, Austin Russell as Fredrick C. Grahm, Allie Cannon as Lois Laine, and Hunter Stanley as Bill Calhoun. There is also a great supporting cast of MBHS drama and choir students who have been working diligently on this musical. Director Jess Tilton chose this play because he found it very fun as well as difficult, which he thought would be a great teaching opportunity. Because of the
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difficulty of the music and acting, drama directors often overlook Kiss me Kate, but Tilton said he “felt that we had the skilled students who would perform it well.” A glimpse at an afternoon rehearsal is packed with graceful dancing, beautiful singing and impressive stage combat. Choir director John Kincaid is working with the chorus on the music. His wife, Dell Kincaid, has choreographed most of the production. “Mr. [John] Kincaid is doing a great job preparing the students vocally, and Mrs. [Dell] Kincaid is really adding a lot to the show with her fantastic choreography,” Tilton said. Kincaid said that the music is “very difficult compared to Bye-Bye Birdie,” which was last year’s spring musical. The music is very fast, so the pit orchestra, made up of
Mountain Brook students, has a challenging task. This is also the first time in 10 years that a live orchestra will be sitting in the front of the auditorium. Kincaid not only brags on the orchestra, but claims that both leads, Bailey Edmonds and Austin Russell, have to display an amazing range. As far as his favorite pieces go, he finds the finale of Act 1, “Kiss me Kate,” quite humorous. He also believes that Bailey’s “Still in Love” is very complex emotionally. “It has more emotional layers than most musical theatre pieces do,” he said. Kiss me Kate tickets will be available at the door before performances April 10-14.
April 2013 • 15
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Their Mockingbird Newly released documentary captures joint MBHS-Fairfield High School production By MADOLINE MARKHAM People in Boston drew conclusions about Sandra Jaffe when she arrived in the 1970s simply because she was from the land of George Wallace and Bull Connor. “We are not all like that,” the Mountain Brook native would respond. In her young adulthood, she would rediscover how the novel To Kill a Mockingbird, though fiction, showed that there were people “not all like that” on the right side of history who would work to make things better. As she entered the 2000s, she would explore the 21st century impact of the novel in a documentary, Our Mockingbird. The film will be shown in Birmingham on April 28 at 3 p.m. at the Carver Theatre as a part of the city’s “50 Years Forward” events, but to get there Jaffe would first spend time back in Mountain Brook documenting a 2007 joint production of the play To Kill a Mockingbird between Mountain Brook High School and Fairfield High School for the film. “This collaboration between two different schools, separated by race and class, in a city where the civil rights struggle was brought to a head on September 15, 1963 [when the 16th Street Baptist Church was bombed], was a journey that paralleled the messages in the book,” Jaffe said. “It
seemed like a self-selecting group of students from both schools who were up for an exchange like this – who wanted to experience ‘walking in somebody else’s shoes’ to the extent that they were able to do so.” The novel, first published in 1960, follows six-year-old Scout and her older brother Jem as they befriend their mysterious neighbor “Boo” Radley in fictional Maycomb, Ala. Meanwhile, their father Atticus, a lawyer, defends Tom Robinson, a black man who has been accused of raping a young white woman. Much of the town’s residents do not approve of Atticus’ defending the man, and the children become a part of the resulting turmoil in the town over the case. “The events of 1963 in Birmingham and To Kill A Mockingbird are very much intertwined, but Harper Lee’s story is not just an Alabama story, it is our nation’s story,” Jaffe said. Mountain Brook students had read and discussed the novel in eighth grade, but in 2007 theatre became the avenue for those in the production to more strongly feel the weight of the situation in the novel and to address tough questions in a safe environment. “One of the legacies [of the production] for me was realizing how theatre tackles real life and raises those questions in a safe environment and opens the opportunity up for
discussion,” said Regan Stevens, who played Scout. “It also simply brings people together, and our production is certainly evidence of that.” Fairfield High School had no theatre program, so the students helped one another as they rehearsed at both schools under the leadership of now retired MBHS Theatre Director Pat Yates. “The coolest element of the whole experience was bringing theatre to a group of kids that in most other ways were just like me but had not had that experience,” Stevens said. “We got to share this gift with them that until that time I had taken for granted.” Gena Casey, who played the adult Jean Louise, recalled being able to openly discuss questions about race because the cast trusted each other. “There was this big consensus from both of our groups that we respect the past but we are so ready to move on from it,” Casey said. The final production would lead to national media coverage, a performance at State Capital in Montgomery attended by Patsy Riley, and most notably, meeting author Harper Lee herself. For the students from Mountain Brook High School, which has a 1 percent minority population according to U.S. News and World Report, To Kill a Mockingbird was the first time they had been closely
MBHS graduates Andrew Watson, David Bolus and Regan Stevens played Jem, Atticus and Scout in a 2007 production of To Kill a Mockingbird. Photo courtesy of Margaret Kloess.
Our Mockingbird Documentary Film Showing April 28, 3-5 p.m.
Carver Theatre 50yearsforward.com/events exposed to another culture. For Stevens, the play gave her a heart to share theatre in communities that otherwise might not have it. “[The play] heightened our awareness of the lack of diversity that we were exposed to,” said Stevens, who now acts in New York City. “To Kill a Mockingbird was the catalyst that caused us to think about it and ask questions, and really be challenged.” Casey saw Jaffe’s documentary at Sidewalk Film Festival in the fall
and will be part of a panel discussion following the April 28 showing. She said she enjoyed seeing how much history was in the film. “I was very proud that we were able to accomplish that and that it could be linked to something greater,” Casey said. “It was cool to see it go along with a greater theme of acceptance and tolerance.” Jaffe said she hopes that the film will inspire collaborations similar to the high school production, not just in Alabama but around the country.
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16 • April 2013
Village Living
School House
Scholars’ Bowl places in state tournament
MBJH Scholars’ Bowl Team members with their state trophy.
The MBJH Scholars’ Bowl team placed fourth in the State Tournament in February. MBJH played seven rounds before advancing to the quarter finals. In the quarter finals, the team was the number eight seed up against the number one seed. It was a very close game, but MBJH battled it out and
won in a tiebreaker. MBJH went on to play Pizitz Middle School and Arab Middle School before winning the fourth place trophy. Team members are Jake Weissman, Freddie Nunnelley, Avin Niknafs, John Martin Weed and Nicole Roberts.
Showing off talent at Crestline By LAURA BUTLER Approximately 100 fifth and sixth graders from Crestline Elementary recently shared their abilities with classmates by performing in the talent show. Students entertained the crowd with musical numbers, skits and dances. In addition to singing, some participants played instruments including guitar, drums, piano and clarinet. A wide variety of dances charmed the audience, ranging from jazz to tap to gymnastics. Several glowin-the-dark numbers, a basketball routine and hula hoop routines were also crowd-pleasers. This annual event is organized by music teachers Laura Butler and Janet Nelson, but the show is kid-driven. They prepare their own acts, and students are in charge of stage and tech crew. This year’s talent show was a huge success due to hard work and team effort by everyone involved.
Jack and Sam Morrow and Corley and McKee Haynes.
Fifth graders Georgia Stewart, Mary Patton Day and Ann Carlton Clegg all participated in the Crestline talent show.
Students perform musical numbers at Miss Olympian Several acts of boys performed after the introduction of judges at Mountain Brook High School’s Miss Olympian pageant recently. Paul Styslinger and Frank Phillips played “Skinny Love” by Bon Iver.
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Tucker Deaton and Stephen Little performed “Can’t You See” by the Marshall Tucker Band. Sam Black and Michael Harp chose to sing and play “River and Roads” by the Head and the Heart.
Paul Styslinger
April 2013 • 17
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Brookwood Forest strikes gold with Ranger Round-Up signing Event tuesday, April 23, 1-4
PTO Ranger Round Up Committee Members Amy Knight, Bridget Sikora and Nicole Maddox.
By ALISON TAYLOR This year marks the third annual Ranger PTO dinner and auction benefitting Brookwood Forest Elementary School. The event, which took place in February, had Western flair this year with a new theme, “Ranger Round-Up.” Guests were greeted at the doors with an authentic cowboy, staff member Dan Gilliland and his wife, Pauline, and their horses. The decor incorporated the western theme with thousands of twinkling white lights, candles in mason jars, burlap table coverings and cowboy memorabilia. The evening began with a silent auction offering more than 100 items donated by local businesses and supporters. A delicious dinner followed, and then guests prepared to bid on upcoming live auction items. The highlight of the night is “Principal’s
Pick,” a special project designed to enhance learning for students and allow the school and PTO to work together to reach the goal. This year’s initiative is the Ranger Room, a collaborative learning space specifically designed to fully fund the installation of MediaScape, the technological centerpiece of the room. Amy Maziarz served as event chair and Julie Camp as co-chair or Ranger Round-Up. Event committee members and volunteers were Molly Baker, Marylon Barkan, Perrie Barton, Dabney Blum, Heather Cooper, Kathleen Davis, Steve Dubrinksy, Kim Fasking, Emily Frost, Tracy Gory, Kim Green, Adrian Hughes, Gayle Jones, Amy Knight, Laura Kunze, Amy Lazenby, Elizabeth Lewis, Kim Maddox, Nicole Maddox, Katherine Mange, Bridget Siora, Ellen Stein, Beth Watts, Yvette Weaver, Michele Knowles and Judilyn Horton.
Meet ANN MORHAUSER, Creator of Annieglass Complimentary Engraving during event
The Bend’s Got Talent
People’s Choice Award winners Annie Kerr, Lily Nomberg, Maddie Freeman, Delia Vandevelde (coach), Mary Jackson Darnall, Libby Geisler, Catie Gasque, Courtney Koleszar and Hannah Lebensberger.
By CATHERINE BODNAR Cherokee Bend Elementary School rolled out the red carpet in March for the second annual The Bend’s Got Talent show. Participants performed in front of a soldout audience at the Mountain Brook High School Fine Arts Building. Principal Betsy Bell and FOAC teacher Rick Hedrick,emceed the event along with assistant principal Jennifer Galloway. Acts included a funny restaurant skit, a trumpet rendition of “When the Saints Go Marching In,” tumbling and gymnastic routines, baton twirling, magic and comedy. Darth Vader even performed the Star Wars theme on the piano. Audience members enjoyed several dance numbers including Glo-Rida dancers, tap, hip-hop and jazz. Rap artists, guitarists, drum soloist, pianists, musical theater acts, soloists and duets added to the excitement. Several classrooms performed together, as did the entire sixth-grade class and the CBS faculty. Judges awarded the following Cherokee Benders for their performances: in the
kindergarten-third grade category, first place was awarded to second graders Anna Bella Foster and Rachel Lebensburger for their dance “Little Shop of Horrors;” second place was awarded to third grader Harrison Wood for his drum solo; and third place was awarded to third grader Kathryn Huddleston for her “Lolli Lolli” gymnastics act. In the fourth-sixth grade category: first place went to fourth grader Chandler Vargas for his piano piece “Great Smoky Mountains;” second place went to fifth grader Carly Cole for her solo rendition of “Beautiful;” and third place was awarded to fifth grader Aaron Weil for his rap debut act “Ladi Dadi.” The recipient of the People’s Choice Award were kindergarteners Mary Jackson Darnall, Maddie Freeman, Catie Gasque, Libby Geisler, Annie Kerr, Courtney Koleszar, Hannah Lebensburger and Lilly Nomberg for their dance to “Party in the USA”. Amy Roberts and Amy Scofield were the committee chairs for the show. All proceeds from the show benefit the Cherokee Bend Elementary School PTO. To learn more, visit thebendsgottalent.com.
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18 • April 2013
Village Living
Celebrating friendship at MBE By HILARY ROSS Each year at Mountain Brook Elementary, Circle of Friends celebrates the differences among classmates and hopes to widen each student’s “circle of friends.” Several activities were held during the week including hearing inspirational and motivational speakers. Tricia Kirk, executive director of The Exceptional Foundation, whose mission is to provide daily social and recreational activities to mentally and physically challenged individuals, dispelled the perception that those with special needs are different. Ward Webb, a sophomore at MBHS who was in an electrical accident at age four resulting in the loss of both feet, spoke about his life and overcoming his disability. Additionally, MBE Art teacher Kendra Haddock worked with students to create unique self-portraits, and Margaret Hudson of MBE Library Media Center made available library books on accepting differences. The week culminated in a luncheon honoring the special education staff of MBE.
MBE students Connor Bowen, Clark Griffin, Lawton Miller, Weesa Keller, Mae Neil, and Peter Cowin welcome MBHS speaker Ward Webb.
Brushing up on oral hygiene
Mary Stewart and her dad, Dr. Colin Stewart, display the birdfeeder that they made together.
By CATHERINE BODNAR Dr. Stephanie Steinmetz, a Pediatric Dentist in Vestavia Hills, along with her Dental Clowns visited students at Cherokee Bend Elementary in February at to remind the kids to brush up on good oral hygiene. The visit was part of National Children’s Dental Health Month, celebrated each February to raise awareness about the importance of children’s oral health. Developing good habits at a young age along with regular dental visits will help children to have lifelong healthy teeth and gums.
Woodworking with Dad at Crestline
By BRITT REDDEN
Dr. Steinmetz pictured with first graders. Front row: Francie Pilleteri, Rachel White, Helen Ezelle, Lula Byars, Annie Gregory, Georgia Hairston. Second row: Reid Ramsbacher, John Webb, Henry Hufham, Drew Bodnar, Camp Forbus, Baker Gasque, John Littleton. Back row: Stephanie Steinmetz, Dental Clown, Jack Steinmetz.
Each year at Crestline the kindergarten students have a fun day spent “woodworking with dad.” Leading up to that day, kindergarten students study all aspects of wood, identifying different kinds of wood, learning the properties of wood and water, sanding wood and pounding nails. The culminating activity is a woodworking project. The dads come to eat lunch and build bird feeders with their children.
April 2013 • 19
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MBE students’ art places at district
Parenting and Family with Dr. Dale Wisely
Curfews for teenagers Photography category preliminary winners with MBE Principal Belinda Treadwell.
By HILARY ROSS Mountain Brook Elementary students competed in the Mountain Brook Schools’ annual Expressions Arts Competition with this year’s theme, “Remember When.” Preliminary winners at MBE went on to be judged along with those from the other elementary schools, and places were awarded in each category. Students attended a district ceremony, which was set up like an art gallery, and as students arrived, they found place ribbons on their work. Superintendent Dicky Barlow recognized students and then allowed them to submit ideas for next year’s theme. MBE District Winners were as follows: Visual Arts: for grades K-2, Lu Loglisci, third place, and Colin Jack, honorable mention (HM); for grades 3-4, Luke Close, second place and Ashley Pitts, HM; for grades 5-6, Robert Goolsby, first place, Jessica Brouillette, third place, and Ben Harris, HM. Photography: For grades 3-4, Grant Blackwell, HM. Literature: for grades K-2, Hunter Keller, second place; for grades 3-4, Graham Matthews and Ann Carlton Keller, HM; for grades 5-6, Bianca Loglisci first place, Chip Porter third place, and Daniel Wilbanks HM. Musical Composition: for grades K-2, Caroline Fowlkes, first place; for grades 3-4, Ashley Pitts, third place; and for grades 5-6 Wesley Randleman. Video Production: for grades 5-6, Alex Pitts first place, Johnny Nathan and Michael Schmidt second place, Thomas and William Hunt third place and David Windsor, Fuller Priestley and Patton Browning HM.
Video Production winners Alex Pitts and Johnny Nathan.
Fourth grader Luke Close was the second place Visual Arts winner.
I’m for curfews of to circumstances, but teenagers. Many parents probably does invite the have shared a saying teenager to push to stay with me, “Nothing out later, as in “Hey, Mom, good ever happens after can I just stay at Sarah’s midnight (or 10 p.m.).” I house another hour? We’re am also reminded of the watching a movie.” popular public service It is clear to me that cell announcement from the phones have had an impact Dr. Dale Wisely 1960s and 1970s, “It’s 10 on the practice of curfew. I o’clock. Do you know where your honestly cannot decide if it is positive children are?” or negative. On one hand, parents take For parents who are trying to some comfort from their teenagers decide how to set a curfew, the age being able to call or text them when of the teenager is one obvious factor. they are out and from the parents It makes sense to me that a younger being able to call or text the teenagers. teenager or one with a history of However, I wonder if it has also made pushing the behavioral envelope it easier for some teenagers to use that needs an earlier and stricter curfew. to their advantage by sending parents However, in fairness, a teenager who reassuring texts, for example, so the is older and has a history of respecting parents feel more comfortable with curfew and staying out of trouble the teenager being out later. probably deserves a later curfew. I also see some real potential from Among parents who impose these technologies. If smartphones a curfew, one hears a good bit of had been around when my teenagers difference in how parents manage were at home, I would have required curfews. The classic approach, which them to participate in an apps, like we can call the fixed time curfew, “Find My Friends,” which would is to set a time by which teenagers allow me to see where that phone is on must be home on school nights the map. I would encourage parents to and a somewhat later time on non- look into that approach. school nights. Another approach is to In the meantime, I do encourage establish a curfew on a night-by-night parents to employ some kind of basis, depending on circumstances. curfew that takes into account the The night-by-night approach means teenager’s personality and history parents adjust the curfew based on and recognizes that there is definitely where the teenager is, whom he or she something to the idea that high-risk is with, the level of adult supervision behavior is more likely to occur late and so on. There are advantages to at night. both the fixed time approach and the Dale Wisely, Ph.D. is director of night-by-night approach. The fixed student services at Mountain Brook time approach benefits from clarity Schools and has been a child and and predictability. The latter has the adolescent psychologist for nearly 30 advantage of being more adaptable years.
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20 • April 2013
Village Living
Sports Youth wrestlers place in state tournaments Mountain Brook Spartans Wrestling had a successful season, boasting 40 wrestlers earning 74 entries in tournaments and 37 top-four finishes. In the Alabama State Rookie Championship: David Marshall, sixth grade, won first place in his weight division and also had a 17-1 finish for the season; John Townsend, sixth grade, won third place in his weight division; Brett Randolph, fifth grade, won third place; and Everette Fasking won fourth place. In the Alabama State Youth Championship, Robert Oliver finished third and Charles Skinner fourth place. The wrestling team was coached by Marcus Brimley, Trey Belvin and Josh Lowelady. The season finished with a party and individual trophies given to the wrestlers for their hard work and commitment to the sport. Mountain Brook Spartans Wrestlers
PopTarts and Jolly Ranchers play in third grade basketball finals The third grade girls basketball season was full of fun, smiles and a little competition. The Pink PopTarts and the Lime Jolly Ranchers, coached by David Neil, survived the play-off games to make it to the finals at Spartan Arena. This was a repeat performance for PopTarts coach Jamie Holman, who has now claimed the title
Players from the Poptarts and the Jolly Ranchers pose for a pre-game photo.
for two straight years. The game proved to be exciting and kept the fans at the edge of their seats until the final buzzer. When it was all over, the PopTarts edged out their competition by two points, taking home the coveted first place trophy. No matter the score, all teams had a great season.
Style Reborn for Home and Fashion Tammy Heinss and Kathy McMahon are self-proclaimed “junkers.” They travel the country, wherever the next treasure hunt takes them. On their most recent trip to Dallas, the friends came home with a U-Haul truck full of old barn wood, doors and other materials, their heads brainstorming up idea after idea of how to reclaim and transform their new treasures into furnishings with new life. It’s their creativity and creations that are at the heart of a newly expanded Renaissance Consignment & Marketplace. Renaissance has consigned clothing, formal dresses, designer handbags and more for four years, but in January the store nearly doubled its size and expanded its inventory to include both new and gently used home furnishings and accessories. The newly expanded 9,000-squarefoot space intermingles furniture with clothing and home accessories with jewelry. “The home and the closet are two very important things,” said Heinss, the store’s visual merchandising manager who is armed with experience as an interior decorator. “They mold together perfectly and
are able to provide in two important areas of life. I don’t know anywhere else that is doing something like this. We are like an Anthropologie on steroids.” When she and McMahon, the owner, walk around their new space in the former Cantina location, they beam with excitement as they explain how even their displays demonstrate their concept of “style reborn.” Each piece is a conversation piece in itself. The sides of the large desk in the center are made of molding from a 150-year-old house and tin siding from Cantina. For its countertop, McMahon took the original varnished finish down to natural wood with what McMahon calls her “weapons” — wooden pieces with nails or a chain to “beat up” the wood — and then whitewashed it before removing the paint. The lighting above the desk is a combination of glass chandeliers and old industrial domes from Germany. Display boxes on the right have given new life to old fence wood, and old rake parts hold jewelry. On another display old clothes pins display rings. It’s all part of a “rustic luxe” look
6801 Cahaba Valley Road (Hwy 119) 1/4 South of Hwy 280
Tammy Heinss and Kathy McMahon have led Renaissance’s expansion into home décor retail.
that Heinss and McMahon are trying to achieve. “We want elegant beauty that is luxurious yet mingled with a rustic, reclaimed vibe,” McMahon said. In addition to the floor space, Renaissance has a covered outdoor area in the back that holds reclaimed “treasures” like rustic wood old doors in their raw state that are available for sale. They also have 2,500-square-foot
show room with furniture, accessories and salvage material nearby that can be shown by appointment. Even with their bubbling passion for home décor, the duo are just as eager to talk about Renaissance’s selection of clothing and accessories, attesting to how it is a “one stop shop” for both fashion and interiors. Experts in outfit consultation are on staff just as are freelance decorators. Upstairs in the consignment formal department, one of the largest in the Southeast, a staff member has a background in pageant coaching and judging.
Much of their clothing is consigned from high end boutiques so that items are on the rack discounted but still have their original tags. Two of 12 staff members are dedicated to social media; the business does much of their sales online, not just in the store. “[Renaissance is] a great thing for the community because you can buy great things for a good price, and you can recycle things as well,” Heinss said. If you are interested in consigning home furnishings or accessories, email pictures of items to tammy@ renaissanceconsignment.com.
205-980-4471 RenaissanceConsignment.com
April 2013 • 21
VillageLivingOnline.com
Equestrian riders honored at Hunter Jumper banquet The Alabama Hunter Jumper Association (AHJA) Year End awards banquet was recently held at Birmingham Country Club. The AHJA promotes competition with special emphasis on English riding, hunter seat, jumping, combined training and horsemanship. The competition year begins Dec. 1 and ends on Nov. 30 of the following year. Several riders from Blackjack Farms were honored. Mary Nelson
Little placed sixth in the NonThoroughbred Hunter Division; Mallory Michael was champion in the USEF Junior Working Hunter division; Caroline Monaghan was Reserve Champion in Children’s Pony Equitation and fifth in Children’s Pony Hunter; and Lacy Smith was Reserve Champion in Pre-Children/Adult Equitation, Reserve Champion in PreChildren/Adult Hunter and also fourth in the Schooling Hunter division.
Blackjack Farms riders attending the banquet are Rebekah Sims, Lacy Smith, Audrey Roell, Kate Kirkland, Sophie Vickers (standing), Maggie Huffman, Ella Pigford, Ellen Blalock, Abigail Adams, Caroline Monaghan, Sarah Frances Jackson, Colledge Elliot, Mary Nelson Little and Ellen Walker. Photo courtesy of Mary Nelson Little.
Dream Team runners-up in County tournament The third grade Mountain Brook Dream Team was runner up in the North Shelby Basketball Association Tournament Championship Game played in February at Shades Mountain Brook Christian. Mountain Brook Dream Team is pictured with tournament champions the Oak Mountain Raptors. Front row: Wyatt Brooks, A.J. Sands, Jake Thompson, Ean Gove, Brady Dunn, Bibb Albright, James Barron. Second row: Marbury Cox, Charlie Mckimmon, Sam Corley, Ryan Giegel. Third row: Wilder Hines, George Scofield, Patch Lyman, Cade Tessier, Davis Gillespie, Wilder Evers, Taylor Bush. Back row: Coaches James Lyman and Scott Thompson (Mountain Brook), and Kris Dunn and Pat Rakers (Oak Mountain). Photo courtesy of Phillip Corley.
Undefeated season for JV basketball
MBHS JV Basketball Team. Photo courtesy of Christi Trucks.
The Mountain Brook High School JV Basketball team recently completed an undefeated season with a record of 25-0. The boys were also the champions of the Junior Varsity Metro Tournament over the winter holidays. Members of the team are: Drew
Odum, Deke Marbury, Pete Berryman, Drew Smith, Spencer King, Jordan Rich, Will Hartley, Matthew Weissman, Spencer Einhorn, Will Freeman, Hunter Lucas, Jack Carvalho and Matt Creighton. The team is coached by Tyler Davis.
22 • April 2013
Village Living
Road to the championship 11/13 – at Leeds – 11/15 – at Homewood – 11/19 – John Carroll – 11/20 – Chelsea – 11/21 – Pelham – 11/27 – Northridge – 11/30 – Hewitt-Trussville – 12/4 – at Oxford – 12/6 – at Pinson Valley – 12/7 – Spain Park – 12/13 – Hoover – 12/15 – at Northridge – 12/21 – Huffman – 12/22 – Northridge – 12/22 – Sparkman – 12/28 – Pelham – 12/29 – Center Point – 12/31 – at Homewood – 1/4 – Homewood – 1/8 – Shades Valley (Area) – 1/11 – Woodlawn (Area) – 1/15 – at Vestavia Hills (Area) – 1/18 – at Shades Valley (Area) – 1/22 – at Woodlawn (Area) – 1/25 – Vestavia Hills (Area) – 1/28 – Wenonah – 1/29 – at Spain Park – 2/1 – Pinson Valley – 2/2 – at Huffman – 2/8 – Woodlawn (Area tournament) – 2/11 – Shades Valley (Area championship) – 2/15 – Carver-Birmingham (Sub-regional) – 2/20 – Clay-Chalkville (Regional semifinal) – 2/22 – Lee-Huntsville (Regional final) – 2/28 – Blount (Final four) – 3/2 – Sparkman (State championship) –
W 74-65 W 58-48 W 86-44 W 91-35 W 69-66 W 69-55 W 70-64 W 60-59 W 80-56 W 66-39 L 75-73 W 72-56 W 55-50 W 70-53 L 61-51 W 55-37 W 67-56 L 56-52 W 59-64 W 76-59 W 82-58 W 53-44 W 70-54 W 69-66 L 39-36 L 79-64 W 70-50 W 76-70 L 70-65 W 60-42 W 53-40 W 60-52 W 47-44 W 68-66 W 49-46 W 74-53
Final record: 30-6
Spartans capture Far left: The Mountain Brook High School Spartans hoist their first AHSAA State Championship trophy following their win over Sparkman in February. Left: Spartan guard Tawarren Grant. Photos by Brian Wallace and Clayton Hurdle.
SPARTANS from pg 1
McMillan said. “When you looked up in the (Birmingham Jefferson) Civic Center and saw 10,000 people in neon getting their Spartan swag on, it was so cool to know that this was a community fighting together.” MBHS defeated the Sparkman Senators 7453 in front of a home atmosphere at the BJCC. Senior Malek Grant won Most Valuable
Player honors for the tournament, scoring 22 points in his final effort as a Spartan. He capped his Mountain Brook career with a double-double, adding 11 total rebounds. “I was just playing to help my team win, and they were finding me when I got open,” Grant said. “This is a really unselfish team.” Senior Jeremy Berman and Sophomore Tawarren Grant were named to the alltournament team. The younger Grant scored eight points Saturday, and Berman capped his
Spartan career with a nearly flawless shooting performance, finishing second among all scorers in the Championship Game with 16 points. The Spartans capped an improbable postseason run en route to capturing the championship. Mountain Brook lost three games of its final eight games in the regular season, but responded with seven straight wins to claim the title. The Spartans breezed through the Area 11 Tournament, winning by double-digit scores
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first state title Mountain Brook Boys’ Basketball Roster
0 1 2 3 5 11 13 14
Stuart Harmon (Capt.) Eric Raszeja Will Deer Patrick Heim (Capt.) Tawarren Grant Ben Shearer Joshua Bluestein Hunter Williams
Guard, Senior Guard, Senior Guard, Senior Guard, Junior Guard, Sophomore Guard, Junior Guard, Senior Guard, Senior
against Woodlawn and Shades Valley. After a 6052 win in the Sub-Regional, the Spartans escaped with wins of 47-44 against Clay-Chalkville and 68-66 over Lee-Huntsville to represent the Northeast Region in the 6A Final Four. The state semifinal was another close contest. Although the Spartans led Blount 36-23 with 16 seconds to go in the third quarter, the Leopards tied the game with 51 seconds to play in the final period. Just eight seconds later junior Patrick Keim was at the free throw line, making his first of three last-minute foul shots.
15 21 22 24 32 33 34 55
Jack Kline Reagan Alexander Alex Boozer Malek Grant Jeremy Berman (Capt.) Will Brewster Griff Cooper Alex Peters
“We had led the whole game, but they got a steal and a layup to tie it up,” McMillan said. “We toss it down the court to Patrick, and three seconds later he’s getting fouled and puts us up by one.” In the Final Four game as well as the State Championship, the Spartans had the support of several thousand fans and a student section comprised of every Mountain Brook school. In the Championship Game, the Spartans’ success began in a huge second period. They outscored Sparkman 20-4 as the Senators
Forward, Freshman Forward, Senior Guard, Junior Forward, Senior Guard/Forward, Senior Guard, Junior Forward/Center, Senior Center, Junior
Alvin Briggs of the Alabama High School Athletic Association presents the state championship game ball to Mountain Brook High School Head Basketball Coach Bucky McMillan.
suffered a quarter-long field goal drought. Leading 19-16, Mountain Brook’s second quarter started with an 18-0 run. Seven of the Spartans’ points in that stretch came from Grant. At halftime the score was 39-20. Although the rest of the game was evenly matched, Sparkman never got any closer to the Spartans than 14 points. “We hadn’t shot well the entire playoffs,” Berman said. “Our defense really kept us going. We saved the best for last and finally shot well [in the championship].”
The basketball team hosted a celebratory pep rally to congratulate the community for its support in the championship. The well-attended event included contests for the athletes and fans; at the end of the pep rally, the players stuck around to sign autographs. “Kids always want autographs when I’m out,” Grant said. “It’s crazy.” Nine seniors will go out as state champions: Berman, Malek Grant, Stuart Harmon, Eric Raszeja, Will Deer, Joshua Bluestein, Hunter Williams, Reagan Alexander and Griff Cooper.
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24 • April 2013
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Spring Home Guide
Leaf & Petal By MEGAN SMITH
Mark Thompson manages Leaf & Petal’s Mountain Brook Village location. Photos by Megan Smith.
said, “whether it’s a sunny window or a dark corner.” Employees also find plants for a patron’s tastes, whether they’re looking for color or lush foliage. They also provide complete information, such as required watering, sunlight and life expectancy, for each plant sold. “We don’t want to trick people into buying something,” Thompson said. “If I know the customer wants a longer lasting bloom, but is holding a flower that only lasts a few weeks,
I’m going to tell them that.” Not only does the team work toward implementing a patron’s design ideas, but there’s also staff devoted to making arrangements. Premade and custom arrangements for any occasion start at $50. For custom displays, customers can come in, choose a decorative pot, and be lead through a series of questions about what type of event they are decorating for to what color and even how long they would like their plants to survive.
2817 Cahaba Road 871-3832 leafnpetal.com Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Sunday, 1 p.m.-5 p.m. Returning customers can come in with a pot and ask questions about a new arrangement. The pot can still have a few favorites from a previous arrangement that will be worked around and trimmed for the new one. Leaf & Petal also boasts a healthy workspace, keeping approximately 30 live air purifying plants. “Just walking through here in the clean purifying air can make you feel better,” Thompson said. “And that’s a concept that can be brought home.” Keeping fresh plants can make a house more inviting and alive, Thompson said. Raising food at home is also something Leaf & Petal can provide whether it’s produce or chickens. Thompson installed a chicken coop in late February and is using this spring to test sales. Not only can they be bought to lay eggs, but they are there for entertainment as well. Leaf and Petal is also a store for a quick visit for a present. Hydrangeas in plastic liner pots, $16, are kept close to small ceramic pots ranging from $6.99-$25.99. “These are great for gifts,” Thompson said. “They’re a relatively low price, but classy and nice.” Gift certificates for $20 are given after every ($25) spot is hole punched on Petal Point cards. Thompson calls them “frequent flower cards” that work at all three store locations. The store also sells select scents of Voluspa, Illume and Votivo tin candles ranging from $10-25. They will even complimentary custom wrap gifts and carry merchandise to the car.
Mountain Brook Art Association
The store may be called Leaf & Petal, but store manager Mark Thompson said it’s all about the roots. The plant shop located in Mountain Brook Village delivers an organized, fresh green environment to the area and only sells rooted plants. Founded in 1974, the store has since swapped owners, but the focus on customer service remains unchanged. “Customers really are the heart of this business,” Thompson said. “We get to know them one on one. We’re here for the high and low spots in life.” Life correlates closely with plants, Thompson explained. Weddings are joyous occasions while illness and funerals are the sad events the store helps to decorate. The dedication to customer satisfaction is what Thompson attributes to the business’ success. “The customer comes first and the plants second,” Thompson said, “but really it’s the same thing because you can’t please customers without healthy plants.” That’s why when he started managing the store eight months ago, he implemented an organized, clean atmosphere to guarantee plant health and store functionality. Employees also work with customers to find the right plants and other items for whatever someone is looking to enroot. “We meet the needs of the space,” Thompson
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April 2013 • 25
Spring Home Guide
Garden trends to try this spring By HILARY ROSS Like interiors, landscapes evolve over time and certain trends become evident. In landscape design, the following trends have become increasingly popular: use of edibles, structure in the garden and furnishing with garden accents. Use of edibles The use of edible landscape material has gained momentum not only in an “eat local and fresh” way but also in an ornamental, decorative method as well. A classmate who was studying plant propagation as a way to combat hunger in her native Sudan could not understand why anyone would plant something they could not eat. It really opened my eyes to the fact that with edibles, you can have both beauty and food! The next time you visit any of the villages in Mountain Brook, notice the herbs mixed in with spring or fall annuals in planters and the flower beds. What to plant: Start with herbs like my favorites parsley, chives, ‘Golden Lemon’ thyme and ‘Kent Beauty’ oregano. Mix your herbs in border plantings with your annuals, in window boxes, or containers and urns. Then, move on to these easy, prolifically producing vegetables: ‘Sun Gold’ and ‘Better Boy’ tomatoes, ‘Sweet Banana’ and ‘Jalapeno’ peppers and eggplant. If you would like to grow your own fruit, I recommend are ‘Early Girl’ strawberries, ‘Tophat’ and ‘TifBlue’ blueberries, and ‘Celeste’ and ‘Brown Turkey’ figs. So find an area in your yard that gets at least six hours sunlight, has good drainage, is rich in
Incorporating structure in the garden is a key component for Troy Rhone of Troy Rhone Garden Designs. Here herbs and roses in a formal boxwood potager provide a romantic effect for this kitchen garden. Garden accents are also included in the design.
organic material, and start your own “eat local and fresh” movement by visiting a local shop like Leaf & Petal or Oak Street. Structure in the garden Typically, when structure is mentioned in the garden, most people are thinking of fences or hardscape materials. But the structure we are discussing has to do with the use of evergreen shrubs in the garden to form the backbone or “structure” of the landscape. English-style hedges have really exploded in popularity and for good reason. They provide year-round consistency and act as a backdrop to showcase the ornamental plants in your yard. Evergreen shrubs can be
used to edge parterre gardens, form small hedges to define areas and create privacy. What to plant: Boxwoods like ‘Wintergreen’, ‘Winter Gem’, ‘Green Velvet’ or ‘Green Beauty’ are excellent choices. You will also see ‘Suffruticosa’ English Boxwood commonly used. For a less formal look, try herbs such as rosemary or lavender as a low hedge. For a good backdrop shrub, buy hollies such as ‘Mary Nell’ and ‘Nellie R Stevens’, Fragrant Tea Olives, Camellia, Arborvitae, Wax Myrtles, and Glossy Privet. Or try these evergreen trees for a large screen: ‘Claudia Wannamaker’, ‘Bracken’s Brown Beauty’ or ‘DD Blanchard’ Magnolia.
The home of Dana Wolter of Dana Wolter Interiors features boxwoods as a backdrop to showcase her beautiful foxglove, snapdragons, violas and parsley seen pictured here.
Furnishing with garden accents With mild weather in the South, landscapes are an extension of our home and used most of the year. Often outdoor “rooms” complement interiors. Accents can include anything from urns, to whimsical statues, to classical sculptures and columns. Weathered stone basins, pottery or wall-hung vessels as water features can also be used as a tranquil, garden accent. These accents can fill an area where plant material may not thrive and add a touch of the homeowner’s personality. Peyton King, Mountain Brook resident and co-owner of Elegant Earth at the Arbor, said he has seen items from their collections used not only in the landscape but also in some of the most
well-appointed interiors in the South. “Blending exteriors through the use of our urns, benches, tables and decorative items has gained popularity,” King said. “Clean lines and classic proportions, as found in our Birmingham collection like the Forest Park Trough and the English Village Urn, are increasingly used for their timeless design.” Hilary Ross completed the landscape design program through Jefferson State Community College and is a certified landscape designer and horticulturist. In 2011, she launched Mater Natura Designs. For more, visit maternaturadesigns.com or maternaturadesigns.blogspot.com or find her on Facebook.
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• April 2013
Village Living
Spring Home Guide
Small-scale chicken farming
Mountain Brook chicken owners Lois England, Diana Browning, Lisa Reich, Tamara Sansbury and Cora Causey.
(Yes, it’s legal in Mountain Brook)
By CHRISTIANA ROUSSEL So you think you know what a chicken owner looks like? Well, think again. Many of our fellow Mountain Brook neighbors are joining the growing ranks of Americans who are choosing to raise poultry in their own backyards. Some decide to get a couple of hens for the fresh eggs they provide. Others like the idea of raising chickens to teach their children where their food comes from, as well as a sense of responsibility. Still others just like being able to get eggs that come in a variety of colors. Whatever the reason, what they are
doing is quite legal here. The City of Mountain Brook does not have any ordinance that prohibits the keeping of chickens in any of our residential districts. As City Planner Dana Hazen said, the only ordinance that addresses the keeping of chickens reads, “It shall be unlawful to confine, harbor or keep on a lot, place or premises any animal or fowl that habitually, continuously or intermittently makes or emits sounds or noises of such volume, nature or extent so as to be a public nuisance by reason of being obnoxious or annoying to the ordinary persons in that neighborhood.” In short, hens are in, but roosters are out.
“This is fairly subjective and may be hard to enforce,” Hazen said, “but I advise people who call me wanting to keep chickens that if we receive complaints then we may have to enforce this provision of the municipal code. I also advise them to talk to their adjoining neighbors about their intent before installing the chickens.” Great advice, and really, just good manners. My own chicken adventure began last spring when we purchased a small moveable coop online and three chicks from a farmer on Craigslist. They lived under a heat lamp in the garage for a few months
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until the weather warmed up and they could be relocated outdoors. We became so fond of them that it was heartbreaking to one day discover we had two roosters and just one hen. A neighborhood dog snagged the hen and the roosters – and all their cocka-doodle-doings were… relocated. My second attempt began at Coosa Valley Milling and Hardware Company, Inc. in nearby Wilsonville, where Frank McEwen (of McEwen & Sons) sells ‘sexed’ chicks. In
other words, guaranteed hens. We purchased three Ameraucanas (who lay blue-green eggs) and one Rhode Island Red (brown egg layer). These breeds are heat-tolerant and coldhardy, making them a perfect fit for this area. We erected an inexpensive dog run around the coop, giving the hens more space and securing them from any predators. It took about six months for them to start laying, and finding that first egg felt like Christmas – or Easter – morning. We
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April 2013 • 27
Spring Home Guide
Lucy Pankey with Peaches the chicken.
were ecstatic. The more people I mentioned my chickens to, the more people I learned had chickens of their own. I was so eager to meet more of these folks, and they were eager to share their chicken-keeping experiences
too. I recently held a “Hen Party” at my home se we could share ideas and meet one another. We all soon learned that we arrived at this whole chickenkeeping thing from different places but wouldn’t give up the
hens for anything. Cora has almost two dozen hens and plenty of happy neighbors who love to get the fresh eggs. Tamara has three hens and three dogs who live together in harmony on Old Leeds Road. Katherine just got her flock early last fall and was delighted to discover their first eggs when she and her family returned home from skiing after Christmas. Diana ordered her hens through the mail and has super-steady layers. They adore her kitchen scraps and can make short work out of any leftovers. Lisa started with a smaller coop but is blessed with a very handy husband who is building a coop from the ground up, one that will match the architecture of their cedar-shake shingle home. (I am jealous.) Jennifer’s husband built her coop too, which they call the Casa de Pollo. They spent part of their recent wedding anniversary travelling to southern Kentucky to pick up a French Maran hen who lays the most beautiful chocolate brown eggs you have ever seen. Lois inherited two hens who lived happily in the trees of her backyard. They have since passed away, but she swears she’ll start over again this spring. At age 13 Christian wanted chickens and begged his mother to buy some. She declined, but he built his own coop in the backyard anyway. Given his level of enthusiasm, she soon gave in. Five years later, the hens are thriving and have a new predatorproof coop. When Christian leaves for college in the fall, his younger brother will take over the hens.
Tractor Supply Company – With locations in Chelsea and Moody, you can pick up chicks this spring and everything you need to go with them, all year long. We are regular customers for the pine-bark shavings and meal worms the hens love. Little Hardware – Frank Davies is getting more and more requests to stock poultry-related items. He started selling McEwen & Sons chicken scratch and is happy to look into ordering anything else you might need. Coosa Valley Milling & Hardware Company, Inc. – Frank McEwen’s operation in Wilsonville sells baby chicks and anything else you might need to raise them. While you’re there, pick up some of his famous blue corn grits. Chick Days: Raising Chickens from Hatchlings to Laying Hens by Jenna Woginrich has been my handbook. She answers every question you could have, at every stage, in a straightforward but funny way. The accompanying pictures are priceless. Websites- A few that I recommend are mcmurrayhatchery.com, fowl.com and Heather Bullard shows off the be-all and end-all of chicken coops on her blog at heatherbullard.typepad.com. If you feel we’ve only scratched the surface of this subject, visit VillageLivingOnline.com, where we continue the conversation and provide sources and FAQs. Christiana Roussel is a Southern food and lifestyle writer headquartered
Chicken Resources
in the backyard
in Crestline. When not attending biscuit festivals or bourbon tastings, there are four chickens, three dogs, two children and one husband who keep her very busy. Follow her culinary endeavors on Facebook at Facebook.com/ ChristianaKitchen.
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• April 2013
Village Living
Spring Home Guide
Six things to consider
when choosing fabric
By MADOLINE MARKHAM
Light repairs to new construction Free estimates
“Attention to Detail Matters”
Sheri Corey is entering outdoor cushion order season, but her store, Sew Sheri, is still taking plenty of fabric orders for drapery, bedding, furniture and more. With 20 years in the business and two and half owning her Mountain Brook Village showroom, Corey certainly knows fabrics. She boasts that, despite conceptions about a local store, it offers competitive prices and sales at least once a week. Most of all, she wants people to know that shopping with Sew Sheri allows you to customize a project just as you want it, and you are purchasing something made in the United States. “People don’t always realized you get superior quality over anything ready-made,” she said. We talked with her about what to consider as you think about tackling spring fabric projects.
1. When it’s time 2. Reupholster vs. slipcover 3. How much ‘wearability’ 4. Indoor/outdoor fabric 5. Neutral for big pieces 6. What’s trending:
Sheri Corey works in her Mountain Brook Village showroom, Sew Sheri. Photo by Madoline Markham.
1. When it’s time: You need new fabric when you see it fading and starting to get thin.
5. Neutral for big pieces: For big furniture pieces, Corey recommends choosing a neutral fabric instead of a pattern. If you get tired of a patterned fabric, it’s much easier to redo a chair or pillows than a sofa.
Sew Sheri is located at 2832 Culver Road. For more call 879-8278 or visit sewsheri. com.
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Frames
Accessories
Frames
Furniture
6. What’s trending: Corey said Sew Sheri is finally starting to see more colors, especially blues and greens as well as corals. Geometric, suzani (Asian-inspired designs with floral elements) and ikat (zigzag, diamond-shaped and geometric patterns with feathered lines) designs are also big.
Mirrors
Books
Gifst
Lamps Lamp
Chandeliers
Stephen Ray raybuildingcompany.com (205) 296-5291
3. How much “wearability”: Consider how much the fabric will be used and sat to determine the quantity of “double rubs,” which are the measure of how many abrasions a fabric can take before it wears out. Most fabrics come in at least 30,000 double rubs, but Sew Sheri carries fabrics with up to 150,000.
4. Indoor/outdoor fabric: Indoor/outdoor fabric has become popular with parents of small children. The fabrics are now made soft to touch, and can be washed with soap and water. They also do not bleach or fade from sun exposure.
1829 29th Ave. South • Homewood • 870-8110 www.shophomewood.com
Furniture
Accessories
Shades
Tables
2. Reupholster vs. slipcover: If you like your current fabric and/or have children or pets, a slipcover is a good option for furniture. If your current fabric has wear and tear, consider reupholstering.
Prints
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VillageLivingOnline.com
Life Actually By Kari Kampakis
Popular with God There are billions of opinions in this world, praise is icing on the cake. but only one opinion counts. It was a big relief to adopt this way of Others like to convince us that they can solve thinking. No longer was I on pins and needles our life, but only He is omnipotent. waiting to see how a column was received. We think of peer pressure as something Whatever the results, I could trust that they’d teenagers face, but really it carries through life. play into His plan for me. When I write with The pressures just grow more refined. During God on my team, I’m not alone. Anything I do our youth, we’re encouraged to live on the right is to His credit, because He enables me edge, to experiment and defy authority. But as through grace and gifts. adults we’re expected to live a life that others I wish I could say I’m divinely inspired each Kampakis will envy. We’re pressured to live in certain month, but often it’s a leap of faith. I write what neighborhoods, belong to certain clubs, put our kids in I need to hear and think others could benefit from as well, certain schools and drive certain cars. pray for my readers and hope that someone is touched. And if we listen to it all, it can drive us nuts. Whether it’s one or many, it doesn’t matter. It still makes Adopting the herd mentality puts a gap between who a difference. we are and what God made us to do. It chips away at our God created all of us with unique talents and for unique authenticity, the best part of us. It makes us puppets to purposes. When we imitate others, we lose ourselves. well-meaning friends, parents, bosses or mentors. It eats It’s scary to be different because being different can get away at our soul and suffocates us slowly, like a pillow us kicked out of the herd. It’s safer to blend in, even if over the face that sinks deeper every day. blending in means living a watered-down life. I don’t know about you, but it seems to me that a lot Some people may think that being popular with God of problems could be eliminated if we stopped chasing ostracizes us, but I believe it leads to richer relationships. the approval of others and started chasing God. Doubts, I believe followers find each other, strengthening one insecurities and fears of rejection would fly out the another as “iron sharpens iron” (Proverbs 27:17). If living window if we quit worrying about the world’s judgment your life God’s way alienates you from peers, maybe and trained our minds on God. What does He want? Are you’re in the wrong herd. Maybe you never had the our actions pleasing to Him? If so we can rest easy, taking security you once thought. pride in our efforts regardless of the outcome. There are billions of opinions in this world, but only Here’s a story to illustrate. When I first started this one opinion counts. To me this simplifies things. It’s column, I quickly became hooked on reader feedback. like getting permission to be ourselves, to stand with It felt great to hear people praise a certain piece or confidence and say no when something’s not right for us. compliment my writing. I wanted to build a following, This is easier said than done, of course, but all it takes and while I always wrote from my heart, I chose topics is awareness of whom we’re serving. Are we chasing based on what I thought would touch the most people. the approval of others or chasing God? Whose judgment In other words, I wanted to be popular. matters most? But somewhere along the way, I began to see this That is the question of life. journey isn’t all about me. I realized my happiness shouldn’t depend on what others say because kudos and Kari Kubiszyn Kampakis is a Mountain Brook mom of praise are fleeting and waiting for them can be torture. By four with a background in PR, writing and photography. writing with God in mind — and putting out messages Visit karikampakis.com, find her on Facebook and Twitter, He’d be proud of — I find my reward. Any additional or contact her at kari@karikampakis.com.
Faith Brookwood Baptist partners with local church
Pastor Tim Clark of Brookwood Baptist Church and Pastor Ralph Garth of True Vine Evangelical Church.
Pastor Ralph Garth ministers to prostitutes, addicts, gang leaders, drug dealers and criminals. “They are people that you and I have never invited to dinner (or church),” said Mary Jane Dillard of Brookwood Baptist Church. Garth tells stories of reclaimed lives of the people with whom Jesus ate. Recently, his stories shared Jesus with a group of church leaders who needed to be reminded of what to do with a cup of cold water, Dillard said. Garth didn’t have a church building to accommodate his growing ministry, but the group of leaders could help with that. Birmingham Baptist Foundation Board, who assesses what to do with the property of churches that have closed or relocated, was able to award True Vine Ministries the former Inglenook Baptist Church building, located just west of the Birmingham Airport. As True Vine
works to refurbish the building and fix up the new property, Brookwood has partnered in the work. Brookwood Directional Pastor Tim Clark serves on the Foundation Board, and Brookwood member Ricky Miskelley works next door to True Vine’s former building and introduced its Garth to Tim Clark. Even after True Vines’ doors open, Brookwood will continue to assist with literacy training, Vacation Bible School and a fall festival at the school, as well as building renovations and providing backpacks to students are nearby Inglenook Elementary. Brookwood’s ministry with True Vine is one of several missional outreaches for the church. It sends mission teams to Mongolia, Peru, Uganda and South Africa and works locally with Firehouse Shelter, First Light and other organizations around Birmingham. -Submitted by Mary Jane Dillard
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Calendar
Mountain Brook Events April 4-14: Theater LJCC presents “The Secret Garden.” Based on the 1911 novel of the same name by Frances H. Burnett. $15 adults, $12 students. $12. 7:30 p.m. on April 4,6,11,13. 6 p.m. on April 7. 2 p.m. on April 14. Visit bhamjcc.org. April 7: Holocaust Remembrance Day-Yom HaShoah. Michael Stolowitzky, a Polish survivor will share his account of the Holocaust. Candle lighting service will honor of Holocaust survivors. 2 p.m. LJCC. Visit bhamjcc.org.
Art Festival. Crestline Elementary School Athletic Field, 25 Vine Street. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. If it rains, the event will take place April 21 from 12-5 p.m. Visit mountainbrookartassociation.com. April 21: Community Celebration for Israel’s 65th birthday, Israel Independence Day. Birmingham Jewish Federation and LJCC present a celebration including a parade on Montclair Road. Food, drinks, T-shirts and tiles for decorating will be for sale. 10 a.m. LJCC. Visit bhamjcc.org.
April 7: “A Place at the Table” Showing. Documentary about hunger in the United States. 7 p.m. Mountain Brook Presbyterian Church. Visit takepart.com/place-atthe-table or mbpcusa.org.
April 25: Christine’s 40th Anniversary Celebration. Hors d’oeurves and wine will be served on the sidewalk outside of Christine’s, and Mayor Oden Terry will cut the celebratory cake. Call 871-8297.
April 7: Bo Johnson Memorial Golf Tournament Celebration Party. Food by Full Moon Bar-B-Que, music by Jimmy and Laine, dinner, silent auction, and children’s activities. 5-9 p.m. The Birmingham Children’s Zoo. Visit bojohnson.org.
April 27: 6th Annual Step Forward to Cure TSC Walk. 8:30 a.m. registration, 9:30 a.m. walk. Visit stepforwardtocuretsc.org or email Carole Pitard at ccpitard@yahoo.com.
April 7-15: American Red Cross Lifeguard Training Course. LParticipants must be 15 by first day of class and complete prerequisite portion of class the first night. In order to pass perfect attendance, 80 percent on the written test and complete all the water skills is required to receive certification. Fee $200, Member price $190. April 7: noon-6 p.m. April 8-11: 5-9 p.m. April 14: noon-6 p.m. April 15: 5-9 p.m. Contact Miriam Sokol at msokol@bhamjcc.org.
MBHS Home Games
April 8: Bo Johnson Memorial Golf Tournament. Scramble format, lunch included. Highland Park Golf Course. 1 p.m. shotgun start. Visit bojohnson.org. April 9: UAB Free Vision Screening. UAB Community Eye Care will offer free vision screenings. LJCC. Screenings are designed to detect many problems. No appointment needed. 9-11:30 a.m. Visit bhamjcc.org. April 10-14: Kiss Me Kate. Mountain Brook High School. April 10, 11 and 13 at 7 p.m. April 14 at 2 p.m. April 19: Relay for Life. 4 p.m. Mountain Brook High School Spartan Stadium. Visit relayforlife.org/ mountainbrook. April 20: Mountain Brook Art Association 32nd Spring
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April 2: Softball vs. Moody. 5 p.m. April 4: Softball vs. Chelsea. 5 p.m. April 4: Baseball vs. Woodlawn. 5:30 p.m. April 6: Freshman Baseball vs. Homewood. 1:30 p.m. April 8: Tennis vs. Spain Park. April 8: Softball vs. Woodlawn (double header). 4:30 p.m. April 9: Girls Soccer. JV vs. Hewitt 7 p.m. Varsity vs. Oxford 7 p.m. April 9: Softball vs. Hewitt-Trussville/Senior Night. 5 p.m. April 10: Boys Tennis vs. Vestavia. April 12-13: Mountain Brook Track Invitational. April 12: Baseball vs. Spring Garden/Senior Night. 7 p.m. April 16: Girls Soccer vs. Gardendale/Senior Night. 6:30 p.m. April 18: Boys Soccer vs. Tuscaloosa County. JV 5 p.m. Varsity/Senior Night 7 p.m. April 18: Softball vs. Oak Mountain. 5 p.m. April 23: Boys Varsity Soccer vs. Oak Mountain. 7:30 p.m. April 23: Girls Soccer vs. Homewood. 5:30 p.m.
Community Events April 5: Brahms First Symphony. Guest conductor Alasdair Neale joins the ASO for the performance. Alys Stephens Center. 11 a.m. Visit alabamasymphony.org. April 5-7: Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama. Four races in three days at Barber Motorsports Park. Children 12 and under free accompanied with a ticketed adult. Visit barbermotorsports. com.
High School Stadium, 4700 Jaguar Drive. Visit stadiumfest.com. April 13: Walk MS. 1, 2 or 3-mile walk; entertainment; wellness fair. Homewood Central Park. 7:30 am. registration, 9:30 a.m walk. Visit nationalmssociety.org or active. com, or email Amanda Burton at amanda. burton@nmss.org.
April 5-7: Birmingham Botanical Gardens Spring Plant Sale. Friday 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Free admission. Former Century Plaza JC Penney, 7580 Crestwood Blvd. Visit www. bbgardens.org/springplantsale.
April 13: Ready. Set Cure. 5K. Held by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Junior Board. Oak Mountain State Park Dogwood Pavilion. 7 a.m. registration, 8 a.m. race, 9 a.m. awards. $30 adults, free for children 12 and under. Visit facebook.com/pages/ ReadySetCure/351632744851331.
April 6: 10th Annual Walk for Autism. Benefits the Autism Society of Alabama. $30 in advance, $35 race day. Veteran’s Park. 7 a.m. run check-in, 7:30 a.m. run. 8 a.m. walk checkin, 8:30 a.m. walk. Visit walkforautismal.com or email lauren@autism-alabama.org.
April 20: Brookwood Celebrates. Part of Birmingham Reads, an event that supports Better Basics’ literacy programs for at-risk students. Bring a new or gently used book to donate. Colonial Brookwood Village. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Visit birminghamreads.com.
April 6: Funky Fish Fry. Benefitting the Autism Society of Alabama and Mitchell’s Place. Avondale Brewery. 12:30-8 p.m. $20 in advance ($25 at the door). Visit funkyfishfry.com.
April 20: Alzheimer’s of Central Alabama Presents Garden Art Party. Even will feature auction of artwork created by Alzheimer’s patients. 7-10 p.m. $95 admission. Ted’s Garage. Call 871-7979 or visit alzca.org.
April 6: 2013 Birmingham Asian Cultures and Food Festival. Includes song, dance, music and martial arts performances, interactive family education programs, and a variety of Asian cuisine. Cedars Club 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. $6 adults, $4 teens and college students with ID, free 12 & under. Visit alabamaasiancultures.org or call Bob Davis, 903-5569. April 8: And Then I Found You Launch Party. Author Patti Callahan Henry will speak. Refreshments and bar. 6 p.m. Vulcan Park and Museum. Visit alabamabooksmith.com. April 12-13: Stadium Fest 2013. Performances by Switchfoot, David Crowder, Newsboys and other Christian artists. Free. Friday 6-9:30 p.m., Saturday noon-9:30 p.m. Spain Park
April 20: ASO SuperPops Presents Neil Sedaka. Sedaka is credited with more than 500 songs and dozens of #1s. 8 p.m. at Leslie S. Wright Fine Arts Center Concert Hall. Visit samford.edu/wrightcenter. April 20: Walk to End Lupus. Veteran’s Park. 8:30 a.m. registration, 10:30 a.m. walk. Visit lupuswalkbirmingham.kintera.org or call Mike Singer at (615) 298-2273. April 20-May 2: Decorator’s ShowHouse. $20. 2082 Royal Fern Lane, Hoover. A shuttle will pick up at Riverchase United Methodist. Monday-Friday from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday from 2-6 p.m. Visit ShowHouse-Al.com.
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Community Events April 21: Neil Berg’s 100 Years of Broadway. This show recreates memorable moments from popular shows of the century. 7 p.m. Leslie S. Wright Fine Arts Center Concert Hall. Visit samford.edu/wrightcenter. April 25: Bargain Carousel Bash. 6-10 p.m. $40 VIP, 7-10 p.m. $30 general admission. Visit jlbonline. com/?nd=bargain_carousel. April 26: 7th Annual UAB National Alumni Society Scholarship Run 5K/10K. 1301 10th Ave. South. 6 p.m. Visit uab.edu/alumni or active.com. April 26-28: Bargain Carousel. Annual 1,000-family garage sale to benefit Junior League of Birmingham projects. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $5. Former JC Penney location, 7580 Crestwood Blvd. Visit jlbonline.com/?nd=bargain_carousel. April 27: Walk Me Home 5K Run and Walk. Awareness fundraiser for foster care. $30. 7 a.m. registration, 8 a.m. run. Veteran’s Park. Visit firstgiving.com/walkmehome/shelby or email
Frank Burder at fhburder@gmail.com. April 28: Our Mockingbird. April 28: Our Mockingbird. Documentary showing. Carver Theatre. 3 p.m. Visit 50yearsforward.com/events. April 30: Alice in Chains. BJCC 7:30 p.m. Tickets $39.50, $49.50. Visit bjcc.org. May 2: Legacy League Annual Scholarship Gala. Sean Tuohy, the adoptive father of Michael Oher, will speak. Reservations required, available until April 25. Private reception at 6 p.m. and dinner, $125. Dinner only, 7 p.m., $75. Proceeds go toward endowing a new scholarship to Samford University for students who have been adopted or are in foster care. Call 726-2247. May 4: Food Truck Round Up. Includes Shindigs, Dreamcakes, Spoonfed Grill and Off the Hook. Benefits Preschool Partners. Macy’s in Colonial Brookwood Village. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Visit preschoolpartners.org or email Allene Neighbors at Allene. neighbors@gmail.com.
Emmet O’Neal Library April Schedule Adults April 8: Great Books book group discussing “Gimpel the Fool” by Isaac Bashevis Singer. 6:30 p.m.
Brown Bag Lunch series. 12:30 p.m. Woody Allen film series. 6:30 p.m.
Mutiny in Time. 6 p.m. Mondays Toddler Tales Story Time. 9:30 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.
April 9: The Bookies book group discussing “The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry” by Rachel Joyce. 10 a.m.
Teens
April 14: Holocaust in Poland film series. 2 p.m.
April 5: Game on! Video Game Tournament. 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Together Time Story Time. 9:30 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.
April 16: Documentaries after Dark, film about architect Norman Foster. 6:30 p.m.
April 12: Suminagashi Marbling T-shirts. 4-6 p.m.
Library Out Loud Story Time. 3:30 p.m.
April 20: Knit & Kibble. All craft and skill levels. 2 p.m.-3:30 p.m.
April 3: Teen Advisory Board monthly meeting. 5-6 p.m.
Chess Club. 6 p.m. Tuesdays
Wednesdays
Children
Mother Goose Story Time. 9:30 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.
April 3: Savvy Surfing. 3:30 p.m.
Thursdays
April 9: Family Night: Birmingham Children’s Theatre: 3 Little Kittens. 5:30 p.m.
Patty Cake Story Time. 9:30 a.m.& 10:30 a.m.
April 30: Holocaust in Poland film series. 6:30 p.m.
April 17: After-school special: MadCap Puppets: Cinderella Files. 3:30 p.m.
Saturdays
Wednesdays
April 16, 18: Bookmania: A
April 23: Holocaust in Poland film series. 6:30 p.m. April 30: Genre Reading Group discussing American plays and playwrights. 6:30 p.m.
SNaP. 3:30 p.m.
The Power to Perform
Family Story Time with Mr. Mac, 10:30 a.m.
›› Visit eolib.org for more
Library to show films on Polish Holocaust experience By HOLLEY WESLEY Each April, the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum (USHMM) heads up a national time of reflection called the Days of Remembrance, established by Congress as our nation’s annual commemoration of the Holocaust. According to the USHMM, between 1939 and 1945 at least 1.5 million Polish citizens were deported to Germany territory for forced labor. Hundreds of thousands were also imprisoned in Nazi concentration camps. It is estimated that at least 1.9 million non-Jewish Polish civilians and at least 3 million Jewish citizens of Poland were killed during that time. In any epoch of human tragedy, it is impossible to single out one event or set of events to point at and describe as the worst but the Nazi occupation of Poland was truly horrific. Nazi sentiments towards the Polish
people were decidedly negative, and the Nazis aggressively pursued a zero-tolerance policy towards Polish culture as well as its political, religious, and intellectual leadership. This year the Birmingham International Center is honoring Poland. They, alongside the Birmingham Holocaust Education Center, are partnering with Emmet O’Neal Library to sponsor a series of four films highlighting the Polish experience. For film titles and details, contact the Library at 4451121. Film showings will be held: Sunday, April 14 at 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 23 at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 30 at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 7 at 6:30 p.m. Visit eolib.org or the library’s Facebook page, or call 445-1121 for more.
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April 2013
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