As the calendar flips into 2025, there are many things to watch in Vestavia Hills.
The city celebrates its 75th anniversary. The municipal election is in August, and a new indoor pickleball facility is scheduled to open in the former Sprouts grocery store. Also,
By TAYLOR BRIGHT
U.S. 280 congestion may be getting a little worse in the next couple of years — and then, officials hope, a whole lot better.
The state is set to begin construction on the widening of 280 as soon as February, the Alabama Department of Transportation said. The project is expected to last two years.
The project is designed to add to the capacity for cars traveling along the western end of the highway, which runs through Homewood, Mountain Brook and Vestavia Hills. According to data from ALDOT, the busiest point of 280, near Overton Road, has an average of nearly 105,000 vehicles traveling that point daily. By comparison, only the interstates are more traveled in the metro area. I-20/59 by the Tallapoosa Street exit has more than 150,000 vehicles driving on it daily.
Vestavia Hills officials hope the project will steer residents to the new 280 instead of cutting through residential neighborhoods, namely through areas in Mountain Brook where residents have complained.
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Editor’s Note By Jon Anderson
I want to use my editor’s note this month to apologize for a mistake in last month’s print edition.
The details in the cover story about the percentage of Vestavia Hills students who were deemed proficient in math, English language arts and science were incorrect. The totals given in the story were reflective of students statewide, and Vestavia Hills students are far above state averages.
The percentage of Vestavia Hills students in grades 3-8 who were deemed proficient in math increased by 2.8 percentage points to 70.8%, while the percentage of students proficient in English language arts grew by 2.3 percentage points to 87.8%. Meanwhile, science
proficiency among Vestavia Hills students had a slight decrease (by 1.2 percentage points to 80.5%).
The charts that ran with the story had the correct percentages, but I should have noticed the incorrect numbers in the story itself, which were inadvertently pulled from the wrong place.
I apologize for the mistake. Getting things right is important. I’ll strive to do better.
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Brightmark Health offers concierge-quality primary care with no
Dr. Joseph Wu, founder of Brightmark Health in Vestavia Hills, is board-certified in internal medicine and has been a primary care doctor in Birmingham since 2005.
In addition to this wealth of experience, Dr. Wu cares deeply about his patients.
“I really enjoy the relationships I develop with patients and being their go-to guy for the majority of their health concerns and being the person they call when they have an issue,” he said.
Dr. Wu opened Brightmark Health in July to avoid working in the corporate health-care business and to focus exclusively on providing top-quality, personalized patient care.
“This practice allows me to spend a lot more time with patients and be there for them when they truly need us,” Wu said.
The healthcare business focuses too much on profits and not enough on patients, Dr. Wu believes. That’s why Brightmark Health breaks the mold.
Dr. Wu and his staff offer
membership-based, concierge-quality primary care with no insurance, co-pays or red tape — and at a lower cost than most other concierge practices.
Brightmark Health takes primary care back from the big corporate entities and insurance companies.
“I’m not owned or controlled by anybody,” Dr. Wu said. “I’m just here to give our patients great care for a fair price.”
When typical insurance pays for an office visit, it doesn't cover the full cost of giving the patient great care, he said.
“Our standard and premium memberships allow us to have the best people working with me to give you the best care possible,” Dr. Wu said.
Brightmark also offers transparent pricing.
“You know exactly how much you’re going
to pay,” Dr. Wu said. “We have a price list, and we stick to it.”
Brightmark’s memberships offer patients another huge benefit.
“They allow us to have fewer patients, so we can get you in when you want to be seen,” Dr. Wu said.
Depending on the patient’s membership, they can get an appointment typically within 24 to 48 hours, and many times on the same day.
Brightmark remains dedicated to an old-school,
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personal approach in an age of apps, email and voicemail.
“When you call most clinics, you just get an answering machine, but when you call us, you get an actual person on the phone,” Dr. Wu said. “We’ll get you an answer within minutes, whatever your problem is.”
The care patients receive at Brightmark is customized to them.,
“We take the time to discuss all of the treatment options with the patients,” Dr. Wu said. “I believe in empowering the patients to make the best decisions for themselves.”
Dr. Wu received his undergraduate degree from Johns Hopkins University and his medical degree from The University of Alabama School of Medicine. He completed his internship and residency at UAB and The University of Michigan.
His staff includes Reva Kelly, the Medical Assistant, and Shayna Gurley, the nurse and Clinic Manager.
For Dr. Wu, his practice all comes back to building genuine connections with patients and their families.
“It’s relationships that make my job amazing, because I get to touch so many people’s lives,” he said. “I know my patients really well. They are not just a number or a chart. They become my friends.”
Cahaba Heights gateway, other improvements taking shape
By LOYD McINTOSH
A long-awaited comprehensive plan to improve the aesthetics of Cahaba Heights is now underway.
Known as the Cahaba Heights Gateway project, the planned improvements to Pump House Road from U.S. 280, the main artery into the district, will be a partnership between the city of Vestavia Hills and the Cahaba Heights Merchants Association.
The project includes improvements to a retaining wall running along Pump House Road, pedestrian safety enhancements at the intersection of Dolly Ridge Road and a new sign welcoming residents and visitors into the district.
Spearheaded by Katherine McRee, owner of the Lily Pad children’s boutique and president of the Cahaba Heights Merchants Association,
the project is six years in the making. McRee and a handful of business owners formed the CHMA in 2018 to raise funds and advocate for improvements to the area.
Growing up in Mountain Brook’s Crestline community, McRee’s vision for Cahaba Heights is heavily influenced by the neighborhood of her youth.
“The idea behind it was that when businesses work together to bring people together, it improves the entire area,” McRee said. “I grew up in Crestline, and seeing the amount of community events that they have, I wanted to try to replicate that where I live and own a business.”
The CHMA has raised more than $50,000 for the gateway project, which McRee said is an important part of Cahaba Heights’ branding efforts. She also believes the gateway will be the beginning of Cahaba Heights’
Prevent insects from making your home a place to live and dine this New
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transformation into a hot entertainment district.
“Our main goal is for this gateway to show who we are, so you know when you drive into the area you know you’re coming into a really cool, hip area where you want to shop and play and possibly live,” McRee said.
The CHMA hired landscape architect Neil Couvillion, founder of Forme Design Group, and Brian Authement, CEO of the Devote brand consultancy firm — both residents of Cahaba Heights — for design work and branding. Vestavia Hills City Manager Jeff Downes said the city is working closely with the CHMA and other entities, including Jefferson County and the Birmingham Water Works Board, to turn that vision into a reality.
The city hired a traffic engineering firm to study pedestrian walkability at the intersection of Pump House Road and Dolly Ridge Road and hired a contractor to rebuild the triangular
median at the intersection. In October, the city also acquired right-of-way access from Jefferson County on Pump House and Dolly Ridge roads, allowing the city to improve landscaping and beautification of the creek running along the intersection.
Downes said the city has placed a priority on the gateway and future upgrades to one of the city’s busiest and most desirable communities and that the collaboration with the CHMA has been “super beneficial.”
“Every day the number of visitors to that area continues to grow. First impressions are lasting impressions, and we don’t want anyone who comes and tries to engage with us and some of these popular venues to be feeling unsafe, feeling unpleasant or to see the aesthetics not be all they can be,” Downes said. “We’re excited that we don’t have to do it ourselves as a city.”
Above: The Cahaba Heights Gateway Project’s plan for the new sign welcoming people to Cahaba Heights. Illustration courtesy of Katherine McCree. Right: An overhead look at the improvements planned and underway at the intersection of Pump House Road and Dolly Ridge Road. Rendering courtesy of Forme Design Group.
Happy New Year to everyone! I can’t believe that last year passed by so quickly. We closed out 2024 with a couple of exciting events.
Mayor’s Minute
By Ashley Curry
On Tuesday, Dec. 3, we held our annual Christmas tree lighting event. The festivities started on the lawn of City Hall as the VHHS Majorettes entertained and then moved inside the Civic Center for multiple choirs and band performances. Santa was present to visit with children and families before participating in the countdown for lighting the tree inside the Civic Center. A special guest this year was Allie Grace Broadhead, our current Miss Vestavia Hills Teen 2025, who certainly made it a “magical evening,” especially for the children. She joined Santa in the countdown for the tree lighting.
The annual Vestavia Hills Christmas parade was held on Sunday, Dec. 8. According to our estimates, there were well over 1,000 people who attended the event. Our grand marshals for the parade were several of our Vestavia Hills Fire Department personnel who responded to natural disasters in Florida and North Carolina. We are proud to recognize these individuals for the disaster relief services they provided.
On Monday, Dec. 30, our annual menorah lighting service was scheduled in front of City
Hall to recognize Hanukkah. Hanukkah is the Jewish holiday that celebrates the rededication of the second temple in Jerusalem and is also known as the “festival of lights.” We join our Jewish citizens in celebrating this event.
We have much to look forward to during 2025.
One big event will be the celebration of our city’s 75th anniversary. I will be working with our staff, our Historical Society and other groups to commemorate this historic occasion. It is amazing that incorporation papers that were supported by 10 petitioners and filed with the Jefferson County probate judge on Sept. 13, 1950, would become the city we are today, with a population close to 40,000.
On a smaller scale, but certainly something to look forward to, is the repaving and sidewalk construction for Massey Road. The contract has been awarded for this project, and the first visible sign of improvement will be the construction of a retaining wall behind the Red Roof Inn. You will also see the completion of the long-awaited pedestrian bridge connecting Wald Park and the Library in the Forest. A vision that started 20 years ago is now coming to fruition.
I wish everyone a happy New Year. Remember to help the less fortunate as you ponder your New Year’s resolution.
Taste of Vestavia Hills
In the Classroom
GET TO KNOW
By STAFF
Q:
A:
year, I get a new group of kids, I get a new group of parents. I get to see them grow from the beginning to the end of their school year. … And I do teach all the subjects and have a great time.
Q: What inspired you to become an educator?
A: I love working with children. I love to see their creativity. I love to see the joy they have when they’ve learned something new. And, I really love building relationships with them that not only last from kindergarten, but all the way up to fifth grade at West.
Q: Tell us about your favorite teacher from when you were in school.
A: A favorite teacher for me was my fourth grade teacher. Her name was Martha West. She was a wonderful teacher. She made me feel comfortable coming to school. … I enjoyed learning new things. I never felt like I couldn't learn. … She was one of the defining influences that made me want to become an educator.
Q: What is the most rewarding part of being a teacher?
A: One is the impact I make on my students’ lives, building relationships with them to last throughout the many years they’re in school. Witnessing their growth socially, emotionally and academically. Keeping my students engaged in their learning.
SPOTLIGHT
Vestavia Hills High School has been named a silver recipient on the 2024 AP School Honor Roll.
This designation, given annually by the College Board, celebrates schools that demonstrate a strong commitment to Advanced Placement access and student success.
Vestavia Hills High School has met rigorous criteria in three key areas:
► College culture: Fifty-seven percent of the class of 2024 took at least one AP exam during high school, surpassing the silver level criterion of 50%.
► College credit: Forty-seven percent of the graduating class scored a 3 or higher (out of 5) on at least one AP exam, exceeding the gold level criterion of 35%.
► College optimization: Eighteen percent of the class of 2024 took five or more AP exams during high school and at least one exam in the ninth or 10th grade. This achievement surpasses the platinum level criterion of 15%.
“We are thrilled and thankful for our incredible AP teachers and students,” Vestavia Hills High School Principal Blair Inabinet said in a press release. “These recognitions reflect the tremendous effort and expertise that reflect our high standard of excellence at VHHS.”
The school’s silver recognition places it among the top 20% of the 266 qualifying schools in the state, demonstrating its dedication to expanding college-going culture, providing opportunities for students to earn college credit and maximizing college readiness.
– Submitted by Vestavia Hills City Schools.
Lois Powers Gray
Vestavia Hills High School Spanish teacher Lisa McFadden teaches an Advanced Placement Spanish course in August 2024. Photo courtesy of Vestavia Hills City Schools.
Jefferson County to host drop-off events for electronics, TVs, household hazardous waste
Electronic waste, or E-waste, is a rapidly growing environmental and public health concern, according to the World Health Organization, and the U.S. is the leading producer of E-waste, discarding about three million tons per year.
But many people are unaware of the hazards posed by the improper disposal of broken televisions and computer monitors in conventional landfills or along roadsides, such as the release of lead and other toxic chemicals.
That’s where Jefferson County officials come in. The country regularly organizes free public events where residents can drop off these items safely.
In fact, Jefferson County has a total of five free electronics and TV drop-off and paper shredding events scheduled for 2025.
Two of those events will also allow residents to dispose of household hazardous waste (HHW) from their garages, basements, kitchens and bathrooms.
The first electronics drop-off and paper shredding event is set for Jan. 25 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at the Birmingham Zoo at 2630 Cahaba Road.
“This event is perfect for people who got new electronic devices or TVs over the holidays and need to dispose of old ones,” said county spokesperson Helen Hays.
Two other events for electronics dropoff and paper shredding will be held on May 10 at the Jefferson County Center Point Satellite Courthouse and June 14 at the Jefferson County Valley Reclama-
tion Facility in Bessemer.
The county will host two events this year at which residents can dispose of HWW, as well as electronics, TVs and paper for shredding.
The first event, on April 12 from 8-11:30 a.m., will take place at a total of three sites in Gardendale, Irondale, Bessemer. The second event will be held on October 18 from 8-11:30 a.m. at Camp Ketona in Birmingham and at Camp Bessemer.
HWW consists of automotive products, such as oil, gas, tires and batteries;
household products, including aerosols, chemicals, cleaners; outdoor products, including insecticides, pool chemicals and yard chemicals; and paint products, such as paints, resins, sealants, stains and solvents.
The county also accepts a wide range of miscellaneous items, including fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, large appliances and household cooking oil and grease.
“HHW should never be emptied into sinks or drains, flushed down toilets, poured onto the ground, discarded in
For more information
Call 205-325-8741 or go to jccal.org.
storm drains or placed in regular trash for pickup,”said Hana Berres, who serves as the Education Training Manager for the county’s stormwater program.
The free drop-off events “are gaining interest, and we see annual increases in attendance,” she said.
Since Fiscal Year 2020, the county has hosted 17 events where about 4,000 households dropped off nearly 212,000 pounds of electronics.
“By organizing these free disposal events around Jefferson County, especially in areas where these items are frequently abandoned along roadways, we’ve decreased the amount of waste the county needs to manage,” Berres said.
For more information — including the items the county accepts — call 205-325-8741 or go to jccal.org.
You may also download the MyJeffCo App or scan the QR code.
Business Buzz
opening special of four weeks for $69 goes from Jan. 6 to Feb. 1.
Jessica Armstrong Denise Boley and Richard Edge in December opened Miss Astrid’s Tavern a chef-inspired Southern food restaurant, in the former location of The Fig restaurant at 3160 Pipeline Road (in the back of Resultz Day Salon, which is owned by Boley) in Cahaba Heights. Armstrong is the executive chef. She previously worked for Yellow Bicycle Catering and was the chef de cuisine at Cellar 91 and the restaurant at Greystone Country Club, and she worked as the executive banquet chef at Vestavia Country Club and executive chef at Anniston Country Club. For the past five years, she has run her own catering business called Girl Boss Cookin’. This is her first brick-and-mortar location. Miss Astrid’s Tavern is named after the late Astrid Smyer, who was Edge’s mother, a longtime resident of the Cahaba Heights community. Hours for Miss Astrid’s Tavern are 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for lunch Tuesday-Friday, 5:30-9:30 p.m. for dinner Wednesday-Saturday and 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. for brunch Saturday-Sunday. 205-644-3690, “Miss Astrid’s Tavern” on Facebook
The Vestavia Hills location of Montgomery Highway, Suite 133, had an open house on Dec. 8 and started soft opening camps on Dec. 16. A grand
Sanders Capital Partners, a real estate acquisition and development firm based at 2015 Stonegate Trail #105 in Vestavia Hills, has recently completed the $9.3 million acquisition of Mutual Savings Credit Union leased properties in Alabama, which include the credit union’s 28,025-square-foot headquarters at 2040 Valleydale Road and branches in Alexander City, Clanton, Selma and Brookwood. Mutual Savings Credit Union continued to operate without interruption. The credit union also has branches in Riverchase, Calera and Pelham. Since its inception in 2015, Sanders Capital Partners has built its portfolio by strategically acquiring and developing properties in the southeastern, midwestern and southwestern United States. 205-370-7944, sanderscapitalpartners.com
The Sanders Trust, a health care real estate investment and development company based at 1000 Urban Center Drive #675 in Vestavia Hills, has completed the
66,000-square-foot, 60-bed Mercy Health Rehabilitation Hospital in Youngstown, Ohio. The two-story hospital opened its doors in November and features all private rooms as well as a 12-bed secured brain injury unit with private dining and a therapy gym. The project was a joint venture between Lifepoint Rehabilitation, a business unit of Lifepoint Health, and Mercy Health. 205-298-0809, sanderstrust.com
PERSONNEL MOVES
Roger Jenkins, whose term as a director and CEO of Murphy Oil Corp. was set to end on Dec. 31, has been appointed to serve on the board of directors of Regions Financial Corp. and its subsidiary Regions Bank, which has branches in Vestavia Hills at 529 Montgomery Highway and 3172 Heights Village. Jenkins’ term on the Regions boards was to begin Jan. 1. He will be one of 14 board members and will serve on the risk and technology committees. Jenkins has been with Murphy Oil since 2001. In 2013, he was elevated to serve as director, president and CEO of the organization. Though retiring Dec. 31, 2024, Jenkins will remain in an advisory role for Murphy Oil until Dec. 31, 2025. Prior to serving Murphy Oil, Jenkins had a 17-year career with Texaco. 205-766-8510, regions.com
GET TO KNOW
Susan Rathmell of Upward Behavioral Health
By STAFF
Susan Rathmell is a licensed clinical psychologist and the owner of Upward Behavioral Health.
Q: Tell us about your business.
A: Upward Behavioral Health provides evidence-based, results-driven treatment for a wide array of mental and behavioral health concerns, such as depression, anxiety, panic and PTSD. We also offer gold standard, medication-free treatments for conditions that are often harder to find care for, such as insomnia, adult ADHD, OCD, chronic pain, tic disorders and phobias. Upward also provides comprehensive autism and ADHD evaluations for children and adults.
Q: What would your customers say they like about you?
A: Over and over, our clients tell us they appreciate the measurable life-changing progress that we help them make, and they're especially grateful that they get to achieve this progress in just a few weeks' time.
Q: Give us your elevator pitch.
A: Therapy is much more than a supportive conversation. Therapy is health care, and therapy is a science. At Upward, we only offer treatment that is relationship-focused, evidence-based and data-driven. Our approach to care means that, within a few weeks, you will see measurable results and meaningful progress.
Q: Anything else you’d like to add?
A: Upward is proud to offer services to
clients anywhere in the state of Alabama. We offer in-person appointments in the Birmingham area and telehealth appointments to clients anywhere in the state. Our telehealth platform is secure and easy to use even for the technologically challenged. This also applies to our child and adult autism and ADHD evaluations.
SPOTLIGHT
1020 Wellness celebrates 30 years of service
By STAFF
1020 Wellness is celebrating 30 years of providing health and wellness care to the Vestavia Hills community.
Located at 1020 Montgomery Highway, the clinic has been a trusted resource for residents of the greater Birmingham area, offering a wide range of medical services under the guidance of Dr. John M. Morgan. With expertise in weight management, wellness and women’s health, Morgan has played a key role in establishing the clinic’s reputation.
The clinic’s services are designed to address a variety of patient needs. These include hormone therapy, weight management programs and facial aesthetics, as well as general wellness services such as bariatric-friendly foods and supplements. Recently, 1020 Wellness expanded its offerings by introducing Botox treatments, reflecting a growing interest in non-invasive aesthetic procedures.
Over the past three decades, Morgan and his team have worked with thousands of patients, tailoring programs to help them reach their health goals. Their weight management initiatives have led to the collective loss of over
130,000 pounds, while hormone therapy services help address issues such as fatigue, mood changes and other common imbalances.
Patients often praise the clinic’s warm environment and comprehensive care, with many describing it as a “one-stop shop” for their health and wellness needs. The convenience and variety of services continue to draw a loyal patient base.
As 1020 Wellness reaches this significant milestone, it remains dedicated to meeting the community's evolving health needs. For additional information, visit 1020wellness.com.
For life’s unexpected moments, Southern Immediate Care offers fast, friendly, high-quality care. Our team is committed to delivering top-notch health support that fits seamlessly into your busy life.
Visit one of our convenient locations for dependable care you need, when you need it. No appointment necessary.
Staff members for 1020 Wellness in Vestavia Hills celebrate the practice’s 30th anniversary. Photo submitted by 1020 Wellness.
Rathmell
Taziki’s community sales ambassador Julie Gardner Sips and Bites
By STAFF
Julie Gardner is a community sales ambassador for Taziki’s Mediterranean Restaurant, which has a location at 1425 Montgomery Highway, Suite 199 in Vestavia Hills.
Q: Tell us briefly about the restaurant:
A: Taziki's is modern Mediterranean and it is fast casual. You can find us throughout the Birmingham area. … The very first Taziki’s was opened 26 years ago by Keith and Amy Richards. And the entire mission and vision of the restaurant came from one of their trips to Greece, and they wanted to have an opportunity to create amazing food and create community around it.
Q: What is your favorite menu item and why?
A: My new favorite menu item, because it changes from week to week, is the Monday special: the chicken Portobello mushroom sandwich. Oh, it is so delicious. … It's a hidden gem.
Q: What sets you apart from competitors?
A: What makes Taziki's unique is its commitment to community and our culture. I mean, without community, we'd just be in the kitchen cooking. So we value our community and connecting with our neighbors in town and such an amazing culture at the company.
Q: How’d you get started in the industry?
A: I've been in sales for 28 years and I have
had my own business, and then I thought, “Oh, I'm a little worn out from running my own business” — and shout out to all you entrepreneurs. And I thought, “Let me get back into working for a company,” and Taziki’s and I just crossed paths, and wow, I love their culture, love the people that I get to work with, love the mission and the goal to just feed people, build community and have fresh, awesome food. What's not to love?
SPOTLIGHT
Vestavia Voice is spotlighting local restaurants in print and online. Submit your restaurant for consideration here: go.starnesmedia.com/restaurant-spotlight
Rolls Bakery offers sweet treats and more
By STAFF
Rolls Bakery, a small-batch cinnamon roll bakery, opened its newest storefront in May 2023 in Vestavia Hills. The bakery is located at 621 Montgomery Highway.
Founded by Katie Cornutt in March 2019, Rolls Bakery began as a home-based business specializing in cinnamon rolls made from her grandmother’s cherished recipe. The bakery quickly gained traction on social media, growing from kitchen pickups and deliveries to its first storefront in Homewood, and later to a commercial production space in downtown Birmingham.
The Vestavia Hills location — formerly held by Klingler's European Bakery — combines wholesale operations with a welcoming retail space, creating opportunities for direct customer engagement. The menu highlights freshly baked cinnamon rolls, homemade Pop-Tarts, yogurt with granola and a variety of coffee options, including lattes and espresso. Guests can also enjoy a “build-your-own-breakfast” menu featuring rolls, fresh fruit, sausage balls and pigs in a blanket. On Saturdays, a full
hours are Tuesday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. For those looking to enjoy Rolls Bakery at home, their frozen dough is sold in more than 25 retail stores across the South. For more information, visit rollsbakery.com or call 205-490-1111.
Gardner
Rolls Bakery is known for its cinnamon rolls and other treats. Photo courtesy of Rolls Bakery.
The Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce Foundation will host its annual Viva Vestavia Hills event on Jan. 28 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the newly renovated Vestavia Hills Civic Center Ballroom, 1090 Montgomery Highway. Staff photos.
Viva Vestavia Hills to spotlight local cuisine, live music
By STAFF
The Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce Foundation will host its annual Viva Vestavia Hills event on Tuesday, Jan. 28, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the newly renovated Vestavia Hills Civic Center Ballroom, 1090 Montgomery Highway.
Known as the “Taste of Vestavia Hills,” the event will feature food and wine tastings from more than 25 local restaurants, live music and a silent auction.
PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS
The following restaurants were confirmed participants as of press time:
► Chick-fil-A: Known for its chicken sandwiches and nuggets, Chick-fil-A will bring its Southern-style menu to the event.
► Bistro V: A fine-dining staple in Vestavia Hills, Bistro V will showcase upscale cuisine blending Southern comfort with modern flair.
► Rolls Bakery: A local favorite for
fresh-baked pastries and desserts, Rolls Bakery is expected to delight with its signature sweet treats.
► Slice Pizza: Serving artisan pizza with bold flavors and fresh ingredients, Slice Pizza caters to fans of gourmet pies.
► Clean Cajun Cooking: Specializing in authentic Cajun dishes, this catering company emphasizes healthy options with a personal chef’s touch.
► Chopt Salad: Known for fresh, customizable salads, Chopt Salad provides health-conscious options packed with flavor.
► Troup’s Pizza: A local pizza favorite, Troup’s Pizza delivers creative topping combinations in a family-friendly atmosphere.
► Crumbl Cookie: Famous for its rotating selection of oversized cookies, Crumbl Cookie offers indulgent desserts.
► Cookie Fix: Specializing in premium, handcrafted cookies, Cookie Fix features soft, gooey treats baked fresh daily.
► Baumhower’s Victory Grille: Known for
its game-day atmosphere, this restaurant serves hearty American fare such as wings and burgers.
► Dave’s Hot Chicken: Offering spicy chicken tenders and sliders, Dave’s Hot Chicken caters to fans of bold heat.
► Donatos: With edge-to-edge toppings, Donatos will offer samples of its thin-crust pizzas.
► Happy Catering: A go-to for events, Happy Catering brings its reputation for crowd-pleasing dishes.
► Mudtown Eat & Drink/The Ridge: These sister restaurants offer Southern-inspired dishes with bold flavors and comfort food.
► Samurai Japan: A hibachi and sushi favorite, Samurai Japan will present fresh Japanese cuisine.
► Satterfield’s: Known for refined Southern cuisine, Satterfield’s blends elegance with comfort.
► El Zun Zun: Featuring bold flavors and tropical ingredients, El Zun Zun is a modern Latin American kitchen.
► Cala Coffee: This cozy coffee shop will offer specialty drinks and treats.
► El Poblano: A local Mexican restaurant offering traditional dishes such as tacos and enchiladas.
► Kathy G. and Co.: A renowned local catering company, Kathy G. and Co. will showcase its expertly crafted dishes perfect for any event. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased online. Attendees may choose digital tickets or pick up hard copies at the Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce.
Guests will also have a chance to win a raffle prize: an emerald necklace donated by Steed’s Jewelers. Raffle tickets are $25, and the winner will be announced during the event. Proceeds will benefit the Chamber Foundation’s general fund and scholarship initiatives. Attire is dressy casual.
For more information or to purchase tickets and raffle entries, visit the foundation’s website at myschoolshares.com.
SPORTS
All-South Metro Volleyball
Burgess, Madsen land on 1st team
By KYLE PARMLEY
The 2024 high school volleyball season featured plenty of phenomenal individual and team seasons. With the quality of volleyball in the Birmingham area, simply being selected to the annual Starnes Media All-South Metro Team, in conjunction with Under the Lights, is an honor.
Chelsea senior Lauren Buchanan takes the overall Player of the Year award after capping off an illustrious career. After five years of trying, she helped her Hornets team get to the state tournament and to a final four finish for the first time in program history.
Mountain Brook’s Mae Mae Beatty is the Offensive Player of the Year after leading the way for the Spartans. Beatty has been a force on the outside for the last few years for Mountain Brook and really took on a leadership role for the team this year.
Hoover’s Sydney Durban is the Defensive Player of the Year after putting together one of the most productive campaigns imaginable for a libero. Durban’s defensive prowess was one of the reasons the Bucs advanced to the state final four for a second straight year.
► Player of the Year: Lauren Buchanan, Chelsea
► Offensive Player of the Year: Mae Mae Beatty, Mountain Brook
► Defensive Player of the Year: Sydney Durban, Hoover
► Coach of the Year: Jamie Gill, Chelsea
1ST TEAM
► Outside hitter: Lauren Buchanan, Chelsea. Likely the best player in program history, Buchanan posted 764 kills and 346 assists for the season for the Texas Tech signee.
► Outside hitter: Mae Mae Beatty, Mountain Brook. The Montevallo signee posted 462 kills and 281 digs for the Spartans.
► Outside hitter: Millie Burgess, Vestavia Hills, surpassed 1,000 career kills as a junior, going for 566 kills and 313 digs on the year.
► Setter: Cara Belcher, Chelsea, finished with the most career assists in program history, posting 1,357 assists in her senior year before heading to UVA-Wise.
► Setter: Mia Wilson, Briarwood. The lone senior on Chris Camper’s first team, posting 807 assists and 190 digs.
► Setter: Cailyn Kyes, Spain Park, set a school record with 895 assists to go along with 334 digs.
► Libero: Sydney Durban, Hoover, posted an eye-popping 870 digs in her senior season before heading to UAH.
► Libero: Ella Kate Wright, Mountain Brook, battled injury and still had 384 digs in a great season.
► Middle: Kennedy Vincent, Hewitt-Trussville. The senior had 227 kills and 113 blocks.
► Middle: Aubrie Lay, Oak Mountain, posted 189 kills in her final season before heading to Mississippi Christian University.
► Middle: Alexa Benda, Spain Park, capped her career with 279 kills and 112 blocks.
► Right side: Lila Willett, Chelsea. The Pearl River Community College commit had 222 kills for the year.
► Right side: Marion Haskell, John Carroll, posted 306 kills to lead the way for the Cavs.
► All-around: Jordan Madsen, Vestavia Hills. The two-sport athlete and versatile volleyball player had 325 kills and 123 digs.
► All-around: Olivia Guenster, Hoover, moved to the outside after beginning the season on defense and had 259 kills with 569 digs.
2ND TEAM
► Outside hitter: Bea Wiggins, Spain Park. The junior had a standout season, with 348 kills and 293 digs.
► Outside hitter: Alexis Rudolph, Chelsea. The sophomore had 377 kills.
► Outside hitter: Madelyn Bromley, Hewitt-Trussville. The Wallace State signee had 294 kills and 235 digs in a productive senior season.
► Outside hitter: Ellie Watts, Homewood, had a productive year with 206 kills and 208 digs for the Patriots.
► Setter: Grace Stewart, Mountain Brook. The senior racked up 847 assists and 214 digs in her first year as a starter.
► Setter: Madi Lopez, Hoover, had 596 assists and 280 digs as one of two setters.
► Setter: Addison Jenkins, Hoover, finished with 489 assists and 180 as one of two setters.
► Libero: Sophia Bagley, Chelsea. The junior stepped in and registered 375 digs.
► Libero: Camdyn Kyes, Spain Park. The eighth grader had 485 digs and 108 assists.
► Setter: Kayleigh Nguyen, Hewitt-Trussville; Kam Coleman, Homewood; Isabella Marino, John Carroll.
► Libero: Christiana Callens, Hewitt-Trussville; Anaya Patel, Oak Mountain; Lillie Hill, Vestavia Hills; Amelia Browne, Hoover.
► Middle: Ally Ross, Oak Mountain; Ava Scott Windham, Vestavia Hills; Marley Cowan, Vestavia Hills; Clara Crawford, Briarwood.
► Right side: Kayla Terrell, Hoover; Eden Rainbolt, Hoover; Mae Noerager, Homewood.
Above: Vestavia Hills’ Millie Burgess (12) attacks during a match against Briarwood in September at Vestavia Hills High School. Below: Vestavia Hills’ Jordan Madsen (3) passes during the Class 7A North Super Regional in October at the Finley Center in Hoover. Photos by Kyle Parmley.
Left: Vestavia’s Ava Scott Windham (7) serves the ball during a match against Hewitt-Trussville at Vestavia Hills High School in October. Center: Vestavia’s Lillie Hill (14) serves the ball.
Photos by Savannah Schmidt. Right: Vestavia Hills’ Marley Cowan (5) attacks during a match against Briarwood in September at Vestavia Hills High School. Photo by Kyle Parmley.
SPORTS
All-South Metro Football
4 Rebels named to 1st team
By KYLE PARMLEY
The 2024 high school football season was one to remember. In the Under the Lights coverage area, eight of the 11 teams qualified for the playoffs, with Hoover making the deepest run, getting to the Class 7A semifinals.
The annual Starnes Media AllSouth Metro Football Team, in conjunction with Under the Lights, has been selected to honor the top performers from the season.
Spain Park junior quarterback Brock Bradley had an outstanding season to earn Player of the Year honors. Bradley led the Jags to 12 straight wins and an appearance in the Class 6A quarterfinals. He finished the year with 2,667 passing yards and 32 touchdowns, adding six rushing touchdowns as well.
Mountain Brook junior running back Stuart Andrews was named the Offensive Player of the Year after emerging as the Spartans’ workhorse. Andrews carried the ball 25 times per game and excelled in an important role in the Mountain Brook offense.
Hewitt-Trussville junior linebacker
Parker Floyd is the Defensive Player of the Year after helping lead the Huskies to the best defense in Class 7A.
The Huskies allowed just 9.5 points per game all season. Floyd totaled 105 tackles on the year and scored five offensive touchdowns as well.
Here is the team in its entirety:
► Player of the Year: Brock Bradley, Spain Park
► Offensive Player of the Year: Stuart Andrews, Mountain Brook
► Defensive Player of the Year: Parker Floyd, Hewitt-Trussville
► Coach of the Year: Chip English, Hoover
1ST TEAM OFFENSE
► QB: Brock Bradley, Spain Park; named Player of the Year after an outstanding season.
► QB: Will O’Dell, Oak Mountain; a breakout season for the dualthreat, throwing for nearly 2,000 yards and rushing for more than 1,000 yards.
► RB: Stuart Andrews, Mountain Brook; named Offensive Player of the Year after running for 1,805 yards.
► RB: Chase Stracener, Chelsea; ran for 1,601 yards and scored 17 touchdowns.
► WR: Corey Barber, Spain Park; the leading receiver in the area, going for 1,429 yards and 17 touchdowns on 74 catches.
► WR: Kylen Newell, Homewood; went over 1,000 receiving yards, scoring eight touchdowns.
► WR: Zach Fitzgerald, Oak Mountain; broke out in his senior season, catching 51 passes for 904 yards.
► TE: Bruce Littleton, Vestavia Hills; eclipsed 1,000 total yards as a do-it-all back for the Rebels.
► OL: Daniel Ellis, Mountain Brook; allowed no sacks and was selected for the Alabama/Mississippi All-Star Classic.
► OL: Walker Williams, Homewood; allowed only one sack and led a potent Homewood offense up front.
► OL: Mason Holloway, Hewitt-Trussville; a two-year starter and the top lineman for the Huskies.
► OL: JD Livingston, Vestavia
Hills; graded out at 91% on the year for a productive Rebels offense.
► OL: Trot English, Hoover; Alabama-Mississippi All-Star for the Bucs.
► ATH: Luke Reynolds, Briarwood; did everything for the Lions, scoring 16 touchdowns despite missing three games.
► ATH: Mac Beason, Hoover; threw for 2,315 yards and 19 touchdowns, while averaging 35 yards per punt.
► K: Whit Armistead, Homewood; made 9-of-11 field goals with a long of 42 yards.
► P: Owen Simpson, Vestavia Hills; averaged 45.5 yards per punt, along with converting all of his extra points.
► ST: Jackson Kalnoske, Chelsea; the senior had no bad snaps in three years as a starter.
1ST TEAM DEFENSE
► DL: Garrett Witherington,
Briarwood; had 13 tackles for loss and 19 quarterback pressures as the focal point of the Lions’ defense.
► DL: Romello Cooper, Chelsea; racked up 56 tackles, 11 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks.
► DL: Colton McIntyre, ClayChalkville; one of the Cougars’ top players as a sophomore, finishing with eight sacks.
► DL: PaLanding Drammeh, Hoover; racked up 50 tackles with five sacks.
► LB: Grayson Bruno, Vestavia Hills; the leading tackler for the Rebels with 89 tackles.
► LB: Cameron Torbor, Hoover; racked up 89 tackles and eight sacks in a dominant season.
► LB: NaKarius Allen, ClayChalkville; went for 76 tackles and notched eight sacks.
► LB: De’Narrius Crawford, Hewitt-Trussville; posted 91 tackles and broke up five passes.
► DB: Spence Hanna, Vestavia
Vestavia Hills offensive lineman Landon Page (64) celebrates a touchdown during an October game against Tuscaloosa County at Thompson Reynolds Stadium in Vestavia.
Left: Vestavia Hills kicker Owen Simpson (13) punts the ball during a September game against Thompson at Thompson Reynolds Stadium. Photos by David Leong.
touchdowns.
► QB: Aaron Frye, ClayChalkville; threw for 2,160 yards with 20 total touchdowns in his first year as starter.
► RB: Dakarai Shanks, Spain Park; ran for 1,292 yards and scored 13 total touchdowns.
► RB: Aaron Osley, ClayChalkville; one of four backs in the area to eclipse 1,000 rushing yards.
► WR: Aubrey Walker, John Carroll; played both ways for the Cavs, racking up 658 receiving yards and six touchdowns.
► WR: Dylan Cope, Hewitt-Trussville; led the Huskies with 503 receiving yards and five touchdowns.
► WR: CJ Durbin, Chelsea; a top target for the resurgent Hornets, catching 53 passes for 576 yards.
► TE: Jabari Staples, ClayChalkville; made the most of his 24 grabs, scoring eight touchdowns.
► OL: Bradley Haizlip, Oak Mountain; the junior led the Eagles’ offensive line in pancakes.
► OL: Rocco Gray, Mountain Brook; two-year starter and graded out at 94%.
► OL: Toby Richard, Hoover; the 6-foot-3, 305-pound lineman helped lead the Bucs to the semifinals.
► OL: Landon Page, Vestavia Hills; the senior had 85 knockdowns on the season.
► OL: Anthony Mokry, John Carroll; the Cavs’ center was the team’s top lineman.
► ATH: Jonah Winston, Hoover: played several roles for the Bucs offense, scoring five rushing touchdowns and three receiving touchdowns and playing some quarterback.
Hills; top producer for the Rebels, finishing with 88 tackles.
► DB: Harris Crumpton, Mountain Brook; notched 90 tackles and broke up four passes.
► DB: Xavier Starks, ClayChalkville; the junior posted 70 tackles.
► DB: Will Phillips, Hewitt-Trussville; the top defensive back for the Huskies, registering 52 tackles along with returning punts.
► ATH: Parker Floyd, Hewitt-Trussville; won Defensive Player of the Year after finishing with 105 tackles.
► ATH: Michael Igbinoghene, Hewitt-Trussville; the Tulane signee scored four offensive touchdowns, deflected three passes and made plays on special teams.
2ND TEAM OFFENSE
► QB: Will Myers, Homewood; despite missing two games, threw for 1,187 yards and totaled 19
► ATH: Charlie Taaffe, Vestavia Hills; accounted for nearly 2,500 total yards in first year as starting quarterback.
► K: Josh Renfro, Oak Mountain; capped off his season with a 43-yard game-winning field goal against Chelsea.
► P: Drew Ollis, Hewitt-Trussville; averaged 39.8 yards per punt along with playing defensive line.
► ST: Hardy Butler, Homewood; the junior long snapper has been rated one of the top in his class.
2ND TEAM DEFENSE
► DL: Ethan Walton, Oak Mountain; totaled 58 tackles, including 16 for loss.
► DL: Boyd Cooper, Mountain Brook; finished with 47 tackles, three forced fumbles and 11 quarterback pressures.
► DL: Justyn Hartley, Hoover; had seven sacks to lead the Bucs defense.
► DL: Patrick Smith, Clay-Chalkville; had six sacks
Above:
Left: Vestavia Hills halfback Bruce Littleton (22) runs the ball during a September game against Hewitt-Trussville at Thompson Reynolds Stadium in Vestavia Hills. Right: Vestavia Hills offensive lineman JD Livingston (74) blocks Clay-Chalkville defensive lineman Patrick Smith (6) during a November game at Thompson Reynolds Stadium. Photos by David Leong.
for the Cougars.
► LB: Hampton King, Mountain Brook; had 66 tackles, including 10 for loss.
► LB: Briston Hardy, Chelsea; posted 128 total tackles on the year, with five pass breakups among several impressive stats.
► LB: Trust Darnell, Homewood; finished with 96 tackles, including 12 for loss.
► LB: EJ Kerley, Spain Park; posted 140 tackles, tops in the area.
► DB: CJ Tidmore, Homewood; posted 78 tackles from the secondary.
► DB: Deon Callins, Clay-Chalkville; had 60 tackles.
► DB: Sam Canale, Briarwood; emerged as a top player for the Lions, posting 58 tackles and three interceptions.
► DB: Joe Cross, Spain Park; intercepted five passes.
► ATH: Jamar Moultrie, Hoover; played defensive back and returned kicks for the Bucs.
► ATH: Rylan Hamm, Briarwood; the Lions’ leading tackler with 78 tackles on the year.
HONORABLE MENTION OFFENSE
► RB: Marty Myricks, Oak Mountain; Evan Ausmer, Homewood; Deuce Alston, Hewitt-Trussville; James Kelly, Hewitt-Trussville; Joshua Woods, Clay-Chalkville; CJ Cowley, Spain Park.
► WR: Chris Warren, Hoover.
► TE: Jackson Martin, Hewitt-Trussville; Brayden Robertson, Briarwood.
► OL: Caleb Boylan, Vestavia Hills; Luke Kelly, Oak Mountain; Trot English, Hoover; Storm Fain, Hoover; Christian Bennett, ClayChalkville; JT Jones, Clay-Chalkville; Adam Brooks, Chelsea; Will Pohlmann, Chelsea;
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Barnabas Karanja, Briarwood; Hudson Reed, Spain Park; Jackson Bell, Spain Park; Carter Fountain, Briarwood.
► K: Garrett Heinemann, Briarwood; Joseph Del Toro, Clay-Chalkville.
► ATH: Kaleb Carson, Homewood; CJ Davis, Hewitt-Trussville.
HONORABLE MENTION DEFENSE
► DL: Joey Lewis, Oak Mountain; Will Ray, Homewood; Tyson Bacon, Hoover; D’ante Seals, Hewitt-Trussville; Baasel Alabsi, Hewitt-Trussville; Randell Cole, Clay-Chalkville; Nic Gagliano, John Carroll.
► LB: Jacob Watson, Vestavia Hills; William Yoder, Oak Mountain; Colton Moore, Oak Mountain; Miller Lee, Mountain Brook; Joey Luckianow, Homewood; Isaiah Brown, Clay-Chalkville; Porter Schott, Chelsea; Ethan
► DB: Jayden Aparicio-Bailey, Oak Mountain; Kolby King, Oak Mountain; DK Bolden, Hoover; Maleik Smiley, Homewood; John Griffin, Homewood; Caden Ali, Hewitt-Trussville; Sam Parrish, Chelsea.
Starnes Media's publications cover several communities throughout the Birmingham metro area. Schools included for consideration on this team were Briarwood, Chelsea, ClayChalkville, Hewitt-Trussville, Homewood, Hoover, John Carroll, Mountain Brook, Oak Mountain, Spain Park and Vestavia Hills. The team was selected by Starnes Media’s sports department, in collaboration with the coaches.
Left: Vestavia Hills quarterback Charlie Taaffe (11) looks for a receiver during a game between Vestavia Hills and Clay-Chalkville on Nov. 1 at Thompson Reynolds Stadium in Vestavia Hills. Photo by David Leong. Right: Vestavia Hills’ Spence Hanna (1) makes a tackle during a Class 7A second round playoff game against Central-Phenix City in November at Garrett-Harrison Stadium in Phenix City. Photo courtesy of Miley Gallman.
COMMUNITY
Miss Vestavia Hills shines light for childhood trauma victims
By EMILY REED
Evie Smith is eager to use her title as the new Miss Vestavia Hills to continue raising awareness for children affected by trauma.
“I suffered abuse at a very early age by someone I trusted,” the 18-year-old Smith said. “I was so young, and I didn’t realize at the time what kind of impact it would have on me later in life. Thankfully, I had a family who believed me and supported me, and I received the help I needed and healed from the abuse I endured, but statistics show that so many who suffer abuse often don’t have an advocate on their behalf, and a lot of abuse goes completely unnoticed.”
Smith created a nonprofit called ACT (Advocating for Childhood Trauma).
“My nonprofit has really exploded over the years,” Smith said. “Initially, I started raising money by making bracelets that I would sell in stores and online to help raise awareness for those who have suffered childhood trauma or abuse. It is really important to help educate others about what to look for with the signs of someone being abused as well as figuring out how to end the cycle of child abuse.”
Smith said she has been helping raise awareness for ACT since she was 13.
She was crowned Miss Vestavia Hills in September and said she has spent the last few months brainstorming ideas for fundraisers or events in Vestavia and surrounding areas. She’d like to support organizations like the Prescott House child advocacy center in Birmingham, she said.
When Smith decided to compete for the title of Miss Vestavia Hills, she was excited about the possibility of being the first to represent the city in a long time. Vestavia Hills had not held a preliminary competition for Miss Alabama in about 30 years.
“I knew it would be an amazing opportunity
to sort of be the trailblazer for future contestants in this title,” Smith said. “I get to really figure things out in a way and work with city leaders on what ideas and visions they have for Miss Vestavia Hills. It has been a lot of fun so far, and the people in Vestavia have been so gracious to me. They recognize that I have responsibilities to fulfill during my reign but also understand that I am a busy college student.”
Smith is a freshman at Auburn University, where she is studying rehabilitation and disability studies. She hopes to go to occupational therapy school. She’ll compete in Miss Alabama in June.
The Slocumb native previously competed in
various teen competitions, so this is her first year in the older age group.
“This whole experience has been really enjoyable for me, and it really is an honor to represent Vestavia Hills,” she said. “I have been loving every second of it.”
So far, her favorite experience in Vestavia was attending the Haunt the Hills Halloween event at Wald Park, where she got to meet lots of kids dressed in costumes.
“I loved it, and I got to meet so many really great people,” she said. “Vestavia is awesome.”
To keep up with Miss Vestavia Hills, visit her Facebook page at “Miss Vestavia Hills” or on Instagram @MissVestaviaHills.
“ ” This whole
experience has been really enjoyable for me, and it really is an honor to represent Vestavia Hills.
EVIE SMITH
Left: Miss Vestavia Hills 2025 Evie Smith waves in the Holiday in the Hills Parade in the Liberty Park neighborhood on Dec. 8. Photo by Jon Anderson. Right: Smith, a freshman at Auburn University, was crowned Miss Vestavia Hills in September 2024. She wants to give back to her community serving those who have experienced childhood trauma and promoting mental health awareness. Photo courtesy of Evie Smith.
Faces of Vestavia Hills
‘Jiujitsu
Grandma’ proves age is just a number
By SAVANNAH SCHMIDT
“Do you take old people?” Elaine Beiersdoerfer asked the coaching staff of Gracie Barra Jiu-Jitsu in Pelham.
Little did Beiersdoerfer know that seven years later, she would be called “Jiujitsu Grandma” by an Instagram following of over 48,000 followers. The 76-year-old business owner and Vestavia Hills community member holds her purple belt in Brazilian jiujitsu. Beiersdoerfer sought martial arts to excite her and keep her mobile as she grew older.
“I was never a girly girl,” she said. “I remember fighting boys on the playground.”
When Beiersdoerfer started, she was the only girl in the judo class. After she moved up to jiujitsu, she often worked with younger men her size.
“Everything is still very hard,” she said. “But they’re going to have a fight on their hands.”
Head coach Kaliffa Oliveira watched Beiersdoerfer’s technique in amazement. In 2019, he approached her with the opportunity to compete in the World Masters Jiu-Jitsu Championships in Las Vegas.
Beiersdoerfer believes that if she “had the guts to try,” everyone else can take the first step.
“Not too old and not too late!” Beiersdoerfer says in her slogan.
Elaine Beiersdoerfer, otherwise known as Jiujitsu Grandma, in her class at Gracie Barra in Pelham.
Photos by Savannah Schmidt.
Helical Piers
75TH ANNIVERSARY
The town of Vestavia Hills was incorporated in 1950 with almost 600 residents, and this year city officials are preparing to celebrate their 75th anniversary.
Mayor Ashley Curry said there are a lot of people who have lived in Vestavia Hills only four or five years and may not be familiar with its history. He’s hoping to take advantage of the anniversary as an opportunity to educate people about the city’s history and reinvigorate the Vestavia Hills Historical Society.
The society has hired a company to digitize old photographs and documents to help preserve them, but the group could use more people to continue documenting history as the city changes, Curry said.
By late 1957, the population had grown to almost 3,000 people, and it officially became a city when it passed 2,000 people. Commercial development sprang up along U.S. 31, and the city expanded southward with the annexations of the Rocky Ridge and Altadena communities, boosting the population to 8,311 in 1970, 15,729 in 1980 and 19,749 in 1990.
In 1992, the city annexed Liberty Park, adding about 2,500 acres, and Cahaba Heights followed in 2002 with about 2,100 acres. The city’s population surged to 24,476 in 2000, 34,033 in 2010 and 39,102 in 2020. The latest U.S. Census Bureau estimate puts the city’s population at 38,020, marking a small decline.
Curry and City Manager Jeff Downes said an anniversary celebration is planned for November.
CITY ELECTION
The city’s next municipal election is Aug. 26, when voters will decide who will be mayor for the next four years and who will fill the other four City Council spaces.
Normally, the election would have been in 2024, but the Alabama Legislature in 2021 voted to move municipal elections away from the same years as presidential elections, so the current group of municipal officials actually got five years on their terms.
Curry said that, barring some unforeseen development, he plans to run for a third term. The retired FBI agent was first elected mayor in 2016 and re-elected in 2020. He feels the city is in good shape and current elected officials have worked well together and accomplished a lot of good things.
As of mid-December, only one other person had announced an intention to run for mayor. That’s Richard Cheatwood, a former Vestavia Hills police officer who was fired in 2017. Cheatwood said more needs to be done to fix stormwater flooding, and he thinks people who don’t have children in school shouldn’t have to pay taxes for public schools.
The registration period to run for office is June 10-24.
INDOOR PICKLEBALL
As the popularity of pickleball has surged, so has the demand for space, including in Vestavia Hills.
Patrick Denney, a real estate developer who lives in Vestavia Hills, and his wife, Shannon, hope to meet a good deal of that demand with a new indoor pickleball facility called The Picklr in the heart of “old Vestavia.”
The Denneys plan to put 10 pickleball courts inside the former Sprouts Farmers Market along U.S. 31, across from Vestavia Hills City Hall. The 28,000-square-foot space also will include a pro shop and a restaurant and will host local pickleball leagues, tournaments and professional events, Shannon Denney said.
Construction is well underway, and the Denneys say they plan to open the facility in mid-February or early March.
Patrick Denney’s company, Altera AIPVestavia, purchased the entire shopping center
to obtain the Sprouts space because complex financial arrangements made it difficult to sublease the space from Sprouts, which had continued to make lease payments since moving out of the building in late 2018.
The Vestavia Hills City Council approved an incentive agreement to facilitate the deal. The agreement included an initial investment of $300,000 from the city to Altera-AIP Vestavia, plus the re-establishment of non-educational sales and property tax rebates that were terminated in 2018 when Sprouts ceased operations. The rebates include a 50% share of the city tax revenues produced by the shopping center over 10 years.
U.S. 31 PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE
The plan to build a pedestrian bridge over U.S. 31 at Wald Park has been in the works for a long time, Curry said.
“It’s been a 20-year dream to see that come to fruition, and I think we’re close,” he said.
The Alabama Department of Transportation, which controls U.S. 31, gave permission to proceed in May, and utility relocation began soon thereafter.
Construction workers have been building the concrete bases for the bridge on both sides of the highway, and following that will come the tower on the east side of U.S. 31 that will include a stairwell and elevator.
“They’re working diligently and consistently to prepare for what is the ultimate big task, which is to lay the prefabricated bridge structure itself across 31,” Downes said.
The anticipated completion date is summer 2025, but that depends on delivery of the steel spans that will go across the highway, Downes said. There will be two steel spans covering 177 feet in total.
Workers also have built a new sidewalk along U.S. 31 and a stairway to the Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest, Downes said.
Curry said Wald Park and the library are two of the most-visited places in the city, and “it just makes sense we would have walkability between those two.”
GROWTH IN EASTERN VESTAVIA
City officials also expect to see continued growth in the eastern part of the city. In recent years, there have been about 100 new construction permits in Vestavia Hills per year, with about 85 of those being residential permits, Downes said.
About 70% of that growth is occurring in
eastern Vestavia Hills, and that should continue in 2025, Downes said.
Also, Medical Properties Trust should finish construction of its new headquarters in The Bray at Liberty Park, and the Liberty Park Joint Venture should complete two multi-family projects in 2025, one for people ages 55 and older, Downes said.
Additionally, there should be three other commercial projects happening in Liberty Park in 2025 and hopefully the commencement of a full-service hotel with a restaurant and meeting space, “but none of that is in stone,” he said.
2025 should be a planning year for determining what will go on reclaimed coal mine land next to the Sicard Hollow Athletic Complex, Downes said. Possibilities include a police substation, a small library branch, a spot for parks and recreation programs and a new park maintenance and public works facility. Priorities should be determined at a February planning meeting, Downes said.
People also can expect to see three or four service-oriented businesses in the Blue Lake Drive area as residential rental property is converted to commercial use, he said. The only vacant lot in Patchwork Farms likely will be a bank branch coming in 2025, he said.
The new $2.6 million roundabout being built at the intersection of Blue Lake Drive and Sicard Hollow Road should be finished this spring, Downes said.
OTHER PROJECTS
Other projects expected in 2025 include the construction of a sidewalk along Massey Road, adjustments to the intersection of U.S. 31 and Columbiana Road, site work beginning for a new development at the old Days Inn site and development of a new gateway to the city along U.S. 31 at Interstate 65.
Left: The Filmont in the Liberty Park area of Vestavia Hills is one of several new living developments set to open in 2025. The Filmont specifically targets active older adults looking for quality amenities and a luxury experience. Right: The Picklr, a new pickleball complex being built across from City Hall, already has many residents excited. Until its opening, these Vestavia Hills residents are playing pickleball at Wald Park in Vestavia Hills. Photos by Savannah Schmidt.
The design for the pedestrian bridge planned to be built over U.S. 31 in Vestavia Hills connecting Wald Park to the Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest. Illustration courtesy of Vestavia Hills.
Vestavia Hills Mayor Ashley Curry and his granddaughter Charlie Gualano celebrate the upcoming 75th anniversary of Vestavia Hills in November 2025. Photo by Savannah Schmidt.
CONTINUED from page 1
“The traffic volumes on the U.S. [280] highway corridor have surpassed the original projections for the roadway for quite some time,” said Cinnamon McCulley, the assistant city manager of Vestavia Hills. “We are hopeful that the additional lanes will help ease congestion, increase efficiency and allow drivers to utilize Highway 280 as opposed to cut-through routes through surrounding communities.”
The project will have several components to it, starting at the Rosedale Drive intersection in Homewood and ending where 280 crosses the Cahaba River:
► Resurfacing of both directions of 280 from Rosedale Drive to Lakeshore Drive.
► Widening of 280 in both directions from Lakeshore Drive to I-459.
► Resurfacing of U.S. 280 from I-459 to the Cahaba River.
► Replacement of the Pump House Road bridge.
Josh Phillips, a spokesman for ALDOT, said the resurfacing will maintain the road and add to its safety and the expansion was needed for the amount of traffic on 280.
“We’re trying to lower travel times for people on the roadways,” he said. “280 has grown so much that adding capacity just becomes necessary to try to keep traffic moving as much as we can through there so that people spend less time on the road and more time doing the things they want.”
The project total cost has not been released because the Department of Transportation is still taking bids, Phillips said.
Until those bids are in and have been accepted by the department, he said, there will be no decision on which part of the project will begin first because ALDOT will not know the availability of the crews.
Phillips also said the project’s start date would be dependent on the weather, since the laying of asphalt needs to have consistent warmer temperatures to be applied.
“You’re probably looking at February-ish before you see something being done out there, as far as any clearing or taking up anything,” he
said. “And then March before you see asphalt.”
Due to these variables, Phillips said while the project could start in February, it could be anywhere in the window of the first quarter of 2025.
There will need to be preparation on the sides of the road for the widening portion of the work, which may involve clearing plots of land and moving dirt.
The department will work at night, Phillips said, in an attempt to mitigate traffic disruption along the corridor.
“There will be some times where we have traffic impacts — we’ll have to shift lanes over a little bit or whatever,” he said. “But that’s why a lot of the work’s being done at night, to hopefully minimize those traffic impacts.”
Phillips said the widening would take the majority of the time, and the resurfacing generally takes much less time.
The project’s start comes a year later than what was originally announced. In December 2023, the project was expected to have started in late spring 2024.
While Phillips didn’t know why the project was moved, he said road construction projects
have a window in which to begin so that the temperatures reach a point where asphalt can be applied. A number of factors could have caused missing the window for the 280 expansion project, he said, including utility relocation or design changes.
“If you miss this window, it doesn’t just bump it two months, three months,” he said. “It ends up bumping it an entire year.”
For the municipalities closest to the project, there is hope the project will not only create better traffic flow on 280, but also alleviate some of the cut-through traffic that people use to avoid 280.
“Hopefully, some of that will help divert more traffic down 459 and 280 as opposed to cutting through the center of Mountain Brook,” said Sam Gaston, the city manager of Mountain Brook.
The city currently has cut-through traffic around Overton Road and Cherokee Road. The on-ramps for both locations will now be incorporated into the new lanes. Residents had been concerned that the new design would create more back-ups at the intersection, which is
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controlled by traffic lights. Gaston said he was told the timing at those lights would be changed to accommodate any traffic backup on Overton Road.
Mountain Brook City Councilwoman Graham Smith said as other areas have grown, the new residents have used Mountain Brook as a shortcut.
“Liberty Park has blown up,” Smith said. “And we’re thrilled for our neighbors. We’re happy for Vestavia, but we need some traffic planning that would potentially remediate and take some volume off of our roads, our local roads.”
Another point of contention during the planning was the expansion of the Pump House Road bridge, which runs over 280 and is another road that drivers use to cut across Mountain Brook to get access to 280.
“I understand when you’re trying to build a large project that there’s going to be pressure points in those areas,” Smith said. “However, we’re not looking to have the bridge expanded to bring more traffic to those local back roads. I would consider that a local back road versus an artery to drive traffic to Liberty Park. We’re hoping that they will utilize 280 and take 459 and see that as the best option.”
The City of Vestavia Hills says it also hopes the expansion will ease the number of cars cutting through residential neighborhoods and incentivize drivers to use the main thoroughfares.
However, in the short term, McCulley said she expects more traffic in those residential areas while construction is underway.
“I suspect cut-through traffic will temporarily increase in the Mountain Brook and Cahaba Heights areas as drivers attempt to avoid delays that generally occur with road projects,” she said.
But both Gaston and McCulley said changing those traffic patterns wouldn’t be such an easy thing given the psychology of the drivers who believe cutting through residential neighborhoods is quicker than traveling 280 and I-459.
“We understand it may take some time for drivers to adjust their commuting routes,” McCulley said, “but feel sure drivers will utilize Highway 280 if it proves to be as efficient as anticipated.”
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From Pump House Road, rush hour congestion can be seen lining up on either side of U.S. 280 from Lakeshore to I-459. Developers plan to add a lane onto either side of the road and are considering expanding the bridge as well. Photo by Savannah Schmidt.
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