By LOYD MCINTOSH
D Construction ahead
espite some delays, a comprehensive plan to improve the intersection of Columbiana Road and U.S. 31 is set to begin later this year.
The city of Vestavia Hills collaborated with the Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham for a comprehensive study of the city’s intersections several years ago.
As part of that evaluation, crash data for each intersection was closely studied, and the results determined the intersection of U.S. 31 and Columbiana Road had the highest number of crashes.
Lori Beth Kearley, the city’s public services director, said that, fortunately, these accidents are minor, mostly sideswipe and rear-ending incidents that typically do not cause injury. In the five years ending January 2024, there were 118 crashes there, 114 of which had no injuries, she said.
However, Kearley said the frequency of these accidents has the potential to cause more problems.
“It was the number of crashes that really has gotten our attention because when you have an accident, then you have further delays and congestion,” she said, “and, obviously, from a safety standpoint, even if you don't have injuries, there's the potential for them."
City eyes options as Sicard Hollow mine reclamation nears completion
By SYDNEY CROMWELL
Take a look at the Sicard Hollow Athletic Complex on a sunny summer day, and you’ll see children playing on soccer fields or the splash pad, pet owners at the dog park and a runner or two on the trails.
What you won’t see is the definitive scar that used to mark the area as a former coal mine: the highwall, a sheer cliff face, dozens of feet high, left behind by strip mining.
The SHAC and its surrounding recreational areas are built on land that was reclaimed after the coal mine was abandoned. With construction currently underway on the latest phase of reclamation, city leaders are considering how to develop the property once it’s ready.
Vestavia Hills first acquired the future SHAC property in 2006 to make space for future athletic and recreation needs, City Manager Jeff Downes said. The site included several highwalls and other safety concerns that had to be addressed before it could be redeveloped.
See SICARD HOLLOW | page 23
Construction underway at the Pine Ridge site in Sicard Hollow in May. The work to turn a former mine site into developable land is expected to be complete this fall.
Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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About Us
Editor’s Note By Tim Stephens
In upcoming issues of the Vestavia Voice and across our website and social channels, you will begin to notice a few changes. We’re rolling out some new features with the goal of bringing readers closer to the people, places and things that are interesting and relevant in our community.
Expect to see more Q-and-As and spotlights on businesses, restaurants and other fixtures about town. From local government to arts and entertainment to new places, we want to be a guide in helping you live, work and play in Vestavia Hills. We will introduce you to public servants, teachers, entrepreneurs, entertainers, athletes and more.
You’ll soon find even more of these new features on our website, social media channels and in our daily newsletter.
We also want your help. Know someone with an interesting story who should be featured? Know of or own a local business or restaurant that would make a great spotlight? Let us know by emailing tstephens@starnesmedia.com.
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Helical Piers
ALDOT gives green light for pedestrian bridge over US 31
By LOYD McINTOSH
Pre-construction work has begun for the planned pedestrian bridge over U.S 31 between Wald Park and the Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest.
The Alabama Department of Transportation in May gave Vestavia Hills the go-ahead for the project, clearing the way for activities such as utility coordination, approval of requests for information from suppliers and the procurement of the bridge itself.
“The contractor anticipates mobilization in late summer, so you should start to see some activity in that time frame,” Vestavia Hills Public Services Director Lori Beth Kearley told the City Council recently.
The first construction activity will be the relocation of the water main along U.S. 31, and the overall project is scheduled for 250 working days, or about 12 months, Kearley said.
“We’re very pleased with the progress on this, and hopefully we’ll see some activity very soon,” she said.
The pedestrian bridge has been one of the City Council’s most anticipated projects for close to 20 years. Several City Council members joked light-heartedly about it after hearing the update from Kearley.
“I’ll believe it when I’m walking across that thing,” Councilman George Pierce said.
The 143-foot-long pedestrian bridge will feature an elevator and stairs. The project will also include about 300 feet of reconstructed sidewalks, an additional 280 feet of new sidewalk and stairs to the library.
Kearley also updated the City Council on several additional projects, including the roundabout under construction at the
intersection of Blue Lake Drive and Sicard Hollow Road. As of June 10, Kearley said the project was in the utility relocation phase, with only the telecommunications line waiting to be moved. She anticipated that work to be complete by the end of June.
The roundabout is a three-way project between Vestavia Hills, Birmingham and Jefferson County, with the county leading the project. Kearley said Vestavia Hills city engineers believe the project will be completed by the original time frame of early 2025.
Assistant City Manager Cinnamon McCulley also had the opportunity to highlight a pair of projects, including a new chatbot on the city’s website (vhal.org) and a $10,000 Advance Birmingham grant. McCulley said
the grant funds are earmarked to produce maps that will be placed at all Vestavia Hills parks, with QR codes directing visitors to local businesses while in Vestavia Hills for sports tournaments or other special activities.
“When the visitors scan the QR code, it will take them straight to a map,” McCulley said.
“You can click on any of those entries, and it will give you directions to a place to eat or somewhere to go get a massage because your son is pitching and it stresses you out.”
The chatbot is now accessible on the city’s website and connects to Vestavia Hills Connect or by texting 855-322-8446. Users can ask questions or report issues such as potholes or other problems in any language and receive a response in that language.
Above: A sketch of the planned pedestrian bridge to be built over U.S. 31 between Wald Park and the Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest. Right: A map shows the location of the new pedestrian bridge. Images courtesy of city of Vestavia Hills.
I hope you are enjoying your summer and early fall.
From the crowds observed at the Aquatic Center, Wald Park and the Sicard Hollow Athletic Complex, it is obvious that you are getting out and taking advantage of the summer activities. As the grandparents of four, my wife and I have been part of this crowd.
Mayor’s Minute
By Ashley Curry
I should also mention the Civic Center, which has certainly surpassed our expectations for events. I truly don’t know how we could have managed with the old facilities that we had. Between the park renovations and the acquisition of the civic center, our quality-of-life amenities increased tenfold.
The long-awaited construction of the pedestrian bridge connecting Wald Park and the Library in the Forest has begun. This project was conceived many years ago, at least as far back as the administration of Mayor Scotty McCallum. It has been through several design changes, multiple bid processes and never-ending Alabama Department of Transportation reviews.
Many of us, myself included, wondered if this project would ever be completed. Hallelujah, the end is in sight!
In the coming months, you will also see completion of the initial development on the south end of U.S. 31, which is a retail center
that will be anchored by Big Bad Breakfast on one end and Waldo’s Chicken on the other end. The project is well underway and should be completed this summer.
Meanwhile, construction is ongoing at The Bray in Liberty Park. This much-anticipated development and the Medical Properties Trust headquarters in the Urban Center are progressing.
The Fourth of July, officially known as Independence Day, is probably the most recognized American holiday. It celebrates our independence and the freedoms that we enjoy every Fourth of July. On July 4, 1776, with the signing of our Declaration of Independence, America claimed its independence from Great Britain. As you celebrate with your families, shoot fireworks and probably eat too much, take a moment to reflect on what we are celebrating.
Many have reminded us that freedom is not free, but one of my favorite quotes on freedom came from President Ronald Reagan. He said, “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected and handed on for them to do the same.”
God bless our military, and God bless America.
Schoolhouse
Vestavia school employees get pay raises
By JON ANDERSON
Employees with the Vestavia Hills Board of Education are going into the new school year with pay increases, from the top of the salary scale to the bottom.
The Vestavia Hills school board recently approved new contracts with raises for the superintendent and chief school finance officer, as well as a state-mandated 2% salary increase for all employees in the district, plus additional raises for certain other employees with local school money.
The board raised Superintendent Todd Freeman’s annual salary to $239,500 and Chief School Finance Officer Courtney Brown’s salary from $125,042 to $152,000.
Freeman’s new contract, which extends four years until May 31, 2028, also provides him with:
► An auto allowance of $12,000 a year
► A monthly contribution to his deferred compensation retirement account of $1,250 a month
► A housing allowance of $2,500 a month
► $100,000 worth of life insurance
► The ability to earn up to 15 additional days of incentive pay if he works more than 240 days a year
► A $10,000 bonus if he continues to work as superintendent through his 10th employment anniversary on March 12, 2028
Jaclyn Hudson, who just ended her five-year term on the board, thanked Freeman for his service to Vestavia Hills.
“He is, in my mind, just such a blessing to our community,” Hudson said. “He is one of the hardest-working men I know, and anyone that
works for our system will tell you that. He prides himself in raising up leaders and helping them find their calling and brings out their gifts so they can enhance our system better than anyone I’ve ever seen. It’s just incredible to watch him.”
Freeman works tirelessly at finding ways to make things come to fruition, Hudson said.
“Where most people see a roadblock, he sees it as an opportunity, and he has a sense of urgency and sees the big picture,” she said. “If it doesn’t work, he has a backup and then another backup plan. He does what’s right when no one else is looking. I think that’s one of his greatest strengths. Being with him for five years, I’ve just learned so much about being a leader.”
Board member Scott Brown said he is pleased to be able to bring Freeman’s pay back in proper alignment with superintendents from other school systems.
In addition to the mandated 2% state pay increase, Vestavia Hills teachers who have a bachelor’s degree will get another 2% raise with local money, and teachers with a master’s degree, educational specialist degree or doctorate will get another 3% above the state raise, Freeman said.
Some teachers may get even more of a raise due to some other adjustments in the pay scale that were made to make Vestavia Hills more competitive with other districts, Freeman said.
Others getting additional raises include custodians, child nutrition employees and day care workers.
Some members of the public spoke after the school board finished its business at the May meeting, and several complained of Freeman’s decision to reassign Vestavia Hills Elementary Cahaba Heights Principal Lauren Dressback to the city’s alternative school.
Resident Lauren Pilleteri said this likely will result in another costly lawsuit that Freeman will have to settle, using money that should be going toward the education of children. She complained that the school board needs to hold him accountable.
Left: In June, the Vestavia Hills Board of Education voted to raise Superintendent Todd Freeman’s annual salary to $239,500, along with other employee salary increases. Photo by David Leong. Right: Courtney Brown, the chief school finance officer for the school system, got a pay raise from $125,042 to $152,000. Photo by Jon Anderson.
In the Classroom
Hurt named finalist for Presidential Excellence award
Shelley Sumner: math teacher at Vestavia Hills High School GET TO KNOW ACCOLADES
By JON ANDERSON
Heather Hurt, a fifth grade teacher at Vestavia Hills Elementary East, has been selected as one of six finalists from Alabama for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching this year.
Hurt was one of three finalists for the math category. Others were Ashley Dark from Gwin Elementary School in Hoover and Shandra Upchurch from Riverton Elementary School in Huntsville.
The other three finalists were selected for their science teaching. Those teachers are Melody Greene of Berry Middle School in Hoover, Maegan Gayle of Hutchens Elementary School in Mobile and Mary Beth Brennan of Pelham Oaks Elementary School in Pelham.
There typically are 60 to 75 teachers from Alabama nominated for this award each year, and only two will be selected, said Charlene Dindo, a retired teacher who won the science
Q: What inspired you to become an educator?
A: I was inspired to become an educator through my family history of education. My father, mother, grandmother and sister were all educators. And I wanted to have the same impact that I saw they had on children's lives. I also saw the impact children had on their lives, and I wanted to have that same impact.
Q: How long have you been a teacher?
A: I have been in education for 32 years, and I have taught anywhere from eighth grade up through 12th grade mathematics.
Q: Tell us about your favorite teacher.
A: I would say my favorite teacher was also my hardest teacher, which was my math teacher when I was in ninth grade. Miss Morgan was the type of teacher that most students got worried about. If they had her, she was pretty strict. She was very straightforward, but you knew what she wanted from you. And I would say that is the type of teacher that I needed, that I thrived on.
Q: What’s the most rewarding part of I would say the most rewarding part of being a teacher is that you get to experience the lives of hundreds of kids. You get to take on their individuality. You get to take on their personalities. You get to be a part of their growing up, and you can feel that
each and every day that they come into your classroom. You can also make a great impact on who they're going to become.
Heather Hurt. Photo courtesy of Heather Hurt.
Shelley Sumner. Photo courtesy of Shelley Sumner.
Business
Business Happenings
NOW OPEN
Gameday Men's Health is now open at 4505 Pine Tree Circle, Suite 202. The clinic provides men's health services, such as testosterone replacement testing and therapy, weight loss options, vitamins, in-house lab work and other hormone-related needs in a comfortable, laidback environment. Men can be seen at the clinic Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 205-382-8843, gamedaymenshealth.com
The European Wax Center opened the first location in Vestavia Hills recently. The center at 790 Montgomery Highway, Suite 116, offers full-body waxing services, laser hair removal, brow tinting and men's waxing services. Customers can stop by Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.. 205-745-6065, locations.waxcenter.com
NEWS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Casey Atherton, of Waldo's Chicken and Beer, has been nominated for the 2024 Alabama Retailer of the Year. Waldo's is known for Southern fried chicken with all the homemade sides and sauces. The restaurant also has a bar offering cocktails and cold beer. Customers can visit the Cahaba Heights location, 3009 Pumphouse Road, Suite 110, on weekdays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and weekends from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. 205-635-0002, waldoschicken.com
Romeo's Sporting Goods store owner Mary Young has been nominated for the 2024 Alabama Retailer of the Year. The business has been family owned and operated since 1982 and specializes in baseball and softball equipment. Customers can stop in at 1425 Montgomery
Highway #141 from Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 205-591-7145, romeossportinggoods.com
The owners of the Moe's Original BBQ in Vestavia, Kevin and Eric Witherington, have been nominated for the 2024 Alabama Retailer of the Year award. The restaurant at 2520 Rocky Ridge Road boasts a kid- friendly atmosphere with slow smoked barbecue, sandwiches and sides all available at a table, from the drive-thru or by catering. Moe's is open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. 205-822-2773, moesoriginalbbq.com
Bandwagon Sports owners David and Leah Knight have been nominated for the 2024 Alabama Retailer of the Year award. They own three locations, with one being in The Heights Village Shopping Center. The store carries local team spirit apparel, uniforms and sports equipment and is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays. 205-639-1571, bandwagonsports.com
Tammy Flowers, owner of Mia Moda Boutique in
Vestavia, has been nominated for the 2024 Alabama Retailer of the Year award. The store at 1425 Montgomery Highway #105 is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and offers customers a variety of clothing, lines, shoes, jewelry and other accessories. 205-824-9441, miamodaboutique.com
ANNIVERSARIES
Specialty gift shop The Blue Willow, 3930 Crosshaven Drive, celebrates five years in Vestavia Hills. Shoppers can find everything from home décor to monogrammed gifts from many of Alabama's most popular lines. The store is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 205-968-0909, thebluewillow.com
Peterbrooke Chocolatier, 3112 Heights Village, celebrates one year in Cahaba Heights. The franchise specializes in handcrafted European-style chocolates, decadent treats, gift packages, catering and more. The store is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. 205-593-4686, peterbrooke.com
Business News to Share?
Do you have news to share with the community about a business in Vestavia Hills or the greater Birmingham area? Let us know at starnesmedia.com/ business-happenings
Vestavia couple bringing boozy coffee cocktail to market
By LOYD MCINTOSH
Drop by any area liquor store or local bar and you’re likely to see something new on the shelf: Speedball.
A combination of cold brew coffee, tequila and other ingredients, Speedball was developed by Vestavia Hills residents Bobby and Julia Thompson.
Doing business as OG Beverage Creations, the Thompsons jumped into the world of canned cocktails after retiring from their vastly different careers in 2022.
Julia Thompson spent 43 years in corporate America with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama in operations, sales and marketing. Her husband, Bobby, spent 42 years as a bartender working at various Birmingham restaurants and bars, most recently with El Barrio in downtown Birmingham and The Battery in central Homewood.
The couple, who were married in 2021, started their new business after realizing retirement didn’t exactly agree with them.
"We don't know how to be retired,” Julia Thompson said. “So I pretty much went back to work part-time and got involved in some volunteer stuff, and he created a drink.”
The drink Bobby Thompson created is loosely based on a popular cocktail featured on El Barrio’s brunch menu, a Mexican spiced coffee with other flavors, including amaretto, brown sugar and cinnamon. With the full knowledge of El Barrio's management, he experimented with flavor profiles and different ingredients and, after weeks of trial and error, eventually landed on an ideal recipe.
“I thought I could make a better version and can it. So we made a cold brew coffee, tequila, sea salt, caramel, with a touch of cream, canned cocktail,” Bobby Thompson said. "We went through many iterations of it for about five weeks until we came up with what we thought hit the sweet spot.”
The Thompsons sought feedback from
family and friends and gave several gallons as Christmas presents, and they were convinced they had a winner on their hands. In January 2023, the Thompsons filled two water jugs with their homemade Speedball and drove to Charleston, South Carolina, to meet with the management of Hard Scoop Distillery, a business specializing in alcohol ice cream, to turn their dream into a reality.
Initially, the Hard Scoop team wasn’t enthusiastic, Julia Thompson admitted. "You always hear that ignorance is bliss right? Well, we were ignorant enough to think, 'No, we think this is going to be amazing,'" she said. "We had done our research, and there was nothing in the market that looked or tasted like Speedball."
Eventually, the Thompsons won Hard Scoop over, and Speedball was officially born. The Thompsons turned to Birmingham-based marketing firm Dotedison to design the Speedball can, packaging and website. They also leaned on connections, such as Feizal Valli, owner of The House of Found Objects, and Michael Carpri, owner of Lou’s Pub, who offered support and helped them navigate the Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board process.
With Speedball now available in most ABC and package stores and in many popular bars around Birmingham, the Thompsons are eager to get their drink into new locales. They will be promoting Speedball in Tuscaloosa and Auburn in anticipation of football — and tailgating — season. Along the way, they continue to meet people who are intrigued by Speedball, but think they won’t enjoy it because they don’t like tequila or coffee.
“Our little phrase that we’ve used is ‘get a can in the hand,’” Julia Thompson said. “Because if you get a can in the hand, even people who don’t like coffee will go, ‘Wow, that’s really good.’ The word ‘dangerous’ has been used a couple of times!”
Learn more about Speedball canned cocktails at ogbeveragecreations.com.
Ambrose Kitchen & Bath • 205-510-6961 • ambrosekitchenandbath.com
John Ambrose is a Birmingham designbuild expert with years of experience in top-quality remodels and new construction. He recently rebranded his business and, in this Q&A, discusses his exciting new venture — Ambrose Kitchen & Bath.
Why the focus on kitchens and baths? After undertaking full remodels and building from the ground up, I realized that kitchens and bathrooms are my passion. They’re the most difficult areas in the home, and the challenge is exciting. Getting lighting, plumbing, tile, countertops, cabinets, hardware, appliances and paint to all work in harmony is extremely rewarding.
What sets Ambrose Kitchen & Bath apart? We started as a design and remodeling company, so we can take your project from design to finish, including
space reimagination. We also stand out by carrying six distinct cabinet lines to meet the design and budget needs of anyone looking to elevate their home’s value. We can usually produce 3-D renderings of your vision after only one design appointment. What’s your favorite cabinet line? I love working with any cabinet that meets a customer’s needs, but my personal favorite is Mouser — a true luxury brand with lots of custom options. Mouser is still made in Kentucky bourbon country with the same quality and craftsmanship found nearly 70 years ago in Mr. Mouser’s tiny shop. It’s a brand that gets even architects excited — with luxury inset, trend right faceframe, chic custom veneers and modern frameless laminates. If you dream it, we can do it with Mouser. For more information, call 205-510-6961 or visit ambrosekitchenandbath.com.
AMBROSE KITCHEN & BATH
Julia and Bobby Henderson, OG Beverage Creations owners and creators of the OG Speedball, a cold brew coffee, tequila cocktail. Photos courtesy of Julia Henderson.
Recently sold homes in Vestavia Hills
► ADDRESS: 1909 Shades Crest Road
► BED/BATH: 5/4.5
► SQUARE FOOTAGE: 4,125 sq. ft.
► NEIGHBORHOOD: Shades Crest Road
► LIST PRICE: $1,084,500
► SALE PRICE: $1,084,500
► ADDRESS: 1408 Linda Vista Lane
► BED/BATH: 4/3
► SQUARE FOOTAGE: 2,145 sq. ft.
► NEIGHBORHOOD: Vestavia Hills
► LIST PRICE: $494,500
► SALE PRICE: $480,000
► ADDRESS: 1649 Panorama Drive
► BED/BATH: 4/4.5
► SQUARE FOOTAGE: 5,756 sq. ft.
► NEIGHBORHOOD: Vestavia Hills
► LIST PRICE: $990,000
► SALE PRICE: $900,000
► ADDRESS: 2272 Pine Crest Drive
► BED/BATH: 3/2
► SQUARE FOOTAGE: 2,089 sq. ft.
► NEIGHBORHOOD: Shades Mountain
► LIST PRICE: $449,000
► SALE PRICE: $475,111
► ADDRESS: 1852 Glendmere Drive
► BED/BATH: 4/3
► SQUARE FOOTAGE: 3,066 sq. ft.
► NEIGHBORHOOD: Vestavia Hills
► LIST PRICE: $550,000
► SALE PRICE: $586,000
► ADDRESS: 3282 Overton Manor Drive
► BED/BATH: 3/2.5
► SQUARE FOOTAGE: 1,600 sq. ft.
► NEIGHBORHOOD: Cahaba Heights
► LIST PRICE: $259,000
► SALE PRICE: $265,000
SOURCE: GREATER ALABAMA MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE When physicians, scientists and
Transplant Games have special meaning for Vestavia resident
By LOYD McINTOSH
For Vestavia Hills resident Ann Rayburn, the upcoming Transplant Games of America, which will take place throughout the Birmingham area on July 5-10, are of both professional and personal interest.
For the last 26 years, Rayburn has worked for Legacy of Hope, Birmingham’s primary organ and tissue procurement organization.
As the director of education, Rayburn has spent her career advocating for organ donors and recipients from all over the nation. However, Rayburn is also an organ donor and the daughter of an organ and tissue donor.
In 2016, Rayburn donated a kidney to one of her closest friends, Tess Bourge, who suffered from polycystic kidney disease, a condition in which clusters of cysts form within the kidneys, causing the organs to lose function over time. “We’re getting ready to celebrate our eight-year anniversary,” Rayburn said.
Then, last July, Rayburn’s father, Joseph Boschert, passed away at the age of 89. A registered organ donor, Boschert donated his eyes for scientific research and his bone and skin for transplant.
“One of the reasons I like to share my dad’s story is that a lot of folks think, ‘I’m too old, I can’t donate. I can’t help people,’ and it’s just not true,” she said. “He was a registered donor, and he would be happy to know that he was able to do that.”
This month, Rayburn and other Legacy of Hope employees and volunteers will be busy manning stations for The Transplant Games and helping them run smoothly.
The Transplant Games bring together thousands of organ donors and recipients from all 50 states and abroad to participate in
20 competitions ranging from tennis, basketball, golf and swimming to ballroom dancing and a trivia challenge. Vestavia Lanes will host singles and doubles bowling events.
The games will allow Birmingham to showcase its medical community, including UAB, which is considered one of the nation’s top transplant hospitals. It will also give recipients, donors and families a chance to come together to celebrate organ donation.
Legacy of Hope is under the UAB Medicine umbrella and will have a large presence at the Expo Hall inside the Birmingham
Fitting Birmingham's Children in Quality Clothing and Shoes for over 69 years
Jefferson Civic Complex, Rayburn said.
As one of the main sponsors of the Transplant Games, Legacy of Hope will also be heavily involved in manning the reflection room, a space where recipients, living donors and deceased donor family members can find a few moments of peace and tranquility.
“The games are exciting, and it’s wonderful for transplant recipients to have their lives restored, but there’s a degree of sadness because most often somebody lost their life and then they helped people, which is wonderful,” Rayburn said. “But I think it’s nice
to have a place where people can be quiet and reflect on it.”
In the end, Rayburn said the true heroes of the Transplant Games are the competitors, many of whom have overcome life-threatening challenges with grace and an infectious passion for life.
“I keep thinking about how hard they have worked to maintain their health, and then to be an athlete on top of that is inspiring,” Rayburn said. “My hat’s off to those folks.”
To learn more about the Transplant Games, visit transplantgamesofamerica.org.
Left: Vestavia Hills resident Ann Rayburn, left, stands with her friend, Tess Bourge. In 2016, Rayburn donated a kidney to Bourge who suffered from polycystic kidney disease. Right: Rayburn’s father, Joseph Boschert, who passed away in July 2023 at the age of 89, donated his eyes for scientific research and his bones and skin for transplants. Photos courtesy of Ann Rayburn.
Vestavia Hills events guide
Tuesdays: Summer Produce Market. 10 a.m to 2 p.m. Vestavia Hills Baptist Church, 2600 Vestavia Drive. Ann Franklin will be in the back parking lot for fruits and veggies, coffee and other drinks, hot dogs, pre-made dishes and samples. Proceeds from sales will go directly to the Kitchen Ministry and church mission fund. Cash, check or credit cards will be accepted. For more information or to pre-order dishes, visit vhbc.com/events.
Wednesdays: Vestavia Hills Farmers Market. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Scout Square, 741 Montgomery Highway. The farmers market will take place every week through Sept. 11. The market includes fresh produce, baked goods and more. The market is a mission of Vestavia Hills Methodist Church, with funds from the market used to supply the church’s food pantry with fresh fruit and vegetables.
July 15-19: Art Camp. 8:30 a.m. to noon. Civic Center, 1090 Montgomery Highway. Ages 5-12. Campers will explore the creative visual arts, learning to see things differently and channeling their imagination into artwork. The cost is $175 per camper. Visit vhparksandrec.com/programs-camps for more information.
July 18: Lift Your Spirits — Permission to Celebrate Fundraiser. 6-9 p.m. Vestavia Country Club, 400 Beaumont Drive. Community Grief Support is hosting this 21st annual fundraiser.
“Flamingling with Friends” is casual and designed to be fun, with special guest Roy Williams, former journalist for The Birmingham News. Williams will share about his brother, Army Maj. Dwayne Williams, who tragically died at the Pentagon in the 9/11 attacks. Janice Rogers, WBRC Fox 6 Good Day Alabama co-host, will be the emcee. You can expect auctions, live music, dancing, a tropical buffet and signature cocktails. Tickets and tables are being pre-sold through July 12 and may be purchased through Community Grief Support’s website, communitygriefsupport.org/lys. Contact Catherine Pittman Smith for sponsorship information or questions at cpsmith@ communitygriefsupport.org or 205-492-3350.
July 22-26: Vestavia Hills Soccer Club Half Day Camp. 9 a.m to noon. Sicard Hollow Athletic Complex, 4851 Sicard Hollow Road. Ages 5-12. Each half-day session will focus on skill development for young soccer players. They will have a chance to learn soccer skills and techniques through exercises and games specifically designed for the young player. The fee is $225 per student. Visit vestaviasoccer.com/camps for more information.
July 24: Summer Pizza and Bingo Night. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Parish Hall, Saint Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 3775 Crosshaven Drive. This summertime pizza night will be followed by games of bingo. Prizes for all ages. For more information, visit ssechurch.org/sse-events/2024/7/summerbingo-night.
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Children and their parents watch “Toy Story 4” during the Moonlight Movies event at the Vestavia City Center on June 6. Photos by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Sports
All-South Metro Baseball
Head named to 1st team
By KYLE PARMLEY
High school baseball in the Birmingham area is always full of quality teams with rosters of talented players. The annual Starnes Media All-South Metro Baseball Team aims to recognize those players who had outstanding spring seasons.
Hoover’s Mason Blasche earns Player of the Year honors for leading the Bucs as a position player and pitcher. Mountain Brook’s Caleb Barnett is the Hitter of the Year after a spectacular season at the plate, in addition to being one of the area’s top arms. Bryson Morman from Oak Mountain was brilliant on the mound all season and is the Pitcher of the Year.
Mountain Brook’s Lee Gann and Spain Park’s Will Smith share Coach of the Year honors after each led their team to the postseason. The Spartans nearly advanced to the semifinals with a strong season, while the Jags replaced many starters and still found their way back to the playoffs.
► Player of the Year: Mason Blasche, Hoover
► Hitter of the Year: Caleb Barnett, Mountain Brook
► Pitcher of the Year: Bryson Morman, Oak Mountain
► Coaches of the Year: Lee Gann, Mountain Brook, and Will Smith, Spain Park 1ST TEAM
► Pitcher: Mason Blasche, Hoover; hit for a .398 average and drove in 33 runs, while pitching more than 54 innings against stout competition.
► Pitcher: Bryson Morman, Oak Mountain; posted a 1.23 ERA and threw 25 consecutive scoreless innings.
► Pitcher: Jack Ross, Homewood; posted an 8-2 record with a 1.88 earned run average.
► Pitcher: Dylan Lewkutz, Hewitt-Trussville; led the area with 70 innings and had a 1.68 ERA.
► Catcher: John Paul Head, Vestavia Hills; reached base at a .500 clip and drew 23 walks.
► First base: Will Adams, Hoover; another strong two-way player for the Bucs who won six games on the mound.
► Second base: James Graphos, Mountain Brook; stole 33 bases and knocked in 26 runs.
► Third base: Caleb Barnett, Mountain Brook; led the area with 8 home runs and was a perfect 7-0 pitching with a 1.04 ERA.
► Shortstop: Steele Hall, Hewitt-Trussville; hit .331 and stole 31 bases.
► Infield: James Battersby, Spain Park; drove in 26 runs and stole 22 bags.
► Infield: Jaxson Wood, Hoover; racked up 48 hits and 24 RBIs, while hitting .364.
► Outfield: Brett Moseley, Hewitt-Trussville; one of the top players in the area, hitting .404 with 34 RBIs.
► Outfield: Chapman Blevins, Spain Park; hit .326 and drove in 28 runs.
► Outfield: Will Clark, Briarwood; drove in 23 runs with a .322 average.
► Designated hitter: Carson McFadden, John Carroll; had a big year with a .536 OBP and 31 RBIs.
► Designated hitter: Matthew Widra, Spain Park; belted four homers and drove in 36 runs.
► Utility: John Robicheaux, Mountain Brook; a tremendous two-way player, hitting .427 and winning seven games.
► Utility: Jake Souders, Briarwood; posted six wins on the mound and had a .546 OBP.
2ND TEAM
► Pitcher: Kenneth Diddell, Mountain Brook; set the state record for career saves by
adding 11 this spring.
► Pitcher: CJ Gross, Spain Park; went 5-0 with a 1.93 ERA.
► Pitcher: Cooper Sain, Homewood; went a perfect 6-0 with a 1.34 ERA.
► Pitcher: Logan Moller, Chelsea; threw 53 2/3 innings and racked up an impressive 67 strikeouts.
► Catcher: Coleman Gray, Spain Park; drove in 29 runs and had a .496 OBP.
► First base: Carson Wideman, Hewitt-Trussville; hit .346 with 29 RBIs.
► Second base: Rob Wright, Hewitt-Trussville; came up clutch with 29 RBIs and a .522 OBP.
► Third base: Christian Helmers, Hewitt-Trussville; won seven games as a pitcher and was a strong two-way player.
► Shortstop: Nick McCord, Oak Mountain; racked up 32 hits and swiped 10 bases.
► Infield: Levi Nickoli, Homewood; hit five home runs and surrendered just a 1.59 ERA as a pitcher.
► Infield: Chase Lackey, Chelsea; had 33 hits and stole 19 bases.
► Outfield: Hunter Keller, Mountain Brook; hit .336, piling up 43 hits on the season.
► Outfield: William Tonsmeire, Vestavia Hills; hit .306 and stole 18 bases.
► Outfield: Aden Malpass, John Carroll; hit .391 and knocked in 26 runs.
► Designated hitter: Jackson Miller, John Carroll; drove in 30 runs.
► Designated hitter: Noah Smith, John Carroll; hit .435 with 31 RBIs.
► Utility: Jackson Barnes, Briarwood; hit
Top: Vestavia Hills’ John Paul Head (13) catches in a game against Lincoln County at the Hoover Met Complex in the 2024 Buccaneer Classic spring break tournament March 28.
.357 and won three games as a pitcher.
► Utility: Alex Harrison, Oak Mountain; hit .301 and held opponents to an 0.48 ERA in 29 innings pitched.
HONORABLE MENTION
► Pitcher: William Andre, Hoover; Blake Patrick, Spain Park; Ty Shotts, Mountain Brook; John Littleton, Mountain Brook; Grant Hill, Chelsea; Cooper Huffman, Hewitt-Trussville; Chase Rafferty, Vestavia Hills; Collin Jones, Vestavia Hills; Kevin Jasinski, Oak Mountain.
► Catcher: Peyton Parkinson, Oak Mountain.
► Infield: Aiden Berke, Spain Park; Rhys Jones, Spain Park.
► Outfield: Cam Simpson, Hewitt-Trussville; Colby Durden, Hewitt-Trussville; Hayden Greer, John Carroll; Jeremiah Gary, Homewood; Camdyn Teague, Hoover; Carter Jackman, Hoover.
Starnes Media covers 10 schools across its six publications. The team is put together by the sports department in consultation with coaches.
Above: Vestavia Hills’ pitcher Collin Jones (28).
Left: Vestavia Hills’ William Tonsmiere (1). Photos by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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All-South Metro Softball
Tait Davidson named Pitcher of the Year
By KYLE PARMLEY
The 2024 Starnes Media All-South Metro Softball Team recognizes the top players in the area for their efforts throughout the high school softball season.
Hewitt-Trussville won its fourth state championship over the last six years, outlasting Daphne in a thrilling title game. Sara Phillips capped off her career in style, as the star pitcher threw nine shutout innings in that game and was masterful all season. She wins Player of the Year, the third year in a row that a Husky has earned the title.
Taylor Burt of the Huskies is the Coach of the Year and Tait Davidson of Vestavia Hills is the Pitcher of the Year, each for the second consecutive season. Spain Park’s Maggie Daniel is the Hitter of the Year after another terrific season behind the plate for the Jags.
► Player of the Year: Sara Phillips, Hewitt-Trussville
► Hitter of the Year: Maggie Daniel, Spain Park
► Pitcher of the Year: Tait Davidson, Vestavia Hills
► Coach of the Year: Taylor Burt, Hewitt-Trussville
1ST TEAM
► Pitcher: Sara Phillips, Hewitt-Trussville; went 16-2 in the circle, posting a 1.35 earned run average with 175 strikeouts.
► Pitcher: Tait Davidson, Vestavia Hills: posted a 15-8 record with a 1.32 earned run average, with 217 strikeouts in another strong season.
► Pitcher: Olivia Christian, Hoover; led the area with 21 wins, putting forth a 1.91 ERA and 100 strikeouts.
► Catcher: Maggie Daniel, Spain Park; one of the most feared hitters in the area, hitting 14 home runs and getting on base at a .613 clip.
► First base: Corey Goguts, Hewitt-Trussville; burst onto the scene with a .462 average, 10 home runs and 45 runs batted in.
► Second base: Lucy Spisto, Vestavia Hills; hit .385 with 31 stolen bases.
► Third base: Alea Rye, Oak Mountain; drove in 37 runs in her senior campaign.
► Shortstop: Bella Foran, Hoover; a firstteamer for the third straight year, hitting .400 with 52 RBIs.
► Infield: Olivia Faggard, Hewitt-Trussville; capped off her career with 43 RBIs for the state champs.
► Infield: Charlee Bennett, Spain Park; hit seven home runs, stole 30 bases and got on base at a .583 clip.
► Outfield: Emma Hawkins, Oak Mountain; the catalyst for the offense, hitting .405 with 49 hits.
► Outfield: Hannah Christian, Hoover; had a phenomenal senior year, hitting .500 with 77 hits and 41 RBIs.
► Outfield: Ki Davis, Hoover; hit .413 with 62 hits and 29 stolen bases.
► Designated hitter: Sydney Carroll, Chelsea; one of the top power hitters in the area, finishing with 11 homers.
► Designated hitter: Meredith Kellum, Briarwood; hit .485 with 10 homers.
► Utility: Zaylen Tucker, Hewitt-Trussville; a strong season at the plate and in the circle, swiping 36 bases and winning 10 games.
► Utility: Mallory Ogle, John Carroll; hit .418 and pitched for the Cavs.
2ND TEAM
► Pitcher: Kaitlyn Raines, Hoover; had a 14-6 record with a 1.34 ERA and 148
strikeouts.
► Pitcher: Ella Ussery, Spain Park; won 11 games and struck out 145 batters.
► Pitcher: Kate Hicks, Hewitt-Trussville; won eight games in her final season.
► Catcher: Anna DuBose, Oak Mountain; hit .423 and knocked in 28 runs.
► First base: Emma Stearns, Mountain Brook; drove in 30 runs in the middle of the order.
► Second base: Baylor McCluney, Chelsea; hit over .300 as a senior.
► Third base: Teagan Huey, Spain Park; drove in 30 runs and walked 23 times.
► Shortstop: Madeline Epperson, Chelsea; finished her final season with a .406 OBP.
► Infield: Marrison Kearse, Mountain Brook; hit .362 with 26 RBIs in a versatile role.
► Infield: Chaney Peters, Hewitt-Trussville; drove in 33 runs.
► Outfield: Reagan Rape, Mountain
Brook; knocked in 33 runs and stole 35 bases.
► Outfield: Sheridan Andrews, Oak Mountain; hit nearly .400, hit four homers and stole 20 bases as a sophomore.
► Outfield: Claire Robinett, Mountain Brook; an on-base machine (.530 OBP) and stolen base threat (29 steals).
► Designated hitter: Emily Williams, John Carroll; hit seven home runs with a .543 OBP.
► Designated hitter: AhKeela Honeycutt, Hewitt-Trussville; hit seven homers and had the walk-off hit at state
► Utility: Katie Hopson, Chelsea; sparked the Hornets with a .374 average and 28 RBIs.
► Utility: Mia Gonzalez, Homewood; the Patriots’ most versatile player, collecting 45 RBIs and pitching well.
HONORABLE MENTION
► Pitcher: Reagan Stewart, Spain Park; Kelsey Crain, Oak Mountain; Sophia Williams,
Oak Mountain; Annie Gregory, Mountain Brook; Grace Pilgrim, Homewood; Alaysha Crews, Chelsea; Jaley Young, Spain Park.
► Catcher: AT Goldman, Mountain Brook; Lindsey Westhoven, Hoover.
► Infield: Edith Kaplan, Mountain Brook; Mollie Hanson, Hoover; Kloeanne Smith, Homewood; Claire Purkey, Chelsea; Emma Parmley, Chelsea; Caroline Brown, Chelsea; Carolyn Graham, Oak Mountain.
► Outfield: Bella Williams, Oak Mountain; Caroline Charles, Spain Park; Tatum Lasseter, Spain Park; Lexie Kelly, Hewitt-Trussville; Madison Letson, Homewood.
► Designated hitter: Allie Whitaker, Spain Park; Makaila Hope, Hewitt-Trussville.
Starnes Media covers 10 schools across its six publications. The team is put together by the sports department in consultation with coaches.
Above: Vestavia Hills’ Tait Davidson (23) during a game between Tuscaloosa County and Vestavia Hills on March 19 at Vestavia Hills Softball Complex. Below: Vestavia Hills’ Lucy Spisto (2). Photos by Kyle Parmley.
Many of the crashes occur as motorists travel south on Columbiana Road and are looking to their left toward U.S. 31 North as they prepare to make a right turn onto the highway. Additionally, Kearley said the two right-turn lanes from Columbiana Road onto U.S. 31, line-of-sight issues as motorists travel south on Columbiana and the haphazard placement of many businesses near the intersection all contribute to confusion and accidents at that choke point.
"Some of the things that we're trying to clear up there at the intersection are driver confusion," Kearley said. "There are some sight distance issues that create some safety concerns, and all of those things combined just add to an already congested intersection.
"Ideally you don't have access points that close to an intersection, but when you have businesses that are already established, it's a lot trickier than it is to come in with a clean slate," she added. "We're evaluating that against current access management standards and kind of balancing that with the business operations to get the most efficient design that we can."
All of the work will be in the public rightof-way, so no businesses located near the intersection will be directly affected, Kearley said. The city has discussed the plans with area business owners to ensure they won’t be negatively impacted during construction or once the project is complete, she said.
"We are not asking private property owners to make changes," she said, "but we have communicated and shared the plans with them and worked with them to make sure that the plans, while we are making some access changes, still meet the needs of their business and traffic circulation and that kind of thing."
Kearley said the project will include some resurfacing, striping improvements and adjustments to lanes, which will improve sight lines. Additionally, she said there will be some access management improvements and signalization upgrades. "All of that will be part of the design to improve safety," Kearley said.
The project had been scheduled for bidding this past spring, but now the target date to seek bids from contractors is later this summer, with construction set to begin in the fall, Kearley said.
The intersection involves three government entities — Vestavia Hills, Jefferson County and the Alabama Department Of Transportation. That adds layers of "complexity" to the review and funding processes, she said. However, Kearley said she is in contact regularly with representatives from the state and county and, despite the delays, the improvement plan was budgeted as a 2024 project.
"We are in communication with them, and things are moving forward," she said. "All that is to say everybody's involved in making this a better intersection.”
Both Vestavia Hills and Jefferson County are funding the project, with the city contributing $100,000. There also are design costs.
The county is leading the bidding process, and ALDOT is in charge of reviewing design
options. Other factors have contributed to delays, including the Alabama Regional Transportation Operations Plan, which includes a comprehensive traffic signal plan, as well as the city’s desire to collect more data on the intersection, Kearley said.
Everyone wants to make sure the design being evaluated is the most efficient, the safest and the best overall, she said.
ALDOT has approved the project, but “we do still have to work through their process” before work can begin," Kearley said.
While the main intention is to improve safety, the intersection redesign is part of Vestavia Hills’ master plan to revitalize the lower portion of U.S. 31. The master plan addresses several major issues for a 1-mile stretch of U.S. 31 heading north from the city’s border with Hoover. That area is referred to as “the gateway” to Vestavia Hills.
The master plan includes major projects such as a public-private partnership to redevelop the old Days Inn property and a retail development that will include new locations of Waldo’s Chicken & Beer and Big Bad Breakfast, currently under construction at the site of the old Vestavia Motor Lodge.
Assistant City Manager Cinnamon McCulley said the city communicated extensively with business owners in the lower U.S. 31 area and along Columbiana Road regarding the plans to redevelop the old Days Inn property during its charrette, a series of stakeholder meetings held in March 2023. Access points were a major point of discussion with business owners in regard to roadway improvements in the area, she said.
McCulley said Kearley and the Public Services Department are challenged with ensuring the newly designed intersection not only improves safety but ensures motorists will be able to easily access the businesses along U.S. 31 and Columbiana Road.
"That's a busy, busy area of 31, which we love. We love the activity, but we know that there are improvements that can be made," McCulley said. "It's not just Columbiana. We look at this strategically, and Lori Beth and her staff are doing a really great job of viewing it as a city project and not just an individual project. It will all work together."
Additionally, the city is expected to begin work soon to improve drainage issues along nearby Massey Road. Kearley said every effort is being made to schedule the intersection project to minimize inconvenience to motorists as much as possible, while tying the project into the master plan functionally and aesthetically.
"We are coordinating with the other efforts with the revitalization of 31 on that end. We actually have design underway for landscaping improvements for the gateway that are fully coordinated with this project,” she said. "We look at the big picture and make sure that the engineers for one project have all the plans and information from the others so that they're fully synced and coordinated.
"You've got three parties looking over these plans and coordinating, so that'll be part of any pre-construction meeting that we have," Kearley added. "There's the potential for Massey Road to already be underway or closely timed with this project. That will be carefully thought out during pre-construction activities."
Traffic moves through the intersection of Columbiana Road and U.S. 31 from Interstate 65 North in Vestavia Hills on June 12. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
SICARD HOLLOW
CONTINUED from page 1
“There were some really serious safety concerns and hazardous conditions left by the mining activities from the past,” Downes said. “To take what were the spoils of a mine operation and make it safe, make it productive.”
Projects like these are handled by Alabama’s Abandoned Mine Lands program. Mine reclamation is meant to address safety hazards on former mining sites and get them ready for a new use, according to Dustin Morin, the mining and reclamation division director for the Alabama Department of Labor.
Reclaiming the 65-acre Sicard Hollow property has taken several phases of work over more than a decade, with grant funding from the federal AML program and funds raised by the city’s Parks and Recreation Foundation, Downes said.
“We could not have done any of this without this collaboration,” he said.
The first phase started in 2010, with the construction of the athletic complex away from the highwalls that were still on the property at the time. In 2012, the AML program removed many of the highwalls, opening up the rest of the property for recreational development.
Additional federal grants in 2016, 2017 and 2018 helped pay for the installation of a dog park, picnic pavilions, pickleball courts, a playground, a splash pad, nature trails, parking and Wi-Fi access. These were followed by a separate city project to build a pedestrian tunnel under Sicard Hollow Road in 2019.
“This recreational use is probably a good, careful balancing of taking what were problematic lands and making them productive and meeting the demands of the city,” Downes said.
When Vestavia Hills surveys its residents, recreational amenities are always high on the list of priorities, and Sicard Hollow has become a “high-demand” park, he said. The SHAC and Liberty Park recreational facilities had 152,000 unique visitors in 2023, according to city data.
While reclaimed mine land can be turned into business or residential development, Downes said focusing on lower-intensity use like trails and a dog park makes it easier to manage
stormwater drainage, sediment runoff and other potential environmental challenges. The city is responsible for maintaining the stormwater controls that were built as part of the Sicard Hollow reclamation, he said.
“There’s always a place for everything. And the more there is dense development, the more there is a challenge with managing
environmental concerns,” Downes said.
The reclamation was also able to “bring back a level of environmental stability to the site,” as trees and other vegetation replanted on the site have matured over the years, Downes said.
The work that’s currently underway is focused on the Pine Ridge property, which is located northeast of the SHAC soccer fields, partially
on property owned by the Liberty Park Joint Venture.
Alabama’s AML program received a federal grant last year to begin the reclamation of this section of abandoned mine land, which has around 1,300 feet of highwall. The city agreed to swap some land with the Liberty Park Joint Venture to let the reclamation move forward.
The proximity of Pine Ridge to the SHAC has made it a hazard up to this point.
“You have a lot of kids coming to Sicard Hollow Athletic Complex to play soccer, and there’s little footpaths right behind the fields going to these old mines,” Morin said.
Once the highwall has been graded into a more manageable slope, however, the Pine Ridge property being so close to the SHAC gives it valuable development potential.
“It’s in a great area to be developed into something else, but no one is going to develop it in its current condition,” Morin said.
Right now, city leaders are still considering their options on what will be built on the Pine Ridge site, Downes said. City Council discussions have included quality-of-life improvements such as additional athletic fields, a police training facility, a public works building and a satellite library, “but as we sit here today, those are just visionary.”
Downes said the city will need to do more site planning, including a feasibility study, and determine funding before a real plan can emerge.
Active construction on the Pine Ridge site has been underway for a few months, and Morin said the project is on schedule and is expected to be complete this fall. It’s estimated to cost around $3.6 million to complete.
“Good projects always are the result of good relationships, and the ability for the city of Vestavia Hills and the Mine Reclamation office to achieve mutually beneficial goals from a project is something that is admirable, and we appreciate the partnership. We appreciate being allowed to pursue a vision of what might be,” Downes said.
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published by Southern Science. Read more about mine reclamation at southern-science.com.
Above: At the Pine Ridge site, construction crews have to turn a sheer cliff face, left behind by mining activity, into more gentle terrain that can be redeveloped. Below: Through the state’s Abandoned Mine Land reclamation program, Vestavia Hills has turned a former coal mine in Sicard Hollow into a recreational site with pavilions, trails, a playground, splash pad, dog park, pickleball courts and other amenities. Photos by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Recently, we watched a sales team veteran ride off into the sunset here at the corner of I-65 and Highway 31. Gary Redd has been a fixture around the Royal Automotive lot for 26 years, and it was a joy to celebrate his retirement by his side this June. We can’t thank you enough for helping countless friends, old and new, find their next ride over the years, Gary. To a loyal friend, a dedicated salesman, and not a half-bad golfer to boot, we say best of luck and congratulations! For every new chapter, there’s Royal.
(L-R) David Belcher, Gary Redd and Greg Belcher celebrate Gary’s retirement.