Vestavia Voice November 2023

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

November 2023 | Volume 11 | Issue 7

Vestavia City Center Brook Highland Plaza SERVING VESTAVIA HILLS, THE 280 CORRIDOR, HOMEWOOD, HOOVER, MOUNTAIN BROOK AND TRUSSVILLE

VESTAVIA HILLS’ COMMUNITY NEWS SOURCE VESTAVIAVOICE.COM | STARNESMEDIA.COM

JOIN NOW

‘Live, work and play environment’ The Bray at Liberty Park takes shape, developer sees strong demand for homes

By LOYD McINTOSH

V

estavia Hills’ master plan includes dozens of projects designed to improve the business community, visual identity and overall livability of the city, from a comprehensive sidewalk network to redevelopment of the former Days Inn site on U.S. 31.

However, the master plan’s most ambitious project, and the largest project in the history of the city, is The Bray at Liberty Park. When complete, this public-private partnership between the city and Daniel Corp. will be a massive mixed-use development billed as “a true live, work and play environment.”

The Bray is slated to include 1,800 residential units and a 100-acre town center with retail outlets, a hotel, restaurants, medical facilities, office spaces and green space — all on 700 acres within Liberty Park.

See THE BRAY | page A16 Construction on new homes in The Bray development of Liberty Park on Oct. 10. Photo by Erin Nelson.

Vestavia soccer player to play, train in UK

Harrison Crotwell, a junior at Vestavia Hills High, practices with the Vestavia Hills Soccer Club at Sicard Hollow Athletic Complex on Oct. 11. Crotwell was selected to compete with the EXACT 11 international soccer team in Europe. Photo by Erin Nelson.

By LOYD McINTOSH On a hot Sunday afternoon in early October, the ‘05/’06 Vestavia Hills Steamers are locked in a difficult battle with a team from Mobile. The game features talented players from all over the state, but starting at striker for Vestavia is Harrison Crotwell.

Crotwell earned a spot on an international exposition team, EXACT 11, that

INSIDE

Sponsors............... A4 News....................... A6

Business................ A11 Sports.................... B4

will travel across the pond to London and Manchester this December for several days of elite training and competition. Crotwell will have the opportunity to train with coaches from English Premier League clubs such as Manchester City, Leicester City, Tottenham, West Ham United and Aston Villa.

Additionally, Crotwell and the EXACT 11 will play three games against youth teams from the United

Community........... B8 Schoolhouse......... B9

Kingdom, tour some of the country’s top soccer stadiums, attend English Premier League games and visit the National Football Museum in Manchester.

Crotwell earned his spot on EXACT 11 after attending the Exact Sports College Soccer ID Camp, held at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, in June.

See CROTWELL | page A18

Events................... B12 Opinion................. B13

Real Estate.......... B14 facebook.com/vestaviavoice

Joining the Race

A Calling

Liberty Park resident Gerrick Wilkins seeks to unseat U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer in upcoming election.

Vestavia native sees theater career as vessel to help others.

See page A10

Cummings

See page B8

YOUR LOCAL GOLD & SILVER BUYER

JEWELRY DESIGN

Vestavia Hills Cahaba Heights

205-298-9144 3166 Heights Village, 35243

cummingsjewelrydesign.com

All Types of Gold & Silver Coins

Any New, Old or Worn Out Gold Jewelry

$10,000 paid

A2 • November 2023

Vestavia Voice

HOLIDAY EVENT Discounts on products and services Lowest Botox/Dysport prices of the year!

Follow us on social media for more information! @renewdermbham

@renewdermbham

TWO LOCATIONS FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE! Homewood 1651 Independence Ct. Birmingham, AL 35209

Greystone 2827 Greystone Commercial Blvd.

Hoover, AL 35242

(205) 580-1500 - renewdermatology.net MEGAN CHERRY, MD - KRISTY CURL, DO - LAUREN HUGHEY, MD JENNIFER BARES, MD - SHELLEY WINZELER, PA-C CAROLINE WILSON, CRNP - TAYLOR HOLSOMBECK, CRNP ANN BEVELLE, AESTHETICIAN - KAYLA FISHER, AESTHETICIAN

VestaviaVoice.com

November 2023 • A3

OUR TREE CREWS ARE WORKING TO KEEP THE DEPENDABILITY YOU EXPECT. At Alabama Power, we work hard to provide the dependable service our customers expect and deserve. We give 100% to achieve 99.98% dependability. That means regularly inspecting and trimming trees as a way of preventing potential outages.

About 45% of outages experienced by Alabama Power customers are due to trees and plant life.

We use technology and data analytics to help identify areas in need of tree trimming to protect the electrical system.

Overgrown branches can brush against power lines and cause outages. They also make power lines more accessible to wildlife.

Keeping you aware of upcoming work is a priority to us. Scan the QR code to see the neighborhoods tree crews will be working in.

If you have any questions, please call Alabama Power at 205-257-2155 and request to speak with a member of our utility tree care team.

To learn more about how we safely maintain our system or for recommendations on planting the right trees in the right place, visit AlabamaPower.com/trees.

© 2023 Alabama Power Company.

AlabamaPower.com/trees

A4 • November 2023

Vestavia Voice

About Us Please Support Our Community Partners

Publisher’s Note By Dan Starnes November — the one month of the year when it is truly in vogue to practice gratitude.

When done well, experiencing gratitude is one of the most powerful and positive practices that there is.

So, anytime is a good time for me to practice a little gratitude.

When I dedicate time to think of the people I’m grateful for, I find the circle can widen to a point that it is hard to know where it ends.

For me, a good place to begin is to look down the masthead on this page. I see the names of people who work on this paper. I then see a few dozen more names of businesses

the newsletter and follow the social channels.

If you are reading this, know that I am grateful for you and your role in making this paper a reality. Truly. It means a lot.

As always, it’s great to receive feedback, so if you want to share anything with us at all, even constructive criticism, please do.

You can reach me at dan@ starnesmedia.com.

Abenoja Orthodontics (A18) Alabama Craft Guild (A8) Alabama Power (A3) Allsteel Fence (B12) Always Best Care: ABC Senior Services (A15) Bedzzz Express (A20) Birmingham Zoo (A17) Bistro V (B9) Bromberg’s (A16) Budget Blinds (A11) Cahaba Heights Merchants Association Deck the Heights (B2) Cardinal Roofing (B2) Community Grief Support Service (A13) Cremation Center of Birmingham (B13) Cummings Jewelry Design (A1) Dermatology & Skin Care Center of Birmingham (B1) ENT Associates of Alabama (A13) Etc. (A7) French Drains Pro (A17) Gardner Astroturf (A8) Gardner Landscaping (A6) Gunn Dermatology (A9) HomeRN (B5) Image Hive (B11) Issis & Sons (B7) Jana Hanna, RealtySouth (A9) Jefferson County Department of Health (B3)

that support it. I then think of the tens of thousands who read the hard copy, go to the website, subscribe to

PHOTO OF THE MONTH A Vestavia Hills student participates in the long jump at HewittTrussville Stadium during the 18th annual Special Olympics track and field meet on Sept. 26.

Photo by Erin Nelson.

Publisher: Dan Starnes

Published by:

For advertising, contact:

Starnes Publishing LLC P.O. Box 530341 Birmingham, AL 35253 (205) 313-1780 dan@starnesmedia.com

dan@starnesmedia.com Please submit all articles, information and photos to:

Community Editors: Jon Anderson Leah Ingram Eagle Sports Editor: Kyle Parmley Design Editor: Melanie Viering Photo Editor: Erin Nelson Page Designer: Ted Perry Production Assistant: Simeon Delante Operations Specialist: Sarah Villar Graphic Designer: Emily VanderMey

Contributing Writers: Kari Kampakis Gary Lloyd Loyd McIntosh Heather Jones Skaggs Grace Thornton Intern: Harper Harwell Client Success Specialist: Warren Caldwell Business Development Exec: Don Harris Business Development Rep: Madison Gaines

svillar@starnesmedia.com

Legals: Vestavia Voice is published monthly. Reproduction or use of editorial or graphic content without prior permission is prohibited. Vestavia Voice is designed to inform the Vestavia community of area school, family and community events. Information in Vestavia Voice is gathered from sources considered reliable but the accuracy cannot be guaranteed. All articles/photos submitted become the property of Vestavia Voice. We reserve the right to edit articles/photos as deemed necessary and are under no obligation to publish or return photos submitted. Inaccuracies or errors should be brought to the attention of the publisher at (205) 313-1780 or by email.

PLEASE RECYCLE THIS PAPER

Join the conversation.

Get Vestavia Voice in your mailbox, your inbox and online.

Scan the QR code to read us online, join our newsletter and follow us at

John Henley State Farm Insurance (A12) KADCO Homes / CRE Realty (A5) Medicare Advisors of Alabama (A19) Moss Rock Festival (B12) Mr. Handyman of Birmingham (B6) Natalie Haynes Custom Art Work (A15) One Man & A Toolbox (A12) Outdoor Living Areas (A19) Parrot Structural Services LLC (B5) Renew Dermatology (A2) Royal Automotive (B16) Shoe Station (A1) Shunnarah Flooring (A14) Sikes Children’s Shoes (B11) Southern Home Structural Repair Specialists (B9) SouthPoint Bank (B14) State Farm - Vivian Mora (A18) Tecate Bar & Grill (A14) The Cook Store (B8) The Crossings at Riverchase (B10) TherapySouth Corporate (B15) United Way of Central Alabama (A16) Vapor Ministries/Thrift Store (A10) Vulcan Termite & Pest Control (B8) Window World of Central Alabama (B13)

Find Us Vestavia Voice is distributed through direct mail to Vestavia Hills residents. You can also find copies at a variety of locations throughout the community. For a list of pickup locations, scan the QR code below or go to vestaviavoice.com/ about-us.

VestaviaVoice.com

November 2023 • A5

A 4 lot custom home niche development just

Beautifully appointed, low maintenance

steps away from the shops and restaurants

townhomes in a fabulous Cahaba Heights

of Rocky Ridge and minutes away from the

location. Just outside the Summit and

Vestavia zoned schools. Neighborhood pergola

convenient to Hwy 280, I-459, and popular

and fire pit. Only 2 lots remain.

locales like Foodbar, Starbuck’s, Martin’s BBQ, & more. Only 3 available.

Scan to learn more about The Arbor at Rocky Ridge

Scan to learn more about Oakview Lane

KADCO is your Vestavia Hills home builder

8 brand new townhomes offering main level

A gated collection of 20 upscale homes designed

Master suites, open concept living, and

for luxury living and low maintenance. Low

garages in the heart of Vestavia. Stainless steel

county taxes in a prime Vestavia area location

appliances, gas cooking, quartz counters, wide

right next to the Rocky Ridge Publix, Moe’s

plank hardwoods, & more.

BBQ, & more.

Scan to learn more about Vestavia Terrace

Scan to learn more about Woodruff Cottages

To learn more about KADCO communities in Vestavia Hills, contact Jason Kessler Cell 205-369-5187 Office 205-985-7171 Email Jason@kadcohomes.com or visit kadcohomes.com

A6 • November 2023

Vestavia Voice

City

City Council reviews design for US 31 pedestrian bridge

By LOYD McINTOSH The Vestavia Hills City Council on Oct. 9 received an update and a sneak preview of a pedestrian bridge crossing for Montgomery Highway.

Three members of the project team — Edward Alonso of Gresham Smith architecture and design firm and Philip Graydon and James Teisserre of Dewberry Engineers — presented schematics and renderings for the long-awaited walkable bridge crossing U.S. 31 and connecting Wald Park with the Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest.

City Manager Jeff Downes said members of the design team were invited at the request of the council in order to provide additional information on the overall visual design of the bridge as well as its lighting and safety features before the city receives construction bids in January.

“We are rapidly approaching bid time, but it was this council’s comment that, ‘Hey, we’d like to have more conversation and more inclusion into that bid process and those construction drawings of aesthetic and branding components,’” Downes said.

Alonso shared a handful of slides with the City Council, showing architectural renderings of the bridge which, he said, has been designed to accentuate the area’s natural landscape and to share similar architectural attributes as the nearby city buildings.

“The overall aesthetic of the bridge and the building is to be a reflection and extension of the park and the library, since it is the connecting element between the two. We also wanted to reflect the beauty of our city and the hills that are represented in our city,” Alonso said, “but with some additional accent arches that, by providing a layering effect, kind of give you

Renderings show the pedestrian bridge connecting Wald Park and the Library in the Forest. Rendering courtesy of city of Vestavia Hills.

that same resemblance of the hills that we experience when we’re going up and down 31 and see those hills in the distance.”

Alonso then turned the discussion to the bridge’s proposed branding, presenting several renderings displaying the city’s name across the base of the footpath. However, after viewing the renderings, council members Kimberly Cook and George Pierce voiced their opinion that branding the bridge with “Vestavia Hills” takes away from the beauty of the design.

“I just wanted to say that I love the design of the railing, the way that it emulates the hills. I think that’s a really nice way to include branding in the design, and I think with the lighting, it’s going to really be beautiful,” Cook said. “I was the one who asked for some signage or some lettering or something to sort of pull in the ‘VH’

or Vestavia Hills brand,” Cook added. “But after seeing it on the bridge, I think it looks better without it.”

Pierce said this bridge is not really the entrance to the city, so city branding is less important there. It’s probably more important to focus on city branding on the lower portion of U.S. 31, near Hoover, he said. Perhaps city officials can revisit the idea of putting some type of city logo on the tower leading to the bridge, he said.

Graydon and Teisserre shared the bridge’s lighting plan, which includes an array of colorful uplighting, and the security plan, which includes a glass elevator cab and three video cameras with a feed directly tied into City Hall.

The City Council also on Oct. 9 authorized $100,000 for a joint effort with Jefferson County

to improve the intersection of Columbiana Road and U.S. 31.

“That intersection has more crashes than any other intersection in our city,” Downes said. “The county would bid this in December, and we would be looking for winter of ‘24 construction.”

The council also approved funding for a joint project between Vestavia Hills, Jefferson County and Birmingham for a roundabout at the intersection of Sicard Hollow Road and Blue Lake Drive, near the pumphouse in the Cahaba Heights area.

It’s an estimated $2 million project, and Vestavia Hills is picking up half the tab. The city is getting credit for $269,000 already spent on engineering and is slated to contribute another $731,000 for construction.

Gardner has the

BEST PRICE

for Trees,Shrubs & Privacy Screens High Quality Service and Customer Satisfaction is our priority

We’re committed to surpassing your expectations for your beautiful outdoor spaces by creating and maintaining landscaping, hardscape installation and effectively minimizing drainage and erosion issues.

Call to schedule your landscaping plan 205-401-3347

Your Large and Small Tree, Shrub and Drainage Experts

GardnerLandscaping@gmail.com | GardnerLandscapingLLC.com

VestaviaVoice.com

November 2023 • A7

Exclusive Retailer MARLA AARON • SPINELLI KILCOLLIN • CATHY WATERMAN • JADE TRAU • BRENT NEALE RETROUVAI • UNIFORM OBJECT • LIBERTINE • JENNA BLAKE • HARWELL GODFREY DAILY BLUE DENIM • ZOE CHICCO • MADEWORN • NEU NOMADS FREECITY • THE GREAT • MAD ET LEN • XIRENA

2726 Cahaba Rd. Mountain Brook Village

205.871.6747

shopetcjewelry.com

@shopetcjewelry

A8 • November 2023

Vestavia Voice

Council rezones land for home builder’s office

By JON ANDERSON The Vestavia Hills City Council recently rezoned a portion of two lots on Rocky Ridge Road to accommodate a new office building for a home builder.

Taylor Burton of The Taylor Burton Co., a custom home builder, plans to relocate his office from 3239 Lorna Road in Hoover to portions of two lots at 2551 and 2553 Rocky Ridge Road in Vestavia Hills.

The property sits directly across from Express Oil Change & Tire Engineers and next to Mountain Chapel Methodist Church. For years it was the location of an interior design business in what looks like a residence.

Burton said he plans to tear down the existing building on the property and build a new, roughly 4,500-square-foot office building that also will be designed with a residential look. It will be the new office for his company.

Burton is breaking off the back portion of the property into two residential lots that will front Collinwood Court, in the Gramercy Parc subdivision in unincorporated Jefferson County. He already has begun the de-annexation process for those two new lots, according to a memo from Vestavia Hills City Clerk Rebecca Leavings.

Burton said he plans to build those two homes and will make them a similar size as other homes in Gramercy Parc, probably 3,000 to 4,000 square feet. The construction entrance will be directly from Rocky Ridge Road so as not to disturb neighbors in Gramercy Parc, he said.

Burton said his office has been on Lorna Road in Hoover for 35 years, but the younger generation of his family would prefer a newer office, and their family has deeper ties to Vestavia Hills, where they have lived and gone to school and church.

He hopes to begin construction on the new homes and new office by the end of November and complete them in about a year, he said.

Taylor Burton of the Taylor Burton Co., a custom home builder, plans to raze this former interior design business at 2551 and 2553 Rocky Ridge Road and build a new office for his company. Photo by Jon Anderson.

The official zoning action taken Sept. 25 was to rezone the portion of the lots along Rocky Ridge Road from a Jefferson County garden home district and Vestavia Hills office park district to make all of the property a Vestavia Hills office park district. The council also completed an annexation of a portion of the property that was in unincorporated Jefferson County.

In other business, the City Council: ► Annexed and rezoned property at 3512 Valley Circle from a Jefferson County E-2 estate zone to a Vestavia Hills R-1 residential zone.

► Agreed to purchase two 2023 Chevrolet Silverados from Donahoo Chevrolet for $45,577 each, for use by Vestavia Hills Fire Department staff. ► Agreed to opt into a fuel savings program offered by the Cahaba Solid Waste Disposal Authority that will allow garbage trucks picking up garbage in Vestavia Hills to purchase fuel tax-free. The arrangement should save the city $65,147 a year, City Manager Jeff Downes said. ► Hired Gresham Smith to provide additional design services for a pedestrian bridge being built over U.S. 31, to include city of

Vestavia Hills branding, decorative lighting, better security and additional utility coordination services. The Alabama Department of Transportation is paying for 80% of the cost of the design services, and the additional cost to Vestavia Hills will be $14,397, Downes said. ► Heard a report from Mayor Ashley Curry that a new foundation has been created to support the Vestavia Hills Fire Department. ► Agreed to dispose of old computers, laptops, monitors and printers. ► Agreed to contract with SAP Concur for a cloud-based program to reimburse employees for travel expenses.

Tired of your grass not growing?

Stop spending thousands of dollars sodding over and over again.

ASTROTURF ASTROTURF Call Gardner Landscaping to Install Astroturf 205-401-3347 GardnerLandscaping@gmail.com | GardnerLandscapingLLC.com

Annual Fine Craft Show at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens November 11, 10 am - 5 pm November 12, 11 am - 4 pm This project has been made possible in part by a grand from the Alabama State Council on the Arts

VestaviaVoice.com

November 2023 • A9

Mayor’s Minute

By Ashley Curry I recently presented the State of the City address at the Chamber of Commerce monthly luncheon. I noted that the two major factors that define the “state” of our city are the quality of life that we enjoy and the financial strength of our city. We continue to be rated as one of the most “livable” cities in Alabama.

Also, the financial strength of our city enables us to enhance the quality of life that we enjoy.

Also, last month we held our Community Night Out. This annual event is an opportunity to enhance the relationship between our first responders and citizens while building a sense of community. We need to recognize the families of our first responders as they support their loved ones in what could be dangerous or life-threatening circumstances.

This month, we will celebrate two big events: Veterans Day and Thanksgiving.

It would be safe to say that if it were not for our veterans, we probably would have nothing to celebrate. Without the freedoms that they fought for, we would not be able to live in a country that allows the quality of life that we enjoy. We must honor and remember the service of our men and women in the military presently, as well as those who served previously. The sacrifices made by our veterans should never be forgotten.

In Vestavia Hills, we will be remembering our veterans with two separate events.

There will be our annual Salute to Veterans celebration on Sunday, Nov. 5, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Vestavia Hills Civic Center. This event features patriotic-themed entertainment followed by a reception honoring all branches of service. The keynote speaker will be Maj. Gen. David Burford (retired), who is a Vestavia Hills native.

Another veterans’ event will be held at the New Merkel House in Cahaba Heights on Thursday, Nov. 9. All are welcome to attend these events.

What are you thankful for this Thanksgiving? I suspect many of you will respond with family, friends and good health. But there is so much more for which to be thankful: our homes, the food on our table and even our city. I am grateful for all our employees, our civic clubs, our churches, our citizen volunteers and all of our citizens who contribute so much to our city.

Mark your calendars for Nov. 28, when the city will be holding its annual Christmas Tree lighting at City Hall.

I wish you all an enjoyable and happy Thanksgiving.

GO REBELS! Jana Hanna RealtySouth

Vestavia Hills Neighbor & Realtor

Specializing in Vestavia Hills Real Estate

205-835-6188

Find Your Winter Glow at Gunn Dermatology

Dr. Holly Gunn and the team at Gunn Dermatology offer medical, pediatric, cosmetic and surgical dermatology. Schedule a medical visit or cosmetic consult with us to see what all we can do for you!

Follow us on Instagram for our Holiday Specials SCAN TO FOLLOW @gunndermatology

32 Church Street, Mountain Brook, AL 35213 391 Rele Street, Mountain Brook, AL 35223

205.415.7536 | gunndermatology.com

A10 • November 2023

Vestavia Voice

Liberty Park resident seeks to unseat Gary Palmer in Congress

By JON ANDERSON A Vestavia Hills resident with more than 24 years in the automotive industry, Gerrick Wilkins, on Oct. 5 announced he is opposing Gary Palmer in the Republican primary for Alabama Congressional District 6 in March 2024.

The new Congressional District 6, approved by a federal court on Oct. 5, stretches from Jefferson County to Autauga County and includes Vestavia Hills, Mountain Brook, Trussville, Clay, Shelby County, most of north Jefferson County and parts of Hoover and Homewood.

Wilkins said he decided to run after Palmer earlier this year announced he would seek a sixth two-year term, breaking a promise not to serve more than 10 years.

Wilkins said he believes in term limits and not career politicians and feels that Palmer has done more talk than action and made some poor decisions that do not adequately represent Alabama values.

Wilkins said Palmer “refused to support the Parents Bill of Rights,” legislation passed by the House of Representatives in March that, among other things, would allow parents to review curriculum and inspect reading materials at their child’s school and prevent school officials from taking the place of parents in regard to giving consent for vaccinations or changing a child’s gender identification or sex-based accommodations without parental consent.

When the legislation was approved with a 213-208 vote, Palmer was one of 14 members of the House of Representatives who did not vote, according to online Congressional records.

Wilkins also criticized Palmer for advocating for spending billions of dollars to aid Ukraine in its war with Russia while the United States faces an “invasion” at its southern border.

Wilkins said government cannot overlook the pressing moral issues of the day.

“Our society faces an urgent call to safeguard the unborn, to counter child exploitation and eradicate the scourge of human trafficking that

Gerrick Wilkins of Vestavia Hills, center, talks with people at Veterans Park in Hoover on Oct. 5. He announced he is running against U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer in the March 2024 Republican primary for the Sixth Congressional District of Alabama.

Photo by Jon Anderson.

is pervading our country,” Wilkins said.

Wilkins also said he will fight for fiscal responsibility in Congress, support a balanced budget amendment and push for significant cuts to the federal bureaucracy.

He said the federal government has overstepped its bounds in regard to education. He said he plans to introduce legislation to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education and allocate those tax dollars back to the state and local governments.

BACKGROUND

Wilkins grew up in New Mexico and attended Pensacola Christian College, where he met his wife, Carol. They married and moved to Virginia, where he finished his undergraduate studies in theology and his wife got her master’s degree at Liberty University.

He then began working in the automotive industry and has been in that industry for more than 24 years. Most recently, for almost five years, he has served as a broker in the sale of dealerships, closing 34 franchise dealership sales valued at more than $500 million, he said.

He and his family lived in Dallas a few years, but they have been in the Birmingham area the past 17 years, he said. His family moved to Inverness initially and then to Liberty Park in 2014. He and his wife have a 19-year-old daughter who attends the University of Alabama at Huntsville.

Wilkins obtained a master’s degree in business administration from Samford University in 2016 and serves on an advisory board for Samford’s Brock School of Business. He also is on the board for Mission Increase Central Alabama, an organization that provides free coaching to

nonprofits on a Biblical approach to fundraising.

He has never run for public office before but believes his experience in business will serve him well in Congress, he said.

When asked whom he supports in the 2024 presidential election, Wilkins said he thinks any of the Republican candidates would be better than Biden.

“I voted for Trump in the last election and will likely vote for him again at this point, unless something changes between now and March,” he said. “He’s a business leader, and he’s an outsider like myself, and he’s focused on draining the swamp and getting rid of the corruption. I think it’s the career politicians that got us into this problem, and we need more business leaders like Trump in office.”

To learn more about Wilkins, visit his website at wilkinsforal.com.

Every item you donate equals lives and communities transformed in Africa and Haiti.

DO GOOD. FEEL GOOD. DONATE. DONATE Gently Used Clothing & Household Items

Shop where it makes a difference Greystone | Vestavia Hills | Westover Online: VaporThrift.com

SHOP PROCEEDS Impact the Poorest Places on Earth

LIVES CHANGED

VestaviaVoice.com

November 2023 • A11

Business

Business Happenings NOW OPEN Williams Sonoma has returned to The Summit at 217 Summit Blvd., Suite F1. Williams Sonoma offers professional quality cookware, bakeware and gourmet food as well as technique and cooking classes. The store is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

205-986-0578, williams-sonoma.com

ily affair, with several members of the Tharani family working together on the venture. Peterbrooke offers a wide variety of chocolate-covered treats, from familiar items like pecans and pretzels to chocolate-dipped Oreos, potato chips and gummy candies. The shop also offers gelato from Italy, gift baskets and corporate gifts.

205-593-4686, peterbrooke.com

PERSONNEL MOVES

Vestavia Hills Nutrition has opened in the Vestavia City Center at 670 Montgomery Highway. The shop offers teas, shakes, acai bowls and more.

205-238-5608

Trever White has joined as a real estate agent at the RealtySouth Over-the-Mountain office at 2409 Acton Road, Suite 137.

205-978-9000, realtysouthotmacton.com

COMING SOON

ANNIVERSARIES

Guthrie’s Chicken plans to open a restaurant in the former Hardee’s location on Montgomery Highway. guthrieschicken.com

Taco Mama is celebrating its 12th anniversary this month. Its first location opened in November 2011 in Mountain Brook’s Crestline Village. The restaurant chain has since expanded to 10 locations in Alabama, including 700 Montgomery Highway, Suite 194A, in Vestavia Hills. tacomamaonline.com

RELOCATIONS AND RENOVATIONS Drew Carter has relocated his State Farm insurance office from Mountain Brook to a freestanding office in the former Wells Fargo bank branch at 2521 Rocky Ridge Road. The office has five employees.

205-868-1103, drewcarter.net The Alabama Biscuit Co. has opened a new restaurant in Rocky Ridge Plaza at 2518 Rocky Ridge Road.

205-286-2353, alabamabiscuit.com Peterbrooke Chocolatier, a European-style chocolate shop chain based in Jacksonville, Florida, held the grand opening ceremony for its second Alabama location on Oct. 14, in The Heights Village shopping center in Cahaba Heights, at 3112 Heights Village. The first Alabama location was in Tuscaloosa. The Vestavia Hills location, which actually opened July 31, is a fam-

managing their accounts on-the-go with multiple new and updated features. The app is part of the company’s ongoing effort to meet the evolving needs of customers through new technology and by offering more digital tools. An option for commercial customers will be added at a later date.

800-245-2244, alabamapower.com

Business News to Share?

Concepción Salon is in the process of moving from 624 Montgomery Highway in the Vestavia City Center to 1580 Montgomery Highway in the Hoover Village Shopping Center, close to Wild Birds Unlimited.

334-318-1428, salonconcepcion.com

NEWS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS Alabama Power launched a new mobile app to residential customers in October. With the new app, customers can enjoy the convenience and efficiency of

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

BUDGET BLINDS OFFERS A WIDE VARIETY OF ENERGY-SAVING WINDOW TREATMENTS

Schedule your FREE in-home consultation today!

30% OFF SELECTED SIGNATURE SERIES WINDOW TREATMENTS Excluding Plantation Shutters.

205-824-3300 | BudgetBlinds.com 2130 Columbiana Road, Vestavia AL 35216

A12 • November 2023

Vestavia Voice

Vestavia Hills Nutrition to serve ‘healthy fast food’

By GRACE THORNTON Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Mike Ledford was working for a Fortune 500 company in Mississippi. Some days, what got him through his work was a loaded tea — a “Jimmy Buffett” with tropical peach, mango and piña colada flavors.

Other days, it was a strawberry cheesecake shake.

It wasn’t long before he became a silent partner in the business where he bought those drinks.

“I was a customer at first, and then I bought into it,” Ledford said.

Then, when his employer made some changes during the pandemic and Ledford decided to step away, he knew he wanted to go full-time into the drink-making business.

First, he opened Alex City Nutrition near his place on Lake Martin, then he opened Marble City Nutrition in Sylacauga.

And now Ledford has opened Vestavia Hills Nutrition, located at 670 Montgomery Highway, selling loaded teas and shakes.

He said when most people think of tea, they think of sweet tea or herbal tea, but a loaded tea is nothing like that.

“I tell people it’s more like a healthy Sonic drink, with vitamins and either low sugar or no sugar,” he said.

The drinks include boosts for energy, focus and digestion.

“Everyone is surprised when they try one for the first time,” Ledford said. “I’ve never had a person tell me they didn’t like a loaded tea.”

Ledford said it might be hard for

coffee lovers to believe, but he’s seen many avid coffee drinkers switch to drinking loaded teas. But in case a customer is not convinced, they also have a hot and cold coffee bar with around 20 drink options and added protein.

Vestavia Hills Nutrition also has meal replacement, protein and pre- and post-workout shakes in the strawberry cheesecake flavor that Ledford loves and about 200 other flavors from Funfetti to banana pudding.

Pre-workout shakes are intended to support blood flow, fast-twitch muscle contractions, focus and performance. Post-workout drinks are meant to support muscle growth and repair.

Vestavia Hills Nutrition also sells acai fruit bowls and protein cake pops.

“I call it healthy fast food,” Ledford said. “When people think it's healthy, they probably think it’s not good. I beg them to come try us once; they’ll probably always come back.”

Vestavia Hills Nutrition isn’t a franchise, it’s a small business, he said. He tries to do everything local — even the signage for the shop was made locally.

Ledford said he has loved being in Vestavia and is glad he decided to bring his business there.

“I was riding through one day and thought, ‘I really like this town,’” he said. “It just went from there.”

For more information, call 205-238-5608 or follow Vestavia Hills Nutrition on their Facebook page or on Instagram @vestaviahillsnutrition.

One Man & a Toolbox Handyman Services

Because

Doing it Yourself isn’t for everyone.

Residential Commercial Special Projects 205-823-2111 • OneMan-Toolbox.com

Lilian Green makes a Captain America loaded tea at Vestavia Hills Nutrition.

Photo

by Erin Nelson.

VestaviaVoice.com

November 2023 • A13

Vestavia’s Clover + Bee named Gold Retailer of the Year

“

By LEAH INGRAM EAGLE Clover + Bee is one of 11 businesses honored as a 2023 Retailer of the Year by the Alabama Retail Association.

Located in Heights Village, Clover + Bee started out 17 years ago as the maternity boutique The Swanky Stork. The store later expanded to include a curated collection of clothing, accessories and gifts for clients in “a new stage of life.”

A rebrand to Clover + Bee followed, with the addition of a custom baby bedding line: Fireflies & Fairytales.

The company won the Gold award in the Annual Sales $1 to 5 million category. This year’s winners were selected from 42 entries submitted from a pool of 55 nominees.

“It is an honor to receive this recognition and a privilege to be one of the many small businesses in Alabama faithfully serving our communities,” said owner Bryson Kessler.

One of the judges commented that Clover + Bee has been “extremely adaptable and evolved with their customers. They are using a lot of tools to build their team and their customer base, and those efforts have resulted in increased sales.”

Kessler said they prioritize developing and fostering the strengths of each team member and placing them in a role that highlights and utilizes their unique skills.

“This strategy has proven to be very successful, not only with increased sales but also to ensure we provide excellent service to each customer who walks through our door,” Kessler said.

Tracy Thornton, the membership and marketing director of the Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce, wrote in her nomination of Clover + Bee, “we love to highlight them on our social media, because we know that the community wants to see their new items.”

Alabama Retail Association President Rick Brown said, “Bryson Kessler is a retailer of

I want this to be a store that truly changes lives and ministers to others.

That has always been my ‘why’ behind owning this store.

Bryson Kessler with Clover + Bee’s Gold Award for annual sales from $1 million to $5 million, awarded by the Alabama Retail Association. Photo courtesy of the Alabama Retail Association.

the year every year to her customers, her 28 employees and the Vestavia Hills community.”

Late last year, Kessler launched a podcast called “Honey For Your Heart” to share lessons she learned from her customers.

“My desire for C+B has always been so

much bigger than just a retail store,” Kessler said. “I want this to be a store that truly changes lives and ministers to others. That has always been my ‘why’ behind owning this store.”

Nancy King Dennis, director of public relations for the Alabama Retail Association, said

WHEN IT COMES TO YOUR HEALTH

For a complete and thorough evaluation make an appointment today to see one of our 15 board certified physicians, 4 highly trained, licensed PA’s, or 16 clinical audiologists – all available to serve your needs at any of our 10 locations.

Sunday November 12 1-4 PM

At our practice, your health comes first; and we strive to treat each patient as a person, not just another case. Our goal is to deliver a positive personal experience along with a positive outcome.

Family & Pet Friendly

For your convenience, we have same day appointments available, as well as early morning, evening, and Saturday appointments. Please call 1-888-ENT-5020 (1-888-368-5020) for more information, visit us on our website at www.entalabama.com, and scan the QR code below to follow us on social media.

Visit macfestbhm.com for tickets & more info 205.870.8667

Birmingham - Hoover (2) - Cullman - Gardendale - Alabaster - Jasper - Pell City - Trussville- Bessemer www.entalabama.com or call toll free 888-368-5020

two other businesses in the same shopping center with Clover + Bee were previously Gold Alabama Retailers of the Year: ► 2022, Gold $1 Million to $5 Million: Amy Jason, Cookie Fix ► 2008, Gold $1 Million to $5 Million: Katherine McRee and Susan Day, The Lili Pad/GiGi’s Other past Vestavia Hills Gold Award winners include: ► 2022, Gold $5 Million to $20 Million: Ashley McMakin, Ashley Mac’s, five Birmingham locations, including Cahaba Heights. Corporate headquarters are in Vestavia Hills. ► 2019, Gold $5 Million to $20 Million: Jamie Pursell, Leaf & Petal, Vestavia Hills, Mountain Brook and Birmingham ► 2011, Gold Sales Less than $1 Million: Linda Parker, Bruster’s Real Ice Cream, Vestavia Hills ► 2008, Gold $5 Million to $20 Million; 2010, Gold Annual Sales More than $5 Million: Mark Whitlock, Mark’s Outdoor Sports, Vestavia Hills “Vestavia Hills has some great local retailers,” Dennis said.

A complete list of this year's winners for the 2023 Alabama Retailers of the Year can be found at alabamaretail.org/news/2023-retailers-year.

6th Annual

At ENT Associates of Alabama, P.C. Experience Matters If you suffer from allergies or other ear, nose, throat or hearing problems, we don’t want you to treat your healthcare lightly or ignore symptoms that could lead to more serious issues.

”

BRYSON KESSLER

Featuring live music by

TICKETS

20 PRE-EVENT TICKETS $ 25 DAY-OF TICKETS CHILDREN $ 5 UNDER 12 $

CHILDREN UNDER 5 FREE!

SOUTHERN CHOICE

Including balloon artists, face painting, bounce house & more!

All proceeds benefit Community Grief Support’s free grief services & programs to individuals and families who face the challenge of rebuilding their lives without their loved ones.

Commemorative Mac + Cheese Festival “spork”

5

$

A14 • November 2023

Vestavia Voice

Cahaba Heights gets state’s first BODYBAR Pilates studio

By GRACE THORNTON Years ago, when Kayla Jackson and Katie Hubbard became friends, Jackson invited Hubbard to Pilates.

“She had taken it in college and fallen in love with it, and I went and fell in love with it as well,” Hubbard said.

Fast forward to 2023, and the two now have their own studio: BODYBAR Pilates at 4317 Dolly Ridge Road, Suite 117. It’s Alabama’s first BODYBAR franchise, the 21st total nationwide.

Hubbard said they were excited to bring BODYBAR to Alabama.

“What I love about Pilates is it’s a full-body workout — it works your upper body, lower body and your core,” she said. “What we love about BODYBAR especially is that there’s so much creativity to our classes and what we can offer.”

At BODYBAR, classes are typically 50 minutes and any level of expertise is welcome, she said. They contribute to muscle balance and flexibility, mental clarity, focus and strength.

Hubbard and Jackson said first-time clients can try one of their low-impact classes for free. They’re ready to help people get used to exercising with the reformer machine, which is connected to weighted springs for resistance.

BODYBAR offers three levels of membership: Cheers, which offers unlimited classes; Speakeasy, which offers eight classes a month; and Mini Bar, which offers four.

“BODYBAR is all about community, which we love,” Hubbard said. “BODYBAR is your happy hour, your hour away from the hustle and bustle of life. You get to have that time for yourself and build a community of new friends.”

The BAR community — Balanced, Athletic and Real — is meant to be an encouraging place. Jackson said Pilates is for everybody — male, female, young or old.

“It’s a great workout for everyone, from the athlete who’s wanting to play D1 football or

BODYBAR Pilates owners Kayla Jackson and Katie Hubbard prepare to cut the ribbon at their grand opening of their location in Vestavia.

Photo courtesy of Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce.

basketball, to the high school girls who come in and love it, to our members in their 80s,” she said. “We have a wide range of ages and demographics, and we hope everyone feels welcome with us.”

Hubbard agreed. “We just want to help our members discover their physical potential and help them grow themselves as an athlete,” she said. “Everybody can be an athlete when they’re working out; they don’t have to be a professional athlete.”

She said they’ve loved being in Cahaba

Beautiful Fall Sale!

Heights so far.

“We are definitely feeling the love from Cahaba Heights,” she said. “We love the area we’re in, and we’ve gotten a great outreach from the community and city council and mayor.”

BODYBAR is open seven days a week with a variety of class times from 5:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information, call 205-538-5563, visit bodybarpilates.com/studios/cahabaheights or follow them on Instagram or Facebook @bodybarcahabaheights.

BODYBAR Pilates ► WHERE: 4317 Dolly Ridge Road, Suite 117 ► HOURS: Sunday-Saturday; class times vary ► PHONE: 205-538-5563 ► WEB: bodybarpilates.com/ studios/cahabaheights

TECATE BAR & GRILL WE‘RE CELEBRATING OUR 13TH ANNIVERSARY

Let Tecate be your new town favorite

25% off (205) 518-6423 Follow us on

We bring samples to measures!

813 Green Springs Hwy

NEW MENU ITEMS

TAMALES VERDES CARNITAS QUESABIRRIAS BARBACOA

TECATE BAR & GRILL

612 Montgomery Hwy #100, Vestavia Hills (205) 823-2399

DRINKS

Special Financing Available! Lower Rates on 12, 24, 36 and 48 Months! *with approved credit, see store for details. Sale includes carpet, pad, and installation, minimum $2500.

Now through November 15, must bring this ad into store.

2.99 BEER ALL DAY SATURDAY FOOD

all Pet Perfect & Color Wall Carpet & Full Install!

AGUAS FRESCAS

JAMAICA & HORCHATA

CANTARITOS MOJITOS

WE ARE OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK LUNCH & DINNER

HAPPY HOUR 2-7 PM EVERY DAY

VestaviaVoice.com

Vestavia-raised dentist brings practice back home

By HARPER HARWELL Dr. Edgar Luna is bringing his nearly three decades of dentistry experience to his hometown of Vestavia Hills, to serve the community where he grew up.

After closing his dental practice in Hoover, Luna will now be seeing patients at Vestavia Dental, a Life Dental Group practice, alongside Dr. Monica Parham, who has been there Dr. Luna and staff. Photo courtesy of Vestavia Dental. for around six months.

Luna officially started at Vestavia Dental at the He specifically appreciates the Christian beginning of August, and so far he is happy with the transition from Hoover, where he atmosphere that he and Dr. Parham both prioritize at their practice. practiced for 26 years.

“One of the similarities, I’d say, is [at] the “It just seemed like all the doors opened up here, and I needed to jump on this in kind Hoover office I was really big on Christianity of a leap of faith,” Luna said. “Any transi- and played worship music and Dr. Parham is tion has some issues, but it’s been awesome also the same way, so that’s been a nice transition to be able to continue to do that and so far.”

He said there were various reasons for have that warmth in the office,” Luna said.

Though he specializes in cosmetic denmaking the move. He was exploring other opportunities when he came across this one. tistry, Luna wants his patients to know that “I just kind of laughed because I was actu- he has the experience and motivation to proally a pediatric patient here in this office 50 vide any type of dentistry they may need. He wants to provide services at a higher level in years ago,” he said.

Returning to the practice that he attended an environment that’s both fun and relaxing.

“I’ve done everything there is to do in as a child has been somewhat of a trip down dentistry, but what I’m really here for is memory lane for Luna.

“The first time I walked through the doors looking for that person that’s coming in a I was like, ‘Wow!’ and instantly had memo- little down or hurting, and see if we can get ries of myself as a child and my mom bring- them to open up and talk and have them leaving more uplifted when they walk out the ing me here,” he said.

Overall, Dr. Luna said he feels happy to door,” Luna said. “I want every patient to be back in the community where he grew up walk out the door feeling better than when and serving them in the best way that he can. they walked in.”

November 2023 • A15

NATALIE HAYNES ART Every piece tells a story. Your story.

Flowers from special occasions can be made into meaningful artwork that holds those memories and lasts.

Do you have special things in closets and drawers that you just can’t throw away? I create custom artwork from things that are hard to part with: letters, journals, flowers, etc.

My media isn’t limited to traditional canvas. I’ve worked with everything from pencil to bullets to flower petals.

I love making artwork that’s meaningful.

What’s your story? Let’s discuss your art journey today. haynesnf@gmail.com | facebook.com/NatalieHaynesArt

Always Best Care Receives ACHC Accreditation for the Third Consecutive Time!

At Always Best Care, we are proud to be the only homecare agency in the state of Alabama to be accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Healthcare (ACHC). We are committed to quality and passionate about client satisfaction. ACHC is a national recognized accreditation leader which embodies excellence, integrity and unparalleled service.

For more information about how we can help your senior with in-home companionship, incontinence care, transportation, medication reminders and more, contact us today.

205-874-9730 | jmancuso@abc-seniors.com

Always Best Care provides accredited homecare services for seniors!

A16 • November 2023

Vestavia Voice

THE BRAY

CONTINUED from page A1 It’s the last large undeveloped area in Vestavia Hills.

Construction officially started on The Bray earlier this year following two years of administrative hurdles, and City Manager Jeff Downes said the market response to new homes has been exceptional.

THE BRAY RESIDENTIAL

A quick drive through the area will reveal a flurry of activity as crews work to construct dozens of new single-family homes and townhomes on land directly behind The Church at Liberty Park.

“It has had very positive upmarket penetration,” Downes said.

John Bonanno, vice president of Liberty Park Daniel Communities, said the interest in new housing within The Bray is higher than anticipated, especially when factoring in the current economy’s effect on the real estate market. Harris Doyle Homes, one of The Bray’s builder partners, is constructing homes as quickly as possible to meet the demand, he said.

“We cannot build enough lots to stay ahead of them; that’s how fast houses are selling,” Bonanno said. “Despite the interest rates, the buyer at Liberty Park, so far, seems to be immune to it.”

Harris Doyle purchased 59 single-family lots and 46 townhome lots within the past year and, based on sales projections, the last of those homes will be move-in ready by May 2024, Bonanno said. Additionally, the developer is working to create an additional 114 lots that should be ready by the first quarter of 2024, he said.

“Liberty Park is still a place people want to live, so we are trying to figure out how to get more lots on the ground as fast as we can,” Bonanno said.

COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT

The Bray will include the largest commercial project in the history of Vestavia Hills: the

Construction on new homes in The Bray development of Liberty Park in Vestavia Hills on Oct. 10. Photos by Erin Nelson.

headquarters of Medical Properties Trust, a real estate investment company that specializes in health care facilities. The company was founded in 2003 by Edward Aldag Jr. and owns more than 400 properties in the United States, South America and Europe.

Currently headquartered in downtown Birmingham, Medical Properties Trust reported revenue of $1.5 billion in 2021 and will be a feather in the cap of the new development.

“Medical Properties Trust is under construction. If you went out there right now, you would see cranes,” Downes said. “It will be the single largest, by value, commercial building ever built in Vestavia Hills. They are permitted, and they are under construction.”

Bonanno said the Medical Properties Trust headquarters, being built by Hoar Construction, is expected to be completed by December 2025 and has been designed to be ecologically responsible and have minimum impact on the environment.

“The MPT site is going to be one of the most ecological, environmentally friendly,

sustainable buildings anywhere,” Bonanno said. “I’ve seen the plans. It’s going to be something to behold.”

THE TOWN CENTER

The final portion of The Bray is the Town Center. Yet to break ground, the Town Center is a mixed-use community that will include retail, restricted senior living, multifamily housing and a hotel surrounding a public park known as The Grand Lawn. Downes said this portion of The Bray is similar to a development in the suburbs of Atlanta.

“This is something that would be akin to The Avalon in Alpharetta, where you have plenty of green space and a mixture of uses, to where there is activity in this park area in this Bray Village Center 24/7,” Downes said.

The time frame for starting construction on the Town Center is open-ended, Bonanno said.

“We just finished all the site work for the remaining Town Center, so we have all the parcels out there, and we are talking with prospective users to come out there and get the vertical

activated,” he said “Do I have a timetable for that? With this economy, it’s hard to say.”

There has been some business development in The Bray already, including a Starbucks and a new dentist office. Bonanno said they are working diligently to make sure the mix of businesses, especially the restaurants and the hotel, reflects a unique vision.

Bonanno stressed that the Town Center portion of The Bray will not be a typical commercial development with chain restaurants and fast-food joints. Bonanno, who moved to the Birmingham area four years ago, pointed to Crestline in Mountain Brook and Second Avenue North in downtown Birmingham — communities with vibrant restaurant scenes — as a template for The Bray’s Town Center.

“We’re being very selective of the users because we want to curate this thing in a way that makes it special and different from other places,” Bonanno said. “I’d like to stay away from the franchisees. I want to get it to the point that when you come to The Bray, you’re going to find someplace really good to eat.”

VestaviaVoice.com

November 2023 • A17

Harris Doyle Construction works on townhomes in The Bray. The last of these 46 townhomes are expected to be move-in ready by May.

From a design standpoint, the commercial portion of the Town Center at The Bray will reflect Birmingham’s history as a steel and industrial center. Bonanno pointed to Pepper Place and Mercantile on Morris in downtown Birmingham or Warehouse Row in Chattanooga as examples.

“We’re trying to tie it back to the industrial, historical look of Birmingham,” Bonanno explained. “We’d like to try to capture the Pepper Place look, not the Lane Parke look.”

COMMUNITY RESPONSE

While the Town Center is growing and there is great anticipation for the new housing and the completion of the Medical Properties Trust property, positive feedback has not been unanimous. Some residents have voiced concerns over issues such as possible environmental impact on the natural surroundings, overcrowding of the schools in Liberty Park and general overcrowding of the community at large.

However, Brad Clement, a 25-year resident of Liberty Park and a Realtor with ARC Realty Liberty Park, said he believes the new development will be a net positive for the

community as well as the city at large. He said the new construction should help loosen up a tight real estate market while providing additional tax revenue for the school system and other city services.

“Not everybody’s excited about it, but I think it’s progress, and I’m very excited about the money it will help raise for Vestavia’s schools,” Clement said. “Not everybody’s going to be happy, but I think hopefully at the end of the day, we’re going to have a very, very nice addition to the neighborhood.

“Liberty Park is a large tax base for the city of Vestavia Hills, and without Liberty Park, the city wouldn’t be able to do a lot of services that it provides,” Clement said. “From that standpoint, I think it’s a win-win for everybody.”

Clement added that Vestavia Hills is an attractive community with many potential homebuyers unable to find a home due to low inventory, a result of a tightening of the real estate market. With 30-year fixed mortgage rates close to 8.5%, Clement said current homeowners who lack a compelling reason to sell and purchase another home are staying put.

At the time of this writing, Clement said his office had only two listings within Liberty Park. The construction of hundreds of new homes will, hopefully, loosen the local real estate market while opening the community up to new residents, he said.

“It’s a great community, and people want to move here,” Clement said, “but there’s really not enough turnover for everybody who wants to move into the neighborhood. … People have to have someplace to move if they’re going to sell, so having new construction is an option that really helps Liberty Park.”

IMPACT ON SCHOOLS

Regarding The Bray’s impact on Liberty Park’s two schools — Vestavia Hills Elementary Liberty Park and Liberty Park Middle School — Superintendent Todd Freeman said the school system is prepared strategically for growth in students within Liberty Park as well as other communities. He said the annual capital planning process is determined by three drivers: student enrollment, existing facility needs and educational programs.

“Over the course of the last year, we discussed our facility needs as part of the 1Rebel

1Future vision,” Freeman said. “Systemwide improvements such as security, accessibility and healthiness of our facilities, along with other school-specific projects, are needs defined in our capital projects plan.”

Additionally, Freeman said that The Bray includes land designated for future needs and that the system is constantly studying data in every neighborhood and will be able to address any needs long before any school within Vestavia Hill becomes overcrowded.

“We are completing an updated demographic study that will guide us in predicting student enrollment trends over the next 10 years,” he added. “The residential growth as a result of The Bray is naturally a part of that process. We are also evaluating the potential financial impact for the school system as a result of the development.

“During the course of this school year, we will use that information to prioritize our future years’ capital needs and the timing of when they can be completed,” Freeman said.

“We will continue to keep the community informed of those plans.”

Vestavia Hills Councilwoman Kimberly Cook said rumors persist that a new high school will be necessary to accommodate increased students, but that’s just not the case.

“First, it is not a city decision, but a school decision,” Cook said. “Second, the schools have plainly stated there will be no need for a second high school, and there are no plans for a second high school. This was offered before The Bray decision, and The Bray development is not expected to change this assessment.”

Cook said she recently met with some members of the school board to gather information on financial plans for a second elementary school in Liberty Park. She pointed to the board’s new fiscal year budget for 2024, which includes updates to studies on the community’s school-age population growth and potential tax revenue.

“This study will be of great benefit to the system, and I am glad they are doing it,” Cook said. “This shows wise planning by our Board of Education.”

Learn more about The Bray at libertypark. com/the-bray.

ALL NEW Animal Lantern Celebration at Your Birmingham Zoo!

NOV 17 - JAN 15 Presenting Sponsor

Drains Installed | Erosion Control

205-244-1114 for your project estimate

Purchase tickets in advance at birminghamzoo.com

A18 • November 2023

Vestavia Voice Harrison Crotwell will travel to the United Kingdom in December to train, compete and learn with other high-level athletes. Crotwell plays striker on his Vestavia Hills Soccer Club team.

Photo by Erin Nelson.

CROTWELL

CONTINUED from page A1 That camp provided Crotwell with an opportunity to compete and train in front of college coaches from all over the country and, the Crotwells soon learned, a chance to earn one of 26 spots for the international exposition team.

“When we arrived, they talked to the parents and the players and said that they are putting an international team together,” said Allison Crotwell, Harrison’s mother. “He made it to the showcase, then six weeks later we got a call with an invitation to be part of the expo team.”

The camp was an eye-opening experience for Harrison. Consistently one of the best players on any of the teams he’s played on, the Vestavia native found himself competing against elite players from all over the nation. He said the camp and the upcoming trip to the U.K. have motivated him to develop his leadership skills and to open his mind to new possibilities.

“I was kind of average compared to the other players there,” Harrison Crotwell said. “It’s pushed me to be more of a leader. It’s a big opportunity. I feel like it’s opened more doors, and I believe this opportunity will open the eyes of more people.”

On his Vestavia Hills Soccer Club team, Harrison is playing one age division up — he should be on the ’07 team — and is one of the youngest players on the team. He is also playing striker, a position he only recently began playing after spending most of his time as a defensive back in the midfield. His speed and quickness make him ideal for striker, and he is already showing an aptitude for the position even as he learns how to play the role at an elite level.

“He’s always been kind of an Energizer bunny; he never stops,” said Harrison’s father, Alan Crotwell. “This is only his second year to play striker. All of a sudden, his high school coaches were like, ‘You’re the fastest kid on the team, so we’re putting you at striker.’

“One thing we’ve been told is that he is very coachable, and so he seems like a kid who will say, ‘What does the coach need for this game?”

Allison Crotwell said. “He’s not a pleaser in a negative way, but he’ll say, ‘Where do you need me, and what do you need me to do?’”

Crotwell didn’t get many chances to show his stuff on that Sunday afternoon in October with the Steamers, but when opportunities did present themselves, it was apparent what the coaches at Exact Sports saw in the Vestavia Hills native.

For instance, during this 1-0 loss, he was constantly moving, working to get himself into open positions for his teammates and quickly assessing his options when he did find the ball at his feet. Also, despite the opponent giving up few scoring opportunities, Crotwell was able to get off a creative shot with the outside of his right foot that sailed just over the crossbar, stopping the hearts of the opposing defense for a moment.

In evaluation reports from the EXACT 11 ID Camp, Christian Young, the assistant coach and recruiting coordinator for Union University, and David Diaz, an assistant soccer coach at San Diego State University, commented on Crotwell’s knowledge of the game and work ethic and said he has loads of potential.

“Harrison brings energy to every session. His knowledge of the game and work ethic stand out.

His awareness on the field and technical skills help him create opportunities for teammates,” Young wrote. “As a 2025 grad, he still has time

Giving thanks.

Vivian Mora, Agent TWO CONVENIENT LOCATIONS 1848 Crestwood Blvd Irondale, AL 35210 205-951-0255 3253 Lorna Road Hoover, AL 35216 205-822-5023 www.vivianmoraagency.com

to develop physically and has the potential to become an elite player. He has a bright soccer career ahead of him.”

Diaz said Crotwell was a pleasure to coach at camp. “He has a competitive drive and work rate that was easy to notice right away. He has pace and a good ability to dribble the ball and take on defenders,” Diaz said. “He was tireless getting up and down the flanks to attack and defend.

He is a 2025 grad and has a bright future in the game. I look forward to seeing him develop over the next year.”

Crotwell’s local coaches — Vestavia Hills High School head coach Leo Harlan and Vestavia Hills Soccer Club head coach and former UAB goalkeeper Robert Starr — commented on his athleticism and said he has the potential to develop into an elite player as he gains more confidence and experience at striker.

“The older guys gave him a nickname [the Rabbit], which is a huge honor for a younger guy. He plays very quick, like a rabbit. He’s very fast like a rabbit. Unlike a rabbit, he gets ‘stuck in,’ which means he’s always involved in heavy collisions,” Harlan said. “As the season went on last year, he became the leader of the JV squad

that went undefeated and won the season-ending championship tournament. He was then pulled up to varsity, and we are hoping that he has an incredible junior year.”

Starr said Crotwell is a handful for sure.

“Athletically, he is relentless and has a ton of confidence in what he wants to do,” Starr said.

“I do love his confidence; I do love his want to, and so now it’s, as I say, can he play well with others?

“You never have to question his effort when he’s out there,” Starr added. “And you never have to beg him to run or do the work.”

While the details of the trip to England were still being worked out at press time, the Crotwells said they are thrilled about this opportunity for their son and believe the experience will benefit him wherever the sport leads him.

“This will benefit him in watching other competitions and seeing how they do things in a different environment,” Alan Crotwell said.

It’s a great life experience, Crotwell’s mother said. “Who knows what this pathway will look like? We feel like it’s an opportunity definitely earned,” she said. “We’re proud of him, but he’s also proud of himself.”

8000 Liberty Parkway Vestavia Hills 205.969.1969 bracesbham.com

Where will your smile take you?

I’m so very thankful for my family, my customers and my amazing community.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.®

bracesbham.com @abenojaorthodontics

State Farm Bloomington, IL 1708160.1

Dr. Christine Abenoja,

Board Certified Orthodontist

VestaviaVoice.com

November 2023 • A19

Medicare Annual Enrollment is HERE! The 2023 Medicare Annual Enrollment Period is October 15–December 7, so now is the time to compare plans. But, how do I know which option is best for me?

We know it can be really confusing to look through ALL the Medicare plan options and know which one to choose. All the commercials and 800 numbers offer to give you advice, but they’re just trying to sell you a product.

Medicare Advisors of Alabama is different.

We are independent insurance brokers, which means we are not tied to any one insurance company. Our goal is to get to know YOU and learn about your specific healthcare needs. We are Medicare experts, and we would love to help you cut through the clutter and find the plan that works best for you!

Call 205.704.9020 or visit www.medicareadvice.org You can also attend a Prepare for Medicare class on Thursdays at 6:00pm in our office: 2116 Columbiana Road, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216

Medicare Advisors of Alabama is an insurance agency based in Birmingham, AL and not a part of the federal government.

We do not offer every plan available in our area and currently represent 55 out of 56 Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans and 21 out of 27 drug plans (Part D) along with many medigap plans. Contact Medicare.gov at 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all your options.

Patios & Walls • Outdoor Kitchens • Fencing • Arbors & Pergolas • Fireplaces & Fire Pits See some of our previous work on our website

Outdoor Living Areas.net 205.402.2110

Alabama GCL #43737

BIRMINGHAM OWNED AND LOCALLY OPERATED FOR OVER 29 YEARS

Scan with your phone’s camera to go to our specials page.

OPEN MON - FRI: 10AM - 7PM SAT 9AM - 6PM SUN 1PM - 6PM

BEST SALE OF THE YEAR SAVE UP TO $1,000

Alabaster 621-7010 Gardendale 631-2322 Greystone 408-0280 Hoover 979-7274

KING FOR QUEEN

Hoover 982-8006

QUEEN FOR TWIN

Hueytown 744-4948

Mountain Brook 956-8033 Pelham 663-2337 Trussville 661-6200 Trussville 655-6906 Vestavia 978-3068

Bedzzz Express Outlet Greystone Inverness 408-1250 739-2339 Bedzzz Express Leeds Outlet Pelham 699-7000 664-0096 McCalla 426-1833

bedzzzexpress.com

PALM SPRINGS SELECT HYBRID

HOMEWOOD

Triple Choice: Firm, Medium & Plush

Save $900

Triple Choice: Firm, Medium & Plush

$999

Save $1,000

King or Queen Mattress

Our Best-Selling Mattress

THE

BEST

Medium Firm

Save $300

$399 Queen Mattress

Queen, Full or Twin Mattress

Plus Free 7 pc Bedding Bundle

BRANDS

ACADEMY STREET

$999

BEST

AT T H E LO W E S T P R I C E S

ADORE AZUL

Firm

Save $300

*Offers cannot be combined, some promotions may be limited to select sets. Not responsible for errors in ad copy.

Quantities and selections may vary by location. Mattress images are for illustration purposes only Gifts with purchase (including gift cards and rebates) are not valid with any other promotions except special financing for 6 or 12 months.** Monthly payment is based on purchase price alone excluding tax and delivery charges. Credit purchases subject to credit approval. Other transactions may affect the monthly payment. *** 0% APR for 60 months financing available with purchases of $1999 or over and does not include sales tax. ** The special terms APR of 8.99% will apply to the qualifying purchase, and 48 monthly payments equal to 2.5090% of the original special terms balance are required.*** The Nationwide Marketing Group credit card is issued by Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. Special terms apply to qualifying purchases charged with approved credit. The special terms APR will continue to apply until all qualifying purchases are paid in full. The monthly payment for this purchase will be the amount that will pay for the purchase in full in equal payments during the promotional (special terms) period. The APR for Purchases will apply to certain fees such as a late payment fee or if you use the card for other transactions. For new accounts, the APR for Purchases is 28.99%. If you are charged interest in any billing cycle, the minimum interest charge will be $1.00.

This information is accurate as of 11/1/2023 and is subject to change. For current information, call us at 1-800-431-5921.

Offer expires 12/11/2023. **** Free base offer applies to Queen set purchase of $799 and above or King set purchase $999 and above. King base applies to either one horizontal King Base or one of two TXL bases.***** Free Delivery on mattress sets $699 and up, Local area. $20 Mattress Disposal.

DAYDREAM

$499 Queen Mattress

Medium Firm

Save $300

$499 Queen Mattress

B SECTION

November 2023

Sports B4 Community B8 Schoolhouse B9 Events B12 Opinion B13 Real Estate B14

BEST SALE OF THE YEAR SAVE UP TO $1,000 bedzzzexpress.com

Vestavia Hills student reaches gold in karate championship

By HEATHER JONES SKAGGS A 17-year-old Vestavia Hills High School senior recently brought home gold at the AAU 2023 National Karate Championship in Fort Lauderdale.

Grace Kingrey won the top spot in her age group both in the lightweight division of sparring and in the grand championship division, in which all weight divisions compete.

“The national championship has been my biggest accomplishment,” Kingrey said, “but winning isn’t about the medals. To me, it proves your hard work and perseverance to keep trying. When I won, I was extremely happy that my work had paid off. I and other girls my age who compete all go to training camps, tournaments and seminars to keep improving.”

Keith MacConkey, the head instructor at the USA Martial Arts — Bluff Park Dojo where Kingrey trains, credits her success to her work ethic, perseverance, dedication and the support of her family.

“Grace is constantly seeking out opportunities to grow and be challenged,” MacConkey said.

In her gold medal match, her competitor was an athlete who had defeated Kingrey numerous times in the past. TBy persisting through multiple defeats, she was able to find success, MacConkey said.

Kingrey has been competing at the national level for several years. She has been an AAU National Karate Team member since 2021, winning gold at the 2022 Atlanta Peachtree Cup and bronze at the 2022 WUKF World Championships. Kingrey also competed for the United States at the World Championships in Romania in the fall of 2021.

“I’ve been doing martial arts since I was 5 years old,” she said. “My dad trained in taekwondo, so I grew up around martial arts. So, when I was old enough, my parents enrolled me in classes. Karate has taught me about leadership, humility and respect. I have learned how to perform in front of others and take initiative.”

In 2015, Kingrey joined the USA Martial Arts — Bluff Park Dojo and credits it with her continued growth in the sport.

“At our dojo, people treat each other like family, and I love how people come together to support one another during tests or for fundraisers,” Kingrey said. “I have always had great teachers and training partners who have continually pushed me to improve. My success comes from their instructions and support.”

The dojo family is something that is extremely important to MacConkey.

“The idea of our dojo being a family is a foundation here,” he said. “I sincerely care about my students and their well-being.

Although technique is important, what is more important is the core principle of our martial arts training, which is self-improvement. I stress to my students that when they focus on improving themselves, there is a ripple effect, and the people and things around them also improve. Our dojo has wonderful families that sincerely care about each other and invest in each other’s lives, and through this we have been able to achieve this sense of community and family.”

MacConkey said Kingrey has a bright future.

“Grace has wonderful parents who have given her a solid foundation to build from, and through applying the lessons she has learned in life and in the dojo, I believe she will be able to succeed in any endeavor she embarks upon.”

Grace Kingrey, a senior at Vestavia Hills High School, spars with a classmate at USA Martial Arts Bluff Park Dojo on Sept. 26. Kingrey recently competed in the AAU Karate National Championships in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Photo by Erin Nelson.

THE BLACK FRIDAY SALE! Join us on November 24 a t B h a m D e r m a t o l o g y. c o m

Huge deals on all cosmetic products & services!

Visit our website for a detailed list of specials and prices.

205-978-3336

|

b h a m d e r m a t o l o g y. c o m

|

2470 Rocky Ridge Road

B2 • November 2023

Vestavia Voice

WE FIX ROOFS

S T H G I HE

The Heights Village

NS Dance Stage • Live Music • Santa • Inflatables Arts & Crafts • Photo Booth • Pop Up Shops

Murphree’s, Waldo’s, Little Soles & Bendy’s

Train • Toddler Inflatable • Mechanical Bull • Ice Cream

Cajun Steamer/Ashley Mac’s Yard Games • Food • Drinks

Blue Willow/Retreat Day Spa

Inflatable • Snow Globe • Holiday Cutouts • Balloon Art • Food • Jazz Music

Leaf & Petal

S’Mores • Margaritas • Hot Chocolate

Flip Flops & What Nots Giant Slide • Snow Machine • DJ

LY LOCAL D OWNE !

NY COMPA Cardinal Roofing owner, Adam Winger, with his wife, Casey, and their three children.

15 YEARS OF RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL EXPERIENCE

ALABAMA’S HIGHEST-RATED ROOFER

FREE ROOF INSPECTIONS

205•900•ROOF CARDINALROOF.COM

VestaviaVoice.com

November 2023 • B3

Meet Jefferson County’s New Health Officer

David Hicks, DO, MPH, FAAFP Dr. David Hicks is a boardcertified family medicine physician and served as Deputy Health Officer at the Jefferson County Department of Health (JCDH), where he managed clinical operations. Additionally, he served as Incident Commander for JCDH’s COVID-19 response efforts.

Before this role, he was the Medical Director of Adult Health & Family Planning.

Before working at the health department, Dr. Hicks oversaw five clinic locations as Chief Medical Officer at Birmingham Health Care. He also has provided medical care in various settings, including urgent care clinics, correctional facilities, and an academic health system. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians, Chairman of Alabama’s STD Medical Advisory Council, and a member of Alabama’s Rural Medical Service Awards Advisory Board. Dr. Hicks stated, “I thank God for putting me in a position to continue the legacy Dr. Wilson and the other remarkable Jefferson County Health Officers set forth. Our staff remain committed to our vision of a healthier Jefferson County for all by strengthening partnerships, engaging with communities, and promoting health equity.” Dr. Hicks is a Leadership Birmingham graduate and a member of the Freshwater Land Trust Red Rock Committee, Kiwanis Club of Birmingham, and UAB School of Public Health’s Community Engagement Council, respectively. In 2021, he received the NAACP Metro Birmingham Branch’s Community Trailblazer Award.

Dr. Hicks earned a Master of Public Health degree in Behavioral and Community Health Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health and was a National Institutes of Health Fogarty MIRT Program research trainee at the National University of Science and Technology in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. He later earned his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine. He completed his Family Medicine residency at Christiana Care Health System and served as Chief Resident. “In my free time, I enjoy fishing, doing genealogy research, reading, and cheering on my favorite sports teams,” added Dr. Hicks.

B4 • November 2023

Vestavia Voice

Sports

Jordan Ross (5): Had 5 sacks, 13 tackles and 3 pass knockdowns vs. Spain Park.

UNDER THE LIGHTS

Owen Simpson (96): Kicked field goals of 36 and 19 yards vs. Spain Park.

Keown Richardson (8): Piled up 144 yards on 5 catches, one going for a TD, vs. Chelsea.

William Tonsmeire (1): Ran for 122 yards on 11 carries vs. Spain Park.

By KYLE PARMLEY The high school football regular season is winding down, with the state playoffs set to begin the second Friday of November. It appears as if Vestavia Hills will be making its second consecutive playoff appearance, the first time the Rebels have done so in consecutive years since 2013. Here are some highlights from the middle portion of the Rebels’ season.

Photos by RICHARD FORCE, DAVID LEONG, BARRY STEPHENSON

John Paul Head (13): Led Rebels to win over Hoover, rushing 32 times for 211 yards and 3 TDs.

Carson Mann (5): Scored receiving and rushing TDs vs.

Chelsea.

VestaviaVoice.com

November 2023 • B5

Statewide Residential, Commercial, and Industrial Service

Helical Piers | Pressure Grouting | Foundation Repair | Soil Stabilization | Basement Wall Repair | Slab Jacking

PHONE: 205-668-2626

EMAIL: INFO@PARROTSTRUCTURAL.COM

WEBSITE: WWW.PARROTSTRUCTURAL.COM

We bring care home We provide one-on-one care including: Assistance with activities of daily living Memory care Postoperative care Sitting services Medication management In-home IV Therapy Nurse visits and more!

Visit homeRNcare.com Call 205.644.2906

B6 • November 2023

Vestavia Voice

FROM THE ARCHIVES: OCT. 7, 2016

Rebels beat Mountain Brook in OT, Anderson becomes winningest coach in Alabama The Rebels celebrate a win over Mountain Brook High School on Oct. 7, 2016, at Thompson Reynolds Stadium. Staff photos.

Let’s take a trip down memory lane this month. Buddy Anderson is the winningest coach at any level in Alabama, and his Vestavia Hills High School team helped him set that mark with a thrilling win over Mountain Brook in 2016.

Here’s the original story from the Vestavia Voice. This month, the Rebels will look to put together a memorable playoff run.

By GARY LLOYD Patrick Nuss didn’t even have to look.

The Vestavia Hills senior offensive lineman turned and bolted for the home sideline as soon as the ball left Manraj Singh’s foot.

“We’ll remember this one forever,” Nuss said.

Indeed, the Rebels will. Singh booted an 18-yard game-winning field goal in the second overtime to lift Vestavia Hills to a 17-14 victory over rival No. 9 Mountain Brook.

Tied 7-7 at the end of regulation, neither team struggled to score in the first overtime.

Vestavia Hills scored on its second play of the first overtime, when Toliver Chatwood darted for a 4-yard score. Mountain Brook answered one play later, when quarterback Hamp Sisson found paydirt from 10 yards out.

Mountain Brook had the ball first for the second overtime, and Vestavia’s Earl Bradberry intercepted Sisson on third-and-goal from the 13-yard line. Chatwood then churned out 9 yards to the 1-yard line before Singh kicked the game-winner.

“This is almost better than Hoover last year,” Chatwood said. “The amount of hype leading up to this game and the amount of trash-talking between us two and just the rivalry between us is just better than anything you can describe.”

Chatwood said that Singh, a senior kicker, has worked hard ever since his freshman year.

“He’s come a long way,” Chatwood said.

“He’s one of our best players now.”

The game was a slugfest throughout. After a scoreless first quarter, Mountain Brook got on the board first when Harold Joiner rushed for a 2-yard touchdown just three minutes into the second quarter. Late in the quarter, though, Vestavia Hills brought pressure on a fourth-and-seven punt from the Spartans’ own 17-yard line and blocked it. Jonathan Hess scooped up the blocked punt and ran it in to tie the game.

For Vestavia Hills, Coleman Petway completed 8-of-14 passes for 106 yards. Mitchell Langley caught four passes for 68 yards. For Mountain Brook, Sisson completed 10-of-19 passes for 89 yards and an interception. He rushed 14 times for 58 yards and a score.

The story of the game was defense. Vestavia Hills totaled 207 yards, while Mountain Brook managed 224. The teams combined for nine second-half punts.

The Vestavia Hills win gives head coach Buddy Anderson his 324th career victory, one more than former University of Alabama head coach Paul “Bear” Bryant. It makes Anderson the winningest coach at any level of football in the state of Alabama.

“That doesn’t make any difference,” Anderson said. “These kids are what make the difference.”

Nuss said the feat for his coach is great.

“I mean, I’m playing football for the winningest coach in all of Alabama football, so I mean, that’s pretty fun to say right there,” he said.

“This is the best game I’ve been a part of,” Chatwood said.

Vestavia Hills head coach Buddy Anderson reacts on the sideline during a game between the Rebels and Mountain Brook High School on Oct. 7, 2016, at Thompson Reynolds Stadium.

Mr. Handyman® is taking care of Birmingham’s “To-Do” List Give us a call!

205-606-0800 MrHandyman.com

All of our technicians are full-time employees and all of our workmanship is guaranteed.

Honest. Transparent. Easy to work with and efficient.

Visit mrhandyman.com to learn more about our services like us on

We humbly aspire to earn your business. Thank you!

follow us on

Independently owned and operated franchise.© 2022 Mr. Handyman SPV LLC. All rights Reserved

VestaviaVoice.com

November 2023 • B7

Sports Editor’s Note By Kyle Parmley

Such a good time of year It’s amazing the power that music has to bring back vivid memories, isn’t it?

One day recently, I was driving into work and a song came on that took me back to my childhood days of attending a few Auburn University football games each year. Those were great times and undoubtedly played a huge role in where I’m at today, in terms of my interests and passions.

Hearing just a small portion of a song takes me back to sitting in the stands at Jordan-Hare Stadium in 2004, watching Parmley the Auburn University Marching Band take the field pregame. Getting to be a part of the energy in that stadium and recognize the pageantry involved is something that, to this day, gives me chills.

It also brings back highlights (and some lowlights) of quite a few games over the years. That 2004 undefeated team. The 2006 win over Florida. The 2013 Iron Bowl (yes, that one). A short snippet of a song took me on a long trip down memory lane.

I wish I could get back to Jordan-Hare a little more often than I do.

The on-field product has been a little lackluster over the last few years, but that is far from the only thing that turned those day trips into lasting memories.

As we enter November, there are just so many good things going on.

High school football is entering the playoffs. The college football season is getting better by the week. Basketball at all levels is about to begin.

The holidays are right around the corner.

The list goes on and on.

I can’t wait to see how it all unfolds. Will one of our local high school football teams reach the state championship, like Mountain Brook last fall? Which teams will make the College Football Playoffs? For Alabama and Auburn football fans who may be saddened by the reality if their team doesn’t make the playoffs, well, basketball season is a point of pride now.

It’s going to be a fun ride. I don’t know how we always manage to keep up with everything going on, but just remember, some of the music you listen to this season may be what you stumble upon 10 years from now.

And it will bring you back to these moments. Hopefully they will be positive memories.

Kyle Parmley is the sports editor at Starnes Media.

Varsity Sports Calendar BASKETBALL

Nov. 7: vs. Pelham. 4 p.m. Oak Mountain Lanes.

Nov. 2: Girls @ Theodore. 5 p.m.

Nov. 8: vs. Spain Park. 4 p.m. Oak Mountain Lanes.

Nov. 3: Gulf Shores Tip-Off. Gulf Shores High School.

Nov. 9: vs. Hoover. 3:30 p.m. Vestavia Bowl.

Nov. 7: Girls vs. Oneonta. 6:30 p.m.

Nov. 14: vs. Calera. 4 p.m. Oak Mountain Lanes.

Nov. 9: vs. Chelsea. Girls at 5:30 p.m., boys at 7 p.m.

Nov. 15: vs. Thompson, Helena. 3 p.m. Vestavia Bowl.

Nov. 14: @ Spain Park. Girls at 6 p.m., boys at 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 16: @ Hartselle. Girls at 6 p.m., boys at 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 20-22: Rebel Classic. Vestavia Hills High School.

Nov. 28: vs. Pleasant Grove. Girls at 5:30 p.m., boys at 7 p.m.

Nov. 28: vs. Oak Mountain. 3 p.m. Vestavia Bowl.

CROSS-COUNTRY Nov. 2: Section meet. Veterans Park.

Nov. 11: State meet. Oakville Indian Mounds Park.

BOWLING

FOOTBALL

Nov. 1: Warrior Classic. Oak Mountain Lanes.

Nov. 2: vs. Helena. 7 p.m.

Nov. 2: vs. Thompson. 4 p.m. Oak Mountain Lanes.

Nov. 10: Playoffs begin. TBD.

B8 • November 2023

Vestavia Voice

Community Have a community announcement? Email Sarah Villar at svillar@starnesmedia.com to be considered for inclusion in an upcoming issue.

Vestavia native sees theater career as vessel to help others

By GRACE THORNTON Alexis Sims says she wasn’t a theater kid.

When she was a student at Pizitz Middle School and Vestavia Hills High School, she was in the show choir, but she never acted.

She also danced, but never on the dance team.

That is, until the second semester of her junior year, when she decided to play a background role in the ensemble for a production of “Brigadoon.”

“I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, I love this,’ and I wasn’t even a big part of it,” Sims said.

The next year, she was in two more productions, both musicals, both as part of the ensemble. Then Sims made a surprising decision — she thought this might be what she wanted to do with her life.

“The only thing I knew I wanted to do when I was younger was help people — I wanted people to feel seen and held and not alone,” she said.

She always thought that would mean she’d be a doctor, teacher or another similar career.

“It wasn’t until I started doing musicals that all the pieces started coming together,” Sims said. “When I would perform at talent shows or perform at church, people would come up to me afterward and say, ‘Thank you, I felt x-y-z.’ And I realized that performing arts is medicine, too.”

She said she realized art did all the things she felt called to do — it could help and heal.

“That kind of seemed to be the way my body, my person, was able to do that best,” Sims said.

That realization has led her path, Sims said, noting that she feels like she’s been “divinely guided.” Despite never having a major role in a theater production, she auditioned at the

Alexis Sims, a graduate of Vestavia Hills High School, stars as Ella in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella” during the Geva Theatre’s 50th season in May 2023. Photo courtesy of Erich Camping.

University of Michigan, whose theater program only takes 10 female and 10 male students every year.

And she got in.

“From then on, it was kind of uphill, because everyone else in my program had extensive training and was experienced,” Sims said. “I

didn’t know what playbill.com was, or IMDB — I was really behind.”

Fast forward two decades, and she’s had a bright career on screen, on stage and in other mediums. She’s been on TV in episodes of “Blue Bloods,” “Love Life” and “Law & Order SVU.” She’s been in more than a dozen theater

productions, including some work on Broadway. And she’s currently recording in the studio for an album she hopes to release next year, in addition to getting ready to workshop a fulllength play she wrote.

Faith Lenhart, director of arts education for Vestavia Hills City Schools, said Sims was a “triple threat” with her acting, singing and dancing abilities, even in high school.

“The teachers who were lucky enough to have her in class have been so proud of her career,” Lenhart said. “We use her as an example when we speak to our students about a successful career in the performing arts. Vestavia Hills City School is very proud to call Alexis Sims alumni.”

Sims, who now lives in New York City, said many people in Vestavia have been “wonderful advocates” for her.

She said she would encourage anyone who feels like this might be the path for them to go for it.

“I think anyone who feels called to do something, feels like they’re walking in purpose — that in and of itself is the most rewarding thing,” she said. “In me showing up and being brave enough to be authentically myself to whatever text or songs, that authenticity and light shines through and touches people and builds connection. You don’t need words; they just feel it. It integrates with them.”

She said acting can reach people in a way that challenges their beliefs or changes their frame of reference.

“It can be a vehicle for change and love and connection,” Sims said.

For more information, visit alexis jeanene.com or follow her on Instagram @AlexisJeanene.

they’re still here ...somewhere

As the weather cools and we move our activities inside, so do bugs. Prevent your home from being a cozy overwintering spot with these tips:

1. Install window screens 2. Seal doors, cracks and holes with caulk 3. Clean up leaf litter 4. Store firewood outside 5. Store shoes on the porch or garage

If your pest problem gets too much to handle...

Call The Best to Fight The Pest 205-663-4200 vulcantermite.com

Business news to share?

If you have news to share with the community about your brick-and-mortar business in Vestavia Hills, let us know! Share your business news with us at starnesmedia.com/business-happenings

VestaviaVoice.com

November 2023 • B9

Schoolhouse Have a schoolhouse announcement? Email Sarah Villar at svillar@starnesmedia.com to be considered for inclusion in an upcoming issue.

More Vestavia Hills students earning college credit while in high school

By JON ANDERSON An increasing number of Vestavia Hills High School students are getting college credits while still in high school, officials say.

The number of Vestavia Hills students taking dual enrollment classes, which provide credits for both high school and college, has grown from 125 in the 2021-22 school year to 155 in 2022-23 and 226 this school year, Assistant Superintendent Aimee Rainey said. That’s a 46% increase this year compared to last year.

Additionally, the number of students taking Advanced Placement courses has grown from 1,278 in the 2018-19 school year to 1,539 this school year, Rainey said.

Seventy-four percent of Vestavia Hills High School students are seeking college credit through either dual enrollment or AP courses, Rainey said. Vestavia Hills offers 21 AP courses and four dual enrollment courses, she said.

The most popular AP courses are U.S. history, U.S. government, English, macroeconomics, world history, biology and calculus, Rainey said. English and history seem to be the most popular courses, perhaps because most colleges give credits for qualifying scores on end-ofthe-year AP exams, while some colleges are more particular about giving credit for math and science classes, school officials said.

Vestavia Hills High School students don’t just take the AP courses; 86% of those who took the courses in 2023 earned a score of 3 or higher on the end-of-the-year AP exam. A score

A Vestavia Hills High School student learns how to measure calories during a science lab activity. Photo courtesy of Vestavia Hills City Schools.

of 3 out of 5 typically is enough to qualify for college credit.

Most Vestavia Hills students take their dual enrollment courses through Jefferson State Community College, but more recently the University of Alabama and Auburn University have been working with Vestavia Hills High School students on dual enrollment, Rainey said. Jeff State likely is the most popular because the college offers some substantial scholarships so parents either don’t pay anything or pay a very

small amount, Rainey said. That’s a bargain compared to what the same class would cost at some four-year universities, and both Alabama and Auburn accept dual enrollment credits from Jeff State, she said.

Vestavia Hills High School students also are doing very well on the ACT test, a college entrance exam for which many colleges require a certain score for admission, Rainey said.

Vestavia Hills students consistently have been in the top three among high schools statewide

regarding their average ACT scores, she said.

Eighty-two of this past year’s seniors scored a 30 or higher on the ACT, and two Vestavia Hills students scored the highest possible score of 36, Rainey said. “That’s amazing,” she said.

The average composite ACT score for Vestavia Hills students was 23.43, while the district’s students averaged 24.04 in reading, 23.42 in English, 23.06 in science and 22.74 in math, she said. All of those are above the national average, she said.

The Vestavia Hills school district wants to continue focusing on offering classes related to business and science, technology, engineering and math because one-third of the district’s graduates are going into business/finance fields, and another third are going into STEM fields, Rainey said.

FOUNDATION PROBLEMS? WE HAVE THE SOLUTION.

FOUNDATION REPAIR BASEMENT WALL REPAIR FLOOR LEVELING

JOIN US TONIGHT

CRAWLSPACE ENCAPSULATION

REQUEST A FREE QUOTE TODAY

205-520-9777

BISTRO V

foundationsunlimited.com

205-823-1505 • bistro-v.com

Family-Owned and Operated Since 1996

FOOD&SPIRITS

521 Montgomery Hwy, Vestavia Hills | Tuesday-Saturday Lunch 11-2 & Dinner 4-9

BistroV_quarter_0921_VV_2021_223_13_!_949705_SP_D_J64_Vib

4.79 X 7.59 25 Aug 21

B10 • November 2023

Vestavia Voice

Chamber, businesses partner to raise money for Vestavia Hills High School programs

By LEAH INGRAM EAGLE

A group of students from Cahaba Heights Elementary pose for a photo at the Coffee and Classrooms event held at their school in September. Photo courtesy of Vestavia Hills Chamber.

Coffee and Classrooms brings together businesses, schools

By LEAH INGRAM EAGLE A joint effort with the Vestavia Hills Chamber and local businesses recently kicked off its second year.

The program began last year as a project from Leadership Vestavia Hills. It brings community partners into the schools to see where their donations can help with needs.

The chamber then highlights those businesses on their social media.

All nine of the Vestavia Hills schools will host an event during the 2023-24 school year, with one school visit per month for eight months (minus December).

The September event was held at Cahaba Heights Elementary with sponsors Satterfield’s and the Cahaba Heights Merchants Association. The October event was planned for Vestavia Hills High School on Oct. 31.

Chamber employees set up the event and sponsors provide coffee and breakfast.

During the hour-long event, chamber board

members, community partners and other businesses hear from the school’s principal and PTO about fundraising and special projects they are working on and ways that sponsors can help.

“We have students from different classes give the group a tour to see what they’ve been working on,” Hawkins said. “It’s also a networking event and takes place at 8:30 a.m., so those attending can swing by on the way into work.”

The schedule for Coffee and Classrooms for the rest of the school year: ► Nov. 28: Liberty Park (both schools) ► Jan. 30: Pizitz Middle ► Feb. 27: East Elementary ► March 19: West Elementary ► April 23: VHHS freshman campus ► May 2: Dolly Ridge Elementary For those interested in being a sponsor for an upcoming event, call the chamber office at 205-823-5011, email Tracyt@vestaviahills. org or click on “Events” at vestaviahills.org.

Vestavia Hills Shares is a new partnership between the Vestavia Chamber and local businesses to raise funds for Vestavia schools.

Vestavia Hills Shares cards are available for $30, and more than 65 Vestavia businesses in the Vestavia area are participating, with more being added. Categories for discounts include restaurants, hair and salons, sports, crafts, fitness, nutrition, medical, retail, sporting goods and more.

While some deals remain the same each month, some businesses choose to change up their monthly offers. The chamber will post on their website and social media when deals change, and there is no cost to the businesses to participate.

“The card can pay for itself within one day,” said Vestavia Hills Chamber President Michelle Hawkins. “You can use it as many times as you want at each business.”

The Vestavia Hills Shares card benefits both Vestavia The chamber started selling Hills High School programs and the Vestavia Hills cards on Sept. 1, and over 680 Chamber. Photo by Leah Ingram Eagle. had been sold in just over a month. groups may be added to the fundraiser before Fundraisers for fall include the Vestavia the deadline.

Hills athletic programs, the Vestavia Hills “The card is a fundraiser for the chamber High School band and the Student Govern- as well,” Hawkins said. “We handle the marment Association raising money for Libby’s keting, the cost of cards and management of Friends, which works to ease the financial all the businesses, so we split the cost of the burden of students living with a disability. cards with the schools.”

The band’s fundraiser will continue The cards can be purchased on the chamthrough December, to raise money for their ber website at vestaviahills.org/vestaviatrip to Rome at the end of the year. Other shares-card, under the “Shop Dine Play” tab.

Where every day is yours to live inspired.

Outstanding experiences.

Neighborly feel.

The Crossings at Riverchase offers everything you want

and more — flexible living options, thoughtful amenities and convenient services. Enjoy more of what you love while surrounded by a vibrant array of opportunities and activities, not to mention all-day dining with your choice of chef-prepared, seasonal menu items and wellness-focused programming for enrichment in mind, body and spirit. Whether you’re looking for independent living, assisted living or memory care, our community feels right for all the right reasons.

Explore the refreshing senior lifestyle waiting to be found at The Crossings.

Call 205-258-0107 or visit TheCrossingsAtRiverchase.com to schedule an appointment.

Independent Living | Assisted Living | Memory Care

2171 Parkway Lake Drive | Hoover, Alabama 35244 ALF #D5986 | SCALF #P5928

VestaviaVoice.com

November 2023 • B11

Fitting Birmingham's Children in Quality Clothing and Shoes for over 68 years

Fourteen Vestavia Hills High School students have been named semifinalists in the 69th annual National Merit Scholarship Program. On the front row, from left, are Danielle Qin, Carol Li, Jessica Ma, Anusha Singh and Shayna Jotani. On the back row, from left, are Patrick Ball, Hunter Carroll, Aarya John, Edward Pang, Daniel Cheng, Arav Singh and Hansen Sha. Not pictured are Drakeson Hu and Riley Newsome. Photo courtesy of Vestavia Hills City Schools.

14 Vestavia Hills students named National Merit semifinalists Fourteen Vestavia Hills High School students have been named semifinalists in the 69th annual National Merit Scholarship Program.

The students are Patrick Ball, Hunter Carroll, Daniel Cheng, Drakeson Hu, Aarya John, Shayna Jotani, Carol Li, Jessica Ma, Riley Newsome, Edward Pang, Danielle Qin, Hansen Sha, Anusha Singh and Arav Singh.

They are among 16,000 semifinalists nationwide who will have the opportunity to compete for $28 million in scholarships, according to a news release from the National Merit Scholarship Corp.

The students entered this year’s competition by taking the 2022 Preliminary SAT/National

Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. The nationwide pool of semifinalists represents less than 1% of high school seniors in the United States.

“Our faculty and staff at Vestavia Hills High School are so proud of these students,” Principal Tonya Rozell said in a news release. “This achievement is a testament to their extraordinary efforts throughout their years of education and also to their supportive families. This is an outstanding accomplishment that is certain to provide them with numerous unparalleled opportunities in the years to come.”

National Merit finalists are scheduled to be announced in the spring of 2024.

– Submitted by Whit McGhee

2719 19th Place S Downtown Homewood 205-879-7681 or 205-879-3433

sikesshoesandjacknjillshop | sikesshoes.com

HOLIDAY SHOPPING JUST GOT EASIER!

We preserve and protect your memories.

We are Birmingham-based media conversion experts, using the latest technology on-site for reliable and timely work.

Great Holiday Gift!

Give the gift of memories. Image Hive will digitize and enhance your old photos, slides and negatives and preserve them for generations!

We offer picture restoration, too!

Gift certificates available!

(205) 942-9460 | MyImageHive.com Buzz@MyImageHive.com Serving Birmingham since 1984

212 41st St S., Birmingham, AL 35222 Local pickup and drop off is available

B12 • November 2023

Vestavia Voice

Events

Vestavia Hills events guide

Nov. 5: Salute to Veterans. 2-4 p.m. Vestavia Hills Civic Center. Join the Vestavia Hills community for a Salute to Veterans. The keynote speaker will be Major General David P. Burford (retired). There will also be children’s activities, entertainment, food and more — all with a patriotic theme to celebrate veterans from all branches of the military. The Vestavia Hills Arts Council is hosting an artwork competition in partnership with the event. Visit vhal.org/community/city-events.

Nov. 9: Live2Lead. 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Vestavia Hills Methodist Church, 2061 Kentucky Ave. A half-day leader development experience designed to increase effectiveness, multiply buy-in and create collaboration. Attendees will learn from world-class leadership experts who will show them how to implement a new leadership action plan. The event is jointly sponsored by Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Vestavia Hills and Vestavia Hills Methodist Church. Visit vhmc.tpsdb.com/ OnlineReg/340.

Nov. 9: Veterans Day Celebration. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

New Merkel House. Celebrate Veterans Day at the house located at 2150 Hollis Crossings. Visit vhal.org/event.

Nov. 11: Deck the Heights. 2-8 p.m. 3162 Heights Village.

Get ready for crafts, shopping, music, food and more at Vestavia Hills’ annual Deck the Heights event. Join your community for this free family-friendly event. There will be six pick-up/drop-off locations, which the Heights Express trolley will travel to and from starting at 2 p.m.

Pop up shops begin at 10 a.m. In addition to shopping, there will be arts, face painting, a mechanical bull, train, inflatables, food and beverages, music, Santa and more.

The locations are Cajun Steamer Bar & Grill, Murphree’s Market & Garden Center, The Retreat Day Spa, Flip-Flops and What Nots and Leaf & Petal. More info can be found by searching “Deck the Heights ‘23” on Facebook.

Nov. 17: Magical Marketplace. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Vestavia Hills Methodist Church, 2061 Kentucky Ave. Visit vhmc. org/calendar.

Nov. 28: Tree Lighting Ceremony. 6 p.m. Vestavia Hills City Hall and Civic Center. Get ready to celebrate the holiday season with the city of Vestavia Hills. Along with Holiday in the Hills, the Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce and City of Vestavia Hills will be putting on the Tree Lighting Ceremony. After the lighting of the tree, there will be entertainment, holiday treats and pictures with Santa. Visit vhal.org/event.

Nov. 13: Vestavia Hills City Council Meeting. 6 p.m.

Vestavia Hills City Hall. A meeting agenda and information can be found at vhal.org/event.

Nov. 14: Chamber Luncheon. 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Vestavia Hills Country Club. A monthly gathering of members of the Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce, featuring lunch and a speaker. To register, visit vestaviahills.org.

“Quality Built Fences Since 1964”

Nature. Smart Living. Art + Design.

RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL INDUSTRIAL WE INSTALL OR YOU INSTALL Ornamental Vinyl PVC Repairs

Free Estimates Licensed Insured DO-IT-YOURSELF HEADQUARTERS

205.289.2854 www.AllsteelFence.com

T

he

a Ye

r

of

AL

Bi

rd

in

Art: Debo Groover

Chain Link Wood Gates & Operators

g

18th year

November 4-5, 2023 Hoover Met Complex

+

www.mossrockfestival.com

VestaviaVoice.com

November 2023 • B13

Opinion

Eternity in a personally meaningful place

Life Actually By Kari Kampakis

Raising confident kids If I had to name one thing that I don’t want my children to struggle with, I’d probably say confidence.

That is why it’s hard for me to see them doubt themselves or question their abilities.

I remember the first time I witnessed real self-doubt in my child. It descended upon my daughter unexpectedly, and I felt helpless trying to stop it.

She was in third grade and learning her multiplication facts. Every day after school, she practiced timed tests on the computer and dissolved into tears when she failed to beat the buzzer.

After a week of discouraging lows, I noticed a change in my child. My once-confident little girl seemed to shrink before my eyes as she lost faith in herself and her intelligence.

The worst part was hearing her self-assessment. It broke my heart.

“I’m so stupid.”

“I’ll never get this.”

“That’s it. I’m quitting.”

“I’m an idiot. I hate school.”

She had pegged herself wrong, of course, but nothing I said could convince her of that.

Even her history as a great student was irrelevant in her mind. This challenge in math stumped her, and it messed with her confidence in unprecedented ways.

It took time and practice, but my daughter worked through the issue. She eventually

learned her equations with speed and efficiency. With each step of progress she made, her confidence grew. And what I grew to learn myself was how little control I have in saving my child from a struggle.

This was (and still is) painful to accept. As a mom, I want to kick self-doubt to the curb.

I want to believe that lots of love, affirmation and encouragement will armor my four children with bulletproof confidence.

But the truth is, my influence has limits.

I can praise my kids all day, but how they feel about themselves and their potential is ultimately a matter that only their Creator can help them settle.

The good news is, God loves them more than I do. He sees the future and knows what they need today to be ready for tomorrow.

While I want to rescue my kids immediately from uncomfortable situations and emotions, God sees the bigger picture. He understands how letting them wrestle with adversity and self-doubt can: ► Draw my children to Him ► Build character ► Cultivate the right kind of confidence If life was always easy, and my kids easily excelled in everything, they’d probably be arrogant. They might take full credit for their gifts and success. But when they see their weak points, they recognize their need for God. They can receive His grace and let His power work through them, since God’s power

WINDOWS

DOORS

works best in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).

This truth leads to humble confidence. It helps my daughters see God as the bigger force at work and credit Him for anything they accomplish or overcome.

I want humble confidence for my children, but I wish there was a shortcut. I wish I didn’t have to watch them get knocked to their knees and pray they’ll make it back up.

It toils my heart to see them struggle, yet I find peace in God’s promises.

God has carried my daughters through obstacles in His perfect timing. The breakthroughs always come when a breakthrough is needed most. And while I don’t enjoy watching them hit roadblocks or mental blocks, I do love seeing the confidence they gain when perseverance and commitment pay off and they emerge stronger on the other side.

It’s natural for all our children to doubt themselves, but I pray they never doubt God. God is working in them and for them, and with His help they can cultivate confidence that is rooted deeply in Him, enabling them to fulfill their God-given purpose and positively impact the world.

Kari Kubiszyn Kampakis is a Mountain Brook mom of four girls, author, speaker, and blogger. Her bestselling books are available everywhere books are sold. Join Kari on the Girl Mom Podcast as well as Instagram and Facebook.

SIDING

Gulf Shores

Your loved ones ashes released where they loved to be We offer a number of personalized options.

Call us to find the right choice for you and your loved ones cremation ashes.

205.970.6886 Cremation Center of Birmingham

$950 Basic Cremation No Hidden Costs | A+ BBB Rating

CremationCenter ofBirmingham.net

ROOFING

(205) 916-2189 windowworldalabama.com

B14 • November 2023

Vestavia Voice

Real Estate

By the numbers: September 2022 vs. 2023

65 65

35243 35243

65

35243

35226 35226

35216 35216

35226

35216

65

35243

35242 35242 35242 35226

35216

Note: Real estate data is by zip code, but some parts of these zip codes are outside the city limits. Note: Data provided by the Greater Alabama Multiple Listing Service on Oct. 5, 2023

FOLLOW THE FED When the Fed Funds Rate goes up, yours does too.

% 4.40

APY1

Today’s Variable Money Market Rate

With a Variable Money Market account, your rate stays among the best in town.

When the Federal Reserve rate goes up, so does yours. In a changing rate environment, maintain easy access to your funds, don’t lock it away in a CD.

No monthly service fee with $100,000 average monthly balance

Withdrawal and transfer transactions not to exceed 6 per month

Unlimited ATM and in-person transactions²

SouthPoint Bank offers eStatements, online banking and mobile banking

Unlimited deposit transactions

Visit a branch or see the latest rate online at www.southpoint.bank.

EQUAL HOUSING

LENDER

1 APY = Annual Percentage Yield. The APY is a variable rate and subject to change at any time after the account is opened. Fees may reduce earnings on the account. Minimum balance of $100,000 required to open account. Rates as of August 1, 2023. 2 A transaction includes preauthorized withdrawals, automatic or telephone transfers, checks, drafts, debit card transactions and other similar transactions per statement cycle.

Restrictions do not apply to ATM, in-person transactions or deposits.

VestaviaVoice.com

November 2023 • B15

Recently sold homes in Vestavia Hills

► ADDRESS: 3316 Ridgely Circle ► BED/BATH: 3/2 ► SQUARE FOOTAGE: 1,989 sq. ft. ► NEIGHBORHOOD: Cahaba Heights ► SALE PRICE: $538K

► ADDRESS: 1677 Crossgate Drive ► BED/BATH: 4/2.5 ► SQUARE FOOTAGE: 2,768 sq. ft. ► NEIGHBORHOOD: Crossgate ► SALE PRICE: $530K

► ADDRESS: 3408 Feldspar Circle ► BED/BATH: 3/2.5 ► SQUARE FOOTAGE: 2,038 sq. ft. ► NEIGHBORHOOD: The Bray at Liberty Park ► SALE PRICE: $415.7K

► ADDRESS: 1825 Laurel Road ► BED/BATH: 3/2 ► SQUARE FOOTAGE: 1,950 sq. ft. ► NEIGHBORHOOD: Vestavia Hills ► SALE PRICE: $276K

► ADDRESS: 3606 Blue Lake Drive ► BED/BATH: 3/2 ► SQUARE FOOTAGE: 1,790 sq. ft. ► NEIGHBORHOOD: Vestavia Hills ► SALE PRICE: $189K

► ADDRESS: 859 Vestavia Villa Court ► BED/BATH: 3/2 ► SQUARE FOOTAGE: 1,408 sq. ft. ► NEIGHBORHOOD: Vestavia Villas ► SALE PRICE: $180K SOURCE: ALABAMA MLS

get stronger with us by your side Are you recovering from an injury or struggling with chronic pain that keeps you from doing the things you love? You aren’t in this alone! Our experienced team of therapists will work with you on an individualized care plan to get you moving better with less pain.

TherapySouth has many clinic locations throughout the Birmingham metro area so you can conveniently attend physical therapy two to three times per week to improve your daily functions. We will be with you each step of the way!

Scan this code to schedule an appointment and find a team to support you today!

Vestavia 1944 Canyon Road Suite 100 205.822.7607 www.therapysouth.com

Students from the Shelby County Career Technical Educational Center Automotive Technicians Course

The Next Generation of Problem Solvers It’s easy to take for granted that there will always be dedicated experts at the ready with all the right tools to fix our cars’ issues fast. For our Service Director Chris Deller and the team at Royal, it was our privilege to host the students from the Shelby County Career Technical Educational Center Automotive Technicians course for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at what goes on here at the corner of I-65 and Highway 31. For every chance we get to step up and serve our community schools, Royal will be there.

For every ride there’s Royal.

Royal Automotive (205) 778-3721 RoyalAutomotive.net

At the Corner of I-65 and Highway 31 | 3010 Columbiana Road, Vestavia Hills