Vestavia Voice May 2021

May 2021 | Volume 9 | Issue 1

VESTAVIAVOICE.COM

VESTAVIA HILLS’ COMMUNITY NEWS SOURCE

History of Care

TAKING THE REINS

Author Lynn Edge and Vestavia publisher trace growth of medicine in metro Birmingham in new book.

See page A18

High Potential

Rebels baseball team has a deep pitching staff, full of quality arms capable of leading the Rebels to victory on any given day.

See page B4

INSIDE Sponsors........... A4 News....................A6 Chamber............A11 Business........... A12 Events.............. A20

Real Estate..... A23 Schoolhouse.... A24 Sports.................B4 Metro Roundup........ B10

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Roger Dobnikar, the new principal at Liberty Park Middle School, stands in the front lobby of the school. Photo by Erin Nelson.

As Liberty Park Middle principal, Roger Dobnikar aims to build upon culture of success

By NEAL EMBRY

W Braeley Gottier runs through a solo routine in the dance studio at Vestavia Hills High School on April 2. Photo

by Erin Nelson.

hen Liberty Park Middle School opened in 2008, Roger Dobnikar was part of the inaugural class of teachers at the new school.

During the school’s first

semester, Dobnikar was in academic support before becoming an assistant principal.

Now, 13 years later, Dobnikar, who had served as interim principal since the spring of 2020, has been named the contract principal.

“This is something I’ve been looking forward to for a while now,” Dobnikar said. “It’s been very rewarding for me.”

Dobnikar said he knew early on that his calling was in this field.

“Education was always my goal from when I started college,” Dobnikar said.

After getting married, Dobnikar and his wife, a Birmingham native, landed in

See DOBNIKAR | page A26

Seniors reflect on COVID-19’s impact on high school careers

By NEAL EMBRY Braeley Gottier was looking forward to her senior year, with pep rallies, Toga Day and other fun activities marking the end of her Vestavia Hills High School career.

But when the COVID-19 pandemic hit last spring during Gottier’s junior year, it

meant some not-so-welcome changes to the Class of 2021’s plans.

“It’s all gone,” Gottier said.

Gottier said she, like many others, set her expectations of her senior year on what she saw previous graduating classes do, but

See SENIORS | page A27

A2 • May 2021

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May 2021 • A3

A4 • May 2021

Vestavia Voice

About Us Editor’s Note By Neal Embry Summer is almost here.

As the calendar flips to May, it means that school is almost over, and for students, freedom is almost here.

Hang in there, kids.

But this year, kids aren’t the only ones looking forward to school being over.

Since January 2014, I’ve been pursuing a degree from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, following a call to Christian ministry that I first felt while attending the University of Montevallo as an undergraduate student. To say it has been a challenging journey is an understatement. It’s like saying Nick Saban is just OK at coaching football, or that Bo Jackson was a half-decent athlete.

I’ve taken classes in two different

states, at two different extension center sites and spent many a night staying up to get work done. I’ve been extremely reliant on the grace of God and the grace of my professors.

And, barring any setbacks, it’s all

almost over. I’ll graduate this month, and while I’ve enjoyed my experience, I am so ready to be done with school.

Thank you to my family, friends and church families in both Alabama and Arkansas that have supported me along the way.

Congratulations to graduating Vestavia Hills seniors, some of whom are featured in this month’s cover story. They have dealt not only with academic challenges, but also with the COVID-19 pandemic for the past two years as they wrap up their high school careers. Best of luck in your future endeavors!

PHOTO OF THE MONTH

The Silos, a student band, plays during RISE Day 2021 on April 11 at Vestavia Hills High School. Proceeds from the event, led by the Rebels Impact through Service and Engagement (RISE) campaign, benefit the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB Hospital. Photo by Neal Embry.

Publisher: Dan Starnes Managing Editor: Nick Patterson Community Editors: Neal Embry Jon Anderson Jesse Chambers Leah Ingram Eagle Ingrid Schnader Sports Editor: Kyle Parmley Design Editor: Melanie Viering Photo Editor: Erin Nelson Page Designers: Kristin Williams Ted Perry Account Managers: Layton Dudley Ted Perry Content Marketing Manager: Erica Brock Graphic Designer: Emily VanderMey Local Sales Manager: Senior Business Development Exec.: Business Development Exec.: Client Success Specialist: Marketing Consultants:

Gregg Gannon Michelle Salem Haynes

Don Harris Anna Bain Warren Caldwell Kentevious Forehand Stacey Hatcher John Yarbrough Business Administrator: Anna Jackson

For advertising contact: ggannon@starnesmedia.com Contact Information: Vestavia Voice P.O. Box 530341 Birmingham, AL 35253 (205) 313-1780 dan@starnesmedia.com

Please submit all articles, information and photos to: nembry@starnesmedia.com P.O. Box 530341 Birmingham, AL 35253

Published by: Starnes Media 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.

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A6 • May 2021

Vestavia Voice

City Fire department acquires new ladder truck for Station No. 4 The new, $1.2 million fire truck for the city of Vestavia Hills is shown in the parking lot of City Hall. Photo courtesy of city of Vestavia Hills.

By NEAL EMBRY The Vestavia Hills Fire Department has acquired a new $1.2 million fire truck to serve the Liberty Park area out of Station No. 4, as well as new communications equipment.

The ladder truck is replacing an engine and is expected to be in service for 15 to 20 years.

It’s needed due to the large number of existing and forthcoming multi-story buildings in the area, fire Capt. Scott Ferrell said. The truck is brand new and will be in service by the middle of May after personnel spend time training with it. The truck can carry a maximum of five fire service personnel and has a rear-mounted aerial ladder with red, white and blue lighting. It is a quint, meaning it has five operations: hose, water, pump, aerial ladder and a ground ladder.

The truck also should help the city’s rating from the Insurance Services Office, which affects homeowner’s insurance rates.

Fire Chief Marvin Green recently told the council the department wanted to upgrade its communications equipment with an additional $24,000 the department is receiving. The new equipment is a mobile repeater, which improves signal strength and communications, and will be on the new truck in Liberty Park.

In other city news, City Manager Jeff Downes recently told the council the city’s online sales tax revenues have increased substantially in recent years, from about $20,000 per month in 2017 and 2018 to about $90,000 in March 2020 and about $140,000 in March 2021.

Chief Financial Officer Melvin Turner said the city’s overall sales tax revenues are $1.1 million greater than last year for the first four months of fiscal 2021 (through the end of January) and $1.5 million greater than expected for the first four months in the 2021 budget.

Property tax revenues are about $570,000

greater than last year at this point and about $700,000 greater than expected in the 2021 budget so far, the financial report shows.

Overall revenues are $1.1 million greater than last year and $2.1 million greater than expected in the budget. Expenses are about $953,000 greater than last year for the first four months of the fiscal year and about $860,000 greater than expected in the budget so far.

The Vestavia Hills City Council in recent meetings: ► Annexed five homes at 3632 Dabney

Drive, 1700 Shades Crest Road, 2829 Acton Place, 2632 Alta Vista Circle and 2600 Alta Vista Circle. ► Declared three Police Department 2015 Honda Goldwing motorcycles as surplus equipment due to a strategic decision by the department to replace motorcycles with Ford Interceptor vehicles, which Downes said are more versatile and safer vehicles. The motorcycles have 16,805 miles, 19,898 miles and 22,295 miles on them. ► Approved resolutions vacating a

portion of Pine Tree Drive and allowing the city to determine the value of the property. ► Declared a water leak at City Hall an emergency to allow for funds to be spent to fix the issue.

The City Council planned to appoint a new Vestavia Hills Board of Education member at the April 26 meeting from a field of 11 candidates, but the May issue of the Vestavia Voice already had gone to print by that time. Visit vestaviavoice.com for up-to-date information on the appointment.

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VestaviaVoice.com

May 2021 • A7

Pedestrian bridge bid comes in over budget

By NEAL EMBRY The Alabama Department of Transportation will have to decide how to handle a project to build a pedestrian bridge over U.S. 31 after the lone bid came in over budget.

Vestavia Hills City Manager Jeff Downes said after 10 contractors came to a pre-bid meeting in February, only one, Taylor Miree Construction, actually submitted a bid to ALDOT. The construction portion of the bid came in at $3.6 million, Downes said, up a little more than $1 million from the city’s anticipated cost of $2.5 million for the construction of the bridge, which would connect the Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest to Wald Park.

The stated reason for the increase in cost was the “unique design component” of the bridge, Downes said.

The bridge is a single-beam bridge span, meaning there is no designed support structure in the middle of the bridge.

“It’s unique,” Downes said.

With its unique design comes concerns of being able to find the right material to build such a bridge and concerns over an ability to get it done in a “timely manner,” Downes said.

ALDOT controls the bidding process and must approve the project. The agency also is funding 80% of the project, meaning if the $3.6 million bid were approved, the city would be responsible for roughly $750,000 of the cost, Downes said.

So ALDOT is hitting pause to consider whether to redesign the project, which has been in the works for more than a decade, or to try to revise the bid from Taylor Miree. “This just represents another challenge in moving this project ahead, but it by no means means the project is dead,” Downes said.

It’s possible the state could call for there to be a support structure in the middle of U.S. 31, which would mean the project would be rebid with an alternative design, or the state might try

A rendering shows the pedestrian bridge over U.S. 31 connecting Wald Park and the Library in the Forest. The lone bid for the project recently came in more than $1 million over the anticipated budget. Photo courtesy of city of Vestavia Hills.

to find some value engineering, ways to save money, from the existing bid, Downes said.

Blair Perry with Gresham Smith, the design firm overseeing the project, previously said the bridge’s aesthetic design will match the stone look of both the library and City Hall.

No landscaping will be performed as part of the project, but the city will add landscaping later as part of the improvements at Wald Park.

The railing will include LED lighting, and Perry said architects are working on adding city-related signage.

Police Chief Dan Rary previously said the bridge’s design will not allow for people to throw anything off or fall off the bridge.

The bridge is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Perry said, following some redesign mandated by ALDOT to make it more friendly for those with physical disabilities.

The main idea is to make it easier and safer to cross U.S. 31, improve access to the library and Wald Park and link to existing city sidewalks. The bridge would also provide walking access to the civic center and Vestavia Hills Elementary West.

Downes said he does not know when ALDOT may make a decision but said he’s a “positive person” and is optimistic the project will be completed. “We’ll get there.”

“

This just represents another challenge in moving this project ahead, but it by no means means the project is dead.

”

JEFF DOWNES

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A8 • May 2021

Vestavia Voice

The new location of the New Merkel House in Cahaba Heights opened in early April.

Photo by Neal Embry.

Children play in the splash pad at Vestavia Hills’ newly opened Aquatic Center on Sept.

12. The complex is set to open this year on Memorial Day weekend, beginning May 28, and this year’s pool season will run through Labor Day. Photo by Erin Nelson.

Aquatic Complex opens this month

By NEAL EMBRY The first full year of the new Vestavia Hills Aquatic Complex will begin later this month.

The complex is set to open on Memorial Day weekend, beginning May 28, and this year’s pool season will run through Labor Day, Vestavia Hills Communications Director Cinnamon McCulley said.

Resident passes are now on sale and are $75 for individuals through age 54 and $35 for senior adults 55 years and older. Membership passes cost $300 maximum per family, and a daily guest pass is $10. Guests must be accompanied by a member, with no more than one guest per member per day.

The complex features a competition pool and a family-style leisure pool, both of which

will be closely monitored by trained lifeguards. The family-style leisure pool features a zero-step entry, interactive water features and a swirling vortex for entertainment. The competition pool is designed for intermediate to advanced swimmers and offers a diving well, four dedicated lap lanes and an open swim area.

Also within the pool area are lounge chairs for tanning or relaxing in a shady area, restrooms/locker rooms and a concessions area with a dedicated covered dining space.

While programming for the summer was not immediate available, McCulley said an activity guide for the Parks and Recreation Department would be available later this spring. Programming may include swim lessons and aquatic fitness classes.

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New Merkel House opens in new location

By NEAL EMBRY The new home of the New Merkel House opened last month in Cahaba Heights, offering senior citizens more space for activities and gatherings, as well as more outdoor opportunities, as it is next door to Cahaba Heights Park behind Vestavia Hills Elementary Cahaba Heights.

City Manager Jeff Downes said after a slight delay on the project due to weather and supply chain issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the senior center opened about 30 days behind schedule in early April.

Downes said the new space offers opportunities for creative programming, which will be needed during the pandemic, and alleviates problems at the previous home next to the school. Because the previous structure was formerly used as a residence, it was separated into small, numerous rooms and wasn’t as functional as it needed to be.

New Merkel House Director Melanie

Perry said she doesn’t have any programming planned, with many activities shut down as a result of the pandemic. Perry said she is following guidelines set by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and hopes there will be some sense of “normalcy” soon.

The new building has one story instead of two, and the size of the meeting space is doubled. There are also offices and an additional room for programs.

Having a central place for the city’s senior citizens to congregate is important to many people in the city, Downes previously said.

“We’ve done many, many surveys, and all point to a need for more adult activities,” Downes said.

The new building will also allow visitors not only to continue to interact with students at nearby Vestavia Hills Elementary Cahaba Heights, but also to interact with those at the ballfields at Cahaba Heights Park.

“I think it creates a nice opportunity for seniors to co-mingle with the youth,” Downes said.

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May 2021 • A9

Several developments being built throughout city

By NEAL EMBRY For those looking for new homes in the city or wanting to keep up with ongoing construction, the Vestavia Voice has gathered information about all known residential construction projects of four or more homes in the city.

These are updates on where each project stands as of early April.

UNDER CONSTRUCTION/ NEAR COMPLETION

► Helen Ridge: Final homes are nearing completion; roadway is slated to be dedicated to the city soon. The site includes 50 homes in the Cahaba Heights area. ► Walnut Hill (Shades Crest Road): Construction is about 50% complete. The site includes 13 homes. ► The Overlook (Liberty Park): Nearing completion. The site includes 64 homes along Vestlake Ridge. ► Enclave (Liberty Park): Construction is well underway and nearing completion. ► Southbend: Construction is more than 50% complete. This is a 45-acre site on Wisteria Road. ► Woodruff Cottages: At 2468 and 2466 Rocky Ridge Road, developer Charles Kessler is building 20 garden homes. ► Old Rocky Ridge Road: At 2921, 2933 and 2925 Old Rocky Ridge Road, Byrom Building Co. plans to build no more than 25 homes.

NEW CONSTRUCTION

► The Arbor at Rocky Ridge: Four single-family homes on Ridgedale Drive; Kadco Homes has submitted permit applications to begin initial roadway and utility work. The

Residential construction work Under construction/near completion: ► Helen Ridge ► Walnut Hill ► The Overlook ► Enclave ► Southbend ► Woodruff Cottages ► Old Rocky Ridge Road New construction: ► The Arbor at Rocky Ridge ► Brayfield Phase 1 ► Glenridge ► Five Oaks ► Crosby/Glass Drive area project is anticipated for completion in about one year. ► Brayfield Phase 1 (Liberty Park): About 60 single-family homes and 40 townhomes; Site work is underway in this area. ► Glenridge (off Rocky Ridge Road, across from Rosemont): About six single-family homes planned; Site developer is coordinating with the city of Vestavia Hills and Jefferson County to apply for roadway and utility permits. ► Five Oaks: Eighteen single-family homes; This property was recently annexed into Vestavia Hills. Work has not yet started. ► Crosby/Glass Drive area: Five single-family homes; A potential developer is trying to complete property acquisition.

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Mayor’s Minute

By Ashley Curry This month, we celebrate three very significant events.

The first is Memorial Day, which is designated as a national day of remembrance and honor for all of our military veterans who were killed in service from the Revolutionary War through the current war in Afghanistan.

It was originally called Decoration Day, and families or friends would place flowers on the graves of the deceased veterans in remembrance for those who died in military service for the United States. Throughout the United States, it is common to visit cemeteries — particularly military ones — and decorate graves of the deceased with flowers, small flags and wreathes.

I vividly remember having family gatherings at family gravesites in Winston County and on Sand Mountain in north Alabama. I referred to these as “family reunions,” but it was clearly a day of remembering loved ones as we placed flowers on the graves. A large lunch usually followed the visit to the cemetery. These always took place in May. According to the Pew Research Center, from the Revolutionary War in 1775 to the current War on Terror in Afghanistan, military service deaths are estimated at nearly 1,000,000.

On Monday, May 31, please remember all of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice ensuring the freedoms that we enjoy today. Our freedom proves that they did not die in vain.

The second significant event is Mother’s Day, which is Sunday, May 9. In 1914, President Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation making Mother’s Day an official holiday, to

take place each year on the second Sunday of May to celebrate the personal, individual connection between a mother and her children. I remember the South Central Bell television ads featuring the legendary football coach, Paul “Bear” Bryant. In the ad, Coach Bryant stated, “Call you mother today, I sure wish I could call mine.”

His ad must have made a lasting impact. Did you know that more phone calls are made on Mother’s Day than any other day of the year? These holiday chats with Mom often cause phone traffic to spike by as much as 37 percent.

Don’t miss the opportunity to call your mother this holiday. I wish that I could call mine.

Finally, May 15 is Peace Officers Memorial Day. On this day, we pay tribute to local, state and federal law enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice or been injured in the line of duty. The observance takes place during Police Week (May 9-15).

Please join me in congratulating the Vestavia Hills Police Department for their professionalism and sense of duty in making our city one of the safest cities in Alabama.

May is also the month in which we celebrate graduation for our senior class at Vestavia Hills High School. We wish these students continued success as they begin new chapters in their lives.

A10 • May 2021

Vestavia Voice

Municipal Court works to get caught up on cases

Vestavia Hills Municipal Court Director Umang Patel demonstrates the use of the system’s new kiosk, where residents can check in to their court date. Guests are now using kiosks or a website to check in, and they can be notified when their case is being heard, Patel said.

Photo courtesy of Umang Patel.

By NEAL EMBRY When the COVID-19 pandemic began affecting Alabama last spring, it also pushed cases back for the Vestavia Hills Municipal Court, Court Director Umang Patel said.

Municipal courts were shut down for three months, pushing back cases for several months and doubling the city’s docket, Patel said.

In “normal” times, the court would handle about 150 cases per docket each day, but now, Patel said, dockets include anywhere from 500 to 600 cases, with an average of 40 to 50% appearance rate, though that’s improving as vaccinations make their way across the state and people become more comfortable heading out of the house.

Cases that come up have been pushed six to nine months out, due to the high number of cases, Patel said.

During the initial outbreak of COVID-19 last spring, Patel said the court didn’t suspend driver’s licenses or give failure to appear warrants for those who were a no-show in court because of the virus.

The court is requiring masks, distancing chairs, taking temperatures and giving out hand sanitizer, Patel said. For those who are waiting on COVID-19 test results, Patel said their case is continued so they do not have to appear in person. Guests are now using kiosks or a website to check in, and they can be notified when their case is being heard, Patel said. The system basically creates a queue.

“We kind of had to change the whole system,” Patel said. “There’s obviously no

manual for something like this. … It’s been an adjustment for sure.”

More cases are now being handled by email and phone, and more dates are being offered for defensive driving courses to help as well, Patel said.

Patel said his staff has communicated more in the past year than ever before and has worked to help create a new system that will help people. In addition, there are three courts going on simultaneously, helping sift through the backlog of cases: misdemeanor, traffic and

ordinance violations. Magistrates help determine which residents need to see the judge or if there’s another way to handle their case, Patel said.

For those coming to court, they can email court@vhal.org if they have any questions, and they can also check in through the court’s mobile app. Patel just asks that residents be patient with the online queue, as the court is doing the best it can to sift through its docket.

Patel also is working to upgrade the court’s software system, which is currently all paper

based, meaning there has to be a paper file with each case, and court employees must manually move them. New software would allow the court to be paperless.

Patel said he is working to acquire the software and wants to interview multiple software companies to see which one would best fit the court’s needs.

The plan is to use court tech funds to pay for the upgrade, which Patel estimates will cost a little more than $100,000, plus yearly maintenance fees.

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May 2021 • A11

Chamber Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham works to unify Jefferson County

By NEAL EMBRY Jefferson County has 35 municipalities, and while 22 of those cities signed a “no-poaching” agreement with each other, agreeing not to take businesses from other cities in the county, Chris Nanni says more can be done to make the county unified.

“We are the most fragmented community in the Southeast,” said Nanni, CEO of the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham, during an April 13 speech to the Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce.

More unified regions perform better across the board, Nanni said. The region needs to have someone speaking for them and needs to lift up the county as a whole, not just select cities, he added.

The Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham, which has assets of about $265 million and manages donors’ philanthropy efforts, provides grants to organizations across the county, Nanni said. He shared about three projects on which the foundation is working.

The first is Birmingham On-Demand, a transit service that is similar to Uber and Lyft but one that uses six-passenger vans to go to different zones within the city. The move comes as leaders work to find a way to provide public transit services for residents, whether to work, school or other needs, Nanni said. Alabama is one of four states in the United States that does not provide state funding for public transit, he said.

After the foundation began funding the service in December 2019, Nanni said they were averaging 1,000 rides per week within a month.

The most popular destination is the downtown Publix, and the second most popular is another area supermarket.

“It’s really meeting a need,” he said.

Nanni said the foundation is considering

Christopher Nanni, CEO of the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham, speaks to the Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce on April 13.

Photo by Neal Embry.

expanding the service to other areas, including Vestavia Hills and Hoover, and has held conversations with the Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority and Vestavia Mayor Ashley Curry.

Second, the foundation is studying a way to improve the county’s jail situation. Among the 35 municipalities, there are 22 police departments with 18 municipal jails and two county jails. Those jails are often under capacity, not able to be maintained, and present liabilities to the municipality or the county which oversees them, Nanni said. Along with that, there are 15 911 systems, and they do not speak to one another, Nanni said.

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The foundation funded a study to examine what other regions across the country do, which may include consolidating the jail system. The cities, as it stands right now, cannot maintain the jail system, Nanni said.

The results of the study were released in January, Nanni said. One of the options to resolve the issue include smaller cities using other cities’ jails, and paying a per diem charge for each inmate, but the long-term solution is to build a county jail to service the entire county, but that is not likely to happen until 2024 due to the price of such a project, Nanni said.

The foundation is also working to help

minority businesses, specifically Black-owned businesses, Nanni said. The foundation recently awarded the largest grant in its history, valued at $1.5 million, to minority businesses in the greater Birmingham area.

The foundation is looking to fund Black businesses and has reserved $500,000 for technical assistance for those businesses. They are helping them by awarding grants to lending partners, who then provide the money as a loan to the businesses, who pay the lending partner back, Nanni said.

Any nonprofit can apply for a grant with the foundation, Nanni said.

For more information, visit cfbham.org.

A12 • May 2021

Vestavia Voice

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VestaviaVoice.com

Now Open The new Dunkin’ opened at 2415 Acton Road on April 13, offering coffee, doughnuts and other treats. dunkindonuts.com

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Parker Smith, a Vestavia Hills native, recently opened a State Farm Insurance office at 2017 Canyon Road, Suite 46, in Vestavia Village, part of the renewed business investment in the area. Smith's team can assist with auto, home and life insurance.

205-383-3403, parkersmithinsurance.com

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Voyage Family Chiropractic, 521 Montgomery Highway, Suite 121, recently opened, and its mission is to help the Vestavia Hills and greater Birmingham communities achieve their true health potential through gentle and specific realignment of the spine. Dr. Knickrehm and his wife made the decision to move back to Birmingham to open a practice of their own to be closer to their family for the birth of their first born and to serve the community that they love so much.

205-734-0911, voyagefamilychiro.com

3

Local businessman Brandon Stewart has launched Starboard Investments, a Birmingham-based Jimmy John’s franchise that owns and operates 12 locations within central Alabama, as well as the nonprofit Pay It Forward Alabama. In conjunction with the debut, Stewart is pleased to announce the hiring of Richie Fordham for Starboard Investments’ director of finance. Fordham, a native of Birmingham, attended Samford University, where he earned an undergraduate and master’s degree in accounting. Prior to joining Starboard Investments, Fordham worked for Alabama’s largest CPA firm, Warren Averett, before

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May 2021 • A13 transitioning over to a corporate finance role for Focus Brands. He brings with him a tenure of experience in public accounting, strategic budgeting and analysis, and licensing. starboardinvestments.com

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Michael Mullis, managing partner and wealth manager for Kelley & Mullis Wealth Management, 2008 Stonegate Trail, Suite 112, was recently recognized as one of Barron’s 2021 “America’s Top 1,200 Financial Advisors” and ranked among the top 10 financial advisors in Alabama. This is the seventh consecutive year in which Mullis was named as a top 10 advisor of Alabama.

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A14 • May 2021

Vestavia Voice

Carpool made simple

By INGRID SCHNADER Vestavia Hills residents John and Sarah Wright have three children. G.W. is in seventh grade at Pizitz Middle School and plays tennis. Lucy Kate does tumbling and acrobatics, and she’s in third grade at Vestavia Hills Elementary Dolly Ridge. Sadie is in kindergarten, also at Dolly Ridge, and participates in acrobatics.

So when only two parents are available to drive three children to two school buildings and four different extracurricular activities, the math doesn’t add up.

One day late in 2018, John and Sarah were sitting in their kitchen drinking coffee talking about their day when John found a solution.

“I don’t know why I had the idea — I wasn’t thinking about it — but I told Sarah my idea for CoolBus. I said, ‘What if we start a business that helps parents find rides for their kids?’”

John said. “Sarah said, ‘John, I think that’s what you need to do next.’”

CoolBus is an app that allows parents to connect to other parents for carpooling.

Here’s how it works: You open the app, and after syncing your contacts to the app, you click “Find a ride.” You enter the to and from addresses of where you need a ride. You select how many of your children will need the ride.

Then, you enter the date and time of the ride so you can plan in advance and give parents time to offer a ride. You can also offer gas money to who gives a ride.

Once you submit your ride, you’ll be able to see other people within your contacts and extended circle who are also going to the same place at the same time.

You can also see how you’re connected to that person — you might not have that person in your contacts, but it could be your trusted friend’s contact (you can choose trusted friends in the app). You can request a ride from that person, and the other person can request or deny it (and the other person doesn’t know if

Above: The Wright family — from left, Georgia, G.W., 13, Sarah, John, Sadie, 6, and Lucy Kate, 9 — pose inside their home.

Left: Sarah Wright opens up the CoolBus app on her phone as she creates a new ride for one of her three children for an after school activity. Photos

by Erin Nelson.

you deny a request).

Once the ride is approved, the two parents can use the chat function and discuss details

of the ride.

If none of your contacts are available for the ride, you can also post the ride to a job board,

Vestavia residents create CoolBus app to coordinate kids’ transport where people from outside of your contact list can volunteer to drive for your children. This part is optional — if you want to keep your ride only visible to your contacts, then you can omit this part.

“It’s a great way for moms or people looking for supplemental income,” Sarah said. “They’re like, hey, I’m already out driving anyway, I’m going to make a little money.”

In the spring of 2019, the CoolBus team held focus groups of parents, and in one of them, the first question asked was “What do you do?” John said the first mom who responded said, “What don’t I do? I’m basically a glorified Uber driver. I just drive my kids around all day.”

Hearing that response felt reassuring, Sarah said.

“If someone can use this to help them be balanced and also financially help other people out in the process, I consider that a great victory for us,” she said. “We had a need. We wanted to create something that would help parents and give them opportunity. I used to feel like, if I could just have one evening where someone could help get my older two kids where they needed to go, I could get the other one bathed and supper made.”

CoolBus isn’t a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft, though, and parents can make sure only trusted contacts or mutual friends drive their children. Also unlike a rideshare service, CoolBus does best when rides are planned in advance.

There’s a subscription fee of $9.99 a month for the service, and offering gas money to drivers is an optional additional cost. For those who use the Vestavia Hills PTO code for CoolBus’ Dollars for Downloads program, one dollar from each month of subscription will go to the Vestavia Hills PTO. Visit coolbus.com for more information. You can also download the app using your mobile phone’s app store.

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May 2021 • A15

A PUBLIC NOTICE FROM ALABAMA POWER E

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TREE CREWS WORKING IN VESTAVIA HILLS THROUGH SPRING 2021 Alabama Power crews are working in several Vestavia Hills neighborhoods, removing trees and other vegetation that threaten the safety and reliability of our electrical system.

As part of this process, Alabama Power goes to great lengths to talk with individual property owners.

Company representatives are going door to door, leaving notices at locations where work is needed.

If you have any questions before crews come by your home, please call Alabama Power at 205-257-2155 and ask for someone in the Vegetation Management Group to contact you. Or you can email us at apcvm@southernco.com. Work in Vestavia and nearby areas is expected to continue through early 2021.

As we work in communities to meet the needs of our customers, please maintain a safe social distance of six feet from our crews and field representatives to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

Also, you can visit alpwr.co/vm for more information about these safety and reliability measures and for recommendations about planting the right tree in the right place.

Thank you for your understanding.

Vegetation Management Group 205-257-2155 | apcvm@southernco.com

© 2021 Alabama Power Company.

17 K L

A16 • May 2021

Vestavia Voice

Pediatric speech clinic opens in Vestavia Village

By NEAL EMBRY Connect Pediatric Speech-Language Services recently opened in Vestavia Village, offering parents a way to find early intervention for their children and treatment for a number of developmental issues.

Owner and speech-language pathologist Courtney Hamilton said they see patients from birth to age 18, offering evaluations and treating developmental issues including talking, swallowing and not eating, among others.

Hamilton worked for a school system for a while, which she said was a great way to get introduced to the world of pediatric speech-language work.

Vestavia Hills is a somewhat underserved area when it comes to pediatric speech language treatments, Hamilton said, and she’s hoping to alleviate some of that. The business is located in Vestavia Village, the shopping center along U.S. 31 that includes Walgreens across from Publix. Hamilton said they’ve been getting new referrals daily since opening Feb. 22.

“I felt like we would be a good fit,” Hamilton said.

Hamilton, a Vestavia resident, has a background in public relations and spent time working in that field before realizing it wasn’t for her. After seeing a relative struggle with dyslexia, she said she felt the Lord leading her to get involved in speech-language pathology, helping people overcome language and other related issues.

The business includes six individual therapy rooms, with room to expand. One specialist focuses on feeding therapy, while another works with children, particularly in early intervention for those who aren’t speaking as they should. Hamilton herself also continues to work with patients.

“We kind of do it all in terms of kids and communication,” Hamilton said.

Parents should make a visit if their child is showing signs of struggling to communicate, not imitating sounds, babbling and not growing

The lobby at Connect Pediatric Speech and Language Services. Photo courtesy of Courtney Hamilton.

in their language skills, or if they are falling behind in school.

For children with special needs, Hamilton said they often start treatment, as issues are so common. Early intervention is vital to helping kids with language problems, she said.

Parents should expect a newborn to imitate sounds, babble and learn consonants, Hamilton said. By the age of 1, they should be following some directions and answering questions, and as they continue to get older, they ought to be identifying colors and growing in their

academic skills, she said.

“Communication is one of, if not the most important tools a person has,” Hamilton said.

Often, students who are falling behind in school might be dealing with language impairment, Hamilton said.

Hamilton said she wants to help children have the tools they need to communicate with everyone in their environment, and if something is caught earlier, there is a better chance of correcting it.

COVID-19 presents some challenges, she

said, as pathologists and patients need to see each other’s faces, so the therapist can understand how to help. Children don’t have to wear a facemask, and the specialists wear clear shields. Parents are required to wear masks, she said.

The clinic also offers telehealth for those whose treatment can be done over the internet. In addition, Connect also takes insurance, Hamilton said.

For more information, visit connectgroup al.com.

VestaviaVoice.com

May 2021 • A17 Left: Beau Armistead, LPC, leader of Sojourn Counseling in Vestavia Hills. Far left: An office at Sojourn Counseling.

Photos courtesy of Beau Armistead.

Demand for counseling rises in response to challenges

By NEAL EMBRY 2020 brought many challenges, said Beau Armistead, leader of Sojourn Counseling in Vestavia Hills.

There was the challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic, the ongoing tensions over race relations, highlighted by the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis which sparked protests across the country, and the polarizing debates over the 2020 presidential election.

“They are real stressors on families, neighbors, friends and churches,” Armistead said.

“A good many of my clients come in week to week processing how to handle disagreements.”

Armistead said he’s seen an increase in demand for counseling during the pandemic, from people wondering what the world is going to be like, to those struggling to maintain relationships with people who differ on issues of how to handle COVID-19, race relations, politics or some other hot-button issue.

“I think everyone’s feeling it,” Armistead said.

Some people, he said, have struggled with how to handle these polarized times to the point where they have canceled plans with family because it’s “not worth it.”

At Sojourn, Armistead, who specializes in addressing trauma and PTSD, doesn’t address the specific issues, trying to convince his clients of the “right” viewpoint, but rather, how a client can handle themselves, and disagreements with others, he said.

The number of people asking for help with those issues and others was so large, Armistead now has a waiting list that is six to seven months long.

In addition to struggling with how to deal with other people, Armistead said he also sees clients wondering whether things will “get back to normal” anytime soon. But most people are just struggling with how to handle relationships that have suffered as a result of everything

going on, he said.

“Everyone is unique,” Armistead said. “We encourage meaningful relationships, [and to] restore trust with one another. Don’t throw out all the good over … disagreement.”

Other stressors include the economy, the loss of jobs as a result of the pandemic, and working from home forcing some to spend more time with their significant other than they were before, Armistead said.

Armistead often tells his clients to eat, sleep and exercise, and to take part in what he calls “life-giving activities.”

“I believe that we’re mind, body and soul,” Armistead said. “Care for yourself in each of these ways.”

Armistead also encourages people to limit their time on social media, as it can be a “great stressor,” because there’s constant exposure to everything going on, along with the stress of comparing one’s life to someone else’s life or seeing a post that is upsetting.

He said that people definitely shouldn’t go to bed with a screen, as it does not lead to a good night’s sleep.

“I think a lot of people accidentally formed new habits during the pandemic,” Armistead said.

While the number of people seeking therapy has increased, Armistead said he also hopes to see the continual decline of the stigma attached to needing help with mental health.

“It’s not a bad thing; it’s a good thing,” Armistead said. “I think more and more people are seeing there’s a need.”

Armistead said one of the new treatments Sojourn is offering is neurofeedback, which helps restore brain waves to their optimal performance. It’s especially helpful for those suffering from concussions, anxiety and insomnia.

While Sojourn’s staff is booked up for counseling services, Armistead said neurofeedback is available. For more information, visit sojourn counseling.org.

A18 • May 2021

Vestavia Voice

A HISTORY OF CARE Local author traces growth of medicine in metro Birmingham

Former Vestavia Hills Mayor Scotty McCallum, who also served as president of UAB, played an integral role in the Birmingham area’s medical history.

McCallum’s story is one of many in the new book, “From Steel Mills to Stethoscopes: A History of the Birmingham Medical Profession,” by local author Lynn Edge.

Photo courtesy of Chip McCallum.

By NICK PATTERSON A new book from a Vestavia Hills publisher pays tribute to pioneering figures in medicine, including the late Dr. Charles “Scotty” McCallum Jr., the city’s former mayor.

When McCallum retired from his post as president of UAB, Yetta Samford, who was chairman of the board of the University of Alabama System, noted that he had “made a permanent impact on the life of this university and this state … He has been an integral part of the team that guided UAB from infancy to its current status as one of the nation’s up-and-coming universities.”

McCallum’s story is one of many in the new book, “From Steel Mills to Stethoscopes: A History of the Birmingham Medical Profession,” by local author Lynn Edge. The book highlights the contributions of doctors, nurses and the institutions that have turned the metro Birmingham area into a medical center recognized across the world.

Released in January by Legacy Publishing, the book recounts substantial junctures in the metro area’s medical history, all the way from Davy Crockett’s stop in Jones Valley, feverish with malaria, to UAB’s development of remdesivir, a drug used to treat the coronavirus.

Along with other collaborating writers, Edge, a long-time Birmingham journalist and author, shines a light on dozens of stories about medical pioneers in the area, some

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May 2021 • A19 The story of the medical profession in Jefferson County is unending. There are new discoveries every day. I finally just had to say, “Okay. The book ends here. Anything else will have to be covered in a sequel.”

Above left: The cover of “From Steel Mills to Stethoscopes: A History of the Birmingham Medical Profession.” Right: Author Lynn Edge. Photos courtesy of Lynn Edge.

well known, but others significant but more obscure.

“One of the ones I love from Birmingham is Dr. Annie Mae Robinson, one of the city’s early female doctors and an outspoken suffragist,” Edge said. “She wasn’t about to let men have rights that women didn’t, and she was one of the early physicians who told us that smoking wasn’t good for us — men or women!”

In a question-answer session with Vestavia Voice, she talks a bit about what she learned.

Q: What led you to write a book about Birmingham’s medical history?

A: Legacy Publishing approached me about the book, and it sounded like something I would like to take on.

Q: How did you gather your information? How long did it take you to pull it all together?

A: I read lots and lots and lots of books about the history of Jefferson County, for starters. I wanted to write the book from a perspective of what was happening in the county and how that affected what was going on in medicine.

The Jefferson County Medical Society had kept very good records of what happened in their meetings. That was a wonderful resource.

Of course, I interviewed doctors here in town.

Naturally, they had a wealth of knowledge about how medicine became such an important “industry” in Alabama. I also read many, many, many newspaper articles from archives all over the state (and some out of the state as well). I worked on the book for more than a year.

Q: You covered a long period of history.

Why was it important to go so far back and end at this moment in history?

A: To tell the story of how the county became one of the world’s leading medical resources, you have to talk about when it wasn’t — when steel mills were what fueled the economy of the county. And to talk about that, you have to discuss what made the county “steel rich.” The natural resources that are right under our feet (literally) started the whole thing. With the steel industry came medical needs and with medical needs came the growth of the medical industry here.

Ending the book was such a fluid thing.

When I started writing, “pandemic” was no more than a word. By the time I finished, we were in the middle of one. Because of the pervasive medical presence here, Birmingham naturally became a part of the research trying to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and save lives.

Q: Did you face any particular challenges in getting it done?

A: One of the biggest, of course, was just the abundance of information available. I found myself starting out to write about one subject and then having to research a number of other subjects because they were so closely related to my original “goal.” It was a lot like starting down a road from Point A to Point B and finding that there were tiny trails branching off from my main road, and all of them had to be explored.

For example, I was writing one story about an early female doctor — Dr. Laura Burton — in Birmingham, which you would think would be a fairly straightforward story, except for the fact that her ex-husband, also a Birmingham doctor, murdered her. Then you’ve got to explore why this happened and what happened to the female doctor who shared a practice with Dr. Burton.

When I was writing about Lou Wooster, I started out exploring how the local madam became a hero during the cholera epidemic in Birmingham and ended up trying to find out if there was any truth to the rumor that she had an affair with John Wilkes Booth.

Q: I understand you also got to write about at least one of your relatives. Tell us about that.

A: Frank Dulaney R.N. (The headline writer [page 83 in the book] made him a doctor.

Sorry about that.) I heard stories about him when I was growing up. His mother and my great-grandmother were sisters.

Frank set out on a path when he was young, and he didn’t change his goals. He always wanted to be a nurse and he became the first male to graduate from an accredited nursing school in Alabama. He became Babe Ruth’s personal nurse toward the end of the Babe’s life. His portrait hung in the hall at Carraway Hospital. When a family member had to be at Carraway, that person usually took the time to stop by the portrait and pay respects to

Lavaughn, as the family called him. One of our family’s claims to fame!

Q: What was the most profound thing you took away from working on this book?

A: Perhaps that life is not as simple as one would imagine. So much is intertwined. If all the main “ingredients” for making steel weren’t right here in the county, there wouldn’t have been steel mills and there probably wouldn’t have been the growth of the medical profession here.

The other thing, I guess, is “the more things change, the more they stay the same.” Birmingham had a yellow fever outbreak early in its history. There was the cholera epidemic in the 1800s. People didn’t know how to deal with these events. Sometimes they were told not to worry, the problem would just go away. There were some pretty offbeat suggestions about what to do about these diseases (“abstain from Ardent Spirits”). Sound familiar?

The same themes you find in Chapters 1 and 2, you find in the epilogue. Our challenge is to learn from each one of these events and grow from the knowledge we gain.

Q: How does this book connect with the others you’ve written?

A: Funny. It doesn’t really. Several of my other books are travel guides and I have written a biography of Elvis Presley. I just like digging into things and learning as I write.

Q: What’s next for you?

A: I’m working on a biography of Dr. Carl Marbury, a past president of Alabama A&M. Together, Dr. Marbury and I are working on a book about the “mulatto story.” I’ve almost finished a novella I’m writing (It started out being a little story about a girl who wanted to be a spy since she was a child and finally got to be one. It took a dark turn and ended up being a cautionary tale about being careful what you wish for.). And I’ve been approached about taking on some other projects for Legacy.

Signed copies of “From Steel Mills to Stethoscopes: A History of the Birmingham Medical Profession” are currently available at the Alabama Booksmith in Homewood.

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A20 • May 2021

Vestavia Voice

Events Farmers markets open for the summer A yard sign promoting the Vestavia Hills Farmers Market is seen in 2019.

This year’s market, which benefits the Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church food pantry, opens May 12 and will run through Aug. 25. Staff photo.

By NEAL EMBRY As the weather gets warmer and summer approaches, area farmers markets are opening.

Vestavia Hills is home to many such markets, which offer seasonal fruits and vegetables, along with other items.

MURPHREE’S MARKET AND GARDEN CENTER

► 4212 Dolly Ridge Road ► 205-967-8590 Murphree’s is open for the season and is carrying a large selection of fruits, vegetables and other items. Gene Murphree with the market said the store is carrying most of its normal items, including okra, squash, corn, beans and Alabama strawberries. Watermelon was not available. Murphree said he was pleased so far with the quality of this year’s items.

The store is requiring customers to sanitize before entering, and while masks are not required, they are encouraged. The open-air market will be open through December and is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

VESTAVIA HILLS FARMERS MARKET

► Scout Square: U.S. 31 next to the post office Jarry Taylor with the Vestavia Hills Farmers Market said this year’s market will open May 12 and will run each Wednesday through Aug. 25 at Scout Square next to the Vestavia Hills City Center from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The market’s proceeds benefit the food pantry at Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church. The church will purchase food from

the vendors from the proceeds of the market to benefit those in the area in need of food.

Taylor said there will be a record number of vendors at the market this year — around 25.

Items will include seafood, Greek food, kettle corn, tie-dye items, jewelry and all-natural dog treats. One vendor plans to sell both compost and worms for composting at this year’s market, and other vendors will sell microgreens, candles and more, Taylor said.

Interest in the market has grown in the last few years and has been beneficial to the

church’s food pantry, Taylor said.

ANDY’S FARM MARKET

► 2480 Rocky Ridge Road ► 205-824-0300 Andy’s Farm Market usually includes fresh tomatoes, Chilton County peaches, grapes, Silver Queen corn and other items, according to its website.

Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Last year, Mandy Tamber with the market said the store was succeeding expectations

despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It is crazy busy,” Tamber said at the time.

Last year, the market also featured cantaloupes, honeydew melons, potatoes, watermelons, tomatoes and more. Other items such as corn, rolls, cakes, casseroles and grits are also sold.

If we missed your farmer’s market or event, please let us know by calling 205-313-1780 or emailing Editor Neal Embry at nembry@ starnesmedia.com.

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VestaviaVoice.com

May 2021 • A21

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PERFORMANCE Guests at the Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest examine a snake during a previous event at the library. Photo courtesy of Eden Pfaff.

Summer reading kickoff set for later this month

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By NEAL EMBRY As summer reading gets started, guests at the Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest can enjoy a kickoff event May 22 at the library.

Guests can call 205-978-0158 to register for a time slot to watch an animal show in the amphitheater and can also use that time to sign up for summer reading, get materials for games and take home a yummy surprise. Masks must be worn, and everyone must register for a time.

Also in the children’s department, there will be a “Page Turner Animal Adventure” on May 31 at 10 a.m. on YouTube. The event features the live-action musical “Myrtle Over the Moon,” a story about a cow that seeks love and fame on “MooTube” by trying to jump over the moon.

In the teen department, there will be an online chess club meeting May 6 at 4 p.m. via Zoom, and there will also be various online gaming opportunities, including a “Virtual Game Night” on May 19. The event will be

Summer reading kickoff • WHERE: Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest • WHEN: May 22 • CALL: 205-978-0158 • WEB: vestavialibrary.org

at 4 p.m. via Zoom, and librarians in the teen department will lead guests in a variety of virtual games.

For adults, there will be an online Star Wars trivia challenge on National Star Wars Day, May 4, at noon on Facebook. On May 25, the library will hold Memorial Day “virtual tours” at noon, allowing guests to utilize Google Earth’s “Street View” to view the many memorials in Washington, D.C. For more events, visit vestavialibrary.org.

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Vestavia Voice

Evie Martin, 9, blows mermaid kisses underwater as she swims with her green mermaid tail during the ScubaVentures mermaid camp in July at Blue Water Park in Pelham.

The seven participants learned the art of mermaiding, with custom mermaid tails.

Photo by Erin Nelson.

Brooke Westhoven, Anthony Evans, Courtney Westhoven and Diane Westhoven at the 2017 Poinsettia Ball. This year’s ball will be May 7. Staff photo.

53rd annual Poinsettia Mermaid camp returns this summer Ball slated for May 7

By NEAL EMBRY

If your child has ever wanted to be a mermaid, they can experience that dream this summer.

Vestavia Hills business Scuba Ventures is again offering its camp this July, expanding to three sessions. Registration ends one month before the session begins or when it is full.

Classes will be at Blue Water Park in Pelham from 9-11 a.m., Monday through Friday.

Camp dates are as follows: ► Session 1: July 12-16 ► Session 2: July 19-23 ► Session 3: July 26-30 The cost is $375 per camper, per session and includes mermaid swim instruction, craft supplies and games, a daily snack and a swimmable mermaid tail to keep at the end of the week.

Camp is open to all kids ages 7-11 who swim reasonably well and can pass a basic swim test, and “mermen are always welcome,” said Bethany Grisaffi with Scuba Ventures.

Participants will learn how to safely swim

Mermaid camp • WHERE: Blue Water Park, Pelham • WHEN: 9-11 a.m., July 12-16, July 19-23, July 26-30 • COST: $375 per camper, per session • WEB: scubaventuresinc.com

in a mermaid tail and do different mermaid-themed crafts. Instructors will teach swimmers to swim in the mermaid tail and how to kick out of it to avoid any dangers.

The camp provides people a “great way to live out a silly fantasy,” Grisaffi previously said.

There is a max of six campers per session, and campers will choose their tail color during the registration process.

Later this year, Grisaffi said the company will offer mermaid swim classes for teens and adults, with more details to come.

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By NEAL EMBRY The 53rd annual Poinsettia Ball will be this month at Vestavia Country Club, honoring 26 young women and raising funds for Alabama Ballet.

This year’s event is slated for May 7, and 26 young women will be presented by their families. After the presentation, debutantes will continue the evening with the traditional father-daughter waltz followed by music and a reception. The event is hosted by the Poinsettia Men’s Club and Ballet Women’s Committee, and all proceeds from the event will support Alabama Ballet.

The Ballet Women’s Committee was founded in 1960 to foster and promote fine arts in the greater Birmingham area.

Eighteen junior debutantes will be introduced to the ballroom prior to the entrance of this year’s debutantes, and they will be introduced on their father’s arm and then seated.

The Men’s Club president is Mike

Poinsettia Ball • WHERE: Vestavia Country Club • WHEN: May 7 • DETAILS: 26 debutantes and 18 junior debutantes to be presented

Gregory. The Ballet Women’s Committee president is Ashley Stockard. Liz Guest is the Ball Board president. Jayna Southerland is the ball chairwoman. Cindy Tyus is the debutante social chairwoman who coordinates all of the debutante’s activities. The benefactors benefit chairwoman is Liz Losole.

The Ballet Women’s Committee Board includes: Sharon Maddox, Lianne Hand, Stephanie Whisenhunt, Tammy Towns, Kelly Triano, Ashley Moran, Cindy Tyus, Jayna Southerland, Melissa Mcmurray, Allison Herr, Sarah Bryan, Ashley Stockard and Liz Guest.

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VestaviaVoice.com

May 2021 • A23

Vestavia Hills Real Estate Listings MLS #

Zip

1282685

35216

1282499

Address

Status

Price

401 Fernwood Drive

New

$565,000

35216

2401 Jacobs Road

New

$359,900

1282377

35216

1419 Charleston Court

New

$324,900

1282368

35216

3239 Tyrol Lane

New

$395,000

1282567

35216

2121 Whiting Road

New

$235,000

1282364

35216

1800 Old Creek Trail

New

$382,500

1282137

35216

1856 Glendmere Drive

New

$399,900

1282050

35216

2609 Mountain Woods Drive

New

$342,500

1281972

35216

2208 Hunters Cove

New

$579,900

1281445

35216

1200 Buckhead Circle

New

$659,900

1280946

35216

1834 Canyon Road

New

$439,000

1280811

35216

870 Southbend Lane

New

$819,000

1282309

35216

2005 Hickory Road

New

$859,000

1280888

35216

405 Vesclub Lane

New

$674,900

1280073

35216

2220 Sterling Ridge Circle

New

$499,780

1280041

35216

736 Rockbridge Road

New

$799,900

1279938

35216

1773 Old Creek Trail

New

$389,000

1278326

35216

1221 Branchwater Lane

New

$649,900

1278428

35216

1537 Panorama Drive

New

$648,500

1274939

35216

2916 Panorama Trail

New

$369,000

401 Fernwood Drive

2005 Hickory Road

Real estate listings provided by the Birmingham Association of Realtors on April 19.

Visit birminghamrealtors.com.

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A24 • May 2021

Vestavia Voice

Schoolhouse Have a schoolhouse announcement? Email Neal Embry at nembry@starnesmedia.com to be considered for inclusion in an upcoming issue.

Board votes to not renew Burgess’ contract

By NEAL EMBRY Former Vestavia Hills High School Principal Tyler Burgess will not be returning as an employee of Vestavia Hills City Schools for the 2021-22 school year.

His contract, set to expire at the end of this school year, was not renewed by the Board of Education at the March 29 meeting.

Whit McGhee, director of public relations for the school system, said the reasons given for the non-renewal of Burgess’ contract were given to school board members but would not be made public because they pertain to personnel matters. McGhee added that Superintendent Todd Freeman would not make further comment about the decision.

Last summer, Burgess was moved from his role as Vestavia Hills High School principal to oversee remote learning for all K-12 students, and then-Liberty Park Middle School Principal Tonya Rozell became principal at the high school.

The reason given at the time was that leadership was needed to oversee the remote system, which has allowed some students to learn virtually during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

“We have 7,147 kids who I want to make sure have the best experience,” Freeman said at the time. “We need to put our leadership in places that they can best serve the entire system.”

When Burgess was moved, many residents commented on social media, and students protested in front of the school, complaining that the school board was not being transparent about why Burgess was moved out of his position at the high school.

After students held a peaceful protest outside the high school, Freeman released a statement.

“The Board of Education and I fully support our high school students who respectfully expressed their support and appreciation for Dr. Tyler Burgess,” Freeman said in the statement. “I appreciate how much our students value the influence he had on them while serving as principal of Vestavia Hills High School.

The students at Vestavia Hills High School today affirmed the rich tradition of love and spirit that has made the school a special place for many years.

“One of the challenges we face this

Current and former students, parents and teachers gather Aug. 3 for rally in support of Tyler Burgess, who was demoted in late July from his role as principal at Vestavia Hills High School. At its March 29 meeting, the Vestavia Hills Board of Education voted to not renew Burgess’ contract with the system, which was set to expire at the end of the 2020-21 school year. Photo by Erin Nelson.

upcoming school year is to ensure every student in our system has a quality, meaningful educational experience whether they attend in person or remotely,” Freeman wrote. “Dr. Burgess will provide valuable leadership for the teachers and almost Burgess 1,300 students who will participate in our remote learning model. The entire VHCS administrative team remains committed to providing every student the opportunity to learn without limits, and we will continue moving forward with that mission in mind.”

Burgess declined a request to comment for this story.

OTHER BUSINESS

The school board also on March 29 approved a five-year contract for $45,000 with Incubator EDU (known as INCubatoredu). The program, started in Illinois, teaches entrepreneurship skills to students and allows them to create their own businesses, pitching it to area businesses.

The program is used in Mountain Brook City Schools and has been

successful, Freeman said.

If students are successful in pitching their businesses, they can work to secure funding and move forward in their careers, Freeman said.

Freeman also sent an update to parents regarding the school system’s handling of COVID-19. Schools will continue to follow enhanced guidelines for the rest of this year, and everyone will wear masks while inside. Masks will not be required outside if people are socially distanced, Freeman said.

Students in the traditional model will not be allowed to switch to the remote model unless for COVID-19 reasons, Freeman said.

Freeman also said the school system is planning to host graduation at Thompson Reynolds Stadium this spring and hopes to have other events on campus that can include parents and guardians.

The board also approved architect agreements for renovations to the fieldhouse at the high school football stadium. Assistant Superintendent

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Patrick Martin said the renovations will consist of upgrades to internal spaces such as the visitor locker rooms and storage spaces, as well as spaces for use by all Rebel athletics and guests, including meeting rooms, offices and space for referees during football games.

The work will take a few years, with the agreement setting an April 2023 deadline. While the agreement gives a cost estimate of $290,000, Martin said the school system won’t spend that much, and the final price will be amended before any contracts are approved.

Following a security audit by DOL Solutions, the board also approved an architect agreement with Lathan Associates, which will take DOL’s recommendation and work to strengthen security at all campuses.

Martin said that work also will be phased through 2023, with an estimated cost of $650,000.

Brooke Brown, director of curriculum and instruction, gave an update on changes related to the new Alabama Literacy Act, including the installation of summer reading camps that will help students who are identified as needing help, the use of Student Reading

Improvement Plans (STRIP), and using literary specialists to help students who need it.

In other business, the board: ► Approved three-year contracts with Vestavia Hills Elementary West Principal Kim Hauser and Vestavia Hills Elementary Dolly Ridge Principal Ty Arendall. ► Approved contracts for library renovations at Vestavia Hills Elementary Dolly Ridge, Vestavia Hills Elementary West and Vestavia Hills Elementary East. ► Approved a contract for new track materials. ► Approved a bid for painting. ► Approved job descriptions for an IT systems specialist and a college and career specialist. ► Heard an update from Freeman on how the system will handle leave time related to COVID-19. Employees will be placed on administrative leave (in a non-disciplinary way) and paid if they miss work due to COVID-19.

They’ve previously used FMLA, but after the latest relief bill, Freeman said it isn’t clear if the board can set a date for the expiration of that policy before Sept. 30, so they prefer to use administrative leave.

VestaviaVoice.com

May 2021 • A25

New partnership to give students real-world business opportunities

By NEAL EMBRY Students at Vestavia Hills High School will have an opportunity not only to develop their own business ideas but also to present them to possible investors to earn seed funding thanks to a new partnership with INCubatoredu.

INCubatoredu provides curriculum and training to students for a year, helping them create a business model, learn how to improve it and then ultimately pitch it to local investors who may or may not provide some seed funding, said Margarita Geleske with the organization.

Geleske said the business ideas have to solve a problem and that the program is “hands-on” because students learn how to do business by creating their own. She said one student in another school system found that when he got to the experimental phase of his business after graduating, he knew what he needed to do as a result of the program.

Antonio Cooper, director of curriculum and instruction for Vestavia Hills City Schools, said the move is part of the school’s efforts to improve career and technical education and make sure students had “viable” curriculum that would prepare students for the real world.

Working with INCubatoredu was like a “match made in heaven,” he said.

The program not only allows students to pitch their business ideas to investors; it also allows business leaders in the community to partner with them and mentor them along the way.

“We want them [our students] to be as wellrounded as possible,” Cooper said.

That goal becomes much more easily achievable with the help of real-world professionals, Cooper said.

Because this is the school’s first year with the program, Cooper said teachers and students would be “feeling our way through it together.”

Various kinds of businesses have been started through the program, Geleske said. One is a service which sought to train senior citizens

Grantland Rice, a Mountain Brook High School alumnus and Community Champion of the new INCubatoredu program at the high school, speaks during a program informational session in 2018. Vestavia Hills High School will soon implement its own INCubatoredu program, which provides curriculum and training to students for a year, helping them create a business model, learn how to improve it and then ultimately pitch it to local investors who may or may not provide some seed funding. Photo courtesy of Brooke Hawkins.

how to use technology. The student worked to develop the idea, got some initial funding and has continued to grow, recruiting teenagers to spend time getting to know senior adults and helping them with their technological needs.

The business has since received contracts to go into several nursing homes to help their residents, Geleske said.

Another business created a product designed to increase safety in the weight room or gym.

The developer took bands for slap watches and wrapped them in nylon, which allowed them to serve as a better option than easily-broken butterfly clips to hold large amounts of weight on equipment, Geleske said. The product was successfully pitched to Mark Cuban on the “Shark Tank” TV show.

Geleske said while many students will not leave high school with a business under their belts and may not secure the funding they seek,

they will have learned skills that can help them no matter where they go.

“They learn business has to come from real issues,” Geleske said.

Students will be taught marketing basics, legal basics and life skills, including creative problem solving and public speaking. They will have to speak each day in class.

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A26 • May 2021 DOBNIKAR

CONTINUED from page A1 Birmingham in 1992. Two years later, he began working at Pizitz Middle School, where he spent 14 years as an English teacher.

Dobnikar said he wanted to teach English because of the literature. Being able to bring books, short stories and more into the classroom was something he took pride in. He said it helps students understand life through the perspective of others, something especially pertinent for middle school students.

Middle school can be difficult, Dobnikar said, as students are going through a lot of changes in their lives, and they need teachers and staff there to help them.

“I like working with those kids,” Dobnikar said.

Becoming a principal wasn’t originally on Dobnikar’s radar, he said.

“I thought I’d be in the classroom forever,” Dobnikar said.

But as he continued in his career, Dobnikar realized he wanted to work with teachers and help them be prepared, and to help them understand their students better so they could help them as best they could.

“We’re not here just for curriculum,” Dobnikar said. “We’re here to help them socially, emotionally and how to understand who they are and who they are becoming,” Dobnikar said.

Community support from parents and others in Vestavia Hills, Dobnikar said, plays a large role in helping the school be successful.

“I’ve seen that grow more and more all the time,” Dobnikar said.

With more than 20 years in education under his belt, Dobnikar has seen a lot of changes, including the schools becoming more student-centered, growing “leaps and bounds” in their technology and pushing critical-thinking skills on the part of students.

These changes, he said, help students to take more ownership of their academics.

Liberty Park Middle in particular has some outstanding students, he said.

“The kids themselves want to work hard.

Vestavia Voice

The kids themselves want to work hard. They want to get the job done.

That paves the way for teachers so much. They want to be leaders in the community.

Roger Dobnikar, the new principal at Liberty Park Middle School, looks on as Gabby Young works on a map of the Roman Empire in Jessica Hall’s eighth grade social studies class in late March. Photo by Erin Nelson.

They want to get the job done,” Dobnikar said. “That paves the way for teachers so much. They want to be leaders in the community.”

Vestavia Hills City Schools Superintendent Todd Freeman said Dobnikar understands

LPMS and its culture “really well” and led the school effectively during the COVID-19 pandemic last year, dealing with all of the change and uncertainty that brought about.

“He’s done a great job of doing that,” Freeman said.

In a statement, Freeman said Dobnikar is committed to providing the very best learning experiences for students and working alongside his team of exceptional educators.

While COVID-19 has been a challenge for everyone, including schools, Dobnikar said the school’s leaders have worked hard to continue providing a safe environment for students.

“It’s gone pretty effortlessly,” he said.

The hardest part is trying to persuade very social middle school students to maintain social distance, he said, because, “They want to be together.”

When students first returned to the classroom, Dobnikar said they were a little quiet at first, not sure how to respond or what school would look like with the “new normal.” But after time, they adjusted and went about their business.

As he becomes the contract principal beginning in the 2021-22 school year, Dobnikar said he has a few goals for the school, but mainly is hoping the pandemic continues to fade into the background.

“I’m just looking forward to hopefully returning to a normal school year,” Dobnikar said.

He also mentioned improving the quality of the school’s programs, and “pushing the limit” of what the school can do, both for students and educators. In all of that, Dobnikar said his goal is first and foremost to provide a safe and nurturing environment for students.

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May 2021 • A27

SENIORS

CONTINUED from page A1 the pandemic unfortunately put a halt to those expectations. “It all comes crashing down,” Gottier said.

Like the Class of 2020 before them, the Class of 2021 is graduating under unprecedented circumstances, but unlike last year’s class, this year’s seniors have dealt with the pandemic for two school years.

Katherine Morrison, another graduating senior, said when the pandemic first started and students were sent home, they weren’t expecting it to be the end of learning in person for the year.

“We all thought it was going to be a threeweek spring break,” Morrison said.

Gottier said students didn’t really have time to say goodbye because none of them thought the pandemic would last that long. Going a long stretch without seeing friends hurt, she said.

“You don’t think someone’s smile can mean as much until you can’t see it every day,” Gottier said.

Morrison said she participated in the fourth nine-week block of learning, which was made optional last spring, and she was grateful she did. “I got extra time with my teachers,” she said.

Some teachers even combined their classes, so she was able to meet some new students as well, Morrison said.

Gottier said while being a virtual student had its perks, it’s also challenging because students were, at times, having to teach themselves and pace themselves.

Going fully online for a while was tough, Morrison said. She learned how much she missed school, even tests. So, when she got the option to return in person for the 202021 school year, she knew she wanted to come back.

“When it’s completely taken away from you, I think it’s made people realize how grateful you are,” Morrison said.

Having an older brother, Morrison said she imagined her senior year would be filled with pep rallies, class days and more.

Left: Katherine Morrison, a member of the Vestavia Hills Class of 2021, Student Government Association, Youth Leadership, RISE, Vestavia Ambassadors, Rebel Up Outreach Club and a nominee for “Miss Vestavia,” seen April 1. Right: Aidan Robinson, a middle linebacker for the Rebels and member of the Class of 2021, seen April 1 at Buddy Anderson Field. Photos by Erin Nelson.

While much of the year has not gone as planned, she credited Principal Tonya Rozell for prioritizing the seniors and making them feel special.

Morrison said teachers have rallied around the students and tried to make the school year fun, despite its challenges. “They’ve created an environment that’s fun to be in,” she said.

While the seniors were only able to have one pep rally during the 2020 football season, they were able to have one outside, which was a lot of fun, Morrison said.

This past football season was the last for Aidan Robinson in a Rebels jersey. Getting ready for his senior season right as the pandemic began making its way through the state was quite the experience, Robinson said.

“For some workouts [before the pandemic], we’ve come in every day knowing we have

a practice,” Robinson said. “Last year … we didn’t know if we’d have another day.”

Robinson said the team being quarantined for two weeks at the beginning of the season created a major hurdle because most of the players quarantined were first- and second-string players.

Off the football field, Robinson said the pandemic has helped him prepare for life after school. Having academics become a virtual-only experience for a little while helped him set his own schedule and kept him from getting lazy in his studies.

Beyond that, he said while it’s certainly affected him and his classmates, it’s hard to say at this point if it’s a largely positive or negative experience, though he did say it’s helped him learn to deal with change and overcome adversity.

“I think it will be a big learning point of my life,” Robinson said.

As vice president of the student government association, Morrison said it has been tough not holding traditional events like the student-faculty basketball game, but they were able to hold “Spirit Days,” where people celebrated the return of football season, and a canned goods drive, which boosted student morale during a challenging year.

Morrison is also part of Youth Leadership Vestavia Hills and was able to resume tutoring students at Vestavia Hills Elementary East students in the fall, something she cherishes, especially as younger students adapt to the “new normal.”

“This is completely different for them,” Morrison said.

Morrison said it has been really special to help them in this difficult time. That empathy and care for others is needed as everyone has had to deal with the pandemic, she said.

“Those feelings of isolation and loneliness really kind of hit home for everybody,” Morrison said.

While students have returned to in-person learning, Gottier said there’s still so much that isn’t “normal.”

“This is our last year, and we’ve had so much taken from us,” Gottier said.

Still, students have made the most of the situation. Gottier said FaceTime has been her “go to” during the pandemic.

Like Robinson, Gottier said she believes the pandemic has changed her.

“I think it’s going to make me appreciate my friends a lot more,” Gottier said. She added it will also make her strive to live life to the fullest and leave no regrets.

After graduation, which is planned to be at Thompson Reynolds Stadium in May, Gottier plans to go to the University of Alabama and study to be a veterinarian for horses and farm animals, or possibly become a nurse.

Robinson has committed to play football at UNA, though he hasn’t been able to meet a coach face-to-face due to the pandemic.

Morrison said she is going to Auburn University, and plans to major in industrial engineering and minor in German.

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Sports B4 Metro Roundup B10

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Grammer’s unlikely soccer journey leads him to hall of fame

By KYLE PARMLEY If you had told Rick Grammer 40 years ago he would end up as a hall of fame soccer coach, he would not have believed you.

He showed up at Vestavia Hills High School in 1979, fresh out of college and eager to coach.

He began as an assistant coach for the football and basketball teams, two sports he was relatively comfortable with. But he knew very little about soccer, the third sport he was set to coach.

“Those players were teaching me,” he recalled of his first years on the job.

“The early years, I learned more than the players did.”

His humility then Grammer in admitting to his players he did not have all the answers, nor did he know everything there was to know about the sport, set the stage for a long and successful career.

“I told them up front, ‘This is new to me. I’m going to learn right there with you,’” Grammer said.

By the time he retired in 2015, Grammer had amassed enough victories and made enough of an impact to pave the way for his induction into the Alabama High School Sports Hall of Fame.

“It’s very humbling. It’s a great honor, but I don’t deserve it.” he said. “There’s no way without the kids I would have that honor. Not only were they good kids off the field, but on the field. I had good soccer players, so that really helps.”

Grammer was part of the 2020 class of

Former Vestavia Hills soccer coach Rick Grammer, back row third from left, is one of 11 coaches inducted into the Alabama High School Athletics Coaches Hall of Fame. Photo courtesy of Jay Sailors, AHSAA.

inductees, but COVID-19 forced the delay of the ceremony until March 16 of this year, when he was one of 12 inducted at the Montgomery Renaissance Hotel and Convention Center.

All told, Grammer won 633 games coaching the Rebels boys soccer program, making him the all-time winningest soccer in AHSAA history. His teams won the state championship in 1991, 1995, 2013 and 2014. The Rebels were state runners-up in 1992, 2004 and 2007, and advanced to the semifinals in 2011 and 2012.

The Rebels won the Birmingham Metro

Tournament 15 times and that 2011 squad was ranked No. 1 in the country by the National Soccer Coaches Association.

“We had a run back in the early 2010s.

Around that time, we had a good run and the year we lost in the [semifinals], we were 30-0.

That was a great bunch of kids. I hate that we didn’t have a state championship for them,” he said.

Grammer was part of a group of coaches that persevered for several decades at Vestavia Hills. Buddy Anderson, Peter Braasch and Bruce Evans coached football for many years.

George Hatchett led the boys basketball for a long time. Steve Gaydosh was the longtime wrestling coach. Sammy Dunn had a world of success as the baseball coach before his passing. There are many others, some still at the school, and Grammer calls it a family.

After his retirement, Leo Harlan took over the reins of the Rebels program and has kept it performing at a high level. Grammer helped coach the junior varsity and freshmen teams for Harlan a couple years after he retired. He now teaches math at Restoration Academy in Fairfield.

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B4 • May 2021

Vestavia Voice

Sports Rebels leaning on deep pitching staff Vestavia Hills’ Grant Cherry (13) pitches during a game against Jemison on March 26 at Choccolocco Park in Oxford. The Rebels’ staff is headlined by Grant Cherry, a hard-throwing right hander committed to the University of Tennessee.

Photo by Kyle Parmley.

By KYLE PARMLEY It’s a luxury today, but a problem tomorrow, figuratively speaking.

The Vestavia Hills High School baseball team has a deep pitching staff, full of quality arms capable of leading the Rebels to victory on any given day.

That is a luxury for Rebels head coach Jamie Harris, who has a bevy of experienced options to choose from. The problem, if it can be called that, is that each of Vestavia’s top seven pitchers are all seniors.

“We have a ton of senior pitchers who are getting the lion’s share of our innings,” Harris said. “That’s just how it’s going right now.”

That depth gives the Rebels confidence they can make a deep playoff run this spring.

The Rebels’ staff is headlined by Grant Cherry, a hard-throwing right hander committed to the University of Tennessee. Depending on how his next few months go, he may have a decision to make regarding whether to attend Tennessee or begin his professional career.

Over spring break in Oxford, more than a handful of professional baseball scouts showed up to watch Cherry pitch. He shined in the moment, allowing just one hit and one run while striking out 17 in the Rebels’ win over Jacksonville.

“We tell our guys, be a pitcher, not a thrower,” Harris said. “When he pitches, the sky is the limit with him. He’s got so many tools and has so much potential.”

Harris believes Cherry can be really special, if he’s not already.

There are two other Vestavia pitchers already signed to play at the next level, with Carter Tyus headed to Birmingham-Southern and Brennan Cohen signed with University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Harris believes Jacob

Newman, Jack Hoppenjans and Jackson Halla could all play in college if they want to as well.

Joseph Sullivan, the Rebels’ centerfielder, has logged innings on the mound and will play at South Alabama.

Harris said Cherry, Hoppenjans, Tyus and Newman all throw pretty hard, ranging from the upper 80s to low 90s in miles per hour.

Newman is more of a sinker and slider pitcher, while someone like Halla mixes it up and can throw any pitch in any count. Sullivan also comes at hitters from the left side.

LOCAL GOODS SOUTHERN COOKING

That doesn’t even mention Alden Windham or Owen Knight, two more seniors. Windham has been dealing with health issues throughout the spring but was able to pitch against Vincent on March 29. He threw five innings and struck out 10 hitters in a 13-3 victory for the Rebels.

Knight has been out for the year after an injury.

Take those nine guys away in 2022 and Vestavia will be molding a completely new pitching staff. Harris will cross that bridge when he and his coaching staff get there, but he said there are a handful of juniors and

sophomores that could contribute now if not for the abundance of depth already in place.

As area play has gotten underway, the Rebels were still searching for their top form. They have shown flashes of pitching extremely well, getting timely hits and playing quality defense, but they are still looking to put all facets of the game together at the same time.

Once they do that, they will be tough to beat.

As of press time, the Rebels were still fighting for a playoff spot as one of the top two teams in Class 7A, Area 6.

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B6 • May 2021

Vestavia Voice

Homer, the Miracle League mascot, outside the field.

OPENING DAY

Members of the Vestavia “Blue” team are honored at the unveiling of the Miracle League field.

The Miracle League Field at Wald Park opened April 11, with a special ceremony honoring the city leaders and volunteers who helped make the field a reality. The ceremony also honored the four teams that will be a part of the inaugural season of Miracle League at the new field.

Miracle League allows people with disabilities to enjoy baseball, with fields tailored to fit their needs. The field is part of the ongoing renovations to Wald Park, Vestavia’s largest park. This year’s Miracle League season runs through May 23, with games scheduled for 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. each Sunday.

Left: Members of the Vestavia Hills High School baseball team stand with Miracle League players. Right: Members of the Vestavia “Red” team are honored.

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May 2021 • B7

The Alabama High School Athletic Association Central Board approved the move of the state softball tournament to Choccolocco Park in Oxford, one of the premier softball facilities in the state.

Photo courtesy of Choccolocco Park.

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By KYLE PARMLEY The Alabama High School Athletic Association state softball tournament has a new home.

On March 10, the AHSAA Central Board approved the move of the state tournament to Choccolocco Park in Oxford, one of the premier softball facilities in the state. The tournament will be at Choccolocco Park for at least the 2021 and 2022 seasons.

The tournament will be May 18-22 this spring. The East Central Regional originally slated to be played at Choccolocco will now be played in Montgomery.

The tournament moves from Montgomery’s Lagoon Park to the city of Oxford for the first time since 2017, when the Class 5A state championship game was held at Choccolocco’s Signature Field.

“We’re very thankful to the city of Oxford, Mayor Alton Craft and their entire recreation staff for allowing us the opportunity to provide this wonderful facility for our students,” AHSAA Executive Director Steve Savarese said. “We’re also very grateful to Montgomery for being such a wonderful host for all these years.”

The move to Oxford will allow the state tournament finals in all seven AHSAA classifications to be held at Signature Field, a stadium designed specifically for softball.

The high school baseball finals have recently been played at Riverwalk Stadium in Montgomery, and the objective was to give the state’s softball player an opportunity to play in a similar environment where the championship games have a distinct prestige to them.

“Moving our championship series to Oxford will allow us to provide a championship facility similar to what our boys play in, and that was our number one goal,” Savarese said.

The state softball tournament has been held at Lagoon Park since its inception in 1986, and the sport has grown rapidly in recent years.

Savarese cited the transition from slowpitch to fastpitch as one of the indicators of the sport’s ascension and mentioned his excitement for all parties.

“It’s a win-win for everyone involved,” he said.

Savarese also expressed gratitude to the city of Montgomery for working with the AHSAA during this process.

“The kids are the benefactors,” he said.

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B8 • May 2021

Vestavia Voice Vestavia Hills’ Alison Stubbs (21) moves in to gain possession of the ball from HewittTrussville’s Mary Alston (12) in an April 13 game at Buddy Anderson Field. Photo

by Erin Nelson.

SPRINGTIME ATHLETICS

Above: Vestavia Hills’ Charity Bibbs (22) laughs with teammates during a game against Springville on April 12 at Vestavia Hills Softball Complex.

Below: Vestavia Hills’ Gwynnie Hornibrook (32) tags the runner out at home plate during an April 12 game against Springville. Photos by Kyle Parmley.

Above: Vestavia Hills’ catcher Hudson Walburn (15) talks to Grant Cherry (13) at the pitching mound in an area game against Hewitt-Trussville on April 13 at Sammy Dunn Field. Below: Vestavia Hills’ Charles Hughes (4) makes contact during an at-bat in an area game against Hewitt-Trussville on April 13. Photos by Erin Nelson.

VestaviaVoice.com

May 2021 • B9

B10 • May 2021

Vestavia Voice

Metro Roundup HOOVER

Above: The Regions Tradition golf tournament is coming back to Greystone Golf and Country Club on May 5-9 after missing a year due to COVID-19. Below: People gather for a concert at the 2019 Regions Tradition golf tournament at the Greystone Golf and Country Club in Hoover. Photos courtesy of Bruno Event Team.

Regions Tradition makes comeback for 2021

By JON ANDERSON The Regions Tradition golf tournament is coming back to Greystone Golf and Country Club on May 5-9 after missing a year due to COVID-19.

“We are ecstatic,” said Gene Hallman, president and CEO of the Bruno Event Team, which organizes the event for the PGA Tour ChamBrought to pions. “The entire staff you by our is back in their element sister paper: and doing what they do — working hard on providing a first-class tournament.” hooversun.com But things will be different this year, as organizers strive to maintain a healthy environment for attendees.

The biggest change people might notice is the absence of skyboxes and tents at holes where they normally are present, Hallman said.

“You don’t want people in close quarters.”

Even though it’s an outdoor event, attendees will be directed to wear masks and practice social distancing from others, he said. Also, the PGA Tour, in conjunction with advice from public health officials, will limit the size of crowds allowed into the tournament each day, he said.

However, “it still will be a nice event — not sparse,” Hallman said.

The PGA Tour will wait until closer to the tournament to decide what the crowd size will be, he said.

Each player and celebrity pro-am participant will be tested upon arrival, and players will be kept in “bubbles” to limit contact with spectators, with no autographs allowed this year, Hallman said. All transactions for tickets, concessions and merchandise will be cashless; only credit and debit cards will be accepted.

Also, there will be hand sanitizer stations spread throughout the golf tournament grounds.

The 2020 Regions Tradition, one of five major PGA Tour Champions tournaments each year, was originally scheduled for last May, then postponed until September and ultimately canceled altogether due to health concerns.

However, more than $750,000 was still donated to charities thanks to donations from Regions

Bank, the title sponsor, and other community partners, Hallman said.

Regions carefully weighed the decision on whether to move ahead with the tournament this year and decided that, with health conditions improving, the charities standing to benefit and the economic boost given to businesses in the area were important enough to proceed, he said. Restaurants, hotels and rental car agencies all will get a big boost with this event, he said.

“The fact that it’s an outdoor event certainly helps, and if we can have an event that is safe for all in the community, then why not do it?”

Hallman said.

Organizers expect total donations to charity from the tournament to exceed $1 million this year, he said. Over the past 29 years, the Regions Tradition has generated more than $19 million for local charities, with Children’s of Alabama serving as the primary beneficiary.

The celebrity pro-am is scheduled for Wednesday, May 5, with confirmed celebrities including Alabama football coach Nick Saban, Georgia football coach Kirby Smart, Alabama basketball coach Nate Oats, Auburn basketball coach Bruce Pearl, UAB basketball coach Andy Kennedy, UAB Athletic Director Mark Ingram, Samford Athletic Director Martin Newton, former Auburn, NFL and Major League Baseball player

Bo Jackson, singer Taylor Hicks and Widespread Panic lead singer John Bell.

The tournament itself will include four days of golf (Thursday-Sunday) and feature 81 professional golfers age 50 and older, including 2019 Regions Tradition champion Steve Stricker, John Daly, Bernhard Langer, Retief Goosen, Tom Lehman, David Toms, Colin Montgomerie, Miguel Angel Jimenez, Ernie Els, Vijay Singh, Rocco Mediate, Jim Furyk and Mark O’Meara.

“It’s about as strong a field as we’ve had in a long time,” Hallman said.

The total purse is $2.4 million, and the winner will get $360,000.

There will be no juniors golf clinic or private pairings party this year, and the “watering hole” party area at Hole No. 10 will be scaled back but will take place in an open-air environment, Hallman said. Organizers also hope to have a nationally known country act perform a concert at the 10th hole Saturday night.

The tournament will be broadcast live on the Golf Channel all four days. Tickets are $25 for daily entry, and children ages 18 and under get in free with a ticketed adult. There also is a $70 package available for those who wish to serve as a volunteer at the event that includes a credential good for the entire week,

2021 Regions Tradition ► WHAT: PGA Tour Champions major event with 81 golfers ► WHERE: Greystone Golf and Country Club ► WHEN: May 5-9 ► WEB: regionstradition.com ► TICKETS: $25/day; ages 18 and under free with ticketed adult

five good-any-day grounds tickets, a round of golf, meals while working, a tournament Polo shirt and ball cap or visor.

Public parking is available at 500 Corporate Parkway in the Meadow Brook Corporate Park Wednesday through Friday and at Moultrie Feeders at 2600 Corporate Drive Saturday and Sunday. Shuttles will take attendees to the tournament. There also is a rideshare lot at Greystone Golf and Country Club and VIP parking at The Church at Brook Hills Monday-Saturday and at 500 Corporate Parkway in Meadow Brook Corporate Park on Sunday.

VestaviaVoice.com

May 2021 • B11

MOUNTAIN BROOK

First-time Mountain Brook author publishes a ‘fable’ for kids and adults James Hollingsworth is a first-time author and environmental professional who lives in the Cherokee Bend area.

His book, “The Hardy Cobbler of Tern,” available on Amazon, is described as a “short epic tale” with appeal for both children and adults. Photos courtesy of James Hollingsworth.

By JESSE CHAMBERS Mountain Brook resident James Hollingsworth recently published his first book, “The Hardy Cobbler of Tern,” on Amazon and calls it a “crossover story” for children and adults.

But he has another interesting way to classify “The Hardy Cobbler,” written in rhyme Brought to and illustrated by Andy you by our Catling. sister paper: “I don’t really think of it as a book,” Hollingsworth said. “I see it more like a story villageliving or fable.” online.com The author also calls it a “short epic tale” about a cobbler who finds himself in a position of tremendous responsibility.

His town, called Tern, is the home of a valuable natural resource that is accidentally discovered by the town of Worthington.

Worthington’s leaders hatch a plan to control the resource by seizing Tern.

The army of Worthington then mistakes the cobbler as Tern’s leader and tells him they plan to invade.

The cobbler informs the king of Tern and proposes a plan for the town to defend itself.

The king gives the cobbler permission to carry out his plan.

The story is said to examine some contemporary issues, including our use of natural resources.

It’s no surprise that Hollingsworth would write an environmental story.

He’s an environmental professional who’s a director of business development for a consulting firm.

“My expertise is in managing projects

subject to evaluation under the National Environmental Policy Act,” he said.

“The Hardy Cobbler of Tern” has attracted some positive reviews.

The story “reminds each of us of the essential role we all play in the ethical use of natural resources and the dangers that abound if we do not see ourselves as part of a natural system that should be treated with sacred respect,” said Laura Folse, former CEO of BP Wind Energy.

Bran Potter, a retired professor who taught geology at The University of the South, calls Hollingsworth’s book “timeless” and a “deceptively simple morality play.”

Unlike many first-time authors, Hollingsworth said he didn’t have a lifelong desire to be a writer.

“Completing this story was less about wanting to be a writer and more about completing a project with some goals in mind,” he said.

Hollingsworth’s education wouldn’t seem to lend itself to artistic pursuits.

He earned a B.S. in natural resources at The University of the South, an M.S. in forest ecology from Auburn University and an MBA with a concentration in finance at UAB. However, Hollingsworth has always enjoyed “right-brained hobbies,” including writing music, he said. “Maybe it balances my analytical nature.”

In creating “The Hardy Cobbler of Tern,” Hollingsworth has found that he loves writing.

However, there is “definitely more to it than meets the eye,” he said.

“The really fun part was laying it out and

then filling in all the spaces,” Hollingsworth said. “The editing, revisions, rethinking and second guessing are necessities, but less enjoyable for me. Then once you think you’re finished, there’s publishing, illustration, layout, cost and the list goes on. But the process has been fun, educational and very satisfying.”

Hollingsworth and his wife, Dany, have lived in Mountain Brook for 15 years and currently reside in Cherokee Bend.

They have two daughters, Halli and Heidi, ages 16 and 13, respectively.

The author also grew up in Cherokee Bend and attended Mountain Brook Junior High and The Altamont School.

“The Hardy Cobbler of Tern” Kindle Edition is available at amazon.com for $7.99. The paperback is $14.99.

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B12 • May 2021

Vestavia Voice

TRUSSVILLE

‘A special place to be’ Former Trussville educator at home at The Meadows

By GARY LLOYD

and tractors with blades.

It took another year to A recently released shape it and plant Bercountry song hits home muda greens. for Jennifer Cardwell.

“Clearing was just the Larry Fleet’s “Where start,” Cardwell said.

I Find God,” a somewhat Irrigation pumps and cahabasun.com blue-collar gospel about pipes needed repair and God and finding peace, replacing. They planted is currently Cardwell’s their greens, and then it favorite tune. When she hears it, didn’t rain for three months. So, they it immediately brings to mind The planted them again a year later. A Meadows in Harpersville, the golf building on the course was missing course that she and husband Anthony plumbing. The Meadows’ restaurant bought in 2017. opened first, and then the driving “I can walk out there, and I know range. there is a God,” said Cardwell, “Survival,” said Cardwell, who a retired Trussville City Schools coached the Hewitt-Trussville High English teacher and secondary curric- School girls golf team to a state chamulum coordinator. “And I know that pionship in 2005. sounds cheesy, but He is everywhere.”

Then, on Labor Day weekend 2020, Before Cardwell could have her The Meadows opened for good. The devotions and coffee on the club- fall was great for golf, Cardwell said. house’s wraparound porch, however, “We were very blessed,” she said, The Meadows needed some work. The noting that the delays and the COVIDMeadows had previously been a golf 19 pandemic have been challenges. course before the Cardwells bought “We have survived. We are thankful it, but not in over a decade. The Card- that we’ve got just great employees wells, plus Anthony’s brother, had who have helped along the way and their work cut out for them. have hung in there with us whenever They cleared the property, which we just didn’t know what was going to took on the look of a forest, for more happen next. Now we are looking so than two years. They used a bulldozer forward to a spring of golfers, and we Brought to you by our sister paper:

Jennifer Cardwell poses for a photo with her son, Payne, and husband, Anthony. Photo courtesy of Jennifer Cardwell.

just have some wonderful people to come play and enjoy our course, and that has been good. It’s always good when golfers are there. We never take that for granted.”

The Meadows plays at more than 6,000 yards and is a five-mile walk to play 18 holes. It’s a links style golf

course with many natural areas to make it more challenging. It’s tough but fair.

“You can kind of just lose yourself and get out in the country, so to speak, out of the city, and just be at peace,” Cardwell said.

Cardwell does believe her 26 years

in public education have helped with golf course management. She loves to see people learn, especially inexperienced golfers. She’s held ladies’ events for women who have never played the game. Anthony handles the superintendent work while Cardwell manages the clubhouse.

So far, it’s worked well. The couple hopes to stay at The Meadows until retirement.

“Anybody can play golf, and love it for life,” Cardwell said. “Put your phones down. Get off of YouTube and get outside, because that really is what will help keep you healthy physically, but also mentally. There’s nothing like getting out there and taking three or four hours, even if it’s by yourself or with friends, there’s just nothing like it. I can’t think of another sport that offers the opportunity for just the tranquility of it or the camaraderie of it, whatever the goal is for the match, for the game.”

Cardwell has seen deer running, 10 at a time, across the 200 acres the course encompasses. There are turkeys and perfect sunsets. Golfers flock to the clubhouse porch in the early evenings when their rounds are complete.

“It’s just a special place to be,” Cardwell said. “It really is. I can say that it’s fulfilling work. It’s different work, but it’s fulfilling work. It makes us so happy to have brought something back to life that we literally see lots of people enjoying. That’s what it’s all about. It really is.”

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May 2021 • B13

HOMEWOOD

Manduu Fitness brings electrical muscle stimulation workout to Homewood

By INGRID SCHNADER

At Manduu Fitness, clients change into specially designed workout clothes and complete a 15-minute electrical muscle stimulation workout. Photo courtesy of Paul Payne.

There will soon be a new way to work out in Homewood.

Manduu Fitness, which is expected to open this summer on 18th Street in Homewood, is a 15-minute electrical muscle stimulation workout. Clients will change into specially designed Brought to workout clothes when you by our they walk in, and then sister paper: they’re fitted with an electrical suit. It’s battery powered, so nothing is plugged into the thehomewood wall. star.com Then, the trainer leads up to two clients at a time through a series of stretching and flexing movements while the electrical machine conducts mild electrical pulses. The pulses don’t hurt, but they add resistance to the client’s movements. The more capable a client becomes, the more they can choose to increase the intensity.

The workout is low-impact. The client doesn’t jump or bounce, which means no strain will be placed on the joints, tendons or ligaments during the workout.

It’s the perfect workout for clients who are busy. From the time a client walks in to the time they walk out, approximately 35 minutes will have passed, said Paul Payne, who owns the Homewood location. Many clients also don’t get sweaty enough to need a shower, so they can easily return to work after a quick workout, said his wife, JoLeigh Payne.

Paul and JoLeigh Payne currently work out at a Manduu Fitness in Franklin, Tennessee, where they live. JoLeigh heard about it

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when Kathie Lee Gifford spoke about it on the “Today Show.”

“She took her jacket off, and she had guns, and it was crazy,” JoLeigh said. “So I tried it, and I was so amazed by the results.”

At first, her husband thought she was crazy, she said, and she admits the concept sounds novel when you first hear about it. But when Paul saw JoLeigh’s results, he tried it out and fell in love with Manduu, too, she said.

“The results were so fast,” JoLeigh said.

“We’re in our late 50s, and we were waking up in the morning sometimes with some aches and pains. And that was the first thing that went away.”

The EMS workout penetrates up to 95% of a client’s muscle tissue across nine muscle groups, and one 15-minute Manduu workout is equivalent to about six hours of strength training. But unlike traditional strength training, a client doesn’t have to lift weights or put strain on the body. Also, because the sessions are oneon-one or two-on-one, the trainers at Manduu are able to give individualized focus to each client and maximize each client’s workout.

The Homewood location will be the first in Alabama, and the Paynes plan to open three to five more locations in the Birmingham area in the next five years.

Clients can choose a four-session package for $169, which is ideal for a client who chooses to come once a week. There’s also a six-session package for $199 a month and an unlimited plan for $249 a month. No matter which plan a client chooses, there is a minimum waiting time of 48 hours between sessions so the muscles have time to take a break.

The first session for each new client is free.

For more information or to watch videos of the concept in action, visit manduu.com.

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Vestavia Voice

HOMEWOOD

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Breaking ground for new restaurants

Watkins Thomas serves a cup of chili to Ellen Blockowitz at The Exceptional Foundation’s Chili CookOff on March 7, 2020, at Brookwood Village. Photo

by Ingrid Schnader.

By LEAH INGRAM EAGLE On April 5, a groundbreaking ceremony was held for two new Chelsea restaurants set to open later this year.

Representatives from Southern Wings Inc. were on hand to celebrate the upcoming openings of Arby’s and Buffalo Wild Wings on Brought to Atchison Road, next to you by our Tractor Supply Co. sister paper: Chelsea Mayor Tony Picklesimer thanked the crowd for being there and to the chamber and 280living.com Chelsea Business Alliance, including new president Donna Bowles, for hosting the event.

“This is a great day for Chelsea,” Picklesimer said. “It takes so many different organizations and different people to come together to make something like this happen.”

Picklesimer thanked the landowner, real estate agent Gail Owen, 58 INC., the Shelby County Commission and the Chelsea City Council.

“You can take all of that, but it doesn’t do any good unless you have a couple of good entrepreneurs,” he said. “Sterling [Barbour] and Tim [Spencer], we can’t thank you enough. All of these pieces have to come together to make something like this happen.

I am just so thankful I just get to sit back in the corner and watch all these people work and see it all happen.

“We are thankful, we appreciate you and we will support you in every way we can.”

Shelby County Commissioner Robbie Hayes, who represents Chelsea, said he is excited to see this take place.

“We are building a better community here for our kids here through Shelby County, and

Land has already been cleared off U.S. 280 next to the Tractor Supply Company store where the new restaurants will be built.

Photo by Leah Ingram Eagle.

we appreciate the opportunity to partner with the city in doing several different things,” Hayes said. “Like the mayor, I get to sit back and watch this a lot and take the congratulations when it happens. The big workers are my county workers who do so much work with the city to make this happen.”

Joseph Palladino, a Chelsea resident who will be the general manager of the restaurants said he has worked really hard on this project for quite some time and thanked Barber and Spencer for their support.

“As a resident of Chelsea, I can’t tell you how excited we are to get on the ground and get involved in this community,” Palladino said. “There’s something special about Chelsea — I’ve never seen anything like it — it’s such a tight knit community. We’re just excited to get our feet wet and get into this community as a company and see the growth continue on.”

The group took several photos, posing with shovels as they scooped dirt to signify the projects beginning.

17th annual Chili Cook-Off on May 1

By INGRID SCHNADER

lot again this year and will be 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The first Saturday in March of A few things will look different every year is typically when the this year, Lee said. Tents will be Exceptional Foundation hosts its spaced out more in comparison to annual Chili Cook-Off, which last year so that people can social means for most people that this distance. Capacity will also be thehomewood event was the last “normal” limited. star.com thing they did in 2020 before the “We’ve never gotten a full COVID-19 pandemic shut everycount, but from crowd estimates thing down. we’ve gotten from police and Now the event is back in 2021 with another others, crowd estimators normally put it in-person Chili Cook-Off, which will be Satur- upwards of 10,000 people,” he said. “We day, May 1. The later start date was per advice definitely realize that’s probably not feasible from the University of Alabama at Birming- this year.” ham and the Jefferson County Department of Tickets are $15, and sales help fund proHealth, said Robbie Lee, the public relations grams for The Exceptional Foundation, which director for The Exceptional Foundation. is a nonprofit organization in Homewood servThe event features live music, a kid zone ing individuals with special needs from the and all-you-can-eat chili. In 2020, there were greater Birmingham area. The event is rain 158 teams competing for best chili. It will be or shine. Masks are required. For more inforat Brookwood Village in the Macy’s parking mation, visit exceptionalfoundation.org/chili.

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May 2021 • B15

MOUNTAIN BROOK

DOWNTOWN Filmmaker Jessica Chriesman pays homage to the city’s Greek restaurateurs in her new documentary, “Philoxenia.”

Photo courtesy of Jaysen Michael.

Attendees listen to a guide during a 2017 Spring Walking Tour event in Birmingham, sponsored by Vulcan Park and Museum.

The tours take attendees to various historic areas or neighborhoods.

Photo courtesy of Vulcan Park and Museum.

Vulcan expanding its Birmingham Walking Tours over coming year

By JESSE CHAMBERS In 2004, Vulcan Park and Museum (VPM) began its annual Birmingham Walking Tours, which allow participants to experience the beauty and history of the Magic City’s neighborhoods and cultural districts in a fun, informative way with the help of Brought to expert guides. you by our They were the brainsister paper: child of Phillip Morris, a local historian and author, according to a VPM news release. villageliving Birmingham Walkonline.com ing Tours will now dramatically expand during its new season. There will be 40 tours on Saturdays and Sundays over the next year.

The VPM staff worked to expand the tours due to the popularity of the events and the

increased public interest in more outdoor activity.

“As Birmingham’s only comprehensive history museum, it seemed fitting for us to find innovative ways to connect people with our history outside of the museum,” said Casey Gamble, the VPM museum programs manager.

The first three tour offerings will be Center Street, led by Brian “Voice Porter” Hawkins; the retail and theater district, led by Gary Bostany; and Five Points South, led by Allison Vosicky, according to the news release.

“The research that has been conducted in creating these programs will leave everyone loving the city a little bit more,” Gamble said.

Registration is $25 for VPM members and $40 for non-members.

All tours observe social distancing, masks are required and events will not exceed 20 participants Reservations and payment are required in advance at birminghamwalkingtours.com.

Local filmmaker featured by Southern Foodways Alliance

By JESSE CHAMBERS

shaped the hospitality industry in our city and I’m proud to share The city of Birmingham has a this legacy through the Southern long history of successful Greek Foodways Alliance’s platform,” restaurant owners.

Chriesman said.

Birmingham filmmaker Jessica The film explores the synergy Chriesman has brought that culibetween the Greek notion of nary and cultural history to life philoxenia (meaning, “friend of the ironcity.ink in her new short documentary, stranger”) and Southern hospitality, “Philoxenia.” she said.

Her film premiered in March during Chriesman graduated from UAB the 2021 Spring Symposium hosted by the in 2015 and has shown her films at numerous Southern Foodways Alliance. She was featured festivals. alongside filmmakers from such cities as New In 2019, she was a finalist in Tribeca Film York and New Orleans.

Institute’s IF/Then Pitch Competition where “Philoxenia” features local favorites Ted’s she and a partner pitched a proposed film about Restaurant, Demetri’s BBQ, Johnny’s Restau- legendary African-American entrepreneur A.G. rant, The Bright Star, The Fish Market and Gaston.

Gus’s Hot Dogs.

For more information, go to jessicachriesman “Birmingham’s Greek immigrants have .com.

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