Over the Mountain Journal Feb. 24, 2011 by Over the Mountain Journal

OVER THE MOUNTAIN

J O U R N A L THE SUBURBAN NEWSPAPER FOR MOUNTAIN BROOK, HOMEWOOD, VESTAVIA HILLS, HOOVER, AND NORTH SHELBY COUNTY FEBRUARY 24, 2011

The Exceptional Foundation will host its seventh annual Chili Cook-Off March 5 from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the foundation’s parking lot. See About Town, page 4.

Fashion Forecast

The 10th annual Taste of Homewood will be March 3 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Rosewood Hall in City Hall at SoHo. See About Town, page 6.

What’s Hot for Spring

For our annual Spring Fashion issue we asked some of our favorite local stores to show us what’s new this season. Also read about why a Greystone mom created a young adult clothing line to promote a life of service. See Fashion, beginning on page 21.

JH Ranch in California, owned by Bruce and Heather Johnston of Birmingham, is a camp that has changed the lives of countless families here and around the world. Also learn about many other camps closer to home. See Camp Guide 2011, beginning on page 30.

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CONTENTS/OPINION

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

MURPHY’S LAW

Burrowing In With My Crème Brulee

4More than 200 people turned out for the annual Birmingham Botanical Gardens Member Dinner, see Social, page 10.

S J P

OTMJ.COM ee even more photos from the areas hottest social events.

oin the conversation. Log into otmj.com to comment on stories, follow us on Facebook or send us your news.

lan your weekends with our extended online calendar. Click on events to find even more happenings in the Over the Mountain area.

In our next issue, get the inside scoop on buying and selling your home in the Over the Mountain area.

F E AT U R E S ABOUT TOWN PEOPLE SOCIAL WEDDINGS

3 9 10 19

FASHION SCHOOL CAMP GUIDE SPORTS

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JOU RNAL

21 27 30 40

’m tired of winter. I proceedings as they searched (I know they would have look out the window tried) for an outfit to highlight ... what? ... the inside of at the mid-February my left wrist? (It’s the one I did not accidentally burn gloom and long for lighton the oven grate.) No, those equal opportunity fasher, brighter days. Which ionistas would have had their work cut out for them. may explain why, like Oh well. Punxsutawney Phil and Fashion show over, it was time for lunch. I sat his Birmingham cousin hunched over my place setting, fearing the worst, but it Bill, I dragged myself turned out that this was not the luncheonistas’ first postfrom my warm burrow body image crisis affair. They started out slowly, with a to attend a recent spring gentle spinach salad, green and lovely on the plate. That fashion show and lunwas healthy, right? Susan Murphy cheon. Next, they presented us with a gathering of crisp I wasn’t going to go. To tender vegetables with ... could it be, a lady-like serving be successful, a fashion show/lunof seafood crepes. I love seafood cheon must offer both delectable crepes. I ate every bite, feeling food and clothes edgy enough to “No body is perfect,” she very good and wholesome about pique the interest of its style-conthe whole experience. quipped as the models scious guests. Then, without comment or fanFor some reason, however, wafted past. “Everyone has fare, they slipped us a crème bruwatching tall leggy women model and not just any crème brulee, flaws.” The problem was, lee, outfits I have no hope of wearbut chocolate crème brulee, the ing – ever – does not enhance my no matter how I strained crème de la crème of crème bruappetite. Parading a bunch of size lees, with strawberries no less, my eyes, I couldn’t see zero crop pants by my table makes bringing happy oohs and aahs a lettuce leaf and half a cherry from a group who moments earthem. tomato seem like counterproduclier had been berating themselves tive self-indulgence. It’s just not for ever buttering their toast. I fun. thought I was going to cry. It was But the thermometer was stuck at Cold and the a masterful culinary performance. weather gurus were predicting more snow flurries, so I Sometimes it takes a little chocolate to help you gave in and searched out a table in the back. see things more clearly. As I savored the last delicious The fashion show emcee was bright and cheery, spoonful, I thought ... so what if I can’t fit into any of although I noted that she herself was of the tall and the showcased after-five dresses? Most days, after five I leggy persuasion. With great fanfare, she called forth am home, snug and warm in my very own burrow. her models and was effusive with her praise of each And if emerging in the spring in a stylish fashion pencil skirt and off-the-shoulder chemise. The idea, requires that I say no to chocolate crème brulee (with she insisted, was for each woman to select clothes that strawberries, no less) then I’ll just stay home until next highlighted her most positive features. winter when the “in” look could be something big and “No body is perfect,” she quipped as the modfluffy that showcases a person’s left wrist. els wafted past. “Everyone has flaws.” The problem It could happen. It could. And even if it couldn’t, was, no matter how I strained my eyes, I couldn’t see I’ve decided to draw my caramelized sugar line in the them. If I had been selected as a model in some wild sand. You can have your cake and eat it too. You just card Bring-Your-Dowdy-Mother-To-Work-Day dream can’t do it in a pencil thin chemise. scenario, there would have been a long pause in the Oh well. ❖

OVER THE MOUNTAIN VIEWS

February 24, 2011

Who is your fashion icon and why?

Publisher: Maury Wald Editor: Laura McAlister Features Writer: Donna Cornelius Office Manager: Christy Wald Editorial Assistant: Stacie Galbraith Sports: Lee Davis Contributors: Susan Murphy, Bones Long, Cary Estes, June Mathews, Emil Wald, Marvin Gentry Advertising Sales: Suzanne Wald, Julie Trammell Edwards, Tommy Wald Editorial Intern: Martha A. Blanton Vol. 20, No. 4

Over The Mountain Journal is a suburban bi-weekly newspaper delivered to more than 40,000 households in the Mountain Brook, Homewood, Vestavia Hills, Hoover and North Shelby County areas. Hot Property is a paid advertisement. Subscriptions for The Journal are available for $24 yearly. Mail to: Over the Mountain Journal, P.O. Box 660502, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216. Phone: (205) 823-9646. E-mail the editorial department at editorial@otmj.com. E-mail our advertising department at ads@otmj.com. Find us on the Web at otmj.com. Copyright 2010 Over The Mountain Journal, Inc. All rights reserved. The Journal is not responsible for return of photos, copy and other unsolicited materials submitted. To have materials returned, please specify when submitting and provide a stamped, self-addressed envelope. All materials submitted are subject to editorial review and may be edited or declined without notification.

“Grace Coddington of Vogue. She takes fashion to another level, incorporating an art form with style.” Abbey Kirby Homewood

“I like to draw ideas from lots of different people with different styles. While I can’t say I dress like them, I definitely look to people like Audrey Hepburn and Jackie O for their classic, timeless styles.” Meredith Carter Homewood

“I have to say Tory Burch. She has developed a classic style into a brand by keeping it fresh, new and on top of trends.”

“Jennifer Anniston. She has an effortless, no-fuss style that can actually translate to real life while still looking glamorous.”

Ashley Prewitt Vestavia Hills

Hannon Kirk Mountain Brook

ABOUT TOWN

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Girl Scouts Honor Women of Distinction

The Girl Scouts of NorthCentral Alabama will recognize 10 outstanding women at its annual Central Alabama Women of Distinction Luncheon March 4 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Harbert Center. The luncheon honors women from Blount, Chilton, Jefferson, Shelby and Walker County who have made special contributions to their communities through civic, academic or professional efforts. This year’s Women of Distinction are: Michelle Ballew of Hoover, engineer and IT manager, Christy/Cobb, Inc.; Susan B. Brouillette of Vestavia Hills, CEO, Alacare Home Health & Hospice; Michelle Clemon of Irondale, vice president of human resources, McWane, Inc.; Alison Bradford Gorrie of Mountain Brook, founder and volunteer, Songs for Sight; Vikki Grodner of Mountain Brook, principal, the Grodner Group; Brenda Mitchell Hackney of Mountain Brook, president, Hackney Foundation; Holley S. LaGrone of Shelby County, vice president of marketing and administration, Energen Resources Corp.; Linda Lewis of Jasper, president, Chamber of Commerce of Walker County; and Cheryl Williams of Homewood, president, A.G. Williams & Co., Inc. Bettina Boateng of NBC13 will be the emcee. U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell will be a guest speaker. Chairing the luncheon is Mariah Chapman, senior vice president and manager at BBVA Compass. Proceeds from the luncheon, the Girl Scouts’ largest fundraiser of the year, support Girl Scouts in North-Central Alabama. For more information, visit www.girlscoutsnca.org/ WODCentral. Tickets are $60 for general admission and $45 for Girl Scout members.

Lil’ Lambs Sale Is at Trinity UMC

Trinity United Methodist Church in Homewood will hold its spring Lil’ Lambs consignment sale March 4 from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and March 5 from 9 a.m. to noon. Lil’ Lambs is a sale of gently-used infant and children’s clothing, accessories, toys and nursery items. Sellers receive 70 percent of their proceeds, and the remaining 30 percent helps support Trinity’s children’s ministries. Most items are half-price on Saturday. For more information, visit trinitybirmingham.com.

Cornerstone Schools Get Ready to Rock

Cornerstone Schools of Alabama and Strickland Trading Co. will present the sixth annual Schoolhouse Rock fundraiser event at B&A Warehouse March

4 from 7 to 11 p.m. Schoolhouse Rock is an annual fundraiser hosted by Cornerstone Schools of Alabama’s Junior Board. Proceeds benefit Cornerstone students. The 2010 event raised $100,000 for the non-profit private school,

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which provides Birmingham’s inner-city children with a quality education in a Christian environment. Tickets are $30 and can be purchased at www.csalabama.org, Urban Cookhouse in Homewood or at the door. Included are live

music by Teenage Daddy, hors d’oeuvres, live and silent auctions and two free drink tickets. For more information about the event or about becoming an event sponsor, contact Sarah Pikal at 769-0034 or spikal@csalabama. org. ❖

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ABOUT TOWN

Chili Cook-Off Benefits Exceptional Foundation

The Exceptional Foundation will host its seventh annual Chili Cook-Off March 5 from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the foundation’s parking lot. Regions Bank is the title sponsor, and Northwestern Mutual of Alabama is the presenting sponsor of the event, organized by the Exceptional Foundation and its Junior Board members. The outdoor, family-friendly event benefits the foundation’s programs. Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the gate and free for children 12 and under. Visit www. exceptionalchilicookoff.com for more information or to buy tickets. The price includes live entertainment by Rick Carter & The League of Legendary Artists,

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Helping plan the Exceptional Foundation’s Chili Cook-Off are junior board members front, from left: Kristen McGee and Marye Beasley Seymour; and in back, from left: Charlie Clark, Christian White and Billy Magruder. Journal photo by Laura McAlister samplings of chili cooked by 80 The pre-party will be at Saks at teams and entertainment for kids. The Summit March 3 from 6 to 9 Hot dogs, ice cream, beverages p.m. and more will also be sold. The event includes desserts, A grand prize, first runner-up, champagne and a gala-inspired second runner-up, fundraising fashion show. Those who buy award, people’s choice and spirit Diamonds for Life Gala tickets that award will also be presented. night will receive a Saks exclusive The Exceptional Foundation is shopping discount pass. a non-profit organization which The gala will be April 9 at the strives to meet the social and Cahaba Grand. It is the biggest recreational needs of the menfundraiser of the year for Kid One, tally challenged population of which provides transportation to the greater Birmingham area. For health care services for children and more information, visit www. expectant mothers. exceptionalfoundation.org. For more information, call 9781000 or visit www.kidone.org.

Pre-Party Planned By Kid One, Saks

Kid One Transport and Saks Fifth Avenue are teaming up to host a pre-party for Kid One’s third annual “Diamonds for Life” Gala.

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Armitage Tapped for 2011 Spencer Lecture

Birmingham Botanical Gardens’ Spencer Lecture Series will be March 10 at 6:30 p.m. in the LinnHenley Lecture Hall. Botanist, writer and educator Dr. Allan Armitage will speak on “Legends in the Garden,” a lecture about the people for whom many plants are named. He also will provide horticultural trends and tips in 2011. Sign up for the free event at www.bbgardens.org. Armitage runs the Trial Gardens at the University of Georgia, where new plant material is evaluated from flower breeders across the world. He has received the National Educator Award from the American Horticultural Society, the Medal of Honor from the Garden Club of America and many other awards. The Spencer Lecture Series is made possible by the Virginia Beeland Spencer Lecture Fund at the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham. The fund, started by the late William Spencer in honor of his wife, annually brings prominent speakers to Birmingham, giving the public a chance to learn more about gardening, flower arranging, horticulture and conservation for free. For more information, contact Shelly McCarty at smccarty@bbgardens.org or 4143965. ❖

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ABOUT TOWN

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Empty House Party Previews ShowHouse The Decorators’ ShowHouse Committee of the Symphony Volunteer Council invited more

ABOUT TOWN than 150 decorators to preview the 2011 Decorators’ ShowHouse, the Thomas E. Jernigan residence at 2965 Briarcliff Rd. in Mountain Brook. Decorators were welcomed by ShowHouse chairmen Halcyann

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Badham, Lyn Rogers Gibson and Nancy Van Wanderham. Decorator liaisons Roberta Atkinson, Clairee Clarke, Nancy Folk, Lu Moss and Deborah O’Connor assisted decorators and provided packets that included ShowHouse dates, floor plans and information about the room bidding process. Decorator preview chairman Donna Judge Spencer and SVC hospitality vice presidents Shirley Brown and Martha Black provided a delicious brunch for the decorators. Nancy Morrow is president of the Symphony Volunteer Council. The Empty House Party, “Glitz, Glamour, and Golf,” is slated for Feb. 26 from 6 to 10 p.m. Planning the event with the ShowHouse chairmen are Tom and Liz Warren, Nan Teninbaum, Diane Ray, Bob and Martha Black, Bob and Shirley Brown, Mike and Linda Griggs, Susan Mason, Gwen Mizzell and Deborah Knight. Attire for the event is casual dress. Guests are invited to think “old Hollywood” and wear glitzy and glamorous or golfing attire. Entertainment will be provided by Terry Padgett, an Elvis tribute artist. Old movies will be shown in the media room, and there will be dancing, shag lessons and a silent auction in other areas of the house. Decorators will have their renderings on display. The cost is $40 per person and includes a barbecue dinner and two beverage tickets. Make checks payable to DSH 2011 and mail to: DSH, P.O. Box 530317, Birmingham, AL 35253. Call 9687603 or visit www.symphonyvolunteercouncil.org for more information. Parking and shuttles to the house begin at 5:30 p.m. from the former Vincent/Bruno Market at Brookwood Colonial Village.

Dinner and Diamonds Helps VH Foundation

�� The Vestavia Hills City �� Schools Foundation will host its �� fifth annual Dinner and Diamonds Feb. 26. “Journey to Wonderland” �� will be at Iz the Place on Rocky �� Ridge Road. The event includes live music �� from Band Party, food from Iz �� and an auction showcasing pieces

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Getting ready for the Decorators’ ShowHouse Empty House Party are, from left: Nancy Van Wanderham, Nan Teninbaum, Lyn Gibson, Terry Padgett and Halcyann Badham. Photo special to the Journal

Participants in the 10th annual Taste of Homewood include, front, from left: Gabriel Rothblat from Papa Murphey’s, Brian Hedeman from DoDiYo’s and Chris Vizzina with Campus Dining at Samford; and standing are: Tricia Ford with the Homewood Chamber, Bill Bouloukos with Happy Catering, Allan Scruggs with Piggly Wiggly in Homewood, Ellen Morgan with Michael’s, John Mullikin with Jackson’s, Kitty Greenhalgh and Margaret Scott from Savage’s Bakery, Barry Abes and Chris Harden with Brio and Caroline Hubbard with the chamber.

Journal photo by Laura McAlister

from Paul’s Diamond Center. The Vestavia Hills City Schools Foundation is a nonprofit organization that provides perpetual financial support to each Vestavia Hills school. Since awarding its first grants in 1999, the foundation has granted $477,185 to the city’s eight schools and board of education. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. Tickets are $75 each. For more information, visit www.vestaviafoundation.org, contact the foundation office at 978-8808 or e-mail director@vest aviafoundation.org.

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dtayloe@danielhomes.net • drogers@danielhomes.net

Planning Dinner and Diamonds for the Vestavia Hills City Schools Foundation are, from left: chairman Lindy Walker, foundation executive director Ashley Thompson, chairman Gina Henley and auction chairmen Joanna Ducket and Tracy Dugas. Photo special to the Journal

Taste of Homewood is Set for March 3

The 10th annual Taste of Homewood will be March 3 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Rosewood Hall in City Hall at SoHo. The event features more than 20 Homewood restaurants, caterers, bakeries, coffee shops and beverage merchants. DAXKO is the presenting sponsor, and BB&T is the supporting sponsor. Taste of Homewood showcases the city’s growing number of food purveyors and gives the public a chance to sample a variety of menu items. WSVU, Samford University’s radio station, will sponsor Allen Barlow and his band at the event. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door and can be purchased at the Homewood Chamber of Commerce in the Homewood Library or at www.homewoodchamber.org. Tickets also are available at BB&T in Homewood, Four Seasons Antiques and Harmony Landing. Vendors include Brio Tuscan Grille, Jackson’s, Nabeel’s, McCormick & Schmick’s, Piggly Wiggly, Campus Dining at Samford University, Papa Murphy’s Take and Bake Pizza, DoDiYo’s, Pepsi/Buffalo Rock, Ruth Chris, McAlister’s Deli, O’Henry’s

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Coffee, Budweiser, The Basket, Pastry Art, Savage’s, Dream Cakes, Digiorno’s, Out Takes, Edgewood Catering, Collage Catering and more. For more information, call Tricia Ford at 871-5631.

Christ Church Hosts Two-Day Conference

Birmingham’s Christ Church United Methodist will host the Rejuvenate Conference, a gathering for churches seeking spiritual renewal, Feb. 25-26. Speakers include Dr. David Platt, senior pastor of the Church of Brook Hills and author of “Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream;” Dr. Michael Wesley, senior pastor of Greater Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church; and Dr. Al Henson, founder of Lighthouse Ministries and the Compassionate Hope Foundation. The gathering also will feature leaders from areas around the world where the church is growing dramatically. The conference will be at Christ Church United Methodist, 5091 Caldwell Mill Rd. Registration is $69 for adults and $59 for students. For more information or to register, visit www.rejuvenate2011.com, or call the church at 991-5065.

Wine Tasting Benefits Bunny Bag Project

The Women Lawyers Section of the Birmingham Bar and the Birmingham Bar Foundation have again joined forces to purchase Bunny Bags for children who are victims of domestic violence. The bags, designed by the American Bar Association, contain information and items of comfort. A Bunny Bag Wine Tasting Feb. 24 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Wine Loft in downtown Birmingham will help raise awareness and funds for the project. Parking will be available near the Wine Loft at Porter Capital and Lindsey Furnishings. Tickets are $20 in advance or at the door. Contact the Bar Foundation at 251-2231, bbfound@bellsouth.net or Rhonda Caviedes at 521-8683 or rcaviedes@babc.com for more information.

Organ Recital Set at Bluff Park UMC

Hoover’s Bluff Park United Methodist Church will hold a pipe organ recital Feb. 27 at 4 p.m. A reception will follow. The concert is free, and a nursery will be provided. Church organist Jamie Davis will perform a variety of pieces to demonstrate the capabilities of the 44-rank instrument. Sponsors of the recital may contribute $100 or more to the Pipe Organ Fund. Proceeds go toward organ enhancements and maintenance.

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ABOUT TOWN Davis has served as church organist at BPUMC since April 2002. The Sylacauga native is a graduate of the University of Montevallo with bachelor’s degrees in education and church music. She also has a master’s degree in church music from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Ky., and is pursuing a music education doctorate at Florida State University. She and her husband, Terry, served 10 years as Southern Baptist missionaries to Korea. She has served as organist for several churches, including a church in Korea. Bart Jones, trumpeter with the Alabama Symphony Orchestra, will perform with Davis in the recital.

Camera Club Hosts Noted Photographer

Tom Ulrich, a wildlife photographer from West Glacier, Mont., will present “Living Wild with Tom Ulrich” Feb. 25 at 7 p.m. at the Birmingham Zoo auditorium. The program will highlight Ulrich’s world travels in 2010. Ulrich has covered the world capturing wildlife on film with more than 600,000 photos, many used in publications such as “National Geographic” and “Life.” He won the Mammal Behavior category in the 1987 International Wildlife Photographer of the Year contest, the 1979 and 1981 National Wildlife Photo Contest and the 1987, 1988, 1991 and 1994 Outdoor Writers Scavenger Hunt Photo Contest. He was grand prize winner of the 1996 National Wildbird Photo Contest. For more photos and information, visit www.tomulrichphotos. com/index.htm. The program is free and open to the public. For more information, call 249-7154.

Weim & Cheese Aids Rescue Service

The eighth annual Weim & Cheese fundraiser will be March 5 from 6:30 to 10 p.m. at Rosewood Hall in the SoHo dis-

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Getting ready for Weim & Cheese at SoHo are, from left: Brook Burgess, Mary Linda McDowell, Bug Greer and Kenny McDowell with Weimaraner rescues Jeager, Mousse, Dylan, Gil and Tigerlily.

Journal photo by Laura McAlister

trict of Homewood. This lively, casual event features silent and live auctions, heavy hors d’oeuvres, wine, beer and live music by The Hurlers. Food will be provided by Mafiaoza’s. Grey Bar will serve a signature martini at its martini bar. Scott Register of Reg’s Coffee House is emcee. The event benefits Weimaraner Rescue of the South, which strives to find homes for Weimaraners in need in Alabama, Mississippi and parts of Tennessee, Georgia and Louisiana. Tickets are $25 in advance and $35 at the door. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.weimrescue.com.

Library Friends Plan Three-Day Book Sale

The Friends of the Emmet O’Neal Library book sale will be Feb. 25 and 26 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Feb. 27 from 1 to 4 p.m. There will be a preview party from 6-9 p.m. Feb. 24 for Friends of the Emmet O’Neal Library. All it takes to be a Friend is $25, which can be paid the evening of the preview party. Guests at the party will be the first people in the community to look at the books. Wine and

cheese is also served. The sale, held since 1965, is the library’s biggest annual fundraiser. The event offers some 18,000 books, including first editions, autographed copies and bestselling novels in hardback as well as trade paperbacks, history books, biographies, cookbooks, children’s and young adult books, books about the South and more. Visit www.eoib.org for more information on the book sale and for a book sale coupon.

Kids Can Audition for Pollution Patrol

Annual auditions for Auntie Litter’s Pollution Patrol for children ages 8-15 will be Feb. 27 at 2 p.m. at Vestavia Hills’ new Library in the Forest. The Pollution Patrol will perform for Auntie Litter’s 20th annual Earth Day parade and celebration April 20 in downtown Birmingham and will lead the nation’s largest Earth Day parade for children. The event includes live musical entertainment, science shows, educational exhibits and costume contests. Pollution Patrol members must attend four rehearsals and purchase a $10 uniform. A parent or guardian must accompany children to the auditions. No preparation or experience is required. Registration for the Earth Day parade is open to all public and private schools and to children in home-school programs. For information about the auditions or to register for the parade and celebration, visit www.AuntieLitter.org.

Program Offers Business Tips

Clothing, Jewelry & Accessories www.ShopPrivateGallery.com

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Getting ready for the Emmet O’Neal Friends of the Library annual Book Sale are from left: Bea Healey, Lee Sewell, Tzena Gauldin and Susan Elliott. Journal photo by Laura McAlister

The Hoover Public Library will present “How to Start a Business in Hoover” March 1 from 9:15 a.m. to noon. Business consultant Joseph Primm will share information for new business owners. The program is free and open to the public. For reservations, call 444-7816. ❖

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PEOPLE

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the homeless men using the facility. He also built and installed cabinets in a staff office area. Darby is a sophomore at Mountain Brook High School, where he plays on the varsity tennis team. He is the son of Caroline and Patrick Darby of Mountain Brook.

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• 19th Century English White Ironstone, Transferware and Creamware • Late 18th Century Italian Walnut Cassone • Early 19th Century American Pewter Cupboard • 19th Century Pastel on Linen French Portraits

BSC Names New Dean of Business Programs

William Porter recently received the John Glasser Award from Better Basics, a nonprofit United Way agency dedicated to advancing literacy through school programs. Porter, a longtime supporter of Better Basics and current member of the board of directors, was presented the award in a December celebration. His wife Donna, son Scott Porter, daughter DeNay Kirkpatrick and grandchildren Sam and Caroline attended with more than 100 Better Basics supporters, volunteers and employees. The award honors outstanding dedication and service to Better Basics and its mission to improve children’s literacy efforts in the community. The award is named for Better Basics founder John Glasser.

Sanders Earns Eagle Scout Rank

William Gillis Sanders III, a member of Troop 63 at Canterbury United Methodist Church, was awarded the rank of Eagle Scout in a Court of Honor ceremony Jan. 9. Sanders has been active in scouting for nine years. For his Eagle Scout leadership project, Sanders designed and constructed two decorative fences around air conditioning units at Mountain William Gillis Brook Sanders III Elementary School. He also added landscaping to the area. The Mountain Brook High School sophomore is a member of the National Junior Honor Society, Latin Club and Future Business Leaders of America. The son of B and Brooks Sanders, he attends St. Luke’s Episcopal Church.

Darby Earns Eagle Scout Rank

Patrick Roberts Darby, a member of Boy Scout Troop 63 at Canterbury United Methodist Church, has earned the rank of Eagle Scout. Darby earned 25 merit badges and is a member of the Order of the Arrow National Honor Society. For his Eagle service Patrick Roberts project, he Darby built storage facilities for the Old Firehouse Shelter in downtown Birmingham. The project included the construction and installation of partitions in the shelter’s basement to provide storage for the personal effects of

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Porter Receives Glasser Award

Photo special to the Journal

At a presentation of the Better Basics’ John Glasser Award were, from left: Scott Porter, Caroline Scott, honoree William Porter, Sam Kirkpatrick, Donna Porter and DeNay Kirkpatrick.

Dr. Sara Robicheaux, associate professor of finance at • View Gallery on Facebook, Noordermeer Antiques Birmingham-Southern College, is the new dean of business programs �� at the college. �� Robicheaux joined the BSC faculty in 2002 as an assistant professor of finance, rising to associate professor in 2007. Before �� joining the Birmingham-Southern �� faculty, she was a visiting professor of finance in the Kenan-Flagler �� Business School at the University �� of North Carolina from 2000-02. The Tuscaloosa native received �� WHAT: Volunteers are needed for a research study. This study will a bachelor’s degree in mathemat�� involve a 12-week exercise program. Study participants will be tested ics from Birmingham-Southern in at UAB for physical and mental health status before and after the 1997. ShePLEASE received her master’s CALL: (850) 435-8658 or �� FAX TO: (850) 435-8607 exercise period. degree in economics in 1997 �� with changes or ad approval. and her doctorate in finance in ELIGIBILITY: Participants must: be male and 19-30 years of Regular ofﬁUniversity ce hours:of8:00AMage, to be 5:30PM Monday thru Friday 2000, both from the their own legal guardian, have a diagnosis on the Autism �� Alabama. Spectrum as deﬁned in the DSM-IV, and have an IQ of 80 or above. While at Alabama, Robicheaux �� Participants must receive clearance from a Primary Care Physician was named the Beta Gamma and be able to perform mild to moderate exercise with no anticipated Sigma Outstanding Doctoral health complications. �� Student and received the Robert L. �� Participants will receive monetary compensation for participation Hatcher III Award for Outstanding �� Graduate Teaching Assistant. in the study. Treatment�� and exercise facilities will be provided at no She has published articles in charge. Financial Review and Quarterly �� Journal of Business and Economics �� and other finance journals. She is chairman of the Vestavia �� Hills Library Board of Trustees. ❖ ��

Showroom: 709 3rd Avenue N., Birmingham

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BRAVO! For a Good Cause

Gala is Warm Up to Music Club’s Main Event

Among those who turned out for the Birmingham Music Club’s Jan. 28 gala were, above, from left: Charles and Charlann Anderson, Elam and Sandra Holley and Judy Anderson, and below Cindy Harper and Judy and Edward Wiggins. Photo special to the Journal

black-tie gala kicked off celebrations for the Birmingham Music Club’s BRAVO! performance. Held at the Country Club of Birmingham Jan. 28, the gala was the “first course” before the March 5 performance at Samford University’s Wright Center. The evening began with cocktails followed by a seated dinner, live auction, entertainment and chance drawings in the East Room. Rooms glittered with candle-lit silver branches and magnolia nestled in beds of moss and cream carnations. Tall silver candlesticks topped with carnation balls accented the tables. Guild members Anne Lamkin and Sherron Goldstein chose the menu. Guests were served an appetizer trio of chicken and apple salad in profiteroles, smoked salmon with cream cheese on dill flat bread and tomato, basil and mozzarella bruschetta followed by Tournedos Au Poivre crusted with cracked black peppercorns with brandy dijon cream and veal demi glace. Dessert was the “Prez Special,” a mound of

vanilla ice cream encrusted with chocolate. Four for Time entertained with show tunes. Rick Owen conducted the auction, which included trips, golf rounds, football tickets and memorabilia, a wine collection, cooking classes and jewelry. Among the 200 guests were Dot and Jim Anderson, Gerda Carmichael, Kevin and Nancy Canada, Bob and Martha Black, co-chairmore photos at men Jeanne Bradford with husband Harry and Marsha Drennen with husband Jim, Terrell and Melinda Wynn, Birmingham Music Club president Wyatt Haskell and Susan, Guild president Mary-Noel Sellers and husband Bob and Marjorie Forney. Others there were Carolyn and Thad Long, Carl and Ann Jones, Corinne Greer, Robert and Edith Bauman, Jim and Dee King, Pringle and Kathie Ramsey, Charles and Judy Anderson, Oliver and Elaine Clark, Elna Brendel, Malcolm Miller, Ed and Judy Wiggins, Gerry and Pat Durward and Russell and Ellen Cunningham.

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The event raised more than $50,000. All proceeds from the BRAVO! gala and show benefit the BMC Concert Series and BMC Guild Music Scholarship Fund. The club is celebrating its 105th year. The BRAVO! Performance, featuring nationally and internationally recognized musicians with Birmingham ties, will incorporate several musical genres, including classical, bluegrass, country, folk and gospel. Carl Dean is director, and Bobby Horton, writer, producer and performer of music scores for 13 PBS films by filmmaker Ken Burns, is master of ceremonies. BRAVO! performers include Yakov Kasman, silver medalist at the 10th Van Cliburn International Piano Competition; the popular musical comedy act “Three on a String”; the Birmingham Sunlights, winners of a National Endowment for the Arts Lifetime Fellowship; and the Birmingham Junior League Choral Group, directed by Amy Murphy, acclaimed for its performances at Carnegie Hall and the International Haydn Festival in Vienna. For ticket information, visit www.bhammusicclub.org or call the Wright Center at 726-2853. ❖

Birmingham Botanical Gardens Sets Agenda for 2011

ore than 220 members and donors attended Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens’ 46th annual Member Dinner on Jan. 20 at 7 p.m. Leaf & Petal at The Gardens held a welcoming reception prior to the dinner, giving guests a chance to mingle while enjoying wine and hors d’oeuvres. Members, donors and staff gathered to celebrate The Gardens’ many achievements in 2010 and to set more photos at an aggressive agenda for 2011. Past president Mary Carolyn Boothby was the evening’s keynote speaker, giving a presentation titled “A Garden of Change – The Importance of Planning.” Boothby spoke about her experiences as chairman of the 1979 Master Plan Committee, co-designer of the Bruno Vegetable Garden and the significance of The Gardens’ 2010 Master Plan, which was unveiled to the public on March 25, 2010. Executive director Fred Spicer followed with a slideshow highlighting successes of 2010 – such as the new master plan, and plans for 2011 – like a completely redesigned Arrington Plant Adventure Zone for horticultural therapy and a newly renovated upper Blount Plaza.

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Attending the Birmingham Botanical Gardens’ Member Dinner were, left, from left: Tommy and Yates Amason and Jarry and Janet Taylor; and above, Benjamin and Felicia Mitchell. Photo by the Journal Henry Ray was introduced as the new president of The Friends’ Board of Directors. Ray paid tribute to Tommy Amason, immediate past president, and also introduced new members of the board. Those in attendance included Philip Morris, Tricia Noble, Chris Boles,

Janet and Jarry Taylor, Diana Slaughter, Margi Ingram, councilwoman Valerie Abbott, Birmingham Parks & Rec director Melvin Miller, Lou Willie and Cindy Comford, Yates and Tommy Amason, Rebecca and Jeff Cohn, Kay and Eddie Aldridge, Paula and Mike Rushing, Margaret

and Bob Wendorf and Thelma and Ron Stichweh. For more information about the annual Member Dinner, Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens or the 2010 Master Plan, contact Michael Hansen at 414-3960 or mhansen@bbgardens.org. ❖

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Kidd, Ginny Bourland, Betsy Turner Fetner, Becky Peterson, Ashley Knowles, Jennifer Gabel, Nicole Saia, Beth Abts and Leisha Allen.

The 2010 Poinsettia Debutantes ...

gathered Nov. 27 for a night of Latin dining, ballroom dancing and father-daughter bonding. “Dads and Dance” was the ending to a week of Thanksgiving holiday festivities.

Alpha Delta Pi alumnae at a Jan. 23 tea included, above, from left: Ashley Damato, Cynthia Brast and Christina Arnone; and below, Skye Ferguson, Heather Biciste and Marisa Indelicato.

Photo special to the Journal

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The party was in honor of debutantes Whitney Acton, Meg Cole, Natalie Henninger, Audrey Moore, Ally Scofield and Mary Beth Williams. As fathers and daughters arrived, they posed for photos dressed in traditional Mexican attire. Across the dance floor were a taco bar catered by Moe’s Southwest Grill and a dessert table with an assortment of baked goods. Decorations included sombreros, cacti, sparkling lights and poinsettias. After dinner, the debs and their

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The Greater Birmingham Alpha Delta Pi Alumnae ...

Association hosted its annual alumni tea Jan. 23. Alumnae living in Jefferson and Shelby County who graduated from schools as far away as Indiana and as close as Samford were able to meet new sisters and renew old friendships. President Melanie Kearns Davis welcomed guests as they arrived at the Vestavia Hills home of Julie Walton Cundiff. Alumnae were encouraged

to bring their daughters, nieces and goddaughters. Lee Moore Marlow brought all three of her daughters, Emily Marlow, Michela Marlow and Suzanna Marlow. One of the youngest guests was 6-month-old Skye Ferguson, goddaughter of Heather Whitten Biciste. Other Alpha Delta Pis there were Christina Arnone, Ashley Damato, Marisa Indelicato, Lisa Baldwin Stevenson, Donna Anderson Parrish, Suzan Hays and daughter Ashley Hays, Debbie Castleberry, Meredith Fayard, Cynthia Brast, Gail

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Attending the Poinsettia Debutantes’ Dads and Dance were from left: Ally Scofield, Audrey Moore, Natalie Henninger, Mary Beth Williams, Whitney Acton and Meg Cole. Photo special to the Journal

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dads hit the dance floor for a lesson in the classic waltz from instructors Chris and Emily Bailey of Bailey’s Dance Studio. Debutantes there were Jordan Walker, Courtney Walls, Glendinning Johnston, Alex Kingsford, Haley Bagwell, Marlie Joseph, Kaitlyn Carlton, A.K. Burton, Rebekah Cowart, Claire Lewallyn, Emily Savage, Kate Selman, Maggie Sinclair, Michelle Moody, Jamie Swindall and Mary Jane

Walker. The young women were presented Dec. 28 at the Poinsettia Ball.

Members of the Birmingham Smocking Arts Guild ... of America (BSAGA) decorated a Christmas tree Nov. 7 at Children’s Hospital with wee care gowns, bonnets and blankets

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Helping to trim a tree at Children’s Hospital were Birmingham Smocking Arts Guild members, from left, front: Karen Duncan and Melina Fiorella; back: Glenda Horton, Melonie Graham, Kay Shelnutt and Charlotte Burkhardt. Photo special to the Journal

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AAUW welcomed Audrey Salgado to ...

its Jan. 18 luncheon at the Cahaba Heights Pumping Station. The group was formerly known as the American Association of University Women. Salgado is with Alabama Citizens for Constitutional Reform. She presented “Open Secret,” a DVD with reenactments of parts of the 1901 constitutional convention of 1901. Sponsors of the “Open Secret” film project are Alabama Citizens for Constitutional Reform, AAUW of Alabama, the League of Women Voters of Alabama and Greater Birmingham Ministries Among those at the luncheon were Jimmie Anderson, Audrey Salgado Susan Barrow, Judy Deegan, Gene Hiller, Linda Jenson, Myrl Kirstein, Bennie Mendelson, Jane McGahee, Bobbie Piper, Patti Steelman, Barbara Patterson, Neil Patterson, Aubrey Ross and Rowena Talbot. For more information about AAUW, contact Elizabeth Barker at zbethb@aol.com or 917-2111 or Barbara Patterson at daisydog@juno.com or 595-7740.

Opera Birmingham’s production of “Faust” provide the backdrop ...

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for a whirl of social events. Kathy and Jim Emison entertained the cast at their traditional welcome barbecue. Guests included John Jones, Opera Birmingham’s general director; Charles Rountree; Eleanor Parker, director of marketing and communications for Opera Birmingham; Kirk Smith; stage director Dona Vaughn; conductor Israel Gursky; and cast members Bryan Hymel, Mary Dunleavy, Kirk Eichelberger, Michael Mayes, Millinee Bannister, Daniel Seigel and Gloria Parvin. Midway through the monthlong rehearsals, the cast enter-

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SOCIAL tained major donors at a reception in the McDonald Room of the Hill Opera Center. An array of hors d’oeuvres was prepared by Nancy Hallmark, including her famous portobello mush-

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room dip with sliced baguettes. Arrangements of red gerbera daisies were positioned throughout the rooms, and round serving tables draped with gold cloths had centerpieces of yellow lilies,

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The “Faust” opening night cast party drew a number of guests, including, above, from left: Drew Watson, Bryan Hymel and Holly Chestnut, and below, John Jones, Mary Dunleavy, Hal Williams and Jim Emison.

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fire-tipped roses and yellow gerbera daisies. Guests included Opera Guild president Melva Jones, Betty Healey, Martha Pezrow, Sandra Gianturco and Bill Bradley, Herb Patterson, Pat Scofield, Amy Carr, Jane and Bob Hinds, Ann Hillhouse, Jane Paris and Chandler Smith, Emily Omura, Wanda Elkourie, Mary Wills and Tom LeCroy, Rog Williams and Barbara and Tony Barnard. Dining with the artists afterward were Patty McDonald, Dr. Julius Linn Jr. and Mimi Jackson. MaryAnne and Mike Freeman treated the entire company to a catered lunch at Harambe, which was used as Opera Birmingham’s rehearsal space courtesy of Gaynell and Elias Hendricks Jr. Dorinda and John Smith entertained the cast at dinner at Rogue Tavern following a rehearsal. Members of Amici, the Opera’s new young professionals group, attended a dress rehearsal at the Wright Center before cocktails at Dram. In the group were Colin Alexander, Crystal and Jason Berryhill, Mandi Coker, Josh Crowe, Amanda Dickerson, Hannah Ellington, Katie Leatherbury, Helen Marchman, Sharon Morgan, Misti and Rob Norton, Katie Rutledge, Elizabeth Scribner, Tamela Seymour, Carolyn and Jason Tompkins, Karyn Uptain, and Doug VanWie. Santa Fe Opera general director Charles MacKay came for the opening night performance and was entertained at dinner by Jane Head and Bibby Smith. At the Wright Center, MacKay met Mildred Allen, who first played the role of the Madama Butterfly at the Santa Fe Opera, and her husband Ed Taub. After the opening performance, Amici hosted a cast party at the downtown loft of Andrew Collins. Guests included Errol Allan, Sonny Lewis, Jim Nelson, Anna Comer, Joan Parker, Pat Boswell and Bill Baxley, Sandy Ash, Pam and Di DiPiazza, Carin and Randy Mayo, Jennifer Faulkner, Aaron Calvart, Abbott Jones, Tommy Thompson, Andrew Duxbury, Cordelia Anderson, Jessica Johnson, Brad Siegal, Rachel and Drew Watson, Sarah and Ryan Nash, Amanda Maxwell, Chuck Evans, Hal Word, Brian Denton, Katherine and Robert Robinson, Betsy Pate, Maria Lyles, Lyn Brogan, Murphy Maddox, Joey Johnson and Holly Chestnut. A farewell dinner for the cast was hosted by Libby Cochrane at Cocina Superior. ❖

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Above, Cheramis officers are, from left: Lisa Powers, Bess Speegle, Shirley Vaughn, Brenda Harris, Mollie Midlik, Nancy Coggin, Noel Tidwell and Peggy Yarnall. Left, those in attendance at the coffee included Noel Tidwell, left, and Peggy Yarnall.

Lindsay Reese and Margarita Gracianette, all of Birmingham, and Colleen Adams, Betty Bassinger and Virginia Golightly of Vestavia Hills. Other southof-town Cheramis included Connie Dabbs, Regina Smith, Fairfax Segner, Reyford Nichols, Ginnie Stewart, Reba Huffman, Mary Pate, Alice Ellison, Yvonne Norton, Helen Sain, Shirley Johnson, Zella Listerman, Sissy Mathews and Martha Vick from Hoover. Cheramis from Shelby County were Mary Klemenc, Betty Rogers, Jessica Ireland and Elaine Hughes. Guests included Mary Lambert, Mary Jean Box, Jeanie Box and Laura Estes. ❖

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To: Loretta �� From: Over The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 ph., 205-824-1246, fax �� Date: Jan. 2011 �� This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL fo �� Jan. 27, 2011 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246. ��

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membership coffee Jan. 29 at the Hoover home of Jane Crouch. Brunch included chicken salad croissants, ham and cheese roll-ups, sausage balls, fresh fruit, cheeses and dips. A dessert table held cookies, lemon squares, petite muffins and strawberries with chocolate.

At the coffee were president Peggy Yarnall of Trussville, treasurer Mollie Midlik of Pelham and committee chairmen Bess Speegle of Inverness, Doris Kenny of Homewood, Brenda Harris and Noel Tidwell of Vestavia Hills and Nancy Coggin and Lisa Powers, both of Hoover. Also there were Inez Donahoo, Jean Morton,

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Cheramis Dance Club held its annual ...

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Little black dresses and pearls were the ...

theme when Assistance League of Birmingham hosted a luncheon and fashion show Feb. 2 at Vestavia Country Club. The show, directed by Darlene Real Higginbotham, featured fashions from Belk at Colonial Brookwood Mall. Members Molly Bee Bloetscher and Colleen Adams modeled several outfits. Mike and Taylor Brennan from Love the Pearls presented “The Wonderful World of Pearls.” After the presentation, guests were able to shop from a selection of exclusive pearls. A highlight of the event was the raffle conducted by Mike Brennan, who donated pearl necklaces and earrings to raise money for the Assistance League’s philanthropic programs. Pam Buck, June Pryor, Marilyn Norris, Gloria Braune and Norma Jean Crews were the winners. Chairmen of the luncheon and fashion show were Jan Service and Melinda Thornbury. They were assisted by Mary Ann Wade, Char Bonsack, June Pryor, Cindy Wade, Anne Eady, president Margo Niewodowski and Molly Bee Bloetscher, fundraising chairman. Others there were Shirley Action, Cary Baker, Karen Baker, Beth Clarke, Carolyn Collins, Beth Hamer, Barbara Kelley, Rosemarie Kramer, Angie Leo, Diane Martin, Carol

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Attending the Assistance League of Birmingham’s luncheon and fashion show were, above, from left: Sandy Ridgway with her family, Susan Bartlett, Melinda Bartlett and Shannon Lamoureux. Left, Cindy Wade shows off pearls for sale at the luncheon.

Photos special to the Journal

Matherson, Sharon Palm, Yvonne Pope, Harriet Rejonis, Sandy Lynn Ridgeway, Liz Warren and Joy Wilkes. The luncheon benefited the

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At the Ballerina Club’s winter coffee were new members, from left, front: Peggy Immel, Leslie Puckett and Kathy Harrington. Back: Marie Carlisle, Drucilla Rochester, Vicki Daniels, Joy Moore and Alice Ellison. Photo special to the Journal

league’s three philanthropic programs. PrimeTime Treasures in Homewood has returned more than $3.7 million to Alabama senior citizens from the sale of their hand-crafted goods. Operation School Bell has clothed more than 22,000 children in need since 1985. Operation Literacy provides one-on-one tutoring to improve children’s reading skills.

Ballerina Club members gathered Jan. 20 for ...

their annual winter coffee at the historic Swann House, the Redmont home of Brooke and Daniel Coleman. Brooke is the daughter of Ballerina member Renee Blalock. The coffee honored new members Allison Ellison, Leslie Puckett, Vicki Daniels, Carolyn Waguespack, Kathy Harrington, Tricia Ponder, Joy Moore, Penny Immel, Katherine Pearson, Marie Carlisle and Drucilla Rochester. Hospitality chairmen Vicki Lukens and Katherine Murray coordinated the event with assistance from president Patsy Straka. Guests gathered around a table filled with treats provided by members. The winter floral centerpiece featured sea-weathered, snow-dusted branches, purple heather, coral roses and winter cabbage rosettes. ❖

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Attending the American Cancer Society’s Winter Cocktail were, front row from left: Drew Shields and Mickey Duggan; middle row: Melissa Tuck, Sarah Hawkins and Janna Rutland; and back: Amy McGill Fitzgerald, Drew Goodner, Christopher Lee, Austin Boyd and Lee Dyar.

Photo special to the Journal

The Birmingham office of the American Cancer ... Society hosted its fourth annual Winter Cocktail Party sponsored by InBham.com on Feb. 11 at Steel 1st & 23rd in downtown Birmingham. The event started at 8 p.m. and lasted until 12 a.m. with an after party in the Lakeview area. Hundreds came out for the night and sipped complimentary

beer and wine, while dining on appetizers from Maki Fresh, Edgar’s Bakery, Steel 1st & 23rd, Kim’s Cakes, Café Iz, Zaxby’s, and Ashley Mac. Everyone danced the night away with music by Mark AD. Photographs were taken by Curtis B Photography and About Town. A donation was requested at the door for entry with proceeds benefitting the American Cancer Society. For more information on upcoming events, contact Kate

Kelley at 930-8869 or e-mail her at kate.kelley@cancer.org.

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Alpha Chi Omega held a luncheon for members ...

of the Epsilon Omega Epsilon alumnae chapter at Vestavia Country Club. The Birmingham and Tuscaloosa alumnae discussed the latest news from the University of Alabama’s Alpha Upsilon chapter and ways to assist the collegians in the coming year. The gathering, hosted by Susan Williams and Leigh Anne

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Philips, included Halcyann Badham, Dena Bowden, Tara Bryant, Frankie Burton, Karen Caputo, Bonnie Church, Amy Denny, Jan Ehrhardt, Carla Gale, Judy Haise, Jewel Howard, Rosemary Johnson, Melinda King, Dana Levering, Stacy Manasco and Cheryl McCoy. Also attending were Kathy Mouron, Andrea Parker, Laura Payne, Dena Prince, Caroline and Kathy Raughley, Vivian Richards, Jo Anne Roddam, Jeanne Shearer, Shannon Smith, Dawn Tucker, Annella Waldrup, Marian Washburn, Mojo Crenshaw and Harriet Williams.

The Comida Encore dinner dance club ...

of Birmingham danced in a “Midwinter Night‘s Dream” Jan.

At Comida Encore’s dinner dance at Vestavia County Club were, from left: Trey and Lynn Lott, Anna and Bryan Dewees and Ron and Karen Nelson. Photo special to the Journal 21 at Vestavia Country Club. Dance chairmen Beth Yoder and Sylvia Stagner and club president Lillian Somers greeted guests to the music of Replay from Muscle Shoals. At the black tie affair, club members and guests dined on spinach salad with warm bacon

At Cherokee Rose Garden Club’s January meeting were, from left: Cary Baker, Nancye Lawrence, storyteller Dolores Hydock, and Nan Russell. Photo special to the Journal

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dressing, chicken Wellington, winter vegetables, wild rice pilaf and chocolate hazelnut torte. Somers introduced new members Bryan and Anna Dewees, Ron and Karen Nelson and guests Trey and Lynn Lott. Club members there included Brad and Mary Rankin, Mary Ann and Riley Nelson, Charles and Wilma Thompson, William and Lisa Roberts, Steve and Darlene Higginbotham, Bob and Susan Rapier, Anthony and Diane Cuicchi, Raymond and Sherry Best, Paul and LaRue Carter, Tom and Ellen Staners, Tom and Pam Miller, Dan and Sylvia Stagner, Robert and Beth Yoder, Bill and Mollie Midlik and Bobby and Elaine Hughes. Also attending were Tony and Alice Ellison, Ted and Kathy Miller, Arthur and Joanne McConnell, Fletcher and Ann Harvey, Steve and Ann Vanderburg, Julian and Karen Ennis, George and Lillian Somers, Stuart and Rose Stephenson, Joel and Sieving Hicks, Bill and Kathy Morris, Bryan and Anna DeWees, Scott and Dawn Harrison and Avery and Shelalyne Thompson.

Cherokee Rose Garden Club members met ...

at Cary Baker’s home for the club’s January meeting. Storyteller Dolores Hydock entertained members with her program “Dishing the Dirt,” stories of gardeners she has known. Co-hostesses were Laura Colebeck, Missy Fooshee and Kim Edmunds. President Phyllis Russell led a business meeting after the program. Members there were Ann Adams, Helen Cocoris, Ann Dotson, Denise Dotson, Barbara Drinkard, Kim Edmunds, Missy Fooshee, Martha Hastings, Lauren Hayes, Beth Henderson, Rose Marie Ippolito, Sadie Jackson, Nancye Lawrence, Kay Littleton, Barbara Matthews, Nancy Mauldin, Sylvia Patrick, Becky Rollins, Madelon Rushing, Phyllis Russell, Nan Russell, Ann Sanders and June Tuttle. ❖

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Adams-Jamison

Mr. and Mrs. Philip Wesley Brown of Mountain Brook and Mr. James Robert Adams of Tuscaloosa announce the engagement of their daughter, Whitney McGee Adams, to Robert Almon Jamison, son of Mr. and Mrs. Carl Thornton Jamison of Tuscaloosa.

McWane-Gaston

Mr. and Mrs. Charles Philip McWane of Birmingham announce the engagement of their daughter, Kathryn Armstrong McWane, to Michael Joseph Gaston, son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Steven Gaston of Ridgeland, Miss. Miss McWane is the grand-

Ferguson-Hiebert

Judge and Mrs. R. A. “Sonny” Ferguson Jr. of Birmingham announce the engagement of their daughter, Jamie Michele Ferguson, to William Lawrence Hiebert II, son of Ms. Pamela G. Ryan of

Miss Adams is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Otis Burge Jr. of Mountain Brook and Mrs. Roy Hardin Adams and the late Mr. Adams of Tuscaloosa. She is a graduate of Mountain Brook High School and the University of Alabama, where she was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. She was presented at the Ball of Roses. She is employed with the University of Alabama. Mr. Jamison is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Nathaniel Almon of Tuscaloosa and the late Mr. and Mrs. William Deal Jamison of Tuscaloosa. He is a graduate of Tuscaloosa Academy and the University of Alabama, where he was a member of Kappa Alpha Order. He is employed with United-Johnson Brothers of Alabama. The wedding is planned for April 30 at Shades Valley Presbyterian Church. daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. James Ransom McWane of Birmingham and Mr. Andrew Douglas Armstrong and the late Mrs. Armstrong of Atlanta. She is a graduate of Mountain Brook High School and the University of Georgia and is a member of Alpha Chi Omega sorority. She is employed with Full Circle Designs in Birmingham. Mr. Gaston is the grandson of Mr. Thomas Greer Gaston and the late Mrs. Gaston of Shreveport, La., and Mrs. Carolyn Faust Daigle and the late Mr. Daigle of Baton Rouge, La. He is a graduate of Saint Joseph Catholic School and the Georgia Institute of Technology, where he graduated with high honors and was a member of the varsity crew team. He is employed with El Paso Corporation in Birmingham. The wedding is planned for May 7. Brunswick, Ga., and Mr. William Lawrence Hiebert of Lexington, S.C. Miss Ferguson is the granddaughter of Mrs. Mary P. Ferguson and the late Mr. Ralph A. Ferguson of Birmingham and the late Mr. and Mrs. Mike L. Boackle of Birmingham. She is a graduate of Auburn University’s School of Nursing and was a member of Delta Gamma sorority. She is employed at UAB Hospital in the surgical intensive care unit. Mr. Hiebert is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. William W. Hiebert and Mr. and Mrs. John Ryan. He is a graduate of Auburn University’s School of Business and is employed at First Commercial Bank in Birmingham. The wedding is planned for May 21 at 6:30 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church.

WEDDINGS & ENGAGEMENTS

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2011 • 19

and Sarah Kathryn Sharp, all of Vestavia Hills. Best man was Howard Haynes Litchfield, brother of the groom, of Montgomery. Groomsmen were Tyler Stonewall Pinson of Albany, Ga.; Caleb James Fuller of Charlotte, N.C.; William O’Neal Griffin of Eufaula; Tyler Parker Cole, brother of the bride, of Vestavia Hills; and Parker Lowell Ivey, Richard Wade Deloney and Gregory Taylor Watson, all of Montgomery. Ushers were Benjamin James McClain of Montgomery, friend of

Cole-Litchfield

Lauren Ellisa Cole and Frank Earl Litchfield IV were married July 24, 2010, at 6 p.m. at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Birmingham. The Rev. Danny Giffen and Justin Huensch officiated. A reception followed at The Club. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Arthur Cole of Vestavia Hills. She is the granddaughter of Mrs. Nancy Martin White and the late Mr. Jerry Ellis White of Vestavia Hills and Dr. and Mrs. George William Cole of Mountain Brook. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Earl Litchfield III of Montgomery. He is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Howard Eugene Haynes of Cullman and the late Mr. and Mrs. Frank Earl Litchfield Jr. of Montgomery. The bride was given in marriage by her father. She wore an ivory silk Mikado ball gown by Anne Barge for Badgley Mischka. The strapless gown had princess seaming with beaded Alencon lace at the sweetheart neckline. The full ball gown skirt swept to a chapel-length train and was encircled by a wide band of beaded lace. She wore an ivory chapel-length veil of illusion. Maid of honor was Dallas Ann Cole, cousin of the bride, of Houston. Bridesmaids were Lauren Elizabeth McDavid of Sandersville, Ga., Alexandra Caroline Sager, Elsbeth Patricia Denton, Jordan Elisabeth Askins, Anna Blakely Eltz, Owens Eliazabeth Jessup

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the groom; George William Cole III and Brent Christian Cole of Houston; Richard Steven Cole Jr., Austin James Cole and Jordan Paul Cole of Huntsville and John-Cole Garwick of Phoenix, all cousins of the bride. Junior bridesmaid was Caroline Elizabeth White, and flower girl was Katherine Rose White, both cousins of the bride of Autaugaville. The ring bearer was Bennett Lohrne Robertson, cousin of the groom of Montgomery. After a honeymoon trip, the couple live in Auburn.

20 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2011

Kikkert-Peterson

Mr. and Mrs. Larry Kikkert of Roswell, Ga., announce the engagement of their daughter, Valerie Kristin, to Michael Carson Peterson, son of Mike and Patsy Peterson of Lawrenceville, Ga.

Smith-Wilbanks

Mr. and Mrs. Charles E. Smith Jr. of Vestavia Hills announce the engagement of their daugh-

Forsythe-Jones

Mr. and Mrs. Phillip Alan Forsythe of Florence announce the engagement of their daughter, Crystal Michelle Forsythe, to Robert Aston Jones, son of Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Lewis Jones of Lawrenceburg, Tenn. The wed-

Miss Kikkert is a graduate of Samford University with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communications, with a concentration in public relations. She is the soccer program director for NorthStar Youth Ministries, an inner city ministry serving the youth and families of west Birmingham. Mr. Peterson is a graduate of Georgia College and State University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. He is the assistant athletic director, basketball coach and physical education coach at Briarwood Christian School in Birmingham. Before moving to Birmingham last July, he was the athletic director at Perimeter Christian School in Johns Creek. Miss Kikkert and Mr. Peterson will live in Birmingham after their wedding May 28. ter, Lindsey Smith, to Nathan Wilbanks, son of Dr. and Mrs. James G. Wilbanks of Jasper. Miss Smith is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles E. Smith Sr. and the late Mr. and Mrs. Thomas J. King Jr. She is a graduate of the University of Alabama and is a member of Alpha Gamma Delta sorority. She is a graduate student in the political science Ph.D. program at Alabama. Mr. Wilbanks is the grandson of Mr. William Edwin Newsome and the late Mrs. Newsome and the late Mr. and Mrs. James L. Wilbanks. He is a graduate of the University of Alabama and will begin medical school in the fall. The wedding is planned for June 4. ding is planned for the spring. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Mrs. Charles Dana Long III and the late Mr. Long of Vestavia Hills and Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Turner Forsythe of Center Hill. She is a 2001 graduate of Mars Hill Bible School and attended the University of North Alabama, where she received a bachelor’s degree in business. She is employed by Forsythe and Long Engineering, Inc. The prospective groom is the grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. E.W. Richardson of Lawrenceburg and the late Mr. and Mrs. Travis Jones of Lawrenceburg. He is a 1996 graduate of Lawrence County High School and attended the University of Tennessee, where he received a bachelor’s degree in marketing. He is a sales representative for Centiva by Tarkett.

See our brides in full color at

www.otmj.com

WEDDINGS & ENGAGEMENTS

Henson-Turman

Laura Anne Henson and Andrew Shelton Turman were married Jan. 15 at Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Greenville, S.C. The Rev. Mike Bruce officiated. A reception followed at Zen. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Leland Henson of Greenville. She is the granddaughter of the late Mr. and Mrs.

Elliott-Ellington

Dr. and Mrs. Clyde Dale Elliott of Indian Springs announce the engagement of his daughter, Cathleen Diana Elliott, to David Rich Ellington, son of Dr. and Mrs. John Ralph Ellington Jr. of

Bair-Jacques

Lauren Sibyl Bair and Richard Roell Jacques were married Oct. 2, 2010, at Highlands United Methodist Church in Birmingham. The Rev. Mikah Hudson and the Rev. B. Andrew Garner officiated. A reception followed at the Sonnet House in Leeds. The bride is the daughter of

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Leland Avery Henson Sr. and the late Mr. and Mrs. Earl Russell Rhodes, all of Albany, Ga. Miss Henson graduated from Auburn University with a bachelor’s degree in apparel design and fashion merchandising. She has been employed as a designer for Oobe of Greenville. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Rick Turman of Pelham. He is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Lyndon Pearson of Mountain Brook and Mrs. Joe Max Turman and the late Mr. Turman of Fairfield. Mr. Turman graduated from Auburn University with a bachelor’s degree in marketing and was a member of the Auburn University football team. He is employed by United Distributors of Atlanta. Holly Hodge and Jenna Howard, sisters of the bride, were matrons of honor. Bridesmaids were Kathryn Turman, sisterin-law of the groom; Brooke Schmidt, cousin of the bride;

Monica Blanco; Hillary Hearn; Lauren King; Laura Koontz; Katie Larrabee; Hillary Prim; Nicole Scott; and Sarah Will. Honor attendants included Anne-Marie Duncan; Megan Henson, cousin of the bride; Shannon McMahon and Sarah Robison. Avery Howard, Caroline Howard, Mary Peyton Hodge, Anna Howard and Emory Hodge, all nieces of the bride, were flower girls. The groom’s father served as best man. Groomsmen were Adam Turman and Joseph Turman, brothers of the groom; Andy Blanco; Justin Berryman; Jamie Bush; Morgan Duncan; Brian Hodge and Josh Howard, brothers-in-law of the bride; Patrick Martyn; Tyler Poston; Chris Roche; Pete Ruzicka; Jake Slaughter and Cooper Woodfin. Ryan Turman, nephew of the groom, was ring bearer. After a wedding trip to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, the couple now lives in Norcross, Ga.

Lakeland, Fla. The bride is the daughter of the late Mrs. Diana Hall Elliott of Birmingham and the granddaughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Earl Barto Hall and the late Mr. and Mrs. Clyde Elliott, all of Newport News, Va. She is a graduate of the Altamont School and a 2001 graduate of Skidmore College with a bachelor’s degree in biology and a minor in studio art. She is a member of the Junior Board for Glenwood and the Altamont School Alumni Board. The groom is the grandson of Frances Turpen Ellington and the late Mr. John Ralph Ellington Sr. of Jefferson, Ga., and the late Mr. Emory Gene Rich and Nancy Rich Talbott of Orlando. He is a graduate of Lakeland High School and a 2000 graduate of the University of Virginia with

a bachelor’s degree, with distinction, in religious studies. He is a member of the Raven Society, Phi Beta Kappa and St. Anthony Hall fraternity. He graduated from the University of South Florida College of Medicine, where he was a member of the Gold Humanism Society and chairman of the Honor Council. The bride is employed by St. Jude Medical in Birmingham in the cardiac rhythm management division. The groom is a chief resident in obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Medical Center. He will begin a fellowship in women’s pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery at UAB’s Medical Center in June. The wedding is planned for April 30 at Saint Luke’s Episcopal Church in Birmingham.

Drs. Renee A. Peacock and Steven Lowell Bair of Birmingham. She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Murray Willard Bair of Fort Wayne, Ind., and the late Dr. and Mrs. Charles Glenn Peacock. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Kevin Jacques of Nashville. He is the grandson of Mrs. Peter John Kyne and Mr. John Francis Jacques of Nashville, Ms. Carole Thais Roell of Osterville, Mass., and Jonkheer Johan Willem Roell of Burns, Tenn. Callen Jordan Bair, sister of the bride, was maid of honor. Bridesmaids were Rebecca Evelyn Jacques and Katherine Farley Jacques, sisters of the groom; Kathleen Tillotson Sabo and Sarah Tillotson Smith, cousins of the bride; and Anne Knox Morton, Jennifer Lynn Keener, Ferrell Susan Maguire and Allison Danielle Rose. James Nicholas Jacques, broth-

er of the groom, was best man. Groomsmen were Joseph Barrett Jacques, brother of the groom, Benjamin Phillip Anderson, Cutler David Averbuch, Michael Carter Blanton, Michael Burton Harrell, James William Hollis, Charles Andrew Howell V and Kenneth Robert Samuelson III. Charles Austin Peacock and Anderson Oliver Peacock, cousins of the bride, and Evan Howard Zimring were ushers. Maury Howard Zimring was the reader. Program attendants were Adair Colleen Klapow and Maxwell Charles Klapow. Music was provided by a string quartet, organist Richard C. Phillips, chimer Suzanne M. Phillips and soloists Anne Peacock Coltrane and Genie Peacock Leonard. The couple is at home in Nashville. Both will both receive a J.D. from Vanderbilt University Law School in May 2011.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN

JOU RNAL

FASHION

Clothing with a Purpose

BY LAURA MCALISTER JOURNAL EDITOR

isaAnn Muir-Taylor has never been into fashion, but in recent years, there were just too many signs directing her life to the clothing industry. It started several years ago at a Rolling Stones concert when a random concert-goer handed her a piece of paper with a line of scripture written on it. Then there was the book she found on the floor of her closet. In its more than 200 pages, “Don’t Waste Your Life” by John Piper has only about one paragraph dedicated to the fashion industry. But that just happened to be the page LisaAnn flipped to when she opened the book. What finally made her decide to take action, though, was the tragic death of the 2-year-old son of Sherri and Rick Burgess, host of the popular radio program, “The Rick & Bubba Show.” “That was my genesis in January of 2008,” LisaAnn said. “I didn’t know Rick and Sherri, but when Bronner passed away, I was really touched. I was led to turn on my computer and watch the eulogy. “Rick said 90 percent of Christians don’t share their faith. This really hit home with me.” More online: It was then, LisaAnn said, she knew she was • See more from Nations called to share her faith through fashion, and Outfitters spring line at she started her clothing www.otmj.com line, Nations Outfitters. • Get the look. Visit The clothes she designs www.nationsoutfitters.com are mainly for young women, though she does have some men’s clothing. “I’m not a fashion person,” she said. “I’m just a regular mom. I never thought this is what God would be wanting me to do. I thought it’d be something more hands-on, but this was it.” The mother of four wanted the line to include nice, affordable clothes her own teenagers would wear, but also send a message. “I wanted them to be fun and relative, but I also wanted it to be about what you do in your clothes,” she said. “That’s what really matters. What you do in your clothes is really what makes you beautiful.” The signature of all her clothing is the Bible verse printed inside each garment. When LisaAnn and her husband were at the Rolling Stones concert, she admits she wasn’t a “believer” then. But the message the stranger handed her helped change that. “It said ‘God will never leave you,’ ” she said. “That really clung to my spirit and soul, and I think that’s why I got the idea to put (scripture) inside the clothes.” LisaAnn has no formal training in fashion – she used to be a nurse – but once she decided to start Nations Outfitters, the ideas came to her easily. She wanted the clothes to be modest, but also garments that teens would want to wear. “I think the idea to make clothing for teens and young adults came to me when I was with one of my daughters at a popular Summit store,” she said. “There was a picture of a model in jeans holding her hands over her breast. My daughter looked at me and said, “What’s she selling?’ “It’s just degrading. They’re not sex symbols. There are just so many negative role models. This (Nations Outfitters) is about something positive, doing something positive in your clothes.” LisaAnn’s designs include colorful sundresses with ruffles, maxi dresses, tunic tops and a-line skirts. For men, she has basic collarless striped shirts, polos and T-shirts.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2011 • 21

A Thing for Spring

Mother Nature has given us her preview for spring these past few days, and now it’s time for local clothing experts to give you theirs. Here’s a look at the hot styles for the warmer weather. – JOURNAL

PHOTOS BY

JOHN POPE –

LisaAnn Muir-Taylor checks out one of her dresses in her new spring line. Below, local teens Georgia MuirTaylor, left, and Ashley Sorrell model some of Nations Outfitters dresses.

She picks out all the fabrics and has the clothing made locally. A distribution center was set up in the basement of the family’s Greystone home, where LisaAnn and about four other women sort the clothing and package orders. Nations Outfitters is only it in its second year, but the message seems to be catching on. So far, LisaAnn has customers in 35 states. While her business is mainly online at www.nationsoutfitters.com, she’ll soon be selling her clothes locally at Urban Green in Cahaba Heights. In addition to liking the styles and prices – almost all the garments sell for less than $50 – customers are also buying into the idea of serving their communities. “I think we’re really starting to have an impact on people,” LisaAnn said. “We get pictures from people weekly. They’re showing us how they go out and serve in their clothes.” The community page on the website is dedicated to teens who are volunteering in their communities. Nations Outfitters also has teamed up with Habitat for Humanity to host community work days in the area; a portion of the sales goes to Habitat. So far, LisaAnn said she couldn’t be happier with the results of Nations Outfitters and with the support she’s had. Her four children – Tom, Georgia, Genie and Sophie – help her with shows and packaging, and her husband, Alastair, has been supportive since she first began thinking about starting a fashion line. “Since I started this, my husband has been 200 percent behind me, and my kids probably 150 percent,” LisaAnn said. “I think they know this has a potential to do great things. It is really more about a movement than fashion. “When you serve others, you feel better. I hope this can make a difference for this generation.” ❖

Carmen Smith, 12, of Birmingham looks stylish in this wood embellished floral sundress from Joy Joy, $92, paired with cork-heeled platform shoes, $84. For accessories, she chose gold earrings and a fun cocktail ring from the Chic Boutique collection, starting at $17.

CHIC BOUTIQUE, 980-2272

22 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2011

Miss Alabama Ashley Davis looks stunning in this black dress by Sherri Hill, $495. The strapless, shear tiered dress is perfect for proms or pageants.

The Clothes Tree by Deborah, 822-1902

SPRING FASHION

Elizabeth Walker, 10, of Mountain Brook, right, looks sweet in this Disigual dress, $40, paired with white leggings, a beaded cross necklace and bracelet, $18 each. Isabelle Quiggle,9, of Mountain Brook is ready for some fun in the sun in this pink and orange hibiscus dress by Danica and Dylan, $78, with leggings and a GGA metal bracelet, $18, and a bird necklace, $15.

GiGi’s, 298-1811 Hadley Algren, 16, of Vestavia Hills, right, is ready for spring with a white two-piece cotton dress with pockets layered over a knit tee dress with tab 3⁄4 sleeves, $58 for the two. Her accessories include a long pearl and silver filigree necklace, $28, and ribbon and rags scarf in pinks, purples and white, $42. Kristen Schneider, 16, of Hoover looks great in this knit dress with cap sleeves and crochet bodice in lavender, $89. Her accessories include a lace scarf with a heavy crochet edge, $24.

The Pink Tulip, 870-7258

Darlene Hass, left, of Hoover looks stylish in a signature tunic by Tricotto, $136, with watercolors of black, gray, muted pinks and white. Her sandals are by Naya in “Alpine,” $ 125. They come in black or natural and have laser cut work leather with a comfy padded foot bed and stylish bamboo heel. Kandace Richards, a University of Montevallo student, looks ready for spring in a ruffled tank by Surrealist, $110, with a layered camisole with mixed fabrics of white/black and plaid combos. Her white and black plaid skirt is by Surrealist, $150, and the sandals by are by J. Renee in “Spruce,” $78.

Unique Feet, 733-8238

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Bethany Henry, 17, of Oak Mountain is ready for the warmer weather in a floral print, v-neck dress by My Story, $39, with shoes by Bamboo, $29. Private Gallery earrings with jade teardrop stones, $12, and a bracelet with multicrystal beads, $36, accent the look.

Private Gallery, 969-1559

SPRING FASHION

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2011 • 23

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WELCOMING Ward Smith • Tom McGhee Rick Dunphy • Ibrahim Jahchan Gus Mayer's top men's fashion consultants to Remon's at the Summit "Why settle for a men's department, when you can shop at a gentleman's store?"

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McKenna Welman, 17, of Mountain Brook is ready for spring in this DB Sport coral print tunic, $58, with JAG cotton cropped jeggings, $78. For accessories, she’s wearing a Laurel Bassett metal collage necklace, $92, and copper collage bracelets starting at $94.

Town and Country Clothes, 871-7909

Courtney Bishop, 17, of Mountain Brook is ready for an evening out with friends in this Costa Blanca floral tunic with Citizens of Humanity jeans, $158. The look is completed with a Catherine Popesco necklace, $48.

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

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Soca, 879-6788

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Expert Advice...

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Popular platforms and of course flip flops are back this spring. Jazz up a basic black with the Glitterati by Volatile Shoeware. For a more neutral tone, try the Elizabee in taupe, $46.99. The Fiorella in Bronze by Fitflop is simply stated yet elegant, $84.94, and the Ibiza in Gypsy Shell by Sunuk, $32, will make just the right statement.

flip flops and what nots, 967-7429

“The biggest trend is still a lot of easy shapes, uneven hemlines. Coral is a big color.” Laurel Bassett, Town & Country ��

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24 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2011

Rachel Ferguson, left, of San Diego, looks stylish in Red Engine skinny jeans in sandstone, $175, with a khaki and white striped sweater by Kensie, $80. Her necklace is a gold chain with faceted pearls, $27. Her Hobo Daniella bag in denim adds just the right pop of color, $188. Treva Medbery, of Birmingham, looks fun and chic in a halter top sundress with a chiffon bow at the neck in navy, khaki and cream by AnaLiLi, $158. She paired the dress with faceted clear gem earrings, $25, and a Susan Shaw hand-cast fleur-de-lis charm necklace with pearls, $28. Her taupe purse, the Maria, is also by Hobo, $198.

Lulie’s on Cahaba, 871-9696

SRPING FASHION

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Charles Brooks, 19, of Birmingham is sporting a Southern Tide light blue polo, $78.50. The red sunglass strap, also by Southern Tide, $7.95, add a nice pop of color to the ensemble. Cole Haan loafers, $140, add polish to the look. Collins Kitchens, 11, of Vestavia Hills is ready to steal the show in this fuchsia shrug, $23, with a turquoise camisole, $26 and hot pant with rhinestone trim also in turquoise, $24 all by Motionwear.

Applause Dancewear, 871-7837 Sisters Sophie, 12, right, and Rachel Shunnarah, 9, of Hoover look stylish in Limited Too sundresses, both $18.99, and little sister Leah, 5, looks colorful and sweet in this bright green shell top with matching pants from Silly Goose, $28.

Korduroy Krocodile, 879-0030

Caldwell Flake, 8, of Crestline, left, looks sassy and sweet in a pink, layered v-neck top with ruffled bottom by Splendid, $51, with white skinny jeans by Pinc, $45. A metallic silver headband, $14, and owl necklace , $22.50, add sparkle. Mary Tynes Flake, 10, of Crestline is ready for the warner weather in a Truluv navy cap sleeve tunic with drawstring waistband, $39.50, with white leggings by Ideal, $18, topped off with a beaded bracelet, $7.50.

Soca Girl, 803-1585

Remon’s Clothier, 977-5512

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2011 • 25

SPRING FASHION

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

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MISS ALABAMA 2010 ASHLEY DAVIS

822.1902

Nancy Bagby, of Mountain Brook, looks sophisticated and chic wearing a Deomino tunic vest with a black-contrast white stitch, ruffle trim and zip closure, $189, over a striped red and black tunic, $85, with cropped, black pants, $119, and the season’s signature woven wedge platform with black suede straps and peep toe by Pedro Garcia, $395. A wide, silver etched cuff, $30, completes the outfit. Her white purse is by Michael Stars, $160.

2880 OLD ROCKY RIDGE ROAD BIRMINGHAM, AL 35243

Margaret Little, of Mountain Brook, is ready for spring a tunic by Gretchen Scott in bright pink, orange and white, $89. Her earrings are organic silver hoops by Jamie Cassavoy, $149. Her ring is an Avindy chocolate hammered band with diamonds, $200. Her necklace is a Presh vintage fabric pendent, $122, and her bracelets are by Alexis Bittar the large organic �� bracelet is $119, and the skinny bangle is $70.

A´mano 871-9093

Betsy Prince, 871-1965

Expert Advice...

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SHORT

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NARROW

The look of natural cork says “spring” this year. These stylish shoes by Vaneli, from left, Temara - $115, Landus - $110, Britnee - $120, will add a spring to your step and style. The clutch Britnee bag also by Vaneli, $145, will polish off any look.

Marmi Shoes, 298-7633

“Add something feminine and more classic to pieces. Whether it’s a ruffle or sheer. If you do that, everybody will know you’ve read your fashion magazines, and also add a wedge.” Bezshan Dolatabadi, Besty Prince

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WIDE

UNIQUE FEET® HARD TO FIND SHOE SIZES Patton Creek * Hoover * (205) 733-8238 www.uniquefeet.com *

uniquefeet.blogspot.com

menshardtofindsizes.blogspot.com

26 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2011

SPRING FASHION

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Mary Tristen Osborn, 10, of Liberty Park, left, is looking stylish in a reversible dress in turquoise by Splendid, $68, a navy wrap by Splendid, $59, and Hunter boots in fuchsia, $75. Margarette Berdy, 4, of Forest Park is ready for the longer days and warmer weather in this cute drop-waist dress by Truly Me, $52, Bubblegum Leggings by Splendid, $38, and Coastal Projections sandals in pink, $44. Lucy Holman, 11, of Crestline, right, is ready for some fun in a tunic by Custo, $48, with white skinny jeans by It, $50, a Splendid turquoise wrap, $59, and Avanti flower sandals in purple, $20. The girls’ hair accessories are by Hello Robertson and Rachel Weissman, $24-$28.

Spring In-Stock Event Thursday, February 24th & Friday, February 25th

Snap Kids & Hopscotch, 834-8038

We will have a great selection from all of the spring collections, so you can try on your size and take it with you!

Expert Advice...

Enter to win a free 3-piece outﬁt from 600 West!

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Bonnie Miller of Birmingham is looking stylish in a sophisticated black pinstripe sheath dress with a matching coat by My Michelle, $12 for both, with black Bandolini pumps, $9.98. Logan Holloway of Hoover is ready for spring in this Banana Republic blue and white stripe cotton halter dress, $4.98. Light gray cowboy boots are from 9 West, $5.98.

Lovelady Center Retail Store, 951-9230

“What we are bringing in from the spring 2011 runways – minimal whites, bold colors, pajama dressing and a huge dose of ‘70s sensibility – is getting us excited for the season. Pick a trend or two, a couple of your favorite bold colors, and you’re ready to shop for fun new spring styles!” Deborah Wiggins, The Clothes Tree “The trends for Spring ’11 in dancewear will be bright colors, lots of cool tops, hot pants, burn out tees and beautiful leotards with unique backs.” Katie Faught, Applause Dancewear “Some buzz words are ‘Bohemian, lace, layers.’ Lace is a great accessory, whether it’s a scarf or an edgy vest. Really tops are a big thing. Just stylize them with leggings or a basic jean.” Letty Algren, The Pink Tulip

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

HMS Completes Study of Gee’s Bend with Dress Up Day

Karen Narro’s sixth grade enrichment students at Homewood Middle School recently concluded an in-depth study of Irene Latham’s historical novel “Leaving Gee’s Bend” by dressing up like characters in the book. The students also presented Ms. Latham with a quilt containing pieces of fabric from favorite T-shirts, bathrobes and other special garments donated by each child. Latham spent two days discussing the book with students and encouraging them all to go out and tell their own stories.

Emmet O’Neal Children’s Department staff member Merideth Stackpole “fancies” a patron’s hair. Photo special to the Journal

Library Celebrates With Fancy Nancy

The Emmet O’Neal Library children’s department recently invited its young patrons to the “Fancy Nancy Splendiferous Hairdo Hullabaloo.” Preschool and elementary-age girls dropped by the library with their parents to have the children’s department staff style their hair and decorate it like a Christmas tree, complete with green color, tinsel and tiny ornaments. The hairdos were modeled after the holiday up-do of “Fancy

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2011 • 27

SCHOOLS

Teacher Karen Narro, left, recently gave a lesson on Gee’s Bend. Dressed up as characters from the Gee’s Bend book are from left: Marquis Hollingsworth, Gracie Lee, Carlissa Arrow and Lucy Williams.

Photo special to the Journal

Nancy,” the whimsical title character of Jane O’Connor’s popular children’s books.

Vestavia Teachers Earn National Board Certification

Eighteen Vestavia teachers earned National Board Certification Nov. 19. With 86 National Board Certified Teachers in its ranks and eight more teachers working on the process this year, 20.8 percent of Vestavia Hills city schools instructors are either certified or close to certification. Only two percent of the nation’s teaching population has achieved this designation. The system’s new NBC teachers include: Vestavia Hills High School: Hope Prevallet, Susan Gifford, Stacey Thomas, Jennifer Turner, Jerrell Horton, Timarie Fisk and Ernie Essig. Vestavia Hills Elementary Central: Shelley Blocker, Kim Jaggard and Elaine Graham. Vestavia Hills Elementary West: Kristin Werner and Lisa Kearney. Vestavia Hill Elementary Liberty Park: Jenni Pang, Jan Montgomery and Jaime Shaw. Pizitz Middle School: Kim Bain and Joyce Shuskey. Vestavia Hills Elementary East: Cathy Wall. Three other Vestavia teachers who have completed their first 10year NBC certificates and renewed their certifications for the next 10-year period are Nancy Turpen, Pizitz; Martin Norton, VHHS; and Jan Patterson Mize, West. National Board Certification is a voluntary assessment program

designed to develop, recognize and retain accomplished teachers. NBC is achieved through a performance-based assessment that typically takes one to three years to complete.

Photo special to the Journal

SMS Students Learn About Measurements Richard Blenkinsop of Artistic Concrete Concepts

recently visited Team 6-2 students at Simmons Middle School and demonstrated how to read a ruler, measure and apply this knowledge to everyday situations. Blenkinsop, father of Simmons student Justin Blenkinsop, compared fractions and decimals to money and showed some shortcuts when multiplying and dividing fractions using the ruler. Students learned how to center an object and about the Pythagorean theorem and how it is used in construction. They also learned the importance of precise measurement when building tree houses or race cars. ❖

ISS Students Named National Winners

Four students from Indian Springs School are among a select group of African-American high school seniors nationwide who have been honored in the 47th annual National Achievement Scholarship Program. Indian Springs seniors Seth Appiah-Opoku of Tuscaloosa, Caroline Choy of Birmingham and Andrea Mayo of Birmingham have been named semifinalists in the program, giving them the opportunity to continue in the competition for about 800 Achievement Scholarship awards worth more than $2.5 million that will be offered next spring. They earned the designation by scoring in the top 1 percent of the approximately 160,000 students who requested consideration in the program when they took the 2009 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/ NMSQT) last fall. ISS senior Justin Morris of

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We gladly file all insurance

Michael O’Malley was the winner of Highland School’s 2010-11 spelling bee. The seventh grader also placed third in the district spelling bee at Brookwood Forest Elementary School.

Birmingham was named an Outstanding Participant in the National Achievement Scholarship Program. He earned the honor by scoring among the top 3 percent of the students who requested consideration in the program when they took the PSAT/NMSQT last fall. The National Achievement Scholarship program, conducted by the National Merit Scholarship Corp., recognizes and provides scholarships for academically promising African-American students throughout the nation.

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Diplomate Board of Pediatric Dentistry

At a Simmons Middle School demonstration were, from left: Richard Blenkinsop of Artistic Concrete Concepts, his son Justin Blenkinsop and Photo special to the Journal Jayme Hunter.

28 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2011

SCHOOLS

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

LPMS Sixth Graders Host ‘Wax Museum’

To go along with a study of the 1920s, sixth graders at Liberty Park Middle School participated in a simulated “wax museum.” Parents were invited to see the students dressed as famous 1920s athletes, actresses, gangsters, politicians and other figures. They assembled with their classmates as “wax” figures ready to come to life when it was their turn to speak. Before the event, the students danced the Charleston. Jennifer Isbell, sixth grade social studies teacher, led the event.

All dressed up for a “wax museum” at Liberty Park Middle School were, from left: Kate Meloun as Mary Catherine Campbell, the first Miss America; Egypt Pettway as Josephine Baker; Skyler Jones as Bessie Smith; Hannah Lessem as a flapper; Lynley Bray as Ruth Etting; and Greta Wistuk as Alice White. Photo special to the Journal

St. Francis Xavier sixth graders encouraging “Help for Haiti” included, from left: Jacob Kerins, Juan Perez, Maria Holder and Crandall Hillhouse.

Photography Exhibit. Hoitt won best of show in the junior division using a digital SLR camera. Hayes won one of four $250 cash awards, and Mouyal won two of three honorable mentions. The competition featured works by photographers from throughout Alabama in adult and junior divisions. The exhibit is in the Junior League gallery at the Bama Theatre in downtown Tuscaloosa.

Photo special to the Journal

Brown Wins BCS Geographic Bee Julian Brown, a fourth grader at Briarwood Christian School, won the school’s National Geographic Bee. He competed

Julian Brown

St. Francis Xavier Has Fundraiser for Haiti Hop On In And Check Out Our Great Easter Fashions!

�� Open Tues. thru Sat. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Sixth graders at St. Francis Xavier School led the school community in a fundraiser for Haiti Jan. 14. The event was a response to the one-year anniversary of the devastating earthquake in the country Jan. 12, 2010. The students wore their activity shirts with the school’s theme, “I Choose a Challenge,” and made signs encouraging students and faculty members to give generously to the ongoing relief efforts. Jean Lindquist, a sixth grade teacher, shared a song that she wrote on the school’s broadcast, Photo contest winners from Mountain Brook High School were, from left: Maggie Hayes, Mariah Hoitt and Sarah Mouyal. and prayers for the people of Photo special to the Journal Haiti were included in the weekly school Mass. The students raised more than Virginia College is hiring! $600.

MBHS Students Win at Photo Competition

Mountain Brook High School students Maggie Hayes, Mariah Hoitt and Sarah Mouyal recently won awards in the Arts and Humanities Council of Tuscaloosa County’s eighth annual Double Exposure Juried

Virginia College, Online Programs continues to grow and change students’ lives. Our mission is, in part, to provide high quality, career focused educational services to a diverse student population in a dynamic, growth oriented setting. If you have a passion for helping college students change their lives and if you would like to be a part of an expanding college with its face to the future, please contact us, now. Please send your letter of interest and resume to: vcoresumes@vc.edu

SCHOOLS

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Ribbon Schools program honors public and private elementary, middle, and high schools that are either high-performing or have improved student achievement to high levels. OLV was nominated in the high-performing school category. To be nominated in this category, OLV’s scores in mathematics and reading for all grades tested had to be among the top 15 percent of schools in the U.S.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2011 • 29

If OLV receives the Blue Ribbon award, it would be the second time the school has received the national honor.

It received the Blue Ribbon School of Excellence designation in 1998-1999. ❖

BLUFF PARK WINDOW WORKS

• Wood window restoration and repair • Sash replacement, rot repair • Replace broken and fogged glass • Wood insulated, putty glazed, and composite vinyl replacement sashes • Locally owned and operated

Call 205-542-6094

Jeff Coffin, three-time Grammy winner and saxophone player for the Dave Matthews Band as well as Bela Fleck and the Flecktonea, held a clinic Jan. 5 for Vestavia Hills High School band students. While at the school, his band, The Mu’tet, played during the two-hour event. Members of his band are Jeff Sipe, drums; Kofi Burbridge, piano and flute; Felix Pastorius, bass; and Bill Fanning, trumpet.

Photo special to the Journal

against fourth, fifth and sixth graders. In March, Brown will learn if he qualifies for the state competition. The state winners will participate in the national bee, moderated by “Jeopardy!” host Alex Trebek, in Washington D.C.

OLV School Earns Blue Ribbon Nomination

Our Lady of the Valley Catholic School has been nomi-

nated for the 2011 Blue Ribbon School of Excellence award by the Council for American Private Education. It is one of only 50 private schools in the U.S. to be nominated for the honor. Applications from nominated schools will be reviewed by the U.S. Dept. of Education to determine national winners from among all private and public school nominees this year. Winners will be announced in September. Established in 1982, the Blue Gwin Elementary fourth grader Drew Crenshaw was selected for the Hoover City Schools’ State Superintendent’s Visual Arts Recognition and Exhibit. He is one of six elementary division students whose artwork will be on display in the Old Supreme Court Library of the Alabama State Capitol. Photo special to the Journal

��

30 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2011

LIFE

OVER THE MOUNTAIN

JOU RNAL

There are a variety of activities for teens and adults at JH Ranch, from flying through the air, left, to ropes courses, right. Bruce Johnston, center, started the ranch 30 years ago as a way to help teens understand their purpose in life as well as grow closer to God. He and wife Heather call Birmingham home, though their ministry takes them all over the country and world. Photos courtesy JH Ranch

Ranch-Style Outreach

BY LAURA MCALISTER JOURNAL EDITOR

H Ranch is hundreds of miles away from Alabama, but in 30 years, it’s changed the lives of countless families here and around the world. The ranch is actually located in the mountains of northern California, but its corporate officers are right here in Birmingham, which founder Bruce Johnston and his wife Heather, a Mountain Brook native, and their children, David, 22, and Mallory, 20, call home. The ranch draws people from all over the world. Bruce said guests come from all 50 states and about 14 countries. Many Over the Mountain residents are among those who’ve been touched by this unique ministry. “I took my daughter out there last summer for a week for the father-daughter program,” said attorney Keith Belt of Crestline. “We were blown away by the whole experience. “It’s an incredibly beautiful part of the world. It’s truly God’s country, both figuratively and literally.” JH Ranch is a guest ranch with leadership programs for teens and their parents as well as programs for couples – all of which aim to strengthen relationships with God and develop a practical purpose for life. The ranch was founded in 1979 when Gene Johnston, Bruce’s dad, purchased a 300-acre hunting lodge. His purpose was to fulfill a promise he made to the Lord in his early 20s. “He made a commitment that if the Lord blessed him in a financial way, he wanted to do something of value with those resources,” said Bruce of his father. “At 53, he discovered the guest ranch for sale.” Bruce was 27 at the time and said he had a “heart to help kids” with their relationships with God. A year after his father purchased the land, he opened JH Ranch. It started mainly with teens, but in three decades it’s grown into much more. “The number one fear of teens is that they will never discover their purpose, why they are here and where they are going,” Bruce said. “What we do at the ranch is, we teach the content of life’s purpose. “Our guests see a model in our staff, who have gone through our programs here, such as Parent/Teen and/or Second Wind. We then offer our guests the opportunity to apply what they are learning through the real life environ-

Family’s California Haven Helps Strengthen Relationships, Build Foundations

JH RANCH PROGRAMS Two-week student programs: • Second Wind Junior High Challenge: Seventh and eighth graders • Second Wind: Ninth grade and up • Trac II Advanced: Upperclassmen in high school or students in college One-week programs: • Parent/Teen Adventures: Moms or dads/teen • Husband/Wife Adventures • Cloud 9 Adventures: Pre-marital For more information on JH Ranch or for program dates, visit www.jhranch.com ment of adventure. Through this, our guests leave JH Ranch with learned principles for every day life rather than just more inspiration.” Through outdoor activities like ropes courses, rafting and hiking, the ranch challenges the teens. Maggie Greene, a ninth grader at Mountain Brook Junior High, has visited the ranch the past two summers, the first time with her father and the second time as part of the twoweek Challenge program for junior high students. “The father and daughter program was absolutely amazing,” she said. “I know I’m only 15, but it was one of the best trips I’ve ever had.” She and her father “really got to connect on a different level without all the usual distractions we’d have here,” said Maggie. “We established a really good foundation.” Building a foundation is really what the ranch is all about, Bruce said. “JH Ranch is unique in that we’re helping teens and parents understand what it means not only to take ownership of their faith but also lay the foundation and groundwork for their relationship with their parents and their mates for the rest of their lives.” Bruce said they initially targeted teens because they were the most at risk, but they later began to expand the program to include parents and couples.

“Parents were seeing a long-term transformation in the hearts of their children, and I began to get phone calls asking if there was anything for them,” he said. “Because their children were getting so much out of the program, the parents wanted to come.” The Parents & Son/Daughter Adventures, a weeklong program focusing on bonding, communication and maturity, was started in 1992 as a result. Shortly afterwards, the ranch began offering husband and wife programs. They’ve also expanded the experience to communities throughout the nation through the Outback program, a weekend program for teens 12 and older hosted in about 10 cities, including Birmingham, in the fall and spring. Bruce travels to different cities to host Journey of Transition seminars, which give a practical hands-on approach for parents to help their children through the adolescent years. Other programs reach beyond the U.S. into parts of Africa and Israel. Bruce said he never dreamed the ranch would grow to what it has become, but he said families who visit the ranch typically return, bringing others. Robbin Sorrell of Vestavia Hills can attest to that. Her daughter Stephanie, now 15, attended the father/daughter program about three years ago. “My daughter was in the seventh grade at the time,” Robbin said. “When they came home, their relationship was great. They talked about the things they did. “The change in their relationship from having been there and relying on each other really made them grow closer together with each other and God. It was just amazing.” It was so amazing that the Sorrells’ oldest daughter, Ashley, returned with Stephanie the following year. “And my oldest is not the camp type,” Robbin said. “She loved it.” Both girls are planning to return to the ranch this summer, when their brother Robert will visit for the first time. David Pursell, owner of Farmlinks Golf Course in Sylacauga, has been to JH Ranch seven times now – once with each of his six children and once with his wife. He found out about it through “word of mouth,” he said. “It’s really hard to describe, but anyone who has been out there just raves about it,” he said. “It’s an investment in time and money, but it’s so worth it. “We had great relationships before that just got even better. I can’t recommend it more.” ❖

SUMMER CAMP GUIDE 2011

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL Camp programs listed here are subject to change, and enrollment is often limited. Please take advantage of the contact information provided to verify the options available. To ensure the desired camping experience, register early. ACADEMICS/ENRICHMENT CAMPS Alabama School of Fine Arts Summer Camps (Day) Telephone: (205) 252-9241 Address: 1800 Reverend Abraham Woods Jr. Blvd., Birmingham 35203 E-mail: jlittle@asfa.k12.al.us Website: www.asfa.k12.al.us Ages: Vary based on camp Dates: June 6-24 (exact dates and session lengths vary) Description: Camps are available in creative writing, theatre arts, engineering, dance, math, music, chemistry, visual arts, computer programming and hydrobotics. For full course descriptions and registration forms, visit the ASFA website. Camps are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Summer camp the complete guide to

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2011 • 31

With leafless trees, early sunsets and temperatures still on the cooler side, summer seems far away. But it’ll be here before you know it. So now is the time to seek out the perfect summer camp experience for your kids. For even more options, visit otmj.com.

– Compiled by June Mathews –

Baylor School Summer Programs (Residential) Telephone: (423) 757-2616 Address: 171 Baylor School Rd., Chattanooga, TN 37405 E-mail: carol_huckaby@baylorschool.org Website: www.baylorschool.org Ages: 8-18 Dates: Vary Description: No matter what you’re looking for this summer, you’re sure to find it in one of Baylor’s camps. Boarding programs include boys’ and girls’ overnight sessions of Team Baylor, an all-sports camp, the Southeast Regional Youth Development Rowing Camp (crew), boys’ lacrosse, Baylor’s nationally recognized swim camp and many more. Hilltop Montessori School (Day) Telephone: (205) 437-9343 Address: 6 Abbott Square, Birmingham 35242 (MT Laurel) E-mail: hms@hilltopmontessori.com Website: www.hilltopmontessori.com Ages: Toddler through middle school Dates: June and July 2011 Description: Various age-appropriate camps in an accredited Montessori environment. Call for details or visit the website for a list of themes, dates and fees. Hilltop is a SACS accredited school affiliated with the American Montessori Society. Summer at Altamont (Day) Telephone: (205) 879-2006 Address: The Altamont School, 4801 Altamont Rd., Birmingham 35222 E-mail: bcrowe@altamontschool.org Website: www.altamontschoool.org Ages: Grades 3-12 (rising) Dates: June 6-July 15 (Length of sessions vary from one to six weeks) Description: Summer at Altamont helps kids learn and develop study skills while they’re having fun. Summer at Highlands (Day) Telephone: (205) 956-9731 Address: Highlands School, 4901 Old Leeds Rd., Birmingham 35213 E-mail: gmccool@highlandsschool.org Website: www.highlandsschool.org Ages: PreK-Grade 8 Dates: May 31-Aug. 5 Description: Throughout the summer, kids can choose from a variety of camps, including academics, arts and sports. Summer @ Springs (Day) Telephone: (205) 988-3350 Address: 190 Woodward Dr., Indian Springs 35214-3272 Website: www.indiansprings.org/summer Ages: Grades 4-12 Dates: July 11-29 Description: This enrichment program offers courses in SAT/PSAT prep, math enrichment, writing intensive, college

For the more dramatic children, Red Mountain Theatre Company offers a drama camp for children. It’s one of several arts camps in the area. admissions essay writing, Chinese language and culture, French language and culture, science discovery, wetlands ecology, pottery, culinary arts, acting and contemporary music appreciation and production. UAB Children’s Creative Learning Center (Day) Telephone: (205) 996-3540 Address: UAB SOE #110B, 1530 3rd Ave. South, Birmingham 35294-1250 E-mail: akirk@uab.edu Website: www.ed.uab.edu/cclc Ages: 3-12 (3-year-olds must be potty trained) Dates: June 6-July 14 (closed July 4) Description: A six-week summer enrichment camp focusing on literacy, math, art science, music, technology and dance. ART CAMPS Birmingham Museum of Art’s Art Camp: Photography Rocks! (Day) Telephone: (205) 254-2964 Address: 2000 Rev. Abraham Woods Jr. Blvd., Birmingham 35203 E-mail: artcamp@artsbma.org Website: www.artsbma.org Ages: Junior Studio (Grades 6-8 rising) Senior Studio (Grades 9-12 rising) Dates: July 25-29 Description: This weeklong camp will celebrate the museum’s Year of Photography and explore the exhibition “Who Shot Rock and Roll: A Photographic History, 1955 to the Present.” Campers will consider the many ways artists have used photography through the years and experiment with high-tech and low-tech approaches to the “picture” as they discover

Photography Rocks! Fee is $300 ($210 for members). DANCE CAMPS Alabama Ballet (Day) Telephone: (205) 322-1874 Address: 2726 1st Ave. S., Birmingham 35233 E-mail: libbaowen@alabamaballet.org Website: www.alabamaballet.org Dates: Intermediate to Advanced Program (ages 11-19, audition only) – May 31-June 25 Junior Camp (ages 8-12) – June 20July 1 Tutus & Tiaras (ages 4-7) – July 18-22; July 25-29; Aug. 1-5 Description: Age-appropriate classes include ballet, modern and jazz, as well as character and theatre dance. Younger campers enjoy ballet-oriented crafts and learn how ballet dancers tell stories with pantomime. All camps end with performances for friends and family. ArtPlay Dance Exploration Camp Telephone: (205) 975-4769 Address: 1006 19th Street South, Birmingham, 35294 Website: ArtPlayASC.org Dates: June 13-17 Ages: 8-14 Description: Explore ballet, modern dance, jazz, hip hop, flamenco and more. Birmingham Ballet Academy (Day and evening) Telephone: (205) 979-9492 Address: 2198 Columbiana Rd., Birmingham 35233 E-mail: info@birminghamballet.com Website: www.birminghamballet.com

Dates: Young Dancer Camp (ages 6-11) – July 11-22 Young Ballerina Camp (ages 2 1/2 to 4) – Session 1: June 20-24; Session 2: July 25-29 Summer Dance Intensive (ages 11 & up – upper intermediate to advanced professional) – May 31-June 11 Summer Evening Classes (ages 11 & up) – June 20-July 21, four sessions Description: Dancers enjoy the opportunity to thrive in a professional yet nurturing environment. Class sizes are limited; performances showcase what the students learn. The BBA’s programs are designed to teach and challenge beginner through advanced and professional level dancers. Birmingham Dance Theatre Telephone: (205) 822-3012 Address: 100 Old Towne Road, Vestavia Hills, 35216 Website: www.bdtdance.com Dates: Summer Jamm Intensive, June 6-15; Summer Jamm Intensive II, June 27-29; SURGE Celebrity Guest Faculty Camp, June 22-23; Pop Star, June 20-22; Rising Star, July 18-20; Tots in Motion, June 6-9 Ages: Starting at 2 1/2 years Description: BDT offers students an environment where they are capable of receiving personal attention in a demanding yet enjoyable atmosphere. Linda Dobbins Dance (Day) Telephone: (205) 305-0281 Address: 2416 Canterbury Rd., Mountain Brook 35223 E-mail: dobbinsdance@aol.com Website: www.lddance.com Ages: 5-11 Dates: Weeklong summer sessions

Description: This summer program offers Pop Star Camp (singing and dancing like Taylor Swift, Selena Gomez and others); Hip Hop Boot Camp (high-energy hip hop and break dance) and Cheer Camp (tumbling, jumps, motions and cheer dance taught by former college cheerleaders). DRAMA CAMPS Alabama Shakespeare Festival (Day) Telephone: (334) 271-5393 Address: 1 Festival Dr., Montgomery 36117 E-mail: glambert@asf.net Website: www.asfeducation.net Dates: Broadway South: ASF Musical Theatre Camp (Grades 9-12) – July 25-29 Camp Shakespeare (Grades 4-6 rising) - July 11-15 & July 18-22 Camp Shakespeare Extreme (Grades 7-12 rising) - June 27-July 1 Weekend Warrior: Introduction to Stage Combat (Grades 7-12) – July 22-23 Behind the Curtain (Grades 9-12 rising) – July 25-29 Description: Students study acting, movement and voice with ASF professionals. Presentations take place on the last day of class. Alys Stephens Center’s “Kids on Stage” Drama Camp (Day) Telephone: (205) 934-ARTS Address: 1200 10th Ave. S., Birmingham 35294 E-mail: heathmix@uab.edu Website: www.alysstephens.org Ages: 7-18 Dates: Three sessions: June 6-17 for ages 7-12 (Disney’s The Jungle Book, Kids); June 20-July 1 for ages 7-12 (Disney’s Sleeping Beauty, Kids); July 11-22 for ages 12-18 (Disney’s High School Musical, Jr.) Description: These two-week experiences provide young actors an opportunity to experience the wonder and detail of theater performance. Campers will be introduced to many aspects of the theater, including improvisation, warmups, voice and diction, acting and stage production and more. Fee is $350 per camp. Birmingham Children’s Theatre Academy of Performing Arts (Day) Telephone: (205) 458-8182 Address: BJCC, 2100 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd., Birmingham 35203 E-mail: education@bct123.org Website: www.bct123.org Ages: Grades 4K-10 (rising) Dates: June 20-July 22 Description: Kids explore the exciting world of the performing arts. Options include ACT ONE: Little Ones for 4K5K (one week beginning June 20); ACT TWO: Primary for Grades 1-2 (one week beginning June 20); ACT THREE: Ensemble for Grades 3-4 (two weeks beginning July 11); ACT FOUR: Supporting for Grades 5-7 (two weeks beginning July 11); and ACT FIVE: Principals for Grades 8-10 (two weeks beginning July 11). Red Mountain Theatre Company (Day) Telephone: (205) 324-2424 Address: P.O. Box 278, Birmingham 35201 E-mail: workshops@redmountaintheatre. org Website: www.redmountaintheatre.org Dates: Junior Workshop (ages 5-6) – June 6-17 (four sessions available) Youth Musical Theatre Workshop (ages 7-18) – June 6-17 Creative Workshop (ages 9-18) – June 6-17 Advanced Workshop (ages 13-22) – June 6-24 Exceptional Workshop (special needs, ages 13 & up) – June 13-17 Acting/Dancing Intensive Workshop

32 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2011

SUMMER CAMP GUIDE 2011

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

BASEBALL

CASEY DUNN SUMMER CAMPS 2011

YOUTH BASEBALL CAMPS

June 13-16, June 20-23, July 11-14 and July 18-21 Grades K-7, $125, 9 a.m.-noon

Fundamentals, including hitting, fielding, throwing, running bases, and game simulations.

HIGH SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT CAMP

July 25-27 • Grades 8 - 2011 Graduates • $335 Day 1 - 2:30-9 p.m., Day 2 - 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Day 3 - 9 am-noon

This camp is designed for players to receive instruction and showcase their talent for college coaches throughout the state

BENEFITS

• one-on-one instruction • daily games • instruction in all areas of baseball • exposure to many different coaches • Samford Baseball Camp t-shirt

BRING

• baseball glove and hat • baseball cleats and tennis shoes • baseball pants and shorts • a willingness to work hard and get better

Check in starts 30 minutes prior to first day of camp!

Registration information can be obtained online at www.samfordsports.com or call 205-726-4294

Children line up to watch tadpoles at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. The Gardens have several options this year when it comes to getting kids outdoors and into nature. (ages 12-22) – June 18-22 Youth Advanced Workshop (ages 9-13) – June 2024 Description: Age-appropriate acting, singing and dancing instruction and performances. Auditions required for some workshops. Candidates for Exceptional Workshop must meet the qualifications set by the Exceptional Foundation of Alabama. HEALTH/SPECIAL NEEDS CAMPS Camp Seale Harris (Residential) Telephone: (205) 402-0415 Address: Southeastern Diabetes Education Svcs., 500 Chase Park S., Ste. 104, Hoover 35244 E-mail: info@southeasterndiabetes.org Website: www.southeasterndiabetes.org Dates: Family Camp for ages birth-17 and entire immediate family (May 31-June 3); Senior Camp for ages 12-17 (June 5-11); Junior Camp for ages 6-11 (June 12-17) Description: Camps include family and children’s residential diabetes education programs held at Camp ASCCA on Lake Martin in Jackson’s Gap.

Camp Shine (Residential) Telephone: (205) 824-5750 Address: The Children’s Center for Weight Management at Children’s Hospital (camp is at Hargis Retreat) Website: www.weight.chsys.org �� Dates: June 5-11 �� Description: This is a weeklong session address�� ing weight management for kids. Fee is $600 with a $100 deposit due by May 2. Limited enrollment; apply early. ��

Summer @ Springs

Learn ��Create ��Prepare��Enrich��Excel

�� One-week and two-week sessions at

Indian Springs School for grades �� 4-12 �� July 11-29 �� Courses in SAT/PSAT preparation, �� math enrichment, writing intensive, �� college admissions essay writing, Chinese language and culture, French language and culture, science discovery, wetlands ecology, pottery, culinary arts, acting, and contemporary music appreciation and production � Information available at www.indiansprings.org/summer

Indian Springs School

Camp Smile-a-Mile (Residential) Telephone: (205) 323-8427 Address: Camp held at Children’s Harbor on Lake Martin, Alexander City E-mail: Jennifer.amundsen@campsam.org Website: www.campsam.org Ages: 2-18 and young adults 19-30s Dates: Spring Family Camp – May 13-15 Sibling Camp – June 3-5 Youth Weeklong Camp (ages 6-12) – June 6-11 Jr./Sr. Weekend Camp – July 7-10

Teen Weeklong Camp (ages 13-16) – July 11-16 Young Adult Retreat (ages 19-30s) – Aug. 5-7 Off-Therapy Family Camp – Aug. 19-21 Description: Recreational and educational experiences for young cancer patients and their families. Camp Sugar Falls (Day) Telephone: (205) 402-0415 Address: Southeastern Diabetes Education Svcs. 500 Chase Park S., Ste. 104, Hoover 35244 E-mail: info@southeasterndiabetes.org Website: www.southeasterndiabetes.org Ages: 6-15 Dates: June 20-23 Description: This summer program for children with diabetes (and their siblings/friends without diabetes, based on space availability) takes place at Lakeshore Foundation in Birmingham. Activities include sports and games, exercise, swimming, arts and crafts and more. Healthcare professionals provide daily sessions on diabetes education. Camp Wheezeaway (Residential) Telephone: (334) 244-7811 Address: Camp held at YMCA Camp Chandler, Wetumpka E-mail: brendabasnight@yahoo.com Ages: 8-12 Dates: June 12-17 Description: This camp for kids with moderate to severe asthma includes asthma education and optimal care by a 24-hour medical staff of volunteer physicians, respiratory therapists, nurses, nurse practitioners, pharmacists and health care assistants. Campers enjoy boating, swimming, fishing, archery, crafts, horseback riding and more. Easter Seals Camp ASCCA Telephone: (256) 825-9226 Address: 5278 Camp ASCCA Drive, Jackson’s Gap 36861 E-mail: info@campascca.org Website: www.campascca.org Ages: 6-adult Description: Easter Seals Camp ASCCA provides seasonal and summer recreation and outdoor education programs to children and adults with physical and mental disabilities. Camp ASCCA provides exciting and fun activities developed to be acces-

Enroll in Birmingham-Southern College’s

Conservatory of Fine and Performing Arts Lessons in piano, voice, violin, guitar, band and much more. Preschool classes also available. Music Alive Camp, June 13-17, ages 6-12 Theatre Arts Camp, June 20-24, 1st-5th grades Production Camp, June 20-30, 6th-12th grades www.bsc.edu 205/226-4960

BSC

Birmingham-Southern College

www.indiansprings.org ��(205) 988-3350 2011 OTMJ eighth-pg_BSC.indd 1

2/7/2011 4:34:03 PM

SUMMER CAMP GUIDE 2011

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL sible for all campers.

mmking@samford.edu Website: www.samford.edu/arts/music/presummercamps.html Ages: Preschoolers ages 3-6 who have not attended first grade Dates: July 18-22 Description: All Aboard for Music Camp offers preschoolers exposure to movement, instruments of the orchestra and music literature. Includes crafts, recreation and guest artists.

UAB Summer Treatment Program (Day) Telephone: (205) 934-5471 Address: UAB Sparks Clinic E-mail: cspatter@uab.edu Website: www.uab.edu/stp Ages: 7-12 Dates: June 13-July 22 Description: This is a program for children diagnosed with AD/HD and related behavioral disorders or for children with High Functioning Autism/ Asperger’s Disorder. The camp focuses on building children’s social, sports and organizational skills and improving behavior and attention. LANGUAGE/WRITING CAMPS Ada Long Creative Writing Workshop (Day) Telephone: (205) 934-8583 Address: UAB Spencer Honors House, 1190 10th Ave. S., Birmingham 35294 E-mail: tmharris@uab.edu Website: www.uab.edu/english/events/ada-long-creative-writing-workshop Ages: Grades 10-12 (rising, by application) Dates: June 6-24 Description: Workshop students work with nationally recognized writers in small workshops and individual conferences. This program will benefit students exploring creative writing careers, those preparing for university work and others who enjoy writing for personal enrichment. University course credit is available. UAB Red Mountain Writing Project Middle School Summer Writing Camp: Write to Change! Telephone: Tonya Perry, Ph.D., at 205-934-7896 Address: UAB School of Education, Room 110-A, 901 13th St. S., Birmingham 35294 E-mail: tperry@uab.edu Website: www.rmwp.org Ages: 9-14 or Grades 5-8 Dates: May 31-June 1-24 Description: This camp provides children with four week-long seminars of writing fun. Each seminar is shaped to craft and challenge the students’ writing ability in subject areas of his or her interest. Fee is $165 per week. MUSIC CAMPS

Birmingham School of Music Telephone: (205) 969-8763 Address: 800 Old Towne Road, Vestavia Hills, 35216 Website: www.birminghamschoolofmusic.com Dates: Drum camp, June 6-10; piano camp, June 13-17; guitar camp, June 20-24; rock and roll band camp, July 11-15; musical theatre/vocal camp, June 18-22 Description: Instructors are university trained and dedicated to providing the highest quality formal education on their instrument of speciality. Birmingham-Southern College Conservatory (Day) Telephone: (205) 226-4960 Address: 900 Arkadelphia Road, Birmingham 35254 E-mail: lictory@bsc.edu Website: www.bsc.edu/academics/music/conservatory.cfm Dates: Music Alive! (ages 6-12) - June 13-17; Theatre Arts Camp (Grades 1-5) – June 20-24; Production Camp (Grades 6-12) – June 20-30 Description: Each camp offers age-appropriate and fun activities in a child’s chosen area of the fine arts. Sessions culminate in performances by the campers. DMA Summer Music Camp (Day) Telephone: (205) 871-7324 Address: 1114 Oxmoor Road, Birmingham 35209 E-mail: layla.umphries@dawsonchurch.org or vicky. dennis@dawsonchurch.org Website: www.dawsonchurch.org Ages: Kindergarten through Grade 8 (completed) Dates: June 20-24 Description: Morning and all-day sessions in voice, strings, piano and guitar for beginning through advanced students. Morning campers will participate in theory, music history and ensemble playing classes. All-day campers will choose from a variety of afternoon electives such as art, music theatre, recreation, handbells, chimes and more. Students will learn to play several pieces on their chosen instruments, and the week will culminate in a recital.

Adventures in Music Camp at Samford (Day) Telephone: (205) 726-4049 Address: Samford University, 800 Lakeshore Dr., Birmingham 35229 E-mail: chmacon@samford.edu or mmking@samford.edu Website: www.samford.edu/arts/music/prepsummercamps.html Ages: Grades 1-12 Dates: June 20-24 (Session I); July 11-15 (Session II) Description: Adventures in Music Camp offers students intense studies in piano or voice, including theory, music literature, piano or vocal ensemble and piano technique. Includes private lessons, guest artists, recitals, lunch and recreation.

Aldridge Botanical Gardens Summer Program for Young Outdoor Explorers (Day) Telephone: (205) 682-8019 Address: 3530 Lorna Rd., Hoover 35216 Website: www.aldridgegardens.com/education/childrenseducation/summercamp Description: Aldridge Gardens offers summer programs for preschool and elementary children with opportunities to experience the outdoors.

All Aboard for Music Camp at Samford (Day) Telephone: (205) 726-4049 Address: Samford University, 800 Lakeshore Dr., Birmingham 35229 E-mail: chmacon@samford.edu or

Birmingham Botanical Gardens (Day) Telephone: (205) 414-3953 Address: 2612 Lane Park Rd., Birmingham 35223 E-mail: ehardy@bbgardens.org Website: www.bbgardens.org

SCIENCE/TECHNOLOGY CAMPS

T E C H N O L O G Y W O R K S H O P S F O R YO U T H

36-B CHURCH STREET MOUNTAIN BROOK, AL 35213

FOR MORE INFORMATION & TO REGISTER ONLINE, VISIT

205.623.0334

techniq.g8four.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2011 • 33

34 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2011

SUMMER CAMP GUIDE 2011

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Summer at Birmingham Ballet

�� Young Ballerina Camp Ages 2 1/2 - 4 years old �� Session 1: June 20 - 24, Session 2: July 25 - 29 �� Young Dancer Workshop �� 5 - 11 years old Beginning-Intermediate �� June 11 - 22 - one or two week sessions

Summer Intensive Workshop �� Ages 11 - Adult Intermediate -Advanced �� May 31 - June 11 Summer Evening Classes Intermediate -Advanced

�� Session 1: June 20 - 23, Session 2: June 27 - 30

�� Session 3: July 11 - 14, Session 4: July 18 - 21 �� 2198 Columbiana Road - in Vestavia

�� (205) 979-9492

www.birminghamballet.com

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�� Dance Explorations Camp (Ages 8 – 14) Explore Ballet, modern, jazz, hip hop, ﬂamenco, and more! June 13 – 17 • 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Pre/post camp care is available.

Discovering the Visual Arts Camp (Ages 8-14) Explore drawing, painting, mosaics, sculpture, photography, crafts, and more! July 18 – 22 • 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Pre/post camp care is available.

ArtPlayASC.org (205) 975-4769 ��

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Ages: Grades K4-Grade 6 Rising Dates: May 31-July 29 (weeklong sessions) Description: These age-appropriate summer programs are designed to actively promote children’s natural sense of creativity and discovery with fun learning experiences in the Gardens.

Ages: Starting at grade four Description: Hands-on workshops combine arts and technology in creative learning experiences. Birthed from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Media Lab, the programs teach students 21st century skills that will give them a competitive edge.

McWane Science Center Summer Camps (Day) Telephone: (205) 714-8268 or (205) 714-8377 Address: 200 19th St. N., Birmingham 35203 E-mail: jmattingly@mcwane.org Website: www.mcwane.org/camps_and_more/ camps/summercamp Ages: 4K-Grade 6 Dates: May 30-July 1 Description: McWane’s camps make learning an unforgettable adventure. In one week, the budding scientist can discover a dinosaur, travel into outer space or explore the ocean floor.

SPORTS CAMPS

Ruffner Mountain Nature Center (Day) Telephone: (205) 833-8264 Address: 1214 81st St. S., Birmingham 35206 Website: www.ruffnermountain.org Ages: 6-12 Description: Ruffner Mountain Nature Center is an outdoor classroom and a great place for kids to play and learn. Several weeks of summer day camp are offered each year. The number of camps and dates vary. Call or check website for details. UAB Computer Forensics Camp Telephone: (205) 934-8620 Address: 1201 University Blvd., Birmingham 35294 E-mail: camps@cis.uab.edu Website: www.cis.uab.edu/forensics Ages: Grades 9-12 (rising) Dates: July 11-15 Description: Learn how cyber-investigators catch the bad guy and gain hands-on experience using the tools of the trade. Find out how to analyze evidence drives, recover deleted files, recover forgotten passwords and more. U.S. Space & Rocket Center Space and Aviation Camps (Day and residential) Telephone: (800) 63-SPACE Address: U.S. Space & Rocket Center, One Tranquility Base, Huntsville 35807 E-mail: info@spacecamp.com Website: www.spacecamp.com Ages: 9-adult Dates: Year-round Description: A variety of programs are available for kids and adults that provide all ages with the adventure of a lifetime. See website for details. Zoofari Summer Camp (Day) Telephone: (205) 879-0409, ext. 223 Address: The Birmingham Zoo, 2630 Cahaba Rd., Birmingham 35223 Website: www.birminghamzoo.com Ages: Grades 4K-8 Description: Campers experience the zoo behind the scenes while enjoying crafts, demonstrations, tours, feedings and other activities. Full day, half day, arts and zookeeper camps are available. See website for details. g8 Four Telephone: (205) 637-3745 Address: 36-B Church Street, Mountain Brook, 35213 Website: techniq.g8four.com

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Alabama’s Court Elite at Highland Park Tennis Center (Day) Telephone: (205) 251-1965 Address: 3300 Highland Ave. S., Birmingham 35205 E-mail: academytennis@gmail.com Website: www.academytennis.com Ages: 4 & up (boys and girls) Dates: June 6-July 28 (one-week sessions) Description: A.C.E. Tennis Academy camps provide participants of varying ages and skill levels with an organized agenda of opportunities for a quality tennis experience. Campers learn that attitude and effort are everything when trying to accomplish goals both on and off the court. Contact Jack Standifer. Ambassador Soccer Camp at Briarwood (Day) Telephone: (205) 776-5114 Address: 2200 Briarwood Way, Birmingham 35243 E-mail: rleib@briarwood.org Website: www.briarwoodsoccer.org Ages: 7-14 (boys and girls) Dates: July 11-15, 8:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Description: A camp for all levels of players, from beginning recreational to competitive travel players. Campers are trained in small groups of similar-level players and have daily scrimmages. Mike Getman Soccer Camp (Day and residential) Telephone: (205) 870-0194 E-mail: info@uabsoccercamp.com Website: www.uabsoccercamp.com Ages: 5-12 (Day); 10-18 (Residential/commuter) Dates: June 13-July 15 (Day) June 19-July 31 (Residential/commuter) Description: Skill development and training, small and large group tactics and 11 v. 11 games provide opportunities for players to learn and improve every aspect of their game. Some of the best coaches and players in the country are eager to share their knowledge and skills. Preston Goldfarb’s “Excellence Through Fundamentals” Soccer Camp (Day and residential) Telephone: (205) 226-4895 (office) or (205) 6023505 (cell) Address: Birmingham-Southern College, 900 Arkadelphia Rd., Birmingham 35254 E-mail: pgoldfar@bsc.edu Website: www.bscsports.net/sports/2005/12/13/ msoc-camps.aspx Ages: 7-18, boys and girls Dates: June 13-17; June 20-24; June 27-July 1 Description: A camp focused on developing the player through intense training designed to increase technical ability and tactical awareness. Its goal is to teach the game through an emphasis on limiting numbers in groups and maximizing touches in training. Samford University Sports Camps Telephone: (205) 726-2966

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2011 • 35

SUMMER CAMP GUIDE 2011

Address: 800 Lakeshore Dr., Birmingham Website: http://samfordsports.cstv.com/camps/samfcamps.html Dates: Vary Description: Boys’ and girls’ sports camps (baseball, basketball, football, soccer, volleyball and softball). Visit the website or call for details.

EXPERIENCE!BAYLOR

SUMMER CAMP 2011 ! June 6 – July 29

UAB Athletics Summer Sports Camps (Day and residential) UAB offers a variety of summer sports camps for children and teens in football, baseball, basketball, softball, soccer and volleyball. Both day and overnight options are available. For details on dates, cost and registration, visit www.uabsports.com (click on “camps”) TRADITIONAL CAMPS Alpine Camp for Boys (Residential) Telephone: (256) 634-4404 Address: P.O. Box 297, Mentone 35984 Website: www.alpinecamp.com Ages: Grades 1-9 Description: A non-denominational Christian camp for boys that provides a safe place for boys to gain independence, make lasting relationships and learn new skills. Staff includes more than 75 Christian college-age counselors who mentor campers throughout the summer. Camp Coleman (Day and residential) Telephone: (866) 882-3572, ext. 2000 or (205) 6553782, x2000 Address: 4010 Camp Coleman Rd., Trussville 35173 E-mail: lelliott@girlscoutsnca.org Website: www.girlscoutsnca.org Ages: 4-17 Description: Residential camps for ages 7-17 are available for girls only; day camps for ages 5-12 are also open to boys. Camp Cottaquilla (Day and residential) Telephone: (256) 237-2825 or (800) 677-2247 Address: 2500 Cottaquilla Rd., Anniston 36207 E-mail: info@girlscoutsnca.org Website: www.girlscoutsnca.org/cottaquilla.php Description: Camp Cottaquilla offers resident camp for girls only; day camp for girls and boys. Activities

The Presbytery of Sheppards and Lapsley summer camp will again be held at Camp ASCCA in Dadeville. include swimming, boating, low ropes course, archery, arts and crafts, hiking, nature activities, songs, skits, games, campfires and cookouts. Camp Fletcher (Day and residential) Telephone: (205) 428-1059 Address: 5150 Fletcher Rd., Bessemer 35022 E-mail: jbarksdale@campfire-al.org Website: www.campfire-al.org Ages: 6-15 Dates: June and July Description: ACA-accredited Camp Fletcher offers day camp, traditional residential camp and special camp programs, including MRI-Leadership and Performance Band Camp and Camper vs. Wild.

Want Maximum Fun?

Then get ready for our awesome summer camps! Team Baylor, Golf, Boys’ Lacrosse, Swimming! Whatever you’re looking for this summer you’re sure to find it at Baylor! Baylor’s summer sports camps are directed by the area’s top coaches and instructors in a fun and encouraging atmosphere. Our highly individualized instruction includes fundamentals in skill development and teamwork to increase both confidence and ability. Baylor’s overnight sports programs offer campers the opportunity to experience independence in a safe, nurturing, and supervised setting.

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TRAVEL THE WORLD WITH ZOOFARI SUMMER CAMP May 31st - August 12th Ages 4K-8th Grade

Coming Spring 2011...

For information, log onto www.birminghamzoo.com or call 397.3877 2630 Cahaba Road Birmingham, AL 35223

Our residential campers live in one of Baylor’s modern dormitories, with 24-hour supervision by program staff. Nutritious and great-tasting buffet meals are provided by our dining hall staff, and our student center offers the perfect spot for fun, relaxed recreational activities in the evening. So what are you waiting for? Register today!

Maximum Fun A summer adventure for ages 9 through 18.

An experience like no other!

For Early Bird discounts register by March 31! Call (423) 757-2616 or visit www.baylorschool.org for easy registration.

36 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2011

SUMMER CAMP GUIDE 2011

Camp Coleman is a traditional camp with both day and residential programs. Activities include ropes courses, horseback riding, canoeing and more.

��

REGISTRATION 2011-2012

Call Now for School Tour 205-822-9461 ��

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For more information contact Gabe McCool at (205)956-9731 gmccool@highlandsschool.org

Highlands School 4901 Old Leeds Road

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Camp Laney (Residential) Telephone: (256) 634-4066 Address: P.O. Box 289, Mentone 35984 E-mail: whitney@camplaney.com Website: www.camplaney.com Ages: 8-14 Dates: June 5-July 29 (Two-week sessions) Description: A traditional boys’ camp atop Lookout Mountain in Mentone offering team sports, horseback riding, canoeing, swimming, tennis, archery, riflery, tennis, mountain biking and more. For a look at the camp, see the video on the website. Camp Mac (Residential) Telephone: (256) 362-7449 Address: 2671 Cheaha Rd., Munford 36268 E-mail: office@campmac.com Website: www.campmac.com Ages: Grades 2-9 Dates: May 31-July 30 Description: A summer camp for boys and girls in Alabama’s Cheaha Mountains owned and operated by the McBride family since 1948. The camp offers horseback riding, cow soccer, water skiing, mountain biking, trail carts, a lakefront water park, swimming, sports, games, friends and more. Loyalty Discount and Same Family Discount available. Camp Trico (Residential) Telephone: (256) 582-2617 or (866) 882-3572 Address: 315 Trico Dr., Guntersville 35976

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E-mail: acanterbury@girlscou tsnca.org Website: www.girlscoutsnca.org Ages: 5-17 (girls) Dates: June 6-Aug. 5 Description: Located along the shore of Lake Guntersville, Camp Trico features picturesque waterfront views and programs designed to appeal to girls of different ages with a wide range of interests. Activities include swimming, horseback riding, archery, canoeing, riflery, crafts, boat rides and more. Specialty camps include horse camp, adventure quest, aquatic and design camps. Camp Winnataska (Residential) Telephone: (205) 640-6741 Address: 260 Winnataska Dr., Pell City 35128 E-mail: info@winnataska.org Website: www.winnataska.org Ages: 6-17 Dates: June 5-July 23 (One-week sessions; minicamps available for ages 6-8) Description: For more than 90 years, this camp has offered “Christian Camping at Its Best,” including activities such as swimming, horseback riding, crafts, recreation, nature study and ropes. Events include Indian Night, Country Night and Pirate Night. Kanawahala Program Center (Day and residential) Telephone: (866) 457-4590 or (205) 678-8845 Address: 831 Girl Scout Rd., Chelsea 35043 E-mail: tknowles@cahabagsc.org Website: http://www.girlscoutsnca.org Description: Located just off U.S. 280, KPC encompasses approximately 600 acres of wooded hills and valleys loaded with hiking and biking trails. A private 45-acre lake provides opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, fishing, pontoon boat rides and pedal boating. Horseback riding and ropes are also available. Riverview Camp for Girls (Residential) Telephone: (800) 882-0722 Address: P.O. Box 299, Mentone 35984 Website: www.riverviewcamp.com Ages: 6-16 Dates: May 29-Aug. 29 (long- and short-term sessions available) Description: Riverview is recognized as one of the Southeast’s best all-around camps for girls. Activities include riding, swimming, ropes course, new climbing tower, tennis, canoeing, golf and much more. Sumatanga (Residential) Telephone: (256) 538-9860 Address: 3616 Sumatanga Rd., Gallant 35972 Website: www.sumatanga.org/SummerCamp.aspx E-mail: meagan@sumatanga.org Ages: Grades 1-3 (Day) Grades 4-12 (Residential) Description: Sumatanga provides a safe, accepting and fun environment where campers can experience life-changing encounters through worship and play. Youth Special Camp, Adult Special Camp and Music & Arts Week are also included in the summer lineup. Details and registration information are available online. YMCA Camp Cosby (Residential) Telephone: (256) 268-2007 Address: 2290 Paul Bear Bryant Rd., Alpine 35014 E-mail: smcclain@campcosby.org Website: www.campcosby.org Ages: 6-16 Dates: June 5-Aug. 6 (One-week sessions) Description: On Lake Logan Martin, this is the overnight camp of the Birmingham YMCA. Offered is a mix of cabin and free choice activities, including horseback riding, mini-bike riding, canoeing, archery, arts and crafts, the Blob and wakeboarding.

SUMMER CAMP GUIDE 2011

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL VARIETY/SPECIALTY CAMPS

LJCC Camp Fair, March 6, 1 p.m.

All Saints’ Episcopal Preschool (Day) Telephone: (205) 879-2943 Address: 112 West Hawthorne Rd., Homewood 35209 E-mail: preschool@allsaintsbirmingham.org Website: www.allsaintsbirmingham.org Ages: 6 months to 5 years Dates: June 6-July 29 (closed June 27-July 8 for VBS and July 4 holiday) Description: A program with a variety of artistic, educational and recreational activities that uses an integrated approach to learning that meets the spiritual, emotional, intellectual and physical needs of children.

Presbytery of Sheppards & Lapsley Summer Camps (Residential) Telephone: (205) 978-0320 Address: 3603 Lorna Ridge Dr., Birmingham 35216 (Camps held at Camp ASCCA) E-mail: nreed@pslpcusa.org Website: www.pslpcusa.org Ages: Grades K5-12 (completed) Dates: May 30-July 2 Description: Offerings include Senior High Mission Camp (completed Grades 9-12, June 26-July 1, $295), Elementary Camp (completed Grades 2-5, June 5-10, $295), Junior High Camp (completed Grades 6-8, June 12-17, $295), Discovery Camp (completed Grades 3-6, June 19-22, $115) and You & Me Camp (completed Grades 5K-2 and their parents, June 24-26, $125 for 1 parent, 1 child).

Camp Briarwood (Day and Overnight) Telephone: (205) 776-5237 Address: 2200 Briarwood Way, Birmingham 35243 E-mail: quest@briarwood.org Website: www.campbriarwood.org Ages: Rising Grades K5-3 (day); Grades 4-9 (overnight) Dates: June 20-July 23 (week-long sessions) Description: These Christian camps for boys and girls are held at off-site camp facilities and offer indoor and outdoor recreation, including swimming, hiking, canoeing and archery. NOTE: Boys and girls with disabilities, including those who use wheelchairs, are invited to participate along with typically-developing campers in a full range of activities. For more information, contact the Special Connections ministry at (205) 776-5122. Levite Jewish Community Center (Day) Telephone: (205) 879-0411 Address: 3960 Montclair Rd., Birmingham 35213 E-mail: betty@bhamjcc.org Website: www.bhamjcc.org Ages: 18 months through Grade 7 Dates: June 2-Aug. 12 Description: Campers develop independence, selfconfidence and strong character through a variety of activities. LJCC offers traditional style camps as well as a wide array of specialty camps for boys and girls. Offerings include lacrosse, cooking, fine arts, basketball, chess, kayaking, soccer, science, swimming and more. Registration begins at the

St. Peter’s Child Development Center (Day) Telephone: (205) 822-9461 Address: 2061 Patton Chapel Rd., Hoover 35216 E-mail: stpeterscdc@bellsouth.net Website: www.stpeterscdc.com Description: This program is for families who want to enrich their summer with fun learning activities for their children. Vestavia Hills YMCA (Day) Telephone: (205) 823-0144 Address: 2086 Columbiana Rd., Birmingham 35216 Website: www.ymcabham.org Description: The mission of the YMCA is “to put Judeo-Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body.” Campers participate in a program with good supervision, safety and fun that also emphasizes the personal growth of each child.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2011 • 37

treat your child to a well-rounded SUMMER Whether it is enrichment, enlightenment, entertainment, merriment, advancement or just a way to burn off some of that pent up energy, Altamont has just what your child needs this summer: something constructive to do. Sports Camps (1st grade and up)

Fine Arts Camps (3rd grade and up)

Credit Courses

THE ALTAMONT SCHOOL learn more at altamontschool.org

YMCA Hargis Retreat (Day) Telephone: (205) 678-6512 Address: 928 Hargis Dr., Chelsea 35043 E-mail: hargisdaycamp@ymcabham.org Website: www.ymcahargisretreat.org Ages: Grades K-8 Description: Summer campers develop self-confidence, make lasting friendships and learn lifelong skills, all while having fun in the great outdoors. ❖

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Drum Set Camp - June 6 - 10 For Students of all ages and skill levels!

Guitar Camp - June 20 - 24

Acoustic, Electric & Bass - All ages and skill levels!

Piano Camp - June 13 - 17 All ages and skill levels!

Rock 'N Roll Band Camp - July 11 - 15 For Guitar, Bass, Drums Vocal & Keyboards!

Musical Theatre / Vocal Camp - June 18 - 22

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All skill levels!

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FOR DETAILS www.

969-8763

or visit our website

800 olde towne road in vestavia near Chuck E Cheese's behind Bruster's Ice Cream

.com

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38 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2011

SPORTS

That Hatchett Magic

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Rebels Stun Bucs to Earn Regional Bid

BY LEE DAVIS

JOURNAL SPORTS WRITER

Hoover’s Payton Garlington, right, wrestles Thompson’s Matt Gilson at the 6A state wrestling tournament. More photos at otmj.com

Journal photo by Marvin Gentry

Bucs Finish Second in Meet; MB’s Byrd Top Wrestler BY LEE DAVIS

JOURNAL SPORTS WRITER

omething historic happened in the world of Alabama wrestling last weekend. For the first time since 1997, an Over the Mountain team did not win a team championship in any classification. In the years from 1998-2010, Vestavia Hills claimed seven Class 6A titles, Hoover earned four Class 6A titles and Homewood won three Class 5A crowns. But 2011 belonged to Alabaster’s Thompson Warriors. Thompson totaled 154 overall points to beat out runner-up and defending champ Hoover, which finished with 144. Host Grissom of Huntsville finished third with 127.5 points, and Vestavia claimed fourth with 103 in the two-day event at Huntsville’s Von Braun Center. “You’ve got to give all the credit to Thompson,” said Hoover coach Steve Knutson. “They had a great tournament. Thompson got some pins and won some major decisions. “It wasn’t so much that we lost it – they won it. My hat’s off to them.” But the end of the Over the Mountain area’s long reign at the top of the state’s wrestling heap didn’t mean that local wrestlers did not turn in impressive performances. Mountain Brook’s William Byrd, who took a 9-3 decision over Hoover’s Rush Hall to win the 152-pound weight class, was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Wrestler. Byrd also had defeated Thompson’s Nick Hall in a 2-1 decision the previous day. The Spartan wrestler finished with a 57-2 individual record. Hoover Buc Carl Brown’s 5-4 decision over Ryan Clark of Bob

Jones for the 171-pound championship was chosen best match of the tournament. In other championship matches involving area wrestlers: Buckhorn’s Ben Smith pinned Vestavia’s Josh Brown to win the 125-pound class. Oxford’s Eric Lee pinned Hoover’s Taylor Garlington to win the 135-pound class. Pell City’s Zach Smith pinned Hoover’s Jackson Poe to win the 140-pound class. Thompson’s J.A. Jones pinned Vestavia’s Jimmy Whitt to win the 145-pound class. Vestavia’s Harrison Hill won a decision over Hewitt-Trussville’s Marcus Elkins in the 160-pound class. Lee of Montgomery’s Terrence Smith took a decision over Oak Mountain’s Justin Woodall to win the 189-pound class. In the consolation finals: Hoover’s Payton Garlington won a decision over Grissom’s John David Henderson to place third in the 103-pound class. Spain Park’s Tommy Bostany won a decision over Bob Jones’ Jesse Webster for third place in the 119-pound class. Auburn’s Corley Sims pinned Oak Mountain’s Jared Godfrey in the 125-pound class. Benjamin Russell’s Connor Clark took a decision over Hoover’s John David Grissom in the 145-pound class. Hoover’s Teryence Glaze pinned Thompson’s Jesse Masters to place third in the 189-pound class. Tuscaloosa County’s Brett Brown took a decision over Spain Park’s Kameron Ricks in the 215pound class. Vestavia’s David Simmons defeated Lee of Montgomery’s Robert Marshall for third place in the heavyweight class.

estavia Hills boys’ basketball coach George Hatchett has had a well-earned reputation for being among the state’s best at getting his team ready for the post-season tournaments. The classic example came two years ago, when a lightly-regarded Rebel team ended its injury-riddled regular season with a losing streak before catching fire in mid-February. Vestavia knocked off two of the state’s top-ranked teams on consecutive outings in the Northeast Regionals and moved on to win a surprising state 6A championship. Of course, it didn’t hurt that one of those Rebels was all-state forward Jordan Swing, who chose the end of his senior season to play the best basketball of his life. But if that impressive run solidified Hatchett’s stature as a great tournament coach, Vestavia’s performance last week absolutely set it in concrete. The Rebels—who concluded the regular season with a lackluster 11-16 record—capped a stunning hot streak with a 53-46 upset of highly regarded Area 10 champ Hoover Friday night in the Class 6A sub-regional. The win sent Vestavia to the Northeast Regionals against Huffman at Jacksonville State University. Hoover ended its season 25-7. The Bucs brought a ninegame winning streak into the battle with the Rebels. Hatchett was philosophical as his team celebrated its victory. “I knew that tomorrow was going to be fun either way,” he said. “I’d either be on the golf course, or else I’d be tracking down film of our next opponent.” Happily for Hatchett, the golf date will have to wait. Vestavia broke open a close game in the second period and held off repeated Buccaneer charges at the lead. After taking a 16-15 lead with just over two minutes remaining in the first half, Hoover didn’t score again until Devon Earl’s threepoint shot ended the Rebels’ 11-0 run with four minutes remaining in the third quarter.

Jaguars, from back cover

topped the Spartan scorers with 11 points, as Mountain Brook ended its season with a 23-6 record. Moon’s team followed the win over the Spartans with a 47-33 triumph over Vestavia Hills in the tournament finals. Prater topped the Jaguar scoring with 14 points, and Martin followed with 13.

Senior forward William Truss, a veteran of the 2009 state championship team, led the way with 16 points and 13 rebounds. Teammates William Dillard and Patrick Prewitt—also veterans of the 2009 champs—scored 10 and nine points, respectively. Seven of Prewitt’s points came from free throws in the fourth quarter. Vestavia won despite the fact that Anton Cook was sidelined with an injury and saw no action. Eric Dansby paced Hoover with 12 points, but the Bucs shot only 42 percent from the field for the game – thanks in part to the aggressive play of the Rebels’ defense. “Vestavia outplayed us tonight,” said a disappointed Hoover coach Charles Burkett. “It’s a bitter pill to accept, but if you put things in perspective, it’s hard to argue about the success we had this year. “To be able to come out and win 25 games after the players we lost from last year is something that our team should feel good about.” Hatchett laughed off questions about any post-season magic he brings to his team. “There’s no magic, of course, and I always kind of believe that coaching is very overrated,” he said. “At the end of the day, it’s all about the kids. And I think they understand that a basketball season ends up being a total body of work.” The coach agreed, however, that having seniors with playoff experience means a lot. “It helps to have guys who understand the importance of stepping up their game in February,” said Hatchett. “And the tradition means something. After the (Hoover) game, some of the former players from the 2009 team came by the dressing room and congratulated our guys. That meant a lot.” The Rebels’ amazing run to the Northeast Regionals began exactly one week before, when they knocked off heavily favored Homewood 60-53 in overtime in the first round of the Class 6A Area 12 Tournament. The Patriots had defeated Vestavia in three previous outings. With the game tied at 51-51 William Truss led Vestavia with 12. In other boys’ play, last Friday night Woodlawn defeated John Carroll Catholic in a Class 5A subregional game. Antonio Hullman led the Cavs with 18 points. Chris Turk added 11 points in the losing cause. John Carroll finished its season with an 18-11 record. The Cavs had earned their way to the sub-regional with a 54-52 upset of Parker in the first round of

Andrew Mims and his Rebel teammates are headed to Jacksonville for the Northeast Regionals after knocking off Hoover. Journal file photo by Pete Collins

at the end of regulation play, the Rebels outscored the hosts 9-2 in overtime to earn the victory. Truss led the winners with 20 points, while Prewitt’s defensive efforts held Homewood standout guard Marvin Whitt to 12 points, including only two field goals. Vestavia shot 60 percent from the field for the game. The Patriots—who spent much of the year ranked number one in Class 6A—ended their season 23-6. Vestavia’s magic took a holiday in the Class 6A final, however, as Spain Park—which had upset Mountain Brook in the other bracket of the Area 12 tournament —took the area title with a 47-33 win over the Rebels. Robbie Prater led the Jaguars with 14 points, and Rembert Martin followed with 13. Truss paced Vestavia with 12 points; William Dillard added 11. But by virtue of their firstround win over Homewood, the Rebels advanced to meet Hoover in the sub-regional, where destiny awaited them. the Class 5A Area 9 Tournament the previous week. Turk led John Carroll with 19 points and four rebounds, while Justin Coleman added 18 points, two assists and two steals. Michael Cowan scored five points, had five assists, added a pair of steals and played superb defense the entire night. John Carroll was defeated in the finals of the area tournament as the Cavs fell to Wenonah 67-43. Turk was Carroll’s top scorer with 14 points.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Hoover, from back cover

have helped.” Hoover then went on an 110 run that effectively ended any realistic chances of a Lady Spartan comeback. The winners were led by Nicole Tanner, who scored 19 points. Breion Allen added 12 points for the Lady Bucs; Reggotta Craig contributed 10 points and four rebounds, as Coach Donnie Quinn substituted liberally. Kayla Anderson and Olivia Adamson each grabbed eight rebounds. Hoover ’s record rose to 30-3. Mary Katherine Pinson led Mountain Brook with 10 points. Annabelle Friedman contributed nine points, while Kaki Friedman added eight. The Lady Spartans ended their record with a 24-6 mark. Hoover entered the subregional with a 67-20 rout of Oak Mountain in the Class 6A Area 10 Tournament. Tanner and Allen each scored 13 points for the Lady Bucs. Vestavia earned its bracket in the Northeast Regionals with a 4337 double overtime win over Oak Mountain . The Lady Rebels held a 10-point advantage late in the game, but the Lady Eagles connected on three three-point baskets to tighten the margin. MacKenzie Germany’s lay-up for Oak Mountain tied the game in regulation at 29-29. To reach overtime, the Lady Eagles needed a 16-point fourth quarter scor-

Post Season, from back cover

round of the area tournament, and be finished for the year. In Class 5A, the Briarwood boys had a similar problem as Homewood and Mountain Brook. Despite being heavily favored in their Area 7 Tournament firstround game against Chelsea, the Lions were stunned 51-47 by the Hornets. Briarwood had beaten Chelsea twice in the regular season but couldn’t hold off the Hornets when it really counted. The Lions, with a final record of 21-10, saw a fine season end with a bitter aftertaste. There was an upside to the potentially dangerous first rounds for some area schools. Hoover earned its 24th victory of the season with a solid win over a good Oak Mountain team in the Class 6A Area 10 opener. The season ended sadly for the Bucs, however, when they were defeated in the sub-regional by the same Vestavia squad that bumped off Homewood. And John Carroll Catholic, directed by veteran coach Larry Harbin – who has more wins than any active coach in Jefferson County – turned heads by elimi-

three quarters. “We played very well defensively until we got into some foul trouble,” said Lady Rebel coach Laura Casey. After the two teams swapped baskets in the first overtime, Vestavia outscored its rival 12-6 in the second extra period to take the win. Karolyn Perry led the Lady Rebels with 14 points. Sharon Sanders added 11. Germany scored 12 for the Lady Eagles. Oak Mountain ended its season with an 18-11 mark. Vestavia, 1512 for the year, was to face Gadsden City in the regional semifinals Tuesday. The Lady Rebels upset Mountain Brook 55-47 to gain Hoover’s Olivia Adamson goes up for a basket its seed in the as Mountain Brook’s, Grace Morrissette, 40 and sub-regionals. Caroline Williams, 35 defend. Vestavia rallied Journal photo by Pete Collins from a 24-17 halftime deficit. ing blitz. Vestavia had held Oak Sanders sparked the Lady Mountain to a mere 13 points after Rebels with 21 points, and Perry nating Parker in the Class 5A Area 9 opening round. In girls’ play, local area tournaments went more according to form. Vestavia upset Mountain Brook for the Area 12 title, but since both schools won their first round tournament games, they each advanced to the sub-regional, where the Lady Spartans had the bad luck to draw top-ranked Hoover. The all-importance of the opening games of area tournaments has drawn the ire of many coaches. “Some coaches would like to see the regular season area champion be grandfathered into the sub-regionals,” said Vestavia’s Hatchett. “And I can understand that from one perspective. “But basketball is a tournament sport that’s all about second chances. One of the great things about the NCAA tournament is when a small school like George Mason makes a strong run. Everybody loves an underdog.” You can’t blame Hatchett for liking the present format. Two years ago, his Rebel team ended the regular season with a long losing streak before catching fire in February to win Vestavia’s second Class 6A basketball state championship.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2011 • 39

SPORTS scored 12 – all in the second half. Ogilvie topped the Lady Spartan scoring with 13 points. Ellie Mouyal scored 12. The Briarwood girls’ basketball team earned a spot in the Class 5A Central Regional at Alabama State University with a 43-40 win over Valley. Anna Handlin scored 17 points for the Lady Lions, while Cara Medders added 15. Meredith Botes snatched 14 rebounds for Briarwood. The Lady Lions, 27-5 for the season, were to meet Fairfield in the regional semi-final Tuesday. Briarwood reached the subregional with a 33-20 win over Talladega in the Class 5A Area 7

Tournament final. Handlin scored 13 points with eight rebounds. Meddars scored nine points with six assists. The Altamont girls saw their season end with a 63-58 loss to Woodland in Class 2A sub-regional play. The Lady Knights’ Yorisha Bryant scored 38 points with 14 rebounds and five blocked shots in the defeat. Altamont saw its season end with a 17-5 worksheet. Previously, the Lady Knights won the Class 2A Area 10 Tournament with a 45-30 victory over Vincent. Bryant burned the Lady Yellow Jackets with 27 points and 10 rebounds.

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN

JOU RNAL THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2011

Sports

Spain Park Whips Panthers, Moves to Northeast Regionals BY LEE DAVIS

JOURNAL SPORTS WRITER

he bad news was that the previously red-hot Spain Park boys’ basketball team didn’t have its best performance of the season in its Class 6A subregionals game with Pelham. The good news is, the Jaguars didn’t need it in order to reach the Northeast Regionals. Spain Park pulled away late to take a 48-38 win over the scrappy Panthers. The win sent the Jaguars to the regionals, where they were to face Gadsden City at Jacksonville State University Tuesday. Robby Prater led Spain Park with 17 points, while two of the Jaguars’ top scorers—Steven Lawson and Rembert Martin— were held to only nine points between them. But while the hosts struggled offensively, Spain Park forced Pelham into 25 turnovers. The Jaguars sank eight of 10 free throws down the stretch to seal the victory. And while the Basketball Hall of Fame may not request tape of

Oak Mountain’s John David Peden, right.

Bucs Finish Second in Meet; MB’s Byrd Top Wrestler. See page 38

Lee Davis

the game, Spain Park coach Brian Moon was more than happy to take the win. “Nobody has frustrated us like that all year,” said Moon. “They’ve got good quickness and did a nice

One and Done: Fall of Favorites Proves Importance of Post-season

That Hatchett Magic

Rebels Stun Bucs to Earn Regional Bid Page 38

job playing the zone.” The Jags raised their record to 24-8, including a 17-3 mark since Dec. 20. Spain Park had earned its way to the sub-regionals by winning the Class 6A Area 12 Tournament. The Jaguars opened with a 62-48 win over seventh-ranked Mountain Brook. Spain Park’s defense successfully shut down a Spartan offense that had been averaging 67 points per contest. Lawson led the winners with 17 points. Ryan Austin

See Jaguars, page 38

See Hoover, page 39

See Post Season, page 39

Spain Park’s Mitchell Holt scores in the Jaguars’ 48-38 sub-regional win over Pelham. More photos at otmj.com Journal photo by Marvin Gentry

Hoover Girls Roll to Jax State; Rebels, Lions Also Win

BY LEE DAVIS

JOURNAL SPORTS WRITER

Hoover’s Chardonae Fuqua shoots over Mountain Brook’s Mary Katherine Pinson in the Lady Bucs’ win to advance to the Northeast Regionals. More photos at otmj.com Journal photo by Pete Collins

sidelined with an injury. Hoover advanced to face Shades Valley Tuesday in the regional semi-finals. Against Mountain Brook, the Lady Bucs rolled to a 16-point lead in the opening period and were never seriously challenged. They began with an 18-2 lead, which reached 36-18 by halftime. Mountain Brook made a charge late in the third period, going on a 13-6 run to cut the margin to 44-31. “I didn’t have to tell our girls anything when Mountain Brook made their move,” said Quinn. “They knew what was at stake. The end-of-the-quarter break may

s the 2010-2011 regular season ended, the Homewood and Mountain Brook boys’ basketball teams both looked to have a pretty good shot at reaching the Class 6A Final Four – and just maybe winning the big blue state championship trophy in March. Unfortunately for the Patriots and Spartans, their seasons not only didn’t stretch into March but didn’t even make it to Valentine’s Day. Homewood and Mountain Brook both lost in the first round of the Area 12 Tournament and saw their impressive overall records go down the proverbial drain. Not that either team had any reason to be ashamed. The Patriots, Area 12’s regular season champion, fell to archrival Vestavia Hills 60-53, in a game that showed once again why the Rebels’ George Hatchett is among the state’s best coaches in post-season play. The Spartans lost to Spain Park – which has been one of Metro Birmingham’s hottest teams in recent weeks. The Jaguars had defeated Mountain Brook twice earlier in the season. But the fact that quality teams like Homewood and Mountain Brook were one and done in the playoffs is a bone of contention for many coaches who dislike the Alabama High School Athletic Association’s present format for basketball. Under the present rules, a team winning the first game in its four-school area tournament is guaranteed a spot in the subregional. The area championship game merely determines the subregional bracket in which each team will compete. So it’s completely possible that a team could go undefeated in the regular season, have one bad game and lose in the first

he Hoover Lady Bucs basketball team has been ranked number one in Class 6A for the entire season. That in itself is no big surprise, as Hoover is also the defending state champion. And last Thursday night, Coach Donnie Quinn’s team showed once again that the road to the state championship will lead directly through Hoover . The Lady Bucs earned their way to the Northeast Regionals at Jacksonville State with an easy 7035 sub-regional win over Mountain Brook. The Lady Spartans were handicapped by the loss of freshman star Collier Ogilvie, who was