Over the Mountain Journal April 5, 2012 by Over the Mountain Journal

The Suburban Newspaper for Mountain Brook, Homewood, Vestavia Hills, Hoover and North Shelby County

OVER THE MOUNTAIN

INSIDE

JOU RNAL OTMJ.COM

THURSDAY, APRIL 5, 2012

VOL. 21 #7

Prince Edward set to visit Magic City

ABOUT TOWN PAGE 3

Ollie Ireneʼs pub cuisine getting national attention

LIFE PAGE 10

TOOLS OF FAITH Pastor Dan Dahl of Shades Valley Lutheran Evangelical Church holds some of the masonry nails that were given out to church members at the end of the churchʼs Ash Wednesday service. He said the nails serve as a reminder throughout Lent of the crucifixion. Members will have the opportunity to hammer Journal photo by Lee Walls their nails into a cross during the churchʼs Good Friday service.

Cajun Cabaret raises the roof for Red Mountain Theatre

SOCIAL PAGE 20

Church’s Lenten Tradition Is Dramatic Reminder of the Season’s Reason LAURA MCALISTER

JOURNAL EDITOR

hen parishioners left Ash Wednesday services at Shades Valley Lutheran Evangelical Church some 40 days ago, they were given a stark reminder of what the season leading up to Easter is all about. When they head to church April 6 for Good Friday services, that reminder will truly hit home. Pastor Dan Dahl gave members of his congregation masonry nails during the Ash Wednesday service, as he has for the past five years he’s been pastor there and as he’s done in several other parishes he served since becoming a minister in 1980. “The whole idea is you don’t jump from

Easter Happenings

See page 9 for a sampling of things to do Easter weekend in the Over the Mountain area. Palm Sunday to Easter,” he said. “You have to go through Good Friday. In order for Christ to rise, He also had to die. It’s a costly grace.” The nails, Pastor Dan said, represent sin. On Good Friday, parishioners will have the opportunity to hammer the masonry nails into the cross, symbolic of Jesus’ crucifixion some 2,000 years ago. Gretchen Sexton, a member of the church’s evangelism committee, said the

nails are there to serve as a reminder during Lent, the 40 days not including Sundays that lead up to Easter in the Christian church. “This is a tradition at our church,” Gretchen said. “We have a basket of nails in the church on Ash Wednesday, and when people leave the service they are encouraged to take one and carry it with them during Lent. It’s kind of a reminder – however it works for you.” According to Christian tradition, the Lenten season is a time of self-reflection and self-discipline. Many observe the period by giving up something. Gretchen said while self-denial is a reminder of the crucifixion, the Homewood See EASTER, page 8

Smart living in Hoover on Parade of Homes Tour

HOME PAGE 24

SOUNDS OF SPRING IN HOMEWOOD P. 4 • BIRMINGHAM READS P. 6 • BLOWOUT BOUTIQUE P. 32 • BOYS AND GIRLS 2011-12 ALL-OTM BASKETBALL TEAM P. 40

2 • Thursday, April 5, 2012

OPINION/CONTENTS

MURPHY’S LAW

IN THIS ISSUE

Homewood Middle School’s math teams rack up honors in statewide tournaments. See Schools, page 34.

ON OTMJ.COM View even more photos from the area’s biggest and best social events. Join the conversation. Sign onto our website and make comments on stories, submit your good news and more. Also, follow us on Facebook for updates on what’s going on at the Journal

COMING APRIL 19

Step inside this year’s Decorators’ Showhouse. This Vestavia Hills homes is one you don’t want to miss.

IN THIS ISSUE ABOUT TOWN LIFE PEOPLE SOCIAL

3 10 11 14

NEW BUSINESS WEDDINGS SCHOOLS SPORTS

OVER THE MOUNTAIN

JOU RNAL

31 33 34 40

April 5, 2012

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 Vol. 21, No. 7

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Over The Mountain Journal is a suburban bi-weekly newspaper delivered to Mountain Brook, Homewood, Vestavia Hills, Hoover and North Shelby County areas. 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 2012 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.

Water, Water Everywhere ... Possibly

snow that people will pay good money recently read that it’s possible, just to slide on wearing designer outerwear possible, that scientists have even though they could break an ankle seen evidence (intentionally left and end up in the orthopedic ward. vague) that there could be water If your ankle is just bruised, you on other planets within driving can find relief by heating up that same distance of earth. This is a good water and soaking in it, but don’t crank thing, because the presence of water up the temperature too high or you’ll means that these planets could posbe boiled like a lobster. Use that boilsibly sometime in the distant future ing water for something else, like ster(again vague) support life as we ilizing surgical instruments or making know it. mashed potatoes. Pour it over some I’m happy for these extraterrestrials, good Colombian beans, and you’ll get future extraterrestrials, possible future an eye-opening cup of coffee. extraterrestrials. (Actually, they’re only A word of warning, though: If you “extra” when they’re out gallivanting in let that same water steep over certain the galaxy. When they’re home, they’re Sue Murphy types of grains, you’ll end up with plain old terrestrials.) an entirely different mental effect Water has a lot of fine qualities. Water can be a slip- and be forced to hand the keys to You can drink it, you can wash with flying saucer over to a trusted it, you can run it through a hose in pery little devil, mor- your friend. your Slip ‘n Slide. When a bunch of phing from liquid to With even more heating, water water molecules get together, they leaves liquidity entirely and goes can support your weight in a swimsolid to gas depend- gaseous, an interesting state that ming pool. Of course, they can also can give you a luxurious facial, take rush over levees and take out a fulling on the temout of your clothes, or fog sized house, which is why I think perature. When it wrinkles up the interstate and cause multiple my ET compadres need the whole water story before they start happily freezes, it forms ice, car pile-ups. See what I mean? Water is a toss-up. splashing around in their puddles. If you’re getting in on the water Oh yes, keep an eye on those cute which is nice to cool little raindrops when they start cona glass of tea but not ground floor, see if you can tweak way your water cycles. Here gregating, my friends. Ask the Grand so nice when it cre- the on earth, the sun draws water up Canyon. While that river water was rolling along all innocent looking, ates giant icicles that from the ground, carries it around in cloud form, then drops it someit was wearing away the rock bed could impale you on where else. It’s just not efficient. underneath. Even a single drop drip, Moisture falls too much in some drip, dripping from a faucet can your way out the places and not enough in others, erode your nerve endings. It can also door. and the timing can be way off, like slip through minute cracks in your when it rains for the family picnic roofline with a few of its droplet but not when you go out of town for two weeks so your buddies and leave ugly brown stains on your ceiling. plants wither up and die. Water can be a slippery little devil, morphing from Again, congratulations on your water, my ET liquid to solid to gas depending on the temperature. friends. I think you’re going to enjoy it. Just don’t sit When it freezes, it forms ice, which is nice to cool a in the bathtub too long or your fingers (if you have finglass of tea but not so nice when it creates giant icicles gers) will become pruny. that could impale you on your way out the door. If Oh yeah, and add bubbles. That’s fun. ❖ water freezes in droplet form, it can fall as beautiful

OVER THE MOUNTAIN VIEWS

How did your observe the season of Lent?

“With daily prayer and Lenten services.” Gail McCormick Irondale

“I didn’t give up anything. I don’t fast. I’m from a Baptist background, but my wife is a full blooded Lutheran, so I have been too the last 52 years. We have daily devotionals at home. Then we depend on the church.” Leon Waters Liberty Park

“I gave up Diet Coke. It was rough, but every time I think I want one, which is about 40,000 times a day, I think of what Jesus did.” Shannon O’Sheal Birmingham

“I gave up sodas. Lent is also a time for me to focus more on Jesus.” Chloe Plamondon Hoover

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Royal Appointment

Prince Edward Set to Visit Magic City

is Royal Highness The Prince Edward, the Queen of England’s youngest son, is set to visit Birmingham April 28 to promote his charity for youth – The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award in the United States. Prince Edward’s trip marks the first time a member of the Royal Family has visited Alabama. The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is a self-development program for young people ages 14 to 25 in 135 countries. Prince Edward’s visit will celebrate the award’s national partnership with the Miss America Organization, the world’s largest scholarship provider for young women. Courtney Porter, Miss Alabama 2011, earned a Bronze Award in January onstage at the 2012 Miss America Pageant in Las Vegas along with 13 other state title holders. The Miss Alabama Pageant has been asked to host His Royal Highness for an afternoon tea at a medal ceremony for this year’s recipients. On April 28, 35 award recipients from the Miss Alabama contestants and others from across the country will receive their gold, silver or bronze medals at a garden party at the home of Laura and Colby Clark. That night, a benefit gala dinner will be held at The Club in honor of HRH The Prince Edward and Miss America 2012 Laura Kaeppeler of Wisconsin.

Prince Edward

Guests will include Gov. Robert Bentley and First Lady Dianne Bentley, Birmingham Mayor William A. Bell and Dr. Sharon Bell, Miss America Organization Board chairman Sam Haskell of Oxford, Miss., staff members from the Duke of Edinburgh’s Washington, D.C. office and those traveling with Prince Edward. Entertaining will be Miss America 2012 and the 2012 Misses North Carolina, Connecticut, Maine, Florida, Wyoming and West Virginia. Gov. and Mrs. Bentley will present an Alabama-themed gift to Prince Edward to give to Queen Elizabeth II in recognition of her Diamond Jubilee. For information on attending the event, call Nan Teninbaum, president/ CEO, Miss Alabama Pageant, Inc. at 967-5909. ❖

Thursday, April 5, 2012 • 3

About Town

Save the Date Homewood

Camilla Pecan Sale April 5, All Day Piggly Wiggly The Homewood Metro Lions Club’s semi-annual Camilla Pecan sale is April 5 in front of the Homewood Piggly Wiggly. The pecans are guaranteed to be fresh. The club requests an $8 donation for each 12-ounce package. All profits will be shared with the Alabama Lions Sight Association, which provides eye care to the indigent, Camp Seale Harris for diabetic children, East-West All Star Baseball games, Leader Dog for the Blind, Southeastern Guide Dog, Alabama Lions Eyeglasses Recycling Program, Alabama Lions Hearing Aid Recycling Program, Homewood elementary schools and community projects. For more information, call president Max Herzel at 871-5125. North Shelby County

Lupus Support Group Meeting April 7, 10:30 a.m. St. Vincent’s One Nineteen Health and Wellness The Mid-South Chapter of the Lupus Support Group meeting will be from 10:30 a.m.-noon April 7. The topic is “Learning to Cope with Chronic Illness.” For more information, contact Kay Ashworth, facilitator, at kala485@yahoo. com or Tonya MacNicol, co-facilitator, at ctmacnicol@gmail.com. Oak Mountain

Recess Film Festival April 7, 5 p.m. Oak Mountain High School

The Oak Mountain High School Film Club will host its first Recess Film Festival in the school’s Performing Arts Center. The festival will begin at 5 p.m. Tickets are $1 at the door. Award categories include student-produced short films and music videos. Entries are expected from students from Shelby County, Jefferson County, Hoover and the Alabama School of Fine Arts. For more information, visit recessfilmfestival. blogspot.com. Birmingham

Circle of Red Reception April 10, 6 p.m. Edgar’s Bakery at The Colonnade The Circle of Red, a society connected with the American Heart Association that actively supports women’s heart health, is hosting its annual reception to celebrate current members and invite new ones into the society. The group works on behalf of the Go Red for Women campaign, which seeks to inform women about heart disease. For more information contact Lauren Roden at 510-1514. Hoover

“When the Curfew Blows: The Woody Guthrie Story” April 13-14, 8 p.m. The Library Theatre, on the lower level of the Hoover Public Library, will present “When The Curfew Blows: The Woody Guthrie Story.” This original, one-man show, set in 1952 at Brooklyn State Psychiatric Hospital, explores Guthrie’s life and times. Tickets are $25; seating is reserved. Buy tickets at

the theatre, by phone at 444-7888 or at www.TheLibraryTheatre.com. Birmingham

Bards & Brews April 13, 6:30 p.m. Birmingham Public Library The Birmingham Public Library’s Bards & Brews poetry performance and beer tasting series is set for April 13. The event will return to the slam format and will be held at the Central Library, 2100 Park Place. The slams are emceed by events director Brian “Voice Porter” Hawkins. Each contestant contributes $5 to the pot, and winner takes all. Southern Fried Slam rules will be observed. Craft beer will be available for sampling along with light refreshments. Those who attend must be 18 years or older to be admitted and 21 years or older to be served. Live music starts at 6:30 p.m. Call time is 7 p.m. Check out the “Bards & Brews” page on Facebook for more information. Birmingham

An Evening with Angela Brown and Friends April 13, 7:30 p.m. Dorothy Jemison Day Theater Opera Birmingham, Alabama’s largest opera company, will present “An Evening with Angela Brown and Friends” at the new Dorothy Jemison Day Theater at the Alabama School of Fine Arts. This concert by acclaimed Metropolitan Opera soprano Angela Brown will be part of the public opening festivities at the brand new state-of-the-art

4 • Thursday, April 5, 2012

About Town

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Sounds of Spring

Homewood

Sarah and Will Mason will provide entertainment at the Junior Board of Birmingham Botanical Gardens’ first Tunes ‘n Blooms. Photo special to the Journal

theater. Tickets are $75 and can be purchased at www.operabirmingham.org or at the Hill Opera Center, 3601 Sixth Ave. South. Mountain Brook

Mountain Brook Village Art Show April 13, 5 p.m. Tracery Interiors Mountain Brook Village will be the venue for an art event showcasing some of Birmingham’s most creative artists, including Doug Davis, Margot Shawl, Mila Hirsch and Mac Russell as well as Southerner Mallory Page. Davis, the curator and a host, is the owner of the home store Tracery Interiors. The event will feature botanical prints by Hirsch and contemporary paintings by Page. Tracery Interiors has joined with Flower Magazine to host the event. For more information call 414-6026. Birmingham

MCCS Masquerade Party April 14, 7 p.m. The M Lounge A night of bohemian entertainment at The M Lounge will benefit the Magic City Choral Society in its mission of creating an inclusive community of

singers and supporters united around the performance of choral music. The evening includes music and dancing, fire eaters, psychic readers, sideshow acts and more. Admission is $30 and includes an open bar and live entertainment. Masks and costumes are recommended but not required. Masks will be available for purchase at the door. Guests must be 21 or older. Crestline

Step Forward to Cure Tuberous Sclerosis Walk April 14, 8:30 a.m. Emmet O’Neal Library The fifth annual Step Forward to Cure Tuberous Sclerosis Walk will be April 14 in front of the Emmet O’Neal Library in Crestline Village. Participants can take a scenic 5K walk and support efforts to raise Tuberous Sclerosis awareness and funding for research, educational programs and support programs. There is no registration fee, but donations are appreciated. Registration and a silent auction begin at 8:30 a.m. The walk begins at 9:30 a.m. There will be a Kids’ Corner, entertainment and refreshments. Tuberous Sclerosis is a rare genetic disorder that causes

Prospective Parent Open House Thursday, April 12, 2012 9:00 a.m. Please join us! Contact Judy McDonald, jmcdonald@highlandsschool.org, for more information.

highlands School, an independent School celebrating 53 years, is dedicated to academic excellence while providing an enriching childhood experience for students from Four-Year-Old preschool through the eighth Grade.

4901 Old leeds road, Birmingham, Al 35213, (205)956-9731, www.highlandsschool.org

Tunes ‘n Blooms April 13, 6 p.m. Former Mazer’s Discount Store The Junior Board of Birmingham Botanical Gardens will introduce the first Tunes ‘n Blooms at the 2012 Spring Plant Sale. Younger patrons can mingle and shop; Birmingham musicians will provide a soundtrack. Hours are 6-8 p.m. April 13 at the sale site, the former Mazer’s Discount Home Store on Green Springs Highway in Homewood. Admission, $15 for non-members and $10 for members, includes beer, wine, hors d’oeuvres and entertainment from Will and Sarah Mason. Shoppers can choose from more than 100,000 plants, including this year’s signature plant, the Senorita Rosalita Cleome hybrid ‘Inncleosr,’ while doors are closed to the general public. The plant sale is open to the public April 13 and 14 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and April 15 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Admission is free. For more information about the plant sale or to purchase tickets to Tunes ‘n Blooms, visit www.bbgardens.org/ tunes or www.bbgardens.org/springplantsale. ❖

Harold West; David Bates, III; Len Shannon; Ben Ivey Jackson, Jr., CIC; David (Bubba) Bates, IV, CIC; Thomas A. (Tommy) Roberts, CIC; Henry S. (Sonny) Fowlkes III

tumors to form in the brain, eyes, heart, lungs, liver, skin and kidneys. For more information or to preregister, visit www. StepForwardtoCureTSC.org and click on Alabama walk or contact Carole Pitard at 968-6670 or ccpitard@yahoo.com. Birmingham

Early Bird African Violet Club April 14, 10 a.m. Birmingham Botanical Gardens The Early Bird African Violet Club will meet at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens in the main level conference room. The focus of the meeting will be preparation for the club’s May 12 plant sale at the BBG. The meeting is open to anyone interested in African violets. Join club members for leaf and plant giveaways and trades, snacks and fellowship with other African violet lovers. For more information, call Martha Coleman at (256) 378-7398 or visit www. ebafricanvioletclub.com. Homewood

The Amazing Race April 14, 8 a.m. Lakeshore Foundation Teams of four will race through Lakeshore’s 45-acre campus and the

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ABOUT TOWN

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

surrounding community, completing interactive challenges and competing for the grand prize. Modeled after the popular show “The Amazing Race,” the event features teams representing a variety of age groups and affiliations. The event, which supports the Lakeshore Foundation, is part of the “Lakeshore to London” schedule leading up to the 2012 London Olympic and Paralympic Games beginning July 27. For more information, contact Jennifer Chandler at 313-7436 or jenniferc@ lakeshore.org. HOMEWOOD

Fairy Tale Festival and Treasure Hunt April 15, 2:30 p.m. Samford University’s Gertha Itasca Earwood Memorial Rose Garden Samford University will host the Fairy Tale Festival and Treasure Hunt April 15. Tickets include games, cupcakes and unlimited lemonade. Join Samford students for an afternoon of dress-up, fun activities, sweets and a treasure hunt. Participants may come in their favorite costumes. For tickets, call 7262853. BIRMINGHAM

International Women’s Day April 17, 4 p.m. Hilton Perimeter Park International Women’s Day will begin with a seminar by Dr. Jyotsna Mishra, a professor of social sciences at Miles College. A dinner, fashion show and marketplace begin at 5:30 p.m. The event includes the Woman of Consequence Award honoring Tejaswini Ananth Kumar, a scientist and philanthropist from India. Tickets

are $35 per person or $250 a table. For more information visit bic-al.org.

Thursday, April 5, 2012 • 5

A NEW TWIST

BIRMINGHAM

Holocaust Remembrance Day April 18, 7 p.m. Bruno Great Hall, BirminghamSouthern College The Birmingham Jewish community comes together annually to commemorate Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day, and remember those who died. University of Pennsylvania Law School Professor Harry Reicher will be the keynote speaker. An expert on the Holocaust and the law, Reicher will talk about “The Catalytic Impact of the Holocaust on the Human Rights Movement of the Post-World War II Era.” Included in the program will be the traditional memorial candle-lighting service to honor the community’s Holocaust survivors. Birmingham Mayor William Bell will present a proclamation in connection with the remembrance. The commemoration is free and open to the community. BIRMINGHAM

S’Mores and Pours April 19, 5 p.m. Avondale Brewery S’Mores and Pours is a fundraiser for Camp Fire USA. Avondale Brewery will offer samples of select brews from 5-9 p.m.. Morgan Creek Vineyards, Ozark Vineyard, Rush Wines and Jennifer Harwell Art & Wine will also have wine tastings. In addition, local restaurants will provide food pairings, including their own spin on s’mores. There will also be live music and a

A new take on “The Snow Queen” will be presented at the Alys Stephens Centers Jemison Concert Hall April 14. Photo special to the Journal BIRMINGHAM

The Snow Queen April 14, 11:30 a.m. Jemison Concert Hall A classic fairy tale about two friends and an evil queen gets a new spin with aerial ballet and dance in a show presented by AROVA Contemporary Ballet and Alys Stephens Center’s ArtPlay. “The Snow Queen” is Hans Christian Andersen’s classic fairy tale of the triumph of goodness and innocence over evil. Alys Stephens Center audiences will be among the first to experience this new production by AROVA. The show will feature an original mix of classical, contemporary and aerial ballet and dance. The onehour show for children and adults also includes multimedia animation. A question and answer session with the company will be held after the show. Tickets are $8 for children and $10 for adults. Call 975-2787 or visit www. AlysStephens.org. ❖

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6 • Thursday, April 5, 2012

Former Beauty Queen Improves Self-conﬁdence One Smile at a Time

PEARLY WHITE DENTISTRY is a full service dental practice, offering prevention, restoration, and cosmetic dentistry all under the same roof. Dr. Haleigh Stidham Blackwell, former Miss Alabama USA, understands ﬁrsthand the importance and power of having a beautiful smile, so her aim is to make her patients’ smiles as nice as possible. Dr. Haleigh Stidham Blackwell

The philosophy of our dental practice is that a smile changes a person’s appearance…and often changes their self-conﬁdence. Fortunately, unattractive teeth, and thus unattractive smiles, can be improved…often with lifechanging results.

PEARLY WHITE DENTISTRY offers dental care with a difference. Dr. Blackwell specializes in laser techniques and provides dental massage chairs to make you as comfortable as possible during your procedure. We customized our environment so that quiet procedure rooms, music, and décor work together to provide a peaceful atmosphere, even in the midst of state-of-the-art technological equipment. Come by and visit our new ofﬁce at 3145 Green Valley Rd. in Vestavia Hills. Don’t be frustrated by having to go to several dentists for different procedures. We will take care of all your dental needs… routine dental cleaning and exam, a tooth-colored ﬁlling, root canal, new veneers, or a Venus Whitening treatment. For lifetime dental care call PEARLY WHITE DENTISTRY at 205- 970-7292 or visit our website www.blackwelldmd. com

About Town

Ready for Reading

silent auction. All proceeds go to Camp Fire USA, which is a national youth development organization. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door. Go to www.campfire-al.org or call 3242434 to purchase. Birmingham

Triumph Services Free Open House and Art Show April 19, 5:30 p.m. 1025 23rd St. South, Suite 300 View exhibits from local artists, including Triumph Services participants. Art will be available for purchase. The show is free and includes live music and hors d’oeuvres. Triumph Services is a nonprofit organization working to help individuals with developmental disabilities achieve independence. For more information, visit www. triumphservices.org. Birmingham

Getting ready for the Birmingham Reads event at Colonial Brookwood Village are from left: Ragan Cain, Joanne Mummert, Thorton Ratliff, Eve Rhea, Journal photo by Maury Wald Christine Corbitt, Karen Kapp and Beth Wilder. Birmingham

Birmingham Reads April 9-19, April 21, 10 a.m. Various locations The Literacy Council is partnering with the Junior League of Birmingham, Better Basics, the Children’s Literacy Guild, Alabama’s 13, Books A Million, and Colonial Brookwood Village in the upcoming citywide literacy event, Birmingham Reads. There will be children’s book drives from April 9-19, a Birmingham Reads Day on April 19 where volunteers read in Birmingham City Schools. Birmingham Reads will end with a literacy celebration at Colonial Brookwood Village. The outdoor street party from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. April 21 includes live entertainment, games, story time and more. Visit www.birminghamreads.com for more information. ❖

at your service

Mutt Strut April 21, 9 a.m. UAB’s Campus Green Hand in Paw will host its third annual Mutt Strut: Dog Friendly 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run. Registration begins at 7 a.m. and the race starts at 9 a.m. The run will raise funds for Hand in Paw; the organization’s professionally-trained teams of animals and handlers make more than 55,000 visits a year to children with special needs, at-risk youth, struggling readers and the chronically and terminally ill at no charge. Nonrunners can pack a cooler and picnic and visit the Mutt Strut Village to listen to live music, visit local vendors and watch the agility/fly ball dogs in action. Runners can register at www. active.com. Mountain Brook

Please bring your watch or jewelry in to our skilled technicians for repair. Our in-house watchmaker is authorized

by Rolex, Panerai and

Sterne Agee LJCC Super Sprint Triathlon and Kids Duathlon April 22, 8 a.m. Levite Jewish Community Center Events at this third annual triathlon include a 150-yard indoor pool swim, 6-mile bike ride and 2-mile run. New this year is a kids’ duathlon for ages 2-8. The cost is $75 for individuals, $135 for three-person teams and $25 for the duathlon. To register, visit www.team-magic.com. Hoover

Fashion Secrets of the South: A One-Day Spring and Summer Shopping Sale

Ebel watch brands,

among many others,

April 24, 10:30 a.m. Aldridge Botanical Gardens More than 20 fashion, jewelry, handbag, footwear and home décor designers will travel to Birmingham for this one-day shopping sale presented by Southern Designer Collections. Those who attend can meet the designers and fashion stylist Nyssa Green. The event is free, child-friendly and includes complimentary shopping bags and door prizes. For more information and a list of designers, visit www. sodecollections.com or call 404-2186578. Birmingham

Camp BRIDGES Taste of Spring Wine Tasting April 26, 6 p.m. B&A Warehouse Taste of Spring Wine Tasting, a benefit for Camp BRIDGES Foundation, includes silent and live auctions. The event is sponsored by Western Supermarket Wines. Tickets are $40. To buy tickets, email info@campbridges.org. For more information, visit www.campbridges. org. Vestavia Hills

Southern Savers Couponing Workshop April 28, 9 a.m. Shades Mountain Baptist Church Southern Savers will conduct a couponing workshop at Shades Mountain Baptist Church. Those who attend will learn how to cut their shopping expenses and better understand couponing. Topics include cutting and organizing coupons, couponing terms and lingo, grocery store policies and drugstore details and tricks. Visit www.southernsavers.com for more information. Birmingham

Journey of Hope Gala May 5 Doubletree Hotel Birmingham First Light Shelter in downtown Birmingham will hold its 14th annual fundraising gala May 5 at the Doubletree Hotel Birmingham, 808 20th St. The event, which includes silent and live auctions, a seated dinner and an awards presentation honoring Ruth Cook and Mike and Anne Warren, is responsible for more than 10 percent of the nonprofit’s proposed operating

for your watch repairs. We also have two in-

house custom jewelers

that can repair your jewelry. Or, if you wish, they can design and create for you a unique

new piece of jewelry. We also have a certiﬁed gemologist to appraise your jewelry. To: From:

205-970-7292

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Date:

Ashley Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 FAX: 205-824-1246 March 2012

2701 Cahaba Road • Mountain Brook • 871-7060

This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the April 5, 2012 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

Thursday, April 5, 2012 • 7

About Town

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Picture perfect

Planning the Mountain Brook Art Association’s upcoming show are, from left, front: Lynn Briggs, Lucy Mason and Cathy Phares. Back: show chairman Gene Engel, Bob Moody and Jackie Pierce. Photo special to the Journal

Mountain Brook

Mountain Brook Art Association Show April 21, 9 a.m. Crestline Elementary Up to 100 regional artists will display their work April 21 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Mountain Brook Art Association’s show on Crestline Elementary’s athletic field. The event features two-dimensional works of art; the artists are from a 25-mile radius of Crestline Village. Light jazz and acoustic guitar music will add a new dimension to this year’s family-oriented show. For more information, call 914-6149 or visit mountainbrookartassociation.com. ❖ income. Themed “Journey of Hope,” the gala will offer more than 100 silent auction items and some 25 live auction items, many from Birmingham’s artist community. Also typically included are trips and dinners at popular city restaurants. Auctioneer is Christie King from C. King Benefits; emcee is Andrea Lindenberg of Alabama 13 News. First Light is the Birmingham area’s only emergency shelter accepting homeless

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women with children 24 hours a day. Tickets are $150 each, $250 per couple or $1,250 for a table of 10. Early buyer and young professional discounts are available, as are corporate sponsorships. Buy tickets at www.firstlightshelter.org, the shelter’s front desk or by contacting Shannon Horsley at shannon. horsley@firstlightshelter.org or 3234277. ❖

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8 • Thursday, April 5, 2012

ABOUT TOWN

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

A ROUND OF APPLAUSE BIRMINGHAM

Applause for the Cause benefits UAB School of Nursing students, at work Photo special to the Journal here in the schoolʼs simulation lab.

Applause for the Cause April 26 Alys Stephens Center Applause for the Cause: Educate a Nurse will showcase some of Birmingham’s best talent, including singers, dancers and musicians. Ashley Davis, 2010 Miss Alabama, is emcee. In addition to performances by local celebrities, the evening will include a cocktail reception and silent auction. Applause for the Cause supports the UAB School of Nursing in its effort to provide nursing scholarships and support for the Emergency Fund for Student Success. ❖

EASTER, from cover

The Easter Bunny Shops Here!

church’s tradition of hammering the nails into a cross on Good Friday is a more concrete way of remembering what the Easter season is all about. “It’s an interesting process depending on where you are in your life,” she said. “For some people it turns out to be something very meaningful. It’s just very concrete, the act of hammering the nail.” Pastor Dan said the Good Friday service, even without the hammering of the nails into a cross, is a very moving and emotional service. The addition, though, makes it even more so. The altar has already been stripped during Maundy Thursday service the day before. At the end of the Good Friday service, after the lights are dimmed, the 8-foot cross is laid down horizontally and secured with gurneys in the middle of the church. The church is totally silent, Pastor Dan said, and only the banging from the nails being hammered into the wooden cross can be heard. “It’s just really moving,” Pastor Dan said. “What they’ve been holding onto, the nails, are our sins. That’s what was put on the cross, our sins. This is really a visual to understanding the significance of what Jesus did for us.” Pastor Dan has carried out the

Shades Valley Lutheran Evangelical Church Pastor Dan Dahl holds the masonry nails that were given to parishioners on Ash Wednesday. Journal photo by Lee Walls

tradition of hammering nails into the cross throughout his ministry, which has moved from mission work in Brazil to churches in Florida and Georgia. He said he wanted to find a way to really demonstrate what occurred on Good Friday. “I needed a visual,” he said. He also wanted his parishioners to remember throughout the season of Lent the great sacrifice Christ

made. The nails are only one way Shades Valley Lutheran Church observes Lent. This year, the church also put together a Lenten devotional. The book contains daily devotionals written by church members. They have also a special Lenten offering to ECLA World Hunger to help provide safe drinking water to communities in Vietnam. ❖

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Thursday, April 5, 2012 • 9

About Town

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Easter Happenings

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Celebrate Easter with some of these events in the Birmingham area. Vestavia Hills

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God and Man at Table April 5, 6 p.m. Shades Mountain Baptist Church will host God and Man at Table: A Special Easter observance of the Lord’s Supper. For more information, call 822-1670 or visit www.shades. org. The church’s Easter services will be April 8 at 9:30 and 11 a.m.

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Way of the Cross Procession April 6, 2 p.m. Homewood churches will gather again this year in a Good Friday procession, “The Way of the Cross,” commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus. In recent years, some 200 to 300 people from the city have formed the procession, held each year since 1994. The procession begins at the amphitheater at Homewood Park. Stops will be made at area churches, where scripture is read and the cross is passed to the next bearer. The procession ends at Edgewood Presbyterian Church on Oxmoor Road. Shuttle service from Edgewood Presbyterian back to Homewood Park will be available. To participate, meet at the amphitheater at Homewood Park by 2 p.m. on Good Friday or join the procession anywhere along the way. Churches participating are: All Saints Episcopal, Bethel AME, Dawson Memorial Baptist, Dawson Hispanic Congregation, Edgewood Presbyterian, Friendship Baptist, Homewood Cumberland Presbyterian, Oakmont United Methodist, Second Presbyterian, Shades Valley Lutheran, Trinity United Methodist and Union Missionary Baptist. Birmingham

Briarwood Presbyterian Church Easter Services April 8 Briarwood Presbyterian Church will begin its Easter celebrations April 8 with an Easter Sunrise Service at 6:30 a.m. followed by Services of Celebration at 8 and 10:55 a.m. Easter evening concludes with a dramatic musical presentation, “The Passion,” by Greg Nelson. The 6 p.m. event will feature the Chancel Choir, Alabama Philharmonic Orchestra and guest soloists, including Larnelle Harris, Grammy and Dove Award winner. Admission is free. More details are available at briarwood.org/events. Birmingham

McWane Science Center The Great Egg Drop April 7 Join the McWane Science Center for an eggciting, eggstreme, handson fun eggstravaganza. Scramble over to the center before noon the Saturday before Easter. Take your egg to the flight prep area where Science Center staffers have lots of items and eggspertise to help you construct a vehicle that may or may not allow your egg to survive a two story fall. Starting at 10 a.m., the egg

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Breakfast With the Easter Bunny April 7 Make your reservations now for this popular event at the Birmingham Zoo. Breakfast with the Easter Bunny takes place in Kudzoo Café and features a breakfast followed by a visit from the Easter Bunny. All children will also receive a special treat. Call 879-0409 and reserve your spot today for the 9:15 or 10:30 a.m. time slots.

Cottontail Express April 7 Hop aboard for a ride to Peter Cottontail’s meadow at the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum in Calera. Join the fun and hunt for Easter eggs. There also will be a jump station, coloring, temporary tattoos and a sandbox. Bring your camera to take photos with the Easter Bunny. Times are 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Tickets are $10 for children and $15 for adults.

Chelsea

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Chelsea Community Church EggStravaganza April 8 Chelsea Community Church will host Egg-Stravaganza starting at 10 a.m at the football field at Chelsea Middle School. At noon, a helicopter will fly in the Easter bunny and let him out on the football field with eggs on his back. After the helicopter departs, the eggs will be strewn over the field. This will take place three

Calera

Oak Mountain State Park April 7 Come out and enjoy the festivities of the fifth annual Easter Egg hunt from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 7. Egg hunts are at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Park admission is $3 adults, $1 children (6 to 11), 5 and under are free. Activities (except egg hunt and sack races) require one ticket, which can be bought for $1 a piece under the Dogwood Pavilion. ❖

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10 • Thursday, April 5, 2012

LIFE

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Like Grandma’s – Only Different

Ollie Irene Has a Fresh Take on Gourmet Fare That’s Getting National Attention

f you asked Chris Newsome to classify the kind of food he’s cooking up in his Mountain Brook restaurant, he’d probably hesitate. “Do I have to?” he recently asked when questioned about the menu of the restaurant he co-owns with his wife Anna. If pressed further, the chef would probably say that he focuses on a cooking technique and then uses fresh, local ingredients to serve up simple, timeless food. Really, it’s just good food, he said. Chris and Anna opened Ollie Irene about seven months ago in what used to be Browdy’s Delicatessen in Mountain Brook Village. Since then, Chris’ “good food” has been packing the restaurant and also getting the small spot some big recognition. Ollie Irene was recently named one of 29 semi-finalists for the James Beard’s Best New Restaurant in the U.S. The small Mountain Brook restaurant was up against some big city eateries, and even though it didn’t make the final cut, Anna and Chris said they couldn’t be more satisfied with their first seven months. When Chris, a Mountain Brook native, and Anna decided they wanted to open a restaurant, they knew they wanted it to be a neighborhood, casual place, where people could come from work and have a drink and a great bite to eat. The only thing the couple was unsure of was where to open such a place. Chris has worked in great culinary cities, and Anna knows her way around a restaurant. While getting her master’s degree in historic preservation, she worked in restaurants as a bartender. In addition to working with well-known Birmingham chefs Frank Stitt and Chris Hastings, Chris also has worked in five-star restaurants in Charleston, S.C., San Francisco and Washington, D.C., where he and Anna met some six years ago. They considered all those locations for their own restaurant, but then the space that was in the old Browdy’s building became available. “We always wanted to be in a neighborhood,” Anna said. “And we wanted that pub kind of feel.” Two months after acquiring the space in Mountain Brook Village, the couple, assisted by Birmingham decorator Edee Youngblood, renovated the interior to give the space more of the feel they were looking for. A display case was transformed into a bar, and the walls were painted a neutral color. Like the decor of Ollie Irene, Chris wanted to keep the menu simple and also afford-

STORY AND PHOTOS BY LAURA MCALISTER

Anna and Chris Newsome are the owners of Ollie Irene in Mountain Brook. According to Chris, menu items are old favorites done his way using fresh and local ingredients. He named the restaurant after his grandmother, below, Ollie Irene Newsome.

able while still bringing the best and freshest ingredients to the table. While Birmingham has some great fine dining restaurants, he said, affordable gourmet fare is harder to come by. “I just kind of wanted to bring it down about seven notches,” Chris said. “I’m not here to compete with what is already here. I wanted this to be casual, timeless food.” Menu items, Chris said, are really old favorites done his way. Take the burger, for instance. The Ollie burger is topped with mild blue cheese compound butter, caramelized bourbon onions on the house bun and served with pub fries and butter pickles. For added flavor you can get it with truffle butter. Chris and Anna said their restaurant’s regulars all have their favorites. In addition to the burger, the mussels are a popular pick. They’re steamed with white wine, shallots, garlic and herbs. Ollie Irene also offers specials every night. Whatever is being served up, Chris said you can be sure it’s fresh and something you’ll be able to recognize. Since he named the restaurant after his grandmother, whose picture hangs on the wall inside the front door, Chris said the menu had to be fresh, right from the farm. Ollie Irene was the wife of a sharecropper in South Alabama. Her house was the place everyone came to eat, he said, and she was always serving farm-fresh simple meals. What would she think of her grandson’s place? “I think she would be incredibly impressed that I named a restaurant after her,” Chris said. “But she wouldn’t get this.” Ollie Irene wasn’t one for restaurants. She did the cooking for her friends and family. For those who enjoy dining out, though, Ollie Irene offers a little bit of something for almost anyone in a friendly environment. Chris and Anna are quick to chat with their customers, and in the last seven months, they said, the staff has become like family. Their restaurant is just what the couple wanted it to be – a casual place with good food and drinks. Ollie Irene is open only for dinner Tuesday-Saturday. The bar opens from 4-5:30 p.m., serving cocktails and pub plates, and the full menu is served from 5:30-10 p.m. Ollie Irene takes reservations only for parties of six or more, which means you may have to wait – the restaurant only seats 70 – but what’s the hurry? “We don’t want to take reservations, and we’re not a lunch place,” Anna said. “We really want people to just come in and hang out, have a drink at the bar and relax.” For more information or to view Ollie Irene’s menu, visit www.ollieirene.com. ❖

Maggie Kessler 999.9877 www.crerealty.com

Charles Kessler 999.9881 www.crerealty.com

Thursday, April 5, 2012 • 11

PEOPLE

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

state and federal courts. He served as president of the Birmingham Bar Association in 2009 Heritage Parc and is also a Fellow of the Alabama $229,000 and up Law Foundation and American Bar Michael Hoover Association. Mullis, Davis has represented clients in managing business, antitrust, securities and partner product liability litigation as well as life, and wealth health and surety company defense. manager He also has extensive experience at Kelley & before insurance regulatory departments Mullis Wealth and commissions and has participated Management, in numerous trials in both state and was recently Maggierecognized Kessler 999.9877 federal courts. www.crerealty.com Davis was president of the as one of Birmingham Bar Association in 1984. Barron’s Michael Mullis

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Ken and Susan Berg are the music directors for the Birmingham Boys Photo special to the Journal Choir.

Boys Choir Choristers Draw Applause The Senior Choristers of the Birmingham Boys Choir received a standing ovation March 3 at the Southern Division Convention of the American Choral Directors Association in Winston-Salem, N.C. The BBC was one of only 16 choirs from 11 Southern states selected to perform in the Concert Sessions of the ACDA Southern Division Convention and the only Boys Choir to be selected. The Birmingham Boys Choir is holding auditions for the 2012-13 concert season. For more information, visit www.birminghamboyschoir.com or contact music director Ken Berg at ken@birminghamboyschoir.com

Sirote Attorneys Inducted as Bar Foundation Fellows Sirote & Permutt attorneys George M. “Jack” Neal Jr. and J. Mason Davis were recently inducted into the inaugural class of Fellows of the Birmingham Bar Foundation. The class includes past presidents of the foundation and the Birmingham Bar M. “Jack” Neal Jr. Association. General Edward M. Friend Jr., a founding member of the law firm, was honored posthumously. Fellowship status honors legal professionals J. Mason Davis who represent a spirit of excellence in their fields of practice and who have been uncompromising in their adherence to ethical standards. Neal regularly serves as mediator and arbitrator in civil cases of all kinds, excluding domestic relations. He is certified as an appellate mediator and serves on a number of panels of neutrals. Neal also has a general civil and commercial litigation practice in both

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TWN Selects Officers, Directors The Women’s Network recently announced its officers and board of directors for 2012. Officers are: Fran Godchaux with Operation New Birmingham, president; Darlene Negrotto with Vulcan Park Foundation and Museum, presidentThis is your ad proof from the over The mounTain Journal for the elect; Dottie King, president of the feb. 23, 2012 ssue. please fax approval or changes to 824-1246. King Consulting Group, Inc., treasurer; and Cheryl Williams, president of A.G. Williams & Co., Inc., ex-officio. Newly-elected directors are: Carleton Ambrose, senior vice president, private please initial and fax back within 24 hours. banking, National Bank of Commerce; Robin DeMonia, editorial writer, theif we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the friday before the press date, your ad will run as is. We print the paper monday. Birmingham News; and Rachel Russell, Thank you for your prompt attention. vice president, customer care, AT&T. Returning directors are: Sharon Bell, Birmingham City Schools; Ruwena Healy, 24/7 Marketing; Virginia Vincent, Alabama circuit judge; and Becky Swindall, executive secretary, The Women’s Network. The Women’s Network is a membership organization of female executives and community leaders in the Birmingham area.

please make sure all information is correct, including address and phone number!

Journal Recognizes Stewart Welch The Welch Group’s Stewart H. Welch III is one of 150 advisors across the U.S. recognized for providing exemplary wealth management services for physicians. Overall, this is Welch’s fifth time to be named to Medical Economics Journal’s “Best Financial Advisors for Doctors” list. Welch is listed for the fourth year in row. He was selected based on his extensive professional knowledge and experience as an advisor and his good standing in the investment profession. Welch’s listing appears in the November 2011 issue of the nationally circulated Medical Economics Journal. Welch is a weekly financial columnist for the Birmingham News and appears on “Money Tuesday” on Fox 6 News. He is the managing member of The Welch Group LLC, which specializes in providing fee-only wealth management services to affluent healthcare professionals and retirees throughout the U.S. He is also the chairman of the Investment Committee. Welch was named one of the top financial advisors in the U.S. by Money, Worth and Mutual Funds magazine. Bloomberg Wealth Manager named The Welch Group LLC one of the 150 top wealth management firms in the country.

Thursday, April 5, 2012 • 15

SOCIAL

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Red Mountain Garden Club Breaks Ground on Major Museum Lighting Project

he Red Mountain Garden Club officially broke ground March 6 on its major lighting renovation project for the Red Mountain Garden Club Memorial Garden at the Birmingham Museum of Art. The project, which will be completed in May, will incorporate the lighting designs of world-renowned lighting architect Charles Stone. His New York-based firm, Fisher Marantz and Stone, was responsible for the post-Sept. 11 lighting installation, two large beams of light where the World Trade Center’s twin towers once stood. Key members of the Birmingham community have rallied to support the renovation. The project, spearheaded by the Red Mountain Garden Club, is under the direction of club president Helen Drennen and museum garden chairman Elizabeth Poynor. Richard Pigford and Andrew Hicks of Architecture Works, a Birmingham-based architecture firm, are serving as on-site consultants for the project along with landscape architect Norman Kent Johnson. Funding for the project is provided by members and friends of the Red Mountain Garden Club with support from Mayer Electric. In 1957, club members came

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together to contribute to the museum, which was moving from its original site in City Hall to the space it now occupies downtown. The Red Mountain Garden Club Memorial Garden opened with the museum in 1959 and serves as a living reminder of club members’ contributions to the city’s cultural heritage over the years. Each year, the club contributes funds and other resources to

maintain and enhance the beauty of the memorial garden, including proceeds from its annual greenery sale, which raises money both for the museum garden and the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. The lighting renovation will allow visitors to enjoy the memorial at night with each piece of sculpture bathed in custom light installations originating from the museum’s rooftops. ❖

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12 • Thursday, April 5, 2012

PEOPLE

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

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Aust Is Delegate To Science Camp Catherine Aust of Hoover represented Alabama as a delegate to the 2011 National Youth Science Camp (NYSC). Aust joined 116 other top high school graduates from the U.S. and 11 other countries at the prestigious four-week program, now in its 48th year. The NYSC, in the Monongahela National Forest in W.Va., integrates scientific programming with opportunities for delegates to explore music, art and the outdoors. Each year, scientists from various disciplines travel to the camp to present lectures and lead directed studies. This year’s lecture topics included global warming, genomic medicine, radio astronomy and energy sustainability. Throughout camp, Directed Studies provided hands-on experiences in specific fields. Delegates had the opportunity to dissect a human hand, discuss bioethics, explore forensic science techniques and search through the DNA sequence of a genetic disease. In addition to learning about groundbreaking scientific research, delegates participated in hiking, caving, mountain biking and rock climbing. The delegates chose from seminars ranging from Ultimate Frisbee and swing dancing to discussions of philosophy, travel, religion and culture. The camp is operated by the National Youth Science Foundation. For more information, visit www.nysf.com.

Baker Wins Logo Contest Lawanda Baker, Style Advertising senior art director, is the winner of the American Marketing Association’s national logo design contest. Submitted by the Birmingham AMA chapter, Lawanda Baker Baker’s design was chosen by a volunteer judging panel to represent AMA during the organization’s 75th year. The logo will be used in conjunction with the AMA logo to represent the group’s history at conferences, on MarketingPower.com and by local chapters. Baker, a native of Jackson, Tenn., has worked at Style Advertising since 2004. She has worked on advertising and marketing campaigns for Birmingham Restaurant Week, Vulcan Park and Museum, the Birmingham Zoo and more.

Samford University’s Brock School of Business recently added three new board members to its Dean’s Advisory Board: Harlan C. Parrish, Mike Baker and John Gunderson. Parrish is chief executive officer for Aliant Bank, where he is the senior banking officer responsible for the management and growth of the institution in Alabama. Baker joined Dent, Baker & Company in 1989, earned his CPA designation in 1990 and became partner in 1997. His practice is concentrated in taxation and general business consulting. Baker heads the firm’s international practice and is a Certified Financial Planner. As senior vice president of the Daniel Corporation, Gunderson oversees the company’s residential operations and community development.

OTM Girl Scouts Earn Gold Awards Three Over the Mountain students recently earned Gold Awards, the highest level of Girl Scout achievement. The award recognizes a Senior and Ambassador Girl Scout’s commitment to herself, her community and her future. Spain Park High School sophomore Abigail Brunner’s project was to help middle school youth at her church parish encounter and increase their Catholic faith. She planned activities including skits, games, reflections and a guest speaker. To keep costs low, she found reasonably priced meals, T-shirts and notebooks for the day’s event. She is the daughter of Jennifer and Timothy Brunner. Briarwood Christian School sophomore De Ora Simons chose her project when she realized that children living at the Lovelady Center did not receive comprehensive eye and vision exams. The University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry provided exams for mothers, but because the exams took place during school hours, the children missed the opportunity. Simons worked with UABSO and the Lovelady Center to incorporate yearly eye exams into the children’s summer programs. Now at each visit, optometry students can examine 30 children at a time. Myrah Taylor, a sophomore at Oak Mountain High School, established a recycling program at her high school.

She published an article in her school newspaper about the benefits of recycling, announcing that bins would be placed in each classroom. She also delivered flyers in her community encouraging people to add curbside recycling to their waste management services. To ensure that the program continues after she graduates, she established an E-Club for school administrators and staff. Taylor continues to share recycling statistics once a month in the school broadcast and e-news. She is the daughter of Robert and Brenda Taylor.

Karg Awarded Eagle Scout Rank Joshua Stephen Karg of Hoover recently achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. He is a member of Boy Scout Troop 226, chartered to St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church. For his Eagle Scout project, Karg refurbished decaying carnival booth games and constructed new games to be used at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church’s Fourth of July festival in Homewood. The project was funded by the Knights of Columbus, Homewood Council, No. 4304. Karg began scouting in Cub Scout Pack 410 in Conyers, Ga. After receiving his Webelos badge and Arrow of Light in 2006, he joined Troop 410. As a member of Troop 410, he attended summer camp at Bert Adams Scout Reservation. After his family moved to San Marcos, Calif., Karg joined Troop 722, chartered to St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, and attended summer camp at Camp Chawanakee. Karg joined Troop 226 in 2007, when his family moved to Birmingham. He attended summer camp at Camp Sequoyah every year and worked on the camp staff in 2009. In August 2010, Joshua was inducted into the Order of the Arrow, Scouting’s service society. Karg has served his troop as patrol leader, chaplain’s aide, senior patrol leader and assistant senior patrol leader. This summer, in addition to Boy Scout summer camp, Karg plans to sail with his troop to the Florida Keys and the Bahamas as part of the troop’s annual summer high adventure trip. Karg is a homeschooled high school junior and a member of Our Lady of Good Counsel Homeschool. He is the son of Steve and Patricia Karg of Hoover. ❖

Joshua Karg, with Hoover Mayor Gary Ivey, is a new Eagle Scout. Photo special to the Journal

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Thursday, April 5, 2012 • 13

people

Dedicated to Dancing

Longtime Dance Teacher Honored with 50-Year Pin

irmingham’s own Jackie O’Neal, founder of Jackie O’Neal School of Dance, received her 50-year pin as a member of Dance Masters of America (DMA), Chapter 33. Having survived a recent battle with colon cancer, the tenacious 84 year old was emotional as she made her way to the podium to accept this honor. Presenting the pin were current national president of DMA, Phyllis Guy of Louisiana, and former national president of DMA, Bob Mann of New York. After graduating from Auburn University in 1947, Jackie held her first dance recital in 1948 and established her studio in Birmingham in 1962. Led by her conviction that, “There are only two paths in life – to go forward or to fade away; there is no standing still,” her legacy culminates in the 64th anniversary of Jackie O’Neal School of Dance. She remains an almost iconic symbol in Birmingham’s dance culture, evidenced by her far-reaching impact on the local dance community as a founding member of the Ballet Women’s Committee, which supports the local area Alabama Ballet and a former instructor at the Alabama School of Fine Arts. Jackie has dedicated her life to

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Convertible Tops To: Bill Fargason Jackie O’Neal, right, receives her 50-year pin as a member of Dance Masters From: Over The Mountain Journal, phone 205-823-9646, fax 205-824-1246 Sunroofs Photo special to the Journal of America Chapter 33. Leather Interiors Date: March 2012 the capable hands of her daughter sharing her love of dance - helpThis is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the Tammy Towns and her granding thousands of young dancers March 22 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246. daughter, Nealey Towns, with develop confidence, character and facebook.com/AlabamaAutoTop whom she has shared her passion poise. . 1201 3RD AVENUE BIRMINGHAM, AL 35233 Please make SOUTH sure. all information is correct, for dance. ❖ Jackie’s Legacy continues in PHONE: 205-251-0684

WWW.ALABAMAAUTOTOP.COM

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golden ticket gala

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Above: Cannon Dixon, Emily Brogdon, Cristi Dixon, Caroline Dixon and Clint Mason. Top, right: Camp Smile-A-Mile Board president Denny and Suzanne Hughes. Bottom, right: Camp Smile-A-Mile executive director and wife, Bruce and Beth Hooper. Photos special to the Journal

Willy Wonka Themed Red Nose Ball Benefits Camp Smile-A-Mile

Front row, from left: Joe Pressey, Hiliary Haines and husband Brad Delcambre and Kim Whelan. Back row: Christine Pressey, Dr. Ray Watts and wife Fiona, Shari and Dr. Gregory Friedman and Bob Whela.

Mike and Laura Thompson and Brent and Stephanie Fuhrman.

early 900 people attended the 20th annual Red Nose Ball benefitting Camp Smile-A-Mile, Alabama’s year round program for children who have or have had cancer, at the Cahaba Grand Conference Center. Guests were greeted at the Willy Wonka-themed event with Chinese lanterns wrapped as giant lollipops and candies. The grand ballroom was transformed into the Chocolate Factory as guests entered through gold Wonka gates. Table centerpieces held lollipop bouquets and purple top hats. The ball was headed this year by John Redmond and Meredith McLaughlin of the Camp Smile-A-Mile board of directors. Mike Royer was emcee with Ken Jackson as the auctioneer. Silent and live auctions raised more than one third of the camp’s annual budget. Guests enjoyed music provided by the Spain Park High School Chorale, led by Charles Henry, as it performed an a cappella rendition of “Pure Imagination” more photos as photos of the campers were shown in the background. Dinner featured beef tenderloin with a thyme butter reduction sauce and chicken, loaded mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables and salad. Each dessert plate was adorned with an individual “golden ticket” along with the guest’s choice of triple chocolate mousse or marzipan cake. The highlight of the evening was the auction of two yellow Labrador retriever puppies through a donation by State Rep. Richard Lindsey and his daughter Anna in honor of Samantha, a close family member and camp Smile-A-Mile camper suffering from cancer. The top sponsors for the evening were the Dixon family in memory of their daughter and longtime Camp Smile-A-Mile supporter Carol D. Dixon. A special dedication was given to recently retired camp director Lynn Thompson for her 23 years of service and to the late Sperry Snow, a friend and sponsor of the camp since its inception 27 years ago. Other guests included Suzanne and John Richardson, Liat and Amit Berger, Dr. and Mrs. Bill Somerall, Brandi and Jonathan Belcher, Caroline and Ry Bailey, Judith and Hank Belcher, Denny and Suzanne Hughes, Betsy McAtee and Greg Martinez, Mariah and Terry Chapman, Rose and George Sarris, Dr. and Mrs. Larry Lemak, Andy Cummings, Stephanie Hill-Alexander, Jef and Regina Freeman, Alice Grotnes, Peggy and Greg Powell, Jennifer and Bob Mitchell, Jennifer and Ralph Yarborough, Amanda and Craig Tindall, Carrie and Jeff Pomeroy and Emily and Sam Heide. ❖

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Guests Chip in at Casino Night

he Assistance League of Birmingham hosted its Casino Night Gala March 3 at Vestavia Country Club. Chairmen were Mary Ann Wade and Molly Bee Bloetscher, assisted by fundraising chairman Melinda Thornbury. Members of the ALB Advisory Board who attended included Beth Hamer, Roland Smith, Andrew Hancock, Leanne Baines, Bill Tevendale and Frances Owens. President Barbara Kelley welcomed guests to the gala, and Tim Parmer was master of ceremonies. During a buffet dinner, guests were entertained by the auction run by Greg Williams, who solved the mystery of which football team had more loyal fans and encouraged guests to go all in for a trip to Sandestin or North Carolina. Book-em Dano provided music. Guests could shop at the Buy Now Boutique, which featured gifts, handmade crafts and jewelry. Casino games included blackjack, craps and slot machines. Two Vegas showgirls, Peggy Power and Nichole Maddux, circulated to cheer on the gamblers. Corporate sponsors for the event were ADCO Companies, LTD.; Bates, Roberts, Fowlkes & Jackson Insurance; EBSCO Industries, Inc.; Pearce, Bevill, Leesburg, Moore, P.C.; Regions; Tom Williams Lexus; and Western Supermarkets, Inc. The Assistance League of Birmingham, with some 125 members, is a nonprofit, nonsectarian, nonpolitical civic organization dedicated to service and philanthropic works. All funds raised by the gala support ALB’s three philanthropic programs – Operation School Bell, Operation Literacy and PrimeTime Treasures. ❖

CLIENT APPRECIATION DAY Liberty Animal Hospital, P.C. is celebrating our 10th Anniversary by hosting a “Client Appreciation Day” April 21, 2012 from 10am to 2pm.

We’ll have food and drinks, great door prizes to include an iPad, and games for the kids. Come join us while we celebrate 10 years of doing business by thanking our clients for their support. (You do not need to be present to win door prizes, but you will need to register).

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Jean Hendrickson, Diane Ray and Liz Warren.

Silhouettes by Lena Friday, April 13th & Saturday, April 14th • $30 for a 5x7 silhouette, $10 for duplicates • 5 minute sittings or side photo - all ages • Exact likeness guaranteed • Scissors-cut in the free-hand tradition • Detailed inside cuts

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO SECURE A SPOT, 968-0909

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Photos special to the Journal

Above: Molly Bee Bloetscher, Mary Ann Wade and Barbara Kelley. Left: David Matherson, Nichole Maddux, Peggy Power, and Kerry Wells.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Thursday, April 5, 2012 • 17

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Zell Honored at Oasis of Hope

asis Counseling for Women and Children hosted the sixth Oasis of Hope luncheon March 13 at The Club. DeLynn Moring Zell was honored for her exceptional contributions to Oasis in a critical time of transition and her longtime commitment to the agency. She was also recognized for her community support. Chairmen were Ed Hardin Jr. and Deborah White. Patty McDonald and Beth Bradley narrated stories about how Oasis helped two clients rebuild their lives through affordable, professional counseling. Thomas Andrew’s commemorative artwork, created for Oasis, was unveiled. Pianist Miki Kato, 10, and singer Madelyn Reynolds, 14, performed. Board president Joe Sandner and secretary Steve Brickman reminded the 400 guests of the vital role Oasis plays in restoring self-sufficiency and well-being to women and children. More than $115,000 was raised for Oasis. Among those at the luncheon were Mary and Chuck Butterworth, Kate Cotton, Cindy Crawford, Frank and Josephine D’Amico, Nancy DeVaney, Arlene Henley, Donna Jernigan, Mary and David Kimerling, Gen. Charles Krulak, Anne and Benny LaRussa, Sue Ellen Lucas, Barrett McKay, Karen Persinger, Marian Phillips, Donna Reddinger, Kim Rogers and Linda Stone. ❖

Above: Sergio Greggoretti and DeLynn Moring Zell. Left: Anita Smith Lunsford and Barrett Brock MacKay.

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824-0233 • Morgan Drive Vestavia 402-2639 • Hwy 150 Hoover Mon-Sat 8-6 • Sun 12-5

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To: From: Date:

andyb@andysgardencenter.com Over The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 ph., 205-824-1246, fax March 2012

This is your aD prOOF from the Over The MOunTain JOurna april 5, 2012 issue. please fax approval or changes to 824-1

please make sure all information is corre including address and phone number! please initial and fax back within 24 hours.

if we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the press da your ad will run as is. We print the paper Monday.

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

A Family Company Earning Your Trust For Over 50 Years Friendly caring service you can count on Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning

595-4846 Peggy Rice and Chris Coffey

To: From: Date:

Joseph Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 FAX: 205-824-1246 May 2010

Fred and Connie McCallum, Marianne and Charles Prime, Gale and James McManus, Dottie and Terry Photos special to the Journal Smith and Alison and Jim Gorrie.

This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the June 3, 2010 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

Please make sureThe all perfect information is correct, gift for all including address and phone number! occasions. Please initial and fax back within 24 hours.

Heart Smart

Ball Raises Money for American Thank you for your prompt attention. Heart Society

If we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the press date, your ad will run as is. We print the paper Monday.

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619 Montgomery Highway Vestavia Hills • 979-5611

he 25th annual Birmingham Heart Ball, presented by the Birmingham Heart Guild and Wells Fargo, was held March Celebrating 36 Years in Business 3 at the Cahaba Grand Conference jewelsbyrose.net • Center. The event honoring James McManus of Energen Corp. raised money for the American Heart Association. Jim Gorrie of Brasfield & Gorrie, Fred more photos at McCallum of AT&T, Dr. James Kirklin of UAB, Donna, 979-5691 Marianne Prime of BBVA Over The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 ph., Compass and Dottie Smith of 205-824-1246, fax Edgar’s Bakery were all recognized for their leadership on behalf of the March 2012 Heart Guild. This is your aD prOOF from the Over The MOunTain JOurnal for theand Pam Huff Gene Hallman emceed this year’s april 5, 2012 issue. please fax approval or changes to 824-1246. ball, attended by nearly 1,000 and featuring a live silent auction, dinner and please make sure all information isauction, correct, dancing. ❖ Vintage Jewelry • Engagement Rings Old Cut Diamonds • Custom Design Restoration

Chris and Melody Eagan with their sons Sam and Will

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CANTErbury uNiTED METHODisT DAy sCHOOL please initial and fax back within 24 hours.

Canterbury United Methodist Day School Thank you for your prompt attention. has openings in 5-year-old kindergarten!

if we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the press date, your ad will run as is. We print the paper Monday.

Please contact Canterbury 874-1541 or visit online www.canterburyumc.org CANTErbury uNiTED METHODisT CHurCH

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Honoree James McManus, center with Executive Leadership Team cochairmen Fred McCallum, left, and Jim Gorrie

Thursday, April 5, 2012 • 19

social

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Left: Mary Stockard, left, holding the gloved-trained education bird, Legacy, and Libby and Lucky Cloyd. Photo special to the Journal Right: Richard Esposito and Dana Pigford.

Guests Go Wild for Chocolate-Themed Gala

he Alabama Wildlife Center held its eighth annual fundraising gala, Wild About Chocolate, Feb. 11 at the Harbert Center. Decorations included pink and red Japanese lanterns suspended by long ribbons in the atrium, bird scene umbrellas and chocolate organza threaded with white lights. Guests enjoyed savory appetizers, chocolate desserts and complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks donated by Avo, Dram, Jackson’s Bar and Bistro, Five Star Event Catering, Gourmet Pantry, Ashley Mac’s Café and Catering, Royal Cup Coffee, Cabot Cheese, Ocean and 26, Gigi’s Cupcakes, Edgar’s Bakery, Nino’s Italian Restaurant, Southern Foodservice Management, Rusty’s Bar-B-Q, Good People Brewing Company, Savoie Catering, A Social Affair, Louise’s Cakes N’ Things, Fish Market Restaurant, Birmingham Coca-Cola Bottling Co., Lakeside Package and Catering by LaNetta. Emcees Kalee Dionne and Jim Dunaway from CBS 42 premiered a new video that will be used as a welcome message for Alabama Wildlife Center visitors. The video was produced by AWC board member Scott Mauldin and Vulcan Media. Members of the newly established Junior Board, Raptor Force, were introduced. Those at the event included Anna Morris, John Griffin, Kerry Smith, Sean Palmer, Kaitlin McCulley, Devin and Helen Dolive, Josh Carter and Tom Sheffer. A silent auction offered jewelry, original artwork, vacation packages, gift certificates to restaurants and shops, spa packages and electronics. The highlight of the evening was the live auction conducted by Ken Jackson, who was assisted by Junior Board members. A golf outing for three with Al Del Greco as the fourth player and Terry Henley as caddy was in high demand, as was a flight in a Chinese military trainer owned

Heritage Parc

by Richard Hess with International Jets. Jay Jerman, former owner, was on hand to share his stories about the plane’s acrobatic abilities. Event sponsors Southern Company and Merrill Lynch as well as other corporate sponsors were offered photo opportunities with the Alabama Wildlife Center’s newest glovetrained education more photos at bird, an American Kestrel. Proceeds from the event will be immediately put to work to support efforts to rescue and rehabilitate orphaned and injured native birds. Gala guests included Bill Foster and Jean Cecil, Dick and Dana Pigford, Glen and Sandra Allinson, Michael and Laura Player, Bryan Banta and Dustyn Schachter, Chris and Elizabeth Imms, Thomas and Nadis Walker, Lucky and Libby Cloyd, Stan and Rebecca Huner, Sandra Jean and Ed Murray, David and Sherrie Pitre, Ken and D.J. Boyd, Terry Henley

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$229,000 and up Hoover and Jay and Carol Jerman.

Also at the event were Susan Staats, Jay and Courtney Pigford, Michael and Shelly Jeffreys, Alvin and Jill Atlas, John Stringer and Cynthia Massey, David and Corey Friddle, Chris and Christy Campbell, Keith Feinman, Bill and Gaylyn Ballard, Scott Mauldin, Maggie 999.9877 Richard and Kessler Kellie Esposito, Steve www.crerealty.com and Lauren Stastny, Haley Burke, Billy and Meghan Coffman, Ben and Rhonda Creel, John and Martha Griffin, John and Julie Griffin, Danny and Beth Smith and Leon and Kelly Chadwick. ❖

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Young AmericA Furniture SAle! 10% off all collections April 16th through may 1st

This is your ad proof from the over The mounTain Journal for the feb. 23, 2012 ssue. please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

please make sure all information is correct, including address and phone number! 2900 18th Street South Homewood, AL • 870-7776

please initial and fax back within 24 hours.

201 Country Club if we have not heard fromPark you by 5 pm of the friday before the press date, your ad will run as is. We print the paper monday.

Mountain Brook, AL • 870-7772 Thank

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you for your prompt attention.

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Virginia College is hiring!

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

Allyn Holladay Over The Mountain Journal, phone 205-823-9646, fax 205-824-1246 Dec 2009 This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the December 17, 2009 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

Please make sure all information is correct, including address and phone number!

Dave Bark, Sloan Abernathy, Seth Capper, Will Cash and Peyton Grant. Photos special to the Journal

Cajun Cabaret Raises the Roof

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Above: Ashley Bruette, Lee Ashford Broughton and Julie and Matt Cate. Below: Danny, Kimberly and Jane Bailey Patterson.

ed Mountain Theatre Company’s Young Executives Council hosted Cajun Cabaret, a low country boil and fundraiser, March 3, at the rooftop penthouse of the Wiggins, Childs, Quinn & Pantazis law firm. Guests enjoyed a sunset view of downtown Birmingham while dining on shrimp with all the fixings and listening to music by the Cap Guns. Sponsors of the event were Brasfield & Gorrie, Saginaw Pipe Co., Inc., Servis First Bank, Hematology & Oncology Associates of Alabama, more photos at LLC, M3 Resources, Ashley Bruette Agency, Inc., Nationwide Insurance, Riverside Refractories Inc., Bessemer Apothecary, Ivory & White, Dyron’s Low Country and Steeds Jewelers. YEC committee members at the event included president Sandor Cheka, event chairmen Frances Ellen Morris and Dylan Reeves, Tate and Brad Maddox, Lee Ashford Broughton, Jessica Brooks Lane, Ashley Bruette, Ann Cade, James Michael Moyer and Robin White. Guests included William Morris, Allison Milam Cheka, Eleanor Parker, Lizzie Holt, Matt and Julie Cate, Holly Brown, Caroline Hubbard, Bubba Willings, John McCrary, Debra Roberts, Jordan Jackson, Kate Clark, Sandra Starr, Susan Ivey, Tracey Prater, Robbie McNaughton, Matthew Franklin, Nancy Hendrix, Ruth McVay, Julie Dollar, Kate Brobston, Jenny Hayes, Ashley Russell, Adam Clayton, Brian Higdon, Charles Martin, Jay Evans, Lauren Nickel, Kenzie Scott, Ruth Wood and Melissa Krackenberger. ❖

OTMJ.COM

Prepare to be inspired...

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2424 7th Ave. So. Mon-Sat 10-5 • 323-6036 Major credit cards accepted

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Thursday, April 5, 2012 • 21

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Rebecca Owen, Amanda Hrbac, Katie McDowell, Tricia Merritt and Amy Wilkerson

Weim & Cheese Fun for Pets and Their People

he ninth annual Weim & Cheese fundraising auction benefiting Weimaraner Rescue of the South was March 10 in a new location, WorkPlay. Mafiaoza’s in Crestline provided food, and The Hearts entertained. Scott Register of Reg’s Coffee House was the emcee. The casual event included wine, more photos at heavy hors d’oeuvres and silent and live auctions. Popular auction items included a drum set autographed by the Zac Brown Band, whose drummer Chris Fryar, wife Holly and their daughter attended the event. Other high-bid items included framed William Wegman and Blue Dog by Rodrique pictures. ❖ Katie McDowell with Chloe.

Now selling lamp shades

OTMJ.COM

1829 29th Ave. So. • Homewood • 870-8110 Photo special to the Journal

To: From: Date:

Mary Glen Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 FAX: 205-824-1246 March 2012 This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the April 5, 2012 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

Please make sure all information is correct, including address and phone number! Please initial and fax back within 24 hours.

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Symphony Achievement Celebrated York May 10. ASO is the smallest orchestra, and one of only six, to be selected from more than 65 orchestras from the U.S. and Canada. A sold-out crowd of more than 100 attended the Symphony Celebration.

Park South Plaza • 1425 Montgomery Hwy., Suite 111 Mon.-Fri. 9 - 6 • Sat. 10-3 • (205) 822-9173 Come see us in our new location Park South Plaza, Vestavia Hills next to Diplomat Deli

H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H

822-9163 Over The Mountain Journal, phone 205-823-9646, fax 205-824-1246 Sept. 2011 This is your aD prOOF from the Over The MOunTain JOurnal for the a nurse Sept. 22, 2011 issue. please fax approval or changes c a ttoe824-1246.

edu

please make sure all information is correct, including address and phone number! please initial and fax back within 24 hours.

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H H H H H H

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H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H

To: From: Date:

H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H

H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H

“All Things New York” was the event theme. Dressed in chic New York styles, guests were greeted at the Cahaba Grand Conference Center by two “Big Apples,” Samford University sophomores Drew Smith and Emily Elder. Bond No. 9 representative Carol Balch also greeted guests with fragrance samples named for famous New York City districts, along with specialty maps of Manhattan, handy gifts for those who will travel to New York for the concert. Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres were served in “Times Square,” where faces of ALSCS members were projected in a billboard-size slide show of past ALCSC events. Guests were occasionally interrupted by “paparazzi” snapping photographs. “Street vendors” included All Seasons Travel, with which ASO contracted to offer a variety of Manhattan hotel packages including an exclusive pre-performance party with Maestro Justin Brown at the famous Russian Tea Room. Playbills promoted upcoming shows produced by Birmingham’s Red Mountain Theatre and Virginia Samford Theatre and productions of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra and the Alabama Ballet. At 7 p.m., guests were ushered to

he ARts & Lectures Club of Shelby County hosted a “Big Apple” evening Feb. 25 to celebrate the Alabama Symphony Orchestra’s invitation to perform at the second annual Spring for Music Festival at Carnegie Hall in New

Above: Brooke Beckham, Mindy Boggs, Drew Smith and Paige Kyser. Left: Mindy Boggs, Patty McDonald and Dr. Erica Liebelt. Photos special to the Journal

VIP- style seating inside the “theatre.” Each centerpiece featured a clear illuminated glass cylinder with longstemmed red roses suspended in water on a round mirrored mat surrounded by votive candlelight. From the main stage, Mindy Boggs, ARts & Lectures Club founder and president, welcomed guests and acknowledged sponsors and volunteers. After her remarks honoring the Alabama Symphony Orchestra, she introduced musicians representing ASO: Jeff Solomon, Lucina Horner and Concertmaster Daniel Sasz, accompanied by his wife, Alina Voicu. The 2011 ARts Patron of the Year award was presented to the Birmingham Museum of Art’s nominee, Dr. Erica Liebelt. Patty McDonald, last year’s winner, presented the etched crystal award. ASO Executive Director Curt Long received his crystal award for ARts Executive of the Year from Caron Thornton, retired Alys Stephens Center director. Thornton, last year’s honoree, flew in from her Washington, D.C. -area home to present the award. Following the awards presentation, guests were treated to a 40-minute original song and dance show starring Four for Time with Carl Dean, Kristi Tingle-Higginbotham, Jan D. Hunter and Lonnie Parsons. Accompanists were Debbie Mielke, Lissa LaGrand and Joe Cooley. Gold Sponsors were Boggs Benton Wealth Advisors; Janice Folmar and Richard Hayes, Realtors, RE/ MAX Southern Homes-280; Lincoln Financial Group; Patty McDonald, Protective Life Corp.; SunAmerica; the Symphony Volunteer Council; and Trinity Medical Center. Silver Sponsors included Farmers Insurance Group, the William Benton Agency; Betty Goldstein; and the Hon. and Mrs. Sonny Hornsby. Friend Sponsors were Alacare Home Health and Hospice and Alabama School of Fine Arts. In-Kind Sponsors included Tommy and Marlene Wallace, who donated a

week’s stay at their ocean view condominium at Beach Colony, a luxury beachfront resort in Perdido Key, as a raffle prize. Bond #9 Fragrance at Saks at The Summit donated a $500 retail value gift box. Samford University was represented by Howard College of Arts and Sciences Dean David Chapman, accompanied by his wife, Bonnie. The Alabama School of Fine Arts was represented by executive director Michael Meeks with his wife, Lynne. Representing Indian Springs School was Dr. Jonathan Horn, accompanied by Donna Francavilla. Among the guests were Ed Berko, ASO board member and Carnegie Committee chairman, and his fiancée Sharon Moore and ASO board member Rae Trimmier and husband Steve. Other guests were: Brooke and Randy Beckham; Paige Kyser and husband Danny Culpepper; Carolyn Mathews and John Tate; Bob and Sharon Suellentrop; Ellen and Tom Staner; LaVerne and A.V. LaRocca; Shirl and Ron Ward; Marlene and Tommy Wallace; Rebecca and Bob Blythe, and Danica Crane; Will Benton, Lisa Roberts, Betty Goldstein, Janice and Rod Folmar, Richard and Cheryl Hayes, Kris and Matt Gray, Heather and Jon Strauss, Carla McEwen and Bill Gulas, Marianne Prime, Ellen Dye, Diane and Herb Rossmeisl, Linda and Mike Griggs; Vincent and Leontina Cirvili, Kate Cleveland and Scott Thigpen, Samantha and Brian Kelly, Brad Stephenson and Allison Taylor, Liz Warren, Roberta Atkinson, Martha Black, Shirley Brown, Kathie Ramsey, Nancy Van Wanderham and Joanne Weston. The mission of the ARts & Lectures Club of Shelby County is to foster community spirit by supporting the arts, civil discourse and lifelong learning. For information on joining, visit www.artsandlecturesclubofshelbycounty.com or call Mindy Boggs at 218-4303. ❖

social

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

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n celebration of its 100th anniversary, the Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama combined the east and central regions of its Council for one Women of Distinction Luncheon March 9 at the Harbert Center in downtown Birmingham. The luncheon recognized 12 outstanding women representing Blount, Calhoun, Cherokee, Chilton, Clay, Cleburne, Etowah, more photos at Jefferson, Randolph, St. Clair, Shelby, Talladega or Walker counties. The Women of Distinction program pays tribute to women who have made special contributions to their community through civic, academic or professional involvement. This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s honorees are: Stephanie H. Alexander of Birmingham, corporate affairs and communications, Honda Manufacturing of Alabama; Neeysa Davis Biddle of Birmingham, St. Vincentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Health System; Mariah Nowlin Chapman of Birmingham, senior vice president, BBVA Compass; Lisa R. Engel of Birmingham, civic leader; Kathryn Harbert, civic leader; Joanne Hightower of Gadsden, executive director, United Way of Etowah County; Dr. Dannetta K. Thornton Owens of Birmingham, president and CEO, Kennon Family Investment and Properties; Leigh Davis Perry of Birmingham, president, Alabama Power Foundation; Carol Savage of Jasper, director of community relations, Walker Area Community Foundation; and Tina Savas of Birmingham, author and entrepreneur. Susan Bevill Livingston of Birmingham, Balch & Bingham attorney and partner, received the 2012 Mildred Bell Johnson Lifetime Achievement Award.

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24 • Thursday, April 5, 2012

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

2012 Parade of Homes

Members of the Parade of Homes team looking at blueprints on the porch of the Parade of Homes Ideal Home are from left: Mark Williams, vice president of marketing for Signature Homes; Luke Blankenship, Chace Lake project manager; Brooks Harris of Harris & Doyle Homes Inc. and president of the Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders; and Alicia Huey of AGH Homes, vice president of the Greater Birmingham Association Photo by Daniel Taylor Photography of Home Builders and chairwoman of the Parade of Homes.

FINDING THE MAGIC

THE RIGHT IDEA

LUXURY LIVING

The Greater Birmingham Home Builders Associaiton creates video to promote the area’s housing industry, which they say is making a comeback. Page 26.

For the first time, the Parade of Homes will feature an Ideal House. The house in Chace Lake just happens to be a pretty smart one. Page 28.

Liberty Park is one of 18 villages featured in this year’s Parade of Homes. The neighborhood boast community living with lots of attention to detail. Page 30.

Parade Will Feature More than 100 Houses – Plus First Ideal Home 2012 Parade of Homes

The Parade of Homes will be the weekends of April 21-22 and 28-29 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Saturdays and 1-6 p.m. on Sundays. Visit birminghambuilder. com for more information.

he Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders’ 2012 Parade of Homes is set for April 21-22 and 28-29 throughout the metropolitan area. As new home sales begin to rebound, this event gives builders an opportunity to demonstrate innovative design and construction techniques and connect with prospective buyers, according to GBAHB officials. For the first time, the association will feature the GBAHB Ideal Home, a showcase house displaying the latest in home technology and energy efficiency. It’s in Hoover’s Chace Lake community. “The Ideal Home is a new concept for the Birmingham area and will feature everything from keyless entry to smartphone app-controlled lighting,

security, music and more,” said Alicia Huey, president of AGH Homes and event chairman. “We are excited to be partnering with Signature Homes on the inaugural Ideal Home and look forward to opening its doors to the public on April 21.” This parade will feature 18 villages, she said. “To be a village, a community has to have at least three homes entered in the Parade,” Alicia said. “That’s a convenience for homebuyers since they can see several homes in one stop. “This is a big Parade for our association, with a great variety of home prices, styles and locations, so we’re enthusiastic about what it can do for our members.” An annual event since the early 1960s, the Parade of Homes typically inspires unique designs and a

high level of craftsmanship, as builders often see a lot of foot traffic through their homes. “As the housing market is making an upward turn, we’ve found people are eager to get out on a nice spring weekend and walk through new homes,” said Bart Fletcher, the association’s executive vice president. “It’s a tradition for a lot of families, and some of them find exactly the home they’d like to own.” The Internet age makes planning a Parade easier for everyone, according to Lurenda Avery, public relations director for the association. “We have everything you need to know online at birminghambuilder.com, where home shoppers can plan their day of touring homes,” Lurenda said. “This See PARADE, page 27

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

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Thursday, April 5, 2012 • 25

26 • Thursday, April 5, 2012

HOME

BLUFF PARK WINDOW WORKS

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

• 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

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To: From: Date:

Left: Liberty Parkʼs Hampden Place neighborhood is among the villages featured in this yearʼs Parade of Homes.

Right: Signature Homes built the Ideal House in Chace Lake, which will be open during the Parade of Homes. Jim Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 FAX: 205-824-1246 Oct. 2010 This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the Nov. 4 2010 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

Magic Message

Please make sure all information is correct,Video Strives to Spread News about 2012 Parade of Homes including address and phone number! Kathy’s Designer Kitchens, Please initial andInc. fax back within 24 hours.

If we not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the press date, 1831 29th Ave. S. •have Homewood, AL 35209 your ad will run as is. We print the paper Monday. 205-871-9880 • Kathy Owens, CKD, President

Thank you for your prompt attention.

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BY LAURA MCALISTER

VIEW THE VIDEO, SPREAD THE WORD

JOURNAL EDITOR

he Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders has a message, and it hopes it will go viral. As part of the 2012 Parade of Homes, the association has released a short video on YouTube called “Creating the Magic in the Magic City.” According to the three-minute clip, the magic is in the home industry, which is making a comeback, homebuilders say. “Despite everything that Jefferson County has been through, we want people to know that the homebuilding industry is alive,” said Brooks Harris, president of the association and co-owner of Harris & Doyle Homes, Inc. “The industry is alive and vibrant. There are plenty of builders out there building, and they’re selling. “Don’t buy into all the media hype. It’s still a great time to buy a house.” About 100 homes and 18 villages will be featured in this year’s Parade of Homes, set for the weekends of April 21-22 and April 28-29. Alicia Huey, vice president of the homebuilders associa-

Scan the image with your smart phone to pull up the Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders “Creating the Magic in the Magic City” video

See MESSAGE, page 31

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Thursday, April 5, 2012 • 27

Home

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

The 2012 Parade will feature two homes being rebuilt since the April 27, 2011 tornadoes. “We will have a home in Pleasant Grove, built by Bluestone Building, and one in Pratt City, built by Curtis White Companies,” Alicia said. “We are excited to have these homes as a part of the Parade, and we believe it will be one more step in the right direction of bringing hope to these devastated communities.” The Friday before the second weekend of the Parade will be the

Parade, from page 24

year, we’ve produced an image video with a theme of ‘Creating the Magic in the Magic City,’ which presents the reality of the housing market in Birmingham. “The video has been pushed through all forms of social media and is bringing greater attention to the Parade and the homebuilding industry overall.”

anniversary of the storms. The association is planning a special event to recognize the victims and highlight the rebuilding projects. “We’ll have something for everyone,” Bart said. “Whether you’re looking for a starter home or need more room for a growing family, you can find it at the Parade of Homes.” Parade hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and 1-6 p.m. Sunday. All of the homes, villages and special events will be featured at www.birminghambuilder.com. ❖

PUMPHOUSE VILLAGE

The Perserve in Hoover is one of 18 villages that will be featured during this Photos special to the Journal year’s Parade of Homes.

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Sherri Ellis Over The Mountain Journal, phone 205-823-9646, fax 205-824-1246 March 2012 This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the April 5th, 2012 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

Please make sure all information is correct, including address and phone number! UPTOWN HOMEWOOD

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28 • Thursday, April 5, 2012

Home

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

When you are serious about selling your home... James Harwell Recently Listed and Sold 913 Mountain Branch Drive in Vestavia. He recently sold 741 Shades Crest Road in Bluff Park. He consistently remains among the top Realtors in the Birmingham Asssociation. He is a Director and and an Officer of the Birmingham Assocation of Realtors He was named Birmingham’s Sales Associate of the Year for 2011. James Knows the Over the Mountain Area. When you are serious about selling your home, call James. He’ll get it done. JamesHarwell.com Checking out the Ideal are from left: Mark Williams with Signature Homes, Alicia Huey of AGH Homes and vice president of the GBAHB, Luke Blankenship, Chace Lake project manager; and Brooks Harris of Harris & Doyle Homes Inc. and president of the GBAHB. The home is in Hoover’s Chace Lake neighborhood by Signature Homes. Photos by Daniel Taylor Photography

Smart Living

Parade’s Ideal Home Incorporates Latest Technology By Laura McAlister

Journal Editor

hile many buyers might think they can’t afford their ideal home, the Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders wants them to think again. For the first time, the association’s annual Parade of Homes will include the Ideal Home, built and designed

To: From: Date:

by Signature Homes. It is now under construction in Hoover’s Chace Lake subdivision and will be open for viewing during the Parade of Homes set for the weekends of April 21-22 and 28-29. According to Mark Williams, vice president of Marketing for Signature Homes, the Ideal Home has six characteristics, with affordability topping the list. The other five are signature style, environmentally friendly, tech-

James Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 FAX: 205-824-1246 March 2012 This is your AD PrOOF from the OvEr THE MOuNTAiN JOurNAl for the March 8, 2012 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

Please make sure all information is correct, including address and phone number! Please initial and fax back within 24 hours.

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nology, outdoor living spaces and weather safety. “A lot of people think these are things they could never afford or they’re too far in the future,” he said. “This is a home designed for really everybody, and with today’s interest rates it’s never been more affordable.” Though a price has not been determined for the Ideal Home, Mark said he suspects it will fall in the low- to mid-$300,000s. Lots of perks come with this house, too. For starters, Mark said it’s got what they call their “signature style.” The home has an open floor plan and a huge master bedroom and bath on the main level with double walk-in showers and a large walk-in closet. It has hardwood floors on the main level, and the kitchen comes equipped with stainless steel appliances and granite countertops. The outdoor living space is open and is designed for entertaining. A large stone patio has a fire pit as well as a gas grill. “We wanted this house to include a lifestyle of luxury,” he said. “It’s also energy efficient, or really environmentally friendly.” The insulation of the house is 40 percent more efficient than that of the average home, Mark said, but that’s not all. The Ideal Home could also be considered a “smart” one in that it makes use of smart phones and other gadgets like iPads to control heating and cooling. “If it’s cold you can cut the heat up on your way home on your phone,” Mark said. “It’s really about the comfort of technology, too.” The heating and cooling are just the start of what this Ideal Home can do through an iPhone or iPad. The lights, security and even music throughout the house can be controlled with mobile devices. The house also has docking stations installed so mobile devices can be easily and conveniently charged. The Ideal Home is so smart it can even track who’s entering it through

Thursday, April 5, 2012 • 29

Home

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

R2S RENT TO SELL

PROGRAM

Times are tough.The inventory of homes on the market is at an all-time high. People move, but their houses don’t . Th a t ’s wh y Wa t t s Re a lt y c re a t e d t h e Wa t t s R2 S P r o g ra m. W it h Wa t t s R2 S , y o u rid e o u t t h e d o wn ma rk e t s like the one we’re in now by renting that house you haven’t been able to sell. Then, when the time is right, we seamlessly help you go from renting to selling. The Ideal House is under construction but will be ready for viewing in time for the Parade of Homes set for the weekPhoto by Daniel Taylor Photography ends of April 21-22 and 28-29.

the touch key lock. Instead of using a key, homeowners can enter a unique code to enter the house. “That allows you to keep track of who’s coming and going,” Mark said. “If you’re a working parent, it will text you when Charlie comes home.” When it comes to safety, the house has cameras near outdoor entries, so owners can use their mobile devices to see who’s at the

door. Another safety aspect of the house is a storm shelter in the garage. While the Parade of Home’s Ideal Home is in Chace Lake, Mark said it’s one the company can build just about anywhere. It’s called Signature’s Logan home and has four bedrooms and 2 1/2 baths with about 2,300 square feet. “This is a model that we could put

anywhere,” he said. “We can put it in Chelsea or Calera or Regions Park on 280 or North Hampton in Ross Bridge.” Signature Homes is donating the proceeds from the sale of the Ideal Home to the Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders. For more information about the Ideal Home, visit www.birminghambuilder. com. ❖

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8000 Liberty Parkway • Birmingham, AL • 866.933.2509 • www.libertypark.com

30 • Thursday, April 5, 2012

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Heritage Hills homes are the largest ones on display in Liberty Park at this year’s 2012 Parade of Homes. The kitchens are open with lots of countertop and cabinet space, and the master bathrooms are large with his and her vanities. Journal photos by Laura McAlister

Style in All Sizes Liberty Park Parade Homes Show Luxurious Living

By Laura McAlister

Journal Editor

Thursday, May 3rd, 6pm

AUCTION

Luxury Estate Turtle Rock

Vestavia Hills, Alabama

TARGET

AUCTION Dewey Jacobs, Auctioneer AL #5060

iberty Park will show off luxury homes on both large and smaller scales at the 2012 Parade of Homes. Once again, the Vestavia Hills community will showcase homes in its Heritage Hills and Hampden Place neighborhoods. According

to Ben Gardner, estimator and purchaser for the builder, Lifescape Builders L.L.C., all the houses offer luxury living, just in different sizes. “The plans are somewhat similar,” he said. “They all have a sitting room upstairs and open floor plans. The Heritage Hills homes are just on a grander scale.” The Heritage Hill homes are priced in the $700,000s and have

four bedrooms and four and a half baths. There’s also lots of room for growth in these houses. All the houses have basements, said Tom Patterson, construction manager of Lifescape Builders, the second level of the homes have about 1,200 square feet of unfinished space. “You could easily make this into a million-dollar house,” he said during a recent tour of the Dunham, one of the models which will be open during the Parade of Homes. The upstairs of the Dunham has three bedrooms and three baths plus a common sitting area at the top of the steps. There are also laundry rooms on both the main and second levels. The spacious master bedroom and bath are on the main floor, which has hardwoods throughout. The master bath has his-and-her vanities with a walk-in shower and Jacuzzi tub. The flooring is porcelain tile. The den and kitchen are really the showstoppers of this house, Tom said. The kitchen and breakfast nook open to the den. The kitchen is equipped with state-of-the-art Wolf Sub-Zero appliances and granite countertops. In addition to the breakfast nook, there’s also a large island in the center of the kitchen with an additional sink and seating. “There’s tons of storage space, too,” Ben said. “That’s what most people love is all the cabinet space.” And if the cabinets don’t provide See LIBERTY PARK, page 31

Liberty Park, from page 30

enough storage, there’s also a large walk-in pantry adjacent to the main level laundry room. The den has built-in cabinets surrounding the fireplace and opens out to the large deck. While the yards are smaller at Heritage Hills, decks offer plenty of room for outdoor entertaining. The den and kitchen also have entryways into the living room/dining room in the front of the house. The space offers plenty of room for a formal dining and sitting area and, as in the rest of the house, has three-piece crown molding. All the homes in Heritage Hills have three-car garages. In Hampden Place, the homes have all the

Message, from page 26

tion and owner of AGH Homes, Inc., said the parade will include a wide variety of homes in all price ranges featuring the latest home design trends. Despite some of the bad publicity the Birmingham area has received in the past, she said, the homebuilding industry is going strong, and there’s never been a better time to buy in the Birmingham area. “That’s what we wanted to show in this video,” she said. “It was very exciting working on it and putting together a story. There have been struggles, and we’ve been through a lot, but we do feel we’re coming out of the recession. There are lots of exciting projects out there, a lot of innovative ideas, and it’s affordable.” The video was modeled after the Chrysler commercials featured during the Super Bowl the past two years. It starts by noting some of the tough times the area’s been through recently – political bickering, budget cuts, tornados – but then goes on to discuss the how the community is making a comeback. “Where’s the magic?” a deep voice asks as images of the city flash by. “It starts at home ... We’re not sitting on our hands. We’re putting them to work.” Then the video moves from the city to neighborhoods like Liberty Park, Ross Bridge and Chace Lake, where homes are being built. “This is not just about houses and homes,” said Mark Williams, vice president of marketing for Signature Homes, which helped produce the video. “It’s about the infrastructure that makes Birmingham and Hoover great. We want to get the message out that it hasn’t been bad here for a while. “In fact, we had our best year ever last year.” In addition to Signature Homes, RealtySouth also pitched in to help fund the video, which was created by Vulcan Media. Brooks said the association is using social media and QR codes to spread the video, which is posted on YouTube. He said he hopes it will not only promote the Parade of Homes but also spread the message to a younger generation that now is the time to buy in the Birmingham area. “The video is something we’ve never done before,” he said. “I hope it works. We really want to get it out in a viral fashion and get it out in social

Thursday, April 5, 2012 • 31

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luxuries of Heritage Hills, just on a smaller scale, as Ben said, and smaller price tags. The homes in Heritage Hill are in the $523,000-&650,000 range. While these houses also have three-piece crown molding and hardwood floors throughout most of the main level, the Hampden Place homes are about 3,500 square feet. The kitchen and living spaces are smaller but still have the same attention-to-detail style as the Heritage Hill homes. They are also centrally located in Liberty Park, close to the schools, pool, park and lake, Ben said. The Hampden Place houses are typically slab homes and have one laundry room on the main level. While the houses are a bit smaller, the yards are larger in Hampden Place, Ben said. “They’re still very much luxury,” Ben said. “They’re just scaled down a bit.” ❖

The kitchen of this Hampden Place home in Liberty Park won for best kitchen in last year’s Parade of Homes.

Highland Lake Home

4 Bed / 4.5 Bath / 2.6 Acres - $595,000

For more information please call

Tammi Manley 205-739-1241 The Real Estate Group

media. Now is a great time to buy a house. Prices are low. Interest rates are low. It’s really the perfect storm.” Alicia said this year’s parade features some truly innovative designs, whether it’s energy efficiency or utilizing smart phone technology that is surprisingly affordable, especially when coupled with the low interest rates. “People really just need to go and see what’s out there,” she said of the houses featured in the Parade of Homes. “I think they’d be surprised by what they could afford. I tell people a home that cost $175,000 three years ago would have a monthly payment $300 less now because of interest rates. “There are some great and exciting things out there. Consumer confidence is really the issue we face now. A lot has changed in the last three years. ❖

To: From: Date:

Tammi Over The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 ph., 205-824-1246, fax April 2012 This is your AD prOOF from the Over The MOunTAin JOurnA April 5, 2012ww issue. please fax approval or changes to 824-1

please make sure all information is correc including address and phone number! please initial and fax back within 24 hours.

if we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the press date your ad will run as is. We print the paper Monday.

Thank you for your prompt attention.

Hoover Antique Gallery

Hoover’s Largest 80-Plus Vendors! 822-9500

AlabamaPower.com

Brought to you, in part, by Alabama Power.

3411 Old Columbiana Rd. (Hwy 31 @ Patton Chapel Rd.) Across from Crest Cadillac

hooverantiquegallery.com POWI-2717 Haircut 5.75.indd 1

3/28/12 1:46 PM

32 • Thursday, April 5, 2012

New Business

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

NEW IN TOWN

The Blue Willow

Owner and co-founder Gates Brown, left, and co-founder Stephanie Alexander say business has been good at their new Blowout Boutique at The Summit. The boutique offers walk-in hair styling but no cutting, coloring or tipping the stylist.

Hair Today

Journal photos by Laura McAlister

Blowout Boutique Offers Hot New Concept By Laura McAlister

Journal Editor

Katie McCrory styles Elle Ortis’ hair, who along with her twin sister Kati were getting ready for an upcoming dance picture.

Blowout Boutique The Summit between Pottery Barn and Urban Outfitters  262-2988 blowoutboutique.com

ot a hot date or a big interview and don’t have time to book a hair appointment at the salon? A new business at The Summit might be able to help. Blowout Boutique opened March 1 near Urban Outfitters at The Summit. It’s a high-end hair salon, but they’re not offering coloring or cuts here, and typically, no appointments are necessary. Also, tipping is not allowed. This salon is what founders Stephanie Alexander and Gates Brown, also an owner, refer to as a blowout bar – a place where customers can come in and have their hair shampooed, blown dry and styled by a professional. “This is kind of a hot thing that we’ve seen around the U.S. but not here,” Stephanie said. “People can walk in before their date and get a blowout. It’s kind of a foreign concept here.” It’s a concept, though, that’s been catching on. Stephanie said Friday and Saturdays have been particularly busy at the boutique for those who want a quick style for a date night or party. The owners expect business to really pick up in coming weeks with prom season in full swing. While the concept of the blowout bar is simple enough, the atmosphere and experience are meant to be elegant and sophisticated. Upon entering the boutique, there’s a waiting area with white couches and then the blowout bar, which does look like, well, a bar. Inside it, stylists have access to hair products. Large, flat-screen televisions are likely to be showing romantic comedies or recent blockbusters rather than sports. Clients are seated on the other side of the bar on comfortable leather salon chairs. There’s even a place for them to dock their iPods or iPhones at the bar, and with each

blowout comes a complimentary glass of wine or champagne. “We really wanted to try to create an experience with this,” Stephanie said. “We serve complimentary drinks. We want to provide over-the-top customer service.” All the stylists are licensed cosmetologists – there are 11 total – and most work with other salons in the area. Gates said the agreement works well, and since it’s a walk-in service, clients don’t have to feel like they’re “cheating” on their regular stylists when they come for a blowout. “People can come in and see any stylist,” she said. As they would at any bar, customers get a menu. This one has nine different hairstyles to choose from as well as an up-do. The boutique also has a hair washing area in the back. All blowouts come with a hair wash. Clients can also get hair treatments and/or scalp massages. The boutique isn’t limited to adults. The menu offers a “lil bit” option for kids 12 and younger. Lynn Ortis of Crestline said her 4-yearold twins Kati and Elle love coming to the Blowout Boutique. Recently, the girls visited the boutique to have their hair styled for a dance picture. “This is the second time they’ve been,” Lynn said. “The girls love it. I have three (older) boys, so I’m not good with hair. It’s great.” While walk-ins are welcome, Blowout Boutique does take appointments, which might be needed on busy weekends, Stephanie said. They also host parties and offer blowout bundles and monthly memberships. This is the first location of Blowout Boutique, but Gates and Stephanie said they and owner, president and CEO Matt Bagley hope to open more in the future. For more information on Blowout Boutique, visit blowoutboutique.com ❖

The Blue Willow in Cahaba Heights recently hosted a grand re-opening. The shop reopened in March under new ownership. Anna Barnes, above, is the new owner of Blue Willow. She said The Blue Willow would continue to provide customers with a unique selection of gifts including baby, home, wedding, personalized items, jewelry and seasonal goods. Core

CORE, a fitness studio that provides classes centered on core strength, recently opened in Cahaba Heights, across from Chickadee. Trainers are trained nurses and fitness instructors. Classes include pilates, cycling, boot camp and more. It is the only facility in the state with RealRyder Cycles. The cycles mimic the motion of a real bicycle challenging your core as you tilt, turn and lean and burns 20 percent more calories than a stationary bike. For more information visit corebham.com or call 969-8989.

Get Connected

The chambers of commerce in the Over the Mountain area offer several networking opportunities. Below is a sampling of some of the networking events coming up: Hoover

This month’s Hoover Chamber Luncheon will be at the Hoover Country Club April 19. Networking begins at 11:30 a.m., and the luncheon begins promptly at noon. Make reservations by April 16. Credit cards, cash, and checks will be accepted at the door. Reservations are $17 or $20 if not made in advance. www.hooverchamber.org Homewood

David Sher of Buzz 12 will be the guest speaker at the Homewood Chamber of Commerce’s April 17 luncheon, “Social Networking to Build Your Business.” Learn more about building your business through social networking. The event begins at 11:30 a.m. For more information on David, visit www. buzz12.com. Tickets for the luncheon are $17. www. homewoodchamber.org Shelby County

Tickets are now available for pre-sale online for Taste of Shelby County. The event is scheduled for April 12 from 6-8 p.m. at the Cahaba Grand Conference Center. This event serves up specialty dishes from the Shelby County area restaurants and caterers and a variety of wineries. Tickets are $25 per person pre-sale or $30 at the door. www. shelbychamber.org

New in the OTM Area? The New Business section features new businesses in the Over the Mountain area. Know of an interesting business that’s recently moved to the area? Let us know. It could be featured in this space. Call 823-9646 or email editorial@otmj.com.

Watson-Murphy

Mrs. Cynthia Boone Watson of Homewood announces the engagement of her daughter, Mallory Denise, to Joshua Davis Murphy, son of Mr. and Mrs. George Lee Murphy of Opelika. Miss Watson is the daughter of the late Barry Allen Watson.

Trucks-Stone

Ms. Jacqueline Erle Austin of Wetumpka and Mr. James Frank Trucks of Canton, Ga., formerly of Birmingham, announce the engagement of their daughter, Jamelyn Austin Trucks, to Michael Christopher Stone, son of Dr. and Mrs. Harry Benjamin Stone III of New Bern, N.C. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. James Maxwell Austin Sr. of Wetumpka and the late Dr. and Mrs. James Frank Trucks Sr. of

Harbert-Bryant

Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Jones Harbert of Birmingham announce the engagement of their daughter, Mary Kathryn Harbert, to John Frederick Bryant, son of Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Lewis Bryant of Nashville, Tenn. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Mrs. Harriette Bull Dunn of

Thursday, April 5, 2012 • 33

Weddings & Engagements

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Mrs. Sandra Monroe Cairns and Mr. Thomas Nelson Boone of Birmingham and Mrs. Ann Hathcock Watson and the late Mr. Bobby Allen Watson of Lillian. The prospective groom is the grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. Roy Gilbert Davis of Huntsville and Mr. and Mrs. George Edgar Murphy of Abbeville. Miss Watson received her undergraduate degree in nursing in 2011 from Auburn University, where she was a member of Alpha Chi Omega sorority. She is employed with the University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital. Mr. Murphy received his undergraduate degree in civil engineering in 2010 from Auburn University, where he was a member and president of Farm House fraternity. He is employed with Stone Building Company. The wedding is planned for June 30. Birmingham. Miss Trucks is a cum laude graduate of the University of Georgia with a bachelor’s degree in marketing. She was a member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority, a Priscilla with the Krewe of Rolling Elvi and a volunteer with the Young Leadership Council College Assistance Program. She is employed with the Federal Emergency Management Agency in New Orleans as a group supervisor. The prospective groom is the grandson of Mr. Charles E. Holaday and the late Mrs. Florence R. Holaday of Albany, Ga., and the late Dr. and Mrs. Harry B. Stone Jr. of Roanoke, Va. Mr. Stone received a bachelor’s degree in physics from the College of Charleston and a bachelor’s degree in naval architecture and marine engineering from the University of New Orleans. He was a member of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the Krewe of Rolling Elvi. He is working towards a master’s degree in business administration at the University of New Orleans and is employed as a project engineer for Tidewater Marine in New Orleans. The wedding is planned for May 27. Birmingham and the late Mr. Claude Dunn and Mrs. Marguerite Jones Harbert of Birmingham and the late Mr. John Murdoch Harbert III. Miss Harbert is a graduate of Mountain Brook High School and the University of Georgia with a bachelor’s degree in business. She was a member of Phi Mu sorority. She is employed in commercial real estate in New York City. The prospective groom is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Clyde Vernon Bryant of Aiken, S.C., the late Mrs. Patricia Brash Bryant and Mr. and Mrs. John Walker Gibson of Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., and the late Mrs. Elizabeth Carothers Gibson. Mr. Bryant is a graduate of Montgomery Bell Academy in Nashville, Tenn., and Sewanee: The University of the South with a bachelor’s degree in economics. He was a member of Kappa Alpha Order. He is vice president at BlackRock in New York City. The wedding is planned for July 7.

Kali Jennee’ Mathias and Cooper

Chesley Bennett were married Nov. 5, 2011 at J & D Farms in Gadsden. Reverend Joel Brooks officiated. The bride is the daughter of Ms. Pamela Sue Lewter of Chattanooga, Tenn., and Mr. and Mrs. William Stanley Mathias of Chattanooga. The groom is the son of Ms. Madeline Fletcher Bennett of Vestavia Hills and Mr. William George Bennett of Birmingham. The bride was given in marriage by her father. The maid of honor was Julie King Kidd of Portland, Ore. Bridesmaids were Katherine Tempelton Aholt of New York City; Elizabeth Cooper and Ashley Collins Spinelli of Chattanooga; Sarah Babcock Mason of Vestavia Hills; Lauren Hasty King of Charlotte N.C.;

Melissa Perryman Morgan of Dallas; and Laura Onstott Powell of Hoover. Flower girls were Ellen Reidinger, Camille Reidinger and Sydney Dobbins. The groom’s father was his best man. Groomsmen were William Loy Mason of Vestavia Hills; Eric Christopher Nickoli and William Brent Jenkins of Birmingham; Paul William Floyd of Vestavia Hills; Daniel Dee Price of Mesa, Ariz.; Robert Brumberg of Delray Beach, Fla.; Zachary Lee Marcengill of Westminister, S.C.; and Jared Stuart Schmidt of Lincoln, Neb. Ring bearers were Josh Colvert, Asher Colvert and Will Dobbins. After a honeymoon in Costa Rica, the couple live in Homewood.

Moncus-Chapman

Mr. and Mrs. Claude McCain Moncus of Birmingham announce the engagement of their daughter, Leslie Jackson Moncus, to Bowen Givens Chapman, son of Mr. and Mrs. William Sherard Chapman of Lexington, Ky. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Sidney Warren Jackson Jr. of Luverne and the late Mr. and Mrs. James Roy Moncus of Birmingham. Miss Moncus is a graduate of Mountain Brook High School and the University of Alabama, where she received a degree in finance. She was a member of Kappa Delta sorority and was presented at the Holiday Assembly, 2005 Cotton

Ball, 2007 Ball of Roses and the 2007 Heritage Ball. The prospective groom is the grandson of Mr. Ambrose Witherspoon Givens and the late Mrs. Givens of Lexington, Ky. and the late Dr. and Mrs. William Sherard Chapman of Myrtle Beach, S.C. Mr. Chapman is a graduate of Woodberry Forest and the University of North Carolina, where he received a degree in management. He was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity. He is employed at Buck Lumber in Charleston S.C. The wedding is planned for April 28, 2012.

Mathias-Bennett

BRIDAL TRUNK SHOW Featuring Olia Zavozina

Friday, April 6th & Saturday, April 7th Meet this famed designer in person!

Ellenburg-Wyatt

Mr. and Mrs. John Wade Ellenburg of Fairhope announce the engagement of their daughter, Jennifer Elizabeth Ellenburg, to Matthew Jerome Wyatt, son of Mr. and Mrs. William McDaniel Wyatt II of Homewood. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Mrs. Linda Pearl Walker and Ms. Joan Friday Ellenburg both of Fairhope. Miss Ellenburg is a graduate of Fairhope High School and the University of South Alabama, where she received a bachelor’s degree in nursing. She is employed as a registered nurse at Thomas Hospital in Fairhope. The prospective groom is the grandson of Mr. Arthur Jerome Klopack of Homewood. Mr. Wyatt attended the University of South Alabama and is manager of Guthrie’s in Fairhope. The wedding is planned for May 5, 2012.

To: From:

1901 oxmoor rd homewood, al 35209 205.871.7759 caroline williams eades, owner Mims and Griff Israel

married March 10, 2012 Custom gown by Olia Zavozina Ann Wade Parrish Photography

Caroline Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 FAX: 205-824-1246

34 • Thursday, April 5, 2012

schools

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

School Notes Vestavia News Staff Keeps School Informed

Homewood Middle School’s sixth grade math team won first place at a Photos special to the Journal Vestavia Hills High School competition.

The Vestavia News Network staff members produce a live TV show each day on closed-circuit TV. Each VNN student has duties that include anchor, camera, director, teleprompter, sound and graphics/video to inform students and staff of morning announcements. Deana Goodwine is the VNN faculty coordinator.

Hoover Council Recognizes Gwin’s International Day Hoover Mayor Gary Ivey presented Gwin Elementary with a proclamation Feb. 20 honoring International Day. Principal Linda Joseph, assistant principal Dr. Kimberly White and ESL teacher Rebecca Salas were at the city council meeting to accept the framed proclamation, which will be displayed at the school.

Members of the Homewood Middle School seventh grade math team has won team and individual honors at competitions this year.

Homewood Middle School’s eighth grade math team won first place at a Decatur tournament.

HMS Math Teams Win Tournament Honors

omewood Middle School math team members from the sixth, seventh and eighth grades have successfully competed in four statewide competitions this school year. In a tournament in Decatur, each grade level team earned a first place finish. Outstanding individual performances for sixth graders were Hrithik Praveen, second; Robert Gaddis, fifth; and Annie An, ninth, Carlo Baylon, 10th. Seventh graders: Will Smith, third, Eli Getman, fifth; Trey Sims, sixth; Paul Selden, seventh; Emma Grace Doyal, 10. Eighth graders: Andrew Boyd, first; Sam Miano, sixth; Jeffrey Ji, ninth; and Duncan McDuff, 10th. At a competition at Muscle Shoals for sixth graders, the team finished in third place overall and second place in ciphering. Eric Hepp and Hrithik Praveen swept the first and second place individual trophies respectively. In a competition at Vestavia Hills High School, Homewood’s sixth grade team finished in first place in their division, bolstered by a first place finish in ciphering. Sixth grad-

ers had five individual winners among the top 15: Robert Gaddis, third; Eric Hepp, fourth; Hrithik Praveen, fifth; Annie An, seventh; and Stanford Massie, 12th. In the mental math competition, Homewood’s sixth graders had two individual winners: Eric Hepp, first, and Hrithik Praveen, 12th. Homewood’s seventh grade math team finished in ninth place among 20 teams, and the eighth grade team finished in seventh place out of 20 teams. At the Pizitz Middle School tournament, the Homewood sixth graders finished in first place with two individual winners: Eric Hepp, first, and Hrithik Praveen, fifth. The seventh graders finished in seventh place, and the eighth graders finished in fourth place. The sixth grade math team coaches are Amy Hacker and Jo Anna Laney. Tracy Colley is the seventh grade coach; eighth grade coach is Laura Thuirer. About 160 students at Homewood Middle School participate on the three grade level math teams. ❖

The Vestavia News Network staff includes, from left, front: Monicka Roden, Meagan Willis, Layton Dyess, Grace Cato, Francesca Malensek, Rashelle Coleman and Liza Johnson. Back: Alex Harrelson, Calvin Wright, Spencer Bradly, Luis Jimenez and faculty coordinator Deana Goodwine. Photo special to the Journal

Accepting a proclamation from Hoover Mayor Gary Ivey, center, were Gwin Elementary representatives, from left: Anna Maria Capleone, Rebecca Salas, Dr. Kimberly White, Michael Capleone and Linda Joseph.

ISS Students Win at Science Fair Indian Springs School eighth grade students Thomas Barr and Charlotte Benedict won the Central Alabama Regional Science and Engineering Fair’s Energy and Transportation category March 3. Their project on wind turbine efficiency was tops among all fifth-eighth graders from Central Alabama who participated in the junior division of the competition at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. The duo looked at the possibility of redesigning a LENZ2 wind turbine with six blades instead of three to increase its efficiency, according to science teacher Lisa Balazs. They were inspired by William Kamkwamba, author of “The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind,” who built a windmill from scratch in his famine-stricken Malawi village and who shared his story in a visit with Springs students last fall. ISS eighth grader Cole Cassady was also honored at the regional

Photo special to the Journal

competition, taking third place in the Biology category among all fifth-eighth graders. His project investigated the survival of a mouse herpes virus at various temperatures. Barr, Benedict and Cassady will take their projects to the Alabama Science and Engineering Fair this month in Huntsville.

Oak Mountain Hosts State Spelling Bee Alabama public, private, parochial and home school students, all champions from county spelling bees, participated in the Alabama Spelling Bee March 10 at Oak Mountain High

School. Kevin Lazenby, an eighth grade student at Opelika Middle School in Lee County, took first place. Beth Cantrell, an eighth grade student from Mountain Gap Middle School in Madison County, took second place. The third place winner was Nakhil Boorgu a fifth grade student from River Hill School in Lauderdale County. The winning word was “mellifluous” in the 15th round. Adventure Travel of Birmingham and Huntsville has sponsored the Alabama Spelling Bee for the past four years. More than 780 schools participate in the program by conducting classroom and school bees.

Left: ISS students Charlotte Benedict and Thomas Barr built a turbine as their awardwinning entry in the Central Alabama Regional Science and Engineering Fair. Above: Cole Cassady took third place in the Biology category for his project on the herpes virus. Photos special to the Journal

At the Alabama Spelling Bee Championship at Oak Mountain High School are, from left: Susan McDougal, manager of Adventure Travel and event coordinator; runner-up Beth Cantrell, representing Madison County; champion Kevin Lazenby from Lee County; and runner-up Nakhil Boorgu, representing Photo special to the Journal Lauderdale County. The winner from each school participates in a county bee, with the champion competing in the state event. Lazenby will represent Alabama at the Scripps National Spelling Bee near Washington, D.C., the week of May 27.

St. Francis Xavier Hosts Science Fair St. Francis Xavier School hosted a science fair earlier this semester. The students’ projects followed International Science and Engineering Fair guidelines and were judged according to the format used at regional and state fairs. Fifteen student projects were selected for the Central Alabama Regional Science and Engineering Fair at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Last year, two St. Francis Xavier students placed at the regional event and went on to place at the state fair in Huntsville. St. Francis Xavier students who won in the school fair were: Behavioral and Social Science: Jackson Clark, first place; J.J. Robles, second place; and Bethany Rhodes, honorable mention. Biology, Biochemistry, Micro-Biology and Cell Biology: Olivia Eubanks, first place, and Robert Eubanks, second place. Chemistry: Ali Bireley, first place; Caroline Grady, second place; and Katie Clanton and Hannah Barber, honorable mention. Energy: Clairion DuBose, first place, and Zack Hardy, honorable mention. Environmental and Earth Science: Sami Sinak, first place, and Farley Morris, second place. Mathematics and Computer Science: Hanna Becerra, first place, and Jacob Kerins, second place. Medicine and Health Science: Noelle Bizich, first place. Physical Science, Physics and Astronomy: Jordan Perez, first place; Crandall Hillhouse, second place; and Anna Arnold and MaryBeth Grundhoefer, honorable mention. Plant Science: John Booker, first place; Maria Holder, second place; and Mark Berry and Beau Flemming, honorable mention. The middle school science department at St. Francis Xavier is led by Jeannie Walker. Debra Sinak was chairman for this year’s fair.

Thursday, April 5, 2012 • 35

SCHOOLS

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Breakfast Celebrates Newbery Medal Liberty Park Middle School students celebrated the announcement of the Newbery Medal with a breakfast furnished by Waffle House.

Waffle House representatives Ray Galyean and Richie Gordon brought waffle irons as well as strawberries, whipped cream and chocolate chips for the students to enjoy. To be eligible to attend the breakfast, students had to read a book that previously won the Newbery Medal or Newbery Honor award and then create a project based on the book. Project options were to make an iMovie, write a book report or create a poster. The winner of the 2012 Newbery Medal was “Dead End” by Jack Gantos. Participating in the event were sixth graders Chad Bryan, Beth Cook, Gage Elam, Jackson Elliott, Michelle Escobar, Rachel Forman, Ella Guven, Bruce Pettway, Rebecca Robinson, Kate Strange and Jonathan Wyatt; seventh graders Daniel Cotton, Emma Fox, Jack Hart, Olivia Medley, Audrey Meloun, Ashley Orkus, Egypt Pettway, Caleb Roberson, Liz Sekyra, Barrett Striplin, Olivia Westfall, Sam Wilke, Greta Wistruk and Katie Woods; and eighth graders Priscilla Gutierrez, Michelle Newman, Channing Prescott and Grace Sessions. ❖

Attending a breakfast celebrating the Newbery Medal at Liberty Park Middle School were from left: Channing Prescott, Priscilla Gutierrez and Jack Hart Photo special to the Journal

Easter Fun!

SCOUTS EARN ARROW OF LIGHT AWARDS

Mary Charles’ Doll House

2820 Petticoat Lane Mountain Brook Village

SpringValley 1.08

12/15/09

870-5544

11:45 AM

Page 1

Doll Houses and Accessories • New and Collectible Antique Dolls

Members of Pack 253 of St. Peterʼs Anglican Church recently earned their Arrow of Light. The young men have met all their requirements for Cub Scouts and are now moving on to Boy Scouts. Pack members are, from left, front: Sean Fredella, James Gillespy, Ty Clark, Harrison Little and Ralph Cook. To: Middle row: Jack Bridges, Chip Porter, Steven Jinnette, Liam Mitchell, Jay From: Barze, Henry Collins and Den Leader Stephen Collins. Back row: Gilbert Amason, Cub Master Bo Tranum, Den Leader Bob Goolsby and Den Leader Photo special to the Journal Steve Jinnette. Date:

I am SMART. I am CREATIVE. I Robbins am DYSLEXIC. Mary Charles

Over The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 ph., 205-824-1246, fax april 2011

This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL fo April 21, 2011 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

Please make sure all information is correct, including address and phone number! Please initial and fax back within 24 hours.

If we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the press date, your ad will run as is. We print the paper Monday.

Thank you for your prompt attention.

I won’t let that stop ME.

Spring Valley School “Educating bright children with learning differences”

Claire Barabash, PhD, JD Executive Director

205.423. 8660

www.springvalleyschool.org

36 â&#x20AC;˘ Thursday, April 5, 2012

schools

Students Show Off Talents

Get more OTM news â&#x20AC;˘ visit otmj.com â&#x20AC;˘ find us on facebook â&#x20AC;˘ follow us on twitter

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Cherokee Bend Elementary Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s First â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The Bendâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Got Talentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Show a Big Success for Students, Parents

herokee Bend Elementary School rolled out the red carpet March 9 for the first â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Bendâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Got Talentâ&#x20AC;? show. The show was at the Mountain Brook High School Fine Arts Building. Participants performed in front of a sold-out audience. Principal Betsy Bell and vice-principal Chad Paris emceed the event. A wide variety of talent included pogo sticking, jump roping, hula hooping and baton twirling. There were also a magician and some comedians. Audience members enjoyed several dance numbers, including ballet, hip-hop and jazz, as well as musical theater acts, soloists and duets. Several classrooms performed together as did the entire sixth grade class and the CBS faculty. A black belt in karate performed as did basketball players and gymnasts.Â There was even a â&#x20AC;&#x153;Star Warsâ&#x20AC;? duel. A sixth grader performed a monologue about her favorite memories at CBS.

In the kindergarten-third grade category, judges awarded first place to kindergartner Reid Ramsbacher for his dance â&#x20AC;&#x153;Boom Boom Pow.â&#x20AC;? First graders Anna Bella Foster and Rachel Lebensburger were second for their dance â&#x20AC;&#x153;ABC/123,â&#x20AC;? and third place went to third grader Chandler Vargas for his piano piece â&#x20AC;&#x153;Festive Sonatina.â&#x20AC;? In the fourth-sixth grade category, first place went to sixth grader Vann Walthall for his piano piece â&#x20AC;&#x153;Under Shooting Stars.â&#x20AC;? Sixth graders Grant Freeman on drums and Haskins Jones on electric guitar and vocals won second place for â&#x20AC;&#x153;Beast of Burden.â&#x20AC;? Julia Baddley won third for her dance, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Cosmic Love.â&#x20AC;? Ramsbacher won the Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Choice award. PTO president Amy Roberts came up with the idea for the talent show. Chairmen were Beth Norris and Amy Scofield. Proceeds benefit the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s PTO. For more about the event, visit www.thebendsgottalent.com. â?&#x2013;

Cherokee Bend Elementary principal Betsy Bell presents kindergartner Reid Ramsbacher with the Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Choice Award at the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s recent talent show. Photo special to the Journal

School Notes HCS Takes Part in Mercedes Marathon Roell Competes with Equestrian Team Our House House is is Your Your House. House. Our

THE ALTAMONT ALTAMONT SCHOOL SCHOOL THE Invitesyou youto tojoin joinus usfor foraaSpring SpringOpen OpenHouse House.. Invites

A pril19th 17th April 19th April 5:00 6:30 pm 5:00to to 6:30 6:30 pm pm 5:00 to

More than 100 Homewood City Schools faculty and staff members participated in this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mercedes Marathon by running the full marathon, half marathon or relay group. HCS Wellness coordinatorÂ Nivada Spurlock motivated and encouraged the staff to keep moving. Some of these runners participated in last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s event, but 51 staff members ran for the first time. Many students also participated in the event by running and volunteering. Participating in the Mercedes Marathon is just one of the events in which the school systemâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Wellness Program, The Movement, is involved. The Movement was designed to change the way students and staff members think about health and wellness. Its purpose is to create a culture change in an effort to better address the challenges of obesity, hypertension, high cholesterol, stress, cardiovascular disease and other related illnesses.Â

Audrey Roell, a Highlands School seventh grader, has been riding on Alabamaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first interscholastic equestrian team, started in 2011 by coaches Clair Allison and Pam Carroll. Birmingham Interscholastic Equestrian Team is dedicated to middle school and high school hunt seat riders from Birmingham and surrounding areas.Â The team has done well all season, focusing on teamwork, horsemanship and sportsmanship. Roell and her teammates compete as individuals and to collect points for their team. During the IEA show season, Roell qualified individually and helped her middle school team qualify for regional finals by consistently putting in top-notch performances. The BIET Middle School and High School teams competed in the Region 2 Finals Feb. 25 in Gainesville, Ga. Both teams qualified with enough points to move on to Zone 4 Finals in Johns Island, S.C., in the spring.

Meetour ourfaculty, faculty,students studentsand andfamilies, families, Meet tourour ourcampus, campus,share shareour ourfood. food. tour

4801 Altamont Road 4801 4801 Altamont A ltAmont Road r oAd South SSouth outh Birmingham, AL 35222 Birmingham, AL 35222 BirminghAm, Al 35222 205.445.1232 205.879.2006 205.879.2006 {Learnmore moreatataltamontschool.org} altamontschool.org} {Learn

Homewood City Schools faculty and staff members show off their Mercedes Marathon shirts.

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Photo special to the Journal

Thursday, April 5, 2012 • 37

schools

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

effect of visual or audio bullying on an individual’s heart rate. She won honorable mention in the Behavioral and Social Science field and a National Achievement Award for Advancing the Field of Psychology from the American Psychological Association.

OLS Students Experience Dino Day

Highlands School student Audrey Roell, bottom row, fourth from left, is a member of Alabama’s first interscholastic equestrian team. Photo special to the Journal Roell placed first in her jumping rounds and also performed well in her under saddle (flat) rounds.

Students Compete for Piano Scholarships Bush Hills Music Club, a member of the State and National Federation of Music Clubs since 1931, held its annual Piano Scholarship Competition March 17 at South Highland Presbyterian Church. First place winner in the Senior Division was Autumn Bryant, who attends Clay-Chalkville High School. Second place winner was Julianna Rosborough, a student at Shades Mountain Independent Church Academy. In the Junior Division, Claire Johnson, who attends Hoover High School, was first place winner; Lydia Deuel of Shades Mountain Independent Church Academy was the second place winner. Third was Joseph Mills, Hope Christian School. All contestants are students of Bush Hills Music Club members. Anita Ranelli was the competition’s judge.

Rebelettes Win State Title The Vestavia Hills High School Varsity Rebelettes won the state dance title in the jazz category in February. Team members recently returned from Orlando, Fla., where they competed in the National Dance Association competition. The team placed fourth in the jazz division and seventh overall.

The Rebelettes are directed by Faith Lenhart and assistant Susan Sexton. Varsity members include seniors Anna Donze, Sydney Brown, Lauren Roth, Caroline Smith, Emily Pilkerton, Barbara Thornton, Erin Kahn, Lindsey Conry, Lauren Reeder, Cameron Carter, Caitlin McCallum and Sarah Corrine Shotts and juniors Haley Evans, Hannah Moss, Maria Inman, Anna Scott Welch, Rachel Caskey, Leah Dennis and Chandler Kitchens.

Dinosaurs roamed Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School March 9 as part of Dino Day. During the celebration, second grade students paraded through the halls to show off their homemade dinosaur creations. As a part of the second grade science curriculum, the students learned about dinosaurs and fossils. On Dino Day, the children brought their own dinosaur creations to school. Each child wore a dinosaur mask made in art class. The students also participated in educational activities throughout the day with the help of their teachers and parent volunteers. Each child used PowerPoint to give his or her dinosaur presentation. The McWane Science Center gave a presentation on fossil cleanings, crafting imprints, polishing amber, dinosaur arts and crafts and more. ❖

Above: Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School students Isabella Huynh and Andre Turkiewicz stop to show their homemade dinosaur creations following the school’s Dino Day Parade. Left: Also showing off their creations were Trey Bessiere and Emily Angeles, OLS second graders Photo special to the Journal

Mike A. Keller, DDS, PC Pediatric / Adolescent Dentistry Dr. Mike Keller, friends & staff are happy to recognize March members of the NO SUGAR BUG CLUB

Spring Valley School’s Moriah Burbank receives awards from UAB/ CORD’S Central Alabama Regional Science and Engineering Fair. Photo special to the Journal

Spring Valley Student Wins at Science Fair Spring Valley School 12th grader Moriah Burbank won two awards at UAB/CORD’s Central Alabama Regional Science and Engineering Fair. Burbank’s project focused on the

Vestavia Hills High School Varsity Rebelettes are, front row, from left: Lauren Reeder, Lindsey Conry, Barbara Thornton, Caitlin McCallum, Caroline Smith, Rachel Caskey and Hannah Moss. Middle: Cameron Carter, Anna Donze, Haley Evans, Chandler Kitchens, Maria Inman and Leah Dennis. Back: Sarah Corrine Shotts, Sydney Brown, Loren Roth, Anna Scott Welch, Emily Pilkerton Photo special to the Journal and Erin Kahn.

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Getting the Point

ISS Student’s Looking Sharp in Fencing Competitions By Donna Cornelius

Journal Staff Writer

listair Delchamps is used to puzzled looks from airport security officials when they open his carry-on bag and see an unusual piece of sports equipment. The 16-year-old student at Indian Springs School is a fencer. And while he checks the bag carrying his sabres, he carries his fencing mask on board. “It almost always sets off the alarm,” said Delchamps. “I’ve been asked if it’s a rice boiler, a sewing machine or a bucket. Only one guy knew what it was.” Delchamps didn’t know much about fencing himself until age 9, when he attended a summer camp that offered instruction in the sport. “I liked it from the get-go,” he said. “I’d tried other sports, but this was something different.” Delchamps fences with the Birmingham Fencing Club in Vestavia Hills. He travels to tournaments around the U.S. and has been to three international events. He now competes in the Cadet division for ages 16 and younger. One of his most impressive performances came in February. Delchamps

was a member of the four-man USA Cadet Sabre team that won a gold medal at the London Cadet World Cup. The Americans competed against 17 other international teams to win the prestigious tournament, defeating strong competitors such as Ukraine, Italy and Germany. “The other three kids on my team are from California,” said Delchamps. “We see each other at major national tournaments.” Delchamps recently moved up from a ranking of 18th in the country to 13th on the Cadet level. Yuanjing Wang, an international fencing medalist and Olympic referee, coaches at the Birmingham Fencing Club with wife Hongyun Sun, an Olympic medalist. Wang, a former coach for the Chinese National Team, has been working with Delchamps for several years, he said. “He learned quickly and has made big progress,” said Wang. “He even learned some Chinese and has emailed me in Chinese. ”He always listens to me and can help me teach new students.” Delchamps isn’t the only Birmingham Fencing Club member to excel. Coach Wang’s daughter Luana Wang and Wendy Zao are teammates on the University of Pennsylvania fencing team. Hao Meng is co-captain of the Harvard University team, and Ryland Delap fences at Penn State. Delchamps hopes to continue

Hoover Rec League Champs

The Hoover Rec 7U basketball team celebrate after claiming their championship. Team members are, front row, from left: Joseph Mudano, Devin Ellison, Kristopher Lewis, Evan Reeder, Brodin Grady, Mickey Holley and Harrison Keeney. Back: Corey Ellison, assistant coach; Burke Holley, head coach and Mike Keeney, assistant coach.

Birmingham Teams Win National Premier Level Soccer Tournament

Two hundred, seventy-five of the top soccer teams from 12 states showcased their skill in the 2012 Red Diamond Vulcan Cup tournament. With a 2 to 1 victory over GSA 01 Phoenix White of Georgia, Birmingham United’s Elite Red won the championship for the Girls Under 11 Copper division.

Birmingham United’s Elite Blue defeated CUFC 01 Red of Tennessee to win the championship in the Girls Under 11 Bronze division. Birmingham United’s 96 defeated MFC 96 Premier of Mississippi to take home the championship in the Under 16 Gold division. The Red Diamond Vulcan Cup is one of only a handful of such tournaments in the country. Teams will compete on 30 soccer fields at six venues throughout Jefferson and Shelby County.

Sports

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Golf Tourney Benefits Mountain Brook Sports

M Alistair Delchamps, far left, and his Team USA teammates recently won a gold medal at the London Cadet World Cup. The Indian Springs School student has also traveled to Hungary, Poland and cities across the U.S. to comPhoto special to the Journal pete in fencing tournaments.

fencing in college, preferably at the University of Notre Dame. And, he said, it would be “cool” to qualify for the Olympics one day. Fencers compete with either sabres, like Delchamps, epees or foils. “With sabres, think ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ or ‘The Princess Bride,’” he said. “It’s the fastest. The tip of the blade is the second fastest-moving object in sports.” The first, he said, is a bullet. “Fencing is a lifelong sport,” he said. One member of the Birmingham Fencing Club is 94. Most club members, however, are in the 8-12 age group, said David Arias, BFC president. “We suggest age 7 as a starting

point, but there are certainly exceptions,” he said. “Students can start at any age.” The club offers a free fencing class once a month. “It lets people try fencing before committing to a class,” said Arias. Not everyone realizes that fencing is so physically demanding, Delchamps said. “For physical education at Indian Springs, we have to tell them if we do a sport,” he said. “The coach wasn’t familiar with fencing and wasn’t sure it would count” toward the P.E. requirement. “I asked him to come and fence with me,” said Delchamps. “He did. And then he said, ‘It counts.’”

Vestavia 10U Team Wins Spring Break Tournaments

The Vestavia 10U AA travel baseball team, “Rebel Baseball Club” played in two tournaments recently Spring Break Blast in Alabaster and Sping Lead Off in Homewood, winning both. with USSSA during spring break winning both. The teams record on the season is 10-1. Team members are Austin Anderson, Carter Zulanas, Reece Crenshaw, Chandler Merrill, Wilson Owen, Graham Duncan, Bennett Whisenhunt, Cole Johnston, Eli Sawyer, Jake Eggleston and Mason Maners. Coaches are: Martin Maners, Larry Merrill, Evans Duncan and Greg Sawyer. “Teams from as far away as Ohio, Indiana and Michigan are traveling thousands of miles to compete in this top-level tournament,” Tournament Director Stanley “Skip” Brock said. “Hundreds of talented teams have requested to compete. The skill of the players is consistently high, and with that comes interest from colleges and universities that house top-level soc-

cer programs.” “We are very proud of the attention this platinum-level tournament has brought to Birmingham within the national soccer community,” Red Diamond Coffee & Tea President Bill Bowron said. The Red Diamond Vulcan Cup is hosted by the Birmingham United Soccer Association, which offers rec-

ountain Brook Sports Corporation will hold its 14th annual golf tournament May 16 at the Highland Park Golf Course in Birmingham. The tournament will raise money for Mountain Brook High School and Mountain Brook Junior High School’s athletic programs. Formed in 1998, MBSC is a nonprofit charitable organization run by a board of directors from the Mountain Brook community. The group has been involved in the funding of many improvements to the two schools’ athletic programs, including a new field house for football; new concession stand and press box at Spartan Stadium; resurfacing of the Spartan track twice; new locker room, concession stand and press box for baseball; new weights for basketball, wrestling and volleyball; new field equipment for the track program; new nets for the soccer program; serving and shooting equipment for volleyball and basketball; new scoreboards for basketball; new computers, sound and video equipment for football, basketball and baseball; indoor hitting facilities for softball and baseball; new mats and electronic timers for wrestling; and new field equipment and heaters for baseball. The tournament entry fee is $250 per person and includes 18 holes of golf, range balls, a shared cart, lunch, beverages and several gifts and prizes. A 2012 Nissan Maxima from Moore Nissan will be awarded for a hole in one. Holes or foursome sponsorships are $1,000. Those who don’t play can sponsor a coach. Participants may designate the sport that their contribution will benefit. Two shotgun starts are at 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. Many coaches and former MBHS athletes will be playing in the tournament. Winners last year were Thomas Twitty, Hunter Twitty, Tom Twitty and Mike Morrison. For entry forms, visit www. mtnbrook.k12.al.us/cms/ MBSC+Golf+Tournament/12884. html or stop by Mountain Brook Sporting Goods in Crestline Village. For more information, call Wade Cowden at 807-0335.

reational and competitive programs for thousands of children from under six to eighteen.

Send us your sports news! mwald@otmj.com

GIRLS,

from back cover

Photo special to The Journal

Spartans’ Leara Signs Letter of Intent with Auburn

Mountain Brook’s Paul Leara signed a letter of intent to play baseball at Auburn University next spring. Leara is a two-year starter at shortstop for the Spartans. According to head coach Lee Gann, he has the highest fielding percentage of any infielder Gann has ever coached at Mountain Brook and has consistently batted over .300. Leara’s defensive play got the attention of the Auburn coaching staff as well as several Major League Baseball teams. He is the son of Mary and Steve Leara. His grandfather, Alex Grammas, is a former MLB infielder and manager who played for the St. Louis Cardinals, Cincinnati Reds and Chicago Cubs and managed the Pittsburgh Pirates and Milwaukee Brewers. Leara also earned a full academic scholarship to Auburn.

soccer,

from back cover

Forget Great Britain or Argentina. In this state, Metro Birmingham South is the capital of soccer. The reasons for the impressive showing in soccer are obvious, just as many have written. Our area is blessed with fine coaches, excellent facilities, great programs at the youth and feeder school levels, and – perhaps most importantly of all – dedicated, focused athletes and committed parents. But the same could be said of virtually every other sport. Why does soccer in this area – maybe even more than the traditional staples of football, basketball, baseball and softball – stand out so brightly? My theory is that soccer is in many ways the ideal entry-level sport for a child. Many kids start playing the game as early as preschool. Soccer offers everything a youngster needs and enjoys – fresh air and a lot of exercise from running. Plus, the rules and objects of the game are comparatively simple. We’ve all heard the joke that the most frustrated man in the world is a youth soccer coach: He gives the team instructions, and then all the kids just run after the ball anyway. But the fact is that soccer teaches kids what it takes to compete in athletics in a way that is non-intimidating, easy to understand and fun. Often kids will leave soccer after a certain age to pursue another sport – and that’s well and good. But by the time a child who’s stuck with soccer has reached high school age, he or she has often been playing the game for close to 10 years. So by that time, he or she should be

Thursday, April 5, 2012 • 39

Sports

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

a pretty savvy player at age 14 or 15. Throw in quality high school coaching and good facilities, and you’ve got the ingredients for a strong player pool from which to build a successful program. Don’t misread me: Plenty of kids start out in other sports besides soccer and will be just as trained in their particular sport by the time they reach their high school years. But many parents want their kids to use soccer to get an early taste of athletic competition before deciding what sport, if any, is right for them. The conditioning, coordination and appreciation of teamwork young athletes pick up on a youth soccer field can help them in any other sport – or most other endeavors – that they may want to pursue through high school, and perhaps beyond. That’s enough dime store theory for one column. Let’s just enjoy the fact that we clearly have the best soccer in Alabama -- just like we have the best in so many other sports.

Area Code …

Mountain Brook’s 5-4 baseball win over Vestavia Hills in Class 6A Area 12 play last Thursday showed once again the parity and volatility of the sport in this part of the state. The Rebels spent much of the early part of the season ranked number one, but the Spartans’ victory showed that anything can happen. Mountain Brook squared its record to 1-1 in area play and 14-10 overall. Taylor Mitchell’s double in the fourth inning helped the Spartans’ cause, as pitcher Miller Bonds picked up his sixth win of the season. The race down the stretch will be one to watch.

mitted to play basketball at Baylor University next year. Fuqua added one more impressive notch to her already-long resume when she was chosen as 2011-12 Over the Mountain Girls’ Basketball Player of the Year by an exclusive poll of the eight Over the Mountain girls’ head basketball coaches of schools that compete in Class 6A and 5A. She also earned the honor last year. “It is very flattering to be chosen as Player of the Year two years in a row,” said Fuqua “It’s particularly flattering when you consider all the great players that come from this area, including our own team. The fact that it’s voted on by the coaches also makes it special.” The coaches chose Mountain

Brook’s Mark Cornelius as Coach of the Year and picked the All-Over the Mountain team. Cornelius led a talented but young Lady Spartan team to a 26-7 record and the Northeast Regionals, where it was defeated by Shades Valley. “I’m happy to be named Coach of the Year on behalf of our girls and what they accomplished this season,” said Cornelius. “This team did everything we asked of them and more. I’m very proud of them.” It was reflective of Hoover’s dominance in 2011-12 that four Lady

Bucs joined Fuqua on the All-Over the Mountain team. They included Nicole Tanner, Marqu’es Webb, Kayla Anderson and Breion Allen. Other members of the team included Abbie Cutcliffe, Cara Medders and Hannah Wainwright, Briarwood; Kiara Williams, Homewood; Ellie Mouyal, Collier Ogilvie and Mary Katherine Pinson, Mountain Brook; MacKenzie Garmany and Madison Pierce, Oak Mountain; Jessica Freeman and Whitney Gulledge, Spain Park; and Sharon Sanders, Vestavia Hills.

BOYS,

from back cover

Hutcheson, a 6’7” senior, led Hoover in scoring and rebounding. He alternated between the power forward and post positions while having an uncanny knack for coming up with a key basket or rebound when his team really needed it. Hutcheson also helped provide steady leadership as the Bucs raced to a 10-0 start and struggled at mid-season before kicking into a final sprint to the Final Four. He was also named the Most Valuable Player of the Northeast Regionals at Jacksonville State University. “I’m very proud of what our team accomplished this year,” said Hutcheson. “I was very proud to be a part of that. We wanted to win the state, and it hurt to lose. “But every team in the classification ends the season with a loss except for the one that goes all the way, so I’m really pleased with where Hoover basketball is now.” Many observers said boys’ basketball would never step out of football’s shadow at Hoover when Burkett took over the helm several years ago, but in a short time he has taken the Bucs’ program to unprecedented heights. This year’s 31-win and Final Four appearance season was preceded by a 25-win worksheet last year. The 56 wins over a two-year span are also a Hoover boys’ school record. “It’s an honor to be named Coach of the Year again,” said Burkett. “But it’s really more of a tribute to our players and what they accomplished this season than anything I did. The award is special because it’s chosen by my peers in the profession.” Joining Hutcheson on the All-Over the Mountain team were his Hoover teammates Eric Dansby and Brannon DeFore. Other members of the team include Jason Laatsch, Briarwood; Chris Turk, John Carroll Catholic; Nyck Young, Homewood; Matti Sigurdarson and Mario Stramaglia, Mountain Brook; Justin Whisenant, Oak Mountain; Rembert Martin and Robby Prater, Spain Park; and B.J. Houston, Vestavia Hills.

Chosen as 2011-12 Basketball Players of the Year were Hoover High School’s Journal photo by Maury Wald Chardonae Fuqua and Sam Hutcheson.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Thursday, april 5, 2012

Sports

ISS Student’s Looking Sharp in Fencing Competitions. Page 38

the 2011-12 all-otm boys and girls basketball teams

Hoover’s Burkett, Hutcheson Lead Boys

By Lee Davis

Journal Sports Writer

here’s no doubt that 2011-12 was the greatest season in the history of Hoover boys’ basketball. The Bucs set a school record for victories by winning an impressive 31 games. Hoover also made its first trip ever to the Class 6A Final Four, losing a close contest to eventual state champion Carver of Montgomery 60-57 when a last second three-point shot that would have tied the game failed to connect. With that in mind, it’s no surprise that the Bucs dominated this year’s All-Over the Mountain team. The squad was chosen by an exclusive Over the Mountain Journal poll of the eight boys’ basketball head coaches of area Class 6A and 5A schools. Hoover led the way with three players qualifying for the unit, and the Bucs’ Sam Hutcheson was named 2011-12 Basketball Player of the Year. Buccaneer coach Charles Burkett won Over the Mountain Coach of the Year honors for the second consecutive season. See BOYS, page 39

Lee Davis

Poll Goal Area Once Again Dominates Soccer Standings

I Members of the 2011-12 All-Over the Mountain boys’ basketball team are, from left, front: Mario Stramaglia, Mountain Brook; B.J. Houston, Vestavia Hills; Sam Hutcheson, Hoover; Brannon DeFore, Hoover. Back: Robby Prater, Spain Park; Nyck Young, Homewood; Justin Whisenant, Oak Mountain; and Jason Laatsch, Briarwood. Not pictured: Chris Turk, John Carroll Catholic; Eric Dansby, Hoover; Matti Sigurdarson, Mountain Brook; and Journal photos by Maury Wald Rembert Martin, Spain Park.

Members of the 2011-12 All-Over the Mountain girls’ basketball team include, from left, front: Kayla Anderson, Hoover; Chardonae Fuqua, Hoover; Nicole Tanner, Hoover; Ellie Mouyal, Mountain Brook; Hannah Wainwright, Briarwood; MacKenzie Garmany, Oak Mountain. Back: Breion Allen, Hoover; Cara Medders, Briarwood; Sharon Sanders, Vestavia Hills; Abbie Cutcliffe, Briarwood; Kiara Williams, Homewood; and Mary Katherine Pinson, Mountain Brook. Not pictured: Marqu’es Webb, Hoover; Collier Ogilvie, Mountain Brook; Madison Pierce, Oak Mountain; Jessica Freeman, Spain Park; and Whitney Gulledge, Spain Park.

Hoover’s Fuqua, MB’s Cornelius Lead Girls

By Lee Davis

Journal Sports Writer

ikipedia defines “chardonnay” as the grape used to make white wine and champagne.

Chardonae Fuqua may spell her first name a little differently from the grape variety, but she was a key ingredient in the success of the Hoover girls’ basketball team in 2011-12. Fuqua, a 6-0 senior guard, was a

catalyst in an epic season for the Lady Bucs. She helped spark Hoover to a 31-3 record, climaxed by a 44-26 rout of perennial nemesis Bob Jones last month to win the Class 6A championship. The victory marked the Lady

Bucs’ second state title in the past three seasons. The highly-recruited Fuqua, who also stars in track and field, has comSee GIRLS, page 39

t’s become a cliché through the years to say that the Over the Mountain area has the highest quality of high school athletics in Alabama. And like clichés, that one is based on a large amount of truth. And perhaps it’s never been more obvious than to look at recent coaches’ rankings for boys’ and girls’ soccer in the state, dated March 26. In the boys’ so-called “Super Poll,” which combines schools of all classifications, Oak Mountain — perhaps Alabama’s most consistent Class 6A soccer super power—is ranked first. Vestavia Hills—which spent part of last season ranked number one in the nation—is ranked second. Class 5A titans Briarwood and John Carroll Catholic claim the fourth and fifth spots, respectively. And Class 6A’s Hoover Bucs came in eighth. You counted right: Six of the top eight schools in the boys’ Super Poll come from this area. In the girls’ Super Poll, area dominance isn’t quite as overwhelming, but almost: Oak Mountain—in pursuit of its first-ever state title—is at the top of the heap in first place. Mountain Brook is in third place, while Spain Park holds down the number six spot. As far as the more conventional polls by classification go, the area’s soccer mastery is just as evident. Obviously, Oak Mountain and Vestavia are ranked first and second in Class 6A boys’ rankings. In the girls’ poll, Oak Mountain, Mountain Brook and Spain Park all hold the same ranking in Class 6A as they do in the Super Poll. In the 6A poll, however, Vestavia Hills comes in at number nine. Briarwood and John Carroll Catholic rank 1-2 in boys’ Class 5A rankings, while the Lady Lions are ranked fourth in Class 5A girls’ polling. And even in the smaller classifications, area power is apparent. Both Altamont and Indian Springs enjoy top 10 rankings in Class 1A-4A polls. See SOCCER, page 39