Over the Mountain Journal April 7, 2011 by Over the Mountain Journal

OVER THE MOUNTAIN

J O U R N A L THE SUBURBAN NEWSPAPER FOR MOUNTAIN BROOK, HOMEWOOD, VESTAVIA HILLS, HOOVER, AND NORTH SHELBY COUNTY APRIL 7, 2011

The Junior Board of the Autism Society of Alabama and the Junior Council of Mitchell’s Place are teaming up again to host the second annual Funky Fish Fry at Otey’s Tavern in Crestline Village. See About Town, page 6.

The Vestavia Hills Men’s Garden Club is looking for a few more good men to help keep an almost 30year tradition flourishing. See Life, page 14.

Parade Home Is Dream Come True The 2011 Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders Parade of Homes will come to a close April 10, but there is still time to check out the more than 160 homes featured in this year’s event. Standing in front of her dream home at The Preserve in Hoover is Bobbie Christiansen, center, with home builders Rusty and Vicki Fowler. The Christiansen home is nearly finished and is being featured in this year’s Parade of Homes. See Home, page 30.

To celebrate its 20th anniversary, the Literacy Council recently kicked off the 2011 Signature Series with Alabama native and author Mark Childress at the home of Bob McKenna. See Social, page 16.

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CONTENTS/OPINION

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

MURPHY’S LAW

Meet the 2010-11 boys and girls All Over the Mountain high school basketball teams. See Sports, page 40.

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oin the conversation. Register on our website and comment on stories, events and more. rowse through even more pictures from the biggest and best social events in the area.

onnect with us. Like us on Facbook find out what’s going on at the Journal. You can also follow us on Twitter now under OTMJnews.

In our next issue, get a sneak peak of this year’s Decorator’s ShowHouse.

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

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WEDDINGS SCHOOL HOME SPORTS

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April 7, 2011

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 and John Pope Advertising Sales: Suzanne Wald, Julie Trammell Edwards, Tommy Wald Vol. 20, No. 7

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

I Can’t Say Non

’m learning to speak you will. I just had to try. Two years ago, I quietly French. So far, I could bought a basic phrases workbook and stuck some inextell you that a horse is pensive CD’s in my car, but I never got the connection. indeed eating (Le cheval Repeating phrases into the air as I motored down U.S. mange) or the man is drivHighway 280 wasn’t enough. ing a car (L’homme conduit And so my 2011 New Year’s resolution. I received une voiture) but if you want one of those fancy computer French language systems to know anything more, for Christmas (thank you, Harold), one with a headset you’ll have to wait a few and everything. This time, when I speak a phrase out weeks. loud, I get audible feedback. When my answer is corOr more. There are rect and correctly pronounced, the program rewards me a lot of articles, definite with a pleasant little “ding.” When I am in error, it ... Susan Murphy and otherwise, to wade bonks. There’s no mistaking where you stand. through and I’m having Well, on Day One I put on my headset, clicked to squeeze in my study time in between various and on the first lesson, and jumped in. I was rolling right sundry other responsibilities. along, un pomme, un garçon, My progress has been slow. La fille mange, La femme boit, That’s OK, though, because I and I was feeling pretty good Somewhere along the line, really have no pressing need to about my progress until I came speak French. I’m not going to to the yes or no review segI was told that one does not France anytime soon. And yet, Oui or non, that’s all I dabble in French, that French ment. here I am, sitting at the comhad to say. First question. Oui, puter struggling to conquer the Ding! Second question. Non ... speaking people were very dreaded “ne-pas” connection. I tried again. I knew my protective of their language and Bonk! Why? Because I’ve let French answer was correct. The man intimidate me for years. did not appreciate French 101 was definitely not cooking. I love learning languages. L’homme cuisine? Non. Still amateurs coming in and butch- Bonk. Apparently, while my As an exasperated anthropology professor once told me, answer was correct, I wasn’t ering their beautiful prose. “They have a different word pronouncing it correctly and in for everything!” Indeed, but French that makes you wrong. that’s what makes it so fun. I tried several other phonetic I studied Spanish through high school and college. and nasal variations - Non ... no ... naw ... nah ... Bonk! A few years ago I dabbled with Italian mostly because Bonk! Bonk! it was just so much fun to say out loud, but French I It shouldn’t have surprised me. I have a hard time have left alone. Somewhere along the line, I was told saying “No” in English. Will you do this? Yes. Will that one does not dabble in French, that French speakyou do that? Sure. Even when my available time and ing people were very protective of their language and talents do not easily lend themselves to the situation, I did not appreciate French 101 amateurs coming in and have a hard time saying no. butchering their beautiful prose. Since I work hard not Perhaps this is a good sign. Perhaps as I bonk my to offend people of any nationality, I limited my verbal way along, I’m being prepped to fit in with some French to food words and then only so I did not inadfuture French friends. Will you do this? Oui. Will you vertently order frog legs or some prized organ meat in do that? Oui. a restaurant. Sadly, anything sounds good in French. I’m already overbooked in another language. Of That’s what makes it so intriguing. French sounds course, I’m still on lesson one. Maybe “I’ll think about languid and civilized, so un-commuter-computer, if it” comes in lesson two ... Non. ❖

OVER THE MOUNTAIN VIEWS

What would your dream remodeling project be?

“My bathroom, my sanctuary. A spa tub, a huge walk-in shower with water jets, and a lounge area and large open dressing area.”

“I’m about to do my dream remodel. We’re redoing our whole kitchen from scratch and a screen porch and two baths.”

Cindy June Inverness

Ginger Gurvin Meadow Brook

“In my ideal dream home renovation, I would love to completely renovate our basement so that it has a mini kitchen, hardwood floors and a more open feel to it. It would also be nice to enlarge our master bathroom which is on the main level.”

“My dream project would be to have a summer kitchen with all the outdoor living amenities – beautiful landscaping, built in seating, outdoor oven, copper sink and of course a television and music system.”

Randa Smith Hall Mountain Brook

Janie Mayer Homewood

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

MBAA Show Marks 30th Anniversary

The Mountain Brook Artist Association (MBAA) will host its annual spring art show at the Crestline Elementary athletic field April 9 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Rain date is April 10 from 2 to 5 p.m. This year marks the show’s 30th anniversary. More than 100 MBAA members will display their original artwork for sale in an outdoor setting near Crestline Village. Many participants are regionally recognized and award-winning artists. Artwork for a variety of budgets will range in size from miniature to extra large and will include oils, acrylics, watercolors, mixed media, pastels and drawings. Food vendors will be on site. Visa, MasterCard and Discover cards will be accepted. Admission is free to the family-oriented, handicap-accessible event. Members of the show committee are Amy Peterson, chairman; Gayle Hurley, assistant chairman; Lucy Mason, hospitality/information booth coordinator; Linda Dunn, tax coordinator; John Shadrick, publicity; and Janet Sanders, MBAA president. For more information, visit www.mbartassociation.org or email artshowinfo@aol.com.

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Artists whose works will be featured at the 30th annual MBAA spring art show include, from left: Charlotte Kelley, Mary Mellen, Jackie Pierce, Lynn Briggs, Janet Sanders and Carolyn Mitchell. Photo special to the Journal

High Country Run Set for April 9

The 10th annual High Country 5K Run/Walk and 1 Mile Fun Run for Shades Crest Baptist Church is April 9 at 8 a.m. The race will begin at the church on Park Ave. in Hoover. Pre-registration and packet pickup will be at the church’s fellowship hall April 8 from 4 to 8 p.m. A pasta dinner for entrants and their families begins at 6 p.m. Late registration is on race day from 6:30 to 7:45 a.m. After the races, there will be a free pancake breakfast for entrants and their families. Entry fee for the 5K is $20 in advance and $25 on race day. Family fees are $50 in advance

and $60 on race day. The one-mile fun run is free. The event will be held rain or shine, and no refunds will be given. The first 300 to enter will be guaranteed a High Country 5K Tshirt. Other shirts will be ordered for later pickup. Awards will be presented to the top finishers for the 5K run in male and female divisions. Awards will also go to the top three finishers in each age division. Awards for the fun run will go to the top male and female finishers. Other participants will receive an award. For more information, call the church at 822-1750 or visit www. shadescrest.org. ❖

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NorthStar Gala Is At B&A Warehouse

NorthStar Youth Ministries will host a gala April 14 at 6 p.m. at B&A Warehouse. The event will raise money for the organization’s six-week intensive summer camp for children in Birmingham’s inner city. Tickets, $40 in advance and $50 at the door, include food, music and live and silent auctions. NorthStar Youth Ministries helps urban youth find their direction in life through high quality, holistic programs in a nurturing Christian environment. For more information or to buy tickets, visit www.northstaryouthministries.org.

Sav-A-Life Shelby Plans Walk for Life

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The Sav-A-Life Shelby annual Walk for Life fundraising event will be April 16 at Valleydale Baptist Church, 2324 Valleydale Rd. Registration begins at 8 a.m. The walk starts at 9 a.m. The event helps Sav-A-Life Shelby continue sharing Christ with those facing crisis pregnancies and provide spiritual, emotional and material support for local families. There will be refreshments, prizes, face painting for children and an opportunity to earn “walk bucks” from the Amen Corner. For an event brochure or more information, call 664-1667 or visit www.valleydale.org.

Choral Society Plans Masquerade Ball

This year’s Masquerade Benefit Ball for the Magic City Choral Society will be April 16 from 7 to 10 p.m. at 2212 2nd Ave. North. The evening includes an open bar, food, entertainment

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Showing off auction items for the upcoming NorthStar Gala are from left: Faris Malki, Suzanne Goddard, Chad Stogner, Sara Dungan and Paul Neville. Journal photo by Maury Wald and a masquerade contest starting programs: PrimeTime Treasures, Operation School Bell and at 9 p.m. Admission is a $20 donation to Operation Literacy. PrimeTime Treasures and the the MCCS. league’s new upscale thrift shop, The party is hosted by Stan Encore of Homewood, will also Kilgore, Tobin Greene, King and be open. Queen Apollo XXXV (Jim Baron and John Hurley), Travis Mackey, Katie Rochester, Becky Lawson, Barbara Lawson, Betty Lawson, Kim Graham Smith, Paul Odom, Deedra Atkisson, Clint Glenwood Autism and Marbut, Derrick Walker, Jamie Behavioral Health Center will Whitehurst, Karen Musgrove, have a “Plant Sale for Autism” Paul Dease, Greg Adams and Our April 8-10 at Hollywood Pools Place, Chris Conn, Niamh Tuohy on U.S. 31 in Vestavia Hills. Clarke and Charlotte Rush. An assortment of plants will For more information, visit include plumbago, hibiscus trees, www.facebook.comMagicCityKimberly Queen ferns, mandevChoralSociety. illa, azaleas, Majesty palms, arboricolas, hanging baskets, fig trees, oleander trees and more. Sale hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fri. and Sat. and noon to 4 Assistance League of p.m. Sun. A family fun day April Birmingham will host a multi9 includes free hot dogs, drinks, family garage sale at PrimeTime cotton candy, popcorn, ice cream Treasures in Homewood April 8 from Bruster’s and an inflatable and 9 from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. slide. The sale, which includes furProceeds benefit Glenwood. niture, art, clothes, rugs, books, For more information, call household items and more, supHollywood Pools at 979-7727 or ports the league’s philanthropic Kristyn Bara at 795-3334. ❖

Plant Sale Benefits Glenwood Center

Assistance League Will Sponsor Garage Sale

VSA, AT&T Host Creativity Show

VSA Alabama and AT&T Alabama are hosting the 19th annual Creativity/Art in the Magic City, a statewide juried visual arts exhibit, at the AT&T Alabama Operations Center on U.S. 280 across from The Summit. The show features nearly 200 works of art created by adult artists with various disabilities and chronic illnesses. The exhibition is made possible by AT&T Alabama and through grants from the Alabama State Council on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts. Regular exhibition viewing hours are Mon.-Fri. from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. through April 7. The closing reception and art sale, also at the operations center, will be April 7 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Guests can view the show, meet the artists, purchase artwork and enjoy refreshments and live music. Hosts are Fred McCallum, president and CEO of AT&T Alabama, and his wife Connie. Admission to the reception is free and open to the public. Portions of the artwork sales benefit VSA Alabama programs. VSA Alabama developed Creativity in 1992 to give adult artists with disabilities and chronic illnesses living in Alabama the opportunity to showcase their art and to participate in a juried exhibition. For more information on VSA Alabama, visit www.vsaalabama. org or call 307-6300.

Artists will be on site to discuss their work. Some slated to be in this year’s show include Edna Sealy, Yvonne Andrews, Charles Patterson, Christoffer Frank, Barbara Dollar, Pat Adkins, Faye Creel, Theresa Peterson, Mary Ann Brechun, Lara Brechun, John Rodgers, Cheryle Hayes, Joyce Byrd, Marion Rekus, Sue Hughes, Lewis Hughes, Lincoln Gaborik, Vassie Gaborik, Barbara Prior and Winnie Cooper. For more information, call 9795699 or visit www.hoovershelbyart. com. ❖

Photo special to the Journal

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The Town of Mt Laurel is hosting its ninth annual Spring Festival April 9 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event is free and suitable for the whole family, including Fido. The festival will feature a farmer’s market and craft fair with a huge variety of vendors, plus new home tours. Kids can enjoy an inflatable play area, face painting and hay rides throughout the community. Live music will be provided by Fiddlin’ in the Parlor. For more information visit www.mtlaurel.com.

Art in the Park, an annual spring art show, will be at the Hoover/Shelby Art Association at Heardmont Park Senior Community Center April 16 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The show will feature original art in many styles and media, iron work, jewelry, pottery, fiber art, calligraphy, pressed flower work and more. The event is family-oriented and handicap-accessible, with indoor and outdoor exhibits and refreshments.

Artists getting ready for the Hoover Shelby Art Association’s spring show are, from left: artists Lewis Hughes, Charles Patterson, Edna Sealy, Chelsea, painting and Mary Ann Brechun.

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Park for more than 30 years. To suggest names, visit www. inhomewood.com. Suggestions will be accepted until April 9. Once a panel of local judges narrow the suggestions to the top five names, beginning April 12, Homewood citizens may again log on to www.inhomewood.com and vote for their favorite name. The winning name will be announced on We Love Homewood Day May 7.

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BBG Plant Sale Has New Home

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At Otey’s to plan the Funky Fish Fry are, from left: committee members Niki Harris, Nicole Crabtree Mishkin, Whitton Ward and Trey Moreland. Photo special to The Journal

Fish Fry Raises Autism Awareness

The Junior Board of the Autism Society of Alabama �� and the Junior Council of �� Mitchell’s Place are teaming up again to host the second annual � �� Funky Fish Fry April 9 from 2 �� to 8 p.m. at Otey’s Tavern in Crestline Village. �� April is National Autism �� Awareness Month. The familyfriendly event will help raise �� awareness of autism in Alabama. The event includes children’s �� activities, live music and food from local restaurants. At the �� Funky Fishing booth, guests �� will have the opportunity to win �� items such as gift certificates to �� local eateries, artwork and more. �� The southern-style menu �� includes Ezell’s famous catfish �� and a variety of other foods from the Blue Bagel, Otey’s Tavern and Indie Candy. Live music will be provided �� by Tangerine Tambourine, a �� children’s favorite, Juice, � �� Earthbound and George Porter �� Jr. and the Runnin’ Pardners. �� Tickets are $20 in advance at �� www.funkyfishfry.com or $25 at the door. Children 12 and under �� are admitted free. �� Each ticket includes admission, one catfish plate from �� Ezell’s or a wrap from Big �� Blue Bagel, music and the kids’ �� area. A bar will be available to purchase alcoholic beverages. Funky Fish Fry proceeds benefit the Autism Society of Alabama and Mitchell’s Place, both involved with the betterment of Alabama families with autism spectrum disorders. For more information

visit, www.funkyfishfry. com or contact Kassady Gibson at 470-0006 or autismfunkyfishfry@gmail.com.

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ANTIQUES MALL

Playing on Homewood’s caterpillar is Cate Fowler. Homewood is asking residents to help name the caterpillar that sits in Homewood Central Park.

Photo special to the Journal

Homewood Caterpillar Needs a Name

NeighborGoods, inhomewood. com and Homewood Parks and Recreation are teaming up to give Homewood citizens the opportunity to name the iconic bright red caterpillar that has been the central figure of the children’s playground at Homewood Central

Birmingham Botanical Gardens’ spring plant sale, slated for April 15-17, is moving to the Vestavia Hills Shopping Center, behind the Red Lobster. One of the South’s largest plant sales, the BBG event will have more than 85,000 plants available, many starting at $2. A record-breaking 7,400 shoppers attended the 2010 sale, raising more than $260,000 to benefit the Gardens’ educational programs. Selections include annuals, biannuals, bedding plants, camellias, daylilies, ferns, herbs, hostas, irises, natives, perennials, roses, shrubs, trees, tropical plants, vegetables and more. Knowledgeable volunteers will be on hand to answer shoppers’ gardening questions. This year’s signature plant is Angelonia, also known as summer snapdragons. Plant sale officials say this sun-loving plant will bloom from late spring to early winter, and it’s drought-tolerant, easy to grow and colorful. The spring plant sale kicks off with a preview party April 14 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $45 in advance ($50 at the door), giving guests first pick of plants at the sale. Food and wine will be sold, and guests will receive a free Angelonia plant of their choice. The members-only sale, a complimentary perk for Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens members, follows the preview party from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. ❖

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Getting ready for the Botanical Gardens’ annual spring plant sale are from left: Hollie Baker, Stephanie Banks and Michael Hansen.

Journal photo by Laura McAlister

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Getting ready for the third annual Belles & Whistles Luncheon are, from left: co-chairmen Virginia Jones and Marsha Hire and UAB athletics director Brian Mackin. Journal photo by Laura McAlister

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‘Belles & Whistles’ Helps UAB Athletes

UAB Athletics and the Blazer Women’s Athletic Society will host the third annual Belles & Whistles Luncheon April 28 at 11:30 a.m. at The Club. The event is a fundraiser for athletic scholarships for female studentathletes. The keynote speaker will be Hope Cushman, vice president, general counsel and secretary for Ford Motor Company of Canada and mother of women’s tennis student-athlete Jenny Cape. Emcee is Lenora Pate. UAB Athletics sponsors 10 women’s sports consisting of some 150 student-athletes for a total of more than $2.5 million annually in scholarship aid. Marsha Hire and Virginia Jones are co-chairmen for the 2011 Belles & Whistles Luncheon. They are assisted by the Blazer Women’s Athletic Society Advisory Board, whose members are women throughout Birmingham who recognize the importance of women’s athletics and the potential of outstanding student-athletes. In its first two years, the event raised funds for a new oncampus softball field and scholarships. The Blazer Women’s Athletic Society is seeking table captains for this year’s luncheon. Investment levels range from $1,200 to $10,000. Tables include seating for eight. Single seats can be purchased for $150. Those who cannot attend April 28 are encouraged to make donations. For more information or to buy tickets, call the Blazer Boosters office at 996-9969.

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Big Oak Auxiliary Plans Spring Luncheon

The Auxiliary of Big Oak Ranch will host a spring luncheon April 29 at 11:30 a.m. at Vestavia Country Club. Doors open at 11 a.m. A raffle will feature jewelry, spa gift certificates and other prizes. The auxiliary supports the efforts of John Croyle at Big Oak Ranch. Money raised by the auxiliary supports both the girls and boys at Big Oak. A boutique has been opened at the Girls Ranch to provide shopping opportunities for items that are not covered in the ranch’s budget. At the Boys Ranch, “Outfitters” provides the boys with the same opportunity. Girls and boys earn points, which are used to purchase items in the shops. Reservations for the luncheon are $40 and should be made in advance by mailing a check payable to Big Oak Ranch Auxiliary to P.O. Box 530887, Mountain Brook, AL 35253 For more information, contact Jenny Kirby at (205)823-6123 or bigoakauxiliary@yahoo.com.

Pediatric Foundation Hosts Concert

The Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation will host a benefit concert April 15 at 7 p.m. at Living Hope Baptist Church in Pelham. There is no charge to attend, but donations will be accepted. The Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to eradicating childhood brain tumors and providing support to families. For more information, contact Randall Southerland at (256)7381960 or rsoutherland@otelco.net.

Homewood Area Churches Join for ‘Way of the Cross’

Homewood churches will gather April 22 at 2 p.m. 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 participated in the event, held annually since 1994. The procession begins at the Homewood Park amphitheater. 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 its route. Churches participating in the event 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.

ArtPlay will host its open house from 11 a.m.-3 p.m April 16. An old Victorian home in Southside was renovated to house the program. Photo special to the Journal

ArtPlay Celebrates with ArtDay Open House

Imagination and arts education have a new home in Birmingham. ArtPlay, the new education and outreach house from UAB’s Alys Stephens Center, will celebrate its grand opening with ArtPlay ArtDay 2011, a community open house, April 16 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. ArtPlay is housed in a restored Victorian home at 1006 19th St. South. A sister complex for the Alys Stephens Center, it was made possible through a gift from Jane Stephens Comer. ArtPlay offers classes, workshops, residencies and events. Its mission is to educate, inspire and nurture creative growth and self-expression by providing innovative programming in a collaborative and holistic environment. ArtPlay offers something for everyone, from toddlers to adults. The open house, a family event, will feature live music by local performers, including the UAB Steel Drum Band; free food and drinks; interactive class demonstrations; creative kids’ activities; chances to win prizes, such as the ArtPlay class of the winner’s choice; tickets to events at the Alys Stephens Center; and more. For more information, call 975-4769 or visit \www. ArtPlayASC.org. ❖

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Huckabee Headlines SU Auxiliary Event

Leaders of the Samford University Auxiliary gathered recently at the Wynfrey Hotel to choose a menu for the annual Scholarship Gala Reception and Dinner set for May 3. The fundraising event will feature Gov. Mike Huckabee. The day will begin at 4 p.m. when Huckabee will hold a onehour Town Hall Meeting in the Leslie S. Wright Fine Arts Center on the Samford campus. After a 30minute talk, he will answer questions from the audience. Tickets, $10 for adults and $5 for students, can be purchased at the door or in advance. The black-tie optional Scholarship Gala Reception will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Wynfrey. Guests will have the opportunity to meet Huckabee and pose for a photo with him. Huckabee will present the keynote address at the Scholarship Dinner in the Wynfrey Ballroom at 7:30 p.m. Advance reservations are required for both events. Tickets are $100 per person for dinner and an additional $100 per person for the reception. Huckabee is host of his own television show, a political contributor for Fox News and a noted author. Reservations may be made and Town Hall tickets can be purchased at www.samford.edu/auxiliary or by calling auxiliary coordinator Melissa Allphin at 726-4373.

Event Showcases Asian Food, Culture

The 2011 Birmingham Asian Cultures and Food Festival will be April 9 from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Cedars Club in Birmingham. The event benefits the Alabama Asian Cultures Foundation. The event includes Asian cuisine and a shopping bazaar featuring Asian art and other merchandise from Asian countries. To celebrate the Chinese Year of the Rabbit, special books for the children will be on sale. For children, there will be an Asian kite design workshop, “Verna” the friendly dragon and a moonwalk. This is the fourth year for the fundraising celebration. One of the foundation’s goals is to build a classical Chinese garden in Birmingham. A model of the preliminary design will be on display. Admission is $5 for adults and teens and free for children 12 and under. Food service will be available from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. A small number of invited restaurants representing many Asian cuisines will have prepared plates for $7 each. A la carte items will also be sold.

ABOUT TOWN

THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2011 • 9

Preparing to host Gov. Mike Huckabee are, from left: Dr. Jeanna Westmoreland, executive director of Samford University Auxiliary; Dianne Walters, event chairman; Karen Bergquist, president; and Melissa Allphin, auxiliary coordinator. Photo special to the Journal For more information, visit www.alabamaasiancultures.org. or www.facebook.com/asiancultures, contact Bob Davis at bdav is@asianculturesfoundation.org or call 903-5569.

Temple Emanu-El Plans Garage Sale

Temple Emanu-El will hold a garage sale April 29 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Items include baby equipment and clothing, clothes for children and adults, household furnishings, televisions and more. The sale will benefit Temple Emanu-El’s Religious School and Temple Tots preschool program. Temple Emanu-El is at 2100 Highland Ave. South.

Briarwood Presents ‘Saviour’ Oratorio

Briarwood Presbyterian Church invites the public to a special program concluding its Easter Sunday celebration. The church will present “Saviour, A Modern Oratorio,” featuring soloist Larnelle Harris, April 24 at 6 p.m. Harris is an internationally known recording artist who has won many Grammy and Dove

awards. He is known for several classic inspirational songs such as “I’ve Just Seen Jesus” and “How Excellent Is Thy Name.” Joining him will be the Briarwood Chancel Choir, Briarwood Ballet, Alabama Philharmonic Orchestra and other soloists. Admission is free. Briarwood is at the intersection of Acton Road and I-459.

Exchange Club Hosts Blue Ribbon Bash

The Exchange Club Family Skills Center will present “Blue Ribbon Bash The Remix” April 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the center, 2300 10th Court South. The event, which will help decrease child abuse and neglect and increase awareness, is held in honor of National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April. Included are music, food, door prizes, education and a raffle drawing. The raffle prizes are a two-night stay at the Hyatt, a flat screen TV and a spa package. Raffle tickets are $5. For more information, contact Ruby Felton at rfelton@ecfsc.com or Vicky Butts at 801-5151. ❖

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ABOUT TOWN

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

RMTC Gala Is at Barber Museum

Red Mountain Theatre Company is “Putting on the Ritz” with its Gala 2011, an evening at Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum April 16. The gala will kick off with cocktails and a silent auction, followed by a seated dinner, live auction and performances by Birmingham favorites, Broadway veterans and the RMTC Youth Programs. Black tie attire is encouraged. Tickets are $200 per person. Auction items include one-of-akind sculptures by Frank Fleming, a week in Destin, Fla., and diamond hoop earrings from Barton-Clay Fine Jewelers. Chairmen are Betsy Faucette, Tammy Fleisher and Sara Kinney; volunteers from the Dress Circle Society are led by president Carolyn Lankford. Gala committee members are Amy Johnstone, Alison Gorrie, Robert Raiford, Sperry Snow, Robert Hill, Susan Edwards, Kristy Harrison, Beth Pitman, Laurie Kirkland, Helen Harmon, Peter Reich and Cinda Godfrey. For more information, contact Nancy Carmichael, director of development, at 324-2424 or devel opment@redmountaintheatre.org.

Old Howard 100 Set for April 16

Samford University’s Old Howard 100 Bike Ride will offer bicyclists a springtime tour through parts of historic Alabama. The seventh annual event, sponsored by Samford’s Howard College of Arts and Sciences, will be April 16. The ride, with routes of 30, 45, 75 or 100 miles, will begin and end at Judson College in Marion, where Samford was founded as Howard College in 1841. All riders will start at 9 a.m. The 100-mile route goes from downtown Marion through the Perry County countryside into Hale County and Greensboro, back to Marion, south to the Perry Lakes wetlands region and to Selma in Dallas County before returning to Marion. Proceeds from the ride will benefit Sowing Seeds of Hope, a ministry that seeks to improve the quality of life and work in Perry County through better education opportunities, health care, tourism, transportation and economic development. Registration is $35 through April 8 or $45 after April 8, $15 for students and $10 for residents of Perry, Hale and Dallas counties. For information and registration, call 726-4033, e-mail coordinator Ken Kirby at rkkirby@samford. edu or visit www.samford.edu/oldhoward.

Cook-off Will Benefit Girls Inc.

Ready for the Red Mountain Theatre Company’s Gala 2011 are, front, from left: RMTC Youth Program members Spiro Gerontakis, Catherine Kinney and Sarah Fleisher, and in back, Sperry Snow of Barton-Clay Fine Jewelry. Photo special to the Journal The Girls Inc. board of directors Homewood will host its Creative Cocktail Supper April 16 at 5:30 and Committee of 25 are hosting a p.m. at Architecture Works, 130 Cajun Cook-off to raise awareness 19th St. South. and funds for Girls Inc. April 9 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Railroad The fundraising event will Park. include food and beverages, live Teams will register and comentertainment by CMS graduates pete in two events: a gumbo and and a silent auction. Some 200 jambalaya competition and an open guests are expected to attend. Cajun/Creole competition. Guests Tickets are $50. For more inforwill sample dishes from each team mation or to buy tickets, call the and vote for their favorite. school at 879-3278. Beer, wine, additional food, music and children’s activities will be available. Girls Inc. of Central Alabama is a non-profit organization that inspires all girls to be strong, smart, and bold through programs that Holy Family Cristo Rey encourage them to take risks and Catholic High School will hold master physical, intellectual and the fifth annual Raising Dollars emotional challenges. for Scholars Luncheon and Silent To buy tickets or register a Auction April 15 from 11 a.m. to team, call 599-5683 or e-mail 1 p.m. at the Harbert Center in emelaney@girlsinccentral-al.org. downtown Birmingham. For more information about Girls Tickets are $60; sponsorships Inc., visit www.girlsinccentralare available. Call 263-0137 for al.org. more information. Community and corporate partners connect and share ideas about the progression of Holy Family Cristo Rey and its students at the luncheon, the Spirit of Hope Youth Ranch will school’s signature fundraiser. have its fourth annual Bluegrass and Burgers April 9 from noon to 3 p.m. The event includes music by the The fourth annual Step Tack Room Boys, horse training demonstrations and the debut of the Forward to Cure Tuberous Sclerosis Walk will be April ranch’s first dancing horse recital. 16 on the field directly in front Hamburgers and hot dogs will be of Emmet O’Neal Library in served right off the grill. Mountain Brook. Other activities include face Registration will begin at 8 painting, balloon animals and arts a.m.; the walk starts at 9 a.m. and crafts for children. The event includes family Leah Brandon of Birmingham’s activities such as a silent auction, WERC is emcee. Kids’ Korner, entertainment, The ranch is at 194 King’s refreshments and more. Ranch Drive in Wilsonville. For For more information or directions, visit www.sohyr.org. to register, visit www.stepforSpirit of Hope gives children in wardtocuretsc.org or call Carole emotionally stressful situations the Pitard at 968-6670. opportunity to work with horses that have been rescued from abuse and neglect or are unwanted.

Lunch, Auction Benefit ‘Dollars for Scholars’

‘Bluegrass and Burgers’ Helps Kids, Horses

‘Step Forward’ Walk is Set for April 16

Montessori School Hosts Cocktail Supper Creative Montessori School in

First Light Honors Top Volunteers

First Light’s 13th annual Gala will be April 30 at the Doubletree Hotel. Volunteers Nancy Skinner

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

The other photo is of First Light board members Emma Taylor, left, and Lanita Engates show off art pieces to be auctioned at First Lights 13th Annual Gala. Photo special to the Journal and Betty Drennen will be recognized as the Honorees of the Year, and Starnes Davis Florie LLP will be honored as the Volunteer of the Year. Emcee is Andrea Lindenberg, evening anchor for Alabama’s 13. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. with a silent auction. Dinner and a live auction begin at 8 p.m. Nancy Skinner and Betty Drennen have been dinner and overnight volunteers at First Light, an emergency shelter for the homeless, and have generated support for the organization for 20 years. Tickets are $150 per person; sponsor tables may be purchased. For tickets, contact Shannon Horsley at shannon.horsley@firstli ghtshelter.org or call 323-4277. To order online, visit www.firstlightshelter.org

Birmingham Walkers Wanted to ‘Create a World Free of MS’ The Alabama-Mississippi Chapter of the National Multiple

Sclerosis (MS) Society is lacing up April 9 for Birmingham Walk MS in Homewood Central Park. Checkin opens at 7:30 a.m. and the walk begins at 9 a.m. The funds raised during the walk will help support services for the more than 4,200 people living with MS in Alabama and fund research to find a cure. Birmingham Walk MS will offer one-mile and three-mile route options for all participants. After the walk, the celebration will continue at Homewood Central Park with refreshments, awards, announcements and entertainment. For more information, visit http://www.walkms.org/ or call the Alabama-Mississippi Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society at 1-800FIGHT MS.

‘Idol’ Runner-Up Is JDRF Event Guest

Crystal Bowersox, American Idol’s 2010 runner-up and Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation advocate, will be the celebrity guest performer at the Alabama

ABOUT TOWN

THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2011 • 11

Chapter’s 10th annual Night of Hope Gala April 16 at The Club. Cocktails and a silent auction begin at 6 p.m. Dinner, entertainment and a live auction will begin at 7:30 p.m. This year’s co-chairmen are Bernice Barstein and Harriet Despinakis Reis; the Living and Giving honoree is Jeff Stone. Over the last nine years, this event has raised more than $5 million for diabetes research. Bowersox, 25, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when she was

6 years old. Her family often participated in Walk to Cure Diabetes events in her native state, Ohio.

For more information, call 8710333 or e-mail Alabama@jdrf. org. ❖

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ELECTRICAL SAFETY TIP No.33

JANUARY IS ELECTRICAL SAFETY MONTH. AS IS FEBRUARY, MARCH, APRIL, MAY, JUNE, JULY, AUGUST, SEPTEMBER, OCTOBER, NOVEMBER, AND DECEMBER.

By Kenneth Hicks Alabama Power Lineman

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Never let your guard with electricity. That’s the advice given to every lineman who works at �� Alabama Power. It’s also the advice we give our customers. ��

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4. Install Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter outlets in your kitchen and bathrooms. 5. If something that’s plugged in falls into a sink full of water, DON’T reach in to get it. Don’t even unplug it until after you’ve cut the power off at the circuit breaker. 6. Watch where you’re placing that ladder. Do not let it touch any electrical wires. 7. Don’t overload outlets. We’ve got more gadgets to plug in these days than ever before. That doesn’t mean an outlet can handle them all. Overloaded circuits cause an estimated 5300 ﬁres a year. 8. Don’t touch a damaged electrical cord or one showing bare wire. 9. Don’t run an electrical cord under a rug. Don’t staple or nail electrical cords. 10. If you’ve got kids, cover your unused electrical outlets with plastic safety covers. For more electrical safety tips, visit AlabamaPower.com/safety.

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12 • THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2011

PEOPLE

TWN Chooses New Directors, Officers

Board of Directors members at large are: Lowell Christy, president of Christy/Cobb, Inc.; The Women’s Network (TWN) Walker Jones, community relations director of Birmingham has announced its board of direcCoca-Cola Bottling Co.; Ann tors and officers for 2011. Langley, community outreach Officers are: president Cheryl manager and client liaison of Williams, president of A.G. HANNA Always There In Home Care; Williams & Co., Inc.; presidentANTIQUES Darlene Negrotto, CEO of Vulcan MALL elect Fran Godchaux, interim Park Foundation and Museum; president of Operation New 2424 7th Ave. So. • 323-6036 MON-SAT 10:00-5:00 Birmingham; and treasurer Dottie Sharon Bell, assistant superintendent of Birmingham city schools; King, president of the King Angie Jennings, vice president Consulting Group, Inc. of private banking at ServisFirst Bank; and U. S. Administrative Judge Debra H. Goldstein. Committee co-chairmen are: entertainment and hospitality, Rachel Russell, vice president of customer care, AT&T, and Donna Sisson, president, Context Management Consulting; membership, Carleton Ambrose, vice president of private banking at Red Mountain Bank, and Ramona Graffeo, vice president of client solutions, BPI Group; pro323-6014 grams, Suzanne Durham, CEO Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 FAX: 205-824-1246 of YWCA, and Kay Kornmeier, Mar. 2011 partner at Clarus Consulting This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for theGroup; and public relations, Tracey Morant Adams, executive April 7, 2011 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246. director of economic development for the city of Birmingham, Please make sure all information is correct, and Ruwena Healy, president of Marketing 24/7, Inc. including address and phone number! TWN is a membership organi� zation of Birmingham area female executives and community leadPlease initial and fax back within 24 hours. If we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the press date, ers.

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Foster Earns Eagle Scout Rank

Thomas Foster received the rank of Eagle Scout Dec. 9, 2010. His Eagle Court of Honor was held at Liberty Park Baptist Church Feb. 27. Foster’s Eagle Scout project was a multi-level outdoor amphitheater at Liberty Park Baptist Church in Vestavia Hills. �� During �� his years in Thomas Foster �� scouting, he �� earned 22 merit badges and was ��senior patrol leader and a member of the prestigious Order of the �� Arrow. The Vestavia Hills High School freshman is a member �� of Troop 76, where he plans to remain active in scouting. ��

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Charity League Has New Leaders

The Charity League recently announced its new officers and executive board for 2011. They are: president, Sandy Stewart with Championship Marketing; president-elect, Karen Bailey with Bailey Land Group; vice president of fundraising projects, Katie Hughes; vice president

Newly-elected Hoover New Horizons Advisory Board members are, from left, front: Donna Wiltsey, Rose Marie Bunn, Marie Keffer, secretary Judy Branin and Janice Watson. Back: president Ken Sullivan, Don Barley, Diane Scripps, Earline Dance and vice president Karl Johnson. The volunteer group oversees a variety of activities at the Hoover Senior Center. Photo special to The Journal of membership, Becky Holt with Aegis Therapies; vice president of service, Tammi Dahle with the University of Montevallo; vice president of scholarships and special requests, Kristin Fitzpatrick with Fitzpatrick Consultant; treasurer, Sally McClanahan; project treasurer, Adrienne Hart with Southern Co.; secretary, Whitney Price with Aegis Therapies; vice president of communications, Pam Measel, Jack’s; historian, Jennifer Eicher; and parliamentarian, Sylvion Moss with Galloway and Scott, LLC. New members are: Donna Ballard, Cox Communication; Courtney Ellison; Kelli Gettinger, Mitchell- Wayne Technologies; Anna Curry, Gualano, Littler Mendelson, P.C.; Fran Howard, Southern Engraving; Kelli McCullough; Barbara Nichols, WBRC; Kellie Reece, Autauga County schools; Keri Robinson; and Charissa Thomas, McGriff, Siebels and Williams.

Hoover Seniors Are Eagle Scouts

Sam Slack and John Henderson of Boy Scouts of America Troop 93 received the rank of Eagle Scout in a Court of Honor March 20 at Oakmont Presbyterian Church in Hoover. The Hoover High School seniors both earned more than the 21 merit badges required for the rank of Eagle Scout. Slack is a member of scouting’s National Honor Society, Coosa Lodge 50, Order of the Arrow. For his Eagle project, he renovated a 1.5-mile walking/running path along the Cahaba River in Hoover. The path is used by Hoover High School’s cross country team, science classes and Conservation Club; Hoover Police Department’s SWAT team; hikers and others. He was able to donate $278 in surplus funds to the Church of the Reconciler, a downtown Birmingham church for the homeless. The son of Dr. and Mrs. James Slack, he plans to attend Auburn

University this fall to study aviation management. Henderson completed leadership programs at the University of ColoradoBoulder. His Eagle project was the construction and installation of four benches along the John Henderson Red Trail at Moss Rock Preserve. The benches are now being used by hikers, climbers and families. The son of Steve and Donna Henderson, Sam Slack he was a member of Troop 457 in Alpharetta, Ga., before moving to Hoover.

Long Chosen for USNA Program

Trey Long, an Eagle Scout and student at Briarwood Christian School, will participate in the 2011 U.S. Naval Academy (USNA) Summer Seminar program. The USNA invited a select group of some 2,250 young men and women from around the nation and world to attend the program this year. Summer Seminar is a fast-paced experience for high achievers who have completed their junior years in high school and are considering applying for admission to USNA after graduation. Each student will attend a sixday session and experience a part of USNA life. Students live in Bancroft Hall (the dormitory in which all USNA midshipmen live), eat in the dining hall and participate in academic and leadership workshops and in daily physical training. ❖

PEOPLE

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Davis Elected to College of Fellows

Patrick B. Davis Jr., FAIA, has been elected to the College of Fellows of the American Institute of Architects. The Jury of Fellows selected Davis because of his notable contributions to the advancement of his profession and the professional Patrick B. Davis excellence Jr. he has brought to the practice of architecture. Fellowship in the AIA is the highest honor an architect member can receive. The AIA has more than 80,000 members; fewer than 2,700 members have the distinction of using FAIA after their names. Davis, a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, has nearly 40 years of experience as an architect specializing in all aspects of healthcare planning and design. He is employed with CMH Architects, Inc., in Birmingham as vice president of Healthcare Services. Davis has served as chairman of the board of directors of Cooper Green Mercy Hospital and is

chairman of the Mountain Brook Planning Commission. He and his wife established the Patrick and Judy Davis Endowed Scholarship Award at Auburn University to encourage and support veterans and active-duty servicemen and servicewomen to further their educations. On a national level, Davis was an advocate for the design of the Vietnam Memorials. He has been actively involved in AIA since 1974, when he served as National Student AIA president. Davis has been president of AIA, Birmingham and of the Alabama Council AIA. He is a Richard Upjohn Fellow and received the Alabama Council Accolade Award and the Alabama Council Exceptional Service Award.

Barb Woychak, Margie Rocks, Joan Mezzell, Elaine Hill, Donna Burgess, Billie Gray, Suzy Johnson, Kim Smith, Rhetta Wright, Helen Person, Ann Damsgard, Susan Bethea, Lillian Brunson, Chris Underwood, Sara Pennington, Carol Cudd, Suzanne Clisby and Sydney Taylor. Joe Perez of Wild Birds Unlimited on U.S. 31 presented a program on the care of state birds.

A contest essay by Samford University history professor Jason Wallace was one of six selected for publication in the Alabama Humanities Review. The contest for the Alabama Humanities Foundation’s 2011 Whetstone-Seaman Faculty Development Award solicited

papers on the theme of “Civility: What Does it Mean in the 21st Century Debate?” A selection committee composed of humanities scholars selected the top six essays for publication in the Alabama Humanities Review, selected a winner among those and invited honorees to attend a March 25 forum, “Daring to Defend Our Rights: A Discussion of Civility in Alabama Public Life.” ❖

Birmingham's

Gardening District

Edgewood Gardeners Honor BBC Director

Edgewood Garden Club honored Henry Hughes, director of education at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, with a lifetime membership to Garden Clubs of Alabama. The membership was presented at the club’s February meeting hosted by Susan Baker, Desiree Maples and Angie Casey. Also attending were Jennifer Sanders, horticultural therapy specialist at BBG, newest garden club member Ailine Greene,

SU Professor’s Essay Chosen in Contest

THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2011 • 13

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN

JOU RNAL

Alabama Gardener’s Guide

Looking to grow your garden? The Alabama Extension Office offers these tips for what to grow in the weeks ahead:

Members of the Vestavia Hills Men’s Garden Club include, in front from left: Ken Lundberg, Floyd Alexander, Johnny Wood and Fred Rogers; in back from left: Fred Dyess and Lee Higginbotham. Journal photo by Laura McAlister

growing their garden (club) Vestavia Men’s Garden Club Has Deep Roots in Community BY LAURA MCALISTER JOURNAL EDITOR

he Vestavia Hills Men’s Garden Club is looking for a few more good men to help keep an almost 30-year tradition flourishing. The garden club, one of the only (if not the only) men’s garden’s clubs in the area, was formed in 1984 by a few retired residents led by Henderson Walker. Over the years, members have been responsible for the garden, now known as the Henderson Walker Garden, on Highway 31 and Shades Crest Road. The well-maintained garden welcomes drivers to the city of Vestavia Hills. In the spring, it’s bursting with color from tulips, azaleas and dogwoods. Even in the cooler months, members keep the garden up with pansies and constant pruning. While many of the original members have passed on or are no longer active, the club is still dedicated to the upkeep of the garden. And they’re looking for new members to help. Membership is only $25 a year, and longtime member Frank McGuire said it’s worth it. At age 91, Frank is still active in the garden club. He’s just not doing the actual gardening anymore. He does still attend monthly meetings, for which he prepares the agendas. “I really have enjoyed it over the years,” he said. “One thing is the companionship, especially when we first started. We’d finish working and get the cooler and a case of beer or Cokes and just enjoy the fellowship. It’s been real enjoyable.”

GET INVOLVED You don’t have to live in Vestavia Hills to join the garden club. You just have to love gardening. For more information about the Vestavia Hills Men’s Garden Club or to join, contact Lee Higginbotham at lee. higginbotham@advancedmower.com. While age is keeping Frank from working in the dirt as much as he’d like, as it has many of the other early members of the club, new enthusiasts are coming along to keep up the tradition and the beauty of the Henderson Walker Garden. Lee Higginbotham joined the club two years ago and recently took over as the club’s president. At 40 years old, he’s one of the younger members. To him, joining was a way to get involved with the city. “When I moved here, I just wanted to get involved with the community in some way,” said Lee. “I started going to meetings, and then last year, they asked me if I’d step up and be president.” The club has about 25 members now, Lee said, and it’s always looking for new members, no matter what their age and gardening background. Lee replaces Henry Chilton as the president of the club. Henry joined the club shortly after its formation and, until recent family illnesses, was still active.

“I’d say at one time he was here working the garden two or three hours every day for probably at least 15-20 years – literally,” Lee said. The club has all levels of gardeners. As owner of Advanced Mower, Lee has firsthand knowledge of landscaping. But Frank, who joined the club in 1985 after retiring from Liberty National, just loves “to dig in the dirt.” “I was always interested in my own yard, and my father was very active in Mobile developing types of camellias,” he said. “My daddy was very interested in it. I guess that’s where I got it.” Each year, the club plants 500-1,000 tulip bulbs. In the cooler months, colorful pansies are planted to brighten the area. Over the years, members also have planted around 150 azaleas and dozens of dogwoods and pear trees. In addition to the plants, the club added a fountain, sprinkler system and American flags to the garden. The most recent addition, made possible by member Fred Dyess, was an arbor at the garden’s entrance. The work in the garden isn’t the only thing the Vestavia Hills Men’s Garden Club does, either. They conduct monthly meetings with speakers and have at least one fundraiser a year. They also have an annual Christmas party. “We want to keep up this tradition,” Lee said of the men’s garden club. “Some of the younger ones are now bringing their sons with them, and we’ve had Scouts out here working with us. We need members young and old, and they don’t have to live in Vestavia, either.” ❖

April FRUITS AND NUTS: Season for strawberry planting continues. Start spray program for all fruits. Plant raspberries and blackberries and continue budding apples and peaches. SHRUBS: Prune spring flowering shrubs after flowering. Fertilize azaleas and camellias. When new growth is half completed, spray all shrubs with a fungicide. LAWNS: Planting continues. New lawns may need supplementary watering. Also, fertilize at three- to six-week intervals. Keep ryegrass cut low, particularly if over planted on Bermuda lawns. ROSES: Watch for insects and diseases. Keep old flower heads removed. Plant container-grown plants from nurseries or garden centers. ANNUALS AND PERENNIALS: Plant early started annuals or bedding plants from nurseries or garden centers. Divide mums or root cuttings. Dig and divide dahlias. BULBS: Plant gladiolus, fancyleaved caladiums, milk and wine lilies, and ginger and gloriosa lilies. Feed bearded iris with superphosphate and spray forborers. Avoid cutting foliage of narcissus or other bulbs until it has turned brown naturally MISCELLANEOUS: Spray camellias, hollies, etc., for scale insects. Carefully water new plantings of shrubs and trees. Pinching out tips of new shoots promotes more compact shrubs. VEGETABLE SEED: Plant tender vegetables such as beans, corn, squash, melons, and cucumbers. Plant heat-loving vegetables in lower South Alabama. VEGETABLE PLANTS: Plant tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, sweet potatoes and parsley May FRUITS AND NUTS: Continue spray program. Keep grass from around trees and strawberries. Peaches and apples can still be budded. SHRUBS: Newly planted shrubs need extra care in May and in coming weeks. Don’t spray with oil emul-

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sions when temperature is above 85 degrees. LAWNS: May is the best time to start lawns from seed. Water new lawns as needed to prevent drying. Keep established lawns actively growing by watering, fertilizing and mowing. Spray weeds in lawns with proper herbicide. ROSES: Spray or dust for insects and diseases. Fertilize monthly with complete fertilizer or rose special. Containergown plants in flower may be planted. Prune climbing roses after the first big flush of flowering. ANNUALS AND PERENNIALS: Late plantings of bedding plants still have time to produce. Watch for insects on day lilies. BULBS: Summer bulbs started in containers may still be planted. Do not remove foliage from spring flowering bulbs. Do not let seedheads form on tulips and other spring flowering bulbs. MISCELLANEOUS: Mulch new shrub plantings if not already done. Avoid drying out new shrub, tree and lawn plantings. VEGETABLE SEED: Plant heatloving and tender vegetables. Start cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and celery in coldframe for fall garden. VEGETABLE PLANTS: Plant tomatoes, peppers, eggplants and sweet potatoes.

THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2011 • 15

LIFE

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Dawson Egg Hunt Saturday April 16th 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Egg Hunts, Pony Rides, Train Rides, Activities, Inflatables, Food, Lots of Family Fun!

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Dawson Memorial Baptist Church 1114 Oxmoor Road 35209 204-871-7324

www.dawsonchurch.org

16 • THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2011

Celebrating 20 Years of Literacy, Literature

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Among those in attendance at the third annual Red Stiletto Party benefiting the Ronald McDonald House were from left: Tony Le, Clay and Abby McEntire, Keri Till and Ross Massey. Photos courtesy Nik Layman

Above: Attending the Literacy Council’s Signature Series with author Mark Childress were from left: Virginia Patterson, Childress, Kathy English, John English and Danny Weaver. Below: Literacy Council Junior Board Members there were from left: Sarah Strickland, James Gilbreath, Amber Long and Kevin Long. Photos special to the Journal

o celebrate its 20th anniversary, the Literacy Council recently kicked off the 2011 Signature Series with Alabama native and author Mark Childress at the home of Bob McKenna on Birmingham’s Southside. Mr. McKenna’s historic home, which once served as The Alabama Federation of Women’s Clubs, was a perfect setting for Childress as he captivated the crowd more photos at with his stories and talked about his latest book, “Georgia Bottoms.” The event was catered by George Sarris’ The Fish Market Restaurant Working with Jake Reiss of The Alabama Booksmith, The Literacy Council’s Signature Series brings three prominent authors to Alabama each year for private cocktail receptions in Birmingham’s most beautiful homes. Guests are treated to cocktails and hors d’œuvres and receive a signed copy of the author’s work. The 2011 Signature Series Committee is chaired by Susan Swagler and includes Carleton Ambrose, Virginia Patterson, Danny Stewart and Melissa Turnage. The Signature Series continues throughout 2011 with two additional events and authors to be announced. Visit www. literacy-council.org for information and updates. ❖

OTMJ.COM

All Pumped Up for a Worthy Cause

he third annual Red Stiletto Party drew more than 250 people to Saks Fifth Avenue at The Summit Feb. 24. The night raised awareness and funds for Birmingham’s Ronald McDonald House, which provides a home away from home for families of sick and injured children who travel to Birmingham for their treatment. Guests, dressed up in red, sampled appetizers from B&A Warehouse, Full Moon BBQ, Moe’s, Shula’s, Mudtown, Zoe’s, Zea Rotisserie Grill, Dreamcakes, Nothing But Noodles and Edgar’s Bakery. Others more photos at came out to represent their dishes, such as Cantina’s chips and dip and Ashley Mac’s strawberry cupcakes. The evening also included a silent auction with Odie on the microphone and a fashion show. Guests received a 15 percent storewide discount. “McModels” – Ronald McDonald House board members – showing off Saks’ spring 2011 collection included Connie Stein, Alison James, Tammie Howard, Keri Till, Chenoia Bryant, Mattie Wright, Megan Hudson, Chijioke Ulasi, Ted Perry, Nik Layman, Abby Moore, Nick Braud, Stephen Powell, Jamey Armstrong and Whitney Pettus. Makeup was by the Saks makeup specialists, and hair was done by volunteers from Tonya Jones Salon. Guests left with swag bags filled with items donated from Birmingham magazine, Private Gallery, Community Coffee, Jason’s Deli, CityVille, Maki Fresh and others. ❖

OTMJ.COM

Above: Attending the Signature Series were from left: Jean Bouler, Deborah O’Conner, featured author Mark Childress and June Mays. Left: Also at the event were Lynn Larussa, left, and Kathryn Harbert.

Above: At the Red Stiletto Party were, from left: Margaret Gaddy, A.K. Hardeman and Patricia Craft. Left: Chenoia Bryant, left, and Angela King were among guests at the Red Stiletto Party at Saks Fifth Avenue. Below: Also there were from left: Nick Braud, Ginger Jefferson and Ted Perry.

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THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2011 • 17

The Alpha Gamma Delta Foundation ...

held its quarterly board meeting in Birmingham March 3-5. Area members were invited to a morning reception at The Club March 5. Foundation president Benita Wilson Dick of Texas welcomed the group and introduced officers

present from the foundation. The foundation, established in 1962, supports members and non-members in their pursuit of personal and professional growth. It is dedicated to assisting in educational pursuits, enhancing a woman’s personal development, aiding sisters in need and supporting the greater community with a philanthropic focus on diabetes mellitus through education and

Organizing the Service Guild of Birmingham’s annual Guild Gala were, from left: chairman Katie Bolton and co-chairmen Ashley Turner and Tommie Ford. Photo special to the Journal

The Service Guild of Birmingham ended ...

its fundraising year with the 23rd annual Guild Gala and Live Auction March 5. The black tie event, held at the Country Club of Birmingham, was coordinated by chairman Katie Bolton and co-chairmen Ashley Turner and Tommie Ford. To continue its theme, “Living Our Legacy,” the Service Guild treated guests to an evening that included cocktails, dinner and dessert prepared by Birmingham Country Club, a live auction with Jack Granger of Granger, Thagard & Associates as auctioneer, emcee Wendy Garner of Alabama’s 13 and entertainment by the Double Feature Band.

Auction items included a private dinner venue for 30 people at King’s House, travel to wine country, a painting by Stutts Everette and travel abroad to Greece Among those at the event were Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Miller, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Perry, Dr. and Mrs. Justin and Ashley Moellinger, Mr. and Mrs. Drew Cundiff, Dr. and Mrs. Ron Beasley, Dr. and Mrs. Robert Oliver Jr. and Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Dent. Proceeds from the evening will benefit the Bell Center for Early Intervention, an organization dedicated to maximizing the potential of children from birth to 3 years at risk for developmental delay.

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research. International president Jackie Brannon Stutts of Tuscumbia discussed the current activities of the International Council and of the fraternity. Dede McDanal Moore, president of the Greater Birmingham Area Alumnae, welcomed guests. Among those at the meeting were collegian members of chapters at UAB and the University of

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18 • THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2011

Montevallo. Alumnae members at the event included Rachel Broom Barnhart, Mallory Baxley, Kristin Johnston Chapleau, Kathryn Crain, Suzanne Lawrence Chandler, Jean Killingsworth Eggleston, Kimberly Dahlke French, Lisa Fishman, Nancy Runyan Gaston, Judith Hayes Hand, Shauna Broom Hard, Patti Guthrie Hill, Betsy Weese Hoffman, Charlotte Powell Howton, Holly Sullivan Ingram, Jerry Nelson Johnson, Laura Burkards Junkin, Jana Budhoff Maynard, Hayden Krudop Swecker, Barbara Morgan Thompson, Sandra Barton Vickers, Brooke Hayes Walker, Paige Whitt, Susan Whitt and Leonora Hunter Whitten. Members of the Greater Birmingham Alumnae Chapter recently held a luncheon meeting to elect new officers, discuss fall recruitment, learn about housing plans at the University of Alabama and plan for the annual International Reunion Day luncheon April 16 at Vestavia Country Club. The speaker will be member Beth Killough Chapman, Alabama secretary of state. At the luncheon were speaker Dr. Sally Dunphy Cale, Leslie Ralls Allen, Suzanne Lawrence Chandler, Julie Crutcher Edwards, Elizabeth Hamiter Ferguson, Nancy Runyan Gaston, Judith Hayes Hand, Amy Nichols McCain, president Dede McDanal Moore, Amy Jackson Nunnelly, Jan Roberts and Nancy Kitchings Watson.

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

Arlington Historical Home held its first �� ... Please make sure all information is correct, including address andValentine phone number!

�� event, including dinner and a Please initial and fax back within 24 hours. candlelight of the period 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 papertour Monday. �� home. Thank you for your prompt attention. When guests arrived, they �� were served hors d’ oeuvres, and punch in the dining ��wine room with Jack and Martha �� Bartlett acting as host and hostess. ��Tables in the Garden Room were decorated with red rose petals and flower arrangements. The

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At the Alpha Gamma Delta Foundation’s recent meeting were, from left: Hayden Krudop Swecker, Kristin Johnston Chapleau, Laura Burkards Junkin, Shauna Broom Hard and Rachel Broom Barnhart.

Photo special to the Journal

At the Antiquarian Society’s March meeting were, from left: membership chairman Winyss Shepard, guest speaker Dr. Graham Boettcher and new members Dawn Higginbotham and Kay Grayson. dinner menu included baconwrapped beef tenderloin au jus, garlic cheese smashed potatoes, French-style green beans, Gruyere spicy cheddar biscuits and chocolate bondage, all created by Chef Jason Mullinex of the Culinard. Among guests were Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Whitley of Montevallo, Mr. and Mrs. Skip Dupree, Charles and Terry Hatcher, Herman and Shea Knight, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Hicks, Mary Jane and Ray Faircloth, Fred and Sue Boone, Joe and Pat Lacey, Michael and Beverly Upchurch, Colin Moore and Ashley McMichaels, Kandi and Chris Macy and James and Tanie Marcoux.

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At Arlington’s Valentine dinner were, from left: Lamar and Nelda Osment and Martha and Jack Bartlett. Photo special to the Journal

Photo special to the Journal

Serving as docents were board members Dr. and Mrs. Lamar Osment and Leigh Ann Courington. Also there were Bill and Carolyn Satterfield, Buck and Kirke Cater, Jane and Charles Ellis, Carolyn Reich, Virginia Mc Dorman, Kim and Virginia Mullenix, Frances Evans, Sherry and Gary Roberts, James and Julie Hobaugh and Alberta and Ron Lyas.

The Antiquarian Society heard a ...

lecture by Dr. Graham Boettcher, the William C. Hulsey curator of American art at the Birmingham Museum of Art, at its March 9 meeting at Vestavia Country Club. Dr. Boettcher’s topic was “American Glassware of the ‘20s and ‘30s: An Epic in Modern Art.” He discussed how the design of modernistic glassware of the period was influenced by the modern architecture and art popular at that time. Vice president Judith Hand introduced the speaker. Greeting members and guests were Nancy Jones and Nancy Morrow. Newly-elected members Dawn Higginbotham and Kay Grayson were welcomed. Barbara Wall gave the devotional. Shirley Evans and Diane

Gay provided the table décor for the luncheon. Vases of tulips anchoring balloons centered each table. President Jane Ellis presided at the business meeting when new officers were elected. Margie Williams presented the slate, including Judith Hand, president; Rebecca Mason, first vice president; Rebekah Taylor, second vice president; Sahra Coxe, corresponding secretary; Annie Green, recording secretary; Joan Hull, treasurer; and Louise Pinkerton, historian. New officers will be installed at the group’s annual spring luncheon at the Samford University president’s home with honorary member Dr. Jeanna Westmoreland as hostess. Among guests at the March meeting were Patricia Clark, Jane Faulkner, Caroline Daniel, Jon David Cullifer. Jeannine Bell, Kay Smith and Minnie Lee Livingston. Members there included Barbara Baird, Martha Bartlett, Susan Boyd, Ellen Broom, Margie Denton, Anne Gibbons, Claire Goodhew, Betsy Faucette, Judy Haise, Tobie Hand, Anne Hollans, Trish Hunter, Rosemarie Ippolito, Rosemary Jager, Mary Ann Jones, Rusty Kirkpatrick, Harriet Maloof and Bitty Mason. Also there were Virginia McDorman, Mary Lou Miller, Helen Mills, Betty Northen, Nelda Osment, Meridith Peeples, Kathryn Porter, Margie Preston, Lucianne Pugh, Peggy Ragland, Julia Alice Rice, Lucy Richardson of Jasper, Lynda Robertson, Aubrey Ross, Kay Savage, Pat Scofield, Lee Scott, Karen Shallenberg, Winyss Shepard, Terry Kay Simmons, Jane Paris Smith, Mary Carol Smith, Nan Teninbaum, Carole Thomas, Claire Tucker, Lois Turnipseed, Liz Warren, Frances Wheelock, Elouise Williams, Paulette Yelverton and Janis Zeanah. Antiquarians will meet again April 13 at Vestavia Country Club for a program presented by Magali Somers Maus of Birmingham, conservator of fine antiques. She will give a PowerPoint talk on “Restoration of Your Furniture Treasures,” for which members have been asked to submit digital photos of their own antiques.

Ballerina Club members turned out for their ...

65th annual ball Feb. 11 with a dinner dance in the East Room of the Birmingham Country Club. Event designers Ray Jordan and Janet Jackson of Flower Buds carried out the theme of the ball, “Mood Indigo.” Tables

THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2011 • 19

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Style & Comfort plus Sizes & Widths

Among those at the Ballerina Club’s annual ball were from left: Nancy and Tom Coggins, Tony and Alice Ellison. Photo special to the Journal were decorated with sparkling indigo overlays, tall glass cylinders of exotic blue orchids and trees with bare winter white branches. Members, spouses and dates danced to the music of the Edd Jones Orchestra. Hosts for the evening were David and Becky Bates. Ballerina Club president Patsy Straka introduced ball chairman Connie Bishop and her committee: Bonnie Battle, Barbara Eisenhart, Sue Parker and Kay Wooten. Committee members enjoyed the evening with husbands or dates Bob Straka, Charlie Bearden, George Eisenhart, Preston Trammel and Jim Wooten. Among those at the ball were Ginny and Robert Baxley, Evelyn and Stephen Bradley, Beth and Rufus Elliott,

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323-6014 Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 FAX: 205-824-1246 Mar. 2011 This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the April 7, 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.

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Red Mountain Theatre Company’s Young Executives ...

Council (YEC) hosted Bubba’s Bayou: A Low-Country Boil and Fundraiser Feb. 17 at the rooftop penthouse of the Wiggins, Childs, Quinn & Pantazis law firm. Guests took in a sunset view of downtown Birmingham while being treated to shrimp with all the trimmings and live music by Stuart McNair. Sponsors of the event were Hematology & Oncology Associates of Alabama, LLC, M3 Resources, Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP, Brasfield & Gorrie, Servis First Bank, Nationwide Insurance, Ashley Bruette Agency, Inc. and Bessemer Apothecary. YEC committee members at the event included president Tate Maddox, event chairmen Vivian Yielding and Frances Ellen Byrd, Lee Ashford Broughton, Ashley Bruette, Sandor Cheka, Brooke Everley, Carrie Knopf, James Michael Moyer, Tyler Novak, Rebecca and Chase �� Wise, Lee Ann Petty, Dylan �� Reeves, Robin White and �� Crystal Wilkerson. �� Guests included Brooke Bailey, Virginia Broughton, �� Ginger Carroll, Clair Chandler, Watson McCollister, Summer �� Davis, Kristen Greedwood, Lee �� Handley, Katherine Halter, Ralston Kerlz, Callie Perkins, Brad Maddox and Ross Tortorigi. �� Also at the party were Shelley Rigby, Gracie Barksdale, �� Aubra Bean, Lacey Bacchus, � �� Jessica Jones, Brian and Susan �� Lambert, Jamie Justice, Jennie Harris, Eric White, Trey and �� Karen McClure, Mallory �� Gudzan, Eric Bennett, Paul Turner, Brandi Reid, Jessica �� Hughes, Erin Rahn and Mallory Beaton. �� YEC helps create awareness of Red Mountain Theatre Company �� by hosting an annual fundraiser �� and other recruitment events �� throughout the year.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Above: At Bubba’s Bayou, a fundraiser hosted by the Red Mountain Theatre Company’s Young Executives Council, were, from left: Brooke Bailey, Ashley Bruette and Tate Maddox. Below, left: Shelley Rigby, left, and Gracie Barksdale were among those who turned out for Bubba’s Bayou. Below, right: Also there were Frances Ellen Morris, left, and Callie Perkins. Photos special to the Journal

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Brookwood Forest Elementary hosted ...

its annual silent auction fundraiser Feb. 4 at Pinetree Country Club, the first time the event has been held off-campus. Parents, grandparents and faculty members attended the event, which included silent and live auctions, live music and hors d’oeuvres. Donated silent auction items included ASO tickets; a Dreamland Bar-B-Que party for 40; dinners from Daniel George, Satterfield’s, Ruth’s Chris, Highlands and Ocean restaurants; original and commissioned artwork, jewelry

Brookwood Forest auction committee members include, from left: Amy Sanders, co-chairmen Julia King and Paula Windle, Marianne Wilson, chairman Gwen Blackwell, Carolyn Freeman and co-chairman Janet Krueger. Photo special to the Journal

from Levy’s, Barton Clay and Diamonds Direct; spa and salon packages; sports camps; and many BWF privileges and fun teacher outings. Each grade also created themed baskets to auction. Selections included a Spartan, American Girl, limousine party, wine and French country gourmet dinner basket. Live auction items included art created by each grade with the help of local artists who are also parents at BWF. Other donated live auction items were family trip packages and a 2011 Iron Bowl package. Chairman Gwen Blackwell led the PTO auction committee during the planning of the event and through the evening’s activities. Co-chairmen Julia King, Janet Krueger and Paula Windle. Other committee members were Carolyn Freeman, Marianne Wilson, Maria Alexander, Amy Sanders, Molly Baker, Jeannie Hoffman, Kelly Troiano, Melanie Dykes, Jill Acosta and Gina Saab. BWF parents who participated in student art projects included Stutts Everette, Annie Butrus, Bethanne Taylor, Jan Grant, Barclay Gresham, Jennifer Bennett and Amy Stein. All auction proceeds fund projects of the BWF Ranger PTO and classroom materials and supplies. ❖

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

AAUW hosted two speakers at a Feb. 8 ...

event at the Cahaba Heights Pumping Station. Drs. Geraldine Watts Bell and Hattie Griffin Lamar spoke about their book, “Women of Uncommon Valor: Life Stories of Women from Birmingham, Alabama.” AAUW was formerly known as American Association of University Women. The book looks at the lives of 26 women, including educators, business owners, doctors, judges, a police officer, a Jewish cantor, an opera singer and community organizers. Profits from book sales go to Miles College’s Institutional Scholarship Fund. Members there included Jimmie Anderson, Susan Barrow, Carolyn Crawford, Ilse Diasio, Judy Deegan, Linda Jenson, Judith Hand, Jo Hempsteid, Jane Hinds, Myrl Kirstein, Diane Marks, Bennie Mendelson, Jane McGahee, Barbara Patterson, Bobbie Piper, Mary Frances Forbes Reed, Aubrey Ross, Jeannine Spann, Patti Steelman and Rowena Talbot.

THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2011 • 21

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• c. 1830 High Style English Chinoiserie Sewing Stand • c. 1840 American Sheraton Drop-Leaf Farmtable • c. 1860 Coloured English Egg, Egg and Nest, and Fern Engravings • c. 1850 American Forged Iron “Widow’s Walk” Landscape Border • View Gallery on Facebook, Noordermeer Antiques

�� At an AAUW event were, from left: Dr. Geraldine Watts Bell, Bobbie Piper, former president of AAUW, and Dr Hattie Griffin Lamar.

Photo special to the Journal

organization working to unite the citizens of Alabama to protect their rights to clean, healthy water. Jamie Plott organized the event with the help of Cindy Lowry, ARA executive director, and the rest of the staff, including Mitch Reid, Elizabeth Salter and Katie Robertson Shaddix. Board members are president Alston Ray, Robert Tate, Terra Mortenson, Kelly Smith, James Lowery and Michael Sellers. Among the more than 300 guests were Steve Masterson of Acoustic Cafe Amphitheater, Paul Freeman of the Nature Conservancy, Michael Churchman of Alabama Environmental Council and Sarah Stokes from the Southern Environmental Law Center. Also there were Dr. and Mrs. James Rudolph, Jenn

Patterson and Eva Dillard of Black Warrior Riverkeeper, Ashley Hulsey and Eartha�� McGoldrick of Hulsey Little �� River Land Trust and new ARA �� members. ❖

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Ann Lee, left, and Linda Allison are two new officers of the ladies’ golf organization of Vestavia Country Club. Photo special to the Journal

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Vestavia Country Club lady golfers held their 2011 season ...

opener March 8, starting with a points team event and ending with a meeting and lunch. The 2011 officers presiding at the meeting were Linda Allison, chairman; Ann Lee, cochairman; Shirley Evans, secretary; Nell Larson, treasurer; and Helen Smalley, past chairman. As future golf tournaments were announced, all lady golfers were encouraged to sign up. The grand opening of the newlyreconstructed par 3 is April 2-3 with a tournament follow-up in June. Winners of the season opener were Betty Elliott, Nell Larson, Betty Tucker and Cynthia Egan, first place; Jean Guthrie, Peggy West, Mary Ann Jones and Jean McCarley, second place; and Jean Archibald, Peggy Kelley, Susan Murphy and Carolyn Hartman, third place.

The 19th annual Women of Distinction Luncheon ...

was hosted by Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama March 4 at the Harbert Center. Before the luncheon, guests had the opportunity to browse through many of the Girl Scout Gold Award projects and to purchase items and Girl Scout Cookies.

Emcee Bettina Boateng of Alabama’s 13 entertained the crowd with her recollections of being a Girl Scout and how scouting has positively affected her life. Genie Blue Palmer was presented with her 80-year Girl Scout service pin. Gus Pappas donated green roses, yellow solidago and greenery from Norton’s Florist for the centerpieces. For lunch, guests dined on rosemary crusted chicken breast topped with mushroom Marsala sauce and served with mashed potatoes and asparagus. Dessert choices were raspberry cheesecake and chocolate cake. Mariah Chapman was chairman of the event. Among guests were Leann Barr, Kelly Carlton, Phyllis Davis, April Deal, Judge Debra Goldstein, Miller and Frances Gorrie, Ruwena Healey, Tessa Hughes, Bobbie Knight, Peggie Myles, GSNCA board president Chris Ross, Donna Smith and Alice Williams. Also there were George and Virginia Jones, Irene Collins, Carolyn Satterfield, Cindy Crawford, Marianne Prime, Joyce Spielberger, Lowell Christy, Fran Godchaux, Darlene Negrotto, Cindy Rayburn, Felyicia Jerald, Shirley Kahn, Teresa Zuñiga Odom, Carnetta Davis, Nancy Goedecke, Tanya Shunnara, Kathryn Harbert, Sheryl Kimmerling and Suzanne Durham. ❖

Above: Bettina Boateng, third from left, was emcee for the Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama’s Women of Distinction Luncheon. Receiving the Gold Scout Gold Award were, from left: Joy Rosa Jackson, Imani Anderson, Margaret Connolly, Jessi Tucker and Morgan Brantley. Left: Mariah and Terry Chapman were among those at the Girl Scouts Women of Distinction Luncheon. Photo special to the Journal

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THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2011 • 23

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Martha Norville and Jim Norton were among guests at Carousel Dance Club’s Valentine brunch. Photo special to the Journal

Carousel Dance Club members gathered ...

for a brunch Feb. 13 at the Mountain Brook Club. Tables were decorated with centerpieces of red balloons, and candy hearts were sprinkled on the tablecloths. The menu included sausage, bacon, cheese grits, scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, scones, assorted sweet rolls and creamed chicken. Among those at the party were Martha and Peyton Norville, Anne and Bob Waudby, Mary Ruth and Fred Ingram, Patsy and Jim Norton, Rose Ann and Rod Kendrick, Sandra and Terry Oden, Bebe and Roy Costner, Charlotte and Glenn Donald, Virginia and Phil Lavallet, Roz and Jim Stroud, Bartley and Ernest Statham, Betty and Steve Morton and Patsy and Jim Beaird. Others there were Betty and Charlie Regan, Marcia and Ken Little, Harryette and Gerlald Turner, Joanna and Nick Gaede, Patty and Larry Faullkner, Patty Perry and Jim Finney, Sue and Bob Kreider, Alice and Tom McSpadden, Lynda and Dick McLaughlin, Frances and Miller Gorrie, Joyce and Jim Lott, Agatha and Snoozy Jones, Bette and Fred Powell, Patsy Porter, Peggy Marshall, Monty and Vastine Stabler and Sarah and Bob Creveling.

Amulet Club members got together for an ...

afternoon wine and cheese party March 16 at the Lockerbie home of Rosemary Jager. The club’s next event is its spring dinner-dance set for April 29 at Vestavia Country Club. Co-chairmen Anne Martin and Kathy Miller are planning the annual formal event for members and guests. Vice president Evelyn Ringler presided at the business meeting. Amulet officers elected for 201112 are Evelyn Ringler, succeeding Cathy Crapet as president;

Sandi Whitten, first vice president; Phyllis Tinsley, second vice president; Fay Hart, secretary; and Liz Judd, treasurer. Coordinating refreshments for the party were Julie Hoover

Jenkins and Nell King Larson. The dining table held an array of sandwiches, cookies, dips, and cheeses. Bernice Hill created an allwhite centerpiece. A crystal trifle compote held white Oriental lilies and miniature carnations. At the base of the bowl, hydrangeas, fern and ivy completed the arrangement, flanked by two white antique birds. Among Amulets at the party were Joanne McConnell, Nell Larson, Edith Bauman, Elizabeth Judd, Fay Hart, Janis Zeanah, Kay Grayson, Anne Nelson, Vickie Barnes, Clarice Gibbs, Bettye Anderson, Julie Hoover Jenkins, Barbara Jones, Barbara Sanders, Sue Parker, Ginger Sharbel, Janine Goode, Winyss Shepard, Sandi Whitten, Bernice Hill, Gloria Lundberg, Jackie Thompson, Anne Harris and Phyllis Tinsley. ❖

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New Amulet Club officers are, from left: Elizabeth Judd, Fay Hart, Sandi Whitten, Evelyn Ringler and Phyllis Tinsley.

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The ‘Get in Gear to Stop Diabetes’ ...

kickoff and benefit was held March 22, American Diabetes Alert Day. More than 150 guests attended the event at Tom Williams Porsche. A silent auction raised just under $3,000 for diabetes more photos at research, education and advocacy. The event was designed to officially kick off the Tour de Cure campaign. The annual cycling fundraiser is scheduled for May 21 at St. Vincent’s One Nineteen.

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For more information, visit main.diabetes.org/birminghamtour.

Signatures Homes hosted the ‘Views & Blues’ event ...

March 3 to showcase a new model home and its setting in the James Hill at Ross Bridge community. Taylor Hicks, American Idol winner, made a special appearance. Catering was provided by Daniel D’Armond. Ross Bridge was recently voted 2010 Best Community in America by the National Association of Home Builders. Among those at the party were Sabrina Stephens, Berney

Attending Views & Blues were from left: Dwight and Sandy Sandlin, Taylor Hicks and Jonathan and Brandi Belcher. Photo special to the Journal and Debbie Catanzano, Bob and Susan Calhoun, Marci Thompson, Keith and Kelly Frye, Eddie and Freida Williams, Brian and Katy Sheffield, Tyler and Tina Belcher, Dee Dee Harrison, Brad Clement, Joseph and Miko Kulovitz, Manda Luccassen, Woody and Debbie Woodfin, Karl and Marcia Montgomery, Patti Schreiner and Ian and Danelle Barrow.

Above: Attending the Get in Gear to Stop Diabetes event were from left: Dr. Jim Bryant; Dr. Tara Bryant, Tour de Cure 2011 chair; and La Vonda Jones Primus, Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes 2011 chair. Below: Logan Rogers, left, and Ben White try out a convertible at Tom Williams Porsche. The boys are part of the Bikin’ for Ben team participating in the Tour de Cure on May 21. Ben has Type 1 diabetes. Journal photos by John Pope

The celebration of World Friendship ...

Day by the Friendship Force of Birmingham, held March 14 at the Vestavia Civic Center, featured Ireland. Members and

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Friendship Force past president, Vicki Smith, left, is presented a plaque by incoming president Inez McCollum. Photo special to the Journal guests gathered in the Vestavian Room for a dinner of corn beef and cabbage prepared by Friendship Force members Vicki Smith, Charlotte George and Betty Morgan. Decorations were green and white with shamrock flowerpots and other St. Patrick’s Day items. Inez McCollum gave the welcoming address and introduced speakers Linda Smith and Kathy Hardeman from AAA, who spoke about Ireland’s history and travel there. Members attending were Inez McCollum, Jane Schrubbe, Mary John James, Nina Cranor, Charlotte and Richard George, Vicki Smith, Doris and Will Grove, Virginia and Erle Smith, Betty and Charles Morgan, Ruth Sheffield, Liz and Bob Cox, Rosemary and Keith Tenney, Regina Smith, Betty and Bryan Batson, Art Klopack, Jane Lewis, Karolyn Mersmann, Patricia Powell, Jean Butterworth, Mary Jo and Steve Cragon, Mary Lou Mann, Reba and Joe Williams and Sylvia Denton. Guests were Veronda Garner, Carolyn Miller, Anita Roseman, Urusla Hendon and Frank Denys. The Friendship World Conference will be held in August in Hamburg, Germany. For more information on the Friendship Force of Birmingham, call Inez McCollum at 822-8659. ❖

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Thornton-Badham

Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Browning Thornton Jr. of Birmingham announce the engagement of their daughter, Tere Trawick, to Walker Percy

Eiland-Zvulun

Doctors Morgan and Susan Eiland of Birmingham announce the engagement of their daughter, Susanna Horton Eiland, to Mr. Tomer Zvulun, son of Mr. and Mrs. Henri Zvulun of Ashkelon, Israel. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Bryan Horton of Birmingham and the late

Wood-Milner

Mr. and Mrs. Del Wood III of Vestavia Hills announce the engagement of their daughter, April Dawn Wood, to Michael Blake Milner, son of Mr. and Mrs. Michael R. Milner of McCalla. The bride-elect is the grand-

Badham IV, son of Mr. and Mrs. Walker Percy Badham III of Birmingham. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of the late Dr. and Mrs. John Stuart Yow Jr. of Montgomery and Mr. and Mrs. Allyn Mabson Thames, also of Montgomery, and the late Mr. Hugh Browning Thornton of Destin, Fla. Miss Thornton is a graduate of Mountain Brook High School and the University of Mississippi, where she was a member of Chi Omega sorority. She received a master’s degree in education from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She was presented at the Montgomery Debutante Assembly, Beaux Arts Krewe Ball and the Ball of Roses. She teaches kindergarten at Mr. and Mrs. O.C. Eiland of Pensacola, Fla. Miss Eiland is a graduate of the Altamont School in Birmingham and graduated cum laude from Furman University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in music, in 2004. She received a master of music degree from Boston University in 2006. She was presented at the 2003 Ball of Roses. She is employed by the Juilliard School in New York City as vocal arts curriculum and project administrator. Mr. Zvulun attended the Open University of Israel after completing his service in the Israeli Defense Force as a First Lieutenant Medic in the Special Forces. He is on the directing staff of the Metropolitan Opera and is employed as a freelance stage director by Seattle Opera, Cincinnati Opera, Atlanta Opera, the Juilliard School and Indiana University. The wedding is planned for May 28 in Birmingham. daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Del Wood Jr. of Vestavia Hills and Mr. and Mrs. Merv Torme of Birmingham. She is a graduate of Vestavia Hills High School and Mississippi College, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing. She was a member of Sigma Theta Tau honor society. Miss Wood is employed at St. Dominic Hospital in Jackson, Miss. The prospective groom is the grandson of Mrs. Jeanette Kirby and the late Mr. Leon Kirby of Tuscola, Miss. He is a graduate of Evangel Christian School and will graduate in May from Mississippi College with a degree in history with a pre-legal emphasis. He plans to attend law school in the fall. The wedding is planned for May 21.

THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2011 • 25

WEDDINGS & ENGAGEMENTS Grantswood Elementary. The prospective groom is the grandson of Mrs. Marjory Growden Poundstone and the late Mr. Phillip Paterson Poundstone of Montgomery and the late Mr. and Mrs. Walker Percy Badham Jr. of Birmingham. Mr. Badham is a graduate of Mountain Brook High School and Davidson College, where he received a bachelor’s degree in economics and was president of Kappa Alpha Order. He is a member of Rotaract Club of Birmingham and serves on the Young Supporters Board of the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center. He is employed with Harbert Management Corporation. The wedding is planned for May 28 at the Cathedral Church of the Advent.

Mr. and Mrs. John Milton Buck of Enterprise announce the engagement of their daughter, Kathryn Diane Buck, to Adam Hagan Cotter, son of Mr. and Mrs. Billy Gene Cotter of Enterprise. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Willis Brabston of Birmingham and Mr. and Mrs. Clifford Benjamin Buck Jr. of Amelia Island, Fla. Miss Buck is a 2000 graduate of Enterprise High School and a 2004 graduate of the University

of Alabama, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. She also earned a master of education degree in library media from the University of West Alabama. Miss Buck was presented at the 2003 Ball of Roses in Birmingham. She is a member of Alpha Gamma Delta sorority. She is employed as a media specialist with Enterprise City Schools. The prospective groom is the grandson of Mrs. Adele Bendiksen Styve of Maumelle, Ark., and the late Mr. Lester Owen Styve of Seattle and the late Mr. and Mrs. Ross Rainer Cotter of Enterprise. Mr. Cotter is a 1997 graduate of Enterprise High School and a 2002 graduate of Auburn University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. He is a member of Sigma Chi fraternity. He is employed as a structural engineer with Tucker Jones Engineers in Birmingham and is licensed as a professional engineer in the state of Alabama. A June wedding is planned at First Baptist Church of Enterprise.

Adams-Hill

Adams of Birmingham and Leslie Hill Avel of Chattanooga, Tenn. The attendants’ flowers were bouquets of pink and orange tulips. Leslie Page Avel of Chattanooga was flower girl. Best man was Clifton Craig Hill, and groomsmen were Donelson Ross Adams Jr. of Birmingham and Andrew Page Avel Jr. of Chattanooga. Wedding music was provided by Dr. Lester Siegel, organist, and Ryan Morrison, bagpiper. Following the ceremony, a dinner was held at the Country Club of Birmingham. After a wedding trip to St. Lucia, the couple lives in Birmingham.

Buck-Cotter

Jordan-Knight

Mr. and Mrs. Randall Willard Jordan of Birmingham announce the engagement of their daughter, Laura Taylor, to Brett Heath Knight, son of Mrs. Keith Landon Thornton of Montevallo and Mr. Walter William Knight Jr. of Decatur. Miss Jordan is the granddaughter of Mrs. James Shields Gaskell Jr. of Montgomery and the late Mr. Gaskell and Mr. and Mrs. William Elmo Jordan of Birmingham. She is a 2005 graduate of Mountain Brook High School and a cum laude graduate of the University of Alabama with a bachelor’s degree in nursing. She is a member of Alpha Gamma Delta sorority and was presented at the Ball of Roses. She is employed by Children’s Hospital as an RN in the Neonatal ICU. Mr. Knight is the grandson of Mrs. Charles Raymond Schoulin of Selma and the late Mr. Schoulin and the late Mr. and Mrs. Walter William Knight of Selma. He is a 2005 graduate of John T. Morgan Academy and a magna cum laude graduate of the University of Alabama with a bachelor’s degree in political science. He is a member of Sigma Nu fraternity and attends Cumberland School of Law. The wedding will be at Mountain Brook Baptist Church in June.

Elizabeth Evins Adams and Jeffrey Craig Hill were married Feb. 19 in the Chapel at Canterbury United Methodist Church. Dr. William Morgan officiated. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Donelson Ross Adams of Birmingham. She is the granddaughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Andrew Adams Jr. and Mr. and Mrs. John Cowan Evins of Birmingham. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Clifton Craig Hill of Gadsden. He is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Martin Hill of San Antonio and the late Mrs. Janice Nixon Dickson and Mr. B. J. Dickson of Talpa, Texas. Given in marriage by her father, the bride wore an ivory lace and Mikado silk gown by Rivini. The neckline of the dress was trimmed with French re-embroidered Alencon lace and a silk organza ruffle. Her veil was of ivory illusion trimmed with Alencon lace. The bride carried a bouquet of pale blush coral Menton French tulips. Matron of honor was Emily Kyzer Browne of Memphis, Tenn. Other attendants were Lucy Estes

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

the concept of building a utopian society. The students built cities and competed to see whose city grew most in population and financially. The project was designed to introduce Lois Lowry’s book, “The Giver.”

NASA Leader Speaks to MBJH French Students

The Dazzlers, Spain Park High School’s dance team, won honors at the Universal Dance Association’s state competition. Photo special to the Journal

Spain Park Dancers Win UDA Awards

The Spain Park High School varsity dance team, the Dazzlers, competed in January in the Universal Dance Association’s (UDA) state competition, finishing second in jazz and third in hip-hop. The team recently returned from UDA’s National Dance Team Competition in Disney World, making it to the finals in the largest and most difficult category, small varsity. The Dazzlers finished 17th in the country, earning a national ranking. The team also won first place and best overall dance team in all categories at two different competitions with the SPHS marching

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band. Team members are captain Kelsey Southerland, co-captain Emily Burleson, Kathryn Novak, Caroline Ponder, Hollan Weaver, Daylea Duvall, Karlee Picogna, Caroline Reiner, Megan Lindsey, Susanna Bagwell and Robin Lindgren. Their coach is Rachael Matherson; Kristin Bundren is assistant/JV coach.

LPMS Students Learn By Using iPads

Liberty Park Middle School recently brought iPads into the classrooms to teach students about physics concepts and utopian societies. Eighth graders in Martha Manley’s science classes have been studying potential and kinetic energy. The iPad app Coaster Physics let students design and build their own roller coasters and then “ride” them in a virtual reality type situation. Riders were able to watch a graph at the bottom of the screen that shows the potential and kinetic energies as the coaster moved. Lindsay Corley and Tre Munger’s seventh grade language arts classes recently used City Story, an iPad app, to introduce

Annette Sledd, NASA International Space Station leader and aerospace engineer, spoke to Mountain Brook Junior High School French students. French teacher Rachel Watson invited Sledd to discuss the importance of learning a foreign language. Caroline Milligan, a French student at the school, is Sledd’s cousin. Since 1983, Sledd mainly has worked on the International Space Station. She told the students that “even though English is the official language on board the International Space Station and the official language of all documentation requirements, there is a lot of travel and communication with other countries.” Knowing a foreign language is a true benefit, she said.

With guest speaker Annette Sledd, right, are Rachel Watson, Mountain Brook Junior High French teacher, left, and Caroline Milligan, French student and Sledd’s cousin. Photo special to the Journal

Professional Athlete Visits Homewood Middle School

Tanya Crevier, a motivational speaker and former professional basketball player, recently visited Homewood Middle School. Crevier became a basketball enthusiast at age 12, learning tricks and drills from her older brothers. She played throughout high school and college, where she lettered in four sports, and went on to play professional basketball for the Women’s Basketball League. She founded Enthusiasm International, an organization dedicated to sharing the message

Liberty Park Middle School eighth graders Tucker Simmons, Hunter Acton and Alec Sitarz use an iPad to learn about potential and kinetic energy. Photo special to the Journal

Motivational speaker Tanya Crevier spins 10 basketballs simultaneously while visiting Homewood Middle School. Photo special to the Journal of making the right choices in the “game of life.” During her presentation at HMS, Crevier wowed the crowd with her basketball skills and also gave students a pep talk about setting and reaching goals.

ISS Debaters Earn Tourney Awards

Indian Springs School debaters recently earned top honors at the Barkley Forum High School Tournament. Senior Jeff Liu of Birmingham was the champion and top speaker at the tournament at Emory University in Atlanta. His twin brother and fellow senior Larry Liu of Birmingham placed in the top eight and was fifth speaker in the tournament out of more than 120 students from 60 schools nationwide in Varsity LincolnDouglas Debate. The Barkley Forum for High Schools is an Emory-sponsored tournament for the nation’s finest high school debate programs. After the tournament, the Barkley Forum invited Indian Springs to become a member school, indicating that students from the ISS debate program have demonstrated consistent

excellence in forensics. In other honors, Jeff Liu placed fifth and Larry Liu placed seventh in the Montgomery Bell Academy Round Robin, open to the top handful of debaters in the U.S. The tournament was held at Montgomery Bell Academy in Nashville.

Altamont Students Win State, National Awards Altamont School science students have won top awards this year at several major fairs and competitions. Altamont’s Robotics and Engineering program won first place in the UAB BEST Robotics Competition with its robot, “The Hauler.” The robot had several key innovations, such as a rack and pinion data collection port and hand cut coaster wheels. Altamont competed in the University of Alabama Regional Science Olympiad Feb. 12. Simon Tomlinson placed first in Compute This; Nathan Sorscher and Alden Dowdy placed second in Microbe Mission; Jonathan Horowitz and Andy Vahle placed second in Solar System; Nathan Sorscher and Will Pannell placed fourth in Disease Detective; and

THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2011 • 27

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an educational program of the National Geographic Society, is a nationwide geography competition for fourth through eighth graders.

Oak Mountain Dancers Are State Champions

Award-winning Altamont science students include, from left: Olivia Dure, Rakesh Goli, Mohit Limdi, Peter Johnsen and Shawn Tuteja.

Photo special to the Journal

Harlan Brown and Jordan Booth placed fourth in Ornithology. The 2011 Regional Science Paper Reading Competition, involving a PowerPoint presentation and paper defense, was held at Altamont Feb. 15. Rakesh Goli placed first in biology; Peter Johnsen placed first in physical science; Shawn Tuteja placed first in engineering; and Olivia Dure placed second in humanities, medicine and health. At the state competition in Jacksonville March 3-4, Peter Johnsen placed first in physical science; Olivia Dure placed first in humanities, medicine and health; and Shawn Tuteja placed first in engineering. Peter Johnsen and Shawn Tuteja each received a state Gorgas Award. Only three Gorgas Awards are given each year. Tuteja also earned a paid trip to nationals in San Diego April 27– May 1. At the 2011 UAB Regional Science Fair March 5, Altamont students who won division awards qualified for the state fair. Senior division winners were: Olivia Dure, first place in medicine and health; Rakesh Goli, first place in biology; Peter Johnsen, first place in chemistry; Leah Swinford and Addison Pollard, third place in behavioral science; and Ellis Powell, third place in earth science. Junior division winners were: Will Pannell, first place in energy; Maclaine Fields, second place in medicine and health; and Josie Niedermeier, second place in behavioral science. Senior division honorable mentions went to Ruthie Gresham-

Jacobs in behavioral science and Laure Bender in chemistry. Junior division honorable mentions went to Mihir Limdi in medicine and health, Molly Kauper and Katie O’Neal in behavioral science and Sydney Calhoun in chemistry. Ellis Powell and Peter Johnsen received Stockholm Water Society Awards, and Powell also received the International Sustainable World Award for Excellence in Environmental Research. Olivia Dure and Rakesh Goli earned Intel International Awards, which are invitations to the International Science Fair in Los Angeles May 8-13. Goli was elected vice president of the Alabama Junior Academy of Sciences. Mohit Limdi co-authored “Warfarin Dosing in Patients with Impaired Kidney Disease,” which documents a year-long study of how the kidneys affect liver function. His article was published in the American Journal of Kidney Disease, the official journal of the National Kidney Foundation. Peter Johnsen was named a Siemens Semi-Finalist, one of three from Alabama and the only student selected from Birmingham. He was also named an Intel Semi-Finalist, one of 300 in the country and the only student selected from Alabama.

Oak Mountain Middle School’s All Star Dance Team recently was named Middle School State Champion at the All-Star State Dance Competition at Samford University. The team placed first in jazz and kick and second in hip hop. Callie Walker won second place in the middle school solo division. The All Star Dancers also competed at the UDA state competition at Spain Park High School, placing first in jazz, fourth in hip hop and winning “best costume.” Walker placed first in the middle school solo competition. ❖

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Photo special to The Journal

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McCormick Wins Highlands Bee

Seventh grader Quinn McCormick won Highland School’s 2010-2011 Geography Bee. Michael O’Malley was the seventh grade runner-up. The National Geographic Bee,

With Bo Garrett, Highlands School Geography Bee coordinator, are winners Quinn McCormick and Michael O’Malley.

Oak Mountain Middle School’s All Star Dance Team includes, from left, front: Lindsey Gallups, Asheton Tanahey, Jessica Maly, Haley Potter, Brooklyn Holt, Gabby Murphree, Bailey Burns, Mary Walker Lindsey, Sara Cook and Callie Walker. Back: choreographer Lindsay Jones, Lindsey Dale, Mandy Remke, Blaknie Carslile, Summer Tate, Mackenzie Brown, Sara Grigsby, Taylor Fondren, Carrie Higginbotham, and coach Leslie Wheeler.

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Photo special to the Journal

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28 • THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2011

Briarwood Elementary student Anna Clayton Mullis won first place among second graders at the ACSI district spelling bee. Sherry Star organized the event. Photo special to the Journal

Briarwood Shines at ACSI Spelling Bee

Briarwood Elementary competed in the Association of Christian Schools International District Spelling Bee held Feb. 24 at the school. Six schools participated. Briarwood second graders spelled for more than two hours and 15 minutes before a winner was named. Following the spelling bee, an awards ceremony was held in the Briarwood Church sanctuary. Briarwood Elementary’s enrichment teacher Sherry Star

SCHOOLS

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

organized the event for students in grades one-four. Winners from Briarwood Elementary included: Kapil Nathan, second place, first grade; Anna Clayton Mullis, first place, second grade; Brooks Splawn, fourth place, second grade; Matthew Bray, third place, third grade; Chaney Eller, second place, fourth grade; Lindsey Lovvorn, third place, fourth grade; and Julian Brown, fourth place, fourth grade.

Gwin Volunteers Help Out at Cat Show

Gwin Elementary School students and staff recently volunteered as stewards at the 39th annual Cat Fancier’s Association show at the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center. Stewards worked in the judging rings to help the show run smoothly. For their efforts, Save Our Strays, a non-profit, no-kill cat rescue organization, received 10 percent of show admission proceeds. Dr. Judy Rapp, a fourth grade teacher at Gwin, has been supervising stewards at the cat show for 12 years.

Volunteers from Gwin Elementary helping out at the Cat Fancier Association’s annual show were, from left, front: Kathryn Brooks, Maggie Ethridge, Josef Brown and William Reems. Back: Dr. Judy Rapp, Millie McMeekin, Mikhaila Chaney-Hampton and Jennifer Holmberg. Photo special to the Journal

OLV Students Test Geography Knowledge

Seventh grader Jack Christensen won the Our Lady of the Valley Geography Bee Jan. 12. Jack also placed third in the school spelling bee the same day.Eighth grader Joseph Naro was runner-up. All students in fiftheighth grades participated in a preliminary round with their homerooms to determine class winners. Each of those 10 winners was invited to compete in the school-wide geography bee, which consisted of questions covering topics from geographical features to world cities. In addition to Jack and Joseph, homeroom representaGwin Elementary principal Linda Joseph, who was nominated by District IV for the National Distinguished Principal Award, recently learned she has advanced to the next level of the competition. She was selected as one of the top three principals in Alabama. Photo special to the Journal

At Our Lady of the Valley’s Geography Bee are, from left: social studies teacher Kayley Krueger, Joseph Naro, Jack Christensen and principal Sandra Roden. Photo special to the Journal tives were fourth graders Burke Smith and Alex Ranelli, fifth graders Meredith Howlett and Evan Dascher, sixth graders Nathan Tamburello and Jacob Ford, seventh grader Amiee Sznajderman and eighth grader

Thomas Gibson.

Vestavia Foundation Awards Grants

The board of directors of the Vestavia Hills City Schools Foundation recently announced its 2010-2011 Foundation Grant recipients. The foundation provides perpetual financial support to each of the Vestavia Hills schools. Each year, teachers submit grant requests to the foundation. Funding comes from the investment earnings of the foundation’s professional managed endowment. This year, the foundation will award $78,257 to the eight Vestavia Hills schools and to the board of education. Since awarding its first grants in 1999, the foundation has granted $477,185 to the schools and board. ❖

THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2011 • 29

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Indian Springs Student Wins Literary Award

Hall-Kent fifth graders who completed all their homework had fun playing Wii games at an after-school party. Photo special to The Journal

Hall-Kent Students Have After-School Fun at Club

Fifth graders at Hall-Kent Elementary School who complete all their homework and turn in all signed papers get an opportunity to stay for an after-

school party, the 3:07 Club. Club activities range from a walk to play at the park to a recent Wii party. Wiis were set up in each classroom, and students got to dance, play tennis or try a variety of games on the big screens.

Indian Springs School junior Emily Cutler of Hoover won first place in fiction and poetry in the Alabama Writers’ Forum 2011 High School Literary Arts Awards contest. Cutler and Diane Sheppard, her ISS English teacher, were honored for the achievement at a recent awards ceremony at the state capitol auditorium in Montgomery. The 2011 High School Literary Arts Awards program recognizes Alabama high school students, their teachers and schools each year for their work in creative nonfiction, drama, fiction and poetry. Based in Montgomery, the Alabama Writers’ Forum is the statewide literary arts organization of Alabama and a partnership program of the Alabama State Council on the Arts. ❖

State Rep. Mary Sue McClurkin congratulates ISS student Emily Cutler on winning first place in the Alabama Writers’ Forum literary arts contest. Photo special to the 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

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The Vestavia News Network (VNN) staff broadcasts daily school news events at Vestavia Hills High School. Each student performs the duties of anchor, camera, director, teleprompter, sound and graphics/video. The VNN teacher and sponsor is Deana Goodwine. Members of the network are, from left: Grace Cato, Julianna Cvetetic, Cate Cullen, Francesca Malensek, Rashelle Coleman and, in front, Jacob Brown. Photo special to the Journal

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The Greater Birmingham Association of Homebuilders 2011 Parade of Homes has houses of all shapes, sizes and costs to choose from, and there’s still plenty of time to check them out. The Parade of Homes runs through April 10, and if you haven’t checked it out yet, we’ve featured some of the beautiful homes and neighborhoods that you can stroll through this year.

Location, Location

Liberty Park Shows Off Two Neighborhoods BY LAURA MCALISTER JOURNAL EDITOR

hether it’s fishing at the lake or taking a stroll in the park, Liberty Park has become known for its resort-like atmosphere. But to Ben Gardner, that’s not the only thing that makes this Vestavia Hills community unique. “Really, it’s that attention to detail,” said Ben, with Liberty Park. “These are really well-made homes.” Liberty Park will showcase two of its newer neighborhoods in this year’s Parade of Homes – Hampden Place and Heritage Hills. Houses in both neighborhoods come in a variety of floor plans offering lots of diversity, and of course both come with the perks of Liberty Park: parks, swimming pools, walking trails and schools within walking distance. “Liberty Park is just really one of the most gorgeous neighborhoods in the Southeast,” said Tom Patterson, head The floor plans at Liberty Park’s Heritage Hills are open and superintendent. “I’ve large allowing plenty of room for entertaining. been building out Journal photo by Laura McAlister here for 14 years with Lifescape Builders, and it’s just really a great community if you’re a family person, and the schools are great.” Liberty Park has fully furnished models of homes

Location, page 34

Above: Pumphouse Village in Vestavia Hills is one of three neighborhoods of the Kessler Companies showcased in this year’s Parade of Homes. From left are: architect Chris Reebals, sales manager Maggie Kessler and builder Jason Kessler. Below: The Cove at Overton has a gazebo and park for residents to enjoy. Journal photo by Laura McAlister

Al Fresco Accents

Kessler Homes Emphasize The Great Outdoors

BY LAURA MCALISTER JOURNAL EDITOR

he Kessler Companies like to emphasize outdoor living spaces in their developments, and in this year’s Parade of Homes, they’ll showcase three neighborhoods that do just that. “That’s one thing we’re really big on – outdoor spaces,” said builder Charles Kessler. And when Charles refers to the “outdoors,” he’s not just talking about landscaping. Whether it’s community grilling spaces with fire pits or nature trails and waterfalls, The Cove at Overton, Pumphouse Village and Heritage Parc all have unique outdoor spaces. Combined, the three offer buyers something in almost every price range. Each of the communities is designed in an old world style by architect Chris Reebals. The neighborhoods also are con-

veniently located in Over the Mountain cities.

THE COVE AT OVERTON

The Cove at Overton is an upscale neighborhood located in both Mountain

Al Fresco, page 32

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

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THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2011 • 31

A Whole Lot of Homes

More than 160 Homes Showcased in 2011 Parade of Homes

he 2011 Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders Parade of Homes will come to a close April 10, but there is still time to check out the more than 160 homes featured in this year’s event. This year’s event, which started April 1, has seen an increase in participation from previous years. Though new home sales are slow to rebound, the Parade of Homes provides an opportunity for builders to demonstrate innovative design and construction techniques and hopefully connect with prospective buyers. “We’re excited to have more than 20 villages in this year’s Parade,” said Brooks Harris of Harris Doyle Construction, chairman for the event. “To be a village, a neighborhood has to have at least three homes entered in the Parade. That’s a convenience for home buyers 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

Plan your route The 2011 GBAHB Parade of Homes continues through April 10. Visit the GBAHB’s website for a complete list of homes and check them out before making your visit. www.birminghambuilder.com typically inspires unique designs and a high level of craftsmanship, as builders see a lot of foot traffic through their homes. “Even when the housing market is down, people love to get out on a nice spring weekend and walk through new homes,” said Bart Fletcher, executive officer for the association. “It’s a tradition for a lot of families, and some of them find exactly the home they’d like to own.” Thanks to the GBAHB website, it’s easy to plan a day of touring this year’s homes. Just visit www.birminghambuilder. com to find homes and villages in this year’s parade. “We have everything you need to know online at birminghambuilder.com where home

shoppers can plan their day of touring homes,” Lurenda Avery said. “This year, we’ll also have text links on signage in neighborhoods so people can learn about a home before ever parking their car, plus links to GPS to route your tour. It’s all very easy to use and a great way to shop for a new home.” According to Harris, the Parade seems to inspire people to make a move. “We sold our Parade entry last year and have been fortunate to work with several customers who found us during this event. This year we’re going to have expert and celebrity judges award honors to their favorite homes, so shoppers can quickly recognize new trends. It’s the time of year when people thinking about a new home are ready to get outside and look, so it’s ideal for everyone involved.” This year’s event also included a Professional Building and Remodeling Expo for the first time. More than 80 Birmingham companies participated in the three-day show at the Pelham Civic Center March 25-27. ❖

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ON: CONSTRUCTI NEW HOME $500,000s ACE - from the HAMPDEN PL 00,000s LS - from the $6 VESTLAKE HIL 00,000s VE - from the $6 VESTLAKE CO 00,000s LS - from the $7 HERITAGE HIL 00,000s GE - from the $7 D RI E K LA ST VE ,000,000s E - from the $1 G D RI . TN M KINGS ,000,000s N - from the $1 OLD OVERTO ailable from Resales also av ral ,000+ in seve 00 ,0 $2 the $300s to s. od ho or ighb Liberty Park ne

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32 • THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2011

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Brook and Vestavia Hills. Just minutes from shopping and dining in Cahaba Heights and The Summit, it’s still tucked away from the traffic. Houses start at $750,000 and top off at around $1.5 million. The development has 25 lots – 11 in Vestavia Hills and 14 in Mountain Brook. So far, Charles said, the location of the lot does not determine the price. The homes are designed in old world English country, Tudor and Craftsman styles. Brick and stucco exteriors have wrought iron, copper and steel accents. Inside, floorings are a combination of hardwood, ceramic, marble and slate. Main floor ceilings are 10 feet, and second floor ceilings are 9 feet, both with crown molding. The kitchens are gourmet all the way, with gas cook tops and granite counter tops with a generous allowance for appliances. While the homes are first class, it’s the outdoor spaces that really make The Cove distinctive. The neighborhood is gated with a brick compound wall, and in the center of the development is a community park with a gazebo, including a large outdoor fireplace and gas grills. There’s plenty of covered seating for a family cookout or neighborhood gatherings.

Above: The Cove at Overton is located in both Vestavia Hills and Mountain Brook. The development has a total of 25 lots. Left: Pumphouse Village is located in Cahaba Heights. This development will have 27 homes when complete. Both the neighborhoods are included in this year’s Parade of Homes.

A pond completes the relaxed ambiance of the park area.

PUMPHOUSE VILLAGE Pumphouse Village was designed with families in mind. Located in Cahaba Heights, close to both The Summit and The Colonnade as well as other shopping and dining, the new development will have 27 homes with nine different plans to choose from. Prices start in the upper $300s. “This is just a real nice, safe community in Vestavia Hills,” Charles said. “It’s a convenient location, too. It’s less than a mile from The Summit.” The homes have an old English look with basement and main level parking. This gated community also has unique outdoor spaces. In addition to sidewalks throughout, there’s a park complete with a waterfall near the entrance of the development. Gas grills and a fire pit with seating make the park an ideal place for family entertaining. HERITAGE PARC Off Highway 31 in Hoover just minutes from the Galleria is Heritage Parc, a new gated carriage home community. Prices for these three and four-bedroom carriage homes range from $189,900 to $269,900.

Al Fresco, page 35

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THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2011 • 33

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he Independent Real Estate Cooperative has been recognized from California to Florida as an innovative and highly effective tool to serve clients in a professional manner. Formed in 2009 by James Harwell, Thad Lowery, Marcia Montgomery, Cathy O’Berry and Kay Ray, the I.R.E.C. continues to prove its worth as all of its members strive to pursue excellence in their profession. For the Over the Mountain area, the Independent Real Estate Cooperative has been a remarkable asset to help buyers and sellers during a difﬁcult time.

FULL TIME PROFESSIONALS

All ﬁve of the Realtors in the I.R.E.C. are full time professionals, and leaders in their industry. Kay Ray is a past president of the Birmingham Association of Realtors, and Cathy O’Berry, James Harwell, and Thad Lowery all serve currently as Directors of the B.A.R., among other committees and association positions. Marcia Montgomery is one of the leading Over the Mountain agents, and enjoys a wonderful reputation as a professional Realtor with a proven track record. Marcia Montgomery said the following regarding this innovative group. “It has been said that the real estate market is very local, and that is very true. We have been very blessed here in the Over the Mountain area with a more stable real estate market as compared to the rest of the nation. The IREC is simply a new way of serving our real estate clients, of learning from each other as we encounter new challenges and solutions. This can be done successfully with a cooperative spirit and a can-do attitude. We are extending a cooperative hand to our friends in other real estate companies as well as our own ofﬁces. We’re all in this together and together we can achieve more. I am very excited about sharing ideas and innovations with my fellow Realtors in the

�� Birmingham housing market, and in turn, helping my clients.” Says Harwell, “We have been operating in an economy of fear in recent months, and we knew that we had to do something to dispel that fear. Granted, there has been a slowdown in real estate but the end of the world isn’t here. People still move,

they still buy and sell houses. Sellers got used to a year-round frenzy during the boom years early in this century, when in fact, real estate has always been more of a seasonal market. There is actually a very positive atmosphere in the real estate market in the Over the Mountain area, and that is why we have joined together, to help our clients and to promote the positives in our local market.”

SPIRIT OF COOPERATION

That Lowery agreed. “We formed this group in order to improve the spirit of cooperation in our new challenging marketplace.”

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he said. “Improving cooperation and attitudes is the key to turning this market around, not only in our small group but in the Realtor community and the home buying/selling public in our area. Everything is not bad; there are deﬁnite signs of improvement in our market and we want to get that message out. We are all dedicated to our profession and getting this market turned around.” “We all acknowledged that we knew somone who has felt the economic downturn in some way, so we began brainstorming on what we could do to make a difference,” said Cathy O’Berry. “We began taking one hour of our time on a regular basis to help and support each others’ business so our clients would reap the beneﬁts.” Kay Ray emphasized the need for cooperation as well. “As a seasoned Realtor of 34 years I am excited to come together as a group with these top producers,” she said. “We all share the same goals for our careers and our clients. Together we have many years of experience and wisdom to offer. We are committed to helping each other by networking on a regular basis and sharing in marketing and improving our worth to our clients during this changing real estate market.”

TEAM APPROACH

The Mission Statement, in part, reads: “to provide up-to-date sound real estate counsel with a team approach philosophy to ensure the client’s needs are met.” The “team approach” is the key. These Realtors understand their value to each other, and to their clients. If you have real estate needs, please contact one of the Independent Real Estate Cooperative members.

For more information, go to www.PartnersInClosing.com

34 • THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2011

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Tom Patterson, left, and Ben Gardener said the homes at Liberty Park’s Heritage Hills were made with families in mind. All the homes in the development have laundry rooms on both floors and basements offer potential for growth. Journal photos by Laura McAlister

Location page 30

at both Hampden Place and Heritage Hills with agents on hand and open to the public.

HAMPDEN PLACE

If convenience to Liberty Park’s many amenities is what you seek, Hampden Place is the place to be. Directly off Liberty Parkway, the neighborhood is in walking distance to the lake, as well as the pool and park. “You’re really within walking distance to everything,” said Carolyn Barton, Liberty Park broker and sales agent. “Your right across from the pool, and then in the other direction is the park. It’s just so close to all the amenities, and everything is joined by sidewalks. It’s just so well located.” Homes at Hampden Place start in the mid-$500s and range to about $650,000. Ben said they are a mix of slab and basements. Development of the neighborhood started about three years ago. Ben said it’s about half full with nine homes, including three furnished models on the Parade. Although the houses in Hampden Place aren’t as large as some in Liberty Park, the yards are spacious. “There’s a good space between the homes, and they also have a common area which divides the homes, so they aren’t so close together,” Carolyn said. Exteriors come in a variety of plans, some of which are brick and others a brick and mortar smear. Inside, the homes have three-piece crown molding both upstairs and down. There are hardwood floors throughout the main level with carpet in the upstairs bedrooms. The

Location, page 37

Fully furnished model homes in both Hampden Place, pictured, and Heritage Hills are open for viewing daily. The homes offer several different floor plans with the master on the main floor.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2011 • 35

HOME

Come Visit These Communities during the

2011 Parade of Homes The Cove

(From Highway 280, turn onto Overton Road. Go approximately two miles and turn left at Poe Drive. Subdivision will be straight ahead two blocks) The Cove at Overton is a new gated community located in Vestavia Hills and Mountain Brook. These Old English style

Heritage Park is a new development in Hoover that offers convenient living for first-time homeowners as well as those looking to size down. Unlike many carriage home communities, the development has lots of parking. rooms upstairs. Charles said units come fully equipped with stainless steel page 32 appliances plus a front-load washCharles said this new comer dryer and flat screen TVs in the munity is great for first-time hom- living room and master bedroom. eowners as well as those looking As for the outdoor spaces, to downsize. Unlike other carriage Heritage Parc will have stone home communities, this one has sidewalks along with a nature trail plenty of parking. and what Charles calls a “pocket “There’s lots of parking. That’s park.” something we wanted to make “That’s the outdoor area for sure we had,” he said. “There’s grilling and cooking out,” he said. two-car basement garage parking, And like the Cove at Overton and there’s parking in front.” and Pumphouse Village, Heritage When construction is comParc is convenient to both shopplete, there will be a total of 34 ping and dining. homes with four different home For more information on any plans. Each has the master on the of these developments, visit www. main floor with additional bedcrerealty.com. ❖

homes are just down the road from The Summit, The Colonnade and great schools.

Al Fresco

Pumphouse Village

(Traveling east on Highway 280, turn onto Pumphouse Drive. At top of ramp, turn left and go approximately two miles, subdivision on left.) Pumphouse Village is a new gated community located in Vestavia Hills. These Old English style homes start in the upper $300’s and with what these homes offer, no other new construction subdivision in Vestavia Hills can compare.

Heritage Parc

(From Lorna Road, turn onto Wood Meadow Drive. Follow approximately two blocks, subdivision on right.) Heritage Parc is a new gated townhouse community in Hoover. These townhomes start in the $180’s and feature 3 or 4 bedrooms, slab and basement plans, lots of parking, and a park area with outdoor cooking.

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36 • THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2011

Be Our Guest B

New House at The Preserve Has Room for All the Family BY LAURA MCALISTER JOURNAL EDITOR

HOME

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obbie and Harry Christiansen had a lot they wanted in a new

home. They wanted a nice, safe community with lots of amenities, and they also wanted a home that they could grow old in and where they could entertain their three grandchildren. The Maryland couple ended up choosing The Preserve in Hoover for the location of their new home. Fowler Custom Homes, Inc., is helping make sure their house has everything they need while still fitting into the community. While construction is not yet complete, husband and wife team Rusty and Vicki Fowler said the home will be open for this year’s Parade of Homes. It’s the only home the builders have on the parade this year, and Vicki said they chose it mainly for one thing: the guest house. “I know there is no other home in The Preserve that has a guest house, and I’m not sure there’s one like it anywhere in Hoover,” Vicki said. When the Christiansens decided to make the move to Birmingham to be closer to their grandchildren in Chattanooga, Tenn., they gave Harry’s parents the option of moving to Florida with one of Harry’s siblings or moving in with them. “They chose here,” Bobbie said. The guest house is in back and is a fully functional onebedroom house. It has a full kitchen, half-bath, laundry room, den and master bedroom and bath – all equipped for older homeowners. “Everything is handicapaccessible,” Vicki said. “We put a low curb on the shower, so if they do need a wheelchair or walker, it will be easy. It’s also got a full kitchen with granite counter tops and tons of cabinet space.” The guest house has 963 square feet of living space and is connected to the main house by a breezeway. Although the home has been custom-made for the Christiansens, it still fits into The Preserve community and meets the homeowners association guidelines. The main house has four bedrooms and three and a half baths. In The Preserve, lots are categorized by size. With the main house having 3,400 square feet of living space not including the guest house, the Christiansens have an Estate lot, the largest in the community. To keep the American 1920s feel of the community, the outside is natural wood siding painted in Sherman Williams’ Virtual Taupe. A deck wraps around the front of the house; in back are a screened porch and mudroom.

Above: Standing in her new kitchen with builders Vicki and Rusty Fowler is Bobbie Christiansen, center. Below: The Christiansen’s new home in The Preserve in Hoover has a guest house. The house is featured on this year’s Parade of Homes. Journal photos by Emil Wald

Whether entering from the back or front, the floor plan is open with a large combination great room and kitchen. The couple opted not to have a formal dining room. Instead of a breakfast nook, there’s a large granite island for family gatherings in the kitchen. One of Bobbie’s favorite features is the walk-in pantry. In addition to lots of custom cabinets, the space has granite counter tops for the coffeemaker or stand-up mixer. “I really like that pantry,” Bobbie said. “It’s got a nice work area, and it’s not all out in the open, so it doesn’t have to be all prim and proper.” The main floor includes office space for Bobbie as well as a nook underneath the staircase that will serve as Harry’s office. “We really wanted to take advantage of every space,” Vicki said. The master bedroom also is on the main floor. The large closet includes a built-in dresser, and the bedroom will have a built-in armoire when complete. The master bath has marble counter tops with separate vanities and a walk-in shower and spa tub. The upstairs of the house has three bedrooms, two connected by a Jack and Jill bathroom, while the other has its own bath.

The second floor also has room for a sitting area at the top of the stairs. Construction on the house started in November and is nearly complete. Bobbie said the couple hopes to move in by the end of the month. In the meantime, Bobbie is getting to know her new town. She moved to Birmingham when construction started so she could work with the Fowlers. Her husband is still in Maryland overseeing the sale of their old house. Bobbie said they are looking forward to the change from Maryland to Birmingham and are especially excited about being in a community like The Preserve. They have a feeling their three grandsons won’t mind the move much, either. “We have some friends that moved here and built a house, and we just loved it. Rusty and Vicki built their house, too,” Bobby said. “Whenever we go places, I always try to think if it’s somewhere I could live, and Birmingham was always somewhere I thought I could. I like the access to everything. “My three grandsons are about two and half hours away, and something else – there’s parks, playgrounds, a pool. It’s got a lot to offer the grandkids. I think they’ll come visit a lot.” ❖

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Location page 34

THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2011 • 37

HOME Hampden Place is centrally located in Liberty Park within walking distance to the Liberty Park’s lakes, parks and swimming.

master bedroom is on the main floor; master baths have separate vanities and a separate tub and shower. All bedrooms have large walk-in closets.

HERITAGE HILLS

Heritage Hills is the newer of the two neighborhoods, and though located a little farther out from the center of Liberty Park, it’s still convenient to all the community’s amenities as well as access to Grants Mill Road and I-459. The homes are larger than those at Hampden Place and range in price from $689,000 to about $750,000. “Heritage Hills is a newer area, and I think that the floor plans are just spectacular,” Carolyn said. “Again, we’ve tried to have it appeal to different people who want different things.” Though there are a variety of home plans to choose from in Heritage Hills, all include laundry rooms on the main and upper level. All the homes have three-car garages and full basements with potential for future expansion. The open floor plan has hardwoods throughout, with the exception of the upstairs bedrooms and bathrooms. The master is on the main level, and the bath has his-andher vanities with granite counter tops. The bathrooms both upstairs and down have granite coun-

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ter tops. And like the master bedroom, the ones upstairs are spacious with plenty of storage space. “Really every bedroom upstairs is large enough to be a master,” Ben said. The kitchens come with gourmet stainless steel appliances and a butler’s pantry. The large porches provide plenty of room for outdoor entertaining. As with all the neighborhoods in Liberty Park, Carolyn said to expect impeccably maintained common areas and proximity so some of the area’s top schools. “It’s quality construction, and of course the general appeal of the community and schools,” she said. “If you drive through the community, it’s just very pristine. It’s so well maintained. We didn’t build on every square inch. There are a lot of common areas, and its proximity to 459 is such a plus.” ❖

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38 • THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2011

Top-Ranked Rebels Go 20-0 with Win Over Eagles SPORTS

BY LEE DAVIS

JOURNAL SPORTS WRITER

he Vestavia Hills boys’ soccer team climaxed possibly the biggest week in the program’s history with an important win Friday night. Earlier in the week, the undefeated Rebels were chosen the nation’s boys’ high school soccer team in the National Soccer Coaches Association of America’s first poll of the season. No team from Alabama has enjoyed the nation’s top ranking since Oak Mountain spent five weeks at the top of the national heap in 2005. Vestavia coach Rick Grammer expressed pride in his team’s accomplishment but emphasized the importance of continued hard work. “This is nice, but it doesn’t change anything,” said Grammer. “We’re going to keep practicing and playing like we always do.” Ironically, the Rebels faced their first test since earning the lofty ranking against the last state team to hold the national top spot. Vestavia defeated Oak Mountain 1-0 in a shootout that took 12 shots to resolve. Nathaniel Dauphin’s shot on goal gave the Rebels the win and raised their season record to 20-0. Both goalies — the Rebels’ Marvin Castellanos and the Eagles’ Brenton Thompson — were outstanding in the game. Before the shootout period, Thompson earned three saves and Castellanos picked up one. Vestavia is also ranked number one in Alabama by the Eurosport Scoreboard. The Rebels ran their record to 7-0 in Class 6A Section 5 competition. Oak Mountain fell to 11-4-1 overall and 4-2 in Class 6A Section 5. In other boys’ games, Briarwood defeated Homewood 1-0. Jonathan Blackmon’s second half goal gave the Lions the win. Benson Mulvaney earned the assist. Goalie Jordan Box had 10 saves for the winners, while Ellis Demuth had nine saves for the Patriots. Briarwood saw its record rise to 10-3-1 while Homewood fell to 10-7. Shades Mountain Christian upended Chilton County 3-0. Nick Holt scored all of the Eagles’ goals, and Cody Wheeler had an assist. Shades Mountain goalie Tanner Holt earned the shutout. John Carroll Catholic routed Demopolis 5-0. Reese Holcomb had three goals, and Trent Marshall added two to the winning cause. Goalie Chris Piola had one save for the Cavaliers. Mountain Brook stopped Spain Park 2-0. Alec Bolton and Nathan Diehl each scored goals for the Spartans. Wilson Fisher had three saves on goal. Spencer Jack had three saves for the Jaguars. Mountain Brook moved its record to 11-6-3 overall and 3-3 in Class 6A Section 5 play. Spain Park fell

Girls Team, From back cover

“This is a deserving honor for our young ladies because they had an outstanding year, even though we lost in the finals,” said Quinn. “And hopefully we have a nucleus for more success next year. The Coach of the Year honor is nice, but it really should be all

Oak Mountain’s Brenton Thompson and Vestavia’s Andrew Collins fight for control of the ball in the Class 6A Section 5 contest. More photos at otmj.com Journal photo by Lee Walls, Jr. to 10-5-1. Altamont defeated Fultondale 3-0, as Chris Haberstroh scored all the goals. Brindon Sutton had two saves for the Knights. In girls’ play, Indian Springs edged Holy Spirit 2-1. Dabney Hofamann and Laura McMullen scored for ISS. Temple Cox had four saves for the winning cause. In baseball, Oak Mountain out-slugged Hoover 9-5. Jake Hubbard and Robby Clements each had two-run homers, and David Dahl chipped in a three-run double for the Eagles. Clements earned the win on the mound by striking out five Hoover batters. Adam Wilson scored two runs for the Bucs. Oak Mountain raised its record to 13-9 for the year. John Carroll bashed Parker 10-2, scoring eight runs in two innings for a comefrom-behind victory. Daniel Bostick had three hits, two runs and five RBIs for the Cavs. Pitcher Will Martin got the win for the Cavaliers, yielding just three hits while striking out nine batters. John Carroll ran its record to 12-4 for the year and 3-0 in Class 5A Area 9 play. Briarwood lost to Gardendale 5-4. Matt Furuto had two doubles and a single for the Lions. Micah Cooper and Daniel Robert had two hits for Briarwood as the Lions fell to 11-6 for the season. In softball, Spain Park earned a pair of victories. The Lady Jaguars defeated Hazel Green 2-1 as Channing Hayes pitched a three-hitter. April Scott slammed a solo home run for the winners. about the players.” Other members of the team include Sharon Sanders, Abbie Miranda and Karolyn Perry, Vestavia Hills; Anna Handlin and Cara Medders, Briarwood; Collier Ogilvie and Mary Katherine Pinson, Mountain Brook; Colby Ryan and Whitney Gulledge, Spain Park; Meghan McCarrick, John Carroll Catholic; Eden Williams, Homewood; and Lay Watts, Oak Mountain

Scott also hit a three-run homer in Spain Park’s 4-3 win over Scottsboro. Julie Knight earned the win by giving up just five hits. The Lady Jags ran their record to 18-8. Hoover fell to Pisgah 5-1. Lady Buc pitcher Marcy Harper took the loss but struck out eight batters. She also had Hoover’s only RBI as her record fell to 12-5. Sumiton Christian whipped Hoover 100, despite two hits from Jamie Baxley. The Lady Bucs fell to 18-10 for the year. In Saturday boys’ soccer play, Hoover whipped Spain Park 4-1. Tapiwa Munesti, Daniel Meinhart, Chris Kovacs and Daniel Stavrsky scored goals for the Bucs. Jacob Taggart scored for the Jaguars. In girls’ soccer, Hoover and Spain Park battled to a 1-1 deadlock. Dailey Wilson’s goal after an assist from Connie McKie gave the Lady Bucs a 1-0 lead, but Melissa Kolazky’s goal salvaged the tie for the Lady Jaguars. In baseball, Vestavia defeated Hueytown 4-2. The Rebels’ Ben Gann had two hits and two runs and was walked twice, as Vestavia raised its record to 17-10. Trey Melazzo got the win for Vestavia; Andrew Mims earned a save.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Homewood took two victories, defeating Chelsea 4-3 in nine innings and Shades Valley 11-1. Against the Hornets, Spencer Smith had two hits, including a triple. He also drove in Ethan Lee for the game-winning run. Against the Mounties, Phillip Flach homered and had three RBIs. Stephen Baggett and Jake Parsons each had an RBI for the Patriots. Heath Reid struck out seven in five innings to earn the victory. Spain Park took a 10-7 win over Oxford and an 11-1 victory over Hewitt-Trussville. Against Oxford, Mikey White tripled in a run and scored on a wild pitch. Charlie McPherson had an RBI single as the Jags took an eighth inning victory. Against the Huskies, Paul Angel led the attack with a grand slam in the fifth inning. Nick Mullins earned the win on the mound. John Carroll edged Hueytown 9-8, as Trent Covington had two RBIs and Robert Burgess had three RBIs. The Cavs raised their record to 13-4. Leeds swept Indian Springs 1-0 and 11-6 in a double header. Joseph Simonetti had three RBIS, including a homer, and scored two runs in the second game for ISS. Pelham swept Briarwood 10-3 and 12-7 in a doubleheader. In softball, Hoover took five victories in the Bob Jones Invitational in Huntsville. The Lady Bucs whipped Hartselle 4-1. Kalee Sparks drove in two runs in the winning cause, while Marcy Harper fanned 11 batters. In Hoover’s 15-2 rout of Madison Academy, Kasey Weaver had four RBIs. Madison Dickey – the 2010 Over the Mountain girl Athlete of the Year – hit a two-run homer to help the Lady Bucs defeat Opelika 4-3. Harper struck out nine batters to earn the win. Harper pitched a complete game in Hoover’s 2-1 win over Ballard of Kentucky, striking out 14 batters in the process. Weaver and Elissa Kelly had RBI singles to make the difference. Harper also threw a one-hitter over six innings and had two hits as the Lady Bucs defeated Alexandra 4-0. The Hoover pitching ace ran her record to 17-5 for the year. Spain Park whipped Brookwood 6-0, as Channing Hayes threw a four inning twohitter. April Scott and Casey Craig each hit two-run homers. Caroline Holmes and Hannah Camp each had an RBI for the winners. The Lady Jags raised their record for the season to 20-8. Vestavia’s Georgie Salem slides safely into second base as Mountain Brook’s Nicholas Saab attempts to make the tag. The Rebels beat the Spartans 3-1 in the Class 6A, Area 12 game. Journal photo by Lee Walls, Jr.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2011 • 39

SPORTS

Third Grade Mountain Brook Jets Regional and State Basketball Champions

Vestavia Red Rebels Win North Shelby Tourney

The Vestavia Red Rebels won the fifth grade North Shelby Basketball Tournament championship for 2010-2011. The rebels were led by Mitchell Kundler’s 16 points and five rebounds, Davis Peterson’s 15 points and six assists, Colin Scollard’s 12 rebounds, and Sean QuinneyElmore’s seven rebounds. Also playing a significant role were Coleman Petway, Christopher Dugas, Earl Bradberry, Garrett Yarmowich, Brayden Puckett, Wilson Enslen, and Breck Cuddy. This is the first North Shelby championship by a team from Vestavia. The Red Rebels are coached by Dr. Marc Kundler and his assistants Ben Puckett and Sinjon Bradberry.

Boys Team, From back cover

team may be among the strongest ever selected. The team, chosen by an exclusive Over the Mountain Journal poll of the eight head coaches of Class 6A and Class 5A basketball teams, features strength in almost every aspect of the game and is loaded with talented seniors, juniors, sophomores and freshmen. The coaches chose Homewood senior guard Marvin Whitt as the 2010-2011 Over the Mountain Player of the Year. Whitt averaged 16 points and 4 assists per game in

Rebels,

From back cover a spring – as opposed to a fall – sport. Now, in fact, football and soccer complement each other at many schools. Often a football team’s star place kicker will also play soccer in the spring. And let’s be honest, soccer has made high school football kicking better than ever. When I was in high school in the 1970s, a team that had a kicker who could consistently kick extra points considered itself fortunate. Now, field goals of over 40 yards at the high school level are commonplace – thanks in large part to kickers who began putting their feet on soccer balls as pre-schoolers. So football and soccer have reached an accommodation in Alabama, and that has worked out for all concerned. Another reason for Vestavia’s soccer success is – like so many aspects of the school’s athletic program – the continuity of the coaching staff. In football, Buddy Anderson has directed the Rebels for more than three decades. George Hatchett has guided

leading the Patriots. He concluded his Homewood career with more than 1,400 total points. “It’s truly an honor to be named Player of the Year, especially when you look at how many great players there are in this part of the state,” said Whitt. “It’s also special because the team is picked by the coaches that know the players in this area best.” Voting for Coach of the Year resulted in a rare three-way tie between Vestavia’s Hatchett, Hoover’s Charles Burkett and Spain Park’s Brian Moon. “Any coaching honor is truly a tribute to the players,” said Hatchett. “I’ve always said coaching is overrated. In the end, it’s the players on the court who get it done.” Rebel basketball for almost as long. Rick Grammer’s tenure as soccer coach is comparable to Anderson’s and Hatchett’s respective tenures. Grammer – much like his Vestavia counterparts in football and basketball – is an old-style coach, more interested in developing young men than promoting himself. Even Grammer’s reaction to Vestavia’s number one ranking was relatively muted: He basically reacted by saying that he and the team would just keep doing what they’ve been doing – which has obviously been a pretty good prescription for success. It’s far too early to know if Vestavia will win a state 6A championship, much less a national title. But considering the environment that the Rebels play in, it should be no surprise that they have a shot at both.

Johnson and Johnson ...

Speaking of spring sports championships, the Spain Park boys’ golf team proved it may have a great shot at again defending its Class 6A title. The Jaguar golfers took a two-stroke victory over Hoover in last week’s Bradley Johnson Memorial Tournament at Greystone Golf and Country Club.

The third grade Mountain Brook Jets defeated Talladega to win the ARPA State Basketball Tournament. The Jets defeated Enterprise, Anniston and Mobile before meeting Talladega in the final game. The Eight and Under Mountain Brook Jets are Patrick Neil, Edward Reed, Clark Griffin, Porter Phelan, Coach Jay Nelson, William O’Leary, Richman Priestley, Mac Scott and Coach Steven Griffin.

Mountain Brook Jets Win Sixth Grade Title

Record crowds rolled into Mountain Brook Spartan Arena for the final games of the Sixth Grade Over the Mountain Basketball tournament. The fans were expecting an exciting night of basketball and they were not disappointed. In the OTM Championship, Mountain

Brook Jets held on to beat Hoover Orange 31 to 28. Jets were led by Jack Brewster with ten points, three steals and two assists, Jackson Lightfoot with nine points, Zachery Carroll with eight points and eight rebounds, Clay Collins two points, twelve rebounds and three assists, and Sam Harris with four assists. The defense was the key for the Jets with great toughness from Griffin Riley with two steals,

Ben McCool with one steal and two blocks and Willis Hagan with five rebounds and two points. The Jets were coached

by Jay Nelson and they won their third OTM Tournament title in four years.

Burkett is the first Hoover boys’ coach to win Over the Mountain Coach of the Year honors. “I’m proud to accept this on behalf of our basketball program,” said Burkett. “But again, it says more about what our players accomplished than anything else.”

Joining Whitt on the All-Over the Mountain team was his Homewood teammate, senior forward Jeremy Watson. Other members of the team include John Crain, Jaron Davis and Sam Hutcheson, Hoover; Steven Lawson, Rembert Martin and Robby Prater,

Leading the Jags to the win was Michael Johnson, who carded a three-under par 69 on the second day. The tournament is named for Johnson’s older brother Bradley, a star golfer himself, who was killed in an automobile accident in 2006. Top medalist for the event was Hoover’s Will Connor, who shot 138 for the two-day period. Johnson finished fourth at 146. Mountain Brook’s William Jolly was fifth at 148.

Patriot track coach Tom Mountain Brook’s girls’ team Esslinger said that Ernest’s won the 4x400 and 4x800 relays, 100-meter time is the best in with Elizabeth Coleman runthe nation this season. The time ning the anchor leg. The Lady �� won’t count officially, however, Spartans’ Ann Sisson finished � �� because his run was wind-aided, �� third in the mile run. � �� and the tailwind would be con� The Hoover boys’ relay ��team �� sidered too strong. His time in of Bryan Propst, Michael Fort, the 200-meter event ranks second Marlon Humphery and Nigel nationally. Cribbs finished fourth in the If that wasn’t enough, Ernest 4x400 relay. – who will run track at LSU next The state meet is just around year – also won the long jump the corner. With performances with a leap of 23 feet, two inches �� like Ernest’s and Coleman’s, May and earned the Outstanding 6-7 can’t get here fast enough. Performer Award.

Ernest to Goodness ...

Homewood’s Aaron Ernest may have a legitimate claim to be the fastest runner in Alabama – if not the nation – after his performance in the Mobile Challenge of Champions this past weekend. Ernest won the 100- and 200meter events with personal best times. He took the 100-meter event in 10.17 and the 200-meter event in 20.86.

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Spain Park; Justin Coleman and Chris Turk, John Carroll Catholic; Austin Keim and Mario Stramaglia, Mountain Brook; William Dillard and William Truss, Vestavia Hills; Jason Laatsch, Briarwood; and Garrett Cosgrove, Oak Mountain.

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN

JOU RNAL THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2011

Sports

Weekend Highlights

Top-Ranked Rebels Go 20-0 with Win Over Eagles

Homewood’s Whitt Leads 2010-2011 All-OTM Team BY LEE DAVIS

JOURNAL SPORTS WRITER

y any measure, 2010-2011 was a memorable year for Over the Mountain boys’ basketball. Homewood, Mountain Brook and Spain Park all spent considerable time ranked in Class 6A’s Top 10. The Patriots were even the state’s number one ranked team for several weeks. Hoover won 25 games. Briarwood and Oak Mountain produced fine seasons, and John Carroll Catholic featured two freshmen who had basketball fans all over Alabama talking. And at the end, Vestavia Hills put on the most unforgettable run of all. After winning only 11 games in the regular season, Coach George Hatchett’s Rebels got hot when it counted the most, won the Northeast Regionals and reached the Final Four at the BirminghamJefferson Convention Complex. After a season of such wild twists and turns, it’s no surprise that the 2010-2011 Boys’ 6A/5A All-Over the Mountain basketball

See Boys’ Team, page 39

Lee Davis

Rebel Ranking Shows Area Tops In Soccer – Again

the Mountain team are Lady Buc teammates Breion Allen, Breigha Cochran, Nicole Tanner and Kayla Anderson. All are juniors, except for Cochran, who is a sophomore.

he news that the Vestavia Hills boys’ soccer team is ranked number one in the nation is – and should be – a point of pride for the entire Metro Birmingham area. But by the same token, it shouldn’t be surprising. There’s little doubt that the best high school soccer in Alabama – and obviously, the nation – is played in zip codes just south of Birmingham. Since varsity soccer competition was officially sanctioned by the Alabama High School Athletic Association in 1991, our section of the state has dominated the sport like no area has dominated any sport. At least one girls’ Over the Mountain soccer team has won a classification’s state championship every year except 1996. At least one boys’ Over the Mountain soccer team has won a classification’s state title every year since 1994. And in most seasons, more than one school from the area has taken home a big blue championship trophy. The reasons for the area’s mastery of the state are obvious: great coaching, great facilities, great youth and feeder programs and, most important of all, driven, dedicated athletes who are expected to be successful in whatever field – athletic or otherwise – they undertake. I can remember a time years ago when football coaches in Alabama were honestly concerned about the impact that soccer’s rising popularity in the state would have on their sport. Their argument was that many young athletes would choose soccer over football because they would prefer kicking a ball around in practice over the grind of two-a-day scrimmages in full pads during 95 degree August heat. The concerns proved unfounded, thanks in part to the decision by the AHSAA to make soccer

See Girls’ Team, page 38

See Rebels, page 39

Members of the 2010-2011 All-Over the Mountain boys’ basketball team for schools in Classes 6A and 5A are, from left, first row: Robby Prater, Spain Park; William Dillard, Vestavia Hills; Marvin Whitt, Homewood; Justin Coleman, John Carroll Catholic. Second row: Coach Charles Burkett, Hoover; John Crain, Hoover; Rembert Martin, Spain Park; Jason Laatsch, Briarwood; Coach George Hatchett, Vestavia Hills. Third row: Jeremy Watson, Homewood; William Truss, Vestavia Hills; Sam Hutcheson, Hoover; Steven Lawson, Spain Park, Austin Keim, Mountain Brook. Not pictured: Coach Brian Moon, Spain Park; Mario Stramaglia, Mountain Brook; Chris Turk, John Carroll Catholic; Garrett Cosgrove, Oak Mountain; Jaron Davis, Hoover. More Boys and Girls All OTM Team photos at otmj.com Journal photos by Marvin Gentry

Fuqua, Quinn, Casey Lead Girls’ All-OTM Team

BY LEE DAVIS

JOURNAL SPORTS WRITER

or Chardonae Fuqua, the 2010-2011 basketball season was almost perfect. Hoover’s junior forward averaged 13 points and seven rebounds a game in leading the Lady Bucs to 33 wins and a date in the Class 6A championship finale. Hoover lost to Bob Jones 39-36 in the title game, but even that disappointment can’t diminish what Fuqua and her teammates accomplished. The Lady Bucs’ dominance was reflected by the fact that five Hoover players were named to the 2010-2011 All-Over the Mountain girls’ basketball team for Classes 6A and 5A as chosen by the eight Over the Mountain head coaches. Fuqua was also chosen by the coaches as the 2010-2011 Over the Mountain Player of the Year. Lady Bucs’ coach Donnie Quinn – who led Hoover to its third consecutive appearance in the Class 6A finals -- shared Coach of the Year honors with Vestavia Hills’ Laura Casey. Casey directed the Lady Rebels to a surprisingly strong finish in her first year at the helm. “It’s a great honor to be cho-

Members of the 2010-2011 All-Over the Mountain girls’ basketball team for schools in Classes 6A and 5A are from left, first row: Breion Allen, Hoover; Eden Williams, Homewood; Collier Ogilvie, Mountain Brook; Mary Katherine Pinson, Mountain Brook; Anna Handlin, Briarwood; Cara Medders, Briarwood. Second row: Breigha Cochran, Hoover; Abbie Miranda, Vestavia Hills; Whitney Gulledge, Spain Park; Meghan McCarrick, John Carroll Catholic; Sharon Sanders, Vestavia Hills; Coach Laura Casey, Vestavia Hills; Coach Donnie Quinn, Hoover. Third row: Nicole Tanner, Hoover; Colby Ryan, Spain Park, Kayla Anderson, Hoover; and Chardonae Fuqua, Hoover. Not pictured: Lay Watts, Oak Mountain; Karolyn Perry, Vestavia Hills. sen the Player of the Year,” said Fuqua. “I’m proud to accept the honor on behalf of my coaches and teammates. “We had a lot of good wins but came up just short in the championship game. This takes a little of

the sting out of losing.” Although Fuqua still has another year to play at Hoover, she has already committed to play college basketball at Louisiana State University. Joining Fuqua on the All-Over